A little something that I made this week...

I am a big fan of Ree Drummond. You know who I mean right?

Oh wait, I mean The Pioneer Woman! Ah, now you know who I mean.

I have read her blog since the early days before she was even famous. And I have loved her since the first post I read. But what I really love are her recipes. I don't think I've tried one yet that we didn't like. I mean there was her chicken spaghetti that practically has my guys licking their plates, and those twice baked potatoes that my son-in-law loves, and her iced coffee that I practically lived on last summer. So when I saw her make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars on her tv show I knew I had to try them. They are kind of like those Nutri Grain bars only much better. Oh, and I used homemade jelly, so I'm sure that made them even better. So if you're looking for something to make for your kids for a snack, or want to have something they can just grab for breakfast try these and I think you will not be disappointed.
Go HERE for the recipe

School Is Out Already?

I am still a bit in shock at how quickly the last few months have gone by. I haven't posted since mid-March. Right after my last post life got a little crazy and I just have had a hard time composing my thoughts much less writing them. My mother in law took a turn for the worse and we went home to see her. I think that is the last time all eight of her kids were together with her at the same time before she died. It was a bittersweet day because we could tell the end was near, and she was not herself, but she was very pleased to have all of her children there with her.

While we were there we got word that a young woman from our church was killed in a car accident. I have been friends with her mother since we were in first grade. It's hard to watch people grieve the loss of their child. And it reminds one that all life is fleeting and we need to savor each moment.

A week later we were at another funeral, this one for my mother in law. I have wanted to sit down and write out what she meant to me. But the words are stuck in my heart right now and haven't quite made it out. She was a good woman and not only loved by her family but her friends and neighbors.

And then there have been national tragedies such as the bombing in Boston and tornadoes in Oklahoma. These are emotional, gripping events that sweep us up and twist us until we feel like a dish rag wrung up and left in a corner.

So, I have been in a bit of limbo. I was reminded to make the moments count. I have been trying to spend more time with my kids and less time on my computer. I have been trying to do things that count, not count the things that I do. I have been praying for my children and my grandchildren that they will learn to love Jesus and not the world. And I have been crying over the poor choices that they make and the poor choices that I have made.

Now school is out and my boys will be home all day, so I will probably have even less time to write. But I will be here working in my garden, playing with the kids, hopefully encouraging them to read more and want to learn more. Most of all I want to set the example that life is to be lived, not just viewed like a television.

I hope you all have a memorable Memorial Day and that you take time to really make your day count.