Thursday, September 20, 2007

Goodbye Tree...

Today my next door neighbor is having her lovely tree cut down. It is already kinda rainy and trees being cut down makes me feel some sense of loss. I seem to feel some devotion to growing things and I feel sad when they are destroyed. Duncan seems fascinated with the whole production. He is just standing at the front door watching the process of taking down the beautiful tree. I really don't know the purpose of getting rid of it... it is not dying or anything.... oh well. So sad... Well, this has been the focus of our day. I think I am being a little too dramatic about the ordeal... but what is new, right? :o) Duncan is now ready for his nap, and I think they are about finished outside.




Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Many faces of Duncan....

I have accumulated some pictures of some events over the past few weeks, so I am cramming them all onto one post. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Face . . .
We visited Civil War Days a couple of weekends ago at the Chesapeake Central Library. We got there a little late and they were closing down early because a hurricane was supposed to move in that night. Oh well! Duncan got to ride on the hayride and he loved it. He got upset when we got off. He also got to see a mule. He kept calling it a "dog". :o)
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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Banana Cake Recipe



Here is the cake recipe that we used for Duncan's birthday cake. I think it is similar to banana bread ( not too sweet ). I don't even like bananas, but I did enjoy this cake. It's great... no sugar added.

BANANA CAKE

2/3 c. banana, mashed
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 lg. eggs
3/4 c. water
2 c. unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
Optional: 1 c. chopped walnuts OR 1/2 c. chopped walnuts & 1/2 c. raisins

Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan. Beat together mashed banana and soft butter until creamy. Beat in water. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until very foamy. Beat into mixture. Blend in flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Beat until smooth. Stir in walnuts or walnuts and raisins, if desired. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool. Serves 8-10.


Also this is the website I found it on. They have some other health conscious cakes as well. Happy baking!

www.grizzlybird.net/2007/01/babys-1st-birthday-cake-recipes.html

Pleasant Memories....


This evening was absolutely beautiful. Brian was working late and Duncan was getting to the time of day when he is a little cranky. So we stepped out onto our deck. It is amazing what effect the outdoors has on children, isn't it? We have a lovely little porch swing on our deck. We sat on the swing swaying back and forth gently, Duncan lounging on my lap, the cool breeze with hints of fall sweeping over us... so wonderful. The sun dipped behind our roof, and provided a glorious backlight to the maple tree in our yard. A squirrel sat on a branch and gnawed on a pinecone. Duncan kept pointing to the squirrel. He is fascinated by creatures. He loves our dog, and is eager to be near any animals. Except for an occasional finger point towards the squirrel, he lay completely relaxed with his little hands crossed. Small moments like these are treasures. This time of year is my favorite. I am so looking forward to the cool autumn days ahead. Cozy evenings around our fireplace.... woohoo! I am so overwhelmed by how much God has blessed me. My husband is so devoted and selfless, my son is an exquisit gift, our wonderful home just two minutes from my parents, and my parents are so supportive and graciously care for Duncan while I make lattes. I am surrouded by GOOD things. When situations present themselves that leave me feeling discourged and out of hope I have to remind myself of how many good things I have. My savior will always be faithful!