Pumpkin Pancakes

2 c. flour
3 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. milk
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c. canned pumpkin
1/4 c. veg. oil (not olive)

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking pwder, and salt.
2. In a second bowl, combine milk, eggs, pumpkin and oil.
3. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture until slightly lumpy.
4. Heat lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 c. batter for each pancake. Makes 16.

(from Better Homes and Gardens - Jan.)

Dirt-Bike Guy

Friday night we went to watch some of our friends kids (5 and 7) who do BMX dirtbike racing. I had no idea that there was a track here in town. It was so neat! They had big jumps and hills and everything! Isaiah was in heaven! Gabriel was pretty interested too! Maybe we'll try to take those training wheels off this summer! :)

Poppy Seed Chicken

6 chicken breasts, diced ( I didn't use this much)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. dry sherry
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers ( I used whole wheat Ritz)
1 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds
1 stick butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place diced chicken breasts in a 13 x 9 baking dish coated in cooking spray.

3. In a bowl, combine the soup, sour cream and sherry. Pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Mix the poppy seeds and the crushed crackers and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Drizzle melted butter on top and cover.

6. Bake for 30 - 45 minutes (depending on how much chicken). Take cover off for the last 5 minutes.

7. ENJOY!!! (I served this over rice)(from Allrecipes.com)

What I'm learning...

1 Corinthians 13
paraphrased by Jean Flemming,
"A Mother's Heart"

If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all for my interior decorating, but do not show love in my family-I'm just another housewife.

If I'm always producing lovely things-sewing, art; if I always look attractive and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family-I am nothing.

If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school, and drive in the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family-I gain nothing.

Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.

Love doesn't envy another wife-one whose children are "spaced" better, or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.

Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.

Love doesn't scream at the kids.

Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today-sew, read, soak in a hot tub.

Love doesn't lose my temper easily.

Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.

Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good.

Love is genuinly happy when others are honored by their children.

BE BLESSED TODAY MOTHERS!!! :)

Gabe's Birthday Party

"Happy Birthday"...again!

Nana and her boys

Isaiah's always willing to lend a hand when it comes to opening presents


Mae-Mae and Jonathan putting together Gabe's new riding toy

"wee!"