Mini Apples

I needed a snack idea to take to Ashlyn's Girl Scouts meeting.

I didn't want the ever famous brownies or cookies.

I wanted something that was semi-healthy.

So I found this recipe for mini apples...

1. I washed Granny Smith apples.

(I used 7 apples to make 60 mini apples)

2. I unwrapped the carmel candies.

3. I wanted to add some color so I used some sprinkles I had on hand.

4. I used these plastic sticks I found at the grocery store for the handles.

(The recipe called for lollipop sticks.)

5. I used a melon baller, until it broke and I had to use my cookie scoop.
I got 10 to 12 mini apples per apple, depending on the size.

6. I stuck the plastic sticks into the skin side of the mini apples.

7. I melted semi-sweet chocolate chips and carmel candies for dipping.

8. I dipped the bottom into the sprinkles to add some fun color.

9. Then I placed then into small muffin papers.

They were YUMMY!

I learned the hard way that they should be served right away.

I put them in a container and set them on the counter.

When it was time to leave for Girl Scouts the carmel had melted into liquid.

I took the chocolate ones and they were a hit!

Monday Moments

Mondays are my days...

To get caught up from the hustle and bustle of the weekend

I have the house to myself

I turn up the music... sometimes really loud

I can choose to get a lot accomplished

Or I can choose to not do much at all

Some moments don't seem all that memorable...

The laundry

The cleaning

The organizing

The bill paying

The meal planning

The grocery shopping

But these are my moments...

Moments of prayer

Moments of peace and quite

Moments of recharging myself

Moments of reflecting on my children

Moments of thankfulness I feel toward my husband

In these moments...

I am reminded to live

I am reminded to love

I am reminded to do for others

I am reminded to not take anything for granted

I am reminded to enjoy every moment life brings

I am reminded how incredibly blessed I am...

Don't Make Me Sing!

This Saturday Night Live video cracks me up every time I see it!

Our family quotes this skit very often, including the kids.

Pretty nails...

We went to Target today.

Ashlyn found some press on nails...

She asked if she could buy them.

I looked at the box...

It said "mom approved!"

What does that mean exactly?

How can they say I approve of my daughter wearing nails?

I ended up caving in.

I told her she could get them...

Except that she had to use her own money.

She could hardly wait til we got home.

First thing in the door she was removing her old fingernail polish.

Then sitting (almost patiently) at the kitchen table awaiting my help.

As I pressed each one on she would tap it on the table.

She was flaunting them... with much exaggeration...

Then she said, "I feel so grown up now!"

They are beautiful... with stars...

She just went outside to play...

Even though it's 95 degrees...

(because she's a tomboy, remember?)

I wonder how many nails she will be flaunting when she returns?

Dear, oh deer...

There isn't much of anything cuter than a baby fawn out in nature!

This little guy was found in the woods...

Left motherless... With a broken leg...

Pour little dear!

He was found by some friends of ours,

Who are taking care of him...

Feeding him, Housing him, Loving him.

He is so gentle and sweet.

He is used to humans and enjoys attention...

And love...

Guess who is hoping to find a fawn in the woods...

To keep as a pet...

Dear, oh deer...

How can you resist a sweet little guy like this?

Heart Ache

My heart is aching an ache that is almost unbearable.

I heard the news on Wednesday of last week...

The passing of an old friend.

Kelly and I never were the closest of friends...

We were in youth group together when we were kids.

I remember her contagious smile and her beautiful eyes.

She was always so caring and thoughtful of others.

Time passed, and we became friends on facebook.

We chatted from time to time, but unfortunately never really reconnected.

She had been dealing with some medical issues,

And ended up having a sudden heart attack.

Shocking... completely shocking!

That in itself is horrible,

Although she is now dancing before Jesus...

Which is so AWESOME for her!

What makes my heart break

Are the grief-stricken loved ones that she has left behind.

Not only her mother and father,

And large family of siblings...

But her wonderful husband...

And 4 beautiful children...

I don't know them. Never have met them,

But I love the way she spoke about them...

She loved them dearly,

And now they have a special place in my heart...

Although it will be like a 'blink of an eye',

Her family and friends will continue on in this life...

Without her.

Her husband will miss the love of his life...

Her children will miss their mother...

Please pray for the Father's loving arms to embrace them...

And wrap them with His love,

And give them peace that surpasses understanding.

Today was her memorial service...

And they were forced to say their last goodbyes...

Until they meet again...

(Photos from Kelly's facebook albums.)