1984 - Remembered

This pictures was taken in September 1984. Ronald Reagan was president, Apple introduced the first Mac computer, and Night Court premiered on television. I was shy, short, and called "Moose" by anyone who Mr. Ed could convince that it was in fact my nickname. Now I'm outgoing, short and still called Moose. I guess some things never change. I'm okay with that.

1984 - I was 2 and Liz was 7. I wouldn't know of Mr. Schalk for 17 more years. I was not embarrassed that my hair grew from the bottom up and my grandpa was still young-ish. 1984 was a quarter century ago.

So many interesting things have happened in the last 25 years. I can only think of a few things I would really change. Most of my mistakes I think I needed. Some I wish I didn't have to learn the hard way, but looking back tonight I am sure God had his reasons. More than that, He had great patience as I went against His will and down my own rocky path at times. Grace is a beautiful gift.

Ahh, in the last 25 years my hair has grown in, I've finally started to experience more of God's peace than my own fear, and my grandpa is the last grandparent this side of heaven. He is 96 years old. I love him and ache that he is no longer able to tend the farm that he loved. My grandpa had the most amazing vegetable garden and fruit orchard. I will remember his strawberry patch and my grandma's peonies until the day I die. They were marvelous.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa. I am grateful for all of my grandparents and the memories that I hold dear to. I am grateful for new memories made and the beautiful pattern God creates when He weaves them all together in my mind. I am especially looking forward to being reunited one day in Heaven with our Savior and our loved ones. What a joyous party that will be!

Until then, hold dear to what matters. Praise God for his sweetness and be thankful for the little perks of life. Like sunshine and grandpas.

xoxo, Rachel

A Lovely Christmas 2009

The tree was decorated (perfectly by Mr. Ed).

The stockings were hung (lovingly by my mama).


Off to bed where prayers were said
(after some seriously entertaining family Christmas games.)

Then...

Happy Birthday Jesus
it's
Christmas Morning!

The "kids" were very curious...

...and happy with their presents! Breezy loved her new car seat and reindeer!

And this kid adored her sweet chirp plate. A new prized piece for Mr. Schalk and me. Is it not the prettiest plate ever!?

There were many more kind and generous gifts from our loved ones, including some wonderful baking items, a vintage typewriter and an Anthro gift card (yahoo!). We have really enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birth with our sweet family over the last couple weeks. It is so good to share blessings with family and friends this Season. I did catch a rather nasty cold on Christmas Eve, but in my mind I was loving every minute. Too bad it didn't always show. Luckily, my taste buds were still working properly so I got to enjoy the oh-so-yummy Christmas food. Christmas 2009 was wonderful indeed!

I hope your Christmas was blessed, as well! I've enjoyed reading your Christmas posts and partaking in PW's Holiday Bokeh sharing.

Happy Holiday Season friends!

xoxo, Rachel

I heart Silpat

Me: "Hello Silpat, you are wonderful. I love how you bake my cookies. We will be friends forever."

Mr. Schalk: *laughing* "Are you talking to your Silpat?"

Maybe...

Merry Christmas Baking!

xoxo, Rachel

Mr. Schalk's Celebration

There are many things I could blog about this wintery night. The wonderful Christmas we hosted at our house this weekend for the Schalks & Taylors. The extreme amount of baking I embarked on this evening. The sweet matching Manning jerseys Mr. Schalk and I are donning. Fact: Each of the prior sentences included a word that relates to the Christmas season. I thought you should know that.

Seriously, is this what she is rambling about..cuz if she is I'm outta here. What's P-Dub up to? Nooooooo....not yet. :)

This post is about Mr. Schalk.

Got your attention now, didn't I? Mr. Schalk has that effect on people. Especially short, dark haired girls who are nicknamed Moose. Anyway...

It was Mr. Schalk's celebration weekend!


Mr. Schalk has worked very VERY hard the last two years for this moment. My honey juggled his busy job, studying and late nights to walk down that academic road yet again. He graduated with his Masters degree this weekend! Yay Mr. Schalk! He received his Masters of Science in Management along with some other hard working students. Of course, I only had eyes for Mr. Schalk as I was beaming inside and out. He has wanted this since he graduated from Huntington, and it's been a long, not always easy, road for him. Yet, I'm serious when I say this...he did not complain! He knew what he wanted and took pride in his accomplishments and challenges along the way. My honey has goals...and Jesus! He knows who is lookin' out for him.

What a wonderful accomplishment Mr. Schalk! You did it!

Hi Famous Dave. Thank you for giving the speech at Mr. Schalk's super cool graduation. Next time, please bring your bbq. Thank you.

I'm so proud of Mr. Schalk! This is just the beginning of some very special things in store for him. Mr. Schalk is an amazing man after God's heart who works hard and stays true to the character God continues to shape in him. I'm sorry for gushing honey, I just can't help myself.


The whole evening was very special. Of course, on a personal level, but also for everyone in the auditorium. Everyone had a sense of pride for themselves and their loved ones that I don't remember feeling at our undergrad ceremonies. This meant more. It meant hard work after the day's hard work, late nights with families and an accomplishment that was not taken for granted. The sheer joy and pride that was exhibited was palpable. If I could have bottled it I'm sure I would have found the equivalent to the fountain of youth. Our Lord was certainly smiling down at his children for continuing their pursuit of learning and growing.

Yay! You did it!

This daddy made his son so proud! What a wonderful faith in action lesson for his son to see from his dad. Way to go mister!

Well done lady! What a great smile! I'm sorry you're blurry, but way to go!
(Maybe I'll go to school to learn how to use a zoom lens...lifelong learning, right?) hehe

Look how happy all these grads are?! Well deserved joy! Hi, Mr. Schalk! You are so handsome in your cap, gown, and hood!

Happy Graduation!

xoxo forever, Rachel

Snow Joy

This photo of our girl Bonnie was taken a couple years ago when she experienced snow for the FIRST time! She looks frigid to me, but trust me when I say she was having a great time! She ran and ran and pounced and jumped. It was such a new experience for her. Do you remember your first snow? Growing up in the Midwest, we have always had a fair amount of snowy wintery days. I don't remember my first snow, but I remember snow men and snow monsters, sledding and snowmobiling in the open fields. Those were the days! Exhilarating and freeing! I'm sure that is how Bonnie felt that day.




Psalm 71:15-17 (NIV)

My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

May we all live our days with such determined joy...even the cold ones.


xoxo, Rachel

It All Ties Together

It is so interesting how God finds ways to tie everything together.

I have been thinking about positive thinking and my blog "rule" for a while now. It grew in me when my friend Julie, the LC, wrote this post. Then, Miz Booshay wrote this yesterday.

I also posted my "Silver Line" photo at PW's black & white photo assignment. It was my favorite B&W on hand and I wanted to join in the flickr group fun. This photo makes me think of the phrase, "Every cloud has a silver lining." I want to say, "Hop on board the Silver Line, where joy is found in the muck and a silver lining in the clouds." Or something like that.


My personal rule on A Cupcake for Moose is to choose not to complain. Even if I really want to. I am sure I have had my moments on this blog, but I try to stick firm to this rule. If you can’t say something nice then don’t say it all, right? What you feed will thrive, and what you let go will die. I want to fuel joy and God’s love for others out of a sincere heart... and maybe some humor. Gotta keep it real, you know.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

I have had such joy and inspiration through reading your blogs – insights into my faith walk, creative ideas galore, and a real sense of camaraderie. I have gained a deeper understanding of who I am and what is truly important by expressing my life through words, pictures and praise in my blog.


For the record, my caveat to the staying positive rule is when I am struggling. When I’m looking for answers and trying to discern God’s will for my life, or learning tough lessons, I allow myself to write what is on my heart. I want to be honest more than I want to sugar coat life. Some days are hard, very hard. However, all days are filled with joy, even if it's not easy to find sometimes. Sharing Jesus and His joy is is what matters most to me, and what I want to grow from this blog. New recipes and fun photos are an added bonus!


You are all so wonderful and kind. I have been blessed by your posts and feel enriched by your thoughtful insights. I often think about posts I’ve read and feel a connection to so many of you. So, THANK YOU for being honest, upbeat and real. My blogging world is filled with such great people. I pray for you, cheer for you and truly enjoy visiting you all in blogland.


May you experience balance and joy this Christmas season. And all the bountiful blessings that God has richly blessed each of us with!


Happy weekend to you all!

xoxo, Rachel

Puddin' Head Gingerbread Men

Happy Tuesday bloggers and readers! Because it's Tuesday and Charlie Brown Christmas is on and because you all are such sweet readers I want to share my favorite Christmas cookie recipe with you. It is one that my family enjoyed making ever since I can remember. Thank you mama for all the wonderful memories of cookie baking and cutter choosing. I always got to pick which cookie cutter to use. Although, we did have to make sure the same shape was used on the whole sheet. Helps for consistency, ya know. Wouldn't want a burnt tree and a soggy gingerbread man. That would be tragic for the holiday taste buds. Oh my, please pardon me for a second...

...okay, I'm back. I had to retreat to the kitchen to grab a couple of these lovely Christmas cookies before sharing the how-to's. For you see, a cookie post must be authentic. Yes, that's it..I'm stuffing my face with gingerbread cookies to be "authentic." In fact, in the spirit of all things authentic I am even going to share the top secret tip for keeping these babies at their peak. Stay tuned!

Puddin' Head Gingerbread Men
by Patty Rhine



Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 package cook n serve butterscotch pudding mix (dry)
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Brachs Red Hots (opt.)

How To's:
1. Mix all the ingredients the way you usually do for cookies (dry into wet...you know the drill) except for the Red Hots.

2. Chill until the dough is firm enough to roll. About 1/2 hour in the freezer works well.

3. Roll 1/8” thick and cut out with cookie cutters. Put Red Hots on cookies if desired. The combo of red hots on top and ginger/cinnamon in the cookies are divine! They also look adorable with red hot buttons.

4. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees F for 6 - 8 minutes.

Note: I think the flavors come out once the cookies are completely cooled, but it is completely up to you when you're ready to indulge.

There you have it. Super easy and super seasonal. Ginger, cinnamon and Christmas memories!

And the top secret?

If you want to keep your puddin' heads soft and delicious then put a piece of bread in the cookie container. Otherwise, these little darlings get pretty crunchy in a day's time. You probably knew that trick, didn't you? You all are such smart cookies!



Enjoy Christmas traditions new and old!

xoxo, Rachel

Sleds & Snuggies

A couple weeks ago my sweet mama, Mr. Schalk and I went out to dinner to celebrate December 1st. We went because it was the start of the Christmas season, advent, and because we could. So we did. It was lovely. We went to our favorite little frenchy restaurant Petite Chou where we met a lovely new waiter, Bulent. I think he was from Oklahoma. If Oklahoma was somewhere in Europe, that is. He was very fun and had a quick wit. I adore quick wit and sincerity.

Our December 1st get together served as a perfect excuse to exchange little treats. My mama got a chocolate advent calendar. The German kind with the little Christmas scenes on the front. Did you have those growing up? They bring back lovely warm memories. She really seemed to like it!


Mr. Schalk and I were completely overwhelmed (in a good way) with our present. An adorable sled that my mama graced us with. Isn't it lovely?


It is a wonderful antique sled just for us and our little Christmas home! Complete with hand painted pugs and a beautiful design. It looks superb under our tree.




Wait, a second...what is that beside the sled under our tree? Bonnie? Is that you?

Yep, that's our girl. She got a December 1st present, too! A really nice lady Mr. Schalk works with gave him a present to give to Bonnie. Her very own....

Snuggie!

I know, can you believe it? I joked a while back about seeing these in the pet store. Now, our girl has her very own. She was not as amused as her mama was. I thought it was adorable. Mr. Schalk thought it was pink fleece torture. Bonnie tended to side with the Mister. She was a good sport and wore it around for a while. It did look pretty cute once I figured out which direction to put it. Tricky little fleece contraptions.



Thank you Jesus for this season of celebration! For December 1st parties, snuggies, family and most of all your awesome free gift of grace.

xoxo, Rachel

Soldier Love

Bonnie loves helping mama. She can hardly can contain her excitement in this photo. Hmm maybe I ought to work on my girl's enthusiasm for being mama's helper.


Our church did an awesome job of sponsoring some soldiers in Iraq with care packages who we were told didn't receive much mail from home. They all blew me away with their generosity. Let me tell you, there are going to be some happy soldiers when they get these packages!

Bonnie loved getting them ready and sending them out despite her sullen expression. She just wasn't in the photo mood in this shot. Could have been the fact I put her on top of the table with no way to escape her crazy picture taking mama. Or she's just a goober. I'll let you decide on that one.

Happy Weekend to ya!

Love from Chicagoland,
Rachel