Do Cows Eat Dandelions?

You gotta' love it when you're writing a book, and you assert that cows
like to eat dandelions. Your editor mother says that you had better
research that. She calls the neighbor's cow expert of a son, and he
decides that we should switch it out for clover. Editing sure is fun... : )

Wonderful Music Video

I love, love, love this music video! I know I haven't posted on here in forever but I had been intending to start posting again and this was too awesome, tear jerking, beautiful, and right to pass up!

Thank you to my sweet daddy for showing it to me! Enjoy with a tissue in hand all you fans of true love and commitment!

Diamonds

Wow. After reading this poem by my gigantic-ly tall little brother, I was crying. It is so sweet and voices my feelings about Mr. Reindeer Shoes perfectly. : ) Enjoy!

Diamonds

There is gold in the hearts of the smallest hills,

There is life in these mountains that are never asleep,

Copious treasure you are finding there

As through life's journey you are mining deep.

 

Little persons in bloom,

Baby hair, tired feet;

Small but precious jewels

Riding in the back seat.

The car is not new,

This house may be rented,

But when white hairs come,

These times won't be resented.

The innocent among us,

Portray the fallen soul,

But even diamonds,

Are made from coal.

You are praying that someday,

They will make God's will their own.

But you are seeing to it

That the seeds of truth are sown.

You're doing what God wants you to,

So don't let anyone tell you you're poor.

You are the richest people on earth,

And you're still hoping for more.

Reindeer Shoes

A little boy with angelic, curly hair and reindeer shoes has come to
visit my house this weekend. I've watched him run in the grass with his
little aunties, dance to everything from country western to classical
music (and laugh his head off when everyone else did the same), devour
pancakes and watermelon, push a doll stroller around and around the
house, run in circles with his "popcorn popper", watch out the window
while the "big kids" play, laugh when his grandpa flew him, and help his
grandma unload the dishwasher. The funniest times, however, have been
when he noticed his baby brother and fondly squeezed his arm or "bipped"
his nose. I'm so glad you are visiting, Little Boy! : ) And your shoes
with the happy reindeer faces on them are just the cutest.

The Cookie of the Century

The best thing about these cookies is that they taste so good--almost like a Reese's peanut butter cup. The other best thing about them is that they are versatile. Make it with chocolate chips, and you have the recipe that has become our ultimate favorite cookie. Make it without chocolate, criss-cross it with a fork, sprinkle sugar on top and you have the recipe that kept Dad company during his early years of sermon writing. And another best thing about them is that they are a crowd-pleaser.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

Butter, softened                      ½ C                 1 C                  1 ½ C

Peanut butter                          ½ C                 1 C                  1 ½ C

Sugar                                     ½ C                 1 C                  1 ½ C

Brown sugar, packed             ½ C                 1 C                  1 ½ C

Baking soda                           ½ tsp.              1 tsp.               1 ½ tsp.

Baking powder                       ½ tsp.              1 tsp.               1 ½ tsp.

Eggs                                       1                      2                      3

Vanilla                                    ½ tsp.              1 tsp.               1 ½ tsp.

Flour, all purpose                    1 ¼ C              2 ½ C              3 ¾ C

Chocolate chips to taste

In a large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the two sugars, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. (Skip the chocolate chips if you are making plain peanut butter cookies.)

If necessary, cover and chill dough until it is easy to handle. Shape into 1" balls. Place 2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7-9 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Enjoy!

Chance for Authors

Wow, this really makes me want to publish something! From Perry Elisabeth's blog...

 

Calling all homeschooled authors!

Would you like to see your books for sale at the Oregon homeschool convention? This year, I am organizing a booth of books by homeschooled authors for the OCEANNetwork Conference (June 20-21, attended by approx. 2,100 adults and their families).

Here's what's in it for you:

-Because I am splitting the booth fee among multiple authors, your books can be in a homeschool convention for the fraction of the normal cost

-Your books will be at a homeschool convention without you needing to travel

-Your promotional materials may be seen by over 2,000 new potential fans

-You may choose to offer a book or books as a giveaway to gather new e-mail newsletter subscriptions

-If your books sell out, I can take backorders upon your guarantee of order fulfillment within 2 weeks of the convention and an offer of free shipping to convention orders

Here's how it works:

-Your portion of the booth cost would be $22 x number of your titles participating.

-You would send me copies of your books--the quantity is up to you. You are responsible for shipping costs. 

-You would send me any promotional materials (bookmarks, business cards, coloring pages, etc.) to include on the booth, as well as one book stand to prop up a "demo" copy of your book.

-I will set up and run the booth (to be titled "Homeschooled Authors") for both days of the convention: June 20-21. I am passionate about homeschooled authors, so I will be a knowledgeable, diligent, and dedicated saleswoman.

-I will oversee any giveaway(s) you may choose to offer.

-After the convention, I will return any remaining inventory to you along with the money from sales of your books minus any associated credit card processing fees. You are responsible for return shipping costs. If your inventory sells out, I will pass on backorders for you to fulfill. You may choose to have me return any unused promotional materials (at your cost) or to have me attempt to place them at local libraries, bookstores, etc.

HURRY! If you would like to participate, please let me know no later than May 17th. Because this is a joint venture, all plans are contingent upon participation. Please note: if, by May 17th, there are not enough participating authors, I will not proceed with the booth purchase. All participating authors will be updated on the status of the booth purchase. (Also note that I reserve the right to deny any title's participation in the booth for any reason and without explanation.)

Please let me know if I can answer any more questions or provide any more details. Contact me here.

I'm looking forward to hearing back from you!

The Ticking Clock

Thanking God for the blessing of a gigantic-ly tall little brother...