Happy in Dole Valley

A light so lovely...

2012-02-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

"We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it."

~Madeleine L'Engle

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

~Matthew 5:13 - 16

A blessed Lord's Day to you all!

~Lisa

On my needles...

2012-02-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

Still reading Ann Voskamp's one thousand gifts. Still knitting the lacy scarf.

Still pondering this quote from p. 77:

I'm growing older. These children growing up. But time is not running out. This day is not a sieve, losing time. With each passing minute, each passing year, there's this deepening awareness that I am filling, gaining time. We stand on the brink of eternity.

But time is not running out. What a wonderful thought!

In other knitting...

I know I wasn't supposed to be working on anything other than the scarf, but I needed to finish the booties I shared last week. I'm happy to say that after adding ties to the ankles to help keep them on those little kicking baby feet, they are finished. These will be given to the moms of two sweet babes on Sunday.

So what are you reading or working on? Join me for Ginny's Yarn Along :)

Pardon my dust...

2012-02-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

image credit

Please pardon my dust while I do a little sprucing up around here... As you can see, I've whipped up a new header and will be replacing the blue swirly design on the sides next. If you're interested in knowing how I created the header, just click on over and check out this helpful post.

Update: If you're actually reading this here on the blog and not on a RSS feed, you can see that I've traded in the blue swirls for some yellow... Thanks for your patience while I redecorate. At this point I'm not quite sure if the yellow will stay or go. :)

Be the wheat...

2012-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

It is vain to have the name of wheat, we must have the nature of wheat. God will not be mocked: he will not be pleased by our calling ourselves Christians while we are not so. Be not satisfied with church membership; but seek after membership with Christ. Do not talk about faith, but exercise it. Do not boast of experience, but possess it. Be not like the wheat, but be the wheat. No shams and imitations will stand in the last great day: that terrible "but" will roll as a sea of fire between the true and the false. Oh Holy Spirit! Let each of us be found transformed by thy power.

~C.H. Spurgeon

I love it when I come across a good line or quote. Found this one today over on Sonia's blog. More wisdom from Mr. Spurgeon is to be found here in a collection known as his Farm Sermons. Me? I'd not heard of them before, but for this wanna-be farmer's wife, I'm eager to read more. From the preface:

Never can the tiller of the ground open his eyes without learning something if he is willing to be taught. Weeds and plants, frost and sunshine, green shoots and yellow ears, drills and reapers, hedges and ditches, foxes and sheep, drought and flood, waggons and horses, harrows and ploughs—all reveal some spiritual mystery concerning God and our own souls. Surely those men should learn much who find a schoolmaster and a lesson-book in every acre which they cultivate.

Words of wisdom for gardeners to be sure. A lesson to be learned in every acre, every raised bed, and every potted plant. Happy gardening.

Join me for Gratituesday :)

Simple Buttermilk Muffins {Muffin Monday}

2012-02-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today's muffin comes to us from my all-time favorite cookbook, Betty Crocker's Cookbook (mine is the 8th printing, 1983). A gift I received when just 19 years old, this is the cookbook I learned to cook from and from whence the inspiration for many of our family's favorite recipes came. Jessica learned to cook using this cookbook, and now AnnaLynn is as well. :)

No, she's not that tall. :)

Simple Buttermilk Muffins
makes 12 delicious muffins

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 c. organic sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. sea salt
1 egg
3/4 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease muffin tin (we like to use coconut oil). Measure dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir together with a whisk. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg; stir in buttermilk and melted butter until blended.

Add wet mixture to dry ingredients stirring only until just blended (don't over mix your muffins!). Evenly scoop batter into muffin cups (about 3/4 full each). Bake until lightly golden brown, 15 - 20 minutes (ours took 16 minutes); check with a toothpick to be sure they're done.

Cool slightly then remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.

These are delicious warm with butter or you can enjoy them (like I did) plain; the buttermilk flavor is subtle and the sugar provides just enough sweetness.

I plan to bake these again (soon) and will try soaking the flour in the buttermilk when I do since soaking grains before baking one of my kitchen goals this year. Will update when I do to share how the soaked version turns out, but in the meantime, I'm curious to know what cookbooks have most influenced your cooking and baking through the years. Please share in the comments!

Happy baking!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly sharing with: Mouthwatering Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2sdays, Raising Homemakers, Healthy 2day Wednesday, Simple Living Weds. Pennywise Platter, Prov. 31 Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Encourage One Another, Feasting in Fellowship Friday

A blog award :)

2012-02-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Lisa over at Olive Plants All Around My Table for bestowing upon my blog the Versatile Blogger Award. :)

There are three rules to be followed upon receiving this award:

First, thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.

Thanks, Lisa! :)

Second, share seven random things about yourself.

1. I'm a little bit rock & roll
2. I don't wear gloves while working in the garden
3. I wear a skirt...every day
4. I haven't been to the mall in over 3 years (I hate the mall)
5. I drink red wine
6. I like my steaks well done
7. I was born in Braddock, PA (go Steelers!)

And third, nominate 5 fellow bloggers and let them know about it.

Sarah, Kim, Jeanne, April, and Mary -- blessings to each of you for inspiring me through your blogs!

Simple Cinnamon Scones {What's Cooking Wednesday}

2012-02-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

On Monday I promised AnnaLynn that we'd actually post something for What's Cooking Wednesday this week since we only shared one post in this series in January (and one post a series does not make!). What can I say, life happens. Anyway, scones seemed like a good recipe to try since they're one of my 2012 Kitchen Goals. Why we've never made scones before is a question without an answer. No reason, really. We just haven't.

Wish we hadn't waited so long! Scones are easy to make and delicious to eat. Our recipe, adapted from Jean Pare's Muffins & More, makes twelve scones. Bon appetit!

Simple Cinnamon Scones
serves 12

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. organic sugar
1 T. baking powder, aluminum free
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 c. cold butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 - 1/2 c. milk

Topping (optional):
1 - 2 t. milk for brushing tops
Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.

Stir dry ingredients together then cut in butter until crumbly.

Add milk to egg; pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients. Stir with a fork to make a soft dough.

Ok, this is where it got tricky for us. The original recipe calls for 2/3 c. milk which made a really sticky dough -- we had to add almost a half cup of flour before being able to proceed. We don't have pictures because our hands were too sticky! See, we promised we'd share what worked and what didn't. :)

Pat dough into two 6" rounds on prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little milk; generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (we keep this on hand for toast -- mix 1/4 c. sugar with 1/2 t. cinnamon).

Score each top into 6 pie shaped wedges (we forgot this step...oops!). Bake for 15 minute or until risen and golden brown. Since we didn't score ours, they came out of the oven looking like giant snicker doodles. :)

The instructions say to split and butter them. We sliced ours with a knife and decided to try them without any added butter.

These really did turn out quite well even though we had to add additional flour. I was concerned they'd be tough, but they really weren't. We'll be baking these again this Saturday while the papa is home so he can enjoy them fresh from the oven, and when we do, we'll be using less milk (according to the measurements I gave in the recipe above). We'll also be more generous with the sprinkling on of the cinnamon sugar as we used it a little too sparingly this time. I'll update this post if the recipe needs it. In the meantime, please let us know if you give these a try or if you have any scone baking suggestions for us. Thanks!

Also sharing with the Pennywise Platter

Simple things to smile about...

2012-01-31T18:33:00.000-08:00

1. Coffee beans all the way from Rome -- can you say smooth? (Thanks, Jess & Zack!)

2. Enjoying Eggs Benedict this past Saturday morning with our dear, dear friends (thanks, Timothy!).

3. New books. I'm half-way through the highly-inspiring one thousand gifts and am very much looking forward to Lessons at Blackberry Inn (with thanks to authors Ann Voskamp and Karen Andreola).

4. And the most awesome water cup ever (a Christmas present from my amazing husband).

Just the beginning of my own list of 1000 gifts...

~~~~~~~~~~

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers :)

2012 Goals: Knit & Crochet

2012-01-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

After sorting through my yarn stash and various unfinished projects, I've decided that my primary knitting / crocheting goal for 2012 is to finish what I've started. Why a person (myself included) is inclined to set a project aside to start another (and another and another), is a mystery to me. Yet, that is exactly what I do. Is it a rare form of A.D.D. for yarn addicts? A lack of follow through? Whatever it is, I've determined to overcome and conquer -- to (finally) finish what I've started.

These three skeins from my yarn stash, each purchased with a purpose, will be knit or crocheted into (from left to right) a pair of slippers, a scarf, and a pair of wrist warmers.

This pathetic-looking UFO was put onto stitch holders long ago. Why? Who knows. What I do know is that it's my attempt at making an adult pair of my Knitted Boots for Babes, and I intend to finish them!

This wrinkly item is a lacy shawl I started so long ago that I can't remember how long it's been. The poor thing was abandoned when I dropped several stitches and gave up trying to fix my mistake. Lord willing, and once I pick this one back up, I'll be able to repair the ruins and complete this beauty of a project.

Daniel's vest. I completed this last year for Easter, but he's grown (tons) since then. I intend to lengthen it so he can wear it again this year. Thankfully, I saved the yarn that was left over rather than tossing it.

Knitted Boots for two sweet babies born to church friends. All that's left is to make and weave a tie into each so they stay on tight. Planning to finish these later this week. :)

Projects I completed a few weeks ago...

Wool slippers for AnnaLynn and Daniel. :)

A cotton bonnet for yet another church friend's sweet babe.

And until this one is finished, the rest will have to wait. It's getting sooo close!

But! Before I sign off, I just have to share this...

Two shelves of worsted weight, one shelf of cotton, one shelf of fine to chunky, and one shelf of misc. On top is a bin full of hooks & needles and two others with various other UFOs.

Goal #2: I won't be buying any yarn this year. :)

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Sharing with Fiber Arts Monday

On my needles...

2012-01-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a while (a little over a month ago) since I shared what's on my needles. Remember this project? A lacy scarf for my daughter that I started knitting back in July?

I was finally able to pick it back up after all the busyness of the holidays and am happy to report that it's about 3/4 of the way done. I really would like to send this lovely scarf off to England, so I won't be working on any other projects until this one is finished. (Hang in there, Jess, I WILL finish it soon!)

On the nightstand (and being read while waiting at the dentist and during music and art lessons) is Ann Voskamp's one thousand gifts. I've only just begun reading it, so I don't have much to say other than her writing style is unique, poetic, and different than any author I've recently read. More later...

On another note, I've been busily sorting through my pattern notebook, my yarn stash, and my UFOs. Next week I'll be sharing with you my knitting and crochet goals for the year, so stay tuned. :)

What projects have you been working on?

Sharing at Ginny's Yarn Along :)

PS: I'm curious to know if any of you regular readers have read this book; please leave me a note in the comments. Thanks!

On holiday...

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary (it was in August) only a few months late...

We drove about an hour and a half to McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Each guest room in what once was a "home for the aged and infirm" is named after a former resident. Our room (yes, Room 222 -- haha!) was named after Aldie Howard who, apparently, was responsible for bringing alcohol to what was a "dry" Forest Grove. He's not our hero...just sharing. :)

After checking in and dropping off our bags, we enjoyed sipping on a good red wine (me) and a Hammerhead (the husband) -- in honor of Aldie, of course. We also enjoyed a side of McMenamins famous Cajun tots. Nummy.

Whimsical artwork is everywhere...

Hammerhead.

Tile work in the basement...

Looking forward to this year's anniversary -- our 20th!

Holiday:

1. A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.

2. A religious feast day; a holy day.

3. Chiefly British A vacation. Often used in the phrase on holiday.

[from the Free Dictionary]

Yeah, so I know we're not British. I figure that since Jessica is living in Oxford that I'd take the liberty of borrowing a phrase. Besides, I'm just practicing for when we visit!

What are you thankful for today?

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Cranberry Almond Muffins {Muffin Monday}

2012-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

This year we're trying to be a bit more purposeful in how we cook and in what we eat, so our plan is to share from time to time what we're learning along the way. Not only do we want our food to taste good, we want it to nourish our bodies as well -- there is sooo much to learn!

I always knew the benefits of drinking cranberry juice to treat or prevent urinary tract infections, but I was unaware of the multitude of other health benefits they provided. Did you know that cranberries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and even cavities? [Read more here!] Today's muffin provides at least one way to get more of this important and nutritious berry into your diet -- enjoy!

Cranberry Almond Muffins
makes 18-24 muffins
recipe inspiration here :)

3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. organic sugar (or rapadura)
2 t. baking powder (aluminum free, please)
1 t. sea salt
1 t. baking soda
2 c. sour cream or plain yogurt (we used sour cream)
1/3 c. milk
1/4 c. butter, melted
1.5 t. real almond extract
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1.5 c. fresh cranberries (we used dried and they worked great!)
2 T. sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 375F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups. Mix together dry ingredients (including cranberries) in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, blend together the eggs, milk, butter, almond extract, and sour cream.

Add wet mixture to dry ingredients stirring only until just blended -- don't over mix your muffins. :)

Evenly distribute batter to make 24 small muffins or 18 larger ones; sprinkle sliced almonds on top of batter.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until lightly browned (check with a toothpick to be sure they're done).

Cool slightly before removing to a wire rack. Enjoy these moist and delicious muffins warm for breakfast or as a nutritious snack on the go. Bon appetit!

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For more healthy muffin recipes, please visit our Muffin Monday page!

Proudly sharing this week's muffin here: Mouthwatering Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Far Above Rubies Titus 2sdays, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Pennywise Platter, Prov. 31 Thursday, Full Plate Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program...

2012-01-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

I did plan to share a few things here on the blog this week. Really, I did. :)

A truly delicious homemade salsa recipe (which you can find here), and the books I ordered from Amazon that finally arrived!

But ...

...it snowed.

I did make a delicious stew and had planned to share the recipe on Wednesday, but...

...it snowed some more.

Should've used a yardstick. :)

With so much snow weighing down the tree limbs and power lines, our lights flickered off and on and off and on. Thankfully, our power stayed on, but our phone and Internet decided to take Wednesday off.

While the kids enjoyed the snow, I sorted through my yarn stash and found this long-abandoned UFO...

...a lacy shawl that I hope to finish sometime this year.

We made more soup...

...and let the cats come in to warm themselves by the fire.

We even did a little baking.

And if you come back on Monday, we'll share the recipe. At least that's the plan.

Have a great weekend!

~Lisa :)

Sharing with Simple Lives Thursday and...

Snow...

2012-01-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

...finally!

Having begun falling on Saturday evening, the snow has continued off and on providing us with a gorgeous black and white landscape. These pictures were taken on Monday after lunch.

The White Knight...

This is what homeschoolers deep into a study of the Middle Ages do when their mom suggests they build a snow man. :)

Conehead? Snow Conehead? Love it!

Me in the husband's boots and flannel. Outside just long enough to capture the day in photos.

Beautiful!

Funny how something as simple as snow can bring such joy and happiness.

For He says to the snow, Fall on the earth... ~Job 37:6

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers :)

2012 Goals: Kitchen

2012-01-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the beginning of the third week of January. Time flies! It was just over two weeks ago that we welcomed 2012, and as is tradition, Dan and I sat down to write out our goals for the new year. Have I mentioned that I'm a list maker? We wound up with nine. :)

Sticking with the theme we set for ourselves -- productivity -- I think I've finally settled on what I hope to accomplish in my kitchen over the course of the year. And now, after spending the last two weeks settling back into a normal routine and getting us into a good homeschooling groove, I'm ready to dive in and begin making progress on my kitchen goals.

A few of these are on my 50 before 50 list, so I'm giving myself a double incentive here, but most of them are simply different food items I really want to make from scratch to cut down even more the amount of processed foods we consume. There truly is a simple satisfaction to be had from cooking from scratch. Improving the health of my family is an even bigger incentive! And whether or not I accomplish each and every item on this list, I know that making the effort will be half the fun. :)

Baking:

During the busy seasons of life, I've resorted to purchasing breads rather than baking my own; I'd like to cut down on that by baking on a regular basis and keeping extra in the freezer. Another thing I hope to do more of is soaking grains before baking. Attempting to bake bread outdoors this summer using a solar oven and/or a dutch oven sounds like a challenge, but I'm going to try it anyway. Finally, I want both Daniel and AnnaLynn to learn how to bake bread this year. :)

Successfully start a sourdough starter and keep it active
Bake a really good loaf of sourdough bread (#12 - 50 before 50)
Sourdough English muffins (so we won't have to buy them)
Bake an angel food cake -- from scratch (#37 - 50 before 50)
Homemade Poptarts :)
Corn tortillas
Flour tortillas
Scones -- I've never made them. Really.
26 new muffin recipes for Muffin Monday

Condiments:

Homemade mayo
Salsa
Taco/hot sauce (trying to recreate my favorite restaurant's version...)
Italian dressing (to replace the Wishbone -- Daniel's favorite)
Blue cheese dressing (for Dan)
Dill pickle relish
BBQ sauce
Fermented dill pickles

Dairy:

Lord willing, we'll be able to start getting raw milk again this spring! But even if we don't, we'll still be able to make the following:

Homemade yogurt
Whey (from yogurt)
Yogurt cheese (cream cheese substitute)
Sour cream
Ice cream -- any flavor!

Snacks:

This is an area where we all really need to be careful! We're trying to cut down on our sugar intake this year and will continue using whole cane sugar (sucanat/rapadura), organic sugar, and/or raw honey in place of white and brown sugar when called for.

Corn chips
Wheat crackers
Cheese crackers
Caramel sauce
Chocolate sauce
Fruit leather
Crispy nuts (Nourishing Traditions style)
Beef jerky
Donuts - apple fritters & old fashioned! :)
Baked pretzels
Caramel corn w/o corn syrup

Misc:

Cream soup substitute
Onion soup mix
Lemon extract (like vanilla, only lemon)
Homemade mac & cheese
Make & can homemade tomato sauce (#22 - 50 before 50)
Switch to using a cast iron frying pan instead of non-stick
Dry home-grown herbs to use in cooking
Work on filling/maintaining our pantry & food storage

It looks to be a productive 2012; I sure hope so, anyway! I'll be sharing updates and recipes throughout the year as I attempt to meet my goals. How about you? What are your kitchen goals this year?

Sharing with Simple Lives Thursday & at the Homestead Barn Hop :)

A word about prayer... {J.C. Ryle}

2012-01-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

Ouch...

How is it that many true believers often pray so coldly? What is the reason that their prayers are so feeble, wandering and lukewarm, as they frequently are? The answer is very plain: their sense of need is not so deep as it ought to be. They are not truly alive to their own weakness and helplessness, and so they do not cry fervently for mercy and grace. Let us remember these things. Let us seek to have a constant and abiding sense of our real necessities. If saints could only see their souls as the ten afflicted lepers saw their bodies, they would pray far better than they do.

~J.C. Ryle

May the Lord grant us to see our true need for Him, a fervency for prayer, and the peace that comes when we rest in His grace and mercy.

Have a blessed Lord's Day,

~Lisa

Welcome to What's Cooking Wednesday

2012-01-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

Cooking is the act of preparing food for consumption. It encompasses a vast range of methods, tools and combinations of ingredients to improve the flavor and/or digestibility of food. It generally requires the selection, measurement and combining of ingredients in an ordered procedure in an effort to achieve the desired result. Constraints on success include the variability of ingredients, ambient conditions, tools and the skill of the person cooking. [Source]

Welcome and thanks for stopping by. Here we will be sharing our cooking adventures with you every other Wednesday (Lord willing, of course!). We'll share what works, and even what doesn't, as we seek to hone our culinary skills. A few recipes on our 2012 must-try list are angel food cake (from scratch), homemade mayo, beef jerky, homemade Italian sausage, pop-tarts, and these chocolate covered thin mint cookies (yum!).

While we'll be sharing some of our favorite recipes, we'll also be doing lots of experimenting in the kitchen this year as well (homemade mayo...). In fact, much of what we'll be cooking fits in our Homemade Pantry category -- if you have any recipe suggestions or challenges, let us know!

While we won't ordinarily be sharing a recipe here the same week that we post for Muffin Mondays, we thought we'd share one of our all time family favorites anyway. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Pie
makes 6 - 8 servings

Crust:

6 oz. thin spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 lg. egg, lightly beaten
1 t. dried basil

Filling:

1/2 pd. ground beef
3/4 pd. Italian sausage
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 t. sugar
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried oregano
1/4 c. white wine

Additional ingredients:

1 c. sour cream
6 oz. shredded mozzarella

To make crust, combine spaghetti with other crust ingredients. Chop mixture using a knife or kitchen scissors and press into a lightly-greased 10-inch pie pan.

To make filling, cook meats and onion together, drain fat, and stir in remaining filling ingredients; heat thoroughly.

To assemble pie, spread sour cream on crust. Top with meat filling and cover all with mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

The fact that spaghetti pie can be made ahead a day ahead makes it a great choice when you know you've got a busy day coming (it also freezes well and can be doubled and baked in a 9x13 pan!). Bon Appetit!

This recipe appeared here originally way back in Sept. 2009

Sharing with Full Plate Thursday & Feasting in Fellowship Friday :)

A timely word...

2012-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I've been struggling with discouragement. Struggling with follow-thru and lamenting the list of goals I carefully and prayerfully made just over a week ago. Why do I find it so difficult to accomplish my goals? What is it that keeps me from doing what I really want to do?

On Sunday we read these timely words from Romans 7:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...I have the desire to do what is right..

I was convicted. Doing the very thing I hate (which, for me, is failing to do what I want) makes me feel like a failure. And who wants to feel like that? But the Lord provided encouragement through more timely words...

What really makes the difference in ones life is merely wanting to do something vs. living by conviction. If you keep on stumbling in an area such as weight loss, housekeeping, or good Bible study habits stop and ask yourself the reason that you're making this change. Is it merely because you want to, or is it because you feel that this is a necessary step for you to take. ~Darlene Schecht

Now that's something to chew on. :)

Today I'm thankful for the Lord's provision of timely words of wisdom and encouragement. I'm thankful for the goals I've made (and hope to be sharing here soon). I'm thankful that I'm not the only one who struggles or who stumbles. I'm thankful for conviction.

How about you? For what are you thankful? Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers. :)

Almond Poppy Seed Muffins (and a word about flexibility)

2012-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Happy 2012!

Now that I've spent the past two weeks putting my house in order after the delightful whirlwind of festivity that was November and December, I'm finally ready to dive back in to the normalcy of routine and schedule. Having said that, life will surely not go exactly according to (my) plan (does it ever?), and that's where flexibility comes in. I've never been very good at bending or flexing, but I sure am better at it than I used to be. And I thank God for that!

Making this year's Muffin Monday an every-other-Monday event, as we shared here, will certainly provide us with flexibility in our kitchen -- what if the husband wants scones? or pancakes? What if life doesn't go according to (my) plan and we just don't have time to bake or share a recipe?

All of this to say that if, on occasion, two or more Mondays go by and we're not here sharing some deliciousness from our kitchen, everything is exactly how it should be. Perhaps not according to my master plan, but certainly according to the Master's plan. And not that I'm expecting that we won't be here every other Monday sharing with you, but life happens!

Thanks so much for joining us in the kitchen again this year! AnnaLynn and I are looking forward to baking and cooking our way through 2012 and sharing what we learn along the way with you. :)

And now for today's deliciousness...

Almond Poppy Seed Muffins
makes 12 small muffins

1/3 c. organic sugar
1/3 c. butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t. almond extract
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. milk
1 1/3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. sea salt
1/4 t baking soda
2 T. poppy seeds

For topping:
2 T. sliced almonds
1 t. organic sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 375F and grease muffin pan (we like to use coconut oil) or line pan with paper baking cups. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and almond extract. Add the sour cream and milk and stir until blended. Measure in the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and poppy seeds, and stir until just blended. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups -- this recipe does not make a lot of batter, so start small. You can always go back and add more once you get some batter in each muffin cup. :) Sprinkle sliced almonds over the batter, and, if desired, top each off with a pinch of sugar.

Bake for 13 - 15 minutes or until lightly browned; check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool slightly before removing muffins to a wire rack. Enjoy!

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Sharing here: Mouthwatering Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Women Living Well, Pennywise Platter, Full Plate Thursday, and Simple Lives Thursday

Standing our ground {J.C. Ryle}

2012-01-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

True believers are always represented as mixing in the world, doing their duty in it, and glorifying God by patience, meekness, purity, and courage in their several positions — and not by cowardly desertion of them.

Moreover, it is foolish to suppose that we can keep the world and the devil out of our hearts by going into holes and corners!

True religion and unworldliness are best seen, not in timidly forsaking the post which God has allotted to us — but in manfully standing our ground, and showing the power of grace to overcome evil.

~ J.C. Ryle

Planning...

2012-01-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

He who fails to plan, plans to fail.

Where there is no vision, the people perish. ~Proverbs 29:18

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

We spent the day yesterday putting our house back in order after the Christmas holidays, and I have to say how nice the return to normal is. The house looks like itself again, and we're taking our time getting back into a normal daily routine. How nice, indeed! I always function better when every thing's in order -- makes it so much easier for me to think.

It's a new year, and that means it's the perfect time to think, to plan, to set goals, to cast a vision. Those of you who know me know that means making lists -- lots of lists (and a schedule, of course). :)

A new year is a clean slate. We're given the gift of twelve months, 52 weeks, 366 days (an extra day this year -- bonus!), but how will we spend them? What will we do with the time we've been given? When the closing days of 2012 arrive (and they will), will we look back with regret or with gratitude? Will another year have gone by without attempting to realize our dreams, or will we at least make steps toward accomplishing them?

Dan and I took the time yesterday to sit down together and discuss our goals for the new year. The question we asked ourselves is this: When we look back on 2012, what is the number one thing we hope to have accomplished? My husband's answer? That we have walked with God. That we have grown in our sanctification. That we have been in the Word. That we know HIM better. That we know His Word better.

In addition to our spiritual growth, Dan's vision for our family in 2012 is productivity. Specifically, to make our small homestead more productive. Plans for the year include raising a new batch of hens to replace our aging layers, raising meat birds (and processing them right here ourselves!), expanding our garden, digging a root cellar, and researching goats.

Of course, we talked about other areas needing our attention including improving our health through diet and exercise, our ever-present (and ever-growing) list of household repairs and to-dos, continuing to develop our food storage, refining our homeschooling goals, how to reach our financial goals, etc.

The list making has begun -- what do we hope to accomplish? to read? to learn? What places do we hope to visit? The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. ~Proverbs 16:9

What a blessing it is to plan. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in 2012!

I'll be sharing more about our plans in the coming days, Lord willing. In the meantime, wishing you all a blessed, healthy, and prosperous new year!

~Lisa :)

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Linking up with Simple Lives Thursday and...
don't forget to join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers and...

Giveaway winners!

2011-12-31T12:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered our first-ever giveaway! This was a really fun way to end the year here on the blog, and I'm excited to share that we'll be hosting a few more giveaways over the course of 2012, so stay tuned!

In addition to the giveaway winner who will receive the three bars of our homemade soap pictured below, we decided to add on 2nd and 3rd place winners who will each get to select one bar of their choice! See, I told you we had fun with this. :)

But before announcing the winners, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who've visited the blog over the past year; it's been fun getting to know you! We hope you've enjoyed this little window into our world, and we look forward to sharing more of the good life with which we've been blessed!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012!

What we did...

We wrote everyone's name on a little slip of paper.

AnnaLynn turned away while drawing the names of the winners!

1st place and the winner of three bars of our homemade soap is...

2nd place goes to...

And 3rd place goes to a new follower...

Congrats to the winners! Please e-mail me at happyindolevalley@gmail.com by Wednesday, January 4 with your mailing address and soap of choice (Lori and Lorraine), so I can drop these in the mail on Thursday the 5th. :)

Blessings,

~Lisa :)

A tradition, some presents & a giveaway!

2011-12-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

A tradition.

Dan and I have been exchanging Christmas ornaments for 20 Christmases now. It really is one of the funnest parts of our holiday shopping each year to see who finds an ornament first. This year I made Dan's ornament on Christmas Eve while he was out with the kids delivering gifts to co-workers. It's a simple felt heart that I traced with a cookie cutter and then stitched with embroidery floss and stuffed with half a cotton ball. Cute, huh? I was really pleased with how it turned out and wish the picture did it justice. :)

Dan's ornament to me was the cute knitted tree below. No, he didn't knit it himself -- I think he told me he purchased it at Pier 1 Imports -- but I do love that it's knitted. :) It must have been the year for heart ornaments, though, because we were sent the heart ornament to the right of the knitted one below by Jess and Zack all the way from England. We love it!

Presents.

I have to brag on my generous husband who completely surprised me with this beauty of a mixer!

We did have a spending limit. Someone went over...

He tells me it was a deal that he simply couldn't pass up. Whatever the reason, I love it and will be baking bread tomorrow for sure!

A few of the other treasures I received were essential oils and candles...

the cutest spoon rest ever from a sweet friend (thanks, Jess!)...

and a knitted cowl from my talented daughter in law. Not the best lighting in some of our pictures today, but oh well -- I really wanted to show off my cute new cowl! :)

The kids received gifts galore from family and friends. It's Nerf war time!

More weapons! Real throwing knives for Daniel, and yes, that's a pink Red Ryder BB gun that AnnaLynn's holding.

A BB gun was on her wish list...we bought pink! Isn't it wonderful how it perfectly matches her skirt?

And a giveaway!

And because I have been blessed beyond measure this year, I'm hosting my first ever giveaway here on the blog to say "thanks" to all of you who've made my blogging experience so much fun. :) And just what am I giving away? Three bars of my handcrafted soap! My all-natural soaps are made using a blend of olive, coconut, palm, and sweet almond oils and are scented using pure essential oils. Each bar weighs approximately 2.5 oz.

All you have to do to enter is be a follower and leave a comment (one entry per person, please). I'll draw a winner at noon on December 31!

~~~~~~~~~~

For what are you thankful today?

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Muffin Monday - Chocolate Peppermint Muffins

2011-12-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 52nd Muffin Monday here at Happy in Dole Valley -- we did it! 52 Mondays, 52 muffins. :)

So did you all have a wonderful Christmas yesterday? We spent the last three days in fellowship and celebration with family and attended worship on Sunday morning before opening gifts on Sunday afternoon. Christmas dinner was roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy -- a recipe I'll have to share with you since the Papa says it's the best roast I've ever made. :)

Christmas always seems to take so long to get here, and then before you know it, it's time to plan for and ring in the new year. Like many of you, we'll be spending this final week of 2011 cleaning up from Christmas, planning school for January through June, organizing our pantry and food storage, and setting priorities and goals for 2012.

And now for today's recipe... These chocolate peppermint muffins are a little sweeter than we usually make, but they truly are a delicious treat. To cut down on the sugar, you could reduce or leave out the chocolate chips and/or reduce the Rapadura sugar from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup. Enjoy! And Happy New Year!!

Chocolate Peppermint Muffins
makes 12 muffins

1 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. butter (melted at low temp.)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
2/3 c. Rapadura sugar (or other sugar)
1/2 c. unsweetened baking cocoa
1 t. baking soda
1 1/4 t. real peppermint extract
1/4 t. sea salt
1/2 c. miniature chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups. In a medium bowl, mix together buttermilk, peppermint extract, and egg, then slowly whisk in melted butter.

Stir in flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.

Stir until just blended -- don't over mix your muffins!

Using a ice cream scoop, divide batter evenly among muffin cups; sprinkle tops of muffins with a pinch of organic sugar (optional).

Bake 15 - 20 minutes; check with a toothpick to be sure their done.

Cool 5 minutes; remove muffins to a wire rack to finish cooling or enjoy warm.

Bon appetit! We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 52nd installment in what was our utterly delicious year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins! Thanks so much to each of you for joining us this year and for making our adventure so much fun. It's been a true blessing getting to know so many of you via the blog! As we shared on Friday of last week, we'll be continuing to share muffin recipes every other Monday in the new year, Lord willing of course, so stay tuned!

With the help of the husband, AnnaLynn and I made the following video to thank you for joining us:

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We're sharing this week's muffin recipe with: Homestead Barn Hop, Tasty Tuesday, Titus 2sday, Teach Me Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, WFMW, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, This Chick Cooks, Women Living Well, JATW, Pennywise Platter, Sweet Tooth Friday, Feasting in Fellowship Friday, and Sweets for a Saturday

...a joy unspeakable!

2011-12-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

"When I think of Christmas Eves, Christmas feasts, Christmas songs, and Christmas stories, I know that they do not represent a short or transient gladness. Instead, they speak of a joy unspeakable and full of glory. God loved the world and sent His Son. Whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. That is Christmas joy. That is the Christmas spirit."

~Corrie ten Boom

Wishing a most merry Christmas to you all!

Blessings in HIM,

~Lisa :)

Peppermint Muffins {Muffin Monday - Friday Edition!}

2011-12-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo! It's the Friday edition of Muffin Monday! We're so glad you dropped by. :)

Photo by AnnaLynn :)

You really never know where you're going to find inspiration. Today's recipe is based off this one (thanks, Oprah!).

Whole Wheat Peppermint Muffins
makes 12 delicious muffins

1.5 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. sea salt
1/2 c. milk
1 t. real vanilla extract
1 t. real peppermint extract
1 stick butter (at room temperature)
2/3 c. organic sugar
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla and peppermint extract. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer (we used our KitchenAid). Add the eggs, beating until mixture is well combined and smooth. Slowly add in half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture in the same way, then add the remaining flour mixture (flour, milk, flour -- make sense?), scraping sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary.

Evenly divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle tops of muffins with a pinch of organic sugar OR you can do like we did and use a commercial topping (left over from last Christmas -- amazing how fake ingredients can last so long...).

Bake 22 - 25 minutes or until muffins are a pale golden brown -- check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool slightly in pan; remove muffins to wire rack.

We enjoyed these fresh from the oven this morning and all agreed that these are among our top five for the year -- they're that good! Enjoy!!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 51st installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There is only 1 more to come, stay tuned!

As for what we'll be up to in the new year, we've decided to continue with Muffin Mondays except they'll be posted every other Monday. On the off weeks, we'll be sharing a variety of recipes in what we'll be calling "What's Cooking Wednesday." This change will allow us to share with you different cooking and baking ideas from fun desserts to healthy snacks and everything in between! We sure do hope you'll continue to join us as we share what we're learning in the kitchen.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

~Lisa & AnnaLynn :)

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Also sharing with This Chick Cooks, Raising Homemakers, Homestead Barn Hop, Sweet Tooth Friday, Feasting in Fellowship Friday, and Mom Trend's Friday Food

Of gloves and Grinches...

2011-12-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

I love this story. :)

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss

One of my favorite Christmas stories is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. That the Grinch was changed -- his heart grew three sizes that day, remember? What a glorious story-picture of how the gospel changes lives! And all because the Whos down in Whoville celebrated even though there was no "stuff." What a terrific example those Whos are, eh?

They, who had no tree,
no decorations,
no gifts,
and no Christmas feast,
still celebrated and welcomed Christmas with joyous singing!

Is there a lesson to be learned here? I think so. And may we learn it. Wishing a very merry Christmas to all my fellow knitters and crocheters out there!

Oh, and I really love this sweetie, too. :)

Sweet hand-crocheted fingerless gloves have been flying off my hook...

Joining Ginny for her Yarn Along party!

That's what it's all about...

2011-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Another of our family Christmas traditions...

Watching the Charlie Brown Christmas!

I love tradition! I love that we watch the same videos, listen to the same music, and bake the same cookies year after year!

The antiquary of tradition is the preserver of all that is right and good and true.
~Calvin Coolidge

~~~~~~~~~~

For what are you thankful today?

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

A prayer request...

2011-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Please be in prayer for the Sproul family who lost their dear wife and mother, Denise, to cancer over the weekend. While as believers we rejoice that our sister has entered glory, the hearts of her eight children and her beloved husband must surely be breaking.

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.
~Psalm 116:15

Highlands Ministries
Bayly Blog
Doug's Blog
RCJR

Muffin Monday -- Eggnog Spice Muffins

2011-12-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning, friends! It's December 19th -- only 6 more sleeps 'til Christmas! Is your shopping done? Are you baking this week? Are you tired of Christmas music on the radio (and everywhere you go) yet?

With Friday's wedding reception behind us (went fabulously, by the way), we're plowing full steam ahead today and plan to spend the day in town running errands, finishing our gift shopping for the papa, and enjoying lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. :) So to answer our own questions:

Finished shopping? No.
Baking this week? Yes.
Tired of Christmas music? Definitely not!

Check back later this week when we'll be sharing our plans for the new year along with a special mid-week muffin recipe since we have two to go and only one more Monday in 2011. Hard to believe we're nearing the end of original quest, but here we are! Moving along, we offer for your holiday baking enjoyment today's muffin...

Like eggnog? You're going to love today's muffin recipe! Honestly, these are sooo good. And your kitchen will smell deliciously wonderful while they're baking!

Inspiration provided by King Arthur Flour.

Our version...

Eggnog Spice Muffins
makes 12 muffins

2.5 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. organic sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. nutmeg
2 eggs
1 t. real vanilla
1/4 c. butter, softened
1.25 c. eggnog

Preheat oven to 425F and either grease muffin tin or line with paper baking cups. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Add the eggs, beating until mixture is well combined and smooth. Beat in the baking powder, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.

Add the flour and eggnog by stirring each in by hand, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with flour until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Using an ice cream scoop, fill prepared muffin cups (they will be nearly full).

Sprinkle tops of muffins with a pinch (or more!) of organic sugar (optional) before placing into preheated oven. Bake about 20 minutes or until muffins are a pale golden brown -- check with a toothpick to be sure they're done.

Cool slightly in pan; remove muffins to wire rack.

Enjoy!!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 50th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 2 more to come, stay tuned!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe with: Mouthwatering Monday, Titus 2sday, Teach Me Tuesday, Far Above Rubies, 2 Maids a Baking, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Healthy 2day Wednesdays, This Chick Cooks, Real Food Wednesday, Women Living Well, Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, and Friday Food

Nine hours and counting...

2011-12-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

For the past many weeks, amidst celebrating October birthdays, Thanksgiving feasting, my holiday bazaars, homeschooling, and Christmas shopping, I've had the honor of acting as the reception coordinator for a wedding scheduled for 7 p.m. this evening. My dear husband was hesitant when I told him I was asked by the sweet bride-to-be to do the job since I'd done the same for another young couple in our church several years ago (he remembers how much work it was!). But I assured him I could handle it. :) By God's grace, all the details have come together, and I've almost crossed everything off this morning's list.

No, I'm not a caterer. I've never worked for one. I do like to make lists; however, and I have a fantastic group of ladies to help me. I plan to share a few pictures early next week, but in the meantime, if the Lord brings us to mind today, would you join me in praying for all the details to come together smoothly throughout the day and that, above all, God will be glorified!

~Lisa :)

...and a penny

2011-12-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

"...Ma asked if they were sure the stockings were empty. Then they put their hands down inside them, to make sure. And in the very toe of each stocking was a shining bright, new penny! They had never even thought of such a thing as having a penny. Think of having a whole penny for your very own. Think of having a cup and a cake and a stick of candy and a penny." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

And Laura called that a happy Christmas.

May we each be thankful for the multitude of blessings we enjoy.

Especially the simple ones...just like Laura did.

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However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For what are you thankful today?

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers! Also sharing at Titus 2sday, Teach Me Tuesday, and Far Above Rubies :)

Muffin Monday - Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-12-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Muffin Monday! It's hard to believe that with only three more muffin recipes to go, we'll have made it through the year and will have accomplished our goal of 52 muffin recipes on 52 Mondays! And just what are our plans for 2012 you ask? You'll have to check back next week. :) In the meanwhile, please enjoy today's simple, delicious recipe.

Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Muffins
makes 12 muffins

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 c. organic sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. sea salt
1 egg
1 t. real vanilla
1/4 c. melted butter
1 c. buttermilk
2/3 c. real chocolate chips (we used miniature chips)

Preheat oven to 400F and either grease muffin tin or line with paper baking cups. Measure flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and chocolate chips into a large bowl and stir together. Whisk egg in a small bowl; stir in buttermilk and vanilla. Slowly whisk in melted butter. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened (don't over mix your muffins!). Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake about 15 minutes or until muffins are golden brown -- check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool slightly in pan; remove muffins to wire rack. (For soaked muffins, see instructions here.)

Enjoy!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 49th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 3 more to come, stay tuned!

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Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe with: Mouthwatering Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Titus 2sday, Teach Me Tuesday, Far Above Rubies, 2 Maids a Baking, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Healthy 2day Wednesdays, This Chick Cooks, Real Food Wednesday, Women Living Well, Simple Lives Thursday, and Pennywise Platter

We always do this...

2011-12-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

There is something about saying, "We always do this," which helps keep the years together. Time is such an elusive thing that if we keep on meaning to do something interesting, but never do it, year would follow year with no special thoughtfulness being expressed in making gifts, surprises, charming table settings, and familiar, favorite food. Tradition is a good gift intended to guard the best gifts.

~Edith Schaeffer

Our traditions include:

Opening ornament boxes and decorating the tree...

Reading the same stories every December...

Reminiscing. This is an ornament that's been around since Dan was a boy...

Mr. & Mrs. Snowman (made by J & J years ago)

Please tell me we aren't the only ones with a chicken, a pig, and a cow hanging in our Christmas tree?
(A gift from Dan when we moved to the country.)

Our beautiful Nativity.

And I always look for something new to add to our holiday collection. I found these adorable salt and pepper shakers yesterday at the thrift store for only 99 cents. :)

To be continued...

Sharing with: Simple Lives Thursday, Far Above Rubies, Titus 2sday, and Teach Me Tuesday :)

Presents from afar...

2011-12-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

A little something arrived in the mail on Saturday...

A parcel from England bearing Yuletide greetings.

The first of the gifts that will go around our tree. Can't wait to see what's inside!

~~~~~~~~~~

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For what are you thankful today?

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Muffin Monday - Chocolate Gingerbread Muffins

2011-12-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread two weeks in a row? Yes. We love it and think you will, too. Happy baking!

Chocolate Gingerbread Muffins
inspiration here
makes 12 muffins

1 1/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder, sifted
2 t. ginger
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. allspice
3/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. sea salt
3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 c. organic sugar or Rapadura
1/3 c. coconut oil, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t. real vanilla extract
3/4 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups. Measure flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, salt, and chocolate chips into a large bowl; stir with a whisk to blend.

In a medium bowl, mix together egg, melted oil, sugar, vanilla, and buttermilk. Fill muffin cups with batter...

...then bake for 20 - 25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!

Check with a toothpick to be sure they're done, then cool in the pan for five minutes...

...before removing to a wire rack.

Enjoy!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 48th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 4 more to come, stay tuned!

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Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe with: Mouthwatering Monday, Far Above Rubies, Titus 2sday, Tasty Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, 2 Maids a Baking, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Healthy 2day Wednesdays, This Chick Cooks, Real Food Wednesday, Women Living Well, Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Feasting in Fellowship Friday, and Friday Food

Joy of every longing heart...

2011-12-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

~Charles Wesley, 1744

Wesley's glorious hymn, written in 1744, was inspired by Haggai 2:7.

And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of Nations shall come and I will fill this house with glory," saith the Lord of Hosts.

May you find your rest in HIM, the Desire of Nations, as you celebrate this second Sunday of the Advent season!

Friday Favorites

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yes it's late (11:30). For whatever reason, I'm wide awake and surfing. Here's what I found...

Something that made me laugh.

Laura's list of what's on sale this month at Azure. :)

This post featuring 11 simple, homemade gifts including lip balm, bath salts, and lavender linen spray, and sugar scrub!

There's a homemade Christmas gift carnival over at the Nourishing Gourmet this week.

And to wrap this up, Tammy is hosting a giveaway for the Money Saving Mom's new book. All you have to do is click on over and leave a comment about one of your favorite money saving tips. Don't forget to let me know if you win!

Good night all. :)

PS: Chocolate Gingerbread Muffins are coming Monday morning...

Christmas Spirit

2011-11-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I joined in with Ginny's "Yarn Along" and figured today was the perfect day to dive back in. :)

A couple weeks ago I shared about the crocheted flowers I've been making and just had to also share the latest additions to my yarn garden. I love the way these holiday blooms turned out, but I wish I knew how to more accurately capture the colors with my camera as the white one is actually more of a creamy ivory.

Christmas Spirit is a collection of joyous stories, carols, feasts, and traditions that includes readings for Advent, recipes, and numerous quotes that our family uses each year as we celebrate the Christmas season. Here's a sample quote from the introduction:

For some of us, reading is a required tradition during the Christmas season. I don't mean ordinary books that we catch up on during the holiday vacation. Rather, we long for an ambiance that evokes the timeless sense of magic and holiness that is often called "the spirit of Christmas." Of course we need to reread the nativity story to savor its pure essence. Yet we hunger for more. With nearly two thousand Christmases behind us, nostalgia must be satiated.

~James S. Bell

I'll be sharing more from this wonderful volume over the next few weeks. In the meantime, what's on your needles or crochet hook? What've you been reading? Leave a comment here or write a blog post and join me over at Ginny's. :)

It's Gratituesday! Are you thankful?

2011-11-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

I am!

So thankful to have had loved ones gathered around our table to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.

So thankful, too, for the loved ones who weren't able to join us...each was sorely missed.

So thankful for the warm glow of the beautiful beeswax candles that graced our table.

Thank you, Mary!

So thankful for my cooking partner...not so thankful that her glasses broke last Wednesday. She sure is cute, huh? :)

So thankful for the opportunity to express our thanks to God for his abundant goodness to us!

In case you missed it, I shared the "how to" here.

So thankful for AnnaLynn's help at the PHS Yuletide Bazaar on Saturday (and that we took home a lot less than what we brought with us!). Sales were brisk! We practically sold out of soap and flower pins! Who knew peppermint soap was so popular? We didn't, but we do now. ;)

So thankful to bump into friends from long, long ago who were shopping at the bazaar (happy tears). Time flies. So thankful for sweet memories. :)

So, so thankful for the arrival of the Advent season...

...the lighting of candles and the reading of the Word.

So thankful for tradition -- those things we do that help us to remember!

When I think of Christmas Eves, Christmas feasts, Christmas songs, and Christmas stories, I know that they do not represent a short and transient gladness. Instead, they speak of a joy unspeakable and full of glory. God loved the world and sent His Son. Whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. That is Christmas joy. That is the Christmas spirit.

~Corrie ten Boom

For what are you thankful today?

Leave a comment and/or write a blog post and join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Muffin Monday - Gingerbread Muffins

2011-11-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is past and we've entered into the season of Advent, it's time to break out all those favorite Christmastime recipes that typically are baked in December! Like the pumpkin we used in last week's muffin recipe (pumpkin pecan muffins), we actually enjoy a little gingerbread throughout the year and hope today's recipe will inspire you to do the same. Happy baking!

Gingerbread Muffins
inspiration here
makes 12 delicious muffins

1 3/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 t. baking powder, aluminum free
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. cloves
1/4 t. ginger
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 c. coconut oil, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 c. applesauce
1/4 - 1/3 c. molasses (depending on how strong you like it)
1/3 c. Rapadura sugar (optional)
1/2 c. boiling water
organic sugar to sprinkle on top, optional

Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups. Measure flour, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl; stir with a whisk to blend. In a medium bowl, mix together egg, applesauce, melted oil, molasses, and sugar (we say the sugar is optional since we forgot to add ours (oops!) and they still turned out great!).

Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients.

Then carefully add the water...

...and stir just until blended; batter will be on the thin side.

Using an ice cream scoop, fill muffin cups about 2/3 with batter. Generously sprinkle tops of muffins with organic sugar -- optional but highly recommended!

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes; check with a toothpick to be sure they're done.

Cool in pan for a few minutes before removing muffins to wire rack.

We hope you'll enjoy these mildly-flavored gingerbread muffins! We adjusted our recipe to up the molasses from 1/4 c. to 1/3 c. for a slightly stronger flavor which we prefer (this based on recipe comments at the above link).

Bon appetit!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 47th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 5 more to come, stay tuned!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe with: Mouthwatering Monday, 2 Maids a Baking, Far Above Rubies, Titus 2sday, Tasty Tuesday, Growing Home, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Healthy 2day Wednesdays, This Chick Cooks, and Simple Lives Thursday

A simple Thanksgiving idea...

2011-11-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

Over the past week or so I've seen many a Thanksgiving craft idea presented here in blogland, but I'm just not a crafty-type of a gal. Really. I'm not. Unless the idea is practical, that is. I've been watching for a simple way to make our Thanksgiving more meaningful--something we could do as a family during or after our Thanksgiving feast this afternoon, and I'm excited to have found this simple idea...

These paper leaves provide a fun, easy, and non-intimidating way to acknowledge the things one is grateful for. How to make them? Simply fold card stock (or other paper) and cut out leaf shapes freehand, finishing edges with scallop scissors if desired (being non-crafty, I would leave out the scalloped edges while AnnaLynn would definitely include them). Carefully fold each leaf and place them into a nice bowl or basket along with a pen or pencil.

While waiting for your Thanksgiving meal preparations to be finished, have everyone write at least one expression of gratitude on a leaf. Place leaves into a separate basket or bowl to be read aloud during or after the meal or dessert. Since the notes are anonymous, everyone will have fun trying to guess who wrote each message. See? Simple and non-intimidating. I like it! :)

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord his God!

~Psalm 146:5

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Gratituesday - Joy!

2011-11-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
~Nehemiah 8:10

I started reading through this little devotional on the topic of joy yesterday morning and have to say that it's just too good not to share. :)

From yesterday's reading...

"...self-surrender always lead to joy. No matter what we give up for the sake of Christ and knowing God better, joy is going to result."

This morning's...

"Joy is the last thing we expect when the fact of our sinfulness penetrates our hearts."

And how can I not also share this old favorite by Twila Paris that's now rolling through my mind...

We each have so much to be thankful for each and every moment of each and every day -- if only we will open our eyes to see how very blessed we are. Take time to count your blessings this week!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!

~Lisa :)

~~~~~~~~~~

For what are you thankful today?

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers. :)

Muffin Monday - Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

2011-11-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone! Our apologies for posting so late in the day today, but we promise that today's muffins are worth the wait. :)

These are perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast or anytime, really, because, in our opinion, pumpkin is just too good not to enjoy all through the year. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
inspiration here
makes 12 muffins

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. Rapadura (or brown sugar)
1.5 t. baking powder, aluminum free
1/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ginger
1/4 t. cloves
1/8 t. nutmeg
3/4 c. pumpkin, organic canned or homemade
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 T. molasses
1 t. real vanilla

Topping:
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
1 T. organic sugar mixed with 1 t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400F and line muffin pan with paper baking cups. Measure first nine ingredients into a large bowl; stir with a whisk to blend. In a medium bowl, mix together pumpkin, butter, buttermilk, eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients stirring just until blended -- don't over mix your muffin batter! Using an ice cream scoop, fill muffin cups with batter. Sprinkle chopped pecans over tops of muffins and then sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar mixture (optional).

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown; check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool in pan for several minutes before removing muffins to wire rack. Enjoy!

Bon appetit!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving this week!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 46th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 6 more to come, stay tuned!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe here: Mouthwatering Monday, 2 Maids a Baking, Far Above Rubies, Titus Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, This Chick Cooks, and Women Living Well

Snow...

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

I know it's not much, but it's our first snow of the season. And the first snow is always special, don't you know.

Earring Giveaway!

2011-11-17T05:53:00.000-08:00

Cute, huh? And all you have to do for a chance to win a pair of your very own is click here and leave a comment. There's a couple ways to earn more entries which is exactly what this post is all about.

Now click on over and enter! Oh, and let me know if you win!

Gratituesday - Bazaar fun with AnnaLynn :)

2011-11-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

Check in time Saturday morning for our first holiday bazaar was 7:30 which meant an early departure time (6:40) and a really early wake up call which came around 5 a.m. Yawn! Thank God for alarm clocks, for coffee, and for the sunny morning as well! It's no fun loading and unloading in the rain. :)

Last year we were assigned a table directly across from the "Scentsy" lady which was nice (lots of traffic) but also not so nice (as in having to smell all those fragrances all day gave me a terrible headache). Thankfully, I was able to talk my way into a different location this year and was blessed to be placed next to another high-traffic seller whose product was crocheted doggy sweaters. Let me tell you, this woman almost sold out she was so busy. But seriously. Doggy sweaters? And the amount that people were willing to pay! I'm not a dog lover, so I guess I just don't get it... Anyway, this gal was fun to chat with throughout the day, and I was thrilled for her as she's been out of work for quite some time--thank you, Lord!

Here's a photo of our little "Happy in Dole Valley" shop early in the day with my lovely co-proprietor, AnnaLynn:

I know they're tiny in the picture, but please take note of all the earrings hanging on my crocheted jewelry frames. Lovely, lovely earrings loaned to us by my dear, sweet friend Sabina who saved our day. Really. Yes, there is a story here...

When we were setting up I realized I'd forgotten the earrings I had planned to hang on said jewelry frames. Now exactly how was I supposed to sell any without the earrings to demonstrate how they look and how they work? A quick phone call to Dan who made another quick phone call and my problem was solved. Thank you, Sabina!! I owe you big time!

We had a great day visiting with the other vendors as well as our customers and were blessed tremendously by how much we sold. Selling homemade crafts is a lot of work, and I simply couldn't do it without the help of my mini-me. AnnaLynn makes and sells beaded bracelets for little girls, magnets, and our hand-rolled beeswax candles. She's learning to greet and visit with customers and how to share with them the unique details about our eclectic collection. She's learning how to handle money and make change. I think the part she enjoyed the most, though, was keeping track of our sales throughout the day. ;) As for me, spending the day working with my girl? Priceless.

One bazaar down, two more to go. Our Oxford fund is growing!

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For what are you thankful today?
Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
Also sharing on Wednesday at Raising Homemakers. :)

Muffin Monday - Snickerdoodle Muffins

2011-11-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

This week's muffin recipe comes to us from The Old Farmhouse Kitchen, a cookbook by local author Frances Gillette that is filled with, as stated on the cover, "recipes and old-time nostalgia." For anyone who has this cookbook, the specific recipe ours was inspired by is "Breakfast Muffins" on page 35.

AnnaLynn has decided that we need to try many more recipes from this cookbook because "they all look so good!" :) As most of our recipes are on the low-sugar side, please take note that this one contains a bit more sugar than we usually use (even though we did reduce it a bit). Sometimes you've got to indulge a little...and these are definitely worth it. Enjoy!

Snickerdoodle Muffins
makes 12 muffins

2/3 c. butter, softened
2/3 c. sugar (we used 1/3 c. Rapadura and 1/3 c. organic)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 T. baking powder (aluminum free, please)
1 t. sea salt
1 c. milk

Topping:
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. organic sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F and grease muffin cups with coconut oil. In a large bowl, mix together butter, sugar, and eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and milk and mix well. Using an ice cream scoop, fill muffin cups with batter. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan for several minutes before removing muffins to wire rack. Prepare topping mixture by melting butter over low heat, then stir in sugar and cinnamon, mixing well. Spread topping onto muffins and enjoy!

Bon appetit!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 45th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 7 more to come, stay tuned!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe here: Mouthwatering Monday, 2 Maids a Baking, Tasty Tuesday, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, This Chick Cooks, Women Living Well, and Feasting in Fellowship Friday

Always doing...

2011-11-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing.
~Thomas Jefferson

For balance, may I be so bold to suggest the addition of a Sabbath rest on the Lord's Day?

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God...
~Exodus 20:9-10

It has been a full and busy week preparing for tomorrow's first bazaar of the season.

Work is good!

Work is a blessing!

Rest?

A wonderful blessing indeed and something I'm very much looking forward to.

~~~~~~~~~~~

PS: Remember that today is Veterans Day. Click here or here for a short history refresher lesson. :)

Tending my yarn garden...

2011-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

As the holiday bazaar season speedily approaches, I've been busy tending my yarn garden...

These lovely blooms are actually nifty decorative pins to spruce up a jacket or hat or even to keep a winter scarf in place.

Want to whip up a bouquet for yourself? You'll find the pattern for the flowers here. After you crochet your flowers, cut out felt circles and sew them onto flower backs. Attach pin with needle and thread. Have fun!

With gratitude...

2011-11-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

...to a friend who sent me a package. :)

Gratitude is the music of the heart,
when its chords are swept by the breeze of kindness.

~Author Unknown

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

~Henry Ward Beecher

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gratituesday - Random blessings :)

2011-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts.
~John Calvin

35 quarts of grape juice! Picking free grapes (thanks to my sister's in-laws) Saturday afternoon together with my family and then spending the evening canning together -- priceless. :)

When we got home from grape picking on Saturday, we saw that snow had fallen on Larch Mountain. "Come on, guys! Let's go!" We didn't have to drive far before we reached the elevation where the snow had fallen -- it was c-o-l-d up there! We could've driven further up in elevation, but those grapes were calling. Were we disappointed? Perhaps, but we were still thrilled to see some snow. :)

Bazaar season is quickly approaching (our first one is this coming Saturday), so we've been busy crocheting and beading and making soap... We're praying our hand-crafted goods will be a blessing to the shoppers and that we will in turn be blessed with good sales. :)

And I just had to share this photo. We drive by this street every Thursday morning and have enjoyed the simple beauty of watching the leaves on these trees change color becoming more and more brilliantly red week by week. Gorgeous!

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For what are you thankful today?
Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Muffin Monday - Sunflower Wheat Muffins

2011-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Was today a busy day? It's 8 p.m. and I'm just getting our Muffin Monday post up. Yes, it was a busy day. BUT, it was a terrific day! We got in a full day of lessons, we made applesauce, we listened to a history lecture on castles, we read about the Vikings, we watched two Math-U-See video lessons, and we did get around to baking this week's muffins around 4 p.m. These really are delicious -- enjoy!

Sunflower Wheat Muffins
inspiration here
makes 12 muffins

1 c. + 1 T. shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds, divided
2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. sea salt
1 egg
1/4 c. butter, melted
3 T. raw honey
1 c. milk

Preheat oven to 375F and grease muffin cups with coconut oil or line with paper baking cups.

Measure and stir together the flour, baking powder, 2/3 c. of the sunflower seeds, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.

Measure 1/3 c. sunflower seeds into food processor and process until finely ground; stir into flour mixture.

In a small bowl, beat egg. Stir in oil, honey, and milk. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until blended; don't over mix your muffin batter! Fill prepared muffin cups about 2/3 each with batter. Top each muffin with a light sprinkling of sunflower seeds.

Bake 15 - 20 minutes until lightly golden; check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool slightly before removing muffins to a wire rack.

Bon appetit!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 44th installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 8 more to come, stay tuned!

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe here: Mouthwatering Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, This Chick Cooks, and Real Food Wednesday

Friday Favorites

2011-11-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a full and busy week here in Dole Valley. Lots of quality learning going on in our little home-school. We've enjoyed some early-fall sunshine this week which made closing up our vegetable garden as well as planting daffodil and tulip bulbs for next spring rather pleasant. Prepping for our upcoming holiday craft bazaars is in full swing. And in the midst of it all, a little blog hopping never hurts. Here are my favorites from this week -- enjoy!

I'm looking forward to eventually trying all 12 of the healthy homemade candy recipes shared in this post by the Nourishing Gourmet. YUM!

Cowboy fries? I'm not ashamed to admit that I enjoy a good french fry now and then, but I've never tried Cowboy fries -- never even heard of them until I read this post by Kim over at Jabez Farm. Will definitely be including these in next week's menu. :)

Kathy at Teaching Good Things shared about a recent marriage conference she and her husband attended. Good stuff!

And finally, Nancy Wilson has a thing or two to say regarding the "value and potency of the calling of wife and mother." She does not mince words which is exactly why I love this woman. Be encouraged!

Happy reading!

Easy Peasy Taco Seasoning {Homemade Pantry}

2011-11-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

This has got to be one of our family's all time favorites -- so quick and easy!

Easy Peasy Taco Seasoning

2 T. minced dried onion
2 T. chili powder
3/4 t. sea salt
3/4 t. cumin
1 t. garlic powder

Brown 1 pound ground beef (grass fed is best!) over medium heat, drain fat (or not). Add seasonings and 3/4 c. water; simmer uncovered and give it an occasional stir until water evaporates (about 5 - 10 minutes).

A few of our favorite ways to use this recipe are taco salad, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos. Substitute diced or shredded, cooked chicken or pork for variety. Enjoy!

PS: I've been experimenting with taco sauce recipes and have yet to come up with one my family truly likes. I'd appreciate any recipe suggestions you might be willing to share. :)

~~~~~~~~~~

Visit our Homemade Pantry page for more "healthier version" ideas -- save money and avoid all those nasty artificial ingredients by making your own!

It's Gratituesday :)

2011-11-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

And I'm thankful for...

The gorgeous colors of fall.

A bountiful harvest of corn this year!

And carrots, too.

I'm thankful for children who see beauty in the simple things...

...and who love their momma. :)

For my amazing husband who spoils me rotten.

Who showers me with gifts including this excellent birthday wine.

For the blessing of celebrating my birthday this past weekend with my church family. For the blessing of my adult children with whom I have the best of relationships. For my friends, near and far, who know me and love me anyway. :)

For our family's Reformation Day tradition of watching this:

Since your majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns or teeth. Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason (I do not believe in the authority of either popes or councils by themselves, for it is plain that they have often erred and contradicted each other) in those Scriptures that I have presented, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God, I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.

~Martin Luther (reply to the Diet of Worms)

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts. ~John Calvin

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For what are you thankful today?
Join me for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Muffin Monday - Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

2011-10-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

**If you're curious about our plans for 2012, please read to the end of the post. :)

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
inspiration here
makes 12 muffins

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 c. organic sugar
1/4 c. Rapadura sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. sea salt
3/4 c. organic milk
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 t. real vanilla
1 egg

Topping:

Combine 1/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour with 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar and
1 t. cinnamon. Cut in 3 T. cold butter; we used our food processor. :) Set aside.

UPDATE: Some bakers have had trouble with the topping spilling over onto their muffin pans while baking...our suggestion is to reduce the streusel ingredients by 1/3 to 1/2 depending on your taste preferences. Please let us know how they turn out for you! ~Lisa & AnnaLynn

Muffins:

Preheat oven to 400F and grease muffin cups with coconut oil or line with paper baking cups. Measure and stir together the flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until blended; don't over mix your muffin batter!

Fill prepared muffin cups about 2/3 each with batter. Top each muffin with about
1 tablespoon of streusel topping.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until lightly golden; check with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Cool slightly before removing muffins to a wire rack.

Bon appetit!

We would love to know if you give any of our muffin recipes a try. Let us know how they turn out or if you put a different spin on them. :)

This is the 43rd installment in what will be, Lord willing, our year-long muffin adventure: Muffin Mondays! 52 Mondays, 52 Muffins. There are 9 more to come, stay tuned!

Yes, if you count the Mondays still to come in 2011, you'll find there are only 8 remaining. Not that anyone out there besides us is counting... We're planning a mid-week edition of Muffin Monday sometime in November or December to make up for the first Monday of the year which we missed. Although I'm not perfect, I am a perfectionist. :) We're also planning something a little out of the ordinary to share with you before the year is done which we hope you'll enjoy.

And for those of you who've asked about our plans for 2012, at this point, we're undecided. AnnaLynn has definitely caught the baking bug and wants to continue doing something weekly, we simply haven't decided what that something will be. Feel free to share any ideas you may have. :)

Happy baking!

Proudly sharing this week's muffin recipe here: Mouthwatering Monday, 2 Maids a Baking, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday, Far Above Rubies, Raising Homemakers, Let's Do Brunch, Pennywise Platter, Full Plate Thursday, and Feasting in Fellowship Friday

AND proudly featured this week at Let's Do Brunch hosted by:

Thanks, April! :)

Hold fast... {J.C.Ryle}

2011-10-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Trouble or no trouble—pains or no pains—controversy, or no controversy—one thing is very sure: that nothing but Christ's Gospel will ever do good to our own souls.

Nothing else will maintain our Churches.

Nothing else will ever bring down God's blessing upon our land.

If, therefore, we love our own souls, or if we love our country's prosperity, or if we love to keep our Churches standing, we must remember the Apostles words, and "hold fast," hold firmly the Gospel, and refuse to let it go!

~ J.C. Ryle

Friday Favorites

2011-10-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Internet is a vast resource for just about any information you're looking for, don't you agree? Throughout the week I perform numerous searches (surf, actually, let's be real!) and stumble upon more ideas and articles than I could ever possibly use or read. Often what I find isn't worth mentioning, but occasionally, I come across something that makes my day -- gems of wisdom, words of encouragement, craft ideas, recipes to try, and even the occasional source of a good laugh. :)

Now I don't promise to do this every Friday, but here are a few of my favorites from this week:

Let's start with a few words of encouragement for homemakers: A Brief Statement Regarding Homemakers

Next up is a simple and inexpensive craft idea I found for AnnaLynn to try: Faddish Felt Flower Tutorial

And finally, an interesting article on traditional methods of cooking pork from The Weston A. Price Foundation.

Have a great weekend!

Homemade Kielbasa!

2011-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite childhood memories is our family's tradition of homemade Polish kielbasa. It didn't matter at whose house we would be spending a holiday, it was a given that kielbasa would be on the menu. Of course, there were differences in how much fat or garlic went in to the mix, but in the end, it was homemade, and it was good.

Up until a few years ago, I'd never made kielbasa myself, but thanks to my dad and step mom who gave me the grinder and sausage stuffer attachments for my KitchenAid, I'm happily carrying on the tradition. :)

We used 15 pounds of our own homegrown pork (raised by friends for us); pork shoulder to be specific as it has the right meat to fat ratio for sausage. We added 1 pound of pork fat (from the same pig that was in our freezer) to ensure a juicy sausage. Other ingredients included nearly 2 heads (that's heads, not cloves!) garlic, salt & pepper to taste, and real pork casings (available at Whole Foods or ask your local butcher).

Ready? Sausage making isn't really an attractive process, but here goes...

Chop the meat into slices or cubes that can be fed into the grinder.

Notice the pieces of fat amongst the meat...

Peel and mince garlic. Lots of garlic.

We used almost two entire heads...

Soak and rinse the casings...

That's the kielbasa master (my dad!) working the grinder...

Add the garlic...

Some salt...

and black pepper. Mix it all together along with some water (I've never done the mixing, but the water is added until it "feels right" -- I guess I'll have to learn this part next time).

Form a couple patties and fry them up. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (we needed more salt).

Now that you've ground your pork and are happy with the seasonings, it's time to feed the casing onto the sausage stuffer attachment.

Tie off the end with cotton string.

Now it's time to fill the casings. Grandpa stuffs seasoned sausage into the KitchenAid while Daniel handles the casing end (he's using a pin to poke holes in the casing as it fills to help keep it from breaking open).

Grandpa is looking forward to dinner. :)

I cannot believe I forgot to take pictures when we were finished, so the following photos are from our last "sausage fest" which was back in March.

Pack kielbasa into large freezer bags for future meals, but be sure to leave some out to enjoy for dinner! My favorite way to cook kielbasa is in a frying pan. Simmer with water to cook the sausage until the water evaporates, then brown until cooked through.

Perfection...

Thanks, Dad & M for the wonderful day and for helping me pass our family tradition on to my own children!

PS: While we were busy in the kitchen making sausage, this guy popped out of the woods out back...

Venison kielbasa next year??

~~~~~~~~~~

Sharing our sausage fest with: The Gallery of Favorites, Full Plate Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, and the Homestead Barn Hop! :)

Contentment is...

2011-10-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,
but the realization of how much you already have.

It is not a destination,
it is a state of gratefulness before God.

~Joshua Harris