raising redheads: Let Freedom Ring!

Let me preface today's blog entry with "yes, indeed my son does have a Mohawk as of late." Do not be shocked at the pictures to come...

After all, he is the boy with the pink binky...

And goofy sandals that make his toes poke out of all sides...

(and he doesnt mind.)

Now then, on with my original post...

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is Freedom!"

2 Corinthians 3:17

There is most certainly liberty in our home today, and every day for that matter. The Spirit of the Lord dwells here at all times. I know so because not only do we ask for His presence but daily we feel Him. He is here. He is here. Thank you Jesus for being near.

It is pouring rain outside. So much for a fun cookout, swimming, or fireworks. But in this house we do not need glimmer or glitz to have an enjoyable day! Instead we woke up late, made a biscuit and gravy brunch, got to work on our flag cake and enjoyed having daddy home on a Saturday!

Last night Mr. Larson brought home a pack of fireworks which included poppers, sparklers and a couple other really neat things for the kids to try. They loved the poppers and we waited until just before sundown to let them try the sparklers. They were in their jammies and ate a good supper so that they could enjoy their surprise! Shortly after this picture of Nora was taken, she decided not to listen to my advice and touched the end of the sparkler. She cried, was devastated and wanted to come inside. It was fun while it lasted...

And, as promised, here are the pictures and recipe for our 4th of July Flag Cake!

Ingredients:

4 cups of fresh strawberries

1 1/2 cups of boiling water

1 pkg (6 oz) of gelatin mix (any red flavor will do!)

ice cubes

1 cup cold water

1 pkg. pound cake ( I used angel food cake) 12 oz., cut into 10 slices

1 1/3 cup blueberries; divided

1 cup of Cool Whipped Topping, thawed

2 redheads willing to help in the kitchen. Oh wait, thats just my own special ingredient;)

Directions:
SLICE 1 cup strawberries; cut remaining strawberries in half. Set aside.

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice cubes to cold water to measure 2 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is melted. Refrigerate 5 min. or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites). Meanwhile, cover bottom of 13x9-inch dish with cake slices. Add sliced strawberries and 1 cup blueberries to thickened gelatin; stir gently. Spoon over cake slices.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.

Spread with COOL WHIP. Arrange strawberry halves on COOL WHIP for stripes of flag and remaining blueberries for stars. Keep refrigerated.

My mom bought the kids each a new outfit for the 4th so even though it was rainy and we werent going anywhere, we dressed in them anyway. They looked cute as pie if I do say so myself.