company muffins



     In changing my major to Special Education, I’ve brought on a huge workload that requires me being on campus from 7:30 to 4:00 most days. Also, planning a wedding for the summer doesn’t help in my need for “me time,” but this afternoon, I sat aside some time to make company muffins, a recipe from Simply in Season, my very favorite cookbook.
     These muffins are perfect for morning when you must grab something & go. Also, this recipe includes ingredients that are in season, naturally sweet, & are healthy.
I hope you make & enjoy!
——
Company Muffins Recipe:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oat bran or rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
In large bowl combine & stir well.
2 large tart apples (peeled, cored, & shredded)
1 1/2 cups carrots (finely shredded)
1 cup walnuts (chopped) or flax seed meal – I used 1/2 cup wheat germ instead
1/2 cup raisins
Add & stir to coat. Make well in center.
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
In seperate bowl mix together. Pour into flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Fill muffin tins about 3/4 full. Bake in preheated oven at 375F for 18-20 minutes. Yields 18 muffins.
love,
Natalie
ps. the beauty, the symbolism that I am his & he is mine, forever. 🙂

I’ve been absent for a bit…

But I have an excuse…

We’re engaged!!!
& will be married 1 August 2009!

He asked me to go hiking on a familiar trail of ours, a trail that we discovered on his birthday. For Missouri winters, the weather was a rarity- soft blue skies, a 70s-style sort-of yellow grass, pleasant winds. During our hike, we came upon a creek we had, this past summer, soaked our bare feet in. This winter, the creek was frozen; we were able to walk across the ice- it was something special. The significance of seasons shown through this trail harmonizes so well with our love. As we walked up the hill, overlooking the country side, Luke asked if we could stop. He put down his backpack, he put down his camera; he held me. Soon enough, he pulled something out of his pocket & got down on one knee- it was the ring! A soft pearl & gold band- a beauty found only at an antique store! “Will you marry me?” Of course!!!! 
With this year, for me, comes the appreciation for seasons. He came back in summertime, full of smiles, laughter, bare feet & now we’re creating a forever life together starting in the winter, full of white snow, pink cheeks, dead pastures. Both lovely & so very unique.
I hope in these six months, I will be surrounded by God’s love in preparation for joining as one. We’re so young and so new, so our love will be, too. This is in our hearts, lets make a life together!
love,
Natalie

a package!

A few days ago, I received this beautiful package in the mail from Mrs. Betty– my best friend‘s mom. Since a bus ride to an acting tournament, Tori & I have become incredibly close; sometimes I feel like she knows me better than I know myself. In our friendship, we are able to share every part of ourselves. Living in different states now, we’re still able to connect over wires, screens, paper & pen. I love her & I cherish her friendship. I am thankful to have a friendship so full of love & beauty & honesty. 
With Tori’s friendship, comes my amazing relationship with her parents: Mr. John & Mrs. Betty. I really miss spending the night at their house & goofing around in their kitchen at night. I really admire their relationship with one another & the relationship that they have with their two daughters.

I love you, Houston family!
love,
Natalie