Mama Kenz Studio

Mama Kenz is leaving the building...

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

For quite some time now I have disliked my little blog here.

I have long been frustrated with my name.

The look doesn't suite me.

The entire feel of it has just seemed to be missing the mark.

I almost exclusively do reviews here, which is not my heart- I am a writer and artist at my core and I want my blog to reflect that.

So, I have decided to break ties with this here place that I have resided in for 3 1/2 long years-
HUGE, I know!
I'm packing my bags and heading for my brand new blog- on Wordpress no less! I will be returning to the essence of blogging- writing about beauty and life and truth. I'm not setting boundaries or expectations- just going to blog the way I really want to. Some days I'll be funny, some days I won't. What is important is that I will be blogging, and much more consistently at that.

Are you curious yet? Want to know my name and new identity? Alright, here goes...

BOLD Turquoise

You can hop over there to see a little bit of what I have already posted, why I chose that name and how things are shaping up in general. I am still in the "moving-in" phase, but it feels good and right. I feel inspired again which is wonderfully refreshing!

Of course, I would love for you to follow me there and join me in this journey- I wouldn't be a blogger if I didn't! You'll see a few different ways to subscribe and follow in my new blog's sidebar and I dearly hope you will take advantage of them. It would be exceedingly cool too if you dropped me a line to let me know what you think of my new digs!

I will still be blogging about our homeschool and family life over at The World According to Them and will pop back up here a few times over the next couple of weeks, finishing reviews and tying up loose ends.

Some of you may also be curious to learn that the idea I had behind the blog I started last year- The Research Years (writing letters to my kids and their spouses for them to read in the future)- will also be moved and finally carried out on BOLD Turquoise. So if you are interested in that, please do come check it out. You can learn more about the whole idea right here.

I want to thank you all for being wonderful followers! Just knowing that you're listening is what drives me on and gives me motivation. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! And I hope to see you soon at

BOLD Turquoise!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby- Review

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was recently given the opportunity to review The Christians Mama's Guide to Having a Baby, and being the doula and birth advocate that I am, I just HAD to check it out!

I should just say that I knew from the get-go that I probably wouldn't see eye-to-eye with a lot of what Ms MacPherson had to say about birth itself, however I had high hopes for the Christian aspect that she would bring to pregnancy. As far as that went I would have to say that she didn't disappoint. I thought that she did a very good job of giving Christian and Biblical perspective of dealing with the woes and worries of pregnancy. She sites lots of scripture throughout the book, and in the sense of keeping you focused on the Lord while you're growing a baby I do think that this book could be a valuable resource.

As for the medical side of things. Ms MacPherson admits right from the start that she is not a medical expert and is a lover of epidurals. Even with that said however, I do believe their were a few small things that she mentioned that were probably based more on hear-say than medical accuracy. I was glad to see a good amount of page-time given to midwives and out of hospital birth, but the whole idea of home-visiting midwives seemed to be completely missed. She also lumped the tests and procedures of pregnancy performed by doctors and midwives during pregnancy together, which is fairly inaccurate as well.

Erin MacPherson has a nice writing style and put a good amount of effort into being relatable. I would likely only recommend this book to my clients or friends who I felt had a good, factual basis to rest their ideas about birth and pregnancy on already and who I thought wouldn't be skewed by some of the obviously more hospital/doctor-friendly parts of this book. However, I would recommend it for ways that women can remember the Lord through their pregnancy.

And here is the required review info for me to include with a FIRST Wild Card Tour:

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Erin MacPherson

and the book:

The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby

GuidepostsBooks (March 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Sharon Farnell, Publicity Manager, Planned Television Arts for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin MacPherson lives with her husband and their two adorable children in Austin, Texas. She was an editor and staff writer for the Nickelodean ParentsConnect website for years, where she spent hours each week researching pregnancy, talking to obstetricians and midwives, and giving out tips and advice to new and pregnant mamas.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Filled with helpful tips, amusing anecdotes, and encouraging advice, here's one mama's take on everything pregnancy -- from stretch marks to weight gain to figuring out how to rely on our creator through all of the uncertainty and joy of the next nine months. Pregnant women may discover that while they are thrilled about the baby, pregnancy can be another thing entirely. Instead of glowing they're glistening. There's morning sickness. And suddenly a favorite pair of jeans no longer fits. Erin MacPherson has created a comprehensive guide that's packed with information that every newly pregnant mama needs including exercising while pregnant, a detailed guide to each trimester (including sleep, doctor check-ups, pregnancy sex), what to buy and not buy for your baby, how to use your Bible as your pregnancy resource, and how to use this time of waiting to really draw closer to God through prayer. Filled with helpful tips (how do you quell that not-just-in-the-morning sickness?), humorous accounts (doesn't everyone crave peanut-butter-and-olive sandwiches?), and supportive spiritual advice (what does a godly pregnancy attitude actually look like anyway?). The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby has the advice a mama-to-be wants to hear. Erin MacPherson assures, 'at the end of nine months, you really will be glowing.'

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: GuidepostsBooks (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0824948580
ISBN-13: 978-0824948580

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Introduction

You're Havin' a Baby!

      The fact that you're reading this probably means you're pregnant. Yep. YOU are pregnant. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? If you thought your graduation day or your last birthday or even your wedding day was exciting and exhilarating and amazing, just wait until you hold your little bundle in your arms for the first time. The feeling is breathtaking. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. That said, you have eight months (give or take) to wait before that misty-eyed moment so don't start packing your hospital bag yet.

      I've always wondered how God created the heavens and the earth in seven short days and yet it takes nine long months to create a baby. Nine months. Seems like an eternity, doesn't it? I remember getting so irritated when people told me that my pregnancies would pass in the twinkle of an eye. They swore that I'd be holding my baby before I knew it. That's kind of hard to believe when you're carrying around twenty (er, thirty) extra pounds and gagging every time you catch a whiff of someone else's dinner.

      But, really, your pregnancy will be over before you know it. In the meantime, you're probably going to need some girlfriend-to-girlfriend advice to get you from point A—the miserable, exhausted, growing-by-the-minute, gagging, vomiting and sweating point that you're most likely at right now, to point B—the glowing, ecstatic, sleep-deprived-but-you-don’t-care-at-all point that you'll be in less than forty weeks. And that's why I wrote this book.

      I remember during my first pregnancy, the first thing I did after peeing on a stick was head to the bookstore to find a book that would keep me informed about what to expect (nausea, bloating and night waking) and what not to expect (a glorious time where I could eat unlimited amounts of ice cream while my husband massaged my feet). Not surprisingly, there were oodles of choices; there were pregnancy guides for new moms-to-be, old moms-to-be, young moms-to-be, and tall moms-to-be. There were pregnancy guides for dads-to-be and grandparents-to-be and second-cousins-to-be. But there was nothing for Christian moms-to-be. So, I did what any somewhat sane mother-of-two would do. I wrote my own Christian pregnancy guide.

      The good news is that I’m not going to bore you with medical jargon. It's not that I don't like medical jargon (when I was pregnant, I loved reading books that told me all about the medical feats that my body was performing while growing a baby), but simply that I'm not a doctor. In fact, I don't have any medical training at all (unless you count the fact that I took—and passed—health education in high school). So, if you're looking for medical rhetoric and big-word-laden advice for a magical medical breakthrough that will quell your ever-present nausea and keep your weight gain to a minimum, this probably isn't the place.

      But, while my medical expertise stops at "take some Tylenol and go lie down," I do have some pregnancy expertise. I've been pregnant twice. My sisters have all been pregnant. My friends have all been pregnant. Heck, a few months ago, my dog got pregnant. I've been surrounded by pregnancy nonstop for the past six years, and as I dealt with morning sickness and weight gain and decorating a nursery, I gleaned some pregnancy knowledge.

      I also had horrible pregnancies. I know. I shouldn't be saying that to new moms-to-be, but for the sake of honesty, I'm going to throw it out there. I went through the ringer during my first pregnancy and swore up and down that I would never, ever survive and that if by some miracle I did survive I would never, ever, ever get pregnant again. Well, I survived. I fell in love with my baby and promptly got pregnant again. And you know what? I survived the second awful pregnancy too. And, if we're being honest, I'd take another pregnancy (or two)), God willing. In an instant.

      You probably don't want to hear this right now, but it is worth it. Every time you gag. Every time you throw up into your mouth. Every pound you gain. Every sleepless night. All of it. It's worth it. Just wait. I promise that nine months from now, you're going to be e-mailing me and telling me I was right.

      I won't say I told you so.

Chapter 1

Getting Into the Pregnancy Groove

Being Pregnant and Loving It

      You figured out how to actually get pregnant (go you!), now you have to figure out how to be pregnant. And contrary to popular belief, being pregnant isn't as simple as remembering to take your prenatal vitamins, which is a feat unto itself. Pregnancy is exhausting, exciting, exhilarating and stressful all at once, which means that you're going to be exhausted, excited, exhilarated and stressed for the next few months. Not an easy thing to be—especially when you're gaining weight at a rate of three pounds per week.

      I hate to even say this to a pregnant woman, but the next few months might not be the best months of your life. (Sorry!) I think my biggest misconception about pregnancy was that I expected it to be easy. I thought I'd be bubbling with baby-growing joy for the entire nine months. Maybe that’s true for some people, but it wasn't the case for me. Pregnancy was hard. And stressful. And super-annoying at times. And I wrestled with emotions that I'm embarrassed to even admit. (But we'll get to that later.)

      Interestingly, while I was trying to get a handle on the stress and emotions of pregnancy, I felt an overwhelming urge to draw closer to God. There's something about impending motherhood that makes a girl really reflect on who she is and who she wants to be. I knew that my future children needed a godly mother, and I knew that I fell (far) short of the mark. This caused me to spend a lot of time reflecting on the characteristics of godly mothers and how I could become one.

      As Christian women, we have to live up to a pretty high standard. The legendary Proverbs 31 woman is gracious and kind and long-suffering and probably never snapped at her husband for leaving dirty clothes on the floor. I'm not even close. I find myself living in a daily battle to live up to God's standard for my life. I wake up praying that I'll live with patience and integrity throughout the day…and find myself losing my cool before breakfast.

      Yet, at one of the most stressful, emotional and trying times of my life (my first pregnancy), God drew me closer to Him. I actually felt His presence as I spent time praying and reflecting on my baby and my future as a mother. It's comforting to hear His voice in a time of need and feel His presence when you're feeling your worst. And, hearing God's voice (and knowing he's there) is great motivation to have a godly attitude throughout pregnancy.

      Of course, I was still the same old girl who couldn't seem to make it to breakfast without losing patience about something. (Have I mentioned the dirty laundry that is always left on the bathroom floor?) Still, God did show me that purposefully choosing to have a godly attitude resulted in me feeling closer to Him. That, in turn, allowed me to have a more gracious attitude about my pregnancies.

      Sounds a bit trite, doesn't it? I mean, if it was all about choosing to smile through any situation then every day would be gumdrops and preggo-pops, right? Not exactly. But God does call us to be content in any circumstance (even morning sickness!), which means choosing to focus on the reasons we have to be grateful, even when it’s tempting to be grumpy.

      And trust me, when I was pregnant, I had lots of reasons to be grumpy. But, I did strive to have an attitude of gratitude about my pregnancy. Here's how I did (and didn't) do it:

How to Get into the Pregnancy Groove

1. Get Yourself Pumped Up:

      When I first got pregnant, I was giddy with excitement. And who wouldn't be? I was going to have a baby. I couldn't stop thinking (or talking) about it. But then I got tired. And sick. And bloated. And suddenly I wasn't so giddy anymore.   In fact, once those pregnancy symptoms kicked in, I turned into a whiney, moaning, self-pitying mess. I resented my baby for making me feel so bad and resented everyone else because they didn't feel as bad as I did. I resented my job because I had to go to it. I resented my husband because he could sleep and I couldn't. I even resented my dog because she could spend the entire day basking in the sunshine while I had to actually get up and function.

      So, how exactly do you start thinking about rainbows and baby booties when you've spent weeks hugging the toilet bowl? One thing I did was immerse myself in babyland. I bought books about pregnancies and babies. I hung out with friends who had babies. I ogled over baby gear on the Internet and rented funny movies about babies and watched them over and over. The only thing I didn't do was volunteer to babysit because that would've taken way more energy than I had at that point. But if you're feeling up to dirty diapers and peekaboo, go for it.

      The point is, the more time you spend around babies (and other mothers), the more excited you will be about your own baby. And believe me, the only thing in the world that is worth nine months of pregnancy is a baby. And you're getting one. So hop on board the baby train (I don't have to tell you twice, do I?) and start living baby.

2. Turn that Mommy Guilt into Glee (Or at Least Contentment):

      That resentment that I felt because I was sick, tired and fat quickly turned to guilt. I felt guilty for resenting my baby who was supposed to be my pride and joy. I felt guilty for resenting my husband who was honestly trying to help me as much as he could. Mostly, I felt guilty that I wasn't thrilled to be pregnant.

      I started to wonder if God didn't approve of my pregnancy and my baby. Crazy talk, right? I know that now, but at the time, I felt so awful and so confused that I started to doubt God's providence. Of course, once I realized—duh!—that God blessed me with the pregnancy, I wanted to be grateful to Him regardless of how I was feeling. God wants us to be content in our pregnancies, even when we're not feeling good. Tough job, huh?

      It was a long, uphill battle for me. And I had to constantly remind myself of God's grace and mercy. But in the midst of the battle, God taught me many lessons that I wouldn't have otherwise learned: how to depend on others, how to trust and what it means to truly depend on God for strength

3. Pray for Your Baby

      Another way to get into the pregnancy groove is to start praying for your baby in-utero. Sounds obvious, right? Well, it wasn't for me. (I was tired and sick, okay?) It took me several weeks of pregnancy to start praying for my son. I was so stunned and overwhelmed by the idea of being pregnant that the idea of praying for my baby didn't cross my mind. One day, one of the girls in my small-group Bible study mentioned that she had prayed for her baby throughout her pregnancy, and suddenly the light went on. I wanted to pray for my unborn child, too!

      I could go into the mushy details about how my husband and I lay in bed and put our hands on my slightly protruding tummy and prayed for our son, but I'm sure you get it. In fact, you've probably been praying for your baby since the moment you found out you were pregnant. But just in case there's another woman out there like me who didn't think of it, I thought I'd mention it.

4. Think About the Pros of Pregnancy

      There are some (okay, lots of) wonderful things about pregnancy. What other time in your life do you have free license to eat extra calories, sleep late and buy baby clothes without reservation?

      Plus, when you're pregnant, everyone (and I mean everyone) gushes over you. I remember walking into church just as I was starting to show. Two of the guys in our Sunday school class ran to grab me a chair. My husband got me water and my girlfriend brought me muffins from the class next door. They had blueberry crumble! Everyone oohed and aahed. Part of me hated all of the fuss—uh, who am I kidding? I loved the attention! Who wouldn't?

      But aside from the minor benefits, when you're pregnant it's easy to dwell on all of the things you're missing out on. You can't eat sushi. You can't wear your favorite pencil skirt. Your bras are all too small. And you're too tired to stay up late watching chick flicks with your hubby (as if that happened before). I remember bursting into tears in the middle of our church group's Christmas party because the eggnog was made from raw eggs, and I was a little uneasy about exposing my unborn child to salmonella. I actually sobbed. Totally irrational, I know—especially considering the fact that there were a million other drink options at the party—but I felt so deprived.

      The thing is that pregnancy isn't about deprivation. Sure, there are things you shouldn't and can't do, but there is also one huge thing that you can do: Nurture your own child inside of you. What an incredible privilege. I'm sure some of our husbands are secretly envious of us that we get to do it and they don't! How else can we account for their sympathy weight gain?

      The best way to get out of a pregnancy funk is to think about the reason for the pregnancy. I know that sounds obvious, but focus on your baby. Focus on the privilege. It'll help you to forget the pain. And if that doesn't work, think of all of the things that you can get away with during this brief period of your life.

Things You Can Do While Pregnant (That You Would Never Get Away With Otherwise)

1. Wear flip-flops or clogs every day. Even to church.
2. Leave the toilet unscrubbed for the nine entire months (might as well make it an even ten).
3. Order dessert (and eat it all by yourself).
4. Wear sweats to the grocery store, to work and to dinner at your mother-in-law’s.
5. Skip your morning shower. Three days in a row.
6. Add half and half to your decaf (or half-caf).
7. Send your hubby to Sonic for a foot-long hot dog at eleven o’clock at night.
8. Eat a foot-long hot dog at eleven and wash it down with Chunky Monkey.
9. Go to bed at seven on a Friday night.
10. Spend your entire Saturday camped out on the couch watching A Baby Story.
11. Borrow your husband's T-shirts.
12. Chat about baby names on a baby names message board.
13. Go to BabiesRUs and camp out in one of their rockers for an entire afternoon. (You probably need to test it out, so go ahead and take a nap if you'd like.)

Pregnancy Rocks (Even Though it Sometimes Stinks)

      The fact is, in spite of all of the nausea, bloating and constant peeing, there's also an ecstatic, blissful, giddy joy that comes from the fact that you have a baby growing inside of you. It's amazing. And no matter how bad you feel, you can still cling to that. I remember being hunched over the toilet puking up my guts and thinking to myself how amazing it was that there was a tiny life growing inside of me.

      The truth is, it's okay to be a little ambivalent, depressed, scared, worried, nervous, angry, irritated or annoyed by your pregnancy. Feeling that way is natural. And feeling that way about your pregnancy has nothing to do with how you're feeling about your baby. Of course you love your baby. But you don't have to love pregnancy to love your baby! Just because you're thrilled to be pregnant, you don't have to ignore all the aches and pains and annoyances.

      So, enough pep talking… you're ready, right? Time to get down to the nitty gritty. What are the next nine months really going to be like? What can you do to combat morning sickness? And bloating? And the rest of those icky pregnancy symptoms? And, perhaps most importantly, how much longer (in minutes) are you going to be able to fit into your favorite prepregnancy jeans? Let's talk first trimesters.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Wretched Muffins and a Scrumptious Pizza!

2011-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

I had great plans for posting my baking adventure last week. I even went so far as to make a double batch of a new muffin recipe, mixing apple into one (and freezing) and blueberries into the other for the next morning's breakfast.

Pre-baking, when I still thought they were good :-(

So, imagine my horror when after my son's complaints about breakfast (typical in general but not usual for muffins) I walked to the table, picked up his muffin took a huge bite and nearly gagged to death.

It gave me flash backs to a time in highschool when I went to a late dinner after a long day of performances with a couple of my theatre friends. We were tired and a little goofy. One of my friends ordered a cubed chicken pita- we all agreed that it sounded delicious. When it came and she took a bite, however, she started very nearly throwing up on the table while searching for her napkin and we got the giggles so badly we could hardly explain to the waiter what was going on. At last my friend concurred our waiter's bemused expression and practically forced him to take a bite (can you believe it? The waiter actually tried her food!). After spitting it into a napkin he told us that is tasted like A$$!! Our waiter! He actually said that! We were almost on the floor laughing!

He was a great waiter.

He probably got fired.

Eh, he was new- maybe they cut him some slack. I mean, we were at Sharrys!

Anyhoo- the muffins. They sucked. Another one of those recipes whose source shall remain nameless (not the same one as the pretzels, thank goodness, or I would have completely lost all faith in her, but a typically very reliable source none the less).

Huge. bummer. waste. of. time!

And freezer space! Which reminds me, I need to get that's second batch out of there.

Saturday I decided to redeem myself and head for a recipe source I KNEW would not fail me! You guessed it- The Pioneer Woman! I don't think I've mentioned it, but I received her AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL cookbook for Valentine's Day and had been dying to make her potato bacon leek pizza ever since!

Her pizza crust recipe was simple and (of course) well photographed. And I, of course, employed the use of my handy dandy BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer to make the whole thing even simpler.

A-MA-ZING!

Her toppings, however, were out of this world! I actually liked the potatoes better on the reheated version the next day, but regardless the thing was just amazing! The thick bite it had to it was so darn satisfying and the leeks were, well, cooked in bacon drippings- they had no choice but to be crazy good!

I made my hubs the caprese' version which he also enjoyed very much. We are so ruined for take out! I mean, you just can't go back after an experience like that! It would be blasphemous!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Voices of the Faithful II- Review

2011-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I recently received Voices of the Faithful II from Thomas Nelson Publishers and I honestly didn't know what to expect since I was not familiar with the series by and Beth Moore. But knowing I very much enjoy pretty much anything by Beth Moore, I thought I'd give it a whirl.

The book is a year long devotional with a short story or testimonial for each day written by a missionary from around the world. Each day also includes a short scripture that pertains to the devotion and a prayer about the subject matter, for the foreign peoples, or for the missionary.

Although I am not typically drawn for any significant length of time to these sorts of devotions, I have found these to be refreshing and enlightening. In fact, this morning as I was reading the prayer for a specific family who had shared their account of God's miraculous provision, I thought, "Wow- now this family in the third world has prayers being sent up specifically for them all around the world! How amazing is that?!" I would love to hear what has happened for them since the time this book was written as I am sure the Lord is still working in powerful ways for them. It was crazy to think what a huge impact a simple book could have.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light and short devotional to round out their quiet time and either start out or wrap up their day. You can purchase it here on Amazon, and by the way, it's on sale for only $7.80 right now!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Review

2011-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was beyond thrilled to receive an invitation to review Earth Mama Angel Baby's Angel Shampoo & Body Wash along with Earth Mama Bottom Balm and New Mama Bottom Spray, late last year. I had been wanting to try the wash out for quite some time seeing as how Earth Mama Angel Baby is one of the VERY few body care companies that has proven a zero toxicity rating in their products. I'm always looking out for the least harmful, but still effective, body care products for my family so Angel Baby Wash sounded like a great possibility.

So, once I got the bottle of Angel Wash into my anxious little hands what did I think? Well, my first thought was, "mmmmm- orange!" A generous amount of orange extract is used to give the wash a lovely fruity quality, which I instantly loved. However, (and this may sound a little odd) I realized after using it on Lion Cub that the scent didn't mix well with his natural scents. He tends to emit a very distinct scent, not bad, just distinct, and when mixed with the orange oils it got funky. He just didn't smell sweet and like himself anymore. But with that said, I DO love using the Angel Wash for myself and have had no complaints from the hubs. So, I guess it's a bit of a love/ hate relationship in the scent department.

The other thing I can't help but point out is the foaming dispenser. At first I thought I would love this feature, however I quickly felt jipped as my precious bottle of angel goodness began disappearing all too quickly. To be honest, for the money, I think you should receive a full bottle of concentrate and then could possibly add a pump bottle for an additional buck fifty or something. I would probably skip the pump all together though, as we use loofas in this house and it is difficult to get a good lather in a loofa with a foaming dispenser. I should mention that you can just buy the wash in a larger, refill bottle, but it still is not concentrate.

As far as the wash itself went though, in its effectiveness and feel, I loved it. It rinsed off cleanly and was the closest thing to luxurious that I have encountered in a zero-toxicity product. There is definitely something to be said for that!

But let's move on, shall we? I have nothing but good things to say about the Mama's bottom products they sent me- Earth Mama Bottom Balm and New Mama Bottom Spray! Cause ladies, let's be real here- if you have taken any more than an hour to push a baby out of your bajango, let alone more than one, then you probably have issues "rear" up in this area from time to time.

I found their products to be soothing and downright lovely. Plus, I would much rather have someone stumble across one of these nicely packaged products in my medicine drawer than a tube of preparation-H! Ya' feelin' me?!

I can't thank Earth Mama Angel Baby enough for the opportunity to test out their lovely products! I also want to mention that Earth Mama Angel Baby has a lot of great resources on their website, along with their products, for breastfeeding help (they even have a free "Herbs & Breastfeeding" ebook for download) and pregnancy and infant loss, among other things. Even if you decide to not purchase anything from them, their website is a must-see/read! Oh, and did I mention it is also beautiful?! Cause it is!

Thanks again Earth Mama Angel Baby!

I received products free of charge from Earth Mama Angel Baby for honest review. All opinions are solely my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

I amazed my husband with my BOSCH, even though my Pretzels were a failure!

2011-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Last week one of my favorite foodie blogs posted a recipe for pretzel bites that the author positively swore by. She said they were heaven in a bite and since she had never steered my wrong before I soon went about making a double batch of these little confections to delight my family with.

I whipped out my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer, collected my ingredients and started heaping in the extra-large helpings, just sure that they would barely get out of the oven before they were devoured.

Well, I was right, sort of. They barely got out of the oven before my husband showed up in the kitchen, burning his lips off to try one of my salty treats. But seeing as how he is always fairly critical of the recipes I try, I shrugged off his instant grimace of disapproval and insisted that he couldn't judge them yet because they still need to be doused in butter not one, but three times! ANYTHING should be heavenly after three coats of butter, shouldn't it?

Don't let looks deceive you- they were awful!

Much to my dismay- they were a TOTAL bust! They were HORRIBLE! After we realized just how bad they were I even tried coating each bite in a generous helping of brown sugar and cinnamon, but it was no use. My time and ingredients had been squandered on a failure. Bwahhhhh!!! :-(

(insert jazzy elevator music here- please stay on the line while Mama Kenz attempts to regain her composure)

I won't even give you the link to the recipe because I wouldn't want to subject you to the temptation of trying to make them edible. And since I ordinarily adore this foodie blog, I wouldn't want to slander its name. But if you happen to come across a pretzel bites recipe that swears you will likely fly into orbit once you taste those little morsels... well, you've been forewarned!

On the bright side, I did impress my husband with my kitchen's pride and joy- my BOSCH! As he saw the trays upon trays of bites covering every surface in the room, he asked, "How did you make those things? In your mixer? You can just use whatever recipe?"

To which I responded, "Well... yeah! You think I would have kneaded a double batch of those ridiculous things by hand?! Psh! Do you know me at all?"

I did have a really cute and eager helper though! That's his "say cheese" face!

But the truth is, that I really do love that I can not only use my BOSCH for any baking recipe, but thanks to Marmee's tutelage in her Breadbasket Cookbook and Make It Special DVD, I also know how to rearrange the ingredients in pretty much any recipe to make them work the most successfully (such as ensuring that your bread rises well and such). That is such invaluable information that I am so thankful to have learned from her!

In conclusion- I think for now I will be sticking more closely to Marmee's delicious recipes because there hasn't been one yet that we have not only loved but been downright impressed with! Go give her a visit to see some of the awesome recipes, products and information she has to offer at Marmee's Bread Market!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

What is up with blogger?! Anyone else?!

2011-02-18T12:18:00.001-08:00

Alright- for 2 days now I have been trying to upload pictures to blogger and it keeps saying they are rejected by the server! Is anyone else having this problem?! I seriously have posts that I need to publish, BADLY, and I can't upload ANY pics! Help!!

***Update*** Apparently it was Safari. I had been using Safari for quite a while because I couldn't post pictures to blogger with Firefox (my preferred program), but now they have apparently flip-flopped! Weird!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Easy Lunchboxes- Pack your Kids' Lunch Fast, Bento-Box Style!

2011-02-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

I had been wanting to try out Easy Lunchboxes for so long that by the time they actually arrived on my doorstep I was positively giddy! Funnier yet, my excitement had rubbed off on my boys and they were almost as excited as me!

So, the verdict- were they really all they cracked up to be?! Honestly?! YES!

I never thought I'd be in love with a lunch box!

I am!

We're packing up and whisking away on a love affair to France.

ORRRRR... I'm packing meals in them all the time for trips to our local science center, co-op, park, mall, grandma's house, friends houses, or just plain old sitting at home on a dreary winter day! We just can't get enough of these things!

I love how easy they are to pack. I line them all up on the counter and can easily go down the row and plunk all my little selections in each of the compartments with no fuss and no mess, in just minutes. They are easy and simple!

Oh, and did I mention that my boys love eating out of them?! This is big, especially for Rhythm, since he is such a picky eater and we will try almost whatever tactics and motivators we can to get him to eat! I will take serving his meals in an Easy Lunchbox over bribing him with dessert ANY day!

My next favorite thing is how three whole containers fit into a cooler bag, or two containers and both boys drinks. Soooo much easier than keeping track of separate lunch boxes! Can you say perfect for the homeschool family?!

No really, can you?

:-D

Beyond all that I am also a huge fan of the bento box style of the containers that eliminates the need for any sort of throw away. No tin foil, no stinky plastic baggies- just neat little BPA free, kid-friendly containers.

What it really boils down to is that I would be telling you about these lunch boxes even if they hadn't sent me a set to try, and that I absolutely will be expanding my collection of containers and bags as we expand our family (don't get excited- no news there, just thinkin' ahead). They really have the best of every feature I was looking for in a lunch box and we couldn't be more thrilled with this ingenius product line.

Even more thrilling is that I now have the opportunity to offer a set of containers and a bag to one of my lucky readers!

Want to enter? I'm going to make it really simple for you- just one way to enter. Swing by EasyLunchboxes.com and then come back here and tell me your favorite lunch idea from their gallery! That's it!

I will draw a winner on Monday February 28, 2011 and post it on my blog & email the winner- so be sure you include a way for me to contact you if you haven't enabled your email address in blogger.

But hey- if you want to keep up with all their sales, news, and cool stuff they offer online (like parenting webinars and the Let's Do Lunch Musical Web Series starring the creator- Kelly Lester- along with celebrity guests! Yes- I'm serious!) then make sure to follow Easy Lunch Boxes on Twitter and Facebook!

This giveaway is offered to US & Canadian residents only. Please do not enter this giveaway if you have won or received free product from EasyLunchboxes within the past 3 months.

I received product from Easy Lunchboxes for the purpose of honest review. All opinions are solely my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Breads, Braids and BOSCH!

2011-02-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

Last week I finally got to get a hair cut (I mean, it had been over a year people)! Luckily my stylist not only possesses awesome haircutting abilities, but a compassionate heart and willingness to trade, in this case, styling for bread-y goodness!

I had planned on making her bread and my famous caramel bars, but a week before my appointment she told me that she had cut all white flour and sugar out of her diet. Eeek! What to do?! I decided to make a good old, standard, home-milled flour, whole wheat loaf (from Marmee's Bread Basket Cookbook, of course!) for starters. I then used some of that same dough to make one of those awesome braids I learned how to make from Marmee's Make it Special DVD.

Before

At first I was a little stumped as to what I should put in the braid as I usually would use a good helping of brown sugar and cinnamon. Eventually I decided to go with honey, chopped walnuts and cinnamon- it smelled heavenly! It was all I could do to keep the greedy little paws of my family off of it!

My packages weren't pretty, but they were tasty! I did pitch in a little bit of mulah since I didn't feel like 2 loaves of bread were quite a fair trade. I wanted to bring her some frozen dinner rolls and bread loaves too but she didn't have a freezer at her salon. :-( It was still SUPER nice to get the discount though. Oh, and I love my hair (even though this picture doesn't do it justice... at all).

After- sorry for the horrible picture!

This was another one of those great ways I was able to simply and easily bless others (and myself!) with my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer. I have had it for almost six months now and don't know what I would do without it! I use it so much and we just love it! Another huge thank you to Marmee's Bread Market for their sponsorship!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

True Treasures- a book review

2011-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

It was one of those days. You know the kind.

One of those days that the only way I could have qualified as a good 'keeper of the home' would have been if that meant I was supposed to keepa' you (and anyone else) outta' my home so they wouldn't become witness to the insane chaos and mess.

My children were annoying me. Yes, annoying. Couldn't they tell that mama had a lot to do, too much to do, and that I really just needed them to play quietly by themselves? Couldn't they stop fighting and getting into things?! "Please boys!" I pleaded.

Why, then, at that moment, did I decide to read the words of Lorrie Flem? As if softly whispering...

"Slow and steady...."

There is nothing slow about living with little boys and our life is about as steady as a teeter-totter! (I sternly and almost fiercely respond!)

"One of a mother's busiest seasons of life is when her children are young...."

Well, Amen there! Finally- she's getting it!

"I often tell mothers of young children to stay home and just try to get the basics done every day..."

Wait! I have bigger things to do than just the basics! I'm aspiring and creative- there is more to me than this motherhood gig! I'm not doing enough if I am just doing the basics!

"Enjoy your children and don't wish away these years.."

But they are so hard!!! Once my kids are just a little bit older I will like my life better...

"How do you look at taking care of your children's needs... Do you see them as interruptions?"

Well, um... yes! (I roll my eyes)

"They're not."

Wait... what? (I pause)

"They are some of the most important daily duties as a blessed mother of young children! ...We are training and shaping young lives, and in the process, we are allowing the Lord to shape ours as we yield to Him each day... We are ministering for the Lord as we minister to our family!"

(Chirp, chirp- ya know, the crickets- while I process)

"Some days, being a Godly mother is all we can accomplish- and it is a BIG accomplishment... Eventually the undone jobs will get done, but in the meantime, our children have a mother who truly loves and cares for them by spending her time with them."

Gulp.

I place the scrub brush back in the sink.

I shut the laptop and tuck it away.

I turn the phone to silent.

Then I quietly navigate my way through the mess in the play room to get to the neglected box of legos that they have been asking me to build with them for a week. I find the boys behind the couch playing with Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

"Do you guys want to build Legos with me?" I suddenly feel like a sheepish child, asking my own children to play, but in that moment their eyes begin to sparkle as they quickly dart into the living room to play with mama- one of their favorite people in the whole world to play with. Hmmmm... something to savor, 'cause it won't always be this way.

We sit and build- planes, trucks, sky scrapers- it doesn't really matter because we are together. I am there, teaching them how to share by example and squelching fights before they reach the ear-piercing levels that normally draw my attention. We enjoy each other. No distractions, just us.

My boys quickly obey when it comes time to clean up, because I work alongside them. They then pick out a few cars and follow me into the kitchen as I finish the dishes and for once don't let it get to me when they race around my legs and over the limited space on our tiny kitchen floor. Instead, I choose to enjoy their antics, listening to the funny exchanges they have between each other that I too often miss.

I realize that this is what Lorrie was talking about. Playing with Legos was the most important work I did that day and I enjoyed it. Mothering the young is life at it's simplest- living in the moment and just doing the next thing. The rest? It's just frosting.

____________________________________

This is the kind of goodness, refreshing and encouragement you can find in True Treasures, the new book just released by Eternal Encouragement Magazine (formerly TEACH Magazine). Overflowing with wisdom and kind prodding towards better things in marriage, parenting, homemaking, homeschooling and your walk with Jesus, this book is truly a treasure that I will open and read again and again. These words are timeless and inspired!

Visit www.HomemakingWithTeach.com for this and many other great products published by Mrs. Lorrie Flem. You can also visit TheGabbyMoms.com for more than 50 reviews on True Treasures. Use the coupon code: GabbyMom, for $4 off your purchase of True Treasures between now and May 31, 2011. (Only one per customer please)

I received this product as the Head Mama for The Gabby Moms blogging program of Eternal Encouragement Magazine. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

All quotes from Mrs. Lorrie Flem in the article Slow and Steady, pages 16-17 of True Treasures.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Country White Bread- Pass me the butter!

2011-02-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I decided to whip up a batch of Marmee's Country White Bread from The Bread Basket Cookbook. Yes, a bit of a departure from our usual whole-grain standards, but I figured we were due for a treat and I wanted to try something new.

Can you hear the angels singing?

Can I just say that slicing through this bread was like slicing through butter!? And it was perfectly paired with butter and strawberry jam. The kids and I were in heaven (oh, and my hubby was too, for the one piece he managed to snag)! I cut extra-thick slices to allow the density and softness of this bread to have it's full effect on our eager mouths!

Yup- that's the lone piece my husband received! Sorry babe!

Whenever I make a new recipe my husband and I always sit and analyze what we think I could do with it- would it be good as pizza crust? or french toast? ...and so on and so forth. I definitely think it would fit into the french toast category since the 4 eggs in the recipe allowed it to take on an almost brioche quality. Pizza is definitely an option, although I am not entirely sure. Sandwiches are a definite yes, especially since these loaves raised up so nicely! (Seriously- I should have taken a picture of the loaf next to my head so you could see just how enormous it was in comparison! The bread, not my head. Although it is pretty large too- physically, not ego-wise, at least not anymore... anyhooo...)

This one is definitely going on the "Will Make Again" list. And it can't go without saying that I wouldn't be making it at all if it weren't for my lovely BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market! And let me just make note that BOSCH will be raising their prices NEXT WEEK!! So you are never going to find one of these mixers cheaper than they are right now!! Don't miss out- you will love every minute you spend with your machine! I promise!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Rhythm- back on his feet!

2011-02-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Note- these photos were taken on our last day- hence the smiles and liveliness!!

Well, my little guy has been out of the hospital for a little over a week now and as of yesterday morning was given a clean bill of health from his doctor, and more importantly (to him!) the "Ok" to get back to his hip-hop/breakdancing classes!! (This last note is of special importance since he watched Step Up 3 last weekend! Let me tell you- it is not easy to keep this kid from break dancing, especially after such a movie!)

You can take the kid outta' the hip-hop, but you can't take the hip-hop outta' the kid!

He was such a trooper in the hospital! I was so proud of him. Our stay had some rough spots- particularly the finger-poke blood draws, during the last of which he kicked the lab worker and sent all the vials flying off the bed (luckily they were empty!). But hey, he is 4 and had been down that road twice already- he's no fool! He also had a pretty rough time taking the oral medications. He usually does fine at home but he spit them back out for more than one nurse. So yeah, physical restraint came a slightly common-place thing in our room, but for the most part he was cooperative and wonderful! Seriously! Most of his nurses thought he was adorable and charming, and all of them were incredibly helpful and caring. We couldn't have been happier with the care he received.

NOT happy about the IV!

Well, all except that one lab worker who came in, insisting she had immediate orders to draw blood. Umm, yeah, after the nurse argued with her to recheck (she had her gloves on and was already headed toward the poor screaming little guy!), she realized she was in the wrong room! I couldn't believe it! Angry much?!

He always had all the toys and stuffed animals he received during his stay tucked in around him- his bed was covered!

The first day home I was a little worried about his pain levels, as the Tylenol with codeine didn't really seem to be cuttin' the mustard, and I kinda thought they had maybe rushed us out of the hospital a little too soon. Within a day though, he was doing much better and he doesn't ask for the meds at all now.

Showing off his scars!

They went in laparoscopically through his belly button, and two other incisions (one a little larger than the others, but it is below his belt line).

We also had a few friends who provided us with absolutely delicious meals for most of last week. It was so helpful (especially in light of my own little breakdown- more on that later). These ladies really went above and beyond! I mean- they all brought dessert as well and one of them even cut the carrot slices in her salad into hearts! We felt so blessed and thankful!

Thank you to everyone who prayed and offered support through such a difficult time! We appreciate every word sent up on our behalf!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

FYI: Rhythm is in the hospital

2011-01-20T23:36:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday Rhythm came down with what we thought was a stomach bug. He complained of a stomach ache and threw up for hours, unable to hold anything down.

Monday the vomiting stopped but the pain increased. By the end of the day he didn't even want to walk.

Tuesday my mom came and picked up Lion Cub and I took Rhythm to the ER- he refused to walk at all by then and would not uncurl from the ball he had huddled himself in.

More than 2 hours after arriving at the ER we were finally seen by a doctor and told that he likely had an appendicitis. This diagnosis was confirmed by an ultrasound about an hour later, but it was thought that the appendix had not yet perforated.

By 5:20pm Rhythm, no longer even speaking at this point, was rolled into surgery.

Around 7:20 he was taken to recovery and we were informed that his appendix had perforated. Luckily his colon had flopped on top of it, essentially acting as a blanket on the fire and limiting the damage, but none the less, a leak had sprung. They thoroughly lavaged his abdominal cavity but he is still extremely at risk of abscess, which would not present itself until 5-7 days after surgery. He is on three different IV antibiotics and will be in the hospital 5 days-2 weeks.

Yesterday was mostly about pain management. He was given morphine every 3 hours and a heavy duty ibuprofen every 6. He walked to the bathroom a couple of times, at mom's prompting, but mostly stayed in bed. His temperament was good and he worked well with the nurses. His bowel tones were still low, so he wasn't allowed to eat, but he never had a fever and did quite well.

Today was more difficult. He was off the morphine and handling pain well, for the most part, but his attitude had turned very grim. He was argumentative and uncooperative. When he spiked a fever of 100.4 late in the day, he spit out his tylenol and a nurse actually had to hold his mouth shut and blow in his face to get him to swallow on the second try. Although he was allowed to start soft foods, he was so picky about what he wanted (specifically- a donut or a muffin) that it was difficult to get him to eat.

I made him get out of bed a few times. We walked to the end of the hall to check out a movie to watch and he mumbled and complained the whole trip. At one point a nurse came up and told him what a great job he was doing. His response? "My looser mom made me come out here and walk. I'm so mad!" (Alright, so I was actually trying really hard not to laugh while I told him that he was being inappropriate and disrespectful!)

After the fever situation and some sudden, increased pain, we realized he was experiencing gas pains as his bowels truly began to wake up. I once again made him get out of bed and walk down to the movies and playroom. He SCREAMED the whole way down the hall, and continued to carry on as I left him in the hallway and said that even if he wasn't going to check out the playroom, I was!

A few minutes later his interests were peaked and he ventured into the room himself. Well, wouldn't ya know? He wanted to spend the rest of the evening in there! He played Wii with his dad and would hardly go back to his room! It is amazing how much things can fluctuate in a matter of a few hours! We pray he keeps that attitude and continues to heal, avoiding further complications.

For me, it has been a trying and exhausting ordeal. Although I know he is hopefully on the road to recovery, it is very difficult to see your little one in so much pain and have to push them to do things that hurt, even when they get so mad at you, because you know it what's best for them. It has been especially difficult to also have Lion Cub be so young, an age when he still needs me very much and has difficulty sleeping without me. Plus, he is just a handful and can become very taxing on those who are watching him. I feel so torn and inadequate- needing to take care of two boys who are in different locations. I feel spread thin. My husband is also still working full time, which makes it even more difficult, knowing he needs sleep, and food.

I feel as though I am wading through a bit of a fog. Even when I am with Rhythm during the day at the hospital and he is sleeping, I just sometimes feel... blank. Too much going through my head. Lots weighing on my shoulders. So much to take care of and no way to do it. It is a very isolated and alone feeling.

Sometimes, even though I want to pray, I just don't have the words, or the energy. I just keep thinking, "God, please know where I am at right now, what we are going through, and fill in what I should be saying to you. Heal my boy, be with Lion Cub and whoever has the task of managing him, and just help."

I am just trying to do the next thing, as a dear friend shared with me the other day. Right now, that is all I can do. I don't know how long I am going to have to try to juggle all this, but somehow it all has to get done. I don't know how long Rhythm will have to go through all this, but he is such a trooper and I am so proud of him.

Living in the midst of a trial and expectantly waiting on what the Lord will show me through it,

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Nutty Twister Bread!

2011-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

I got a little adventurous last weekend and gave Marmee's Nutty Twister Bread from The Bread Basket Cookbook a whirl. Oh my! Love! I made two loaves- one according to the recipe with coconut, brown sugar, butter, walnuts and cinnamon rolled on the inside, and one with just cinnamon, sugar and butter.

My only regret was not making MORE!! They were sooooo good!! Our eyes bugged out when we saw how huge they proofed and they were just so darn pretty all braided like that! It is so easy yet looks so difficult & impressive. I found this easy technique to be well spelled-out in The Bread Basket Cookbook, and even better in Marmee's Make it Special DVD.

Another great thing I love about the braided technique you can do so much with it. You might remember this parmesan and garlic braided bread I made a few months ago. You can put practically anything in one of these braids! Wouldn't you love to take them to a potluck or other gathering? Come on, you couldn't help but love the ooo's and awww's at your beautiful bread!

Smothered in butter- divine!

And, of course, none of this would have been possible had it not been for my delightful BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market! Ok, so maybe it would have been possible but it sure wouldn't have been easy and I probably would have never made it- plain and simple!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Get 'em while they're low!

2011-01-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

Psst- hey! Yeah, you! Haven't you always wanted a BOSCH Universal PLUS Mixer?! Well- NOW is the time! Marmee just sent out a notice that BOSCH will be raising their prices on February 6! Don't miss the chance to get your new BOSCH while the price is still down! And trust me- this is one kitchen appliance you won't regret buying! I can't wait to show tomorrow what I made over the weekend with it! SO yummy!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Pot Roast Perfection

2011-01-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

I love a good pot roast (or as I like to call it po' roast- we can't afford the "t"). I get to make it long before meal time, so there is none of that last minute, "Oh Holy Cow! My husband will be home in 15 minutes and I haven't started dinner yet!"- gut wrench that often ensues on other evenings, AND it last for days because I turn the leftovers into the most delicious Shepherd's Pie you've ever dreamed of tasting (thanks to one Miss Paula Dean)!

Here in lies the problem, however- my crock pot broke!

(insert moaning and wailing here!)

Apparently he has a mind of his own. (And yes, I may or may not have decided to call "him," a "her" if I were pleased with his performance, rather than disappointed and downright angry!) His other kitchen appliance friends must have gotten together, poked fun at him and called him the slowest kid in the hood. I can imagine him getting up extra early, working out and going running, because now he's fast.

Really fast!

There's nothing slow about him! He cooks everything in .02 seconds and leaves the dry, shriveled up remains of his fastness for me to disappointedly find after a long day of "simmering," begging the question, "If I douse this with enough gravy, could it be edible?"

The answer is usually "no." But I make my family eat it anyway. Mama already made dinner today- she's not doin' it again fool! We pick over it. Pretend we're eating. The four year old complains. We clear the dishes and opt for ice-cream.

So, I had to find a solution. I had to go where I had dared not go before. I had to make a pot roast in a pot. Well, a pan actually. And do it in the oven!

(Gasp in horror!)

Sometimes I'm afraid of that machine. It's hot in there! And I seem to dry things out faster in the oven then even Speedy Gonzales the Crock Pot can seem to accomplish.

I forged ahead anyway. Did a little research. Experimented a little. And in the end, I came up with this- my recipe for Pot Roast Perfection! Curious? Join me, won't you?

First, gather your cast of characters:
Roast (I used a 3.5 lb)
About 1 lb of Baby Red Potatoes
1 lb of carrots (I prefer a nice little bag of the baby ones, cause they're washed and you can just throw them right in)
1 yellow onion
3-5 cloves of Garlic
Kosher Salt
Dijon Mustard
Emeril's Original Essence

Next- sear that meat baby! Go ahead, slap her in a hot pan and listen to her sizzle! You just want to brown her on all sides to give her a little color and keep all those juices in as she slow cooks (and yes, she's a she, cause she's all good)! Oh- and preheat your oven to 250.

While your searing away, thick slice your onion and line the bottom of your roasting pan. You can also give your red babies a quick, rough chop, just so they are chunky pieces.

Aren't they pretty? Gleaming and clean.

Except this one- he was green- and was sent to live with the goblins.

When she's all seared up, pop her in the pan on top of the onions and wedge the potatoes and carrots in around her. Don't be shy, go ahead and shove!

Now, get your crush on and sprinkle that garlic all over your roast. You also want to, fairly liberally, sprinkle both roast and veggies with kosher salt, pepper and Emeril's Essence.

Grab your Dijon now and give it a good squirt over most of your roast. There is no real measurement here, just smother it baby!

At this point you are going to want to add one cup beef stock, and can I make a little suggestion here? Pack yourself up, head to Costco and invest in nice big jars of beef and chicken base. Sort of like boullion, but richer, and it stretches so much farther than stock for the price. Wise investment, fo' sho'!

Finally, tightly wrap your pan in aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for about 3 hours for a 3 lb roast (check it at 2 1/2 though- it should easily pull apart).

I get a little silly here and talk myself into putting the lid on too, somehow thinking it just helps seal in every last little inkling of steam, but it probably isn't necessary.

As the glorious aroma fills your home you will quickly be reassured of your success and at the end of that 3 hours your family will kiss you and call you blessed!

Which you will then, in turn, pass on to me! :-) Haha!

She's not glamorous, just simply delicious!

Enjoy!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

A little heart broken...

2011-01-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I found out that the Friday co-op/moms group I have so raved about, counted on and sought reprieve in, has been canceled. This Friday will be the final meeting. The short of it is, the wonderful family who hosts it will be moving in a few months and are simply unable to continue- it just won't work for them.

I get that. And I respect the mama for so putting her family first and doing what is absolutely best for them. She follows Jesus daily. Deliberately. I still have much to learn from her, but now will not have the chance.

Honestly, I'm heart broken. Fridays were the one day a week that I really had the chance to be around other women (or adults at all for that matter). I have learned soooo much from them. Wisdom just seems to pour out of these ladies each week. Jesus is there those days. And more over, they are some of the most lovely and wonderful women you could ever meet- genuinely caring and a total kick in the pants to top it off.

You can see it in their children because they are all as lovely, sweet, kind and goofy as their mothers. Not the kind of kids you're bothered by, but the kind you could love almost as much as your own.

I always left Fridays with a lighter burden. At a time in my life that has been fairly void of hope or encouragement, these women lifted me up and gave me a break.

To say I will miss these days would be a gross understatement. I wept a little last night. I suppose from fear of loosing my friends, who I mostly only saw on these days. And more over, loosing myself. Loosing myself to the trials and hardships of this life without that fellowship to keep me afloat.

I'm a little broken right now.

I know Jesus has bigger plans. I KNOW that. But sometimes, when disappointment after disappointment are heaped on your plate, you want to feel His guidance more than know it. You want Him to fill the gaps in your aching soul more quickly. You want answers. You want Him to just say, "This is what I have for you next, this is what it looks like and this is when it's coming."

But if there is one thing I'm constantly reminded of, things don't happen in my timing, they happen in His. And every time I rush ahead of him, I live to regret it in big ways.

So, I'm waiting on You, Jesus. But just so You know, I'm pretty tired and I could really use some love and care about now.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Daily Bread

2011-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Ok- I'm back! Five days into the New Year and we are starting to get around again! It's a good thing because we were clean out of bread! I have been wanting to try out some other recipes of Marmee's for a while, but in all honesty, haven't had the money to buy a lot of ingredients that I didn't already have.

So this week, in desperation to try something new (and have something valuable to post about) I gave her Daily Bread Recipe a shot, with a few alterations. Instead of hulled millet in the recipe I used milled flax seed and instead of honey I used demerara sugar. I also had to use a little more white flour than called for because I ran out of wheat (can you believe it?! 50lbs used already!).

While I am sure I would like the recipe better with the honey (mostly just because I have had a hankerin' for honey lately) I do really like the recipe. With the flax seed added it just tastes so.....

so....

healthy!

I love filing up my freezer with a batch of bread dough again- it is a comforting feeling, knowing I am providing pure food for my family, simply.

I'm consistently amazed with the variety and number of recipes in Marmee's Bread Basket cookbook! I could literally make a new recipe every week of the year if I had the money! And so far I have yet to find one that we haven't enjoyed. This silly little cookbook, $7.29, is worth every penny- I highly recommend it! Seriously!

And this wouldn't be a baking post if I didn't mention my love for my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer! It has rocked my world and changed my baking life forever! My husband asked me the other day, "So, now that you've had it for a while, do you still life making the bread?" I think he was secretly hoping I would say "no" because he doesn't like the size of the slices of bread since the loaves are made in an 8" bread pan. But I do still enjoy it- especially when I get to try a new recipe. It makes me feel like such a homemaker! I love tying on my apron and making something wholesome and delicious. I love the aroma of fresh bread baking, floating through my small home.

Thanks again Marmee for the wonderful opportunity to use such an amazing machine! I am hoping to do another baking post this week since I was too sick to do one last week. And get around to talking about resolutions too! I hope you missed me!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

A little unplanned break...

2010-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

I'm sick. Like, death warmed over, laying in the recliner, hoping my children don't kill each other as I drift in and out of coherentness, sick.

And yes, I made up that word. I'm sick- I'm allowed

So, until further notice, all this good stuff I have planned in terms of blogging (including my baking post :-( ), and ok, let's face it, pretty much everything in my life, will be put on hold.

Just praying I will be feeling better by Friday for my 7th Anniversary!

Oh, and if you were wondering how to comment but couldn't after I switched things around on my blog- it's all better now.

I'll be back as soon as I can!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Resolving in 2011

2010-12-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

Source

I'll admit that in years past I've had a real aversion to calling my New Year's goals "resolutions". To me the term "resolutions" just seemed to be a set up for failure. I mean, people in our culture almost see resolutions as a joke anymore. So, I've always just called those things that I want to accomplish in the new year, "goals".

Happy New Year Graphics(Case in point!)

Recently, however, I got to thinking about the whole thing and started to realize that, cultural stereotypes aside, there is a distinct difference between resolutions and goals, and one of the important parts to me achieving what I've set before myself in 2011 is recognizing that difference and applying it to my plans.

What am I jabbering on about? Well, I think that goals are specific milestones that you want to achieve, tangible markers that say "Hey, I've really done something here." Where as resolutions are more about what you want to become. You are resolving to be different in some (or many) ways. You can set goals within your resolve that help show you that change, but a resolution is the overall, bigger picture.

Source

So this year, I'm dividing my list accordingly and I am hoping that some of you will join me (more about that later this week!). This year my resolve is to become a more scriptural woman. I am resolving to be a better wife, mother, homemaker, and representative and follower of Jesus.

Now, I realized that this should pretty much be our goal at all times anyway if we fall under any of those descriptions, but this next year I am taking a more active pledge to truly become those things. My inspiration is being drawn from a few specific passages in scripture:

A wise woman builds her home,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:1

¹ In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over ² by observing your pure and reverent lives.

³ Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. ⁴ You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. ⁵ This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. ⁶ For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

1 Peter 3:1-6

⁴These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, ⁵ to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

Titus 2:4-5

(by the way, I would consider myself the younger woman here!)

Proverbs 31:10-31

(You can go here to read it)

I want to be kind, patient and prayerful for my husband. I want to be gentle, present and joyful with my kids. I want to be hard working, diligent and organized in my home. And most of all, I want to sit at the feet of my Savior every morning, soaking in His words and being loved on by Him.

Of course, for any of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I have a plan for how I want to get there- to become all that. And I wouldn't be a good blogger if I didn't plan to share those things with you! So, tomorrow we will talk about the plan, the pledge, the printables (yes, I said printables!), and the meme (which I really wish started with a "p" to finish out my little theme there, but alas, it does not).

Stay tuned!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

New Year, New Look!

2010-12-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

So, you may notice I'm giving my blog a little makeover for the New Year.

If you are in a reader, head on over and check it out!

Let me know what you think. I still have some things to tweak, add and change, but all in all, I think I like it... for now anyway! :-)

(But HEY- I did stick with my last design for an entire year! That is amazing for me!)

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Alright- I had a few more posts I had wanted to squeeze in before Christmas but I think this is going to be the last so that I can focus on other things... I think. :-)

This is our Christmas card this year and I want to share this Christmas love with all of you- my wonderful and loyal readers! Whether you are new or old to my blog, I appreciate each and every one of you and all the comments you generously send me! Everytime I receive a comment email it makes my day and helps me feel like I am getting to know you all just a little bit better.

You have been with me through thick and thin, plentiful and poor, and I can honestly say, have probably seen a more revealing side of me than maybe even some of those who I know IRL (although, some of you I do know IRL- so I guess you guys just have me on overload!).

I love you all and appreciate your friendship!

Have the Merriest of Christmases this year!

Focus on Jesus, because nothing else really matters!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Grandma's Choclate Chip Oatmeal Cookies!

2010-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

So, my replacement cookie paddles came this week for my BOSCH Universal PLUS Mixer. BUT, they didn't send me the metal driver to go with them (BUMMER!). So, I'm still at a cookie making standstill. However, in lieu of pictures of wonderful Christmas cookies this year, I thought I would share with you all my Grandma's recipe for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies that are absolutely delicious! I mean- seriously!

Grandma Ida's Heavenly Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

First, cream together:

1 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 Cup brown sugar

Next, mix in:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt

Third, add in:

1 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp water
2 eggs

Lastly, mix in:

2 cups oats
1 12oz package of chocolate chips

Bake at 375 for approximately 8-10 minutes

Enjoy!!

And if you want to make it really easy on yourself, before you even think about baking you will order yourself a BOSCH Universal PLUS Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market with a set of cookie paddles!!

I also want to mention that Marmee has completely revamped her Homemaker's Mentor site for 2011 and restructured the monthly downloads into quarterly packages. She has really taken this program to a new level this year by also adding a Yahoo group for members of the Homemaker's Mentor, and quarterly HomeMaker Awards that will really encourage you to go a step farther in your homemaking! You should really check it out!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Swagg- Great, last mintue gift!

2010-12-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies!

I just wanted to throw this one out there, in case you are left in a jam with needing a last minute gift! There is a great new app for iPhone and Droid that was just released called Swagg. Swagg lets you load all your gift and store rewards cards into your handy little app so you don't have to juggle all the cards around anymore, desperately trying to find them at the register. Isn't that a great idea?!

I'm impressed!

When you get ready to purchase in the store all you have to do is show the cashier the card in your Swagg app and they can get all the information straight from there! You can easily send or receive Swagg straight through the app as well. How simple! I love it!

There are hundreds of stores to choose from including top clothing stores, and even office suppliers and drug stores. And since you send a general Swagg gift, the recipient is then able to apply it to any store in the Swagg database! You just really can't go wrong!

I was sent a $20 to try the free app out and am planning to probably attribute it to Borders to purchase a couple of those books I was telling you I wanted the other day on my wish list!

OH- and I should mention that for every downloadof the app between now and the end of Decembe, Swagg will donate $1 towards Stand Up to Cancer!

Thank you to Swagg and Mom Bloggers Club for giving me the opportunity to try out the app! Writing this post entered me to win a customized Swagg iPad but all opinions are honestly my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

A little poll- how do you wear your socks! Help me out here!

2010-12-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Alright- I don't usually do this, but I would love whatever input you guys could give me!

Let me explain. For the last 7 years my husband and I have been debating over whether socks are "footed." He contends that socks retain the shape of whichever foot you wear them on, so you should continue to always wear them on the same foot. I, on the other hand, just. put. them. on!

Just after we were married I had folded his socks and he got all frustrated because I had apparently folded righties with righties and lefties with lefties. I believe my response was something along the lines of,

"Crazy say what?! Well, I ain't foldin' yo' socks no mo', fool!!"

And I haven't ever since.

What? We kind of live in the hood! Sometimes it brings out the ghetto in me!

Anyhoo! Over the years, this little debate of ours comes up over and over again and we spar over it (all in good fun, but both being very sure that we are right!). Well, it came up again last night, so we decided to finally put the discussion to rest be conducting very scientific polls on FB and my blog!

So please weigh in- right over there on the left! (If you are reading in a reader you will have to hop on over to my blog to cast your vote in the left sidebar)

Oh, and by the way- my husband vows that he is going to come out with The Uni-Foot Shoe sometime next year if we all say that socks don't have a foot! I keep telling him it is totally different, but he is adamant! (We're both pretty head strong- I guess that's why we work!)

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

My 2010 Christmas List

2010-12-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

Let me just preface this list by saying it's a dream list and I have no prospects or expectations of receiving most (or any) of it. This year I truly am thankful to just have a roof over my head and that fact that blogging actually allowed me to get gifts for my kids. Alright, with that said I give you...

The Mama Kenz Christmas List 2010

1- iPad. Hmmm... Well that's a no brainer! Every day I find new reasons why I want need an iPad. Here are just a few:

I'm the Head Mama of Gabby Moms- the new blogging program for TEACH Magazine- and it's a LOT of work! An iPad would make it much easier for me to get my work done and stay in contact with the Moms and my wonderful fellow staff at TEACH!
I'm a blogger! Hello! Enough said.
I'm a homeschooler and I work with a lot of downloadable curriculum (especially in my reviews for Heart of the Matter). Being able to use iBook to read PDFs and show them to Rhythm would be HUGE for us! So helpful! I can't even imagine!
I'm a blogger
I'm not a big fan of the calendar on my iPhone and have had my eye on this app that syncs with google for months! I get all googly eyed about it! (Haha- googly eyed for google! I kill myself!)
I'm a reader! I would love to start simplifying my book stash to ebooks and many of the blogging book review programs I work with are starting to offer ebook formats. I would save time, money and I'd be able to read while nursing in the dark! AND my books would sync with my iPhone! What is that, like, a quintuple score?!?!
I'm a blogger.... :-)... But that also means I read blogs which would also be easier with the iPad.
My computer is completely running out of space and outdated and I think that most of what I do could be conducted on the iPad for much less money than buying a new computer right now.
I am beginning to teach childbirth and postpartum classes and it would be great to not only keep my notes on my iPad but all my Keynote presentations to deliver to my classes! See all the business potential here?!
They are just plain and simple the coolest piece of technology to come into existence in the last 30 years!

Hmmm... So maybe this post would have been better titled "Top 10 Reasons I Need an iPad!".

I like to tell myself that the real reason I won't be receiving one this Christmas is not because we are dead broke and couldn't afford it if we tried, but actually because I am patiently waiting for the second model to hit the market since it's sure to have major upgrades in memory and capabilities, not to mention a front facing camera for video chat, bug fixes and a likely lower price. So yeah. If you couldn't tell, I want an iPad.

2. As long as we're talking about things I am REALLY not going to get, I might as well throw it out there that I would LOVE a Canon Rebel T2i!! And Photoshop Elements! Costco has a great package with lenses and everything! It would be so nice to be able to take really awesome photos of the kids and take my blogging photos up to the next level. *Sigh* Someday.

3. Clothes! Most of my wardrobe still consists of the fashions I was wearing in college, which just don't exactly speak to the style I would like to think I currently have! I would specifically love a couple of pairs of leggings and pretty much anything from Down East Basics or Ann Taylor Loft.

4. Books! Here is my basic list-

Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn (the first of the two books my favorite author came out with this year!)

Christy Miller's Diary by Robin Jones Gunn (and the second!)

Nowhere, Carolina by Tamara Leigh (I reviewed the first in this series earlier this year and really enjoyed it! I wold love to read the second installment)

The Backyard Homestead (a cool book I just came across, all about producing your own food even if you don't have much land. Kind of cool.)

Deceptively Delicious and Double Delicious by Jesssica Seinfeld (I have checked the first one out from the library before and we really liked it! Great ideas!)

and lastly (for now)- Birthing from Within (which I need for the Childbirth classes I'm teaching)

5. Curriculum- I know it seems silly, but I would really love to get Galloping the Globe so that I could start slowly working on preparing for kindergarten.

6. A profession blog makeover! I would love one by Graphically Designing, but am also well aware that I will never be able to afford one. A girl can dream!

Alright- I'll stop myself there! What are you wishing for this Christmas?!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The King's Christmas List- Review

2010-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:00


Buy		Read

If you are looking for a wonderful book to share with your children that teaches the true meaning of giving gifts at Christmas and what Jesus really wants, then you have got to get a copy of The King's Christmas List by Eldon Johnson. This sweet story of Emma and her Honorable Gentle Dog Shu-Shu speaks in a way that is easy for children to understand to instill a great truth in them- that Jesus wants us to take care of others and by doing so we are giving Him the gift He truly wants.

My boys lap this book up and want to read it again and again. Each time we read it I feel like they understand the principles of Christ-centered giving just a little bit better. The back of the book even has suggestions for ways you can give by donating to blood:water mission or World Vision.

Why stop there though? This is a great time of year to purge old toys to donate or give in a tangible way that your children can understand. You don't have to have a lot of money to take care of others and there is always someone worse off than you. After all, it is more about your heart than it is about what you are actually giving. Do what you can- Jesus knows where you're at.

It's not too late to pick up this book to share with your kiddos this Christmas!

I received this book for free in exchange for honest review as a participant in the Book Sneeze program for Thomas Nelson. All opinions are solely my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball- Review

2010-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

About This Book- courtesy of the Waterbrook Multnomah site

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

My Opinion-

Cute. If I'm being frank (or maybe I should just be MacKenzie! :-), it was one of those books I wasn't entirely sure about when I first got it. However, after the first chapter or so I was hooked. I love a good little romance and this one definitely fit the bill with a good dose of Christmas spirit thrown in to get me in the mood for the holidays!

There was a bit of "magic" thrown in, which I am always leery of. However, I do have to say that I appreciated the new perspective that Donita K Paul gave me of wizards- or at least the perspective of them in this book. She talks about them a lot as wizened older people rather than mystical and related to the witchcraft movement. I'm still not entirely sure what I think of the "magic" in the book but it wasn't offensive enough to deter me from reading.

If you are looking for a cute Christmas roman to read this season, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball would be a good choice that you could definitely read before the 25th! You can find this book here on the Waterbrook Multnomah Press website.

And here is a little promo video you might enjoy!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Humbled and Thankful

2010-12-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

"Babe" My husband spoke in a hushed tone, standing in our bedroom doorway.

"Hmm?"

"Hey Babe!"

"What?" I mumbled in my half-asleep, nursing a baby state.

"Can you come up stairs or will he wake up right now?"

"He'll wake up. What's going on?"

"Someone left like 5 bags of groceries on our doorstep last night!"

Now I was awake. Who could it have been? Possibilities swirled through my head. It's not as though I had been particularly quiet about our current circumstances (am I ever really that quiet about anything?), and just tend to vent (I know, I know- I'm working on it!) but never with the expectation that anyone do anything about what I've said. It could have been anyone.

The constant stress of money that has been increasingly present in our lives just kind of comes out- bleh- but who isn't feeling the tightness of the economy? I'm no worse off than a lot of other people. And I mean for goodness sake, one of my best friends lives with the reality of having her sweet baby in the hospital every day! Who am I, really, to be complaining?!

After a few more minutes I managed to get Lion Cub settled back into his sweet dreams and climb the stairs to find bags upon bags of food covering my kitchen table. A variety of bags, proving my suspicions that it was a brigade of phantom givers.

Fairly anonymous products now grace the shelves of my fridge and pantry. Although, a few "special" items were a dead giveaway as to the identity of at least one of the benefactors- Apple Cranberry Pie Filling, Pumpkin Bread Mix and Gingerbread Brownie Mix- all from Trader Joe's. Seeing as how we don't have a Trader Joe's in these parts (yet) and this particular friend recently returned from California and served me Apple Cranberry Cider from Trader Joe's just last Friday when I was at her home, I'm more than a little certain that she was involved. Her participation gives me a fairly good idea of who her accomplices were as well- likely the same women who blessed me beyond my dreams on my birthday last April.

And I just have to say that these ladies are some of the most lovely friends I have ever met! They have no hesitation in sharing Christ's love, listening to His nudging and just giving, giving, giving! I hold all of them dear, and yet many of them I really haven't even known that long. They are beautiful women in every sense of the word!

We are humbled and grateful for this outpouring of generosity during a very difficult season. If you are reading this ladies- THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! A million times- THANK YOU!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

A logical look at Vampires and Werewolves

2010-12-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

As a 17 year old freshman in college I stood up in front of my Public Speaking 101 class and delivered a persuasive speech on why you too should recognize the evils of Harry Potter. So, suffice it to say, now being older and wiser, I am also not a fan of the Twilight craze that has surfaced a decade later.

Beyond what I think of it spiritually however (which, I think, is fairly apparent), there have been a few things that have come to my attention or simply crossed my mind lately that I simply cannot ignore!

First of all, while perusing the latest status updates on Facebook the other day I noticed that someone had posted their results to an FB quiz that is supposed to determine what movie your life is most like. Their answer...

Twilight

Seriously?! This is even an option? I mean really? Her life is most like... Twilight. What, she has werewolves and vampires vying for her love in a small town in Northern Washington?

Huh. That must be some kinda place.

And second, as long as we're really thinking about all of this, would you really want to be married to a vampire or werewolf? I mean, can you even imagine nursing a baby vampire?! Or werewolf for that matter! I have a hard time with my 18 month old! I can't fathom throwing fangs and the insatiable urge to suck blood into the mix!

I would have to argue that if all these vampire devotees really considered this important point they would hop on the first plain headed as far away from Transylvania that they could catch (or wherever the heck it is that Edward and Jacob dwell) and leave their vampire/werewolf fantasies in the dust!

Or is it just me?

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Check out my little breakdancer!

2010-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't mentioned it, but Rhythm has been taking breakdancing/hip-hop classes lately and they are hilarious!! He had his first show this past weekend, so for all of your viewing pleasure, here he is!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Christmas Cookies!

2010-12-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

Well, this is definitely one time that I really wished I would have been able to use my BOSCH!! However, I was at my mother's house when we made the dough for our butter cookies, and as many of you know my cookie paddles had a bit of a mishap so I wouldn't have been able to use my BOSCH if I had been home anyway. (although my replacement paddles should be here soon!)

What a ham! He can't even bake cookies without trying to get attention!

So, we ended up mixing the cookie dough by hand! Ugh! Well, to be fair, I should be honest and say my mom pretty much did the mixing, but I empathized with her and took care of two crazy boys while she did it, so that has to count for something!

Once we got that done we were so exhausted that we only baked one batch! Haha! However, she did send me home with a bunch of dough to toll out when I was feeling more up to it. So, over the weekend I finally went for it and cut out and baked Christmas cookies with the boys!

My little kitchen helpers!

Can I just say I am really glad that nobody ended up with a concusion from all the swinging around of the rolling pin they were doing?! Seriously! Eventually we did get all the dough (that didn't end up getting eaten raw) cut into festive Christmas shapes and for that one night they were glorious and delicious.

I did throw them into ziplock bags however that caused them all to taste like plastic by the next day, so their scrumptiousness was short lived. Hey I tried!

He had to get his apron on!

Next year I will definitely be employing the use of my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer with the cookie paddles to make a much bigger batch, and hopefully assortment, for the Christmas season! Maybe next year we will even get around to frosting them (which my husband prefers, and though it does make them prettier, I actually like them plain! So, nanny, nanny booboo!).

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The Trials of Breastfeeding an 18 Month Old

2010-12-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Can I be honest? This is not my favorite age to nurse. In fact, I loathe it! I know- that sounds horrible! But he is just so handsy! His little fingers are all over the place- in my mouth, up my nose, in my belly button, scratching me, picking at me, poking me. He drives me crazy!

Squinty, silly face!

And he grazes! A little here, a little there, ten minutes later a little bit more. As I am nursing him right before bed I feel like I am being slowly tortured to death.

So, if it's that bad, why in the world do I keep doing it, right?! Well, too many reasons to stop for, obviously.

-I know all the health reasons for a toddler to still be drinking breastmilk and I cannot deny them.

-I know that it should hopefully help ward off ear infections, which he is already prone to, so whatever I can do to help seems worth it.

-It is still such a useful tool! It helps him (and therefore me) sleep at night and calm him if he is especially upset or crazy.

-There are those rare shining moments that he contently looks up at me, his eyes light up and he smiles (nipple still in mouth) and it is precious. (although he does usually follow such a look up with a slap to the face- kinda ruins it. Oh, wait- these are supposed to be my reasons to continue... oops)

-I don't feel that he is old enough yet to understand why he would be cut off. I weened Roman at 2 years old and he "got" it. I don't think it would be fair to him to sever the supply just yet.

-There are health benefits to me too! Any less risk I can have of getting breast or other female-related cancers is good by me! Especially since I wasn't breastfed.

-I would get totally engorged if I quit right now! I know that over the next 6 months he will slowly nurse less and less which will lead to less discomfort for both of us on quitting day.

First play in the snow!

I know this is all controversial. Some people look at me in amazement (and as though I just grew a third eye in the middle of my forehead) when they find out I am still nursing him (keep in mind how big he is!). Others try to force a smile and offer a simple "Hmmm," or "Oh" when they find out that I will not let him nurse until he is 4 (which he probably would if I let him) or whenever he decided to quit. I find very few people who land in the middle with me, but that's ok. Offending people has never been a factor in my deciding to breastfeed or not, it has always been about my babies, myself and my family and it always will be.

So for now- I will forge ahead for Lion Cub. I will tolerate his antics (and possibly resort to putting him in a straight jacket) and deal with it. I will even do my best to have a good attitude about the whole thing! Although, deep down, I will probably be looking forward to the day that we are done.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

CSN Giveaway!!

2010-12-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Alright Ladies! I thought I would have this up last week, but none the less, here it is! The $45 Gift Card to CSN Stores is yours for the taking!! These puppies are handy because CSN is a network of over 200 different stores with almost anything you can think of! I picked up some great deals on toys for my boys for Christmas and have and mind to maybe even pick up a few little kitchen items for myself!

Required Entry:

Visit CSN.com and tell me one thing you would like to get (how much easier could this be?!).

Extra Entries:

Blog about this giveaway (leave a link to the direct post)
Subscribe to or Follow The Mama Kenz Studio
Post The Mama Kenz Studio button on your blog
Follow The Mama Kenz Studio on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter & Tweet about this giveaway, using this tweet:

"@ChicMama is giving away a $45 gift card to CSN.com at The Mama Kenz Studio- http://bit.ly/gg1eBb ! Go enter NOW!"

Thanks for entering and good luck!

This gift card is being given away from csn.com and was given to me free of charge as one of their preferred bloggers.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The fluffiest dinner rolls you've ever tasted!

2010-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

You may remember me mentioning Marmee's Sunday Night Dinner Rolls last week from her Bread Basket cookbook. Well, after posting I realized that I had never told you guys about these delightful little puppies before! So, today is the day!

Wish I had a better picture! This one really doesn't do these amazing rolls justice!

As with any recipe I am leery about it until I, and more importantly my family, taste it! Well oh my heavenly stars, the first time I popped a bite from on of these little morsels in my mouth I knew they would be a staple in my freezer whether my family liked them or not!

In fact, all the better if they didn't like them cause that would mean more for me!

As luck would have it though, they did like them... a lot! We seriously have these with dinner whenever we can! The recipe makes a huge batch so there are plenty to freeze, eat and even share with others! I have even given these as a birthday present to more than one friend this year (don't laugh! I'm serious about my bread!).

Another favorite of ours is spreading these rolls with cinnamon and sugar before we rolling them and having them after the meal for dessert! Sooooo yummy! Rhythm would solely eat these for dinner if I would let him!

So- just one more fantastic reason to get a BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer! OH- AND! I wanted to mention the customer service! remember a couple of months back when I mentioned how a fondant recipe gone wrong nearly destroyed my mixer!? Well, that blasted fondant actually bent the metal posts on the driver for my cookie paddles and caused some sort of grinding to start happening within the actual mixer bowl. Ugh! So, Marmee put me in touch with L'Equip (the manufacturer) and they sent me a brand new bowl and the brand new cookie paddles are on their way! Such great customer service and I am sooooo thankful! Thank you L'Equip & Marmee!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The plan. revised

2010-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Where the heck have I been?! Well, first of all I have been working like a crazy person on Gabby Moms- the new blogging program I am heading up for TEACH Magazine! On top of that, it is just a super busy time of year! For instance- I am two days behind in my baking post for this week! Ahhh! I will definitely be getting that up TODAY (so sorry Marmee)!!

Tuesday was crazy busy- so much so that at this point I can't even remember what I was doing, I just know I was on my feet all day! Then yesterday I was out of the house almost all day between MOPS, watching my friend Christa's kiddos while she and her husband went to see baby Ella in the hospital, Rhythm's hip-hop/breakdancing classes and having dinner at my grandma's! Phew- I'm tired just typing all that!

So, I thought if I let all of you know what I have planned coming up here at The Mama Kenz Studio, hoping it will give me a little accountability! Check it out (btw- it's been revised a bit!):

Baking post for Marmee's Bread Market- today
CSN $45 Giftcard Giveaway begins- Monday
Breastfeeding an 18 month old post- Monday
Easy Lunch Boxes Review and Giveaway- Tuesday Morning
Christmas Baking Post- Tuesday Evening
Christmas wishlist post- Wednesday
Earth Mama Angel Baby Review and Giveaway- Thursday
New Years planning and talk of resolutions (printable included & ways for YOU to get involved!)- This weekend

And here is what I have planned for The World According to Them:

Preschool Corner- Christmas- Friday
Christmas gifts for the boys- Monday
Tiny Talk Tuesday- Tuesday (duh!)
He finally flushed something down the toilet!- Wednesday
Rhythm's Hip-Hop/Breakdancing Show- Thursday
Preschool Corner- More Christmas- Friday
Summer Catch-up post- Saturday

Ok- so that's a week out! Hopefully I can stay on track and keep getting up early enough (and therefore going to bed early enough) to make it all happen! I miss you guys and when my blogging goes on the back burner I realize just how meaningful it is to me! Such an outlet that I need and miss!

Looking forward to being here more!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Freezing Bread Dough is the Way to Go!

2010-11-30T23:34:00.001-08:00

Today I wanted to share with you all a little bit more info about how my whole bread-making process works because there is a key point I think I have been leaving out. You all know that I have been making all of my families bread from scratch using a Nutrimill and BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market, since the middle of August. I keep telling you all that it is easy and completely doable, and it really is because those machines are so amazing and take a ton of the work out of the whole bread-making ordeal.

HOWEVER, the biggest advantage that my BOSCH affords me is the ability to make in bulk! If it weren't for bulk bread-making I know I wouldn't do it- there simply wouldn't be the time. Many of my favorite recipes from Marmee's Bread Basket Cookbook have a yield of 4-5 loaves of bread though, which is much more practical than 1 or 2 at a time! Typically I will bake one (or two if I am giving one as a gift) and then wrap the rest of the pre-risen loaves of dough in freezer paper, through them in the deep freeze (or side-by-side freezer if I'm being lazy) and I'm good to go!

When we are getting low on bread (every 2-3 days) I just grab a frozen loaf in the morning, let it thaw slightly, pop it in a greased bread pan and then let it continue to thaw and rise the rest of the afternoon (or however long that particular bread tends to take). This usually gives us fresh bread just in time for dinner and the aroma is so welcoming to usher my husband in the door to after a long day of work!

ALSO- I couldn't wrap up this post without mentioning Marmee's dinner rolls and soft buns! Both of these rolls are soooooo yummy (seriously- like, the most delicate, airy rolls you have ever graced your mouth with!) and are wonderful to make a large batch of and freeze the rest (once again, pre-rising. Just line them up on a cookie sheet for initial freezing and then transfer them to a food storage bag). Get them out of the fridge a couple of hours before you are going to serve dinner and you will have piping hot dinner rolls by the time you all sit down at the table (well, if you throw them in the oven at some point, that is ;-). And, I mean, what is really better than a nice juicy hamburger on a homemade bun! Yeah Buddy!

And an aside on Marmee's dinner rolls- you end up rolling them into crescent rolls to bake, but if you freeze them pre-rolling (flat) between two pieces of freezer paper and then throw them in a baggie, you can use them for all sorts of recipes (like pigs in a blanket or whatever!).

I am just so in love with the ability to make all this wonderful fresh and wholesome bread for my family and am so grateful for the opportunity that Marmee gave me to own such a wonderful machine! Thank you Marmee!!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

CSN Giveaway coming!

2010-11-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

As a preferred blogger with CSN I have once again been given the opportunity to partner with them, and this time I thought I would spread the holiday cheer on to you all! Later this week I will be hosting a giveaway for a really nice sized gift card to their over 200 stores, just in time for you all to do a little Christmas shopping! You might even want to pick up one of their nice new TV tables (do you remember me mentioning this awesome TV table before- ya know, the one that I really want and would be the perfect thing to replace my husband's old, hideous, plastic, bachelor pad TV stand!), or some new toys for the kiddos!

Hop on over and give CSN a gander, cause after all, you could be winning a gift card there very soon!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

My BIg Fat Wonderful News!!!

2010-11-24T15:13:00.000-08:00

So, last Friday I was contacted by Lorrie Flem of TEACH Magazine. As you may remember, I am participating in her 6 month Step Up- Attitude is Everything program right now, and I had emailed to ask her if there was any work I could do for TEACH to work off my membership fee instead of paying through Paypal. Well, as it just so happened, she had been thinking of me, but couldn't remember my name, and had been wanting to get ahold of me to do just that- work for TEACH!

Doing what? Well, TEACH is launching a brand new blogging program and she not only wants me to head it up but design and create the whole thing right along side her! I am still a little in shock! The Lord is so good to have worked out this whole thing and put me in a position that just fits me like a glove!

I have been working on the program the last few days, since accepting the position on Sunday, and the more I work on it the more ideas keep popping into my head! This program is going to be unlike any other blogger program out there and I couldn't be more thrilled to be the Head Mama (as I am being called)! It is a huge responsibility but it has also been a huge motivator to get out of bed earlier in the morning and get the rest of my life organized too!

Plus, getting to work directly with Lorrie is a dream!!! Ever since attending the homeschool conference that I heard her speak at last March (remember when I LIVE blogged about her?) I have dreamed that she would be my mentor someday! I have already gotten to talk to her on the phone three times and she is such a joy to speak with! She is just about the best boss in the world- giving me lots of free reign to make decisions and really take ownership of this project! Can you tell I'm excited?!

Want to get involved?

So, I am sure you will be hearing lots more about this program in the future! And, if by chance you think it is something that you might be interested in getting involved in then run over to TEACH, see if it is a ministry you think you could get behind, ask me any questions you might have about the program and send me your info (address, blog link, etc...)! We have approximately 40 spots left to fill, so don't hesitate to spread the word!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Recipes from Marmee for Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies!

Well a couple of weeks ago we talked about some of the gadgets you might want to pick up from Marmee's Bread Market to make your Thanksgiving and the rest of your holidays a little bit easier, but today I wanted to share some of Marmee's recipes with you to make your Turkey day a little bit yummier!

Did you know that Marmee has some AWESOME recipes on her site for FREE?! Wouldn't some fresh, homemade French Rolls sound good next to your stuffing and green bean casserole?! Ooo- or wouldn't a nice Herbed Pull-Apart Bread make everyone drool as you set in on the table with steam rising and carrying the aroma all throughout the house?

What about Thanksgiving morning? What are you going to serve your family so that they stay sufficiently full for that early dinner? How about some Green Acres Famous Muffins or Mornin' Banana Bread? There are so many other great options over on Marmee's site- you should really go give it a peruse! Your family will thank you!

If you like what you see there, you also might consider getting one of Marmee's fantastic cookbooks! I am still in shock by how many recipes she packed into The Bread Basket Cookbook for such a low price! You just can't go wrong!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Oh what a beautiful morning!

2010-11-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

You all are aware of my struggle to get up earlier in the morning if you have followed my blog for any length of time. You might remember that it was one of my New Years resolutions this year, and her I am, mid-November, still struggling.

Well, today, I had a breakthrough! Seriously! Some things happened over the weekend that were positively life-changing (I will soon be sharing them with you, but they are of a different subject completely, so I will reserve them to their own post!) and this morning I finally managed to get my booty out of bed at an earlier hour. It still wasn't as early as I would like, but it was earlier, which is a step in the right direction.

A lot of it has come down to changing my perspective. I have had to decide that getting up earlier is a reward rather than a punishment- not easy for a night owl from birth! I have had decide to limit myself, make the conscious choice every evening, to save the things that I would normally stay up till all hours of the night, joyfully accomplishing, and wait to do them in the morning. That way I actually want to get up in the morning- those awaiting tasks, that I enjoy, give me the motivation to get out of bed.

The view from my front window

I feel like I have a new lease on life. As I look out my window and see the snow swirling around and accumulating all around, the rest of the world is heading into winter as I am finally coming out of it. The spring I have so long awaited is here at last. I feel refreshed and truly joyful, full of peace for the first time since I can really remember.

I awoke, made a cup of tea, read The Word, nursed my toddler back to sleep as I prayed and then was able to sit with my legs crossed on my couch, computer on my lap and just write/blog/email- it was precious and quiet! It was time all my own and it was productive! Just knowing that I had accomplished some of the things on my list for the day gave me the drive to make a better breakfast for my kids and got me cleaning prior to the last 10 rushed minutes before my husband arrives home from work.

This can work! Jesus can help me- He promises He will!

Who knows, maybe tomorrow I will get up another half hour earlier!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

How to puff up your lips for FREE!!

2010-11-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

You all know how I like to pass along little tips and tricks to you as I find them in life, and, well, this one is not to be missed!

Have you been wanting to enlarge your lips?

Considering collagen injections?

Fillers?

Save your money!

All you have to do is stand in front of an open cupboard door, place a nice thick glass up to your lips (as if taking a drink), then quickly try to close said cupboard door while in process slamming it into the end of your glass, hence smashing the edge of the glass into your top lip and your top lip into your eyeteeth. Ta-Da!! The swelling and canker sores that will surely ensue eliminate all need for a visit to your local med-spa!

Ok- but seriously- I AM IN PAIN! Holy Moly! You really shouldn't do what I outlined above because it HURTS and has long-lasting effects!! I am like, 4 or 5 days into this now! I can hardly talk or eat because my mouth hurts so badly!

I saw a friend last night for the first time in a year and she thought I had had dental work done judging by the swelling and way I was talking trying not to move my lips! "Oh No! " I told her. "Just slammed a glass into my face with a cupboard door!" How embarassing!

I was quite happy with my lips just the way they were! I never had any desire to plump them up like a morphed California soap opera actress! So- any great ideas for getting rid of mouth swelling and canker sores? I'm in need!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Eco Store Review- No Nasty Chemicals!

2010-11-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

You all know how hard it is to find quality body care products that aren't filled with toxic junk, don't you? I have had the darndest time over the last 4 years since I ditched all my Bath and Body Works goodies in favor of things that didn't have the potential of giving me and my family cancer! While I have found a few gems in the rough here and there, none have quite lived up to all my expectations- until I found Eco Store!

Can I get a Wuh-Wuh?! They are AWESOME!!

I mean- seriously! Want awesome scents? They've got 'em!

Want lots of suds in your body wash? They've got 'em!

Want your body wash to be smooth and wash off without residue? Yes, Mam!

Want your lotion to be dreamily silky and moisturizing? They wouldn't have it any other way!

Want toxic, artificial chemicals to slather all over your body? Well. if you answered "yes" I have all sorts of other reasons to worry about you, but, to get to the point, you aren't going to find any of that stuff in any of Eco Store's plant-based goodness!

I was so thrilled to be sent both their Vanilla Coconut Body Wash

and their Baby Moisturizer

(which of course, I actually used on yours truly! Oh, and sometimes on my boys too- when I can catch them!). Both products were honestly the best I have found in organic body care. As Eco Store puts is- No Nasty Chemicals! I love that I can use them on not only myself but my kiddos too, and never have to worry about a thing!

Oh, and did I mention that they recently dropped almost all of their prices by 30%?!?! HOLY COW!! That is some serious savings people! Now they are really affordable! And if you order is over $25 you get free shipping! You just can't go wrong here! I mean, can you say "Christmas Gifts?!" (go ahead, say it- you know you want to!)

Alright- that's all. Just thought you might want to know.

Eco Store provided me with their products for honest review in this post. Thank you to Eco Store for their generosity and manufacturing of an excellent line of products!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

NanoWrimo Progress

2010-11-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

I went in November realizing full well that my blogging time would most likely be sidelined for the most part. Aside from a few posts I knew that I needed to get done for product and book reviews (some of which are still forth coming) I was well aware that most of my writing time would need to be devoted to my novel for NanoWrimo.

Little did I know that even more of my time in general this month would be devoted to my dear friends Christa and Erik and their two boys, as they battle for their beautiful daughter, Ella, to live. Even in the moments that I am not directly helping them or lifting them all up in prayer, I have found it difficult to get back into that writing space in my head. In fact, at times the thought of working on my book has almost felt selfish. I have felt very nearly that I shouldn't be enjoying anything or getting lost in any fantasy story-line while people I am so very close to are being constantly bombarded with harsh and sobering realities.

We have had many of our own realities to deal with ourselves also. My husband's transmission went out this week- a fix that would cost more than the truck is worth. And, well, when you are a finish carpenter who needs to transport a tool trailer to and from jobs in order to make a living, being without a heavy duty truck is quite the predicament. He has been able to borrow a truck from a friend, but even it is in desperate need of serious electrical work which we are also not in the place to fix.

So, we put our house on Craigslist- hoping that it would catch someone's eye, or at least get a nibble. If we could sell and downsize (an impossible sounding word to anyone who has actually seen my home) to some property we have been eying, pay off our debt and get a new truck- if everything played out the way we hoped. But do you have any idea how quickly your listing gets pushed down the list in the real estate section on Craigslist? Well, if you don't know- it's fast! In less than 16 hours we were already on the second page. Bummer. Not even a nibble. We'll try again tomorrow.

I have started teaching childbirthing classes with some fellow doulas in my community. Next Tuesday I will meet with the three other women I will be working with and dearly hoping that this can be one small way that I can help provide for my family. I did a few classes last month with one of the women to see if it was a good fit and if my teaching skills were up to par. I really enjoyed the experience and am looking forward to where this journey will take me. It's something.

And believe it or not- this brings me back to NanoWrimo. Before the absolute craziness of last week came crashing down, I had written over 12,000 words and was into the 6th chapter of my book. While it is just a rough first draft I actually don't think it is half bad! I am really enjoying my characters and my plot and look forward to getting back into working on it. In many ways I think I need to start to look at this as a career opportunity. I have always wanted to be a writer and if I am able to devote a chunk of my time to this venture it could be yet another way for me to stay at home yet help provide for my family.

I have been doing a lot of reading about becoming an author- especially the advice that my favorite authors have to offer. Something Robin Jones Gunn said in one of her interviews really struck a chord with me. She said that she knew that writing would have to be a sacrifice but that she knew it had to be her own and not her family's. For years she said she would get up at 3:00am so that she could write without taking time away from serving her family! Now that is dedication! While I don't plan on getting up anywhere near 3:00am anytime soon, it is one more probe in my side (among many as of late- most likely from the Lord) that getting up earlier would, indeed, be a good idea for me. (arg)

So there you have it- what is up. What's been on my mind. While I don't expect that I will be able to recover from the serious loss of time I have accumulated on my novel, I do plan to finish it. And if by some crazy chance I manage to do it in the next 11 days- well call me Sally and paint my face green! But hey, crazier things have happened!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Top Ten Reasons to as for a BOSCH Universal Mixer for Christmas!

2010-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, well you all know that I am completely in love with my BOSCH and am fairly certain that it would change all of your lives if you owned one, but just in case I still don't have you convinced, I thought I would count down my Top 10 Reasons to ask for a BOSCH Mixer for Christmas this year! Ready?

10. It's easy to clean! I find that especially in comparison to my other stand mixer, the BOSCH is incredibly easy to clean! Everything pops right in the dishwasher and the simplistic design if the base unit lends itself well to being easily wiped off.

9. You will save money! Once you get past the initial investment you will save oodles on all the confectionary goods that you would have otherwise bought at the store! Seriously! Now only are we eating better, we are saving a boat load of cash!

8. It promotes a healthy diet! It is so easy to make whole wheat bread in a BOSCH that you will always have healthy fresh baked bread for your family. You will also easily find ways to slip whole grains into the other baked goods you can simply make with your BOSCH!

7. You will save time by baking in bulk and having your machine do all the work! Who would ever dream of kneading 5 loaves worth of bread by hand, at one time, on a weekly basis?! Not me! But with a BOSCH it is simple and fast!

6. Have I mentioned the cinnamon rolls yet? These babies are reason enough to ask for a BOSCH!

5. Having a BOSCH makes it easy and practical to bless others with fresh bakes goods. Because you are able to make things in bulk you can very easily spare one out of your five loaves of bread to give to a friend! Baked goods also make lovely impromptu gifts for birthdays, housewarming parties, or any event really!

4. Fresh bread is a powerful bargaining tool! Seriously!! I have even been able to trade bread for massages! You'd be surprised what people will do for a nice loaf of Marmee's Buttermilk Oat Bread!

3. If you can manage to convince the gift-giver to bless you with your BOSCH early, you could greatly simplify your holiday baking! Get yourself some cookie paddles and go to town!

2. Cinnamon rolls! Oh wait, did I already say that?! Well, fine then! I guess I'll just have to mention how simple it is to whip up all sort of other delightful breakfasty treats (popovers, biscuits, pie crust for quiche, the list goes on...) in advance and with very little effort!

1. BOSCH Universal Plus Mixers have so many different accessories that it's uses go FAR beyond baking! You could get the food processor (which is on special fro a GREAT price with the purchase of a BOSCH through the end of the year) and do all your chopping, shredding and mincing in a jiffy! You could get the blender and whip up not only your favorite smoothies but sauces and purees too! You could even get the meat grinder and make your very own hamburgers!! It doesn't get any fresher than that! The possibilities are endless!

So there ya have it! Now go ahead and just forward this post to your husband, you parents, your in-laws, your grandmother or whoever else just might want to pitch in to get you one of these extraordinary machines, and don't wait cause Christmas will be here before we know it!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Please Keep Praying!

2010-11-14T11:32:00.001-08:00

Sweet baby Ella still needs your prayers! Erik and Christa are headed home from the hospital today- a very hard step without their baby girl.

I had the privilege of spending a few hours with Christa last night at the hospital. We cried together, looked through pictures of her precious daughter and even laughed a little. We continue to hope and plead with the Lord for a miracle for Ella. He is the great physician and I know He CAN heal her.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Please Keep Praying!

2010-11-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Sweet baby Ella still needs your prayers! Erik and Christa are headed home from the hospital today- a very hard step without their baby girl.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Ella needs a miracle!

2010-11-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

I am writing for you all to keep praying. My heart is breaking for my dear friends tonight as they received some bleak news that things don't look as promising as hoped for their precious daughter, Ella. PLEASE be praying for them and her! PLEASE! You can visit the blog they started for Ella today to see pictures and get the latest updates. If any of you can pour out your love to this family it would be amazing- they need all the prayers and encouragement they can possibly get.

Dear Jesus- we know you have the power to heal. You have the power to make Ella whole and strengthen her beyond the doctor's wildest dreams. We pray the your would make her healing a testimony to the doctors and nurses that are working with her. Take the hurt from this dear family Jesus and please let their daughter live a long and full life.

In your powerful Name Jesus we pray,
Amen

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Prayers needed for Sweet Baby Ella!!

2010-11-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends in the whole wide world had an ultrasound this morning that caused her to go in for an emergency c-section at just 31 weeks. Baby Ella was born this afternoon and has a heart defect that prevents her from converting oxygen to CO2. They still do not know if she will make it and prayers are greatly needed for this baby and family!

Erik and Christa have 2 older sons that I am taking care of and they do not yet know about their sister. There is an extreme amount of shock and stress for this family who wasn't expecting their precious babe until January and had no idea of any complications until this morning.

Please just pray!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Ooo La La Baking!

2010-11-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made a cheesy chicken and vegetable soup for dinner and I thought that a nice loaf of French bread would be the perfect addition to the meal. So I whipped up a batch of Marmee's Easy French Bread and it was just that- easy! There were very few ingredients and I had it kneading in my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer in just minutes! Really the only thing that took considerable time was all the rising- three hours in the bowl and another 45 in the loaf) and the baking (another 45 minutes). And aside from my little miscalculation on how long that would all take in total we would have really enjoyed our bread with dinner. Instead we ate it about 30 minutes after dinner (oops!) but it was delicious!

(A picture will be coming!)

I also wanted to mention that Marmee is running a special on a Homemaking Bundle for just 48 more hours! It is over 80 pages (a $40 value) for only $7.99! So head on over there to check it out and purchase it!

I'm so sorry about the lateness and shortness of this post- a big round of sickness and teething in our family, along with a situation that came up to day with one of my best friends (which I will be blogging on later today) prevented me from getting it up on time. My deepest apologies!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

My recent guest post!

2010-11-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! I forgot to mention that I recently did a guest review over at Heart of the Matter for an awesome preschool curriculum! You can read it here!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Advent Book- Review

2010-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

We're on a Christmas roll folks! After all, it is next month! Ahhh! Can you believe it?! So, yeah- we should probably start planning what we are going to do for the most wonderful time of the year! If you want to spice things up a bit and add some fun new traditions, then this book is just the thing. It is small, concise and packed with lots of fun ideas. Definitely worth the $5.99 you spend on it! Enjoy!

The following is the standard post from FIRST Wild Card Tours- scroll to the bottom to see an excerpt from the book!

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Kathleen M. Basi

and the book:

Joy to the World: Advent Activities for your Family

Liguori Publications (July 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Rebecca Molen of Liguori Publications for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathleen Basi is a stay-at-home mom, freelance writer, flute and voice teacher, composer, choir director, natural family planning teacher, scrapbooker, sometime-chef and budding disability rights activist. She puts her juggling skills on display on her website (see below).

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $5.99
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Liguori Publications (July 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764819372
ISBN-13: 978-0764819377

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Introduction

Reclaiming
Advent

Call it December madness: On the day after Thanksgiving 2008, a seasonal worker was trampled to death by shoppers swarming a department store at opening time. In mid-America, two women got into a fist fight over a toy, and the store personnel had to pull them off each other.

At this time of year, it’s hardly possible to escape feeling rushed, harried, and overwhelmed. It seems like every year the Christmas decorations at the mall go up a little earlier, and all the news reports dwell on how much money retailers are (or aren’t) going to make. The ad inserts get fatter and the TV shouts: “No need to wait! Zero down! No interest for thirteen months! Hurry, hurry, hurry!”

Just about everyone gripes about it, but no one seems to know what to do about it. Some families throw out the whole secular celebration in an attempt to prevent materialism from overwhelming both Advent and Christmas. But most families feel—rightly so—that they shouldn’t have to choose one over the other. It’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but often families feel stressed as the calendar fills up with recitals, shopping, parties, and housecleaning. In this atmosphere filled with distractions, the idea of Advent as a season in its own right has been overwhelmed. How can we wait for Christmas when we never have to wait for anything else?

Christmas is not about children, gifts, cookies, or trees. It’s about a love so powerful that God came to earth to dwell among us: human and divine intertwining—a holy union of wills that reaches its apex not in birth, but in crucifixion and resurrection. In salvation.

And we spend December fighting over Blu-ray discs and toys?

It’s time to reclaim Advent—that season of holy hush, of waiting, of light and anticipation—that season that helps make Christmas so special. We can’t withdraw from the world, but we can take the trappings of the season and infuse them with a deeper meaning. Joy to the World: Advent Activities for Your Family outlines a way to reconcile the secular with the sacred—to celebrate them side-by-side, to mold them into a single, month-long “liturgy,” and in so doing, to enrich both celebrations.

Chapter 1 presents a brief overview of Advent and why it is important. Chapter 2 introduces the three parts of the Advent Reclamation Project, which are explained more fully in Chapters 3 through 5. Chapter 6 offers suggestions for other traditions that families or parish communities might choose to adopt as their own, and in the appendices, you will find resources to flesh out the earlier chapters.

Early childhood is the ideal time to start developing family traditions, so this book is aimed at young families. Each chapter contains a short italicized section to be read directly to children, explaining some part of the celebration. As your family grows, you can adapt the traditions to fit your own circumstances. Many of the ideas will also translate to the classroom. Remember that Advent, like Sabbath, was not created for God’s sake, but for ours (see Mark 2:27). God doesn’t need it. We do.

Chapter

1

The Case
For Advent

Advent holds a unique place in the Christian calendar. For Catholics, it is the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a season in which the church is decked out in purple—a sign of penitence—yet the Scriptures also speak of joy, hope, and light.

The word “Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning arrival or coming. In the earliest days of the Church, all of life focused on the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. After all, the Apostles expected the Second Coming during their lifetimes.

At this time, the ancient pagan cultures structured their seasonal celebrations on nature. The celebration of the winter solstice was the biggest festival of the year in ancient times. It centered upon the shortest day of the year—the day when the “unconquered” sun began slowly to take back the days. Gift-giving, feasting, lights, and greenery all originated in these pagan celebrations. As Christianity expanded into these lands, the Church adopted many of these traditions, infusing them with Christian meaning in order to ease the transition for its new members. Thus, sometime in the fourth century ad, Christmas—and Advent—made their appearances.

Originally, Advent was a forty-day period of fasting and penitence—a parallel to Lent. In the early centuries, the Church focused on preparing for the Second Coming. Not until the middle ages did Advent begin to point toward the birth of Christ. Over the centuries, many traditions cropped up surrounding the season. The Advent wreath grew out of a Pagan tradition of lighting candles to signify the hope of spring. The Jesse tree probably originated in Northern Europe, where lineage and genealogy determined one’s place in society. The Jesse tree taught the faithful about Jesus’ royal lineage. Over time, these customs (and the meanings associated with them) have evolved. Some grew more important, others less so.

Nowadays, the secular culture and many Protestant denominations make no distinction between Advent and Christmas. The Sundays of December are filled with the story of the Christ Child, and the Christmas celebration is over and done around New Year’s. But in Catholic tradition, the season of Advent focuses on the two “comings” of Christ—the Incarnation, when God came to Earth as human child, and the glorious Second Coming at the end of time. In fact, the readings for the first two weeks of Advent speak of John the Baptist “preparing the way” for Jesus, the grown man who turned the world upside down. Only in the later part of Advent does our focus zero in on Bethlehem.

This duality is something we experience even with our senses. Catholic churches are hung with violet for these four weeks—the color traditionally associated with penitence. But the purple we use at this time of year is different from the purple of Lent; it is meant to be a richer, royal purple, reminding us also that Christ is King.

Advent gives us a chance to meditate on:

Hope—for deliverance;

Expectation—for the coming of one who will bring justice to an unjust world;

Preparation—so that we may prepare our hearts to receive Christ, who is

Light—the light of the world.

These are beautiful themes. Why should Advent be shoved into a corner, nothing more than four weeks of filler before Christmas? Advent can be a magical time, if we approach it the right way.

Advent does not need to become a “second Lent,” but the violet hangings and vestments remind us that penitence remains an important part of the season. Advent gives us the chance to examine our hearts and “defrag” our scattered souls. To reorder our thinking and our priorities. To point our lives, for four weeks, toward Christmas, so that when we reach the holiday, it has meaning and beauty that is distinct from the four preceding weeks.

Nor is Christmas the end of the journey. Without Holy Week and the resurrection, the manger in Bethlehem would be unremarkable: just one more baby born in poverty. For Christians, the destination is Easter. Glorious as it is, Christmas is a stop along the way.

For the children:

Even though all the advertisements on TV are about Christmas, right now we are actually in the season of Advent. During Advent, our job is to get ready for Jesus to come and live in our hearts. At Christmas, we will celebrate Jesus being born as a baby—but he has promised us that he will come back again someday, and we need to be ready. One way we do this is by remembering our sins and trying to do better. This is called penitence, and it is why the church is decorated in purple. But Advent is also about looking forward to Jesus coming. We are excited because Jesus is the light of the world, and when he comes, he will make the world fair for everyone.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Everything Christmas Book Review

2010-11-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first book tour with Wild Card Tours and I am thrilled to be a part of it! I really enjoyed receiving Everything Christmas. It is filled with fun Christmas trivia, lyrics to your favorite Christmas carols, recipes, stories, history, tradition ideas and much more! The book is broken down into short chapters for every calendar day in December leading up to Christmas and I very much look forward to using it with my family this Advent season. I think this book would make a fun addition to your family's festivities and would also make a lovely gift!

The rest of this post is a standard post for the Wild Card Tour- be sure to scroll to the end to read the first chapter of Everything Christmas.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

David Bordon
and
Thomas J. Winters

and the book:

Everything Christmas

WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)

***Special thanks to Staci Carmichael, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, Doubleday Religion / Waterbrook Multnomah, Divisions of Random House, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

David Bordon and Tom Winters are partners in Bordon-Winters, LLC, a book concept and packaging company that produces successful books and gift products. Their previous titles include the 101 Things You Should Do series, especially the popular 101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 030772929X
ISBN-13: 978-0307729293

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

December 1

Let Us Keep Christmas

Grace Noll Crowell

Whatever else be lost among the years,

Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing;

Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,

Let us hold close one day, remembering

It’s poignant meaning for the hearts of men.

Let us get back our childlike faith again.

The History of Christmas

Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The twelve days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, gift giving, carnivals, carolers going from house to house, holiday feasts, even church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians. These traditions were passed down throughout the known world and were popular in Rome long before the birth of Christ.

Most historians say that some three centuries after the birth of Christ, Christianity was spreading rapidly. Church leaders were alarmed that their converts continued to honor the ancient celebrations honoring pagan gods. Early Christians had chosen to keep the birth of their Christ child a solemn and religious holiday, without merriment. For centuries they had forbidden their members to take part in those ancient celebrations. But now it seemed it was a losing battle. As a compromise, they agreed to allow their members to partake in a demure and respectful celebration of the birth of Christ. Thus, the Christian celebration we know as Christmas was born in Rome, near the date 336 AD.

The actual date of Christ’s birth is unknown, so the early Christians chose December 25, probably to compete with the wildly popular Roman festival of Saturnalia. Eventually, most of the customs from the festival of Saturnalia were adopted into the celebration of Christmas and given new and sacred meanings.

Today, Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. In America, it is the biggest event of the year, celebrated by people of all ages.

Christmas Every Day

William Dean Howells

The little girl came into her papa’s study, as she always did Saturday morning before breakfast, and asked for a story. He tried to beg off that morning, for he was very busy, but she would not let him. So he began:

“Well, once there was a little pig—”

She stopped him at the word. She said she had heard little pig stories till she was perfectly sick of them.

“Well, what kind of story shall I tell, then?”

“About Christmas. It’s getting to be the season.”

“Well!” Her papa roused himself. “Then I’ll tell you about the little girl that wanted it Christmas every day in the year. How would you like that?”

“First-rate!” said the little girl; and she nestled into comfortable shape in his lap, ready for listening.

“Very well, then, this little pig—Oh, what are you pounding me for?”

“Because you said little pig instead of little girl.”

“I should like to know what’s the difference between a little pig and a little girl that wanted Christmas every day!”

“Papa!” said the little girl warningly. At this her papa began to tell the story.

Once there was a little girl who liked Christmas so much that she wanted it to be Christmas every day in the year, and as soon as Thanksgiving was over she began to send postcards to the old Christmas Fairy to ask if she mightn’t have it. But the old Fairy never answered, and after a while the little girl found out that the Fairy wouldn’t notice anything but real letters sealed outside with a monogram—or your initial, anyway. So, then, she began to send letters, and just the day before Christmas, she got a letter from the Fairy, saying she might have it Christmas every day for a year, and then they would see about having it longer.

The little girl was excited already, preparing for the old-fashioned, once-a-year Christmas that was coming the next day. So she resolved to keep the Fairy’s promise to herself and surprise everybody with it as it kept coming true, but then it slipped out of her mind altogether.

She had a splendid Christmas. She went to bed early, so as to let Santa Claus fill the stockings, and in the morning she was up the first of anybody and found hers all lumpy with packages of candy, and oranges and grapes, and rubber balls, and all kinds of small presents. Then she waited until the rest of the family was up, and she burst into the library to look at the large presents laid out on the library table—books, and boxes of stationery, and dolls, and little stoves, and dozens of handkerchiefs, and inkstands, and skates, and photograph frames, and boxes of watercolors, and dolls’ houses—and the big Christmas tree, lighted and standing in the middle.

She had a splendid Christmas all day. She ate so much candy that she did not want any breakfast, and the whole forenoon the presents kept pouring in that had not been delivered the night before, and she went round giving the presents she had got for other people, and came home and ate turkey and cranberry for dinner, and plum pudding and nuts and raisins and oranges, and then went out and coasted, and came in with a stomachache crying, and her papa said he would see if his house was turned into that sort of fool’s paradise another year, and they had a light supper, and pretty early everybody went to bed cross.

The little girl slept very heavily and very late, but she was wakened at last by the other children dancing around her bed with their stockings full of presents in their hands. “Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!” they all shouted.

“Nonsense! It was Christmas yesterday,” said the little girl, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Her brothers and sisters just laughed. “We don’t know about that. It’s Christmas today, anyway. You come into the library and see.”

Then all at once it flashed on the little girl that the Fairy was keeping her promise, and her year of Christmases was beginning. She was dreadfully sleepy, but she sprang up and darted into the library. There it was again! Books, and boxes of stationery, and dolls, and so on.

There was the Christmas tree blazing away, and the family picking out their presents, and her father looking perfectly puzzled, and her mother ready to cry. “I’m sure I don’t see how I’m to dispose of all these things,” said her mother, and her father said it seemed to him they had had something just like it the day before, but he supposed he must have dreamed it. This struck the little girl as the best kind of a joke, and so she ate so much candy she didn’t want any breakfast, and went round carrying presents, and had turkey and cranberry for dinner, and then went out and coasted, and came in with a stomachache, crying.

Now, the next day, it was the same thing over again, but everybody getting crosser, and at the end of a week’s time so many people had lost their tempers that you could pick up lost tempers anywhere, they perfectly strewed the ground. Even when people tried to recover their tempers they usually got somebody else’s, and it made the most dreadful mix.

The little girl began to get frightened, keeping the secret all to herself, she wanted to tell her mother, but she didn’t dare to, and she was ashamed to ask the Fairy to take back her gift, it seemed ungrateful and ill-bred. So it went on and on, and it was Christmas on St. Valentine’s Day and Washington’s Birthday, just the same as any day, and it didn’t skip even the First of April, though everything was counterfeit that day, and that was some little relief.

After a while turkeys got to be awfully scarce, selling for about a thousand dollars apiece. They got to passing off almost anything for turkeys—even half-grown hummingbirds. And cranberries—well they asked a diamond apiece for cranberries. All the woods and orchards were cut down for Christmas trees. After a while they had to make Christmas trees out of rags. But there were plenty of rags, because people got so poor, buying presents for one another, that they couldn’t get any new clothes, and they just wore their old ones to tatters. They got so poor that everybody had to go to the poorhouse, except the confectioners, and the storekeepers, and the book sellers, and they all got so rich and proud that they would hardly wait upon a person when he came to buy. It was perfectly shameful!

After it had gone on about three or four months, the little girl, whenever she came into the room in the morning and saw those great ugly, lumpy stockings dangling at the fireplace, and the disgusting presents around everywhere, used to sit down and burst out crying. In six months she was perfectly exhausted, she couldn’t even cry anymore.

And now it was on the Fourth of July! On the Fourth of July, the first boy in the United States woke up and found out that his firecrackers and toy pistol and two-dollar collection of fireworks were nothing but sugar and candy painted up to look like fireworks. Before ten o’clock every boy in the United States discovered that his July Fourth things had turned into Christmas things and was so mad. The Fourth of July orations all turned into Christmas carols, and when anybody tried to read the Declaration of Independence, instead of saying, “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary,” he was sure to sing, “God rest you merry gentlemen.” It was perfectly awful.

About the beginning of October the little girl took to sitting down on dolls wherever she found them—she hated the sight of them so, and by Thanksgiving she just slammed her presents across the room. By that time people didn’t carry presents around nicely anymore. They flung them over the fence or through the window, and, instead of taking great pains to write “For dear Papa,” or “Mama “ or “Brother,” or “Sister,” they used to write, “Take it, you horrid old thing!” and then go and bang it against the front door.

Nearly everybody had built barns to hold their presents, but pretty soon the barns overflowed, and then they used to let them lie out in the rain, or anywhere. Sometimes the police used to come and tell them to shovel their presents off the sidewalk or they would arrest them.

Before Thanksgiving came it had leaked out who had caused all these Christmases. The little girl had suffered so much that she had talked about it in her sleep, and after that hardly anybody would play with her, because if it had not been for her greediness it wouldn’t have happened. And now, when it came Thanksgiving, and she wanted them to go to church, and have turkey, and show their gratitude, they said that all the turkeys had been eaten for her old Christmas dinners and if she would stop the Christmases, they would see about the gratitude. And the very next day the little girl began sending letters to the Christmas Fairy, and then telegrams, to stop it. But it didn’t do any good, and then she got to calling at the Fairy’s house, but the girl that came to the door always said, “Not at home,” or “Engaged,” or something like that, and so it went on till it came to the old once-a-year Christmas Eve. The little girl fell asleep, and when she woke up in the morning—

“She found it was all nothing but a dream,” suggested the little girl.

“No indeed!” said her papa. “It was all every bit true!”

“What did she find out, then?”

“Why, that it wasn’t Christmas at last, and wasn’t ever going to be, anymore. Now it’s time for breakfast.”

The little girl held her papa fast around the neck.

“You shan’t go if you’re going to leave it so!”

“How do you want it left?”

“Christmas once a year.”

“All right,” said her papa, and he went on again.

Well, with no Christmas ever again, there was the greatest rejoicing all over the country. People met together everywhere and kissed and cried for joy. Carts went around and gathered up all the candy and raisins and nuts, and dumped them into the river, and it made the fish perfectly sick. And the whole United States, as far out as Alaska, was one blaze of bonfires, where the children were burning up their presents of all kinds. They had the greatest time!

The little girl went to thank the old Fairy because she had stopped its being Christmas, and she said she hoped the Fairy would keep her promise and see that Christmas never, never came again. Then the Fairy frowned, and said that now the little girl was behaving just as greedily as ever, and she’d better look out. This made the little girl think it all over carefully again, and she said she would be willing to have it Christmas about once in a thousand years, and then she said a hundred, and then she said ten, and at last she got down to one. Then the Fairy said that was the good old way that had pleased people ever since Christmas began, and she was agreed. Then the little girl said, “What’re your shoes made of?” And the Fairy said, “Leather.” And the little girl said, “Bargain’s done forever,” and skipped off, and hippity-hopped the whole way home, she was so glad.

“How will that do?” asked the papa.

“First-rate!” said the little girl, but she hated to have the story stop, and was rather sober. However, her mama put her head in at the door and asked her papa:

“Are you never coming to breakfast? What have you been telling that child?”

“Oh, just a tale with a moral.”

The little girl caught him around the neck again.

“We know! Don’t you tell what, papa! Don’t you tell what!”

William Dean Howells (1837—1920) Best known as an editor and critic, this American fiction writer produced more than forty novels and story collections. He challenged American authors to choose American subjects, portray them honestly, and create characters who use native-American speech. As a critic, he helped to introduce writers like Mark Twain, Hamlin Garland, and Stephen Crane to American readers.

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past,

courage for the present, hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow

with blessings rich and eternal, and that

every path may lead to peace.

Agnes M. Pharo

Scented Applesauce-Cinnamon

Ornaments

3 cups applesauce

3 cups ground cinnamon

Mix applesauce and cinnamon together until it is thick enough to hold a form. Flatten the mixture on a flat surface and cut into cookie-cutter shapes.

Place cookie shapes on a cookie sheet to dry for 3 to 4 days depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. If using as a hanging ornament, make a hole with a toothpick before drying.

Makes 15 ornaments.

Chestnut Dressing

8 Tbsp. butter

3 ribs celery with leaves, chopped

16 ounces chestnuts

1 large chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 pound sourdough bread, cubed

3 cups turkey stock

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut a deep X into the flattest side of each chestnut and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, or until outer skin of chestnut splits. Wrap roasted chestnuts in a towel to keep warm. Peel off the tough outer skin of the chestnut and thinner inner skin with a sharp knife. Chop the chestnuts coarsely and set aside.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Empty skillet contents into a large bowl. Add cubed bread, parsley, and enough stock to moisten the mix, about 2 1/2 cups. Stir in chestnuts and add salt and pepper to taste.

Use to stuff poultry or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with 1/2 cup more stock, and bake 30 minutes to an hour.

Makes 10–11 cups.

Roasted Goose

1 goose, 10–12 pounds

1 orange, halved

kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For giblet stock (used in gravy):

2 onions, quartered

1 carrot, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 pints of water

2 sprigs of sage

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 Tbsp. cornstarch (to thicken)

The goose should be defrosted and left at room temperature for at least 2 or 3 hours before cooking to bring it to equilibrium. This will improve the overall texture of the finished product. Remove the giblets from the goose and set aside. Wash the bird thoroughly inside and out with cool water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Cut away any loose pieces of fat. Then rub the orange inside and outside of the bird. Mix the salt and pepper and rub into the skin and inside the cavity of the bird to season it.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Truss the bird by folding the wings back under the body. Then tie the legs together with butcher’s twine. Lightly prick the skin of the bird several times with a fork to allow the fat to adequately render during the cooking process. It is important not to pierce the flesh of the bird. Place the goose breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan, and bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes to develop some initial color. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for approximately 3 hours.

Make a simple giblet stock to fortify and enrich the gravy while the goose is roasting by placing the giblets in a saucepan with some goose fat and cooking over low heat until browned. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, herbs, and water. Bring to a boil and then simmer gently for about one hour. Strain and cool until needed.

The goose is done when the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 175°F. For a visual test to see if the goose is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, then it is ready. If not, then return to the oven for additional roasting time.

Once the goose is cooked, allow it to rest for 20–30 minutes. This will allow the meat to firm up and will help retain the juiciness of the bird. Remove all of the drippings from the roasting pan, strain, and remove the fat. Add these defatted drippings to the giblet broth and season to taste. To thicken the gravy, combine 1 Tbsp. of cornstarch with 3 Tbsp. of water and add to the gravy. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1–2 minutes or until thickened.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Phillips Brooks

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,

Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Historical Note:

On Christmas Eve, 1865, Phillips Brooks was in Jerusalem, a trip intended to inspire spiritual rebirth after the horrors of the Civil War. Just a few months earlier, he had spoken at the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. That clear night as he walked the streets of the Holy City, he had a sudden inspiration. Renting a horse, he set out for Bethlehem. After a solitary journey under the clear night sky, Brooks reached the tiny, remote village and was surrounded by the spirit of the first Christmas. His impoverished soul was refreshed as he considered what had happened there so many years before. Three years later on Christmas Eve, 1868, as he sat alone in his study preparing his sermon for the next day, he felt inspired to pen the words to this beautiful carol.

I, the Lord All-Powerful,

will send my messenger

to prepare the way for me.

Then suddenly the Lord

you are looking for

will appear in his temple.

The messenger you desire

is coming with my promise,

and he is on his way.

(Malachi 3:1, cev)

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Beautiful Christmas Cards with little work for you!

2010-11-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Every year I love figuring out my Christmas cards, and most years I design them myself. However, this year, since I seem to have my hands so full with the boys and I am in the middle of writing a novel, I thought it might be nice to have someone else do all the work.

I have always had my hesitancy about pre-made card templates, though, because they typically all look the same and don't have any place to add a little annual update letter, which I always like to include. With all of that in mind, I was very pleasantly surprised by Shutterfly's Folded Christmas Photo Cards! They actually have a plethora of unique designs with lots of space to write, which is just perfect for our little family! I am so over joyed to take out so much of the work!

My favorite design is this one. Or wait- maybe it's this one. Scratch that- this one is the coolest! Or... I don't know! There are so many choices!

While I am over there I just might pick up a couple of their desk calendars as gifts for the grandparents. These calendars are sweet and, once again, unlike others I've seen, and of course Nana and Grandma would adore them!

We were hoping to be moved by the holidays and through a big winter bash at our new place in the woods, but since that doesn't look like it is happening quite as soon as we thought we might still be able to have our party come January. If that is the case, I would love to send out some of these cute invitations!

What are you planning for your Christmas Cards this year?

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Prepare for Thanksgiving with Marmee!

2010-11-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

This week I wanted to feature some of the wonderful products that my sponsor Marmee sells that can make your Thanksgiving holiday not only easier but genuinely more special! Since Marmee's products centralize around homemaking, I believe that the holidays are a time of the year when what she has to offer especially shines!

The first, and most obvious, suggestion I have for making your Thanksgiving a little smoother and a little more homemade is.... a BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer of course! Wouldn't your family be impressed and blessed with homemade rolls, breads and pastries throughout the holiday weekend?

Then, as long as you've got your BOSCH, why not grab some cookie paddles to help whip up some pie crust or even cookies for dessert (and of course you will want to get these stainless steel scoops to make sure all your confections are the same size for even baking!).

Wouldn't this Turnover Dough Press be fun for a nice, light, pre-prepped Thanksgiving morning breakfast of apple turnovers? It would also be a fast grab if you are going to be headed out the door bright and early the next morning to hit the sales (but wouldn't it be more fun to just hit the sales on your computer in your PJs?!).

How about getting a Bible Journal just to make sure you are keeping your heart thankful and focused on the Lord during this holiday season? Sounds like a good idea to me!

And finally, wouldn't this neat Family Recipe Keeper be nice to put all your holiday recipes in and build on over the years to pass on to your children someday (and keep you nice and ready for the holidays all the years in between!).

Get your orders in soon so you can be sure to be all ready when November 25 rolls around- it's coming fast than any of us think!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

It all begins tomorrow! NanoWrimo 10'!

2010-10-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

Well, October will be over in about 15 minutes in my neck of the woods and that can only mean one thing! Ok, so it can actually probably mean a lot of things, but one thing in particular to me- the start of National Novel Writing Month! I have been planning on this about a month and a half now and now that it is almost here I feel giddy, anxious, excited and leery all at the same time!

Last minute jitters have me questioning everything! Will my plot be interesting enough to elaborate on to actually create an entire 50,000 word novel? I have I prepared enough to not have a total brain fart? Is my story just plain dumb? We shall see!

It's not that I haven't prepared, because I have, but not as much as maybe I should have. I do have a general breakdown of my chapters, and a good idea of who my characters are and why they are the way they are, but you can always be more prepared!

Well, wish me luck- better yet, pray for me! This is going to be such an adventure and I have a lot of things working against me, but I am still convinced that I can end up as a finisher (or "winner" in the NanoWrimo world). Buckle up- here we (or I, I guess) go! (But if you do happen to be joining the madness, I would love to know)!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Parting of the Red Sea Cake

2010-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I delivered my third and last cake for the month (and probably for a little while- I need a little cake break). This one was in honor of a friend's son's 1st birthday. His name is Moses, so, appropriately enough, I made the parting of the Red Sea!

This was probably the most fun cake I have gotten to make so far. It was the most relaxing because I made sure to give myself more than enough time- no rushing and no late nights! I also felt like I was able to get the most creative and just kind of have fun. They gave me no specifications so I really just got to run with it.

I made pretty much everything out of fondant. For the signs I added in some Gum-Tex (also known as Tylose) powder to help stiffen them and make them stronger. For the ground in between the walls of water I made a mix of brown sugar and cocoa powder (yum!). To finish it off I made white caps with royal icing and then brushed the whole thing down with glucose to give the whole thing a wet look.

I can't get over how much I love using my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer for making cakes (aside from fondant- which I will never make again!). I love how easy it is to add ingredients through the top of the lid since there is no over-hanging component as there is with most other mixers. It is also so easy to be able to see what exactly is happening within the bowl. Plus, the lid also definitely helps cut back on the amount of powdered ingredients that puff up out of the bowl- which is nice for clean-up!

Remember- this is the time to buy a BOSCH mixer from Marmee's Bread Market because from now to the end of the year she is offering the food processor attachment for only $30 with the purchase of a mixer. That is a total steal! Christmas is coming- it would be a great gift to ask for this year!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

The SIlent Governess- Review

2010-10-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

So, sometime last week I decided that I better finally buckle down and finish reading a few of the books I have had on my shelf for quite sometime, just waiting to be reviewed. I'm not sure why it took me so long to finally get around to it. Under normal circumstances I am an avid reader and find much enjoyment in it. But, as many of you know, the last, oh I don't know, year, has not been normal.

Anyhow- once I actually started reading The Silent Governess I absolutely fell in love! Wow- this book was beyond lovely! Filled with suspense and the ever-growing possibility of romance, I was captivated. I couldn't put it down! I would be lying if I said that I didn't sneakily stay up until the wee hour of 2:00am last night to finish the last hundred pages or so! I could easily see this book being turned into a movie, a very good movie, and I don't think that about every book I read.

Julie Klassen did such an amazing job of capturing the essence of the Victorian era and researching the historical details that I almost felt like I was learning something too... but that's not the point- it was just great fiction! Even the language presented a new challenge being very accurately akin to what would have actually been spoken in 1800s England.

Can you tell I liked it?

Go get it! You'll like it too!

You can purchase The Silent Governess right here.

This book was provided to me for honest review by Bethany House publishers. All opinions are entirely my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

CAKES!

2010-10-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

For my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer feature post this week I thought I would show you all a couple "little" cakes I have recently made.

First of all, you may recall my referring to the near-death experience my mixer encountered at the hands of a dreadful fondant recipe I attempted making for these cakes. Well, I am happy to report that after we took the bowl apart and I (sheepishly) laid hands on my mixer today, praying, "Dear Lord, Please let this baby work!!"- my beautiful mixer is working without a hiccup! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!

On to the cakes! The first one I made a few weeks ago was a Bridal Shower cake with a Price is Right Theme. I decided to make a shrunken version of the set of the original show and I changed the logo to "Their Love is Right" (as requested).

Front View

Top View

Side View

Back View w/logo

So, I was actually not happy with this cake. It was the first one I had done in quite a while and it was incredibly complex! The fondant wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be and there were lots of little cracks and smudges that just didn't live up to my expectations. I just couldn't see past the flaws. I was secretly hoping that the client's (she is also a good friend) husband would drop the cake on the way into the building, but as luck would have it, he did not. They loved and said it was great, but I still just wish it could have been better.

All in all this cake took me somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 hours, start to finish. There was more than one 4:00am bedtime during the process of this cake! Yikes!

The following weekend I made a 10/10/10 cake for a friend's son who was turning... 10! (What are the odds?!) I was much happier with how this cake turned out. Things just all-in-all went more smoothly and quicker as well (only about 15 hours!). This cake was much more fun to make because I felt more confident and things went so much easier. the most time consuming part was cutting out all of the fondant pieces (the yellow ones were also painted in gold luster dust). There were a couple late nights associated with this cake but nothing like before.

To top off this experience, the clients have really enjoyed the taste of the cake! Yeah! Considering that I am not a huge fan of cake myself, this was something I was really worried about, so I am glad they liked it!

One more cake to go this coming weekend, which I will be sharing with you soon! So thankful for my BOSCH Mixer to make the baking process go off quickly and easily!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

A little Mother Culture!

2010-10-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you may recall, over the summer I reviewed the book Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola, and the gist of it was that I was completely in love with the book and couldn't wait to read the sequel, Lessons at Blackberry Inn.

Well, shortly after my review I came across Karen's blog, Moments with Mother Culture, which I was positively thrilled about, and shared with her that I had reviewed her book. Imagine my surprise and complete gratitude when she not only visited my blog and commented but also sent me the sweetest email in which she offered to send me a free copy of Lessons at Blackberry Inn out of appreciation for my review! I was shocked and beyond delighted! It is always a humbling thing to have an author or speaker that you have reviewed actually read your work, but then to offer to also send me her book was thrilling, especially since I have been dying to read it!

Just to add to my excitement when the package arrived it had not one but TWO of her books inside- Lessons at Blackberry Inn (which she signed! Eeeeek!) AND Story Starters (which I will be discussing more on my homeschool blog, The World According to Them, very soon)! And get this- she even wrapped each book in tissue paper! It was the sweetest gift and I am so honored to have received it!

I wasn't going to start reading until I had finished the other books that I have been working on... but I couldn't resist! So, I have stashed it in a spot that I can fairly regularly sneak off to for a few minutes alone and I try to read a couple of pages whenever I can! I'm about a third of the way in and loving it just as much as Pocketful of Pinecones! I will be sure to let you all know what I think when I am finished!

Thank you so much Karen for such a lovely gift! I appreciate your generosity and extravagance more than you can know!

Now for a little Thankful Thursday...

#21. Generous authors who go above and beyond

#22. MOPS- a lovely break yesterday

#23. MOPPETS Volunteers- who deal with even the fussiest of kiddos

#24. friends who offer support and encouragement

#25. friends who allow you to return the favor and get the attention off yourself

#26. Kay Arthur podcasts

#27. cool fall days

#28. little boys who say and do the funniest things I've ever heard and seen

#29. second (and third, and fourth, and infinity) chances

#30. creative inspiration

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Buttermilk Oat Bread!

2010-10-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Could my little bread-making land seriously get any better?! The deliciousness emanating from my house on a weekly basis is so extravagant I hardly know what to do with myself! It thrills me beyond belief that we have had exclusively homemade bread for almost two whole months now (thanks to my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market!).

Tonight I tried out Marmee's recipe for Buttermilk Oat Bread- brilliant! So yummy! This bread is seriously yummy enough that you could even eat it without butter (but, who am I kidding, why would you want to?!)! I can't wait to send my husband to work with a couple of sandwiches on it tomorrow morning because I know he is just going to love it! True to form, I did substitute some of the unbleached bread flour for my fresh-milled whole wheat and still had wonderful results. I have yet to try one of Marmee's recipes that we don't absolutely adore (and devour in short order!).

Have I mentioned one of my favorite things about owning a BOSCH? It has allowed me to be giving in a time when I ordinarily would not have anything to give. We have been so broke that we could hardly see straight but having my BOSCH at my side has allowed me to bless other families with some homemade goodness on a regular basis, which in return has been a blessing to me. It is good for the soul to be able to give! I have been able to share at least one loaf from every batch of bread I have made and it is incredibly satisfying- just fills me up!

I do seem to be running into one snafoo though that I am hoping it will work itself out when my husband looks at my machine, but last week I was baking a cake for a friend and made an attempt at homemade fondant that went incredibly wrong. Apparently the stiffness of the fondant was just too much for my cookie paddles to handle and the plastic gears on the bowl and the paddles began to grind on each other, something terrible. As soon as the horrible sound began to emit from my machine and I realized what was going on, I turned it off, but a small amount of damage had already been done to the plastic- nothing that inhibited the machine from working once the malicious fondant was removed (not to readers- don't bother trying to make it- just buy it!).

Today, however, when I was making my bread, a clunking sound kept coming from the bowl on my machine. My husband listened to it and thinks it is something with the gears- great. I am trying not to let devastation set in quite yet and just need to have him look at it more and find my warranty info. How upsetting! I can't bear to think of being without my machine! :-( Hopefully we will get it worked out quickly and relatively painlessly!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Sense and Sensibility Insight Edition Review!

2010-10-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to read Jane Austen but, to be honest, have always been rather intimidated. However, I have recently found two things that dramatically help put that intimidation aside- reading in an English accent (haha- seriously!) and using the Insight Editions of her work!

If you haven't heard of the Insight Editions published by Bethany House, you have really got to check them out! All throughout the books they sprinkle little trivia and helpful side-notes. Everything from how things were depicted in film adaptations, to what was happening in Jane's real life at the time of her authorship, to giving the context and definition to various phrases and references in the books, the Insight Editions truly give that extra little verve and interest to the classic works. The extras are well written and added with care by a fellow author (Julie Klassen) who has a genuine love and appreciation for Austen's work.

Now, of course, Jane Austen stands on her own just fine, but having always been an avid watcher of DVD Bonus Features, the Insight Edition was right up my alley! If you have ever considered purchasing one of these classics, I would highly recommend going the Insight Edition route!

To purchase and find out more about the Insight Edition of Sense and Sensibility, you can visit Bethany House Publishers.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Gotta Love CSN!

2010-10-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

It is so fun to be one of CSN's preferred bloggers! I have another review coming up with them and now that we may possibly be moving, the options seriously seem endless for what I could review! I mean, I could get some lovely nesting tables or I could get a nice stand for our TV! I have no idea how I am going to narrow it down between all the thousands of products offered at CSN's more than 200 stores!

What would you get?

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Nano Wrimo is coming- 10 Ways to Prepare!

2010-10-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday the clan over at The office of letters and Light launched the updated site for National Novel Writing Month '10 (NanoWrimo for short)! I have been waiting for this ever sine I decided to be come an official participant a few weeks ago!

To think that one month from now I will be working on my first novel is thrilling and terrifying! I want to be as prepared as possible so that it goes smoothly and I actually stand a chance to finish, so I am diving into my research and whatnot this month. In this process I have been coming across a few sites that I am finding very helpful and I wanted to share them with you, just in case you decide to take the plunge too!

1. The Snowflake Method- this is the main way I am going to prepare to start writing. I like the step by step process that allows you to lay out and expand on your story and characters with the byproduct of shortening your writing time! Cause, hello?! I will only have a month!

2. Tricia Goyer's site has loads of advise and great links to help you become a better writer. Plus, she has a writing feature on her blog every Wednesday (if you've never read her stuff, you should).

3. Robin Jones Gunn (the single author who has most significantly and consistently impacted me since the time I was 12) also has some tips on her site. I like her idea of cutting out pictures from magazines as your characters and getting to know them inside and out before you ever start writing.

4. The Nanowrimo forums- connect with other participants, bounce ideas off each other, commiserate and get encouragement to stay on track!

5. Book in a Month- This book I really want but am probably not going to be able to get before November. I think it would be such a helpful tool (obviously!)!

6. A Guide To Writing Your Novel- This book on writing fiction sounds amazing and has great reviews. Even Tricia Goyer said it really helped her career.

7. The Old Schoolhouse Expo has a few speakers who are focusing on writing and although we can't afford for me to get a ticket to the live online event I do hope that I can eventually by the download version (once again- Tricia Goyer is a speaker!).

8. My Writing Nook site and app- this is the program I intend to use to write in. It is synced through google so it is super secure and will allow me to write on my iphone also, so I will never loose a moment.

9. Evernote has been helpful to stash my crazy thoughts and research and since it's also on my iphone it's really accessible and helpful.

10. Alright, so this one is totally just a dream and never going to actually happen, but I, of course, would LOVE an iPad! This would obviously be a better choice than my phone, but I'll work with what I've got. Someday...

So, are you going to join in? Have you come up with any other resources for this month-long adventure? I'd love to hear!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Pizza!

2010-10-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm- Pizza! It's a fairly main staple in our house. Cheap. Covers lots of food groups. :-) Oh- and we usually have leftovers to cover a whole second night of dinner!

I have to admit though, before I got my BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer from Marmee's Bread Market, I would (cringe) buy my pizza dough from a local supermarket. I know, I know. But they have great French bread and it was just easier (if I'm being honest)! Now, however, I can honestly say that it is actually easier for me to make my own pizza dough than run to the store. Seriously! Not to mention it being loads better for us and tasting wonderful!

I have actually tried two different recipes as crust in the past two months, both from Marmee's Bread Basket Cookbook. The first we tried was the actual Pizza Dough recipe in the book. While we liked it (I especially), I could tell for my hubs that going from a strictly white flour crust to a mostly whole wheat crust was a bit of a stretch. So, the next time around I used Marmee's Best Bread recipe and it was WONDERFUL! Thumbs up all around!

I make pizza enough that I will probably continue to experiment with recipes, just for the fun of it. I know my husband would love if I tried out Marmee's French Bread recipe or possibly even her Country White. I'll be sure to let you all know about them as soon as we give them a shot!

I also wanted to mention an AWESOME deal that Marmee is currently running! From now until December 31 (or until further notice) with the purchase of a BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer you can get a Food Processor attachment for only $30!!! That is such a steal! These attachments usually sell for $105! This is the one attachment that I personally would most like to have- so useful and so nice that you don't have to have another whole machine on your counter! So, if you have ever thought of getting a BOSCH, now is the time!!!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

SALE!

2010-10-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a little note to let you all know that Marmee Dear is offering a special on her 2011

Family Yearbook

and Wall Calendar

and they both end tonight!! Head on over there to take advantage of the specials before they disappear!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

He walked in the front door with the mail clenched in his fist, as he had done every day for the past 2 weeks. This time it was different- a check had finally come. A tinge of relief shone on his face but with the burden of our past due bills and the mortgage looming on the horizon, he could not fully rest his mind yet. This check, which was billed out for over two months ago, would not be enough. But it was something.

I continued about my tasks in the kitchen, thankful but not overcome with peace, until the gasp of shock emerged from his lips and I looked up to see his mouth agape and his eyes wide. This was not the past due check we had been waiting and praying on. This was a check that he had only billed out for a mere few weeks ago and its total was almost three times that of the other check we had been waiting on.

This was relief.

This was elatement.

This was seeing God tangibly provide. While we had been scurrying around to contact the bank and fret over how we would even eat, He knew all along what was going to happen and had it all under control.

While the fretting was obviously unnecessary and not what He wants for us, I somehow think that the steps we made to contact the bank were the right thing for us to do. I think that by doing so we were able to say, "Alright God- we have explored every avenue. We have done our part. We haven't just sat idly by waiting for a miracle, even though we are praying for one. Now, however you are going to work it out, work it out. There is literally nothing more we can do." We did all that we humanly could. We were given no option at that point to do anything but put the rest in His hands. And He cam through. At the last possible minute- when we had nothing left. He said, "I haven't forgotten about you."

He did it. He took care of us at one of our lowest lows. So, why in the world was one of the first questions that uncontrollably left my lips, "But what about next month?" Sheesh! In the midst of the lesson, in the midst of Him coming through and giving us just enough, just in time, I worry about tomorrow and want just a little bit more.

Luckily I immediately caught myself- or maybe that little voice saying, "you're missing the point..." wasn't mine at all. He wanted to come through for us. He wanted to show us He has the power and the ability to take care of us. And more importantly, I think, He wanted us to trust Him. To really believe what He says. To rest in Him. He wanted us to truly experience the peace that passes all understanding. And just to make sure we keep this lesson fresh in our minds and hearts, He only gave us just enough. He wants us to keep resting in, relying on and trusting Him.

So, today I'm resting and trusting. Don't get me wrong- I'll be praying too, for much is still unknown (to us) and next month's bills will eventually come, but today, I'm remembering that He has not forgotten me and my little family.

...thankfulness continued...

#11. an unexpected check

#12. little boys who love to snuggle

#13. playhouse disney, cause sometimes mama needs a shower and a break

#14. creative outlets

#15. warm fall days

#16. the hope for change on the horizon

#17. open windows accompanied by a cool breeze

#18. country drives

#19. chocolate

#20. friends who check on you and genuinely want to help

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Top Ten Places I'm finding Inspiration

2010-09-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

We might be moving- Lord willing. We are on the verge of a potentially life-altering change. It's all a pretty big deal and a little all consuming at the moment. I hope to have more to inform you guys about it soon, but for now all of your prayers would be hugely appreciated!

So, in light of this possible move I have been thinking a LOT about decorating! The home we live in now is small, comfy and completely remodeled, but it just isn't quite my style. For starters, the main remodel was done by my husband and his parents before we were together, with the idea of flipping or renting. they used a lot of neutral vinyl wall covering (aka- the entire main floor) so I haven't been able to add color and hang things on the walls as I would have liked.

In addition, the decorating I have done happened mostly right after we got married, nearly seven years ago. I was 19 and didn't know enough about my personal style to really create an amazing space. I was coming out of my teenage obsession with all things leopard and really didn't know what to do with a whole house. So I followed the neutral theme that was set before me. Since then I have changed the curtains and a few little accessories to start reflecting the personal style I have developed, but the funds haven't really been there to do anything major and there has always been that thought that we would hopefully move soon so why go bonkers?!

Now though, the possibilities seem endless! So here is where I have been getting the majority of my inspiration:

1. This kitchen from Sarah's House (if you haven't seen this show in HGTV you HAVE to- especially the farm house season!).

2. This kitchen posted by Stephanie at Barefoot in the Kitchen! Oh my! Look at those floors! And I love that there are almost only lower cabinets- it makes the space feel so much more open!

3. The Farm Chicks- she is building her house right now so I get to follow along and say "ooo- I want that too!" She is practically decorating for me! I really love these lighting fixtures she posted!

4. This boy bedroom from Sarah's House. The barnwood ceiling, the light the shade of blue... amazing!

5. The Antonio Treatment- I LOVE this show! And while much of what he does is not my style, his daring work and the way he ties everything together really inspires me.

6. It's Mary Ruffle- beauty all around! These pictures are AMAZING!

7. House of Turquoise- oh my! My whole house might end up turquoise!

8. This paper collection by Amy Butler and K&Company! In love! Ok- pretty much any Amy Butler though, if I'm being serious!

9. These workspaces posted on Sew Much Ado- Especially this one! Spot the turquoise again?

10. Decor Pad is a community I just found that is all about decorating and renovation! Share photos, get inspired and share in the obsession! I can tell I will be spending much more time here! (by the way, I found them via this post from The CSI project).

What inspires your decor? Do you feel like your house reflects who you are?

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

English Muffins!

2010-09-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Oh boy- these were fun! I used Marmee's recipe for Spelt English Muffins from her Bread Basket Cookbook, except I substituted some of my home-milled whole wheat flour (that I milled with my Nurtimill) for the spelt. I have never tried anything like this before and I was a bit leery but they turned out so well! I mean, look how pretty they are, puffing up on the griddle-

This recipe makes a large quantity (I think I ended up with about 40) which I love because for just a little work we will have English Muffins in our freezer for quite some time!

We have used these for breakfasts, sandwiches and even mini-pizzas! They are just so yummy and versatile! I think the only thing I would do differently next time would be to make them a little bit bigger. Oh, and I wouldn't make them on such a hot day because that griddle was on for a good amount of time! Although, they did rise up nice and quickly with the heat!

I'm tellin' ya what though- I never would have tried to make these, especially this many, if I didn't have my trusty BOSCH Universal Plus Mixer! Seriously, If you guys have never considered getting one of these, do yourself a favor and at least go check them out at Marmee's Bread Market! After all, Christmas is on its way!!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Have you heard of her?

2010-09-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

Apparently I am one of the very few people who hasn't heard of Ree Drummond- The Pioneer Woman, until now (or last week, actually). If you happen to be in the same camp that I was in just a week ago (of never having heard of her) then stop what you are doing and go meet her (on her blog of course) right now. WAIT! I guess I mean stop what you are doing after you read about her here, then go meet her.

I believe she has the true heart of an honest to goodness blogger. She is very real and full of character. She single-handedly makes me give serious consideration to switching to Wordpress.

And this, oh this, is some of the absolute best blogging advice I have ever read, complete with a reference to Steel Magnolias. And oh do I love a good movie quote.

I'll leave what I have to say about her at that and let you go discover the rest of the goodness and bounty at The Pioneer Woman yourselves.

What a find!

Yes, now you may go! I'm done! Scamper on now!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Works for me Wednesday- Podcasts

2010-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lately as we have been working on Lion Cub's sleeping habits and while having lots of time with him in the bedroom I have found a wonderful way of staving off the boredom that inevitably ensues- PODCASTS! I don't know why it took me so long to discover how wonderful they are but now that I have, I am simply in love!

My current favorite is catching up on the weekly episodes of Total Axxess- my favorite radio talk show on Way FM! I usually only catch snippets when I am in the car but their podcast has allowed me to listen to entire shows while nursing Lion Cub or making dinner. I also love that they cut out most of the music so what would be a 3 hour show is cut down to right around an hour! If you haven't ever heard this show you should seriously check it out- it's hilarious! It is just the thing to lift my spirits and give me a good laugh!

Other favorites of mine are Kay Arthur from Precept Ministries and Jon Courson from Search Light. I have also been throwing in a sprinkling of Let's Speak Italian every here and there!

What are your favorite podcasts?

This post has been linked to Works for me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Best-Ever Banana Bread

2010-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I tried out Marmee's recipe for "Best-Ever Banana Bread" from The Bread Box mini-mag, and to be honest I was hesitant of its name's bold claim because I already make the best banana bread ever :-
) ... or so I thought. You see my recipe has shredded carrots and is gloriously delicate! Hers, however, boasts a heap of sour cream and, according to my husband, retained a nearly decadent level of moistness that stole the title for best banana bread on his pallet!

I must agree, this bread was moist and yummy enough to be devoured before I even got a chance to consume one piece in it's entirety! I actually made the batter the evening before and baked it as muffins in the morning (you know how I like to prep ahead!). See the enjoyment-

I think in the future I will actually make a hybrid of both recipes (mostly because I like having the veggie factor of adding carrots!) but it also stands incredibly well on its own. I highly recommend it! Plus, The Bread Box mini-mag has so many other amazing recipes in it you really can't go wrong!

Served with a hard boiled egg it was the perfect light breakfast!

I also wanted to mention a little tip that I learned not long ago. Since I made the batter the night before, I stored it in a zip-top bag in the fridge overnight and then simply clipped a corner off the bag to portion it into the muffin tins in the morning! Super easy and clean!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Top Ten Monday?

2010-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Alright- I now that this meme is typically Top Ten Tuesday, but since I already have a regular feature on Tuesdays I thought that I would post my list on Mondays when I participate. The silly thing is that I have been wanting to join in this meme for so long that now that I have decided to do it, I can hardly think of anything "Top Ten" worthy!

I have bounced around a lot of ideas but I think the one I have settled on is the Top Ten Things I am Thankful for. I have been reading a lot about changing my attitude and cultivating peace and joy in my life and family, especially in light of our current circumstances (i.e. dead broke and waiting for a miracle). So, I thought what better way to begin that journey than focusing on the things that the Lord has blessed me with? I hope to continue this list from here, as Ann Voskamp does on A Holy Experience as well, so although this list will contain only the Top Ten things I am thankful for, and will probably seem fairly obvious, I hope to relish in the little things I am grateful for over time as well.

#1. Jesus My Savior. He keeps taking me back and forgiving me. I don't get it- I'm not worthy and He just keeps on loving me.

#2. My kids- they drive me crazy but they also bring me the most joy. They are beautiful and unique and my greatest pride.

#3. My husband- some of my greatest lessons and the shaping of my character come from learning how to love my husband.

#4. My parents- my mom is one of my very best friends and the ultimate shopping partner. My dad gives the best hugs on the planet!

#5. My grandma- she is always, always, ALWAYS there for me. She doesn't judge me. She is my biggest fan. She sings the goofiest songs to my kids. And she makes the best popcorn balls ever!

#6. My brother- he is at a hard place in his life but I love him any way.

#7. My friend Sharon- she is everything you could want in a friend. She cares deeply, listens earnestly, and loves genuinely through action and prayer. She has been at the birth of both of my babies and was the only person to bring me a card, flowers and a meal when I lost Micah to miscarriage. She never judges me but offers me solid, honest, Biblical advice even when its hard to take and she does so with complete love. I am so grateful to God for placing her in my life!

#8. The Friday-School we attend and all the ladies there. Check this post if you want to read why.

#9. My House- although I am often frustrated by its location, layout and size- it's ours. We have a roof over our heads and these days that truly is something to be thankful for!

#10. The food on our table- once again, it may seem so simple and cliche, but in a time like this when I honestly don't know how we are going to eat all week, somehow God makes a way or gives me the creativity to keep us fed.

What are you thankful for?

This post is being linked to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda!

I am also linking to Multitude Monday at A Holy Experience and will be joining the Gratitude Community.

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

Meal Plan Monday on Sunday! September 19- 25

2010-09-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know I've said it before, but this time we really are broke. So much so that I really had to figure put how to feed our family this week without buying ANYTHING. Luckily, I had a few thing in the freezer that I think I can really stretch out to keep us fat and happy, or at least satisfied!

Sunday

Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Monday

Zuppa Toscana with Marmee's Sunday dinner rolls

Tuesday

Zuppa Toscana Leftovers with Marmee's Sunday dinner rolls

Wednesday

Roast Turkey w/ Mashed Potatoes

Thursday

Turkey and Rice Soup

Friday

Turkey and Rice Soup leftovers

Saturday

Turkey Pot Pie

Sunday

Turkey Pot Pie

Breakfasts will be split between peanut butter & sweet potato oatmeal, cereal and eggs.

Lunches will be leftover Macaroni and Cheese followed by PB&Js with fruit or nachos the rest of the week.

Snacks will be cheese and crackers or cinnamon crescent rolls.

Beyond that- I have no idea. We are pouring in lots of prayer that the Lord will provide both the checks that we are owed and new work for my hubs to take on! If you need an awesome remodel- you know who to call!

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!

On the horizon...

2010-09-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have had so much rattling around in my head lately and in all honesty have felt a bit scattered and depressed. You those times where things just don't seem to be going quite as planned and it feels like you have nothing to grasp onto that makes sense or feels solid. So, I have been trying to get my bearings and figure out what I'm going to do with myself. I decided...

Step 1- ~~run~~ fiercely sprint to Jesus! I need Him. I need His words pouring into my life and I need to be engulfed by His love, His comfort, His forgiveness, His grace, His wisdom and His guidance.

Okay- next.

Let's build on that. (wait for it...)

We are trying to get pregnant again. There, I said it. Some people might not like it, but guess what- it's not your life, it's mine and I don't feel done having children yet. Am I going to ever turn into Michelle Duggar? No. (although I do have a deep-founded respect for her) But, yes, I do want a bigger family than I currently have and the sooner I can get these tough baby years wrapped up, the better.

So, getting to the point. In reflection on Lion Cub's demeanor (high-needs, fairly whiny, busy and a little... angry?) and the state I was in during my pregnancy with him (one of relatively high stress), I feel an intense need to live more peacefully. I need to create an atmosphere of peace and kindness in my home- to my family and myself.

Now, this is a fine line for me. I have been floundering between the two worlds of "mom's should be completely fulfilled by meeting the needs of their family- by taking care of their families they are taking care of themselves" and "mom's should ultimately put themselves first in order to be there for their families" for the last couple of years. Honestly- both extremes leave me feeling spent and guilty for the feelings and attitudes they generate in me. I have been having to reconcile to come to a balance between these two viewpoints and it is not easy. I am finding though, that I truly do need to maintain my personal identity and take care of myself in order to take care of my family (emotionally, spiritually and physically) and a little bit of time to recharge my batteries and refresh can be a good and even needed thing as well. However, none of that can come at the cost of my family. It's all about balance and it isn't easy.

True to form- I have a plan.

Step 2 (spiritual & emotional health)- sign up for Lorrie Flem's Step Up: Attitude is Everything 6 month series. Check! This series was just released this week and will run through the end of February. It is all about transforming your mind and generating the attitudes that God desires It is a total answer to prayer for me and I am so excited to commit to this journey and see the rewards it will bring.

At some friends' prompting I also plan to start attending MOPS next month and possibly another Bible study at the same church.

Step 3 (physical health)- This may sound crazy, but for about the past 9 months or so I have been trying to gain weight. I know, I know, what a cross to bare, right? But in all honesty, it is a burden for me. My weight drops very low while I am nursing and I have to make a conscious effort to consume enough calories in order to be healthy. This is of special concern when I am trying to get pregnant (which I am), especially since I was nursing and my weight was fairly low when I had my miscarriage. So, there's that.

Adding to that, though, I want to get in better shape without burning too many calories. Of greatest importance is getting my abs stronger to hopefully help support the weight of a pregnancy. I have scoliosis and pregnancy causes me a fairly great amount of back and rib pain, so I am hoping that this next time around I can alleviate some of that by strengthening my abs.

Step 4 (doing something for me)- One of my dreams is to someday be a published author, and while I see myself most likely writing a work of non-fiction many years down the road about the lessons I have learned in the trenches of motherhood (or as I often refer to them- "the research years"), I would love to have the opportunity to attempt to publish something before then. I have trouble following through with my ideas, however, and they always end up piddling out. So, this November I have decided to attempt NaNo WriMo (or the National Novel Writing Month Challenge). Basically you are supposed to write a 50,000 word novel between November 1-30. Now obviously this is a very rough first draft but it is an entire novel and quite an accomplishment if you finish!

My goal between now and then is to come up with an outline and character sketches to work off of and then hit the ground running on November 1. I was surprised when perusing the site to see how many people have actually gone on to have their novels published, and while I don't anticipate that happening, it is just the kick in the rear I need to get heading in the right direction! You can be sure (unless God just puts a total kybosh on this plan) that you will be hearing much more about this in the future- especially in November!

Step 5 (improve and rest)- Save up for, arrange for, and actually attend TEACH on the BEACH March 11-13! This is a mom's retreat (also put on by Lorrie Flem) that is all about rejuvenating and learning how to be a better wife and mom, and I need it! I have been wanting to go since I first heard Lorrie speak last March and am determined to go to her retreat next spring. Just knowing that it is on my calendar gives me something hopeful and meaningful to look forward to and I can't wait! (And hey- I'm looking for some ladies to go with, so let me know if you're interested!)

Step 6 (pursuit)- Sometime within the next 8 months or so I want to take a couple of cake decorating classes at a local cake supply shop. I am just starting to get back into the decorating arena (I used to decorate cookies professionally) and I would love to add some skills to my decorating repertoire and possibly be able to take a couple cake orders a month to help subsidize our income. I currently have one tentative order on the books for next month, but since I am just starting out I am basically doing it for free (the cost of supplies and blog comments)!

So yeah. That's what I'm thinking. It feels good to see it all written down. I am holding all of this in prayer and above all want to do what the Lord is leading me to, so I really feel that I need to remain sensitive to His call, but these are the things on my mind.

Do you have any goals right now?

Be sure to visit my sponsor- Marmee's Bread Market- for recipes and everything else you need to easily make fresh baked goods for your family!