JulieD'sBlog

• Aug. 12, 2008 - Ben's Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Benjamin flew to Louisiana last week to go deep sea fishing with his grand-pa and uncle.  They all had a wonderful time.  Not only did Ben enjoy fishing; but can't stop talking about the delicious food and how friendly everyone was in Southern Louisiana.  I am thankful he had a week of fun and vacation as he comes home to a very busy year of school and work and so very thankful that he made it home safely.  Here are two pictures from his trip:

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• Aug. 1, 2008 - Divine Appointment

• Jul. 28, 2008 - Our Vacation

We are home from vacation and I wanted to share a typical day from our week at the beach.  So grab a towel and some sun screen and follow us!! Each morning we would wake up and enjoy quiet time on our backporch.  After breakfast we would get our swimsuits on and head down the path to the beach. The path that led to the beach was sandy and curvy. There were beautiful wild flowers all along the path.  I couldn't help but stop and enjoy them.  I wanted to share their beauty with you. We're almost there... The beautiful beach!!! Bethany enjoying a good book as she soaks up the sun. Samuel spent most of his time in the water.  One of the highlights of our vacation were the dolphins that would visit us each day.  Every morning around 11:30 a pod of 5-7, including a baby, would swim close to us for a few minutes.  One morning a sandshark appeared; but didn't linger.  Once the dolphins came I knew it was safe to swim.  What a sweet blessing from the Lord to allow us to enjoy such a beautiful part of His creation. Thanks for coming along.  Julie

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• Jul. 19, 2008 - In Our Home

Bethany returned yesterday from her week of internship with Worldview Academy.  She had a wonderful week but came home very tired.  One of her responsibilities was to patrol the halls at night making sure the girls went to sleep.  A few nights she was doing this until 2:00 am.  We are letting her sleep in this morning.     Ben is spending the day with his rock climbing class in the mountains.  This class has pushed him out of his comfort zone.  A couple of the guys in his class were on his high school football team and have been great encouragers to Ben this summer.  He has a fun deep sea fishing trip planned later this summer with family members and is very excited.      Sam and David are busy with yardwork and cleaning the outside of our house.  I love driving down our street into our driveway and admiring all of their hardwork.  We've gotten 5 hydrangeas as gifts the last few years.  They are blooming so beautifully.      I am busy packing as we head to the beautiful beach tomorrow.  Sadly, Ben will not be going on our family vacation with us because of school and work.  This has grieved my heart; but I know the restful week will be so good for my husband who has a very demanding schedule during the year.  We are going to a very quiet place this year and look forward to soaking up the sun.  A young couple from our church will be helping Ben this week while we are away.  They came over for dinner last night and are so eager to help.     Today is my precious sister's birthday.  She is one of the funniest people I know (Carol Burnette funny).  We live very different lives as she lives in fast paced California and sees the world as a flight attendant.  We talk by phone just about every day and words cannot express how much I love her. Happy Birthday Dana!

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• Jul. 14, 2008 - The Simple Woman's Day Book - 2

July 14, 2008 Outside my window... it is so beautiful.  We have had much needed rain just about every day for the last week.  My garden is so beautiful and lush as are all of our trees, flowers and grass.  Thank you Lord! I am thinking... of all that I need to do this week as we prepare for our vacation.  Also, of our precious daughter, Bethany, as she is serving as an intern this week with a worldview ministry.  I would appreciate prayers for her and for the young girls she has in her small group. I am thankful for...  our wonderful church where my husband serves as pastor.  I appreciate the three weeks in July they afford him to rest, reflect and recharge.  From the kitchen...  a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables.  I will make bread today. I am wearing... black patterned capris with a pink shirt. I am creating... a container of colorful summer flowers for the front of my house. I am going... to lunch with 3 dear friends to celebrate one of their birthdays.  It is a surprise! I am reading... Humility - True Greatness  by C.J. Mahaney and Persuasion by Jane Austin I am hoping...  that Bethany has a wonderful week at camp. I am hearing...  my husband and son talking about their plans for the day. Around the house...  laundry, straightening up a bit, cleaning out kitchen cabinets and refrigerator One of my favorite things... the beach!  Lord willing, this time next week we will be there. A few plans for the rest of the week...  doctor appointment, and just being home.  Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Our butterfly bushes are blooming again: If you would like to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy's blog to get the details. Happy Day!

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• Jul. 12, 2008 - Sugar Cookie Cake

I mentioned that I had made a Sugar Cookie Cake in my last post and many of you asked for the recipe.  I first read about this cake on Kelli's blog.  She linked her post to Amy's blog at Simple Folk, for the recipe.  I have made this cake twice and my family loves it! Enjoy! Sugar Cookie Cake 3/4 cup cold butter, cut in pieces 3 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla Mix butter, sugar and flour into crumbs. (I used a food processor for this step)  Reserve one cup of the crumbs and set aside. Stir the baking soda into the buttermilk and add to the crumbs.  Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Pour batter into a 9x13" greased pan and top with the one cup of reserved crumbs. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

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• Jul. 7, 2008 - Simple Woman's Daybook 1

July 7, 2008 Outside my window...  it's a beautiful sunny day. I see our oldest son's car and I am glad he's back home after house-sitting for some friends last week. I am thinking...  of my new week and the many things I need/want to do. I am thankful for...  the long week-end we had and the freedom we celebrate in the U.S.A. From the kitchen...  I made a Sugar Cookie Cake over the week-end that all have greatly enjoyed.  (I'll share the link to the recipe in a few days)  Today I will make sour dough bread from my 19 year old starter. I am wearing... floral capris with a white sweater set. I am creating... my schedule for the new week and appointments for my daughter to take placement tests at the community college. I am going... to take Bethany and Samuel with me on my errands today.  Samuel has been saving his money for something special and I have to be with Bethany when she applies at the community college since she's a high school student. I am reading...  To Fly Again, by Gracia Burnham and various books on Nature Journaling. I am hoping... we get a soaking rain soon as our area is in extreme drought. I am hearing... my puppy yelp at my feet wanting me to pick her up.  (I picked her up)   Also, Samuel is listening to my ring tones on my cell phone. Around the house...  we are busy decluttering a bit and I have laundrey to catch up on.  My houseplants are thirsty. One of my favorite things... is spending time on our backporch watching my beautiful feathered friends.  The baby chickadees that fledged from our birdhouse a couple of weeks ago are a feisty little group.  The yellow in the gold-finches is spectacular. A few plans for the rest of the week...  I think I will be home a lot this week helping Bethany prepare for an internship for next week.  I'm also taking a meal to a friend who is caring for her terminally-ill mother.  We may swim with some friends one afternoon this week.  Here is a picture thought I am sharing... I found this precious petunia plant just blooming away in the crack of a downtown sidewalk.  When I showed the picture to my friend Heather, visiting from Florida, she said, "I am always amazed at how beauty perseveres in the most ordinary of places." This was so much fun!  If you would like to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy's blog to get the details. Happy Day!

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• Jul. 5, 2008 - Bluegrass Salad

Bluegrass Salad Southern Living Magazine 2 Heads of Romaine Lettuce, cleaned and torn in bite size pieces 2 pears, chopped Asparagus Tips, steamed until tender and then cool (add as many as you like) 3/4 cup walnuts or pecans (you may saute them in 1 teaspoon butter before adding to the salad.) 1/2 cup blue cheese 1/2 cup dried cranberries Toss all ingredients together and toss with dressing. (Below) Salad Dressing: 1/2 cup Canola oil 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 T. Balsamic vinegar 2 T. sugar or honey Place all ingredients in a jar and shake very well.  Drizzle over salad. Enjoy!!!

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• Jul. 1, 2008 - Encouragement

• Jun. 30, 2008 - Brain Fog and Veterinarian Appointments