ultimate recipe swap: my favorite pumpkin bread

 When I think of Fall, two things come to mind immediately. Pumpkin and apples. I LOVE them both. So when Life as Mom announced today's recipe swap would be all about PUMPKIN I knew which recipe I had to post. 

There is nothing that makes my sweetie happier than when he arrives home and there is the wonderful smell of something sweet coming from the kitchen. Cinnamon, vanilla, lemon he doesn't care which one, just as long as there is something yummy waiting to be devoured. 

This recipe is one of his favorites. It's dense and moist with hints of cinnamon. It has a little crunch with the walnuts and of course a huge payoff with mini chocolate chips. There is so much to love about this bread. Serve it with a hot cup of tea and Baby that's Fall. You MUST try this recipe. It makes great muffins and freezes really well so make a few batches. You'll be smiling I promise!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary


PS. You want more pumpkin? Check out this recipe. Yowza! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread w/Walnuts
adapted from the Taste of Home

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 cups canned pumpkin

1-1/2 cups canola oil

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup of chopped walnuts

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour into two greased 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).

awe-inspiring pro-life witness...

Gianna Jessen speaks from her heart...may the world listen!

small successes (vol.54)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

I missed you guys last week! It was crazy and filled with lots of ick! But I survived and this week has gone swimmingly. I have returned to the gym and have made dinner every single night. 

However, we will NOT discuss the state of the laundry or clutter. Walk away from the clutter...walk.a.way.

2. 

I am trying to stay in the mindset of "being blessed" no matter what comes my way. I wrote about our incredible parish mission last week and a few of the gifts I received from those four nights. 

I have done my B & B every day since. I am amazed at God's generosity. 

3.

I am getting ready for a big Once a Month Cooking Day. I will be making 16 different dishes ( I promise to chronicle this here). I decided not to do the whole 30 day plan because I do like to cook from scratch on the weekends. This way I have four meals for Mon-Thur which are my busiest days of the week. 

My success is recognizing that I don't need to do the full 30. It's really OK to tailor the plan to me and my households needs. 

Crazy idea I know!

Bonus:

Head on Over to sharethetable.com and download this fabulous pasta cookbook for FREE! It's filled with lots of yummy recipes that for the most part are pretty easy on the wallet and high on flavor. 

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

bread crumbs of grace...

Courtney holding her "special" rosary.

Recently I wrote a post about the phenomenal book "Choosing to SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman in which she reveals her personal journey with Christ both before and after she lost her five-year-old daughter Maria in a terrible accident. Over and over again I was moved throughout the book to really question how I choose to SEE God's plan and provision in my daily life.

The one quote that has stayed with me these past few weeks is:
"I have found that even during those times when the path is darkest, He leaves little bits of evidence all along the way - bread crumbs of grace - that can give me what I need to take the next step. But if I can only choose to SEE."


Bread crumbs of grace...


Last week our parish had the great honor of hosting Father Larry Richard from Erie, PA for our four day mission. Each evening my family and I would gather in the sanctuary and listen with great anticipation to this phenomenal preacher. Each night built on the one before.

First we discussed prayer as that important conversation with God. "Bible before breakfast and before bed" Fr Larry advised. B & B baby! Best advice I have heard in a long time.

The second night was all about family. I will write a separate post on this one because it was so profound.

Today I wanted to share with you what God placed on my heart the third night about the Passion of the Lord and His redeeming love for us. There were so many bread crumbs of grace I lost count.

Father started the evening by going through the events of the Passion. The abandonment Jesus felt in the Garden when even His closest friends slept instead of praying with Him in His hour of need. He asked us to think if we ever feel as abandoned as Jesus did?

My heart skipped a beat. Oh yes,I thought. There are so many times I feel like I am standing alone in the middle of nowhere and for miles there isn't a soul to be found, no one to encourage me or hold me up. I am the only one who is experiencing these things. This is all I can SEE at that moment. Isolation, loneliness, persecution. No one else could possibly understand what's happening in my heart at that moment, right?

Wrong...Jesus felt all of that and more. He felt alone and desperate. He begged God to take this suffering and agony away from Him. Yet in the end He submitted himself to God's authority, offered up His suffering to His Father and said "Not my will but yours be done."

My bread crumb of grace...Do I do that? In those darkest moments do I submit to my Lord and my King every feeling of loneliness and isolation? Do I offer up every single fear as a gift given in good faith and trust that God will not abandon me in my hour of need?

I must choose to SEE His authority over me and trust in His plan. He gives me everything I need in the Eucharist and the Holy Scriptures to know how He loves me. Even in the knowing it's easier said than done believe me.

As Father continued describing everything Jesus went through he stopped at one point and spent a significant amount of time talking about the scourging. He said each and every time we sin that's what we are doing. We are whipping Our Lord and denigrating Him.  If that wasn't compelling enough, Father continued speaking about how difficult things were physically and emotionally for Our Lord.

You could hear a pin drop in that church. It was powerful. Finally Father arrived at the part of the Passion where Jesus us hanging on the cross. He was describing how difficult it was for Jesus to breathe and how He would gasp and struggle as He hung there in pure agony for ME. 

I grasped my husbands hand as tears began to fall. All I saw before me was my beautiful daughter every time she has a seizure. She struggles and gasps for each and every breath struggling against the seizure that racks her body one wave after another.

My bread crumb of grace...the complete understanding that at that moment my daughters cross is My Lords cross. She embraces HIM completely and totally living her own Calvary right before my eyes. She honors God and His plan for her each time a seizure comes. She lives her own Passion. Jesus is present in those moments. Nothing else matter but taking that one breath.

I was stunned with that vision, Stunned! What followed made me weep.

Father continued the story describing Mary the Mother of God and how she never left her boys side the entire time. She was there when He took his first breath, she would be there for His last. After He had given His all for me and my sin, He was removed from the cross and placed in His mothers arms. She held Him and rocked Him. Mary kissed Him and talked to Him telling Him how much she loved Him and how proud she was of Him. I saw it all right in front of me.

When my Courtney is having a seizure, I am right there with her. I do not leave her side. I rock her, I hold her, I tell her how much I love her. I pray, calling out to God the Father to make it stop. I beg to have this cup pass from us. In the end, I let her go placing her in the arms of the Father. I ask Jesus to be gentle with my girl with whatever He needs to do at that moment. His will, not mine.

I see His Mother stoking His hair that horrible day kissing her boy;
"Shhhh, it's OK. Momma's here. I am right here. Your not alone. No reason to be scared. Momma's right here. I love you my sweet girl. I love you so much."


The images were so vivid for me. They slammed into my heart the fact that at that moment as I hold my daughter as she embraces her cross. Our Blessed Lady holds me and says "Shhhh, it's OK. Momma's here. I am right here. Your not alone. No reason to be scared. Momma's right here. I love you my sweet girl. I love you so much."


That's not a bread crumb of grace...that's the whole loaf BUT only if I choose to SEE it that way.

Only if I stay open to the grace and mercy that God has for me and my daughter in that moment. Only if I choose to see His healing hands upon her, his mother's loving arms around her. Only if I chose to see the honor He has given me to walk with this child through this world. Only if I lay her at the foot of the cross and give her back to My Savior who trusted me with her.

He gave His life for me. For you. He only had ONE life to give and He chose to SEE me&you and honor me&you with his dying breath. He chose to give that ONE life for me&you.

What more can I ask of Him?

He gave it ALL.

So as I change the diapers of my eighteen year old,survive another night of seizures and no sleep, make another batch of formula for her G-tube, sew another bib or pair of pants to fit over that diaper, I give my life for His child.

As I serve my parish by volunteering, answering the different needs of my community or tithe from my principle not my excess, I give my life for His church.

As I cook, clean and keep my home for my husband, pray for and listen to my friends worries and needs and face each day no matter what comes my way, I give my life for those I love.

ONLY if I choose to SEE it that way. Other wise these things are drudgery and at times plain misery.

My bread crumb of grace...I have only one life to give away.

In doing so, one day at a time, one act at a time, I honor the most precious gift that Jesus ever gave me.

His Redeeming Love.

I choose to SEE it that way. Do you SEE those bread crumbs of grace in your daily life?

tasty tuesday ~ yellow squash w/ shallots, sun-dried tomatoes and basil

This recipe was the last one I had in the que before concentrating on a new season of flavors so I thought I would share. Yellow Squash w/Shallot, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil is from the phenomenal cookbook called At Blanchard's Table:  A Trip To The Beach Cookbook by Melinda Blanchard, Robert Blanchard and Ben Fink. This cookbook makes me want to get on the first available plane going south to the Bahamas. The recipes are filled with layers of flavor and the photography makes me drool. 

This recipe is simple to make and really tasty. I loved the twang of the sun-dried tomatoes with the sweetness of the basil. Yum, Yum, Yummy! I think it would make a great side dish for fish or poultry. 

Celebrate the Feast, 

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yellow Squash w/Shallots, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil

recipe from 

At Blanchard's Table:  A Trip To The Beach Cookbook by Melinda Blanchard, Robert Blanchard and Ben Fink.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup minced shallots

1 pound yellow crookneck squash, sliced into 1/3 inch thick rounds

1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and cook the shallots and squash until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes

Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.  

Serve hot or at room temperature.

This weeks recipe is being shared with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Raising Homemakers and City Wife Country Life as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

monday musings...

So it's Monday night. Dancing with the Stars will begin in 15 minutes or so. The dishes are done and kitchen is clean. Courtney has had a bath and the curls are in full riot. J-man is upstairs studying for a History exam and hubby just put oil in the van. I had had a little panic attack when the light was flashing this afternoon so it's all good now.

It's been a heck of a week. We had our four day parish mission with Fr. Larry Richard which was so jammed packed with such wonderful insights that I won't even begin to unpack it in this post. I promise I will share...really I will.

Then, last Tuesday I had this running vote on my facebook page to decide what color Miss Courtney should wear in her school picture the next day. Blue or purple? It was silly and in the end purple won. So Daddy chose a beautiful lavender blouse she has and we did her curls up right so that Wednesday when she showed up at school it would be a WOW moment.

She looked so sweet and had such a lovely smile on her face. I walked her into school and there were ooohh's and aahh's then I saw the poster one the wall that said picture day was Thursday NOT Wednesday!!! ARGH!!! SERIOUSLY!!! I also  forgot a doctor's appointment that afternoon which is not something I ever do.

Oh...that was NOT a good Mamma day!

When I picked Court up from school that afternoon her teacher let me know she had had two BM's that day, very unusual for our girl. That should have been a big flag that something was not right. By 10 p.m. that night Miss Court had a fever of 102 degrees and the most horrific diarrhea I have ever seen. For the next 24 hours it was just so nasty. I felt so bad for my girl. Apparently there has been a icky ROTO virus going round and it landed right smack on my Courtney. Considering how hard we have worked to get this kid to GAIN weight a nasty virus is the last thing we needed. So for 72 hours my girl bravely fought an uphill battle.

Oh yeah...we missed picture day too! Woo.Hoo.

Then the weekend arrived and with it my 43rd birthday. I don't freak out about birthday's anymore. Well I try not to anyway. I got to run away for the day and spent it at a writing seminar surrounded by some of the smartest woman I know. I listened and I learned then I got to share a fabulous dinner with those lovely ladies.

Sunday dawned and the day was spent with family. I made my favorite meal of all time, Roladen with mashed potatoes and green beans. I have had this meal on my birthday every year since I can remember. It brings back such sweet memories of my Mom in the kitchen and birthdays growing up. While it was simmering on the stove Miss Court and I even took a nap. It was lovely.

So Monday arrived and I kept Miss Court home one more day just to be sure the plumbing was back to normal. We have enjoyed a quiet rainy day here in Northern VA and it has allowed me to catch up just a bit. I finally got to work out after a week and that felt slightly asthmatic but good.

Lessons learned this week:

Routines are very good things even when they get interrupted. They allow you to jump right back in as soon as it's possible.

I am so incredibly blessed to live the life I have been given. Yes, it's hard. Yes some days are better than others. But I am loved by the most wonderful man and have been blessed with the most fabulous children. This week reminded me that I actually CHOSE this life and I need to content no matter what the day brings.

Freezer meals are a HUGE life saver especially when all my time is spent cleaning up poop. Best idea ever!

So there you have it...

My life is exciting...don't you think??

mary's book basket ~ "a hope undaunted" by julie lessman

In the first book of the new Winds of Change Series, A Hope Undaunted, author Julie Lessman brings us the story of the youngest O'Connor sister, Katie Rose.

Product Description:
"The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever? A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the WINDS OF CHANGE series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story."


I was really looking forward to this book and Ms Lessman does not disappoint. Katie Rose O'Connor is one spoiled young lady. It's the roaring '20's and the youngest of six siblings she has spent her youth bucking her fathers rules and getting away with it way too often. Then one evening she crosses the line and her father the indomitable Patrick O'Connor puts his foot down and informs his headstrong daughter that she will be volunteering at the Boston Children's Aid Society for the summer. After trying desperately to get out of it she acquiesces and begins her summer "confinement".

Enter Luke "Cluny" McGee. Once a Boston street rat befriended by Katie's brother-in-law Brady who helped him get off the streets. He has known Katie since she was ten and he fourteen. Oil and water is a fabulous way to describe their relationship. He is now the second in command at the BCAS and Katie's boss for the summer. Let the fun begin!

I really enjoyed this book. Watching the character arcs throughout the book of both Katie and Luke was compelling to say the least. They wrestle with their emotions and both change considerably by the end of the book. Katie makes the most dramatic change which was an absolute delight to watch unfold. Her ability to finally let go of control and trust that God has a plan for her was packed with fabulous inner dialogue and personal/spiritual conflict. The last fourth of the book was filled with scene after dramatic scene taking the reader on quite the emotional journey alongside Katie and Luke.

Some of the most moving scenes are between Katie and her siblings, one on one, exploring her confusion about God and His plan for her life. They were emotional and just so beautifully written. The reader is drawn into the heart of a young woman searching for true love. Ms. Lessman has provided some of the best writing I have had the privilege of reading in a long time.

Ms. Lessman has a gift when it comes to portraying large families and their intricate dynamics. I love the light hearted competitiveness between the siblings that is instantly dropped when someone is in trouble. The scenes at the family table take me back to my own families Sunday dinners filled with raucous laughter, teasing and wonderful conversation. These scenes are just sensational. The dialogue quick and packed with humor. I absolutely love when Katie's mother Marceline gets that "steely tone" known to all mother's world wide. Just fabulous!

This will go on the keeper shelf next to Lessman's first trilogy Daughters of Boston. So pick up your copy of "A Hope Undaunted" today at any of your favorite booksellers. You will not be disappointed.

Happy Reading,
Mary

43!

Hello! 

Did you miss me?

I promise to be back with you all on Monday. Today is my 43rd Birthday and the Good Lord has blessed me with a wonderful day after a very stressful week .

(I'll tell you more about it I promise)

So thank you for your patience and understanding!

Now back to the ice cream!!

(please ignore the "double chin", bad angle for the photo...no seriously!)

Blessings, 

Mary

being more present to the family...

Hello My Sweet Readers,  
Things will be quiet around here this week. Our parish mission began this evening and my family and I have the great privilege of hearing Fr. Larry Richards speak for four nights. If this evenings service is any indication of how things will be, it's going to be an awesome week for all who attend. 


This means later nights and earlier mornings to make sure everything gets done leaving little time for writing/posting.  So in order to better meet the needs of my family I need to step away for a few days. I will be back by the weekend since there will be some celebrating to do. There's a birthday coming that just sort of snuck up on me but then life can do that sometimes as you well know.


I look forward to telling you all about the good things the Lord is doing for us. He is so good all the time!! He is moving some pretty big mountains right now and we are praising Him for it!


See you Saturday! Blessing and grace to you all!
Mary

mary's book basket ~ "making waves" by lorna seilstad

With this spectacular debut Making Waves, first-time author Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale filled with humor and a determined heroine whose adventures are an absolute delight to follow. This Historical Inspirational Romance has some fabulous laugh out loud moments as we watch Marguerite stretch her wings challenging the conventions of the day to follow her heart.




Product Description:
"When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves? Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series."

Ms. Sielstad has created characters that I just fell in love with. Marguerite Westing is far from in love with her suitor Roger Gordon but her mother thinks he is the perfect match. Roger is as stiff as a cardboard box with about as much personality. Milk toast comes to mind. Marguerite is a swirling dervish who wishes to embrace life with all it's colors and flavors. Needless to say they are not a match made in heaven.

Along comes Trip Andrews, Marguerite's younger brother's dashing sailing instructor. Trip has something to prove to his overbearing father and he is determined to rise to the challenge he faces. He has such a tender heart which he slowly reveals to Marguerite. The author does a phenomenal job of showing his strength of purpose while still being kind and humble. He is always there to rescue Marguerite from one zany misadventure after another.

The setting sails off the page. The descriptions of the sailing adventures as the canvas of characters wile away the summer on the water make me want to steal away to Iowa catching the next plane out. The tent cities that the wealthy set up were fascinating to learn about as well as the rich social life. There were dances and extravagant meals both of which provided wonderful humorous opportunities for the heroine to do her thing.  I was drawn into every scene and just could not wait to see what would happen next. The spiritual message is subtle and sweet. God's plan is the only one worth following no matter what others may say. Never settle for anything less.

I highly recommend Making Waves.  It is available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Happy Reading,  Mary

10 things i did that scared the heck out of me...

OK. I have been tagged in my first meme. I think I was tagged once before in my early blogging days and had NO idea what it was so I didn't do it. I apologize to whomever tagged me. NOW I get the gist of things.

Munchesmom @ Four Blessings Academy tagged me so if anything you read is too outrageous for you...it's her fault! So here we go...

#1
I tried out for cheerleading in the seventh grade. I really wanted to be a cheerleader. They were the popular girls, the "cute" girls and I was the tomboy with six brothers who was just figuring out what being a girl was all about. I was not particularly athletic but I could do a decent split jump and I sure had the pipes for it (all that yelling from the sidelines you know). Tryouts were excruciating and I felt so awkward. Every night for a week I came home with a stomach ache. In the end I made the team and have a picture with some serious Farrah Fawcet curls!

#2
In the eight grade I tried out for the Forensic Team. I went to a small Catholic school and there were only three of us on the team and I was best buddies with one. I chose to "read" a children's book called "Jumanji". I practiced for weeks and weeks until the big competition. On that day my hands were shaking so hard as I held the book and my voice warbled. I read with so much passion and conviction that I skipped a whole page fumbling halfway through. Afterwards I was so upset I actually went to the ladies room and cried my eyes out. Needless to say I did not place but I was given a certificate of achievement at graduation which in the end was good enough for me.

#3
My freshman year of high school was my first in public school. I remember being so shocked my first week there. People used curse words and they didn't get detention. There were students who actually argued with teachers. In my old school that would have been grounds for suspension. So what did I do to make life easier for me? I ran for president of the Freshman Class knowing only a handful of students that lived in my neighborhood. "Go big or go home" right! It's more like "YOU.ARE.A.CRAZY.PERSON!" Needless to say I got 14 votes out of 300 something. Oh yea that was a good move!

#4
I went on a "date" when I was thirteen and didn't tell my mom. I told her I was meeting my girlfriends at the mall for a movie. That would be one girlfriend and two boys to be exact. I got my first kiss that night right before my Dad showed up "early" to pick me up. Totally not worth the lie or the grounding that took place once the lie was found out. The guy I have been kissing for 24 years...so much better!

#5
I went on a blind date in April of 1986 or I should say I showed up for one. My date however did not show up. My girlfriends date showed up though. I married him two years later. I am thinking that my loser date is fat, bald and seriously unhappy with his choice not to meet me that night! As for me, couldn't be happier he stood me up! Just saying...

#6
As a young officer's wife in the Navy, I ran for wives club president...and won. I was in charge of sixty officers wives. My job was to keep the squadron wives together and focused on supporting one another and our guys while they were deployed. It was intimidating and stressful but in the end a wonderful lesson in giving for something greater. The weekly margarita's weren't bad either!

#7
I learned those lessons so well that once we arrived on the USS Enterprise I did it again. This time not only did we have to get through a deployment but I chaired the first charity auction to support the Navy Relief Society. This was huge! It lead to me wearing a pair of coconut shells in PUBLIC. Yes, there is a picture. No, I will not be posting it here or anywhere. Yes, we did raise several thousands of dollars for Navy Relief including a very generous donation given for me to wear the shells. No, I have not worn coconut shells since then. They don't do a thing for my figure.

#8
I homeschooled my son from the second grade through the twelfth grade. Way to many scary moments in those ten years not the least of which was teaching him to drive. Scary as hell. 'Nuf said!

#9
I pitched my memoir to an editor of a major publishing house. My hands were sweaty, voice was shaking, sweat was pouring down my back and the pits...forget about it! Those were the longest three minutes of my life! She asked for the first three chapters and six months later she sent a lovely rejection letter. Still writing, still learning.

#10
I started this blog.

OK now it's my turn to pass on the love. So I am tagging the following:

MaRia @On the Carousel of Time
Barbara @These Things
Violin Mama @A Rosey Outlook On Life
Betsy @Balancing My Way Through
AlohaVale @Jumping in the Deep End
Kathy @ Faith on the High Wire

Ok ladies...it's now time to face your fears!!
Blessings,
Mary

drumroll please...we have a winner!!

Hi Everyone!!

I am so excited to announce a winner for the "Choosing to See" giveaway. The winner will receive a copy of Mary Beth Chapman's book as well as a copy of her husband Steven Curtis Chapman's newest CD "Beauty Will Rise".

So without further ado the winner is...

BETSY!!

You guys have been so wonderful making this the biggest giveaway yet. I appreciate all of your comments as to how you chose to SEE God in your everyday lives. I have the best readers in the world!! 

Each day you help me to SEE what is good and right with my world. So thank you for your prayers, your comments, you emails!! I hope to have another giveaway next month. That one will be all about food so keep reading and letting me know what you like and what you don't. 

Blessings and Grace to each and everyone of you and Congratulations Betsy!!

Mary

small successes (vol.53)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1. 

This week has been crazy! I feel like I have been running without ever reaching a destination. It's downright exhausting. So when the washer overflowed yesterday at a most inopportune moment in my day, I decided that enough was enough. I stopped and sat with my daughter. I prayed a little, sang a little and just took a moment to breathe.

Sometimes you just need to get off the merry-go-round and be still. Then you have the energy to clean up all the messes life brings you.

Bonus:

The laundry room flour is all sparkly clean!

2.

I have been cooking out of the deep freeze and pantry trying to use what's on hand in order to save money and time. I figure I have about two more weeks before I can defrost the deep freeze to get ready for the next Once-A-Month Cooking extravaganza. 

Thanks for your chicken recipes. They have been quite delish! 

3. 

I have prayed the Rosary everyday while driving Courtney to school each morning. It has really helped get my day going in the right direction. It's always good to have Mother Mary right with me.

Bonus:

I am going to extend the deadline for my newest giveaway until 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Sept. 16). So check out this post and register for a chance to win an awesome book "Choosing to SEE" from May Beth and the CD "Beauty Will Rise" by Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

tasty tuesday ~ mark bittman's spinach quiche

This recipe is all about CHEESE. Oh how I love cheese. It's creamy smooth wonderfulness. Sometimes salty, sometimes sharp but always delightful. Since I had two dozen eggs that were about to expire I decided to see what Mr. Bittman  had to offer. I checked my freezer and found Swiss cheese, spinach and BACON...ahhhh...that spells quiche baby!

This was a scrumptious meal served with a lovely green salad. My guys were very happy with the creamy spinachy goodness. I made three of them eating one and freezing the other two.
That's right...REAL men eat Quiche!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Basic Quiche
adapted from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything

Ingredients:
9-inch pie shell
6 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups grated Emmenthal, Gruuyere, Chantal, Cheddar, or other flavorful cheese
1 (10 oz) package chopped spinach (thawed w/all the water squeezed out)
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 cups cream, half and half or milk, gently heated until warm
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Prick the crust all over with a fork.  Line it with foil and weight the bottom with a pile of dried beans or other weights that will sit flat on the surface.  Bake 12 minutes.  Remove from the oven and carefully remove the weight and foil.  Turn the oven to 325 degrees.

2.  Combine eggs, cheese, liquid and seasonings and beat until well blended. Add in bacon and spinach.

3.  Place the baked crust on a baking sheet.  Pour the egg mixture into the crust, right to the top.  Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture is set but still moist; it should jiggle just a little in the middle.  Cool on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

This weeks recipe is being shared with I Heart Cooking Clubs, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Raising Homemakers and City Wife Country Life as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

come meet us here...

Please take a moment and head over to ShaunGrooves.com and listen to this incredible song and read the incredible story. Ann @ Holy Experience just returned from a Compassion International trip to Guatemala and Shaun wrote this song about their experiences. 


No matter where you are right now in your walk with Christ, even if your not on speaking terms, go listen and let Him meet you where you are. 


He is waiting just for you.


Blessings and grace this day, 
Mary

multitude monday ~ mothers and daughters

Me and my Mom, Summer 2010

This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my Mom. It is something I no longer take for granted. As I get older I realize how precious that time is. My Dad has been gone for nine years and there is nothing I wouldn't give to have him back. I miss him so much. I know how blessed I am to have at least one parent still with me.

Our relationship has not always been an easy one. My Mom and I could not be more different. She is a quiet, patient, thinks every decision through and through, stubborn as the day is long and faith filled woman. I am always loud, never patient, leap without considering consequences, stubborn as the day is long  and faith filled woman. Oil and water.

So how does this relationship work? Respect, trust and a commitment to family are what we share along with a deep love of God and His son Jesus Christ. My Mom is the one who taught me how to pray and believe that good things will happen if we just do our best. That's all that God asks of us. Our best.

Not perfection. Not grandstanding. Just our best effort. When we fall short, His mercy will cover us.

So on this Monday I am grateful for:

#50 - mothers wisdom

#51 - strong hands that have held baby after baby, husbands as they meet God and daughters as they weep

#52 - grilled fish and consuming conversation

#53 - good health

#54 - chai tea lattes and Sunday afternoon shoe shopping

Thanks to Ann@Holy Experience for hosting Multitude Mondays.

mary's book basket ~ "choosing to see" by mary beth chapman

"I’ve told my kids for years that God doesn’t make mistakes,” writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. “Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?” Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth’s story is our story–wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story–both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE."


I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music since high school. His "Great Adventure" tour was the first concert I ever attended. I have not missed a tour since. He inspires and encourages me daily to seek God in all I do.

In May of 2008, as the result of a tragic accident he and his wife Mary Beth lost their youngest child, Maria who they had adopted from China five years earlier. When I heard the news I wept as if someone in my own family had been struck down. I have kept them in my daily prayers ever since.

When the opportunity arose for me to review this book for Revell Publishing, I knew that it would be a tough read. What I was unprepared for though was the thread of joy and hope that runs throughout. Mary Beth gives intimate details of her growing up years, meeting her husband Steven, her struggles with depression and being open to adoption after thinking she and Steven were "done" having kids. She holds nothing back.

When speaking of the tragedy that took her daughters life, she writes with pure honesty that just took my breath away. She openly questions God in allowing this accident, she cries out in the unfairness of it all. Yet, there is hope. God leaves breadcrumbs for her family to hold onto throughout their healing journey which continues today.

She writes:
"What I've found is that it's in the most unlikely times and places of hurt and chaos that God gives us a profound sense of His presence and the real light of His hope in the dark places...In the midst of it all, God really is with us and for us. I have found that even during those times when the path is darkest, He leaves little bits of evidence all along the way - bread crumbs of grace - that can give me what i need to take the next step. But if I can only choose to SEE."


The book has had a profound affect on me. I am not really sure I can put it into words. Such honest and raw emotions came to the surface that I could not hold back my tears. I know that at some point because of Courtney's disabilities, God will call my daughter home. I pray it will be peaceful and not filled with drama or trauma. It is something I do not wish for but I know that it will come.

Mary Beth did not get that ending for her daughter. Maria was playing one moment and in the next the Chapman's world was turned upside down and inside out and their precious daughter was gone leaving their family forever scarred.

In the end though it is the HOPE that their faith in Christ assures them of that carries the day. I am in awe of this mother who laid her daughter at the foot of the cross and now must choose each and every moment of each and every day to SEE HIM.

This book inspires, uplifts and encourages us to SEE the one true God who loves us with everything He has.



Now it's time for a little fun. If you want to win a copy of this phenomenal book AND a copy of Steven Curtis Chapman's CD "Beauty Will Rise" which he wrote as a tribute to his Maria, you can do one or all of the following:

1. Become a follower of this blog. If your already a follower, you can get a friend to follow. Sneaky I know ;0)
2. Leave a comment describing how you have chosen to SEE God in your life today.
3. Link this post to your blog, facebook or tweet it.

For each thing you do, I will enter your name into the hat. Please let me know in the comments what steps you have taken. I will draw a winner on Wednesday, September 15 at 8 p.m.

Here is a taste of Steven's music:



Good luck my dear blog readers!!
Happy Reading,
Mary

sweet sundays ~ almond biscotti

Cutting the biscotti before doing the second bake.

I made these last week during my bake-a-thon for our parishes Labor Day Picnic "Country Store". There is nothing better with a hot cup of coffee than a crispy piece of almond goodness. I channel my inner Italian while sipping and dipping. So lovely...

What's important with this particular recipe is the second bake. You want a crisp cookie not doughy. So flip the biscotti half way through cooking to make sure it bakes all the way through. They keep for about five days in a tightly sealed container.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now all they need is a little chocolate drizzle. Yum!

Almond Biscotti
adapted from recipe by Cathy B. (from the Roycroft Inn in NY)

Ingredients:

6 eggs

6 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup butter (melted)

2 teaspoons almond extract

 1 cup chopped almonds

1 egg white, beaten

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a small bowl, beat eggs; set aside.  In a  large bowl combine flour, sugar, and baking powder; mix well.  Make a well in the center of the mixture.  Add butter, extract, eggs and nuts; mix until thoroughly blended and smooth.

Divide dough into 4 pieces, press each piece into a 10" x 3" rectangle.  Place 2 rectangles on each of 2 ungreased cookie sheets.  Brush each rectangle with egg whites.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned.  Cool on cookie sheet for 15 minutes.  Cut each rectangle into 1/2" thick slices.  Place each slice, cut side down on same cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for an additional 15-20 minutes or until crisp.  Cool.

an update on my girl Court...

This was taken on Labor Day before the Navy/MD game in Baltimore MD.
Unfortunately for us Navy lost with a last second 4th quarter goal line block from MD.
UGH!

I thought it was time for a little Courtney update. Here is what I sent to a group of people who pray for Courtney every day...

Hello Prayer Warriors,
As always thank you for keeping Courtney in your continued prayers. It has been a few months since I have written and I wanted to let you know how our girl is doing.

This week brought the return of school for Miss Courtney. She attends a "center" school here in Fairfax County that cares for 80 of the most wonderful profoundly disabled kids you'd ever want to know. She receives Physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy and other instructional support to help her have the best life she can. We are extremely grateful to the teachers and staff for loving our girl so much these past six years.

Courtney's weight continues to be an issue. She currently weighs in at 104 pounds and has held steady with this weight for about 8 weeks now. The docs would like to see another six pounds on her so we continue with the extra formula feeds. I wish I could eat like this child does. I'd start with a milkshake everyday!

Her seizures have returned once more. We experienced about six weeks with only one seizure every three to four days. Ten days ago things changed. We now have two grand-mal seizures between 5-10 p.m. lasting 6-7 minutes each. These lovely gems include about 25-45 seconds where Courtney stops breathing. It is incredibly intense and exhausting for our girl (and her parents for that matter).

As usual we have no explanation for the return of the seizures and I stopped asking God to explain years ago. He has asked that we continue trusting Him with our daughter and we try our very best to do that every single day. Some days are better than others I must admit.

When she is not seizing Courtney is a happy young lady laughing and babbling. She continues to love music of all kinds and having her two favorite men (her Daddy and big brother Jonathan) read her Dr. Suess stories. I am so grateful that for now she does not seem to be in pain or discomfort of any kind. I pray that continues.

Sp, please continue to pray for wisdom for the neuro team that works with our girl. Pray that Courtney remains healthy this winter. Pneumonia is our enemy and it would be lovely NOT to have the flu again.

Know that we have all of your names written down in Courtney's prayer book that we use each night when we say her night time prayers with her. We pray that God holds you and your families in the palm of His hands.

If there is ever a specific prayer request you have, just email me and we will put that in the book as well.

Thank you for loving Courtney and lifting her needs up to Our Lord. We could not walk this journey without you all.

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" Job 13:15

Blessings and Grace,
Mary

ultimate recipe swap: nutty caramel popcorn

It's snack time today over at Life As Mom for the Ultimate Recipe Swap. My family loves to snack and this is one of their favorites. It's salty, creamy, sweet and crunchy ALL at the same time. It's great for family movie night or whatever team sport you gather to watch together. This Nutty Caramel Popcorn never lets you down. It's hours of happy munching delight.

It does take a little time to make but it is so worth it. Be careful when you pour the caramel over the popcorn and nuts. It's hotter that he*# and I am deadly serious. This is one job for Mom/Dad to do. 

Go ahead and whip up a batch this weekend. You'll be so glad you did.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nutty Caramel Popcorn

adapted from Taste of Home

Ingredients:

4 quarts popped popcorn

1-1/3 cups pecan halves, toasted

2/3 cup whole unblanched almonds, toasted

1-1/3 cups sugar

1 cup butter

1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Place popcorn in a large greased bowl. Sprinkle pecans and almonds over top; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and corn syrup; cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 300°-310° (hard-crack stage).

Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Immediately pour over popcorn mixture; toss gently. Spread on greased baking sheets. When cool, break into small pieces. Store in airtight containers. Yield: about 20 cups.