In an effort to have more creative control, I’m moving my blog. Please check it out here: mindingmarbles.liviadesigns.com
As of now, it’s still in progress (and says Happy Thanksgiving) I’m working on it, so please don’t give up on me… I’m going to try to be better at posting.
thanks!
I absolutely love HARVEST TIME! Lucky me, I had a dear friend give me some fresh pears. I hope to bottle some, but life seems to be getting super busy. (Just talked to my fabulous new neighbor who said she dehydrates pears and they are super yummy– I’ve never tried, but I shall today!) I decided to make scones for breakfast. I found this recipe in my book – I created it a couple years ago (adapted from one I found on Allrecipes.com) They have a light yummy sweet taste and we just can’t get enough.
PEAR SCONES
Time: 30-45 min till done Yield: 8 huge or 20 medium scones
{1} Preheat oven to 375 degrees
{2}-Sift together: (in a hurry, I don’t sift and they are still great!)
1 3/4 c Flour (I’ve substituted 1/4c wheat before- still yummy)
1/3 c Packed Brown Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 pinch Salt
{3} Cut in (I just use my hand mixer, makes it quick)
2/3 c Margarine (or butter) chilled
{4} Wisk Together (I use a cup measure)
1/2 c Half -n- half (I’ve also used 2% milk)
1 Egg
{5} Add WET to DRY ingredients, mix until combined (don’t over mix – like muffins 
)
{6} Stir in (at this point I just use a spoon)
1 cup Pears, chopped (no, you don’t have to skin them!)
Plop by spoonful onto a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment, but you could just use cooking spray)
Bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on Wire Rack.
Best served warm, but delightful cold as well. We like to have them with hot cocoa or juice or breakfast and the kids snack on them all day.
I love this and had a bunch of blackberries one year, so I added a twist:
BLACKBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE SCONES
No Cinnamon/ Pears
Add 1 Tbsp Sugar to dry ingredients
Instead of pears, add 1 1/4 c blackberries (fresh or frozen) and 3/4 c white chocolate chips (I use the mini ones)
Other Varieties
1-1 1/2 c of fruit blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc… in place of the blackberries/white chocolate. You may want to keep the cinnamon if you do peaches
ENJOY! Please comment if you try this and let me know how you liked them… and if you have an alteration.
“Stop looking for the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
Often I think “I need to put this on my blog” but rarely do I get the time to sit and do it. We’ve had sickness going around, so my goal of a daily post has faded. However, we just had the most awesome experience and I have to write it now! (well, as soon as I change baby and get him to bed. I’ll be back!)
Ok, I’m back… here we go…
Family Scripture Study has been a struggle for us and easy to forget with hectic evenings. I’ve re-committed lately to do better and read together EVERYDAY! I’d been reading with the kids in the day and while we waited for the bus, but I really want it to be ALL OF US reading together EVERYDAY!
My phone alarm goes off everyday to remind us. We’ve been doing lots better, but sickness hit and we did miss a couple days. Today was THE BEST! This is what I did!
First of all, I went to the DI today and got 4 missionary copies of the Book Of Mormon and a small bell.
Second, I actually had dinner ready at 6pm (another goal). I had the kids help more by setting the table and cleaning up (good helpers got to ring the bell to get everyone to come for dinner/scripture time) It was amazing the difference a little bell can make. Everyone was super helpful. (first I said that the best helper could ring it, but I knew that would end in a fight, so I let each good helper ring it twice- happy kids, no fight!) We were done and cleaned up by 7:30 for Scripture time.
I had my helpers clear the table and clean it. We prepared by putting the chairs out and a copy of the Book of Mormon for each person (with the big Family BoM at the head of the table for Dad).
My super helper (watched baby while I cleaned and prepared the table) got to ring the bell. He was very excited to have the responsibility and do the gathering. We sat at the table and read a testimony out of one of the books from the DI. (I’d be interested to see where the young man is now, almost 20 years later!) We helped everyone get to Moroni 10:3-5, then read and discussed Moroni’s Promise.
Everyone was much more attentive sitting at the table with their own book to follow along (rather than all the distractions of sitting on the floor with idle hands). My 2 yr old practiced standing his book on end, but he was quiet and listening. He said “Scripture Power” and held it up! We all sang Scripture Power together and had a family prayer. We like to hold hands in a circle (unites us all – circles go forever, like Eternity!) like I did when I was growing up. That is one of my favorite things we always did and still do. Thanks Mom and Dad! You are Amazing and I love you!
Our happy uplifted children helped stack the books (one of which went beside the bed of my 4 yr old) and all were happily in bed at 8:30. WOW! I love family scripture time! We can do it and so can you!
Please share your experiences in trying to follow the counsel of Living Prophets in studying the Scriptures daily!
I’ve seen this several times on a signature line for one of my email contacts. I love it!
” Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you love to do, in order to have what you want.”
My thought: You must be who you are and do what you love, but if that means shopping, you must have control and not use credit or you will end up with less money and lots of stress. I do believe that if you find your passion and base your life’s work upon that passion, you will have many joyful years. Learn budgeting, be frugal, give generously, serve others and you will have a Joyful life and be blessed for it!
I just have to take a minute to share with you my favorite holiday. It’s just began- today! When you are asked “What’s your favorite holiday?” what is YOUR answer? Most people day Christmas, but I’ve heard a few say Thanksgiving, Halloween or Independence Day.
For me, it is none of these. My favorite Holiday is GENERAL CONFERENCE!
I get to spend 4 days a year devoted to listening to the Living Prophet of God and the Apostles of Jesus Christ teach us. It is amazing the spirit of peace and goodness that fills my heart.
The messages they share are counsel from God about things we need to know and do to be strong and endure the trials and tribulations of this life. I love to sit and listen with my journal in hand (however, this has become increasingly more difficult with having children)
I hope that everyone will the time from over the next couple days to listen and be uplifted as your soul is strengthen)
Since I cannot assume that everyone is away of this grand event. Go to www. lds.org for the Conference is done in sessions. It begins at 10am MDT. Please check the website for time in your area.)
I could go on and on, but my exhaustion has won and my eyes won’t stay open. Best of luck to you all! Please add a comment with your experience & review!
One thing that works well is that I read the Book of Mormon while we wait for the school bus in the morning. Sometimes we get through a bunch, but usually it’s only a verse or two and a little discussion before the bus comes.
I had a friend tell me that they sing primary songs on the way to school. AWESOME! What a perfect thing to be fresh in their minds as they go off to school. I’m going to try it!
It seems that life somehow gets away from me and I constantly have to remind myself what I should be doing and try to do better. I’m glad that God accepts my best if I’m always trying to make it better.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this, so please share your thoughts and inspire us all
A couple great contests for the month of October from LiviaDesigns Photography & Design!
Lots of easy entry options and great prizes!
Check out the details here.
‘A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.’
“Teach of Christ! Use words if necessary!”
“And above all things have fervent Charity among yourselves: for Charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.” George Washington
AND LASTLY FOR TONIGHT, I leave you with a quote from Dumbledore (I’ve been reading Harry Potter and love his wisdom. I hope to remember to write them when I hear it from now on)
It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
Albus Dumbledore
