long night

Before I got in bed last night I heard the very familiar seal-bark cough coming from upstairs. Anyone with kids knows that is the sound of croup. I was a little surprised to hear it, because I thought the boys had pretty much grown out of it. But when I listened more closely I realized it [...]

change of plans

For the last week I’ve been up very late every night working on the boys’ Halloween costumes. I used to make their costumes every year, but I haven’t done it for a while. This year they are supposed to be characters from the Wizard of Oz - the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and one tiny little Cowardly Lion. Originally we [...]

the boys on marriage

A little over a year ago, my oldest son, then 5, came to me and told me that he had decided to marry Caroline. She is a sweet girl with long blonde hair that played on his soccer team. I knew he liked her because he always cheered for her when she played, and he was more excited about her points [...]

Mini Cheesecakes

This doesn’t exactly go along with my fall recipe theme, but I got a few requests for this one the other day, so I thought I’d go ahead and share it now.
Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts (aka Mini Cheesecakes), by Paula Deen
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 vanilla wafers
1 (21-ounce) [...]

roasted chicken breast

split chicken breasts, with skin and bones
olive oil
salt & pepper

Heat oven to 350. Rinse chicken in cold water, then pat dry. Rub the skin with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Bake chicken skin side up in a roasting pan for 45 minutes. Allow to cool, then remove skin and bones. Slice lengthwise [...]

condensed soup substitute

3 tbs. butter

3 tbs. flour

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp. salt

pepper

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Continue stirring until very thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

the sound of a day

Most of you probably saw the YouTube video on Kerri’s blog the other day. Well it got me thinking about not only all the things I say in a day as a mom, but also the things I hear again and again. Here is a drastically condensed version of a typical day with my boys.
Giggle, giggle…SHHH…its not morning yet!
THUMP! CRASH! [...]

the words of the teacher, chapter 1

I won’t claim to be a Biblical scholar. I’m usually one of those people you hear say “I know that verse is in there somewhere…” But, I have read the Bible from beginning to end, and I’ve read the New Testament through multiple times. Somehow though, I always find things in there that take me [...]

the taste of fall - part 3 : Apple Streusel Muffins

I try to make something special for breakfast on Saturday mornings. These muffins are really easy and they taste like they came from a bakery.
Apple Streusel Muffins

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened 
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small

Topping:

2/3 cup [...]

rainy Monday

Early this morning I woke to the sound of rain.
By now I’m sure that news of the drought in Georgia has reached most of the people who read this blog. In the last month, what started out as a moderate concern over our diminishing water supply has risen to near panic statewide.
Last night my 6 year old son came to [...]