Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Squares

Hello!

I'd like to randomly share a sweet treat that I made this summer for the first time.  I've seen recipes before for this but never actually got to making it.  

First of all...if you like peanut butter.....and if you like chocolate...this is something you need to try!  

It's very sweet, and you need to cut the squares fairly small.  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup butter

2  (10 1/2) bags mini marshmallows

8 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Grease a 9 x 13 pan or line with parchment paper

* I made my squares thinner so used two pans.

Put peanut butter, butter, & chocolate chips in a saucepan and heat until melted and combined.

Pour over Rice Krispies and stir in well. 

Spread out in the prepared pan and smooth it out.  

Put in the fridge until set...or until you can't wait any longer. :) 

It needs to be kept in the fridge or a cool place until eaten.

Praying you have a sweet day!

Jennifer

Paper Sweeties Birthday!

Hello!

  Today I'd like to share with you a card that I've created for the Paper Sweeties birthday.  

They are celebrating 6 years and I've entered the contest for a prize they are offering to someone who creates a card for them.  

I used some new Momenta papers that I have with some fun card stock form my stash.  The one blue polka dot boarder is created with a Martha Steward die cut.

I added a bit of ribbon from my collation along with the lovely little chipboard dress. 

Then I finished it off with a sweet birthday sentiment from Tina Weike. 

I hope you have a lovely day and if you're interested you can join in the fun HERE!

Homemaking Mondays: Being Content

Hello!  Thanks for joining me for Homemaking Monday!

Today I'd like to share a some about being content. 

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

- Philippians 4:11

In today's society and culture, content is not a word that you hear much when it comes to having things.  There is always this urge to either go minimalistic which entails a great effort for some to go through what they have.  Not that de-cluttering is a bad thing. No that is sometimes very needful. But, there is no shame in having things if they are needed and you have space for them.   Then on the opposite, culture is so inundated with ads for more, more, more!  Making the plea that you'll be happy after you buy this or that.  But where does it stop?  How much is enough?  

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

- 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Could you be content just living a godly life?  Could you say that having food and raiment is enough?  The key is not to have nothing, but to not let what you have control you.  Yes, we all have stuff....but does it take our eyes off of the Lord and eternal things? 

I know in the homemaking forums and blogs there is a great amount of sharing what is trendy and new.  Of collecting things for the home and the like.  
All is well and good if it's needful...but if it's just to pass the time or to keep up with culture...best to let it pass you by.  
It is so important to live within the means that we have.  If our husbands provide a certain amount for us to live on...lets make it work.  It may mean you can't have or do things that others do.  So what...you're not them and you don't have to live up to their standards either.  
Let us seek after those things the Lord has listed above.  

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

- Hebrews 13:5-6

Being content with what we have...that can at times be a challenge.  Yes we all have needs, but one thing I want to challenge you with...as I do myself.  
Can we meet those needs with what we already have?  

How about clothing...can we just alter something to suit the need? 
How about food?...can we make meals from our pantry/freezer instead of buying more food? Can we glean or forage for some food within the area we live?
Entertainment?....can we play games we already have? Can we explore the area around our homes so we don't have to "go" somewhere and spend money that could be used for other needs?  
What about furniture? Can we just be happy we have some? There are so many little touches that can be made to freshen up our homes without buying new furniture.  
An example...I have a kitchen table that is terribly worn...so I purchased a table cloth (by the foot) and it covers it and makes it look like new for very little.  

I try to fight against the culture of more by being content with what we already have.  
Surprisingly when we do this.  Be content.  We find we have so much more room in our minds and hearts for the things of the Lord and time to spend with Him.

The Lord always knows what we have need of...let us trust in Him to provide what we need, when we need it.  Let us look to the Lord in all things.  

Love and Prayers,
Jennifer

Blue and White Delight

Hello!  

Today I'd love to share with you some cards that I made this week. 

My daughter and I bought some new papers and I just love these blue and white patterned ones.  

Thought I'd make just one card I needed...but well...couldn't stop. ~smile~

I used some matching ribbon from my stash, a Wilton doily (was for with cupcakes, but I loved the pattern on them. )  A bit of lace.

The flowers are also from my stash...package lost long ago.  

Then I added some rhinestones and pearls to them.

The sentiments are ones I've collected...I love sentiment stamps! 

I think they add such delight to the cards. 

Thanks for dropping by!  

Praying you have a delightful day! 

Jennifer 

Homemaking Mondays: Let Them Do What You Do

Welcome to Homemaking Monday! 

Today I'd like to share with you about homemaking with children.

Cleaning and keeping the home are big things that need to happen in our homes.  

Now children do add another element to this task, but it need not be an issue to bring about discouragement.  It can indeed be a joy!

Sometimes it's nice to just clean on our own.  Sometimes it's nice to delegate some of the tasks to older children.  But really, it is quite nice to work alongside our children.  Quality time doesn't need to be "fun" time, or some special occasion.  Sometimes the best conversations I have with my children, happen when we are working together.  You can laugh, cry, pour out your  hearts, pray, and sing as you spend time working together.  

Some say that I don't know what I'm talking about...but, I do.  I have four children and have done this all along.  Let them join you in this blessed role of homemaking!  Let them learn as they not only watch you, hear you explain things,  but practice for themselves these skills. 

 Just let them do what you do!

The Bible says we are to train our children.

^" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22: 6

This is an active role...it doesn't start in kindergarten...it starts at birth.  

We are always teachers as mothers and homemakers.  Now spiritually of course this is very important to teach them of the Lord and His word!  It is also great wisdom for just the basics of living.

Talk to the babies as you do things, explain to them what you are doing and why.  

Bring them along to where you are working, let them watch.

Of course they'll not totally understand what you say, but make it a practice from the beginning to include them in what you do.  

Then as they get older, they'll not only want to help you, but love being included.  They also love to be able to contribute and feel needed in the home. 

Start with little jobs.  Picking up toys, putting shoes on the mat as they come in the house, putting dirty laundry in the hamper.  All basic things.  But don't stop there!  

Give them a little broom as you sweep with the big one.  

Give them rags to wipe off cupboards and chairs as you do the counters and table.  

Believe it or not... they think it's very fun! :) 

As they grow, they not only will learn the skills of cleaning and homemaking, 

but they will also see the value in it.  

Now does this always mean your house will be showroom quality? Um...no. But you should always be making a concerted effort to keep a nice home.    It'll be taking steps to not only do the tasks that need to be done (cleaning, laundry, tidying, cooking, etc.) but to also teach the children...train them to  do these tasks as well.  Don't fall into the "I'm doing something more important by just hanging out with my kids instead of cleaning"  lie.  Let your children join you in this joyous task of homemaking...let them know that they are apart of it, not just mess makers.  

If it were for a secular job...you would  have training to know how to accomplish the tasks of that position, same is with homemaking.  You need to work alongside them and show them and teach them so that they will one day be competent.  Both boys and girls need these life skills.  Young women who are learning to be homemakers will need to make a greater effort to master these. 

 " Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

- Colossians 3:22-23

We are servants in our homes, we need to do all that we do for the Lord.  As we go about all our everyday tasks, including our children we will be showing them how to do all things as unto the Lord.  Make the learning process meaningful by including them, not just talking at them.  

So look at cleaning, and all your homemaking tasks with your children as blessed opportunities to share with them your knowledge.  To share your time together.  To share with them the joy of serving their families, and honour God in their homes. 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Homemaking Visits

"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

- Romans 12:13

^"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

- Galatians 6:10

I have been pondering this very thing called a homemaking visit since I read about it once by another christian lady.  

So what is a homemaking visit? 

This would be a visit in which you would go and help out with homemaking needs as you visit with someone.  Things like doing dishes, vacuuming floors, washing windows, caring for children, cooking meals, doing some laundry, or doing any odd job that needs doing around the home.  This may even include taking children for a walk or to the park so the mother can get some extra rest.  

So you can go to visit, and as you chat you can be doing things with or for them around the house.  You could take them some needed items if they're short on them or unable to make it out to the store.  You could bring them something extra like baking or some new crayons and a colouring book for small children.  You get the idea.   

Why would you have one? 

Well, in this role of homemaking it can get a bit overwhelming at times.  Especially when one has a new baby, or small children, or is ill, injured, or elderly. This gives a helping hand in the role of homemaking to those that need it.  It is wonderful to have people visit, but to share a burden in this area is very needed.  It seems old fashioned now, but when full-time homemaking was the norm this happened often.  I think pride has stepped in and has caused people to think that it was a shame to have help in this area. You know since everyone seems to think they need to be capable and competent at everything all the time.  Lets be real!  Lets take the time to step into each other's homes and give the gift of homemaking. 

Who would receive one?

 Like I stated above, those that have new babies, small children, those that are ill, and those that are elderly.  But really... anyone can use those visits!  

As I have been reading through some scriptures on caring for one another, it has really struck me in this area that we need to be also making homemaking visits a part of our lives.  We need to make time for others in this way as well.  Hospitality doesn't need to just be in our own homes.... it can extend to others in many ways.  

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

-Philippians 2:4

Do you know someone that could use a homemaking visit?  
Have you ever had a homemaking visit?

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Summer is Full

Hello!  I thought I'd share a bit of our summer with you.  

It's been cold and rainy for most of the time, but mid July changed to hot and sunny and it's lovely!  

To deal with the heat (which we're not used to),

we've been spending time around the water, and in the shade. 

We have a sweet shallow spot just up river from us that we enjoy cooling off in. 

Life jackets are nice to put on the boys as just off to the right of the picture 

is a very fast moving main river.  Here my one daughter splashes away with her brothers. 

We also like to go to a small shallow lake close to home.

It is perfect for the kids to practice paddling and boat safety.  

This last week we stood around in the water for a long time and watched the massive schools of minnows pecking away at our feet and legs.  

At first it was startling but then it turned to fits of giggles as they descended on us. :)  

Each of the boys had a paddling lesson at the front of the boat, 

next time will be in the back and they'll learn steering. 

The boys brought their goggles and watched the minnows in the water instead of going swimming. 

It was such a lovely day!  

A mix of sun and cloud and a gentle breeze. 

The flowers in the yard and garden are blooming so beautiful and it's so cheerful to wander about watering and weeding. 

Our little fireweed forest by one section of garden has erupted in blooms 

and is often a buzz with our neighbour's honey bees.  

Yes, you can see a frost blanket/ row cover over some of the plants.  

It's still mighty cold here during the night for growing things.  

So I cover them up to give them a little added boost.  

Thanks for dropping by!  

I hope  you are enjoying the lovely summer days! 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer