Let's play "Which Baby Is This?"

There are a couple of sure-tell signs, but you'll have to give it your best guess and check back later to see whether you are right!

Home Made Swedish Meatball Sauce

Since I couldn't find the Swedish meatball seasoning packet at three different grocery stores, I decided to make my own. I cheated and purchased the meatballs already made this time. Maybe I will tackle those next time around... if I still can't find the seasoning. (It wasn't just 'out of stock'; there weren't even spaces where it should have been.)

Here is how I made the sauce. This was for two packages of meatballs. I poured it over whole wheat egg noodles since I didn't buy any potatoes and served it with fresh, home made cranberry jam (sauce) in lieu of ligonberry jam as well as oval Vlassic dill pickles instead of pickled cucumbers...

a couple of Tablespoons of butter
2-3 Tablespoons of flour (maybe a little more, I added a little arrowroot powder because I didn't think it would ever thicken enough... it ended up a little thicker than I wanted...)
2-3 t teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
beef broth or beef stock - I used 1 can
heavy cream (or light cream or milk?) - I used 16 ounces
sour cream
salt & pepper to taste
dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
other seasonings as desired

If you make your own meatballs and cook them in a skillet, remove the meatballs to make the sauce in the same pan to use the meat drippings. Otherwise, melt butter in heavy bottomed skillet. Stir in flour and allow to turn golden. Remove from heat and add in broth while stirring, then do the same with the cream (or milk). Return to medium heat and let boil, stirring often. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and other seasonings and add in meatballs. Serve over boiled or mashed potatoes, or in my case, noodles.

Menu Planning and Grocery Lists... on a Budget

Today is menu planning day and grocery list day. This is quite a process for me. I love it and hate it at the same time. I plan for two weeks at a time. We have a reasonable budget for groceries, and I am very thankful for that. My goal is to have a cooking day after grocery day and pack away most of our meals in the freezer for the two week period. I have only been successful or semi-successful in this venture a handful of times.

Many times I plan the menu, buy what I need and then don't follow the menu as I would like. I usually plan 14 main meals or less but plan to double for leftovers. Last time was a little better. The last two weeks' menu was supposed to be as follows...

Home Made Pizza - success
Peppy Pizza Pasta - success
Kathy's Kitchen Spaghetti Pizza - success
Tex-Mex Tomato Hamburger Stew - success
Taco Crescent Bake - success
Hanky Panky's - success (but will probably change recipe next time)
Fruity Curry Chicken - success
Easy Cheesy Chicken Fajita Skillet - haven't made yet
Chicken Marsala - haven't made yet (this will be my first attempt, and purely for my dh)
Swedish Meatballs - haven't made yet (I have looked at 3 grocery stores for the seasoning packet to no avail... did they stop making it? So, I guess I'll learn how to make it from scratch. Probably healthier that way, anyway.)
Tacos - didn't happen either

We did realize this week, once again, how much we don't care for Velveeta type cheese. I planned two recipes using this ingredient this meal period in order to use up what I bought, but I've only made one and may not make the other. I guess I forget after a time that we don't like it.

Anyway, I don't like to make the same foods over and over. I like to find new recipes or old ones that we haven't had in awhile (hence the Velveeta issue). This takes time during menu planning. Not to mention that my menu planning sessions are never in one chunk of time.

But I really do enjoy cooking and learning to create new foods and flavors in the kitchen, especially if I can make it more nutritious as well as more delicious. I rarely make the same thing the same way twice. And there are many nights I take some of this and a little of that and create something yummy but can never completely recreate because I didn't write down what I did.

So, this menu planning period, I think I will go with these meals...

1. Home Made Pizza - this can be made different every time
2. Chicken Tortilla Soup
3. (Turkey) Ham & Pineapple
4. Sweet & Sour Chicken
5. Crock pot Sloppy Joe's
6. Chicken Marsala
7. Pasta with Tuna and Tomatoes
8. Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas
9. Cheeseburger Casserole
10. Our Favorite Meatloaf
11. BBQ Chicken Pasta
12. Calzones of some sort
13. Chicken Tetrazzini
14. Shredded BBQ Beef Sandwiches
15. Lasagna

Now, to plan side dishes, the occasional dessert, lunches, snacks & breakfasts, and I'll be done! Maybe I'll post recipes and updates as to whether I accomplish a Cooking Day and follow my menu plan.

The Twins are 38 Weeks Old (+ a few days)

My cousin's wife (cousin-in-law?) has chronicled their son's life week by week on her blog. I was so impressed when I visited recently that I decided to give it a try with the twins. Of course, I am a few days late, but if I don't do it now, it may never happen!

Saturday was their 38th week. They were born at 38 weeks, and now they are 38 weeks old. That translates to almost 9 months. I will try to tell you a little about what is going on with the twins.

Let's see, Daniel (Baby B) was the first to sit up and first to crawl (at just before 7 months). Dennis (Baby A) was the first to clap his hands and get teeth. Dennis has both bottom teeth and the top two mostly in. Daniel has only the bottom two so far. Daniel is pulling himself up to standing all the time and tries to take steps. He doesn't always wait till he has something to hold on to when taking the next step either. Dennis has just in the last few days figured out how to sit up from a tummy position and yesterday started the "army crawl". He seems incredibly determined to 'catch up' all of the sudden.

They both are champion eaters. Neither care much for peas or carrots plain, but will even tolerate those foods if they must. I haven't tried spinach yet, but they have eaten nearly everything else we have given them - home made and store bought. Both are doing fairly well trying to drink with sippy cups. I think I may get the kind with straws. They enjoy their water so much.

They are so much fun. I love to watch their similarities and their differences. I LOVE having two babies at the same time. We find it very interesting how much Dennis is like Kynzie and Daniel has similarities to Max. Maybe I will post about that ... someday.

They both love to be tickled, to laugh and to smile. Dennis loves to look at your face and touch your nose, lips, eyse, cheeks, etc. but prefers to face outward if you are holding him (same as Kynzie). He likes to see where he is going, I guess. He doesn't want to miss out. Daniel will cuddle when you hold him and lay his head on your shoulder (same as Max). He will just relax and trust you to take him where he needs to go. Unless he can get there himself, then he prefers that mode.

Dennis has a little bit more stranger anxiety than Daniel at this point. Dennis knows faces. And if yours isn't one he "knows", he has to warm up to you a bit. Daniel doesn't mind other people and may not even notice who you are for awhile if he is busy playing. And he is busy playing often, but don't be deceived by his contented playtime. He needs his cuddle time, too. Dennis seems to need more interactive play but not necessarily as much cuddle time. (He gets as much cuddle time as he will allow us all to give him, though!)

I think that is one reason why Kynzie gets along so well with Dennis at this stage... she needed (and still does) more one on one play and interaction. Max can play by himself or look at books or whatever for long periods of time. But he too needs to have cuddle time. He still seeks out a good cuddle from time to time throughout the day. Max enjoys playing side by side with Daniel.

So, Kynzie and Dennis maybe get their love tanks filled with quality time. We used to say Kynzie would spell love T-I-M-E. And, maybe Max and Daniel's tanks are filled with physical contact. (You know, from the Five Love Languages. What's yours? My highest are quality time and receiving gifts. Scott's are acts of service and physical contact. We are so opposite.)

Okay, anyway, this was supposed to be an update on the twins. It is late and I am rambling. I will try to get the picture of the twins from Saturday up tomorrow. I waited up a bit late because I thought the babies would wake to nurse pretty early tonight since their last nursing was earlier than usual. But they didn't. I need to go get some water, some vitamin C, some garlic, and some rest so I can fight off this sudden and strange beginning of mastitis... 'Night.

What Makes You "Oisty"-Eyed?

Today Kynzie told me that one of the babies made her eyes "oisty". I love the way she mispronounces certain words. It is so adorable. I think Delainey was close to seven before I finally relinquished and corrected her last mispronounced word. (It was 'smarshmallow', in case you were wondering.)

I do correct Kynzie's wording, and we do work on certain speech issues, but sometimes when she is experimenting with new words... well, it makes my eyes "oisty". I think this word is a combination of some sort of teary and moist or misty and moist? I dunno.

But, on with the story, Kynzie was hanging out with the babies and me in the babies' room while I was nursing (one at a time) She was being very helpful by playing with the baby who wasn't eating. At one point, she leaned in to hug Dennis, and he seemed to hug her in return. She thought that was the sweetest thing ever, and she told me about it, oh, seven or eight times, using different wording each time.

While she was talking about it, the edges of her eyelids reddened a bit, and I knew she was a feeling a little emotional about it. She said that it "put precious hope in her heart" and her "heart was crying" which made her eyes oisty with tears.

She then repeated with Daniel, but since he is not so much a face to face kind of baby like Dennis, he didn't hug her back like she thought he should. She was a little despondent about that, but I encouraged her to keep playing with him, and that he's just as sweet and precious in his own way.

Since I was nursing Dennis, I didn't see the trigger she found, but Daniel laughed out loud (he loves to laugh out loud) and lunged toward her with open arms. She thought that was brotherly love at its best and expressed how precious this episode was for several minutes ending in tears once again. She explained to me that these were happy tears, and sometimes it is okay to cry if your heart has happy tears.

"I am so proud to be their big sister."

That put precious hope in my heart.

I really do want to blog more...

Here are some photos... Maybe I'll take time later to tell a little about the pictures, but maybe not!

Annual Snow Ice Cream Event

Excitement and wonder filled our home once again today when Kynzie realized the snow falling outside. Her delight is contagious. It is amazing how your child's perspective can often change your own outlook. I may just end up enjoying snow before this winter is over!

Although Kynzie wanted to, we did not venture out to play today. But we did have snow ice cream again after dinner. Kynzie looked forward to this all day and didn't let me forget our "plan".

Max ate his whole bowl of snow ice cream, which is only significant since he doesn't eat regular ice cream. He thought the whole idea was pretty neat. He kept saying, "We're eating snow!" and "We have snow in our house!" He probably doesn't remember from last year like Kynzie does.

He wanted more, as did everyone else, and when I told him it was all gone he told Delainey to "get your shoes on." He was sending her out for more snow!

Tiny-mo or Dynamo

Here is Daniel doing push ups at 6 months old. (They are 7 months old now.) He has a great deal of strength in his little baby body. I am not sure which is more amazing - how far up he can push himself or that he hasn't stood up yet...




Daddy used to call him Tiny-mo and Dennis, Dynamo because Dennis was a pound larger. They are both about the same size now, but Daniel definitely needs a new nickname. How about Mighty-mo?

Here is a picture of Dennis and me, and a picture of Dennis smiling at Daddy.

Cranberry Spinach Crustless Mini Quiche

I made up a quiche today to take to a baby shower, and it was so yummy. I actually adapted it from a recipe for Crustless Carrot Mini Quiche. I made the carrot variety, the spinach and cranberry and also a zucchini quiche that Kynzie really enjoyed. Here is the Cranberry Spinach recipe...

1-1.5 cups fresh cranberries, shredded (or chopped or what ever)
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
(some chopped fresh mushrooms might be good, but we didn't have any)
1-2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic (to your taste), minced
salt & pepper to taste (I skipped the salt & pepper by mistake and didn't miss it)
.5-1 teaspoon cinnamon
1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar, optional
6 eggs, beaten
1.5-2 cups shredded cheese (I used a cup each of mozzarella and cheddar)
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Melt the butter, or warm the oil, in a medium to large skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and green onions and saute but do not brown. Lower heat and add spinach. Allow to wilt slightly. Stir in shredded cranberries until mixed well and warm. Remove from heat. In a medium mixing bowl, lightly whisk eggs. Stir in cheese, cinnamon, salt, pepper, brown sugar and cornmeal until mixed, and gently fold in the spinach mixture. Scoop by tablespoonfuls into 'greased' mini muffin tins or mini muffin papers if you prefer. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 - 17 minutes. Remove from over and allow to set for two minutes before removing from pan. Best served warm.

Delainey and I like these best. I think I mentioned in another blog that if I could figure out how to get cranberries into all my recipes, I would. So, this morning as I was staring into the fridge trying to come up with ingredients to make different varieties of quiche, cranberries came to mind. I am just surprised it took me this long!

Kynzie liked the zucchini quiches best. Instead of spinach and cranberries, I shredded 2 medium zukes (skin on), used one less egg, 1.4 tsp of nutmeg instead of cinnamon, and only 1/2 cup cornmeal. These were the most moist of the three kinds, and Kynzie said that is what she liked best. She actually said because they were softer, I think. I thought they were a little bland.

The carrot quiches were the driest of the three, and we had the most leftovers of these. Here is the link to that original recipe, which I do intend to tweak next time.

I LOVE these monkey snowsuits

I am willing to go out and buy new carseats just so our twins can wear these adorable monkey snow suits! (Because the babies don't fit very well in their car seats with the suits on.) My husband, not so much... on the buying new car seats part. He thinks the suits are cute, too.

Daniel didn't think they were all that great, but I think Dennis knew he was a cutie pie!

Kynzie's Ready for a Winter Wonderland

Yesterday when we left for my Grandma's Thanksgiving dinner, it was snowing heavy, wet flakes. Kynzie was more than thrilled to see the snow. But by the time we arrived back home, she was crying. I asked why, and she said because the snow was all gone already. She didn't even get to play in it. I was so sad for her!

This morning when I saw snow on the ground, however thin a layer, I turned into a giddy little girl! I wasn't as excited about the snow as I was about telling Kynzie it was outside. And she was beyond excited to see it. She started making plans. "I'll wear my gloves, and... Mommy can I taste it when we go outside? How long will it stay today?" And on and on for quite dome time.

Max followed her excitement cautiously. I don't think he remembers much of the snow. Or maybe he does remember and doesn't care for it as much. We'll see.

It is really funny that she loves the snow so much. Scott, of course, despises cold weather and snow and all that goes with it. I don't hate snow; I think it can be beautiful. I would like it much better if it wasn't so cold. We haven't done extensive snow playing or anything, but she has fond memories of what we have done I guess.

Scott usually puts aside his winter disdain and builds a snowman with the kids at least once a winter. I should say snow giants because he tries to build them taller than himself. He has taken Delainey sledding, but has yet to do that with Kynzie. Delainey or I have played in the snow with Kynzie, carrying on the traditions from my childhood - snowball fights, attempts at snow forts, snow angels, and Kynzie's favorite, snow ice cream. Here is last year's post about snow ice cream.

Satuday Evening at Our House

Tonight was a good night for the most part...

Daniel figured out how to go from tummy to sitting upright all by himself tonight. So, I can leave the room with Daniel on his belly. Then come back into the room and he is sitting up all by his little self. It is quite a sight to get used to. I had to rethink whether I really left him on his tummy the first time I came back and he was upright.

The twins are 7 months old now. Dennis isn't sitting up yet, but he does enjoy clapping these days. Both boys enjoyed some sweet potatoes again this evening. This is the 2nd time they have eaten store bought baby food, as opposed to home made.

Dad and Mom came here after out Thanksgiving at my Grandma's, and they brought the turkey and some other leftovers that made for a yummy dinner for us. They invited us to eat turkey and noodles with them after church tomorrow. Yum Yum!

Max just asked if it was time for bed, and I said it's almost time. He said, "I miss Daddy." Isn't that sweet? The girls are watching Veggie Tales "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything", but he isn't interested. Most movies just aren't his thing. He will sit through Blue's Clues most of the time. He is too active. Music often catches his attention, though. He went back to the TV when the "music videos" came on at the end of the movie.

I told the kids they could have a little ice cream before bed; he said he wants pears instead. Delainey bought some mint chocolate chip ice cream flavored chewy candy and ate one in the car. I had one too, and didn't care for it one bit. Kynzie smelled the candy smell - "What's that smell? It smells like candy, like chocolate candy." So, Delainey shared one with Max and one with Kynzie. Kynzie loved it. Max spit out the one tiny bite he took and said it tasted like ice cream.

I Have a Grateful Heart

I have so many blessings for which I am grateful! I woke up this morning to the twins' chatter accompanied by smiles. How much better can life get? Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the many blessings you have given. Blessed be the name of the Lord. You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say blessed be Your name.

We are in a season, if you will, of the Father "giving" it seems, and I want to give thanks.

I am thankful for my husband. He loves his family so much and wants to be an involved father and husband. He has the desire to provide for his family and does it without complaint. I am glad that he takes an interest in leading us in knowing and loving the Lord. He is a wonderful man and a blessing in my life.

I am so thankful for each one of my children. They are each so unique and gifted in their own ways. I thank God many times a day for each of them and that I am able to stay home with them!

I am thankful for my parents. Thank you Dad and Mom for all that you have done. God used you to lay a firm foundation. I pray you reap the blessings of the seeds you've sewn (and continue to sew).

I am thankful for my brother and his family and my sister and her family. These are my best friends, and I am so glad God coordinated us all to be a family.

I am thankful for my husband's family. God blessed me with in-laws who are caring and supportive of our family.

I am thankful for our church and church family and friends there. It has truly been a wonderful support system.

I am thankful for our coop. This has been a huge help in our home school journey this year, and the great group of families being knit together is a terrific added bonus.

I am thankful for our home and all our material possessions.

I am thankful also for all the memories I have of holidays past. Times with my Granny and Prampa who are no longer with us, and times with my Grandpa and Grandma. I loved holidays as a kid (just as I still do). I couldn't wait to get to my grandparents' homes to give big hugs and kisses and then play with my cousins. I loved the smells of the food cooking, the sounds of the adults talking and laughing with each other, the yummy dessert tables, playing games... I have always loved family get-togethers. I hope my kids do too.

Happy Birthday, Bug, You're My Little Girl

Delainey turned 14 on Monday. I am so proud of her. That she made it to 14. Ha, ha! No, just kidding. I am so proud of how she has grown and matured in the last year. Happy birthday, Delainey-Bug! I love you! I am so thankful that God blessed my life with you. You have challenged me, made me grow and made me seek after God more intensely. You have given me countless joys over the years, bringing many a smile to my face and much laughter to my lips. Your hand in mine is still as precious now as it was when you were born. I am so pleased when you choose to move forward and press into Jesus despite what fears you may have or what hindrances may come... Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deut. 31:6

You're my little girl, but you were His first
the one that He created
No one in this world could ever be like you...

Plans to give me hope...

I say I trust in God. And I mean it to varying degrees each time I say it or think it or pray it. I think He is calling me to a deeper place yet again. Growing pains hurt. Especially spiritual growing pains.

I have spent several days sitting around having a it of a pity party for myself. You see, I feel like I have worked really hard toward certain goals lately, and I have come so close to achieving those certain goals. But I've been blocked. I can't see the goals on the horizon anymore.

I feel like I have been diligent in particular areas, and now, right before what should be the payoff, it is cutoff. So, I have asked God why. I have whined about it. I have tried to figure ways around it. But all I needed to do was say okay God, you know what is ahead... you lead the way, and I will follow you. I trust you.

It is so simple, but yet so difficult. I have to get out of my own way. Lay down my plans. Throw out my carefully laid out plans. That is really hard to do sometimes. But it brings so much peace to let go and let God take the lead in your life. It isn't the way of this world; It almost seems backwards. Let go and you have peace? You should have a plan to have peace.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..."

Because of things in my past, it is sometimes difficult for me to believe that people don't have ulterior motives. I don't want it to be that way, and God has done much healing in this area, but I have become painfully aware that I still operate in this broken way, even toward God.

But His word says His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me. I believe it. I believe He is calling me to believe it on a new and deeper level. So, I lay down my best laid plans, and say, Yes Lord, I trust you.

Home Made Muesli Mix Brings Germany Home

mmm, mmm, mmm good! That's what this is. When Scott came home from Germany in February, he was constantly raving about the breakfasts he ate daily. Yogurt, apple cider type beverage, fruits, and a granola-like cereal. He spoke longingly of this granola-like cereal often. I dismissed the notion of having it here, thinking it was most likely a "Germany only thing".

In the meantime, I had been searching for an alternative to prepackaged oatmeal (because I don't care for it). I want something a little healthier and more filling than sugary boxed cereal. I like to reserve that for a special occasion or a treat or snack more than a way to start the day. So, I first came across Swiss oatmeal in a cookbook. (I cut the recipe down to 2 servings.) This was better, but still not quite the texture I desire.

One day, while on a search for a healthy, yet easy treat to take to a get-together, I spied a bag of Bob's Red Mill Muesli that looked interesting. It even had a delicious cookie recipe on the back. I took it home and made a batch of the cookies. I felt the recipe needed modifications and was quite pleased with the end result.

Also on the bag was the directions to eat the muesli as cereal, either hot or cold. I decided to give the cold version with milk a try first and found that I really enjoyed it. When I described my new found breakfast delight to Scott he said, "That's sounds like what I ate in Germany!"

As a side note, I grew up not liking hot cereals, porridges, or gruel of any sort. I also did not care for milk in my cereal. The texture of soggy cereal was not bearable for me. And, with maybe two exceptions, I still don't care for these things. So, trying to find something similar to what I don't like in a form that I do like has been a challenge.

Now I make it at home. And here is the recipe so far. I am sure as I learn more and try this or that, my recipe will change. What is Muesli, anyway? Check out the Wikipedia definition.

O'Brien Morning Muesli

4 cups 100% whole grain rolled oats (thick cut may taste better, but I haven't tried that variety yet)
1 cup pearled barley, uncooked
1 cup unsweetened flake coconut (not shredded)
1 cup slivered almonds
1/4-1/2 cup sunflower seeds, unsalted is best
1 cup raisins
1/4-1/2 cup date crumbles, look for no sugar added
1/4-1/2 dried cranberries
2-3 tablespoons flax seeds

Mix it all together and keep it in an airtight storage container. I actually doubled this today, and it should last us 1 week if Scott, Kynzie, and I eat it. (Scott may not eat it until he has his dentist appointment next week.)

If you do soak the oats overnight before mixing the cereal, which is probably the healthiest way as soaking grains brings out the best nutrient-wise, you would want to reduce the recipe down to tablespoons at a time instead of cups. You would only want to soak what you could eat in one day at a time. You could also mix fresh fruits instead of dry this way.

I add a little cinnamon and Stevia to it in my cereal bowl. Kynzie likes it this way as well. I have a sweet tooth that I am trying to tame, and Stevia seems to help in that department.

Scott enjoys it with a glass of apple cider just like in Germany. In fact, it brought back memories of Germany so vividly for him he's going back again! Seriously, his work is sending him back to Germany but only for a week this time.

Anyway, I also found a great recipe for Chicken Barley Soup to use some of the pearled barley! Maybe I'll post that one later.

Bittersweet Good-Bye for Ol' Blue (aka Storm Chaser)

Tonight Scott called and said something like “I’m going to be a little late picking Delainey up tonight… I crashed my car.” I first said, “Are you joking?” He has been known to make up silly things from time to time to time and time again. So, I actually ended up asking him a second time. He seemed remarkably calm for him, but he also wasn’t making complete sense. He can get irritated when I try to ask clarifying questions and he isn’t in the clarifying mood. I just tried to quickly sort out in my mind what he was saying and make sure he was okay.

He is okay. He may be sore, but he is okay. Thank you, Lord. And thank you that no one else was hurt either.

In fact, no other vehicle was involved. Just a light pole. He rear-ended a light pole, so to speak, swerving to miss a turning vehicle down a slippery hill.

That truck has served him (us) well, but I guess the “storm-chasers” days are over. It is a little bit bittersweet Bitter because now we’re down to one car again which means I won’t have a car often. And sweet because… I can’t really think of anything sweet right now. So just bitter.

No, that isn’t right. It is good he wasn’t hurt. It is good that wasn’t our only vehicle. It is good that we have another opportunity to wait on the Lord’s provision just like we did when we first received that truck as a free gift! There! That is the something sweet! It was FREE! So, bittersweet.

A good cornbread recipe for an iron skillet

I made cornbread in my iron skillet… I am still looking for the BEST cornbread recipe, but this one was pretty good. Is all cornbread a little on the dry side? But this one was not nearly as crumbly as many other recipes I've made/eaten.
1 cup cornmeal – I only had maybe 2/3 cup left, so I added a little corn grits (polenta) to make it just under 1 cup. Then added a little extra flour.
1 cup flour – I used a combination of white and whole wheat.
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 ½ cup buttermilk – I did not have buttermilk, so I used 1 cup plain yogurt and ½ cup milk.
1/3 cup sugar
2 medium eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Here is where I found the original recipe: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/mybestcornbread.htm But of course, I couldn’t just make it as stated. I didn’t mix it in the order they suggest either, but it may have been even better if I had. I think this was the best cornbread I have made yet. It isn’t terribly sweet, but you can always add honey and butter when you’re ready to eat it up. It had a good flavor and a good texture. Oh, and I added cinnamon because I am a bit of a cinnamon fanatic. A teaspoon of vanilla would add some nice flavor as well.

Next time, I may add flax seeds, too…

Talk about sensory integration!

“Mom, my eye bulb is bumpy…” (a short silence as I glance back to see her with her finger in her eye, and before I could spit out a warning about fingers in eyes especially in the car… “and, it tastes like… banana.”

What?! Kynzie is so “5-senses” oriented. But I don’t think I realized just to what extent!

Brotherly Love

We dropped Delainey off at a friend’s birthday party today, and Max began to cry when she jumped out of the car. He was so sad to leave without Delainey. It is so sweet that he loves her so much. Kynzie and Delainey tend to argue and disagree more often, but Max has a different relationship with his oldest sister. (Although, Kynzie does miss Delainey when she is gone as well and loves it when Delainey agrees to play house or school with her!)

Max even seeks out Delainey for comfort if I am nursing or otherwise indisposed during the day. Once recently when Max wanted to do something and Daddy told him no, he turned around and asked me. Mommy explained that if Daddy already said no, he shouldn’t come ask me – no is no. He then declared that he would go ask Delainey as he turned and headed into the other room. Too cute! You never know what they are thinking, and I love that he is able to fully communicate to us what is on his mind. Well, as fully as he does anyway.

I'm sure a bit of the close connection the kids have stems from our decision to home school. It is such a blessing to my heart. The little kids don’t know what it would be like for Delainey to leave every day to go to “school”. She does it right here at home. That is what is normal for Kynzie and Max.