True story

A mustard seed in the applesauce jar 11/30/2010

This morning I made my famous buttermilk pancakes for the kids. I went to the grocery store last night just to get applesauce to put on them today. All those golden little pancakes smelled so good and were ready for the yummy apple topping they were to receive. The big problem now was, I couldn’t get the jar open! I tried and I pried, and I tapped and slapped, but that lid would not budge. I tried a paper towel to grip it, and my t-shirt, but nothing happened. So then I sat down on the couch in the living room and but the jar on my lap to give me some leverage. I cranked on that lid till my hands were red and I was out of breath. Nothing. I was getting nowhere, and I really wanted applesauce instead of sugary syrup for breakfast! So I did what I usually do in sticky situations where I can’t figure out how to do something on my own. I said a prayer. I prayed out loud so the kids could hear. I said “Father in Heaven, I can’t do this by myself, but I know that with thy help I could do all things. Please help me open this jar.” I close in the name of our Savior. Then, I opened the applesauce. The lid simply twisted off in my hands as if were oiled! Friends, I testify that these things are true. God lives. He loves us. He answers our prayers. We just need faith as a grain of mustard seed, and we could move mountains, or open applesauce jars for our children’s breakfast. This morning I found a mustard seed in the applesauce. I felt to share with you because these things bring me joy. Have a wonderful day everyone! –Love Cyndi

Mt. Saint Helens part 2, finally!

We went on a walk near the visitor's center. There was a boardwalk over a marshy lake. The girls are looking for "fogs" as Natalie calls them.

There was a really neat playground at the forest learning center, although the center itself was closed at the time. Brian is seen sporting some of the Brown and Haley's Mountain bar he had on the drive up. We thought it would be cute to eat Mountain bars on the mountain.

Here you can clearly see into the crater with the bulging lava dome. It's actually steaming a bit here!

Being "sworn in" as junior rangers.

As promised, here is the picture of my attempt at a fun fall dinner. It's NOT the Canadian flag!

And a yummy chocolate cake which turned out really messy looking, but fun to make.