Thursday, October 30, 2008
A plan for next year...
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 11:25 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Apple Cake
I'm having this weird obsession with apples. With my big bag running low and the hard frost last night, I kind of got a little apple sentimental and crazy all at once. The boys and I made a mad dash to the Happy Apple Orchard this morning and to my happy delight, they had a big sale! Needless to say, I'm back up to my ears in apples!
I found the following recipe from a really cool cooking blog. This girl lives a big city life and is a great writer...super enjoyable to read and great recipes! Check it out here.
This recipe wasn't hard, but it does require quite a bit of time in the oven--enough that my whole house completely filled with a wonderful warm baking apple smell!
Here's the recipe:
Mom's Apple Cake
6 apples, Mom uses McIntosh apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs



Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 3:05 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday Seven
Here are my seven things to be thankful for this week:
1. I'm thankful that Carson was able to get tubes in his ears on Friday. He's a little off kilter yet, but I'm looking forward to an ear infection free year!
2. I'm thankful for old friends and the friendship bond that seems to surpass time. My best friend from high school came to town on Friday. We hadn't gotten together for seven years. It was great to catch up and realize we still have so much in common!
3. I'm so thankful that Caitlin accepted Christ as her Savior! I will never get tired of hearing of people's salvations and seeing those smiles on new believer's faces!
4. I'm thankful for the five people who were baptized today at church as a public profession of their faith. It always prompts me to pray more faithfully for my children's salvations and that they will want to be baptized someday!
5. I'm thankful for the *date* Cody and I got to enjoy this week!
6. Who isn't thankful to see that sunshine shining again!?!
7. I'm thankful for the reminder I had this week of the great mercies of our Savior.
What are you thankful for this week?
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 4:43 PM 3 comments Links to this post
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Mother-in-laws' Apple Bars
In college, Cody and I double dated with a lot of different couples. One of the weirdest experiences we ever had was with this guy who asked cooking questions all night...as I would answer or his girlfriend would answer, he would retaliate with how his mom did it and how that was really the best way. We, basically, needed to change everything about how we cooked and do it his mom's way. It was annoying, to say the least. When we got home, my very sweet husband said to me, "I will never do that to you." And he never has! We never double dated with that couple again, either. Cody has always been so appreciative and encouraging about my cooking. When we were first married, I would have to beg the name of a favorite meal his mom made out of him.
This recipe, however, came right out as a fall favorite. It has quickly become one of my favorites too! I will warn you...these bars are a real pain in the patooty to make! Making the crust has caused me to come dangerously close throwing the rolling pin out the window. You'll probably make them with raging success...but just be warned, you might not, too!
Enjoy these frosted apple bars with a fresh hot cup of coffee and the company of great friends, and they'll surely become your fall favorite too!Carolyn's Apple Bars
2 1/2 c. flour
1 c. shortening
1 T. sugar
1 tsp. salt
Mix ingredients with a pastry blender.
Put 1 egg yolk in a cup and fill to 2/3 cup with milk.
Add to flour mixture. Dough will be very soft.
Roll out half the dough between sheets of plastic wrap. Spread in a jelly roll pan over the sides.
Peel and slice 6 cups of apples. Sprinkle apples with 1 c. sugar, 1 T. cinnamon, and 2 T. flour. Pour into crust. Roll out top crust and seal edges. Make small slits in top to release steam.
Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until slightly golden brown. (I start with 20 minutes and then let it go in five minutes increments until the top is golden brown.)
Frost with 3/4 c. powdered sugar, 2 T. butter, 1/2 tsp. vanilla and a splash of milk until smooth.
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:29 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Friday, October 24, 2008
Piled High Lasagna
Last night we tried a new lasagna recipe. It's a take on a Rachel Ray recipe, but I tweaked it to our preferences. This recipe also fit into a little challenge I got at Ladies Bible Study on Wednesday. We are studying the Fruit of the Spirit and our challenge was to do something kind for another person...not wait and think about it, but actually do it! The focus was to aim kindness toward our enemies or people we don't prefer, but thankfully, I'm running low in the enemy department. I had to put that disclaimer in for anyone that was there because I actually made this for my sister-in-law! She's not an enemy!
Here's the recipe:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, grated
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 heaping tsp. dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small carton ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 c. milk
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 to 1 c. parmesan cheese
- 2 boxes oven-ready lasagna noodles (use 1 box per loaf pan)
- 2 cups grated Italian cheese, divided
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
One pan was the perfect size for our family and the other pan was perfect to give away!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 2:44 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Carson's surgery
Early this morning, we all packed up and head down to Lutheran Hospital for Carson's surgery for his tubes in his ears. He was pretty smiley!
Notice that I couldn't dress the boys alike? Carson had to wear zipper pajamas so they could monitor his breathing and watch his chest. I think it actually hurt to leave with them in different clothing! They were both really confused, too. Carson said, "Hey Clainey, you wearin' the wrong stuff. Look at me!" Maybe I've done a little damage...
We had to give Carson a breathing treatment before his surgery to make sure he was completely opened up to breath. The anesthesiologist said this would also prevent any complications. Carson went back with the nurse pretty willingly. Everything went smooth putting the tubes in and all the infection was flushed out. He came out of the anesthesia really well and even snuggled with a nurse on the way out of recovery back to us. All the kids got super cute little stuffed bears for being so good.
I'm kind of sad that the side affects of drowsiness and laying around didn't seem to hit him! I have those side affects today! I think the breathing treatment hyped his heart rate up so much that it's hard for him to be still.
We're thankful it all went well and are looking to a year free of ear infections!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 2:25 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mercy
On Monday, I went to a ladies' get together with women from all over our state. The speaker spoke on *MERCY* from Psalm 136. Here's a portion of Psalm 136:
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
4to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
5to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
6to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;
7to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
8the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
9the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Then the passage goes on to describe His steadfast love and mercy to His people--the Israelites.
23It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
24and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
25he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.26Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Mercy is something I have grown to expect from God and sometimes take for granted that God will continue to show mercy. For myself, I've found that my "mercy" standard may need some work! Here's how God showed this to me:
The speaker closed by reading a testimony from a lady in their church. This lady had been the top drug dealer in their town and had a life completely controlled and driven by drugs. She was arrested one day and sentenced to forty years in prison. A friend of this lady had come to know Christ and got her entire church to send this lady cards and notes in prison to show her Christ's love. After eleven years in prison, she became eligible for parole. The parole rule was that she had to have a stable home to go to. All of her family had rejected her, so she timidly turned to her Christian friend. This friend showed mercy and took the lady immediately into her home. They began to go through "Stranger on the Road to Emmaus" and within weeks, she accepted Christ as her Savior. Her relationships with her family members have all been restored and this lady has changed her life drastically and is now a thriving Christ-loving woman (with a real job this time)! To go back a little, her first Sunday in church, she realized that three of her biggest drug buyers were in church--they had all become believers as well!
As the speaker closed, I felt really convicted about my *mercy*. I loved hearing this testimony and it really touched my heart. Would I be willing to befriend an ex-con / drug dealer and show them mercy--love and compassion? Why do I find myself willing to exert mercy to my friends who make a mistake here and there, but then I somehow draw a "line" of those sins that I just don't seem to find mercy to love have compassion for those people. It's only by God's grace and mercy in my life that I'm not the "ex-con / drug dealer" or what have you... I should be hunting down these people (hunting in love, of course) and showing them the kind of compassion that Christ exemplifies for us.
I want my life to be a reflection of gratitude for the mercy, the endless love and compassion, that God continuously gives to me. I think I can only truly show that gratitude by exerting that same type of mercy to others. I need to be looking beyond my bubble for those people who need that steadfast love that comes from Christ. How cool would it be if I, too, could read a testimony from someone one day who came to Christ because of *mercy* being shown to them!

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 9:33 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Apple Recipes
Yesterday my mom helped me work up a ton of apples. She ran the apple peeler/corer/slicer, and I threw the apples into several recipes. We ended up with cookies, cakes, breads, apple butter, and several frozen apples. The crazy part...we only did half of the apples! Guess I'll have to take another day to finish the project!
Oatmeal Apple Cookies
1 3/4 c. flour (I used 1 c. whole wheat flour and 3/4 c. all-purpose flour)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. rolled oats (oatmeal)
1 c. apples, chopped (measure generously)
Sift dry ingredients together. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Add oatmeal and apples, mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Drop batter by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.
This recipe was stolen from Beautiful Chaos' blog. It is SO good, I had to share it here!
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped, peeled apples
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Topping:
1/3 cup flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinammon
3 Tbsp. butter
Cream butter & sugar together. Beat in eggs & vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in apples and nuts. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. For topping, combine the first four ingredients; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.
This recipe was stolen from Beautiful Chaos, too. Last night, one of our kids at the Drake Bible Study told me I was the best cook ever...we'll be adopting John soon!
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup canola oil
2 cups sugar
3 well-beaten eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
3 apples, diced
Gradually add flour to other ingredients. Pour batter into lightly greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees.
Spiced Apple Bread
2 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups coarsely chopped apples
2 teaspoons sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then stir in chopped apples. Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Grease 2 9x5-inch loaf pans and line bottoms with waxed paper. Greased waxed paper. Pour batter into pans, smoothing the top with a spatula or spoon. Bake for 20 minutes at 325°. Pull out rack and sprinkle loaves with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 3:34 PM 0 comments Links to this post
There's a new name written down in Glory...
...and it's CAITLIN'S name! Last night at our Drake Bible Study, something was different! When we would discuss the passage, interactions and questions were different. As the night wrapped up, Cody had a chance to ask Caitlin aside from everyone else if she had been thinking about accepting Christ as her Savior. She just totally lit up and got all smiley...it was the coolest thing! I was a total wash of trying not to cry, smile, and laugh all at the same time as she shared what had happened over the last couple of weeks.
Caitlin had been coming to our Bible Study and doing a study on Thursday nights of Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. She said one week she just studied and read and prayed about if "this" was something she was going to do or not. One night, she sat down and told God that she did believe He sent Christ to be her Savior and that Christ had died for her sins. Caitlin said she instantly felt different and was so excited.
Of course, we asked why she didn't say anything sooner. Her explanation was that she felt so unknowledgeable about the Bible that she thought "believers" would be offended that she was calling herself a "believer" without knowing more. Then on that Sunday, Pastor Trent had shared how he led Sophie to Christ, so she thought maybe she needed to meet with someone to make it count. It all came out really funny and light-hearted as we told her that how she did it was perfect and not one person would be offended at her lack of knowledge. Truthfully, I think she's far beyond some aged believers!
So...the reason for her turmoiled look last week = awesome! She told her boyfriend that she was totally serious about growing in her relationship with God and she was looking for someone that would lead and teach her about Christ in their relationship. Then she said an amazing quote: I want to be a woman that can only be found when the man is finding Christ first. Their relationship is a little on "hold" while this is all explored by David. Pray that we can reach out to him, too!
Well, that was our Tuesday night! We didn't get home until almost 11:00 pm. My parents were waiting up...which is quite amazing for these 10:05 to bedders. When we walked in the door, my mom burst, "Well, did she accept Christ or not?!?" It was really fun to retell what had happened and know that my parents had been sitting on that couch praying all night!
When you see Caitlin, give her a big grin! I think she's found life abundant in Christ! I can't wait to encourage her as my sister in Christ! Pray that God would fill the longing for family that she has had with her new relationship with Christ and her new family in Christ!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 8:34 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Monday, October 20, 2008
My little guy!
Today we revisited our ENT to find out if Carson's ears had healed. Unfortunately, there was no improvement after two prescriptions of some super strong antibiotics. The doctor told us if we as adults had an ear infection as bad as Carson's we would be bedridden from the pain....yet, Carson just keeps on smiling! This Friday he'll be having surgery to put tubes in and also have all the infection and blood flushed out from his ear. Hopefully this will correct the problem!
Thankfully, I know God is in control...even of the smallest details. If you think of it, pray for Carson and his doctor (Dr. Porto) on Friday. We know God will bring glory to Himself even through this! Pray that we'll have opportunities to be a part of HIS glory!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:22 PM 3 comments Links to this post
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Slacker
While it may appear like I'm being a slacker at blogging these days, the rest of my life has left no hint of slacking behind. It's been a complete marathon around here lately...there may be a slight glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel...Wednesday?
I do have a Sunday Seven in my head...but there's just nothing left in me to put it out there into the blogosphere. God knows. That's all that matters. Have a lovely week!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 11:19 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Super Sermon Magnificent Message Terrific Talk
This morning I painted our bathroom and listened to THIS message. It was about "Little Foxes" that creep into our marriage. There is a lot of great wise counsel here for stronger, better marriages. I was pretty excited as I listened to this sermon that some of these principles we already practice in our marriage. There were also more principles that I'm excited to talk more about with Cody. It might seem weird to listen to sermon in the middle of the week (I know I totally weirded someone out this morning by suggesting that they listen...), but it's a great way to keep our focus in the right place and continue learning how God wants us to live!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 3:54 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Soup Recipes!
**Don't forget to leave your favorite soup recipe in my comments...I'm heading out to shop, so I need to buy a PRIZE!**
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:46 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Apples!
After reading all the wonderful apple recipes over at Beautiful Chaos' sweet little blog, I became so obsessed with wanting to buy tons and tons of apples! Today was my golden opportunity! When Cloe got off the bus, we hopped in the car and drove down to the Happy Apple Orchard. It was kind of crummy weather, so we didn't get to explore the orchard very much. We picked up a 1/2 bushel of Jonathan apples that were #2's. That means they were *cheap*! Any apple that has a slight bump on it gets sold as a #2. Jonathan apples are perfect tart apples for baking!
Since tonight was our Drake Bible Study, I didn't have a lot of time to cook. I pulled out an old quick and easy recipe--the Drake kids loved it! Hopefully tomorrow I'll be trying out the apple bread recipe!
Here's the recipe for Apple Pinwheels:
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
- 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 3 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
- 1 T apple pie spice
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine water, butter and 1 cup sugar; cook over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.Unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Combine the apples, apple pie spice and remaining sugar; sprinkle over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut into 1-in. rolls; place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Pour reserved syrup over rolls. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: 2 dozen.
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:35 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Recipe in Waiting...
Way back when my sister was in college, she had this roommate that was super sweet and super beautiful--I was in that "awe" state of her as a nine year old girl. When she and her husband had their first baby, she turned into an amazing mom overnight. They went on to have three little girls by the time I got to college. Their family was always so sweet to us. When we got married, we had their little girl Sophie as our flower girl. This special lady always amazes me at the many things she accomplishes, the humble way in which she faithfully serves her family, and her passionate dedication in loving Christ and others.
There are many spiritual aspects that have made an impression on me, but another area that she always leaves me in awe is her cooking. She's not only a great cook, she makes everything from scratch. I'm talking like grinding her own wheat...type of scratch! Their family has a little bread and goodies business and I'm sure no one feels disappointed with what they buy!
Recently I was able to get her granola recipe, and I can't wait to try it out this week! Cool weather, fresh cider and tasty granola seem like a great mix to me!

The granola recipe:
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:28 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday Seven!
I have so many things to be thankful for...it's hard to know where to begin! Pastor Mike preached on stewardship today, and we do certainly live a blessed life! Here are some big and little things I'm thankful for:I'm so thankful for *sleep*! All week the boys did great sleeping in their new sleeping bags. This was a pretty risky move considering we keep them "tented" in their crib at home.
This was how we found them one night before we went to bed...Cloe had rolled into McClain's bed, pushing him on to the floor...but never fear, Carson's holding his hand!
I'm really thankful for the opportunity to watch my children as they discover the world with wide-eyed wonder and amazement. Here's McClain's first S'more:
*Chocolate*caramel*pecans*
This was just pure delight!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 9:25 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Soup's On!
We made it home safely and fell right back into the swing of busy life today! This morning was filled with a sweet beautiful birthday party for an extra sweet little girl who's had one amazing ride for her first year of life!
Then it was to Home Depot buy supplies for the "garage project". Our garage is just gross...so Cody and a friend painted it this afternoon. It's on the funky side now...olive greenish in color. I like it. We have a box full of treasures from my grandpa's barn to display on the walls, and Cody picked up some new "organizational shelves" for all the miscellaneous things that need to be stored out there. It will be a work in progress for a few days.
While the boys worked, I did a bazillion loads of laundry. It always feels like that after vacation! My next project will be to paint our main floor bathroom. It's the only room that we haven't painted since we moved in. Guess what! It's going to be a shade of *blue*. Thanks to Peter Marie for sharing her love of robin's egg blue with me!
So, while all the sudden household projects? We're hosting the Great Pumpkin Carving Party for our ABF on Saturday. Gatherings are always a good incentive to get a project completed!
Here's where I need some input. We're having soup (as always). I want to have five crock-pots of soup. That way, if there are left-overs, we can have a little variety. So far, the picks are Abby's Rockin' Chili (that's my new name for it), Cheesy Potato, Chicken & Wild Rice, Minestrone, and ???.
SO, let me know: what's your favorite kind of soup?
Here's where I'll make it fun! Leave me the name of the soup and your recipe. If we make it--I'll give you a prize! Seriously. I'll go to the store and buy you something!
(I don't know what I'll buy yet because I don't know who the winner will be. I'll try to reward appropriately to your likings!)
Now comment away...please!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 9:01 PM 3 comments Links to this post
Thursday, October 9, 2008
One Last Howrah!
Today Katie and I got to spend a couple of hours at the mall...with no kiddos! It was a lot of fun to explore the mall for deal-i-os! I also needed to pick up Katie's birthday present. Thankfully, we found just what she needed: "after baby" clothes at great prices, too! I didn't take any pictures--I didn't want Katie to think I was totally a blogging-whack-o!
When we got home, the kids all rested while the boys got in one last game of golf. Then for supper we had a nice bonfire in their fire pit, roasted hot dogs and made S'mores! I did catch some great pictures of the bonfire. It's so late, I'll post them when we get home...tomorrow!
I think this was the world's fastest week! We had a lot of fun being with *family*! I love the family that God has given us and am so thankful for Kipp and Katie's willingness to let us invade their home for a week.
Tomorrow, we'll be piling back in the vehicle and trekking back to IOWA! I'm excited to see how much the leaves have changed and *beautified* this week!
Then it's back to the swing of life...it'll be exciting, too!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 10:47 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Today's Adventure
Today we took a little trip over to Grand Rapids to the Children's Museum. It is hands-down the best place we have ever taken our kids! So much to see and do--and everything is made just for *kids*! The pictures seemed to have captured a lot of the backs of kids' heads and kids in motion--no one wanted to take the time say "cheese" for very long! Here's a glimpse of our visit:
There was also a grocery store, sand box, panting center, stage, and gift shop on this level!
Thanks for sharing our memories from the Children's Museum!
Posted by The Sneaky Mommy at 9:41 PM 2 comments Links to this post