Cooking Camp---surprise cupcakes

I've been baking in the kitchen most of the day, making goodies for the cake walk at the kid's fall festival. And it reminded me that I had yet to post this cooking camp from a couple of weeks back.

First, you must line your cupcake pan with cute little paper holders. Why? Because greasing and flouring are too much trouble, and they make the most fun cupcake papers for every holiday, event and season known to man. This part may take a while, if you're 8 and you like to do "this row with the polka dot ones, and this row with the pink striped ones, and this row with the ones that have little purple cupcakes on them, etc.etc.etc.".

As a practice in patience, I survived, but barely....I had to restrain from sternly announcing...."JUST PUT THE HOLDERS IN ALREADY!!"


Finally, once the papers are properly aligned, color coded and what not, you can help mix up a batch of cupcake batter. Chocolate Fudge, in fact. And then, if you're real nice, you can hold the beater in your left hand and the spoon in your right hand and lick alternately, until clean.




Now comes the fun of the "surprise" part. Break off a piece of chocolate chip cookie dough and poke it into the middle of the cupcake batter. YUM. Now eat a few pieces of dough for good measure. It never hurts to check the ingredients before serving them to others. :)


Add a little icing to the top...cream cheese icing works nicely.



And then take a big bite and see the surprise inside!!!!



TB loved passing these out at school to the teachers telling them it was a "surprise cupcake". She and Walt both got a kick out of the cookie baking right inside the cupcake. Fun times. Yummy surprises!!

From Taylor Swift to Olympic hopeful, in only a matter of hours.

TB had a gym meet on Friday. She did well, especially considering she had been all hyped up in her kickin' cowgirl boots at her concert only just the night before.....what a versatile little all American gal.

Anyway, she did great on some events, and not so great on others. For instance, the vault, which is never her strong suit, gave her problems yet again. She took off running and decided at. just. the. last. second.....that she wasn't ready. Which is fine, you can run off to the side and not be penalized, and then try again. She, however, ran full force, and then eeeekkkkeeeddd to a blunt stop right at the edge of the apparatus. As long as you don't touch the apparatus, you're still fine, just step to the side. She did not. That blazing speed she has, (ha), had caused such momentum that her toes couldn't dig in the runway hard enough and although she tried to hold it, she fell forward and touched. the. apparatus. UGH.

However, let it be known, she posed, smiled at the judges, and then trekked right back down the runway to give it another go for her 2nd run. Which she did well.

On a better note, she scored another high score, for her anyway. A 9.250 on beam. Lovely routine, if I do say so myself. And she scored a 9.050 on bars. Placing 3rd overall on bars!! Way to go!

We left in a flash from the meet in order to get back in time for the Friday night football game. Which we lost. Our team has been doing so well this year, coming into Friday at 8-0, already securing a spot in the playoffs. This was a big game, too. Like huge. Region Championship riding on it, huge. I'm not gonna lie, it hurts to lose. But, there's still more games to play, so we look ahead, not behind.

I promise before long I'll show you some of my better shots from the Friday night games.....of the "real" players instead of just my boy....who warms the sidelines. :)

My brother and his family came over on Saturday night to watch some football. We love our Auburn Tigers, but basically we watched LSU use us as a practice/scrimmage match. Ugh. Again, it hurts to lose. The good news, I made some good brunswick stew, cornbread muffins, and yummy dessert as well. All was not a loss.

At any rate, it's been another full weekend. A common theme around our hill. Weeks, weekends, packed with.....life. I love it. Fall, I'd just like to say, thanks....your weather and festivities are some of my absolute favorites!

H3 folks....how's it going?

So...how are y'all doing? I've been writing these verses on index cards. Then losing them. And writing it again, then leaving them by my bedside and inadvertently placing a water glass on them. Which leaves water rings and makes the ink blur. And so I wrote more, yet again.

I think the Lord was trying to work hard on me. Of course, he has to do that often. But I love him so much for it, instead of just giving up on me....He keeps encouraging me every day! And you know what, many days it is through all of you, via this crazy little thing we call the internet.

I do hope you have all been thinking of these words we are hiding in our hearts this month. And I would just like to say to KP how much I appreciate your thoughtful insights you have shared as well with the Hebrew word meanings. I do hope you'll continue to be encouraged to help us all in that area with our future verses. Basically, that's my way of saying, welcome to your new job!! :)

This month, instead of just reciting my verse back to myself in the mirror, or to T5 at home or over the phone, I decided to make the kids memorize it with me. It has been a great tool while we've been in the car, traveling to and from our many activities and events. It didn't matter how near or far the distance, I'd start in with...."These commandments I give you today...." and they would repeat after me, line for line.

Just tonight, as I was watching my beloved Auburn Tigers get thrashed by LSU, Walt stepped over real close beside me and I asked him if he remembered the verse we were learning this month. With a little prodding, he could fill in the blanks where I stopped. Pointing to his wrists and forehead at the end of the verse. HE REMEMBERS!!! It only takes a little effort. And who knows when he may use this verse again, in his life, or in years to come to help someone else.

......instead of fretting over the ugly example of football I was watching on the TV, looking into his big brown eyes, I was reminded of how Deuteronomy 6:6-8 suggests, or rather demands, that we talk about these things while we sit at home, or walk along the road.

So, while watching TV, or riding in the car.....first thing when we get up and have coffee in the morning, or last thing before we close our eyes in slumber....and all the times in between....God is there, we must only seek Him to find Him. He's not hiding. Sometimes we try to, but He never does. I liken this phenomenon we, as humans, have where we think we can keep things from God.....like small children when they are learning peek a boo, or hide and seek. They think as long as they cover their eyes, that you can't see them. Because they can't see you.

God sees us. We can't cover his eyes. And it does us no good to cover our own. He knows our every need.....even when we try to hide it, because of fear, or pride, or past hurts, failures, etc.

It's just a few more days until a new verse will come your way. If you're new to the blog or have no idea what I'm talking about, we are Hiding His words in our Hearts. H3 for short. If you'd like to read the verse for the month of October, just click here to be taken to that post as well. Please join us, and if you decide to, I'd love for you to let me know via comment or email.

For all you fellow word hiders, how are you doing? I thank each of you for joining in this month....it is wonderful to share in this with you all.

Taylor gave a great show....here, take a look for yourself:

WOW....it's been a great night here at the House of Bowling. Taylor did not disappoint....but we never for a minute thought that she would. As I said in the previous post, she's the cutest, sweetest little thing....and we love her so much. The crowd was ecstatic to see her, whopping and hollering and chanting "TAY-LOR, TAY-LOR, TAY-LOR" as she took the stage at tonight's event. But I'm sure you're really more interested in photos.....which after some negotiations with the big dogs, we were able to get a release.

Here she is thanking the fans for voting for her - -Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards Show. After giving her acceptance speech, she sang "Our Song".




Here, let me get you a little closer to the stage....you can almost hear her belting out "our song is a slammin' screen door"....believe me, I can. We've been hearing it during sound checks here at home for the last 3-4 weeks. Constantly. Like the jukebox is stuck on the first verse and chorus of it. With motions. For almost every word. Drama, she's got it.

Can I just tell you that Taylor Swift is even prettier in person!!!

For this big of a production, even in our sleepy little town, the locals come out of the woodwork when they hear Taylor Swift will be in concert.....

And I'm not trying to start any rumors, but I was told earlier this evening, and have a little photographic evidence to back it up, that Taylor may be an item with the ever popular Country singer, Jason Aldean (aka Sam). And I bet he'd offer to take her for a ride on his big green tractor, any day of the week. Just don't tell her Daddy....

There you have it.....the brand new Double H boots have rubbed her legs raw, but she sure looked cute kicking it on the red carpet and singing up a storm in them. She gets excited about every single school program, but come on, when you get to be Taylor Swift...and sing....and wear real leather cowgirl boots....and lip gloss....and the crowd goes wild whenever they say your (or her) name....and your mom spends an hour and a half curling every single strand of hair on your head while simultaneously spraying it with half a can of EXTRA HOLD hairspray......I ask, what's not to love about all of that???

• Taylor Swift....she may be the cutest little elementary kid I know.

We just call her "T", I think all of you call her Taylor Swift.

Whatever you refer to her as, she left her boots here at our house last night. That's right. You heard me. "T" will be doing a brief concert tonight in our small town. Why? Because she's just so sweet and special like that. I'm not really at liberty to speak of it much at the present time.....because of security issues and such. Of course I didn't take any photos of her sleeping, with that blonde hair cascading down the pillowcase, but I just might, because she is staying with us again tonight after the big show. Of course don't let that leak out to the press either....you know how the paparazzi can be.

We have front row seats. And I will be taking pictures. Then when "her people" get with "my people" and agree that I can release some of them to the blog, I will. I most certainly will. But for now, you'll just have to envy her boots. Amazingly, she has some unusally smaller feet than you would imagine. :)

Nothing has changed. I am still his mama, and it's still my blog.

Therefore, you get to suffer through another round of football photos, for those two reasons alone. Not because you will find wonderful action filled shots....but because THAT'S MY BOY. MY FIRSTBORN. ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. TAKING THE FIELD OF PLAY. IN A VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME!!!

What? You don't see him? Well, he's right there.....look for the smallish one in the huddle. Aha, you found him. He's in the huddle because he went in for a play during the game Friday night. Granted it was the last waning minutes or seconds of the 4th quarter and we were up by like 5 touchdowns, but still.....he went in!!

Folks, this is what young men dream of....or at least the ones who live at my house, anyway. On Christmas Eve, it's not sugarplums dancing in their heads, it's triple option-pass plays, and running routes, and hitch-and-go, and various and sundry other titles that I better not try to recollect because it has already been pointed out to me that I have several football facts wrong in a few previous posts. I don't think that will change anytime soon, too bad computers don't have a "football check" to go along with the "spell check".

Again, I plead the cheerleader fifth. I was only required to do back handsprings down the sideline when we scored a touchdown and yell, "HOLD 'EM CATS, HOLD 'EM", really loud when we were on defense. All the stuff in between....was football...of which I know very little. However, I'm learning....each week, I'm learning. Amid all the shame and agony that goes with the snickers I get from the coaches, and players, and my husband, and my brother, and my nephew, and random people who like to correct me when I'm wrong. God Bless them, I'm a slow learner....but I sure do love the game of football.

Like for instance, did I tell y'all about the time last week in the Jr. High game when I was on the sidelines taking pictures and turned to my son to tell him it was time for him to go onto the field? Yep. I knew he played on kick-off return, and the other team was about to kick it.....except it was a punt....and he's not on the punt return team. Luckily, unlike myself, my boy knows the difference between a punt and a kick-off.....so he politely crossed his arms at his chest and stared me down through the bars of that helmet....then shook his head....like he felt sorry for me. Lord, help me.

At any rate, as you saw, I have proof in the pictures....he played in yet another VARSITY FRIDAY NIGHT GAME. It was one play, and you see him trotting off the field, and we all know it wasn't really "playing".....but I'm telling you, believe me or not, it's what they dream about.

Come to think of it, I don't really dream about sugarplums either.....it's always Krispy Kremes that appear in my visions.

I digress, to the doughnut, yet again. Sorry. So, this will probably be the last you see of my boy taking the FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS scene for this season. We have two more regular season games, and then playoffs. It doesn't appear that there will be another opportunity where we're so far ahead in the 4th quarter that they can put my little secret weapon in....with all his 90 pounds. But who knows? He may be the sneak attack, trick play, to surprise the opposing team sometime.

Of course I assure you, it will be no surprise after I see him take the field...I'll be screaming to the top of my lungs....THAT'S MY BOY!! Just like I did again this past Friday night when he stormed into the huddle, all crisp and clean in his white uniform. And I even had the sideline crew, the men who hold the chains for the downs, saying even they were about to start cheering for him. And they were from the other school.

But they could feel the love....even if I don't know much about the game....I know I love that boy!! Thanks for letting me indulge those feelings here on the old blog.

Maybe I don't know that a "wheel" linebacker is actually known as Will, brother to Sam (strong linebacker) and Mike (middle linebacker). Well, I didn't know that before my boy started all this football mess. The lingo...it's not my thing, yet. But the emotion behind the game....I'm all in!

You know you're getting old when....

.....you can't stay out after midnight for two nights in a row.

The mister and I attended his 20th High School Reunion this weekend....that's yet another way to tell you're getting old. Attending HS reunions....and realizing you aren't 18 anymore, after all. One of the kids took this picture, I think Broken Leg Boy had the camera at this particular time. Which reminds me that's yet another way to know you're getting old.....you have kids. Old kids. Lots of them.

We had a great time at the family picnic and the reunion at the Country Club later that evening. Whereupon we did manage to stay the allotted time, but failed to make it to the "after" party at a local bar in town. Back in college I didn't mind the smell of cigarette smoke in my hair that lasted for weeks following a night out......yet another sign I'm getting old. I can't tolerate the scene without a hazmat suit now-a-days, or at the very least a surgical mask and a tank of pure oxygen to puff on while I'm listening to the best of the 80's from the cover band.

Always good to document the moments of life....even the ones that remind you the nursing home isn't that far off in our future. But let me just say, while I may have aged, that stud in the photo with me looks very youthful....even for all those years he endured the smoke scenes and was able to stay out after midnight.....for weeks at a time. :)

I'm going to try my hand at resting up the next couple of years in anticipation of my 20th High School reunion....just don't ask me to stay up too late. Not that I'm saying I'm a Disney princess by any stretch of the imagination, however, the whole Cinderella turning into a pumpkin might not be such a fairytale afterall. And you know, growing up as a teen, my mama always, ALWAYS, said, "nothing good happens after midnight".

Apparently she was the fairy godmother to Cinderella as well. Who knew?

"X" marks the spot.....

Do I have a big target on my back? Because I've been hit, not once, but twice this week.

First I see my name in the title of this blog post, then I click over and learn that:

• I'm a big fat doughnut eating lover of all things krispy kreme.....or basically they said something along those lines. ( ;-) smile). Which may or may not be truth.....I plead the 5th, but my big fat rear-end speaks VOLUMES about this alleged fascination with the HOT-NOW goodness that comes in a nice neat box of a dozen, glazed, please. Which sadly, I was more upset that those "friends" of mine writing the lovely post, didn't care enough to fed-ex me a slab of that lucious dessert they feasted on at the beach! Where's the love? Spread the love! And pass the Krispy Kreme bread pudding while you're at it.

Then, another day passes, and I see my name in the title of this blog post, and click over to learn that:

• our little family's chances of being the next Food Network Star with our "cooking camp" posts are slim to none. Or it was a post that said something like that. ( ;-) smile). Who knew? Maybe it has something to do with the whole child labor laws....if they're my kids, can't I work them in my home, as I see fit.....which may or may not include cooking me supper and lots of chocolate desserts at my beckoned call???

Did I mention that both of these blogs happen to be real live actual friends of mine, dating back to childhood....which was so many decades ago, I've even lost count. And did I mention they made me giggle out loud when I read them....and then I squealed with delight because I realized there was going to be NEW RECIPES for me to savor because of these posts.....NEW RECIPES....which may or may not up our shot at knocking off Giada, or Barefoot Contessa, or Bobby Flay (of course I'd have to learn how to use a grill first) or somebody along those lines with our House of Bowling recipe blog.

Seriously, I just wanted you to click over and see for yourself there's gonna be some tasty treats to cook up.....the recipes are just waiting for you.

It's Friday, y'all. And that can only mean one thing. I survived another week. Welcome to the weekend....I love you already, and with this slight nip in the air, I think a pot of Brunswick Stew will just hit the spot....with a little, or a lot, of Krispy Kreme bread pudding on th side.

Have you heard?? Football may become a water sport.

Considering all we ever do is play it in the rain. Doesn't matter what night of the week....it's raining. Friday night has been looking more like underwater synchronized swimming rather than football....for the last 4 weeks. I have some fun mud pictures from that game....would you like to see them? Despite the mud, we are 7-0. Yippee!!! And we have already secured a spot in the playoffs!!! Double Yippee!!!

Anyway, I'm happy to report the Jr. High team has been doing well also. They hosted the conference championship last night.....in the rain....of course. Did you expect any less? I hate rain....I can never get good shots. Not that it's a lot different from a clear night sky for me, though.

However, remember my boy is out there....albeit briefly....but he's out there. Kick-off return team. Well, it happened again this week....they kicked it to him. He caught it....and didn't drop it. Plus, he tucked it and even ran a few yards. Like 4 or 5. But it was positive yardage and we are still learning. At the ripe old age of 12. Good job, my little man.

One day, I promise I'll show you some pics of the Varsity team, making some great plays....but he is my boy, I love football, and I am thrilled to see him on the field. So, for now, you'll just have to suffer with these mediocre shots of him! :)

To be honest, I still have a hard time believing he even crosses my plane of view through that camera lens.....I'm shocked. It seems like forever he has waited for this moment in time....and poof, in a flash....it arrived.

Cooking Camp...APPLE ENCHILADAS!!!!

The most amazing thing ever....ever....next to your Mama's apple pie. Actually, I've never had your mama's apple pie. So, I don't really know about that. But I do know that these apple enchiladas are out of this world.

I know I sound like a broken record, but they are also so easy to make. Even a kid can do it! :)

Yep. They enjoyed making these apple enchiladas. And also eating them. Hot from the oven. With a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You want some? Go here for the recipe....then head to the grocery store, buy your stuff and make them tonight! Then call me to come over and sample....please. with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sharpen your #2 pencils, please....it's test time.

Really there's no need to sharpen anything. Just have your typing fingers loosened up so you can strike in your answer.

Does anyone remember that old game show...."Will the real __________ please stand up?". Well, this test is kind of like that.

Below you will find two photos. Look closely at the two photos. One is real. One is fake. Well, that's not entirely accurate. They are actually both real photos......so let me rephrase that :

• One photo has the real deal MASTER chef of the chicken dinners. (The 400 chicken dinners that were sold for Homecoming plates a couple of weeks ago.)
• And one photo does not. It has imposters. Mere wannabes.

Picture A

Picture B

Choose wisely. Is it picture A or picture B?

And I'm sorry to report, for those of you who have had the real deal chicken before....wherein you experienced a culinary delight like no other to your taste buds.....I apologize that the photo is not scratch and snifff....because you know how good it would smell. Maybe we should have a blog party and invite the real chicken chef over and tell him to bring his grills.

And maybe, just maybe...we'll let those little helpers come along too. If they act right. Of course, they never act right. Which is why they never get to be MASTER griller. :)

Go ahead.Leave your answer in the comments below....I didn't mean to interupt you, or deter your thinking process in any way.....you may begin the test now.

FUN FRIDAY---need a little shove into the weekend?

Sometimes we feel so exhausted from the week behind us. It's FRIDAY y'all....another weekend ahead, college football, grilling out, snuggling on the couch, baking sweets, sleeping in, late night movies...with popcorn and milk duds. Oh, how I love the weekend.

I wonder if Noah's wife had these problems....

We've just returned from being outside. Playing outside. Playing football and badminton and such, outside. Because for a change, the rain stopped today. It was nice outdoors. Kind of like fall....with a TON of humidity. Like a TON.

And only a few minutes in the green stuff and the baby girl began jumping around, scratching at her ankles, complaining....."I'm allergic to grass, mama".

Apparently with all the outdoor activity neglect due to the rainy days, weeks, months, what feels like years....she has developed an allergy. To grass. Oh the drama that will evolve with this one.

Hope you had a great day of no rain. Fall-ish weather. Did your hair kink up with the TON of humidity? Did you suddenly find out that you, too, are allergic to that green stuff you haven't played in for so long?

Homecoming or Bust.....

Let me just tell you....a box of Krispy Kremes can work wonders but I don't even think they could have helped me last week. Homecoming....Great Grandparents....Parade Floats....Bonfire....Chicken Dinners....Gymnastics....ACTUAL football games! And the list could go on, but I'll stop there. It was exciting and exhausting and I'm not sure I'll ever fully recover. But that's nothing new at my age. And while I loved it, I am glad it's over. And would also have loved to have put it out of my mind completely, because my muscles start twitching with trepidation when they think about it again. However, one of my dearest cousins emailed to say she thought she would be seeing some homecoming pics on the blog....so I give you, homecoming pics.

The husband had to ride in the parade, and wave like Miss America....or Mr. Universe, I guess. But before he jumped aboard his chariot, he parked a vehicle right on the front lines for the GREAT GRANDS to have a birds eye view. Parades amuse the young and old alike....83 year olds love this stuff. :)






The opposing mascot this year was a "tornado". Really? I thought it was going to be pretty tough to come up with a good float having a tornado to defeat. But I must say....it was one of the best years yet. And although I won't show you all of them, every grade did an excellent job!






There were lots of pretty girls....homecoming reps....one of these gals was later crowned QUEEN at halftime!! Yahoo!

And there was also future homecoming queens watching and waiting....such a cutie!!

And there was even a Wildcat---with candy. That's my favorite kind. A wildcat bearing sweet gifts.

So, there's your homecoming recap, in a nutshell. Because I'm still tired. And just looking at it all wears me out all over again!! :)

I have something fun planned for next week. Be sure to check back maybe on Monday for a test....don't worry it's a picture test....and I don't think you'll have any trouble figuring it out, at all. At all. No need to even study this weekend.

Give the mama a doughnut & the world's a better place.

I can't even begin to tell you what fantastic friends I have.....but let me just go ahead and tell you......they are fan.tas.tic.!!

Especially this little lady who called my cell phone this evening while I was cleaning my kitchen countertops and loading the dishwasher from supper, washing the bedsheets and blankets of sick boy, lysol-ing the doorknobs (again), etc.etc.etc. :

"Hello"

"Hey, what are you doing? Are you at home?"

"Yes, I'm cleaning up....is something the matter?"

"Can you step outside to the edge of your garage?"

(me walking through the house, into the dark laundry room, why didn't I turn on the light?, almost tripping over a basket of clean, or were they dirty?, clothes) "Sure, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just have something for you, that's all."

(me stepping outside the back door, into the darkness, wondering if Ed McMahon has chosen her as my surprise friend to deliver THE check, and that lovely bouquet of balloons)

"Okay, I see you..." click.

I arrive at the edge of her automobile, she's standing outside her cardoor. It's dark. Very dark because I forgot to turn on the outside lights as well. She's saying something...I'm not even sure exactly what, because my pupils have finally adjusted to their surroundings, plus I have gotten within a few inches of her, and I can clearly see what she's holding in her hands.

And I let out many high pitched squeals and screams........of delight. Pure delight.

It's none other than a box of Kripy Kremes. Or a pot of gold in my book. Better than an Ed McMahon check. Okay, maybe that's a stretch....with Ed's check, I could probably buy my own franchise, and have doughnuts whenever. But how fun would that be??

I'd rather my friends show up on my doorstep with a hot dozen.

Random acts of kindness. That friend. She just made my night. week. month. year.

All with that one, or one dozen as it were, random act of kindness.....that also made me have to put on my elastic waist pants.

CK, from the bottom of my sugar overloaded heart.....I thank you. And just for the record, I did share with the family. But I've hidden the remaining few. Is that so bad? I didn't think so either. :)

mondays = BLAH...the sickness returns but at least I found a good recipe at the doctor's office

Yep. You read that right. Although I don't want you to think it's me. I'm not sick. Never have been. Except for if you count that time I spent in the psych ward 20 years ago.....

No, I mean I haven't had the flu (regular strain or the kind that sends bacon drippings out of your nose) or strep or pneumonia or the stomach bug or the croup or anything yet this season. For which I am EXTREMELY grateful.

However, I've had to open up the patient rooms again at the House of Bowling Hospital on the children's floor. The eldest son and husband, as you may or may not remember from this post, had the flu and crud and fever and such for several days. Eldest son stayed home from school for the whole week...except Friday. Which when he returned, he looked like warmed over oatmeal. Pale. Weak. Mushy.

Anyway, the point is, the fever eventually broke, the medicine began working, and he did regain some strength, and 7 of the 10 pounds he lost during that sick week. However, yesterday, he came home from church and crawled into bed....by-passing lunch and any family fun we had planned for the rainy day indoors. By early evening the fever was among us....and my little man was sick. Yet again.

So, off to the Dr. we went Monday morning. Fortunately, our wonderful cousin is also our wonderful pediatrician....unfortunately, clinics like hers are often very busy. On Mondays. During flu season. We opted to run over to the "doc in a box" as I call them. Because my cousin and myself have spoken extensively about it, and she has great confidence in the doctors there. Some of whom she has taught as students in Med School.

We arrive. Eldest son is tested for strep and flu. Even though they assure me that it would be rare if he were to have flu again, so soon, only two weeks from the first batch. And they were right. Flu test negative. Strep test negative.

Plan B. Chest x-rays to see if pneumonia may have set in......which is not uncommon after having the flu. The good news was no pneumonia spotted....however there were some lines in his lungs and signs of bronchitis. And apparently to go along with that, has also picked up something else since his immune system was so.run.down.

So another round of antibiotics has begun. He's a sick little man who would appreciate your prayers. One of two scenarios will play out....according to the doctor. He will begin feeling better within two days, not great or well, but better, and can return to school. Or he won't. At which point we were asked to return to their office for further tests.

I'm wore slap out. And Lord only knows what would happen if I lived in a "big" town.....if there were a HOT and NOW sign flashing in my neighborhood, or down the street, or a few blocks over, or even in my county......I'd have probably O.D.ed on Krispy Kremes by now.

But sadly, the HOT....NOW sign is no where near me. So I made do with what I had. A new recipe for some good old-fashioned, warm, comfort giving cookies. Called Oatmeal Scotchies.

Nope, the recipe doesn't call for scotch.....but if this sickness cycle keeps repeating itself, I may take a shot straight from the bottle with each cookie I scoop onto the pan for baking.

You know you want to try them. And they are easy to make....and really yummy. I should know.....I ate 3 of them while baking. For taste purposes only, of course. Each pan could have had slight variations from the oven, and we plan on sharing with the teachers tomorrow, so no need to send a bad batch. :)

If it makes you feel any better, as it did me, I will tell you that I did in fact enjoy those 3 cookies with a tall glass of low fat milk. Because the oatmeal coupled with the milk = healthy. So much so, I may call them breakfast in the morning. While I'm making my rounds to the sick and afflicted. Eldest son is sick and I'm just afflicted.

Go over to our recipe blog if you want to become afflicted with me. Get a glass of cold milk ready. You're gonna need it.

For all those "fellow word hiders"....

(as kp so eloquently referred to us in her comment)....

Please don't forget to send me an email with your physical address so that I can send you a little something....via your postman. Unless of course you don't want it....at which point you will make me cry. :)

That's all....carry on with your supper plans. I'll be back tomorrow to bore you with my mundane Monday tale. I know. The edge of your seat. Never fear, I'll also have a great recipe to share....'cause it was one of those Mondays.

If only I could be this thin.....

So....I know you thought we were through with the whole Dauphin Island Sea Lab photos. But not quite. I still have a few more I'm going to be pulling out from time to time. I just hate not sharing some of the neat things we learned/saw/did while on the field trip.

Plus, please remember this blog is actually my back up cerebellum. Or cerebrum. Or medulla oblongata. Or whatever part it is that keeps memories, short and long term! :)

I digress, as usual. Which is all the more reason why I post on the blog. :) Anyway, while at Dauphin Island we paid a little visit to the Estuarium. Which was, in a word, awesome-ness. Awesome-ness at it's finest.

Of course I love all aquariums. Here's a cool little guy---he's a flat flounder. Thought you would enjoy the photos, so I decided to share.

Seriously...how did this guy get so paper thin??? I may be easily amused, but God's creatures amaze me. Really. amaze. me.

Hide His words in your Heart

• "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." ~~~Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (NIV)
  

I know. I know. First thing out of the gate, and I pick not one but three verses to learn. YOU CAN DO IT!

If we were to study more on God's word, his instruction for our daily living, just as this verse implies:

• when we sit on the couch, at the supper table, in the kitchen while at home
• when we walk out that door, into the world around us...our schools, our jobs, our activities, outings, restaurants, convenience stores, doctor's offices, city parks, traffic lanes, hospital lobbies, malls, church services, everywhere
• first thing in the morning when we are given another day in the Lord, and again when we lay down from that day, whether it has been good, bad or just plain ugly....thank Him for it.

If we just do what this verse offers....meditate on HIS words at all these times...well, we don't really have a lot of time leftover for our brain to be idle, to think worldly, to be defeated.

I think this passage signifies the importance of exactly what we are planning to do together. I'll check back with you in a few weeks....don't forget to say it out loud, several times a day....write it in a journal, or on the back of your Wal-Mart receipt....read it often....pray it, daily.

Get ready for scripture memorization

I made us a little icon, hope you like! Each time you see it, I pray it reminds you to "Hide HIS words in your Heart".
And if you have NO idea what I'm talking about, please read this POST and come join us!!


So are you ready for our first scripture?? Gosh, this has taken me a sweet forever to pick out a verse....I have tons of favorites...like an entire Bible full!!! Every time I read a verse, something in it can speak to me. And of course, at times, I am so surprised. But then quickly realize, that's just how God works.


I know that some of you may not get the same from a scripture as I do, and vice-versa. Everyone may not be in the same place in life.... different seasons will always be around: in school or the workplace, married or divorced, childless or a house full, happy or depressed, sick or healthy, financially sound or in debt to your eyeballs, going into or coming out of a storn, full of joy or bitterness......the Lord addresses it all. Please know that we will be memorizing a lot of different verses that will touch on many topics: our prayer life, our actions, our words, our relationships, etc. and when allowed, these scriptures will give us great moments of peace, clarity, truth, hope, instruction, forgiveness, grace, and love. Abundant love.

• Guess what the great thing is about memorizing scriptures? You may not need that particular verse this month....but your best friend might. Or next summer, your husband may need to hear it. Or in 10 years when your child begins college. Or when a loved one passes away. That's the precious part, HIS words are timeless.

I intend to post the new scripture on the 3rd of each month. I'm sure you can guess why. Because I absolutely LOVE what happened on the 3rd day, way back when. HE AROSE! And he's been living in the hearts of any who will invite Him ever since! I thought maybe if we tied it to some event it may be even easier to remember. So, even if you don't read our blog regularly, be sure to come back on the 3rd of the month and see what good news the Lord has to offer!!

Speaking of helping to remember things, I have included a few ideas below.

Tips for memorizing:

• Say the verse out loud, to yourself in front of a mirror, to your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend, to your children, a family member, a friend, a co-worker...whoever, just do it!


• Print the scripture on an index card. Use it as a book mark this month. Carry it in your wallet/purse/book bag to pull out during traffic. Tape it to the door you enter and leave most frequently in your home. Tape it to the inside of your bathroom cabinet/kitchen cabinet/wherever. Read the verse at least 4 times a day.


• Make a song out of the scripture....no matter how silly you sound, it can help you memorize.

So, I ask again, ARE YOU READY? Because in a couple of hours the first scripture post will arrive. If you are joining in, you don't have to sign in, comment or anything else, but I do have one little request, if you don't mind. Please email me your address. I have a little something to send you.

Random things I've learned, just today....

And they will be in list form, because, well, that's all I can muster....my brain has been on overload for many, many hours....and you are getting a list. Like it or not.

I do ask that you allow me to remind you of a few items of interest first, so as to bring a little more clarity to the list. A little. Mostly it's random. Like my life.

Today was Parent/Teacher conference day. This is homecoming week in Small Town, USA. The great grandparents (ages 83 and 81) have been with us all week, and are being real troopers through these events.

1. Tissue Paper and Chicken Wire. It drives me insane. But oh, how I love the floats in a parade.

2. If you offer Broken Leg Boy a reward of 7 animal crackers, he can talk with a British accent ALL day. But you must also include in that bet, every classmate will earn 5 animal crackers, if he succeeds.

3. The elderly are apt to get confused, very often. And need things repeated, very often. But do not confuse yourself into thinking that just because you are repetitive they will ever become unconfused.

4. My heart ached at the thoughts of this "first-ever" homecoming for my 7th grader. I didn't bore you with a whole post about it, because who reads that anyway? So, I just moped alone.

5. Baby girl enjoys math, and scored a 99 on her report card in that subject. Where does she get that from??? Must be her namesake Aunt, because Me + Math = zero.

6. Eldest son is a smart boy, but does not always "apply" himself. Really? You don't say??? :)

7. Bonfires are cool....when you're a teen, but at my age, it's just a fire hazard.

8. When you reach age 80 or over, there's a law apparently that says you can say whatever you want, whenever, in front of whomever.....manners cease. (Sorry if you were in car line ahead of us this week!) :)

9. October has snuck up on me. Who let the calendar get away from me like that???

10. Toddlers are often easier to keep control of than old folks. They may be faster on their feet, but you can at least put them in time-out.

11. I may not survive to write another post on the cool stage of my children. I find myself daily asking God why he thought teenagers were a good idea.

12. Wacky Wednesday should come around a few days a week, why limit it to once a year?

13. I have never been more tired after a week of events like this in my entire life.

14. I have never cherished every precious, heart-wrenching, stress-inducing, fast paced days of a week of events in my entire life as I have now. Especially having great grandparents share in these life moments with my kids. Even the cool high school kid. Whom I may or may not wrap with chicken wire and stuff with tissue paper before the week plays out.

15. God bless you all....have a great weekend!!