.why.the.silence.

It's been a while. We know. The last month or so has just simply been incredibly busy for us. Since returning from Bosnia (exactly a month ago), we got very busy with things at the school. The last few weeks of a semester are always crazy at the Bible College - trying to make the most of the time we have left with the students, grading, etc. On top of all this, Nina started standing and for now limits herself to walking around the coffee-table, but has become very mobile, and thus requires extra supervision. Even with all this, she did manage to get a few bruises, but all in all, she is her smiley self - if not even more than before. I think she really enjoys figuring out the whole walking thing. It is so fun to watch! Here she is, hard at work ...

Oh, and another thing we have been doing a lot - in our little spare-time, is baking. I have been baking for the coffee-shop here, so the students can enjoy some good, home-baked flavors, plus we like to have some goodies every time we have friends over (and that's often). Below is the picture of some amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies that Arpi made last week (while I was hanging out with Nina) - I know, my husband is amazing.

We got this recipe from a friend, and I must say, it is the best one for these cookies I have come across so far, so I'll post the recipe too.

Dianne’s Famous Among Her Friends Cookies

1 cup butter
1¾ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.

2 cups whole wheat flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups regular oats (not quick cooking)
In separate bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and oats.

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
Blend wet and dry ingredients together and add chocolate chips and pecans.
Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 8 to 11 minutes.

Enjoy!

We'll try to write more soon, but for now, I must go. Little Missie has just woken up from her nap, and I suspect she wants to do some walking around :)