LDS Mom to Many

Julie's Cake

2012-02-09T16:32:00.003-07:00

This was a quick cake on a busy day for my friend.

I have had a bit of a love hate thing with cake lately.

I love fondant but, butter cream is going to demand
more of my attention than I want to devote right now.

Fondant came pretty naturally, but butter cream just did not.

I know I could do better with my borders if I spent the time practicing.

It's on my eventual to do list.

(The bottom for now.)
:o)

Whole Wheat Muffins

2012-02-08T13:24:00.001-07:00

My muffin kick goes on.

Whole Wheat Muffins

1 cup all-purpose Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

4 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Whole wheat Flour

1 Cup Milk

2 beaten Eggs

1/3 cup Vegetable oil

(1/2 cup Blueberries or Chocolate Chips - Optional)

Mix dry ingredients together in one bowl.

And mix wet ingredients in another bowl.

Combine and mix until just moistened.

Do not over mix.

Grease muffin tin with shortening.

Makes 12 muffins.

Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes.

Popcorn Muffins - DIY Corn Dogs - One Universal Recipe

2012-02-07T21:55:00.017-07:00

I made these little guys in my muffin pan from *IKEA. Funny shape huh!
My kids loved it!

First I ground my popcorn that needed to be rotated in my kitchen mill.

I did this years ago to use up some popcorn and we liked it so much that I do it on purpose now.

-Popcorn Muffins-

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup ground popcorn or regular cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil or melted butter

Add dry ingredients to jar of your choice.
Label the jar with instructions for what to add when you make the recipe.
Mix dry in one bowl and wet in another. Combine and mix as you normally do muffins taking care not to over mix. Leave a bit lumpy. Allow it to sit a few minutes and then drop into a greased muffin tin.
Bake at 400 degrees until golden on the bottoms.
Yield : 1 dozen

-Corn Dog Variation-

For Corn dogs leave out half of the baking powder and all of the oil in the recipe.
Dry the hot dogs with paper towels and then dust them with flour shaking off the excess.
Spear the hot dogs with a fork in the side making a T with the hot dog on the fork.
Lower the hot dogs into your heated fryer. After the breading has cooked for a few moments carefully slip the corn dog off of the fork with another fork. Roll the corn dogs as they cook.
Allow it to cook until it is done.
(Learn with a moment of trial and error how hot your oil should be and how long to cook them. Try 375.)
Cut them in half after you remove them from the oil and inspect to see if you are getting them done around the hotdog or not.

For a crowd double the recipe.
If I remember correctly a double batch coats 3 packages of hot dogs.

*More info about the pan. It is painted on the bottom and is showing wear already, but it was a 9.00 pan and I love the shape. :o)

Dishes in my Sink - They Multiply like Bunnies

2012-02-04T13:10:00.003-07:00

It seems like I wash dishes all day long at times. I wash for a while and then walk away, then I come back and wash some more. Tonight I concluded that they multiply like bunnies.

Years ago my husband bought me a roll away dishwasher because the little rental house we lived in did not have one. We ended up moving to a home with a dishwasher a while later. But, my old friend stayed with me. I kept her parked in my kitchen through the rest of my child bearing years. Did I use both, you betcha!

But, when my child bearing season passed I decided to let my old friend go. But, on nights like tonight, I miss her.

Dishes multiplying in the sink is an indicator of good things. First, we have food. Second, we are cooking. And third, we have family around to eat the food.
These are all good things.

So the next time I stand in front of my sink filled with multiplying dishes I will try harder to count my blessings instead of counting dishes.

Teaching a Boy to be a Man

2012-02-03T08:59:00.006-07:00

Moments after opening his Mission Call

Our role as mother's is so important. Our sons need us to teach them how to become men. But, you say, I am a woman, not a man. I don't know how to teach a boy to be a man. Oh, but you do.

Teach him to be kind by loving him. When your little boy gets angry, be patient and show him love. Teach him to be loving by loving him. Hug him and help him. Some boys will let you hug them even when they are frustrated. Some will need some time. But hug them. As they grow they need hugs too. They may require some care when you approach them, but hug them.

Teach a boy to lead the family. When fathers are either missing from the home or away working to support the family an opportunity is presented. An opportunity to teach a boy to lead a family. Call on your son. Even if he is very small. Give him the chance to choose someone to offer the prayer at a meal. Teach him while he is young.

Encourage your son to be chivalrous. Encourage him to hold the door for both you and his sisters. There are some in the world that have decided it is an insult for a man to hold a door for a woman. That makes me sad. Teach them anyway. Teach your son to show kindness toward the women and girls in his life.

Teach him to listen by listening to him. Listen when he is small. Listen when he is big. Wash the dishes together and ask him about school. Ask about what his friends are doing. Ask him about the latest thing he is interested in. Be gentle with him, and listen.

When he makes a mistake, be forgiving. Listen with gentleness and show him your love. Guide him gently and encourage him to do better.

As women we are blessed with gentle spirits. We have just what we need to teach our sons to be wonderful men.

“…And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” 1 Nephi 16: 29

Winter Minestrone - Sunset International Vegetarian Cook Book - Better than Olive Garden

2012-02-01T21:55:00.003-07:00

This recipe and I go way back. This recipe is from the Sunset International Vegetarian Cook Book that my grandmother gave me as a gift when I was a budding teenaged cook. I have made this recipe since then, but now it makes me think of lunches last winter with my sweet friend Sue . (I am so blessed to have such a sweet friend.)

Don't let all of the steps scare you off, it's easy. Gather your ingredients ahead of time and you can get your kitchen clean while it cooks.

Winter Minestrone

3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp dry Basil
1/2 tsp each dry rosemary, oregano leaves, and thyme leaves
1/4 cup pearl barley
2 medium thin-skinned potatoes, diced
2 large carrots, diced
8 cups instant vegetable stock (or if you are not a vegetarian use chicken stock)
1 large turnip, peeled and diced (or more potato if you don't feel like a trip to the store)
1 15 oz can red kidney beans or cannellini beans
2/3 cup small shell macaroni or elbow
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
Salt and Pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded jack cheese

Heat oil in 5 quart kettle over medium heat; add onion, celery, garlic, basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme; cook stirring, until onion is soft. Add barley, potatoes, carrots, and stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add turnip. Cover and continue simmering for 20 more minutes.
Mix in beans and their liquid, macaroni, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat; and boil gently until macaroni is tender (about 15 minutes). Then add cabbage and cook until tender-crisp (about 5 more minutes).
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pass the cheese to sprinkle over individual bowls. Makes 12 to 14 cups.

Baby Slippers with Ankle Strap

2012-01-30T10:14:00.007-07:00

I finally finished these this morning.

One of my darling Young Women invited me to her Aunts baby shower, which I missed because of a scheduling conflict.

The pattern calls for a felted sweater and I did not have one.

So, I fell back on some polar fleece that I had in my fabric stash.

I used cotton baby yarn called "Baby Denim."

I found I had to pierce the fleece with a seam ripper and then use a pair of pliers to pull the yarn through. (I did not crochet the first time around each piece. I used a yarn needle and blanket stitch. Then I did the crochet edge.)

What a darling pair of baby booties.

I do not love putting buttons on anything that a small person with razor sharp teeth will wear.

So, they will come with the warning to watch the buttons and not use them if they should become loose.

If you are interested in the pattern I found it on Etsy for $3.95.

Baby Slippers with Ankle Strap

Cake - Cookie Pedestal - Dollar Store DIY

2012-01-16T16:25:00.015-07:00

I know you have seen this one done before,

but some good ideas are worth repeating.

You will need Dollar store plates, candle holders and some E6000 from WM or two part epoxy.
I tried loctite and had one come apart when I tested it after 24hours. But the other two seem nicely set after several days. So, be patient. :o)

Jello Popcorn

2012-01-12T15:31:00.002-07:00

This is a simple family home evening or movie night treat!

Jello Popcorn

1 cup sugar

1 cube butter

1 cup corn syrup

1 small box Jello

Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Then pour

over and toss into a large steel bowl full of popcorn.

Shape into balls with lightly buttered hands.

Whole Wheat Pancakes - I am not a Lumber Jack's Daughter

2012-01-09T08:57:00.005-07:00

Do you ever feel white floured out? In a house full of pickies, I do. This morning I was on a quest for something better. Here is what I came up with.

Whole Wheat Pancakes
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp Saaco Buttermilk powder
1 1/4 cups water
1 egg beaten
2 tbsp Canola Oil

Whisk the dry together in a medium bowl.
Then whisk the wet ingredients together in a small bowl or large measuring cup. Combine the two mixtures and resist the the temptation to over mix this. Combine this as you would muffins. Fold the flour from the bottom of the bowl in and combine until you have small patches of dry ingredients in the batter. Then stop. Mixing pancakes and muffins is a time when less is more. Unless you are a Lumber Jack at heart and must have flap jacks... In that case stir away without any criticism from me.

Do you sense a prejudice in me? Okay, I admit it you have got me pegged. I prefer pancakes with less gluten development. I am after all not a Lumber Jack's daughter.

B.Y.U. Mint Brownies - Jar Mix

2012-01-07T22:39:00.004-07:00

B.Y.U. Mint Brownies - Yum!

Sugar-n-Spice, Cougareat Food Court

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.
PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)

MINT ICING
5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.
These are so much better the second day!

Did you know that you can make the B.Y.U. Brownie recipe fit in a jar on your pantry shelf?

Simply omit the nuts and tap the jar on the counter as you add the ingredients using a canning funnel. You can either layer them or whisk the ingredients together in a bowl prior to adding them to the jar.

When it comes time to make the brownies add the butter to the whole mixture instead of just adding it to the cocoa.

A Quick Hello - Back to School After Christmas Break

2012-01-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

This was the scene this morning after the boys left for school. Carefully arranged army men engaged in battle on the bench still turned upside down from last nights mopping. Along side a gathering of friend magazines that were read during breakfast and a few scattered toast crumbs. Evidence that a family lives here.

That family is the reason why I get up each morning and do what I do. They are my joy. I have really enjoyed having them all home for the Christmas break.

I have enjoyed teenagers attempting to stuff each other into the pantry. Dart gun wars. Late night batches of cookies. Watching the same movie over and over. Talks with my kids about their lives. Joys and worries. I am so thankful for these times. I know we will go on enjoying each other as the years go by, but I cannot reclaim these days. I get tired, grumpy and down right frustrated with the work load and emotional challenges of raising this family of 7, but I would do it all over again.

We have enjoyed the Christmas Holiday so much. I feel so thankful for the Lord's kindness to me. First for blessing us with this group to raise and enjoy and second for having my back. I could not do it from day to day alone. I could not do this if I did not believe that he is there lifting me and supporting me.

I will never pass this way again. Oh, how sweet the days and the hours are. Years from now the struggles that come with life will fade. As I remember them I will cherish these days.

Lemon Bars

2011-12-28T16:25:00.004-07:00

This morning I looked at the 5 lemons in my refrigerator. I thought what shall I make with these?

I settled on Lemon Bars.

I made this recipe from Ina Garten on Food Network.

I used medium eggs instead of the called for extra large eggs. I cracked and measured them into a cup on my scale. I used this page as a reference to decide how much to use.

I do not have a lemon zester, but I have a box grater with a fine side. I used the juice zest from one lemon and saved the other lemons for later batches making up the cup of juice with bottled juice.

Had I chilled the lemon bars or even let them cool fully my cuts would have been more tidy, but who can wait?

When I made the crust I did not need all of the flour with my scoop and sweep method. I watched her video and she does not fill her cup full and then sweep. It is always helpful to me to see how a particular cook measures flour. There is so much room for difference there.

I hope you enjoy these, we sure did!

Good Bye Dear Alex

2011-12-24T19:55:00.005-07:00

Recently I've been watching my sweet friend mourn the loss of her son as a result of a seizure at the tender age of 19.

Now that the funeral is over she is picking up the pieces and digging deep within herself to her foundation for strength.

I have watched her cry and pull her remaining 5 children close around her. I have seen her smile and offer hugs of comfort to those around her.

She has carried on with her plans for Christmas. She baked pies and continued to turn on the Christmas lights. She has done it for them and for Alex.

She has set an amazing example to those around her. I have never lost a child and hope to never have one precede me in death.
Should it ever happen to me I hope to face it a valiantly as my dear friend Sue has.

I love you Sue!

DIY Cleaner for Fiberglass or Plastic Shower/Tub Surround

2011-12-06T17:29:00.007-07:00

Image Source - Photo by gailanng on July 19, 2011

Have you seen this?

I spent a minute Pinterest Surfing and found this!

Mix equal parts

Dish soap

and

Vinegar

If you warm the vinegar slightly the mixture will combine more easily.

I sprayed this generously on the tub and walls and then let it sit for a few minutes. When I came back it was easy to wash away the scale and soap scum with a wet wash cloth. This is a keeper! I usually use Comet Spray Cleaner, which is reasonably priced. Why switch? The trigger on the Comet now sprays so fine I worry about breathing it.

This way I know what is in it! I have always cleaned with dish soap and vinegar, just never together.
Love it!

"Gee, it's almost like I am getting you ready to move out..."

2011-12-02T22:13:00.008-07:00

As I was looking over the things that I have gathered thus far for my son's mission. I turned to him and said, "Gee, it's almost like I am getting you ready to move out or something."

My son looked at me and said, "Uh, Mom you are."

Oops, wasn't thinking.

While the world around me is all a buzz preparing for Christmas my mind is elsewhere. As I have poured over lists and scurried from here to there it has not become real to me yet. I know he is going soon, but as a Momma bird who has never had a nestling leave this is a new experience.

Those of you who have done this are likely nodding your heads and muttering quietly, "yup."

My little clutch of chicks is not so small anymore. My nest is teaming with a variety of nestlings. Some are small, midsized and the others have nearly out grown the nest.

I am excited for my son and for the rest who will one day perch on the rim of the nest and say, "Love you Mom, see you soon."

And fly away.

Breakfast Casserole - For Christmas Morning

2011-12-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

If you and a Breakfast Casserole have not yet met, then here is your chance. Breakfast Casseroles have got to be the most wonderful, easy, hit the spot breakfast around. They are easy, time friendly and sooo good. They can easily be prepared the night before and tossed in the oven when you wake on Christmas morning.

They are very flexible. They can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. Bread, sausage, left over tator tots, cubed fried potatoes... In this one I used Udi's Gluten free bread so that my Celiac daughter could freeze the leftovers and munch on it a while.

Here is a recipe that resembles what I toss in. (I use milk and up to 9 eggs.) Please forgive the short post. I burned one of my finger tips while was cooking and it hampers my typing. :o)

Farwell Amy

2011-11-17T14:24:00.009-07:00

We will miss you Amy!

We are mourning the loss of Amy.
She succumbed to her third brain tumor this morning.

Amy was a bright wonderful young woman.

She had many trials in her life time with her health,

but she never gave up. She set an amazing example of tenacity.

Amy has battled a total 3 brain tumors over the last 9 years.

She showed all around her how to have courage.

Our girls will miss her, we will miss her.

Amy has left a whole in our Young Women's Presidency

and in the hearts of those around her.

Trip to the E.R. - Cut and Bleeding

2011-11-10T23:15:00.013-07:00

We had a little accident tonight.

My son attempted to stop his brother from using a knife to cut cheese.

One small problem, two boys holding the same knife when
neither should be holding it, let alone together.

You guessed it.

It did not end well.

Thank Heaven for sutures and E.R. docs.

Children using knives has always been a No, No.

After this all bread in our home will be torn not sliced,

and cheese will be crumbled and pizzas gnawed on whole.

All sharp objects (including graters) will be cast from our home.

At least until these boys get older.

photo source

My friend Julie brought us one of these today.
I think this is a better design than the open one that
Valerie expressed concern about. (I removed the picture.)
(See the comments - do you approve?)

Family Time - Catching these days before they pass us by

2011-11-07T11:00:00.011-07:00

Not bad for a snap shot taken by a passer by!

We had the opportunity to go away this weekend.
Can you say rare?
With everyone going to and fro between jobs and school it is hard to find time to be together as a family sometimes.
We did not do anything remarkable, but we talked together, ate together and we were just together.
I am so glad we got to go.
I hope we do not have to wait so many years to do this again.

Mission Call

2011-10-31T18:01:00.013-06:00

My baby boy got his call!

My Living Room - A Work in Progress - Post 150

2011-10-23T13:37:00.005-06:00

My Living Room a year ago.

About a year ago I wrote to Christine asking her for suggestions about my living room.

Because of the back log she just got to it, but had some great suggestions.

She suggested some great fabric and moving the TV.

I have stirred the straw in my nest from time to time and made changes.

I was teased by one neighbor for taking 3 months to choose a paint color.

Little did she know it was actually a 6 month decision.

Martha Stewart Tobacco Leaf

Remember the oops paint that I used for the towel rack project in my bathroom?

Well, I liked the paint so well, (after I got used to it's name) I decided to use it in my living room and kitchen.

See the color repeat in the print?
Voila!

Next, we need a TV change (in time, not rushing the TV to die)
a picture collage and some fabric to unify the room.

Amy's Cake

2011-10-21T21:29:00.002-06:00

This is Amy's cake.

Amy is facing her third and final brain tumor.

This cake was for the enjoyment of Amy,

her family and her visitors over the next few days.

This cake was a fun collaboration of effort.

I enjoyed the company of two of my cake friends as we put this together today!

It was so fun ladies!

I can't think of a better way to make cake!

We love you Amy!

Dear Fall - About your Visit

2011-10-13T15:51:00.002-06:00

Dear Fall,

Oh you say, "Summer is in California?" Apparently you tried to visit California, but you must not have made it. We wondered where you had gone. Summer left Utah and appeared to have taken you with her. Thankfully you returned. California would like a visit from you. But, please stay here a while. We are just not ready for Winter, no offense intended I know you are close friends. We love the heavy blue-white snow that she brings. But, during Winter's recent visit I realized the ice scraper seems to be missing from my car, and I can't seem to find the box that contains my new coat. We will be thrilled to have her visit when it is her turn again, but need your visit to prepare for her long stay.

We are currently enjoying the cool days, crisp apples and the chill in the evening air that you bring. While you were gone our new sod was even dusted with a preview of Winter's snow.

Fall please stay for a little while. There are apples to can, spiced cider to drink and pumpkins to bake into pies.

Please stop in and visit California. Our friends there are missing you. (Please keep the trip quiet, we don't want to hurt Winter's feelings. She over stayed her welcome and took up some of Springs visiting time earlier this year.)

Thank you for visiting. We know it will be brief, so if I don't get to say good bye I will look forward to seeing you again next year.

Love Always,

Me

Smaller Dishes for Children - Less Wasted Food

2011-10-07T09:33:00.006-06:00

I always strive for less food waste.

So, for several years now I have provided smaller bowls, cups and plates

all the while encouraging seconds where needed.

However I have discovered a flaw in this plan.

Here is the combination.
Small boy, HUGE bag of cereal,
tiny target...

What if he can't hit the bowl?

Maybe a cereal canister would help the situation.

Tortillas - Warm Cozy Flat Bread

2011-10-06T14:25:00.002-06:00

photo source

When I was a kid I always looked forward to left over tortillas. When I was very little our neighbor Mara shared them with my Mom. She did not use a recipe, so Mom watched and estimated amounts coming up with this recipe.

My Mom always made a mountain of these. I remember very fondly lifting the lid on her stock pot the next morning (if I got up early and beat my brother to them) and scoring a tortilla. I'd grab a glass of unsweetened grape juice and breakfast was born. Bite of tortilla, sip of juice. Strange I know, but Mmmm! I can still taste it.

Flour Tortillas
6 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp table salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup shortening
2 1/4 cups water

First stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Next add the shortening and water.
Stir in mixer until a dough begins to form. Scrape the bowl and mix until a soft dough is formed and well mixed. The dough should be tacky and soft. Not dry and not too wet. (Touch the dough with your knuckle. It should feel tacky, but not come off on your knuckle when touched.)
Begin by forming the dough into golf ball sized pieces or larger. (Keep the bowl of dough covered as you work.) Roll the balls with a rolling pin attempting to keep the rounds as round as possible. I use my marble rolling pin for this job.

Toss the tortillas onto a hot griddle. (But not too hot.)
Turn when the bubbles on the underside start to brown. Then cook on the second side until it is speckled and brown.
Hold the tortillas in a large dutch oven line with paper toweling. Lay another towel over the top of the stack and put the lid on the pan.

These griddles are available at Walmart for under 16.00.

Preemie Purple Heart Necklace

2011-09-27T22:04:00.002-06:00

I headed to my bead box the other day to make yet another

preemie purple heart.

I realized I was out of silver tear drops.

So, I substituted a swarovski crystal instead.

I wish I had gotten a better picture. This one did not do it justice.

I actually like the crystal better.

Making one of these again brought back so many memories.

So many babies are born early. So many tears are shed and so much worry is felt.

I am so thankful my little boy was one of the lucky ones.

Paradigm Shift - The Kids are Growing up so Fast

2011-09-15T09:50:00.011-06:00

Moments That Matter Most

My perspective is shifting as it does for many as they spend more time on this earth.

When I took this picture years ago my daughter was in the middle of advanced placement classes, choir rehearsals,
and working a part time job.

I wandered down to her room one day and in total amazement ran for the camera.

At the time I was capturing the disarray.

Appreciating the Day

Now I look back with a smile remembering the time frame appreciating the time with my daughter.

Why is it that kids have to grow up for that paradigm shift to happen.

I have always enjoyed being a mother,

but having my oldest two enter adulthood has really been

a paradigm shift.

Clutter

I am still working on being patient with the pile of backpacks and shoes and other

clutter in front of the front door. But, I am letting more go. I am realizing like the Grandmother I ran into in the store sadly said, "Enjoy it, it will be over all too soon."

As I paid for school clothes and my youngest two were restless, she lamented.

She seemed sad watching my busy brood mill about touching everything at the checkout.
Sad about days gone by...
Maybe about opportunities missed.

Trials

My struggles are different now.

The physical exhaustion is not what it was. I am still busy, but not in the same way.

I am not constantly through the day ministering to the needs of small children.

My Taxi Cab

Now, I am roaring down the road in my checkered cab as kids run here and run there.

Now I am a front seat counselor and confidant.

I am a texting friend, and a sounding board.

A friend to these amazing people that I call my kids.

Mud Puddles

As for the younger ones...

Well, that is different too.

I still band-aid my younger ones knees, but we don't call them boo boos anymore.

I see things differently.

When a preteen is emotional or frustrated I can say, oh yes, so and so did this.

He will be alright. Or We tried this with this child, maybe something like it will help this one.

When my son sits in another mud puddle, I break out the hose, wash away the mud and we move on.

Little Ones

Or when my youngest is excited about something I relish it almost painfully.

I listen to him and want to pick him up and squish him.
They are growing so fast.

What? No dinner?

I am working to enjoy the journey more.

Trying not to just cross the days and tasks off of the calendar.

So, dinner did not get made.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are fine.

So the house is a mess and someone is coming over.

Take a deep breath and fill a laundry basket with things to be put away.

Find the Joy

The days and years are passing.

And yes, it is hard.

The trials are there.

They always will be.

The key is finding joy in the journey.

Enjoying the good each day.

Doug's Cake - Devil's Food with Dutched Chocolate Butter Cream

2011-09-14T23:23:00.003-06:00

This cake was a frustrating one.

The cake was too cold, the butter cream was too thick...

and piping is not my strong point.

But, now that a few days have passed I can post it.

Tessa's Cake - Almond Butter Cream

2011-09-04T17:02:00.002-06:00

This tall tiered cake is 9" on the bottom and 6" on the top.

I started out with some bell shaped flowers,

but decided to lift them off and place roses instead.

I believe the more traditional roses were an improvement.

For me cake making is not science.

It is a process of trial an error.

A quiet evening

2011-08-28T01:38:00.003-06:00

It's late. Big kids are home now. Girls rustling around going to bed. Date over, work day is done. Not so little boys sleeping in their beds. One last straggler sleeping here on the sofa beside me. I feel so lucky. I am so glad to have these days and hours.
So many firsts, so many lasts. Times are changing for me and for our family.
But, for now I'll just sit here and enjoy the moment.

Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser

2011-08-24T13:05:00.006-06:00

This morning I decided my little sink side pump bottle needed an upgrade.

First I marked a canning jar lid to be fitted with a pump cap. I turned the pump bottle upside down onto the lid where I wanted my hole for use as a template. With a fine point sharpie I traced the opening of the pump bottle onto the canning lid. Next I put the canning lid onto the canning jar and tightened the ring down to stabilize the lid while I worked. Using a screw driver and hammer I tapped the screw driver through the edge of the hole inside of the marker line. Remove the canning lid and carefully cut away or pry away at the hole until you have a nice uniform hole. You might try a pair of needle nose pliers and a pair of wire cutters.
The jar lid will rust with use, so consider doing something to seal the raw metal in.
Spray painting your lid or maybe a bit of clear nail polish on your raw edges would likely do the trick.

Next Using a hack saw cut the plastic bottle just above it's shoulder. Then trim with a pair of kitchen scissors to neaten it up. Carefully work the canning lid down over the threads of the Bottle neck and screw the neck into the pump cap taking care not to damage the threads. Trim the straw on the pump if needed and fill your bottle with soap.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Flan Cake - Mmmmm!

2011-08-17T00:21:00.003-06:00

My neighbor is an amazing cook and just look at what she bought me.

She says it is a Chocolate cake mix prepared according to the package directions

with flan made from a can of La Lechera (Latin foods Isle) or Sweetened condensed milk,

a can of Evaporated milk, 3 eggs and vanilla. Sometimes she opts to brown sugar in a sauce pan until it liquified and then spreads it over the bottom of the bunt pan.

Here is something similar.

But, my neighbor did not use coke or add the topping. (Cajeta)

The Carmel sauce looks yummy, but the extra calories might not be worth it to me.

All I can say is YUM!

Bountiful Basket - Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

2011-08-13T07:49:00.018-06:00

My produce drawers are bursting this morning with lots of yummy offerings.
I picked my basket up this morning bright and early.

Bananas, clementines, a mango, plums, peppers, lettuce, purple grapes, strawberries,

cantaloupe, tomatoes and corn.
One item listed managed to escape being photographed.
Can you pick out what it was?
Yes, you were right.
The Bananas.

I am thinking a yummy salad might be in order.

Poppy Seed Dressing

yield: 3 cups

1 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional)

2 tsp salt

2/3 cup vinegar

3 tbsp finely grated onion

2 cups salad oil

3 tbsp poppy seeds

Combine the sugar, mustard, salt and vinegar; and then stir in the onion.

Allow the sugar to dissolve for a few moments.

Slowly add the oil while mixing in the blender.

Continue beating until thick.

Stir the poppy seeds in and store in the refrigerator.

adapted from: Mormon Country Cooking

Winnifred C. Jardine

Stage Makeup - Good Clean Summer Fun

2011-08-08T20:33:00.001-06:00

We visited some good friends and our kids came home looking like a war zone.
Their daughter is learning to do wounds.

Bruises that don't hurt and wash off are the best kind.

This picture just did not want to cooperate and turn the right way.

Pretty good elbow scrape, huh!

Wedding Cake - Holdan and Ashley

2011-07-30T22:28:00.005-06:00

Click to Enlarge

12" bottom and a 9 " top done in butter cream,

blue and white edible pearls and two ribbon colors.

The Brides family provided three Gerbera Daisies for the top.

Quick Cookie Monster Cake

2011-07-22T23:15:00.000-06:00

Today quick seemed good.

I could have spent more time on his mouth and eyes, but...

I didn't want to.

Girls Camp

2011-07-16T13:08:00.000-06:00

Survived another year of girls camp!

:o)

Fly Fisherman Cake

2011-07-06T18:35:00.016-06:00

This is my first attempt at a fondant figure.

What did I learn? I have to get faster with Fondant figures. :o)

The cake is a 10" triple torted lemon cake with butter cream,

candy rocks and ice cream cone trees decorated with a leaf tip.

The white object on the end of the fishing pole is an eye ball.

(It is turned so that you can not see the iris and pupil.)

You ask why in the world is there an eyeball on the end of the Fishing pole?

When our fly fishing eye doctor friends wife asked for a cake it just seemed natural.

The cake has not been delivered yet, but hopefully they eyeball will make him smile.

My First Quilted Fondant and My First Brush Embroidery

2011-07-03T23:03:00.009-06:00

We (the kids and I) had some fun tonight.

We tried out Brush Embroidery and Quilted Fondant!

I used a cake quilting mat to make light marks on the fondant covered cake and then used the back side

of one of my knives to emboss the lines more deeply into the cake. I used the non cutting side of a Chicago Cutlery pairing knife. It has a nice square flat surface opposite the cutting side of the blade.

Then I used the end of a dowel to make a space for the button tuck.

Then I used a cookie cutter to emboss the flowers and then piped over it with butter cream.

Then I used a paint brush
(I need a better brush in order to have better results and piping gel to mix with the Butter Cream)
lightly dampened to drag the frosting.

I am sure royal icing would flow better. But, this worked well enough for us for a first try.

Quick Cake

2011-07-03T10:34:00.002-06:00

This was a fun quick cake to do.
Left over icing and two layers made from leftover cake batter.

I feel safe with fondant, so it's time to get comfy with butter cream.

Cake Cost - This might be a good reason to learn

2011-06-30T17:00:00.011-06:00

Have you looked around at what cake costs?

Wedding Cakes-
Why does cake cost so much? The answer is simple labor and materials.

If you are willing to invest the time to learn to do your own cakes you do not have to buy someone else's time and talent. (B.T.W. It takes a fast experienced cake decorator to break minimum wage.) Learning this craft will bring you beautiful cakes for the cost of materials and your time.

Round - Butter Cream - you supply ribbon
6", 8", 10" ....................about 75 servings .......$250.00
6", 10", 14" .................about 130 servings ......$300.00
6", 8", 10", 12" ...........about 130 servings .......$375.00
6", 8", 10", 12", 14" .....about 210 servings ......$450.00

(Newer decorators like me will probably charge about what a grocery store will.)

I noticed the other day a 10 inch tier at a grocery store with 2 basic borders cost 40.00 (In some cases it is trucked from a central baker to your store.) No whistles, no bells. Nothing amazing. (No prejudice here.)

If times are tight, and time is short and you just can't afford a wedding cake might I suggest what a friend of mine did.
Costco or Sam's sells basic cakes very reasonably and they are reasonably fresh. They bake in huge bulk and only bake (last I heard) 3 flavors with minimal decoration. An at home baker cannot even buy the ingredients and bake the cake for what Costco can.

My amazing friend bought beautiful fabric for the cake table and elevated 3 white Sam's cakes on the cake table at different heights by putting stacks of hymn books under the fabric. What a smart cookie!

Special occasion cakes are too expensive for many. I get that. That is a great reason for doing cake yourself.
Some buy Costco cakes and bring them home to add embellishments. Again, I can't even compete with a grocery store or others who can buy their ingredients at discount prices. Giant chains pay much less for everything involved in the cake process and benefit from a streamlined process and giant ovens. They bake very basic cakes and use bucket icing. No, it will not knock your socks off like a great WASC cake or Butter cake will or Butter Cream made with butter, no prejudice right?

Why do I do cake? Because it is fun and you can have something that you might not otherwise be able to afford.   If you want to learn check with your local cake supply. My little Mom and Pop store in my town teaches a free beginner class for free with the purchase of your supplies. (If you are local give me a holler and I will get you the details.) You can't beat that. I mean really.
With some a lot of practice you will be on your way. :o)

Grandma's 84th Birthday Cake - Retro Classic

2011-06-19T21:21:00.004-06:00

Butter cream over Lemon Sour Cream cake with Fondant Roses.

I really want to play with some gum paste next time...

Here is our lady.

She is truly a giant among women.

I am so fortunate to have her in my life.

She doesn't look like she could be 84!

I hope to be so beautiful at 84!

I Upgraded my Laptop! (Inspiron 1501)

2011-06-13T13:21:00.007-06:00

Recently I was in desperate need of some more RAM for my laptop. The suggestion was made that I take the computer to a shop. (Can you hear me laughing?) But, my ever frugal nature said, "Let's check into this first."
I was lucky enough to find videos on YOU TUBE. In the beginning I found a video of a guy pulling apart a computer like mine that terrified me. He decided to go through the key board. Ouch. Apparently he did not know about the easy access door on the bottom, or his computer was a slightly different model. I was so happy to find a video that made the upgrade quick and easy.
I did a bit of research to see how much RAM my particular computer could support. I found it will support 2 Gigs. So, I found what I needed over on Amazon and it was on it's way.

I removed the battery and the power cord. This was an easy upgrade on this particular model. In a matter of minutes I was up and running again with less "think" time.

Fine Print, Legal stuff.... Don't try this at home. You may be a hazard to yourself and those around you. You could zap yourself or your computer if you do not know what you are doing. If you are willing to take the risk do so knowing I told you not to. :o)

Still Here...

2011-06-13T12:28:00.000-06:00

Got to go to Youth Conference this last week. Oh, it was fun. :o) We all burned red as apples, but we will do better at applying the sun screen for Girls Camp. I hope everyone is having an amazing summer!

Happy Brithday Sophia!

2011-05-26T19:23:00.008-06:00

I made this for a darling little lady named Sophia!
I made two Marshmallow Fondant cakes in two days.
I used the second WASC recipe on the linked to post. (Follow WASC link.)
I was careful not to over bake it and it was moist and delicious.

This little dot cake has a pink hue to it. Oops.
I can't get away with a pink crumb coat.
But, boy it made for a cute effect when the cake was cut.
Before I started doing cakes I had no idea how labor intensive they are.

Does it ever get easy?

________________________
Linking-
Sophie's Party
DIY Showoff

We Attended a Wonderful Memorial Service Today

2011-05-21T18:29:00.002-06:00

My husband and I attended a really nice memorial service today.

It was held in a small mountain top town in the tiniest church building with a propane tank out back.

The most unusual thing about the day was seeing the local Sheriff and

Highway patrol stop in to pay their respects.

What a neat place to live and what neat people.

It was so nice to see my dear friends so well taken care of during their time of loss.

Their dear loved one will be sorely missed.

Today was a time to regroup and think about what is really important in life.

Their dear loved one was a good man who gave of himself to those around him.

It was a time to reflect on the gift of Resurrection and the blessing

of being able to have our bodies again.

A time to remember that loving the people around us is so important.

When it is all said and done the love shared is what we carry with us.

We kept with tradition too...

My husband opened a water bottle at 8,000 feet and closed it for the drive home.

We are pretty high, but they are much higher.

Much Ta'doo about VHS Movies

2011-05-18T12:46:00.018-06:00

I am one of those stubborn Mom's with a children's VHS collection that would rival a small library. My biggest problem is keeping a VCR alive.

This presents a problem for my Black Belt Frugal side. For a long time we made do with used VCRs from the thrift store. But now the VCR population in thrift stores is getting very geriatric and not to mention they cost more now too. The last one I dragged home only lasted weeks in spite of carefully testing it prior to bringing it home.

I guess I will have to break with my frugal tradition. It no longers pays to bring home cast off VCRs. It is time to pay full price for a new DVD/VCR combo and have it last a while.

It will be well worth it. The majority of our TV viewing consists of things we already own .

Easy Santa Fe Chicken Casserole - Philidelphia Santa Fe Cooking Creme (Gluten Free)

2011-05-16T21:11:00.004-06:00

I saw the Cooking Creme in the store and thought it looked good. Regular creme soups are out for Celiacs. So just for fun, we tried this. It could use some green pepper chunks for color.

Easy Santa Fe Chicken Casserole

Small onion chopped
1 pint bottled chicken breast
1 can corn, drained
15 ounce can tomatoes
1 tub (10 oz) Philadelphia Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme
1/2 cup mexican style shredded cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

Saute the onion in large skillet. Then add the remaining ingredients together while the rice cooks.

2 cups Minute Rice
2 cups Water
Cook the rice for 5 minutes until done.
Salt to taste and then combine with the 1st mixture.

A more frugal option would be a creme sauce with shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
It was really good!

Rice A Roni Recipe Knock Off - Rice Mix in a Jar

2011-05-14T22:27:00.018-06:00

The picture of this did not do this dish justice. I hope you'll give this recipe a try even though my photography under compact florescent bulbs is lacking... My kids really like Rice-a-Roni (R) and it is served from time to time in our home. It had been a while since I had made this homemade version. (Used to make it all of the time.)

Recently I made it again and one of my boys decided he never wants the stuff in the box again. It made me smile. I love it when my kids want something food storage friendly that I can make from scratch!

San Francisco Rice

1/2 cup long grain rice

1/2 cup broken vermicelli or Orzo

2 tbsp butter

2 cups water

2 chicken bouillon cues

1/2 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1 tbsp parsley

One Shake Tumeric - Not too much, but don't omit.

Melt butter in a large skillet with a lid. (I have a big 5 quart skillet and I double this recipe.)

Brown the broken vermicelli, thin spaghetti or Orzo in butter.

Add rice and stir to coat with butter.

Remove from heat.

Add water, bouillon cubes, season salt and garlic salt.

Return to heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir when done and replace lid until you serve it.

Note:
A double batch fits perfectly in a pint jar.

Busy Month of May - Good, Better or Best

2011-05-11T10:41:00.009-06:00

While sitting, looking at the schedule for the week, I braced myself for the realization that there is just not enough of my time to go around. With so many seemingly significant things shouting for my attention, I feel stretched. And at times a bit inadequate in the face of the challenge.

As I sorted through my schedule making judgement calls about where to spread my time, it hit me. What am I doing? Why am I being hard on myself for not being able to do the impossible? I simply cannot do it all. I was never supposed to be able to quiet all of the very real voices screaming from the pages of my planner.

In the end we must all make choices with our time.
What will we choose? Good, Better, or Best? I think we all need a reminder from time to time that we simply cannot do it all.

So, what will it be?

Good, Better or Best?

What am I leaving behind?

2011-05-05T09:12:00.003-06:00

Last year sometime I was given the opportunity to sit down and read letters that my great grandmother wrote.

The letters were written in a time of uncertainty for her. In them she reached out to her daughter for reassurance about the day to day and the uncertainty she was facing.

She spoke of the temporary room they were renting, as they moved back to their home town, prior to building a home.

She talked of the clothes line that had been hung from the upper floor window down to a tree below. I could see her whites flying in the wind in my mind. I could feel her uncertainty. How will this trial work out. Will we choose the right solutions?

Her letters felt almost like they were written to me. A dear friend, reaching out to me in my time of struggle, sharing her struggle. I felt so connected to her in that moment.
I feel such a love for her and for others that came before me. Good, brave women who have blazed the trail ahead of me.

Though my Great Grandmother has been gone since I was a child she feels like a friend. I believe that there is life after death. I believe in eternal families that will continue beyond the grave. I cannot see those who have gone before me with my eyes but, I feel them with my heart. I know they are there. I believe they are allowed to lift and comfort me.

My Great Grandmother's letters have reached through time and given me a connection to her beyond what I had. A connection of friendship. A connection of sisterhood. I see her in a new light. She is not an old woman sitting in her chair in my mind anymore. She is a vibrant woman, not much older than me facing trails and uncertainty.

I'll be anxiously watching the mail box for her next letter.

Bathroom Remodel Before and After

2011-04-30T11:39:00.005-06:00

Remember this?

And this?

(New Flooring, Paint, Vanity, Mirror and Toilet.
And My Mom and Dad did a great job choosing the decorations too!)

Voila!
_______________________
Linking up with-

Kitchen Remodel Before and After

2011-04-30T11:36:00.003-06:00

It's done!
Remember this?

Looking back, this kitchen remodel started as a result of a water line failure.

We were in the midst of Cancer with my Dad when I got the panic phone call.

The kitchen was ruined. The flood had made such a mess.

The disaster clean up people came, ran fans, dehumidifiers and then later pulled up the laminate flooring and cabinets. Oh, what a mess. When it was finally all dried out they offered to put the old stuff back together.

My Dad simply said, "No." He just could not do that to my Mom.

So, the process began.

We have enjoyed many a family get together in their beautiful new kitchen!

_________________________
Linking up with-

Prom Corsage

2011-04-30T09:00:00.001-06:00

I don't get much practice, so each time I do flowers I decide it will be my last time.

But, my kids seem to keep asking me to do them.

It's far from perfect, but It's done.

I hope she likes it.

Brown Sugar Pudding Cake

2011-04-21T20:29:00.001-06:00

Brown Sugar Pudding Cake

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Add the following to an oven safe sauce pan (metal handles) or a steel bowl-

1 cup Brown Sugar

2 1/2 cups Water

1tsp Butter

Place on stove and bring to a boil while combining the next mixture.

Combine in small bowl-

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Milk

3 tbsp Butter

1 cup Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

Mix as you would muffins, take care not to over mix.

After the cake mixture is prepared and the sauce is boiling, remove the pan from the heat.

By spoonfuls, drop the cake mixture into the sauce.

Immediately put in the oven.

Bake 30 minutes.

Store the left overs in the refrigerator.

The next day the sauce will be even better.

(It will thicken.)

I hope you enjoy it!

Glazed Orange Cranberry Muffins

2011-04-18T17:01:00.006-06:00

This morning I opened the freezer and saw the cranberries that I froze at Christmas time. I never got to the Cranberry bread this year.
There was just too much going on.

Knowing I had no Orange Juice concentrate in the house I turned to the pantry. Here is what I came up with. (This recipe can be made with all shelf stable food storage/pantry items.)

Muffins-

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup Tang Powdered Orange Drink Mix

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.

Combine wet ingredients in another bowl and combine well.

In medium bowl or measuring cup toss the following until mixed-

2 cups chopped cranberries

4 tbsp sugar

(Or omit the Cranberries and 4 tbsp sugar and use 1 cup or more Craisins)

Combine the ingredients from all three bowls.

Stir with a folding motion taking care not to over mix.

Leave a few small lumps.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes.

Glaze-

(Rinse and reuse the bowl used from the cranberries.)

Add about 3/4 of a cup of powdered sugar,

1 tbsp Tang and enough water to make a runny glaze.

Place baked muffins on a piece of waxed paper and drizzle with the glaze.

Allow them muffins to stand while the glaze sets up prior to bagging the left overs.

Baking with Respiratory Allergies - Protecting your Lungs

2011-04-09T12:02:00.007-06:00

When you bake bread do you end up walking away sneezing, coughing, choking and wheezing? Sadly, the more I bake the more this is the case for me. I have always been sensitive to dust and flour.

It has been suggested that I wear a dust mask as I measure or grind. But, up until now I have been quite stubborn only wearing a mask intermittently.

Tips for protecting your lungs-

Grind your flour on the patio or in the garage. If you grind in the kitchen you are trapped for hours in the same room with the dust hanging in the air bothering you or your family members.
Measure carefully without fluffing.
Wear a dust mask. There are many styles to to choose from ranging from light dust masks to filter masks. Check your home center.
Depending upon the severity of your situation you may choose to change your clothes and shower while your bread rises.
Follow any instructions given to you by your doctor.

Protecting your lungs takes just a minute and with a little bit of common sense you may be able to manage baking for a long time.

Happy Baking!

(Asthma symptoms and baking)

Prepare Every Needful Thing - Three Month Supply of Food and Non Food Items

2011-04-07T09:12:00.001-06:00

Are you looking to build your long and short term food storage? I hope the following will help you in your journey. In this post I will share my simple planner pages* for building your three month supply and beyond.

D&C 109:8

Start Small-
"We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.
"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."
—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

Master Meal List-
So you ask, “How do I gather a 3 month supply of food for my family?” Simply start by spending a few minutes writing out a list of common meals that you fix for your family. Ask family members for meal ideas that they like. If you have a picky family member consider their needs as you plan a 3 month supply. (Times of stress are not good times to try to conquer the picky eater.) Be sure to include breakfast foods and lunch foods. (Yes, Cocoa Puffs can be part of the list.)

Master Meal List*-
Breakfast ideas- Lunch ideas- Dinner ideas- Sides, desserts, breads

Build a Menu Plan for Breakfast, Lunch* and Dinner*-
If you are new to menu planning, don’t panic. It really is not very hard. Arm yourself with a master meal list, the menu planning will be much easier.
As you begin first look at your master meal list and consider the ingredients for the dishes. Do they have basic ingredients that can be stored easily? For example, Taco Soup is made from canned foods and frozen ground beef. The ground beef can be gathered and stored in a freezer if you have one available. (Or it can be made without the beef.) The corn and beans varieties are excellent food storage choices, and taco seasoning will store well in a cool dry place. Consider buying in bulk.
How often during a 4 week period do you want to serve each meal? If it is quite popular, maybe serve it once a week. My family never tires of spaghetti. If the dish is less popular couple it with another less popular meal and alternate the two every other week. Remember that during times of financial stress when trips to the store may be greatly limited or during calamities that would effect the movement of groceries fresh foods may be in short supply.

Three Month Supply-
“Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.” http://www.providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,7445-1,00.html

Master Grocery List*-
Now that you have a menu plan, tally up how often each meal is to be served. Add the ingredients to the Master Grocery List with tally marks showing how many you will need for a week or months supply.

When I first made mine I saved my sales receipts from the grocery store and big box stores for both food items and non-foods. Pay close attention to what you are using from your reserves also.
As you go you will get a feel for how much you need to store. Basic foods stuffs stored will give you a feeling of security. If you can build a weeks worth of food and then two and so on your security will grow with your food supply.

Longer-Term Supply-
For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.
These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

Our church has provided us with suggestions for storage amounts - where permitted by local laws.
Quantity-
One person for one month
25 lbs. Wheat, white rice, corn, and other grains (30+ years storage life with careful packaging)
5 lbs. Dry beans (30+ years storage life with careful packaging)

“You may also want to add other items to your longer-term storage such as sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, baking soda, and cooking oil. To meet nutritional needs, also store foods containing Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
Dry products intended for longer-term storage should be low in moisture (about 10% or less) and free from insects.” http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7531-1-4062-1,00.html

Where Do I put all of this food?
I attended an organization class where the instructor suggested using fruit boxes stacked and carefully labeled to store smaller supplies such as cans. She related living in a small home without a basement where she stored apple boxes under her children’s mattress and box springs filled with food stuffs. She said her children felt secure knowing that the food was there. She also recommended purchasing lifts for your bed frame so that you can put boxes of supplies under your bed. In a pinch cinder blocks under the corners of the bed frame will do nicely too. I recommend that you do not delay building your food supply. Do not panic and do not go to extremes. Your slow consistent preparation will give you some security, so do what you can.

72 Hour Kits
A natural step in the quest toward self sufficiency is a 72 hour kit. 72 hour kits can be made up of simple foods such as canned fruits, dry meats, Vienna Sausages, canned soups, crackers, pretzels, water and candy. There is no need to buy expensive commercial kits. Enclose mess kits, utensils, a can opener, medications and other supplies that you might need if you had nothing else. I have heard a couple of great suggestions for clothing. Buy each child clearance clothing in next years clothing size. (Or consider play clothes from D.I./Good Will) Then when the next year rolls around remove the outfit for wearing and put the following year’s size into the kit again. This idea appeals to my sense of value. (Waste not want not.)

Drinking Water
For more information see-
http://providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,7446-1,00.html

Financial Reserve-
“Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.” http://providentliving.org

Here is a great video to watch about gathering your 3 month supply.

Thank you for stopping by. If this was helpful to you please leave a comment. :o)

Best Wishes!

No Space? Look at this.
What a great demo booth.

I Replaced My Broken LCD Screen

2011-03-30T14:50:00.016-06:00

I replaced the LCD screen in my camera today.

I learned a couple of things.

Consider wearing a cotton or latex glove on the hand that holds the camera body as you work.
This will help you not to make any connections with your hands.

I mentioned the possibility of being shocked in my previous broken camera post.

Cameras hold quite a charge. Be sure to respect them.

Using the safe plastic pry tool that comes with most replacement screens is wise.

Along the top left edge of this particular model there is a contact that if touched, either with your hands or a metal tool, will give you a good jolt.

(Even with the batteries out this holds a charge.)
A shock will result in numb fingers and

shaky hands or worse after you touch the wrong thing in your camera.
Don't even ask why I know. :o)

Look around and maybe you'll be lucky enough to find a video for your camera.

I found this one. Thankfully my camera is a simple model.

Disclaimer: Attempt at your own risk. Opening your camera could result in severe electric shock. It could also result in the destruction of your camera.

________________________

Linking up with-

A2Z

DIY Show Off

Creation Corner

I am so Lucky! - Counting my Blessings

2011-03-29T17:41:00.000-06:00

I feel so lucky to be alive today! I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband who makes sacrifices for me. A good man who has become not just my husband, but my dearest friend as the years have gone by. I have been blessed to have a house full of really amazing kids.

My life is not perfect, but it is full and so good. I face my trials just like everyone else. No one gets out of trials. I am real. I face challenges and make mistakes. But, I feel so blessed.

My family and my belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes it all not just bearable, but so good. I feel so lucky to live on the earth. To grow, to develop, to become a better person. Even through difficult hours. I am so lucky. Do you feel lucky? What have you been blessed with today?

Marvelous Muffins - Healthy, But Still Good

2011-03-24T05:00:00.016-06:00

One of my amazing friends introduced me to a recipe from Dana Thornock's Lean and Free 2000 Plus many years ago. When my preemie came along we struggled with feeding problems for several years. Oddly enough sprouts, these muffins and Ramen noodles were among his favorites. I was puzzled that a picky kid would eat my sprouts, and the Ramen worried me because we were trying to power pack. (The day I walked into the kitchen to find him and his little friend shoving sprouts into their mouths in a competitive manner I was a bit surprised. I concealed my surprise and praised the activity.)
We are not what I would describe as health nuts, but I have a background in healthy eating from my childhood. But, all of that is beside the point.

These muffins became my secret "weapon." He liked them and would eat them when nothing else sounded good and I felt like he was getting good nutrition in when he ate them. Whew!

The recipe here is a variation of Dana's original recipe. Dana's recipe is lower in sugar and fat, uses egg whites and does not contain chocolate chips or Canned Skim Milk.

Marvelous Muffins - Unless you want an ARMY sized batch I recommend cutting the recipe in half.

Yeild:42

6 cups Whole Wheat Flour
3 cups Rolled Oats - I use instant
1 Tbsp Baking Soda
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Salt
4 whole Eggs
2 cups Canned Skim Milk - increases protein but not fat
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
2 2/3 cups Sugar
2 cups Applesauce
2 cups Pureed White Beans - I used 1/2 pinto and half white today. But, prefer all pinto.
12 to 18 ounces Chocolate chips - for picky kids use 18 ounces

Open the can of beans drain most of the liquid off and add them to the blender. Add water a tiny bit at a time until they are blend-able. The texture you are going for is the texture of eggs and butter creamed together.

Preheat the oven to 375. Bake 15-20 min.

Place all of the wet ingredients in one bowl and mix well. Place all of the dry ingredients in a giant mixing bowl and mix well. Pour the wet ingredients in and blend taking care to stir around the edges and at the bottom. DO NOT over stir. Allow lumps and a little bit of dry flour to remain.

Bake in greased muffin pans or in muffin papers sprayed lightly with cooking spray. You'll lose a lot of the muffin to the muffin paper if you do not spray them.

I made these today with the whole group home and they wolfed them down with leftovers to spare.

Keyword: Power Packing

Patching Jeans - Use it Up Wear it Out, Make Do

2011-03-19T12:12:00.021-06:00

One of my boys goes through the right knee on all of his jeans.

So instead of tossing the jeans, I patch them.

First open the side seam.

If you are worried about fuzziness you can fold the denim over and top

stitch the edge to prevent a little bit of fraying.

I was not worried about it.

Next, zig-zag the patch in place.

Finally, straight stitch the side seam closed catching the patch in the seam.

Then go back and zig-zag the edge to finish the seam.

(I still have not painted that little desk...)

Tadaa! Not beautiful, but very functional.

______________
Linking up with-

Don't Waste Your Homemaking

Homebody Holly

Sour Dough Explosion

2011-03-15T20:30:00.002-06:00

If you know me, you know that I like to try things.

I bought a Gold Rush Sour Dough Start and fed it twice the first day as instructed.

Not being sure if I was supposed to take some out for those first two feedings the first day I did not.

This resulted in the start becoming larger.

My next mistake? I left the gasket on the jar and clamped the lid.

Following one of the suggestions that I read, I insulated the jar with a small blanket and set it on the heating pad. (Spring had not yet arrived and there was not enough warmth to grow much of anything.)

My heating pad only stays on for an hour, so the blanket helped with keeping the warmth in for the night.

I guess It was a success of sorts, if you don't count the explosion.

The start forced pressure out of the jar spraying the cabinets across the

kitchen and filling the blanket with very smelly goo.

You ask What did I learn?

Do not grow a sour dough start in a jar with a tight lid. Though my jar looks just like one sold on Amazon.com (with a sour dough start) with the gasket in place it becomes a food bomb.
My family does not like sour dough. (Oh, well it was a fun experiment. But, will not be long lived at our house right now.)
Sour Dough Starts are a bit like tending a pet in your kitchen.

All in all the experience was good for a laugh and I learned some things.

Future note to self. Should you try this again do not clamp the lid.

________________________________

Linking up with-

Getting Older - Midlife Crisis?

2011-03-11T10:48:00.010-07:00

Since I was a kid I have always laughed at the concept of mid-life crisis because of something that I saw.

I have a very vivid image in my mind of a man that my parents barely knew in a "kid" car. His head was bald and he was acting like a crazy teenager. When I inquired about his behavior my Mother told me the man was having a midlife crisis.

With each passing birthday my Mother asks me, "so how does it feel." And my reply is always, "fine."

But, lately as I have approached this birthday, I have been thinking about what this midlife crisis business means to me. For me it's not about the car I won't drive or the the entertainment I might have missed while raising my family or the social stature that one might desire to obtain.

For me it's watching my last little one as he runs, putting the effort of a super hero into his gate. Knowing that as I drink him in, he is my last child. For me it is watching my grade school kids minds quicken and their capacities grow. They are not little anymore Mom. For me it is watching my teens dress up for a dance while knowing this time will not last. These days pass so quickly as I watch my college student blaze new trails. And this Fall, Mission papers...

It has not really felt like a crisis to me. But, I do feel something that I have so thoroughly loved slipping away.

I take comfort in the the words of those who are 10 or so years older than me. I have heard them say that being a grandparent is so much fun. I'll have to take their word for it. It's a ways off for me right now.

I am so thankful for my chance to be a Mom. My husband and I have enjoyed our journey so much. We relish the passing days knowing that before you know it the kids will begin to leave as quickly as they came. (Not to say that some may not come back from time to time.)

You know, all in all stepping over the threshold into middle age looks alright to me.

It's stepping into the unknown, but that is nothing new. Each year of our lives has been a step into the darkness and the unknown. I trust my Father in Heaven to be there to help me face and enjoy what ever may come, just as he has always done.

Midlife crisis? No. Not really. It's just more life to live. More faith to cultivate.
I can do this. I am not alone. I know that I am not alone. My Heavenly Father has never left me alone.

Why would he start now?

Organizing my Pantry - Post 100

2011-03-09T18:01:00.005-07:00

Is your pantry having one of those days?

Mine was.

Last night I emptied my pantry out onto the counter.

And then spent the morning putting things away again.

I used turn tables for small bottles and I rounded up

baskets from around the house for smaller bulk items.

I arranged my pickle jars in the corner on a turn table for easier access.

I love my jars.

All of my loose bags are held closed with paper clamps.

All of my bulk goods are on the floor in buckets.
_________________________________

How to Save Money at the Grocery Store - Price Book

2011-03-08T18:40:00.016-07:00

Have you had ever bought a commonly used grocery item only to realize it was MUCH cheaper the last time you bought it? Did you stand there in frustration as you had to pay more wishing you had stocked up when it was a good price?

This was my reason for creating my first price book years ago.

It is a very simple way to keep track of grocery prices, helping you to know when to buy just a couple of something, or giving you the confidence to buy a case.

A price book is your weapon against fluctuating food prices. It feels good to me to be able to have a little bit of control over the prices that I pay.

You begin by simply dividing the number of pages in a small note book by 26 to see how many pages you can allot to each letter. Consider reducing the number of pages given to letters such as Q, U, V and Z. After all your V pages may only contain things like Vinegar and Velveeta.

I chose to put dots on the first page of each letter.

Record the date, the item, size, per unit price and the store name.

After you have a few prices for each item you will begin to have an idea of what a good price is.

If saving your receipts seems like a labor, consider looking for a web site that rates prices for items and gather your initial prices.

Or simply sit down for a few minutes each time you go to the store and begin adding to your book. With a little bit of effort your book will become a valuable companion in your purse at the grocery store. You may even find yourself adding great prices on the spot in the grocery store as you find them.

Your price book will also begin to help you to see patterns for when certain things are on sale.
A price book is a very valuable tool for building your food storage and surviving inflation.

____________________________

Linking up with-

Homebody Holly Tips and Tricks Tuesday

Desk to Redo - What would you do?

2011-03-04T10:24:00.015-07:00

I brought this little desk home hanging out of my trunk the other day.

The finish is tired and dated.

It needs new hardware and some love.

What color should it be?

The sky is the limit.

Here is one suggestion-

click pic to go to source

And another-

click pic to go to source

Anymore ideas?

____________________________

Dresser Redo

2011-03-03T05:00:00.006-07:00

This wonderful dresser was in my Great Grandparents home when my parents got married.

In the 70's it was painted turquoise. (The last time that was in style.)
I grew up with this dresser holding my mother's fabric and sewing supplies.
Later it was passed to me.

I painted it back when I began blogging.
Sadly, I did not see the value the in keeping the before picture.

Ode to IKEA KALAS Dishes

2011-03-01T11:11:00.010-07:00

If I were poetic I'd write you an ode to IKEA KALAS dishes, but I'm not.

So, instead I'll tell you why I like them.

I know I am not the only one who uses them.

As I checked out at IKEA yesterday I watched the Mom ahead of me

unload the bottom of her stroller to pay for half a Million of them.

I bought a bunch too.

What I like about them-

Less food waste by children.
Encourages smaller portions for everyone.
They do not take up a lot of space in the dishwasher or the cupboard.
They are inexpensive.
They come in cute colors.

Do you get frustrated when a child fills a large bowl with milk and cereal and eats 1/4 cup of it and then leaves it to be thrown away? You are not alone. We have felt at times that we could feed a small army with the food that got wasted. It has been an important goal in our home to dish up less and waste less.

If you are over 29 you have likely realize that the battle of the bulge is a reality. Dietitians tell us to use smaller dishes to encourage smaller portions. If you want more go back for more, but dishing up less gives us time to think about how much we really need to eat.

They are dishwasher friendly. A bowl takes up no more room than a cup. When you are cooking for an army it is nice to not need a crew of K.P. "volunteers." We know how willing they help can be. So let's get it done and get out.

Each set of 6 pieces is 1.99. I like that. When they get looking tired they are easy to pass on to your local thrift store and buy a fresh set. I recommend using 1/2 of a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher with each load. They will look nice longer as will all of your other dishes.

Finally, they come in cute colors. They might seem a bit kiddish if your "kids" are taller than you are, but I have a good excuse. One of my kids is still sort of little, and I have not heard the big ones complain.

Knock Off Pottery Barn Chunky Linen Ruffle Pillow Cover

2011-02-25T20:00:00.010-07:00

One night last weekend I decided I wanted to make another pillow cover while the kids were all watching a movie. I sat and stared at the drop cloth scraps trying to decide what to make. I tried Googling for ideas but could not find exactly what I was looking for.

I knew I had seen a pillow like this some place. Duh....

Today I was looking at Pottery Barns website, (Did I mention I like Pottery Barn?)

and there it was. I did not make my ruffle strip long enough to be gathered.

So it is not gathered. Gathering the corners would have been MUCH easier than the reverse box pleat that I used.

My pillow opens like an envelope in the back.

It was an easy project with minimal finishing.

I must say I am enjoying pulling my sewing machine out now and again.

Now, one of these days I need to get crazy and get out an exacto knife and some freezer paper

and make some stencils.

Photo Source

Pottery Barn Chunky Linen Ruffle Pillow

Game of Tag

2011-02-25T14:34:00.002-07:00

I was tagged by Julie my sweet blog friend so now I'm "it".

This is a 4x4 blog meme that reveals some insights about me.

1. Four Places I Go-

The Grocery Store. I actually like to grocery shop. Weird huh.
My Parents House. Family is pretty important to me.
To Young Women's Meetings. I love working with the Young Women's Organization in my ward.
Anywhere my kids go. I asked my husband to paint my car to look like a cab at one point. (The pressure has eased now that I have teenage drivers.)

2. Four Of My Favorite Smells-

Homemade Bread. I love to bake. But, guess what? I have a grain dust allergy. I often wear a mask while I measure flour. And then I am careful not to fluff the flour as I work with it.
Babies tubbed, scrubbed and adequately fed. I love the sweet smell of a baby after a bath.
I love the smell of clean laundry. It is a great improvement upon the alternative.
I love the smell of apples oranges and cinnamon simmering on the stove at Christmas.

3. Four Favorite Shows/Movies- (No Fair, Only Four?)

Pride and Prejudice A&E
Emma BBC 2009
Lark Rise to Candleford BBC
Sense and Sensibility 1995 Emma Thompson

4. Four Recomendations-

Always keep an open mind to what the Lord may help you to do with your life. He is much better at planning.
Love those around you. It's always the right thing to do. Even when it is hard.
Never tell your husband you really don't want anything for your anniversary. Lol.
Don't forget to check to see if the seat is down if it is dark. (I could not resist.)

I wonder if anyone of my Blog friends will play?
I am tagging these 4 -

Andrea @ Bug world - Yipee she played!
Teresa @ Tree Baby's Tear Drop
Holly @ Homebody - Yipee she played!
Camille @ Camille's Corner

Your it!

King Arthur Life Skills Bread Baking Program

2011-02-23T10:58:00.004-07:00

My son came home from school so excited! They had a visit from Pam Jensen from the King Arthur flour company at school today. He was so excited to tell me about what he had learned.

King Arthur has an outreach program that teaches kids to bake bread.

My son was so excited to have his own dough scraper!

Of course we already had a couple in the drawer, but having his own is awesome!

My boys were so excited to get started. First we measured in the yeast, white wheat flour and water.

After allowing the sponge mixture to stand we added the oil and salt.

The boys added the flour a bit at a time and stirred.

(We did not need all of the flour in the recipe.)

My son used the dough scraper to scrape the bowl and gather the bread together.

They really got into it!

Next the dough was kneaded. After rising the dough was shaped and baked.

Voila! One to eat and one to share.

_________________________________________

Linking up with-

Updating Light Fixtures with Spray Paint - Kitchen Peak waiting for Counter Tops

2011-02-20T11:00:00.010-07:00

As an ongoing part of my parents remodel there are a couple of light fixtures in the

front hall and mud room that needed updating.

This first fixture was originally black with silver highlights.

Sorry no before picture on this one.

But, a coat of Rust-Oleum Oil Rubbed Bronze brings it up to date.

Though it is simple my Mom has always liked this fixture. But, the wiring looked questionable and would have been a reason to not reuse it. She bought a comparable bulb socket and wiring and my Dad hit it with a coat of oil rubbed bronze.

Voila.

Updated color.

Still waiting for counter tops.

Plastic Basket Makeover - With an Easy Sew Canvas Bag

2011-02-16T09:35:00.033-07:00

I have an itty bitty little powder room in my home. Usually these little powder rooms do not see as much traffic as mine does. With the numbers we have in our home it has become a place where teeth are brushed and make up is applied in the morning. So for added convenience I needed a place to store make up, contact lens solutions and the like.
I bought some plastic baskets but they really lacked something.

So, as usual I got out my canvas drop cloth material and went to work.

I made a simple canvas bag.

I dropped it in and then folded it down over the Plastic Crate/Basket.

Voila.

Then I made 5 more.

A great improvement to bare baskets.

:o)

Need some instructions? Click on this picture to make it larger.

_____________
Linking up with-
Simple Home Life

Kitchen Remodel - Beautiful Walnut Cabinets

2011-02-13T19:14:00.009-07:00

The cabinets are almost done.

We are so pleased with them!

Next counter tops.

(Wow, the Island was dusty.)
My Mom and I had to settle on where the pendant lights need to be,

so my Dad put this lovely cardboard on the island so that we could mark them.

My Mother immediately asked if there were any special care instructions for this "counter top."

My Dad said, "Yes, no water." It made me smile.

My Mom is so ready to be back in business again.

The first light fixture is in. All of the power is off with exception of two lights.

Boy, it will be nice to have the power back on.

The only power in the kitchen right now is an extension cord.

The pantry.

The helpful Tuxedo Kitty, "Jack" was on hand while I took pictures. He could see the birds jumping and flitting in the juniper bush by the window in the sunshine and he really wanted to get to them.

I'll post complete pictures and a before and after floor plan after the counter tops are in.

:o)

Kitchen Remodel - Cabinet Sneak Peak

2011-02-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

It's coming along nicely.

Frugal Shirt Make Over - Darling Toddler Dress

2011-02-10T13:52:00.009-07:00

I know a smart cookie who worked miracles with an out grown shirt!

Teresa
over at

TreeBaby's TearDrop

made her son's shirt over into a cute dress for her little daughter!

She is one smart Momma!
(Teresa was just as cute when she was little! I remember her well.)

Look how pleased she is with her new dress!

Be sure you stop in and leave her a comment. :o)

Photo Source

Bathroom Remodel - Doors and Gutting the Bathroom

2011-02-08T11:29:00.006-07:00

Remodeling is a bit like peeling and onion. It comes with a few tears and many layers. Just when you peel back a layer there is another one lurking. When the floor came up and we saw water damage near both doors and it seemed natural to replace the front and back doors before the tile went in.

For the Moment the doors are sporting fancy masking tape molding. Yet another layer to add later. Everywhere you turn there is another layer...

This bathroom is the last one in the house that had not been remodeled. There is so much history here.

This is the bathroom I got ready in each day when I was a teenager. This is the same bathroom that my first two children locked themselves in when they were little by opening the drawer in front of the door. And then they could not figure out how to get out.

2 layers of floor had to come out. Somebody in the past had fun with the staple gun. :o)

My dad cut one of the ends off of an old pick ax. We slide the flat part of the pick under the flooring and tap it with the sledge hammer. It pulls the nails up and helps make the job go faster. My Dad is a master at using tools creatively. :o) (See the comments on Kitchen Remodel - Good bye Cabinet and Soffit for the background on tools.)

Whew. It is all out. My Mom even got in and broke the mirror off of the wall.

The dishwasher is hanging out in the back hall waiting for a new home.

The cabinets guy says the cabinets are about ready.

We can hardly wait.

Then more flooring will go in.

Stay tuned.

Kitchen Remodel - Tile Before and After

2011-02-07T20:34:00.001-07:00

The project is moving along.

The backer board went in. Look at all of those screws. This floor is not going anywhere.

After

The tile layer did a really nice job of placing the tiles.

He was very careful to turn the tiles and not use a repeat tile pattern side by side.

Today we pulled the bathroom out. It is now an empty room!

So now we have the Bathroom, Mud Room and Back Hall to finish.

It's coming along. Really...

Stay tuned.

Gluten Free Brioche - Bread a Celiacs Blessing or Trial?

2011-02-07T12:01:00.002-07:00

When you are in the process of giving up Wheat/Gluten bread, regular bread can become a bit like the Ring in The Lord of the Rings. It whispers enticing words like, "Go ahead, the consequences won't be that bad if you just eat it once." If you stay away from the bread it's power begins to fade. But, if you pick it up, smell it or ultimately taste it you are under it's spell. It tells you lies.
Celiacs (Gluten Intolerant Individuals) that have been gluten free for a long time learn about other wonderful things to eat and the bread begins to lose it's hold. But, since it once passed your lips sometimes their is a resurgence. Sometimes you get a bit too close to the Bakery or the bread isle in the grocery store. Or Heaven forbid a bread post on a blog.

I have watched my mother and daughter fight this battle. My mother is an "old" Celiac. She has been a Celiac since before anyone seemed to understand what her digestive system and immune systems problems were. She was a Celiac back when people scratched their heads thinking you must not have had enough attention as a child and are somehow trying to get some now with your stomach.

My daughter who is now out of High School has fought a battle resembling Frodo's battle with the ring, one of partial control with intermittent losses of it.

So on goes the search for really good Gluten Free bread. (The last statement is an oxymoron I know, but this recipe is pretty darn good.) This recipe actually tastes like something. Most Gluten Free bread is simply a "texture" not a taste. But, this one tastes good in addition to a nice texture. I found it in an unlikely place as I was reading about Gluten Artisan bread. I have adapted the method slightly with great results.

Gluten Free Brioche Recipe -

Adapted From “Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” by Zoe François and Jeff Hertzberg

Makes enough dough for three 1.5 pound loaves

1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup tapioca starch (tapioca flour)
3 3/4 cups cornstarch
2 tablespoons granulated yeast
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons xanthan gum
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup honey
4 large eggs
1 cup neutral flavor oil, such as Canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) for brushing on loaf
Raw sugar for sprinkling on top crust

Whisk together the brown rice flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, yeast, salt and xanthan gum in a 5-quart bowl, or a lidded (not airtight) food container.
Combine the liquid ingredients and gradually mix them into the dry ingredients using one of the following: a spoon, a 14-cup food processor (with dough attachment) or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix just until there are no dry bits of flour. You might need to use wet hands to get the last bits of flour to incorporate if you are not using a machine.
Cover (not airtight!) and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
The dough can be used now, after this initial rise, or it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days – do not store in an airtight container!
On baking day, grease a 8.5″x4.5″ nonstick loaf pan. Use wet hands to break a 1.5 pound piece of refrigerated dough and shape it into a ball. Note: the dough isn’t stretched because there’s no gluten in it – just gently press it into shape. You might need to wet your hands to keep the dough from sticking and to create a smooth surface. Do not make the dough soggy.
Elongate the dough into an oval and put it in the loaf pan, smoothing the surface with your fingers. Cover loosely and allow to rest for 90 minutes (40 minutes if you are using fresh, unrefrigerated dough).
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Just before putting it in the oven, use a pastry brush to gently paint the top of the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle raw sugar.
Bake in the center of the oven for about 40-45 minutes. The loaf is done once it is caramel brown and firm to the touch. Smaller or larger loaves will require adjustments in resting and baking times.
Remove brioche from the pan and allow it to cool on a rack before slicing and eating. If it will not come out of the pan, let it sit for five minutes to allow the loaf time to steam itself loose from the pan. To firm up the outer crust again, place it back in the oven for three minutes to dry out the damp sides.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Kitchen Remodel - Good Bye Cabinet Soffit

2011-02-02T20:01:00.004-07:00

One day before Christmas my Mom descended the stairs to find her kitchen flooding. A line behind her dishwasher had malfunctioned and water was filling the kitchen. The bad part of this was she had been upstairs in the shower and had no idea that this was happening on the main floor. They were left with extensive damage to the kitchen and some damage to the basement family room and a bathroom.

The disaster clean up guys eventually had to remove her floor and cabinets to dry the mess out.

So, the kitchen remodeling ball, ready or not, was rolling.
The tiny bit of help from the insurance company got the ball rolling, but surely won't finish the job.
They will patch your old stuff back together, but who wants that?

My Mom and Dad had to regroup and formulate a plan of attack.

The first step was to pull out the wall cabinets.

After the wall cabinets were out the sheet rock Soffit above the cabinets had to go.

The general opinion was that the Soffit would simply be sheet rock. Wrong. They were built out of plywood. It was a good afternoons work for my boys to pull them out.

This is what the wall and ceiling looked like after they were removed.

(The wall also needed patching after the electrician came and moved the power for the microwave.)

It's coming along.

Paint and Tile are next.

Stay tuned.

Convenience Food v.s. Homemade - Kids Learning to Cook

2011-01-31T19:49:00.007-07:00

(Hotel Room Kitchen)

In an attempt to keep things frugal and simple my husband and I bought a bunch of convenience foods to take on a trip some time back. This experience really made me think.

It might sound silly, but since I was raised on home cooked meals my children for the most part have been too.

We open a box of Macaroni and Cheese or Pilaf mix or thaw out a frozen pizza or chicken patties here and there. I would be a food snob for sure to refuse to acknowledge this. I do not believe every bite of food that enters my children's mouths must be made by my own hand. I'd like this on some level, but might die trying to accomplish this.

So, anyway... during this trip we were coming and going and stopping back at our room to eat. We both became disenchanted very quickly with the quick meals we had planned for the trip. (Pre-cooked pasta in a bowl with plastic over it? This is just not right.) We discussed this over one of these meals. I tried to imagine the difficulty of not knowing how to cook. I realized I must make sure my children are learning so that they have more options later.

When I got married I knew how to make a few dishes including casseroles. Whoops my poor husband did not like casseroles. There went the whole plan. Over time through trial and error I added new dishes to my recipe box and we (he) did not die.

Take it for what is is worth. We tried the shoe on the other foot eating bowls of mystery pasta. Next time we will take a little bit more time, pack the rice cooker and the foods that we are used to eating and have a much more enjoyable trip.

My conclusion- Cooking is beneficial to our health, palate, and the budget too.
I sure hope the kids are learning something more than heating up chicken patties and boiling noodles.

Toodles! :o)

Make a Mix Cook Book

Towel or Coat Rack Project

2011-01-27T13:55:00.013-07:00

I have needed to address the problem of not enough towel bar space for some time. And being my frugal self... I was not willing to pay the price that the home center was asking for a coat rack to hang towels on. So I put this together in a morning for sooo much less.

My project included-

3 foot Poplar board from the home center, no cutting required
4 Oil Rubbed Bronze Coat Hooks
1 tub Oops paint
2 black screws

The star of the day.

Oops Paint!
The color is from the
Martha Stewart paint line at Home Depot.
Who is it that thinks of paint color names?

The only hiccup with this project is the screws for the hooks were a bit long for the thickness of the Poplar Stock that I bought. The choices were, buy thicker stock or push the screw points into the wall... Someday when this comes down I'll have little spots to fill. Oh, well.

We found the studs in the wall and drilled the holes into the board accordingly. I wanted it to be solid. I am so glad to have it up.

Until next week. :o)

King Arthur Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix Review

2011-01-22T08:00:00.006-07:00

Today I made a King Aurthur Chocolate Cake Mix for my Celiac daughter to try.
When she came through the door I offered her one.
She said thank you and took a bite of the cupcake.
She paused with worry.
"Mom, is this gluten free?"
The look on her face said, "Why did you make me cupcakes that are going to make me sick?"

I dug the box from the trash and reassured her that it was Gluten Free.
She was amazed.
Score.

The cake mixes are pricey like most everything else that is Gluten Free.
But, her reaction told all.
It was worth it.

Nice texture, nice flavor.
A little pricey for everyday, but great for special occasions.
Good job, K.A.

Side note-
I have not yet made this mix and stacked it as a cake.
It seems light and delicate.
When I do I will likely freeze the layers prior to assembling it.
I'd be nervous about fondant being a bit heavy for it, but will not know until I try a layer cake with this mix.
If anyone has any opinions or experience with this I'd love to hear your from you.

Laundry for a Large Family - Why Fold what You Can Hang?

2011-01-16T11:00:00.013-07:00

Does folding mountains of laundry seem like your life's work?

When you die will your head stone say,
"She conquered Mt. Laundry More?"
If so you are not alone.

If you are at all like me, folding is not one of your greatest pleasures in this world.

I had a visitor stop in the other day looking for ideas for managing laundry with a big family and I got to thinking about how we have managed over the years.

Today I will tell you my laundry story. First we will begin with the Folding years.
When I had a large laundry room I had two sets of garage shelves (Okay this will keep your laundry room out of decorating magazines...) One set for clean and one set for dirty. And a bar above the washer for hanging an occasional white shirt.

Each family member gets a clean basket on one set of shelves.
The other shelf set had labeled baskets for sorting dirty clothes. Viola, no more dirty clothes on the floor.

"Keep it simple silly."

This was my over achiever sorting phase.
Bright Whites, Whites, Yellow, Light Blue Gray Green together, Dark and Jeans together and finally Reds. Whew. What was I thinking. Yes, I was doing the laundry for all 9 of us then and had the colors to separate down that far, but really.
I had this silly idea the clothes would look better. Okay, I can't even remember if they did. The point is, I was washing for children that were growing faster than I could get the clothes folded and put away...

Now for what we will call the non-folding years.

I am not promising there will be no folding, just a whole lot less.
All you need is a whole bunch of hangers.
I use baby hangers for my kids until their clothes get way too big.
I have less hanger breakage this way and less distress calls for help.
Oh, you say your closets are small. My kids closets are small too. It's alright.
I recommend adding a double hang closet bar.
It's the best money you'll spend for this cause.
(I re-purposed a small bakers rack to make space for toys off to the side.)

I hang everything I can possibly hang on a hanger.
I hang shirts first and when the space is full I fold pants and put them in the dresser.
I keep a drawer for undies and a drawer for socks.
And I try really hard to buy the same kind of socks each time so that I can just toss the ones with holes and keep adding to the stash. No more sorting socks. I have a cluster of boys in close sizes and yes, their socks are community. If you do not have drawers you could use bins for socks and undies. When I buy underwear for the boys I buy a different style for each boy and stay with that type. Nuff said about shorts.

"My motto is why fold what you can hang."

Oh, and I almost forgot.
I try really hard to keep the families laundry separated by the rooms that they live in as it transitions through the laundry.
(And make the big ones wash their own where ever possible.)
I sort my own laundry in our bathroom away from the kids clothes to save me time and hassle.
All you need is a system of 3 to 4 divisions.

photo source
(An easy DIY version of this Laundry Sorter would be a simple coat rack attached to studs in the wall and IKEA bags.)
Why should kids on the other end of the house have their stuff mixed with the little kids stuff?
Someone has to separate it again if it gets mixed together.
Have you ever tried to make matches from a jumble of 9 people's socks?
It is enough to make a grown woman cry.

Seasonal Clothing and things to grow into are another issue.
Bankers boxes are a great friend. Don't look too closely at mine. Sadly mine have been moved more times than I can count. They need to be replaced and I need more of them.
Bankers Boxes can be purchased at an office supply for the best price. Big Box stores carry them, but they are not as inexpensive.
For best efficiency label the box on one end with the summer contents and on the other with the winter contents.
Turn the label needed forward for the season. I like them because I can stack them to the ceiling. I use them for fabric and clothing storage in other places around the house also.

The most important thing you can do is establish a system that has as few steps to it as possible.
If you make it hard you will set yourself up to fail.
Keep it simple and you will succeed.

I hope this helps someone out there.
:o)

Baby Daylon - What a lucky little kid!

2011-01-13T20:25:00.005-07:00

photo source

If you have visited my blog very many times you have probably noticed a link to Daylon's blog on the side bar. Daylon is an amazing kid from an amazing family.
Daylon was born with a disease called Junctional Herlitz Epidermolysis Bullosa.

I began following Daylon's blog after I learned about him through a food blog that I visited one day. I began reading and following Daylon's family as they began their journey through a bone marrow transplant in and effort to help Daylon to have a better life.
Daylon's disease is a very serious one. One that usually takes a child's life before the age of one.
Daylon's treatment has not been trial free
but, it has bought him valuable time with his family.

Daylon is the youngest of 5 amazing children.
Daylon's siblings have learned compassion and service beyond their tender years.
They will forever be better people for having carried their sweet little brother.

He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother.

Let me tell you what I have learned about Daylon. He is an inspiration.
He has such a sweet demeanor. I am not saying he has never shed a tear, but... He is pleasant and enjoyable to take care of. You can just tell through his blog. What other kid will still smile when he has erosions on his eyes and it is too painful to open them. Daylon seems to be glad to be alive even though his life has been tough.
Daylon has set an amazing example for those around him.

I have been privileged to watch Daylon's amazing family keep their faith in God as they have watched their baby walk through the valley of the shadow of death and back multiple times.
The immense pain that all of them have been through has been difficult to even imagine.

Life is not a fairy tale, but this family will have their happily ever after.
This family is going to make it through their trials and reach their goal and be a forever family.
Life will continue to be filled with trials and difficulties, but it will all be worth it.

Daylon's parents have firm testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ and they have leaned hard on their belief in the gospel to sustain them as they have endured these trials.
Hats off to you both. Thank you for setting such an amazing example of tenacity.

Thank you to the Edling family for setting such an amazing example to me personally as you have passed through such difficult trials with such faith.

Marga Mill - Review

2011-01-04T12:50:00.035-07:00

Today I am reviewing the Marga Mill.
I bought this mill through a neighborhood group buy a few years back.
It was purchased from blendtec.com.
(I have an electric Blend Tec Kitchen Mill that I LOVE.)
It is important that you understand this is not a substitute for a good quality flour mill.

It is simply a compliment.

If you are used to buying wheat flour already ground you will notice there is some visual texture to the flour. It's pretty. When you begin grinding your own flour in a good quality grinder you will notice it is uniform and does not have the pretty flakes of bran in it.

I attended a class about wheat given by a man from a local roller mill some years back. He said Whole wheat flour is a "recipe."
Grinding flour at home is a wonderful thing. But, alas the flour is not as pretty.
Oh, you ask, "How do I make it prettier?"

If you have enough of a desire for pretty visual texture in your flour there is a solution. Mix the flaky ground wheat (Ger-made essentially) produced by the Marga with some finely ground flour from your flour mill. Viola.

In my opinion the Marga Mill does not make satisfactory flour for whole wheat bread making, but it makes great bread additions and cereal.

When I bough the Marga Mill I did not do my homework. I bought the Marga as a back up flour mill. My intent was to store it for no to low power situations to grind flour.

For me the saving grace here is the rolled flaky texture is pretty and it makes great hot cereal.

Check it out before you buy. Know what the tool is good for before you buy. (Directions say you can us it to roll damp grains that have been allowed to dry until they are not longer sticky in order to make flaked grain that can be thoroughly dried in a food dehydrator for short term storage, and grinding cereal)

Did this meet my needs? Not really since I did not do my homework.
I think I'll try again eventually.

Kitten Mischief

2011-01-02T09:52:00.008-07:00

We have a new mischief maker at our house.
Her name is Cocoa.

It has been about 15 years since we have had a kitten.
She is silly and bouncy and needs a lot of love.
But, I can see already it will be on her terms.
Are these shades of Tortitude?
Is anyone surprised?

When night falls she does not want to sleep alone.
Who can blame her after leaving 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

We are excited about having Cocoa join our family.

3 Seam Footies - PooPockets Free Pattern

2010-12-27T19:30:00.012-07:00

If you looking for a quick pair of baby shoes, booties, footies, slippers or whatever you want to call them... If you are looking for a free pattern this might just fit the bill. These are a very quick sew and they are cute as can be. I no longer have any small people to put them on, so if you make them I'd love to hear if they stay on. (The only pair I ever had were preemie sized and my preemie did not wear clothes until he was much bigger than they were.) They are low on the ankle, so without socks they may be quick to kick off.

My teen aged daughter saw these and said, "Oooh, those look comfy. I want some."

During my diaper sewing years I corresponded briefly with the owner of New Conceptions Patterns. I like her patterns and liked her too. The Poo Pockets diaper pattern is one of the diapers types that I had in my stash in those days. It is reasonably priced too. I made them turned and top stitched, and did not care for them serged. (Here is the Footie Pattern, but visit her site first.)

I also preferred diapers after Phosphates left laundry detergent that did not have an internal soaker. Internal diaper soakers hold odors and just did not feel clean to me after the phosphates left. So I preferred lay in soakers.

Oh, the memories. I was a crazy diaper sewing Momma at one time. My stash was bigger than any baby could ever need. :o)

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World

2010-12-26T08:00:00.002-07:00

photo source

Blessings on the hand of women!

Angels guard its strength and grace,

In the palace, cottage, hovel,

Oh, no matter where the place;

Would that never storms assailed it,

Rainbows ever gently curled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy's the tender fountain,

Power may with beauty flow,

Mother's first to guide the streamlets,

From them souls unresting grow--

Grow on for the good or evil,

Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission

Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open

Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages

Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women!

Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,

And the sacred song is mingled

With the worship in the sky--

Mingles where no tempest darkens,

Rainbows evermore are hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

William Ross Wallace

Anadama Bread Review - Bread Baker's Apprentice

2010-12-22T11:15:00.014-07:00

I was looking for a little bit of entertainment a few nights ago, so I cracked the Bread Baker's Apprentice for inspiration. I bought Polenta and Molasses for my project. (Next time I will open up the setting on my grinder and coarsely grind popcorn instead of buying the Polenta. But, it was fun to try it with the Polenta.)

I measured out the ingredients for all three steps in a matter of a few minutes. 1)I dropped the Polenta and water into one container to soak overnight. 2)Then measured 2 cups of bread flour and the yeast into another small container for the sponge the following day. 3)And finally into the mixer bowl measured the molasses, salt and remaining 2 1/2 cups of bread flour and covered it until morning. It was a quick recipe that was a fun texture to shape. The recipe yields two 9x5 inch loaves.

I misted the loaves with a spray bottle and then dusted them with cornmeal. I don't recommend dusting them with Polenta. It may break your teeth. :o)
This bread makes SPECTACULAR TOAST. It has a nice flavor from the molasses and has a tender texture with a nice crunch. (I used Grandma's Molasses.)

If you do not already have this book, don't borrow it.
You will not want to give it back.

Enjoy!

Snow Day

2010-12-21T08:34:00.008-07:00

The long awaited Snow Day is here! (Where we live snow does not usually stop anything, we plow and go on.) 2 feet of snow in under 24 hours.
School is closed, laughter fills the air!

Yay for snow!

Divinity - Mixer Killing Candy

2010-12-11T14:00:00.012-07:00

Have you ever been tempted by those 6 dollar hand mixers in the store? Well, okay maybe you have not. Let me tell you why I was tempted by one and may be tempted again. One word. Divinity. Fluffy pillows of goodness.

Years ago I made divinity in my kitchen aid and took out the highest gear. (Over the years Divinity has been the undoing of several of my mother's stand mixers.) Divinity is a mixers nemesis. It is the most brutal cruel thing you can do to a mixer.

Making Divinity is like driving an old car up a mountain in 100 plus degree weather. But, with Divinity a mixer can be new and sustain damage. If the mixer begins to strain, shut it off and begin spooning the Divinity. (I have a tendency to miss it losing it's gloss and stop there. Duh.) I cooked mine today because I didn't. Ugh.

So, I am off to buy another hand mixer so that I can make more divinity.
Yum!

Button Heart - Christmas Tree Ornaments

2010-11-29T11:30:00.012-07:00

I was in the mood for some new frugal Christmas ornaments this year.

So I bought some fabric that resembles ticking and pulled out some duck cloth (washed paint tarp), buttons, ribbon and lace and went to work.
These would make great neighbor gifts too.

(Heart Template)
At first I made the hearts right sides together and turned them.
But, I like the unturned ones best.

Now to finish decorating the tree.

_____________________________________

I linked up:

Home Body-Holly

Medical Three Ring Circus - Cover your Butticus

2010-11-22T11:20:00.004-07:00

I took one of my children to an unfamiliar doctor today. I sat in amazement as I watched test after test being ordered. None of it added up in my mind. I sat there attempting to give this Doc the benefit of the doubt. photo credit

I am hearing others complain about the crazy test happy docs out there. So many docs are being sued that a trend is developing. Offer every test you can think of so that they can make a little check mark by each suggestion so that in the event of tragedy and a law suit they can cover their butticus. In order to prevent human error doctors are typing into their little laptop computers like some kind of human diagnometer. Doctors are becoming technicians.

The same thing has happened to auto mechanics in the name of efficiency. In the old days a shade tree mechanic would talk tenderly to a car. Look it over and observe it. Get a feel for it and use good old fashioned intuition and experience to solve it's problems. Experience comes from some trial and error. And some mistakes.
photo credit

In medicine we have asked the impossible. We have asked for no mistakes. Not human intuition... Do you see where I am going with this?

You take your car to the dealer and they throw parts at it until the car is fixed. Thousands of dollars later the technician finally finds the problem.

When my first children were coming up I had the benefit of an amazing Doctor. Doctor Carr. Loved that man. I have missed him. But sadly he is not what medical schools are turning out any more. It is a symptom of the times.

What does this mean for me? This means I have more responsibility for my families care than ever before. This means I cannot sit wide eyed and shocked in a doctors office anymore and let the circus unfold before my eyes. I must ask intelligent questions, like why do you want to do this test. What do you see here that is concerning you?

Doctors are supposed to explain things to us, but in this market we have to require them to stop and take the time to answer our questions. I know they are under huge pressure. But, we must make choices for our families and cut through the cover your butticus and get to the real issues at hand.

Today's Baby Booties

2010-11-18T22:32:00.001-07:00

I made these today.
The picture does not do them justice.
I am so pleased with them.

Here is a terrible scan of the pattern pieces.
Enjoy!

Free Baby Bootie Sewing Pattern

2010-11-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a really good free baby bootie pattern?
My babies all wore baby booties and this was my favorite style. When my oldest was born my mother bought a few pair similar to these. I believe Gerber made them, but that was a long time ago. They quickly disappeared from stores and other styles appeared. Later a friend gave me a pattern similar to this one that has a square heal. My babies wore that pattern until I found this one free on the Internet. The round heal is more appealing to me.

I know it is something called progress when styles change, but in the case of busy baby feet kicking 90 miles an hour these beat all. They will not kick off.

I looked and looked on-line for this pattern to direct you, but I can't seem to find it's source. So I scanned it from my file and here it is. Baby Bootie Sewing Pattern If you want to size them up or down you can easily do so by enlarging the pattern and reducing it. With a quick trip through the baby section you can gather measurements for other desired sizes. Remember to allow for seam allowances.

They can be made from a variety of fabrics. They are cute in denim or corduroy lined with flannel. Or try fleece lined with knit or flannel. I love chenille and flannel together. Be imaginative. I used patriotic fuzzy fleece for a pair years ago.

These are eyelet lace and flannel. Which makes them summer weight. Think about seasons as you sew. (Warmer is usually better.) Remember thicker fabric will yield a smaller bootie. And remember to use small seams.

I like to touch the end of the ribbons to the burner on my electric stove or run them through a candle so that they will not fray. I used to use shoe laces when I made these for my little boys and I would melt the cut end prior to tacking to the booties.

I wish I had thought to take pictures along the way to show you how to assemble them, but I just did not think of it.

I tack the ribbons or shoe laces securely in place before I seam the booties for extra security. For a young or new seamstress these booties might be a challenge. But, they are surely my favorite.

I hope that you enjoy them. Hopefully you'll help some little feet to be cute and warm. Was this helpful? I'd like to hear from you if it was.

Enjoy!

For another cute baby bootie pattern check out- http://dorothy-comewhatmayandloveit.blogspot.com/2010/01/bootie-tutorial.html

Goodies - Cake Decorating and Candy Making Supplies

2010-11-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

Do you decorate cakes and make candy?

Do you want to learn?

(This is the cake I made at a Fondant class at Goodies. It was my second Fondant cake. Classes are 10.00 plus supplies. I brought a 6" by 4 1/2 " double layer cake, fondant and butter cream to the class. I added the butter cream dots and ribbon at home. )

A great place to start is Goodies. Goodies has classes and a great selection of supplies to get you started. In addition to supplies Denise, the owner, has a friendly smile and a willingness answer your questions as you learn.

Goodies has an awesome supply of chocolate, candy molds and candy supplies.
(My daughter says she has bags and bags of deliciousness.)

Goodies has bling for your cakes. Sprinkles, tips, bags, fondant cutters and supplies you name it.
I hope you will check it out.

Enjoy!

I shop at Goodies!

Beautiful Brown Eggs

2010-11-06T21:18:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd share these beauties with you.
My Mom's girls are just starting to lay.
Aren't they beautiful?