Peanut Butter Bars

I can walk away from most any dessert.....but not these.

Super easy and super yummy! They remind me of Re*ses Peanut Butter C*ups.

Combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 lb. confectionary sugar, 1 ream graham crackers (crushed into small crumbs), and 1 stick butter/margarine (slightly softened). This will make a thick, dough-like mixture. Press this into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Spread a can of chocolate icing over the top and whalla! Chill in refrigerator to harden quickly. Cut into bars (similar to brownies) and serve.

They're SO good, especially with a cold glass of milk!

HE is ABLE

Hello friends. I am alive and well... I realize I haven't written very much of anything in the past couple of weeks. I am sorry. Funny thing about this blog... it's made me realize some things about myself...  or at least brought some traits further in to the light.

The trait that has become most visible to me in the past week is this... when I have a lot on my mind, I get quiet. When my heart is heavy, I store my thoughts deeply. I'm not certain whether this is entirely healthy or not, but it is how I am.

These past couple of weeks have been unusually busy, as well as holding some disappointments.

Two weeks ago, my husband had the opportunity to speak at a student, week long camp. And, the boys and I got to go with him! This was a first for us. We had a GREAT time! I was with my boys and other staff kids (there were 14 total), along with a couple other wonderful ladies. I had a great time getting to know these precious ladies and the other children. My boys had a fantastic time! They made so many memories, and are excited about making more camp memories in the future. The week was good, very good. It was also exhausting. I feel like I *just* caught up on sleep in the past couple of days.

My boys and some of the 14 staff kids.



Beyond that, what I can say about stress and disappointments is this... when you love and care for people deeply, you also open yourself up to hurt. 

God has reminded me this week of His peace. I've read many verses this week that God has used to bring His complete peace to my heart. This is the one that He's brought continually to my mind... "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Phil. 4:7)

I'm so thankful that we have a God who is able to guide us in every circumstance. Whether we're anxious, stressed over little things (or big), being stretched outside of our own personal comfort zones, or experiencing heartache of any kind... HE IS ABLE.

Now, after a wonderful Monday spent with my family, I move on to organizing for the upcoming school year. We're getting excited about this year! We went "back to school" shopping last week, buying new pens, notebooks, and other things that we didn't necessarily *need*. But, they're so cheap right now... and I have a hard time resisting a dimpled cheek boy asking me for new crayons and markers :). We can't wait to break out the new books! Homeshooling year #6, here we come!!

Friday Flashbacks

A day of nostalgia....

Who else had one of these during their childhood? Mine was white, with brightly colored ears and paws. I also had a look alike "baby".

My early days of hands-on homeschooling training. As a child, I loved how this had 2 pocket doors that slid, allowing you to store the letters inside. The cards stored in a compartment underneath. AND, it had a handle.

"Gummy bears! Bouncing here and there and everywhere!" I can't tell you a thing about an episode, but I sure do remember the theme song. It will probably be stuck in my head the rest of the day. So, to their dismay, my boys will most likely know it by the end of the day as well.

OK... tell me I'm not the only one who watched this show....?? Took place in a department store, manikin that came to life at night, mouse that lived in the wall.... is this ringing a bell for anyone out there?

(image credit Bing images and yeahflashback) In no way do I endorse or agree with either of these websites. Images were borrowed to use for memory's sake alone.

On This Day

On this day, my love
I vow to you

Your faithful wife and friend

Always true

I count it as a privilege
to take your hand today

Now before our Lord and God I pray

These words are the beginning of a song I pinned a little over fourteen years ago.

It was sung at my wedding, fourteen years ago, today.

I can honestly say that the words of this song are still my earnest prayer.

That our love will show the beauty of His love                             
That our lives will be directed by His hand above
And no matter what trials in life we face
We know He'll grant us His abounding grace
And we'll stand in awestruck wonder of His ways
As we share the love He's given us on this day

God did give us a love on that day. A love that has grown. Deep, passionate love.

Love that has...
...cried together over loss.
...rejoiced over God's goodness.
...danced in the hallway.
...held each other for "just one more minute".
...watched our boys grow from baby to young adult.
...laughed uncontrollably.
...held hands in comfortable silence.
...learned to know the other's needs just by the look in their eyes.
...enabled us to say "I'm sorry".
...pushed and helped each other conform to the image of Christ.

A love that has endured... through wonderful, exhilarating times. As well as difficult, trying times.

I am so grateful that God has blessed me with my husband, and for the love He has given us for each other.

Thinking about the past 14 years only makes me more excited for the next 14.

God's hand has directed. His grace has abounded. And we can't help but to stand in awe of His ways.

On this day, my love

I vow to you         

Your faithful wife and friend

Always true

I love you