We finally have snow. Happy, happy, joy, joy!

…
It’s 4:00 a.m. and I just saw Sean off to work. He’s going to be a little late…I made sure that he warmed his engine, cleaned his windows thoroughly and talked to him to emphasize that driving to work fast this morning was just not going to be an option. Praying that he arrives safe and sound.

Snow Sign

The Snow
by F. Ann Elliott

The snow, in bitter cold,
Fell all the night;
And we awoke to see
The garden white.
And still the silvery flakes
Go whirling by,
White feathers fluttering
From a gray sky.
Beyond the gate, soft feet
In silence go,
Beyond the frosted pane
White shines the snow.

~~~ . ~~~

The twins had a great time on their camping trip. They were cold, even in the cabin. They said they didn’t get yelled at too many times so hopefully they were reasonably well-behaved. They chattered for about 2 hours, like little birds, telling me everything that happened. I’m glad they are home safe and sound.

Michael was a sweetheart and did all the laundry yesterday. I’m washing their coats now…and hopefully that will be the last load. Boy Scout camping trips are a lot of work for everyone. *smile*

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Recipes

This is my new favorite chocolate cake and frosting recipe.

Brown Mountain Cake

1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
3 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
3 TB. baking cocoa
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
½ c. warm water

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and water. Pour batter into greased and floured 10″ tube pan or 13×9x2 inch baking pan.

Bake in 350º oven for 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan on rack. Frost.

…

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
½ c. butter, softened
2 c. sifted confectioners’ sugar
5 TB. milk
½ tsp. vanilla

Melt chocolate (in the microwave or over hot water). Stir until smooth. Set aside and cool 15 minutes. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar alternately with milk. Add melted chocolate and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

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Homeschooling

The Perpetual Preschool has a lot of nice winter-y ideas for things to do with the kids…and it may be for preschool but I guarantee that my 12 year old twins would have a great time with most of the activities listed. *smile*

Farm School has a great post of Modern American Music…loads of resources listed.

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Sean and I watched “The Teachings of Jon” over the weekend on PBS. We both enjoyed it…his sister (the filmmaker) did a wonderful job.

CLOWNS OF GOD
by Morris L. West

I know what are you thinking.
You need a sign.
What better one could I give
than to make this little one whole and new?
I could do it; but I will not.
I am the Lord and not a conjurer.
I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you
ETERNAL INNOCENCE
To you she looks imperfect
but to me she is flawless,
like the bud that dies unopened,
or the fledglings
that fall from the nest to be devoured by ants.
She never offended me,
as all of you have done.
She never perverted the work of My Father hands.
She is necessary to you.
She will evoke the kindness that will prompt you to
gratitude for own good fortune….more…..
she will remind you every day that I am who I am,
that My ways are not yours,
and the smallest dust mite whirled in darkest
space does not fall out of my hand.
I have chosen you.
you have not chosen me.
this little one is my sign to you.
TREASURE HER.