and the Winner is..............

I'm not sure if the readers of this blog remember, but there was a contest held quite a long time ago on this blog. You were suppose to tell me the meaning (or make up your own meaning) of the following "Rutherbs".

1) Don't pout before the horse is drawn
and
2) Like lima beans on a chicken

The one that was the most accurate or creative (it was a very subjective contest) would be named the winner.
*if you are completely lost, read more about it here *

After a week of waiting, and re-posting the contest, I had an entry....the ONLY entry. That lone contestant is now the RUTHERB WINNER and it is none other than

SHELBY BERNARD!!!! (picture below-hope you don't mind Shelby:))

isn't she beautiful!?!

Because of her participation, she has won a scrumptious batch of banana bread that will be mailed to the lovely state of Colorado where she lives. Now for the rest of you, let this be a reminder...you do get prizes when you participate in my contests...I'm not quite sure how many or what will be the next one, but I guarantee you, a prize will be rewarded to the winner of said contest.

Here are Shelby's entries for the "Rutherbs" (good job Shelby!)

"Don't pout before the horse is drawn" means either: Don't get upset until you can see the big picture. (The twins I nannied for used to be annoyed at my drawings until they saw the final product and understood why I made the lines and shapes I did) or
Don't be frustrated and impatient if you're not actually ready to move forward. (You can't get on your horse-drawn carriage until everything is hooked up and ready to go)

2. "Like lima beans on chicken" means: Some things don't really make sense together, but somehow work.

My definitions, for those that are interested:)
1) "Don't Pout before the horse is drawn" means: don't complain, get yourself worked up or worry about something that has yet to happen.
2)"Like lima beans on a chicken" means: it doesn't really make a difference and/or matter. Such as having lima beans on a chicken. It doesn't change the fact that the chicken is a chicken or really affect that chicken....unless he is to be covered in 20 tons of lima beans, then he would be a bit affected...just a bit.

Here is the recipe for the Banana Bread that Shelby won. It's soooo yummmy!
Ingredients:

- 1 and 3/4cp Flour *or whole wheat*
- 1/2tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4tsp Baking Powder
- 3/4tsp Salt
- 1 pkg. of Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (3oz box)
- 2/3cp Sugar
- 1/2cp Butter *or apple sauce! we use this because it's healthier*
- 2 Eggs
- 2T Milk
- 1-1/3 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
- 1cp Semi-sweet choc. chips

Directions:
1) preheat oven to 350degrees and grease a bread pan.
2) combine all the dry ingredients together until well blended.
3) in a separate bowl, mix together apple sauce, eggs, milk, and mashed bananas.
4) Add in the dry mixture until completed mixed together.
5) Add Chocolate chips, mix.

(mmmmmmm)
6) Pour batter into greased bread pan. Bake for 40 minutes uncovered. Bake for remaining 10-15 *covered* with tin foil, or until golden brown.

This Banana bread has been a hit with my husband, family and friends. I HIGHLY recommend using Whole wheat flower. It gives such a wonderful taste and texture that isn't found in plain white flour. Plus it's healthier for you! Also, including pudding mix in the recipes, gives it an added sweetness and slight hint of vanilla. It's like they say:

"The Proof is in the pudding"


Congrats Shelby for winning the contest! This bread is on it's way to you!


-Signing out,
Mrs. B

*up this week: Funny happening at Panera and we were "parents" for a weekend. stay tuned!!*

mmmm Whatcha say?!

"Class Participation" Did you ever CRINGE upon hearing that saying in school? Any sort of event that involved making one get out of their chair to "participiate" and for heaven's sake, move seems to have a negative feeling that corresponds with it. I am guilty of having such an outlook. (unless it involves weird and silly church or Campus Crusade games/contests such as: relay races involving chugging rootbeer, or three-legged races while blindfolded, etc)

I wonder why it is? What causes this apprehension towards participation...are we lazy? apathetic? content with simply sitting and observing? or possibly fearful? It's funny how once we begin to participate, after crossing the bridge of apprehension and hesitation, we enjoy it and it's not that bad Like the 7th inning stretch at baseball games, or doing the Hokie Pokie at a Virginia Tech football game. In the end, you're still alive and all is good

Following that introduction...I ask, nay CHALLENGE you readers to participate (*everyone gasps!*) in this blog post.....yes. P.A.R.T.I.C.I.P.A.T.E

do not be fooled into thinking you will get nothing out of it. The winner will receive DELICIOUS, dare I say, succulent Banana Bread, made by yours truly. (chocolate chips are included)

Here is the contest:
Make up or figure out the meaning to these "Rutherbs" (Ruth proverbs). The most accurate or creative entry will win. I will post all the entires in a blog leading up to the FINALE post which will announce the winner.

F.A.Q

-What is a Rutherb?
A Rutherb is a "wise" saying that Ruth Bethany recently made up in a conversation she was having with her husband, Mr. Bethany. Their meanings have yet to be determined.

-What if I win, but I do not live in Blacksburg and live in a different state, will I still recieve the Banana Bread?
Oh. YES. you most certinaly will!

-What is the duration of this contest?
Final entries will be received up until Monday, April 12th at 3:33pm

SO without further ado here are the two "Rutherbs" :

1) "Don't pout before the horse is drawn"
2) "Just like lima beans on a chicken"

Good Luck!!
Mrs. B

* may these pictures help serve as inspiration, grant you clarity and provide mental simulation*