Jumbo Breakfast Cookies

(First batch out of the oven. These babies are HUGE!)

The past few days I have been a baking fool. I've been making tons of cookies for the camping trip to share with everyone and also to maintain my sanity while stranded staying inside the house with sick little Caleb.

I was thinking last night about an item I saw at the grocery store the other day. It was Quaker Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. Of course, I couldn't bring myself to buy the box (and pay that price) even though the concept of Breakfast Cookies thoroughly intrigued me. For some reason, cereal just isn't doing it for me these days and I'm always looking for a yummy breakfast. I got online and found these!! Who would've thought! Cookies for breakfast!

What makes this whole story even better is that I was able to clean some things out of my pantry to make them. I had some raisins that we weren't eating fast enough along with some Old-Fashioned oatmeal (I'm still a Quick Oats girl), and Cheerios. I literally had the exact measures left of all three of these items left over.

I am wrapping each cookie in plastic wrap and will take them this weekend to eat and share with everyone. I have a feeling these cookies will be made again real soon. ;-) Hope you like them, Honey!

Hint: I used my mixer for the majority of the process but I had to use a wooden spoon to mix in the Cheerios. If you aren't careful you'll have flying Cheerios everywhere. It isn't pretty. Too bad Eowyn has already gone to the dog sitter's house. She would've been more than happy to oblige.

LOVE This Bumper Sticker!

I am not a bit fan of bumper stickers just because they get stuck on your car and then you have a fading bumper sticker following you around everywhere. Political campaign ones are worse in my book because they get outdated. For example, what is up with all the John Kerry bumper stickers I still see around here?! YOU LOST!!! GET OVER IT!! But, I digress. Check out this new bumper sticker!! I think I could be convinced to put this on my car. Lindsey over at Enjoy the Journey put these together with a friend and I think she is doing everyone a service for sure. That bumper sticker pretty much describes my position so far in this election. Go on over there and make some orders so you can hand them out to all your friends.

I (Heart) my Camera

Our family digital camera, a Sony Cybershot, is quite sentimental to us and carries quite a history. It was when I requested a digital camera for Christmas from my Dad that Chris and I told him that we were pregnant with Caleb. Here's how it went:

Me: "Hey Dad! I think a digital camera would be a great Christmas present for us this year!"
Dad: "Really? Hmmmm...I see."
Me: "Yeah, we are going to need to take tons of pictures in a few months."
Dad: "OK."
Me: "Dad? Are you catching what I'm saying?"
Dad: "Yeah, you are making a strong hint for a camera." (He wasn't quite catching the other hint.)
Me: "True.....because....Chris and I are 99.9% sure we are pregnant!"
Dad: (Wide Eyes and Big Grin)

The rest is history.

Needless to say, we got our wonderful camera for Christmas and we have taken tons of pictures. That camera also went on our family trip to Poland this past summer. We filled up a 256 MB Memory stick and half of a 2 GB memory stick on just that trip.

Sometimes, Chris catches me perusing the pictures of Caleb when we were still in the hospital and he was only a couple of days old. He's growing up so fast. Having those pictures right here on my computer is perfect for us and I confess that we don't have very many printed pictures. I am currently on a mission to backup all those precious digital pictures on CD's, though.

Well, the sad side of this story is that not too long after our trip to Poland my darling little boy pulled on the strap to our Cybershot and pulled it crashing to the ground. (Can you hear the funeral music?) The camera that recorded my son's first moments in this world and our trip to Chris' ancestral land is GONE. (Note: I had JUST downloaded a bunch of pictures onto our computer when the camera breathed its last.) Aaaahhhh! Now, I am borrowing a digital camera from Chris' parents until we can make a trip into town to shop for another camera.

There are so many things that I know I can do with my camera when I finally get a good replacement. One thing I've been dabbling in is digital scrapbooking. I confess I'm not very good at it but it sure is fun. I love looking around the web for great scrapbook page ideas . There is so much talent and inspiration out there. The time for dabbling has been quite limited but I think I'm going try again soon. I'll keep everyone posted and perhaps show some pages here.

Anyway, I LOVE my Camera. I don't know what I would do without it...or my borrowed camera....or my soon to have NEW camera. Can you tell??




This is a sponsored post by Ritz Camera.com

Reliving my Childhood

When I was kid my absolutely favorite show was Road to Avonlea. Being that I LOVED Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Green Gables - The Sequel, the books and the movies, it was a natural progression to get totally hooked into Road to Avonlea. It takes place in the same charming town of Avonlea and the characters are just as endearing. Some of the characters from the Anne movies pop up in this show too. I am going through all the seasons of Road to Avonlea right now and I remember them like it was just yesterday and I was laying on the floor in my parent's house totally engrossed in this story. I highly recommend this series. Check it out!!

Road to Avonlea Season 1.

Road to Avonlea Season 2

Road to Avonlea Season 3

Road to Avonlea Season 4

Road to Avonlea Season 5

Road to Avonlea Season 6

Tribute

I found this video on Snopes.com and I was brought to tears. I am not a beer drinker, but Budweiser does come out with some awesome commercials and this is by far their best. This commercial was released only once, during Super Bowl XXXVI, as a tribute to New York City after the incidents of 9/11. All I can say is, "WOW!"

Fascinating Podcasts

I have come upon some fascinating podcasts that I wanted to share with everyone. First, let me say that I know the issue of the Patriarchy Movement and/or Patriocentricity is a really hot button issue right now. I am fairly new to learning about it and thus, I have not developed a complete opinion on it as of yet. That is why I haven't written anything here about it.

I found this series of podcasts thanks to Sallie over at A Gracious Home. ThatMom is currently recording a series of podcasts on this very issue and she just released the first one. Go on over here to hear this fascinating podcast and over here to get the schedule for all the upcoming installments. There will be editions through September and even in October.

I have already listened to first podcast and I am so glad to be learning more. I appreciate the podcast format because I can just play it while I do other things on the computer or around the house and not have to commit the time to reading something. Head on over so you can learn some more too.

The Two Best Things I've Done...

...Since becoming a Mommy.

Everyone knows that it is very hard transitioning from no children to parenthood. I was no different. The first two weeks or so were a blur and fairly easy because I had help at my house around the clock. I say it was easy because of the help I had. Once they left, the true difficulties settled in. I became lonely and unmotivated. I had the basic childcare down pretty well but the "Me" was falling by the wayside.

Caleb is almost 13 months now and I've learned a few things since his birth. I am in now way an expert on this parenting thing and I have TONS to learn. But, here are the two things I've done this past year that I have helped me beyond measure.

I joined MOPS at my church. I called and made a reservation at MOPPETS as soon as I saw an advertisement for the new year on a powerpoint slide before the service. I was at the first meeting with bells on my toes. I was actually surrounded by people, let alone other moms, for the first time since Caleb was born. I am a very shy person initially so the first few meetings were spent being quiet and listening to other moms talk. Finally, I came out of my shell and started to participate. I was hooked. I never missed a single meeting the entire year. Even when Caleb had a runny nose or a cough (nothing too serious) I would take him to the meeting with me because I would not miss my MOPS meeting. I dreaded the summer because MOPS follows the school calender and doesn't meeting during the summer. Before we broke for the summer I was asked to be on the steering team as the Prayer/Care Coordinator. Wow! Me?! We are gearing up for another year now and I will be serving other moms who were just like me just last year. But, I know that not only will I be serving them I will also be fed and loved on too. The good thing is I can stay in MOPS until all my kids are older than 5. I better keep the kids coming. ;-)

I joined the YMCA. I confess that joining the YMCA is very new...actually, just this month. But, I know it was an exceptional decision. Chris and I have been working out at home for months now and we were content with that. Then our county built a brand new YMCA and it is BEAUTIFUL. We knew that the usual cost of membership would not fit into our budget. So, I swallowed my pride and applied for a scholarship. Our application was approved and we got 75% off the joiner's fee and a good bit taken off the monthly fee. We were in business. I've been going like crazy. I can drop Caleb off in Childwatch and I can work out in peace. I can watch the TVs or read a book. Whatever I want to do. Not only am I getting great exercise, but I also have another thing to look forward to during the day and some Mommy Time. I am completely hooked and can't wait to see what all this exercise does for me. I know it is already making my mind feel better.

This Makes Me Very Happy

Gotta love R.E.M. and the Muppets!!

Jesus, Bring the Rain

Here is another video on one of my favorite songs these days. It is Jesus, Bring The Rain by Mercy Me. I LOVE IT!! I think it really speaks to me because I really do love rain. I love cloudy days and all kinds of rain. I know I am opposite from most people because it is during the summer and especially during a drought that I get sad and depressed. The sun does not help me. Clouds are beautiful, especially storm clouds. Thunder puts me right to sleep. Granted, there are times when rain storms can down right scary and destructive. That is no good.

But, those days that are overcast with a light,steady rain is renewing to me just like it is renewing for the earth. Rain brings life and I was even happy when it rained on my wedding day. It was like God was putting life into our future.

I love the imagery of this song. God can use anything to bring glory to himself even our hard times. During those "rainy" days God can breathe life into us through his Word and Spirit. Everything becomes good when it brings him glory. Jesus, Bring The Rain!

I Know I Could Use This...

I was over at 5 Minutes for Mom and I saw that they are having a really neat contest for a really neat contraption. Do you feel overwhelmed with paper clutter? Are your file boxes/cabinets overflowing and yet you still have more to put away? Do you have way too many keepsakes but you can't even fathom throwing away that adorable painting or homemade Mother's Day Card?

Well, it looks like us pack rats have an answer to our problems. The NeatReceipts Scanalizer!! Y'all this thing is so cool!! The original purpose of the Scanalizer was to store receipts and other important documents on your computer. That way business owners wouldn't have to hang on to all their receipts till Kingdom Come and sink their office and/or house into the ground. Love It!

But, there is so much you can do with it. The possibilities are limitless. I'm already having visions of scanning all those sweet drawings Caleb does in the church nursery and his A+ school papers (Proud Mommy!). Once all those papers are scanned I could then email them to ALL my family and friends because I just KNOW they would want to see them. ;-) I also know that my computer geek, minimalist hubby would appreciate not having anymore paper clutter in our house.

Go on over to 5 Minutes For Mom and put your name in the hat and perhaps you too could experience the joy that is The NeatReceipts Scanalizer. Ten people are going to win! Go!

Such a Comfort to Hear!

I LOVE THIS SONG!! I heard it the first time online and then I started hearing it at church. I've always enjoyed songs written by Matt Redman but I think this is one of his best. No matter what is going on or how I am feeling this song helps me put my thoughts where they need to be and to remember that God will "Never Let Go."

I am in the process of taking back my house after this wonderful weekend of birthday revelry. I will be back, hopefully today, to tell you all about it. Until then, enjoy this song and soak it in.

Be Still My Little Bread-Baking Heart

I LOVE to bake bread. I started just this year because my domestic self felt like I needed to learn how to bake bread from scratch, without a bread maker, and using my own hands. I have had some failures and many successes. I am getting to the point where I want to try all kinds of recipes. I know Chris is happy with my new passion and so is Caleb. Poland has some of the best bread in the world and that makes me want to learn even more. I was over at Enjoy the Journey and I found this link to a Bread Baking Blog! Oh MY GOODNESS!! My heart burst with joy and excitement. I can't wait to try some of these recipes. Go on over there and try it out.

So Easy Baby Food Kit

In previous posts I talked about the wonders of making our own baby food for Caleb. Not only is it absolutely yummy for Caleb and Mommy, it is also MUCH Cheaper than buying commercial baby food. You just can't lose when you make your own baby food. Caleb is getting to the age (11 months old today) where he is eating a lot more table food and he won't be needing baby food anymore.

I just wanted everyone to know the system that we used. We used the So Easy Baby Food Kit. The kit comes with a video with great instructions, two freezer trays, and a cookbook. I guess you really don't need "system" to make baby food because it so easy but as a first time Mom it sure helped a lot to have a tried and true method to follow. I also had a gift card to Barnes & Noble when I bought this kit. I loved every single part of this kit. The cookbook is well loved and has plenty of baby food stains on the pages. The freezer trays are incredible for keeping freezer burn and oders out of the little baby food cubes. I tried saving money by buying cheaper ice trays at the store so I could make bigger batches and there was a marked difference between the cubes in cheaper trays and the cubes in the Kit trays. Finally, the video takes you step by step through the process. Chris and I watched the video even before Caleb was born and got so excited about it. I've since lent the video to my friend who will have her baby any day now.

I am so glad I bought this kit and I encourage any of my friends to get it or to just try homemade baby food. Check it out and let me know how it goes!

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

I just want to take a quick moment before I settle down for the night to tell you about a book that really changed my life. When I say a book changed my life I don't take it or mean it lightly. Really. I read Safely Home by Randy Alcorn about two years ago and it was near impossible to put down.

I have been aware of the persecution of the Christian Church for sometime. I subscribe to the Voice of the Martyr's newsletter and I read the VOM Blog too. But, it was Safely Home that made it real for me. The characters were written so well that they became completely real in my mind. I mourned and rejoiced with them as I turned each and every page.

Short synopsis: Ben Felding, an American businessman, travels to China to further his business through Chinese labor and contacts. He meets up with his old college roommate, Li Quan, whom he hasn't seen for over 20 years. As Ben spends more and more time with Li Quan his eyes are opened to the reality of Christian persecution in China. His faith is challenged and strengthened as he learns that an easy life on earth is not promised but eternal rewards are promised by his Great God.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Christian persecution and to anyone who wants to have their own faith challenged and strengthened. Don't cheat and skip to the end, but I'll tell you that I cried with joy.

Filling My Day With Praise...

Of Jesus, that is!

I have found an incredible radio station. Where I live there is a wonderful radio station called His Radio. It is your basic listener supported Christian radio station. I listen to it all the time in the car. You can also listen to it online. But, the coolest thing is that they have jumped into the HD Radio world. I'm not exactly sure how radio can be HD, but apparently His Radio is one of those pioneering stations. Being that I don't even know what HD Radio really is, I don't have the proper equipment for it. BUT, you can listen to all their HD stations online TOO!! One of those stations is His Radio Praise. It is a commercial free station that is nothing but Praise and Worship music. I was so excited that I found this station that Chris rigged up my computer so I could put the music on our surround sound stereo. I play the praise music almost all day. I used to have the TV going for those extra voices in the house. I knew that was bad for me and for Caleb, but silence was worse. Now, I have His Radio Praise and I can tell a HUGE difference in my life. I just wanted everyone to know about it. Go to the above link and click on the His Radio Praise banner and it should start up on your computer's music player. Enjoy and Be Blessed!!

I Have Found My Diaper Place

I am so excited and I can't believe that I haven't written about this before now. I have found my place to buy diapers. As Moms, we ALL know how hard it can be to find a great place to get that good supply of diapers. First, how do those kiddos go through them so fast? Geez! The dollars add up so fast. Well, after much looking and trial and error, I have found it. I go to Amazon.com. Not only does Amazon have a great price for the diapers, they also have free shipping for orders over $25. Any box of diapers is going to meet that requirement. Caleb is currently in Pampers Cruisers Size 3. (I remember when he was in Pampers Swaddlers Newborn) Anyway, not only are the prices great I also signed up for their subscription service in which I will automatically get a box of diapers sent to me each month. No more hurrying to get the diapers ordered because I realize I am drastically low. I have this problem going to the store in town to buy diapers because they are so expensive compared to buying them online. Not only is the subscription service convenient it also offers 15% off your order if you sign up!! What!? I get great diapers for a great price and then get a discount! This is awesome! You can cancel your subscription anytime and sign up again. That is what I'll do once Caleb graduates to Size 4. Use my link over there--> (in the sidebar) to order your diapers TODAY!! You will get a great deal AND I'll benefit too. ;-)