~Peanut Butter Cookies Sealed with a Kiss~

Hello all! =)
Yesterday I made some cookies for Valentines Day! =)
Here's the recipe! Enjoy! =)

~Peanut Butter Cookies Sealed with a Kiss~

2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Sugar (for coating cookies)
40 Hershey's Kisses

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter and brown sugar on medium speed until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. On low speed, blend in the flour and salt.
2. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in the sugar to coat lightly. Place on ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly brown
3. Move the cookies from the baking sheets to a wire rack and immediately place an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss on the center of each cookie, pressing down so that the cookie cracks a little bit around the edge.
4. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely. Repeat until all the dough is used or all the Kisses are gone. Makes approximately 40 cookies.

Earlier this month we went to Home depot for a workshop day and each of my younger brothers got to put together a small wooden trinket box kit! They had lots of fun! =)

May you be blessed as you continue to seek the Lord with your whole heart!!!

Love in Christ,
~Chloe~ =)

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men."

Colossians 3:23

~1 Corinthians 13:4-8~

"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;

love does not brag and is not arrogant,

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own,

is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in unrighteousness,

but rejoices with the truth;

bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails..."

May we all walk in God's love...today and always!

Blessings to you!
~Chloe~

~Blog Award~ :-)

Hello all!

Miss Jen from Blessed Femina has graciously gifted me with a blogger's award! :-) I am so very honored. :-)

~Thank you Miss Jen!!! ~

And now, here are the award rules: thank the person who gave you the award,
then pass the award on to ten other people, and let them know they have been awarded. :-)

I will award:
Jacqueline

Tara and Kelly

Jessica McDonald

Tiffany McDonald

Bethany

Katherine

Jasmine

The Little Red Hens

Marie Madeline Studio

~Note~
If you don't have ten people to award, award however many you can.
If you would rather not post about the
award feel free to simply add it to your side bar if you like.
and lastly....
Whether you participate in blog awards or not...
please except this gesture as a gift
of love for all your dear blogging efforts!

Blessings to you!

~Chloe~

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Phil.4:8

~I've been tagged again!!!~ :-)

My dear friend Miss Jen has tagged me! This tag is about "My memories from 2008". :-)

Here are the rules:
1. Fill in your memories of 2008
2. Link my blog to yours
3. Tag others and comment on their blogs so they know they've been tagged

Here we go! :-)

~My memories from 2008~

~A good book I read~

May I do two? :-) The first book is "Raising Maiden's of Virtue". And the second one is "Before You Meet Prince Charming". Both descriptions are from Vision Forum and can be purchased from their site.

"A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters

Do you want your daughter to cherish her purity and honor God by the chaste and lovely way she presents herself? Raising Maidens of Virtue is an engaging tool for mothers to use in training daughters who are approaching womanhood to think biblically. Through stories, allegories, illustrations, and memory-making projects, Raising Maidens of Virtue covers topics such as guarding the tongue, idleness, sibling relationships, honoring parents, contentment, modesty, purity, cleanliness, and feminine biblical beauty. Illustrated with winsome watercolor vignettes by Johannah Bluedorn, mothers and daughters alike will be encouraged in the wonder and beauty of godly femininity."

"How can young people be committed to purity and to God’s best? This guide to radiant purity combines the story of a young princess with solid, clear teaching of biblical convictions that young ladies today need to grasp. Through a captivating fairy tale, modern day examples, practical instruction, and abundant humor, Sarah Mally challenges young ladies to turn to the Lord for fulfillment, to guard their hearts and minds, to identify and avoid the world’s thinking, and to shine brightly in this generation. Beall Phillips writes, “Every young lady desiring to be married one day must read this book! It will challenge you; it will stir you; it will delight you! Most importantly, it will help you practically prepare for one of the most important decisions of your life.” Suggested for young ladies ages 12 and up."

~A great film/movie I watched~

Well, other than the latest films I've reviewed..."The Widow's Might", "Come What May" and one I reviewed in the fall..."Fireproof" (which has now come out on DVD! :-) )....hmmm.....the film "North & South" was kind of fun! We watched it in the summer when we were researching about the Civil War in preparation of a Civil War Ball we attended. :-) The film is set around that time period. :-)

~A new place I visited~

Ummm...well...I've been to several different libraries this year! :-) Last year we began participating in a historic dance group, which has been sooo much fun :-) , and the classes are normally held in one library or another ! :-)

~An inspiring verse or quote I read~

One day one of my younger brothers said:

"Today's a cloudy day....but that doesn't keep ME from shining!"'

And that reminds me of the verse in Matthew 5:6 which says:

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

~A discovery I made~

One day I was putting together a new post when I discovered how to put a video on my blog! :-) Hooray!!! (It was pretty exciting!) :-)

~A new skill I acquired~

In the spring I put in my first side zipper in a skirt! Since then I have had the opportunity to apply a couple other side zippers as well as my first lapped zipper in a dress!

~A lesson I learned~

Through the end of December and the beginning of January, I learned Phil 4 by memory, along with some dear friends I've "met" at Daughters of Vision. It has been a wonderful chapter to have hidden in my heart and I am blessed by the reminders such as...

(6) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

(13) "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

(19) "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. "

What wonderful truths! I desire to always be a student of the GREATEST Teacher...EVER!

~A moment I will always remember~

This year? Well, let me see...that would probably be when I received my "Love Among the Roses" tea set and then we later hosted a tea party! It was a very special time! :-)

Now I will tag....

Bethany
Katherine
Jacqueline
Jessica McDonald

and anyone else who would like to join in! :-)

Blessings!
~Chloe~ :-)

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..."

James 4:8a

~*Winter Weather*~

That's right! We've had some winter weather around here....ice to be exact! And brrr... it's been cooollld. So...if you would like...you can warm up some hot chocolate and grab your favorite afghan and I'll give you a short picture tour of our crystal outdoors....alright? :-)

My younger brother's posed for a quick picture in front of the big pine tree! :-)

They had lots of fun!

This is one of our trees...now looking very bushy!

And then there is the barn....

....and some of the curious cows!

And here is another tree...with lots and lots of ice on it!

Our kitty's decided to join us in the house for a little while. :-) They got very warm and cozy on the rug! This is Sweetpea....

....and Fluffy. :-)

Blessings to you all!

~Chloe~ :-)

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"

Phil. 4:4

~ * Youth Banquet 2009 * ~

Yesterday my mom, dad and I attended our churches annual youth banquet!!! It was lots of fun! :-) This years theme was a " *Winter Wonderland* ". Here is a description of the decor that was in the program....

"Our snowy theme was carried out by decorating with flocked pine trees,

lots of lights and artificial snow in every crevice!
Our primary colors were deep purple, sky blue and shimmery silver.
To select our seating we picked a snowball from a beautiful fir tree.
Our table toppers included winter villages and candles.
The eight tables were named for inclement weather...
Arctic Air Mass, Blizzards, Frost, Glacier Winds, Heavy Snow, Snowfall,
Snow Advisory & Snow Flurries."

After visiting for a bit, taking some pictures, and then being seated, some of the youth shared musical offerings.


Here a friend of mine sang a solo and her mom accompanied her on the piano...it was very nice! :-)

I played the song "Fur Elise" on the keyboard. :-)

After that it was time for the formal dinner. :-)

Our menu for the evening included...

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup or Salad

Baked Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans & Hot Roll

Assorted Cobblers, Tea, Coffee & Wassail.

Mmmm! It was really good! :-)

A little later we listened to our guest speaker, then visited and took more pictures.

Looking to Jesus!
~Chloe~ :-)

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it bear and sprout,

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

~A Photo Tag~

I got tagged by Bethany from Polished Cornerstone. :-)

The rules to the tag are as follows:

1.Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder, and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

This picture is of my two younger brothers dressed up as cowboys....as you can see! :-)

Now...I will tag...
Miss Jen
Jessica McDonald
Jacqueline
...and anyone else who would like to participate!

Blessings to you all!
~Chloe~

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:58

~The Widow's Might and Come What May~

Hello all! :-)

We have recently had the privilege of viewing some really amazing christian films! One of which is called "The Widows Might". This film was entered in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival and it won the $101,000.00 Jubilee Grand Prize!

"The Widow's Might is a full length feature film set in modern day America, following the struggles of several Christian families to keep a widow from losing her home due to tax foreclosure." (Description taken from www.widowsmightthemovie.com)

Here is a clip from the film...enjoy! :-)



Preview from John Moore on Vimeo.

To order this film or to look at other films that were entered in the festival you can go to Vision Forum or Behemoth.


Another film we really enjoyed was called "Come What May". Here is a trailer to it. :-)



To learn more about this film or to order a copy click here.

In Christ,
~Chloe~ :-)

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

~Birthdays!~ :-D

Last Saturday we celebrated my mom's birthday along with one of my younger brothers!

This year my brother requested a three tiered confetti cake... :-)

....so.....on Friday, we got busy and started baking! :-) Mom mixed up the batter and put the cake into the oven. :-)

After the cake was done cooking and had cooled for a while, I made some decorator's frosting and spread it onto each layer of the cake.

Then after topping the cake with sprinkles and adding blue frosting as shells around the edges, and red stars on the sides.....the cake was complete! :-)

On Saturday, we had the party! One of my dear grandmas brought a delicious angel food cake-Mom's favorite! :-)

Then it was time to blow out the candles!

And eat! :-)

This is my cousin and my older brother. :-)

And my grand-

parents....

and also my dad, other grand-

parents and aunt and uncle.

Here are my other cousins, brothers and myself. :-)

We then moved on into the living room to open presents! In this picture my brother received a paint by number set. :-)

Here my mom was opening one of her beautiful birthday cards. :-)

Next we played pictionary.

"Hmmm....now what should I draw...?"

"What could it be?"

"You guessed it!"

Here dad was drawing. :-)

Later the younger ones decided to dress up as pioneer ladies and cowboys! :-) They had lots of fun!

Blessings,

~Chloe~

"The LORD bless you, and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace.'

Numbers 6:24-26

~Merry Christmas!~

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

~Luke 2:11~

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We did! :-) Our family enjoyed visiting with relatives, reading the story of Jesus' birth and singing songs about it :-) , writing down our favorite Christmas memory, sharing helpful hints as well as a few dances! Some of the games we played were Apples to Apples, Catch-A-Phrase, Pass the Slipper and The Laughing Game (The last two games are Victorian Parlor Games, the instructions are below if you would like to learn them :-) ).

Pass the Slipper~ You take an object, the "slipper." Pick a person and put them in the center of the circle. They must close their eyes and say: "Cobbler, Cobbler, mend my shoe, have it done by half past two" three times in a row, while the "slipper" is passed from person to person behind their backs. When the center person opens his/her eyes, the passing immediately stops and he/she must make a guess as to who holds the "slipper." The person in the center has three chances to guess correctly. If he/she is correct, they trade places. If wrong, the eyes are closed and the passing begins again.

The Laughing Game~ All players sit in a circle. One player starts the game by saying "Ha". Then, going around the circle, the second player says "Ha Ha", third player says"Ha Ha Ha", and so on. All players must not laugh or smile, but must proceed with straight faces. Anyone who fails to do this is out of the game.

~Sunday~

On Sunday we got together with my dad's side of the family. :-)

Here are my younger brothers and cousins! :-)

And seated at this table are my other cousins, older brother and myself! :-)

~Monday~

On Monday evening we were delightfully surprised when our doorbell rang. A dear family we know had come singing Christmas carols and gifted us with a lovely plate of cookies!

Thank you B. Family! What a blessing!

~Thursday~

On Thursday we went to visit with relatives on my moms side of the family.

Here's some pictures of the many delicious foods that had been prepared. :-)

In this picture, my brothers and youngest cousin were enjoying some yummy sherbet Push'Um's. :-)

Well that's all for now. May each one of you have a very blessed day and a Happy New Year!

In Christ,
~Chloe~ :-)