So Much, So Little

Sunday. Dear husband is usually at work but he is staying home today. We'll take this opportunity to go out and look at a house. It's on a little bit of land, out where the city hasn't reached yet. Not that we are planning on moving or anything. But we do like to look at other houses and dream and plan . . . . . "now the boys could do this here and the Hoosier goes over there and out back is the perfect spot for . . " Do you do that? It breaks up the monotony of days and it usually gives me a fresh vision for our own home.

Yesterday was spent catching up on some things. I worked on the other two skirts for Sewing Seeds, made a curtain for the hall closet door - a project that has been waiting for me for three weeks and when I finally get to it it's finished in an hour! I made a little gingerbread man felt cookie as a prototype (he's adorable!), concocted a delicious soup for dinner (the recipe will follow soon), and finally machine quilted a little blanket for my new grand-niece. I'll post pictures of each during the next week.

Today, besides looking at the house, I hope to sew the binding onto the little quilted blanket, hem the Sewing Seeds skirts, and possibly get mostly through making a few new pairs of pantaloons for daughter. Oh, and all three boys need haircuts, too.

I pray that your Sunday is productive or restful or whatever you need it to be. And most of all I pray that you may be found in Jesus, the only one with the power over life and death.

Philippians 3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Best Brownies

We've been making these brownies for over a decade now. They are an easy treat that I can have in the oven in no time when guests are on their way, or something I make late at night when everyone has a desire for some dessert and there is no dessert to be found! They are delicious, chocolate-satisfying, and versatile, too.

Best Fudge Brownies

Prepare your pan - and this will determine what kind of brownies you have. A true 9x13 pan will give you thinner brownies. I have one that measures about 8x12 that gives me brownies like in the picture - just over an inch thick. For thicker brownies use a 7x11 pan (but I wouldn't go any smaller than that otherwise your brownies will be too thick and take longer to cook through to the middle.) Okay - back to the beginning. Prepare your chosen pan by buttering it. Turn oven to 325F.

In mixing bowl melt 1 cup of butter, either in microwave or double boiler style over boiling pot of water. When melted, stir in 12 T. cocoa powder with a wooden spoon (I think this may be about 1/3 c., but I've measured it this way for so long it is just habit now ;-) {Oh, by the way - it looks totally delicious at this point, just silky chocolate! For a little fun, offer a taste to the children and see how they like it - just a tiny finger dip though! My children only went for this one time - after that they always asked "Have you added the sugar yet?" } Now add 2 cups of sugar, stirring until mixed well. Stir in 1 t. vanilla and 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing each egg in thoroughly before adding the next one. At this point, you may add a good spoonful of peanut butter to the batter (about 1/2 c.), which not only adds flavor to the brownies, but makes them thicker and chewier too. YUMMM! Then add 1 cup of flour, again mixing well.

At this point you could be done and they make wonderful brownies by themselves - OR you could add whatever kinds of chips/nuts you have on hand or your heart desires. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Milk Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Peanut Butter Chips, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc.

Fold your extras into the batter and spread in pan. Bake at 325F for 28-35 minutes, depending on your pan and how you like your brownies - longer for smaller pan, shorter for larger pan - Brownies are done when the top is dry and center is mostly firm to the touch - a little give but not a gooey give, okay?

Enjoy!!

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

This Is My Father's World

One of our favorites (we have several, as you'll eventually learn ;-) which was brought to mind on our outdoor excursion yesterday.

This was written by Maltbie D. Babcock, a physically active man who loved to be outdoors, he also played several instruments, and might have become a musician if he had not entered the ministry. He had the habit of taking early morning walks to the top of a hill north of Lockport, New York where he was pastoring at the time. From the hill he had a full view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding countryside. He would tell his wife, "I'm going out to see my Father's world." It was on one of these early morning walks that Mr. Babcock was inspired to write the words to this hymn, although he never heard it sung. He died on a trip to the Holy Land at the age of 43. His wife published many of his writings after his death, and a volume of his poems contained this treasure.

This Is My Father's World

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wroght.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: he shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. Oh, let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: the battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied and earth and Heav'n be one.

This is my Father's world, dreaming I see His face. I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry "The Lord is in this place." This is my Father's world, from the shining courts above, The Beloved One, His Only Son, came -- a pledge of deathless love.

This is my Father's world, should my heart be ever sad? The Lord is King -- let the heavens ring. God reigns -- let the earth be glad. This is my Father's world. Now closer to Heaven bound, for dear to God is the earth Christ trod. No place but is holy ground.

This is my Father's world. I walk a desert lone. In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known. This is my Father's world, a wanderer I may roam. Whate're my lot, it matters not, my heart is still at home.

"Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world. It is not an idea in the air but feet on the ground going God's way. It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty is its root and branch. Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will. We may cry out about the beauty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted breath and a rootless hope unless we plow and plant in His kingdom here and now. To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities. There is no substitute for plain, every-day goodness."

Maltbie Davenport Babcock, 1858-1901

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

Henrietta's Day Out

Hello Again! So nice to have you back. Let's see what's been happening here with our Henrietta.

As you may know, she worked steadily on through a ruffle-ly dress and then helped whip up a set of aprons. Now I hope she's ready for a bit of fun!

She's decided to take a trip to the fabric shoppe to see what lovely things they have, what projects will go on her wish list and if there are any wonderful new books, patterns, yarns, or papers. You understand, dear, don't you?

Quietly strolling and browsing through the patterns -- Oh, Look! The children have found something! How cute, a fluffy chicken. Adorable. The children pushed on the chicken wing -- AAHHHH! WHAT is it Doing? It's chasing our Miss Hen!

Run, Hen! Run!

It keeps chasing her and playing this annoying polka song! Will she be able to get away?

It looks as though Henrietta is gaining some ground, if she can only keep it up for just a bit longer!

Oh, to be met with trials like this when one simply wants to enjoy the pleasantries of a visit to the shoppes!

Ahhh, a hiding place at last.

Oh, now, this is so much pleasanter and peaceful. What treasures Miss Henrietta could make with these!

After the adventures at the fabric shoppe, how about a bite of lunch, Hen? I know a little out of the way place nearby.

Lunch is ordered and Hen is getting out her napkin. She is, after all, a very proper and tidy hedgehog.

Well, isn't this nice? Just the right size for a petite pincushion. And she nibbles so daintily!

And now wash it all down with just a sip of refreshment.

What shall we do next? Oh, I know the perfect way to end the day. Come along, Henrietta!

The pleasures of nature are always able to soothe the soul if one will just stop long enough to listen and enjoy -- the cool of the grass, the warmth of the sun, the songs of our bird friends, the brightness and pleasant scent of the flowers, and the wonderful fellowship with friends and our LORD who created them all.

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

New Stamps: Delight and So Very

I haven't stamped for awhile - been busy with sewing and school. I had tried earlier to make some thank you cards for my Bible study friends (for my birthday gift) but it just wasn't working out the way I wanted to. But last night our new stamps arrived - from my stamp party last week and after mounting the stamps an idea just came to me. I worked up one to test it, liked it and made the rest this morning.

You never know when inspiration will hit, but when it does - Watch out! I think they turned out pretty cute - especially with the little sparkling flower in the middle. I picked those up at JoAnn's last week in a little bag for $1. The colors caught my eye and I knew I could use them for something!

The stamps are Delight in Life and So Very sets from Stampin' Up! and the colors are the new Cool Caribbean and White card stock with Turquoise, Rose and Celery inks.

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

My Angel

I bet in your everyday life you don't often see angels -- but I have my own personal one.




This is my own angel -- my oldest son. He has Angelman Syndrome , always has and always will.

You've probably never heard of Angelman Syndrome before. I hadn't either until he was born 20 years ago. No, I take that back. I had never heard of it until he was diagnosed at the age of 5. I've lost count of the number of Doctors whom we have educated about it. Still, all these years later, we do the basic Angelman 101 when we come across someone new either at school, Doctors office, or out in the community. It's understandable, really. You see, my son is part of the first wave, if you will, of children diagnosed with AS. Only one year after he was born was the first official diagnosis made, and they trickled in after that. His is the generation that information and statistics are being gathered upon in order to better serve and inform the parents of children being born and diagnosed today. So, I guess we're breaking ground. Just the kind of job my angel is up for!



What is Angelman Syndrome, anyway? Technically, it is a deletion on a specific part of the 15th chromosome which causes an overall neural/developmental delay. Practically, it means that my son is a nearly 6 foot tall toddler. Seriously. He still thinks he can sit on my lap and he gives the best hug you've ever had in your life! He loves water, has no speech at all, is a couch-potato and a social butterfly. He's always in a good mood, except when mealtime is late.

It has certainly been a roller coaster ride these past 20 years, and it isn't over yet. Each stage has had it's challenge. When he learned to walk at five years - that was Wonderful!! He started school at 7, after little brother was born. Being naturally a great big people person, that was like a party for him. Getting older caused changes, as did another little brother followed by a little sister. We've gone through a few moves, puberty is past, and we had to deal with the heart-wrenching decision to place him in a care home when he became bigger and stronger than I am. But even then the LORD was faithful and gave me all that I asked for before I could consider making the placement. Our latest ride involves seeking Conservatorship over him. Not easy but not too difficult either. Just be sure you can write checks . . . . Lots of them.



I have a friend whose son is just a few months older than mine. Her son went through what is thought of as the typical rebellion and got into some trouble now and then because of it. She tells me often that I am lucky because my angel will never break my heart. Well, maybe not in that way, but there have been a few times when I thought my heart was broken regarding this sweet one who just goes through life with a smile on his face looking for his next hug. Doesn't a broken heart come with the job title of "Parent," at least every once in awhile?

When he was a toddler, we were part of a group that met once a week. The children, all developmentally delayed, would be in a little class like a therapy session - exposing them to all kinds of sensory experiences - and the moms would meet to share their angst on having a child who is delayed. Let me be right up front and tell you how much I hated those meetings (with the other moms) and felt even more of an outsider, which was strange because the whole point of the time together was to make us feel like we weren't alone and that there were others struggling, too.



Why did I dislike it so? Because essentially the whole time was spent lamenting the fact that they didn't have a normal child, how life was going to be different now than what they had planned, and how they hated the Down's or whatever Syndrome that had done this to their child. I absolutely could not relate to that. Call it bliss, call it delusion, call it faith in the absolute sovereignty of God, or whatever you will. From the second he was born, before we knew there was anything different about him, till today, my love and feelings for my son have been just the same. How could I hate this Syndrome for making my son this way when I felt there was nothing wrong with the way he was? He was happy and easy-going and a joy to be around. And he would stay that way his entire life. How can I be upset at that? Needless to say, it was a relief of sorts when he grew out of that particular program.

Just what is there to love about my angel? Well, I love the way he can sit / lay on the couch with me for hours and just snuggle. I love it when he is watching one of HIS movies and he just laughs and laughs and laughs! I love how he gets the picture frame with he and Dad on vacation years ago and will look at it and "kiss it". I love how his face lights up when he sees me. I even love how he can be so focused on an object, usually food, that he will avoid making eye contact with me. I love the way he plays with his brothers and the way they play with him. I love that he is the champion seeker in hide and seek. I love the way his little sister, half his size, can get him to sit down and stay there! I love how he is soooooo serious and focused -- and when you give him what he wants it's like you tickled him, he is so pleased. I love how he can sit in the tub for- just about -ever and splash and play as long as the shower head is dripping some water. I love how he never meets a stranger. I love the fact that, in his own silent way, he can get what he wants - like refusing to eat the hamburger and fries until he is given some of the milkshake first! (And the little light in his eyes when he knows he has won!) I love that when he has finished his food, he will stare and stare at mine until I give in and share. (it's a mother thing ;-) I love how he thinks he's so sly -- keeping eye contact with you and thinking that you can't see his hand reaching out like an elephant's trunk to grab some of your food! I love the fact that even though I may be done having babies, in a way, this angel will always be my baby. I love the thought in my head of a time years ahead of where we are now, when the other children are grown and gone with families of their own, and husband is retired, and it will once again be just the three of us like it was so many years ago. I love how just the thought of him puts a smile on my face.

My angel will turn 21 this year, which will mean that I've been a Mom longer than I've not been a Mom. Does that make sense? But with rewards like this . . . . . . . .

. . . . . who's keeping track?

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

A Trio of Aprons!

They're done!



I really want to add some pockets (see my post on Marbles!)to mine :-)

Didn't they turn out great? Daughter loves the fact that not only does she have an apron like Mom's, but that her little Cashew does, too!

The ruffles make it fun and more girly than the aprons I usually wear - and that's a good thing!

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

A New Apron for Cashew

The sewing machine has been stitching and the iron has been pressing and our Miss Henrietta has been pinning and now we are ready to show you the first of our set of Mother/Daughter/Doll aprons!

This was really easy to put together, and the Mother & Daughter ones are almost finished -- I just need to clean up all of the loose, hanging threads. I'll post them tomorrow!



(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

Chickens Save the Day . . .

. . . . or breakfast at least!

Pancakes have been a highly requested item here lately and as a result we've been going through eggs faster than usual.

This morning, when I opened the refrigerator to get out the eggs, there was one lonely egg in the bowl. Not enough for one batch of pancakes, and certainly not enough for the double batch we usually go through!

So I sent daughter out to the chicken coop to see if they could rescue us (have some eggs to make our pancakes with). They are going on their third year now and laying is not a regular thing anymore. A few eggs a week each, or not. Just depends. I needed three more eggs to make the pancakes. Guess what daughter came back with? THREE EGGS!

What wonderful Hens!

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

Mission Complete!

I heard some small rustlings in the kitchen last night so got up to investigate.

What should I spy around the corner but the ever-persistent Henrietta working on placing pins for the buttonholes. She is delightfully amazing!




I didn't want to disturb her, and truly I had no desire to deal with buttons or buttonholes at that hour, so I retreated as quietly as I could and left her to it.

Wonder of wonders - what greeted me in the morning? These two lovelies all finished! A sweet little pinafore for baby sister (big sister has a matching one) and the dress for big sister to wear under her pinafore.






Hen has absolutely out-done herself! I'll have to see what I can do about getting her a day out before we start in on our next project.

I've heard rumors that it's a set of Mother/Daughter/Dollie aprons with ruffles!! Don't tell Hen though. We'll let her enjoy a day off first! If you think about her, please send her your best wishes. :-)

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)