Muffin Monday's One Year Anniversary!

One year ago today, I posted the first recipe for "Muffin Monday"

~cream cheese pumpkin muffins~

What is your favorite kind of muffin?

Tuesday Tips

~homemade autumn carpet fresh~

3/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup talcum powder

2 tablespoons corn starch

1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice

Mix together.

Sprinkle over carpet and let sit at least 15 minutes.

Vacuum.

Store your carpet fresh in a plastic container,

and poke holes in the top so you can sprinkle it over your carpet.

Knitting Inspiration

I was so excited over my black poncho,

(we had a little cool front this weekend

and I was able to wear it to worship on Sunday!)

that as soon as I finished it, I couldn't wait to jump right in to another project.

I spent a little time exploring my favorite yarn brand website

and discovered lots of free patterns at my knitting experience level.

I was so inspired! I have three new projects started!

First up is another light weight poncho.

I purchased two skeins of a variegated yarn that I've had my eye on.

(The normally low priced Red Heart yarn

was marked down even further to only $1.50 a skein!)

I am experimenting with rows of knitting

and rows of purling this time.

This will give the poncho a ribbed, textured look.

The only problem is I can't seem to keep up with my rows of each!

I'll learn a lot with this project. ;-)

I already have the finished poncho paired up in my mind
with a tan turtle neck, flair jeans, and brown boots. ;-)

I've also started working with a 100% cotton yarn
for the first time.

Knitting with three strands at a time
produces a very thick fabric.

I am using the popular Lily "Sugar 'n Cream" in Natural Ombre to make potholders.

And lastly, I've started some patchwork squares
in garter stitch, seed stitch, and moss stitch.

That one day,
might become a blanket...

Whoop! ;-)

Poppy Seed Muffins

Poppy Seed Muffins

(from The Ultimate Muffin Book)

12 servings

1/2 cup poppy seeds

4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

2 1/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir poppy seeds and butter in a small bowl until blended; set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk until smooth, then whisk in sour cream and flavorings. Stir in poppy seeds and butter. Add flour mixture; stir just until mixed. Fill sprayed or lined muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes at 400°. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove muffins from tin and enjoy!

Toy Story







and...

Toy Story 2







in 3D! :-)

In theatres for a few more days.
A wonderful way to spend a day off of school. :-)

Hide it in your Heart Week of October 12

~ "Hide it in your Heart"~

"Your word I have hidden in my heart" Psalm 119:11 NKJV

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you,

in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

Acts 2:38 NIV

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom

but in words taught by the Spirit,

expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."

I Corinthians 2:13 NIV

Supper Menus
October 12th-17th

Monday
soft tacos, refried beans, spanish rice
Tuesday
chicken parmesan, garlic bread, caesar salad
Wednesday
summer sub sandwich, potato chips
Thursday
out for sandwiches
Friday
homemade pizza, lettuce and tomato salad
Saturday
church fellowship supper - taking cookies

Sunday Songs

The Bible tells us to

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord."

Ephesians 5:19

"Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."

Colossians 3:16

~Heavenly Sunlight~

Walking in sunlight all of my journey;
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I’ll never forsake thee,”
Promise divine that never can fail.

Refrain
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine:
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the Light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

Refrain

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

Refrain

1899
Words by Henry J. Zelley
Music by Geroge H. Cook

I'll be sharing favorite songs from my song book on Sundays.

I hope you enjoy them. :-)

Simple Fall Pleasures

~Constant Comment Tea~

the smell and taste of fall

Fall Cheer in a Basket

I had so much fun putting together a little basket of fall goodies

for a dear friend's birthday.

She loves the season of autumn,

so on a trip to Wal-Mart I picked up...

a "pumpkin carnival" candle,

a happy harvest pumpkin,
(I have the same one on my windowsill!)

and a sweet box of halloween chocolates.

When I got home,
I tied up some little bags of candy I had on hand.

And, raided the pantry
for some hot cocoa, hot cider and hot tea packets.

I placed everything in a basket, lined it with some cute orange gingham fabric from the scrap bin and added a home printed card.

"Allowing Happiness to Change it's Form..."

Happiness is a matter of one's most ordinary

and everyday mode of consciousness

being busy and lively and unconcerned with self.

~Iris Murdoch

We act as though comfort and luxury

were the chief requirements in life,

when all we need to make us really happy

is something to be enthusiastic about.

~Charles Kingsley

The art of living does not consist

in preserving and clinging to a particular mode of happiness,

but in allowing happiness to change its form

without being disappointed by the change;

happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up.

~Charles L. Morgan

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"Autumn Barn" by Michael Humphries

What the Bible says Wednesday

What the Bible says about...
children

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

Deuteronomy 4:9

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

"Children's children are a crown to the aged."
Proverbs 17:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Matthew 19:14
also Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16

"Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
Ephesians 6:1

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Ephesians 6:4

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Colossians 3:20

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
Colossians 3:21

"He (overseer/elder) must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect."
I Timothy 3:4

"A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well."
I Timothy 3:12

Every Wednesday, look for a new topic in

What the Bible says Wednesday!

Tuesday Tips

Heritage Schoolhouse introduces...

~Tuesday Tips~

Since I love to collect little household hints, tricks, and tips,

I thought I'd start sharing them with you each week!

This week's tip - the best way to clean your microwave.

I've been doing this for years and it works like a charm. :-)

Into a microwave safe dish, squeeze the juice of one lemon and add a cup of water. Microwave the mixture for 3-5 minutes or until the water comes to a boil. Leave in the microwave for 10 minutes without opening the door. (This allows the steam to condense on the walls and roof of the oven.) When the time is up, use a soft dishcloth or paper towel to wipe out the microwave. Everything will come up so easily - no elbow grease required! Your microwave will look and smell sparkly fresh and clean! :-)

S'mores Muffins

S'mores Muffins

12 servings

1 cup flour

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup milk

4 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup mini marshmallows

Whisk flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended; set aside. Whisk egg until lightly beaten, then whisk in milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and marshmallows, then stir in flower mixture. Fill muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes at 400°. Cool for 1o minutes. Remove from muffin tin and enjoy!

Hide it in your Heart Week of October 5

~ "Hide it in your Heart"~
"Your word I have hidden in my heart" Psalm 119:11 NKJV

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved;

but he who does not believe will be condemned."

Mark 16:16 NKJV

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom
but in words taught by the Spirit,
expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."
I Corinthians 2:13 NIV

It worked!

When starting it in Montana,

I wasn't really sure how this poncho was going to turn out.

I used a thin (and cheap!) yarn

on the same big needles I've used when making thick ponchos.

Would it hang right? Would the shape come out correctly?

Yes! And yes! I love it!

This time I left off the fringe, but added two lengths of yarn in front

with some beads (raided from my daughter's stash) for interest.

Paired with a black turtle neck and black boots...

winter here I come! :-)

Supper Menus
October 5th-10th

Monday
mexican lasagna, sangria punch, chocolate covered strawberries cake
Tuesday
potato ham bake, dinner rolls, lettuce and tomato salad
Wednesday
philly cheesesteak sandwiches, spicy potato wedges
Thursday
chicken spaghetti, dinner rolls, lettuce and tomato salad, apple dumplings
Friday
take out pizza, cookie cake
Saturday
texas chili, jalapeno cheese corn bread, gingerbread

I'm participating in Menu Plan Monday this week.

Hop on over there to see more menu plans.

Mr. H. has a new favorite dessert!

Vermont Maple Oatmeal Pie

8 servings

1 single pie crust
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup oats
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Press pastry into a 9 inch pie plate; flute edges. Combine the eggs, sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the oats, syrups, butter and vanilla; pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.

If you are a pecan pie person, like Mr. H., and like oatmeal, too ~

then this pie is for you!

Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Scones

8 servings

2 1/4 cups flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice*

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup cold butter

1 egg

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons chopped pecans, optional

cinnamon and sugar

Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pie spice, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk egg, pumpkin and milk; add to crumb mixture just until moistened. Stir in pecans if desired. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Pat into an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Cut into 8 wedges; separate wedges and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° degrees for 15-2o minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

*If you don't have pumpkin pie spice in the pantry you can use -

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Oh, autumn-y goodness! :-)

It is possible that I might be on a little bit of a scone kick...

Stay tuned! ;-)

I found this recipe on a sweet cooking blog called Mixing Bowls and Measuring Spoons.

October has arrived!

Just waiting for the frost on the pumpkin! :-)