Whatever Wednesday - Family Size

In the past couple of weeks I have heard many remarks about family sizes.

People have yet to question our decision to have two children, but instead I always get the following responses: "oh, a boy and a girl, that's perfect," "two, that's a good place to stop," "you must be done now, two is more than enough for me!"

Recently the Duggar family announced that they are expecting their 20th child. It's unbelievable how many times and places I have heard this brought up. "20!?! Do they know when to stop?" "That's just rediculous, no one should be allowed that many children!" "She had a bad 19th pregnancy, they'll risk another?" "Isn't she too old? The grandchildren are older than her children!"

Why can't we just leave the blessing of children up to God? Let Him make the decisions for us?

Society has warped it's view of children so much that we now find it normal to praise and rejoice single, unwed mothers. Yet when a child is created by a loving, married couple, who already has more than two, they are condemned and questioned.

Should everyone have 20 children? Of course not, we are not all called to do so. If a stable environment has not been prepared to welcome children, abstain. Hubby and I abstained our entire courtship and engagement. Sure it was difficult, but worth it! Not only did it strengthen our relationship, but it was impossible for us to bring a child into an unstable environment.

When a couple takes so much care to make sure they only welcome children into a loving and stable environment, why are they questioned and talked about in such a negative manner? One, three, eight, twelve, or even twenty children need not to be questioned when God is the center of a couple's marriage.

In today's society children are "things" that just happen. Sometimes by accident and other times they are so planned there is no room for God to unexpectedly bless us. Children come from God. Sure my husband and I have had a huge part in creating both of our children, but we were blessed with them only because He wanted us to be. Would we allow our greatest treasure to rot and collect dust? Of couse not! Why then do we continue to treat children in this way? They deserve the very best and the very best is a loving and stable home with two parents who love each other and are open to God's will in all aspects of their lives. Whether God's will is one child or twenty children, it is His plan that is best for our children.

Munchy Monday - Chocolate Mug Cake

My little sister turned 22 today! In honor of her birthday, I made her a cake...and then I ate it.

Sometimes you want just a small slice of chocolate cake, but who wants to heat up the oven, make a huge cake, and somehow keep your fork from helping you devour the entire thing? Alright, eating the entire cake sounds great, but my waistline definitely doesn't need it!

Enter the "mug cake." There are plenty of cake recipes made for your microwave, but I have yet to find the perfect one. There is absolutely no way to use an entire egg and make a small cake still edible! Trust me, I've tried. My new solution: applesauce!

If you make this strategically, you will only dirty a couple of spoons and a mug!

Chocolate Mug Cake
1 Tbl cocoa
8 tsp hot water, divided
4 Tbl sugar
pinch of baking soda
pinch of baking powder
pinch of salt
4 tsp vegetable (or canola) oil
1 Tbl applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla

In mug, combine coca and 4 tsp hot water. Microwave 20-30 seconds or until slightly thickened and very hot. Stir. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well. Microwave 2-2.5 minutes until cake pulls away from sides. Moist areas may remain but will disappear upon standing. If you have the patience and want to invert onto a plate, wait a few minutes for the cake to cool.

Fun Time Friday - Home Depot FREE Kids Workshop

Did you know that on the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot offers a FREE Kids Workshop? We've been bringing Peter for the last several months and it's definitely a highlight that he talks about for at least a week afterwards.

The projects are very simple, although an adult's help is needed, and we always walk away with something useful that Peter can share and we can all enjoy! Along with the materials and directions of the project, Peter has received a Home Depot apron that he wears every time we go and he receives a pin for each project that he completes. I'm sure his apron will soon be filled with pins as we continue to enjoy this free and fun activity!

Check out Home Depot's website for more information: http://www.homeimproverclub.com/kidsworkshops.aspx