Mmmmmaking Waffles

Let me just say that I am not a huge "Martha" fan. Sorry, Martha...it's not you, it's me, actually. I just never think I can achieve what you're offering.

But this morning, Rachel & I wanted to make a "scratch" breakfast and in my Google search, I came across this recipe for Buttermilk Waffles from...Martha! (Go figure) Well, it looked do-able, and there was also a simple-looking recipe for Blueberry Sauce, so we gave it a try.

Of course, our waffles did not come out looking as perfect as these (I'm certain even Martha's don't...are these even real?!?) but they tasted so good! Even Grace, who shook her head at waiting for the process to be done, and had cereal instead, ate one later and declared them "very good."

The blueberry sauce is what sealed the deal for me, though.

Again, the picture is a little too perfect, so don't expect miracles, folks. But it was simple to make, and it tasted delicious on top of the waffles.

Here's the link for the recipe if you want to try for yourself (there's a link to the Blueberry Sauce recipe from the Waffle recipe): http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/how-to-buttermilk-waffles

Thanks, Martha!

Happy Birthday, Grace!

Today is a special day. My youngest daughter, Grace, is seven years old today. My baby...is 7. And yet I can still remember the day she was born so well, when she looked like this (being held by big sister, Rachel):

But, oh how the years go by! Grace brings love, and laughter, and hugs and kisses into my life. She is happy and stubborn and smart and funny with a sense of humor that just rolls out of her like a natural comedian. She loves to sing and read and dance and fight for the underdog, human or chicken ;-}. Grace is a snugglebug, a pouter, a princess, a wiggleworm, and often a drama queen.

Grace is a God-lover. She has Jesus in her heart and I see Him shining through her more every day. Some days I say God told us to name her Grace because He knew we would need grace to raise Grace! =) But I am so pleased and blessed and in love with this child that God has gifted us with. Happy 7th Birthday, Boo!

My daughter, the Middle Schooler

Yesterday was the last day of school. It was also the day my oldest daughter, Rachel, finished elementary school. I will say she finished well, but know my heart feels so much more. They had a promotion ceremony, which was very nice, and well attended (!), and of course Rachel was so excited.

They recited a poem, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Suess, their theme. They sang a song and accepted their certificates

and then it was over. Of course, I cried a little, but I really cried later when I read a comment Rachel's teacher wrote in her report card, "She's not afraid to stand up for what's right." She's not afraid to stand up for what's right...wow. Thank you, Father, that she shines for You!

I thought I would share a little bit of the essay she had to write for their theme, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." All the 5th graders had to write an essay, and one student from each class was chosen to read theirs. Rachel wasn't chosen, but I am so pleased by what she wrote. Here it is, in part:

Hello. My name is Rachel and I am proud of my dreams. I am also proud to say my one year at ** has been great. It was great to get involved in activities at school such as being Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" and also getting to be part of Battle of the Books. Wow. Those were some great experiences.

Since I just moved to *, I've only had one year at **. But my, what a year. Like I said before, this year certainly has been memorable. What really helped was having some great friends to help me and having a really great teacher, Ms. Pearl. I'm sure everyone likes her. When I heard she had been working at ** for more than 18 years, which immediately put me at ease, I definitely knew this was a teacher who knew what she was doing.

When I go to college, I would like to go to Cal Poly. Then I would like to train to become a vet or a kindergarten teacher.

The one person I would like to thank is God. I wouldn't be where I am without His support. He has always been there when I need to pray to Him and He has always loved me. I would also like to thank ** school. I want to thank you for letting me be part of your fifth grade family. Thanks God. I love you. And thanks ** school. I love you, too.

Just one more step in her still young life. But, she's finished this year well, she loves our precious Savior, and we're enjoying this journey we're on with her. I am so blessed and grateful to be her Mommy! (how much longer will she call me that?!?)