So, I just got back from dropping my dd6 and my parents off at the train station.  They should now be on their way to DisneyLand!  It always feels rather odd to have only one child around...especially when she is the quiet one.  The volume has decreased by at least 80 percent :-)

This is certainly not the first time  dd6 has been away, but it has been awhile since she has been gone for about a week.  I will miss her, but I know she will be having a great time.

Dd3 and I will have a great time just her and I.  She doesn't generally get alot of one on one time...so this is her chance.  I can't wait!  She has a very different personality, so it will be nice to see her blossom for this short period of time.  Perhaps when her sister comes back she will have grown a little more bold.

On a different note, if you remember we had been struggling with bedtime and obedience a week or so ago.  Well, we've changed the bedtime routine so that dd3 goes to bed a little earlier and then dd6 gets some extra time in the evening.  Not only that, but during the usual nap time for dd3, I've been having them both play "quietly" in their room so that I can have some "quiet" time.  I need this and this way dd3 doesn't actually fall asleep...so at bedtime she is soooo ready.  By the time dd6 goes to bed, dd3 is sleeping and we have been having peaceful nights ever since.  Aaahhhh, how refreshing!

I am still praying that the Lord works in me and my girls and I hope that I will see the fruit of this.  I know there is much that I must change about myself...and perhaps this will help my daughters change as well.

May your day be blessed!

This is a recipe that I've been making since I was a kid.  I love it and make it any chance I can.  It goes especially well with the Irish Stew I just posted.

English Muffin Bread

5-6c. flour

4 1/2tsps yeast

1T. sugar

2tsp. salt

1/4tsp. baking soda

2c. milk

1/2c. water

cornmeal

Combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar , salt and baking soda.  Heat liquids until very warm(120-130 degrees F.).  Add warmed liquids to dry mixture, mix well.  Stir in enough of remaining flour to make a stiff batter.  Spoon into two 8 1/2x4 1/2 inch loaf pans that have been greased and sprinkled with cornmeal.  Sprinkle tops with cornmeal.  Cover; let rise in warm place for 45 minutes.

Bake at 400 degrees F. for 25 minutes.  Remove from pans immediately.  Let cool.

I really hope you all enjoy these tasty morsels.  Have a wonderful day!

I thought I'd share a couple of recipes that my family enjoys.  I hope that you enjoy them.

Irish Stew

2lbs boneless shoulder of lamb(1/2" cubes)

2c. boiling water

2T. shortening

1 bay leaf

1c. carrots(sliced)

1c. white turnip(cubed)

1 potato(peeled&cubed)

1 onion(sliced)

Salt and pepper to taste

*my recomendation is to adjust the amount of each vegi according to the size of your family.  I tend to add an extra potato and turnip.  I also usually use beef stew meat, for cost...my hubby likes it alot!

Take care to trim off  most of the lamb fat.  Melt shortening in a heavy pot, add lamb cubes and brown well on all sides.  Stand back while you pour 2 cups boiling water over the lamb(it may sizzle and sputter).  Put in 1 bayleaf for flavor.  Cover and simmer, 1 hour.

Add carrot, turnip, potato, onion, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer 30 minutes more.

Taste and correct for seasoning, serve.

Enjoy!