Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Randomness v49

1.
Bear had blood on his finger, he says to himself....."I do not want to think that is ketchup!"

2.
Monkey- either I wouldn't say anything, or I'd say something.

(how profound)

3.
Regular saying.... Step on a crack and break your mothers back.
Bears new version.... Step on something black and break your dad's sack.
Me- Uhhh....yeah, we are not going to say that one again. :)  (He doesn't even know what that refers to, just rhymed to him.)

4.
Me-We're putting our house on the market.
Bear(8)- How are we going to get it there?

5.
Kangaroo- Run, mommy!  Run for the rest of your life!

6.
Kangaroo- When I got adopted it was the second most specialist day of my life!
Me- What was the first?
Kangaroo- When I asked Jesus to live in my heart.
Me- That's great news. :)

7.
Me- who put Mr. Potato heads Ear in the dishwasher?!

8.
Monkey- Seriously?!?
Me- I'm going to have to ban that word for too much usage?
Bear- Seriously?! We can't say seriously?

9.
Monkey(10)- If dad stored up all his toots he's ever done and did them all at the same time he could blast into space!

10.
Kangaroo- I rememberized it!

11.
Kangaroo- Sometimes when I sit still and watch a movie my armpits get sweaty.
Me- that's weird.



 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Randomness v48

1.
Bear(7)- I want to go back to a booster seat at the table?
Me- why?
Bear- Well, then it's easier for me to reach, and that makes it easier for me to eat, which makes it easier for me to stay alive.
Me- So in short, a booster chair makes it easier for you to stay alive? :)

2.
Monkey(10)- "Just letting you know that out of the random."

3.
Me- since it is spring, we are going to be spring cleaning.
Bear- Is this just a one day thing or every day of spring?  Cuz, this spring cleaning thing sure does make a mess!

4.
Kangaroo(7)- We're making this bathroom look borgeous!

5.
Me- no I'm not going to pay four dollars for body wash for you.
Bear- what about 3.99?

6.
TJ(while at home)- Why does this say I'm in Medford?
Monkey- because I am an inventor.
----This is just a tid bit of our world.  Many things dont make sense.  Many things are added to conversations those people didn't really belong in. :)

7.
Me to son- Smith and Johnson are two of the most common names in America.
TJ- It's also a good lawfirm name.  (Smith & Johnson) Ha.

8.
Me- What Holiday is on February 14th?
Monkey- The Fourth of July!
(FAIL)

9.
Monkey- You're saving glass cans right?

10.
Kangaroo-This is how I cheer him down.  (She mixed cheer up and calm down)

11.
Monkey- Mom we should do activities from a to b.  I mean A to Z.

12.
Bear- Do you get brown eyebrows when you cough?






 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Hospitality...easy as 1,2,3

I love having people over. LOVE it. But have come to realize that not everyone else shares this joy as much as I do.  I think it's clear in God's Word that He wants us to be hospitable.  Not just friendly, or nice when you see someone, but to bring them in and shower them with love from the inside of your home.  Make them feel cared for, thought of, encouraged.  Show them Jesus.

Matthew 25: 35, 40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, 
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, 
as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[f] you did it to me.’


Having company is no easy feat. You have to be prepared. You have to be willing to do something you may not want to do. You may have to do something you do not have the energy to do. But, dare I say it, you should do them anyway.  I don't think that it matters if it is family or old friends or new acquaintances.
 Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Some situations can vary considering how well you know the people and whether it is a stay of 1 hour 4 hours or overnight. But here are three easy things of which to take note!

1. Be prepared.
Know what kinds of foods these people can and can't eat so you are not making them feel uncomfortable when it's time to eat.  Have plenty of food on hand. Either meal wise or snack wise. If they are staying the night make sure you are prepared for all meal options.
Know what types of things they like to do so you can do those things with them. Games, conversation, movies, outdoor activities, shopping, you name it. Have something or even more than one thing planned as an event to do or a backup plan just incase.

2. Be conversational.
Be willing to share stories about things in your life, events you have been to, hobbies, etc.
If it's family conversation may come easy. Not always the case, but sometimes.  You just might have to put in more effort than normal.
Know when enough of one topic is enough. Someone might be sympathetic to your story about being sick, but 5 minutes later they begin to wonder, and 7 minutes later they wish they never acted interested in the first place because they don't really want to continue listening to this same story.  You don't need to be overly aware, but there are some clear signals if someone would like to change the subject.  See them, and guide the conversation accordingly.
If it's newer people you are meeting, when they ask you a question, answer in full sentences, not one word answers. And next, ask them the same question if you don't already know to keep the converstaion flowing.  Dead air can become awkward when meeting new people.

3. Pamper them/Make it about them
Who doesn't want to be pampered?  Make food you don't normally make. Don't just skimp by with whatever is lying around the house. Show them you put much effort into their stay with what you provide for them. This doesn't have to be an expensive meal. I'm just talking about showing you care enough to completely prepare before they came, instead of throwing things together last minute as if it wasn't important.
Make sure they are having a good time. If they want to just sit and talk, even if that's not your cup of tea, do it.  If they like to play games, even if that's not your cup of tea, do it. If they like to stay up late, and you've worked hard all day and cooked and cleaned the house and you are dog tired... for heavens sake, stay up late with them. Pull your self together. It is possible to force and encourage yourself to take one for the team. In this case the team is your company. On the other hand, if they like to go to bed early make sure they feel comfortable enough to be able to do that.


The goal is to give.  Allow them to walk away and feel comfortable, glad, encouraged, welcomed, loved. They should be glad they came and excited to want to do it again, or to do it for someone else. Not glad to go home because of lack of something. They should feel encouraged because of good, godly, healthy conversation. They should feel full because plenty since you were prepared foodwise.

1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.


Who have you had over lately?


 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Black Bean Chicken over Rice

Sometimes you have random things in the pantry, and you have to improvise.  Tonight was one of those nights.  And it turned out amazing!



1 can black beans
2 large chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 Tbsp minced onion
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt & pepper
3 cups rice

I use a rice cooker, and it is WAY better rice than the minute rice I was used to!  Such a great thing.  And so easy.  You should get one too. :)

Cook the chicken over medium to low heat with the broth and all the seasonings, until cooked through and you can shred it easily.  If the broth boils down, add a little more to keep it moist.  When the chicken is shredded add the rinsed can of black beans, and simmer for 5 minutes.  Serve over rice!  Great flavor.

Enjoy!


 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

It's a girl! (adoption day is around the corner)

It's a girl!  We are not expecting in your traditional sense, but we are expecting none-the-less!

Exactly one month from the day I am typing this we will be in court legally documenting this child as a part of our family!  

Our journey started on April 22, 2013 when a social worker brought this child to our home in need of a safe place to stay.  Lots of emotional rollercoaster rides for her and our family have come and gone, and now we are able to rejoice in wonderful news!

We are excited to proclaim it from the mountain tops!  God is allowing us to officially add another forever member to our family.

Look for more details to come, or just ask me!

Also, stay tuned for an adoption party to be held to celebrate this joyous addition to our family!





 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Organization- Junk Drawer

I will admit I have to do this every once in a while.  All kinds of people dig in here and throw stuff in without placing it nicely in there.  So this time I added some extra tupperware dishes that I don't use that much.  I would have used some small boxes if I had some...maybe I will replace the tupperware with boxes if I get get small boxes that size.

Anyway....check it out....


Messy version=annoying




New version with little compartments=much better!

 1 little compartment for small devices, box cutters, tape measurers, pliers, one for sticky notes and scrap paper, one for little flash lights, one for school/office supplies like paper clips, tape, mini stapler etc, one compartment for batteries.  Nice to not have all the little things just rolling around everywhere.


Ahhh...now I don't have to be so frustrated every time I open this drawer.




 

Friday, September 26, 2014

Tracing

Another way to trace a picture.

We are used to putting the picture on the window and tracing it that way.  Now I wanted to introduce another way to trace something.  Through rubbing.

So we took a coloring book page, rubbed pencil all over the back of the page.


Then flipped it over and traced over the lines of the picture.  Now it rubbed the pencil marks from the backside onto the paper underneath.  Then we can trace over it again to make it darker, and color it. :)


I forgot to take a picture after he traced it to make it darker.  But if you enlarge it you can see the pencil marks that transferred through.  Fun experiment for the kids.


 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Painters Tape Art

This is something we did quite awhile ago, but I don't believe I shared with you all.

This is an easy craft that can be done in any shape.  Use painters tape to make the patter or picture you want.  Paint over then entire paper, painters tape and all.  When dry, remove the painters tape to reveal your picture.

Mine was an Easter Scene.

Make your own!








 

Monday, September 22, 2014

Minecraft Poster Make Your Own!

Minecraft is all the rage at the moment.

My son wanted to have a minecraft birthday party.  So I let the kids make their own minecraft poster.  I searched online for the minecraft pictures.  Printed them out and had the kids cut and paste to make their own picture.

Make your own creation on paper!






 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Appetizers GF

Want to put a fun twist on those gluten free appetizers?

Check out these little diddies I made for a ladies event.

 Take a slice of ham, put a little mayo on it, add a small cube of cheese if desired then wrap it up in a long and thinly sliced, cucumber slice.  Nice bite size gluten free appetizer (sandwich).

 For this one, I used cracked pepper turkey, a little dab of mayo, and a pepperoncini all wrapped up in a long thin cucumber slice.


Lastly, I chose hard salami, cut it in half and wrapped it around a baby pickle.  Gedney since they are dye free. :)  Great little bite-size treats.




 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Recycled FORT!

We have had these left over fence panel pieces in our backyard for 5 years.  For all these years we have witnessed our children playing with it even after repeatedly telling them not too.

Finally I decided it had to go.  But first, we had some fun with it.

New neighbors moved in, and we became the hang out.  I said if we are going to be the 'spot' and you are all going to be playing with the wood, trying to build small forts, than lets just build a REAL FORT!

So we all got to work.  The kids took turns ripping the wood fence panels apart, carefully, and taking out the nails.


Then I made the wall frames.

Then we put those walls together to make the frame of the fort.

Next we took each of those fence boards that they had removed and used them for the siding!

Then we placed an entire fence panel on the top for the roof of the fort.

And lastly we added doors.  One big door, and a small trap/secret back door.


Recycling!  Then we were finally able to throw out all the other pieces and get rid of the pile!




 

Monday, September 15, 2014

School Shelving

Organize it up right!

I have had mangled mismatched shelving with the homeschool books for a while now.  Things in all different closets or places.  I had this vision to utilize a wall in our schooling area.  First I was going to build the shelving into the wall.  Well we haven't technically finished that part of the basement yet, so that would be a pain to worry about later.  So instead I decided to make three shelves to cover most of the wall space but giving me flexibility to move them out or around easier if need be.

I figured my size, and how much wood I would need.  Went to Lowe's and asked them to cut all pieces I need.  They do this for free by the way.  So I waited a little while.  And went home with all my perfectly cut pieces of wood, and some screws.  Now just a little work on my part to screw them together and wha-la!  A beautiful shelving unit which puts all my books in one place.  Doesn't it feel great to get that all put together? :)


You can do it too!





 

Friday, September 12, 2014

Measure UP!

When I was growing up my mom marked how tall we were throughout the years.  It was a fun thing to do.  However, now that the time is here where she is planning to move out of my childhood home, how is she going to preserve all those measurements that we wrote on the door jam between the kitchen and the dining room.


Well, I decided to measure up my kids in a more 'move friendly' manner.

Check it out!

Get a 1x4x8 board at your local store.
Measure out your markings with a pen, or marker.  Start measure your children on this board.

Mine fit perfectly in the hallway by the bedroom or bathroom door.  The ceiling is 8 feet tall so I didn't even have to screw it in to the wall.  Now we will always be able to bring this piece with us if we ever need to move.

Enjoy!






 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Kid creations

Monkey decided he wanted to make his own checkers board.  We looked up the size, and it fit perfectly on his lego flat board.  Check it out. :)




 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Mosaics

In learning about the Roman culture, we made our own Mosaic pictures.

Cut 3/4" squares out of construction paper.  You pick the colors.  Draw a basic shape and fill in with the paper squares.  make sure not to over lap the colors for true mosaic effect.











    

Monday, July 21, 2014

Notes from a Foster/Adoptive Parent

Personal notes from me as a foster/adoptive parent.  Things we hear from most everyone once they find out we do foster care or have adopted.  Some is advice to you, and some may be just a little insight so you don’t put your foot in your mouth the next time someone tells you they do foster care or have adopted their child(ren).

1.  I couldn't do that because I wouldn’t want to give them back.

   Are you saying that if a child in need came to your door, you’d say, oh honey, I’d let you come in and feed you and keep you safe, but it will hurt my feelings when you leave, so I’m not going to do that.  Sorry.
   I have a hard time understanding how this sentence can be positive toward me in any way?  To me you are saying I have no heart, or I am insensitive, or I have no feelings and it will not be hard or hurt me when they leave.  Ouch!
   The truth is, you don’t have a choice.  When or if the time comes for them to leave, the social worker says have them ready at something o’clock and then they pick them up.
   Does it hurt!  Oh yes.  But it’s still worth all the effort and work of giving love to a child in need.  And frankly, I think that opens you up to want to help more children in need, even if for a short time.

So- what could you say instead?
-Thank you for giving, even when it hurts.  
-I’m glad you are gifted in this area, because I don’t think it’s my specialty.
-That must be hard, if you ever need a shoulder to lean on during the hard times, you can count on me.
-Or, if you ever want to talk about it, I’d be willing to listen, and pray for you.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2. You’re so lucky to be with them.

    Now I can understand the underlying meaning here, but still. Do you know what these children have gone through in their life?  Even though their family has hurt them in some fashion, it’s the only people they know.  To them, that is how everyone functions.  They don’t know any different, yet.  But in the process, probably a police officer, and a social worker came into their house and put them in a car and brought them to a ‘strangers’ house, until further notice.  From their viewpoint, do you think they are still lucky?

So- what could you say instead?
Nothing.  You do not need to tell them anything regarding this circumstance in their life.  Just accept them, and love them.
Matthew 25: 35,36,40
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, 
I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, 
 was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, 
as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

3.  Do you have any ‘real’ children?

   If only you could see inside my home.  That it’s me who helps them when they get hurt, and it’s me who tucks them in at night, and is there for them in the morning or even when they are crying in the middle of the night.  I’m the one making the food, washing the clothes, teaching them.  Guiding them when they do wrong.  Comforting them when they hurt, or cry just because.  I’m the one who takes them to their doctor appointments and picks them up from any other meetings.  I’m the one who adjusts my schedule to be here for them all day long.  If that is not the love of a parent, then I don’t know what is.  They are really my children for however long they are in my home.  I am really taking care of them.    When you birthed your child, even though you were there, it was not YOU who made that happen.  It was God.  He created the child, and he gave the child to you.  Just because I didn’t birth the child doesn’t mean that we don’t belong together.  God gave me these children, just differently than how God gave you your children.  And not just the adopted ones, but every foster child who ends up here as well.  God placed them here for me to take care of, as a mother.  We are not guaranteed any number of days with our children, even though there is the ‘normal’ life span.  I look at these foster children as an extra member of the family for however many days they end up staying at our house.  3 days, 3 months, 3 years, forever.....They will have been a member of our family, and we will never forget them or the impact they left on our family.  And I can only hope we will leave a Christ-like impact on them, no matter the amount of time they spend here with us.

So- what could you say instead? (If you really need to know....)
Do you have any biological children?  (We refer to the term ‘bio’ for short.)
Romans 8:15b
...You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  

Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

4.  So, are you going to adopt them (him/her)?

   I would love to adopt every foster kid that comes through my door.  But that is not my choice from the start.  Most kids do not come to your home because they are looking for a permanent place to live, but a temporary place to live.  They come to your home because they are in a bad situation and need a safe place to stay until their parents or guardian can get the help they need to get their life back on track.  And if that doesn’t happen, it takes many months of court for them to decide to place the child up for adoption and then many months for the adoption to be final.  It’s not an easy or quick process, unfortunately.

So- what could you say instead?
Nothing.  You do not need to ask this question.  If we were going to adopt them, we would proclaim it from the mountain tops!
Matthew 19:14
 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, 
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

5.  Where did you get your children?
   Seriously?  Why would you need to ask this question?  If you are asking because you know someone who adopted from a certain location, then say that.  We will give you any other information regarding our children that we feel necessary for you to know.  When you foster you are a foster parent for the county that you live in.  So your town, or any small town in your county, that’s where these children are from.  Yes, shocker.....these things happen even in your town!

So- what could you say instead?
A better question could be, where were your children born?
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

6.  Is it hard to love them?
   I’ve got to be honest, I was really taken aback when someone asked me this one.  Is it easy to love your spouse, your mom, your in-laws,  your neighbor, or you name it!   Maybe, maybe not.   But, love is a choice.  Either you’re going to choose to love them, or not.  I’m in it to love them all, the good, the bad and the ugly.  Because that’s what Jesus would do.  And that is what the child so desperately needs.  LOVE.  Unconditional love.  Show them the love of Jesus.
1 John 4:19
 We love because he first loved us

7.  Aren’t you worried that the foster kids will be a bad influence on your other children?
   My response to this is, Do you go to the store?  Do you watch TV?  Do your kids go to public school?  Aren’t you afraid those people will be a bad influence to your kids?  Of course you need to prepare for bad influences.  That is why you teach your children how to act appropriately, and how to make wise choices.  It’s much easier to be there and watch the lessons my children are learning while they are happening under my roof, before they grow up and learn these lessons without anyone to help coach them through it or afterwards.  If anything, this is a great way to teach your children first hand the differences in people, the way our choices affect us and those around us, and how to be a good example to others.

So- what could you say instead?
I don’t have just one answer here, so maybe you could honestly and sincerely ask us what it’s like on a day to day basis?
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

8.  You’re too strict.
   We each have our own methods of teaching our children.  All children need boundaries, some need more than others.  And not all, but many foster children have lived a life of no boundaries.  They don’t say it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks for no reason.  The longer you have lived life with no boundaries the harder it is to learn in some cases.  Thus the more consistent you need to be in your follow-through of any circumstance.  If you feel bad for the child, it’s because you know nothing about them, or their behaviors or their current needs, and you are not thinking about what is best for them.  We are trying to give them what they need to succeed in life.  
   I think we need to all be more understanding of each parent’s disciplinary choices.  You don’t get to pick how I discipline and I don’t get to pick how you discipline.  Even advice in this area is not so well received by most anyone not just foster parents, that maybe we shouldn’t give it unless specifically asked.  However, if you took time to get to know the different needs of the child, you might change your thinking all together about the "strictness".
Matthew 7:9-10
 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!

9.  All kids do that.
   This one really gets my goat.  No, all kids do not do that.  At least, they do not do it for the same reason as this child.  Yes, we are all sinners, and all kids are naughty at some point.  Yes, all kids have many similar actions, and go through many similar life cycles.  However, foster/adoptive children have most often been through a traumatic time in their young life.  They possibly were exposed to drugs and alcohol prenataly, and/or after birth and many of the choices they make are not because all children do that.  It’s because they don’t know how to express the pain they have lived and they are acting it out through naughtiness or something else maybe even something worse.  It’s because they were robbed of consistency, and love and support during the most important times of life for a child.  And now they are acting out in a way that reflects their history, and/or their disabilities/special needs, most of which are disabilities that are not noticeable to the naked eye.


10.  Why isn’t your kid in this or that class? or Why didn’t you guys come last night?
   There are some events we are not going to be able to attend, either as adoptive parents of special needs kids, or as foster parents.  As a foster parent you live life by the day.  You have no idea even that day what is going to happen, so it’s hard to plan things out.  I can’t guarantee that we are going to be able to attend that service, or that party, or most things, because I don’t know how my children are going to behave that day, or how many children I will have in my house that day.  Just like “that” a social worker could bring 1, 2 or more foster kids to my house.  There is little warning.  When new ones come we are unable to attend because we know nothing about these new ones.  We need to get acquainted, we need to adjust to a new normal, we need to learn what their temperaments are like, and how they will act in different areas and situations.  Like I said previously about the non-visual disabilities, they can not always handle the stress of groups.  Or they are highly sensitive to the lack of boundaries in those class/activity types of settings that they start their acting up, or resort to their old ways.  Then it’s all down hill from there.  
   Maybe it’s our adopted kids, or foster children we’ve had in the home for quite awhile.  The special needs that come from the years of trauma and neglect these children suffered at such a young age is not going to go away quickly.  It takes a long time to help clean up the negative before you can even start adding the positive to their life.  One thing can resort their brain to survival mode.  And it’s not a pretty sight.  Sometimes for yours, mine and the child’s sake it’s best we stay home.

So- what could you say instead?
We missed you, but understand you couldn’t make it.



What can you do for us?

Bring us meals, or host a shower for us when a new child comes to our house.  You do it for someone who has a baby.  And this is just as life changing and stressful.  We need to know people are there for us.

Offer us some of your used items.  We are constantly going through clothes of all sizes in either gender, and shoes wear out like crazy, and toys get wore out from all the different children.  Looking to downsize your toys, or baby/children items.  See if a foster family can use them.

Offer to fill out paperwork to be a legal babysitter for us!  We need a break sometimes, and unlike birthed children, we can not just call any babysitter.  We have to set it up with another foster family, who likely is already filled up with other foster kids, or not go anywhere.  My husband and I have not been on a date just the two of us for maybe a year.  Either I go and he stays with the kids or he goes and I stay with the kids, or we all go somewhere together.  So, fill out the background check and attend one meeting.  Then you are legally able to babysit for us on short notice.  What I wouldn’t do to have you in my life.

Check in on us sometimes.  Things are up and down and always changing.  Maybe we just need you to check in and make sure we are ok.  Or maybe we ran out of toilet paper, and there is no way to get to the store right now.  Like for instance when there were six kids in the house and I can’t leave any of them home alone, but I also can’t fit that many kids in my van at the same time and my husband is at work. :)

Notice us.  I can’t say it enough.  Foster parents are few and far between and there isn’t a big foster family group where we can all get together to encourage one another.  We need others to be understanding even when they don't understand.  Be there for us in the good and the bad.  Stand behind us no matter what.

Mourn with us.  A child that we have taken in and loved as a part of our family is gone.  That is loss my friend.  Loss hurts.  Loss and grief do not go away in 1 hour or 1 day or 1 week or 1 year.  We will always remember that child, we will always miss that child.  Don’t make us feel like we can’t talk about these children that we miss.  Whether you knew them or not.  The children will come and go, but we will not lose the memories we made with them while they were here.



 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Choice Point

Some times you just need a visual.  Right?

We are constantly talking about the two paths of life.  One leading to reward and the other leading to consequence.  Recently I decided to make it be a cliff instead, and had the idea to make it a visual as well.

So here's the end result.





It always seems like an easy choice when we are asked which way we'd rather go.  But when you're in the heat of the situation, sometimes we jump right off the cliff before we even know where we are.  And when that happens, consequence comes and there is no way out.  I think that is the better part of the cliff senario for my kids in this picture.  This shows them that once they have jumped into the consequence "Danger Zone" you can't just turn around and now get back on the other path easily.  It takes a little more effort than that.


Hope you can utilize this as well.



 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Photoblog updates

I did a couple photo shoots for family this week.  So I updated my photo blog.  Also added some from March that I hadn't put on here yet.  Click on over to check them out.

Isaac turns 1
Perrizo Kids
Friesen Kids
Nolan turns 1


 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Wednesday Brunch.4

Wednesday Brunch take 4.


Eggs, sliced apples, and cinnamon raisin biscuits with glaze.

Click the link to see the recipe for the cinnamon raisin biscuits!

Enjoy!


 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Homemade Caramel Corn

Need a quick sweet treat.  Well, try this on for size.

Homemade Caramel Corn

1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup coconut oil (or butter)
1/2 cup brown sugar
Air popped PopCorn

Bring the first three ingredients to a rolling boil.  Then pour over the air popped corn and toss evenly.  Enjoy while still warm!  Don't let sit too long.  The caramel mixture is best when warm and chewy.  Otherwise it hardens up.  The chewy version is more my style. :)



 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits w/glaze (almond flour)

The kids really like this recipe for almond flour biscuits that I have.  They said it almost tastes like a cookie.  I'm guessing the sweet from the little bit of honey in the recipe makes it taste nice and sweet like that.  So then I thought, what if I added some raisins and cinnamon, make a glaze and turn this little treat into a breakfast food.

Well the kids loved it again!

Cinnamon Raising Biscuits w/glaze

2 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup coconut oil (or other butter replacement)
2 eggs
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon

In a bowl combine the almond flour, salt, cinnamon and baking soda.
In a small bowl mix the coconut oil, eggs and honey.  Stir the dry and wet ingredients together until a nice dough is formed.  Lastly mix in the raisins.  Sprinkle some almond flour on the counter top surface.  Place the ball of dough on the floury surface.  Flatten with your hands.  Use a jar or cup to cut out the round biscuits and place on a pan.  Cook at 350 for 15 minutes or until they are browned on the bottom and edges.

For the simple glaze mix powdered sugar with vanilla almond milk, until a glaze like consistency.  Pour over each biscuit before serving.

Click here to see all my gluten free dairy free recipes so far.


 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Wednesday Brunch.3

Wednesday Brunch is still a hit.




Today we had fruit salad (which seems to be the favorite thing of brunch), bacon and homemade granola bars.


Shake up your meal time a little.  It's the little things that go a long ways most times.

 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Garlic Bread (GFDF)



Gluten free Garlic Bread

We do not usually have bread.  But we decided to add it to our meal tonight.  So I took a store bought loaf of gluten free bread.  Placed some coconut oil and garlic salt between each slice.  Wrapped it in tinfoil and baked it at 425 for 20-30 minutes or so until it was toasted enough to my liking.

This was the perfect addition to our meal.  Everyone loved it.

Sometimes it's the simple things!


Click here to see all my gluten free dairy free recipes so far.



 

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