Sunday, September 23, 2012

Of Hairs and Cuts

I've always thought my mom is beautiful (and I've always thought my dad is handsome, but that's another story =: )... Inside and out, my mom is one of the sweetest women I know. She is so often helping others (myself especially), that she often puts her own desires on hold to bless those around her. But it was high time she had something done for HER.

Last week our dear friend Nancy (who knows a thing or two about style and fashion) was visiting my mom, and in very blunt terms (for she had permission to lavish her experienced opinions on my very eager mother's ears) suggested what my mom could do to enhance her life. Lots of talk about home decorating, self expression, shopping, etc., but one of her comments, in her sweet southern accent,  went something like this: "Linda, you NEED to go to a hairdresser and get your hair done by a master stylist."

Now my mom has ALWAYS cut my dad's hair, her five children's hairs while we were in the house, and even has mostly cut her own hair. Dad has frosted her hair for years, so as far as frugalness goes, hair was one of the things that our family always saved money on because of her talents. But let me tell you, I cannot remember the last time she went to get her hair done. I mean, really DONE. Now she did tell me she would go get her hair done right before the birth of each child, but heck, that was 27 years ago then!

Her lifestyle in that way has passed down to me too, seeing as I have only gone to a hairdresser maybe, oh 4 times I think!

So last Saturday we did it: we went and got our hair done! Now I know many people go to the salon every month or two, but for us this was a real treat. A mother daughter date of going out without kids and husbands and getting our hair washed and blow-dried and brushed brushed brushed, cut, and in mom's case, colored.

When we walked in to the salon that neither of us had ever been to, I wondered what super spiky spunky hair lady was going to do to my dear mom's head. But after two hours, the results were amazing, and the stylist was so sweet and professional...The best part was seeing my mom's face when it was all finished- she was HAPPY with her new look!

So here she is Nancy! What do you think?





Pretty lady!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

"I am...an accomplished maker of pancakes." Dan in Real Life

Pumpkin pancakes, apple cider, some fresh pears, and a cute kid...Welcome fall! I love you!

Do you want to have some pumpkin pancakes too? Yes? Well, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron (or not), and enjoy a brisk, beautiful morning flipping a few with your kids! Enjoy!

P.S. Just don't go publishing this, as I will definitely be putting this in my cookbook (that I'm compiling in my spare time... to be finished in oh, let's say, 5 years).



The Best Pumpkin Pancakes EVER:

Serves 4-6

1 1/4 cups buttermilk (or milk with 1 TB vinegar added, I do both and it doesn't make much difference)
2 Eggs
1/4 oil
1 cup pumpkin
~ Mix above together in a large bowl with a whisk, then add:
2 TB Brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. salt

And whisk until thoroughly blended. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased skillet or griddle set on medium heat and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until deep golden and cooked through (don't cook too high or too fast because the inside will still be wet and the outside overdone!)

Gobble up!



Have a great morning!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I am a child of God...

Tis a rainy day where my kids are sleeping a little longer than usual (thank you God!)...
So here's a bit that's been on my mind. Notice how this blog will be made up of very short sentences. That's how I've been thinking as of late. The simpler the better.
God's been speaking to my heart these simple words here and there as I call out to him in even simpler, much more childlike cries:



i am exhausted

I AM EVER-STRONG

i am frustrated

I AM PATIENCE

i am not in control

I AM

i am failing (or so it seems)

I AM SUCCESS

i am anxious

I AM PEACE

i am tired

I AM HELP
 
i am a child

I AM YOUR GOD.



Father, you're all I need
 My soul's sufficiency
My strength when I am weak
 The love that carries me
Your arms enfold me
 til I am only
A child of God.
                                
                        Kathryn Scott