How Do I......??????

I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time puttering around on The Graphics Fairy's blog lately, and it has been so much fun! I have made several projects for our soon-to-be home, and hopefully I can get some pics up soon.
Here's my dilemma.....many of TGF's images are centered left, rather than middle. How do I scoot them over so that I can fit more than one image on a printed page, or so that I can also add lettering? Obviously I am computer-challenged, so if anyone out there could help me out, I'd greatly (GREATLY) appreciate it!!!

For Real

Ok, it looks like we actually have a signed and executed contract for our new house! I would say that I'm super-excited, but I am still reserving my emotions for the day that we have keys in hand. It's a huge step, though!

Chocolate Gravy (Yes, That's What I Said!)

Because we are in a transitional time living-space-wise, I have so little to write about! I can't wait until we have a house that I can make homey again (and we should have some definite answers by the end of this week....for those of us that struggle with patience, this time has proven to be a bit challenging).

On the other hand, my mouth still works. And it expects to be fed. Frequently.

Growing up, my mother made Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits every Saturday morning. It was one of those things that we kids (and there were 6 of us) always looked forward to. I know, it sounds a bit odd if you've never had it before. But if you've grown up with it, it's like manna from heaven.

My oldest turned five (FIVE!!!) yesterday, and when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday breakfast, he said, "YOU know. What we ALWAYS have for our birthday breakfast!" And I knew what he meant before he clarified it. That child is my child, after all.

Chocolate Gravy
1 stick of butter
4 Tbs. baking cocoa
1/3 cup flour
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups milk

Melt the butter in a skillet, then mix in the cocoa, flour, and sugar, making a paste. Add milk and stir until you reach a gravy-like consistency, keeping heat even.
It's just like making sausage gravy, only with sugar and chocolate. What's not to love?

This is not one of those recipes that you'll be on the fence about. You'll either love it or hate it.

I love it. ;)

Can It Be????

Well, folks, it looks like we have a house after all!

At the same time, we've had our hearts broken a few times already, so I don't know that I should really think that it's for certain until all the papers are signed and the keys are in hand. Of course, this means completing the Big Move now, and I don't even want to think about all that that entails, especially leaving my family and trying to establish ourselves in a new place. It's very intimidating, and even more so for a homebody who doesn't really embrace change (that's me, in case you wondered).

I am trying to think of this move as an adventure, and look at it as exciting rather than devastating. I am definitely looking forward to taking our new home and truly making it ours. Hopefully I will be able to document all of that progress for all of you.

Thanks to this blog community, I am absolutely exploding with ideas for the new house! I don't think there will be time or space to put them all to use. ;)

What I Needed to Hear Today

I read Miss Mustard Seed's blog every day. Sometimes more than once a day. :)

Today her post was on "asking and receiving;" she makes sheet music wreaths (and so do I, by the way...different from hers, but when I saw hers I figured I could give it a try...I've used sheet music, but I've also used vintage books, and today used a vintage Bible), and her supply of music was running low. She put out an SOS, asking for some....and received some, in spades.

Also, today, I was working with my oldest here at home, doing some preschool-type work. The story that goes along with the letter for the day was "Noah and the Ark." At the end of the story, we were reminded that God always provides for his children when they trust in Him.

I have been struggling for the past few days with the fact that we do not yet have a home; but I needed the reminder, small though it may be, that provision is always made.

Cinnamon Bread with a side of Butterflies

As you know, the kiddos and I are staying with Mother and Dad until the Hubs can find us a home to complete The Big Move.

Dad is a minister, and this week it was his turn to host the community-wide prayer breakfast (attended by the mayor, other pastors, and business owners). He wanted to kind of make a splash, so he asked my mother, sister, and I to cook some tasty treats.

My mother found this recipe, and IT IS AMAZING (the breakfast-ers thought so and told Dad over and over!)

Cinnamon Bread

1 box white or yellow cake mix
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup oil
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 T butter flavoring (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and beat well. Mix, have ready 4 Tablespoons sugar and 2 Tablespoons cinnamon. Pour half of batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Add remaining batter. Makes 2 small loaves or 1 long loaf or also makes 3 miniature loaves for gifts. Bake 1 hour at 350 or until done.

In other news, the reason for the butterflies...
We may have a new home by the end of today. This is such a huge huge step for us and I am frankly scared to take it.

A Sad Day

Well, today we got an answer.

Just not the answer we were hoping for, I guess...the house we had been in negotiations to purchase went to another buyer. We are now absolutely officially homeless, with no real prospects yet for a place of our own. Thank God for Mother and Dad. ;)

I am on one hand extremely sad and on the other grateful, as 1) we are certain that all things work together for the good, and 2) this means spending more time with my family before we move away for good.

We are working at maintaining a positive attitude even though our future seems uncertain.

Somehow it will all work out.