Charlotte Bronte

The book club voted on Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855). She was the oldest of the three Bronte sisters. We'll meet and discuss the book January 14th.

The Brontë sisters painted by Patrick Branwell Brontë, c. 1834. From left to right Anne, Emily and Charlotte.

The Queen of Crime

The Book Club picked Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie for our next book. We decided to meet in four weeks so we could squeeze in another book before the year was over. We'll meet at my house November 19th at 7:30.

The Book Club Reads

Our new book selection is Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. We'll discuss and have fun on Thursday, October 22nd @7:30.

Listen to the Music

classicsforkids.com

The Book Club

Our new book to read is Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. We'll meet and discuss it on Tuesday, August 25th.

The Princess Bride

Book discussion will meet Thursday, July 2nd at Midnight Oil, 7:30 pm. Just for Fun: First lines of older children's books

Klar FX

My son. His business. His music.

Finders Keepers

Winkle and Nap dug and dug, and at last they found a bone. "I saw it first," said Nap. "That bone is mine." "I touched it first. It's mine," said Winkle.

Summary: Two dogs each claim a bone they have found and ask passerby for help deciding ownership.

by William Lipkid and Nicolas Mordvinoff, 1951 Caldecott Medal

Stop a Moment -

Cease Your Work and Look Around

“The happiest moments are those when we forget our precious selves and have…everything else (God, our fellow humans, animals, the garden, and the sky) instead.” ~C.S. Lewis

Using Words Wisely

Joseph's Coat
~author unknown

It was nipping cold for November. Winter had arrived before schedule. "My, this coat feels good!" Joseph gave a little flying leap to express how good it felt. His thin legs seemed to lose themselves upward, his happy face, mounted on a thin little neck, to lose itself downward in the huge new coat.

Mother was happy today, too, as she watched him down the road. "Nobody will look at his back," she thought. "They'll just look at his face, and say, "My that boy's warm, I know!"

But somebody looked at his back. At the junction of the roads, a little way on, the minister's boy and particular friends swung in behind Joseph. They were all warm, too. The minister's boy's coat was new, too, but a different new from Joseph's. It had a fur collar that turned up about his ears, and it was exactly broad enough and long enough.

All at once somebody shouted. It was the minister's boy. "Oh, look! Joseph's coat - Joseph's coat o' many colors! Look there! Look there!"

Suddenly Joseph was no longer warm; a nipping cold struck through to his neck.

"Joseph's coat! Joseph's coat!"

He knew there was something the matter with it, and it must be with the behind of it, for that was all those boys could see. All the leap had come out of Joseph's thin little legs, all the joy out of his heart. He went on because you couldn't get to school without going on. But that was all - just went on. At the schoolhouse he waited around, instinctively facing front to folks, until they had all gone in. Then he took off his "new" coat and looked at the behind. Then he knew.

There was a long straight seam in the middle, and on each side of it the thick cloth had faded to a different shade, a distinctly different shade. Two colors really, one on each side of that long straight seam - a cruel little trick of the sun. Joseph was only eight, but he saw at once why they had called it Joseph's coat of many colors.

The next day Joseph waited behind a wall at the junction of roads until the minister's boy and his friends had come and gone. Then he slipped out and followed them. That helped a little - he tried to think it helped a little. But there were recesses and meetings - of course he might stay inside; you don't have to wear an overcoat when you stay in.

Joseph stayed in. Through the window he could see the minister's boy having a splendid time. The third day he saw something else. He saw the minister's boy in his coat - the multi-colored coat Aunt Caroline had sent - strutting about the yard amid the others' shouts of delight. Some of the others tried it on and strutted. Joseph just sat in his seat and looked at them as tears rolled down his cheeks.

The next day he turned Aunt Caroline's coat inside out and wore it so. He waited till he got nearly to the fork in the road before turning it inside out; he wasn't going to make Mother feel bad, too. She had lined the coat anew with shiny black cotton stuff all of one color. Joseph felt a little better; this would help.

But it only made things worse; The minister's boy and his particular friends instantly saw the ridiculousness of that inside-out little coat. "Look at it! Look at it - inside out!" The joke was just too good!

There was just one other thing to do, and Joseph did it the next day. The place where the roads forked was about halfway from Joseph's home to the schoolhouse; so he went warm halfway the next day. The other half he shivered along, very cold indeed, outside of the Aunt Caroline coat. For he had left Aunt Caroline's coat folded up behind a stone wall. Going home that afternoon, he was warm the last half of his way, anyway. It helped to be half warm.

For a day or two the sun and the wind conspired together to befriend little Joseph. But the fourth day the wind blew and the sun rested. There was snow, too, in fine steely flakes, and Joseph's teeth chattered, and he ran on stiff little legs, and blew on stiff little fingers. He kept looking ahead to the last half of going home. He wished he had pushed the Aunt Caroline coat farther in under the stones out of the way of the snow.

"Joseph Merriam," called the teacher on the day after the snowstorm. She had her roll book and pencil waiting, but she got no answer. It was strange for Joseph Merriam not to answer the roll call; he was one of her little steadies. "Joseph is not here, I see; can anyone tell me if he is sick? He must be sick." "Yes'm, he is. He's got pneumonia dreadfully," someone answered. "There were lights in his house all night, my father said."

For many nights there were lights, and for many mornings the doctor's sleigh. Joseph laid in his bed, saying wild, mixed up words in a weak little voice. "I'm almost to the stone wall; then I'll be warm!"

"Joseph's coat o' many colors - Joseph's coat o' many colors!"

"I don't want Mother to know they laughed; don't anybody tell Mother."

The minister's boy heard of those wild little words, and pieced them together into a story. He remembered who had cried, "Joseph's coat o ' many colors!" tauntingly, cruelly. And now - oh, now he remembered that Joseph had not worn any overcoat at all those last days that he went to school!. No coat. The heart of the minister's boy contracted with an awful fear. He took to haunting Joseph's house in all his free minutes - waiting at the gate for the doctor to come out, and shivering with something besides cold at his brief answers. The answers grew worse and worse.

Going to bed was so difficult for the minister's boy. He lay in his own bed, remembering that other little bed of Joseph's. When remembering was too great a torture, the minister's boy crept out of bed and dressed himself. Out into the clear, cold starlight, down the frozen road, he crept toward Joseph's lighted windows. He was not aware of being cold anywhere but in his soul - he shivered there.

A long time he stood waiting for he knew not what. Then someone came out of the house.It was not the doctor; it was the minister. The boy could not see his face, but you don't have to see your own father's face.They went back down the dim night road together, and together into the ministers study.

"I've killed him,"the boy said. I've killed Joseph. I did it."

The minister's face was curiously lighted in spite of this awful confession of his son. The light persisted.

"Sit down, Philip," he said, for the boy was shaking like a leaf, "Now tell me." All the story piece by piece - the boy told all.

"So it was I - I killed him. I - I didn't expect to -"

Silence for a little while. Then:

"Did you think Joseph was dead, Philip? He came very close indeed to it; but the crisis is past, and he will get well. I waited to know."

"You mean- I - haven't?"

"I mean you haven't, thank God." Philip was overjoyed and full of thanks with the news of Joseph's improved condition.

When, after a long while, the boy was slipping away, the minister called to him gently.

"Come back a moment, Philip."

"Yes, I'm back, Father. I know what you're thinking of. Father, may I - punish myself this time - for making fun of a boy - a little boy? It needs a good deal o' punishin', but I'll do it - please let me do it, Father! Please - please try me, anyway."

And because the minister was a wise minister, he nodded his head.

When little Joseph got well, he wore to school a beautiful warm coat with a soft furry collar that went up - up - around his ears. It was very thick and warm and handsome, and all of a color. Joseph wore it all the way.

The rest of the winter the minister's boy wore to school an Aunt Caroline coat of many colors.

William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers who ever lived, once wrote, "These words are razors to my wounded heart." This story shows how much words can hurt.

~Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum

The Beehive

Knitting, crocheting and more. purlbee.com

The Purl Beehive

Too Busy?

One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today...There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy. ~Elisabeth Elliot

Taken from: Time for God's Will~A Lamp for my Feet

Dress Design Contest

Christa-Taylor is having a design your dream dress contest, see her site for details.

Never Stop Moving

I saw this in an ad for Aleve and thought it was a perfect example of a Polaroid Party photo op.

Once upon a Time

Once upon a time
there was a grown-up
looking for a book
with very short bedtime stories
for a kid who wouldn't go to sleep.
So the grown-up picked up this book
and read this flap
and took the book home
and read it out loud
and they both laughed
and fell fast asleep
fast.
Just like you.
The end.

Once upon a time, the End (asleep in 60 seconds) by Geoffrey Kloske, 2005

A tired father takes only a few sentences to tell a number of classic tales in order to get the persistent listener to fall asleep.

The Country Bunny

~Two who had sweet voices were taught to sing and two more to dance and these amused all the others while they worked so that they were gay and happy. Two others were soon digging in the garden. To two she gave paints and crayons, so they could make pretty pictures for the walls.

The Country Bunny and The Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward and Marjorie Flack Larsson, 1939.

Key Lime Pie

2- 14 ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
Sweetened whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and lime peel together until well blended. Pour into graham cracker crust. Bake for 5 minutes. Refrigerate 2 hours. Serve with sweetened whipped cream.

Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup white sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until well blended. Press mixture into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 for 7 minutes.

Young Peacemakers

12 Key Principles:

Conflict is a slippery slope.
Conflict starts in the heart.
Choices have consequences.
Wise-way choices are better than my-way choices.
The blame game makes conflict worse.
Conflict is an opportunity.
The Five A's can resolve conflict.

Admit what you did wrong.
Apologize for how your choice affected the other person.
Accept the consequences.
Ask for forgiveness.
Alter your choice in the future.

Forgiveness is a choice.
It is never too late to start doing what's right.
Think before you speak.
Respectful communication is more likely to be heard.
A respectful appeal can prevent conflict.

Four promises of Forgiveness:

I promise I will think good thoughts about you and do good for you.
I promise I will not bring up this situation and use it against you.
I promise I will not talk to others about what you did.
I promise I will be friends with you again.

And for the youngest peacemaker:

Good thought
Hurt you not
Gossip never
Friends forever

~The Young Peacemaker

Old Favorite

From the Intro:

Did you know that at the same time of the Spanish Armada, Shakespeare was living in England and the first water closet was used? Before your very eyes the vast panorama of human experience will unfold...hundreds of important events, facts and dates in the history of mankind are included...

Designed by Christos Kondeatis

We have enjoyed this book for about 15 years and it is amazing how it has held up. I also like it because you can turn the pages like a book or unfold it to see the whole chart. The cut off date in history is 1990...closes up nicely to store.

The Danger of Not Knowing God

In China in the early 1930s a missionary couple, John and Betty Stam, were captured by the Chinese Communists and marched through the streets of the village to a chopping block where each was beheaded. If they had been willing to recant their Christian faith, their lives would have been spared. Given their commitment to Christ, such a choice was unthinkable. They placed not only their lives but the life of their baby, Helen Priscilla, in the hands of God, confident that God could protect them if he chose, and, if He chose not to, it was safer to be in those hands than anywhere else in the universe. Like thousands of Christians before them, they preferred the sword to disobedience, believing that the danger of not knowing God is infinitely greater than any other danger. ~Elisabeth Elliot

The baby, Helen, was found two days later by a Chinese pastor who took her home and took care of her. Reverend Lo Ke Chou and his wife then took the baby girl to her maternal grandparents. As for Helen's parents, a small group of Christians found their bodies and buried them on a hillside. The Stams' gravestones read:

John Cornelius Stam
January 18, 1907
"That Christ may be glorified whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

Elisabeth Scott Stam
February 22,1906
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

December8, 1934, Miaosheo, Anhui
"Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10

The story of their martyrdom was much publicized and inspired many to become missionaries. ~Wikipedia

Bob Books

Bob Books are great beginning readers. Their website has a few coloring sheets for extra fun while learning to read.

bobbooks.com

Lore and Legends

Clear moon, frost soon. Halo around the moon,
rain soon.

No killing frost will arrive after the martin comes to stay.

Leaves of three, let them be.
(This maxim holds true across the country; it applies to poison ivy and poison oak.)

Plant your seeds in a row.
One for the pheasant, one for the crow.
One to rot and one to grow.

When swallows fly low, rain is on the way.
(This old saying has some scientific basis: When the air pressure falls rapidly, many airborne insects descend toward the ground, hotly pursued by swallows and swifts eager to consume them.)

If you see the underside of the leaves
in the gentle breeze,
it will rain before you sneeze.

~Martha Stewart Living

Mistakes That Worked

40 Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be

A man named Spencer Silver was working in the 3M research laboratories in 1970 trying to find a strong adhesive. Silver developed a new adhesive, but it was even weaker than what 3M already manufactured...four years later, another 3M scientist named Arthur Fry was singing in his church's choir. He used markers to keep his place in the hymnal, but they kept falling out of the book. Remembering Silver's adhesive, Fry used some to coat his markers...3M began distributing Post-It Notes nationwide in 1980 - ten years after Silver developed the superweak adhesive. Today they are one of the most popular office products available.

~Charlotte Foltz Jones, Illustrated by John O'brien

Pascal Quote

Pascal wrote, "I have discovered that all the unhappiness of man arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own chamber."

Character

n. [“to cut, engrave”]

The stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life which determine his response regardless of circumstances.

~American Dictionary of the English Language

Five-Cup Fruit Salad

1- 8 ounce can pineapple chunks
1- 11 ounce can mandarin orange sections, drained
1 cup coconut
1 cup tiny marshmallows
1- 8 ounce carton sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Drain pineapple chunks, reserving 1 tablespoon juice. In a bowl combine reserved juice, pineapple chunks, mandarin orange sections, coconut, marshmallows, and sour cream. Cover and chill for 2-24 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with pecans. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

~BH&G New Cookbook

All in the Name of Fun

Spite and Malice is a card game my husband's grandma taught us years ago. We learned to play with an ordinary deck of cards, but the updated version might just be a little more fun.

Fat Frogs on a Skinny Log

When ten fat frogs try to squeeze themselves onto the same skinny, wobbly-bobbly log...look out! Words and pictures by Sara Riches. Great for counting and practicing the "S" sound.

Beauty Tip

"Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks."~ Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

People Manners

When we are gracious, we show kindness and warmth.
When we are courteous, we show good manners toward others.
When we are considerate, we are thoughtful and attentive.
When we are respectful, we admire and appreciate others.

~The Family Book of Manners

Note Trainer

Online music flashcards, a fun way for kids to learn notes.

Note Trainer

Hey, Al

Both man and dog agree: There really is no place like home. Story by Arthur Yorinks and pictures by Richard Egielski. 1987 Caldecott Award.

Party Cakes

31 Birthday Party Cake Ideas - Thanks Gabrielle!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and cocoa. Press onto bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch spring form pan. Set crust aside.

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk; beat well. Add vanilla and eggs, and beat on medium speed until smooth. Toss 1/3 of the miniature chocolate chips with the 1 teaspoon flour to coat (this keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake). Mix into cheese mixture. Pour into prepared crust. Sprinkle top with remaining chocolate chips.

Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off oven (do not open oven door) and leave the cake in the oven to cool in the oven for another hour. Remove from oven and cool completely. Refrigerate before removing sides of pan. Keep cake refrigerated until time to serve.

Turtle Cheesecake:
Before refrigerating the cheesecake add chocolate syrup, caramel topping and chopped pecans.

Gratitude

As in all of life, the critical thing is whether we take things for granted or take them with gratitude.
~G. K. Chesterton

To Be A Friend

The Ten B's
Be sincere
Be compassionate
Be understanding
Be considerate
Be kind
Be supportive
Be honest
Be courteous
Be strong in your moral convictions
Be trusting

~The Family Book of Manners

Make a Bird Treat

Use a cookie cutter to cut a heart shape out of a slice of bread. Poke a hole in the top with a pencil or crayon. Brush an egg white onto the bread and press birdseed on top. Let it dry. Then thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through the hole and tie it to a tree branch as a treat for the birds.

A "Tall" Tale

~based on a true story

Author's note:

Martin Van Buren Bates was born a baby of normal size on November 9, 1845. But he continued to grow until he was twenty-eight years old, reaching a height of seven feet eleven and a half inches...After the war, he joined the circus and was billed as "The World's Tallest Man." While touring with the circus in Halifax, Canada, he met Anna Swan. Anna Swan stood almost eight feet tall!...In 1871, they were married in London and became history's tallest known married couple.

Make Someone Happy

Make just one someone happy,
And you will be happy, too.

“Make Someone Happy” from 1960. Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Jimmy Durante all had versions of this song. Jimmy Durante's was used in Sleepless in Seattle.

Pride

"You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough."
~William Law (1686-1761)

Peanut Butter Pie

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces Cool Whip
Hershey's chocolate syrup

Combine and beat on high for 2 minutes. Fold in 16 ounces Cool Whip. Spoon into large graham cracker crust, drizzle with chocolate syrup and freeze.

Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup white sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until well blended. Press mixture into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 for 7 minutes.

A Gift-Bear for the King

~by Carl Memling, printed in 1966. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban

Exodus 24:3

When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the Lord has said we will do."

Bug Movies

Spined soldier bugs hatching by Donna Young.

Pulled-Pork Tacos

~Real Simple
2 cups store-bought salsa, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Kosher salt
1- 2 1/2-pound boneless pork butt or shoulder
18 corn tortillas
1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 lime, cut into wedges

In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the salsa, chili powder, oregano, cocoa, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the pork and turn to coat.

Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Twenty minutes before serving, heat oven to 350° F. Stack the tortillas, wrap them in foil, and bake until warm, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, using 2 forks, shred the pork and stir into the cooking liquid. Serve with the tortillas, cilantro, sour cream, lime, and extra salsa.

Tip: When using a slow cooker, resist the urge to lift the lid until the dish has cooked the minimum amount of time specified in the recipe. Each peek allows heat to escape and can increase cooking time by as much as a half hour.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

"Sylvester is a marvel---daisy fresh and filled with the sheer joy and wit and craft that crowns this book, yet again, a masterpiece." -Maurice Sendak

"I love the story of this sweet little donkey. It never gets old. Every time I read it I suffer with Sylvester and his parents and rejoice with them in the end." - Betsy Lewin

Happy 200th Birthday!

Felix Mendelssohn was born February 3, 1809 and died in 1847. He was a German composer of the early Romantic period.

Spring Song, Op.62 N0.2

Via My Mom

Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Cream Frosting

~Jason Knapp, Governor's Executive Chef

2 cups Flour

2 cups Sugar

½ t Salt

1 stick Margarine

1 cup Guinness beer

½ cup Shortening

3 T Cocoa

2 Eggs

1 t Baking Soda

½ cup Buttermilk

1 t Vanilla

Sift together flour, sugar and salt. In a saucepan combine, margarine, beer, shortening and cocoa. Bring mixture to a boil and pour over flour mixture. Mix well. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, soda, buttermilk and vanilla. Mix well and add to flour and chocolate mixture. Mix all well. Bake in muffin cups in muffin tins in a 350 degree oven for 12-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cup cake comes out clean.

Vanilla Butter Cream

6 cups confectioners’ sugar

16 Tbs. (2 sticks) unsalted butter

4 1/2 Tbs. milk, plus more, if needed

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

Have all the ingredients at room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, the 4 1/2 Tbs. milk, the vanilla and salt and beat on low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
If the frosting is dry, add more milk, 1 tsp. at a time, until it is creamy but still holds peaks.

Eisley

Eisley is a rock band made up of 3 sisters, their brother and a cousin from Tyler, Texas. They were all raised in christian homeschooled families.

Sort of a sanitized version of the Partridge Family. ~John Cody

US Senate Bean Soup

Bean soup is on the menu in the Senate's restaurant every day. Some say the tradition was started by Senator Fred Dubois of Idaho, others say it was in 1903 by Senator Knute Nelson of Minnesota.

The recipe from Dubois includes mashed potatoes and makes a 5-gallon batch. The soup served in the Senate today does not include mashed potatoes.

The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup Recipe
2 pounds dried navy beans
4 quarts hot water
1 1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste


Wash the navy beans and run hot water through them until they are slightly whitened. Place beans into pot with hot water. Add ham hocks and simmer approximately three hours in a covered pot, stirring occasionally. Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool. Dice meat and return to soup. Lightly brown the onion in butter. Add to soup. Before serving, bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Serves 8.


Bean Soup Recipe (for 5 gallons)
3 pounds dried navy beans
2 pounds of ham and a ham bone
1 quart mashed potatoes
5 onions, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
four cloves garlic, chopped
half a bunch of parsley, chopped

Clean the beans, then cook them dry. Add ham, bone and water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and mix thoroughly. Add chopped vegetables and bring to a boil. Simmer for one hour before serving.

SOUPTALE: In March 1998, Representative John Spratt, Jr. walked down the marbled steps near the Senate restaurant, slipped on spilled bean soup, and ended up with two small fractures in his right arm.

Deuteronomy 8:3

So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Ovid Quote

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.

Banana Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter. Mix in the mashed banana. Spread into the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely, then top with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 - 3 oz packages cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk or cream
5 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Soften cheese. Blend in milk. Gradually stir in sugar. Add vanilla. Blend well.

Beware of the Doghouse

Comfort for the Contrite

CONTRITE-Literally, worn or bruised. Hence, brokenhearted for sin; deeply affected with grief and sorrow for having offended God; humble; penitent; as a contrite sinner. ~Noah Webster 1828

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15

Andrew Wyeth 1917-2009

American painter Andrew Wyeth, son of artist N. C. Wyeth died January 16th at the age of 91. Christina's World is one of his most famous paintings. He's known for painting people and the surrounding areas of his home in Pennsylvania.

The woman crawling through the tawny grass was the artist's neighbor in Maine, who, crippled by polio, "was limited physically but by no means spiritually." Wyeth further explained, "The challenge to me was to do justice to her extraordinary conquest of a life which most people would consider hopeless." He recorded the arid landscape, rural house, and shacks with great detail, painting minute blades of grass, individual strands of hair, and nuances of light and shadow. In this style of painting, known as magic realism, everyday scenes are imbued with poetic mystery. ~ The Museum of Modern Art

Andrew Wyeth in his father's studio in Chadd's Ford, PA in 1997.

"little hammer"

On a summer day in 1392, a young boy hammered on the door of a small house in Deventer, in the north European lowlands. Would he be accepted into the religious community that lived here? He felt a passion for God. He did not want to go back home to the sweaty work of an apprentice blacksmith at his father's forge. What would he do if these Christian brothers said no?

As he waited for someone to answer, he couldn't have known that more than his personal future hung in the balance. The old prior who opened the wooden door looked down at the boy-dark, healthy-looking, shy, wearing clogs and rough-spun clothes and listened incredulously to his stammered explanation. He can only be twelve or thirteen. Why would a young boy want to pursue the toughness of a religious life?

Nonetheless, something in the boy's sincere and steady gaze, something in the intensity of his desire- "I want to seek God" -was very convincing. The door swung wider to let him enter...and soon the hearts of these Augustinian brothers also opened to receive among them this unlikely boy, whose name would echo through history and around the globe...known to us today as Thomas a Kempis, author of The Imitiation of Christ.

~from Come, Lord Jesus

Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,--that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only. ~Thomas a Kempis 1380-1471

orig. Thomas Haemerkken "little hammer"

The Happy Dance

An online resource for anything German you might need. In the past we've only ordered online but recently stopped by their new retail store and visited with the ladies, sampled some German gulasch and learned from one of them how to make Bavarian noodles, her favorite meal growing up. We've experienced good service, quick delivery (nicely wrapped) and after meeting them we understand why.

GermanDeli.com

"This old lady always does the happy dance when I get a box of goodies from German Deli."~Lynne, Az

Helping Our Neighbor

~Little Things 1852

Look around you, first in your own family, then among your friends and neighbors, and see whether there be not some one whose little burden you can lighten, whose little cares you may lessen, whose little pleasures you can promote, whose little wants and wishes you can gratify. Giving up cheerfully our own occupations to attend to others, is one of the little kindnesses and self-denials. Doing little things that nobody likes to do, but which must be done by some one, is another. It may seem to many, that if they avoid little unkindnesses, they must necessarily be doing all that is right to their family and friends; but it is not enough to abstain from sharp words, sneering tones, petty contradiction, or daily little selfish cares; we must be active and earnest in kindness, not merely passive and inoffensive.

Let everyone of us please our neighbor for his good. Rom.15:2

Let us consider one another. Hebrews 10:24

I Can't Drive 55

My husband and second son have been working on a small project together for about a year now. They're completely restoring the car above. The engine has been completely overhauled, with help from my dad, but not in. Right now they're working on the interior, specifically reupholstering. Trying to make me nervous, they enjoy playing this clip:

Die reine Lehre

But do know it doesn't bother me. I've been riding with a certain driver for 23 years and I'm used to it! There is a reason the theme of our groom's cake was "I Can't Drive 55" by Sammy Hagar.

Your husband might enjoy the link a bit more than you.

Confused about Contractions?

Today my 3 year old was asked a question and he answered," I am, I mean, I am't."

~I believe more of the blue book will be needed.

Confused about Commas?

This is an easy book to use with lessons and quizzes by Jane Strauss. She also has a website where you can find English rules, grammar and punctuation videos and online quizzes. This book was recommended to a friend by Andrew Pudewa, author of Institute for Excellence in Writing.

The Blue Book of Grammar

A Delightful Road

~Charles Spurgeon

Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving Him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent...obedience which is not voluntary is disobedience, for the Lord looketh at the heart...Service coupled with cheerfulness is heartservice, and therefore true...The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element; he can sing,

"Make me to walk in Thy commands, 'tis a delightful road"

Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master.

Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2

Christa-Taylor

Christa-Taylor is a website I visit frequently. Christa is a young girl in her 20s that was homeschooled and started her own company- modest clothing designed by Christa herself! I've been very pleased with the things I've ordered for my daughter. She also has a two blogs that are favorites of ours. Looking forward to her upcoming modesty carnival.

Christa-Taylor
Christa's blog
Empowered Traditionalist

Age-Old Wisdom

~for a brand new year~

13 of the 70 resolutions by Jonathan Edwards printed in Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon by Charles Ray

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.

Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.

Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Beyond the Gates of Splendor

A very moving and well done documentary telling the story of the 5 Ecuador missionaries, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint and Roger Younderian. They were speared to death by the Auca Indians, the very ones the missionaries had befriended.

"We acted badly, badly, until they brought us God's carvings (the Bible). Then, seeing His carvings and following His good trail, now we live happily and in peace." ~Mincaye

Steve Saint with Mincaye, one of the tribesman who killed his father. Steve lived in the tribe for several years and is especially close to Mincaye.

Beyond the Gates of Splendor movie

Fudgy Chocolate Chip Muffins

We started making these muffins after we had one at a coffee shop, came home, searched for a recipe and found this one at allrecipes.com. In order for them to taste like the ones we had, we leave the cinnamon out.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Line muffin cups with paper bake cups.

In large mixer bowl, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well blended. Add applesauce, blend well.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and cinnamon, if desired. Add to butter mixture, blending well. Stir in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with batter.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 22 to 26 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool slightly in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle muffin tops with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

Continue in Prayer

~Charles H. Spurgeon

It is interesting to remark how large a portion of Sacred Writ is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seek thy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love. Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of His love. Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer."

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2