Our Favorite Muffins

Since I've been gone so long with no logical explanation, I thought I start back up with something useful: Our favorite muffins! These are easy enough for little ones to help and delicious. I just puree the veggies in my little food processor.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I prefer canola oil)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup apple sauce
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup grated zucchini (just about any squash will do)
• 1 cup all-purpose whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar. Beat in egg, then applesauce. Stir in carrots and zucchini.

3. In another large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

4. Fold dry ingredients into wet, until just mixed. Grease muffin tray. Spoon batter to the very top of muffin cups and bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted in a muffin.

Enjoy!

finding new jeans

I've been thinking about growing pains (the actual process, not the show) About how it just kind of hurts to change and grow; and how sometimes the ideas you've worn for years just don't seem to fit anymore and not only that, they're more worn out than your favorite pair of jeans (you know, the ones that have holes in all the wrong places, but you just can't toss). And where do you go to find new ones that fit anyway? The new ones are all too low and they make you look like you have a serious case of mom butt.

I can't contemplate anymore tonight. I'm going to watch lost on hulu and pretend that my jeans fit just fine.

slow down

As I was preparing lunch today Snugs started crying. I quickly remembered that I hadn't changed his diaper in a little while and started to have a mini mental meltdown. I sat my sauce-covered spoon on the counter, grabbed him out of the exersaucer, and frantically looked for a clean diaper cover. He was laying on the floor looking up at me and crying as I pulled at the snaps on his sleeper. Then I saw his face. I took a deep breath and realized that no one was going to be upset if lunch was five minutes later. No one even cared! Mr. Reliable had taken Boots to the store to pick up something he needed, but my little one needed me. I smiled at him and spoke to him quietly. He stopped crying.

I had completely missed his need. Yes, his diaper was wet and he wanted a dry one, but he NEEDED to know that I love him, that I think he is wonderful, and that a late lunch and messy kitchen are not more important to me that him. I don't know why the tasks get so overwhelming that I forget why or for whom I am doing them.

Morning Joy

Having two babies in two years has made me forget how wonderful a quite morning is! For about a week now I've been waking up an hour before the boys stir to stretch, grab a piece of fruit, and sometimes even take a shower in privacy (it's wonderful!). I am so much happier to hear their little voices in the morning when I'm awake and alert than when it's the first sound I hear and I'm just praying that it's still nighttime and that they'll go back to sleep.

I hear a little voice right now!

My Totally Attainable Resolutions

I've never been one to do New Year's Resolutions. I think it's because I have always felt that many people set too high of goals and never actually attain them. And honestly, I just can't deal with that kind of disappointment.

So today I am making a new tradition:

My Totally Attainable Resolutions

1. Change 1000 diapers

2. Learn the names of all the trains on Thomas and Friends

3. Get a lot of slobbery kisses

4. Eat Chocolate (I might check that one off tonight...)

5. Have a Pajama Day with the boys

6. Finish unpacking

7. Go one day without getting spit-up in my hair (this one could prove more difficult)

8. Read a book that doesn't rhyme or have big pictures in it

I'll keep you posted ;-)

Happy New Year!

Freedom for Christmas

It's christmas time again. I've been really busy this month with projects (pictures to come when I get my camera from my parents). I made all our gift sacks from scrap cloth my mom gave me, made several hand picked herbal teas, and made felt food for Boots and all 3 of my nieces.

We're celebrating Christmas as a family tonight, since we will be leaving town when Mr. Reliable gets off work on Christmas eve. We will exchange gifts, eat pizza (family favorite), drink hot chocolate, and pick someone to help. This year it's with the International Justice Mission. We can choose to designate our money to a certain area or to a specific need (rescuing trafficked women, freeing slaves, justice for the sexually abused, or protecting widows and orphans). If you are not familiar with the IJM it's worth checking out! They work on the whole picture, investigating possible crimes against humans, rescue and aftercare, and prosecution of the people who commit the crimes. The website is www.ijm.org Can you imagine giving someone freedom for christmas? Merry indeed. That's the kind of stuff Jesus does.

Have a happy holiday.

goodbye fall...

I can not believe it's December. I love everything about Autumn- the smells, the crisp air, the beautiful leaves, plus we have our birthdays and anniversary.

I am realizing I love it so much that I'm missing out on 3 other seasons! I spend the first part of winter wishing it were still fall, then finally resign myself the the fact that it's over and suddenly spring has arrived. Spring is pleasant, but I can't help finding myself wondering why the budding of a tree's leaves isn't nearly as beautiful as the way it parts with them. And summer begins, the heat reminds me why I love the fall and I dream the summer away with thoughts of cool evenings and pumpkin muffins.

What a waste!

I can't help thinking that I live most of my life the way I think of the seasons; how many beautiful opportunities am I missing?

So, in honor of the change in my viewpoint on life, I am going to embrace the season! I am trying to think of fun things to do with the boys that will highlight the wonderful things that happen in the winter.

...I'm not coming up with much (I've had this habit way too long!) Any suggestions?

I guess while they nap I better look for a less "Fall-themed" blog template too!