Mugs & Muffins :: Guest Post, by Kaitlin of Homemaker Design :: Muffin Recipe :: GIVEAWAY {this Giveaway is now CLOSED!}

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Welcome!  Welcome, once again... to this ever-so-random happening of an online Mugs & Muffins event...

at least that is what it seems like it's been.

Random.

I know.  However few and far between, I hope you enjoy these times and that you'll choose to hang around and stay for awhile today - here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  I have some great things planned for you  - I hope!  One...
Our Guest "speaker" and my dearest friend!
A muffin recipe...
A Giveaway with all its (quirky) details... all the way at the very end.

We're going to get started right away!
I'm so tickled that I have a dear friend from way "up North" willing to share with us, here, today.  I got to meet this gal in person - our families mingling over a course of five days, or so, and it was lovely, in every way!!
What my friend is sharing with us today she extends truly from her heart, and I appreciate the challenge she has presented to each one of us!!  

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Hello!!  For those that don't know me, my name is Kaitlin and I blog over at Homemaker Design.  I had the joy and privilege of meeting with Bevy, in person, back at the beginning of April.  When I knew we would be finally meeting each other face to face, there were two things I couldn't wait to share with her.

First a hot cup of coffee and secondly a hug!

Hugs are something many people take for granted or not even think about...but today I'd like to open your mind and heart to how important this little act can be!  So, go ahead... grab your hot beverage...or iced... if the weather is warm enough, take a treat - one of these delicious muffins ;) - and enjoy this little read....my 'hug' to you!

Don't these look fantabulous??

Let's keep going here...on our topic, for the day!

hug

1.  to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.

2.  to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish

3.  to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of:

to hug the shore; to hug the road.

Are you a hugger?  Do like to give out an affectionate embrace? Do you enjoy receiving them?  Are you one to shy away, be stiff or one arm pat, in response to a hug?  Or...just maybe...you secretly long for more affection...and would like to both give and receive more hugs in your life?!

I'm a hugger...at least I've been told so, it never really crossed my mind until it was mentioned about me and the words found their way back to me, "Oh, Kaitlin?! Yeah, she's a hugger!"  Funny how you don't see yourself in certain ways until it's through someone else's eyes!! lol!!

I know that many people will say, "Oh, I'm not the 'hugging type'.", or "I didn't grow up that way." and though it's true, something I have learned, is that everyone...yes, everyone appreciates an honest, affectionate, cherished, close embrace!

(I will pause to say, this is directed for a women to women post, in friendship and fellowship - I speak of healthy relationships and am not enforcing this thought on anyone who has or is struggling with any abuse.  I am not familiar with that situation but I still feel the points here are valid and pray that there is healing in this for those who are struggling. ♥)

The first definition of hug, as described by Dictionary.com (a much used site by this spelling challenged blogger! hahaha!) is how I feel we should react to most people we know! "to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace."  It's amazing how this simple act can move people, how it can connect people and yet how it can often be missing in people's lives!

I think there is something amazing about the closeness and affection that is communicated in a friendly embrace! I want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, reach out and clasp tightly, with affection, to a friend.  Embracing someone is a way to say "I love you, I care about you, you matter to me" all while saying nothing at all.  A hug can say more then you may be able to in words and often is the best solution when we don't know what to say at all!  A hug can say, "I missed you!", "Welcome!" or "I'm sorry."  There really is no end to what can be conveyed in this simple act and I think it's why I enjoy it so greatly.

The second definition there, is; "to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish".  I know when I read this, I immediately think of a small child clutching a favourite stuffy or blanket.  How in the same action they can both be firmly clinging to and yet cherishing their special item.  I think this describes the kinds of hugs that come in times of great emotion.  Those extra long hugs for good bye, for comfort, for deep regret, for times of amazing joy, long separations being reunited and to say how beloved a person is to you.  It's the kind of hug you give someone that you can't imagine living without yet know that life promises nothing of the sort.  I personally cling firmly, fondly and cherish, my husband, children, closest friends, family and a few other individuals.  I reserve this type of hugging for times of needed emotional support and for those people God has placed especially close to me.

Who do you cling to? Who do you cherish?  Do you tell them...in words or action?  Next time you are hugging a dear loved one or someone you cherish, linger longer.  Hold them just those few seconds longer....you will be pleasantly surprised at what happens!

And the last definition for hug, well I find that one quite interesting. "to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or along side of: to hug the shore; to hug the road."  I think that this definition could very much apply to our relationship with Christ.  The examples that are given, "to hug the shore; to hug the road"  gives us the picture of safety.  These acts, "to hug the shore, hug the road" are used to describe sticking to safer paths, following the course laid out, keeping close to what is necessary.   How true for our relationship with Christ.

We need to constantly "hug" our Lord.  To keep close and alongside Him.  He is our guide, our path and our comfort....He is the ultimate hug!  And though, hugging itself is rarely mentioned in the Bible, there are countless references to loving each other;

Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. -Romans 19:10a

...love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22b

And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, - 1 Thessalonians 3:12a

There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. They embraced Paul and kissed him, - Acts 20:37

(And just a few more you can look up for your reading enjoyment!
 Ephesians 3:14-19, and  4:1-16, 1 Corinthians 13,1 John 4:7-21)

God knows how important love, comfort and care are to us, it's why He is so good to give that to us and why Jesus commands us to do the same to others.  A hug is a simple and dare I say, enjoyable, way to spread His love....as well as receive it!

Hugs have brought me closer to people, strengthened friendships and created some new ones. They have comforted my hurting heart, brought me joy, made me cry and more often than not, made me smile! A hug brought me a dear friend...the simple act of hugging a woman I barely knew, created one of the dearest friendships of my life....

...and as she has now gone on to glory in our Lord, I know she is there, in the arms of Jesus receiving His everlasting hug.

Grace, holding her namesake!

So take time, dear friends, to give a piece of yourself in a warm embrace.  To linger as you hold those dear to you.  And to keep close to our dear Lord.

Blessings, love and of course, a hug to you all! 

 ~ ♥ Kaitlin

In part...this post is dedicated, in memory, of my beloved friend Grace.
A truly beautiful woman.

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:: RECIPE ::

I asked my friend.. Kaitlin - if she would happen to have a go-to muffin recipe that she could share with us.  And she delivered. :)

She writes:  Hey - Yes!! Here is Grace’s Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins - they are super moist yet fluffy and they rise well, oh and they taste delicious!!  I used to make muffins all the time but they were never as good as hers.  These are my go to muffins now!! 

And, I say....Isn't that photo of the muffins - just beautiful?  Wow.. yumm!!!
Here is the recipe...
Grace’s Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
2/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs

6  medium bananas or 4 large bananas - mashed
1/2 cup sour cream OR 1/2 cup applesauce OR 1/2 cup yogurt

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

3 cups flour (can do  2 cups white and 1 cup whole wheat)
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
Grease or line muffin tray - will make approx. 24-30 muffins (depending on how big you like them)

Beat together the butter, sugar and eggs.  Add in the mashed bananas and sour cream/apple sauce/yogurt, stir.  Mix in chocolate chips.  In a bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  Add mixture to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just moist.  Spoon into muffin tray, filling to 2/3rds full (or more...if you're like me! :)

Bake for 25 minutes


Fun alternative: Substitute butterscotch chips for the chocolate ones!!  Kaitlin says... I'm not even a big butterscotch fan and even I LOVED this variation!!

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So, there you have this edition of Mugs & Muffins.
See - aren't you glad you stayed around?
An awesome and encouraging guest post and a yummy muffin recipe to boot.

Oh wait, we planned a Giveaway in here, didn't we?!?!
Don't leave yet!!

:: GIVEAWAY ::

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!

For the giveaway, today..I gathered a couple of things that I've had lying around to make today's giveaway something special and a bit unique!  Kind of like giving away a tangible sort of hug. ;)  And then... well ... keep reading!

 Let's start with the most important item...

The first on the list, is a book, entitled GOSPEL, by J D Greear - which needs a little bit of explaining as to why this book has been chosen to part of this giveaway!

So... back in April... when our family went to Canada to visit Kaitlin and her family.  We intentionally left behind a copy of this book as part of a hostess thank you, gift!

Recently, Kaitlin - unbeknownst to me... had decided to read it and share her honest opinion about the book over on her blog!  She did a swell job in this post and it's review...and when you have time - I hope you'll find a minute to go back and read her thoughts!!  It's rather compelling..

Today - I have another copy reserved for you!!  :)  And, I know this book will greatly encourage your soul!   I just know it will!

My husband, Scott, and I are still going through it chapter by chapter with our care group (at church) and it's been such a tremendous blessing to us.

If anything.  THIS BOOK is the main reason you should enter this giveaway!!  For reals...

Also included is this little Tea Wallet, made by me, for-  Bags by Bevy!,  This tea wallet holds up to four tea bags -  and with this, I'll include an assortment of teas as well as a bag of HUGS! (candy) **

Here comes the quirky part... there is a slight disclaimer.  Keep reading... ;)

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To enter this drawing... please read carefully... 

If you will...please, mention in the comment below - if there is someone you know you need to reach out to - more specifically! Perhaps by giving a hug or two more often.  You don't need to mention names... that's not the point.

I know I can certainly grow in this area. And - I can think of two or three people, right off the bat, in my life, (right in my own home) where I know I can do better.   Maybe you're like me and this hard for you to do?   Maybe, instead, you're a natural at handing out hugs... and you can easily relate to what Kaitlin had to share.

PLEASE go and check out Kaitlin's blog and tell her hello; tell her where you're from and give her a hearty thank you for all her hard work, here, on the this post!
Listen... If you sign up to follow her blog and you come back here to tell me (in the comment section) -- I'll give you an extra entry point.  
ALL COMMENTS, left here will earn you an additional entry...

Remember, the goal of Mugs & Muffins is to fellowship and to encourage one another... so keeping "talking" as if you really were around a table in fellowship!!

Disclaimer alert:

**Unfortunately, I will say this giveaway comes with a quirky obvious condition and you'll understand why (at least I hope!) as soon as I explain.  The more I thought about it... (after the photos were taken) I realized that the tea and the candy Hugs ... may or may not be such a good idea to have be included in this giveaway.  I guess it depends on where the winner lives!  I may have a hard time shipping these items out of the country as the heat and weather may not cooperate too well!!  I guess we'll see what happens.  Thanks for understanding...

However, to make up for this... there will most likely be a few other little surprise items tucked in along instead... if you don't mind!?!  

Once again... the GOSPEL book will certainly be gift enough.  You will not be disappointed... in any way, shape or form.  Trust me!

All this to say.  The giveaway is open until Wednesday, 6/24/15 - at 10pm, EST.  And is open to residents of the US and Canada.
The winner will be, randomly selected and announced, soon thereafter... hopefully by sometime Thursday, the 25th!!

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Thank you, again, for your readership and your friendship!  You're a great group of readers... a sense of community...which I love!!

Go out and be generous with those hugs, today... okay?  Have a wonderful week!!

Mugs & Muffins :: Guest Post on Hospitality by Heather Hoover and a Lilla Rose Giveaway {now CLOSED}

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   Welcome, welcome, welcome!!

It's good to be back here - bright and early, this Monday morning with another Mugs & Muffins Guest Post and Giveaway... oh, and a yummy muffin recipe, as well!  If this is your first time of coming by here, checking out this Mugs & Muffins thing...then to you, I am especially delighted that you've come.  

Make yourself at home!!  Please...

I can't wait to share this one with you!  My RL (in real-life) friend - Heather Hoover will be sharing with us today.  Sharing, with us, a topic that is very near and dear to my heart.  Heather does not have her own blog but perhaps after today - we can convince her she should write and keep a blog. :) Needless to say, after reading her words you might conclude that this gal might not be able to sit still... long enough... to write. Lol!  I have the privilege of knowing Heather in real life and this gal is a riot.  

Love, love, love her!!

Let's get right to this.  Pull up a chair and gather close.  We're here, together, to be encouraged.  And, I trust you are.  If you haven't grabbed your cup of coffee, do so now.  And we'll pass around the tray of muffins... :)  Don't you wish?   My daughters are eager to help...

They look scrumptious... and that's because they are!
The recipe, for Heather's Pumpkin Muffins, will follow at the end of the post, today!

Here is our guest, now...
:: Hospitality, at home and away! ~ Heather Hoover

I’m going to spend some time today talking about something Bevy’s talked a lot about!  Hospitality!  I know Bev has covered it and promotes it, but I'm going to have a different approach to it! If you have ever gotten overwhelmed at the thought of having someone over for coffee and muffins, you’ll love this post.  I mean we can't all be Bevy! (Bev: Hey! HEY!!)

I went thru a phase in my life where I had people over almost every Sunday after Church.  And guess what? I didn't even know who!  I just got lots of food ready and we invited whoever we felt like that day.  I loved it and my kids loved it.  I’m not sure my husband loved it.  In fact, I know he didn't love it!  Now, however, my life has changed a lot and now I guard that Sunday lunch with just my family!  I really don't want to have anyone else over.  (Except you!  If you would show up at my church I know I would have you home!  Even my husband says every now and then “Hey, so and so is here, you better invite them over!”)

I’m in the stage of life where I’m running!  We have piano lessons every weds night, baseball 2-3 nights a week, swim team 3-5 times a week, kids club once a month, 4H meetings and responsibilities, chorus concerts, open houses, birthday parties, and you know how endless the list is!  My husband and I try to keep a tight rein on the schedule.

By the way.  This is NOT Heather's calendar...it's just a Stock Photo!

But even with doing the minimum, it still gets very busy!  I love having that Sunday lunch time for just us. And even better, my husband’s home.  He rarely eats supper with us during the week, so it’s great for all of us to come together! Even the neighborhood kids know we are eating lunch together and won’t play.  Of course, they still call just to make sure!
So where in the world can I be hospitable to people?  I really don’t have any more time to have people over and I really feel like I do need to guard my family’s  time. 

Well, I've come up with a few solutions.  Most importantly, hospitality is, I believe, a state of mind.  Being hospitable means being welcoming. We can welcome people wherever we are, not just in our own homes!

Here are a few examples:

When I’m at swim team practice, it’s so nice to sit with my “old” friends and chat!  We have a lot to catch up on after all!  It’s about 4 of us moms love to talk!  But I try very hard to not sit with them every night!

I sat one night with a Mom who is raising her children in the Jewish faith.  We spent the evening talking about how important we both feel family is and how to balance the time with children’s activities.  She struggles because for her, the Friday night Shabbat is very important similar to our Sunday lunch.  However, there are many practices and games and other events that fall on Friday nights.  So she struggles with how many to do and how many to skip. I had such a great time talking with her.  It reminded me that other people are struggling with the pull of the world’s activities and their family’s needs.  It wasn’t easy for me to go and sit on a different bench away from my friends who were having a great time chatting and laughing. But what a rich time I had, sharing mutual struggles with my new friend.

Sometimes we take our supper to the games or practices.  If you bring extra you can share.  Muffins! Pumpkin Muffins.  They're easy to make, they make a lot and it's one recipe that everyone loves.  So, an idea might be:  you can pass out muffins to all those other little kids your younger kids might be playing with! Who wouldn't like to be known as a Mom who brings muffins to games? (the recipe will be at the end of the post!)

One evening at swim practice, my usual cohorts weren't there!  What to do?  I hadn't brought a book, and my phone doesn’t always get internet in the pool area. So I couldn’t just hide in my smart phone.  I was going to have to talk to a person.  In fact, I was going to talk to someone I didn’t know! I started talking to the mom next to me.  She is from India and I will admit, it wasn't the easiest conversation I have ever had!

But we kept talking and understanding, one another better. We spent the evening chatting about supper times! Traditionally in India, supper is served late like 9 pm.  I asked her if she did that here in America.  (She does not.) We commiserated on how hard it is to feed children easy nutritious meals, especially when practice times are the traditional meal times. Then we realized our daughters were in the same grade and therefore both in orchestra practice together.  When she told me her husband was traveling for business and she couldn't figure out how to do all the transportation, I was happy to help.  I picked up her daughter from orchestra, fed her lunch and took her to the swim meet. My daughter got to know her daughter better, which was helpful during orchestra practices. Another friend and ally in this crazy world!

One evening after baseball practice I asked several other families who I really didn't know all that well if they would like to go to the Dairy Queen after the game! I believe most people are looking for an excuse to go out for ice cream. And/or just to get together with other families!  

That was a great night in getting to know other parents and other kids on the team.  I love the sense of community that comes from being on a team.  I have learned to know so many other people in my town, and I love it!  The more people I know out in the community, the safer I feel having my children being involved in sports.  I feel now like there are always other parents around I trust, in case it’s a night where I have to drop my kid off and go.  Isn't that a great feeling?  That comes from people building a community.  If you attend Church, you probably feel comfortable dropping your child off in Sunday School.  Right?  Well, part of the reason is, is you probably know the teacher.  That’s how I feel at sport events.  But it wasn't always like this. 
It’s from getting out of my comfort zone and talking to other parents.  Especially the parents I don't know!

One other way I've been able to show hospitality is thru my business.  I am actually a consultant for a direct sales company...Lilla Rose.  Because I have inventory in stock, I often have people stopping by to come and buy things.

Now, I don't necessarily brew some coffee and make them a great recipe from Bevy’s blog, but I do sit down and we talk.  Sometimes it’s a business transaction only.  But ofttimes we talk about life and kids and husbands and working.  And maybe even a prayer thrown in there.  I would have never thought having a small business in my home would have me practicing hospitality, but it happened.  The nice part of that is I don't feel like I have to prepare foods or even clean my house.  And it doesn't inconvenience my husband!  He’s not even home when they come over!

I've really come to think of hospitality as a welcoming heart.  No matter where we are!  Maybe you can be welcoming to your neighbor kids.  I’m currently working on that one myself!  Bevy and I would love to hear how you have welcomed people wherever you are.

We are also having a giveaway.  I, Heather, will be giving away my very favorite Lilla Rose flexiclip.  It’s not even available anymore.  This is a purple flexiclip and has these great words on it; “Faith Hope Love”.   As you can see in the picture, it also has a removable charm that says “Mom”.  If you aren't a Mom, you can still wear this flexiclip. The picture shows it both ways.

If you are even wondering what a flexiclip is, you have to try them out!  It’s a fabulous hair solution!  And seeing is believing.  They look pretty unassuming but they work!  Isn't that what you want?  An accessory that actually works!

If you don't win the giveaway, no worries.  There are still plenty of great things available for you.  Like my favorite hairband! Stop by my website or, if you're local you may contact me to meet me somewhere!  I would love to help you get some happy hair! 

Thank you for letting me share with you, today! 
Sincerely,
Heather


Your entrance to the Giveaway!! 
Share with us... a time... when you were either a recipient of someone's hospitality "on-the-go"...or you took the time to go out of your way; blessing someone else.  This is solely meant for encouragement purposes.

How did it make you feel?  You came away with...

Each comment, either of your own or a reply to another's comment earns you one entry.  Let's dialogue... shall we?
As well.  You can LIKE Heather's Facebook Page - for another two entries.  Let me know you did so in your initial comment.  Thanks!

Have fun!!

** This GIVEAWAY will end on Wednesday - the 18th of June! at 10:00 pm, EST.  The winner will be notified and announced later in the week..
It is okay to enter for this giveaway - even if you don't have a blog of your own.  Please be sure to include your name and way of contacting you..
** THIS GIVEAWAY is NOW CLOSED.  Thanks for participating.

:: Recipe::

Pumpkin Muffins
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
15-16 oz can pumpkin
¾ cup vegetable oil
¾ plain yogurt
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips  (I used the mini chips..)

In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, oil, and yogurt until smooth.  In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.  Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix until moistened.  Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix until moistened.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Put one quarter cup of batter in a each muffin cup.  Bake at 350 for 17 minutes or until done. (A toothpick comes out clean).

Share and enjoy!

Thank you, so much, to each one of you for coming by, today! I hope you enjoyed...
Special thanks to my friend Heather for sharing, so vulnerably, her heart!  I know I've been challenged to get out of my comfort zone and be a bit more hospitable.  All around.  Not just in and from my home - but while out and about.

 How about you?

Thanks for reading, here today and have fun in and with the Giveaway!  See you next time!

Please be Praying...

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UPDATE:  Dear Prayer Team...  Thank you for your prayers. We arrived safely in Budapest and are back home. We praise God for your prayers. The kids were exhausted but already got some rest and are enjoying being back home. ~ J & A Alleman and family

What dear friends.  What an opportunity!
We're going to miss these guys.

 Thanks for coming back here today.

 I mentioned in yesterday's post that I had a prayer request of sorts... and this is what it is.  Please be praying for Jared and Abby Alleman and their three beautiful kids.

{via}

This dear family, (as I type) are in an airplane, right now, heading back to Hungary.  They should arrive sometime on the 10th!  Today!!  Although - I am not sure the time differences, etc.

They live there - as missionaries; learning/have learned the language *which is very hard* - working with Cru.

They had been back here, in the States, for about 6 weeks.  Visiting here with friends and family and supporters...and during that time, it was our family's awesome privilege to watch their little ones for several hours each week - just to give Jared and Abby time to do what they needed to do, PR -wise (public relations) and or errands, etc.

One afternoon - Abby stayed too! Hence the collage of photos up top.  It was so great to just sit, share lunch and coffee!!  OH, COFFEE! and just chat away; fully catching back up...she is such a sweet sister in the Lord. 

You may recall from my very first official Mugs & Muffins, two years ago or so, that I had asked my friend, Abby,  to write a guest post, on Motherhood...which she so wonderfully did.  This was just as they were getting ready to officially move to Budapest, Hungary.

This quotes resembles my friend in so many ways...

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same. ~ Unknown

I'm so glad I have this footprint, freshly impressed, in and on my heart!
And now that of each of her family as well...

Be sure to keep abreast of their mission outreach and be praying for them and their ministry as you are led.
You can follow along on Abby's Facebook page, as well.

They truly are doing the work of God... evangelizing and making every effort to share the good news of Jesus Christ!  They are humbly serving HIM and I continue to be encouraged as I read their praise upon praise upon praise - reports of the work that is going on in the hearts of so many people.

Mugs & Muffins :: Nobody Told Me! :: Book & Blessings Giveaway!! (GIVEAWAY - NOW CLOSED!)

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Good Morning!!  Welcome Back to another session of

Mugs & Muffins!

Wow... it's been too long since I've hosted one of these.

I'm excited, today, to share with you...
A Great (two-fold) Giveaway!
A recipe for these delicious Raisin Bran Muffins.
and a few thoughts, from...

one of my most favorite books on Mothering:

Prayers and Peanut Butter.

So, scoot up your chair.  Gather round. You do have your coffee in hand, correct?  And, please, help yourself to one of these warm, tasty Raisin Bran Muffins pulled fresh the oven... with the butter melting all gooey inside.  (I'll share the recipe at the end of the post.)  Yum!!  You do like butter on your muffins, yes?

***

Okay, so this book. Prayers and Peanut Butter - The Mother Book, by Barbara Classen. 

I know I've talked about it many a time. So, to some of you this isn't really an introduction but perhaps more like a "repeat", so to speak. But, this book, it is one of those flip open and let your eyes random fall on lines written and you're sucked in.  It is so relate-able.  Easy to identify yourself.  Easy to read.  A NEED to read!  Especially, if you're a mother to young children and or early (pre)teens.

I, personally, would love to meet this author someday.  I don't know much about her, per say, other than I feel she is a certainly a kindred spirit.

Here is part of an essay written by Barbara, located in the front pages of her book, that I would like to share with you today.

What Nobody Tells You

(about Motherhood)

Nobody told me that children need old shoes and school shoes and Sunday shoes and winter boots and summer sandals and warm slippers and various skates, and that in six months they outgrow them all.

They never warned me how children scream when they get hurt, or how often I'd think that now for sure, every mother's nightmare has come true and Junior has cut off his toe!  They didn't say that when you approach forty, you are unsure how many more frights you can survive.

And nobody told me that there would be golden hours when time stops for a little while, hours spent curled in the big chair, rocking and reading and talking.  Maybe, they didn't know how to explain those moments of perfect contentment that suddenly wash over you...

Nobody ever said anything about socks, either -- that there would be seventy-nine socks in the laundry every week and that thirteen of them would be odd.  Nobody told me that some children manage to wear three pairs a day, or that a missing sock at leaving time can throw a whole household into pandemonium.

Nobody told me how exhausted and anxious I would feel when my child's temperature reaches 105 at night and I don't know what is wrong.

They didn't say how sweet it is to answer a small child's questions about God, or how dear to our hearts it would be when he flops his little head on his hands to pray and tries to be good.  That is, his top half is good, but his bottom half is full of wiggles.

I didn't know that...

That girls could play dolls for thirty-six hours running...or that boys will dismantle spiders and lay all the legs in a heap or that they try to slice ants in half and things like that...

For sure, nobody told me that if you ever want another snack alone, you have to smuggle it into the bathroom or eat it in the dead of night.

Nobody told me that some days I was going to wish I wasn't a mother.  And no one told me that someday I would step out of the grocery store into the sunshine with my youngest little boy's hand in mine, and realize that this stage of life isn't going to last forever.  And now... I  kind of wish it would.

  ~ Barbara Classen  (This is not the full essay..in it's entirety.)

I'm giving away one copy of this book today!!

This is a book you'll enjoy!!  I'm sure of it.  It is FULL, and I mean FULL of insight... and reality... and perspective.  At least, what it means to keep our perspective clear and proper in and throughout Motherhood.   If you're not a Mother - I'm sure you know of someone who is a mother and who would be blessed..

***

The SECOND part of the GIVEAWAY, is this!

I'm hosting a Blessings Unlimited Gathering, on Friday evening, May31st. 

The Gathering will be held at my home, at 7pm.  I sent out invites, however, if you're reading this and your local and would like to attend - email me and we'll talk details.  But, as part of this giveaway, today.  I would like to offer a monetary gift credit amount, to the winner of today's Giveaway.  The amount of the credit is currently unknown...

As of yet!  

Here is how this will work.

For each comment left, below, on today's post only!, one dollar will be accrued toward the amount of the gift certificate... with a cap of $25.00, to be placed against your order placed with Blessings Unlimited. Clink HERE for the link you'll need, in order to check out the catalog. 

:::NOTICE:::  THIS IS FOR United States Citizens ONLY!!  (I'm so sorry, my dear Canadian... and beyond... friends!  I'm just about in tears that you'll not be able to participate..)
The (book & gift certificate) GIVEAWAY will end on June 1st!  I know that is a long time out... but the actual Gathering isn't until the 31st of this month.  So - you have time to browse and ponder this... as you desire!!

In order to enter the giveaway - I would like to hear from you!  I would LOVE to hear your own "NOBODY told ME {this}about MOTHERHOOD" moments..

To keep it fair.. we'll allow ONLY one comment to count as your entry.  But make them as long as you'd like.  You're allowed to comment even if you don't want to, or can't be part of the giveaway!  Just mention that in your comment if you so desire.
Again, I'm so sorry.  It is to my understanding that Blessings does not ship out of the US of A.

I will even allow Facebook comments.  Please, share this with your friends...

***
Thank you so much  for coming by today...
Did you have fun?  Did you enjoy this post?  Have you commented or still plan to?  Do you hope to win and benefit with this exciting giveaway?
I hope all of the above.

Let's wrap this up with today's select Muffin Recipe, shall we?!

~ Raisin Bran Muffins ~

4 cups Raisin Bran Cereal
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup applesauce
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/3 cup oil

Mix all ingredients together.  Bake in cupcake pans at 350* for 20 minutes.   You can bake as needed.  Batter stays fresh in refrigerator for awhile.  Yield: 30 muffins.

***

Happy Mothers Day!  One day late.

I can't wait to hear your Motherhood Moments... bring em on!

Mugs & Muffins :: Re-learning to Love - {Guest Post & Giveaway! - NOW CLOSED} by Jenn B. from A Country Girl's Ramblings

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Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him
 make her sorry to see him leave.   ~ Martin Luther

Welcome Ladies and dear hearts...

It is good to be starting out this week with another round of Mugs & Muffins.  Wow!  It feels like it's been a long time that we've held one here.  I tell you it's going to be a special one today and especially because it is Valentines' Week.   So, sit down and enjoy yourself.  I hope you'll Stay.  That you'll savor this moment meant for you.  Grab your cup of coffee, if you haven't done so already and let's go ahead and pass around these muffins, too while we're at it.  The recipe will be at the end of this post.

These are called Lemon - Butter Muffins.  They're a good way to get you to pucker up.  :)  Perhaps?
My 4 year old daughter, Aubrey, and I decided to throw in some poppy-seeds, just for some variation.  We also glazed some, with a lemon glaze - which make these really, really yummy.

The ones in the photo are not glazed.

:: Guest Speaker ::

When I  asked my friend Jenn if she would have anything to share for today - I gave her a prompt/idea or two, maybe something for Valentine's Day, family related or on Marriage... and this is what she sent me.

It's good!

 Dear Bevy,

This post has a bit of a different take on Valentine’s day.  Often we get caught up in everyday living, busy with house, children, and life and we lose the connection with our husbands.  OR, our husbands aren’t loving us as we think they should and so we shut down.  Hoping this one from the archives helps someone out there in blogland.

~ Jenn

I can tell you ... I know it sent me to tears the minute I started to read this because I remembered this post from when she originally shared it on her own blog some time ago.  I so needed this good reminder and I'm sure it will bless you as well. 

 Let's hear from Jenn...

Re-learning to Love

I remember when I was dating my husband, Joel how I couldn’t wait to be able to do his laundry, to cook his meals, to keep his house.   I waited impatiently to care for him exclusively.  I wanted to meet his every need.  I just knew in my heart I would never tire of taking care of him.

Oh how I wish that were the end of the story, but I do not live a fairytale life.

Somewhere along the line the novelty wore off.  The thrill of keeping my own house became more of a chore. I was waiting for words of appreciation that never came and so I impatiently served. In the process I lost sight of the importance of the job God had called me to. 

I soon talked myself into the believing it was just easier to disconnect rather than put so much effort into my marriage. Married life was not what I had envisioned. I felt alone most of the time and I slowly almost imperceptibly began to dislike doing anything extra for my husband. I had buried the joy of serving.

As a young girl, I foolishly thought this would never happen to me.  I thought I would forever and ever love taking care of my husband.  I thought I would always find it exciting and fulfilling.  And because I was naïve and thought love should be all bubbles and rainbows, I quit trying to find the joy in serving my husband.

Giving in to selfishness was the worst thing I could have done.  My love began to fade.  I saw all the annoyances in his behavior.  I desired less and less to do that little extra for him.  It became a sense of duty.  Gone was the joy, the happiness, the thrill I had once felt for caring for my soul mate. 

Complacency and selfishness can be such killers.  Killers of love.  Killers of decency.  Killers of giving.  Killers of commitment.  Killers of grace.

Eventually, God brought me to my senses. He shook me awake. He showed and is still showing me my tendency to be quite selfish.

Praise God, He is a God of Love! He is guiding me.  Helping me to find the joy in serving my husband.   He is showing me ways to go farther, to do more, to meet the needs Joel has.  He is giving me a deeper, stronger, amazing love for my man.

The thrill, the electricity, the love, the desire to meet Joel's every need is back.  As I look to God to guide me, He gently takes my heart in his hands and infuses into it the love that seeped out.  He is showing me that He has created me to serve.  I have learned I cannot put myself first and be truly happy.  To experience joy I must give of myself.  To know my forever and ever love I must give my heart to serving even when it is difficult.

“….serve one another in love.”  Ephesians 5:13

 

  Seeking Him,

 Jenn

A Country Girl’s Ramblings

 
Sycamore Lane (etsy shop)

My Photography Shop

:: GIVEAWAY ::

For our Giveaway today, Jenn is giving away a four-pack of these Red-Hot Valentine Cards.  She, obviously, is the photographer and when I pull the winner - I will email Jenn your information and she will get these mailed out to you as soon as she is able.  

Here is a better view of the front of the card.

Your comment today will give you one chance to win...
((This GIVEAWAY is NOW CLOSED!))

Please be sure to go online to Jenn's etsy shop and also to her photography page (see above links)... to see what else she has.  This gal is amazing.  AND award-winning...

Jenn is a very talented woman, as you can see.  She is a mama to four awesome kids... an encourager and a beautiful soul, all around.

I love her heart.

To enter for the giveaway... leave a comment here today! I'll even count Facebook Comments - this time!  The winner will be randomly selected, via a number generator and notified by email.  If you comment anonymously, please be sure to include your name and email address.  Thanks!

This giveaway will close tonight at 10pm. EST.  Winner announced by email.  This way the set of four Valentine cards can be mailed out to you ASAP!!

 ***

If reading Jenn's words weren't enough for you - here is another good read, that I found the other evening.  An Old Fashioned Wife. - by fellow blogger, Clarita Yoder.

This also might spark some great discussion in and among the comments.  I hope to hear from you.  I know I was convicted... and challenged by both of these great posts.  Keeping the above quote in mind...
  
"Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him
 make her sorry to see him leave."
I would love to hear your thoughts on ways you choose to keep Romance alive in your marriage.

What have you done? What are you planning?  How can  something that might seem lost be rekindled?

:: MUFFIN RECIPE :: 

 Lemon - Butter (poppy seed) Muffins
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs
2 T. lemon rind, freshly grated
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
1/2 cup, plus 2 T. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 T. (or so) of Poppy Seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 400*.  Grease muffin tins well.  Stir lemon juice, eggs, (poppy seeds, opt.) and lemon rind into melted butter.  In another bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; make a well into the center.  Stir in egg mixture and blend until well moistened.  Pour into muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full.  Sprinkle tops of muffins with remaining 2 T. of sugar.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.  Yield: 18-24 muffins.

Enjoy!

psst: Here is a great packaging idea that I found on Pinterest if you would like to take one of those muffins home with you, for your man.

{Via}

Happy Valentine's Day!!

31 days :: Just for fun... Let's run a poll today.

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Let's pretend that you are having friend-guests in your home for their first time.

They have heard of your cooking.  

They may have even tasted of it, at some point - say, at a church function or at a get-together, etc.

But they have never set a toenail in your home before.

You know each other but not that well...at least you don't think you do.

You're friends, but still...?

When they arrive... you notice that they are wrestling in under their arm a couple of containers.

This is intentional on their part.

They are expecting to ask you to take leftovers home with them.

The letter "W" for ... What?!?!?!

~~~~

What would you, as the hostess say, or allow to go through your mind?

A.) Think, "this is audacious!"

B.) Smile! but inside "roll your eyes"

C.) Smile! and take that as a compliment

D.) acknowledge that you're glad they thought of it and say, "Here...set them over here until after our meal."

E). Admit - you have done this yourself...

F.) Give them more then they expected and empty out the fridge with more of your weekly leftovers.

(speaking of... leftovers.  I have more to say about that sometime. Remind me!)

G) Apologize and say that there are no leftovers allowed... they have to Eat Up!!

F.) Pray that they even like your meal number one, and two that there might be something to put back into those containers.

G.) Again, you shake your head - and wonder at their comfortableness; attempting to fathom that they would bring their own containers...

H.) Consider the fact that they don't get out much, that you might need to have them over again

I.) Say, "What a great idea!" and try that the next time your invited out...

Oh, I could go on and on.

This may or may not have happened to me. 

 I just want to know what you would do, as a hostess, if this ever happened to you?

***
Click on the button below for the previous posts in this series.  Updated daily.

Mugs & Muffins :: {guest post!, by Kelli S.} and giveaway!

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Cheery Good Morning, to you! 

Welcome back to our time of Mugs & Muffins.  We had such a great time, last month, didn't we?  Talking about our laundry...pinning our stories, our methods, our tips... to the line of conversation. I laughed a lot while hosting that one.  And learned a lot as well.  It was great!

I'm so glad you came back to visit here again.  Today, however, we will embrace a VERY different sort of topic.  So stay close.  Please!  I don't want you to miss this one and the seriousness of it all.

If you're new here.  Welcome!  It's always good to have "new" faces sitting here around "the table".  I know nervous jitters can find their way into your heart and mind and I just want to put that at ease.  Hopefully they'll go away and not come back.  I want you to just sit back relax and enjoy that cup of coffee you're holding in your hand.  Grab a (mini) Pecan Pie Muffin while you're at it.  The recipe will follow at the end of the post. 

I thought I would just quickly take the time to tell you what Mugs and Muffins is about, in case you're curious and let you know how it has come to take place here at Treasured Up and Pondered.

I'm not sure if you've ever read the book - A Life that Says Welcome, or not.  It's written by a lovely lady named Karen Ehman.  She writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as has her own blog.

She honestly is one of my most favorite Christian authors.  Anyway.  Back in the late nineties, this Karen and a friend of hers sent out an invitation, around Christmas time, for a special evening: a "Mom's Night Out" - planned for maybe twice a year.  Each attendee was to bring their own mug (for coffee or tea) and muffins were the only other thing there for refreshment.  As it turned out - there were over nineteen ladies in attendance the first time.  It quickly grew to a monthly event with now over ninety moms on their mailing list, representing ten different churches and of many ladies who don't even attend church.

Karen encourages woman to start their own chapters... and so this is mine.

Each Month - usually on the Second Monday - I will feature a theme of sorts.  I will always try to include a guest post "speaker" keeping to topic at hand, extending a related giveaway and since we can't eat the muffins online... I at least will share the recipe with you all.

So far it's been a ton of fun.  I've met many new "faces" through their thoughts and interaction by way of comments.  I want it to be, for you, an environment of calm, laughter and a feeling "free to participate" by sharing your thoughts and comments.

Pass the word along.  We'd love to have more of you participate.  Stay. Savor and/or enjoy the time together, as we gather.

***
Well.  Today is special.  Special for me in that I can really relate to the topic that will be shared today. I've been here (a few times) and maybe you have too.   If it's lengthy to read - I do apologize.  I just wanted it to be as real as real could be.  I just hope you'll stay close and really hear from my In Real Life (IRL) friend Kelli.  Kelli kindly agreed to share her "testimony" today... about a path she has been called to walk.  Certainly, not an easy task. I think you'll understand why I say - stay close.

Stand by.

And please share your thoughts and encouragement at the end of the post with your comments following the read.  Each comment will nominate you for a chance to win a two-fold giveaway today.

This is VERY, VERY exciting.

Here is my friend to share with you now.

Hi, I’m Kelli and I have a little blog called Learning As We Go.  I’ve been married for 15 years to my husband Andy.  God has blessed us with 2 boys.  Collin is turning 12 this month and Britt is 7. I’m a real-life friend of Bevy’s and feel very honored to be asked to guest post on her blog today.

My life has been a pretty normal one.  Might even be classified as boring, although I’ve had my share of ups and downs.  One of the biggest struggles in my life happened one morning in church. I was completely normal one minute and the next began a year-long debilitating battle that I now know as anxiety/depression.  Up until my diagnosis I thought anxiety was something made up.  Something the doctor told you you had when they didn’t know what else was wrong with you.  Anxiety was for people who were crazy.  And that wasn’t me.  And anxiety was definitely not for Christians.

But, as it turns out I knew nothing about anxiety.  Even now, almost 3 years later I still feel as though I don’t know anything about anxiety.  What I have learned is this.  Anxiety is very real and many, many people battle with it.  I soon found out that I was not alone.  People whom I never expected had dealt with anxiety or depression at some point in their life, or were always dealing with it.  I also soon found with whom I could trust my “disease” with.  There are some who just don’t understand and sadly they likely never will.  That also means that dealing with anxiety and depression can be a very lonely road.

For me it seems likely that my anxiety will never go away.  There are days I feel as though I am strapping on my “back pack of anxiety.”  On those particular days, quite frankly, I get so tired of it.  I don’t want to be dealing with it.  I want to feel normal again, and like I don’t have to worry through life anymore.

At times I find myself questioning why God has allowed this to be a part of my life.  I may never know the answer to that question and it’s not mine to know, but what I do find is God has given me peace through this battle.  I’ve learned so much about His love for me because of my anxiety.  He never once left me and I always felt His presence with me.  Still do.

He has opened my eyes to see others and their lives with a new perspective.  I’ve learned that you just don’t know what each person is dealing with in their lives.  Therefore, we must show compassion to them.  And this was huge, but we must not be silent.  We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about our struggles, or to offer a kind word or prayer when a friend is struggling.  I am so very glad God brought people into my life to help me through this battle.  I received cards and countless kind words from people in my life who truly cared and were praying for me.

During the debilitating days of my battle I really wanted to know that God was with me and hadn’t abandoned me.  So, where else to find God but in His word.  I started a journal of verses that God used to speak to my heart.  There were so many verses.  So many.  This post would be too long if I wrote out each, so I’ll share pieces of my favorites.  I hope you will take time to read the whole verse.  His words are amazing.

Psalm 56:8-9  You keep track of all my sorrows...collected my tears...When I call to you for help this I know:  God is on my side!

Psalm 103:13-14  The Lord is like a father to his children...For he knows how weak we are.

Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not.  They are new every morning:  Great is thy faithfulness.

I Peter 5:7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

II Cor. 12:9  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Heb. 6:18-19  We have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us...we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Phil. 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything...then you will experience God’s peace...

John 14:27  I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give you...the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Isaiah 43:2  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through deep rivers...you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire...you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

II Tim. 1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-discipline.

I could go on.  I have more written out.  What I’ve learned in seeing these verses and so many of them is that God knows we worry.  He knows we live in fear.  We are human.  He just wants us to give it to Him and lean heavily on Him for each day no matter what.

Unfortunately I had to learn that the hard way.  Truth be told, it is a daily struggle for me.  I like to have things in order, be in control of things, but the reality is we have absolutely no control of our lives.  What I do know and find so much relief and comfort in is knowing He has the control.  Who better than the One who loves us the most.

So, here I am nearly 3 years later.  Still taking pills to help my anxiety.  Still learning about God and His love.  Still learning about anxiety.  And still realizing I have so much to learn.  Still taking it day by day and sometimes minute by minute.  Still hoping and trusting that someday I can find relief from this debilitating disease.  But knowing with all my heart that God is with me each step of the way.

Kelli.  BIG HUGS! to you and thank you (sincerely!) for sharing this raw testimony with all of us.  Hard.  But in it's entirety you've given the Lord glory due to Him.  I think more then we know, there are other moms at home, moms in the work place, single women, married... old or young...who, we all can relate at times to the ups and downs.  Some "seasons" more prolonged then others.  I know I certainly can relate to this.

Recalling the time I heard a knock on the door of my home. It was probably around two years ago or so, by now.  It was a knock, I did not want to answer.  But I could see who it was on the other side.  It happened to be this same gal - my dear friend Kelli.  I had been in the midst of a really dark season and what I now know to be a state of depression.  But at the time, I had no idea what was happening to me.  I needed to try and get out of the house more.  I was encouraged to go and had just decided to start attending MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers), which was probably one of the most encouraging things I could have ever done. There I met Kelli and many other beautiful faces (of friends) I either already knew or at least recognized. Actually, I already knew Kelli - way before MOPS, because we had worked together at our local Christian Bookstore for years.  But on this day, in particular ....

As I welcomed in her in ... she knew something had to be wrong.  We talked, I cried... and well, that was the first time I ever knew she was going through something very similar.  Because she could completely relate and she understood.  Thanks be to God - mine lasted only a short time.  At least at that point.  I still have my days ... but it isn't anything prolonged... and (too) life changing.  But, it has made me walk with more of an open eye to the many others who might be going through a similar time in their life.

This is why I'm really excited about the giveaway for today.  Kelli talked about receiving cards from folks, thinking of her, who were loving enough to care and express their thoughts and who were willing enough to let her know.
She also talked a bit about using a journal to write out her thoughts and write down verses of God's Word that would continue to hold her and carry her onward.  Blessing her soul.

Today's Giveaway is Two-Fold.

I have two other real life friends who have agreed to share of their time and talent to accompany this post today.  My IRL friend Lindsay, (newly online) from paisleyjanedesigns.blogspot.com and paisleyjanedesigns.etsy.com has agreed to donate four beautiful hand made cards. They come as a set. Beautifully embossed and designed.  They are blank on the inside.  Perfect for sending someone you know a note to say - "you're thinking of them", etc.

My other IRL friend, Becky, from Seasoned with Salt - Etsy Shop, has graciously agreed to donate a (removable) fabric covered composition notebook/ journal.  Again, a beautiful gift as this is a handmade item as well.

**On a side note.  Becky, willingly is up for making and taking special/custom orders.  She does more then make journal covers.... check it all out via her blog and esty.  Her contact information is made available there.

 

The giveaway will extend until Wednesday evening, closing out around 10:00 pm, EST.  The winner will be posted on Thursday of this week.  Each comment will grant you an entry.

***

And, now for that delightful recipe.

Pecan Pie Mini Muffins

 

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/2 - 1 cup chopped pecans. 

2/3 cup butter, melted (no substitutes)

2 eggs, beaten

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and pecans, set aside.  Combine melted butter and beaten eggs.  Stir into flour mixture just until moistened.  Fill greased or paper-lined miniature muffin cups 3/4 full.

Bake at 340* for 15-20 minutes or until muffins test done.  Remove immediately to cool on wire racks.  Yield: 2-3 dozen.  (The yield depends on how many pecans you use, I suppose.)

****

So, what did you think of today's topic?

Be honest.

Are there seasons in your life when you walk this road and nobody knows or seems to care?

I know that this wasn't an easy or much desired topic to share, but the Lord was really impressing it upon me that there are more out there then we'll ever know...who walk this path... alone.

Every.  Single.  Day.

If you can identify here today, or have any thoughts or words of encouragement, or you just want to say a (write out) prayer here in the comment section, that would be wonderful.

Please join in, "around the table"... as sisters and friends... loving and serving one another.

  I love you all, my dear friends and readers. Thank you again for stopping by.