Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

I think the world is a better place thanks to self stick stamps, address labels, and envelopes. No more having that awful taste in your mouth simply from getting the mail ready.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Unfortunately it seems as if good old common sense has been on a steady decline.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

I love starlight. Not enough that I'm tempted to go camping or anything like that. But I do love seeing the stars come out at night and admiring them before I go to sleep in my very comfortable bed.

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

I don't get to listen to a radio often enough to know what songs are being overplayed. If we're also talking about hearing songs being sung, I never tire of hearing Sunbeam sing her favorite song over and over again.

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

The last time I had homemade ice cream has to be ten years ago. My favorite flavor of ice cream is vanilla, but since I don't like eating ice cream all that well the only times I enjoy it is if there is a nice hot pizza to eat with it. Alternating bites of pizza and ice cream makes that I can actually enjoy it.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

By being optomistic, encouraging, and generally joyful. I find I always feel more motivated and inspired when in contact with people like that.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Last week, but only for a a little while. The last time we were without power that really affected us was several months ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Last night we woke up to hear some bumping and banging and upon investgation found a raccoon had opened what we thought was a securely closed container holding our dog and cat food and was feasting on it.

Our cat and her two little kittens were sitting there watching interestedly. The raccoon was chased away and the pet food moved into the basement where it will be safe from night time prowelers.

Kitchen Adventures

Sailor is quite the chef and when lunch time rolls around he can often be found trying his hand at creating some new kind of dish. He leaves the baking for the girls and they seem to keep a steady stream of desserts flowing.

 

 

Recently he decided to try something different and make cornbread for lunch even though that meant using a recipe book. After hearing strange muttering noises coming from the kitchen I went to investigate and found him calculating how to increase the recipe because he had accidently added too much sugar and was now trying to fit the rest of the recipe around his mistake.

 

We now have enough cornbread to feed a small army.

 

Reflection

One thing I love about wandering through the woods is that so often we are reminded of our Creator. Like yesterday when on a walk this little pool was discovered. Though tiny it did a great job of reflecting everything above it from the towering oak tree tops to the beautiful blue sky and white clouds.

If I look closer I see that in itself it really isn't that pretty. There is dirt, rotting leaves, and other debris, but with the reflection it was really quite pretty.

I couldn't help but think how I want to be like that pool. Though I am far from perfect I hope my life is able to show a reflection of God's love to those who see it.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo?

I've been sitting here trying to think of something I've accomplished solo and keep drawing a blank. It has been years since I was able to solo anything. From the moment Sailor came on the scene there has always been someone shadowing me and trying to help on some level. Cleaning, baking, cooking, laundry, reading, playing, eating, talking. Solo is almost a foreign word to me. Even things like recently designing something on the computer wasn't exactly solo with interested  children at my elbows watching what I was doing.

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Hope's Perfect Glass is the one product that has never failed for me. It's the best streak free window cleaner I know of.

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

I feel like I have I have found my place in the world. It's being a wife and mother, my favorite thing in the world.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

I don't remember what it was called, some type of old black and white mystery. But I do remember how mind numbingly boring it was. There was no plot and the storyline was just one long confusing boring mess and it simply ended abruptly with out ever finding out anything.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

One of the fun highlights of our summer was when we were visiting LV's parents. On the last evening we were there we were all out in the yard playing an old schoolyard game of Andy Over and once it was too dark for that it was time to catch lightening bugs.

We had a lot of fun since then, but that is one evening that stands out as one that will be a fun memory for years to come.

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

I have never been to Rome. My favorite Italian dish, oh my, that's hard, because I really love Italian food and don't think I can choose a favorite.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

To go with her instincts, and cherish every moment.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 

Getting close to officially being a toddler.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

A friend recently introduced me to a most delightful dessert, and after the first taste I knew immediately I have to have the recipe.

 

This layered pudding has to be the best thing I ever ate that involved both chocolate and peanut butter and is definitely going into our family's best of the best recipe file.

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

 

24 oreos, divided

2 Tbsp butter, softened

1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened

½ cup creamy peanut butter

1-½ cup powdered sugar, divided

1 carton (16oz) whipped topping

10 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped

1 cup cold milk

1 package 3.9oz instant chocolate pudding mix

 

Crush 18 oreos, mix in softened butter and press in bottom of a 9" sqaure dish; set aside.

 

In a large bowl, place creamcheese, peanut butter, and one cup of powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over oreo crust. Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups.

 

In another large bowl beat milk, chocolate pudding mix, and remaining powdered sugar on low speed for two minutes and allow to set for an additional two minutes then add remaining whipped top and fold together gently. Spread over pudding and peanut butter cup layer. Crush remaining oreos and sprinkle over the top.

 

Cover and chill for several hours before serving.

 

Enjoy!