Waffles, the economy, and snow

Phew! Been awhile, huh?

Since I haven't blogged in quite some time, there are a number of things that have been circling in my head and I'd like to share...some randomness, if you will.

1. I made home-made waffles today. And when I say 'home-made' I don't mean I stirred water into a mix. Oh no. I measured the flour, beat the eggs, added the milk...etc. They were well worth the extra time.

Normally, I just pop a couple of store-bought waffles in the toaster, drizzle them with syrup, and present them to my eager children. Granted, I buy whole-grain waffles and use real maple syrup, so I feel a little better about surrendering to the convenience of Eggos.

However, while Eggos are convenient they are not cheap or scrumptiously delicious (or good for you). So, "in the spirit of the economy" (a new catch phrase in our home...tongue-in-cheek) I made a large batch of home-made, scrumptiously delicious waffles and froze the leftovers for breakfasts this week. Here is the recipe I adapted from one of my books:

Scrumptiously Delicious Waffles

Separate 2 eggs.
Mix in order:

• 2 beaten egg yolks
• 1 3/4 C milk
• 1 1/2 C flour (unbleached white or whole wheat)
  
• 1/4 C ground flax seed
• 1/4 C almond meal**
• 1 T plus 1 t baking powder
• 1/2 C oil

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into batter.
Follow waffle iron directions.

**Quick note about almond meal. You can buy it at the store but it's very expensive. I just buy whole, raw almonds at Costco and grind them up in my coffee grinder. Don't over grind or you'll end up with almond butter.

Here is an amateur photo of my waffle making. Enjoy. :)

2. I have had trouble falling asleep lately, lying in bed worrying over the state of our economy and such. One night, I was so tired and so irrational that I was worrying that China would capitalize on our country's vulnerability, raid the U.S. and send us all to internment camps! The next day, as I was sharing my fears with Matt, I realized how irrational that particular fear was and I had a hearty laugh at myself. The Lord led me to the following verse and it gave me much comfort:

O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress... The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is a treasure from him.
Isaiah 33: 2, 5-6

So, despite "the spirit of the economy", we have a sure foundation...the surest foundation.Smith is stunned by the billion dollar bail-out and can't believe the nerve of AIG for spending the day at a spa.

3. I am not ready for winter yet. Like Billings, we received a dump of snow this weekend. I am not prepared to be trapped in my house with two toddlers! It's October for pete's sake! Thank goodness we have stumbled upon some energy outlets for inside days.

• Books and Babies at the public library (Rhymes, songs, lap games and free play-time for infants age 0-2 with parent).
• PetSmart (dogs, cats, fish, birds...need I say more?)
• Play dates
• Gymnastics (M and S can start in November after turning 18 mos. Still need to figure out how this will work with two...a parent is needed for every child. Any volunteers?)

4. I am so happy for all the blogs my friends and family keep. I cherish the quiet moments, during my boys' nap-time, when I can sit at my computer and 'catch-up' with so many loved ones. I've added links to most of them...please feel free to visit them.

5. Pictures:
The following is a stream of photos taken within seconds of one another. Mason was my obliging subject - sitting directly in front of me begging to have his picture taken. Oh the many precious faces of our little MayMo.

Smiggety-Smack standing atop his toy shelf. Not scared, not sorry, not listening to me telling him to get down. Ahem.