Banana Bread

I've always used my mom's banana bread recipe because it is THE best (not that I'm biased :)! Today seemed like a good day for some yummy sweet bread - plus I discovered that my little friend who I've been hanging out with all week has a thing for banana bread :)

6 T butter, softened
1/3 c white sugar
1/3 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c non-fat plain yogurt
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
2 bananas, mashed
1/3 c chocolate chips (optional)
1 c wheat flour
1 c white flour

Preheat oven to 375.
Grease 1 bread pan, or 4 mini-loaf pans.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs, applesauce, and yogurt.
Add soda, vanilla, and bananas.
Add flour and chocolate chips.

Spread batter into pan(s).
Bake at 375 for 1 hour (1 loaf) or 35 min (4 mini-loafs).

Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 min before removing from pan.
Enjoy!

Fasting from Fear

In light of new delays in the arrival of our boys and the struggle to stay positive, occupied, and trusting in His perfect timing, I've had a pretty consistent battle with myself the past few weeks. I've been furiously studying scripture, trying to soak up Truth while still being frustrated with how things are going. I'm so blessed to have some great friends and resources who have come along side me (and Bobby, but I'm needing it more) and shared both their experience and their wisdom. They have helped me to redirect my thoughts, away from frustrations and impatience, toward the true source of peace. Though I'm sure I'll cry later this week because I struggle, I am so thankful for the people He has placed in our lives and also the opportunity to be strong in Him when I am weak.

Another piece of encouragement I found was on this blog post. The title of the post, "Fasting from Fear," is exactly what we need to do during this time of waiting. It's from a website focused primarily on infertility but it is so applicable to our situation. During this Lenten season, and this season of life, I'm choosing to fast from fear. I'm choosing to cling to Christ; He will deliver.

Gingery Berry and Oat Smoothie

We went up to visit Bobby's sister and their new little baby last week. I had planned to bring a few things to nourish the new mom, dad and baby and when I asked Amanda if she'd been craving anything she said she'd been eating fresh fruit like crazy. So I decided that I'd make some smoothies and freeze them while I was there so she'd have a quick refreshing snack whenever she wanted it. I made a few different kinds while I was there but this Gingery Berry smoothie from Real Simple was SOOOO good. You should try it :)