Next time we'll bring an extra fuel line!

The plan was to go on a two day off roading/camping trip....it turned into a one night trip because about 10 miles into the trail, Ryan's fuel pump melted and broke. We were attempting to cross this very muddy and mucky area of the trail. After several failed attempts, we decided to give it one more try before turning around. On the try, Ryan landed on a large log which apparently pushed his exhaust up against his fuel line and caused it to melt and brake. In case you didn't know (I didn't know), a care cannot run without this. So, we spent the night by this swamp land and the next morning Matt towed Ryan's jeep out of the trail and back to Palmer, where we were able to buy a new fuel line. It was still a fun trip/adventure...just not quite what we had anticipated! :)

 Jasper is getting so big! He weighs about 45 lbs now. So, we we are thinking he'll probably end up weighing about 60ish lbs at full growth!

 Sweet Hailey brushing her teeth. She is getting so grown up!

Cornnugget

We continue to be in awe of God. He has created this amazing little baby and is allowing Matt and I to be parents. We are so thankful for this blessing.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells...be still and know that I am God." ~Psalm 46:1-4,10

In our struggles before we were pregnant with this little one, I struggled with fear. God was working in me to change my heart and to learn to trust him more. I know that being a parent, this will be something that I will continually have to learn. I will continually have to trust God with this child and know that God is in control and he is so good and his plan for our lives is so much greater then mine.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

We know that this special blessing in our lives is from nothing that we have done, but a wonderful gift and amazing miracle from God.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes

My sister-in-law, Whitney, pinned this recipe on pinterest tonight and I immediately had to get up off the couch and make some for myself right then. They turned out delicious. I did not have all the ingredients on hand, so I changed it just a bit.

Here is the way I made it:

1 very ripe banana

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 tablespoon sugar

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons butter, melted

3 tablespoons milk

1/2 rolled oats

3 tablespoons semi sweet chocolate chips

Mash ripe banana with baking powder. Add egg, butter, salt, vanilla, sugar and milk and stir together. Stir in oats and flour. Sprinkle in chocolate chips. Preheat skillet to medium heat. Scoop 1/4 of batter onto lightly greased skillet. Cook 2-4 minutes on each side -- until golden brown. 

You can actually eat these just like they are, with nothing on them! I put some fresh strawberries and kiwi on mine and it was perfect.

Here is the original recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie-pancakes/

Sydney Blake Sample

My sister Heather and her husband Chris had their first baby yesterday! She weighed 6lbs, 14 oz. I cannot wait to meet her! (sadly I probably won't get to meet her until next summer)...but hopefully my family will keep my up to date with lots of pictures of this sweet girl!

Sydney is number two of the five grandkids that my parents are preparing for this year!

They will have a total of eleven grandkids when our little Cornnugget arrives.