friday favorites {linky love}

via pinterest

 1.

I pray regularly that God would capture my children's imaginations. My good friend and my children's godmother (no, I'm not Catholic, but my husband and I wanted this particular family to be more than just friends, we wanted them to be set apart as spiritual mentors in their lives as well). Anyways, I digress. This friend of mine always prayed that for her kids and I started to when my kids were born. I want them to know that the theme, of good vs. evil, plays out in every story ever written. That God wrote that story and He placed it into man's heart. So when they read their favorite book or watch their favorite movie, they will know that the theme is not original. That it originated in God, in the creator Himself. I want them to see Christ when they read all sorts of different stories. Because ultimately we have all been written into His Story.
So when i read this article by N.D. Wilson, I couldn't wait to share it! He captures so well this idea of God capturing our imagination. I encourage you to go read it now.

 "Kids (and adults) don’t just need the truth in their heads — they need it in their bones. They need to know what courage looks like and tastes like and smells like before they ever have to show it themselves. They need to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly — heroes and villains can show them why. They need to loathe the darkness and love the Light."

source

2.

Pie season is quickly approaching. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie...mmm... what's your favorite? Well, if you enjoy making pies as much as me, then check out this wonderful article on the Pioneer Woman's blog, by her friend Pam, about different pie crusts. It is SUPER HELPFUL and actually pretty interesting! Don't you just love the Pioneer Woman?

3.

And it wouldn't be a friday favorites {linky love} if I didn't include an article from the ladies at Femina.

"God will never give you more than you can handle?" How many times have you heard that? I know I have heard it more times than I can count. And it just has never made sense to me. I understand in essence people are saying that God will be there in time of need, but the fact of the matter is that - God gives us more than we can handle all the time. And Nancy Ann Wilson explains why in this awesome article. 

"But He never promised not to give us more than we could handle. In fact, He gives us more than we can handle all the time. If He didn’t, then we would not need to lean on Him for grace and strength." Keep Reading.

Join me over at Rachel's blog for {friday} favorite things. Link up and read along!

Happy Friday, y'all!
 

the best banana bread {hands down}

The reason I say it's the best banana bread, is because all three of my kids request it. With or without chocolate chips. That is huge, people. I'm no Pioneer Woman, but I always feel like I found a gem of a recipe if my entire family will eat it. Oh, I forgot to mention that P-Daddy likes it too. He has particular things he likes to eat, and is not the type to eat everything I bake (which is good and bad), but this banana bread is one he'll help us finish.
 

3/4 c sugar

1/2 c vegetable oil

1 egg

*1 tbsp flax meal as an egg substitute (this is my secret ingredient)

3 very ripe bananas

1 c whole wheat flour

1 c white flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 c mini chocolate chips (optional)

1 c walnuts (optional)

*1 tbsp ground flax meal mixed with 3 tbsp of water, let soak for 2 minutes

Mix all ingredients in one bowl, one at a time. So easy. Makes for easy clean-up.

**The mini chocolate chips are important as they will remain even throughout the entire loaf, whereas the regular size ones will sink to the bottom.**

Spray a 9 x 4 loaf pan with cooking spray. Cook in a 375 degree oven for about 55 min-1 hour. Let cool, slice and enjoy. 

Wrap it with this handy little wrapper that I found at joy ever after and take it to a neighbor.

If you make this, I would love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments what you thought.

Linking up with Kristen at We are THAT Family.

 

amazing cookies if i do say so myself

And I do. 

They are chewy. They have peanut butter. And chocolate chips. And my whole family loves them. So I'd say they're pretty darn fantastic.

I have had several people ask me about this recipe after I wrote about these being Saige's first day of school snack when she got home. So here is the recipe for those that are interested.

Pretty Amazing Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter (I use Skippy Natural)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped semisweet chocolate

Directions  

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely. 

Eat and enjoy!

 



 

we found a winner

If you have little ones at home, you know how difficult it can be to make a meal that everyone enjoys.  Well, last night, I found a winner.  The girls were getting tired of the usual spaghetti dishes so I thought I would change it up and it was a hit.  There is nothing many of you haven't tried, but I thought I would share, just in case.

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

1 (28 oz) jar pasta sauce
3/4 cup half-and-half
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp dried basil

1 (8 oz) package angel hair pasta (I think this was the key, actually)
Parmesan cheese

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large sauce pan and let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.  Cook pasta according to directions on package.  Toss pasta with sauce and parmesan cheese.

I served it with a salad and french bread (HEB, frozen artisan bread)

You could always add grilled chicken, if you'd like.

SO SIMPLE and SO TASTY!

You know what stopped me in my tracks?  The. girls. asked. for. seconds.  Yes, that's right.  Awesome.  A real success.