As promised

Dear ones-

We have been sick...

VERY sick....three long weeks of sickness in one form or another

Three distinct, separate sicknesses; including the awful flu going around this year...

So, that is my excuse for neglecting you. (I am pretending that there are actually people who read this blog but that is beside the point.)

 

 

 

 

 I made three simple quilts for my boys for Christmas. The fabrics I used are from the line called "Scoot" by Riley Blake and minky fabric for the back and binding.. I have been surprised time and again how much little children love the softness of minky fabric. I must confess I love it too! I found a down minky blanket at the thrift store and have enjoyed it every morning. All of the minky and quilts have been put to good use during our long period of illness. Cuddled up on the couch watching Roy Rogers has been happening around here a lot lately. If you couldn't tell from the pictures above, Roy Rogers is now the hero of our home.

 In more minky news, our smallest son lost his giraffe minky blanket toy at church on the eve of our sickness. But the catastrophe was averted when it was found and brought home safe. (Although a bit dirty!)

 I have attempted to learn a new craft- needle felting. I purchased a lovely kit off of Etsy and had so much fun making my first bear. It is a rather pathetic attempt but I love learning new things and am happy that it resembles a bear. I have just read a little about it off of the internet and watched a YouTube video so hopefully I will improve as I practice. Happily, my children are very gracious and content that they have a new little bear to play with. My little guy seems to like it especially as it is perfect size for carrying around.

 Overall, even in sickness, I am struck by the beauty and graciousness of our great Savior. He truly "daily loads us with benefits". What precious benefits He has given to me. Blessed be His name!

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11

"As your days--so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25

We should be thankful that life comes to us in such little bits.

We can always live one day well enough.
We can always carry one day's burdens.
We can always do one day's duties.
We can always endure one day's sorrows.

It is a blessing that one day is all that God ever gives us at a time. We should be thankful for the nights that cut off our tomorrows from our view, so that we cannot even see them until they dawn. The little days, nestling between the nights like quiet valleys between the hills, then seem so safe and peaceful.

~ J.R. Miller

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own!" Matthew 6:34

* Jeanne asked for the recipe for the muffins. In our house, we call them coffeecake muffins and they are well loved. I usually serve them with fresh fruit for breakfast. Here is the recipe:

Coffeecake Muffins

Batter:
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together and spoon into muffin pans with paper liners. I use a large cookie scoop to scoop out the batter as it makes it so much easier.

Topping:

1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon canola oil (you can use all butter if you prefer)

Mix all ingredients together. This topping mixture should be crumbly and somewhat sticking together. Evenly disperse topping over the muffins. Then, slightly poke the topping into the batter about 1/2 way down the muffin cup. This will prevent all of the topping from falling off during baking and consumption.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. I serve them pretty much as soon as they are out of the oven as my little guys all start screaming and run for the table when the hear the timer go off.

Enjoy :)