Halloween

On All Hallows Eve, the guest pastor talked about how Martin Luthor nailed up the 95 Theses that same day however many years ago.  He highlighted two of Luthor's Theses.

 #1 When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent" (Matt. 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

I love that, yes we need to constantly be repenting, because we're still sinners.  AND remembering needing God's grace and forgiveness each day causes us to live with a more grateful heart.

and then he quoted . . .

#62 The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

Please Lord, remind us of your gospel daily that we might grow in grace and be more thankful people!

If you want to hear the sermon go to http://www.solidfoodmedia.com/ and find the sermon dated October 31st.

Came and Went

The desire to can anything and everything went as quickly as it came! I canned only 8 jars of peaches and 8 jars of tomatoes and I feel like I'm done. Last summer I canned 30ish jars of tomatoes! I know mid-winter I will be really bummed I quit so early! I bought another crate of Colorado peaches for $0.98/lb and resorted to freezing them, because it seemed to hard to do the canning process. I love doing it while I'm doing it, but getting all set up is my stumbling block. Oh well, canned peaches and tomatoes are cheaper at the store anyway!

Now on to deep cleaning (which hasn't been done much this summer). We have Small Group starting at our house this Sunday and desperately need to get everything in order again!

The child that's never gotten out of bed without permission . . .

So this is what happens when you try to rest while the baby's resting (not my baby, but we still needed the rest today)

I even heard a few bangs and booms, but no crying so decided to stay all cozy in my bed upstairs.

Meanwhile, Madison, my two (almost 3) year old was playing "train" with her babies. She was so proud, I couldn't help but smile and laugh, AND take pictures, but I promise she got a good scolding and was told that if there is a next time . . . she will be disciplined. But this time it was good for a laugh. (I mean really, it kept her busy for a good 1 1/2 hours-that can't be bad here and there) : ) I'm not really sure how she got the bed over a foot away from the wall, but I know I can't put up with whining on a short walk around the block anymore if she can do this.

Bruschetta, My Way

OK, so I'll admit, I'm not really a fresh tomato kinda gal - sorry to all my family that just loves eating a good tomato like it's an apple!

ANYWAY, there is a way that I just LOVE tomatoes!

Roasted Tomatoes:
Enough sliced tomatoes to cover a large jelly roll pan.
(use whatever tomatoes you like)
3-4 garlic cloves
enough EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) to cover the pan and a little to drizzle on top of tomatoes
coarse/kosher salt and pepper sprinkled over the top

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 2-3 hours. Flip some time in the middle. They are done when they are carmelized around the edges of the pan. But you can do it as long as you like till you get your desired crispness or lack of crispness. At this point I eat some of the yummy bits on the edges of the pan and then scrape as much of it as you can and store it in the fridge for sandwiches (really good!) or pasta, or my bruschetta recipe.

OK, the bruschetta recipe:
baguette, sliced and toasted on both sides
pesto (I use America's Test Kitchen recipe)
roasted tomato mixture, chopped
fresh mozzarella, cubed
basil, roll leaves together, lengthwise and chop into thin strips

Stir up tomatoes, mozzarella and basil (can add a little EVOO if dry)

Spread pesto on baguette toasts, then mound on tomato mixture

And you've got yourself a tasty appetizer (or dinner if you feel like eating it mostly yourself!)

The Recipe I Promised . . .

Mediteranean Cavatappi and Green Beans

(GREAT time to go to the Farmer's Market and get some beans and red onion!)

1 lb. cavatappi pasta (or any other you choose)
3ish boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped in small bite-size pieces
handful of fresh green beans, chopped into inch lengths
1/2 to 1 red onion, chopped small but not minced
Juice of 1-2 lemons
3-4 sprigs of fresh oregano, finely chopped/minced
2-4 cloves garlic, grated or chopped/minced
1/2-1 cup feta
s & p
extra virgin olive oil (or as Rachael Ray says, EVOO)
Reserved pasta cooking water

Cook pasta according to al dente directions. Make sure you salt the water when it comes to a boil and reserve 1-2 cups/ladle fulls of the pasta cooking water. In the meantime . . . Heat up a large skillet add 1-2 turns of the pan of EVOO. Cook chicken till mostly cooked and remove from pan and set aside. Add some more evoo if needed and then saute onion till almost soft and add garlic, s&p, then green beans. Green beans take a little while to saute. May need to cover the pan and add a little water to steam for 4 or so minutes. This is a little tricking cause you want a little bite left to them. Uncover to cook off most the water.

Then when pasta is done add drained pasta, chicken, oregano, s & p (to taste) and some pasta cooking water, squeeze one lemon at a time (to taste). Stir up till all flavors combine and right before serving stir in the feta. It starts to melt into the sauce and coats the pasta nicely, but make sure there are still a few chunks to bite into, YUMM!

Sorry the recipe isn't more scientific and specific, but it really depends on your tasting and how strong you like your flavors.

Did I miss anything?

ENJOY! Let me know if you try it and if you changed it a bit. Curious to see what you would do to change it . . . maybe add some red pepper flakes, olives, or another veggie?

DIE SQUIRRELS, DIE!

THIS IS THE LAST STRAW!!!! I need to find a way to kill these squirrels. They left all 7 of my heirloom tomato plants bare - it's basically a tomato graveyard and they nibble on my zucchini and cucumbers AND now my ONE-AND-ONLY pepper. AND they don't even bother to eat it, just chew some holes in it and leave it to rot! I am so peeved. ANYONE have ANY ideas for next year? How can I wage war on these annoying squirrels?

PROMISE, the recipe for the mediterranean cavatappi with green beans is COMING SOON! I've just had some things come up that require more attention than blogging. Our sister-in-law's mother passed away this week and went to be with Jesus. So I've been cooking for them and planning for our weekend at the cabin (and trip back to the northern suburbs for a memorial service AND back to the cabin, Phew!). So, next week, hopefully more blogging.

Taste of Summer

YUMMM! You know you want some . . . my recipe for Mediteranean Cavatappi with Green Beans

I'll post it soon . . . promise!

Just one more photo . . . their favorite "afternoon snack" (Stoneyfield Yogurt-frozen-mmm) - especially good on a hot day
(which has been every day for a while, until this weekend : )

Really want to blog . . .

BUT I need to find my way out of this pit first. Well, clean it up anyway. AND deal with crabby kids (as you can see in the corner of the top photo). SO, hopefully today . . . at some point (maybe at midnight) . . . I'll have some sort of blog posted. I see story telling about the rain last night and maybe a scone recipe in (near?) future blogging. Stay tuned! In the mean time enjoy a dose of real life in my constant mess -that is the dining room and kitchen (where we live most our life). : )

Something that may inspire more creativity . . .

TheCreativeConnectionEvent.com  (to visit - click on title of this blog)

I really, REALLY want to go to this event just to be inspired more.  I've always had this deep desire to be creative and a confidence that God desires for me to create for His glory.  It's only been in the last 6 months that my creative juices have really started to flow and I believe it's because I've been exposed to so many awesome blogs.  Seeing other's creativity really helps me to come up with my own ideas for cooking, organizing, decorating, sewing, baking, refinishing-furniture, etc.  So, does anyone else want to go with me?

Where have I been?

I've been HERE, home, doing all the normal activities . . . so . . . why haven't I blogged in a while? See those two sweet little kids above - it's their fault! : )

Let me explain by sharing my journal entry this morning:

Wesley is one as of 2 days ago. He is such a delight to have. He is ALL boy, ALL the time -- ALWAYS moving "full-boar," a steam engine that never stops (until he hits the mattress and falls instantly asleep-most of the time). He climbs through and over everything - ALWAYS looking for the most difficult way to get from point A to point B. It's as if he's running, but in a crawling form! Cement or other hard surfaces don't slow him down, he just crawls on his hands and feet! He makes all the "boy sounds" you can think of and is constantly experimenting with new ones. He eats with vigor usually leaving a disaster behind. Don't even try to wipe him down or clothe him or change his diaper without a wrestling match! He's getting stronger and stronger by the day - maybe I'll withhold the "spinach" for a while : ) Wesley almost always has a smile on and a giggle to go with it. I'm so thankful to God for giving me this sweet, wild animal for a son!

Madison also loves her brother and always greets him with an enthusiastic, "Hi/Good-Merning, Wes-e-ley!" in her best "talking-to-baby-voice." She's very rough - sometimes mean, but Wesley likes the rough play - it makes me crazy. She's a very passionate, busy, relational, manipulative, controlling, with a little sweetness here and there. Madison is learning to obey right away, all-the-way with a "Happy Heart" - love how clear that is to understand for a 2 1/2 year old and for mommy to decipher when she is disobeying!

I am still loving Mommyhood, but I constantly feel SO scattered, crazy, confused, and just relationally, emotionally, and mentally TIRED! Praise the Lord, at least physically, most days I feel up to the task! BUT there is no escaping - as all you mommy's know it's a 24/7 kind of job! AND I can't keep up - probably so I always realize my need for Jesus . . .
The kitchen is always in disarray, the dining room and kitchen floors have remnants of every meal of the day scattered all over. (AND of course when I go to sweep, sweet-Wesley wants to be the family dog and clean the floor for me - another wrestling match). The bathroom is always on the verge of smelling like a port-a-potty with training and accidents every day. Wesley's room is one big diaper genie. Laundry seems to always be in baskets, whether dirty or clean - always a scavenger hunt to find clothes! AND toys somehow always explode into every room!

In the midst of the mess there's always screaming, crying, whining, begging - or naughty silence, discipline that needs to be done, clinging children or suspicious disappearing children - or children that just need Mommy to stop obsessing about the chaos and bend down to hug and cuddle - or tickle/wrestle on the floor - one or both sweet little children!

AND I'm trying to at least remember all day, THIS IS my spiritual act of service to the Lord! SO that is what I've been doing and the thought of having time for blogging is almost impossible, hopefully I will have more time soon!

update my buffet

Come on people, I know you have an opinion! Tell me what you would do to this buffet to update it!

Please I need ideas, leave a comment below!

Early Summer

Can you believe this? This is my garden already as of last week (April 14th-ish) - in Minnesota! There are already buds on my peony plants! I am anxious to plant my veggie garden. I love this early warm weather! Happy gardening!

A treasure

I have been so in love with this book I've been reading for Ladie's Class at my church.  You could say it's "one of my favorite things!" It has transformed my thinking and affections.  Let me explain.  Before this book I would look at the "emotional Christian" with envy and would not understand.  "Why do they have so much joy?  How do they seem so genuinely affected by the love of God?  They cry every time they talk about what Christ did?"  Yes, I've always agreed with these truths that these people were so emotionally affected by and that they are amazing.  My very faith rests on these things, too, BUT why was my heart not affected like that?

THEN I read this book: Because He Loves Me, by Elyse Fitzpatrick
I was not understanding how the Gospel changes my every day life.  Now, I'm still a pretty stoic person, but in my heart I feel moved to tears about Christ's perfect life, His sacrifice, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, etc.  I've still felt inadequate to describe the affects of these truths to others.  (especially when I know I haven't arrived at believing this every day-not even close)  BUT I was challenged this morning by Elyse in her book by this, "Don't worry about sounding simple; after all, the apostle Paul determined (1 Corinthians 2:3-5) to know NOTHING but a crucified Jesus."  SO I want to say to all of you the Gospel is where it's at.  Here are some more quotes from the book to whet your appetite:

"The hope of the gospel is simply this then: that Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son, was born in a lowly manger, lived a perfect life, suffered from the moment of his first breath, was indescribably shamed and cruelly tortured, and then died without the comfort of his Father or the angels on Calvary's cruel tree.  After three days in darkness and the tomb he rose again, still in human flesh, and then after forty days he ascended to the Father.  Because of this, we have an entirely new identity, not one based on our accomplishments, our self-respect, the accolades of others, our own good works.  We are completely and irrevocably justified; we have been entirely forgiven, reconciled, redeemed.  We will have eternal life with him, and everything we go through now is in some way tied to these truths.

What does Paul mean when he cautions us against 'shifting from the hope of the gospel'?  Simply that we must 'ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with his love he befriend [us]!'  We must ponder and be consumed with the thought of his sacrificial love, mercy, and grace.  May we never think that pondering the Almighty's love is only for beginners.  No one ever moves past the need to learn and then relearn this over and over again."  (pg. 191)

"Failing to concentrate on God's love for is in Christ isn't a trivial thing.  It will always eventuate in apathetic living.  Only the gospel can so invigorate us that we burn with ardor for him in all that we do." (Pg. 195)

"we're mor sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, but more loved and welcomed than we ever dared hope."  (pg. 145)

OH, how I wish I could continue typing qoutes for you!  (BUT my 2 year old is standing at my side, begging for breakfast-real life is begging for me to apply the gospel in this situation - as I am frustrated that I can't continue blogging . . .remember Jesus' patience for us . . .) Because He Loves ME is so rich, challenging, and God honoring!  I praise the Lord for using a humble servant like Elyse to record such wisdom for other believers to treasure!

PLEASE consider reading this book!  I know that I want to read it yearly to constantly remind my weak heart of these truths!  I desire that everyone I know would read it and be encouraged in the faith as I have.  I know that God can work in many other ways and you don't need this book to grow in the Lord, but I just want to share it with all of you.  I'm so excited about it and I want to be able to talk about it with all of you-so we can hold each other accountable to the truths of the Gospel-more effectively!

I'm sure you haven't heard the last from this book, but please seek it out for yourself!

I love this blog! They always have giveaways-maybe some day I'll win one. Check it out www.ohmyhandmade.com!

HERE'S the DEVOTIONAL. Hope it's helpful! PLEASE let me know how God's working in you with the Gospel or add to the advice in the comments!!

(sorry some parts are not bulleted or indented correctly-it didn't transfer from Word to Blogging very well!)

This motherhood thing is extremely wonderful, humbling and life changing. I was trying to think of what is most encouraging and helpful for me to hear. What I decided to share will seem straight forward and simple, but it’s been so transforming in my life. AND I believe it applies to everyone whether you are a mom, a grandma, a wife, a sister, whatever you are-you need the gospel applied to your life.

BUT I’m going to focus on motherhood
First of all, the Bible talks about children being a blessing.

Psalm 127: 3-5 says,
Behold, children are a heritage/blessing from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128:3 says,
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Regardless of the circumstances or our feelings children are ALWAYS valuable as a blessing/a gift from the Lord. I think we know this, but can quickly forget when we lose sleep or they fuss and fuss, or they get sick, naughty, crabby, messy, etc.

I really believe God uses our children to refine/sanctify us; He uses them to root out idolatries and selfishness.

1 Timothy 2:15
Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

I have been thinking about this verse a long time and I’m still not sure exactly what Paul is meaning by it. BUT I do know it’s not that we will gain salvation thru childbearing. The rest of the passage talks about Eve being deceived and bringing sin into the world. So I’d like to think that having and raising children is meant to daily save us or sanctify. Children bring out all sorts of idols in our hearts that we barely noticed were there

It’s ugly, but a huge blessing to be aware of our sins-then the Holy Spirit can work to change us.

So we know children are a blessing and all involved are sinful – so what’s a Mommy’s job in light of that?

I want to just cover one . . . kind of…all-encompassing passage

Dueteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.

Here Moses is telling them to remember and teach their children about their deliverance from Egypt and all the other things God had done for them in that journey. How much more do we know having the whole of scripture and know how Jesus fulfills all of the Old Testament. That’s a lot to teach our children. Also, I love how God knows our forgetfulness and weakness- so he tells us to do all those things to remember.

There are many other passages about training, disciplining, teaching, etc.
So when I read those passages and others about discipline or passages in Proverbs about parents and children. I think how can I do all of that?

That’s a high calling, plus we still have other responsibilities
- personal relationship with God
- love and serve our husbands,
- love and serve the church family and family,
- keep house, make our home a refuge for our family,
-maybe even supplying some income for our family

So what do we do?
Because we are weak and forgetful, we need to flood our hearts and minds with all these things so we remember truth in our daily lives
- Pray, Pray, and pray some more (sometimes that’s all you can do)
- Read, read, and read
o Bible
o Christian books on parenting and other spiritual disciplines
§ Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
§ Instructing a Child’s Heart by Tedd and Margy Tripp
§ Don’t Make Me Count to Three! By Ginger Plowman
· Also has a chart you can buy: Wise Words for Moms
§ Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick
§ Helper By Design also by Elyse Fitzpatrick
(You can find the parenting books at www.shepherdpress.com)
- Listen to sermons
o A good source www.solidfoodmedia.com
- Music
o Gospel-centered worship
o Children’s music
§ Seeds Worship-word-for-word scripture verses (www.seedsfamilyworship.com)
- Post favorite scripture verses all over the house
- AND talk to your spouse, friends, family, children about all God is teaching you.

I know that I fail at those things but add to that all these demands: shepherding, instructing, nurturing, loving, training, disciplining, praying, reading, meditating, self-sacrificing, serving, etc. Then we also heap more standards on ourselves that are good, but not even necessary-in an effort to measure up somehow to others or what we think other mom’s are doing. We cannot possibly live up to God’s standard or even our own, we cannot arrive at perfection. Anybody feel under the pile or overwhelmed? I often do.

You will at some point feel like you’ve failed, some days you may feel bad about leaving baby to go to work or about not feeling bad that you left baby, or you won’t measure up in your mind to your standards and expectations for motherhood or what you think others standards are. I can’t even feed myself, how am I supposed to care for baby and keep house and make dinner? You won’t know what to do with your fussy baby-may even think what’s wrong with me? I thought I’d be a good mom. Oh shoot what do they think of me, I forgot to wipe baby’s messy face, she’s not in a cute outfit, she won’t stop crying, she’s dressed to warmly or not warm enough-am I eating right, why is she always sick, what did I do wrong. I wish my husband would just change her diaper or let me sleep and bounce her. I can’t think straight, I just want to sit and stop thinking. “AAAAHHH, I feel like a crazy person!” Ask my husband, I say that almost every day.

The gospel really applies to all these mundane, daily struggles and thoughts. It doesn’t necessarily change the circumstances, but does change my heart attitudes.

A friend of mine who lost her husband a little over a year ago to cancer said that these three things have been the most encouraging and helpful things said to her:
God loves you
No condemnation
Just do the next thing

(her blog is: www.graceandrew.blogspot.com)

As a Christian, as the Father’s adopted daughter: GOD LOVES YOU

Romans 5:6, 8
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

We are already justified, it’s done, we cannot do anything-he already did it. We are not under God’s punishment/wrath. We are no longer defined by our sin, but defined by who we are in Christ.

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing

I’ve struggled and struggled to believe this verse. I’ve thought, “I don’t deserve this.” While this verse gives many joy, I felt hopeless “I can never meet God’s standard enough to gain this favor.” True, but that’s not the point. Trying to earn God’s favor will always feel condemning, impossible. BUT I belong to God, through the perfect works of Jesus-He did it for me. I can rejoice that God feels this way toward ME and YOU.

NO CONDEMNATION
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Do you believe that in the midst of your failures and sin, as God’s daughter there is NO CONDEMNATION! Repent and glory in His forgiveness and love for you. Don’t do penance and try harder and be better!

MAYBE you wake up in the morning and your to-do list floods your mind, you already feel defeated BUT remember finishing or not finishing the list
DOES NOT DEFINE YOU - God sees Christ’s perfect life
When we complain and act grumpy to our husband or children
THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU - God sees Christ’s perfect life
When the house is still a disaster, baby’s crying, dinner isn’t even started, and we’re defensive and anxious.
THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU - God sees Christ’s perfect life

Think of the prodigal son. When his father saw him walking home, before the son repented, his father RAN to him (it was considered shameful to show legs, not to mention running toward such a sinful, unfaithful son). He kissed him and hugged him before the son could ask for forgiveness. THIS IS OUR FATHER! While we were yet sinners Christ died for us!

So learn to quickly repent don’t wallow in guilt or try to work off your sin. There’s nothing we can do to deserve or earn God’s favor or salvation or even His continuing work-It’s already ours - Christ already died and rose again!

I know I sound like a broken-record, but I know I need these gospel reminders all day long.

Cling to that, embrace your weaknesses because in Christ we have all things- Christ was and is the perfect parent, shepherd, nurturer, teacher, discipliner, servant, etc.

Elyse Fitzpatrick in Because He Loves Me says, “’All progress in the Christian life depends upon a recapitulation of the original terms of one’s acceptance with God.’ In other words, every forward step depends upon summing up the main points of the gospel and then living them out in our lives. Over and over again, we’ve got to take ourselves back to the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension or we won’t make much real progress in the Christian life.”

The power and strength to obey his commands lies in our remembering the gospel.

Think on Jesus’ fleshly qualities/weaknesses, yet his full obedience.

(Incarnation) Think on Jesus’ perfect life lived for us. How did he live perfectly related to your constant struggles?

Think on the Crucifixion. He bore undeserved punishment/God’s wrath for our every failure/sin.

Think on the Resurrection. He conquered death and now lives! That power is accessible to us by the Holy Spirit.

Think on the Ascension. Christ is always interceding on our behalf. He knows what we really need and he watches over us. He understands us better than anyone on earth can and has the ear of His Almighty Father.
(pieces taken from Because He Loves Me Chapter 10)

Thru applying the gospel to every day life you will see more and more that you are “more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe and more loved and welcomed than you ever dared hope!” (Because He Loves Me, pg. 145)

SO in the confusion and struggle of motherhood . . . remember and believe . . .

GOD LOVES ME
I keep failing, BUT there is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus- I am no longer defined by my sins, but by who I am IN CHRIST.
And finally the day the missionary, Elisabeth Eliott, heard on the radio that her husband was killed, she could do nothing except the next thing. She saw that her floor needed cleaning and her baby needed her so she said to herself, in her grief, “JUST DO THE NEXT THING.” We have to keep pressing on.

Warning: don’t skip the first two steps, otherwise we will just be trying to create our own righteousness or taking the credit for our accomplishments or we’ll feel under the pile - when God should get the credit for what we accomplish.

Our lives are full of the mundane, every day tasks and that’s how we serve God . . .
Doing the laundry, cuddling a baby-in the midst of a messy room, praying, sweeping the floor, greeting your husband or child with a smile, going to work even-all the while remembering how the details of the gospel really do apply to those things.

My prayer for Kristen:

THANK you Father that on this journey of motherhood and our other journey’s you have our good in mind- you know what is best for us. Thank you that having children is exciting and joyful. AND that even when it is hard and difficult you are still working toward our good and always seeking to change our hearts. Thank you that you are faithful to complete your work in us. Thank you that we are hidden in Christ and that because of his perfect life, death and resurrection we can have access to You. Please make that our treasure and Kristen’s treasure as she prepares her nest for the new little one and as she and Steve raise her to know Jesus. Please comfort Kristen as she wonders what labor and delivery will be like. Please, if it be your will, keep the baby in Kristen long enough to be born healthy and safely. Give Kristen wisdom and patience as she learns to care for her sweet baby. AND most importantly please save this little girl while she is young. That she might grow in Your grace and learn how the gospel applies to HER life. Thank you for this time to fellowship and enjoy one another. Please continue to knit our hearts together in love. AMEN

Feather her Nest

I'm hoping all my friends, especially the one the shower was for (Kristen), had a good time at the shower!

I thought I would post the recipes and the baby/mommy devotional in case anyone was interested.

Sunset Punch

oranges
orange juice
cranberry juice
gingerale

freeze some cran and/or orange juice into ice cubes
combine equal parts of juices and gingerale
add juice cubes and sliced oranges
AND serve

Almond. Berry, and Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
(long title)

8-10 cups bread cubes (I used crossiants-Challah bread is excellent, too)
8 eggs
3 cups milk
4 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
approxiamately 1 cup berries of your choosing (frozen work, too)
4-8 oz. cream cheese, cubed (to desired amount)
2 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
cinnamon sugar mixture
1/2 cup sliced almonds
maple syrup

preheat oven to 350 degrees. lightly butter 9x13 baking pan. line bottom of pan with 1/2 bread cubes. sprinkle cubed cream cheese and berries. top with other 1/2 bread cubes. mix eggs, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extracts. pour egg mixture over bread. dot top with butter pieces. cover with plastic wrap and press down with another casserole dish or something heavy enough to soak all the bread for 10 minutes or so. sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture to taste. bake 45-50 minutes until top is golden and inside is fluffy and not too soggy. for the last 5-10 minutes sprinkle on sliced almonds. serve with maple syrup. enjoy!

Cheesy, Sausage Egg Dish

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 dozen eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)
1 box onion garlic (or whateve you find) croutons
salt
1-2 pounds sausage, browned (I used 1 1/2 lbs.)

grease 9x13 pan. spread out croutons then meat, and then cheese. mix remaining ingredients and pour over the top. bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes till puffed and cooked evenly. yum!

I'm sorry, I didn't do the dessert, so I don't have the recipe. I'll have to get it from Beth, cuz' it was so tasty. Let me know if you want to know that one!

AND finally some people asked to see the devotional again and the books I recommended.
I will be posting that soon-please keep checking back!

Woo Hoo, I finished them!

I finally finished the curtains for my dining room. I've been vacillating between painting my dining room green or accessorizing with green. I finally chose the latter-which allowed me to pick this fun fabric!

Sorry my photos aren't that fabulous, but you get the idea!

Gouda BBQ Chicken Pizza

Here it is, my BBQ Chicken Pizza



Use your favorite pizza dough
your favorite BBQ sauce (I used KC Masterpiece-nice and smoky)
chicken
mozzarella cheese
smoked gouda cheese YUM!
red onion
butter/olive oil
salt
brown sugar

So I make the pizza dough and let it rise an hour or so. While that's rising I prepare the chicken. Cut into small pieces, marinated in BBQ sauce, then cooked in skillet. Then chop the red onion into slices. Carmelize in the skillet with olive oil and some butter. When the onions are soft I add some salt to taste and approxiamately a teaspoon of brown sugar. I cook the onions till they are browned, soft, carmelized and yummy!

When the dough is ready I spread it onto parchment (if I want to put it on my pizza stone) or on a pizza pan (prepared with crisco or olive oil for a healthier option). I just press it out with my hands. Then I spread the BBQ sauce to desired amount. Spread out cooked chunks of chicken. Sprinkle on smoked gouda cheese and then the mozzarella. Then spread the carmelized onions over the top.

If I am using a pizza stone I preheat the oven to 450 degrees for at least 30 minutes with the stone in the oven. Then I slide the pizza with the parchment onto the stone and bake for about 12-15 minutes.

If I'm cooking on a pizza pan (or I use a large jelly roll pan), preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then cook the pizza about 12-15 minutes.

At my house we're still not sure which cooking method we like best.

So try it out and let me know what you prefer! Either way it's pizza!

Bread dough

Last week, finally I made the bread dough out of Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day.
These are the ingredients I used, plus water.

Here is what the dough looked like before it rose . . .

After it rose it filled half the bowl and stayed flat and raised in the fridge for a few days.

Then I made a loaf of bread-which didn't turn out like I wanted, but this last weekend I used the dough for pizza. It turned out thicker than we usually make our pizza, but it was good! (I'll have to post those pics as a separate blog-since I still can't figure out how to get pictures on here the way I want!)

Baby Showers Galore!

I love making things for showers!

This is a nursing cover that I made for my cousin-in-law.

I tend to forget to take pictures before I give things away-so I took this one from Facebook.
I forgot to take a pic of the blanket and burp rags I made for the shower last week-oops!

Right now I'm working on a few other things for ANOTHER baby shower!
I will have to show you after the shower.

I can't wait for summer!

Madison, my 2 year old, keeps talking about "Schummer" and the beach and her favorite cousins.

We can't wait to bring her to our family cabin again!

Baby Shower Advice

So I went to a baby shower yesterday. They had everyone bring advice, tools, and/or tricks to share. So I have a ton of advice, tools and tricks being in the middle of raising a 2 year old and 9 month old. I didn't want to be overwhelming with advice so I gave a book that has great advice in it. I gave Don't Make Me Count to Three, by Ginger Plowman-an excellent book about raising children to know Jesus, training and discipline. I wish I could have given more advice and said more-so I'll just say it here!

tools I love:

snack-traps -easy for baby to eat snacks without spilling (you can find them at Babies R Us website)














Infant chair - I call it the lazy-boy chair. It allows mommy to get things done while baby watches in their comfy chair. When they are very little it might help a baby with a stuffy nose get better sleep at night.

bumkins bibs-they wash so easily and are waterproof














mesh food bags- with handle (sorry I don't know the brand name off the top of my head) - good for babies just learning to eat and babies teething, you can put frozen/fresh fruit in it or an ice cube
mirror/toy tied to crib - essential to keep baby entertained when they take some time to fall asleep or when they wake up too early

cotton sleep sack w/ mittens (like a long dress/open at the bottom) -great for newborns, easy diaper changing



robeez shoes - they stay on their feet and keep them warm AND when they learn to crawl it gives them traction (I have wood floors).













socks with an elastic band -they stay on (Carter's calls them Bubble Socks)

nuk clip - so you don't loose the nuk every time the baby spits it out you can keep it clipped to the baby or carseat

a walker (like an exersaucer, but with wheels) - babies love the freedom of being able to follow you all over the house (once again, I have wood floors-that helps)

onesies with mittens -for the newborn that likes to scratch themselves (if your baby is like mine, their nails are super long at birth and grow like weeds-I can never keep up)

a calendar for 1sts - forces you to notice all the little things and write it down (unfortunately I forgot to do that for my second)

a comfy glider rocking chair - essential for mommy to be comfy when rocking a sick or sad baby in the night or day











exercise ball - great for the baby that needs lots of bouncing

Aquaphor - keeps your baby/kids nice and smooth - like a baby's bottom! Also helps with those strange little dry patches that appear, especially in winter.

Boppy pillow - essential for nursing and helps baby sit up later or for tummy time














saline spray for infants -sometimes their stuffy nose can't be solved with the aspirator

foam for baby in the bathtub - I hate the plastic seats, because baby falls over easily. Just a little water in the tub and the foam allows baby to lay safely in the tub.










Ice cube trays for baby purees or even just parchment paper along with a food processor or food mill

Carseat blanket cover - (JJ Cole collections-bundle me) because it's winter most the year in MN! Keeps baby warm without needing a coat














Reliv nutritional products - for mommy and baby (and daddy and kids!) so you can be sure you are all getting the best nutrition possible- especially since it's so hard to get all the servings of veggies and fruits, fiber, nutrients, etc. you need in one day. You can tell a major difference compared to vitamins or other similar products. Afterall, don't we all worry about our baby's health! http://www.relivingpartners.com/ Visit this website and if you're interested tell them Erin Johnson sent you or send me a message and I'll get back to you right away!

WOW, is that overwhelming? I hope it's helpful! Soon I'll post about favorite books for kids and parents. I'll also post later about advice and tricks. I love sharing these things!

Sorry people, this blogging thing is going to take a lot of work! I can't believe that I'm only 27 and already feel like technology is confusing. So, please be patient with me. I intend to add photos of projects and want to make my page fun to look at. It's going to take a little time. Any tips on adding photos, buttons, a fun header, etc. would be much appreciated! When do people find time to post?

love of fabric

I just went to The Sampler quilt shop with my Grandma. I LOVE FABRIC! I was asked many times if I needed help finding anything, "nope, I'm just brainstorming," was my reply. Daydreaming, is more like it. I don't know what to do with all the fabric, but I just want it! I'm so excited, my grandma bought the book One-Yard Wonders for me-now I have a reason to buy some fabric! I'll post pictures of what I got soon. Hopefully I'll have some time to be creative.

I just thought it might be fun to share a few of my favorite things with you. I will be using this blog to share about my life as a wife, mommy, homemaker and many other things. Hopefully this will inspire and encourage others to enjoy their various roles in life.

So what are some of my favorite things to do?

baking

cooking

sewing

playing with my kids

reading

organizing my home

teaching

I'm sure there are a bunch more that I can't think of at this moment, but I'm sure they will weave their way into my blog over time!