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A blog about loving Jesus, loving kids, loving others, loving food, loving DIY projects, loving travel and just loving life!
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Friday, October 28, 2011

Where is that P31? Blueberry Cream Streusel and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Where in the World is that Proverbs 31 Lady?
“She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.”  Proverbs 31:15
     by Christina from Butterflies Kisses and Tasty Dishes

Ok, confession time…I am NOT a morning person. In fact, when my husband asked my dad’s permission to marry me, my dad’s first response was, “You do realize that she doesn’t communicate until after 10:00 a.m.”.

Because of my dislike of early morning hours, verse 15 in Proverbs 31 has always bothered me. The whole “getting up before dawn thing” just makes me very uncomfortable.

So what does a wife of a husband who really does rise before dawn to go to work do? Unfortunately, those servant girls mentioned in the verse don’t exist in our home so I must plan ahead. My husband leaves each morning by 6:30 a.m., and I make sure he has lots of yummy, homemade breakfast options at his disposal.

Some items he loves include:
homemade egg, potato and turkey sausage tortillas; whole wheat pumpkin chocolate chip waffles, and blueberry pancakes.

All of these items I make during “normal” hours of the day and freeze in individual portions for him. He just has to pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and he has a healthy, yummy, homemade breakfast.

His absolute favorite breakfast treats are my blueberry cream streusel muffins and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. I bag them up for him in individual Ziploc baggies and he can just grab one and eat it in the car if he is running late. You can make a large batch of these muffins and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds and you have a delicious and fast breakfast treat.


Did you know that our husbands need to hear words of affirmation and kindness from us? This is often one of a man’s biggest needs and desires-to feel appreciated and honored. I like to surprise my hubby occasionally by sticking sweet love notes on the baggie of muffins…that way he gets a blessing in his tummy and a blessing in his heart!

Enjoy these muffin recipes, my friends! If you are interested in the recipe for the whole wheat pumpkin chocolate chip waffles then just send me an email. You can also subscribe to my blog updates by visiting: www.butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com


Blueberry Cream Streusel Muffins

Makes: 24 standard-sized muffins or 12 jumbo muffins

INGREDIENTS:
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 2 cups blueberries


STREUSEL TOPPING INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, chilled


DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In large bowl beat eggs, gradually add sugar while beating. Continue beating while slowly pouring in oil. Stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt and baking soda.
3. Stir dry ingredients into egg mixture alternately with sour cream. Gently fold in blueberries. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over unbaked muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.


Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Muffins

Makes: 24 standard-sized muffins or 12 jumbo muffins


Ingredients:
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 - 15 ounce canned pumpkin
  • 1½ cups oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions:

Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add sugar, pumpkin, and oil. In a separate bowl, mix flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Blend dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill muffins cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Notes:
I also like to mix it up by using cinnamon chips instead of the chocolate chips. Yummy!



Christina from Butterfly Kisses and Dishes 
My blogging journey began in August of 2008 when we found out the baby girl that I was carrying had a fatal disease called Triploidy. I began writing to keep my family updated on Savannah’s and my health and later began sharing my feelings, fears, and the many lessons that God was teaching me on our caring bridge website. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahgraceburrell

Writing my emotions down during this heartbreaking trial was so healing for me. I have always been better at expressing my emotions through writing rather than the spoken word. After our daughter joined Jesus in Heaven, I focused on my physical and emotional healing. God taught me so many lessons during this time, and my relationship with Him was taken to a new level-one of more honesty, transparency, and faith. The only thing that I knew for certain, the only thing that I could cling too when faced with my daughter’s death was that “God loves me and He is still in Control.”

Fast forward a year later, when my amazingly gifted and loving friend, Teri Lynne at “Pleasing To You” offered to help me set up my own blog where I could share the things that God was teaching me with other women. I wanted to combine my passion for God with my other passion for baking and creating recipes. I currently have my own Baking Business called Heavenly Creations, specializing in Jumbo Muffins, Breads, and Cakes. I love creating yummy goodies and sharing them with my friends, family, and the unexpecting neighbor J. My husband and I are very active in our home church where he serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher and I serve as a Women’s Bible Study teacher and as part of the Women’s leadership team. We love to spend time with our children, travel to bed and breakfast inns, and fellowship with our friends.

Butterfly Kisses and Tasty Dishes is a Blog with stories from a Carolina girl living in Texas who loves the Lord, her handsome hubby, her adorable son, her beautiful newborn daughter, baking, cute shoes, and Vera Bradley.

On any given day in these ramblings from my heart you will find recipes for yummy goodies that will satisfy your tummy. Or you may be given a glimpse into the often hard lessons that the Lord is teaching me as my heart heals and grows in His presence.

You may also find stories about my heart’s loves which almost always include family, friends, a great sale at Target, or a satisfying cup of hot tea! So, put your apron on as we experiment with “Tasty Dishes”, and join me on this journey of life filled with God’s Butterfly Kisses! http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/


Introduce yourself if you stop by. I would love to add you to my love list (the ones I lift in prayer whom our Father deeply loves).


My prayer for you... That you will “Taste and See that the Lord is Good!” (Psalm 34:8), and that God will “show you the way of life, granting you the joy of His presence and the pleasures of living with Him forever" (Psalm 16:11)!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Making Apple Butter, Liquid Soap and No-Bake Cookies

Last night was a special-stay-up-late and watch t.v. kind of night.  I had a burst of energy and wanted to make stuff.  So, I accomplished a few things.
  • Made Liquid Soap
  • Made Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Apple Butter
About an hour before the show – I grated up an Ivory Bar to make some Liquid Soap. Liquid Soap Ingredients This was my first time and it was super cheap and easy!  I will do this again! Just glycerin, bar of soap and water!   Liquid Soap
This was super easy! 
I found instructions on how to make liquid soap over here, at Savvy Housekeeping.  My kids woke up this morning - saying "Mom – that soap works great!"  I added lavender and lemon essential oils to make it smell better.

Right before our show – my youngest and I whipped up some
IMG_6186Loved these when I was young and I still do!  Plus they are so simple! 

We have been watching Top Shot on the History Channel. 

My kids attend a Christian camp every summer and the Camp Director was on the show.  Last night was the finale and Dustin actually won $100,000!   We were so excited and thrilled to see an honorable Christian young man stay humble and beat out other guys, including Navy Seals, Border Patrol Agents, and other top shooters.

As we were watching, I peeled apples – 8 lbs worth – for some Crock Pot Apple Butter.  My Step-Grandma used to make the BEST Apple Butter – I hope this is close!  I got the recipe from Money Saving Mom.

IMG_6185 It will be ready in a few hours to try out!  

Speaking of apples - I’ve never seen an apple tree with apples on it.  I can only imagine.  In this part of Texas – we have is Orange, Lime and Grapefruit Trees.  So, I’m not complaining.

It does call for Brown Sugar – which I was out of – so I used this recipe to Make My Own Brown Sugar!  EASY and FAST!

Have you been inspired by something?  What have you made lately?

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Which came first the chicken or the egg? And Backyard Chicken DRAMA….

Which came first the chicken or the egg?
In our case, for sure – it was the chicken!

We’ve waited a long 5 months!  These were actually some of their first eggs!  

Chicken Eggs vs Store Bought

Seriously, we look for them twice a day.  It has become a neat ritual.  They really taste different.  They are a little more hearty and I feel like they are better for us. 

These type of eggs are going for $4.00 a dozen so I think we are getting a fantastic deal.  I can’t wait to be able to give them to neighbors!

Brown Eggs

A little Chicken Drama…
We have one hen named Aggie – who doesn’t lay every single day.  She is the drama queen.  She somehow escaped out of our yard.  We looked for her for over 30 minutes one day. 
As soon as my son and I prayed to find her – there she was.  It was comical how soon God answered our prayer.  Then she went plop – and laid the smallest egg – we have ever seen.

IMG_0315

Now - we don’t let her out of the coop until she has laid an egg.  
She apparently must have a soft nest to lay an egg in.

Free Range Eggs

More Chicken Drama….
Last Friday we got home and Aggie was out walking again. This time we have no idea how she got out of the coop. But, she was in her favorite place looking for bugs or weeds.
(I love how the chickens will eat weeds and not the good grass!)

Backyard Chicken Eggs

In January or February, the rest of the chickens should be laying.  We can hardly wait.  We’ll hopefully be getting 40 eggs a week! (We are praying we have NO roosters!)
  That my friend is a lot of EGG salad!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Ideas for Re-Purposing Toilet Paper Rolls

Not sure about you - but I love re-purposing!
I like creating with my own hands.
So do my kids.

Here are a few ideas from Pinterest that I thought I would share!

Feel free to follow my boards on there! I recently changed my name to Lana {ilovemy5kids}.  If you need an invite...I can hook you up!  It is FREE!




©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Garage Sailing

Garage {Sales} Sailing Finds
Garage Sailing Finds

Today our Home School Student Council had a HUGE garage sale! My son had to be there to participate.

We went a little after 9:00 and stayed about an hour. Long enough for me to find some great finds.

  • Southern Living Cookbook - $2.00
  • Stock Pot - $5.00 {I seriously can't wait to use this one for making candles or soap!)
  • 3 ring binders for $1.00 each - I desperately needed these for school. 
  • DVD Case - $1.50
  • Abacus $1.00 - seriously, as soon as I got home my daughter started counting the beads!  WIN!
After that my son and I went Garage Sailing!  I love that term!  Makes it even more fun!
Here are more finds!

  • Bread Pan - $1.00
  • Angel Food Cake Pan (not pictured) - $1.00
  • Flour Sifter - $1.00
Yesterday, we stopped for some Chicken Food at Tractor Supply Company.  They are selling all their canning supplies for super cheap.  I called my Mom and picked up some for her too! 
  • Canning Lids and Rings for $.99 each (box of 12)  (I bought all the wide mouth I could find!)
I spent under $20.00 for all the garage sale finds and around $14.00 for the canning supplies.  I'm very happy!


    ©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

    Friday, October 21, 2011

    Where is that P31? A WOMAN who KNOWS the Lord!

    A Woman Who Knows the Lord
        by:  Shelly at Is That You, Lord?

    Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain (because it is not lasting), but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! 
    Proverbs 31:30 Amplified
    Where in the World is that p31 Turks Cap

    Bombarded by social media sites, blog rankings and the local P.T.A., women (and men) today face the temptation of becoming people pleasers and sometimes fall into the trap of performing for popularity or acceptance. Even in the church things can get a little mixed up.

    Before you report me to the Pastor, let me explain.

    It is socially polite to say “yes.”
    And, really, it feels good to say “yes” because people like to be told “yes.”
    Am I right...Yes?

    For many years I struggled with the addiction of people-pleasing. I was consumed with doing everything right, making everyone happy and keeping my super-woman cape pressed and pretty. Even in ministry, I scrambled to please those above me in leadership, no matter the cost.

    Unfortunately, all of these perfectly wonderful anticipated results of happiness are illusions. They are unattainable, energy-stealing, relationship-robbing fantasies. I cannot always do everything right. I cannot always make everyone happy, and there is no super-powered cape.

    Trying to be the Proverbs 31 woman can be a daunting task if we do not understand who she is. It can leave one feeling worn out, depleted and unaccomplished. If we are more concerned with pleasing people than fearing, honoring and pleasing God, we will soon find ourselves in a dry and lonely place.

    A Proverbs 31 woman is not one who says yes to everything and everyone, but one who yields to God. No matter how good a thing may be, if it is not God’s best it can steer us away from His purposes and decrease our effectiveness in the assignment He has written for us.

    A woman who fears the Lord is one whose life is surrendered to God’s will. She does not give in to the pressure to perform. She does not put others expectations or her own ideas of success above God’s plan for her life. Because she knows Him, she trusts and believes that His plans are good.


    A woman who “reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord” is one who knows the Lord. He longs for us to draw near and promises when we do, He will draw near to us. He yearns for intimacy with the one He loves…you…me.


    A woman who fears the Lord chooses to silence the sounds of distracting voices that attempt to divide her heart. She quiets her soul and listens. She is about her Father’s business, even when it means saying no to someone else so that she can say yes to Him.

    Who is this woman to be praised? She is the woman who fears the Lord and desires to please Him, no matter the cost. She is the woman who knows the Lord and trusts that His plans are best.

    What are your thoughts?


    Shelly at Is that You, Lord?

    Wife to Shawn, mother of three, writer/blogger, life-time learner, recovering people pleaser and mental perfectionist, follower of Jesus, lover of dark chocolate.

    Tuesday, October 18, 2011

    Saving Money

    Do you like to save MONEY?
    Yeah, me too!

    Photo Credit:  DazeOfAdventure via The HSBA POST


    I'm posting over at The Home School Post today about Saving Money!

    You are welcome to leave your BEST saving tip over there!  I need TIPS!!! (Literally!)  :) 





    Feel free to also look at my past posts about being Frugal:



    ©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

    Monday, October 17, 2011

    Is that your Pregnant Tooth?

    Bean Tepee

    Little guy to his sister: "Is that your pregnant tooth?"  
    Sister:  "I think so."
    Lil’ Guy:  "My baby teeth are sharp."
    Sister:  "Wait till you get permanent teeth - they are really sharp!"

    I love hearing conversations from lil' ones!

    Blessings to you!  You are loved!

    Friday, October 14, 2011

    Where is that P31? ATTITUDES of a Virtuous Woman

    Where in the World is that Proverbs 31 Lady?

    Attitudes of a Virtuous Woman
          By: Tracey Brewer from Girls to Grow



    Do you remember your parents often repeating certain phrases when you were growing up? Perhaps they were common ones like “Practice makes perfect” or “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.

    One of my dad’s favorite sayings was “Attitude is everything.” He was attempting to teach my siblings and I that no matter what happened, our attitude played a starring role in the situation.

    As I think of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31, I try to determine the attitudes that may have characterized her life. While I think many positive attributes can be inferred from the verses given, I found three specific approaches that I would like to emulate.

      Where in the World is that P31?  Attitude  - Girls to Grow
    1. She worked willingly.

      Verse 13 tells us that she worked “willingly with her hands.” You did not hear grumbling and complaining coming from her kitchen or laundry room; rather, she tackled the task at hand with a willing attitude. Setting this example before her family members surely encouraged them to address their tasks in a similar manner.

    2. She was joyful.

      In verse 25, we are told that “she will rejoice in time to come.” I believe part of that joy came from what we read about her in the first part of the verse – she conducted herself with strength and honor. Her strong character, developed through her relationship with God, produced inner joy. That joyful spirit is contagious and makes our home a place that others want to be.

    3. She was God-fearing.

      That is not a term we use often today, but it comes from verse 30. “A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” In all of her activities – from taking care of her household to reaching out her hands to the needy to preparing fine linen for the merchant – she operated in the knowledge that God is to be respected and honored and given first priority in her life.

    My heart is challenged to cultivate these three attitudes so that I might be the virtuous woman God would have me to be. As I learned from my father, having a proper attitude can make a big difference in how I deal with my circumstances.

    What other attitudes do you think the virtuous woman portrayed?

    Tracey Brewer is Mom to two daughters, ages ten and eight, and wife to her college sweetheart. She and her family live in coastal South Carolina where Tracey is enjoying her first year of homeschooling. Her blog, Girls to Grow, covers a variety of topics related to Christian parenting including homemaking, education, saving money, reading good books, and making memories with your children.

    Thursday, October 13, 2011

    Amazing Backyard Garden Tour

    A few weeks ago, my hubby and I went to a very relaxing BBQ with some other “youth” parents, at the home of someone who goes to Church with us. 

      I can’t believe my child is old enough to be in the “youth” group!  I’m so young!  

    Once a week, we have been hosting a boy’s Bible study in our home. The boys that have been coming – are so precious to us. My hubby and I taught them when they were in Cubbies (Awanas). It has been such a blessing to see them turn into fine young men. 

    But, I got to tell you – I still feel so young!  And these boys are still babes in my eyes – even though I have to look up to see most of their eyes.  

    Anyway – back to the garden…something that makes me feel young.  This garden and house were unbelievable gorgeous.  It felt like we were at a resort.  I will say we do live in the Tropics and most things do flourish here!


    One of the first things I noticed was this fountain.  We have been studying World Geography and it was so interesting to me. 
    Water Fountain 
    It also was covered in tons of bees.  Needless to say – we stayed away. 

    Water Fountain

    I loved the wall of bamboo, I think that is what is, behind it!  It filtered the HOT evening sun.  Great idea!

    Then to the sitting area…uh…gorgeous!   Isn’t that clock awesome?!

    P9240017 
    This is the chandelier!  Love it!P9240016And of course, the sitting chairs!  Yummy Peacock!  P9240018
    Then the plants…oh my!  Tropical at it’s best!Bird of ParadiseBird of Paradise – I have these in my garden!  Love them!Potato Plant I think this is a potato vine.  Not too sure.  Love the texture!Palms and Ginger PlantsOf course Palms and I think - Ginger Plants!  I love how they look but detest the bugs that live in them!Hand Statue for the GardenLook closely – Can you see the HAND?  Beautiful!Tropical Climbing VineI’m not sure what kind of vine this is but I loved it on the walls!  Gorgeous!
    Esperanza (Hope) TreeOf course the Esperanza Tree.  We call it the HOPE Tree!P9240031Not sure what this is but I love it’s color!Light for the GardenIsn’t that gorgeous lighting?!? 
    Okay, I was going to get a beautiful picture of the entire garden but my battery decided to die and when it is going out - it blurs.  Ugh! 

    A friend and I decided to go up to the bell tower.  As we were going up the stairs – I saw what I thought were June Bugs.  I said to her “Aww, aren’t those cute?  It is not even June.”
    She was following behind me.  She looked at the bugs too.
     
    She raised her voice slightly “Lana!!  Those are BEES!  GET DOWN!”  We flew down those steps! 

    Killer Bees are known to kill in these parts.
    Thankfully, they didn’t chase us.  I mean they were ALL in the walls and there were TONS of them!  It could have been catastrophe!

    Umm…maybe my camera was working fine and this picture may have been clear when I took it.  My eyes apparently needed some carrots.

    Gorgeous Garden House

    Hope you enjoyed the tour!
    And yes, I am suppose to wear glasses.  But, I’m TOO YOUNG! 

    Blessings to you!  You are loved!

    Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    EASY Whole Wheat HOMEMADE Tortillas Recipe

    My family eats a LOT of tortillas. 
    We use them for PB and J’s.
    We use them as wraps.
    We use them for fajitas.
    We use them to dust.
    Okay, were you paying attention?
    Just checking.
    We don’t dust with them – well, I better not see the kids’ dusting with them.  Wait – as long as someone is dusting…never mind.
      Homemade TortillasMy hubby and Brown Eyed Princess making Saturday morning breakfast tortillas. 
    (I just love Daddy and daughters cooking together!  Making Memories!)

    HOMEMADE Whole Wheat Tortillas is so simple:
      • 4 cups flour (we use whole wheat)
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1/2 cup shortening
      • 1 cup of water
    Mix flour and salt in a bowl;
    Cut in the shortening until well blended.
    Add water: stir until mixed.
    Knead until smooth – shorter than 5 minutes.  (Add more flour if needed.)
    Divide into 10 pieces.  Your supposed to cover but not sure if the team below did.
    Roll out unto flour surface into 10” tortillas.
    In ungreased skillet, brown tortillas for 1 minute or so.  Then turn and repeat.
    That is it!
    Rolling out the dough for tortillas
    The yummy HUGE tortilla!
     EASY HOMEMADE TortillasYes, I think the tortilla is super sized!  Fill it with eggs, cheese, salsa, and a little sour cream!  You got yourself some Tex-Mex breakfast!  YUM!DIY Tortillas

    Do you have a special way you fill your tortilla or wrap?  
    I'm looking for suggestions!

    Blessings to you!  You are loved!
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