soft molasses cookies

from Country Woman magazine, July-August 1989 ~ recipe submitted by LaVonne Hegland ~ first tasted in Grandma F’s kitchen  :-)

(photos & baking by Miss Artist)

SOFT MOLASSES COOKIES



1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening (aka Crisco, which I don’t buy; so we use more butter!)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups flour (I would use at least half fresh whole wheat flour ~ I’m not sure what Miss Artist does)

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/4 tsp baking soda

2 1/4 tsp ginger

1 1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon



Cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and eggs, and mix well.

In another bowl combine remaining dry ingredients and mix with whisk. Gradually add to creamed mixture.



Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, then roll (or dip tops) in granulated sugar. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350F for ~11 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on wire rack.



Store tightly covered to maintain softness (add a slice of raw apple for additional moisture).

Yield: 3 dozen

Make sure you have a full gallon of milk on hand before you bake these!

try, try again :-)

 

But this time I’ll add picture.

At the big farm, they are remodeling on a LARGE scale…

You just pick up the dryer bin and move it over there, thank you.

 

 

 

A Cry from the Streets

A Cry from the Streets: Rescuing Brazil's Forgotten Children

In the dark world of the Brazilian streets, children, toddlers and teenagers search trash cans for food, steal knives to protect themselves at night, and live in fear of being beaten or even killed by the police. For these desperately needy children, nothing was free - until they encountered the love of Jesus through the compassion of Jeannette and Johan Lukasse.

 

When this young Dutch couple asked God if He could use them to do something about the immense suffering they saw in the world, He led them on a winding path from their home in the Netherlands to the coast of Greece and eventually to the streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Their calling was clear: millions of orphaned and abandoned children were living and dying on the streets, caught in the deadly grip of drugs, violence, prostitution, and abuse.

 

What followed the Lukasses' step of faith is a stunning example of how God miraculously uses the surrendered lives of believers to transform the lives of others with His hope and healing.

 

 

The book is available from YWAM Publishing. 

(And the blurb is copied from their website)

 

 

spring break house work

Cleaning up the “front lawn”
 

Adding more insulation to the attic…(resting/snacking before they put up the last of the bags)
 


putting new treads and risers on the back stairs…

           

        
     



burning off the weeds (with care not to torch my baby maple tree!)
 

  

putting a wall under the stairs between the freezer/pantry room and the ‘furnace’ room

   

  

earning major brownie points by cleaning my windows!  (practicing for a future business opportunity)
         

…and generally enjoying our time together

   
 

Thank you, Kayleb & Jeremy!

daybook 3/29/2011

 

 

FOR TODAY  

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Outside my window...

~ the early morning snow has melted ~ the pasture is looking greener!

~ the guys have worked hard clearing the land that should be our lawn this year  :-)

 

I am thinking...

I need to call Mr. Insurance Agent, whether I want to or not.  Maybe I will shoot him another e-mail? (Okay, done! …and he just called me back.  He was able to date the updated policy back to January!  woot woot!  PTL!)

 

I am thankful …

for the snow ~ Tim seeded the hayfields on Saturday, so the moisture was needed ~ and I can also be thankful it has melted into the ground

for another heifer calf born on the Cattleman’s birthday (Sunday) ~ Taquita (fem. form of taquito? ~ Her mama’s name is Fajita)

 

I am praying for...

... the Rettigs and the church in Prague

… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home

… Amber’s dad

… Diane and family

… Grant S.

… the broken marriages of J & S and R & K

… the W family

… Cinnamon, still missing her deployed hubby (& her son is a US Marine assisting in Japan)

… my dad, scheduled for shoulder surgery next week

… Hiromi, her family, others in Japan

… Amy W. ~ started chemo last Friday

… Marcia R’s mom, Margaret ~ medication decision

… Michelle ~ health need

… Angela & her newborn twins ~ especially Lincoln, who had a very rough delivery and is in NICU

… youth and adults preparing for their mission trip to Brazil

… healthy, live calves

… decisions we need to make

 

From the learning rooms...

We are a bit lethargic today~ too much birthday cake perhaps?

Ancient Rome, library research papers, and more…  I think we are scheduled to hear stories from the speech students on Friday night!  :-)

Thinking about books to order for next year.  Praising the Lord for the ones I’ve found used at the HSLDA Market!

 

From the kitchen...

Options:  beef burritos, turkey taquitos, cheeseburger soup, goulash, VandeKamps  ;-)

I need to bake bread (but I’m sitting here instead ~ lazy day!)

 

I am creating...

I found another “FREE” photo book offer, this time at SmileBooks ~

(http://www.smilebooks.com/)  The hyperlink wouldn’t work –?-

I have not yet ordered the book I worked on at Shutterfly ~ I was hoping Miss Music Box would finish her Prague book first, so I could combine the order… 

 

I am going...

to wear RED tomorrow night to church ~ We are looking forward to seeing the A family in China via skype!  (and looking fwd to seeing them in person here in June!)

 

(Side note:  I was not the patient at the orthodontist last week ~ So far, just Miss MB has braces… and she should be done soon.  I was hoping she’d be done before senior pictures, but alas… not so.)

 

I am reading...

my Bible, Large Family Logistics, The Story of the Romans, and I might start A Cry from the Streets

 

 

I am hoping...

>>  one of the other heifers might adopt Valerie

>>  to get more sleep this week!

 

I am hearing...

the Popper asking for help with spelling as she writes a letter to her cousins

 

Around the house...

I still need to dust, vac, and mop  :p

Yesterday (& the weekend… & last week’s late nights) sorta wore me out!

 

One of my favorite things...

hearing robins and cardinals sing ~ even when it’s freezing!

 

Pondering these words...

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

my TO DO List and EOM accounting

 

Here is a picture for thought...

Very cheesy (smile & pizza), yes?

 

And the birthday buddies  :-)

(Sunday & Monday)

           

 

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

 

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

daybook 3/22/2011

 

FOR TODAY  

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Outside my window...

it’s a cloudy, foggy day… but I think I see some green in the pasture!  (Afternoon edit: Now it’s actually raining a bit of drizzle)

I am thinking...

about how little our insurance agent seems to appreciate our unintentionally complicated account  :-\

about a particular family member, who having eyes is still blind in her understanding of truth.  God is able, so I will continue to pray.

I am thankful …

• for God’s Word
• for my mom’s continued recovery from surgery
• for Kayleb & Jeremy who are here working on the house while on Spring Break
• for another healthy heifer calf born on Saturday
• for my daughters’ combined efforts at piano duets (I wish we had the recording figured out and accomplished, so that I could share them with you)
• for fresh beef in the freezer and 80 pounds of apples and oranges from Azure Standard  :-)

I am praying for...

... the Rettigs and the church in Prague ~ Ivana, Eva, and follow-up meetings in Pribram!

… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home

… Amber’s dad

… Diane and family

… Grant S.

… the broken marriages of J & S and R & K

… the W family

… Cinnamon,  still missing her deployed hubby

… Hiromi, her family, others living/working in Japan

… young mom Amy W., just diagnosed with breast cancer and starting chemo on Friday

From the learning rooms...

Greek, The Scarlet Letter – OH wait, those are Kayleb’s books  ;-)

My high schoolers are working with The Real ACT Prep Guide and The Elegant Essay (IEW) among other things.  My middler hit a speed bump with combining negative and positive numbers, but I think we all survived.  The youngers have been working ahead to have free time with the cousins and their approaching birthdays. 

From the kitchen...

taco rice casserole, smoked turkey and sweet potatoes, meatloaf and mashed potatoes (orthodontist menu), Julie’s taquitos, pizza

Birthday requests:  haystack and calzones

I am creating...

photo book number 2 ~ it should be getting easier, but I switched companies

(Want to see book number 1?  that I finished at 1:30 am after I formatted it twice)

I am going...

out the door SOON to the orthodontist and a few other errands

I am reading...

 

TruthQuest History Guide to Ancient Greece ~ trying to wrap up our study and move on to Ancient Rome

 

The Elegant Essay by Lesha Myers  (I have an older edition) ~ trying to coach my high schoolers through their English research paper and keep my own sanity 

I am hoping...

to get Kate’s senior pictures done in the next few weeks with Sarah (and to find a good location(s) to do that… the Botanical Center?  someplace else with a grand piano?

I am hearing...

the dryer rumbling with jeans, music from a CD player somewhere ~ maybe the attic?  Kayleb, Jeremy & the Cattleman are adding more insulation up there today, and a different song playing from the Cowgirl’s laptop in the next room

Around the house...

books and piano CDs to return to the library

the smell of freshly-baked blonde brownies ~ baked by my oldest blonde  :-)

One of my favorite things...

modern technology, when it does what I want… ahem

Pondering these words...

People don’t mind a Jesus who is a good man, a great moral teacher and philosopher, or even a prophet, but they don’t want a Jesus with all authority and power because that means accountability.    

(Nancy Leigh DeMoss)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

picking up UNFI coop delivery, signing a rewritten HO policy at the insurance office, meeting with home school supervising teacher, enjoying a baby shower for my nephew’s wife & baby boy, getting ready for The Back-to-Back Birthdays!

Here is a picture for thought...
  Last year’s Birthday Buddies ~

 
 

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

project simplify

 

 

project: simplify at simplemom.net

The title pretty much says it, doesn’t it?  I keep reading on facebook about friends who are going through closets, having a “sock reconciliation day” – and otherwise taking dominion over their s.t.u.f.f.  Spring cleaning and the like.  Only you can’t clean clutter (flylady’s famous words).

 

Click this button to read more at simplemom…

I was just telling a friend how I’ve wanted for years (!) to dump my house’s contents in the yard, then only bring back in what I *really* wanted.  ha ha ~ Can you see it?!  What a mess that would be.  (Well, it’s sorta what this new house has looked like…) 

I was hoping to really lighten our load when we moved last year.  And I did… some.  But we still have too.much.stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

So.  It’s always a good time to jump in with decluttering gang, don’t ya think?  Plug your nose… and JUMP!

daybook 3/14/2011

 

 

 

FOR TODAY  

Monday, March 14, 2011

Have you heard?  It’s “pi” day.  3.14   Get it?

I guess I am supposed to be baking a pie for supper?

Outside my window...

The sun is still shining warmly. 

The landscape is again predominantly brown ~ lots of mud.  This too shall pass… someday.  I’m dreaming of green grass.

Tim says the creek is quite low, but that could all change quickly.  It’s “flood awareness week.”  Showers are in tomorrow’s forecast.  I guess that’s better than last week’s snow.

 

I am thinking...

about what to do with the still-frozen chicken for supper –?-

 

I am thankful …

for God’s faithful lovingkindness and omnipotence

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee…

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Jeremiah 32:17, 27

 

I am praying for...

Hiromi and her family in Japan

 

From the learning rooms...

The Cattleman is reading about Captain John Smith in preparation for writing a report in language class.  The Popper says she wants to be done with school in April instead of May ~ but we’ll see if she’s able to double up on her lessons  ;-)  I think mid-May will be just fine.

The speech students will present poems this week; story-telling is next!

I’ve started working on plans for next year.  And bidding on used textbooks we will need.  How late do I want to stay up tonight trying to win a Physics book??  I was hoping to buy it for 1/4 retail, but we are up to half now ~ and “Christine” is winning.   (Retail is $40.)  Bumping up our bid now instead of later… The auction closes after midnight our time.

 

From the kitchen...

I’ve also been at allrecipes.com looking at chicken recipes ~ Maybe we should enjoy the leftover beef roast and leave the chicken for tomorrow?  (since it’s still quite frozen)

I really need a menu plan for the rest of the month!  I could/should be making kefir and more granola.  And I think we are out of cookies  :o 

I am expecting two of Tim’s nephews to join us during their spring break, which means I need to gear up my efforts in the kitchen!

Last week’s whole wheat crackers:

 

 

I am creating...

Well, since I have FINISHED the tax returns [cue applause], it must be time to take on the scrapbooks for Miss Music Box’s graduation parties.  I may play with ordering a photo book from Shutterfly.  .So.much.to.do.

 

I am going...

to bed earlier tonight.  Really.

 

I am reading...

a set of biographies that caught my eye at the library while I was picking up books for the Cattleman.

Upon the Head of the Goat: A Childhood in Hungary 1939-1944 by Aranka Siegal

Grace in the Wilderness: After the Liberation 1945-1948

…which is why I stayed up late last night finishing the second book.

 

I am hoping...

most of my Azure Standard order comes this time ~ and that I can find room for it in the basement fridge (70-some pounds of apples?)

 

I am hearing...

a jumble of A Beka teachers instructing via dvd and my kids responding (language, algebra, espanol)

the oven clicking on/off as Sunday dinner reheats for supper

 

Around the house...

I have more laundry to fold and put away; most of the kids are still/again working on school; I should set the table for supper (and figure out why someone else isn’t doing that)

The garage smells like oil-based stain ~ I’m looking forward to having my “China cabinet” finished!

 

One of my favorite things...

sitting in front of the S family at church, so I can hear their sweet children singing out strong  (Yes, you, Amber!)

 

Pondering these words...

My natural instinct is to want a life free from pain and trouble and adversity. But I’m learning to welcome anything that makes me realize how much I need God. Does your prayer life show that you recognize your desperate need for God?

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

picking up the Azure order, picking up our beef at the locker (yay!)

 

Here is a picture for thought...

The green pads look like a barn to me  ;-)

 

 

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

 

 

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

A to Z

 

This looked like fun, so I'm playing along with Carrie at Farming on Faith.

A. Age: 46
B. Bed size: queen
C. Chore you dislike: dusting
D. Dogs: not yet!  We are overdue in that dept.

E. Essential start to your day: protein and a shower
F. Favorite color: blues (and a little bit of everything else)
G. Gold or silver: an ounce of each, if you please (Ok, my wedding ring is gold)
H. Height: 5' 6"
I. Instruments you play(ed): piano (ha ha - when I wasn’t hiding from my teacher)
J. Job title:  Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations  ;-) 
K. Kids: 6 (4 girls and 2 boys)
L. Live: Sandy Creek Farm, central Iowa
M. Mom’s name: Mom  :-)
N. Nicknames: Smelvina, Melzaire, Melba Toast (courtesy of my creative sister long, long ago)
O. Overnight hospital stays: when 3 of our babies were born and once when a little one was in for a 24-hour observation  :-\
P. Pet peeves: a dogmatic insistence for ‘tolerance’ of sin
Q. Quote from a movie: “Ma wants ya, Alvin.”  Can you name it??

R. Righty or lefty: Righty.
S. Siblings:  1 sister, 3 brothers, all older than me
T. Time you wake up: 6-7 ish
U. Underwear: Is this a yes/no question??  How about “Uniform” instead?  Usually a denim skirt.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: I don’t buy brussel sprouts.

W.What makes you run late: Trying to get another job done!
X. X-rays you’ve had:  Dental (lots), chiropractor, and a broken arm when I was almost 11yo
Y. Yummy food you make: No one is awake to pick one for me –?-
Z. Zoo animal favorites: penguins, seals ~ I guess b/c I love the water and watching them swim (espec when it’s hot and I wish I could jump in too!)

How about you?

daybook 3/8/2011

 

 

FOR TODAY  

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

 

Outside my window...

It’s another gray day but without the drizzle and warmer ~ the recent light snow has melted away, leaving the landscape brown. 

The cattle are content  :-)  Life is good.
 

I am thinking...

I am trying to think!  while listening to Peskin on talk radio with earbuds (so I don’t distract the kids) ~ trying to find the verse/passage where servants are rebuked to not expect the master to serve them or praise them … I often mistakenly think my family should bow down in reverence just because I did the laundry.  Know what I mean??

btw, I don’t agree with everything Brian Peskin says (I think), but Tim called to tell me to listen, so here I am…

Hmmm, maybe his approach would help my friend who’s facing insulin for her gestational diabetes??

btw, I do not like earbuds.

 

I am thankful …

• for a good week in Wisconsin for my girls.  We joined them for the end of the week ~ last day of the Holiness Conference and then College Day.  All good.  And so fun to finally meet Kate S’s family and Amy Rettig, who’s now there for college  :-)  And so thankful to hear the good report on Kate’s current progress.
• for a five-hour drive home again (instead of 24 or so like Tim’s brother, who also had sickies to transport home)
• for the two days my youngest kids enjoyed with Grandma F.

 

I am praying for...

... the Rettigs and the church in Prague ~ Ivana, Eva, and follow-up meetings in Pribram!

… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home

… Amber’s dad (more chemo coming)

… Diane and family

… Grant S.

… the broken marriages of J & S and R & K

… the W family

… Cinnamon, still missing her deployed hubby

… my mom, slowly recovering from surgery

… Kate S, who may be improving in her Lyme Disease recovery~ PTL!

… Sarah, not doing well lowering her numbers in gestational diabetes

… my sick girls, hubby, and many others fighting this nasty virus  :-\

… Marcia R’s mom (Mrs. W.) ~ further testing following seizures

 

 From the learning rooms...

Elementary Anatomy ~ Integumentary System (skin, nails, hair) …  Did you know that “your skin takes up about 15% of your body weight”?!

Geography Trails ~ Israel at the time of Christ

Elementary math ~ fractions and graphs

Ancient Greece ~ Peloponnesian War

 

From the kitchen...

I should make smoothies again, especially since the lunch menu is minimal

Tonight ~ leftover beef roast, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes

Wednesday ~ broccoli cheese soup?  (not sure that’s the thing for my sick family) ~ maybe a hamburger/rice soup instead with beef/tomato broth?

 

I am creating...

LOTS of tax returns!

 

I am going...

to stay (work) at home today, please?
 

I am reading...

 

 

I am hoping...

Tim can recover well from this virus while continuing to go to work

 

I am hearing...

the dryer rumbling (of course!), the Popper practicing her spelling words

 

Around the house...

• sweaters drying on the back of the couch
• the boys’ room has become Legoland (with a farm theme)
• Didn’t I just vacuum?  Where did all those dust bunnies come from?

 

One of my favorite things...

the word DONE

 

Pondering these words...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• Continuing the Battle of the Tax Returns until I can say my favorite word (see above).
• No K4T this week (college is on spring break), so maybe I will leave most of my family at home Wednesday night.
• Calling Mrs. M. to cancel the violin lesson.
• Going to bed early just because it would be good for us… and hopefully it will help us be ready for the time change Sunday morning.

 

Here is a picture for thought...

 

(Schnoodles, April 2010)

 I am in the mooood for green grass, I am, I am!

 

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

 

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

friends for the journey

Encouragement.
Isn't God good to give us friends who encourage us in the midst of this crazy world?!  Through blogging I've met so many folks who I'd love to have a little reunion with in heaven (since it probably won't happen before then).  One of those delightful ladies (Cathy @ So Much to Say, So Little Time) shared this encouraging 'award' with me today  :-)

Thank you, Cathy!  And thanks to Michelle @ beautiful chaos who originated this particular piece of blogging encouragement.


I would like to pass this encouragement along to...

• Lea @ CiCi's Corner ~ Lea is always upbeat and thankful.  She loves her family and her blogging buddies, and it shows in her posts! 
• Cinnamon @ Knights and Maidens Gathering ~ Cinnamon has her hands full with a new baby, but it is sweet/bittersweet to read about her dear family's daily doings while her hubby is in Afghanistan.
• Gina @ Home Joys ~ Gina has been a great source for book suggestions lately  =)  She's a hard-working mama (who does SO much more than I do, Cathy!) who gives me inspiration to do more for and with my own family.
• Conny @ The Life of an Ordinary Hausfrau ~ Conny actually recommended Gina's blog to me  :-)  Conny seems like an old friend who I should see IRL when it's time to go to church or throw a birthday party... Someday, my friend!
• Felicity @ Felicity's Thoughtful Spot ~ Another comrade in motherhood and homeschooling, it just seems like we should be getting together for tea one of these days...

• Julie @ Herding Grasshoppers ~ Where I "met" Cathy  :-) and one of my fave blogs to recommend to my RL friends.  Julie is so fun, so real, so awesome with her young grasshoppers... Check out her March posts on praying for our children.  (And yes, I know Cathy already blessed you with this same 'award' ... but oh well!)

And for two of my favorite missionary blogs...

• Jaynee @ The Lockwood Family to Mexico ~ I've loved getting to know the Lockwood clan via their blog.  And I guess that's where I met Cinnamon  :-)  Like-minded sisters in Christ always seem like the best of friends.
• Emilie @ Our Czech Up ~ I'm looking forward to that someday trip to Prague Tim has promised me.  Meanwhile I stay updated on God's work there via email and the blog  :-)

PS... I'm not notifying Jaynee or Emilie ~ Please read their blogs and encourage them by adding your own sweet comments.  And then pray for them ~ Thanks!

And yes, there are more blogs by lovely ladies linked in my sidebar ~ Take a look and read those too!  Love to you all!  


These fun things always come with instructions, and here they are...

The Rules for Passing It On: 

1. Pass it on to 7 other bloggers and tell how they've encouraged you. 
2. Please let your recipients know that it started at Beautiful Chaos.  
3. Leave a comment on this post when you've posted on your blog.