Chocolate Meringue Pies

 Chocolate Meringue Pie

No Jello pudding in this one. It's the real deal and turns out rich and yummy. This recipe is for one regular pie. I doubled it, chose to use deep dish pie plates, and prepare crusts from scratch. 

Note: A child wearing a chef's hat adds extra fun to making pies. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked (or bake your own with the pie crust recipe here)
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons white sugar
• 
  

Directions

Don't ya love the "Get tough." shirt, and the camo apron? 

 He's a manly man chef.

1. Mix together sugar, cocoa, corn starch and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually mix in milk. Cook and stir over medium high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to medium low; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat. Stir about one cup of the hot filling into the egg yolks; mix back into the custard. Return saucepan to heat, and bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in vanilla. Pour hot filing into crust.
2. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, and continue to beat until stiff and glossy. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing meringue to crust.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden.

"Homeschooling" As We Know It

Day one of return to homeschooling after our Christmas break:

After our "school time" was over, while my groggy husband was recovering from waking at 2:30 in the afternoon, I went to him frustrated, "I cannot get so and so out of bed, and by the time we are all in the same room to begin school, someone tells me that they have farm work to do, and, and..."  He wisely said, "If they won't get out of bed, drag them out." And he said, "Get them up extra early to get the work done before school." Hmmm. I had already though of that, but had no commitment to doing it until after my pity party was done. Then, there was no where left to turn except to fix it or forget it. I was not going to forget it, that makes them lazy and irresponsible, and makes me grouchy. So, I'd best get resolved to fix it.

Day 2 of this week of schooling:

His tail has almost grown back,
after being attacked earlier this fall.

Everyone fed and dressed appropriately for the public by 7:45 a.m. and ready for farm work. Two boys handle the the breaking of ice for the sheep, looking for new lambs and any other sheep maintenance needing to be done. They also feed the rooster. (I like that rooster. He thinks he's a sheep because he's the lone chicken here right now, and he's funny.) Those two were out the door. The other two boys are responsible for moving cows, as we rotational graze, and feeding the dogs. As they headed out, I heard, "The farm truck is out of gas." (Translation- this means they will be absent from school for a couple of hours if they have to walk.) Okay, I can get frustrated, which changes nothing, or fix it. One kid feeds dogs, the other goes with me to town for gas and other feed store items for the sheep (salt, mineral and the like). Shew, we got it done. All done. The new lambs taken care of, the cows moved, the sheep salted, and back in the house by 9:30 to start book learning. Ag class was done. Everyone got an "A."

One of the Ag teachers.

Day 3:

All up, fed, dressed, chores done and back in the house by 9:15 a.m. Yes! They worked hard, got done and now have time for things they'd rather be doing. Like this.

Joel went on a "Civil War hike." 

Homeschooling is fun. It's great to be together as family all day long. Here at the start of the new year, I am re-organizing, re-planning, reviewing and really having a hard time making myself do those things. I just want to get down to business, not figure it all out.  It is not natural for me, nor easy. I am a go-to gal. I want to get up and get going on something I like to do, something artsy and creative. But, if I see my time with my kids as an investment, I can do it. I'm gonna fix it, (fix me and them) and not forget it! By the grace of God, with prayer and perseverance we will all come out better and have a good, productive year!

My buddy, Trouble, and her twins

"Triple Trouble"

Soft, warm, cuddly and harmless. Raising sheep is great!

Masonry class...they're getting an "A."
That is real, heavy, creek rock, not faux stone. 

Might~ a simple word~ full of Power when God is in it!

This morning as I read this in 1Chronicles 29, it settled in my heart. Funny how that happens. God speaks to us in quiet ways. We need to be tuned in to hear. I heard a lot in this little verse, the ending of the chapter; the ending of the life of King David. This is David who slew Goliath, who was a man after God's own heart (according to God himself) and the man who sinned greatly in adultery and murder.

What stuck in me was verse 30, "...with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries."  Doesn't seem like much, but think about it, this sums up time. How he lived is here..."his reign" -his kingship. That says what he did.  "His might," that says how he did it.

might·y

  [mahy-tee] adjective, might·i·er,might·i·est, adverb, noun

adjective

1.

having, characterized by, or showing superior power or strength: mighty rulers.

2.

of great size; huge: a mighty oak.

3.

great in amount, extent, degree, or importance; exceptional:a mighty accomplishment.

David was big at heart from the get go. As a shepherd boy in the field he slew a lion and a bear with his hands! He toppled Goliath! A 9 foot tall Philistine. He had the heart to stand before the giant man and go for it! David had the heart of a warrior. A man's man. Or a strong woman...a person who does not quit! Does not back down from adversity, does not run and hide. He was humble before the Lord and others, yet full of might! Strong in the Lord!

Oh that I would be strong in the Lord this day, this week, this new year!  And that the "times that go over" me.. both the good and adversity would be something I get through with might.


And by the way...for those who aren't familiar with the Word of God, David's awful sin shows that God can forgive even the worst sinner when the heart is humbled and broken over the sin... even though the sin still brings consequences.

1 John 1:7-9 "...and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I Refuse.

I wasn't going to post anything today...too much to do. I need to decorate, order gifts online, make food, clean, etc. You know the routine. High gear...ready, set, go. That's fine, when you're up for it. But, after 10 days of company and being on the go most of it, I am worn down.

So, today I refuse to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. No stress. Deep breaths. Eating ice cream for lunch, because I want to. Decorating the house very casually, with not much fuss. I refuse to get crazy this season.

We have ball games and special occasions to attend, and the day to day things to be done. Lambs are coming now. (Not by choice, well not my choice, more the ram's choice.) But this is a season to focus on others... and I think I will do just that. If my house isn't perfect, that's okay. We may not even put up a tree, after a family meeting of course. The boys and I just don't really care about it. Let this be our special time to share. I want to share hospitality and friendship. To share things we have that someone else may need more. To share time and to give gifts.

 I refuse anything less.

Our Thanksgiving Menu~

Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

~Menu~

Sage Rubbed Turkey

Delaware Farm Dumplings

Green Bean Casserole
(*the Green Bean Casserole was changed to
Lima Beans because my in-laws brought some
wonderful fresh beans from Delaware)

Corn Pudding

Baked Stuffing

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Applesauce
(*We left applesauce out because we had plenty of food!)

Seven-up Jello Salad

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Homemade Butter

Pumpkin Pie

Peanut Butter Pie
(*The P.B. pie was made 2 days later to go with leftovers!)

Cherry Cheese Pie Dessert

Cream Puffs
(These did not materialize since they are so time consuming.)

Lots of food means lots of leftovers! 

And, I like leftovers! 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We have so many blessings to count.

~

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

                                                              Psalm 100 

The Little Stranger ~

I am thankful for LIFE, LOVE, PRAYER, FORGIVENESS, GRACE, PEOPLE, CHILDREN, BEAUTY, FOOD, a HOME, and every opportunity to make a difference! Life is good!!
** Yesterday, I was coming out of our small town (604 population) pharmacy and a little hunched over woman leading a old blind woman were walking toward me, crossing the street. I was zipping past on my quest to get home, when the plain little woman said, "You have a nice Thanksgiving, ma'am." Whoa! Smack. Am I too busy? Too focused on my day? She made me smile, as I wished her the same.

 ·  · about a minute ago

Look familiar? Facebook. This was my Facebook post for the day. That woman really had an impact on me. She was small, plain and humble. She was most likely poor. Many in our area are. Yet, she left a mark on me with just a few kind words. Oh, that I could do that every chance I get.

We are getting into the holiday season. People are more warm and fuzzy. But are they really? Or is it that the holidays give them something acceptable to say, where at other times they would be at a loss for kind words? Kindness begets kindness, oftentimes. And when it doesn't...let your kindness be the last thing that old grump remembers.

We are such a blessed people, even in the midst of the messes we create or in the midst of circumstances, we are still very blessed. We should be sharing our blessings, encouraging others to do the same by our example. That little lady was an example to me yesterday.

Often God uses people like her. She is not all puff and fluff. Not adorned, not dressed fashionably. Though those are not bad things, they can distract us from our character. They can cause me to compare myself to others. There will always be someone more beautiful, better dressed and with a nicer home or car. Someone with a better job. But, that's not where it's at. It's in the heart of man that matters are settled.

If we focused on the things that matter more than things, we could see our relationships thriving. I heard news yesterday of a divorce. It always breaks my heart. Times get hard. Don't turn against your friends, your family, your spouse. Encourage, lift up one another, don't be easily offended. We never know what someone else is going through.

Well, I could go on and on...It's Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for the grace of God that gives me strength when I am weak. I am thankful to know his salvation, and have a changed heart.

²⁵Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 ²⁶For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

 ²⁷But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

 ²⁸And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

 ²⁹That no flesh should glory in his presence.

 ³⁰But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

 ³¹That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1 

The Little Brother Football Game- 2011

Last Saturday, we hosted a home-schoolers' football game. This was a great way to spend an afternoon doing something the boys would enjoy, and it cost us nothing. Just some popcorn for sustanance- homemade Kettle Korn, and homemade cheese popcorn. Easy.

 The idea was for the big boys to get together, grunt, spit, get dirty and see who was the "top dog," as big boys like to do, but in the midst of it all we ended up with a bunch of younger brothers.

 Hence a game of younger players went on alongside the older boys' game. While Ron looked after the older boys, it was my job to keep the younger game in line, and take some fun pictures in the process! 

The huddle of Team Super Hero.

Run Caleb run!

 The big ones did a fabulous job of making the little one feel very BIG!

And Team Super Hero throws...

This is Team Hugger. Well, at least two of them. 

After a while, the one in blue shirt was traded to the Super Hero team and the more 

gentle spirited Super Hero player was traded to team Hugger. LOL! 

That was NOT a good idea. Super Heroes and Huggers need to be mixed to keep a balanced team.

Looking for the interception!

Yes!

Warrior face! Wow.

Happy face! Sweet victory.

Hence the name, "Team Super Hero." 

(The one on the end was traded to the "Hugger" team.) 

He could be on my team any day, I love those Huggers. :)

NOTE: I did not actually call them these names. Their differences were apparent during the game, but the names just came to me as I went over the photos! 

This one is blurry, but I love the expressions.

Tackled and lovin' every minute of it!

Comin' Through!

 Not too many boys would say this is a bad thing.

 Pretty cool whether you're on the top or bottom of the pile.

 They're tough looking, if I do say so! 

Most importantly, a great afternoon was had by all.

 And this is the littlest player, who loves leaves. 

During the game, a pile of leaves easily caught his attention.

We grown-ups miss out on these simple pleasures.

The End.

Oh, yeah.