Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Awesome giveaway
SO I know that not everyone loves getting books...BUT
This one is so worth it!
Even if I, myself, do not win this book, I am TOTALLY buying it!!! I think it is worthy of a book study my friends....anyone want to do it with me???
Check it out!
By the way...please browse around the Heavenly Homemakers blog! It is truly inspiring.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"Foto" Friday...okay, I know it's Saturday!
Love these kids! I am so happy that my BFF and I have kids the EXACT SAME AGE (within a few months of course). And you know what is even better...They actually love each other.
Cade and Cooper hanging out at the Genesee Country Museum while the girls where at camp.
Cade and Cooper hanging out at the Genesee Country Museum while the girls where at camp.
They girls loving each other (I know Kylie looks sad but she was seriously loving on Brilyn). I just loved their little outfits for the week!
LOVE IT!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Help, fellow Blogger friends...
I moved things around. I tend to do that when I am itching for a change. AND, if you read my post on simplicity, you know I said I wanted to use my Hoosier more. Now I have an empty wall with pictures that use to be next to my hoosier and I NEED help deciding how to decorate it.
Here is the room...see my pretty Hoosier! I used to be in the far left corner of the room but now it is right smack dab in the middle of the room!! Now, when you walk in, you see my hoosier instead of the wall. AND, I put all of my flours in it and all of my recent can goods.
Now here is where it was. I need to do something here friends...Thinking it needs some paint...
Ideas friends?????
Here is the room...see my pretty Hoosier! I used to be in the far left corner of the room but now it is right smack dab in the middle of the room!! Now, when you walk in, you see my hoosier instead of the wall. AND, I put all of my flours in it and all of my recent can goods.
Now here is where it was. I need to do something here friends...Thinking it needs some paint...
Ideas friends?????
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Love one another...
I know you all have people in your life who drive you NUTS! You know, that person who wants you to watch her kids ever other day or that neighbor who is emotionally needy. That person who is just sooo-harrrdd-toooo-LLOOOVVEEE!
I struggle with this. Really, I do. Certain people tend to annoy me and I find myself distancing myself from them. Honestly, they really haven't done anything wrong. It's not like they harmed me in any way or said anything that hurt my feelings. They just plain old annoy me. (I case you are wondering, I am NOT speaking about anyone in particular ...just describing a type of person).
You know what is even worse...when God convicts us of this.
I don't know about you, but I tend to "find" a verse in the Bible which "supports" my decision to "shun" certain people. You know..like, "guard you heart and soul for it is the wellspring of life" .
Or make an excuse, such as, my kids need me more than YOU need me.
But is this true?
Today I read this devotional and it made me think...
Least but not last, as Christians we are told to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). This is a commandment that many of us (including myself) fail time and time again. We as Christians try not to boast about the works we do, but at the same time we hold a prideful feeling, or a feeling of how good we are to do these things. And yet, how often do we turn people away who need help? How often do we let people struggle simply because we do not have the "time," the "energy," or the "resources" to help them.
Perhaps the greatest danger with being foolish is that we only end up tricking ourselves. We try to convince ourselves of how good we are, or that we have done enough already. We try to tell ourselves that we are right in our thinking and that contradicting verses are simply a translational error, or interpreted incorrectly.
BAM...that is the sound of my face being smacked by God (in a good way of course).
Sometimes, not matter how much I want to love others, I still fail. Being a mom takes so much out of me some days and there just isn't much left over.
Then I realized that I was right. YES, I, KARA, do NOT have the energy to help or love the unlovable. But guess who does....you got it..GOD! And God lives in me and the Holy Spirit CAN love others! He CAN give me patience. He CAN show me love.
So today my prayer is that God would place people in my life that challenge me to show his love. AND that the Holy Spirit would help me to love them. Because we all know that we are CALLED to love our neighbors.
*on a side note, I believe there are situations where one needs to take a passive role in loving someone. For example, in an abusive relationship or in a relationship which doesn't glorify God. In those situations, I recommend you pray for that person who has harmed you and know that God loves them too!
I struggle with this. Really, I do. Certain people tend to annoy me and I find myself distancing myself from them. Honestly, they really haven't done anything wrong. It's not like they harmed me in any way or said anything that hurt my feelings. They just plain old annoy me. (I case you are wondering, I am NOT speaking about anyone in particular ...just describing a type of person).
You know what is even worse...when God convicts us of this.
I don't know about you, but I tend to "find" a verse in the Bible which "supports" my decision to "shun" certain people. You know..like, "guard you heart and soul for it is the wellspring of life" .
Or make an excuse, such as, my kids need me more than YOU need me.
But is this true?
Today I read this devotional and it made me think...
Least but not last, as Christians we are told to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). This is a commandment that many of us (including myself) fail time and time again. We as Christians try not to boast about the works we do, but at the same time we hold a prideful feeling, or a feeling of how good we are to do these things. And yet, how often do we turn people away who need help? How often do we let people struggle simply because we do not have the "time," the "energy," or the "resources" to help them.
Perhaps the greatest danger with being foolish is that we only end up tricking ourselves. We try to convince ourselves of how good we are, or that we have done enough already. We try to tell ourselves that we are right in our thinking and that contradicting verses are simply a translational error, or interpreted incorrectly.
BAM...that is the sound of my face being smacked by God (in a good way of course).
Sometimes, not matter how much I want to love others, I still fail. Being a mom takes so much out of me some days and there just isn't much left over.
Then I realized that I was right. YES, I, KARA, do NOT have the energy to help or love the unlovable. But guess who does....you got it..GOD! And God lives in me and the Holy Spirit CAN love others! He CAN give me patience. He CAN show me love.
So today my prayer is that God would place people in my life that challenge me to show his love. AND that the Holy Spirit would help me to love them. Because we all know that we are CALLED to love our neighbors.
*on a side note, I believe there are situations where one needs to take a passive role in loving someone. For example, in an abusive relationship or in a relationship which doesn't glorify God. In those situations, I recommend you pray for that person who has harmed you and know that God loves them too!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Simplicity
This has been a CRAZY week for me. Okay so let me clarify..it hasn't been THAT crazy but at times it has felt totally overwhelming.
Kylie is participating in a camp at the Genesse Country Museum this week in Rochester. She was SUPER pumped for this and has literally been planning her trip for months. Well.... she still loves it but let me tell you it has been sweltering hot here. I know it isn't in the 100's but it has felt like it is. The heat is one thing but the humidity is the icing on the cake. And when you have A/C at home and are not staying in a non A/C home, you feel it even more. Fortunately, my parents have a pool...but the mosquitoes..
But I digress
Although we are a bit on the edgy side, I am trying to see the upside of things...Like today!
Today I got the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places (I just wish it was a favorite when I actually lived in Rochester). I seriously love the Genesse Country Museum. Really...I do. When I am there, I feel simplicity. I love the way of life and strive for it. One house we visited was built by a man with lots and lots of money. Well, he also had 11 children. They let the kids play with toys in the kitchen while the mamas learned a little more. Oh how I wish we had a wood burning stove to cook on, or fewer toys, or a big kitchen table, or just a case iron pan. But then I realized that I was AGAIN wishing for things.
Isn't it funny how when we strive for simplicity, we sometimes tend to want more?
So I thought about what I can do to live more simply WITHOUT wanting things. Here is what I came up with.
1. GET RID OF TOYS: We have way to many and they totally overwhelm me. I just want toys that stimulate my children's imagination.
2. GET RID OF EXCESS KITCHENCRAP ITEMS: I am going to go through my cupboards and pull out things that haven't been used in a while...or ever. Seriously, how many mixing spoons do you needs? It's not like I am running a restaurant!
3. LIMIT TV TIME (for myself) and READ MORE: I love my tv shows. I have tried and tried to break myself of a few and have failed. Well, maybe not but I still watch too much. Books are good. Did you know that? So I am going to start reading at night before bed instead of watching shows the whole time. I do still have a few I like and sometimes I need brainless tv time but at least I am striving...
4. USE MY HOOSIER: Yes, I have a beautiful hoosier that my husband bought me 4 years ago. And it sits in my dinning room for storage. SO...I need more counter space and I have a HUG HOOSIER...hmmmmm! I am going to try and move it so I can use it more.
Those are just a few things I am going to do to start. I am hoping to find someone to watch my kids one morning next week so I can go through and de-clutter.
Some things I already do that you may be interested (or not) in doing yourself.
1. Use cloth diapers (that is if you have children that age)
2. Line dry as much as possible
3. Make your food. Yes, make it all! From scratch...like bread, yogurt, kefir, granola, cheese, etc.
4. Make a menu each week and only by what is on it.
5. Make sure you plan meals which are made from only ingredients your great-grandparents could buy at the grocery store. So NO Hamburger helper!
6. Have a daily schedule for your home and STICK TO IT.
7. Limit TV time for you children to one hour a day or less (especially in the summer)
8. Only have clothes that you need. Don't have a closet full of useless stuff..give it away.
Okay I will add more as I think of them.
So go LIVE SIMPLY and take your kids to the Genesse Country Museum in Rochester!
Kylie is participating in a camp at the Genesse Country Museum this week in Rochester. She was SUPER pumped for this and has literally been planning her trip for months. Well.... she still loves it but let me tell you it has been sweltering hot here. I know it isn't in the 100's but it has felt like it is. The heat is one thing but the humidity is the icing on the cake. And when you have A/C at home and are not staying in a non A/C home, you feel it even more. Fortunately, my parents have a pool...but the mosquitoes..
But I digress
Although we are a bit on the edgy side, I am trying to see the upside of things...Like today!
Today I got the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places (I just wish it was a favorite when I actually lived in Rochester). I seriously love the Genesse Country Museum. Really...I do. When I am there, I feel simplicity. I love the way of life and strive for it. One house we visited was built by a man with lots and lots of money. Well, he also had 11 children. They let the kids play with toys in the kitchen while the mamas learned a little more. Oh how I wish we had a wood burning stove to cook on, or fewer toys, or a big kitchen table, or just a case iron pan. But then I realized that I was AGAIN wishing for things.
Isn't it funny how when we strive for simplicity, we sometimes tend to want more?
So I thought about what I can do to live more simply WITHOUT wanting things. Here is what I came up with.
1. GET RID OF TOYS: We have way to many and they totally overwhelm me. I just want toys that stimulate my children's imagination.
2. GET RID OF EXCESS KITCHEN
3. LIMIT TV TIME (for myself) and READ MORE: I love my tv shows. I have tried and tried to break myself of a few and have failed. Well, maybe not but I still watch too much. Books are good. Did you know that? So I am going to start reading at night before bed instead of watching shows the whole time. I do still have a few I like and sometimes I need brainless tv time but at least I am striving...
4. USE MY HOOSIER: Yes, I have a beautiful hoosier that my husband bought me 4 years ago. And it sits in my dinning room for storage. SO...I need more counter space and I have a HUG HOOSIER...hmmmmm! I am going to try and move it so I can use it more.
Those are just a few things I am going to do to start. I am hoping to find someone to watch my kids one morning next week so I can go through and de-clutter.
Some things I already do that you may be interested (or not) in doing yourself.
1. Use cloth diapers (that is if you have children that age)
2. Line dry as much as possible
3. Make your food. Yes, make it all! From scratch...like bread, yogurt, kefir, granola, cheese, etc.
4. Make a menu each week and only by what is on it.
5. Make sure you plan meals which are made from only ingredients your great-grandparents could buy at the grocery store. So NO Hamburger helper!
6. Have a daily schedule for your home and STICK TO IT.
7. Limit TV time for you children to one hour a day or less (especially in the summer)
8. Only have clothes that you need. Don't have a closet full of useless stuff..give it away.
Okay I will add more as I think of them.
So go LIVE SIMPLY and take your kids to the Genesse Country Museum in Rochester!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Good old fashion English Muffin bread
So I have been totally craving some english muffins lately. I just love english muffins with some good homemade strawberry jam. So I figured I should make me some good bread (I guess I will share with the others).
Here it is friends.
INGREDIENTS
6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 Tablespoon of yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
1/2 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees F)
Cornmeal
DIRECTIONS
Heat milk and water in a saucepan until bubbly. set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt and baking soda. Add warm milk and water. Stir together good. Stir in remaining flour (batter will be stiff). Do not knead. Grease two loaf pans. Sprinkle pans with cornmeal. Spoon batter into the pans and sprinkle cornmeal on top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans immediately to cool on wire racks.
So go make some strawberry jam and bread and have a great breakfast...or lunch..or dinner...or whenever! ENJOY!
*This recipe was totally taken from my girl Jocelyn over at Tillaboro Orchard!
new blogs I heart!
Just in case you were wondering, I have a new favorite blog to read....
Well, two, I guess
Check them out!
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/
www.passionatehomemaking.com
Well, two, I guess
Check them out!
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/
www.passionatehomemaking.com
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What's cooking?
It's hot!
My husband would say it's too hot for a roast but in my opinion, it is never to hot for a roast. Okay well maybe if the roast is in you oven but in crockpot is just fine with me!
So here is what is for dinner tonight...
Ingredients:
roast of your choice ( I had an arm roast in my freezer for our recent cow purchase)
diced tomatoes (either fresh or canned...about 1 cups worth)
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
teaspoon of fresh Oregano
other herbs of your choice ( I used some chives)
Place all ingredients in your crock pot on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Then cook up some potatoes. Now I do not like crockpot potatoes. They are just too mushy and taste like meat. Potatoes are suppose to taste like potatoes, not meat. So I chop them up, put them in a 8x8 pan sprinkle them with olive oil and some garlic salt and broil them until they are brown. YUM.
So there you have it...an easy dinner for a busy mom.
on a side note: while chopping the onions, Addy decided she wanted a taste (I think she thought it was an apple). I gave her a pice and now she is in love with raw onion..yuck!
My husband would say it's too hot for a roast but in my opinion, it is never to hot for a roast. Okay well maybe if the roast is in you oven but in crockpot is just fine with me!
So here is what is for dinner tonight...
Ingredients:
roast of your choice ( I had an arm roast in my freezer for our recent cow purchase)
diced tomatoes (either fresh or canned...about 1 cups worth)
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
teaspoon of fresh Oregano
other herbs of your choice ( I used some chives)
Place all ingredients in your crock pot on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Then cook up some potatoes. Now I do not like crockpot potatoes. They are just too mushy and taste like meat. Potatoes are suppose to taste like potatoes, not meat. So I chop them up, put them in a 8x8 pan sprinkle them with olive oil and some garlic salt and broil them until they are brown. YUM.
So there you have it...an easy dinner for a busy mom.
on a side note: while chopping the onions, Addy decided she wanted a taste (I think she thought it was an apple). I gave her a pice and now she is in love with raw onion..yuck!
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