Quote Friday

The parenting journey of discovery can be an intense roller coaster of experiences and emotions.

When your child has special needs, that roller coaster has additional loops, whirls, inclines, cones, and steep falls- some scary, some joyful, and exciting.

The speed of the ride, the jerks and starts, the spins and drops, can be as upsetting as they are invigorating to both parent and child.

There are many potential bumps on the road to getting and accepting a child's special needs diagnosis and even more challenges to face when that road widens to include external supports, expert recommendations, and treatment.

No matter what diagnosis and what avenue of treatment, 

you, your child, and your support people embark on, it's important to remember that EVERY child is a gift. Your child is a beautiful puzzle that you help put together with the nurturing love and attention that is a parent's greatest strength. 

Some puzzles are simple,

others a little more complicated.

But, as parents, we are forever connected to our children, 

helping to define and strengthen the interlocking pieces that make them who they are, and forming a bigger, clearer picture together.

Banana Pancakes

I have come to really LOVE banana pancakes this year. 

I had never had them before, but I would always listen to Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" song and thought....I just need to make these already!

So...I did and this recipe (according to the husband) is the BEST pancake I've ever made.

So, it's a winner of one in my book and I just cannot get enough of these!

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 or 4 Tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)

2 eggs, slightly beaten

4 Tablespoons melted butter, cooled & divided

2 cups milk

2 bananas, mashed to desired consistency 

Maple syrup

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. 

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl then make a well in the  center. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, 2 Tablespoons melted butter, and milk. 

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients then whisk until just combined.

 Fold in bananas.

Brush pre-heated skillet with a bit of remaining melted butter, then pour a scant 1/4 cup batter to form each pancake.

 When bubbles appear all over the top of each pancake, flip then cook until golden brown. 

Remove to a plate and very loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

 Repeat with remaining batter then serve with warm maple syrup.

Source: Iowagirleats.com

Quote Friday

If your actions inspire others to dream more,

learn more, and become more,

you are a leader.

Bacon Apple Rasberry Vinaigrette Salad

This salad is absolutely delicious.

I made it for Thanksgiving and I love the combination of flavors it brings.

To make this you will need:

2-3 Romaine Hearts, Shredded

1-2 apples chopped

1 pkg. Bacon, cooked and chopped

1 pkg. Walnuts

1 pkg Feta Cheese

Dressing:

1 cup Sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry mustard

1/2 cup Red wine vinegar

1/2 small Red onion ( I skipped this)

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tsp poppy seeds

Add the chopped romaine and all the other ingredients into a large bowl.

Combine the first 5 ingredients for the dressing in a blender and mix until smooth. 

Slowly add in oil while blender is running.

 Stir in poppy seeds.

Source: http://aaronandcarlyn.blogspot.com

11 days before Christmas

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38am.

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. 

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. 

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. 

They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. 

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

 “Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. 

“This is heaven" declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house”. 

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, 

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. 

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. 

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. 

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring 

those children all flew into the arms of their King 

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, 

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. 

And as if He could read all the questions she had, 

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad. 

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below 

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, 

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, 

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!

 “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” 

“I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools! 

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. 

“Come now my children let me show you around.

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. 

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. 

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, 

“in the midst of this darkness, 

” I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Quotes

I have another batch of quotes that I've found that I love.

BUT first.....

I've been reading a few books this year about near death experiences and there is a quote from these books that really resonated with me.

So, I created a little sign for my kitchen.

 Here it is!

I found this and I thought it was PERFECT for Logan.

(He's all about the Mommy.)

and these just touched me.

* I live by this*

 YES!!!!

Happens all the time....

and i LOVE glow worms.

Had one as a kid and now my children have them,

so this made me smile :)

Hope you enjoyed these too!

Quote Friday

Accept- then act.

Whatever the present moment contains,

accept it as if you had chosen it ...

this will miraculously transform your whole life.

Quote Friday

There's always going to be bad stuff out there.

But here is the amazing thing-

light triumphs darkness, every time.

You stick a candle into the dark, 

but you can't stick the dark into the light.