Prayers, School & Eggplant???

Let me first start with the eggplant....

I have never had eggplant, at least not that I recall, so when my neighbor brought over some of the goodies from his garden and one of those goodies happened to be an eggplant, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with it. My husband shared that he didn't like eggplant and my kids are usually too chicken to try anything new (especially when it looks so strange) so I set out to find a recipe that they might actually try...I found one on Foodnetwork.com (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/rigatoni-with-eggplant-puree-recipe/index.html). I did have to change up a couple of things due to not having certain ingredients, but all in all, I think it turned out pretty tasty. Unfortunately, I couldn't even get my oldest to try it (go figure). My youngest ate a few bites and didn't think it was bad, but he thought it was too spicy (I think he actually meant peppery as it contained fresh ground black pepper). Aidan and I enjoyed it for lunch. Trying new recipes is always a fun adventure and I can now say I have indeed eaten eggplant :).

Now for the prayers....

Well, it's actually a card about prayers :). I created this for two challenges today: CPS sketch 179 & SCS ways to use it button challenge

The adorable image is one of our newer digis illustrated by Leah Cornelius called Prayer Bear. The sentiment is from a new clear set being released next month called Prayerful Thoughts.

Now for school....

We started our first day of school today. We start a bit early so we can get done a bit early since the weather is always so much nicer in May than in August....one of the benefits of homeschool :).

We had a really good day. The boys enjoyed our new curriculum and I think it will be a true blessing to us this year. I get told so often that I must be a patient person to be able to homeschool....so I want to share something with you that I shared with a friend today when she said that....

"I am NOT a patient person and I never thought I would be able to homeschool, but the Lord called me to it, so here I am. God grants the patience and strength when I put His way first. Some days I feel like I totally blew it. It's just like life. But, every morning is a brand new day...a brand new opportunity to do my best. ANYONE is able to homeschool if it's their calling. God never gives us more than we can handle----that includes homeschooling our children for His glory :)."

Whatever God has called YOU to do, whether it be homeschool your children, work outside your home to help meet your family's needs, get more involved in your church, witness to a friend or family member, etc.....He has given you just what you need to accomplish that task and He is with you EVERY step of the way!

"If God has called you to it, He WILL bring you through it!"

Thanks for stopping by to see me today! May your day be abundantly blessed!