Planted by Streams

Six : The Snow Party

2012-01-21T20:37:00.007-05:00

We've been busy celebrating Peter! His 6th birthday was yesterday and it has been a snowy and sugar-filled two days.

Getting treats ready for school on Friday...

Friday night celebration with the Flemings...

It actually snowed Friday night through Saturday morning! Which worked well with our snow-themed party this morning.

We decorated with snow garland (very easy - pom-poms and thread) and paper snowflakes.

We made bird feeders (no photos - will take some soon)
and built snow forts with sugar cubes and snow-dough (white playdough with glitter added).

We played a few games...

Pin the carrot on the snowman. Here's the birthday boy posing for me after all his friends left.

A snowball fight.

And "Cold Snowball" - Hot Potato, but with a snowball.

We had cake and hot chocolate.

And sent our friends home with mugs of hot cocoa and marshmallows. These are dollar store mugs personalized with Folk Art "Enamels" paint, and stuffed with mini marshmallows and hot cocoa.

Tonight, the five of us went out to dinner to keep the complete the celebration.

And this marks the end of birthday season for us! Whew! Until November...

Wishing-for-Snow Painting

2012-01-17T15:58:00.005-05:00

We are so ready for a big snow.

For a couple of hours last week we had some snow flurries. It was pretty, but we want more.

So, today we created a little of our own. Peter was home from kindergarten again. His symptoms are basically gone, but he is tired - just plain worn out from fighting bronchitis all week. But an art project? Well, we can always find some energy to create.

First, we started with a 8x10 canvas I found in the basement. I asked him to draw his horizon line and an off-centered/off-the-page tree (after I encouraged him to look at the trees outside). Using acrylic craft paint, he painted the blue sky, then the gray tree, making sure to leave a little drying time in between colors.

Then he painted the snow. And while it was still very wet, he sprinkled epsom salt on the snowy parts. I happened to find some leftover espom salt in the basement leftover from making snowy candles. Glitter would work, too.

Lastly, as an afterthought, he added a cardinal. I love that cardinal.

Now, if we just find some of the white wonder outside.

Coming Inside

2012-01-17T14:05:00.003-05:00

The long weekend was January cold. Most of our time was spent by the fire with games and books and Legos and paper snowflakes. Perfect.

Peter was still sick. His weekend was more of a mixture of naps and coughing. Poor kid.

:: Peter is having a snow-themed birthday party this coming weekend. We all had some fun helping make a few decorations. We're going to need a lot - no real flakes in the forecast.

:: naps and books

:: Will made all three versions of this Lego Creator house.

Credo Magazine Book Giveaway

2012-01-11T10:06:00.003-05:00

My husband would love to win these three (and sweetly asked for me to help him). Perhaps you would like them, too?

Here is the link - Credo Magazine: This Week's Book Giveaways

From their site...

Reading Scripture with the Reformers, by Timothy George

Justification: Five Views, Contributors: Michael Horton, Michael Bird, James Dunn, Veli-Matti Kaerkkaeine, Gerald O’Collins and Oliver Rafferty

Galatians, Ephesians, by Gerald Bray

Even the Cloudy Part : 1000 Gifts

2012-01-10T16:50:00.004-05:00

Early evening on a Tuesday and Will is practicing piano. Hannah is diligently going about her homework. Peter, who stayed home sick from school, is sacked out on the sofa. Chicken is roasting in the oven, smelling heavenly. And I had to find a moment to stop here, needing to jot down gifts, moments, words... before I too quickly forget.

1205
Sounds and smells and routines of home

1206
His sweet prayer: "Thank you, God, for today. The sunny part, and even the cloudy part."

1207
Carol and David and the birthday lunches to which they love to treat my children.

1208
Pineapple and mint.

1209
Time with a mom a few years behind me seeking to learn more about homeschooling.

1210
The first flakes of the year.

1211
Tender family conversations. Listening to brother and sister encourage a discouraged brother.

1212
Dinner Club in our home.

1213
January spring days.

1214
Peter ringing that bell with JOY!

1215
All the time these two spend laughing.

1216
The kids' school Christmas program... on the 11th day of Christmas.

Hannah had a little speaking part that I almost missed... and she sang a duet that was a total surprise to me!

Will's class

May B.

2012-01-10T11:39:00.006-05:00

A very talented friend, Caroline Starr Rose, is celebrating the release of her debut book today - May B., a middle grade, historical novel-in-verse. Amazon named it one of the Best Books of the Month for Kids. Isn't the cover beautiful?!

Love Little House? Love poetry? Get this book.

Here's a description from Amazon:

I've known it since last night:
It's been too long to expect them to return.
Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

And a few glowing reviews:

Heroes come in all sizes; my newest hero is a pint-sized girl named May B. Caroline Starr Rose tells May's story in simple, moving verse that captures the joy of family, the gloomy isolation of a dirt soddy, and the determination of one scared but indomitable young person. May B. is a girl you'll be proud to know.
- Karen Cushman, Newbery winner

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011:
"As unforgiving as the western Kansas prairies, this extraordinary verse novel—Rose’s debut—paints a gritty picture of late-19th-century frontier life from the perspective of a 12-year-old dyslexic girl named Mavis Elizabeth Betterly… May B. for short. If May is a brave, stubborn fighter, the short, free-verse lines are one-two punches in this Laura Ingalls Wilder–inspired ode to the human spirit. (Historical fiction. 9-14)"

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, December 5, 2011:
"Writing with compassion and a wealth of evocative details, Rose offers a memorable heroine and a testament to the will to survive."

And more... Steady Mom posted about May B. today.

Ordering a copy for Hannah now...

Mid-Week Thanks : 1000 Gifts

2012-01-04T20:44:00.006-05:00

Wanted to add to my list a few things I have scribbled here and there and in the margins of my journal. Beautiful gifts to be counted. Even if it is a Wednesday.

1189
Oranges and Grapefruits. Warm sunshine in winter.

1190
Thoughtful questions. The gentle way He stirs their hearts.

1191
Beautiful thick gray clouds.

1192
Handwritten notes.

1193
Sun rising orange and pink on the trees.

1194
Those pistachios that came in a gift basket.

1195
Puffy coats.

1196
Hours and hours of getting lost in imaginary play.

1197
A truly amazing birthday meal.

1198
Laughing til I cry.

1199
Games by the fire.

1200
The sound of laughter and that Trouble dome popping.

1201
Books that make us laugh.

1202
Winter that draws us inside.

1203
A wedding. An early homecoming. A baby. All wrapped up for her... by Him.

1204
That He makes everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

A Very Happy New Year to You!

2012-01-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012, friends!

It was a fun and festive New Year's Eve for us. We went out - I mean we got a sitter, got dressed up, and went out. It's usually a simple dinner at home celebrating with the Flemings. Not this year. Our dear friend Andy celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday with a big New Year's Eve bash at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. Fun, Fun, Fun.

I took a few photos. It was dark and these photos are pretty bad... oh, well.

That's the birthday boy next to me.

Love these ladies.

Love this man that I met 16 years ago on New Year's Eve in Times Square.
And I love this "Ok, I need to preach in the morning so let's go" look I got at exactly 12:01.

Love this city...

and the beautiful drive home.

Happy, Happy New Year!

Here Is Our God : National Women's Conference

2011-12-31T15:01:00.005-05:00

In case you were thinking of going....

It's the last day for the early bird discount ($50 off).

The Gospel Coalition
National Women's Conference
June 22-24, 2012
Orlando, FL

Christmas

2011-12-27T14:40:00.005-05:00

Christmas day was lovely, quiet, easy. Up before dawn, just the five of us, we easily opened gifts, had a big Christmas breakfast, and walked to church before the 11:00 service. Afternoon was laid back and lego-filled. Early evening, we headed over to be with friends for Christmas dinner.

I took no pictures. Well, just this one.

I love to capture everyday moments with my camera. I'm not-so-good at getting the big events.

The calendar is beautifully clear this week for us to enjoy these slow and quiet days, write a few thank you notes, and play.

I'll be back in the New Year.

24 : 25 {christmas eve}

2011-12-24T22:30:00.001-05:00

On our way to the family Christmas Eve service.

Where Peter became a sheep.

And Hannah an angel.

For the live nativity scene.
(Will is not keen on being up front.)

Home for a cozy dinner.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds.

We sat and enjoyed the fire before my pastor-husband headed back to church.

And then I prepared for the morning. Mary and Joseph's long journey came to an end. The kids will find the stable full in the morning. Baby Jesus lying in the manger.

"If Christ had arrived with trumpets and lain in a cradle of gold,
his birth would have been a splendid affair.

But it would not be a comfort to me.

He was rather to lie in the lap of a poor maiden
and be thought of little significance in the eyes of the world.

Now I can come to him."

- Martin Luther, 1530, Sermon on Luke 2

{merry christmas, everyone}

22+23 : 25 {it's the most wonderful...}

2011-12-24T09:12:00.009-05:00

Waiting, playing, wrapping, creating, baking, delivering, eating, dancing, singing... so enjoying this most wonderful time of the year.

We have spent these past few days soaking up some mild December weather, dancing around the house with Christmas Pandora stations blaring, all while constantly munching on piles of homemade goodies delivered to our door.

A few snapshots...

Parking lot fun. Peter let me ride his new toy, too (a benefit of being 5' 2'').

Evidence.

Downtown Bethesda lunch and shopping.

Evening games.

Making cinnamon rolls with my girl.

21 : 25 {rainy day}

2011-12-21T14:01:00.005-05:00

It's a rainy day here, and we so wish this was snow!

I'm busily cleaning and organizing and encouraging my kids to get rid of a few things. Oh, the stuff. Party favors, crafts that need to be saved forever, little plastic this and that... Bleh. I'm really not a huge fan of stuff.

But a box. Now that never gets old...

Hannah has been spending a lot time behind closed doors making her gifts, and I suspect trying to find a little quiet. The boys are not so quiet.

They're all watching Rudolph now. Rain is falling. House is just about clean. Then maybe a game or puzzle. Dinner out with friends tonight.

I'm loving Christmas vacation.

The Glow-in-the-Dark Party

2011-12-20T14:07:00.004-05:00

For Will's 8th birthday, he asked for a glow-in-the-dark party. It was wild.

I got many of my ideas from my dear friend, Kimmy, who had just posted about a glow-in-the-dark party for her son. Thank you, Kimmy!

The decorating was easy! I bought two florescent light fixtures at Home Depot and two black light bulbs. Each fixture/bulb cost me about $18. A white paper tablecloth. White streamers. White plates. White napkins. The black light works best with a lot of white. I bought tons of glow bracelets and glow sticks. I also bought some LED finger flashlights which the boys LOVED, but about half of them weren't working by the end of the party (very cheaply made).

Before... it looked so basic and blah...

Two bracelets taped together made perfect 8's for Will. I am positive that none of the boys noticed this detail.

The boys arrived just as the sun was setting. First stop: the dining room table to put on all their glow gear. Then the guys headed outside where they played capture the flag (glow stick) and "500" first with a glow-in-the-dark football (but the glow was not bright enough) then with a LED disc (they all loved that!). We had divided the boys into two teams based on the color of the glow stick/flashlight that they wore. I found these at Home Depot for $4 a piece. They used them all night and then took them home as their "party favor."

Inside for pizza and cake. I put glow sticks on the bottom of the snack bowls - neat effect. For their cups, I put glow bracelet inside a solid color cup then a 5 oz clear cup inside of the bigger cup, then filled it with blue gatorade. Their "glowing drinks" were a big hit.

After cake, the headed back outside for flashlight tag and general mayhem.

Whew. Maybe Peter will want a glow-in-the-dark party... otherwise I'm not so sure what to do with these black lights.

Cranberry-Orange Granola

2011-12-20T13:45:00.005-05:00

Another variation of our favorite granola recipe (for you Angela). It's only very slightly orange flavored... just enough.

Cranberry-Orange Granola

ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup flaked coconut (I use unsweetened)
1/3 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup maple syrup
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp orange zest

1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries

Preheat oven to 275.
Combine first six ingredients in a bowl (oats thru pecans). Combine syrup, oil, water and zest in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and then drizzle over the oat mixture. Stir to coat. Transfer to a greased pan (I use a jelly roll pan covered with parchment paper - makes it easy to transfer to the counter to cool so you can use the same pan to start your next batch). Using your hands, form "clumps" of granola.
Bake for 30 minutes. THEN add the cranberries. Then bake for 15 more minutes.
Let it cool completely.

19 : 25 {gifting}

2011-12-19T23:00:00.003-05:00

Busy here today preparing our gifts for the wonderful people who work at our church. We all love this day.

From our kids to the other pastors' kids - a tabletop s'more kit.

I found the fun red and white striped parchment paper at World Market.

Baker's twine to hold it all together.

I use these labels for everything. Cut the rounded corners off for a sharper/less Avery-label look.

The clear bags I had were too small. Oh well. It still works... kind of.

The kids loved assembling these. A can of Sterno fuel, a cellophane bag of marshmallows, a giant chocolate bar, a pack of graham crackers, and some long skewers.

While they did that, I made cranberry-orange granola.

These wooden snowflakes are from Crate and Barrel - came in a pack of 24. So pretty... I wish I bought more.

And we baked piles and piles of our favorite ginger cookies. I'll be packaging those today.

All the "Can I help?" kitchen questions, led me to pull out the oranges and cloves. Pomanders are a favorite, slow-down Christmas activity here. This way we could all be together. It's nearly impossible for all four of us to bake together in our kitchen.

I had to include this photo of Will - so proud of the car he built with his new birthday Lego set. This is a fabulous Creator set, if you need a last minute gift.

17 :25 {christmas morning part 1 & the national tree}

2011-12-17T21:10:00.006-05:00

My husband's parents are here for the weekend, so the kids had Christmas morning round one today.

Those starred boxes make girls happy.

Molly, Emily, and Kit are loving the additions to their wardrobe. Hannah set them up for a little photo shoot. Adorable.

Will's BIG gift. He actually said, "This is so much better than a video game!" Music to my ears.

Peter was pretty excited to receive this. He's perfecting his 360. Church parking lot, here we come.

Quiet afternoon crossword with Papa.

Then we headed down to see the National Tree...

Yup, it's pretty underwhelming, and has a definite Charlie Brown vibe. But it's a baby tree*. I get that. It can only get better.

It has to get better.

*planted in March after the last tree was blown over in a February storm.

Another angle... could they have maybe shaped it up? No, I'm sure they did all they could.

Thankfully, they have a lovely tree inside.

16 : 25 {school's out}

2011-12-17T20:41:00.003-05:00

It was the last day of school for the year. Peter's class sang during morning assembly, Hannah's class at the end of the day, and there were parties and teacher gifts to be delivered in between. Now begins what I hope is a slower week with the kids at home... baking and crafts and books and a whole lot of not running around.

Here's the end of a late Thursday night of baking. Peter is seriously a big help in the kitchen. He'll soon be making dinner for us all.

Friday night, Nana and Papa arrived. Looking at albums while the pizza is in the oven.

Perfect ending to the day...

15 : 25 {my colonial girl}

2011-12-15T16:01:00.005-05:00

Hannah's class hosted a Revolutionary War Museum for the parents today. The interactive "museum" had revolution-era characters with "buttons" for us to press and find out more about their place in history. Hannah complained to us about taxes. The whole thing was so well done!

Earlier this week, I read Passionate Homemaking's post about old fashioned rag curls. One mention of it to Hannah and she ready for me to start tying rags in her hair... perfect for "Colonial Day."

This is her hair after a full day at school and being in the rain. It was very curly this morning.

I'm afraid this is going to be a regular request. But sitting with my girl at night and talking while I do her hair... I'll gladly do that any night she will let me!

Here she is waiting for someone to "press her button"...

14 : 25 {my little elf}

2011-12-14T17:47:00.003-05:00

Finally, someone is sealing all those envelopes for me.

(Thanks for the elf hat, Mom!)

11 : 25 {eight}

2011-12-11T21:23:00.005-05:00

He is enthusiastic about everything.
Quick to encourage.
Tender-hearted and FUN.

Happy 8th Birthday, Will!

Early morning cards and gifts...

Mema and Grandpa, he loves the Nerf gun!

Lunch after church at Nando's (his pick).

Love that eight-year-old!

10 : 25 {saturday slow}

2011-12-10T22:41:00.004-05:00

Another beautiful December Saturday. We started our day in Alexandria at a Christmas Brunch - a wonderful gathering of old friends catching up over coffee and Brad and Stacy's amazing spread of everything delicious. All while our giant group of kids played around us... up and down the stairs and to the rope swing out back.

We passed Arlington Cemetery on our way. Wreaths with red bows leaned against every white marker. So beautiful. Sadly, I couldn't grab my camera fast enough.

And just for fun... Merry Christmas, Georgetown! The kids loved this. It's easier to get photos when are sitting in traffic.

This evening, we had Will's 'family party' with the Flemings. And this is the only photo I have... Will is not even in it. Bad photo parenting on my part.

Even still, I love capturing these sweet moments our kids' share together... their in-town 'cousins.'

Tomorrow is the actual birthday. Gifts are in place, birthday banner hung, ready for another day of celebrating....

9 : 25 {birthday glow}

2011-12-09T20:38:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Will's 8th birthday tonight with a glow-in-the-dark party. The boys loved it! It was wild... and with a big, bright, full moon to add to the effect. Here are a few of them getting set with their glow-gear for the outdoor games.

I'll post more party details and photos later. This theme was a lot of fun!

Let's see... it's 8:49 p.m. I think I may need to go to bed.

8 : 25 {authors' tea}

2011-12-08T17:32:00.004-05:00

Every couple of months at school, they hold an Authors' Tea to honor two students from each grade that are selected based on their writing by a panel of teachers.

Will and his buddy, Juanita, were the 2nd graders honored this afternoon. They read their stories from the podium and then enjoyed cupcakes. So cute.

**********

And to show you what I mean about his costume-love, here is Peter's Thursday creation. He tells me that he is planning to make one for each of his friends to wear to his birthday party.

Catching Up : Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T21:06:00.009-05:00

I know I'm late, but I couldn't not post photos from our Thanksgiving weekend.

Peter was in the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Play, "Miracle in Massachusetts." He played Samoset and did a terrific job with all his lines.

Apparently, acting is exhausting work because he was "too tired" to smile for any photos after the play. We have a lot like this.

We hosted Thanksgiving dinner.

Hannah made her famous popovers.

These wonderful people came and celebrated with us. We ate and ate and then, later in the evening, the kids got out Twister of all games. I have no photos of that. Grin.

And my mom and dad were here the whole week! Folding my laundry, fixing leaky faucets, fetching take out, cooking the turkey.... Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Friday, we headed to the FDR and MLK Jr. Memorials.

It was a sunny day.

We tried to get a good family picture.

There were many attempts.

By the end of it, this is all I could get.

These two are much easier.

Before heading home, a little football.

6 & 7 : 25 {sniffles and a shepherd}

2011-12-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

It's been raining steadily for two days and all of us are feeling a little under the weather.
Last night, I addressed Christmas cards and cozied up with a cup of tea.

Winter fruit. This is me trying to not eat homemade cookies for breakfast in hopes that I will start to feel a little better.
Lunch was a different story.

My favorite thing to do with orange peels. Throw a few cinnamon sticks and cloves on top (and fresh cranberries if you have them). Cover with water and simmer on the stove. Smells so good.

And here is my little shepherd. Just for the fun of it. Peter is *always* in costume.

5 : 25 {decorating the tree}

2011-12-05T20:50:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure about all these dots. Anyone?

4 : 25 {holiday cheer}

2011-12-05T08:37:00.007-05:00

We enjoyed a full and wonderful weekend.
Hannah snapped a photo of us as we headed to a party on Saturday night.

And those are feathers in my hair, not some new spike-y haircut. My dear friend, Aimee, convinced me that every girl needs a feather headband.
Hannah was blown away! : )

Sunday afternoon we headed to Alexandria for a holiday open house with old friends.
This time of year is so fun and festive, I just sometimes wish we could spread it out a little. Perhaps we should start hosting an annual party in February... that month could use a party.

We sat on the GW Parkway for a *long* time on our way home. The view made up for the traffic.

Then back to church for the York Nativity Play. Which was followed by a reception full of holiday goodies.
My children all went to bed last night feeling a little sugar-sick.

So thankful for today... a quiet Monday at home.

3 : 25 {tree trek}

2011-12-03T16:41:00.003-05:00

For a writing assignment this week, Hannah was asked to write about her favorite Christmas tradition.
This is it.
Cutting down the tree.

This year we made the trek with a big group of friends. Hot chocolate, picnic lunches, a sunny December Saturday, and all these fun people... well, that's just about perfect.

1 : 25 {advent reading}

2011-12-01T15:58:00.003-05:00

How is it that the first week of Advent is almost behind us?

Again this year, desiring to slow and savor, I will attempt to daily post a simple moment from our day... these full and beautiful days of sweet anticipation.

This year we have added two new books to our family library. During my morning devotions I am enjoying Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas edited by Nancy Guthrie.

And for our evening family advent devotions I found a new book, Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Daily Family Devotions for Advent by Nancy Guthrie. There are daily readings beginning December 1st and ending December 31st. Each reading is followed by "Discussion Starters" and more scripture that reinforces the reading. Also, scatted throughout the book, there are Christmas hymns and a page or so written about each hymn.

Something else I am enjoying these days is Aunt Sadie's Famous Tree in a Can. I am easily overwhelmed by most scented candles. This one is just perfect. Next year, I may buy a case and spread the Aunt Sadie goodness...

In Everything : 1000 Gifts

2011-11-14T10:22:00.006-05:00

In everything, give thanks.
I Thessalonians 5:18

It's all a gift. It's all grace.

It's been too long. The list continues...

1165
The delight it is to proofread your child's writing, check their homework.

1166
Parent-teacher conferences with wonderful teachers.

1167
"Hey, Mom, can I tell you a secret?"

1168
His teacher pulling me aside to tell me that in the class election between him and another, he didn't vote for himself.

1169
Arriving to volunteer at school and catching this scene. Love that group of kids.

1170
Will's Reading Rally speech. Big grins.

1171
"Mom, thanks for coming."

1172
Delicious meals delivered to my door. Thoughtful neighbors.

1173
How she lingers at the dinner table with the adults.

1174
Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center with our church's wonderful "Young at Heart" group.

1175
November's golden light.

1176
Sunset sky with silhouettes of just-bare trees.

1177
The joy to help friends carry boxes into their first - and fabulous - house.

1178
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

1179
And that we finally took the orthodontist up on her offer to 'buy' all the Halloween candy. It needed to leave.

1180
November drives on the GW Parkway.

1181
A three hour coffee date with an old friend.

1182
Season ending soccer parties.

1183
A friend's successful surgery.

1184
Reading Feminine Threads. The encouragement in walking through history's halls of faith. We are beautifully enclosed in such a great cloud of witnesses...

1185
My very own Jane Austen Film Festival. Best to do when husband travels for two weeks.

1186
My dear friend who is always delighted to come and re-watch all the 'highlights'... the long looks, pregnant pauses, spirited conversations...

1187
International texting.

1188
Our Saturday pick-up at Dulles. He is home! I'm so very thankful!
My husband has been in South Africa for the past two weeks.... will post photos soon...

Moments from Our Week : Early November

2011-11-04T17:35:00.006-04:00

Neighborhood walks.

The leaves seemed slow to turn this year.

And now they seem in a hurry to fall.

Peter zooming down the hill.

Long afternoon shadows. Sitting here with a book.

Hannah's pick for her birthday dinner. Every year the same. Baked ziti.

Ten candles.

A perch during soccer practice.

Brothers and evening books.

November sun setting. The view over our house as I call them in from neighborhood play.

Enjoying these last long afternoons.

Ten

2011-11-01T09:02:00.001-04:00

She made me a mom.
My first gift.
Ten years old today.

and a quick shot before she left for school today....
Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

Celebrating Hannah

2011-10-29T21:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon these two little cuties celebrated their 10th birthday together.

(Hannah is on the left)

We took the girls in their class to get manicures after school.
I really should have taken a photo of their nails. I didn't know you could do so much with that little amount of space.

Cupcakes pre-salon.

Sweet friends.Later that night, we had our "family" party with the Flemings. Her birthday isn't 'til Tuesday.
Next up for the 10th birthday celebration.... She's getting her ears pierced!

Lately

2011-10-28T09:15:00.006-04:00

Life has been full. Dumping all my photos from the last two weeks in one post...

We celebrated my husband's birthday last Saturday with soccer games, Mamma's for lunch,
and an evening of flashlight tag and s'mores with dear friends.
Our leaf pressing corner.

Saturday soccer (photo by Peter).

Kindergarten field trips.

Making time for their favorite fall projects.And catching up with our treasured friends, Chris and Mindy, who are home from Ethiopia for a few months.
It's been 10 long years since we have seen each other!

Weekending : Soccer Edition

2011-10-17T08:55:00.005-04:00

It was one of those perfect October weekends.
Deep blue skies overhead, cool in the shade, warm in the sun...
just the right kind of weekend for 5 soccer games.

Peter kicked off the weekend with Kindergarten soccer.
Then Will's game.
Then Hannah's game.

Later that day, an opportunity for Will's team - the 'Sniper Cats' - to play on the pitch at RFK Stadium before the D.C. United game. Pretty exciting. And I must add that the 'Sniper Cats' can now say they are undefeated at RFK!
Don't you just love the name they chose for themselves? Hilarious.

The boys enjoyed a little American football while tailgating. Marine One flew right over our heads
- we're pretty sure President Obama was cheering for them.
D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire
It had been a full day. I marvel at Peter's ability to sleep in the loudest places.
Hannah's team had a Sunday make-up game.
The 'Angry Birds' - one win and one tie this weekend.
My sweet parents were in town cheering them on!
This handsome guy got off a plane Friday evening, went straight to a dinner event, then to a breakfast meeting, three soccer games - coaching one, a funeral, the D.C. United event, church, then coached another game....
He deserved an Elevation Burger.
(photo by Peter - he's always got my camera these days)

{This Moment} - To His Defense

2011-10-14T06:24:00.004-04:00

{and he comes home today!}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. Joining with SouleMama, sharing a moment from our week.

After-School Snack

2011-10-13T16:30:00.007-04:00

It's been raining for two days here. When it rains, I bake.

I had about a cup of pumpkin in the fridge I wanted to use. It was hard to decide between Pumpkin Snickerdoodles and Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes; doughnut holes won.

Aren't they beautiful?

photo: The Craving Chronicles

Mine weren't quite so lovely, but they tasted so good. The kids were doing backflips. We will definitely be making them again.

Visit The Craving Chronicles for the recipe: Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes

my recipe notes:
There is enough batter to make more than 24 mini muffins - many of mine were too big and lost the round shape - looked more like muffins. Also, I only used the butter-sugar-cinnamon-coating for half of them. They are wonderful without it, just more muffin-y and less doughnut hole-y.

Next up: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

photo: Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Finished : 1000 Gifts

2011-10-10T16:09:00.007-04:00

Almost three years ago I posted this picture of our student in the basement.

Well, as of TODAY he is finished! Awarded his PhD from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland).

For the past 7 years, my husband has beautifully balanced family life, full-time pastoral ministry, and all the researching/writing/trips to Scotland that this degree required. We are so proud of him! And so thankful he is finished!

Today I will add just two to my list...

1162
His PhD. Finished.

1163
The Rev. Dr. Love-Of-My-Life!

For those interested, his dissertation is on the Covenant Theology of Zacharias Ursinus (author of the Heidelberg Catechism). Please don't ask me if I've read it. : )

Pancake Apple Rings

2011-10-10T05:46:00.002-04:00

You really must make these. So delicious.

I saw the idea on Pinterest a few weeks ago. Saturday morning I gave it a try and sliced one of the hundred or so apples we have in the house to throw in the last bit of pancake batter.

Seriously. You will not believe how good they are.

What I did:

I peeled and cored an apple, then sliced it into very thin rings.
Tossed them one at time into the pancake batter.
Placed them on the griddle. Cooked them just pancakes.
Put the rings-of-deliciousness on a plate and sprinkled them with cinnamon-sugar while they were still warm.
Watched my family giggle as they devoured them.

Hint: use more than one apple! : )

Weekending

2011-10-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

Deep blue October sky.
Apples sweet and crisp.
Carefully selected pumpkins.

Weekend exhale.

{This Moment} - at the Farmers' Market

2011-10-07T05:54:00.003-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. Joining with SouleMama, sharing a moment (or two) from our week.

The Barber Shop : Photos by Peter

2011-10-05T05:52:00.000-04:00

As soon as we settled in our seats at the barber, Peter spotted the camera in my bag and purposed to document the entire visit. I love what he captured...

It Was Time...

2011-10-04T06:42:00.000-04:00

... to make the first batch of pumpkin bread. And so begins the season of all things pumpkin.

Here's a repost of a few favorite recipes...

Pumpkin Waffles

This recipe makes enough for our family of five with a few leftover. Serve with warmed maple syrup.

1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup oil
1/8 teaspoon vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (eggs through vanilla). Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix well. Pour onto hot, lightly greased waffle iron.

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And if you opened a can of pumpkin for the waffles, you will have enough puree leftover for this yummy recipe: Pumpkin-Chocolate-Chip Squares. I made these last weekend for company. Perfect with a cup of good coffee.

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Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Adapted from a recipe I found on the back of a can of Whole Foods store brand pumpkin puree several years ago.

We have been making these for years. My kids love them! They are not sweet like pumpkin bread. Great for breakfast.

1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
3/4 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 12 muffin cups.

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl combine egg, millk, and butter; stir in pumpkin. Add all at once to flour mixture. Stir until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm, with butter. Makes 12 muffins.

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And last but not least, here is our favorite pumpkin bread recipe, too.

Enjoy!