Jesus' Parables

I love my church and the pastors' commitment to teaching us the truth. They tackle hard issues, and never shy away from the gospel. They recently released a series on the parables, and they dig deep. At this link you will find a study of 10 different parables, including videos and 2 different study guides. We are doing the study as a small group, but you could do it on your own if you wanted.

My favorite so far has been the "Great Judgement" - study #3.

Which is your favorite parable?

Mango Chutney Turkey Bravo

I'd like to introduce you to the most fabulous sandwich around, the Mango Chutney Turkey Bravo.

I missed this little gem while being pregnant. I'm glad to be back in the game!

All you need for this masterpiece is:
- a Granny Smith apple
- sliced turkey
- mango chutney (I had to buy this in the Hispanic cooking isle)
- cheddar cheese
- Cape Cod chips

Layer all ingredients at desired quantities, enjoy!

Tutu Tutorial

Since finding out I was having a beautiful little girl, I've made numerous tutus. They look cute, and best of all - they are super easy to make. (I made a few in the car on the way to NH this summer).

Here is the video I watched before making my first tutu, although I've modified how I make them. (I apologize, the video is about 5 minutes longer than it needs to be...).

You need:
- ribbon for the waist. (In the video she suggests using a stretchy headband, but I recommend ribbon because you can start with a long piece of ribbon and add more tulle as you need it when your daughter's waist gets bigger.
- tulle (In the video she buys it off the large spool in the fabric store, but I recommend the small spool that you can find in the dollar isle or the wedding isle). This means that you are only going to have cut length and don't have to worry about width.
- scissors

How to:
- cut your strips of tulle
- tie them onto your ribbon (the video will show you have to do this)
- enjoy! 

Happy Birthday Gram

Happy Birthday, Gram!

Love,
Guess Who

Precious Smile

Ella has learned to smile...and how to ensure Mom and Dad watch her every move for a glimmer of one! Here are my "favorite smiles" from last week.

Cookies

Last week I learned that Josh's favorite dessert is oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. We've "only" been married 3 and a half years...#wifefail.

We made these cookies this past weekend with his sister Katie - and Josh loved them! I can honestly say that I've never had oatmeal chocolate chip cookies before, but I thought these were pretty good...thus why they are almost all gone. :)

Original recipe makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies:

- 1 c softened butter

- 1 c packed light brown sugar

- 1/2 c white sugar

- 2 eggs

- 2 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 1/4 c flour

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp salt

- 3 c quick-cooking oats

- 1 c semisweet chocolate chips (honestly, I added 1/2 a c more).

 

 

Directions:
- preheat oven to 325 

- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

- Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Too Quickly

Time the last 2 months has simply flown by too quickly. (Although sometimes the last 2 months feels like 20 months). I wouldn't trade this precious time with Ella for anything in the world. I used to think my life was perfect; great job, wonderful friends, a husband I adore - but now I can't imagine my life without our precious Ella.