Black Flies in Maine: Its Time for a New State Bird

A granola recipe from the Peanut Allergy Kid

Just came across an excellent allergy blog called the Peanut Allergy Kid.  One particularly helpful post included a recipe for homemade peanut-free granola.  Yum!  Thank you Peanut Allergy Kid for sharing this recipe!  Check it out HERE


"Safe" Stovetop Granola

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups old fashioned oats (whole oats)
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1-2 T wheat germ (optional)
• 1-2 T flax seed meal (optional)

Directions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oats and stir until they start browning and getting crisp, about 5 minutes. Towards the end of cooking time, add wheat germ and flax seed meal (Be careful not to burn oats! It happens quickly!) Remove from heat and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.

Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and brown sugar; cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Return the oats to the pan. Cook and stir for another 5 minutes or so. Pour out onto the cookie sheet and spread to cool.

Once cool, transfer to an airtight container. You can also add dried fruit (raisins, Craisins, etc) at this time, too.

Periwinkle Waffles: Egg and Peanut Allergy Safe!

Periwinkle Waffles

...because the word "periwinkle" appeals to my children

more than the word "blueberry"

Sift together:

2 cups flour

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

Combine and then stir into dry ingredients:

1-2 mashed bananas

1/4 cup oil or applesauce

1 3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1 cup pureed blueberries

Bake in a hot waffle iron until lightly browned. 

Yields: 12 to 14 waffles





Thursdays: Tied with Love and Laughter

Thursdays: Tied with Love and Laughter, a little perspective.

Last week, my husband worked four 12 hours shifts, changed the oil in our vehicles, rota tilled the garden, mowed the lawn, took the trash to the dump, fixed a plumbing issue, fed the pigs, cows, and chickens, plus much, much more... These are all things that I CAN do if I have to, but I am extremely thankful this week that he is the one who did and that I didn't have to.

What "simple" things did your spouse do this week that maybe worth noting?  Please leave the link to your post in the comments below.

 

The Best Baby Shower Gift

My new favorite baby shower gift is the Tiny Bear's Bible. 

Our son recieved the "boy" version of this at his baby shower and it is now one of his most prized possessions. So I have decided to start sharing the love with others by giving this as a gift as well.  The cover is fuzzy to the touch and the Bible story characters are adorable little bears.  It's sweet, it's practical and it's sentimental... what more could you want from a baby shower gift?!

Two thumbs up!

So strong and so mighty...

Do you remember the sweet little sunday school song, My God is so Big?

"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There's nothing my God cannot do
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There's nothing my God cannot do
The Mountains are His
The Rivers are His
The Stars are His handwork too
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There's nothing my God cannot do"

There is nothing my God cannot do. 

Even when mulitple doctors believed that my husband was dealing with lymphoma and when his situation looking quite scary, we prayed.  Why pray?  Because we believe there is nothing our God cannot do.  Today, a second scan confirmed that, despite what doctors may have thought, my husband is NOT dealing with a lymphoma or a mass at all!  He still has swelling behind his eye but no mass!  The God who made the stars hold us in the palm of His hand and I am thankful to know the creator in times such as these.  Thank you Jesus! 

And thank you to everyone who has prayed!

"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do...

for you!"

Happy Nurse's Day!

Having had recent experiences on the "patient end" of nursing care, I have a renewed sense of the importance in truly caring for patients... not just getting through the care, but truly caring. Thank you to all the exceptional nurses out there, who understand the difference!

Happy Nurse's Day to all my fellow nurses!

Fascinator, Hat or Hair Accessory?

Did you see the Fascinators worn at the royal wedding? I had no idea what a Fascinator  actually was so I checked it out.  I learned something new today and I think I just might like them!  Maybe its time for a new trend here in America?!

What is a Fascinator?

A Fascinator is a fashionable hair accessory worn on the head. It may resemble a small hat but is held in place by a band, clip, pin or comb. Fascinators are usually worn by women, along with formal attire. Fascinators may be made from a variety of materials including sinamay, feathers, grosgrain, swarovski crystals, satin, silk, and tulle.

TTLL: What if Blessings Come through Raindrops?

Thursdays: Tied with Love and Laughter

When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we couldn't think of a good song to play during the ceremony.  So, my dad recommended one that he liked.  We listened to it, loved it, and decided to have it play during the lighting of our unity candle.  It still makes me smile today.

Edwin McCain's, I Could Not Ask for More

That was nearly 9 years ago now.  Today, we seem to be walking through a much less celebratory phase of our lives.  We are blessed, so very blessed and so very grateful.  But this is a hard time for us right now.  The other day, my dad recommended another song to us.  Since then, several friends have recommended the same song as well.  I think its worth taking the time to listen to; this song speaks a truth that stirs both painful and joyful tears. 

Laura Story's, Blessings

Do you and your loved one share a special song?  Share the link to your blog in the comments below if you would like.

 

Sunday Snapshot

There is no place like Daddy's lap!