Walk by Hello: Recap

14 November 2008

Recap

Ah, what a long time it has been since I've posted. I have been trying every which way I could imagine to get my camera to upload pictures to no avail! Today I determined to sit here as long as possible and make it work! The joy of persistence.

We have had a whirlwind two weeks. Halloween and all that comes with it. A weekend trip to ride on the Polar Express. And now settling into a busy holiday season. Tim heading to Sapper school (which I'll explain in a later post).

Most important news of all, on All Saints Day during our bedtime prayers and stories Natalie asked Jesus to come live in her heart! What new meaning it has taken on for me. So much more than saying the words or checking the box, she is exuberant that now her favorite friend goes everywhere with her. She often peeks into her shirt and talks as though into her heart: "Come out of there you silly old Jesus, I want to see you!"

And Adam has begun a (lifelong I'm sure) romance with cars. Except he cannot pronounce c's so they are "tars". He squeals excitedly whenever we see one, sleeps with them clutched in a fist and loves to clamber around in Daddy's car. He sniffs them ( a particular habit of his we don't quite understand), kisses them and sometimes gives them a surreptitious lick. This boy knows how to enjoy life!

And me? I am enjoying every minute of our little circus here. Never a dull moment is an understatement. Most importantly I am learning to stay open and pile the patience on Natalie and Adam as well as myself. Life can be challenging whether you're only as tall as the sofa or approaching 30. He gives more grace, so why can't I?

2 comments:

Deanna @ oneagleswings said...: I've missed you, friend!

I was just thinking that I was going to have to email you if you didn't post soon. :)

It sounds like you have been busy! Yay for Natalie accepting Jesus into her heart! We have so much to learn from the innocent faith of children.

Micaiah still says "tars" and I love it. I do think it's a lifelong romance for boys. :)

What kind of holiday plans do you have?; November 14, 2008 at 12:13 PM
barb said...: Thanks for being persistent! Those pictures were well worth waiting for! How precious are those memories!

Wow! The greatest news of all, Natalie accepting Jesus into her heart!

I remember Tim and his brothers playing with their matchbox cars and each one having their own special ones.

Keeping you all in our prayers and special prayers for Tim while he is at Sapper School.; November 15, 2008 at 4:13 PM

Pecan Cream Cheese Icing:

8 ounces cream cheese
1 stick unsalted butter
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter 3 (9-inch) cake pans with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer. Add the sugar, and beat. In a medium bowl or on a piece of parchment, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well.

Add the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggs, beating well after the addition of each. Add the vanilla extract and mix. Add the carrots and beat on medium speed until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Fold in the nuts. Divide between the 3 cake pans and bake until set and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest in the cake pans for 10 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, remove from the pans, and let cool.

For the Frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar gradually, beating constantly. Add the vanilla and pecans.

When the cake is cool, place 1 cake layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread the top with cream cheese frosting and top with a second and third cake layer, spreading the icing between each layer. Spread the icing around the sides of the cake and let harden slightly before serving. To serve, cut into wedges.