In heavy saucepan add:
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate
2 sticks margarine
3/4 c. Pecans or walnuts
Melt together.
Add to:
1 1/2 c. Sugar
1 c. Flour (before adding vanilla, fluff sugar and flour with fork several times)
1 tsp. vanilla, overflowing
Pour saucepan batch into dry ingredients and mix together. Add 4 eggs, adding one at a time and beating after each egg. Pour into muffin cups. Bake at 325 for 20-25 mins. ( don't overbake, the top should be crinkled)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Pecan Pie
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c. Melted margarine or butter
Pastry for 10" pie (I use frozen)
3 eggs
1 c. dark corn syrup
1 1/2 c. Chopped or pecan halves
3/4 c. Sugar
Prepare pastry. Line 10" pan. Beat eggs and salt unit light and lemon colored. Beat in sugar a little at a time. Fold in melted butter and syrup and pecans. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake in preheated oven at 375 for 45-50 minutes, until set and pastry is browned. You may have to cover with foil at about 40 min. so crust doesn't burn while pie continues to bake or it may be runny inside. Let cool before eating.
1/4 c. Melted margarine or butter
Pastry for 10" pie (I use frozen)
3 eggs
1 c. dark corn syrup
1 1/2 c. Chopped or pecan halves
3/4 c. Sugar
Prepare pastry. Line 10" pan. Beat eggs and salt unit light and lemon colored. Beat in sugar a little at a time. Fold in melted butter and syrup and pecans. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake in preheated oven at 375 for 45-50 minutes, until set and pastry is browned. You may have to cover with foil at about 40 min. so crust doesn't burn while pie continues to bake or it may be runny inside. Let cool before eating.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
30 years of marriage!
John and I have been married for 30 years (July 24, 1982)! Wow, it seems like it went by short and then again, it seems like we've been married forever. I'm married to the most positive person I know. He's truly the same all the time. (There is no private John Mahoney and public John Mahoney, or Christian at church and mean at home.) It's been great living life with him! He also has no thought of one person being better than another. I've seen him in sooooo many situations that prove that. The downcast guy on the mission field is treated with the same respect as a patient in his office. That is just some of the things I love about John. He has lived up to his name: Gift from the Lord!
Some of the things I've learned and are still learning in marriage are:
1-Don't put expectations on your spouse. No one has esp! Psalm 62:5 says "my soul, wait only upon God, for my expectation is from Him."
2- Give your spouse space to enjoy the things they want to learn about or do, but at the same time remember you are no longer single so don't put your interest ahead of your spouse/family. It's also important to communicate your plans with each other to see how it will work on the family calendar. (You are not asking permission, you are considering each other!)
3-Usually money only matters to one spouse more than the other so set up a reasonable budget: tithe, save, pay bills and also budget for each to have money to spend like they want. John likes to fish and I like to garage sale and antique shop to find old things.( It's like a treasure hunt for me to find things I remember from my grandparents home). Four things about money: 1- if you don't get into debt, you will have much, much more freedom to live. 2-If you are in debt and you want to be free and you do all you can to get out, God will make a way, but there will be no explanation for how He does it except, Wow! He will make a way for you to be free way sooner than you think, if you do your part. 3-Each person spends money on what is important to them. It's different for each person and it should be because we are different and we were raised different. So don't feel bad if you aren't comfortable or don't want to spend money on something that everyone else is. If it's not important to you than save for what is. 4-Last but definitely not least, tithe (give 10 %) to the Lord. God can make 90% go a lot further than 100%. It's His rules and He takes awfully good care of us! P.s. can you tell which of us is concerned about money? Lol My favorit book on money is "Debt Proof Living" by Mary Hunt. She also has a great little book called "Debt Proof Kids."
4-Pray about big decisions and be in agreement. Also, sleep over things, before being in a hurry. John and I always tell people that we need a night to sleep over a decision before buying something from them, if it's a costly item. (It's also a great excuse to leave "the rush to buy."
5-Learn the art of communication in a calm manner. This is definitely John's gifting, not mine. I would get mad, but not John, so you look mighty foolish being in a one person argument! Proverbs 15:1 says "a soft answer turns away wrath." This is also great when dealing with children.
6-in the book ' "The 5 Love Languages" it explains each persons primary love language. It's worth reading to find out your spouses love language (you can get it from the library). Try to do something everyday in their love language. Normally, you do what you want done to you, but that s not necessarily their primary love language. Example: I like quality time or acts of service. John likes physical touch. Giving John a hug means more to him than folding his clothes (even though that needs to be done too), but for me, visiting and drinking coffee with me means more than a hug. Just something to think about and work toward. It's esteeming the other more than yourself.
7-For sex, read "Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman. It covers pretty much everything.
8-On raising children, be on the same page and if you are not, don't let your kids know. You were raised differently so the best answer you can give your child is,"We will talk about it and get back with you." You two discuss the pros and cons of how things will work best in your household. You will make mistakes and grow like the rest of the world, but there is one thing for certain: you are doing the best you can for your child and no one will ever love your child more than you! Always pray for wisdom, your spouse, and for each child. A great book on child rearing is "Making Kids Mind Without Losing Yours" again by Kevin Leman. I like that guy!
9- You don't have to do everything. (I'm preaching to myself, actually for all of this! lol) Like my friend always says: Don't sweat the small stuff! Everything is the small stuff! Make sure you have a family night or day each week just to be together. Turn off all electronic, play a game, have a picnic on the living room floor, set the table like for company, visit,take a walk, build a inside tent, etc. if you die the things you do will get done by somebody so just relax and enjoy the journey with your family. Try to find a common interest you can all do together. One of my all time favorite little books I read every year is "Living the Simple Life" by Elaine St. James. It's a great yearly reminder for me!
10-Have friends over! It makes for a great environment and heritage for your children.Most folks, including me, don't want to have people over because the house is dirty (I had to get over that or we would never have company or my family would hate me from stress.) Anyway, some years back I heard about the flylady.net. It's a free website for people who live in chaos (can't have anyone over syndrome). She also has a book called "Sink Reflections" that has great tips for keeping things in order (if only I would just do them!)
You can invite folks over for coffee, tea or play a game or just visit. You don't even have to offer food, but popcorn and pink lemonade are pretty easy and cheap! (10lbs. of Pancake mix and a gallon of syrup from Sam's can feed a small army for about $12.) You get to know people and spread and receive joy!
Blessings for the Lord on your journey thru life!
Some of the things I've learned and are still learning in marriage are:
1-Don't put expectations on your spouse. No one has esp! Psalm 62:5 says "my soul, wait only upon God, for my expectation is from Him."
2- Give your spouse space to enjoy the things they want to learn about or do, but at the same time remember you are no longer single so don't put your interest ahead of your spouse/family. It's also important to communicate your plans with each other to see how it will work on the family calendar. (You are not asking permission, you are considering each other!)
3-Usually money only matters to one spouse more than the other so set up a reasonable budget: tithe, save, pay bills and also budget for each to have money to spend like they want. John likes to fish and I like to garage sale and antique shop to find old things.( It's like a treasure hunt for me to find things I remember from my grandparents home). Four things about money: 1- if you don't get into debt, you will have much, much more freedom to live. 2-If you are in debt and you want to be free and you do all you can to get out, God will make a way, but there will be no explanation for how He does it except, Wow! He will make a way for you to be free way sooner than you think, if you do your part. 3-Each person spends money on what is important to them. It's different for each person and it should be because we are different and we were raised different. So don't feel bad if you aren't comfortable or don't want to spend money on something that everyone else is. If it's not important to you than save for what is. 4-Last but definitely not least, tithe (give 10 %) to the Lord. God can make 90% go a lot further than 100%. It's His rules and He takes awfully good care of us! P.s. can you tell which of us is concerned about money? Lol My favorit book on money is "Debt Proof Living" by Mary Hunt. She also has a great little book called "Debt Proof Kids."
4-Pray about big decisions and be in agreement. Also, sleep over things, before being in a hurry. John and I always tell people that we need a night to sleep over a decision before buying something from them, if it's a costly item. (It's also a great excuse to leave "the rush to buy."
5-Learn the art of communication in a calm manner. This is definitely John's gifting, not mine. I would get mad, but not John, so you look mighty foolish being in a one person argument! Proverbs 15:1 says "a soft answer turns away wrath." This is also great when dealing with children.
6-in the book ' "The 5 Love Languages" it explains each persons primary love language. It's worth reading to find out your spouses love language (you can get it from the library). Try to do something everyday in their love language. Normally, you do what you want done to you, but that s not necessarily their primary love language. Example: I like quality time or acts of service. John likes physical touch. Giving John a hug means more to him than folding his clothes (even though that needs to be done too), but for me, visiting and drinking coffee with me means more than a hug. Just something to think about and work toward. It's esteeming the other more than yourself.
7-For sex, read "Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman. It covers pretty much everything.
8-On raising children, be on the same page and if you are not, don't let your kids know. You were raised differently so the best answer you can give your child is,"We will talk about it and get back with you." You two discuss the pros and cons of how things will work best in your household. You will make mistakes and grow like the rest of the world, but there is one thing for certain: you are doing the best you can for your child and no one will ever love your child more than you! Always pray for wisdom, your spouse, and for each child. A great book on child rearing is "Making Kids Mind Without Losing Yours" again by Kevin Leman. I like that guy!
9- You don't have to do everything. (I'm preaching to myself, actually for all of this! lol) Like my friend always says: Don't sweat the small stuff! Everything is the small stuff! Make sure you have a family night or day each week just to be together. Turn off all electronic, play a game, have a picnic on the living room floor, set the table like for company, visit,take a walk, build a inside tent, etc. if you die the things you do will get done by somebody so just relax and enjoy the journey with your family. Try to find a common interest you can all do together. One of my all time favorite little books I read every year is "Living the Simple Life" by Elaine St. James. It's a great yearly reminder for me!
10-Have friends over! It makes for a great environment and heritage for your children.Most folks, including me, don't want to have people over because the house is dirty (I had to get over that or we would never have company or my family would hate me from stress.) Anyway, some years back I heard about the flylady.net. It's a free website for people who live in chaos (can't have anyone over syndrome). She also has a book called "Sink Reflections" that has great tips for keeping things in order (if only I would just do them!)
You can invite folks over for coffee, tea or play a game or just visit. You don't even have to offer food, but popcorn and pink lemonade are pretty easy and cheap! (10lbs. of Pancake mix and a gallon of syrup from Sam's can feed a small army for about $12.) You get to know people and spread and receive joy!
Blessings for the Lord on your journey thru life!
Homeschooling Chapter Has Come To An End
It has been a great 22 year ride! I have done life with my six awesome children, what more could a mom ask for! I will forever be grateful to God for changing John and my life and giving us the opportunity to have children and to home school them. I feel it was an huge, awesome gift! Of course it had its ups and downs, but the benefits that we have seen far surpass the downsides. One thing, in which I am very grateful, is that peer pressure didn't squeeze their life and individuality out of them. We've had flexibility in our schedule for vacations, individual interest pursuits, field trips, mission trips, etc. Our children are best friends with each other. They are all creative in their own way and have a wide variety of interest which include writing, camping, music( piano, bass, accordian, violin, harp, cello, harmonica, guitar, tamborine), knitting, designing, sewing, painting, photography, researching, cooking, telling stories, second hand saling, drawing, dancing, teaching, reading, hospitality, videography, biking, all water activities, ballet, animals, traveling, hanging with friends, friends and more friends and host of other things. There is never a dull moment when they are all around. John has traveled quite a bit with them. He started when they were born and isn't about to stop now! We camped a lot when they were younger so most trips were done camping. They went on several missions trips also. We've had an assortment of animals along the way, depending on who was into what: dogs, cats, snakes, sugar glider, hamster, rabbit, raccoons, squirrels, baby owl, little critters, and a couple of friendly alligator visitors.
I could list a lot of downsides, also, but I won't! Lol (Find out for yourself or ask my children!) They are all educated so that is accomplished. Actually, they are really good at learning on their own and continue to do just that!
Now I will start the next chapter, not sure where it will lead, but I do hope it includes children of all ages and of course, lots of grandchildren! Hint, hint!
I could list a lot of downsides, also, but I won't! Lol (Find out for yourself or ask my children!) They are all educated so that is accomplished. Actually, they are really good at learning on their own and continue to do just that!
Now I will start the next chapter, not sure where it will lead, but I do hope it includes children of all ages and of course, lots of grandchildren! Hint, hint!
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