This month's Featured Mom is Lynette Holdgrafer
Hi to All Angel Moms!
My name is Lynette and my angel is Lisa who will be forever 30, she passed 06/19/05. I feel priviledged to be asked for my story but I'll probably have to give you the Readers Digest Version otherwise it would be a novel! LOLI married my husband Denny 04/03/71 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua Iowa. We have 2 daughters Denyse who will be 36 this year and lives right across the street. (it's not like Everybody Loves Raymond) LOL She's married for 4 years now to a volunteer fireman, and EMT. They have a 3 yr old little boy Kenneth who's the apple of my eye. The Lord knew what he was doing when he sent him to us, he's my rock a lot of time and will give a hug and kiss whenever Gma is low. Calls me Momma tho and Denyse is Mommy. We have a large garden every year and I can a lot of veggies and pickle asparagus and jalepeno peppers. I'm a city girl and never heard of such a thing. When he told me they canned I asked how they got them in the cans and sealed them. Duh! But have to say so myself I'm pretty good at it but am learning new things every day!
Our Lisa was born July 2nd 1974 in Ft Carson Colorado and we knew from the start she was a gift from God! Very stubborn but always had a heart of gold and loved to give hugs and kisses and always had a smile for everybody. At the age of 4 she was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor a congenital childhood cancer that affects the kidneys. They had to remove her left one and part of her right. But did get it all but went thru 15 months of very aggressive chemo and radiation. Don't do as much now because of all the side effects and I think she had them all! She loved to bake and make candies for the holidays. But the last few years she was in so much pain she couldn't do as much as she wanted. Her side effects were enlarged spleen, renal failure, curvature of the spine, and loss of all her teeth. Her bowel ruptured in 1981 from all the radiation and lost 80% of her small intestine. So didn't absorb a lot of what she ate, so for about 6 yrs she had to have TPN thru a hickman catheter. Did finally get weaned off of that, but had a lot of infections and really took it's toll on her. In April of 2005 she overdosed her self (accidentally) on Liquid Morphine had 2 seizures and was in a coma for 6 days. Came out of that but couldn't remember a lot of things so had to live with us. Memorial Day of that year had a lot of company and I could tell she was feeling bad. But wouldn't go to the hospital would go on Tuesday. I think she knew she wasn't coming home. And she didn't, took her to the doctor and he put her right in and it went downhill after that. We called Hospice in after her body started to shut down. Wanted her hair donated to Locks of Love so a very dear friend who is a beautician cut it and took care of it. Her hair was almost to her waist and I know a little girl is now getting a lot of good out of it. I kept telling her it was okay to go and be in no more pain, but she kept saying not yet. 45 minutes into Fathers Day she took her last breath with her daddy by her side. After she passed the room was full of all the nurses on the floor crying, they loved her so much.
Well that's my story hope it wasn't tooo long for you.
Angel Hugs Lynette and her sweet angel Lisa
Valentine Wish
My Valentine wish
Comes from my heart
Missing you deeply
Since we are apart
I long to hold you
Hug you so tight
Nothing would bring me
Greater delight
Our love is forever
No one can take that away
I'll remember you always
Even more so today
My special child
Our hearts so entwined
I'll love you forever
My sweet Valentine
In loving memory of all our precious children
Lyndie Sorenson ~Joey's mom
Feb 2007
I had found this article about losing a child and what we as parents go though. I found it helpful in knowing that the feelings i have had are normal for a parent in grief.I know that there are so many issues that we all have to go through and maybe this will be able to help some.
Losing a Child ...Losing Your Future?
It has been said that parents who lose a child also lose the hopes, dreams, and expectations they had for that child. They lose a part of themselves. They lose their future because their child represents their sense of ongoing life. Psychologists believe, because of these reasons, the death of a child is possibly the most difficult loss of all to accept.
People who have children often feel that parenting is life’s most important role, regardless of the child’s age. Therefore, the death of a child can be a tremendous assault on a parent’s very identity.
What to Expect
If your child has died, you will most likely experience several common reactions of bereavement. However, your grief can be more acute than normal. You may go into periods of shock and denial. You will likely become depressed. If you are normally a committed, caring person, you could find that you do not care about anything or anyone. You may find yourself preoccupied with the circumstances of your child’s death, recreating them over and over again in your mind. You may think you see or hear your child. You might have dreams and nightmares about them.
The intense grief caused by your child’s death can take a physical toll as well. You may lose weight, have difficulty sleeping, become irritable or listless, or feel short of breath. Grief has even been known to cause hair loss. Anger and Guilt
Perhaps the most acute feelings you will experience are anger and guilt. Because the death of a child does not follow the normal order of nature, there is a strong urge to place the blame on someone or something. You may be angry at the doctors or nurses who could not cure your child’s illness, or at God for “letting” your child die. If your child died because of a traumatic accident, you may be angry at whomever you believe caused it. If your child’s actions partly caused the death, you may be angry at him or her and then feel guilty about your anger toward your child.
Parents often feel terribly guilty for simply living. If you had an argument with your child or had to discipline him or her shortly before the death, you may feel guilty for those actions.
You may feel the most guilt because you believe you should have prevented your child’s death. You may find yourself consumed by thoughts of “if only.” A father tends to suffer guilt over failing to prevent a child’s death. While both parents feel responsible for their child’s safety, men have often been taught that protecting the family is their primary role.
The Grief Experience
While bereaved parents know they will experience intense grief, their child’s death can have another effect they did not anticipate. The death could alter their feelings toward each other. Almost always, the marriage will never be the same. The change could be for the better or for the worse. However, the relationship rarely stays the same.
Parents think their grief will be similar because they have lost the same child. This similar type of mourning rarely happens. The relationship the father mourns is different from the relationship the mother mourns because each parent shared a different relationship with the child.
Fathers may have a more difficult time expressing their grief, believing on some level that “big boys don’t cry,” or that they need to be strong for their surviving family. Unfortunately, this may keep fathers from working through their grief and resolving it. It may become necessary to seek counseling or spiritual help.
Couples may experience difficulty in communicating after the death of their child. The intensity of grief comes at different times for each parent. One parent may use work as an escape while the other finds solace in photo albums and home videos. Dad may feel the need to box up and store the child’s personal belongings while Mom cannot bear to look at them. A physical resemblance to the dead child can also cause difficulties between the parents.
A child’s death may cause sexual problems within a marriage as well. Time, patience, and communication are key elements to resolving these problems. It is not uncommon for these effects to last up to two years or more following the child’s death.
Answering the Questions of Your Other Children
Your other children will look to you to explain the death to them. A child’s questions will depend on their age, but your answers should always be honest. Guard against telling children that their brother or sister is “sleeping,” or that “God wanted their brother or sister.” These may simply cause other fears in your children that may be more difficult to resolve than a more direct answer. Be direct, without offering more information than necessary.
Young children sometimes fantasize that they caused the death by being mean to the deceased sibling or by fighting with them. In this case, it is important to assure your child that he/she had nothing to do with their brother’s or sister’s death.
Remember, your other children need to resolve their grief. They will take their cues from you, so support them in their grief by being open in showing yours. You will not do them any favors by protecting them from the grieving process; in fact, there is no way you can.
Dealing with Grief
It may not be possible to work through your grief alone. Your funeral director can recommend support groups, counselors, books, and videos which deal specifically with child bereavement. Ask your funeral director to recommend a specific book, or visit your local library.
It is important for parents to realize that severe grief can make them feel like they’re going crazy. If you are afraid your grief is out of control, you might consider asking your clergy, doctor, or funeral director to suggest a counselor. You may be relieved to find that your problems, in this situation, are normal.
Finally, remember that other people will likely feel very awkward around you because they will not know what to say. You can help bridge the gap by simply telling them what you need and letting them know if it is all right to mention your deceased child.
Random Acts Of Kindness Week
Random Acts of Kindness week is February 12-18, 2007.
The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. We provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through our website at www.actsofkindness.org.
I do Acts Of Kindness in Shane's memory all during the year, but especially on special days like his birthday, anniversery date or holidays.
I print up business cards to use to do this (I have put one below). Some of the things I do is, go through drive-thrus and pay for the person's order behind me, I have bought Easter baskets for a needy family, donated money to different causes, left flowers at a grave at the cemetery and other different things. Several times my husband who is a mechanic has stopped to help people stranded on the road and when they tried to pay him, he has handed them a card. It only takes a little thing to touch the heart of another.
When you do an act of kindness, you never know how it will affect a person. Below is a letter I received. I have deleted the names for privacy.
-----
Judi,
This past spring, my daughter in law was in line at McDonalds when you paid for her food. She keeps Shane's card on a cabinet door in her kitchen. Little did we know at the time that we would be experiencing a tragic loss of our own just a few short months later.
On August 18, 2002, our precious wonderful loving and caring son, *******, took his own life. A life so precious and wonderful to us, his mom and dad, to his siblings, to his friends, and family gone from this life.
That day I thought of ****** *******, who had lost her daughter ******* to a car accident 15 or 16 years ago. She came to the wake. I also thought of you and how you had the acts of kindness cards in Shane's memory, and I knew that I would want to do something like that for my ******. I have printed some and have done a few things, like you, through a drive through.
God placed my daughter in law there at that moment in time because he already knew what we would be going through.
I do not have to share/tell you how empty, broken, saddened that my husband, *****, and myself, ***** are, since you know first hand this terrible grief. I wanted to share with you how your kindness for Shane has now been carried own for my son, ******.
*****
----
A DAY FOR HEARTS
We, Krista (angel Zackary forever 3 ½ months young) & Mylène (angel Sean forever 8 months young) have experienced the life and death of a son due to Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).
Receiving the news that something is wrong with your child’s heart is earth shattering. In our case, the CHD was diagnosed during pregnancy, and what should have been a joyful time instead became months of worry and fear. Zackary’s older brother, and Sean’s daddy both said our babies were born with a “broken heart”. Parents who are faced with this are forced to make life altering choices about the future of their child before he or she is even born. To add to the stress, the heart defect may be just the tip of the iceberg, because it is often a sign of other medical issues, such as genetic disorders (this was the case with my angel Zackary, who was born with Down Syndrome) (in Sean’s case it is still unknown, still awaiting autopsy results). We learn a whole new language of medical terms, about oxygen saturation levels, Bradys, Tacycardia, monitors, surgeries and medications. We pray and we search for answers. We look for the most current information on the newest treatments, hoping it will be just what was is needed to save our child.
Thankfully there are many resources out there that provide wonderful information and give hope in what may seem like a hopeless situation. Some of the best web sites we found are :
www.tchin.org
www.chdfamilies.com
www.chdquilt.org
www.chdinfo.com
www.babyheartspress.com/
www.savinglittlehearts.com
www.chssdc.org/doc/9062
Now that the holidays are over and we are all getting back into a daily routine, I find that I have more time to think and reflect on my feelings with another year ahead of me. As each year passes, the time without Jill becomes longer and it scares me. I worry that my precious memories of her are fading. It has been almost 6 years now and I’m afraid that as the years go by I will forget. Sometimes her memory is as clear as when she was here with me but at times it is difficult to remember certain things. So what if I live another 40 years? How clear can many of those memories be? If you are worried like me, I would like to share with you a list of suggestions on ways we can help ourselves and others to keep our children’s memory alive. Maybe you have already started doing some of the suggestions listed here. If you have, I hope you have been comforted. Even if you lost your child as a baby I hope this list helps you as well. Until that glorious day when we will no longer have to try to remember – the day we join them in heaven, I wish for all of us vivid, happy memories of our angels never to fade with time.
2) Leave memorial flowers at your church, or another special spot such as the beach.
3) Create a memory box containing special items that belonged to your child. Place little notes in it with special memories.
4) Put notes into a box with a lock on it. Place messages into this box and write things down that you wish you had said to your child before they passed away.
5) Make a collage of all your favorite photographs of your child and put it up on the wall where you can look at it anytime you like.
6) Honor your child's favorite tradition.
7) Create a new tradition in remembrance of your child. For example you could light a candle and listen to your child's favorite music on the same day of every month.
8) Hang a stocking at Christmas containing lots of loving memories of your child.
9) Gather your friends and family together in celebration of your child. Perhaps throw a remembrance party on the anniversary of their death.
10) Light a candle in your child's memory.
11) Make a memory book of photos and memoirs of your child.
12) Donate money to a charity, or donate your time to help those less fortunate than you in your child’s memory.
13) Wear a photo pin of your child or put their picture into a locket to treasure always.
14) Start a memorial trust or scholarship fund in memory of your child.
I Want To Go Home Again
Life does not stand still. My “baby” is now 16 and took his SAT’s today. Colleges are already writing to him and he is not mentioning any schools within a four hour driving radius. He wants to go away. I want to go home. I want to walk into my childhood home and throw my books on my desk, change to play clothes and go outside. I want to have someone take care of me and I am not thinking of assisted living or a senior home. I want my parents back. I want to fight with my brother and dress up my sister. I couldn’t wait to be an adult and now all I have been thinking of this month is how great it was to be a kid.
My friend’s husband died at the end of December, another friend had to take her 18 month old daughter into the hospital be evaluated after the removal of a malignant tumor, a colleague went on disability because of breast and lung cancer, my sister had a bi-lateral mastectomy, my boss resigned at the beginning of January and my amazing assistant has received an eviction notice as well as being advised by her son’s school that because his tuition payment is tardy, he has not been allowed to attend school to take his midterm exams. Didn’t we all look at our parents and their friends and think that we couldn’t wait to be just like them? They had sleek cars and jobs. They got to be the boss and not have to be bossed as we were in school. No homework, no tests, no allowance. We would have all of the money in the world! Little did we know.
My childhood painful memories include not receiving the Barbie doll outfit that I had asked for, having to go to the hospital to have my tonsils removed, crashing into bushes while learning how to ride my two-wheeler or not being chosen first when picking teams. My childhood was not a storybook tale, but I truly did not appreciate how good life was for me and I am sure my youngest does not either. My oldest is beginning to understand. His cable bill is $180!
The thought I find most annoying is that in 10 or 15 years I am going to be yearning for these days. I guess my hindsight is 20/20 but life gets heavy and hard to carry sometimes. Today I want to go home!
Mom, I’m home!!!!!!!!!
We've lost our children in so many tragic ways and I am trying to focus on those causes each month in our newsletter. I am also going to list each of our Angels with their cause of death that I am writing about that month. I will do my best not to miss anyone's name, so please help me by looking to see if your Angel is listed on the Angel Moms "How We Lost Our Angels" page at www.angelmoms.com/causes.html If your Angel isn't listed, then please send me their information, so I do not miss anyone. It's very important that each Angel is remembered.
I'm sorry for all of your losses and I'll do my best to be gentle with how you lost your child/children/grandchildren. I encourage anyone to write to me and send any information or stories they want to share to help me with my articles. Please let me know if you change your e-mail address and if you now have a website memorial for your angels. God Bless!
~ Love lifts Angels more so than wings. Love lights their way more so than any halo. And Love sings from within them far louder than any harp could play. ~
UNKNOWN CAUSES
Undetermined or "could not be determined" is a classification used when the information pointing to one manner of death is no more compelling than one or more other competing manners of death in thorough consideration of all available information. This is usually an interim classification that indicates a level of uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the death. This classification can sometimes be changed once the results of the autopsy are received. Undetermined is intended for cases in which it is impossible to establish, with reasonable medical certainty, the circumstances of death after thorough investigation. All efforts are made by the Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death for every case investigated. Sometimes, however, a determination as to the manner and/or cause is not possible. There are cases across all age groups that are classified as "undetermined".
Families are left with unanswered questions when they lose a loved one to "Undetermined or Unknown Causes". They may never learn why they died.
( "Unknown Causes" list does not include miscarriage or infant loss.)
WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
by David M. Romano
UNKNOWN CAUSES:
Angel Adaja (Ardelia W.) Angel Alyssa (Jill W.)
Angel Bryan (Irene E.)
Angel Chad (Tammy H.) Angel Chance (Brandy D.) Angel Charlotte (Shirley J.) Angel Christopher (Sandra C.) Angel Craig (Lorraine K.) Angel Cristopher (Karen S.)
Angel Dakota (Crystal V.)
Angel Jacob (Heather A.) Angel Jamye (Shelia H.) Angel Jeanette H. (Cathie C.) Angel Jeff (Lorraine K.) Angel Jeremy (Ruth H.)
Angel Kailey (Rochelle F.) Angel Katie (Lisa P.) Angel Korbin (Shari K.) Angel Kristopher (Kimberlee F.) Angel Kristopher (Linda C.)
Angel Lerra (Debbie)
Angel Michala (Jenn W.)
Angel Nathaniel (Philesha W.)
Angel Robert (Jocia M.)
Angel Samir (Elisabeth A.)
Angel Tarey (Mary J.)
I hope everyone has survived the holidays and looking forward to Valentines Day. I still remember all the Valentine Days with Travis whenever we would sit down to address his cards for School the next day. He always made sure the boys got the best and those silly girls(which he called them until he was 14 yrs old LOL) got the goofy ones..Love to all of you and remember send me your Memory so I can share it with all the Angel Moms..
Through sharing our memories
it keeps our children alive.
With each special moment remembered
they help us to survive.
As we walk down memory lane,
we always keep them near.
For they are the ones we will never forget.
the ones that we hold so near.
Written by:Zana Maxwell-AngelMom to Alex
http://alexchristopher.memory-of.com
Loni -Angel Mom to Melissa
The first one: When my son Josh was born, I made up a little song I would sing to him:
You're my little sweetie pie, sweetie pie, sweetie pie
You're my little sweetie pie
Yes you are.
On the Yes you are part, I would tap his nose with my finger on each word. When my son Matt was born, he was my pumpkin pie. I don't know if that is why pumpkin pie has always been his favorite dessert. When Melissa was born, with her name meaning honey bee, I would sing it to her with honey bee in it. As the boys got older, they no longer wanted me to sing that to them. Melissa though would ask me to sing it every so often through out her life. Even at the age of 16 she would cuddle with me and ask me to sing that to her, still tapping her nose on the last phrase while she scrunched up her face, and then we would both giggle.
The second one: When she was probably 18 months old or so, instead of a play pen, we made a play area in our huge living room. We put a gate up diagonally across a corner of the room and her toys were in a milk crate in there. She suddenly decided she didn't like to wear clothes. I would have her in the play area, go do something and then come back and find her totally naked (including her diaper off) sitting in the milk crate and the toys scattered all over, her smiling up at me. I would get her re-dressed, put all the toys back in the crate, go do something else, come back and find her sitting naked in the crate again. For a while during that time I was concerned that she would start school as a nudist!
Loni
Angel Melissa
Melissa's Page
Wedgie -Angel Mom to Ricky
Well not sure if you want to hear of this one but here it goes. One Friday night Ricky went out in his dad's pick-up around 10:30 that night. I heard someone drive up and in walked Ricky. It was cold and he went to the Stove and stood their to get warm and I said what ya doing home so early? Now he was 16 and his curfew was midnight!!!
He just said nothing! Nothing to do. And he went to bed. Well the next Morning Wayne got up and went out to go to work and he came back in slamming The door yelling Ricky! I followed Wayne into Ricky's room and he was so Mad. He said where's my truck and Ricky said last night I had an accident.. Wayne said how bad is it? He said it's not bad. The battery fell over and it Won't start. Now it is February and it was raining and it's 6:30 in the Morning. So me Wayne & Ricky went to the school where he said the truck was At. Wayne grab a battery and when he got out and went and saw his truck. Ricky had total the truck. The whole front was smashed in.. Wayne was so Mad. We had to pull it home. The trucks frame was even bent. And when we Got home Ricky told us then that he hit another girl in the rear!. Well we Found out later that a bunch of kids where playing hide n seek! That's where They would ride around with their lights out and you would have to find Them. Well he found Laijna of course after he hit her!!
It wasn't funny at the time. But we laughed at it a few years after that! Wayne's poor truck!
Wedgie Ricky's Mom
Ricky's Page
Please send Memory to dianaandharold@bellsouth.net
Acts Of Kindness
The Act Of Kindness Award will be given to an AngelMom that was nominated for their kindness and thoughtfulness. It will not be a contest, it is "Thank You" kind of award. Anyone can be nominated. If someone has touched your heart by doing something special, please nominate them by emailing Loni. There is no exclusions, everyone is included. We will list each member that has received an Award.
Acts of Kindness Awards for December were presented to
Dianna Brendle by Sarah Pacatte
Angel Mom's Acts of Kindness
Five Stages of Mourning
The stages of mourning are universal and are experienced by people from all walks of life. Mourning occurs in response to an individual's own terminal illness or to the death of a valued being, human or even an animal. There are five stages of normal grief.
In our bereavement, we spend different lengths of time working through each step and express each stage more or less intensely. The five stages do not necessarily occur in order. We often move between stages before achieving a more peaceful acceptance of death. Many of us are not afforded the luxury of time required to achieve this final stage of grief. Throughout each stage, a common thread of hope emerges. As long as there is life, there is hope. As long as there is hope, there is life.
1. Denial and Isolation: The first reaction to learning of terminal illness or death of a loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
2. Anger: As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Anger may be directed at our dying or deceased loved one. Rationally, we know that the loved one is not to be blamed. Emotionally, however, we may resent it for causing us pain or for leaving us. We feel guilty for being angry, and this makes us more angry.
Health professionals deal with death and dying every day. That does not make them immune to the suffering of their patients or to those who grieve for them.
3. Bargaining: The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. If only we had sought medical attention sooner. If we got a second opinion from another doctor. Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.
4. Depression: Two types of depression are associated with mourning. The first one is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate. We worry that, in our grief, we have spent less time with others that depend on us. This phase may be eased by simple clarification and reassurance. We may need a bit of helpful cooperation and a few kind words. The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a sense, perhaps more private. It is our quiet preparation to separate and to bid our loved ones farewell for now.
5.Acceptance: Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. It is not necessarily a mark of bravery to resist the inevitable and to deny ourselves the opportunity to make our peace. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression.
Angel Fluff Brownies
Mix in your favorite pudding flavors for fun variations.
1 (3.3-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Powdered sugar (optional)
Stir together first 8 ingredients until blended. Spoon into a lightly greased 8- or 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until edges pull away from pan. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Yield: 16 brownies
Black-Forest Brownies
Brownies:
Cooking spray
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup butter or stick margarine, melted
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1/4 cup coarsely chopped candied cherries
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts
Glaze:
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 3/4 teaspoons hot water
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare the brownies, coat the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray (do not coat the sides of the pan).
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Combine granulated sugar and next 6 ingredients (granulated sugar through egg white); stir well with a whisk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moist. Stir in cherries and walnuts. Spread batter in bottom of prepared pan.
Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out almost clean. Cool on a wire rack.
To prepare the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, almond extract, and 1 3/4 teaspoons water in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the brownies, and let stand for 15 minutes.
Yield: 16 servings
Chewy Coffee Brownies
1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup reduced-calorie stick margarine
2 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 egg whites
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
Vegetable cooking spray
Combine sugar, margarine, and coffee granules in a small saucepan. Place over low heat; cook for 4 minutes or until margarine melts and the mixture is smooth, stirring frequently.
Combine sugar mixture, vanilla, egg whites, and egg; beat at low speed of a mixer until smooth.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolate morsels. Spread batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 18 minutes; let cool in pan.
Yield: 2 dozen
Some Links To Share
Memorial Bracelet - Personal Creations
Personalized Memorial Glass Paperweight
Memorial Tile on Easel - Personal Creations
Facing the Ultimate Loss: Coping with the Death of a Child (Book)
If instead of a gem, or even a flower,
we should cast the gift of a loving thought
into the heart of a friend, that would be giving
as the angels give.
~George MacDonald~
Memorial Donations
Angel Moms Newsletter-February Printable Version
If you have something you would like included in next months newsletter, please e-mail Judi
Editor: Judi,
Staff: Brenda, Diana, Krista, Lynn, Laurie, Holly, Linda, Melody,
Angel Moms Web Site
