My Mom's Apple Pie

My personal favorite pie is pumpkin.  We never had it in our family.  My mom doesn't like it.  I adore it, and might actually request it for my birthday.  Anyway, something my mom makes that I really love is her apple pie.  It has a crumb topping that seriously, even Amish people can't even get better.  Here is the recipe.  You have to try it to believe it.

Peel and Slice apples (Granny Smiths are best).  (I used 4 large apples, but I wish I'd have used 6) Mix 1/2 C sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and mix with apples.  Pour into uncooked pie shell.

Mix 1/2 C sugar with 3/4 C flour and cut in 6 T butter until crumbly.  Pour over apples and spread out.  Bake in 400 degree oven for about 35 min when it should be getting browned a bit on top.  IT'S DELICIOUS.

Thanks

This year my camera freaked out and I lost a whole bunch of pictures.  Pictures of Romy and Grandma Georgia and the doxology being sung.  I was bummed.  I did get some more though and these I'd like to share.  I completely forgot to blog about Ben and I having our 10 year anniversary in November.  I'll have to do another post on that.  Here's some shots from this weekend.

I couldn't decide which ones you'd like to see so I included all of them.

She's almost 3 months and lovely.  She reminds me so much in looks to Gwen it is major de ja vous!

Ben and his Grandpa

Daddy talking with Romy

Her face is so alive and happy!

The talent show this year was very good.  Men dressing up as women, little people puppet show, synchronized swimming... does it get any better? 

Ben in his turkey costume.  We thought we could use this year to year.

Scripture

Here are some Scriptures that I have written down and posted on our kitchen wall lately.  They have helped me when I feel like whining about something or angry about something.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

Each baby I have I learn more about myself and more about my own frailty it seems.  This time around I have had more anxious thoughts than I ever have had before.  It is a great responsibility to love this much.  I have been clinging to Scripture to get my mind off of my own troubling thoughts and worry.  I hope they are an encouragement for you.

• Matthew 11:28-30

  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
  
  

• Philippians 4:6-7

  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

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Exceptional Children

I've been thinking about Moses' mom and how she hid him.

Exodus 2:2
"and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son.  When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for 3 months."

I've been asking God to show me and give me eyes to see my three children's special qualities.  The more children I have the more I realize that this is my life's great work.  I want to make sure I'm present for it and not too distracted.

Zeke is funny and really into playing with his friends.

Romy is a great sleeper and so easy going and sweet.

Gwen is very expressive and intelligent.  She is a good artist and sings really well.

Can You Ever OD on Romy?

The answer to that question is NO.  The kids can't get enough of her and neither can I.  They even like to eat breakfast in front of her swing.  We all are just under her spell of cuteness.  She is two months today and she weighs 12 lb 4 oz.  Healthy baby girl!!  We are so grateful.

Halloween

Romy is working on that smile!  She is adorable and is such a sweet baby!

Gwen dressed as a butterfly this year. We had the mask for a long while and she was excited to wear bedclothes with it.

Romy was a bunny

Zeke was a pterodactyl

Her neighborhood friends

the boys