My Kitchen's Gone Crazy!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-02-12T11:29:00.001-08:00

Warmth from the Sunshine is Perfect!!!

1 – A whole week with my Mom here to visit!!!

2 – Getting some bigger projects done with my Mother’s help . . . washing window blinds, wiping down kitchen cabinets inside and out, fabric shopping, etc! So nice to have the extra hands and extra energy!

3 – Daylight by 7am!

4 – Dancing in the kitchen with my kiddos :)

5 – Ivey’s own dance of excitement every time she sees food . . . and her new found love for the word “snack”

6 – Camden’s own dance of wiggly joy when we go to get him up each morning!

7 – Dallin’s own constant dance of movement throughout the day . . . he is just so full of energy that is continually spilling out!

8 – Getting out garage door springs fixed and a new opener installed. Who knew that a garage door could
actually be quiet!?!

9 – Jonathan’s crazy work week is done – and he
survived it :)

10 – And did I mention . . . Mom was here this week! What a sweet and fun comfort to have her around!

Energy Bites

2012-02-07T14:30:00.001-08:00

From Gluten-Free Deliciously by Jennifer Cinquepalmi
Yields 2 dozen mini muffin bites.

These turned out great and tasted like a gooey granola bar – they sure make for a quick and yummy grab at snack time!

1 cup Sunflower Seeds
2 cups Flaked Coconut
1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
1 Egg plus 1 Egg White
1/2 cup Honey
1/2 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 tsp Salt

In a food processor or blender, grind the sunflower seeds until they are a flourlike consistency. Then in a bowl, combine the ground sunflower seeds with the remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon into some mini muffin tins – filling them to the top and packing the mixture down with the back of a spoon. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pan.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-02-05T11:17:00.001-08:00

Umm, looks like a lovely place to take a stroll . . .

1 – Even with some busy evenings this week . . . time at the end of each day to be with Jonathan!

2 – The soft patter of rain on the windows!

3 – Ivey’s silly side . . . and being silly with her :)

4 – Dallin lost his first tooth and also measured up healthy and strong at his 6 year well-check!

5 – Getting the leak in our roof fixed quickly and at
a low cost!

6 – Our game this week of trying to keep three balloons in the air at one time – and all the silly giggles it brought!

7 – Dallin’s great joy for “scootering”!!!

8 – Camden’s own “scootering” and his ability to get around the house more . . . and yes, now pull things off shelves :)

9 – Our taxes are done and ready to file . . . and to know a refund is coming!

10 – Not needing our heat during the day and being able to throw open some windows due to our wonderful sunshine and spring-like temperatures! I LOVE fresh air!!!

11 – So glad for when friends come to play!

12 – My Mom is coming to visit . . . for a whole,
entire week!!!

The Quilt

2012-01-31T15:12:00.001-08:00

The Quilt – T. Davis Bunn

This is a short story but it makes you stop and take time to think about how you are blessed.

It tells a simple story of Mary – an older woman who feels the need to make one more quilt before she dies. And it tells of the reactions of all those who hear of her desires. The women who do come to help are asked only to do their best and to give silent prayers of gratitude as they work.

One passage that I enjoyed comes from Jody (one of Mary’s daughter-in-law’s) after she read a verse in the Bible about giving thanks to the Lord. She said . . .

“I saw how all things that I worried about were shadows that kept me from seeing what I really needed to do, which was be thankful.”

How often do we get so busy or simply get down on ourselves that we can’t soak in the simple goodness that already surrounds us?

I hope that I can shake more of the “shadows” that cloud my mind and see more of the goodness that I am
meant to see!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-01-29T17:26:00.001-08:00

Time to Look Back :)

1 – Watching the movie Little Women with Jonathan . . . the movie always makes me want to lose myself in
the book again :)

2 – Monday routines with clean laundry at the end of it all!

3 – Dallin’s birthday and having fun celebrating with
him all day long!

4 – “Quiet time” after lunch each day!

5 – Tuesday evenings with Jonathan as we read, discuss, and drink hot chocolate!

6 – Camden and his newly acquired skill of scooting forward!

7 – Kids who start each day fresh and happy!

8 – Ivey and her love for twirling :)

9 – Prayer and peace!

10 – Jonathan . . . plain and simple :)

Gentle’s Holler

2012-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Gentle’s Holler – Kerry Madden

I picked up this book from the library – I was drawn in by the beautiful cover!

I liked this book – I didn’t like this book :)

Why did I not like it? It just had an overall sad feel to it – and I just don’t think that I was in the mood for the slower storyline. Plus, from the books description and all, I thought it would follow more directly the storyline surrounding Gentle. But her story is quite a small part. The book really gives a great overview of each family member though with their struggles and dreams!

Why did I like it? I loved the flavor of the various characters – they were each unique and I could picture them perfectly in my mind! I loved the feel of their home life in the holler. I loved the traveling book mobile :) I loved the sense of closeness in the family despite the hardships that come along. I loved that Livy Two found comfort in writing songs. And I loved that the “mean” grandma who finally comes to visit turns out to be such a
wonderful woman!

Jello Jigglers

2012-01-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

From Everyone’s Ideas on Recipezaar :)

2 (3 ounce) boxes of Jello – flavor of your choice
1 1/2 cups Boiling Water

Place Jello powder into a 9x9 pan and then pour the boiling water over it. Stir well until the Jello is fully dissolved. Chill until set and then cut into squares for serving.

Note – Some recipes suggested dissolving the Jello in the pan you used for boiling the water, spraying your 9x9 pan with cooking spray, and then pouring the Jello into the pan. They said it helped make it easier to get the Jigglers out in the end. I have not tried this yet – I just use my little metal brownie spatula to scoop mine out and it has worked fine for me.

Also, you could use cookie cutters on these to make fun shapes as well!

Aren’t Jigglers just fun!?!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-01-22T11:50:00.001-08:00

Hmm – A Frosty Winter World This Week!

1 – Warm tapioca pudding . . . True comfort food!

2 – A warm home and plenty of groceries in the house during our very snowy week!

3 – Power that stayed on even after the lights flickered on and off so much!

4 – Hearing Dallin’s laugh echo from the park as he went sledding with neighbor friends – true joy :)

5 – The kind dad’s who were home from work (due to the snow) that brought a bonfire to the park and made hot chocolate and smores for the kids who were sledding!

6 – Having Jonathan work from home – and having him come “down from work” each day to join us for lunch! Such a great mid-day celebration!

7 – Popcorn for snack time . . . twice this week :)

8 – Having my friend Sarah and her girls – Ella and Abby – just around the corner! So nice to be able to walk to each others homes to play while the roads were so slippery.

9 – Camden cut his first tooth!

10 – Ivey and her excited way of jabbering . . . as if she is telling you the greatest thing in the world!

11 – Our kind friend who came to watch our kids last night so that Jonathan and I could go to the temple together!

12 – Quiet time to read each day!

Homemade Turkey Sausage

2012-01-19T11:40:00.001-08:00

From Zonya Foco

For 2 pounds of ground turkey . . .

3/4 cup Applesauce
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 1/2 tsp Sage
1 1/2 tsp Thyme
1 1/2 tsp Rosemary
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper – or Chili Powder
10 grinds of Fresh Black Pepper
(Or just increase the regular pepper listed above)
3/4 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Oil

Place ground turkey in a large bowl and break it up a bit. In a separate bowl, mix together the applesauce and all the various seasonings. Pour over the ground turkey and mix together very thoroughly. (I use my hand mixer to do this but you can also just mix it with your hands.)

Divide the ground turkey into portions that you will use for your family. Wrap up as necessary and freeze for later use.

Note – If you follow the link above on Zonya’s name, her recipe will tell you how to divide out the sausage into breakfast patties. They are great to have on hand and cook up quickly!

Any Conclusions?

2012-01-17T16:57:00.001-08:00

Just what does it say about a household when half
– yes, truly and truthfully –
of the weekly garbage is diapers!?!

And with this being the mid-day condition of our garbage cans . . . do you think the garbage men are going to make it out today to take all our diapers away!?!

They look even worse now :)

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-01-15T17:04:00.001-08:00

A Bit of Our Winter World :)

1 – A Sunday afternoon nap last week . . . due to having Stake Conference in the morning!

2 – A Date with Jonathan! Like where we really got a babysitter and went out . . . Dinner, Dessert, and a Movie! It was wonderful!!!

3 – Watching little kids dance :)

4 – Warming up leftovers for dinner – so simple and nice!

5 – Warm cookies for snack time . . . twice this week!

6 – Learning a great lesson . . . never leave the house without Ivey or a set of keys!

7 – Our kind neighbors who rescued us after Ivey locked the front door as I went out to get Dallin from the school bus! (They have a spare key to our house!)

8 – Time at the temple!

9 - The warmth of our house as we watched fat, fluffy snowflakes fall yesterday afternoon!

10 – Looking forward to Potato Salad for dinner . . .
So Yummy!!!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-01-08T16:09:00.001-08:00

Fresh Colors – Fun Picture :)

1 – Kiddos who go to bed easily each night!

2 – Baby wipes . . . they come in handy in so many ways! I may never stop buying them – even after diaper
days are done :)

3 – Having the morning sky clear enough that we could see the colors of the sunrise!

4 – Finding new puzzles at Goodwill . . . puzzles are so addicting and Jonathan and I have lots of fun
doing them together!

5 – Walking with Amy . . . it seemed so miraculous!

6 – Dallin discovering his first loose tooth!

7 – Dropping Ivey off at her MOPS class and having the teacher compliment Ivey on being so well behaved!

8 – Camden getting stronger and better at sitting up!

9 – Being able to go to Oregon to visit Mark and Kenda and see my niece Julia get baptized . . . and getting to see my parents as well!

10 - Warm brownies just coming out of the oven – ready for some peanut butter topping! Gotta go :)

Cassie Binegar

2012-01-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

Cassie Binegar – Patricia MacLachlan

The story of Cassie who . . .

Has a strong need for her own space and finds it under the long tablecloth of the kitchen table.

Has a mind tender mind and is trying to learn to look through other people’s “eyeglasses”.

And learns from her Grandmother that “Life is filled with small perfect moments that are only there for a short time . . . Like catching snow on your hand.”

Hmm . . .

2012-01-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Now just what was I doing 11 years ago today?

Getting ready for my first date with Jonathan :)

So, a happy day of remembering the first time
I met MY LOVE!!!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2012-01-01T11:10:00.001-08:00

A New Day . . . A New Year!

1 – Beginning the week with Christmas and ending the week with the start of a New Year!

2 – The message about Hope from Music and the
Spoken Word today.

3 – Joy from the Christmas cards we received! It is always so good to see pictures of our friends and family - Especially those who we have not see for a while!

4 – Fun little celebrations yesterday as a family . . . finishing a puzzle, making cookies, drinking root beer floats, playing Yahtzee, library time, and just being together!

5 – I did not like the noisy fireworks that caused Dallin to wake up in a panic last night . . . but it did create a fun moment as we cuddled him in bed with us, opened our window blinds, and watched the colorful display of fireworks from our bedroom as the clock rolled over to the New Year!

6 – Staying up with Jonathan last night for our New Year’s Eve movie night! Our theme was Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as we watched You’ve Got Mail and
Sleepless in Seattle :)

7 – Taking my kids for well-child checks with our Doctor – and getting good reports about their growth! Ivey and Camden both had their turns last month and Dallin will get his turn this month as he turns 6 years old!

8 – Thinking of good friends I have made over the years and the influence they have had on my life!

9 – Physical Therapy – a friend to both Camden
and me these days!

10 – Thoughts of the New Year ahead . . . and wondering just what this year will bring me and my family!

Mexican Polenta Casserole

2011-12-29T14:44:00.001-08:00

Modified from Recipezaar

Polenta Layer – (This can be prepared in advance.)
2 cups Water
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Dry Onion
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1/2 cup Polenta
1/2 cup Shredded Cheese

Bring the water and seasonings to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta and then reduce heat. Allow to simmer for about 7-10 minutes until thickened – stirring occasionally to avoid lumps. Then add the cheese and stir until it is melted. Pour the polenta into a greased 9x9 pan and spread evenly.

Other ingredients -
1/2 of an Onion – chopped
2 cups Shredded Chicken
1 (10oz) can Enchilada Sauce
1 (16oz) can Refried Beans
Shredded Cheese as desired

Sauté onions in a little oil until they start to soften. Add the chicken and enchilada sauce and allow to simmer 7-10 minutes.

Spread the refried beans over the polenta. Cover with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes. Serve topped with sour cream!

Note – I use enchilada sauce in place of the tomato sauce and other seasoning that the original recipe called for. It was just what I had on hand and it was convenient to use.

Also, I have cut the recipe in half but still use a full can of refried beans and some extra chicken mixture – these portions seem to help the recipe to have equal amounts in all layers.

You can also make this using ground beef instead of chicken. Or you can add some black beans in place of some of the chicken. Mix it up however you like – it sure is yummy!

Prairie Summer

2011-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

Prairie Summer
– Bonnie Geisert

As I was browsing the library shelves, I came across a book called Prairie Winter – it looked good and so I brought it home. I read a little about it and found that it was the third book in a series. So I returned it and picked up Prairie Summer – the book that starts out the series.

I likes this story. It was simple in it’s telling and I liked that. I think I say that often about books but my mind really likes stories that are simple and have a real life feel to them. I enjoy the picture that gets painted in my mind by the everyday doings of others.

Rachel is the main character in this story and she is about 10 years old. She lives on a farm with her parents, her oldest sister Carol, and two others sisters – Kim and Susie. Their father has taught them all to work hard and they each have big responsibilities around the farm. Rachel often feels like she falls short of pleasing her father and wonders if he really likes her or not. But as the book comes to an end, she gains a better understanding for who her father is and the love he truly has for his girls.

I liked watching the relationships between the sisters. Kim is just older than Rachel and they have a harder time getting along. Carol – the oldest sister – is very kind and patient with Rachel and I loved her ability to step in and help Rachel. Susie is the youngest and has a fun, carefree personality that made me smile.

This book is not a fast paced adventure and it does not have some main plot that has to be solved . . . it just gives the view of farm life through the eyes of a 10 year old girl as she learns to be part of the work, takes time to read and play, and gains confidence from the bits and pieces of
life around her.

Sugar Cookies

2011-12-26T14:37:00.001-08:00

Modified from Gluten-Free Deliciously
by Jennifer Cinquepalmi

1/2 cup Shortening
1 cup Sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla
2 1/4 cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
3-4 Tbsp Vanilla Yogurt

Cream together the shortening and sugar – add egg and vanilla and mix well. Sift in dry ingredients. Add yogurt (using 3-4 Tbsps as needed to make the mixture moist). Mix well . . . the dough will be very thick but this will help allow you to roll the dough out.

Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters if desired or simply roll dough into balls and flatten slightly on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-9 minutes.

Note – The original recipe calls for water instead of yogurt. When I first made these, I thought they were a little dry, so I tried substituting yogurt for the water and I really like how they turned out. It makes for a really soft and chewy cookie!

These would also be good with chocolate chips added :)

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-12-25T20:21:00.001-08:00

I love random moments . . . and catching my kiddos
in a cute spot :)

1 – A full week with Jonathan home!

2 – Anniversary time and going out to lunch together – thanks to the help of my good friend Amy who piled our three kids in with hers for a couple of hours!

3 – Filling my flower beds with Tulip, Daffodil, Hyacinth, and Iris bulbs!

4 – A simple but fun family trip as we took a night out to see the lights, eat out, and spend the night in a hotel – with swim time the next day!

5 – My birthday . . . 32 years old feels great so far :)

6 – Christmas Eve Day and feeling the excitement
build – especially for Dallin!

7 – Christmas Day and the joy of watching our kiddos discover their gifts . . . and the fun to surprising Jonathan and getting surprises from him!

8 – Finding out that Jonathan and I each bought the movie “You’ve Got Mail” for each other – it made for a good laugh today!

9 – Music all around our house as the kids used their new instrument set . . . and the ring of Dallin’s new
walkie-talkies to go along with it all :)

10 – My family and simply being with them in all
we did this week!

Twitterpated . . .

2011-12-19T19:35:00.001-08:00

Twitterpated – An Adjective Meaning Smitten or Love-Struck :)

Today marks 9 years of marriage for Us!

What wonderful things have come our way over the years and we look forward to more as we greet each new day together!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-12-18T10:28:00.001-08:00

Just One More Week Until Christmas!

1 – Celebrating Ivey’s 2nd birthday and picking up her new pictures – she sure is our Sweetie Pie!!!

2 – Sunshine and “warmer” temperatures yesterday!

3 – Seeing the sun rise a few days ago . . . the sun has been seriously missing from our skies lately so it was wonderful and beautiful to open our window blinds to the pinks, yellows, and reds of the sunrise!

4 – Dallin got to finish the last part of his train at the Build and Grow clinic and he did a great job making each piece!

5 – I love my warm, fuzzy green shirt – it keeps me
cozy all day :)

6 – Getting a small package from my visiting teacher and finding a beautiful ornament inside for our Christmas Tree – pictured above!

7 – Talking over Christmas ideas for the kiddos with Jonathan and getting some shopping done!

8 – Hot Chocolate Evenings with Jonathan after the kiddos are asleep . . . and yes, also the times when we share hot chocolate with them too :)

9 – Camden as he works and works to reach for things around him and how we can just see his brain at work as he seems to think . . . “Now just how am I going to get that!?!”

10 – Today is Ivey’s “Gotcha Day” and it is sweet to think back on how two years ago her adoption placement was done and we took her “home” to our hotel for the first time!

A Friend and A Book . . .

2011-12-18T08:48:00.001-08:00

My friend – Kammy – is hosting a book give-a-way on her blog. Check our her review for Awakenings by Mabel D.F. Cowie and then enter your own comment and name on her contest post to give yourself a chance at a free book!!!

I am hoping for the best as I put my own name in . . . and if I don’t win, I will surely be in line for this at the library :)

It sounds like a fun and imaginative read!

Dollop the Jam Cake :)

2011-12-16T14:59:00.001-08:00

I had some fun making Ivey’s birthday cake yesterday . . . she turned two years old!!!

I wanted to somehow put a fun surprise inside her cake and the thought of using Strawberry Jam and Chocolate Chips was just calling to me :)

So here is what I did . . .

1 - I used followed a white cake recipe and after making the batter, continued as follows:

2 - Pour half the batter into your prepared pan (I made half of the recipe from the link above so I used a 9x9 pan.)

3 - Using small spoonfuls, drop strawberry jam over that batter as desired and then sprinkle with a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

4 - Carefully spread the remaining batter overtop and the bake as directed on the recipe.

We finishing ours off using chocolate frosting and adding sprinkles – Dallin’s brilliant idea – and you can see the yumminess for yourself below :)

Ivey declared it to be “Nummy” and we definitely
all agreed with her:)

So try out our little variation next time you are in the mood for some Jam and Chocolate!

Remembering Isaac

2011-12-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Remembering Isaac – Ben Behunin

This is the first book in a three book series – My Mom gave them to us last year for Christmas and I have enjoyed my reading time with this series so far!

This book follows a young man named Jake who has just graduated from College and he is looking for a job making pottery. He comes across an advertisement from a small town named Niederbipp . . . and they are looking for a new town potter. Jake applies and is accepted for the position. He comes to find out that the former potter – Isaac – passed away and left his apartment and pottery studio to be handed on to the new potter. So Jake finds himself set up in the small town and also now under the watchful eye of all the small town residents :)

Jake is quickly well liked by all who meet him. And it is through the people he meets that he comes to understand the row of mugs that hang inside the pottery studio. Each mug represents a person that Isaac helped in some way. And they represent the time they would come to spend with him – to visit and share a cup of his peppermint tea. One by one, each of these people come to the pottery studio to meet Jake and tell how Isaac influenced their life. It is through these stories that Jake begins to understand just what kind of a person Isaac was and also gains inspiration for the great task placed before him . . . creating Isaac’s memorial bench for the local cemetery.

I really enjoyed reading this book! It is really like reading a bunch of short stories – as you come to know each person who had been a friend of Isaac’s – but there is also a running storyline to help put all the pieces together. And I really loved reading of the wisdom and kindness of Isaac as it was shared by so many. Their stories really helped to show how he was (as the last part of the title says) the “wise and joyful potter of Niederbipp”.

This story made for some good comfort reading and I look forward to reading the other two books soon!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-12-11T21:09:00.001-08:00

Thinking . . . Thinking . . . Thinking . . .

1 – A pretty “normal” week – simply full of regular stuff that needed to get done!

2 – Getting Ivey’s new pictures taken in honor of her birthday that is coming up – they turned out just great!

3 – Helping out in Dallin’s class and his excitement about me being there with him!

4 – Watching Camden begin to reach out for things . . . just knowing his brain is thinking “I really want that - now how am I going to get it!?!”

5 – Our warm home – especially with the cold, cold week
that we have had!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-12-04T20:01:00.001-08:00

Peaceful Outlook . . .

1 – Going to the temple with Jonathan last Friday! It has been quite a few months since we have been able to attend together and it was a wonderful evening!

2 – Dallin’s joy as he gets to play with his friends!

3 – The beginning of December – a busy but fun month ahead of us!

4 – Putting up our Christmas decorations!

5 – Going walking once this week with Amy – it was a perfect morning and we even got around the lake twice! Truly a record these days :)

6 –Camden’s joy at finding his jabber voice :)

7 – A week of feeling better and better each day!

8 – Ivey’s joy as she gets to be outside!

9 – Warm peach cobbler with fresh whipping cream!

10 – Reading time with a good book . . . Remembering Isaac
by Ben Behunin!

Born to Fly

2011-11-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

Born to Fly – Michael Ferrari

What a fun read . . . and a fast moving, action filled ending!

Bird – an eleven year old girl living in Maine – wants to fly! But during the years of the second world war, that just was not a thing a proper young lady would do. Her father is wonderful though and helps Bird to explore her dreams! He is soon called off to war and Bird feels left behind – not really sure just where she fits in with her family or the town.

Bird soon forms a friendship with Kenji – a young boy new to her school who is shunned by others because he is Japanese. It does not take long before they find themselves up against an adventure bigger than they could ever believe and it tests the power of their friendship to the very limits.

In the end, Bird and Kenji find out what it means to truly trust each other, the town’s ability to accept others who may be ‘different’ is strengthened, and Bird’s dream to fly
becomes a reality!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-11-27T19:55:00.001-08:00

A cozy way to take a ride :)

1 – A quiet Thanksgiving and time at home as a family!

2 – Camden finally feeling better and giving us smiles!

3 – Talking to both my Dad and my brother Wade today . . . A two-for-one birthday special!

4 – The return of Peppermint Bark Cheesecake – gotta love this time of year at the Cheesecake Factory :)

5 – The two Dr. Wendy’s at our local clinic and all the help they have given our family this week!

And so now, a new week is here . . . just what will it bring!?!

The Believers

2011-11-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

The Believers – Janice Holt Giles

A little while back, I read Hannah Fowler . . . a novel by this same author. This book continues that storyline by following one of Hannah Fowlers daughters – Rebecca.

I really enjoyed this book! Although it did drive me a bit crazy to read it :) It takes place in the early 1800’s and in a time when women were still just meant to follow their husbands and not speak their minds. And that is what drove me crazy – being put right in with Rebecca’s thoughts and feelings but then seeing that she felt restrained in telling her husband how she really felt. There were times when I just wanted to call out to her “don’t do it, just leave!” but . . . I knew she would not hear me :)

Besides all that – I liked how the story captured the scene of the religious revivals and everyone who was out to seek for truth. It taught me quite a bit about the Shakers – I really did not know anything about them. I was impressed with how they would gather groups of people and organize their work in such a way that their little communities could become self sufficient. They were a peaceful and loving people but also very strict in their ways. I am glad for the things I learned about the Shakers through this novel. But as I read, my thoughts were much like Rebecca’s – she had a love for the people but just could not see how their way of life could ever really survive.

Rebecca follows her husband into the Shaker life – of his choosing and not hers. But I was impressed with her ability to get in and work – to learn and make the most of her situation. The joy she found as she got to teach the children. Her devotion to her family – and her joy in being able to go visit her parents even though that reunion had a sad ending. Her good heart that wanted what was best for each person around her. And finally her strength and her courage to stand up for what she wanted!

Rebecca’s years in the Shaker village were certainly not wasted – I truly feel she needed the experiences there to help her to solidify her own beliefs and give her the foundation she needed to move on in life.

And it all turns out with a sweet and perhaps surprising love story in the end :)

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-11-20T19:44:00.001-08:00

It’s a bit frosty outside these days!

1 – The warmth and comfort of our home!

2 – Being able to volunteer in Dallin’s class for the first time . . . it was fun to be there!

3 – Hearing Dallin’s teacher call the kids “Friends” . . . such as “Now friends, it is time to start cleaning up.”

4 – Ivey and her continual desire to “see” everything that is going on :) As soon as I begin something, she comes running in asking “See, see!”

5 – Camden’s round cheeks as he smiles and the fuzz on the top of his head that continues to give hope for hair one day!

6 – The help of my dear husband as I was quite
sick on Friday!

7 – And the help of my dear friend Amy who brought us dinner that night!

8 – Dallin and his tender concern as I was sick and having him tell me that he wished he could stay home from school to help take care of me!

9 – Being able to be up and around again!

10 – Dallin asking to borrow some post-it notes and then finding notes for each of us telling us he loves us!

11 – Finding peace for the end of my day as I type and listen the background music on the blog A Holy Experience.

12 – Looking forward (I truly HOPE!) to finally kicking all the germ bugs from our home this week and getting everyone better!!!

Touch the Moon

2011-11-14T16:33:00.001-08:00

Touch the Moon – Marion Dane Bauer

This was a quick read – about 75 pages – and turned out to be a good story in the end.

Jennifer is the young girl in this story and it is her birthday. She has always wanted a real horse but only gets a china horse statue and a note for riding lessons from her father. She is very disappointed over the gift and thinks that her father doesn’t understand her at all.

Later on, as the horse statue comes to life and Jennifer shares in an adventure with him . . . she begins to see that her father understands her better than she thought.

The one part I did not like about this book is that the horse – Moonseeker – is grumpy. We do find that his frustrations and fears about life come from being boxed up (as a statue) for so long. He does have a tender side but I wish that side of him would have shown more.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-11-13T19:53:00.001-08:00

I would love to take a long walk here . . .

1 – The end of a LONG week :)

2 – My washing machine and dryer . . . to keep things clean for my sick kiddos.

3 – Our kind nurse at the doctors office who saw us waiting for the walk-in clinic (I had called and our doctor was booked) and she took us back and fit us in between patients so we could see our regular doctor and get taken care of faster! Doctor Coffman and her nurse Laura
are simply wonderful!!!

4 – Medicine, warm pajamas, and snuggly blankets – and the comfort they bring :)

5 – Yogurt . . . we have eaten so much yogurt!

6 – Tissues and ‘nose suckers’ as well as Ivey’s patience as I have had to clean her nose out a LOT!!!

7 – Naps . . . and the refreshment they bring for all of us!

8 – Jonathan’s help each evening after long days at home!

9 – Some wonderfully sunny days that allowed us to get out in the backyard and play – a great place to be when little ones don’t feel well but just need to get outside!

10 – A weekend of simple days and little ones that are finally feeling better!

11 – Going to the library book club with Amy :) We read The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.

12 – Kids quietly settled in bed (and all asleep) and some time now to share Hot Chocolate with Jonathan!

The Whistling Season

2011-11-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

The Whistling Season – Ivan Doig

I just finished this book last night. It was the novel for the library book club this month. I went on Tuesday night with Amy and we had a great discussion with the ladies there.

I was a bit slow in reading this book. It took me a bit to get into it and to understand what was happening. I was kind of confused at first because the author switched around from having the main character (Paul) speak as an older adult and then going back to him narrating as a young teenager. The transitions weren’t always very clear to me – so it just took a bit to get used to the writing style. In the end, I felt that the narration of Paul as an adult was really not needed. I loved the world of the young Paul but found I did not understand his world as an adult and it was hard for me to see how those lines in the book added to the story.

The style of this book reminded me a lot of Peace Like A River. Both books give such a real-life narration and really pull you into the era of time being described.

In The Whistling Season, Paul is looking back on his childhood in Montana and the years he spent in a one room schoolhouse. He is the oldest of three boys and their mother has passed away. So he and his father share the role of caring for his younger brothers and keeping the farm going. As a family, they reply to an advertisement in the newspaper – from Rose, a woman looking for a housekeeping position. And soon they find themselves with not only Rose on their doorstep but her brother
Morrie as well.

Oliver – the father – is a very kind and steady person. Paul has a mind that needs to be continually fed knowledge and also finds himself at a time in life when he was “less than a man but starting to be something more than a boy.” Damon fits the role of the middle son well. He wants to be right by Paul’s side and involved in his world but he is also willing to let his younger brother tag along. Toby – the youngest – simply had an attitude that was carefree. He seemed to see the whole world as a wonder just waiting for him! Rose was great in that she was perfectly comfortable just being herself – and I loved the conversations she and Paul would have in the early mornings. And Morrie . . . well, I just loved his character! He became the teacher for the local school. His massive store of knowledge along with his quirky personality were just wonderful!

I know this will add to the length of my post, but I would like to write down a few of the lines that impressed me . . .

Most central to the book – I think – was a point when Paul was outside the school house to draw water. He looks out over the fields and sees the many different trails that have been made overtime as the children have come and gone from school. He said he could see “the trails in the grass that radiated in as many directions as there were homesteads with children, all converging to that schoolyard spot where I stood . . .” As he stands there thinking, he comes to realize “the central power of that country school in all our lives . . . We all answered, with some part of our lives, to the pull of this small knoll of prospect, this isolated square of schoolground.” I could feel him speaking of the power of the school to draw so many people in and to then send them out to make something of what they had learned.

I loved the descriptive lines . . . “Winters were the tree rings of homestead life, circumferences of weather thick or thin, which over time swelled into the abiding pattern of memory.”

From Paul as an adult . . . “Childhood is the one story that stands by itself in every soul.”

And then from Paul as a young teenager – simply seeking more detail and knowledge . . . “He really was like Father. [A] provider of moonbeams when I wanted full illumination.”

From Rose to Paul during one of their early morning conversations about life . . . “I am trying to make something of myself, [but] I am not always sure how much I’ve got to work with.” How often do we feel the same way?

From Morrie as he tries to describe Rome to Paul during one of their after school Latin lessons . . . “It is a few thousands years past its prime, but still impressive. You can feel the layers of time there. Antiquity is a strange commodity. Dilapidation adds to its worth.”

And finally, from Paul on the final pages of the story . . . “Even when it stands vacant the past is never empty.”

In the overall view, I did like this book. I would not say I am ready yet to explore more of what this author has written but I loved the picture he painted here.

White Cake

2011-11-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Modified From Gluten-Free Deliciously
by Jennifer Cinquepalmi

2 3/4 cups Flour
1 1/4 cups Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
2 Eggs
1 cup Plain Yogurt
1/2 cup Applesauce
2 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Boiling Water

Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the eggs, yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla and mix on low speed for a couple of minutes. Pour in the boiling water and mix by hand until combined. (Don’t use your mixer for this as the water may splash and burn you.)

Pour the batter into a 9x13 pan or two round cake pans. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Note – The Chocolate Cake version is heavenly as well :)

Honey-Lime Dip

2011-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

From Our Best Bites

6 oz Plain Yogurt
1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1/2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Lime Juice
1/4 tsp Cumin Powder
1/8 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Parsley
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Salt

Combine all ingredients well and chill before serving.

Great for dipping sweet potato fries, polenta fries, or veggies!

Note – If your yogurt is a bit thin or runny, you can line a small strainer with cheese cloth or a coffee filter and put the yogurt in there for a while. It will help to drain off some of the excess liquid and make your yogurt thicker and better for dipping.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-11-06T10:56:00.001-08:00

Just floating along :)

1 – Getting this fun picture of a duck from my Mom in an email - It made me smile and made my kiddos giggle :)

2 – Dallin doing great at his dental appointment! He has great teeth and a great smile!

3 – At MOPS on Friday, we each put together a “take and bake” meal. So dinner tonight is EASY! I will simply pull out the wonderful pan full of meat loaf and veggies from the fridge and pop it in the oven to fill our home with good smells and our tummies with yumminess!

4 – Feeling creative as I made my stars at
Super Saturday yesterday! Check out the idea here – they were fun to do!

5 – Having Jonathan work from home on Friday and getting take-out for lunch while the kids took their naps :)

6 – Going to the temple Friday night – always so good
to be there!

7 – Chatting with a bunch of friends as we had a baby shower for our friend Belinda!

8 – Putting Camden on the floor and finding all the many places he can now roll to!

9 – Ivey’s pig-tails . . . they just make her look so grown up!

10 – Sunshine and beautiful days that just call for
us to be outside!!!

Pillow Time . . .

2011-11-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we introduced Ivey to the
world of Pillows :)

So, I took a morning last week to make up two pillowcases for her . . .

And now she has some fun Purple Check and Butterflies to add to the cuddliness of the pillow in her crib . . . and to the sweetness of her dreams!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-10-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Ahh – Wonderful Fall Colors On Our Way Home From The Pumpkin Patch!

1 – Camden finding joy in sitting up . . . as long as he is propped up and can cuddle by Daddy at the same time!
(Perhaps one day soon he will find the joy of sitting up
on his own!)

2 – Ivey looking so cute - and so girly - in her striped pants, flower shirt, and piggy-tails.

3 – Chocolate Waffle Cookies . . . the smell and taste were a wonderful weekend treat!

4 – How my kiddos always find their way into the kitchen as I bake and say “ahh” for a taste of whatever is cooking :)

5 – The joy a simple doll stroller brings to our little girl – thanks to our kind neighbors for giving it to us!

6 – Jonathan and Dallin practicing their building skills together to create a ‘Dallin house’ from our alphabet squares.
(And thanks to Uncle Mike and Aunt Mandy for starting the tradition a few years ago!)

7 – A fun morning at the pumpkin patch . . . and some fun in carving and painting the pumpkins together!

8 – A wonderful report about Dallin during parent teacher conferences! It was fun to have Jonathan along to meet with Dallin’s teacher – we had a great visit with her and we are grateful for the friendship she has with Dallin!

9 – The many thoughts and ideas that come while preparing a talk . . . and also having now given our talks and letting our minds rest a bit tonight!

10 – A quiet evening now . . . time for a little ice cream with bananas and chocolate sauce with Jonathan :)

Happy Week Everyone!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-10-23T19:43:00.001-07:00

Kiddos are tucked in bed . . . time for some
thoughts of the week!

1 – Finishing all the applesauce with Amy!

2 – Camden FINALLY catching on to the fact that food can come from a spoon! After trying off and on for a few weeks now, he has learned that he can open his mouth by himself and actually enjoy the food I put in there for him :)

3 – Dallin dates . . . with Dad to a Father Son Pizza Night at the school and with Mom to the Book Fair!

4 – Pleasant days and a quick get-together with
friends at the park!

5 – Sharing breakfast time with Jonathan quite a few times this week – his mornings can be quite early but we were lucky to catch a few lazy mornings as a family this week :)

6 – Yummy food moments on Saturday . . . Lasagna Pizza and Homemade Oreos!

7 – Ivey in pig-tails . . . the fun, soft curls of her hair just look so cute when I can get her hair to pull up!

8 – Finding small cans of pumpkin on sale at Fred Meyer and stocking up!!!

9 – Our habit of returning a FULL bag of books to the library only to come out with a FULL bag of new
books to take home!

10 – Our good home – a peaceful and safe place for
our family to be!

Bless This Mouse

2011-10-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

Bless This Mouse – Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry is an interesting author to me – she has such a variety of writing styles!

Some of her books that I have enjoyed are . . . Number the Stars, The Giver, and Gossamer.

As I was at our library the other day, I came across her newest book – Bless This Mouse – and just finished it yesterday. It is a fun little story about a colony of Church Mice and their adventures to stay hidden from people, escape the ‘Great X’, and a wonderful ending as the church congregation celebrates the Feast of Saint Francis by blessing the animals!

Hildegarde is the wise and steady leader. Roderick is her admiring sidekick. Ignatious is old and full of knowledge. Little Harvey is constantly curious. Lucretia is out for power but gains friendship in the end. And Father Murphy rounds out the ending with his kind acceptance of the Church Mice!

This would be a fun story to read out loud to older kids!

Fried Potatoes

2011-10-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

From Better Homes and Gardens

3 Tbsps Butter
3 medium Potatoes – thinly sliced
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1 small Onion – thinly sliced and separated into rings

In a large frying pan, melt the butter and then layer the potatoes over it. Stir a bit to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes – stirring occasionally. Add onion rings and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes more until potatoes are tender and browned slightly.

Note – These are really tasty and make a good side dish. I think the flavor it great with the simple seasonings but you can certainly add others if you wish!

Cinnamon Jello Salad

2011-10-19T14:44:00.001-07:00

Mom E

1/2 cup Red Hots
2 (30z) boxes of Red Jello – any flavor
3 cups Grated Apple
1 cup Crushed Pineapple

Dissolve the red hots in 2 cups boiling water. Add 1 1/2 cups more of water and bring to a boil.

Put Jello powder into a 9x13 pan and pour boiling water overtop. Stir until dissolved. Add apples and pineapple and stir to combine. Place in refrigerator to allow it to set up.

Note – Top with Cool Whip if desired to turn it into a fun dessert!

Chocolate Cake

2011-10-19T14:23:00.001-07:00

Adapted from Gluten-Free Deliciously
by Jennifer Cinquepalmi
A very delicious and very moist chocolate cake!

1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 3/4 cups Flour
1 cup Cocoa Powder
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
2 Eggs
1 cup Plain Yogurt
1/2 Applesauce
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Boiling Water

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Add all wet ingredients – except water – and mix on medium speed for a couple of minutes. Stir in boiling water with a wooden spoon or a fork. Do not use your mixer for this part as the water will splash and may burn you!

Pour batter into a greased 9x13 pan or two 9 inch round pans and bake at 350 for 30 minutes – or until an inserted tooth pick comes out clean. The cake may seem a bit gooey but that is because it is such a moist cake – do not over bake it! Allow to cool and frost as desired.

Note – You can easily make half of this recipe and bake it in a 9x9 pan . . . still cook about 25-30 minutes.

Also, try her recipe for White Cake . . . it is great as well!

The original recipe calls for the Author’s “Sorghum Flour Mix” but I just used the flour mix I keep on hand and it worked out well. Click link above to see what I used. Also, she used oil instead of the applesauce I have listed.

Did you hear it?

2011-10-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ping . . .

Did you hear that!?!

It was the sound of the LAST jar of applesauce sealing!

Amy and I have done – if I am counting right – 163 quarts of applesauce in the past week and what a good
feeling that brings!

A nice feeling of accomplishment, a nice feeling to have our jars and shelves filled, and a nice feeling to pack away the canner for a few months now :)

I do love to can . . . but it is always nice to reach
an ‘ending point’ for a while!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-10-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

Water reflections . . . here are some of mine for the week!

1 – Applesauce! I love to make applesauce – and we have done a LOT this week (about 100 quarts) and there is still more to come as we take on the rest of Amy’s boxes :)

2 – Hearing my kiddos laugh – and how children have such great talent for laughing often!

3 – Attending our library’s book club night with Amy to talk about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society . . . I LOVE that book!

4 – Having a kind ward member help us out yesterday to tow our car and fix it for us . . . we are glad it did not turn out to be a major repair and to have it running
again so quickly!

5 – Taking a few days during Quiet Show Time to watch The King and I with Dallin – it was so fun to introduce him to that story and watch him enjoy it!

6 – Ivey finally cutting another tooth and having her sad attitude brighten up again!

7 – Time to sit with Jonathan each night – either to watch a show, eat some ice-cream, or just chat – it has been a busy week and the quiet evenings are always so welcome!

8 – Having Dallin come up to me and say, “Momma, I just want to tell you thank you for getting Camden for our family! I really , really love him!” My heart is still all warm and soft from that one!

9 – Jonathan and his willingness to go to work each day – his mornings are early and his days can be long but he keeps going and also makes the most of his time here at
home with us!

10 – Camden and his constant work at perfecting his rolling skills – he is getting more and more mobile that way and he can often be found stuck against a wall or
couch or something :)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2011-10-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I first read this book back in January of 2009 . . . and just read it again this week in preparation for our Library Book Club. Tonight was my first time attending and I went with my good friend Amy. We have been wanting to go for a while now – just to see what it was like – and it was really fun to be there tonight! The group of ladies was just wonderful and we hope to go again next month!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!!! I love that it is written in the form of letters. It really makes each character come alive and really showcases their different personalities. I love the quite and gentle presence of Dawsey . . . the quirky fun of 4 year old Kit . . . the friendship of Juliet and Sophie . . . Sidney’s encouragement for Juliet’s ideas . . . Isola’s potion making and head bump readings . . . the ornery Adelaide Addison and the small spark she adds . . . and the true sense of belonging and love that Juliet gains in the end. I could go on and on and on . . . there is just so much to love in this story!

Overall, I really like how the book conveys a good picture of some of the events of the war as well as what it was like to ‘start over’ after the war ended. This is all nicely intertwined with Juliet’s story – as she writes and as she tries to find her own place in the world – and I really like the balance of how it is all told. Most of all, I truly enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Juliet and Kit grew and became something so precious. I truly think that Kit (young little child that she was) taught Juliet what real love is and that, in the end, helped her to find what she really needed.

I wanted to share a few quotes that I enjoyed . . .

In the beginning as Juliet writes to her friend Sophie and talking a bit about some of the men she has dated – and how dating just does not go well for her:

“Sophie – what is the matter with me? Am I too particular? I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.”

Juliet’s words as she describes meeting Dawsey for the first time:

“Dawsey is dark and wiry, and his face has a quiet, watchful look about it – until he smiles . . . I remembered Amelia writing that he has a rare gift for persuasion – I can believe it. Like Eben – like everyone here – he is too thin, though you can tell he was more substantial once. His hair is going grey, and he has deep-set brown eyes, so dark they look black. The lines around his eyes make him seem to be starting a smile even when he’s not, but I don’t think he is over forty. He is only a little taller than I am and limps slightly, but he is strong . . .”

Two of Juliet’s thoughts as she is around Kit”

“You really have to be Kit’s height to see this world properly.”

“So many questions arise when you are spending your days with a child!”

Elizabeth – a woman who was sent to a prison camp due to her involvement in helping a sick worker – was such an interesting character to me. She had fallen in love with Christian Hellman - one of the German soldiers – and most people were shocked until they met him and found him to be a good man. I really liked how they portrayed him and used his character along with others to show that not all the German soldiers were horrible. These words come from Dawsey as he describes Christian to Juliet:

“He looked like the German you imagine – tall, blond hair, blue eyes – except he could feel pain.”

And finally, in the end as Juliet closes her last letter:

“All my life I thought that the story was over when the hero and heroine were safely engaged . . . but it’s a lie. The story is about to begin, and every day will be a new piece of the plot.”

Well, I have perhaps gone on way too long . . . but this book has helped create a wonderful piece of my week!

A Love of Life . . .

2011-10-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Anna and the King . . . and sharing it with Jonathan!

I truly love this movie!

The story of Anna and the King of Siam has been one of my favorites for a long time. (Ever since my Mom brought home the magic of The King and I from the library when I was young! And ever since then, I have wanted to wear a hoop skirt :)

It is right up there with my love for Beauty and the Beast!

There is just something about each of those stories that is magical, timeless, and very moving for me.

There is a quote at the end of this movie that I really liked and wanted to share. It is said as King Chulalongkorn – the oldest son of the King of Siam – watches his father and Anna dance for one last time before she leaves to go back to England. He says . . .

“It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments. Most often they are over before they start although they cast a light on the future and make the person who originated them unforgettable. Anna had shined such a light on Siam.”

It is a touching end to the movie . . . and just makes me want to know more about Anna and the King!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-10-09T21:12:00.001-07:00

Umm – to walk this path someday . . .

1 – A Wonderful Saturday!

2 – Going to the temple with Amy early Saturday morning – despite the early, early hour and a car that would not start!

3 – Dallin and all he is learning about himself – with a bit of homesickness mixed in (so sad) – as he continues to adjust to Kindergarten

4 – Meeting up with a friend that I have not seen in almost two years!

5 – Camden’s “rock and roll” as he tosses from side to side and moves all around the floor :)

6 – MOPS and the wonderful speaker that came to talk about play time with our children – she was delightful and I could have listened to her for hours!

7 – Introducing Jonathan to “Anna and the King” and thoroughly enjoying that wonderful movie again!

8 – Walking with Amy – even in the rain :)

9 – Finishing my Temple Picture project . . . Thank You Sarah for your help!

10 – Listening SO CLOSELY to Ivey as she is truly starting to form some words amongst her usual excited jabber talk!

Pumpkin Bread

2011-10-06T08:48:00.001-07:00

3/4 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Shortening
1 cup Canned Pumpkin
1/3 cup Water
2 Eggs
1 2/3 cup Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
3/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Cloves
1/3 cup Chopped Nuts – opt
1/2 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – opt

Cream together the sugar and butter. Add pumpkin, water, and eggs. Sift in dry ingredients and combine well. Add nuts and/or chocolate chips if desired. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Ham and Potato Soup

2011-10-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

From What’s for Dinner? by Jana Schofield

6 Potatoes
2 cups Water
6 Tbsp Butter
1/2 cup Onion, chopped
1/2 cup Flour
4 cups Milk
1 1/2 cups Ham, cubed
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Pepper

Peel and cube potatoes and place in a large pot. Cover with the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook covered until tender – about 15 to 20 minutes.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add onion – cook until tender. Stir in flour and add milk – stirring constantly until thickened. Pour into large pot with potatoes and water. Add ham, cheese, and spices. Stir until cheese is melted and serve.

Texas Sheet Cake

2011-10-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Grandma W

Cake -
In a mixing bowl, combine . . .
2 cups Flour
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum

In a small pan, bring to a boil . . .
1 1/2 cubes Margarine
1 cup Water
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Cocoa Powder

Pour into the bowl with the flour mixture and then add . . .
1/2 cup Buttermilk
2 Eggs – slightly beaten
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Tbsp Vanilla Yogurt – opt

Mix well and then spread onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and then frost with the icing below.

Icing -
2/3 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Milk
1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Butter

Melt all ingredients together in a saucepan and then add enough powdered sugar to bring to a spreading consistency.

Note – The icing does need to be a bit runny in order for it to spread. It will thicken a bit as it cools on the cake.

Also, this recipe can be cut in half and baked in a 9x13 pan.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-10-02T20:30:00.001-07:00

A Surprise for My Boys . . . at least the oldest two :)

1 – Conference Weekend!!!

2 – Surprising Jonathan and Dallin with donuts (yes, from the store) and chocolate milk as part of their Sunday Conference Morning!

(For those of you who may not know the tradition . . . Conference Sunday usually means homemade donuts. We used to do this but I have just not been brave enough in my gluten free days. And so I wanted to find a way to fill Jonathan’s craving for a Maple Bar and Fred Meyer
had the answer :)

3 – Rain at times but pleasant temperatures and sunshine for most of the week – it has been just perfectly glorious!

4 – Take out for lunch with Jonathan on Friday – since he had the day off and the kids were napping!

5 – Dallin and the random tidbits we get out of him about what he does at school all day!

6 – Enjoying a book by Sister Pearce – A Heart Like His – and the thoughts it gave me about life!

7 – Camden and how he still loves to cuddle
against my shoulder :)

8 – The comfort and quiet of sharing hot chocolate with Jonathan on a chilly evening.
Umm, such a joy of Autumn Time!

9 – Ivey and her wispy curls – and the joy she finds in
combing her own hair!

10 – Walking and chatting with Amy – even though our “routine” is still so random!

A Heart Like His

2011-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

A Heart Like His – Virginia H. Pearce

Back in our Provo days, the ward RS had a book group and this is one of the books they read. I had picked up the book from the library then but was not able to get it read or attend the book night.

Now, just a while back, a good friend of mine mentioned this book on her blog. I loved her words about the book and I was glad to find that our library here carried it.

So I checked it out and certainly enjoyed the message it has to share!

Sister Pearce talks often in this book about “experimenting” . . . finding ways to feel the love of our Heavenly Father as well as love for others, without adding extra things or “to do’s” to our days. She speaks with a firm testimony that we can simply open up our hearts – be aware of the condition of our hearts – and become more sensitive to the love that is already there. We can become more aware of the love that Heavenly Father is pouring into our hearts and also begin to see the effect of that love as it begins to spill over to others that we have contact with each day.

I think my favorite image from this book comes from when she talks about her “magic eye” and how it helps her to remember to open and soften her heart towards those around her. She describes this as she talks about being in a dance class as a young girl . . .

“Echoing in my memory is [my teachers] call to dance with our ‘magic eye.’ That meant to open our arms, drop our shoulders, breathe deeply, and lift forward with our bodies.

“I think of my magic eye when I feel I am shriveling inward . . . as I physically drop my shoulders, breathe deeply, and expand my chest, it reminds me to drop my defenses and ask the Lord to open and soften my heart.”

The words of her book sometimes do remind each of us that we need to slow down, shake off some stress, and “drop our defenses” as we try to keep pace with life. Other times, her words simply serve as a reminder of the good that is within each of us - helping us to become more aware of how that goodness is a natural part of our daily lives and how it can naturally spill over into each thing we do. And that by allowing ourselves to open our hearts a bit more and share (through our words and actions) the love inside – we will not only strengthen ourselves but also bless those that we come in contact with.

I love her ability to write simply and yet make me think. I love her kind words and her gentle way of teaching. I love her life examples and feeling her own openness as she talks.

And I love the idea of dropping my shoulders, breathing deeply, and moving forward!

I am ready to read this book again!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-09-25T20:25:00.001-07:00

Ah, the day is almost done . . .

1 – A cooler day today!

2 – Having Jonathan home after his work trip to California!

3 – A kind neighbor girl who came over two afternoons this week to help with the kids while Jonathan was away!

4 – Chunky Monkey Pancakes . . . and Peanut Butter Syrup to go with them :)

5 – A Saturday full of ‘bits and pieces’ and getting a lot of good things done

6 – The General Relief Society Broadcast . . . especially President Uchtdorf’s talk!

7 – Picking up our new family picture and Camden’s portrait . . . and getting them hung on our wall!
(See sidebar for new family picture)

8 – The library and having a constant flow of good books for story time with the kids!

9 – Our double stroller – for getting the two
little ones around!

10 – Taking a walk in the evening!

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

2011-09-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

Adapted from Zonya.com

1 cup Applesauce
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 large (5.5oz) Instant Pudding (Chocolate or Vanilla)
1 cup Quick Oats – Gluten Free
1/2 bag Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

Using a fork, combine the first four ingredients in a medium bowl. Sift in the flour, soda, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, and pudding. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Add oats and chocolate chips and stir to combine.

Spread into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Zonya notes that when the brownies are first removed from the oven, they will be soft to the touch but will firm up a bit as they cool. She cuts her pan into 24 brownies and also lists the nutritional information at the bottom of her recipe – see link above.

Tuck Everlasting

2011-09-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

Tuck Everlasting – Natalie Babbitt

Yes – three book posts in a row this week! Jonathan has been gone on a work trip and so I have filled my lonely, quiet evenings with books :)

This was actually a pretty quick read but also a very enjoyable one. I LOVED the descriptive words of this book and the story carried along well. The characters were fun to imagine and they each added wonderful flavor to the story.

Winnie is a 10 year old girl who decides to run away from home – a very strict and proper place. She comes across a family that – many years ago – discovered a ‘fountain of youth’ and will now live forever. They must live a pretty secluded life but take her back to their home for a while to tell her their tale. All the while, they are followed by a mysterious man. The story tells of a kidnapping, a murder, and a jailbreak . . . just as the dust jacket describes. And it is all wrapped up in a good story!

With Fall finally here, I just have to share the opening lines of the book – they were simply delicious to me :)

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in it's turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color.”

Umm – hope that fills your day with imagination!

Dear Mister Rogers

2011-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Mister Rogers, Does It Ever Rain In Your Neighborhood? – Fred Rogers

I have been reading bits and pieces of this for a week or so now. It is a collection of letters that people – children and adults – have written to Mister Rogers and his responses to them. It is nice that you can just read it a bit at at time. It has made for some good daily moments this past little while.

I came across this book as I was looking to find a biography on Fred Rogers. I would love to read more about him but I did enjoy the little things I learned about him from his letters to others. He is such a kind and positive man – and always encouraging in the things he says.

One of the most touching letters came from a little 5 year old girl who is blind. She asked Mister Rogers to “please say when you are feeding your fish, because I worry about them. I can’t see if you are feeding them, so please say you are feeding them out loud.” Mister Rogers remarked that since that letter came, he has done his best to always talk out loud when he is feeding his fish.

Toward the end, a man writes in to tell Mister Rogers that he is about to become a father for the first time and he asked if he could share some advice about parenthood. And I just loved the words that Mister Rogers shared. He responded by saying . . .

“Parenthood is not learned: Parenthood is an inner change. Being a parent is a complex thing. It involves not only trying to feel what our children are feeling, but also trying to understand our own needs and the feelings that our children evoke. That’s why I have always said that parenthood gives us another chance to grow.

“There is one universal need that we all share: We all long to be cared for . . . The most important gifts a parent can give a child are the gifts of our unconditional love and our respect for that child’s uniqueness.”

Mister Rogers has a great love for children – and really for all people – and I loved everything from the simple everyday encouragement he gave to the deeper thoughts that I found myself reading over a few times.

Hannah Fowler

2011-09-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ahh, finally . . . a book post! My last book post was at the end of July – Yikes! Yes, I have been reading (the book that follows) but my tired eyes have made the going a bit slow. I have enjoyed this book though and I am glad to finally write about it :)

Hannah Fowler
- Janice Holt Giles

My Mom recently read this book and passed it along to me.

If I remember correctly, it takes place in about the mid 1700’s as settlers are spreading out, claiming land, and building up new territories.

Hannah has set out on the trail with her father – who dies shortly into their journey. She then meets up with Tice Fowler who helps her get to a nearby fort. They eventually marry and set out to build their home and farm. They story follows their joys in working the land, challenges in the harsh winters, their love that continually grows, goodness of their neighbors, and dangers with the Indians.

I loved the feel of this book – how it described life and the picture it placed in my mind of what it took to live back then. Everything was done by their own hands with the resources they had and tools they could make. They had such an appreciation for simple things in life and found great joy in what they could create. And friendships formed quickly and securely with each neighbor – even though they could be miles away – and they could be relied on and trusted in any situation.

There are other books that go along with this one – following some of the children of Tice and Hannah – and I look forward to reading them as well.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-09-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Just Drift and Dream . . .

1 – Calendars . . . to keep track of all that is going on!

2 – Watching Monk with Jonathan and laughing over the clever quotes for the next few days :)

3 – Story time with the kiddos – I love that they love books!

4 – Having Jonathan home and just hanging out together!

5 – Camden and all the energy he uses to “talk” with his arms and legs right now – they are simply in constant, happy motion!

6 – Dallin had a great week at school and I am glad to see how well he is adjusting to a full day of school!

7 – Warm, Pumpkin Dessert . . . and the true feel of Autumn in it’s taste :)

8 – Ivey coming over to give me a hug!

9 – Ivey learning that opening her mouth and saying “Ahh” in the kitchen – while I am cooking – usually means she will get a taste of whatever I am making :)

10 – The leave in the neighborhood are beginning to change and the smell of the air is fresh with the new season!

Little Dresses for Africa . . .

2011-09-15T20:35:00.001-07:00

Our Church is taking part in a Day of Service this coming Saturday. One of the projects to participate in is called Little Dresses for Africa. It is a simple pattern for taking a pillowcase and turning it into a dress for a little girl.

I bought these two pillowcases a couple weeks back and finally made them up tonight.

I love the fabric of each one and hope they bring a smile to some sweet girl who lives far away!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-09-11T19:59:00.001-07:00

Fun to have a splash of color!

1 – Painting our family room! We went from brown – even on the ceiling – to blue and cream with a brown stripe. See below for comparisons. We Love the Change!

2 – Replacing our old light fixture with a ceiling fan!

3 – Getting our piano tuned – so harmonic :)

4 – Cool evening breezes!

5 – Dallin starting Kindergarten and walking so confidently onto his bus for the first time!

6 – Doing laundry with Ivey – she loves to help put things in the dryer!

7 – Camden and his continual ability to change and grow! I think he has majorly changed in just the past week and it is amazing to see the little person he is becoming!

8 – Talking with Jonathan . . . and learning so much!

9 – Yum . . . Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Butter Cream Frosting! Recipe to be posted this week :)

10 – Being a family and continually learning things about life together!

Before and After

Just Peachy . . .

2011-09-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ah – canning season is well underway!

My friend Amy and I have been busy all week turning our boxes of peaches into beautiful jars of yumminess :)

We put up just over 100 quarts of peaches between us – and we chatted all along the way! Always so good to have a friend in the kitchen with you!

Up next . . . Pears :)

Apple Breakfast Cake

2011-09-05T14:50:00.001-07:00

Modified from Recipezaar

1/3 cup Butter
3/4 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 cup Plain Yogurt (See note below)
1 medium Apple – peeled and thinly sliced
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Sift in the dry ingredients and mix slightly. Then add the yogurt and combine well.

Spread half the batter in a 9x9 pan and top with all the apple slices. Sprinkle with some brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread remaining batter over apples and sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar if desired.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Note – The original recipe calls for sour cream – not yogurt. I like to substitute yogurt when I can and the recipe turned out just fine.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-09-04T11:03:00.001-07:00

A Celebration Day . . .

1 – Today is Jonathan’s birthday!!!

2 – Sunshine and pleasant temperatures :)

3 – Time in Utah with our families – it just always feels so nice to be “home” for a while!

4 – Weeding our garden and picking some more
yummy vegetables!

5 – Getting my hair cut . . . it is just fun to have a new style!
Thanks Mandy!!!

6 – Having Jonathan home – so nice that he has this time off work. It is just so nice to have him home!

7 – Visiting with a friend at the park – it has been a while since I last saw her so it was good to catch up on life!

8 – The smell of birthday cake coming from the kitchen :)

9 – Watching each of my kids right now . . . they are each at a stage in life where they are learning lots and lots of new things and it amazes me to watch their abilities expand!

10 – We bought peaches yesterday and I look forward to canning them later on this week! Canning season is always so busy and takes lots of work but I love doing it!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-08-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Colorful Goodness :)

1 - Salt water taffy from Rainbow Gardens!

2 - Safe travels to Utah . . . with Jonathan the steady driver and pretty content kids in the backseat!

3 - Meeting our new nephew - Bronx :)

4 - Getting together with our good friends . . . Ben and Heather and their kids Spencer, Matthew, and Annie!

5 - Birthday celebrations for Jonathan's mother :)

6 - Smores around the fire in my parents backyard - yes even on a warm night!

7 - Taking the Frontrunner to Salt Lake . . . and Dallin's continual energetic excitement about being on a train!!!

8 - Ivey and her love to explore all the new things
around her :)

9 - Camden and the easy way he will snuggle in for naptime and bedtime - SO Nice!

10 - Seeing so many of our family members!!!

Random Thoughts . . .

2011-08-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

Hmm – does this blog seem like it has simply turned into my gratitude lists and not much else!?!

I do promise that I am reading – I am just slow going at it right now since sleep seems to overtake me too easily :)

I do have a pile of recipes that I have done . . . and they are sitting here, waiting to be recorded :)

And I would love to finish adding to my blog buttons above to show recipe books I use, places I buy my Gluten Free things, and more . . .

So perhaps one day – and maybe not before we leave on vacation – I will have a little more variety of things
to blog about!

Stay tuned to see how my goal goes in getting a few things caught up around here!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-08-21T21:03:00.001-07:00

Wonderful Times Ahead!!!

1 – Jonathan has 4 whole weeks off work . . . it is the wonderful “Parental Leave” that his work offers when a new baby is born!!! I am simply delighted that he has time off (from all the busy, busy, busy times of work right now) and look forward to our days ahead!!!

2 – Dallin and I have been sharing some special reading time at night . . . we have picked a few chapter books to read together and it is fun to sit down to our reading adventures each night. We just finished Charlotte’s Web and we are now almost done with The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

3 – Ivey now loves to say “eeese” for Please and she is also saying “oosh” for Shoes :) We love to hear her little voice as it begins to form words!

4 – Camden man . . . is beginning to roll and it is serious business in his life :) He does pretty good going from his belly to his back but has also started to roll onto his tummy by himself. It is just amazing to watch him gain these small moments of mobility!

5 – We are leaving for Utah this week . . . and will have an entire week to be with our families!

So many good days ahead for us!!!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-08-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

Still enjoying my Pike’s Place colors!!!

1 – Going out to dinner with Jonathan . . . made possible by my good friend Amy who encouraged our outing and came to sit with our kids while we were gone :)

2 – Being able to walk down to the restaurant – hand in hand – and having a view of Lake Tye, the fountain, and three hot air balloons over the hillside as the sun set . . . it was glorious!

3 – And of course, the view of Jonathan across the table from me – it was wonderful to talk and laugh and eat yummy food :)

4 - Dallin who has discovered the joy of singing in a round . . . he loves to have us practice with him.

5 – My cone flower plant has just gone wild and is filled with all sorts of beautiful blooms!!!

6 – Having family visit us this week!

7 – Getting wooden letters for Camden’s name – to paint and hang up in his room.

8 – Shopping with Ivey and getting her new shoes – she LOVES shoes :) – and needed bigger ones quite badly!

9 – Daydreaming on Amazon :)

10 – Carmel Sauce . . . Mmm, no need to say more :)

Motherhood . . .

2011-08-08T16:18:00.001-07:00

My mother recently sent me this quote about motherhood . . .

“The most important thing she’d learned over the years was that there was no perfect way to be a mother and a million ways to be a good one.”

~Jill Churchill

It made me think back on a Conference talk that I really enjoyed. It was given by Sister Rosemary Wixom in the October 2010 General Conference. She spoke of being examples to our children as we raise them in the Gospel. Her statement was simple but it has stuck in my mind ever since I heard her speak the words. She said . . .

“We do not need to be perfect – just honest and sincere.”

Being a mother is a role that fills my heart – it is a joyful, busy, frustrating, endearing, tiresome, energizing, creative, spontaneous, tender, and a learning experience for me.

For all the times that I wonder ‘who really thought I would be a good mother’ . . . wonder if I am ruining my kids by the things I do . . . and wondering if I am really cut out for all of this . . . I also know in my heart that I would not have life be any other way for me!

Motherhood – just like so many other aspects of life – is hard to fully describe and have someone understand. It is such a unique experience for each person and teaches you so much about just needing to live in the moment, learning more about who you really are, and to keep smiling :)

I get weekly emails from MOPS where other mothers share thoughts and experiences. There have been two lately that had good meaning for me and I would like to share them here . . .

One mother said . . .

“As moms, we search high and low to help our kids succeed. And that’s how it should be. But our efforts don’t always work. We do the best we can, and that’s most certainly what our children need. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m sure in 20 years my kids will laugh at some of the things I will have tried in my own parenting adventures. But I trust we’ll all be okay … and maybe, just maybe, it will make for some humorous phone calls between the siblings.”

Another mother had this story to share about taking her young son on a roller coaster ride . . .

“My 7-year-old son has never fit the stereotype of a boisterous boy. Thrill seeking wasn’t his game. He approached potential adventures with timidity, preferring to hang back and watch others have at it instead.

“While on a family vacation this summer, my niece suggested we go on her favorite roller coaster. Thomas on a roller coaster that not only plunged down a steep drop but also soaked the passengers with water in the process? No way. To my surprise, Thomas seemed excited about it. As we made our way through the line, he kept studying the coaster, weighing whether he wanted to go through with it. I anxiously awaited the inevitable request to get out of line and wait for the rest of our party. But it never came.

“When we disembarked from the ride still giggling and replaying our favorite parts, I felt so proud, not only of Thomas’ bravery, but also his ability to still astound me, despite how well I think I know him. He looked up at me and said, “That roller coaster was scary, Mom. But in a fun way.” Hmm, sounds a lot like motherhood.”

I think that last phrase sums up so much . . . of motherhood being scary, but in a fun way!

My children fill my life and I am grateful that motherhood becomes parenthood as I share this lifelong role with my sweet husband!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-08-07T20:33:00.001-07:00

Sweetness . . .

1 – My kids . . . they each have their own unique way of making my life smile!

2 – Walking the temple grounds as a family – seeing Dallin and Ivey’s joy for exploring the gardens and Camden cuddle time in the front pack.

3 – Having lunch out together afterwards at the Spaghetti Factory . . . Yummy!

4 – Jonathan’s super LONG and CRAZY work week is done!!! And Friday turned out better than we
thought it would.

5 – Teaching in Relief Society! I always feel so nervous and usually pretty inadequate but I love what I learn from the sisters in the room and I love the feeling of the Spirit!

6 – Ceiling fans and cool evening breezes to help cool our home off at the end of the day!

7 – Walking with Amy – she just knows me so well and I enjoy my time with her!

8 – Ivey twirling in the kitchen :)

9 – Dallin reading words . . . all over the place!

10 – The energy that beams from Camden’s smile . . . and his joy at having attention!

11 – Jonathan . . . simply having him home and being able to sit by him!

12 – A beautiful evening as I gaze out my window – here’s to a new week ahead!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-07-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Sunshine and a breeze . . . Perfect!

1 – Camden is 4 months old today!

2 – I put my kitchen to work and got 43 pints of bean (pinto, white, black, and garbanzo) and 9 pints of
spaghetti sauce canned!

3 – Sunshine for our RS park day – and good friends
to visit with!

4 – Dallin’s prayers at night – you just never know what he will pray for. Friday night, he asked that “Daddy be blessed even though he needs to go to work tomorrow” (which he didn’t because it was Saturday) and he also blessed “that Momma will sleep good on her side of the bed” – sweet
and sincere!

5 – The good women that I serve with in Relief Society!

6 – Discovering that we have little zucchini's
growing – Yumminess ahead :)

7 – Talking with Jonathan and having him simplify some thoughts that have been jumbled in my mind all week – he is a good listening and helps me put many things into perspective!

8 – Ivey’s incredible growl that she has perfected and uses all the time – it is hilarious!

9 – At least getting one of my bathrooms cleaned this week!

10 – More sunshine ahead in the forecast – Yippee!!!

Mighty Tasty Muffins

2011-07-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

From Bob’s Red Mill
Makes 12 muffins

2 Tbsp Mighty Tasty GF Hot Cereal
2/3 cup Milk
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Egg
1/3 cup Molasses
1 tsp Vanilla
1 1/2 cups Flour (See note below)
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Allspice
1/4 tsp Ginger

In a large bowl, combing the first six ingredients and let sit for 15 minutes to allow the cereal to soften. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients before adding it to the cereal mixture. Stir just until combined.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tin and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Note – The original recipe calls for three different flours to be combined. I just used my flour mixture and they turned out just fine. Use the link above – connected to Bob’s Red Mill – to see the flours called for.

Seven Kisses in a Row

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

Seven Kisses in a Row – Patricia MacLachlan

If you are in need of a sweet story to fill a half hour . . . than this is just the one. This is the story of Emma and the world from her view. Her parents are gone away on a business trip and her Aunt and Uncle come to stay while they are gone. She gets worried that the little routines of her life will get all messed up but she soon finds out that life can be a little different and still be okay!

I love how she feels the need to teach her Aunt and Uncle how to be parents – they are expecting their first child. And I also love how her older brother treats her kindly and helps her work through things.

Making Rounds with Oscar

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

Making Rounds with Oscar – David Dosa, M.D.

This was an interesting story to read! Oscar is a cat who lives at Steere House – a nursing home that has an entire floor dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s – and he has a very unique gift. He is able to sense when someone is near death and then spends those last few hours of their life sitting on their bed with them until they pass away.

Dr. Dosa cares for many patients in Steere House and with the help of Mary, the head nurse, he begins to look into this special sense that Oscar has for the patients around him. This book is his compilation of stories from many of the patients families – how they had to learn to cope with a loved one who had Alzheimer’s as well as the comfort they gained from Oscar.

In my opinion, this book seemed to show more of what life was like for the families as they cared for their loved ones. It did not seem to involve the cat as much as I thought it would. But still, it came to nicely show just how this little cat quietly wove it’s way into the lives of so many.

I felt that this book held a lot of great insight into the world of Alzheimer’s as well as choices that come towards the end of life. I found it very interesting to read due to my own background of work with Hospice patients and others in nursing homes.

I also feel that this book is a wonderful tribute to the atmosphere and staff of Steere House . . . and their kind, respectful, patient, and loving care they provide.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-07-24T19:47:00.001-07:00

Umm . . . I have so many wonderful Nasturtium plants that have sprouted and are growing!

1 – Jonathan is HOME . . . after a 5 day work conference
in Denver!!!

2 – A safe week here at home while Jonathan was away – and kind neighbors next door who kept an eye on us as well!

3 – With the sun finally peeking out from all the clouds, our garden is finally starting to grow . . . Dallin and I picked the first 4 green beans from our plant the other day and ate them right up!

4 – My Nasturtiums are getting big enough and will start getting blooms soon!

5 – The story of Jane Eyre – I have always enjoyed that book - and watching the Masterpiece Theatre version starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens!
Love, Love Love It!!!

6 – Seeing Dallin enjoy his sports camp this week!

7 – Listening to Ivey “read” stories – she sits on the floor, turns pages in a book, and just jabbers away!

8 – Camden finally getting his eating back on
track – I hope :)

9 – Beautiful music that moves me!

10 – Looking forward to eating ice-cream on the deck with Jonathan after his priesthood meeting tonight . . . I AM JUST SO GLAD HE IS HOME!!!

Homemade Oreo Cookies

2011-07-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Modified from Gluten Free Gobsmacked
Makes about 24 cookies to then form 12 sandwich cookies.

1/3 cup Butter, softened
3/4 cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Egg
1 1/4 cups Flour
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt

Cream together the butter and sugar. Add vanilla and egg and mix well – for about 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. It will seem really dry at first but it will pull together eventually.

Lightly grease a cookie sheet and your hands as well – the dough will be very sticky. Roll the dough into balls the size of a walnut and place them on the cookie sheet – about 12 at a time. Cut a small piece of wax paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Place it on top of a dough ball and then flatten using a flat bottomed glass – making them about 1 1/2 – 2 inches in diameter.

Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes on the pan before removing. Cook the remaining dough and allow all cookies to cool.

Using your choice of frosting – we like to make cream cheese frosting – spread a layer on one cookie and then top with another to form your “Oreo”. Grab some milk for dunking if you wish and enjoy!!!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-07-17T21:08:00.001-07:00

Hot Air Balloons . . . They are Magical to Me!

1 – Pleasant temperatures and being able to sit out on our deck in the evenings with Jonathan . . . and our great awning that allows us to sit out there even as it continues to rain!

2 – Finishing two books this week – of course, one only took a couple of hours to read – but it all felt like a great accomplishment!

3 – The bits and pieces of sunshine we have had this week – and hoping for MUCH more, SOON!!!

4 – Doing everyday things . . . I find contentment in the regular tasks that fill our days!

5 – The uniqueness of each of my kids . . . Dallin, Ivey, and Camden are such perfect pieces in the puzzle of our family :)

Word After Word After Word

2011-07-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Word After Word After Word – Patricia MacLachlan

Yes!!! I LOVE reading books by Patricia MacLachlan!!! And this one was perfect for my afternoon. This was a quick read but had such wonderful thoughts in it!

The author makes a note about this book – that she wrote it to kind of give others an idea of how to start writing. Her main characters are a group of 4th graders who have an author visit their class. They have many discussions about words and life and are also asked to write poems about different things. I love the insights of the young kids and their ability to put their thoughts into words. Reading this makes me feel like I could do the same – put my thoughts and feelings down on paper in a wonderful way – but I think I would really just still stumble over it all. But this book did give me hope – so perhaps I just need to be brave and see what I could come up with :)

Just some quotes I really liked . . .

Ms. Mirabel is the author in this story and she said she liked to write so that she could change her life. One of the students later discovered that he did not write to change life but that . . .

“I write to save everything I have”

While another girl said she found that she tried to change her life by writing – tried to make her mothers cancer go away – but she found that . . .

“It was me that changed with writing.
Not my life.”

And at the end, one last child shares a poem about words . . .

Out of our writer mouths
Will come clouds
Rising to the sky
Dropping rain words below
And when the clouds leave
The sun will shine down word
After word
After word
Planting our stories in the earth.

The Fairy Thorn

2011-07-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Fairy Thorn – Dorothy Keddington

I have always enjoyed reading novels by Dorothy Keddington . . . my Mom got me hooked on them :) I came across this one not too long ago and found that it was published in late 2009 – I was excited to find that she had written something new.

All of her novels have adventure and romance and fast paced storylines that keep you reading. I enjoyed reading this one because it took place – or most of it did – up here in Washington. So I thought it was fun to read about familiar cities and such.

There is always action, love at first sight, trials to overcome, and good endings . . . a fun read that makes me want to go back and read some of her other novels that are on my shelf!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-07-10T21:25:00.001-07:00

Family – Just Love Being Together!

1 – Camden was sealed to us in the temple yesterday and blessed in church today – such wonderful blessings for our little guy!

2 – Grateful our family members and friends that were able to be part of our wonderful weekend!

3 – The truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

4 – Sunshine and the beauties of the season – creations of our Heavenly Father!

5 – My dear family and all it means to be able to be together for Eternity! There is still so much to come in this life . . . but I know that we have been blessed with power to travel well on our journey and find joy in the life to come!!!

Rose Daughter

2011-07-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Rose Daughter – Robin McKinley

I recently read Beauty by Robin McKinley and then picked up this book to compare the story telling. Both Rose Daughter and Beauty are Beauty and the Beast stories. And of the two . . . I really liked Beauty the best.

Rose Daughter really focused on Beauty. The part of the Beast was very minimal and I wished that he had been included more in Beauty’s day to day doings. The story focused so much on her care of the rose garden and the dreams that she would have – and not so much on the development of her relationship with Beast.

Also, this book took more of a spin about magic and sorcerers . . . whereas, the novel Beauty talked more of enchantments and I liked that feel for the story better.

And last thought for now, the overall writing of this book was very wordy for me – too wordy – and it made it hard for me to follow the story and all that was happening. Especially as Beauty would slip into her dreams and the tales of the sorcerers at the end were being explained. I am not sure that I really understand just how the Beast became as he was . . . and in the end (as far as I can tell) he remains the Beast. I found that odd.

It was interesting to read both of these books – they seem very different to me and I like to see that an author can take such a different approach to a story.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-07-03T20:41:00.001-07:00

Just had to share my kiddos again . . . because I love them so much!

1 – Camden’s adoption was finalized in court!!!

2 – Children’s Ibuprofen . . . that helps fevers come down and little guys to feel better!

3 – Walking weather . . . and chat time with Amy!

4 – My garden beds! I love to have my veggies and flowers planted :)

5 – Watering my garden beds in the evenings . . . it is a relaxing time for me!

6 – Playing games with Dallin and hearing him get the giggles over silly things!

7 – Ivey’s happy spunk and seeing her spin around as we sing the Hokey-Pokey :)

8 – Our new couches – they look so great in our living room!

9 – Having my windows open all day and all night to let the fresh air in!

10 – Talking with Jonathan in the evenings after the kiddos are settled in bed – I love being with him :)

Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies

2011-06-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

Here is my variation on a friends recipe . . . based on another recipe I have done.

1 lb Chicken – cubed
1 Onion
3 Carrots
3 Potatoes
1 large Sweet Potato
1 large Granny Smith Apple
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Mustard
2 Tbsp Butter
2 tsp Curry Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp Chili Powder (opt)

Coarsely chop the onion. Peel and cube the carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Chop up the apple as well – leave the skin on if desired. Place all of this in a large bowl along with the cubed chicken.

In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken/veggie mixture and stir to coat. Place in a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 450 for 45 minutes.

Chicken Potato Bake

2011-06-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

From Amy R

1 lb Chicken, cubed into bit sized pieces
1 lb Sweet Potatoes, cubed (see note below)
2 large Carrots
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Dry Onion Soup packet

Place chicken and veggies in a large zip-lock bag. Mix together the oil and soup packet and then pour over chicken and veggies – seal bag and mix to coat. Dump into a 9x13 pan and bake at 450 for 45 minutes.

Note – You can play around with this recipe a bit. Use whatever root vegetable you may have on hand . . . potatoes, turnips, yams, etc.

Also, check your soup packet – some brands will have wheat in them. So read the label before buying!

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-06-26T17:35:00.001-07:00

I saw this picture on Bing.com this week and just loved it . . . so it adds happiness to my handful this week :)

1 – Going walking with Amy . . . FIVE DAYS IN A ROW THIS WEEK!!!

2 – Listening to Dallin read Green Eggs and Ham . . .
All by himself!

3 – Ivey had a great 18 month check-up with our doctor this week . . . and Dallin helped her be brave for her shots :)

4 – Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal from Bob’s Red Mill . . . I found this when I first went gluten free and it sure hits the spot at breakfast time!

5 – Camden and the silly case of the giggles that he gets every time I put his pajamas on :)

6 – Jonathan and his wonderful weekly mowing of our lawn – he always makes our yard look so good!

7 – Our neighbors . . . they are so kind to us and help watch out for Dallin as he rides his wiggle car up and
down the sidewalk!

8 – Eating Kettle Corn in the evenings with Jonathan . . . a yummy, crunchy end to the day!

9 – My dear husband who is so great at helping out with the kids . . . and for the sweet times he sends me out in the evenings to take a walk while he puts the kids to bed :)

10 – Being able to go to the Temple early on Saturday morning . . . and then being back home in time to have breakfast with my family!

Hope for the Flowers

2011-06-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hope for the Flowers – Trina Paulus

I came across this book by reading a quote that was on my Cousin Kellie’s blog . . .

“How does one become a butterfly?” She asked.

“You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”

So, from the hold shelf at the library to my nightstand came this bright, yellow book. And I sat down tonight and read the whole thing . . . it is about 150 pages long but very simple to read. It is illustrated and similar to a children’s picture book.

This story follows two little caterpillars - Stripe and Yellow - seeking for more in life and eventually finding out the marvelous potential that is inside of them. This was a good little story to read. I know that you can certainly read a lot of deep meaning into this simple story . . . but for tonight, I chose to just enjoy it for the story that it was and the small thoughts it brought to my mind.

At one point in the story, Stripe has decided to go back and try to follow the crowd of caterpillars who are pushing to the top of a large pillar – to see what is at the top. He is trying to convince Yellow to come along with him but, even though she loves Stripe dearly, she just does not feel that the path of the crowd is the right one to follow. At this point in the story, there is one quote that really stuck out to me - coming from Yellow as she tries to decide just what to do . . .

“Somehow, waiting and not being sure was better than action she couldn’t believe in.”

Hmm – I had to read that a couple of times to get it in my head, but I really like the thought. Being willing to hold back and be patient for a while longer instead of following a quick impulse that you are not sure you can truly support with all your heart.

It is good to follow our hearts and yes, sometimes good to follow a quick instinct . . . and good to see just where our actions take us! Also good to realize – as the first quote reminds us – that sometimes we do need to be willing to give up something in order to find something better.

Enjoy the story for the simple read that it is . . . but also for what it may make you think about life :)

Zesty Chicken Tortilla Bake

2011-06-20T14:26:00.001-07:00

1/4 cup Miracle Whip
1/4 cup Flour
1 1/2 cups Milk
4 oz Shredded Cheese (divided)
3/4 lb Cubed Chicken (cooked)
14 cup Salsa
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
8-10 Corn Tortillas

Mix together the miracle whip, flour, and milk in a saucepan until smooth. Add half of the cheese and cook over medium heat until sauce boils and thickens. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce for topping later.

Add chicken, salsa, and parsley to the remaining sauce. Warm tortillas in the microwave so that they will roll up without cracking. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased 9x13 pan. Top evenly with the reserved sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-06-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!!

1 - My Grandfathers . . . I am grateful that I knew both my grandfathers and have wonderful memories of the good men that they were!

2 - My Own Father . . . A very happy, loving, patient, and understanding man with many talents!

3 - Jonathan . . . My dear husband and loving father of our three children! He is such a hero in their eyes!!!

4 - My Brothers . . . All six of them :) For the good men that they all are and the good influence they have in my life!

5 - My Boys . . . Dallin and Camden and the fun thoughts about the kind of fathers they will be someday!

Beauty

2011-06-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Beauty - Robin McKinley

My Sis-in-law, Kathy, recently read this book and liked it and so I decided to read it as well.

I have found that my reading pace has slowed down a lot lately. Being up through the night with our new little baby - Camden - has made me quite tired! And it seems that every time I sit down to read, I just end up falling asleep. So I was glad to hear of this book because I have always LOVED the story of Beauty and the Beast! I figured it would be a good book to pick up since I know the basic storyline and that it would not matter if I read only 5 pages a day . . . I would still enjoy some reading time and also be able to keep up on what was happening in the book.

Well, I was well rewarded - I really enjoyed this book!!!

It did take a bit of reading to actually get Beauty to the castle - a bit of background story telling on her family and all - but I did not mind that. I loved the descriptions of the castle, the enchantments of it all, and the sincere character of the Beast. I loved the subtle ways that the friendship and love grow between Beast and Beauty. I loved the small world they lived in and how they were content in their surroundings - now pressures from the outside world (except perhaps Beauty's homesickness) - just the simple every day happenings as they walked together, read together, etc.

The story carries along well and smoothly - and i just got swept up in the telling of it all. But then it seemed to end rather quickly. I really felt that the ending needed a little more depth to it all . . . or at least a little more time in the telling of it. It felt rushed - but I would still be drawn to read this book again!

Robin McKinley wrote another novel - about Beauty and the Beast - titled Rose Daughter. I have now picked that up from the library and look forward to reading it. I am really interested to see what differences she has in that novel as she tells the story once again.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-06-12T20:25:00.001-07:00

The men of my family . . .

1 – We got Camden’s court date set – to finalize his adoption next month!

2 – Dallin finished Pre-K this week! He and I got to go on a lunch date to Red Robin yesterday to celebrate – Yummy!

3 – Ivey laughs and gets excited when we mention bedtime . . . because she knows that she gets a story and her snuggly blanket!

4 – We got a lot of yard work done yesterday . . . moss out of the grass, our vegetable garden planted, our back flower beds turned and leveled, the lawn mowed and trimmed, and we over seeded and fertilized our back yard. Whew – here’s hoping that everything we planted will now grow
like we hope!

5 – Sitting on the floor to pat Camden on the stomach while turning pages in a book with Ivey and playing Chutes and Ladders with Dallin . . . motherly multi-tasking :)

6 – Talking over plants with Jonathan and looking forward to having our flower beds planted soon!

7 – Easy dinner tonight . . . warmed-up leftovers
from Friday!

8 – Getting some pages put together for Ivey’s baby book. It certainly is about time that I have that finished . . . seeing as how I will need to start Camden’s soon :)

9 – A new recipe . . . Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies . . . that are SO yummy and use no flour!

10 – My family – I sure love them all!!!

My girl in her tutu :)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

2011-06-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

Modified from Gluten-Free Deliciously
Makes about 25-30 cookies

This is a chunkier version of Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies . . . and oh, so yummy!

1/4 cup Butter, softened
1/4 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Peanut Butter
1 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3 cups Gluten Free Oats (quick style)
3/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter and mix well. Add remaining ingredients and mix until all oats are combined well.

Drop by teaspoonful onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-13 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the pan before removing.

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-06-09T15:13:00.001-07:00

From Gluten-Free Deliciously by Jennifer Cinquepalmi
Yields about 2 dozen cookies

1 1/4 cup Flour
3/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
7 Tbsp Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 Tbsp Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt
1 1/4 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugars with a mixer until pale and fluffy – about 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Add the dry mix – alternating with the sour cream – just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and then freeze the dough for 10 minutes.

Drop cookies by the tablespoon onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

Note – These turned out really soft and stayed soft/fresh for several days!

Wrap Bread

2011-06-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

From Gluten-Free Deliciously by Jennifer Cinquepalmi

I LOVE this bread . . . it is so easy to make and tastes wonderful! It is soft and pliable so that you can roll it around various sandwich makings – as seen in the picture above (from the cookbook).

1 cup Brown Rice Flour or Sorghum Flour (See note below)
1/2 cup Tapioca Starch
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 Tbsp Yeast
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Warm Water
1 tsp Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp Oil
2 Eggs

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine wet ingredients. Slowly add the dry mixture and mix for about 4 minutes.

Spray a jelly roll pan/cookie sheet and spread dough to cover pan. Prick several times with a fork and allow to rise for about 30-40 minutes.

Bake at 425 for 5-8 minutes or until the top is slightly brown. Cool for a few minutes before cutting and removing bread from the pan. Slice the bread in half (across the width) and then in thirds lengthwise to form 6 wraps.

Top as desired . . . I have made sandwiches for lunch using meat, cheese, lettuce and avocado and also simply used it to make peanut butter and jam sandwiches for breakfast.

Notes –

1 - For the flours, I simply use 1 1/2 cups of my own flour mix since my mixture contains Brown Rice Flour, Sorghum Flour, and Tapioca Flour already.

2 - I have also made half the recipe and it fits into a 9x13 pan and makes 3 wraps.

3 – Finally, the author notes that this bread does not freeze well and is best used within 2-3 days.

Baked Apple French Toast

2011-06-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

This is my variation of French Toast Strata

About 8 slices Gluten Free Bread (Not too dense)
1 Apple – peeled and finely chopped
4oz Cream Cheese
4 Eggs
1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt
3/4 cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1 or 2 tsp Cinnamon

Cube the bread and place half in the bottom of a greased 9x9 pan. Add half of the chopped apple to that layer of bread and toss just a bit. Cube the cream cheese and scatter over the bread/apple layer. Cover with remaining bread and apples.

In medium bowl, mix together the eggs, yogurt, milk, vanilla, syrup, and cinnamon. Mix well and then pour over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned.

Suggested syrup for serving . . . Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup!

Note – This is also tasty when using peaches in place of the apples.

Baked Broccoli

2011-06-06T14:17:00.001-07:00

Just and eye-ball-it kind of recipe :)

Broccoli
Oil (or cooking spray)
Salt and Pepper
Other seasonings as desired
Parmesan Cheese

Wash the heads of broccoli and chop off the florets. Spread out on a greased baking sheet and drizzle lightly with oil – or spray lightly with cooking spray if you prefer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper – and other seasonings of your choice and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

Note – I tried this one night because I wanted to serve broccoli for dinner but did not have an open burner on my stove top to use for steaming it. So I just popped it in my oven and it turned out just perfect – tender with just a bit of crunch. So you can adjust the cooking time to fit your tastes.

Handful of Happiness . . .

2011-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Weekend – LOVE IT!!!

1 – Getting out and working in the dirt as a family yesterday. We are changing up our front flower bed and it took some digging/moving of large rocks and some leveling of dirt . . . pictures to come. We are excited for the changes we are making!

2 – Yummy potato salad, chicken tenders, watermelon, and deviled eggs for our Memorial Day celebration last Monday.

3 – Dallin being brave and having us take off his training wheels – we got to practice once last week on his bike and he is ready and excited to try practicing some more this week on his “two wheeler”!

4 – Trying a new recipe for some “wrap bread” . . . and it turned out SO good and soft! You bake it on a cookie sheet and then cut it up into 6 individual wraps. We made sandwiches out of them with ham, cheese, avocado, and lettuce! It as the closest things to a sub sandwich that I have in three years – it was amazing!!!

5 – Ivey deciding that she can walk outside :) She cruises around our house now but we found that when she was out on the sidewalk she would just freeze and not move. Now she loves being able to explore outside on her own two feet.

6 – And Ivey will now walk into the house from the car all by herself as well – I am super glad for that!

7 – Camden slept through the night once last week – it was awesome! And he is beginning to coo and “talk” with us a bit now – so fun :)

8 – Watching The Importance of Being Ernest with Jonathan and laughing REALLY hard!!!

9 – Lasagna pizza for dinner tonight . . . with ice cream cones to come next! (Thanks to a kind neighbor who found me some gluten free ice cream cones!)

10 – Eating cheesecake with Jonathan last night . . . while sitting on our back deck in the beauty of the evening :) Delightful and yummy all at the same time!

Happiness . . .

2011-06-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Each week on my family blog, I do a list about things that I am grateful for or that simply made me happy that week.

Since this blog’s address is Jill-MyLifeInPieces . . . I thought this would be a nice place to record those thoughts as well.

So I am going to begin to copy that list over each week . . . and I hope that you may enjoy reading some of my thoughts each week that are little “pieces” of my life!

Chicken Tenders–Ranch Style

2011-06-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

No real amounts – Adjust to fit your family size

Chicken – Breasts or Tenders
Ranch Dressing
Crushed Tortilla Chips – Crumbs really :)

If you are using chicken breasts, slice them into about 3/4 inch strips. I like to use frozen chicken – letting it thaw slightly – as it is easier to slice that way.

Pour the ranch dressing into a shallow bowl and place the tortilla crumbs in another. Dip the chicken in ranch and then roll through the crumbs to coat. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

Note – You can really play around with this idea. Use different dressings or seasonings – make it fit your tastes!

Rolls–Soft and Fluffy

2011-06-01T21:08:00.001-07:00

From You Won’t Believe It’s Gluten Free by Roben Ryberg

3 Egg Whites (Save the egg yolks – see note below)
1 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Oil
1/2 cup Apple Juice (Orange Juice works too)
1 cup Cornstarch
1/3 cup Cornmeal
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add remaining ingredients (you could sift the dry ingredients together first just to help mix them with the cornstarch) and mix the batter well.

With a spoon, scoop nine mounds of batter into a 9x9 pan. They will be very soft and almost merge together – but will form individual rolls in the end. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Note – Yes, as you look at the ingredients, these don’t have all that much nutrition . . . using mainly cornstarch and all. But, they are REALLY tasty – soft and fluffy! I was a bit nervous the first time I made them because the batter was so soft and I wondered if the rolls would really rise up. They sure did though and I was impressed with how they turned out. They really make a fast and good roll to add to your meal!

Also, if you are wondering just what to do with the left over egg yolks . . . try making some Chocolate Pudding :)

Arthur for the Very First Time

2011-05-21T15:44:00.001-07:00

Arthur for the Very First Time – Patricia MacLachlan

What a fresh story – about Arthur and his need to break free a bit from his structured way of thinking and see life in a new way!

Another book by Patricia MacLachlan and I thoroughly enjoyed! I loved Arthur’s need and ability to analyze things. I LOVED his Aunt Elda and Uncle Wrisby:) The animals were dear friends and always close by. Moira is the friend who seems to have no fear of anything. The descriptions of the house, gardens, and how to look through the wrong end of a pair of binoculars are wonderful as well!

Arthur soaks in the world, listens to the wisdom of his aunt and uncle, and takes challenge from the prodding of Moira – and it all leads to small changes that make him come to realize just who is truly is!