Baby Food

After a conversation with the ladies at the park yesterday I was inspired to make something "homemade", and I decided...baby food. You can't really go wrong, right?! Also, my camera battery died so I couldn't take pics, but as soon as it's charged I'll make more and post. :)

*BAKED APPLES

-2 Apples, cored
-A pat of Butter for each
-Cinnamon

*Core your apples, then put your pat of butter in the opening, sprinkle with some cinnamon. Place in a pan (I used a loaf pan) fill with about an inch or two of water. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes until soft (I turned them over half way through cooking).

*Once cooked, slice into chunks and place in a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds, look at the consistency and add a spoon full or two of left over water through the top of processor. Continue until desired consistency is met. Spoon into a muffin tin and place in freezer. Let it freeze overnight until frozen. On a sheet pan, fill with an inch or so of hot water, place muffin tin on it and wait a minute then remove, and turned upside down and they should come out just like ice from an ice cube tray!

**I wrapped each "puck" in plastic wrap, then foil and labeled for the freezer. I hear they last for 1 month. Miss Shelby enjoys eating them frozen to relieve teething pains. The big kids tried them, and asked if I could make more and make them into Popsicles...sounds a little gross, but they assure me it's really good. :)

*CARROTS

-As many Carrots as you want to cook (I used 4 or 5 big ones)

*Wash and remove ends of carrots. Chop into one inch chunks. Place a few inches of water into a stock pot, add a steamer pan/basket over top, turn stove onto high, put a lid on. Once boiling, add carrots to steamer pan/basket. Allow to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until tender.

*Add cooked carrots to food processor. Pulse for a few seconds, look at the consistency and add a spoon full or two of left over water through the top of processor (I think I read that if your baby is under 7 months of age, you SHOULD NOT use the left over water! Something about NITRATES. Use breast milk, or fresh water instead). Continue until desired consistency is met. Spoon into a muffin tin and place in freezer. Let it freeze overnight until frozen. On a sheet pan, fill with an inch or so of hot water, place muffin tin on it and wait a minute then remove, and turned upside down and they should come out just like ice from an ice cube tray!

**I wrapped each "puck" in plastic wrap, then foil and labeled for the freezer. I hear they last for 1 month.

Super simple and super healthy for you wee one!

Father & Son Retreat

I received an email from Vision Forum about their Father & Son Retreat in Winter Park, Colorado and am so excited for this opportunity for Bob & Ty!

www.visionforumministries.org/events/fsr/

Bob & I have been praying about whether or not he should go and we both feel that he should. The only set back is the cost. It's not much cheaper to drive than fly to Colorado, so we can't save the money driving like we thought. So, would you please pray for us to know that this is really God's desire for us, and that He would provide the means to get there? It's something that we feel is very pivotal in Ty's life and Bob's role as a father. What a great opportunity to hear, see, and be involved in something that is purposefully there to make you a better father and give you the tools needed for bringing up children who love and fear the Lord! What an opportunity for Ty to be with other godly young men who are there for the sole purpose of learning about their roles as children of God, and how to live a life pleasing to our Lord! So, please pray that this would work if the Lord is willing. :)

*Maybe you should make a day for a walk or hike with your son. (thanks, Jamie for all the great tips!)

Father's now a days don't realize the role they have as Daddy, is so crucial in the outcome of their children's lives. We are a pleasure centered generation. That pretty much gives dads the pass for no responsibility. As long as they pay the bills and provide a roof, their job is done...or so they think. Can you imagine the greatness that could come from a family who has a dad who purposefully involved in their children's lives? It would be astounding! Instead of the "what's in it for me" mentality, why not try "what can I do for you" as Christ calls us to?!

A Melody

Have you ever stumbled across a melody of pure innocence? Have you ever been taken to a place of solitude and weakness by a melody? A melody that takes you to your knees and you know it's the Lord speaking to your soul? I just wanted to freeze time and enjoy the reverence of the melody to our Creator, our Maker. When you want to weep for no reason other than to cleanse your soul from all your toils and fear...let He who knows you build you and mold you from the weakness that comes from a pure cleansing, from our God.

"So let us not get tired of what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9