It's been a while...

I used to write here often. It was a weekly event for me to sit at this keyboard and move my fingers in such a way where the thoughts in my head connected with the keys and made some sort of sense. At least that's what I thought was happening.

Life has been a whirl wind on a non stop twirl of change and growth, and I see no chance of it slowing down any time soon. Relocation, adaptation, confirmation and waiting.
I am simply hanging on for the ride.

My hopes are to spend a little more time here. A few minutes every so often to help clear my head and maybe lighten the emotional burden that has become my everyday. So, if you're here reading this, I hope that you may gain something from my words or maybe not feel so alone in the world. I'll see you soon.

Falls Creek Camp Trip

Last week we loaded everything up and drove up to the mountains. We found a nice spot tucked back in the trees and set up camp. We have been waiting all winter to be able to do this. This trip is number two and I think our summer is calling for many more trips.

The people that were here before us set up a really nice fire pit which made the girls really excited about the campfire...or maybe it was the marshmallows. I forget. We got everything put up while the girls played with odds and ends that they found around camp. Sticks, rocks, you name it.

Sitting around the camp and listening to the sounds of nature is by far one of my favorite things. This camp site is surrounded by a few more trees than the last one we were at. They had faces in the trunks and branches which has proved great conversation between the girls and I. Some of them look as if they're laughing at each other.

The creek beside the camp was low enough this time so the girls could play in it a bit. It was so cold still that it made their feet numb. There were butterflies everywhere! Big yellow and orange ones. They fluttered all around the waters edge and created this magical feeling. The girls even managed to catch a few of them. I do believe that was the highlight of this trip.

I'm looking forward to this summer, even though we're in the thick of it already. I am tickled that the girls enjoy camping and nature as much as I did when I was little. Heck, I still love it. I like being able to share such a love for something with them. It makes making memories even more special. They see how simple it is and can appreciate just being together as a family without the added distractions.

Kitchen Sink Thinking

I do my best thinking when I'm cooking supper. Probably because that is where my mind and heart becomes inspired the most these days. Hence the reason I'm standing over the husband's laptop next to the stove, secretly saying a prayer that nothing splatters over on the screen. It never fails though, when I sit down to record all of those ideas after I'm out of the kitchen...they've gone missing. No where to be found. Does this happen to you? Do you have a place in your home or life in general where you feel the most inspired?  Just wondering if I'm the only one this happens to.

The sun came out today after two solid days of rain. Not that I'm complaining about it. It sure beats a snow storm any day, but I'm happy to feel the warmth on my legs. I'm also enjoying listening to the happiness that is being carried this way from the swing-set. Number 12,456 I'm so happy to be a Moma. I get the chance to witness the bond that is being created between my girls.  Talk about a daily dose of blessings. I tell you what I really love about this place, the sunsets. Man they are literally like fire in the sky. The show usually starts right as I'm cleaning the kitchen. This was last nights show. It was breathtaking. Always is. God will never cease to amaze me.

There has been a steady breeze today. I've had the windows open and the curtains have been blowing with each gust that makes it way through the house. Days like this make me wish to stay here, then I remember the snow. Oh the snow. Then I begin to think of the humidity at home in Florida...not sure how these things balance out but that's not for me to worry about. "For I know I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I took the girls to the library this morning where they proceeded to gather all books visible to bring home. My shoulder may or may not be broken. I think next time we'll set a limit on how many to check out. Three girls + three library cards = LOTS of books. I'm loving the time they're spending in their books though. I even managed to pick one up with high hopes of reading it, or maybe putting myself to sleep. I'll keep you posted. I was looking for a particular book and even after looking it up on the computer, it wasn't on the shelf. I really despise it when that happens. Even though, I looked over a few books and picked another. Try try again...that's what I teach my girls. It's all about being an example, am I right?

Well, it's time to pull supper together. I think I've managed to write out all of my thoughts before they disappear  and before I drop the laptop into the sink.  We're having cajun pork tenderloin, green beans and potatoes and cornbread. Simple and good.

The Lately and More

Summertime is in full form around here. The last day of school was last Friday, so we're well into a weeks worth of endless amount of "whatever." And while it might not officially be summer, we are taking advantage of the warm weather during this awfully short window (at least to this southern gal).  And just so it's clear, we did buy another pool for the kids.

The girls have been busy playing in the sprinklers and enjoying splashing around with Moose in the little pool. He loves playing in the water just as much as they do, and if they're not careful he might just push them out of the pool. Legos have been brought out of hibernation and I have been enjoying a daily dose of high pitched voices and conversations. It's been lovely.

 We went on our first camping trip Memorial Day weekend. We found a little spot tucked back in the trees and set up shop. This was the first time the girls camped without the park type amenities and they did great! It was so nice to get away from the daily grind. To just sit and listen to nothing loud and obnoxious. To be able to watch nature in action and enjoy seeing my girls light up over it like I used to. To come back to grips with what is real and pure. It was amazing and beautiful. The perfect recharge.

The girls have slowly been sleeping in later each morning. I've been able to enjoy coffee out on the back patio with Moose's company. I have also been able to reconnect with the slow of things and take joy in slipping back in to my bible readings. I'm appreciating the grounded feeling that I have long since missed. 

We have so much we want to do this summer. There are more camp trips on the horizons, fishing adventures and as always, soaking up the joy of being with those we love. How is your summer so far?

a happy heart

Can I be honest about something? Some times I struggle big time with anxiety and the overwhelming feeling of stress. Most of the time I worry about something that may or may not happen in the future or that is potentially going to happen. It seems silly, I know, but it's most of the time it feels so real and it irritates me so that I allow it to bother me. This past week I was totally consumed with stress and anxiety about who knows what.

The snow.
The ice.
 Is there enough gluten free bread?

Will the girls have enough presents for Christmas?
Will I ever get to go home?
Am I raising my girls to be ungrateful for what they have?

All of this at once. In my head doing circles and causing nothing but internal chaos. It's tiresome and it wears me out. After dealing with it all, I stopped and turned my eyes to God. I gave it all to Him and decided to let Him take control.
If I trust in Him that I'm doing everything I can to be true than I have nothing to worry about. By putting Him first before all worry, doubt, stress, and anxiety I know that I will be able to start this new week with a happier and less weighted heart. 
Oh...and a new hair cut. That'll surely help with the stress. 

Have a good week!!!

Gluten Free Banana Muffins

Breakfast used to be the girls favorite meal. It was one that I could guarantee would be fuss and whine free. The problems started when we found out they had celiac disease. Majority of their favorite go-to breakfast meals were filled with gluten. That meant their favorite blueberry bagels and easy cinnamon rolls were out of the question. Nowadays, our breakfasts are on a rotation of about 3 options and are mostly homemade and always gluten free.

Muffins are the easiest to whip up. I especially love muffins when the ingredients include bananas. I have always loved banana bread and banana muffins and I believe I passed that love down to my girls. Sometimes we go through spouts where we can't eat enough bananas and then there are times when no one eats any. So these are the times I save them up for banana muffins.

This recipe can very easily be used for banana bread. I just like making the muffins because they're perfect for little fingers to grab and run.

Gluten Free Banana Muffins

2 ripe bananas mashed
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup white rice flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut oil
 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, eggs, vanilla, oil and sugar. Once combined well,  add in the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix well.
In a muffin tin, I use the small size, either line with muffin papers or spray with nonstick spray. Fill all of the spots 3/4 of the way. Bake for 18-20 minutes depending on your oven. 

These are so good and so easy to freeze when you have leftovers. 
That's IF you have leftovers. Enjoy!!!

Life Like a Whirlwind

I looked at my girls this week and somehow they've aged like 5-6 years. Talk about a whirlwind. They act so big nowadays it really breaks my heart to see another day come and go.  I could very easily dwell over how fast they're growing up but man I'm having so much fun with them to be so sad and mopy.  

They're personalities are so different. They're interests are slowly evolving into different areas. However, with the big girls pink and purple seem to be indefinite at this time. Ellie has sprouted and shot up like a bean sprout. She's fallen in love with her homeschool lessons and spending time with her each day is by far the best. 

When Ellie was born, I prayed that one day they would get along and become sister-friends. Oh how I prayed. And that's exactly what I've notice lately. They play and work together to do things. They love  and help each other, fight with each other and tease.  But that's what family does right? 

Our days are fast. I'm trying my best to completely absorb myself with these girls. I spend more time with them reading books and coloring at the kitchen table. Everything else can wait til I have time for it. My girls are moving too fast for me not to slow down. 

Turning Four

This weekend we celebrated my little bird. 

 spunky little three year old turned four and I'm a little beside myself on how to process the whole event. It's utterly unreal that time has passed by so quickly. 

With the movie Trolls coming out her birthday weekend, we thought what better way to celebrate than to see this new movie. She was so excited and loved every minute.

It's a family tradition that whoevers birthday it is gets to pick what we'll have for supper. When I was little, I would always request lasagna or spaghetti. This little lady made it even easier for me and chose grilled cheese and bbq chips. 

She tells me being four means she's a big girl now. While I agree with some of that, I'm still holding on to that itty-bitty piece of baby she has tucked behind her heart. That piece that comes out when she's tired or sad. When she wants extra snuggles in the morning. Yeah, she might be a big girl in her book, but she's always always going to be my little baby.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!

Homemade Gluten Free Granola

A couple of days ago, I shared how we make homemade yogurt to help salvage our grocery budget. It's been a huge blessing but I couldn't leave it at that. We eat a lot of yogurt in our house, but we eat just as much granola. 

Have you ever taken a step back and looked at the price of granola. Ouch!! Have you ever paid attention to the price of Gluten Free granola. Probably not it you don't need to, but it's even worse. Since we eat yogurt and granola quite often, I knew I had to learn to make it from home.

Making granola in your own kitchen allows you to be in control of how it tastes. We like to put extra cinnamon in ours, especially around this time of year. Add in some pumpkin spice and that makes it even more special. 

Granola is so versatile. Nuts, berries, coconut...any addition makes it yummy or eat it with just the oats like we do. Totally your call. The girls and I usually make this on the weekends. Sometimes Ellie and I will make it after the girls are off to school. Here's what you'll need to whip this up:

Gluten free old fashioned oats
Raw Honey
Coconut Oil
Vanilla 
Cinnamon
Mixing bowl
2 baking sheets
Parchment paper

Let's get started!!!

Preheat your oven to 350. 

Combine 3 cups of oats and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour them onto the parchment lined baking sheets, dividing the oats between the two. Bake the oats for about 12 minutes in the oven. Stir here and there. 

Combine 3 teaspoons melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 cup honey. After the oats have toasted, pull them out of the oven and drizzle the wet mixture over the oats and stir well. Make sure they're all coated. Place back in the oven and turn it off. Allow them to sit for another 8-10 minutes to finish toasting and then remove from the oven to cool. Make sure to allow them plenty of time to cool completely. 

That's it!! 
You just made granola. Easy peasy. Now you get to eat it without feeling guilty for paying an arm and a leg for it. Well, that's if you're like me. 

Store the granola in air tight jars and enjoy!! This would also be a great homemade gift for neighbors or teachers. 

Homemade Yogurt in Your Crockpot

Our family is on the road to saving money. We have cut back and slashed spending in so many ways. We originally started with groceries. It was outrageous! With two girls having celiac disease, I've been forced to learn how to cut costs in areas I never really considered before to make up for the gluten free items I'm having to purchase. Gluten free foods are so crazy expensive and eat up a lot of our budget. 

My most recent action to save money was to learn to make homemade yogurt. I was very intimidated but I knew it was something I should at least try. The girls eat a lot of yogurt not only because they love it but it is one of the cheaper gluten free snack options. We went through a time where they wanted the character yogurts (frozen, ninja turtles, etc.). They eat so much yogurt though, it started to add up. When we crunched numbers for our new budget, I knew this was the place to start. It all adds up in the end. 

Making homemade yogurt is very easy. It's extremely good, and so much cheaper. Looking back I can't believe I ever hesitated. I love knowing that we're saving money in addition to knowing everything that's in our yogurt. And seriously, the crockpot makes it even easier than before.  At first, my husband was a little weary of the whole process. The incubation period sort of freaked him out, but here we are many many batches later and he's totally on board. 

Here's everything you need to get started:

• Crockpot (This is the one I have)
• 1/2 gallon milk (We use 2 %)
• 1/2 cup of yogurt for your starter (after your first batch, you'll save 1/2 cup for your next batch)
• 1/2-3/4 cup sugar (it all depends on how sweet or tangy your prefer your yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• Containers for storage. (I use Ball Quart jars.)
• Optional items:  cheesecloth and colander

Let's get started!!!

The amount of time for making a batch of yogurt takes anywhere between 12-15 hours. So, I usually start our batches around 2:30 p.m. so that the last part of the process will happen while I'm asleep. It works out perfectly for us. 

Pull out your crockpot. Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into it and  turn it on. Set your timer for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

When that time is up, turn the crockpot off. Slowly stir in your sugar and vanilla. Be careful not to scrape the bottom in case some of the milk has cooked to the pot. TRUST ME! Set your timer for 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

When that time is up, take a cup of the milk from the crockpot and mix it with your yogurt starter. Mix it well and add it back to the pot. You're almost done. Put the lid on and wrap the entire crockpot with some bath towels. This is the longest part of the process. You're going to let your little incubator sit for 8-12 hours. I usually set my microwave for 9 hours just so I don't forget about it in the morning. But it's hard to miss a glob of towels on my kitchen counter. 

After that last time, you can unwrap the pot and you'll see your yogurt. The next few steps are optional and all depend on how you prefer your yogurt. I'm not a big fan of thin yogurt so I do the following to allow our yogurt to thicken up not quite like greek yogurt but somewhere in between. 

I take a big pot, a colander, and some cheesecloth. I line the colander with the cheesecloth and place those two on top of the big pot. I pour the yogurt into the lined colander. I then put in the fridge for 1 1/2 hours. You'll figure out the amount of time for the desired texture. It's a trial and error process. Once that time is up, I take it out and put the yogurt into the jars. 

I usually double this recipe. With five of us, we eat a lot of yogurt. I usually end up with 3 quart jars of yogurt which in turn lasts us about 1 1/2 weeks. Sometimes. 

Now, after you've strained your yogurt, you'll see the whey in the bottom pot. You can either get rid of it or save it like I do. There are so many things you can use that whey for. I have started using it when I'm making the girls gluten free bread. I use it in place of the milk, which helps to save even more money.  But, that's a completely different post. 
If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope this helps you. Making yogurt can seem so intense and involved, but it's really so easy. 

Enjoying Life

Despite the classic fall weather this week, I've been able to get quite a lot done. More so than I thought would happen. On the outside the air is extremely crisp and rain comes and goes. Inside, Ellie and I stay warm and cozy while the big sisters are away at school. If we're not doing some of her school lessons or baking up something yummy,  than she's usually playing while I'm doing house work of some sort.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote out some things that I really wanted to try making from scratch/homemade. Things that would make a difference in the long run budget wise. I did this after the hubby and I evaluated our spending and budget and realized some things needed to change. It forced me to find alternatives to the pricier options. 

So, I picked a few things to start with...

yogurt, granola, homemade gluten free bread and homemade laundry soap. 

The granola and yogurt were HUGE successes. Something which I was extremely proud of and the girls ranted and raved over it. The bread is good. It's still not as fluffy as they'd prefer, but it's working quite nicely for now. The laundry soap is still in the works. I have a sense of accomplishment because I've tackled those things instead of cowering from attempting them. 

Here lately, we've been getting out and taking advantage of living in such a beautiful state like Idaho. I remember when we put Idaho on our list of choices for assignments. Most of our reasons all geared towards opportunity...when would we ever be given a reason to live in such an amazing and outgoing area. A place where you can go and do anything that you feel like doing. 

It's a lot of fun this time of year to get out and see all the changes and let the girls explore and have so much fun being outside. They've been collecting leaves and berries then coming home and looking them up in their nature books. It's been so much fun. 

It's crazy how fast time has gone since we first arrived here. Before we know it, it'll be time to press on and move forward to a new adventure. But for now, we're enjoying life where we're at and all that it brings.