SMILEY FACE HAMBURGER BUNS
I know you must be getting sick of my home-made bread recipes, but this one is definitely worth trying! It's NOT that much work, and they are the best hamburger buns ever! Not to mention, you can decorate them however you like! All the rain we've been getting mixed in with some warmer temperatures is giving me the bug to grill! (Spring must be in the air!) My kids loved these!
2 Tbsp. yeast
4 1/2 Tbsp. honey
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/4-1/2 cup oil
2 tsp. salt
7-8 cups wheat flour (I used 4 cups wheat, 3 cups white)
Dissolve yeast and honey in water till bubbly. Add oil and salt. Mix well. Add flour. Kneed 5-10 minutes. Rise till doubled. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick on floured surface. Cut into rounds with a large mouth canning jar ring. Put on greased baking sheets. Rise 20-30 minutes or in fridge overnight. Brush with egg wash. (1 egg and 1 Tbsp. water) Use scraps to decorage tops. Brush again with egg wash. Bake 350-400 degrees for 15 minutes. (makes 18-24 buns)
Friday, March 31, 2006
THE RELAXED HOME SCHOOL
I learned of a woman today named Mary Hood. She has written a book on the relaxed homeschool mindset. An excerpt is available here.
With this being our first year of homeschooling, we have had many trials and errors. The thing I think I've learned the most is to be flexible, especially with younger children around. This exerpt described my thinking quite well. I think we have sort of adopted this style of home school without me having even thought about it.
Here are a few quotes, but if you want the entire blurp given on the web, just check out the website.
Excerpted from The Enthusiastic Homeschooler, Ambleside Educational Press,
Cartersville, GA
There is no other earthly expert who can possibly know your children as well as you do. No one else will ever care as deeply for them. That's why you are totally capable of doing this job successfully. You were made for this purpose! You were assigned this job! God wouldn't have chosen you if he didn't believe in you and know you were up to the task.
Having a "relaxed homeschooling mindset" will free you up from many responsibilities, and make the ones you do have clearer and easier to fulfill. If you aren't a "teacher", you don't necessarily need to make lesson plans, purchase teacher's manuals, test and grade your children, or teach them every subject known to man all by yourself. You don't have to select a particular curriculum, and have everything in place every year on September first, the way a classroom teacher does. You don't need to begin each day with a pledge to the flag, and divide the morning up into fifty-minute segments, each devoted to a particular subject. You don't have to go from room to room teaching fifth grade social studies, third grade science, and first grade phonics. You don't need to make a bunch of reluctant children sit at the kitchen table for hours laboring over boring workbooks....
...Establishing a lifestyle of learning implies that everyone in the family is actively pursuing goals, enjoying the acquisition of skills and knowledge, and sharing their discoveries with the others in the family. You need to re-discover a child-like curiosity about the world around you. You need to wake up every morning, singing, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." You need to see past the dirty diapers and the piles of laundry, and recognize what really matters in life. You need to loosen up your tendency to be control freak, and realize that, ultimately, you aren't in control of anything anyway. While that may be a scary thought at first, understanding that God loves you and your family, and that He is the one who is really in control, will help you learn to trust His judgment.
She also gives some really good tips on what to do when your kids seem to be unmotivated. I was really impressed with her thoughts! Check it out!
I learned of a woman today named Mary Hood. She has written a book on the relaxed homeschool mindset. An excerpt is available here.
With this being our first year of homeschooling, we have had many trials and errors. The thing I think I've learned the most is to be flexible, especially with younger children around. This exerpt described my thinking quite well. I think we have sort of adopted this style of home school without me having even thought about it.
Here are a few quotes, but if you want the entire blurp given on the web, just check out the website.
Excerpted from The Enthusiastic Homeschooler, Ambleside Educational Press,
Cartersville, GA
There is no other earthly expert who can possibly know your children as well as you do. No one else will ever care as deeply for them. That's why you are totally capable of doing this job successfully. You were made for this purpose! You were assigned this job! God wouldn't have chosen you if he didn't believe in you and know you were up to the task.
Having a "relaxed homeschooling mindset" will free you up from many responsibilities, and make the ones you do have clearer and easier to fulfill. If you aren't a "teacher", you don't necessarily need to make lesson plans, purchase teacher's manuals, test and grade your children, or teach them every subject known to man all by yourself. You don't have to select a particular curriculum, and have everything in place every year on September first, the way a classroom teacher does. You don't need to begin each day with a pledge to the flag, and divide the morning up into fifty-minute segments, each devoted to a particular subject. You don't have to go from room to room teaching fifth grade social studies, third grade science, and first grade phonics. You don't need to make a bunch of reluctant children sit at the kitchen table for hours laboring over boring workbooks....
...Establishing a lifestyle of learning implies that everyone in the family is actively pursuing goals, enjoying the acquisition of skills and knowledge, and sharing their discoveries with the others in the family. You need to re-discover a child-like curiosity about the world around you. You need to wake up every morning, singing, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." You need to see past the dirty diapers and the piles of laundry, and recognize what really matters in life. You need to loosen up your tendency to be control freak, and realize that, ultimately, you aren't in control of anything anyway. While that may be a scary thought at first, understanding that God loves you and your family, and that He is the one who is really in control, will help you learn to trust His judgment.
She also gives some really good tips on what to do when your kids seem to be unmotivated. I was really impressed with her thoughts! Check it out!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
THIS VERSE BLESSED ME THIS WEEK...
1 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
It's been kind of a tough week for me, and knowing that God is strengthening my heart and seeing my commitment to Him is a wonderful feeling. I'm so glad I have a big God! I hope this verse blesses you like it did me.
1 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
It's been kind of a tough week for me, and knowing that God is strengthening my heart and seeing my commitment to Him is a wonderful feeling. I'm so glad I have a big God! I hope this verse blesses you like it did me.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
AHH, A FRUSTRATING DAY...
Yup, it's been one of those. Is there any other mom out there who continues to beat themselves up thinking that you never do enough??? I feel like I fight myself all day long. When I'm spending time in prayer and reading God's Word, I feel guilty for not playing with my kids. When I play with my kids and haven't spent the time I need to with God, I feel guilty that I'm putting them ahead of Him! The laundry has piled up, the kitchen is a disaster. I've been comparing myself to other moms who "seem" to have it all together, which though I know I'm NOT suppose to do, just makes me feel terrible! I have so much to do, I don't even know where to begin today. My kids are all down for their nap/rest times and I look around and end up coming to the computer to vent! And then I feel guilty for giving myself 5 minutes at the computer instead of tackling my chores! It's a vicious cycle!
I know that balance is the key, as well as priorities. There are many days where I feel very on top of things, but when days like today come, I just feel at a complete loss. As my daughter puts it, "Mom is just *off* today!"
As I write this, it's just hitting me that I've been looking at my day as a day with the glass half-empty. If I change my tune and think of it as half-full, I might look at it this way...
I brought the garbage out. I washed and dried 2 (of my 6) loads of laundry. I pushed my kids on the swings and played with trucks in the sandbox (even if it was for only 15 minutes...). I read my daily Bible reading. Yes, I still have my Bible study to do, but I've at least gotten somwhere! I managed to make a decent lunch, which included taking the time to cut up a fresh pineapple (per Myah's request...). I took a shower. Dinner is in the crockpot.....
Maybe if I get up out of this chair and get going on things, I can have my glass at least 3/4 full by the time Evan gets home. Is there anyone else that ever feels like this??
Yup, it's been one of those. Is there any other mom out there who continues to beat themselves up thinking that you never do enough??? I feel like I fight myself all day long. When I'm spending time in prayer and reading God's Word, I feel guilty for not playing with my kids. When I play with my kids and haven't spent the time I need to with God, I feel guilty that I'm putting them ahead of Him! The laundry has piled up, the kitchen is a disaster. I've been comparing myself to other moms who "seem" to have it all together, which though I know I'm NOT suppose to do, just makes me feel terrible! I have so much to do, I don't even know where to begin today. My kids are all down for their nap/rest times and I look around and end up coming to the computer to vent! And then I feel guilty for giving myself 5 minutes at the computer instead of tackling my chores! It's a vicious cycle!
I know that balance is the key, as well as priorities. There are many days where I feel very on top of things, but when days like today come, I just feel at a complete loss. As my daughter puts it, "Mom is just *off* today!"
As I write this, it's just hitting me that I've been looking at my day as a day with the glass half-empty. If I change my tune and think of it as half-full, I might look at it this way...
I brought the garbage out. I washed and dried 2 (of my 6) loads of laundry. I pushed my kids on the swings and played with trucks in the sandbox (even if it was for only 15 minutes...). I read my daily Bible reading. Yes, I still have my Bible study to do, but I've at least gotten somwhere! I managed to make a decent lunch, which included taking the time to cut up a fresh pineapple (per Myah's request...). I took a shower. Dinner is in the crockpot.....
Maybe if I get up out of this chair and get going on things, I can have my glass at least 3/4 full by the time Evan gets home. Is there anyone else that ever feels like this??
Sunday, March 26, 2006
ART/CRAFT DAY
We dedicated Fridays as art/craft day in our house. Myah just loves to do art projects, but unless I commit a certain day to it, I seem to keep putting it off. Now I know I have to prepare something for Fridays, and Myah can look forward to it knowing we will actually get around to doing it!
One of the main books I use is Usborne's "What Shall I Do Today?" It include drawing, painting and "making" things. This past Friday, we made a bouquet of flowers for a vase. Though ours didn't quite look like the picture in the book, we had a lot of fun making them together. We are all in the mood for spring, and this was a really fun project using things we had around the house.
(Taken from "What Shall I Do Today?" page 80-81)
To make a daisy:
1. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half. Cut along the fold.
2. Fold one of those halves in half, long sides together.
3. Decorate with long stripes or your own design.
4. Fold in half with the short sides together, and then in half again.
5. Make long cuts close together form the bottom. Don't cut all the way up. (Make sure the attached side is on the right side when cutting...)
6. Open it carefully so it still is folded in half one time the long way.
7. Tape one end to a bendable straw. Roll the paper tightly around it.
8. Fasten the loose end with tape. Pull all the petals down.
9. Snip little pieces of yellow paper or yarn and glue in middle.
To make another flower:
1. Take 2 sheets of tissue paper and put a small plate or saucer on top and draw around it.
2. Cut around the circle through both layers. Fold in half and then in half again.
3. Twist the corner and tape onto the end of straw. Gently pull petals apart.
4. Make a ball of tissue paper and glue it in the middle.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
A WONDERFUL SONG
I was downstairs with Evan last night while he was working on something, and we had the music cranked. This song hit me. What awesome words to worship our God!
"More than a Friend" by Jeremy Riddle
In the quiet of my soul
In the stillness I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You
Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul, joy to my soul
My heart longs to worship You my king
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You
Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul, joy to my soul
I was downstairs with Evan last night while he was working on something, and we had the music cranked. This song hit me. What awesome words to worship our God!
"More than a Friend" by Jeremy Riddle
In the quiet of my soul
In the stillness I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You
Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul, joy to my soul
My heart longs to worship You my king
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You
Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul, joy to my soul
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
HOME-MADE FLOUR TORTILLAS
I just made these for lunch today. We filled them with chicken, pesto, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and cheese. Seriously, these whip up very fast and are very healthy in comparison to the ones you buy at the store! What we didn't use, I put in the freezer.
5 cups whole wheat flour (I used 3 cups whole wheat, 2 cups white)
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 2/3 cups warm water
Stir together dry ingredients, then add oil and water. Mix well and knead lightly. Pinch off walnut sized pieces of dough and roll out VERY, VERY thinly on floured surface. Try to make them round, but whatever works fine. Heat an ungreased griddle or frying pan to very hot and cook on one side till bubbles form, then turn over and cook on the other side until brown "freckles" appear. You can accentuate the bubbling and air pockets by pressing down with a dry cloth or spatula after it has been turned over. Makes about 20.
I just made these for lunch today. We filled them with chicken, pesto, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and cheese. Seriously, these whip up very fast and are very healthy in comparison to the ones you buy at the store! What we didn't use, I put in the freezer.
5 cups whole wheat flour (I used 3 cups whole wheat, 2 cups white)
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 2/3 cups warm water
Stir together dry ingredients, then add oil and water. Mix well and knead lightly. Pinch off walnut sized pieces of dough and roll out VERY, VERY thinly on floured surface. Try to make them round, but whatever works fine. Heat an ungreased griddle or frying pan to very hot and cook on one side till bubbles form, then turn over and cook on the other side until brown "freckles" appear. You can accentuate the bubbling and air pockets by pressing down with a dry cloth or spatula after it has been turned over. Makes about 20.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
FIGHT FOR YOUR CHILDREN
I'm always pumped up on Tuesdays after our weekly Bible study night. Last night I was encouraged in so many ways again, but one thing in particular really hit me between the eyes. Beth was teaching from Joshua 4, and got off on the importance of leaving a heritage of being passionate for Jesus to our children.
Nehemiah 4:14
"...Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
The enemy is fighting hard for our children's hearts and lives, and we need to fight harder!!
One of my favorite scriptures that I have framed and hanging in our bathroom is Deuteronomy 6:4-8. It talks about loving God with everything that we have and how we are to IMPRESS these commands on our children -- talk about them all throughout the day and connect everything in our lives to Jesus! This is our command as parents! It's not enough to just take them to Sunday school, but it is our job to train them in the ways of Jesus.
I made a reminder for my fridge that has these thoughts on it:
Remind your children EVERYDAY that:
1) Without Jesus, life is not worth living!
2) God chose you and loves you!
3) If you miss this, you miss everything!
4) Ask them everyday, Who is life about? JESUS!
Some additional thoughts:
* Do our children know -- If I've missed this, I miss everything!
* If they literally choose not to, I want them to have to fight it b/c it's been so instilled in them that it literally is a part of them!
* When we portray that life with God is the richest of all existance, they will want it!
(This goes back to my post on being a "letter of recommendation")
* Tell them why they want it!
* Your heritage is not mediocrity, but it is to be an on-fire Jesus freak who has more passion for Him than anything else! (I'm still learning this myself..... it's a daily thing.)
I don't want to get caught up in the temporary, but keep my eyes focused on the eternal. "There is no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4 My prayer is that this will be the passion of my life from this day forward -- teaching my children to walk in truth. Nothing else in this world is worth living for! I don't want to waste my life, or let them waste theirs!
I'm always pumped up on Tuesdays after our weekly Bible study night. Last night I was encouraged in so many ways again, but one thing in particular really hit me between the eyes. Beth was teaching from Joshua 4, and got off on the importance of leaving a heritage of being passionate for Jesus to our children.
Nehemiah 4:14
"...Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
The enemy is fighting hard for our children's hearts and lives, and we need to fight harder!!
One of my favorite scriptures that I have framed and hanging in our bathroom is Deuteronomy 6:4-8. It talks about loving God with everything that we have and how we are to IMPRESS these commands on our children -- talk about them all throughout the day and connect everything in our lives to Jesus! This is our command as parents! It's not enough to just take them to Sunday school, but it is our job to train them in the ways of Jesus.
I made a reminder for my fridge that has these thoughts on it:
Remind your children EVERYDAY that:
1) Without Jesus, life is not worth living!
2) God chose you and loves you!
3) If you miss this, you miss everything!
4) Ask them everyday, Who is life about? JESUS!
Some additional thoughts:
* Do our children know -- If I've missed this, I miss everything!
* If they literally choose not to, I want them to have to fight it b/c it's been so instilled in them that it literally is a part of them!
* When we portray that life with God is the richest of all existance, they will want it!
(This goes back to my post on being a "letter of recommendation")
* Tell them why they want it!
* Your heritage is not mediocrity, but it is to be an on-fire Jesus freak who has more passion for Him than anything else! (I'm still learning this myself..... it's a daily thing.)
I don't want to get caught up in the temporary, but keep my eyes focused on the eternal. "There is no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4 My prayer is that this will be the passion of my life from this day forward -- teaching my children to walk in truth. Nothing else in this world is worth living for! I don't want to waste my life, or let them waste theirs!
Monday, March 20, 2006
SILLY PUTTY DISASTER
I count my blessings because aside from a few of the normal "writing on the wall" incidents, we have been spared from pretty major blunders around our house. We haven't had any trucks or dolls flushed down the toilet, and we haven't had any birthday cards glued to bedspreads. (My brother did that!) With a 5, 3 and 1 year old, I'd say we're doing okay. Last night was an exception, however...
Joel is attached to his silly putty. He carries it around with him everywhere he goes. He even takes it along with him to town if we don't notice that he has it tightly squeezed in his hand. It must be soothing to him or something to be able to play and squeeze it. I don't know! Anyway, we had no idea he took it to bed with him last night.....
His jammies, undershirt, comforter and pillow are all covered with the sticky stuff. Evan attempted to get as much off his jammies this morning, but with very little luck. I'm kind of at a lost as to how to get it off. My only thought at this point is "goo-gone". I'll let you know how it works, but in the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to pass them on! I really don't want to have to replace his bedding! It's pretty bad!
I count my blessings because aside from a few of the normal "writing on the wall" incidents, we have been spared from pretty major blunders around our house. We haven't had any trucks or dolls flushed down the toilet, and we haven't had any birthday cards glued to bedspreads. (My brother did that!) With a 5, 3 and 1 year old, I'd say we're doing okay. Last night was an exception, however...
Joel is attached to his silly putty. He carries it around with him everywhere he goes. He even takes it along with him to town if we don't notice that he has it tightly squeezed in his hand. It must be soothing to him or something to be able to play and squeeze it. I don't know! Anyway, we had no idea he took it to bed with him last night.....
His jammies, undershirt, comforter and pillow are all covered with the sticky stuff. Evan attempted to get as much off his jammies this morning, but with very little luck. I'm kind of at a lost as to how to get it off. My only thought at this point is "goo-gone". I'll let you know how it works, but in the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to pass them on! I really don't want to have to replace his bedding! It's pretty bad!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
MY NEW NIECE!
I'm officially an aunt again after this week. My sister had her first baby, a girl, Evelyn Mae on Wednesday, March 15 at 3:12 in the afternoon. She was 6 pounds 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She has beautiful dark hair and the cutest cheeks!
The hardest part is not being able to be there to share their joy in this time. We have definitely been called to live in MT, but one of the people I miss the most is my sister, and especially during special times like this! I've called her at least once a day to check in on her (sometime more!) and don't want to be annoying, but at the same time I want her to know I care. I've been researching plane tickets and trying to decide if leaving my family for a long weekend is a good idea or not. My other option is convincing my husband to drive back to MI again this summer, but since we were just there, I'm not sure that's a feasable option either. It's one of those moments when you just wish you could snap your fingers and be there and snap them again and be back. I'm learning my role right now is to be a support where I'm at and at the same time pray for them through this transition time. Things haven't gone 100% the way they wanted them to go and now they are in the adjustment mode of breastfeeding and getting use to a new little one around, and lack of sleep -- something that will be VERY difficult for her! :)
Traci and I have a unique relationship. It's amazing the bond between sisters. The change that takes place once you both mature a bit and grow up is pretty incredible. She is one person I can share anything with. I'm so thankful God chose to bless me with her as a sister, and I'm so excited for her and Andy as they are embarking on this great adventure of parenthood. We have so much in common already, and now we will have even more in common, as we are both going to be experiencing motherhood together.
Blessings you guys! We love you and pray for you!
I'm officially an aunt again after this week. My sister had her first baby, a girl, Evelyn Mae on Wednesday, March 15 at 3:12 in the afternoon. She was 6 pounds 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She has beautiful dark hair and the cutest cheeks!
The hardest part is not being able to be there to share their joy in this time. We have definitely been called to live in MT, but one of the people I miss the most is my sister, and especially during special times like this! I've called her at least once a day to check in on her (sometime more!) and don't want to be annoying, but at the same time I want her to know I care. I've been researching plane tickets and trying to decide if leaving my family for a long weekend is a good idea or not. My other option is convincing my husband to drive back to MI again this summer, but since we were just there, I'm not sure that's a feasable option either. It's one of those moments when you just wish you could snap your fingers and be there and snap them again and be back. I'm learning my role right now is to be a support where I'm at and at the same time pray for them through this transition time. Things haven't gone 100% the way they wanted them to go and now they are in the adjustment mode of breastfeeding and getting use to a new little one around, and lack of sleep -- something that will be VERY difficult for her! :)
Traci and I have a unique relationship. It's amazing the bond between sisters. The change that takes place once you both mature a bit and grow up is pretty incredible. She is one person I can share anything with. I'm so thankful God chose to bless me with her as a sister, and I'm so excited for her and Andy as they are embarking on this great adventure of parenthood. We have so much in common already, and now we will have even more in common, as we are both going to be experiencing motherhood together.
Blessings you guys! We love you and pray for you!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
CLEANING HOUSE
It's about this time of year that Evan and I get antsy to sort through things and get rid of extra junk laying around that we no longer use. We've been faithful the past 2 years with having a yard sale, and we're also getting pretty use to using e-bay to sell some of the larger items. One thing God is teaching me, however, is to GIVE more. A good friend of mine has really taught me a lot about giving just by knowing her and observing her lifestyle. They bless and bless and bless other people and I told God, "I want to be more like that!" I tend to stick to my flesh and think, "Hmmm, I can get $20 for that, so maybe I better just sell it..." I have to confess, I have a long way to go on this one, but I am SLOWLY learning! God also calls us to be good stewards with what we have, and yard sales and e-bay are a great way to do that. I think the key is being in tune with the Holy Spirit and when He says "GIVE!" to be obedient!
It's about this time of year that Evan and I get antsy to sort through things and get rid of extra junk laying around that we no longer use. We've been faithful the past 2 years with having a yard sale, and we're also getting pretty use to using e-bay to sell some of the larger items. One thing God is teaching me, however, is to GIVE more. A good friend of mine has really taught me a lot about giving just by knowing her and observing her lifestyle. They bless and bless and bless other people and I told God, "I want to be more like that!" I tend to stick to my flesh and think, "Hmmm, I can get $20 for that, so maybe I better just sell it..." I have to confess, I have a long way to go on this one, but I am SLOWLY learning! God also calls us to be good stewards with what we have, and yard sales and e-bay are a great way to do that. I think the key is being in tune with the Holy Spirit and when He says "GIVE!" to be obedient!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Dough Day
I pretty much spent the afternoon in the kitchen today, which as long as my kids cooperate, I don't mind one bit. I love being in the kitchen trying new things and baking up a storm! Myah sat on the floor and did some of her school stuff at my feet, and she thought it was great doing something out of the norm. I recently got a new recipe (below) for whole wheat dough. It's from "Hopkins Healthy Home Cooking" cookbook available here for $10.95. I don't yet own this, but have used enough recipes out of it that I hope to in the near future!
I knew this recipe made a lot, but I had no idea how much! I ended up getting 2 loaves of bread, 3 pizza crusts, and 2-1/2 dozen dinner rolls out of it! Whew! I baked up 2 pizzas for dinner tonight and kept a loaf of bread on the counter and put the rest in the freezer. I think I would like to have "dough day" once a month! What a way to stock my freezer up with healthy breads!
Whole Wheat Dough
8 cups warm water (105 degrees -- warm but not hot to touch)
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup honey
2 T. salt
2 1/2 T. yeast
10-15 cups mix white/wheat flour (I do half of each)
I did this in halves so I could use my Kitchen Aid to knead, but if you're in the mood to do a lot of kneading by hand, then go ahead and do it all at once! :)
Combine in mixing bowl: warm water, butter and honey
Add salt and 5 (or 3 if doing half) cups flour, stirring to mix. Let sit for 5+ minutes to absorb the water. Add yeast. Continue to add one cup of flour at a time, mixing well between additions and watching carefully after about 10 (or 5) cups have been added.
The ideal bread dough is wet but not sticky. You can test it by pressing your thumb into the dough. If it feels sticky, but does not stick to your thumb, you have the right consistency.
Kneed for 9 minutes by machine or 10-15 minutes by hand. If making into all loaves, a full batch will make 6 loaves. I just divided it up how I wanted to use it.
Put into unheated oven to rise 25 minutes. Then turn oven to 350 and bake for 35 minutes or until nicely browned and hollow sounding when tapped. Remove from pans and cool.
If making pizza crusts, and you want to freeze them, bake at 250 for 10 minutes. You can add toppings or wait till later and freeze until you want to use it. Then bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes. If you're going to use it immediately, add sauce and toppings and bake at 450 for 15-18 minutes.
If you try this, let me know what you think! :)
I pretty much spent the afternoon in the kitchen today, which as long as my kids cooperate, I don't mind one bit. I love being in the kitchen trying new things and baking up a storm! Myah sat on the floor and did some of her school stuff at my feet, and she thought it was great doing something out of the norm. I recently got a new recipe (below) for whole wheat dough. It's from "Hopkins Healthy Home Cooking" cookbook available here for $10.95. I don't yet own this, but have used enough recipes out of it that I hope to in the near future!
I knew this recipe made a lot, but I had no idea how much! I ended up getting 2 loaves of bread, 3 pizza crusts, and 2-1/2 dozen dinner rolls out of it! Whew! I baked up 2 pizzas for dinner tonight and kept a loaf of bread on the counter and put the rest in the freezer. I think I would like to have "dough day" once a month! What a way to stock my freezer up with healthy breads!
Whole Wheat Dough
8 cups warm water (105 degrees -- warm but not hot to touch)
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup honey
2 T. salt
2 1/2 T. yeast
10-15 cups mix white/wheat flour (I do half of each)
I did this in halves so I could use my Kitchen Aid to knead, but if you're in the mood to do a lot of kneading by hand, then go ahead and do it all at once! :)
Combine in mixing bowl: warm water, butter and honey
Add salt and 5 (or 3 if doing half) cups flour, stirring to mix. Let sit for 5+ minutes to absorb the water. Add yeast. Continue to add one cup of flour at a time, mixing well between additions and watching carefully after about 10 (or 5) cups have been added.
The ideal bread dough is wet but not sticky. You can test it by pressing your thumb into the dough. If it feels sticky, but does not stick to your thumb, you have the right consistency.
Kneed for 9 minutes by machine or 10-15 minutes by hand. If making into all loaves, a full batch will make 6 loaves. I just divided it up how I wanted to use it.
Put into unheated oven to rise 25 minutes. Then turn oven to 350 and bake for 35 minutes or until nicely browned and hollow sounding when tapped. Remove from pans and cool.
If making pizza crusts, and you want to freeze them, bake at 250 for 10 minutes. You can add toppings or wait till later and freeze until you want to use it. Then bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes. If you're going to use it immediately, add sauce and toppings and bake at 450 for 15-18 minutes.
If you try this, let me know what you think! :)
Monday, March 13, 2006
PRAYER (Part 3)
Confession
Always in my prayer time, I come before the Lord and ask Him to purge me. I know that I am free and forgiven because of Christ's death on the cross, but I also know that there are areas of my life that I keep failing Him in, and I want to be cleansed from those areas as well. I'm learning the importance of NAMING my sins to Him. Just a general "forgive my sins" doesn't keep me from truly understanding what my sins are and I want to have a change of heart in those areas. I believe He forgives me when I say it in that manner, but I want not only to confess my weaknesses, but to change them as well, and I'll be more able to do that if I can admit those areas and come face to face with them.
I usually start by making a list of the obvious ones...selfishness and pride are always on that list. Confessing my deepest, darkest thoughts is becoming routine as well -- judgmental, impure and critical thoughts. I always ask God to bring to the surface areas of my life that I need to confess and change. Things that I've buried for so long, I'm not even aware I have!
Scripture is becoming key in this area of my prayer life as well.
Psalm 19:12-14
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Keep me back from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be BLAMELESS, and I shall be INNOCENT of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 51
Lord, I know you desire truth in my inward parts. I praise You, Lord that you will make me to know wisdom in my hidden parts. Purge me! I want to be clean! Wash me! I want to be whiter than snow.
Mark 8:34
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
My prayer is that I can deny myself every day, and take up His cross and follow Him, whatever He asks, whatever that may be. Even if it means making myself transparent on the computer and sharing some of my most personal stuff! :) I can only pray that this is encouraging someone out there to really get serious about their own prayer life and to see the importance it's role is in having a relationship with God.
Confession
Always in my prayer time, I come before the Lord and ask Him to purge me. I know that I am free and forgiven because of Christ's death on the cross, but I also know that there are areas of my life that I keep failing Him in, and I want to be cleansed from those areas as well. I'm learning the importance of NAMING my sins to Him. Just a general "forgive my sins" doesn't keep me from truly understanding what my sins are and I want to have a change of heart in those areas. I believe He forgives me when I say it in that manner, but I want not only to confess my weaknesses, but to change them as well, and I'll be more able to do that if I can admit those areas and come face to face with them.
I usually start by making a list of the obvious ones...selfishness and pride are always on that list. Confessing my deepest, darkest thoughts is becoming routine as well -- judgmental, impure and critical thoughts. I always ask God to bring to the surface areas of my life that I need to confess and change. Things that I've buried for so long, I'm not even aware I have!
Scripture is becoming key in this area of my prayer life as well.
Psalm 19:12-14
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Keep me back from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be BLAMELESS, and I shall be INNOCENT of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 51
Lord, I know you desire truth in my inward parts. I praise You, Lord that you will make me to know wisdom in my hidden parts. Purge me! I want to be clean! Wash me! I want to be whiter than snow.
Mark 8:34
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
My prayer is that I can deny myself every day, and take up His cross and follow Him, whatever He asks, whatever that may be. Even if it means making myself transparent on the computer and sharing some of my most personal stuff! :) I can only pray that this is encouraging someone out there to really get serious about their own prayer life and to see the importance it's role is in having a relationship with God.
PRAYER (Part 2)
Praying Scripture
One of the highlights of praying that I've been learning to do is pray Scripture back to Jesus. I ask Him each day for a new passage that He wants to be working on in my life and pray that God will will transform me to be like the passage says. I'm learning it's a good base to start my prayer time on. I've been writing these on notecards and praying through them on a daily basis. Not only do I know that I'm always praying in God's will when I pray this way, but it's also helping me to really become more and more familiar with Scripture.
Here's an example:
Romans 12:9-13
Let my love be without hypocrisy. Help me to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, Jesus. Teach me to always be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; help me not to lag in diligence, but be fervent in spirit, serving you Lord; help me to always rejoice in hope, be paitient when I'm facing tribulation, continue steadfastly in prayer. Oh Lord, keep teaching me to pray! Help me to always be a servant, distributing to the needs of the saints and being given to hospitality. Show me today dear Jesus, how I can specifically be a servant to others for you. Praise you, Jesus! In Your precious name, Amen.
Praying Scripture
One of the highlights of praying that I've been learning to do is pray Scripture back to Jesus. I ask Him each day for a new passage that He wants to be working on in my life and pray that God will will transform me to be like the passage says. I'm learning it's a good base to start my prayer time on. I've been writing these on notecards and praying through them on a daily basis. Not only do I know that I'm always praying in God's will when I pray this way, but it's also helping me to really become more and more familiar with Scripture.
Here's an example:
Romans 12:9-13
Let my love be without hypocrisy. Help me to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, Jesus. Teach me to always be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; help me not to lag in diligence, but be fervent in spirit, serving you Lord; help me to always rejoice in hope, be paitient when I'm facing tribulation, continue steadfastly in prayer. Oh Lord, keep teaching me to pray! Help me to always be a servant, distributing to the needs of the saints and being given to hospitality. Show me today dear Jesus, how I can specifically be a servant to others for you. Praise you, Jesus! In Your precious name, Amen.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
HOMEMADE "BISQUICK" MIX
I haven't compared prices on whether or not it's cheaper to make your own, but if you ever run out of bisquick, here is a quick recipe to make it from scratch. I use this all the time now instead of buying it, and just store it in my refrigerator. The original recipe called for shortening, which I am trying to cut out of my cooking, so I made it with butter. If you do use shortening, you can store in the cupboard.
5 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup butter (or shortening) cut in with pastry blender
A quick biscuit recipe:
(also on Bisquick box)
2 1/2 cups biscuit mix
2/3 cup milk
Stir till soft dough forms. Kneed on floured surface about 10 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with cutter. (We use fun cookie cutter shapes...kids love it!) Put on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
I haven't compared prices on whether or not it's cheaper to make your own, but if you ever run out of bisquick, here is a quick recipe to make it from scratch. I use this all the time now instead of buying it, and just store it in my refrigerator. The original recipe called for shortening, which I am trying to cut out of my cooking, so I made it with butter. If you do use shortening, you can store in the cupboard.
5 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup butter (or shortening) cut in with pastry blender
A quick biscuit recipe:
(also on Bisquick box)
2 1/2 cups biscuit mix
2/3 cup milk
Stir till soft dough forms. Kneed on floured surface about 10 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with cutter. (We use fun cookie cutter shapes...kids love it!) Put on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Friday, March 10, 2006
WHAT GOD IS TEACHING ME ABOUT PRAYER (PART 1)
Without it, there can’t be intimate relationship!
Since prayer is one of the keys to Godly passion, I have this deep desire to take my prayer life to deeper and deeper levels. God continues to teach me, and I'm hungry to learn so much more about prayer. I'm attempting to organize my thoughts on this subject and this may take several posts to do.
Prayer is needed for every part of our lives. Even though God already knows our inmost thoughts, He still wants to hear our hearts’ cries to Him.
Prayer is a time of worship as well as thanksgiving. It is a time to lay down my worries and fears and give them over to the One who can do something about them. He wants to trade my heavy yoke and give me his light yoke so that He can take care of my burdens. Prayer is a time of listening to His sweet voice. It is a time for me to talk to God like I talk to my earthly best friend. He wants to hear what's on my heart. He wants to know my frustrations, my loves, my needs, my fears, and my praises. It doesn't have to be fancy or profound. He just wants to hear my heart.
Prayer is where "relationship" with God is built. You can't have a relationship with another human being if you never talk with them. If you only talk about surface level things and never share your heart, that relationship will not go very deep. Intimate prayer, alongside with time in God's Word, is how we go deep and develop our relationship with God.
Without it, there can’t be intimate relationship!
Since prayer is one of the keys to Godly passion, I have this deep desire to take my prayer life to deeper and deeper levels. God continues to teach me, and I'm hungry to learn so much more about prayer. I'm attempting to organize my thoughts on this subject and this may take several posts to do.
Prayer is needed for every part of our lives. Even though God already knows our inmost thoughts, He still wants to hear our hearts’ cries to Him.
Prayer is a time of worship as well as thanksgiving. It is a time to lay down my worries and fears and give them over to the One who can do something about them. He wants to trade my heavy yoke and give me his light yoke so that He can take care of my burdens. Prayer is a time of listening to His sweet voice. It is a time for me to talk to God like I talk to my earthly best friend. He wants to hear what's on my heart. He wants to know my frustrations, my loves, my needs, my fears, and my praises. It doesn't have to be fancy or profound. He just wants to hear my heart.
Prayer is where "relationship" with God is built. You can't have a relationship with another human being if you never talk with them. If you only talk about surface level things and never share your heart, that relationship will not go very deep. Intimate prayer, alongside with time in God's Word, is how we go deep and develop our relationship with God.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
As I said in my previous post, I listened to a teaching on 2 Cor. 3 last night given by Beth Moore. While the entire teaching was convicting and very thought-provoking, this verse stood out to me:
2 Cor. 3:3
"You should know that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
These are the thoughts that stood out to me from Beth's teaching:
My life is meant to be a letter of recommendation, written to my world of influence, and written on my life. What an amazing thought! My life is a letter of recommendation for others to see & know Jesus! God is writing a letter on my life to those around me! It's one of the ways He uses to prompt other people's hearts to respond to Him! I'm learning more and more that it's not just enough to do the status quo -- attend church and do what's right. God wants to make a "Jesus Freak" out of each one of us so we can have a huge impact on our own worlds that He has placed us in. I'm so thankful that God keeps sending me reminders of this! It's so easy to keep getting caught up in the everyday tasks of life and focus on "fulfilling Terri's needs and wants" when my whole reason for living is to bring glory to God! His glory is what makes Him recognizable to other people, and that is why it's so important! (See 2 Cor. 3:18) Practically speaking, I do this by being a servant and that is accomplished by walking in the Spirit.
Lord, may my life be a letter of recommendation to all those I come in contact with revealing your glory to a lost world! May it also be a consuming passion for you, Jesus, that is contagious to all those around me. May I leave a legacy of faith and passion for You to my family. In your holy name, Jesus, amen.
As I said in my previous post, I listened to a teaching on 2 Cor. 3 last night given by Beth Moore. While the entire teaching was convicting and very thought-provoking, this verse stood out to me:
2 Cor. 3:3
"You should know that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
These are the thoughts that stood out to me from Beth's teaching:
My life is meant to be a letter of recommendation, written to my world of influence, and written on my life. What an amazing thought! My life is a letter of recommendation for others to see & know Jesus! God is writing a letter on my life to those around me! It's one of the ways He uses to prompt other people's hearts to respond to Him! I'm learning more and more that it's not just enough to do the status quo -- attend church and do what's right. God wants to make a "Jesus Freak" out of each one of us so we can have a huge impact on our own worlds that He has placed us in. I'm so thankful that God keeps sending me reminders of this! It's so easy to keep getting caught up in the everyday tasks of life and focus on "fulfilling Terri's needs and wants" when my whole reason for living is to bring glory to God! His glory is what makes Him recognizable to other people, and that is why it's so important! (See 2 Cor. 3:18) Practically speaking, I do this by being a servant and that is accomplished by walking in the Spirit.
Lord, may my life be a letter of recommendation to all those I come in contact with revealing your glory to a lost world! May it also be a consuming passion for you, Jesus, that is contagious to all those around me. May I leave a legacy of faith and passion for You to my family. In your holy name, Jesus, amen.
QUESTIONS I'VE BEEN PONDERING...
After listening to a teaching last night based on 2 Cor. 3:1-4:1, I have been asking myself some pretty serious questions.
1. Does my life recommend Jesus to other people?
2. Does my life recommend a consuming PASSION for Jesus?
3. Am I making Jesus conspicuous or am I hiding Him at all?
4. Is the goal of my life to make me happy or to make Jesus recognizable to other people?
5. Is what's shining out of my life giving glory to God?
6. Is my face at all veiled before Him?
7. Is anything keeping me from looking God eye to eye?
8. Do I have a condemning heart of myself...or other people?
9. Do I really know how much HE LOVES ME?
After listening to a teaching last night based on 2 Cor. 3:1-4:1, I have been asking myself some pretty serious questions.
1. Does my life recommend Jesus to other people?
2. Does my life recommend a consuming PASSION for Jesus?
3. Am I making Jesus conspicuous or am I hiding Him at all?
4. Is the goal of my life to make me happy or to make Jesus recognizable to other people?
5. Is what's shining out of my life giving glory to God?
6. Is my face at all veiled before Him?
7. Is anything keeping me from looking God eye to eye?
8. Do I have a condemning heart of myself...or other people?
9. Do I really know how much HE LOVES ME?
Saturday, March 04, 2006
www.notreligion.com
This is a very cool website! I heard about it on the radio as I was driving to Billings the other day and actually remembered to check it out. It's a great ministry tool! Check it out by clicking on the title to this post.
This is a very cool website! I heard about it on the radio as I was driving to Billings the other day and actually remembered to check it out. It's a great ministry tool! Check it out by clicking on the title to this post.
CALVARY CHAPEL
Many of you have never been able to visit our church, and I wanted to put their website on my blog in case any of you might be curious where we've attended since we've moved out here. This body of believers has been a huge blessing to us! Click here to see what they're all about! I'm also adding them to my links!
Many of you have never been able to visit our church, and I wanted to put their website on my blog in case any of you might be curious where we've attended since we've moved out here. This body of believers has been a huge blessing to us! Click here to see what they're all about! I'm also adding them to my links!
Friday, March 03, 2006
JOEL'S NEW LOOK!
It's pretty tough when you have children that have to go through things that as a parent you know will make life more difficult for them. Maybe it's because I have been blessed to never need glasses, at least for now in life. But this has been a bit tough for me, and I'm not sure I can put into words why, except that I'm his mom.
I have a great friend who watched Joel and Myah for us while I was in the hospital having Kiana. After that time, she asked if we had ever taken Joel in for an eye appointment. She thought she had seen something with his eyes. We watched for it for a while, and never saw anything, so we let it go. A whole year later, we were over there just visiting and she again said it, so I went ahead and made an appointment. Joel definitely needed glasses, and even my pediatrician didn't think she saw any need to have him checked out. Can I just say, "Thank you Cece!" Not every friend would keep bringing something like that up, but you did! :)
It's amazing the difference it's made. Joel can see the world around him in a whole new way! He was pointing out things to me today that I really think he was able to notice for the first time. We watched a video together tonight, and he laughed and laughed. I really think before today, he just couldn't see the screen well enough to really be interested. Books have a whole new meaning for him! He's pointing out things more on the pages. He was actually coloring in the lines this afternoon as we sat and colored an airplane together! Not only has it helped all that (in just one day!), but he's had a smile on his face!
1 in 6 children suffer from far-sightedness, but many are un-detected. Often times it isn't until school starts for a child and they struggle with the learning process that it is finally noticed. We have no idea if Joel could never see well, or if this is something that has come on later in his 3 1/2 years of life. I guess we never will.
I am grateful for doctors, who can be a part of the "stitch by stitch" process of a miracle in my son's life. I KNOW God can touch him and heal him instantly, but sometimes it's a process. Someday, hopefully Joel will be able to benefit from Lasik surgery to completely correct his vision, if God chooses to use that route, but as he's too young at this point, we are thankful for eye glasses which have opened up a whole new world to him!
It's pretty tough when you have children that have to go through things that as a parent you know will make life more difficult for them. Maybe it's because I have been blessed to never need glasses, at least for now in life. But this has been a bit tough for me, and I'm not sure I can put into words why, except that I'm his mom.
I have a great friend who watched Joel and Myah for us while I was in the hospital having Kiana. After that time, she asked if we had ever taken Joel in for an eye appointment. She thought she had seen something with his eyes. We watched for it for a while, and never saw anything, so we let it go. A whole year later, we were over there just visiting and she again said it, so I went ahead and made an appointment. Joel definitely needed glasses, and even my pediatrician didn't think she saw any need to have him checked out. Can I just say, "Thank you Cece!" Not every friend would keep bringing something like that up, but you did! :)It's amazing the difference it's made. Joel can see the world around him in a whole new way! He was pointing out things to me today that I really think he was able to notice for the first time. We watched a video together tonight, and he laughed and laughed. I really think before today, he just couldn't see the screen well enough to really be interested. Books have a whole new meaning for him! He's pointing out things more on the pages. He was actually coloring in the lines this afternoon as we sat and colored an airplane together! Not only has it helped all that (in just one day!), but he's had a smile on his face!
1 in 6 children suffer from far-sightedness, but many are un-detected. Often times it isn't until school starts for a child and they struggle with the learning process that it is finally noticed. We have no idea if Joel could never see well, or if this is something that has come on later in his 3 1/2 years of life. I guess we never will.
I am grateful for doctors, who can be a part of the "stitch by stitch" process of a miracle in my son's life. I KNOW God can touch him and heal him instantly, but sometimes it's a process. Someday, hopefully Joel will be able to benefit from Lasik surgery to completely correct his vision, if God chooses to use that route, but as he's too young at this point, we are thankful for eye glasses which have opened up a whole new world to him!
KIANA IS ONE!
I can't believe my baby turned 1 this past week. It was her golden birthday no less, so a very special one! You only get one of those in your lifetime, and hers happened to be her first one! :)
We celebrated with just our family, which I'm getting use to. Back when I was growing up, we would always have big celebrations with grandparents and even aunts, uncles and cousins, so it took some time to be okay with it being just us. Now, I sort of like it. Yes, we miss the extended family at our parties, but I do think it has brought our immediate family closer together. (It helps there is 5 of us, so we still feel like we're having a party!) We still try to entice grandparents to come for whatever celebration they can, but obviously they can't be here for every one of them.
Kiana's cake was a pink elephant. We are very much into cake creations at our household. I think we've done 2 butterflies, a jeep, a horse, a triangle and now an elephant. (The rest were all "normal", I think.) Myah usually plans out her cake 1-2 years in advance, which is good because I have to do plenty of research to find something I can actually do to keep them all happy!A little update on Kiana and her cute doings:
* She is cruising along furniture and letting go now and then, but just doesn't think she needs to walk to get somewhere yet. And why should she? With her cute little "monkey crawl" (which she picked up b/c of our hard wood floors, I think) she can get where she wants to be in no time flat!
* She leans in for perfect little kisses about 1053 times a day! She does this mostly to daddy, but mommy gets lucky sometimes too!
* Today I asked Myah why Kiana was crying in her carseat ( I was driving and couldn't do anything at the moment....) and Myah's response was, "I think her teeth are coming in again!" :) She has 2 on top and 2 on bottom, but NONE are coming in at the moment.
* The only way she eats baby cereal is if you first dip it into fruit and then feed it to her. It doesn't matter how MUCH fruit you mix in with it, she still likes it dipped!
* She LOVES birthday cake!!!
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