Great things to come

I'm super excited about an opportunity that Caleb has recently had.  While I can't share the details yet, suffice it to say that it was a voice acting job that required time in a recording studio in Seattle.

...Caleb in the sound booth...

I'm sure he'll yak about his experience in much more detail on his blog, Pens of Plaid.  I, of course, will update you with information about the project and its release when I am able, so stay tuned.   :-)

Friendship

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."

Elbert Hubbard

 

I am very thankful.  I have a handful of friends who know me and love me anyway.

This particular friend has known me longer than I've known my husband.  We met our freshman year of college.  We hit it off right from the start. We are so alike in so many ways, yet our lives couldn't be more different.  I guess that kind of adds to the fun of it.

 

Recently, she sent me an e-mail that began..."What would you think?..."

Her husband needed to go out of town on business.   Flights were pretty cheap. 

What about a super quick visit?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I was thrilled at the thought of some fun with my Bestie from Cali.

I was also touched, that with her free time, she'd choose to come and spend it with me.

 

Since she recently celebrated a birthday, I decided it would be so fun to take her out for a birthday lunch ~ like we used to do when we lived close to each other.

We ate a local café called the Crepe Escape.  We shared both a savory and a dessert crepe along with coffee, of course.  

Lunch ~ delicious crepes and coffee ~

 

Browsing in shops along the river front.

Karen is a foodie.  She loves good food and enjoys cooking.   She helped me in the kitchen each meal time.  Even though we prepared simple fare - she was so helpful, so cheerful, and so shocked at how much my little girls can eat!

A selfie in the kitchen.

 

Even though I had to carry on with my family's daily routine, it was so fun to have her here, part of our family for a few short days.  My children adore her and so do I!

18

18 years ago, right on his due date, Matthew was born. 

 

Saturday we celebrated him.

 

Hannah made these amazing donuts for a special birthday breakfast.

He even donned a party hat for the occasion.

Caleb decided to photo bomb most every picture.  Hey, what are big brothers for?

Gifts...

a bow tie and pocket square from the three littlest sisters.

a "manly" book from Dan.

Classic literature from Grammy.

Banjo books from the other Grammy.

Soundtrack music from Hannah {His favorite Disney film}

And our gift...

"Oh, what can it be?"

"Caleb, I'm not amused."

 

He's been wanting this for a very long time. 

Caleb gave him cool Converse sneakers, and he also received a very special chess set from Grandpa. His father, Matt's great grandfather was a ship captain and sailed the world over.  This chess set was hand carved in India. 
{Somehow I didn't get a picture of him opening either of those. sad.}

His birthday donut with a donut hole in the middle - to hold the candle, of course.

Caleb and Hannah planned a surprise party of sorts for Matt.  We all met at a local Mexican restaurant.  Matt just thought he and Caleb were meeting us there to have a family lunch.  
He was happily surprised to see most all the peeps.

Completely stuffed, no one wanted dinner, but birthday cake and ice cream are never refused.

 

Birthdays always make me think over the last year - his accomplishments and changes-
Graduating early, earning college credit, growing spiritually and physically {still!}
He is strong and confident and loves to have fun with friends...and his facial hair. 
{People say they live vicariously through Matt's moustache.  Here's why...
may I introduce to you the many looks of Matthew over this past year.}

Clean shaven with short hair. {Around his birthday last year - spring 2013}

Epic side burns with a messy sexy hair. {fall 2013}

The Christian beard with longer hair {winter 2014}

 

The Beatnik look {early spring 2014}

Snidely Whiplash moustache {late spring 2014}

 

Clean shaven with short hair - we've come full circle. {birthday 2014}

A few little known facts about Matthew-

• He finds ancient history fascinating.
• He enjoys riding horses and would love to own one someday.
• He likes the music group Kansas.
• His favorite hot beverage is Chai tea.
• At this time, he is planning on pursuing a business degree.

We are blessed by his wit and wisdom and look forward to seeing how God will use him and direct his life.

Sneak Peek

 

96!

Brand new

We have been anxiously anticipating a new arrival in our barnyard.  Our Kinder doe named Iona was due any day and looking rather large.  Kinders often give multiples, but this is her first freshening so it was hard to tell how many might arrive.  One?  Two?  Three?  Possibly four?

She was looking to me like she had two.  Sure enough.

I had the children checking on her throughout the day as we noticed signs that told us our waiting would soon be over.  Evening arrived, the goats were tucked in for the night, fed and watered and settled down.  Sadly, Eric had to work late.
Our usual after dinner activities ensued, then I heard that distinct tiny cry from the barn.  I called out over the running water, "The babies are here!"  {I felt like Nanny scurrying around in 101 Dalmatians,  "The puppies, the puppies are here!"}

It's always so exciting to see new life ushered into this world, so I didn't even take the time to change into barn clothes or take off my apron.  I just slipped on my rubber boots and hurried down to see. 

I looked over the barn's Dutch door and greeting me was a little brown babe with white on its head.  {Like chocolate with whip on top!}
I am always relieved when I don't need to intervene, mostly because I don't really know what to do.  That's not true - I do know what to do, but then I second-guess myself - my knowledge, my abilities, my stomach.

Mama was lying down in the corner busy licking her new little gift.  It bleated loudly, still wet and wobbly, not able quite yet to stand up, but trying to.  Then I noticed it - another sac, but it was wedged between Mama and the barn wall.  I hurriedly went inside the pen.  I prayed frantically,  "Lord, what do I do?"   I don't want to do something that will hurt Mama, but I've got to save the kid.   I pulled on Mama's collar to get her to stand up onto her feet.   Gravity would help me, but she didn't want to get up.  I yelled up to the house for help.  Matt quickly came down.  I pulled her collar again and he lifted up her back end.  The sac came out.  Inside lay a motionless kid.  The sac is rather thick and I had a hard time breaking it open.   Finally, it opened, gushing fluid to the ground along with a limp, lifeless baby goat.   We wrapped her in a towel and rubbed and rubbed, but to no avail. 

Because they were ready for bed, I had told the Littles to wait in the house. I'm glad I did because they usually come along.  Disappointed, they anxiously awaited the news.  How many did she have?  Were they boys or girls?  What color were they?
It was hard to tell them that we lost one.  It is a natural part of farm life, but it isn't easy.

"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

We are thankful for the new, little one, and that Mama is doing well.

Bright and early this morning, the rain and cold not deterring them in the least, the children headed to the barn.

"Oh! It's so cute."     

 

"Oh! It's so little."

"Can I hold it?"

 "Me too?"

"Me too?"

Now, for our tradition of choosing a beach name....
I think we've settled on naming her Kaanapali, {Pauli for short}...especially after having taken such a special trip there last fall.

It is tender that the Lord has allowed us, through this event, to ponder death and life. I find it poignant that we are thinking on Christ's death and life this Easter week as well. 
We are rejoicing over the new little life - and we are rejoicing over Christ's resurrection and VICTORY!

 

Spring

 

 

 {Because it is still cold in the morning.}

 

 



A brownie challenge

When you first receive the news that you have a gluten intolerance and must avoid it - you most certainly go through the five stages of grieving!
1.  Denial - "Oh, it won't be so bad."
2. Anger - " I HATE this - NOTHING tastes as good as the real thing!" 
3. Bargaining - "I'll cheat today, but I promise I'll be good tomorrow." 
4. Depression sets in - "Sigh, I'll never enjoy food again." 
5. Acceptance - " I am really ok with not eating gluten.  I feel so much better."

That said - though I am mostly at the final stage of my gluten/no gluten journey - there are times when the "real deal" just looks so delicious. 

I recently pinned this recipe for Fudgy Coconut Flour Brownies on my Pinterest board.  It promises they are dense and fudgy, and taste rich and decadent.  These I gotta try! 

We made them.  They taste good, but they taste better the next day.  They are dense and fudgy, but as with most gluten free baked goods, they are a bit gritty in texture.  The texture is always a give away that they are gluten free, and a little disappointing.

{Pinterest Fudgy Coconut Brownies}

 

So, it made me wonder.... what if we used Hannah's tried and true and absolutely delicious "regular" brownie recipe and tweaked it by substituting the all purpose flour with 1/2 coconut flour and 1/2 almond flour?

{Hannah's Fabulous Gluten Free Brownies}

Now tell me these don't look delicious?  You WOULD NEVER KNOW they are gluten free.
The taste is superb and the texture is perfect.

Generally, when baking gluten free, we have found through trial and error that the combination of almond and coconut flours along with using real eggs {not egg substitute} and another leavening agent {like baking soda or baking powder or both} have yielded really nice results in flavor, texture and a nice balance of lightness and density.

These are the differences between the two recipes:

• Hannah's recipe includes baking powder; the Pinterest recipe does not.
• Hannah's recipe uses chocolate chips; the Pinterest recipe uses cocoa powder.
• Hannah's recipe uses sugar; the Pinterest recipe uses honey or maple syrup.
• Hannah's uses a almond/coconut flour blend; the Pinterest recipe uses only coconut flour.
• The Pinterest recipe might be considered healthy - you can use raw honey or grade B maple syrup, cocoa powder has health benefits too - so maybe the grit/guilt factor might come into play for you, but if not...

I'm sharing Hannah's recipe with you - so that you can surprise, shock, and spoil all your gluten free friends!  :-)

Hannah's Fabulous Gluten Free Brownies

1/4 butter {or coconut oil}
3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. all purpose flour {* substitute 1/3 c. coconut flour + 1/3 c. almond flour}
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. chopped nuts {optional, we left them out}
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips.
 
Preheat oven to 350.  Grease a square baking pan.  Heat the butter and 3/4 c chocolate chips over low heat until melted, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Stir in remaining ingredients, mixing between each addition.  Stir in remaining chocolate chips. 
Bake until tests done with a toothpick, about 30 minutes. 

What to do with the Littles?

Recently, some moms have asked me about things to keep little ones busy.  As I thought through my list of activities, it occurred to me that I hadn't done one with my own small children. 

I call it a "sensory bin".  It's so simple - just a bin with cornmeal and a few small toys. 
They are loving it. 

 

 

 

Just a couple rules:  
1.  Only one child plays at a time. 
2. Keep the cornmeal in the bin as best they can.

It is a little messy, but so easy to just vacuum up.  And with the spring days warming up - it's the perfect thing to take outside.

Other things could be used instead of cornmeal, like rice, lentils, or beans.   Just don't fill it too full with toys otherwise there isn't much room to dig, bury, and discover the treasures. 
{CAUTION: I wouldn't use flour because it's too powdery and the kids can inhale it.}

I have found, as with many activities, that if it only comes out once or twice a week, it stays fresh and fun.  

So - if you have Littles {or Grand-littles} at your home and you are looking for something fun for them to do.... give this a try.  They will love it.

Do you know what today is?

 

You'll never guess! 

 

Ok, yes, it is April 6th... and yes, it is Sunday...

 

But, I bet you didn't know

 

It's National Tartan Day!

 

 

The date of April 6 commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath

in 1320, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims. 

 

 

Did you know that the Declaration of Arbroath was an influence

on America's Declaration of Independence?

 

In the words of MacIsaac Kilt Makers,

"Live tradition - respect tradition - wear tradition."

 

Happy National Tartan Day.

 

Songs in the car

I love music.  I love how it can lift my spirits or just speak to my heart.

It was a busy week, with much time spent in my car {hence the lack of blog posts}.  I always take my Zune along and typically just play it on shuffle so there is lots of variety.  I was blessed several different times by several different songs, on several different trips.
Maybe you've heard these songs?

Call to Worship by Mercy Me on their Almost There album.
 

I will worship the one who threw the stars to the night
I will worship the one who tells the sun to shine
I will worship You
I will worship You

My hands I lift to You
My voice I lift to You
My heart I lift to You
Hallelujah

 

I will worship the one who calmed the raging sea
I will worship the one who hushed the rage in me
I will worship You
I will worship You

Prince of Peace,

Almighty God
Counselor,

Holy One
Lion of Judah,

Son of Man
Son of God,

The Great I Am
Resurrection and the Life
King of kings, Jesus Christ

 

My hands I lift to You
My voice I lift to You
My heart I lift to You
Hallelujah

 

The part that blessed me the most was the listing of the names of God.  With the approach of Easter, I find myself really thinking on not only Christ's resurrection, but the character and sovereignty of God as well.  It is so profound!  It is so simple!

It is often hard for me to wrap my mind around just who God is.

He is Almighty God, Creator of the whole universe, but at the same time is a strong tower for my refuge. 

He is the Great I AM , but also the sacrificial lamb for my salvation.

He is so distant because He is so Holy and yet, He is so near because He is my Savior.  

Sort of really mind-blowing!

 

 

Worth It by Francesca Battistelli on her Hundred More Years album.

 

Love's not a feeling, love's not convenient
But I know love can change your life
Love takes sacrifice, love cuts like a knife
Sometimes love will make you cry

Love's not easy but it's worth it

 

Love is a hunger, but love won't leave you empty
See it's a language of the heart
Love can steal your pride, but love won't let you ride
It takes everything you've got
Love's not easy but it's worth it

 

What you gonna do when the bottom falls out
And you're left with nothing
But your fear and your doubt to hold you, hold you?

Where you're gonna run when it's all on the line
And you're looking for someone
To save your life, to save your life?

 

Love can hear you, love can heal you
If you let it inside, oh, remember now
Love's not easy but it's worth it

 

What you gonna do when the bottom falls out
And you're left with nothing
But your fear and your doubt to hold you
Who's gonna hold you?

Where you're gonna run when it's all on the line
And you're looking for someone
To save your life, to save your life?

 

Love can hear you, I know love will heal you
If you let it inside, oh, remember now
Love's not easy but it's worth it

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While I listened to this song, the thing that came to mind was 1 John 4:16 {God is love.}

Which made me think about how a life lived in Christ is not an easy life, BUT that even though life can be messy and relationships can be messy, He alone is our comfort.

 

 

Reckless Forgiver  by Jars of Clay on their Inland album

It's the chorus, actually that kind of makes me chuckle and say, "So true" at the same time.  I listen to this album all the time.  No, really!  I do.

 

{Chorus}
All I want is peace like a river
Long life of sanity,

Love that I won't leave too soon
Someone to pull out the splinters
Hey, reckless forgiver you know that I'm talking to you

I would like those things in this life - I am thankful that at least I am guaranteed to be forgiven over and over and over again.

 

 

Lastly, I absolutely love the title song Inland 

 

There are no streets to walk on, no maps you can rely on

Faith and guts to guide you, wander 'til you find you

Only raw desire, no match to give you fire

You'll have to trust your heart

 

They don't believe in oceans, you, you were a sailor

who burned your ship and walked on, far away you walked on

You keep turning inland where no man is an island

It's where you're supposed to be

 

Oh, Oh, You keep heading inland

No man is an island, come on home to me

 

Afraid of your convictions, they said the land would change you

Steady your confession, your course make no corrections

When you are a stranger, hold your tongue and wager

that love will set you free, until it sets you free

 

Oh, Oh, you keep walking inland

No man is an island, come on home to me

Oh, Oh, you keep walking inland

No man is an island, come on home to me.

 

Follow your desire, leave it all, you're leaving all

Just burn it in the fire

Of everything you once knew

And everyone that knew you

Remove the shoes you came on

Feel the earth you're made from

Pack up all your questions

Just keep heading inland and come on home to me

Yeah come on home to me

 

You keep walking inland where no man is an island

Come on home to me

I will always be here by your side

I will always stand next to you

Where your darkness hits the light

In the place where you stand against the tide

I will always stand next to you

I will always stand next to you

I will always be here by your side.

Come on home to me.

 

Is that not such a comfort - To hear the Lord say to you, "I'll always be here by your side, Come to me."  Ah, I just LOVE that song!! 

 

 

While I am glad I will be home more this week, I am thankful for the blessing of music to fill my car and heart.