One sweet moment in time

I had the chance to be in the classroom where my son had his class at Church today. It was such a treat for me to be there and see my child there. My heart was filled with love for him and specially for our Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas is all over now, so it was so sweet for me to have that feeling today. That He lives and that He loves me, He loves my sweetheart and my children in a PERFECT way that I cannot even begin to comprehend. I wish that I could have seen Him blessing the children and shedding tears for those He loved. But I get to have other experiences in my life that can help me to get to know Him better as if I would have been there. I want that in my life.

About to welcome a new friend!

I grew up in a big city and having a dog was not much of an option.... plus I have not been much of an animal person. Well that's about to change.
See, Aaron is a dog advocate and has wanted to have a dog at somepoint for our family. Has mentioned it before;  but knowing how I have felt about the issue, he has not put ANY pressure on me. Wise man!!!!

Well, these past couple of weeks have changed me. There's just this sweet feeling that my children and me for that matter, our family.... we need a dog. I have felt how it can benefit my kids and I am grateful for these feelings. I am even exited about it... so in the next couple of weeks we will welcome a beagle puppy.

Aby's signature cookies

These make an appearance at our home more often than any other dessert.... maybe because they are quick (after some preparation in advance) and even nutritious (as nutritious as desserts can be)  or because we love sharing them with people.  We don't know, but we LOVE these cookies.  Ok, the recipe....

Preheat oven to 375

Cream until light and fluffy:
7 T butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1c. rapadura (or brown sugar)

Add and beat well:
1 egg
3 T milk
1 t. vanilla

Add to above mixture and mix well:
3/4 cup whole grain flour*  (as described here)
1/2 c powder milk   
1/4 c wheat germ
1c. freshly flaked oats
1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t baking powder
1/2 c raisins
3 T sesame seeds
tons of dark chocolate chips (about 10-12 oz or even 16)
1/4 c crushed roasted nuts (optional)

Scoop in baking tray (with ice cream scoop to make them all even). With wet hands, flatten them slightly. Bake at 375 for 9 minutes.

Note: *When I am making a batch, I usually pour several other batches of the dry ingredients in  individual Zip Lock bags (as in the first picture) to freeze and use in the future to make these treats in no time.

One tired & hungry girl

I love this girl to pieces. I often find myself wondering how did I get so lucky to have her and to teach her manners at the table... I am trying... really.