Don't tell the Trustees! Bowling Tournament in the Parsonage!

The Tournament Begins.  Our 17yo dd has plans to hang out with the girls and bring in 2009 tonight.  The boys and parents are hanging in our own personalized bowling alley!  Yup, the Wii tournament begins tonight between the four of us.  We are going to enjoy Nachos, Pizza, taquitos, Corn Dogs, and Soda while bowling in our living room.  (foods that we enjoy the bowling alley) Moving furniture and making room.  Bring it on boys! (So glad I don't have to have the bright pink 4 pound ball and embarrass myself!)

Plans... I have heard that it's the best way to make Our Lord laugh!

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I was comforted by a blog friend (To the right- It's time for more Coffee) today with this passage.  I CLING to this promise from My Heavenly Father.  This year is sure to bring HIS PLANS... some in the process of happening, some unknown.  I love that there is always something "fresh" in HIS PLANS, that HIS PLANS are always right and true.  When I turn to "my plans" he is always there to pick me up, forgive me, renew me and embrace me as His child.  So, with 2009 on the way, and reflection from my years past, I CLING to this promise and look forward to HIS PLANS!

The Secret is Out (Confessions of a cheating Pastry Chef)

I have had requests for this doughnut recipe.  I have to say... I have made them the hard way  which is super yummy and well worth the while... and I make them regularly the easy way... and super duper cheap!  Thanks to:

Really... take the cheapest canned biscuits- 28 cents a can!  Poke your finger into the center, fry in oil, and dip in sugars... really, I know, don't give me a hard time... the years of culinary school and I am frying pre-made dough??!!  Yup!  Cheap-o and EasyShmeasy!  The kiddos love this, and can even make them on their own, without an hour of rise time, rolling and flour all about.  Secret's Out!

Sunday Night Planning

So, I am "watching" football and trying to plan out our meal plan for the week.  I thought, hmmm, why not just post it here... I usually print out a copy and put it in the kitchen so all can see what they can plan on enjoying for our mealtime.  Here it goes: (Photos from past bloglines... I promise to photograph any yummy food this week though!)

Monday:

Breakfast- Whole wheat pancakes, (quad latte')

Lunch- Red Pepper Pepperoni Bread

Dinner- Alfredo Herbed Cheese Turkey Ravioli (homemade) 

 Brown Sugared Carrots

Snack- Popped Corn

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Oat Muffins

Lunch- Chicken Quesadillas and Salad

Dinner- Mexican Corn Chili and Breadsticks

Snack- Fresh Fruit

Wednesday:

Breakfast- Waffles

Lunch- Spinach Potato Quiche

Dinner- Stone Baked Pizza and Fruit Tray

Snack: Cheese and Crackers, Chips, and other "finger foods"

Thursday:

Breakfast- Cinnamon Toast Cake with Apple Slices

Lunch- Turkey/Egg Salad Wraps

Dinner- Bier Rocks

Snack- Popped Corn

Friday:

Breakfast- Pancakes

Lunch- Chicken Noodle Soup

Dinner- Stone Baked Pizza 

Snack- Leftovers

Saturday:

Breakfast- Mini doughnuts

Lunch- Out

Dinner- Baked Macaroni and Cheese

  Baked Beans

Snack- Birthday Cake and Ice Cream

Sunday:

Breakfast- Toast and Jelly

Lunch- Fellowship

Dinner- Fresh Noodles with Turkey and Veggies

Snack- Popped Corn

               

Loving my family...

These are our family's newest favorite cookies.  Russian Tea Cookies.  We totally omit the nuts and use almond flavoring... wow, the texture is just awesome!

 

My Sweet Happy Man... really he is totally the nicest person I have ever met.  I adore him!  He Loves the Lord and shares freely the forgiveness that Baby Jesus brings.  I can't wait to see what the year 2009 brings to us.  Thank you, my man, for being adventurous, patient, and "all that".  BTW, he has been so faithful in running a four mile treadmill daily, he is solid!  I am blessed with the complete package!

Danielle always gets others in the picture with her, Aaron is usually the victim- sitting close by.  Sweet siblings!

A rare picture of Christopher with Danielle and I.  Danielle loved this American Eagle hat this season, sort of Northlandish.... huh?!  Welcome to the U.P.

New glasses... the eye doctor said she didn't really need them, but when you are 17 eyeglasses are an accessory, so she "chooses" to wear them... for now.