A New Tradition

Tiny Helpers! From now on I am going to let each of them be responsible for a dish. The older two loved it.. M.. well... he gave up after dumping in the first box :0).

Grace and Giving

Our Pastor asked our church to read the book, The Treasure Principle this week. It is truly a powerful book, but one line has stuck out to me above all others thus far:

"As thunder follows lightening, giving follows grace. When God's grace touches you, you can't help but respond with generous giving. ... giving is simply the overflow of joy."

I have experienced this truth in recent months. The more I become aware of the magnitude of God's grace the more I have an overwhelming NEED to give. Not only of finances, but of time, resources, and services - out of the abundant joy of experiencing God's grace and being able to truly appreciate it. What an amazing God we serve! He gives His grace so freely! I pray that I can accept it as I should and respond to it the way He desires.

Vanilla Bean Biscotti

(Taken from Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients:
1 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4c all-purpose flour
1 1/2c sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 Tbs melted butter

Directions:
1. If using a vanilla bean, scrape seeds from pod; discard pod.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease two of your largest cookie sheets; set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of flour and stir eggs into flour mixture. Add melted butter and vanilla seeds or extract; stir until dough starts to form a ball.
3. Divide dough into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a 14" loaf. Place loaves 3" apart on the prepared cookie sheets (make sure you give them enough space because they spread while baking); flatten slightly until about 1 1/2" wide.
4. Bake in preheated oven on two racks for 25 to 30 mins or until firm and lightly browned, switching pan positions halfway through baking. Cool on cookie sheets 15 mins (make sure you give them time to cool or they will crumble).
5. Using a serrated knife, cut loaves diagonally into 1/2" slices. Place slices on cookie sheets cut sides down.
6. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn sides over and bake 10 to 15 more or until crisp and dry.

L Turns 7!

Fantastic Chili

I have tried for years to find a REALLY GOOD chili recipe. This recipe has been tweaked enough and definitely doesn't disappoint!

Ingredients:
2lbs ground beef
salt
2 cans (14.5oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (46oz) tomato juice
1 can (15oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 can (15oz) pinto beans drained and rinsed
1 med sized chopped onion
1 green bell pepper chopped
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 T brown sugar
1 T dried oregano
1 T pepper
1 T cumin
1/4c chili powder

Directions:
Season ground beef generously with salt and brown in skillet. Drain and add to crock pot. Add remaining ingredients to crock pot and give a good stir. Cook on low for 8-10 hrs.

Coloring

It never looked so fun :)

This is what M does while the older two school.

Ready for the Harvest Festival :)