Too much zucchini?

Perhaps your garden is growing wild like ours with too much of some items. . .here's a yummy recipe for zucchini bread (although we prefer muffins) and a revised recipe.  Both turned out delicious!

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
3 cups grated zucchini
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon

Beat eggs until fluffy.  Add next four ingredients.  Mix lightly.  Add flour mixture (mix last five ingredients together) and blend.  Divide batter into two loaf pans or muffin tins.  Bake at 350 until toothpick is smooth.  Remove and cool.

Amy's Revised Zucchini Muffins

3 farm fresh eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
2 cups whole wheat flour (fresh ground from Sassy Chicken!)
1/2 cup flax seed
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp. cinnamon
3 cups grated zucchini

Mix ingredients and put in muffin tins.  Bake at 350 until done.  Eat and enjoy!

Death. . .New Life

I kept looking at the date on August 10th wondering why. . .I know my grandpa died around that date and a cousin was born. . .but it finally dawned on me on the 11th - it was the day I died and was reborn!

August 10, 1990 was the day that God, although knowing before the foundations of the world were set, regenerated me and caused faith to dwell in my heart so that on that day 20 years ago I was able to repent and live for Christ. Ironically, in our American decisionism culture, salvation experiences are really just emotional/spiritually experiences that wane over time. True conversion will progress in seeing God, great and holy and self, low and sinful. As the chasm looks greater and greater, the Cross becomes more glorious. Let us, like David, never forget the joy of our salvation!! I am no more deserving of this grace today than I was 20 years ago. There is nothing I can add to my salvation today, like there was nothing I could offer 20 years ago. It is all grace. Amazing.

I love the lyrics of this song by Vicky Beeching "The Wonder of the Cross" found at the link below. . .

CHORUS:

May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost
Undone by mercy and left speechless
Watching wide eyed at the cost
May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross

http://www.superlyrics.com/lyrics/kGRU3EEBF9@H@U/The_Wonder_Of_The_Cross_lyrics_by_Vicky_Beeching.html


Be in awe of the gospel today! May it never lose its power. . .

Welcome Joseph Daniel!

Welcome to our newest blessing, Joseph Daniel!

He was a timely baby and arrived the weekend of his due date! This was a bit of a surprise since the last several babies have been later and later. . . . He's a beautiful little guy and we are delighting in him. His siblings are all loving on him.

Born on August 1, 2010
2:16am
7 lbs. 10 oz.
21 inches


Eight is great!

Special Sundays. . .

Sunday mornings have become known for "Puffy Pancakes", a recipe shared with us by our dear Swedish Mor-Mor (grandmother). It's quick and easy and fun. Farm fresh eggs are best - if I could get our hens to lay!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt 1/4 cup butter in 9x13 pan while mixing together:

4 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup flour
pinch of salt

Pour mixture over melted butter. Return pan to oven for about 30 minutes or until nice and puffy!

Getting ready for the oven. . .

Almost done. . . the recipe calls for serving with warm jam but we tend to sprinkle with powdered sugar or dip in syrup (as long as the hair is all pulled back!). Yummy topped with fresh fruits, as well!

Sanctification. . .

Just when I think that seven children, homeschooling, pregnancy, ministry, etc. . . is keeping me wholly relying and depending on the power of Christ daily- it's time for the annual missions trip! It just turns the notch up and reveals how much more I need His grace!

I was wondering how long until "something" happened. It's not if, it's when. That's just how it works. I'm grateful that I had 5-6 days of the "normal". With Paul out of the loop, both AC units have decided to falter. That might be fine in most states, but not here. Not 8 months pregnant with triple digits still forecasted for the next week! Actually, I could probably sweat it out. . but to have our renter sweating, too - not good! Well, we get a technician out to the farm tomorrow and I pray that it is all covered under the home warranty. The estimate on the other house is staggering (if we have to replace the unit) and I am relinquishing my kitchen remodel dreams. . .sanctification. It hurts. But, a small price for One who freely gave to me, His enemy. Wonderful reminders of His grace.

Farm life continues. . .

Such a cute shot of my little girlies up getting up in the morning and enjoying the dogs. . .beats Saturday morning cartoons any day!

Sarah was thrilled to find chicks had hatched! Such fun to be the discoverer of good stuff! Whose idea was it to have a rooster, anyway? I just want my eggs to eat. . .
The kids want to enter their chicks in the fair this fall. . .not sure how that all works and what we have yet (hens or roosters?). . .guess we'll find out!

Palm Springs. . .

This summer we were blessed to attend RESOLVED as a family. I admit, I wasn't so sure it was going to be the most relaxing trip with seven children in a hotel room and sitting quietly through two-hour sessions of 12 sermons! (Check out the website to download those fantastic 12 sermons: resolved.org) But, overall, it turned out to not only be relaxing, but a fun and spiritually challenging trip, as well. The kids enjoyed the conference, the pool (it is Palm Springs in June!) and especially the college kids!


Making towers!
The ladies give it a try. . .
Bekah loves to fly through the air. Her specialty is the belly flop!

There goes Jon!
Even little Hani takes a try!
Naomi's pretty brave, too!
Even Baby J finds herself in the air! Don't you love the googles look? It's my favorite on little kids!

Josh and Sarah are getting big. . but this dynamic duo can still make a big splash off Dad. . .
Waiting between sessions. . .



Tuckered out. .the little girls slept through the sermons more than they listened. . .but was a joy to have them with us! The college kids were gracious to offer extra laps and arms. My tummy is the poochy one!