Sunday Snapshot 10/18/15

I have really been trying to make our Sabbath's more holy, it has been a major focus for many of our meetings, and for some reason I have really struggled. I am a perfectionist and I am the hardest on myself when things do not go exactly as I have planned. Often the result is me not being as kind as I should be and I get frustrated easily when things do not go exactly as they are pictured in my head. I am working on it.

I tried to incorporate all the great ideas that were being given for making Sunday more holy and all that resulted was a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth and crazy hectic Sundays. I did a lot of praying and trying to figure out what I was doing wrong and how I could make our Sunday better. When the answer came that I was making it too complicated I wasn't really surprised.

I made a commitment to myself that I would just relax on Sunday and enjoy whatever the day gave me. We have dedicated the morning to working on Personal Progress, Faith in God, and Scouts. I also want to incorporate a really yummy breakfast while we watch Music and the Spoken Word, it just hasn't worked out the last couple of weeks.We also eat a nice dinner after church complete with rolls and honey butter, have our Family Home Evening lesson, and make a treat before it is time for bed. The last few Sunday's have been wonderful, relaxing, and after a crazy week just what we need.

I only hope that having a happy family, peaceful home, and relaxing time together is making our Sabbath a holy day. For now it feels right so I am sticking with it.

We also have been choosing a scripture to Ponderize. Samantha found a scripture she loved this week, Alma 37:37, and made up cards for all of us to hang on our mirrors.  I really love it too, and loved that she was so excited for it to be our scripture this week:

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Our treat this week was caramel apples, I had actually dipped all the apples in caramel while we were at my Mom's house, but then we ran out of time and had to bring them home with us to finish with chocolate and candies. Thankfully they held up and tasted so good when we were done!!

I hope we can stick with what is working for now, who knows what the future will hold, but for now I am loving my Sunday.

Baked Apple Hootananies

I have a personal rule, no pumpkin until after Labor day. Fall is my favorite time of year for so many reasons with Fall baking at the very top of that list. Well Monday I broke that rule when I made Pumpkin waffles with toasted Walnuts, from there it was all downhill.

This morning I had planned on making Hootananies for my family (AKA German Pancakes), but then I decided since I had already broke my own rule why not keep going so I mixed up a batch of Baked Apple Hootananies.

Of course they were a HUGE hit.

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Baked Apple Hootananies

1/2 C Butter
2 Medium Apples sliced 1/8 inch thick slices (I love Granny Smith, but I used Fuji this morning)
3 Tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg

6 Eggs
1 C Flour
1/4 C Sugar
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice butter into cubes and place in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place pan in the cold oven so the butter will melt while the oven is preheating, keep an eye on it so the butter does not burn.

When butter is melted spread the apples evenly over the butter and then sprinkle with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile combine the eggs, flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Add in the milk and vanilla and mix until combined. When the apples are done pour the egg mixture over top, return pan to the oven, and bake for 24 minutes.

Top with syrup or powdered sugar and enjoy!!