{Sacrifice}

 

“The degree of our love for the Lord and for our fellowmen can be measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for them. Sacrifice is a demonstration of pure love.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard

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Check

This moment…

A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from our lives.

A simple, special, memorable moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and keep close to my heart.

If you are inspired to do the same–leave us a link in the comments.

Happy Saturday my friends…

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Just Thinkin’

Hard to believe…

but I’m finding myself short of words.

But please know that your sweet comments have a magical soothing power that has helped me breathe slower and more deeply.

Thank you friends, for being so good for my heart.

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Goodbye My Boy

This…my sweet “Bald Kid” is leaving us now, for the Missionary Training Center for three months–then on to Siberia–for two years.

I’m deeply proud of his willingness to serve, but—

oh, the ache in my heart.

Behind him it feels as if he’s left a huge gaping hole with no bottom.

The absence of him is in every corner of every room…socks–his socks…. bananas–he loves bananas… his aftershave… his car keys… his Viking quilt… and his kitty that can’t find him–anywhere.

Many moms are so-so perfect at this “sending them off into the great adventurous unknown” to work and serve and grow up. But, as you might expect, I’m not so good at it. Fact is—I’m a blubbering wreck.

I wander around the rooms and think, “I’m not ready for this. No. It’s happening too fast. I need more time…”

More time.

And yet, somehow I’m quite certain we will survive the away-ness of my baby boy–for the next two years–but…

I think…

just barely.

Be brave, and well and happy in your new world my dear, sweet boy, and know that our love and prayers and such a piece of your Mama’s heart are going with you…

till we’re together again.

 

Cream Puff Shells

We’ve made these about a million times—for weddings, parties and barbecues. In fact, the smallest batch that I know how to make is about 120 puffs. Now, that’s some serious puffiness.

Of course, we always use our most amazing and illustrious and nearly top secret Coveted Chicken Salad recipe to fill them–but they are wonderful with lots of **different fillings.

Cream Puff Shells

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup all purpose flour
4 large eggs

Directions:

In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add the flour, all at one time, and stir briskly using a heavy spoon, stirring constantly and in a circle until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan and form a ball. The mixture will become smooth, leaving the sides of the pan clean.

Stir over low heat to dry the mixture for about 2 minutes. The mixture will lose its stickiness. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add eggs, one at a time, beating in thoroughly before adding the next.

Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.

Bake in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes or until they are a lovely golden brown. Allow to cool slowly.

**Yeah, we get a bit weird around here sometimes.

Cream Puff Shells
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
  2. Add the flour, all at one time, and stir briskly using a heavy spoon, stirring constantly and in a circle until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan and form a ball.
  3. The mixture will become smooth, leaving the sides of the pan clean.
  4. Stir over low heat to dry the mixture for about 2 minutes.
  5. The mixture will lose its stickiness.
  6. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add eggs, one at a time, beating in thoroughly before adding the next.
  7. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes or until they are a lovely golden brown. Allow to cool slowly.

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