Zucchini Bread

My mom and dad brought us a giant zucchini a couple of weeks ago, and I knew I had to "hide" it in something to get the others to eat it, or else I would be eating A LOT of zucchini all by myself (seems I am the only one in this family who likes it). I found a recipe for chocolate zucchini bread that got rave reviews, and seemed easy to make, AND I had all the ingredients on hand. So I gave it a try, and everyone loved it. Brian hates zucchini, but he liked this bread. Grant opposes most vegetables these day, but he couldn't get enough of this bread. Justin has an aversion to bread of all kinds, but he loved the zucchini bread. Christian is ranked among the world's pickiest eaters, and he even enjoyed this bread and asked if we could make more when the first loaf was gone!
Here is the miraculous recipe that had everyone eating (and liking) zucchini:

Ingredients for One Loaf
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup grated zucchini
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine the eggs, butter, and extracts; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in zucchini, raisins, and pecans. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan (8" x 4" x 2"). Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then remove from pan to wire rack.

You will not believe how moist this bread is! We are now hoping someone gives us more zucchini.
Enjoy!
~Andi

School Days

Grant has been in school almost a week now, and is really enjoying it. He is excited to go to school each day (hope that lasts until graduation), and he even likes riding the bus. It is a lot quieter around here without him - and easier in some ways. Grant has always demanded a lot of my attention, but with him at school I feel like I have more attention to give to all the other children. But even when I try to give Christian my attention, there are many times when he just wants to do his own thing. He does not like playing with his Mommy in the same way that Grant does. Justin, however, is more than happy to take up Christian's share of my attention as well. There are lots of times when he will go off and play by himself, but it isn't long before he is back at my side clinging to my leg and keeping me captive. He can walk now, but mostly he chooses not to. He is too smart and lazy. He knows that if he holds onto my leg long enough that I will have to pick him up in order to be able to move myself!

I had my first night of classes last night (and I already have homework). Everything went well. Actually I loved my "Law, Ethics, and Education" class. Our first assignment in class was to make a short presentation about why we were looking at going into Education. I was so inspired, and even volunteered to go first on my first night of class in front of an instructor who I didn't even know! Thoughts and words just came to me that I didn't even know were there, and I got goosebumps as I spoke - just as I often do as a result of spiritual feelings. All my previous doubts about pursuing my teaching certificate were wiped away, and I knew I was exactly where I am supposed to be. I was worried about how I could fit in my student teaching when the time comes, but now I feel relaxed about my decision, and I believe a way will be provided for me to accomplish this goal.
~Andi