My Snuggle Buddy

"Mom, I have been worried that you will

be lonely in the hospital.

Please take my snuggle buddy.

She will keep you company and will

make you happy until you get home."

Where would I be without

my Brigitta?

True Love

Thirty years ago today

I met my the love of my life.

Fruit and Nut Granola

This is the basis granola recipe our family enjoys, however we are constantly trying new additions or combinations which means breakfast is never boring. But don't stop there, granola is great sprinkled on yogurt or even ice cream. One of our favorites however is a fruit and granola parfaits made with layers of yogurt, fresh fruit and granola, and then we repeat the layer.



8 Cups Regular Oats
2 Cups of coconut
1/2 Cup of wheat germ
3 Cups of chopped nuts (almond, walnut, pecan, cashew etc...)
2 Cups dried fruit (raisin, cherry, blueberry, cranberry etc...)
1/2 Teaspoon salt
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Canola oil
3 Teaspoons vanilla



Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients together except the fruit.













Mix the wet ingredients stirring well. Pour over dry ingredents and stir well to coat the oatmeal. Pour into a baking dish.

Bake in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes. Stir half way through.

Add the fruit when the granola has cooled a bit.

Enjoy!!!

One of our favorite granola's is Cherry Almond. I use only almonds for the nuts and dried cherries for the fruit. In place of the 3 teaspoons of vanilla I substitute 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. I also leave out the cinnamon.

One of the things we love about making our own granola is being able to create what ever we are in the mood for.

This recipe fills up 3 quart sized zip-lock bags and will last about a week, unless Mar-Kell comes to visit and then they all seem to disappear. Love you Mar-Kell!

The Newlyweds Have Started A Blog

You can visit them HERE.

Just in Time

As the storm raged and the hail fell, I was relieved that I had already gone out earlier today and finished harvesting what was left in my winter garden.

This is my first time growing cauliflower.

Just look how beautiful it is.

We ate it this very evening for dinner.

You can't imagine how much better it tastes

when you grow it yourself.

This weekend we will finish planting

our spring gardens.

The Master List

Remember when I mentioned last month that all of my tests came back negative? Well guess what?

During what I thought was a routine visit to the doctor after my surgery I was informed that they found cancer cells in the uterus. The pathology report from my surgery had just come in the day before my scheduled appointment. I was in a bit of shock because the initial reports came back negative. My first thought was: BAD TIMING! I don't have time to go through this, I just started back to school, I am in the middle of home-schooling my children and preparing them for AIMS , I am directing a choir that will be performing next month, etc........ I had a million reasons running through my mind of why this can't happen now. But really, is there ever a good time?

The doctor is very optimistic and so am I. This is a very curable cancer when caught early. I will be going in for surgery in March at which time they will perform a hysterectomy and access the situation. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a tiny bit nervous, but I am going forward with life as usual.

My married children held a council just after they received word. Of course, I wasn't invited. They sat down and planned out the entire month of March to make sure I stay down and recuperate. They know me well.

Here is the MASTER LIST

Aimee and Michele and the rest will be coming over daily to watch my younger kids, home school them, and help me keep up with things. Mar-Kell's mother-in-law, whom I refer to as my new 'sister' will be coming over to teach my piano students for me so that I will not lose any income during this time. When you are self-employed you don't have sick leave.This is a great sacrifice for everyone. Everyone has their own lives, work and families, not to mention that both Aimee and Michele are VERY pregnant, and yet they are willing to sacrifice on my behalf. Words cannot express my heart-felt thanks.

I am so richly blessed to have such a wonderful family who supports me in all that I do or have to endure.

Thank you for your love and support.

Now you know why I haven't blogged for a while. I just haven't known what to say. Not to mention school is taking up much of my extra time.

Things are different now. My perspective on life is more focused and I am moving forward with a smile on my face, grateful to be in the caring arms of my family.

I Am Exhausted!

Going back to school full time with my already busy schedule.....

What was I thinking???