Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Luke 2:1-19


And it came to pass in those days,that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,that all the world should be taxed.

And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

And all went to be taxed,everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee,out of the city of Nazareth,into Judea,unto the city of David,which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,and laid him in a manger;because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God,and saying,

Glory to God int eh highest,and on earth peace,good will toward men.

And it came to pass,as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,the shepherds said to one another,Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass,which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came haste,and found Mary,and Joseph,and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it,they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things,and pondered them in her heart.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Leat

Monday, December 22, 2008

Early Christmas

Since we are leaving early Christmas Eve morning to start our drive down to FL, we celebrated Christmas over the weekend.

Friday night we celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa B,and Aunt R, Uncle A, and little J.



They thoughtfully gave the boys activities they can do on the drive! All the boys got mini magnadoodles, and a little devotional book. The older boys got a 15 puzzle. It is a slide game where you mix up the numbers and try and put them back in order. The younger guys got mini etch-a-sketches.



Aunt R and Uncle A gave the boys a game called Mr. Mouth. A frog head slowly spins and his mouth opens and shuts. Four players try and get all of their flies into the frogs mouth. The first to feed all his flies wins. It is much trickier than it sounds! This is a game that Bri and his brother and sister played when they were little.

We had our family Christmas Sunday morning



Even though we celebrated 4 days early, that Christmas morning excitement was in full force. All four boys were whispering outside our door a good 1/2 hour before we got up for the day.



Everyone pretty much got what they asked for. Nathan didn't ask for it but got a cool marshmallow gun. You put in a mini marshmallow and blow it out. Caleb got a BB gun,BB's,knife, and knife sharpener. Jacob got a folding saw,hatchet,knife sharpener,and tackle box. Luke got a hatchet,knife sharpener,and fishing pole.

With all of the gifts and goodies that come with the season,always take the time to remember and give extreme thanksgiving for the TRUE reason for the season and His ultimate life giving gift to us.

Merry Christmas!

Leat

Friday, December 19, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday

As I was planning different treats to make for our Christmas Plates to give to friends, Bri said I had to make Cinnamon Sugar Muffins. He has fond memories of eating them as a child.
They are mini muffins made from a thick batter. As soon as they are out of the oven, dip them in melted butter and roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. They taste just like a dough-nut hole!
Is your mouth watering yet? Here is the recipe.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

1/3 cup butter,softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
melted butter

Mix butter,sugar,and egg thoroughly. Stir in next 4 ingredients alternately with milk. Fill greased and floured mini muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake in 350 oven 20-25 minutes. Immediately brush with butter and roll in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Serve hot. These also freeze well.

Have a great weekend!

Leat

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Quilting

Today I am going to take my first stitches in official hand quilting. A few years ago my oldest son colored a cool design on a piece of graph paper, and I thought ,"Hey, that would make a neat quilt". Over time, off and on, we got all of the squares cut out,and 20 rows sewn together. The entire quilt was supposed to be 41 rows of 31 squares in each row. Wanting to have it finished for his tenth birthday ,the end of January, I asked him about having two twin size quilts instead of one HUGE one. He said that would be ok. So here I am getting ready to start quilting the first half.

I have made a few smaller quilts over the past few years. But on those I would just put them together like a pillow case and then machine quilt on my sewing machine.

Since we are leaving next week for a two day drive down to FL, I thought it would be neat to pass the time hand quilting. We'll see how it turns out!

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

We ate pretty well the past seven days!

Meatloaf,mashed potatoes,gravy,corn,and pear sauce

Potato soup in homemade bread bowls, popcorn

Sub sandwich and other party buffet items (family graduation party)

Sesame chicken,rice

Homemade pizza

Dillons chinese

Chicken stew with basil dumplings

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Mercy

Yesterday on the radio, a song came on that was just what I needed to hear. I'm sorry I don't recall the name of the group that sings it. But it is Psalm 136. It is called a call and response. After each phrase, the echo is, His love endures forever.

This morning I decided to read this Psalm in a couple different Bible translations. In the NIV,the echo or response is, His love endures forever. In the KJV the response is, His mercy endureth forever. Following this discovery, I looked up mercy in our Noah Webster 1828 dictionary.

Mercy:
1. That benevolence,mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries,or to treat an offender better than he deserves; In this sense,there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is GRACE. It implies benevolence,tenderness,mildness,pity or compassion,and clemency,but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.

What greater show of mercy than for God to send his Son to be born in a lowly stable,to grow to die for our sins,and rise from the grave,to assend back to heaven and prepare a place for us!

Psalm 136:1

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good;for his mercy endureth for ever.

Have a blessed day!

Leat

Monday, December 15, 2008

BRR It's Cold!

We are at a whopping 6 degrees this morning! That is just the regular air temp. The wind chill is about -10. Supposed to get all the way up to 20 today.

It is a good day for baking! I am going to make bread bowls and serve potato soup in them for dinner tonight.

I am also planning to make some cookie dough rolls for the freezer to bake later in the week.

Along with school and laundry, should be a busy day.

Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, December 12, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday

This is a Sunday morning tradition at our house.

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup regular flour
3 tsp sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cups milk
1 egg
1 Tbl honey

1/4-1/2 lb breakfast sausage
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 425.

1. In large skillet,brown sausage,drain;set aside.

2. Drop in 1/4 cup butter into skillet with heat turned off.

3. In mixing bowl, combine flours,baking powder,sugar,and salt. Cut in shortening with a fork until crumbly.

4. Stir in egg,milk,and honey.

5. Dump out onto a floured surface;knead 5-6 times.

6. Roll out with hands to about 1/4-1/2 inch.

7. Cut out biscuits with cutter and place on ungreased baking sheet.

8. Bake in preheated oven 10-12 minutes.

9. Meanwhile,turn heat back on under skillet. Stir 1/4 cup flour into melted butter till smooth.

10. Stir in 2 cups milk. Continue to stir over med heat til smooth and thickened.

11. Stir in reserved sausage.

12. Serve gravy over split biscuits.

Our family likes to have tater tots and fruit with these.

Have a great week end.

Leat

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

Here it is Wednesday again. Here is what we have been eating.


Chicken stew with basil dumplings

Tuna casserole

Split pea soup with popcorn

Hot dogs

Chinese

Hamburgers, oven fries

Spicy Vegetable Soup



Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Planning

We are going to be driving to Florida between Christmas and New years! It is roughly just under 1400 miles. Couple that with four boys having to sit for two straight days, and you see all the planning I am doing.

First of all is the food factor. We want to avoid McNasty at all costs. If you can, rent or get the Super Size Me DVD at you local library and you'll see why! So I am planning snacks and cold meals we can eat at rest stops.

Next is keeping everyone quiet and happy. We are blessed that our Pilot has a DVD player. That will be put to plenty of use, but I don't want to listen to the kids dvd's the whole time. So we will also have lots of read aloud time. The boys love to listen to books read aloud. Right now we are reading The Little House books.

I am also going to print off some coloring sheets and puzzles for the kids to work on.

Finally there is just the good old past time of looking out the window! We will be driving through some very beautiful parts of the country.

15 days and counting! I can't wait!

Have a great day!

Leat

Monday, December 8, 2008

Party Time!

We had Nathan's birthday party yesterday afternoon. By the end he had had almost too much birthday! But everyone had a good time. Enjoy!

Before every meal Nathan has been praying this prayer,"Thank you for today. I hope I get a Thomas DVD for my birthday. Amen." We had already given him a different gift, but his Daddy went ahead and got him his DVD as well.



Here is the Thomas cake.



He loves his new Thomas Tent. See his face in the little window?



Birthday guests!



Blowing out the candles.



Good night Birthday Boy.




Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, December 5, 2008

Happy Birthday!

Today is Nathan and my birthday. It has been an amazing three years watching Nathan grow and become his own little person!
Here are some pictures of him through the years.

Nathan Marshall was 6lb 8oz at birth.









Have a great Day!

Leat

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Psalm 105:1-4

Give Thanks to the Lord,call on his name;make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him,sing praise to him;tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.

Have a Great day!

Leat

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

Can you guess the theme of most of the past 7 days menus? :)

Salmon patties,sweet potatoes,peas

Turkey Devon

Turkey,mashed potatoes,gravy,quail,stuffing,rolls,corn,cranberry sauce

Spangles for lunch,turkey leftover for dinner

Turkey and Noodles

BIG thanksgiving dinner

Hamburgers,oven fries,cherry cheese dessert

Have a great day.

Leat

Monday, December 1, 2008

Happy December!

I can't believe it is December already. As my oldest guy said this morning,"I never got used to saying November". As everyone is busy getting ready Christmas,buying and making gifts,decorating and baking,take some time each day to think about the reason for the season, and praise God for sending us the most precious gift of all.

Have a great day.

Leat

Friday, November 28, 2008

Cleaning Quail

This morning Bri went quail hunting with his Dad,brother and brother-in-law. He come home with two quail. The boys were excited to learn how to clean them. They will taste great with our dinner leftovers from last night!




Leat

Favorite Recipe Friday

For the past several years, I've been making fresh pumpkin pie rather than the traditional recipe on the back of the pumpkin can. This year I used pumpkins that we grew in our garden.



Fresh Pumpkin Pie

2 cups cooked pumpkin
1/2 cup honey
1 Tablespoon molasses
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
dash nutmeg
dash cloves

Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend until combined. Smooth out in an unbaked pie crust. Bake 1 hour at 350 or until knife comes out clean.



Leat

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Grill Roasted Turkey




3 cups wood chips,soaked and drained

vegetable oil

1 (12-14lb) turkey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter,melted

salt and pepper

1.Place the wood chips in a disposable aluminum tray and rest the tray directly on top of the primary burner. turn all the burners to high,close the lid,and heat the grill until very hot and the chips are smoking,about 15 minutes. Clean and oil the grill. Leave the primary burner on high and turn off all other burners.

2. meanwhile,remove and discard the gizzard packet from the cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels,then brush the breast side with half the butter and season with salt and pepper. Lay the turkey breast side down,then brush the back of turkey with remaining butter and season with salt and pepper.

3. Arrange the turkey over the cooler part of the grill. Cover and grill-roast for 1 hour.

4. Flip the turkey breast side up using clean potholders or kitchen towels. Make sure the side that was facing the lit burner is now facing away from it. Continue grill-roasting covered for 45 minutes.

5 Leaving the turkey breast side up,carefully rotate the turkey around and continue to grill roast covered until an instant read thermometer inserted deep into the thigh registers 175 degrees,15-45 minutes longer.

6. Transfer the turkey to a carving board,tent with foil,and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.



For a Charcoal grill:

Build a medium hot banked fire.(All to one side of the grill) Place the wood chips or chunks directly on top of one pile of coals.(My DH uses two empty tuna cans to hold the wood chips)

Place the turkey over the cooler area. Cover and grill-roast 1 hour. Add 12 fresh briquettes and flip the turkey as above. Continue grill roasting 45 minutes. Rotate turkey again and continue grilling covered until thermometer in thigh reads 175.



We have found the weather plays a big part of the timing. If it is windy, it usually takes longer to grill. But the taste and smell of smoked turkey is soo worth it!

Have a great day!

Leat

Monday, November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving Week!



Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness:come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us,his people,and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:be thankful unto him,and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.


Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, November 21, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday

I got this recipe a couple years ago from my Sister-in-law, Laura. We were visiting their family and she served this coffee cake with breakfast one morning.

Light Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tb flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp butter,melted

In a mixing bowl, beat milk,oil and egg. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Spoon into an 8 inch square baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Combine topping ingredients,sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 for 25-28 minutes.

Optional: Spread 3/4 batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle topping on. Drop remaining batter on topping by spoonfuls. Bake as directed.

This coffee cake is so light and delicious. I always make it the optional way. It can also be easily doubled and baked in a 9x13 inch dish.

Have a great weekend!

Leat

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Break Out the Garlic

It never fails. Around Thanksgiving time our family comes down with the first colds of the season. A couple boys have stuffy noses, one a sore throat,one an occasional cough and sneezing, Bri has the beginnings of an ear ache. So it's time to get our families cure all;Garlic.

You can read all about how amazing garlic is here:

http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Garlic-Minced

What I do for colds and congestion is to make GOOT. GOOT stands for Garlic Olive Oil Treatment. It is 3 T olive oil,3 T coconut oil, and 3 T minced FRESH garlic. Combine all in a blender and strain through a seive. Place the liquid in a small jar and refrigerate. After 1 hour,take a paper towel and rub some of the goot on the bottom of your feet, put on socks. The oil goes through the soles of the feet and gets the garlic directly into the bloodstream.

For and ear ache,finely mince 1 clove of garlic. Stir it into warm coconut oil. Using a q-tip, dip the q-tip into the garlic infused oil and gently rub in the ear.

Another use for garlic is a poultice. Finely mince a clove of garlic and wrap it in a paper towel. Run the paper towel under as hot of water as you can stand. Gently squeeze out excess water.Place the poultice on chest,ears,or bottom of feet.

The raw garlic is very strong and can potentially burn the skin if left on too long. Start with just 45 seconds to 1 minute.

More effective than antibiotics,no side effects (Just a little smelly)
Praise God for Garlic!

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

I remembered all 7! You are all very impressed,I know. Anyway, here they are.

Chili burger Supper

Pea soup, corn bread

Homemade Pizza

Out for Dinner

Oven baked Chimi Changas

Roast chicken,mashed potatoes,gravy,cheesy green beans,pumpkin pie

Chicken and noodles,corn bread

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Nathan and Thomas

Our youngest boy, Nathan, is crazy about Thomas the Tank Engine.

A few weeks ago Bri and I were at Goodwill and he found this little couch. It had no price on it so we asked a salesperson. The manager come over and said,"Oh, how about $2.99." We snatched it up! Later Bri did some research and found that new it retailed out for around $45.00!



Nathan sits on it most days and looks at books. For the first several days he pulled it all over the house. He would sleep in it for naps and even at night. He is back to sleeping in his own bed again, but still loves his Thomas couch! (as well as anything else Thomas!)



Leat

Monday, November 17, 2008

Library Books

Our family went to the library over the weekend. Of course we came home with a good size stack.

One of the books I got is called The Prince by Francine Rivers. It is about Jonathan,from the Bible.

It is one of a series of five books called The Sons of Encouragement Series. She "tells the stories of five men who faithfully sought after God in the shadows of God's chosen leaders". These books really bring to life the stories of these men from Biblical times.

I am planning on reading it aloud to the boys. Another book I got in this series is The Scribe. It tells the story of Silas. If you get a chance, check your local library for these books.

Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, November 14, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday

40-Minute Hamburger Buns

From Taste of Home's Best of Country Breads Cookbook

These rolls are make great homemade hamburger buns or just quick dinner rolls. Like the title says, they just take 40 minutes start to finish.

2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110-115 degrees)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3-3 1/2 cups flour (can use 1/2 wheat flour)

In a mixing bowl,dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil and sugar;let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg,salt and enough flour to form a soft dough. turn onto a floured surface;knead until smooth and elastic,about 3-5 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide dough into 12 pieces;shape each into a ball. Place 3 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 425 for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove form pans to wire racks to cool. Yield 1 dozen.


For dinner rolls, just make smaller balls. I can get up to 18.
I also like to brush the tops with butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Have a great weekend!

Leat

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Got Perfume?

I was reading my Bible this morning and came across these verses.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16a
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death;to the other,the fragrance of life.

Is my "spiritual odor" such that it draws those around me to Christ, like the aroma of fresh baked bread draws everyone to the kitchen?

Or am I the dead mouse buried in the pile of junk giving off such a hideous smell others avoid that area?

I choose the Bread of Life.

Leat

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

How Old Is Your Brain?

How old is your brain:

http://flashfabrica.com/f_learning/brain/brain.html

It's written in Japanese so here's what you do:

Click on start

Wait for 3-2-1

Memorize the number positions on the screen, then click the circle from the smallest number to the largest.

At the end of the game the computer will tell you how old your brain is.

Menu Review Wednesday

I woke up this morning trying to remember all the meals we have eaten the past seven days. I can only think of six. I'll have to start writing them down on the calendar each evening after dinner. :) Here are the six I do remember.

Taco Salad

Tuna Casserole

Ribs, fried chicken,parsley potatoes,tossed salad,jell-o salad,bread,cherry pie YUM!
(this dinner was at Bri's folks house)

Hot dogs,s'mores (Friends campfire birthday party)

Bacon egg and cheese biscuits

Bierocks

Have a great day

Leat

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Gathering Recipes

Last Saturday we went to the co-op and bought a 50# bag of corn. What on earth are we going to do with 50 pounds of corn,you ask? Grind it into cornmeal! So now I am on the search for recipes with cornmeal in them.

After two tries I found a good corn pancake recipe. Now I am on the hunt for the best corn bread recipe. I have a couple waiting to be tried out.

Thankfully fall is really here and we are all in the mood for soups and stews and chili. All of which are great with cornbread.

I don't think my family would like hominy so I won't bother making that. But I am planning to try making mush and homemade corn tortillas.

Here is the winning corn pancake recipe.

Cornmeal Pancakes

1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons oil
2 eggs

Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add wet ingredients. Stir til just combined. Cook on a heated griddle; I use just under 1/4 cup per pancake. Batter will be a little thin.

Have a great day.

Leat

Monday, November 10, 2008

Verses For My Sons


Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Proverbs 6:20-23
My son,keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever;fasten them around your neck. When you walk,they will guide you;when you sleep,they will watch over you; when you awake,they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp,this teaching is a light,and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,and your plans will succeed.


Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings;he will not serve before obscure men.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on your guard;stand firm in the faith;be men of courage;be strong. Do everything in love.

Leat

Friday, November 7, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday


Today's recipe is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

A good friend of mine always brings these when our families camp together. They are so moist and delicious they never last long. I have four pumpkins sitting next to my fireplace that we grew in the garden this year. I know at least one of them will be turned into these muffins.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 1/2 cups cooking oil
1 12 oz package chocolate chips
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda

Mix eggs,sugar,pumpkin,and oil. Add Dry ingredients mixed together. Mix thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop mixture into greased muffin cups. Bake 10-15 minutes in a 400 degree oven. Makes about 30.

Have a great week end.

Leat

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Quilt Givaway

Hi all. If you go to this blog site,you can sign up to win a beautiful handmade quilt!

http://sewingwithabbie.blogspot.com/2008/11/win-this-quilt-my-givaway.html


It is a beautiful quilt with a beautiful story behind it.

Leat

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

Wednesday again already! Here is what we ate for dinner the past seven days.


Spaghetti and Meatballs,Homemade french bread

Chicken Stew with Basil Dumplings

Biscuits and Gravy

DQ Hamburgers,fries

Homemade Pizza

Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Baked Potato Bar


It is a chilly,windy,rainy day here. Kind of matches our mood about the outcome of the election.

Have a good day!

Leat

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Please Pray Today

Election day is finally here. Bri and I voted by mail in ballot a week or so ago. Nice to not have to go stand in line for a long time with four boys to keep entertained. Pray the American people will show some common sense when casting their votes today. Not just for President but local elections as well.

My youngest woke up not feeling well this morning. He has since thrown up twice, but has kept down two saltines and is showing more of his usual energy. Hopefully everything is out of his system that was making him feel puny.

All of the economic stuff has wrecked havoc on the company Bri works for. Starting this Friday, they will start laying off up to 25% of the work force. They will do this each Friday at least until the end of the year. Also on Thursday, Bri flies to Chicago to give a speech at a conference.

Thank You for your prayers!

Leat

Monday, November 3, 2008

Perfect Day

Ever have one of those days that you just don't want to end? Saturday was a day like that. We got up and I fixed our traditional Saturday breakfast of Breakfast Burritos. Then we loaded up the trailer with the kayaks and headed for the lake.

The weather was perfect. Just jeans and a sweatshirt kind of weather. The lake was so still. The sky and trees had a perfect mirror for their reflections. Once on the water everyone just kind of meandered each their own way. The trees were a beautiful mixture of green,yellow orange,gold and just a touch of rust sprinkled in. After a couple hours we brought the kayaks home and reloaded to pick up the boys Book It pizzas.

We got the pizzas to go and headed to their favorite park. I had brought the leftover homemade pizza from the night before for Bri and I. After a picnic lunch, everyone played a while. Then home for naps. Waking up it was still too nice to be inside. So we loaded up again. We ended up at DQ for a hamburger dinner. Then stopped by the boat store to check out all the sailboats sitting on the lot. Back home the boys started a camp fire.

I read a current library book aloud by flashlight. It's a great story by Jean Van Leeuwen, called Cabin On Trouble Creek. It is about two brothers aged 11 and 9 who go to Ohio in 1803 with their Pa to start a homestead in the dense forest. After clearing a spot and building a log cabin, Pa goes back to Pennsylvania to get the rest of the family. The two boys stay behind to finish preparing the land for the family. So far it is a great story! As the fire dwindled, so did we. Off to bed after a wonderfully perfect day.

Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, October 31, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday

Today's favorite recipe is Tacos.

What? What is so special about tacos?

Well this past Monday I made a homemade beef mixture. No more overpriced processed salt filled packets. And I made the taco shells. So easy and so much better than the stale boxed shells from the store.

Beef Tacos

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion,minced
3 garlic cloves,minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup smooth tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon light brown sugar

Brown beef, drain off excess grease. Stir in onion,garlic,spices. Cook until soft. Add remaining ingredients;simmer until thickened about 10 minutes.

Taco Shells

3/4 cup oil
12 6 inch corn tortillas

In a small skillet,heat 3/4 cup oil over medium heat to 350 degrees. Using tongs to hold the tortilla,slip half of it into the hot oil. With a metal spatula in the other hand,submerge the half in the oil. Fry until set,but not brown,about 39 seconds. Flip the tortilla. Using the tongs,hold the tortilla open about 2 inches while keeping the bottom submerged in the oil. Fry until golden brown. Flip again and fry the other side until golden brown. Transfer the shell upside down to a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

To assemble tacos, fill each shell with meat mixture, top with cheese,shredded lettuce,sour cream and salsa.

Enjoy!

Leat

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Time to Get Serious

About my exercising. After weaning my last baby just over a year ago, I began noticing my jeans getting a little bit snugger and a little bit snugger. Now even my "fat"jeans are snugging up. UUGGHH!

Over the summer our family took up kayaking,which is a blast, so my arms are getting more toned. A few weeks ago I started riding my bike up and down our 1/4 mile driveway. But summer is over and the kayaks are stored away for the winter, and cooler weather moved in and the mornings are too busy to hop on my bike, and,and,and. I can make excuses all day. But that won't magically make this ever expanding tummy pooch disappear.

So my new plan is to get different exercise dvd's each trip to the library. Not only check them out but actually do them! Also watch what I eat, and drink a ton of water each day. They say most programs take about 6 weeks to see results. It is roughly six weeks til my birthday. So that's my goal. Six weeks to a much flatter belly!

I did Tae Bo yesterday. I feel it today! This morning I'm going to do the walking dvd. So there you have it. It's in writing. So now I HAVE to stick to it!

Time to get at it!

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

Here is what our family had for dinner the past seven days.

Swiss Chicken,Corn,tossed salad

Tacos in homemade shells

Smoked turkey,mashed potatoes,gravy,cheesy green beans,stuffing,and rolls

Pizza

Roasted Salmon,shrimp in garlic butter,and rice

Homemade Pizza

Hamburgers, oven fries


Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Homeschool Day

I love talking to other home school Moms about their schedules and curriculum. So today I thought I'd talk about our home school days.

Each fall the boys lay out all their books and put them in the order they want to work. They will tweek here and there until it goes smoothly.

Jacob(3rd grade) likes to go back and forth with reading subject,writing subject. So his order is Science, Spelling, History, English, Bible, Handwriting, History Stories For Children, and Math.

Luke(5th grade) likes all of his reading subjects up front, then his writing subjects. His order is History, Of America, Bible, Geography, English, Spelling, Math, and Science.

Caleb (kindergarten) We aren't as structured yet with Caleb. He is such a busy boy, always working on a project or in the garden. He'll do a few pages here and there each day in Math and Handwriting. We'll start working in his listening subjects,History,Science, and Bible as the weather cools. Which happens to be this week!

Nathan(almost 3)I like to say is in obedience school! During school he will color in a notebook,play quietly in his room,work on a puzzle, look at library books or watch an educational show on PBS.

At the start of each school day we begin Bible reading. I'll read the chapter of Proverbs for that day. (Today will be the 28th) The boys follow along in their Bibles. Then they each choose any one verse from that chapter and write it in a special notebook just for this. After they finish writing, they come show me the verse they chose and what they think it means. We'll talk about it for a bit until they understand and can hopefully relate it to their own life. My goal in this is first of all get into the habit of daily Bible reading. Second is that by hearing the Proverbs again and again over the coarse of the year, it will become ingrained in their hearts and will pop up down the road when they are older and really need some Godly wisdom.

We mainly work at the kitchen table. I can be cleaning up and help as needed. One ground rule we have is that Mom can only help one at a time so you raise your hand and wait your turn. Our school motto is: "I am patient, I wait my turn". Actually, that goes for all the time not just for school.

We have found that starting shortly after breakfast works best for us. We can jump in and stay focused for a couple hours. After a short break we'll work til lunch. Whatever is not finished by lunch is done in the afternoon. Usually they finish in the morning. After lunch I try to have a read aloud time. I'll read either a current library book,Little House on the Prairie, or they can each choose a short book from our shelves downstairs. Then is nap time for Nathan and quiet play or outside for the others. During this time I'll clean up from lunch and start thinking about dinner.

Have a great day!

Leat

Monday, October 27, 2008

Birthday Party

We had the big birthday party yesterday. Surprise guests were the cousins from Colorado! Once everyone arrived, Bri took the kids on a hay rack ride around the property.




Back in the house Caleb opened his gifts and cards.

Then we dug into the turkey dinner. Bri had smoked the turkey all afternoon. With the smoked turkey we had mashed potatoes and gravy,cheesy green beans,stuffing,rolls, and cranberry sauce.

Finally time for cake and ice cream!



Afterward the big kids went downstairs to play while the adults visited. When everyone went home tired and happy, Bri had to check out the play camp gift with the boys before bed.





As they said in the old time newspaper columns, "A Good Time Was Had By All".

Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, October 24, 2008

Favorite Recipe Friday


Chicken Stew with Basil Dumplings

I got this recipe from Em at www.farmwiferecipes.blogspot.com.

It was the first recipe I tried in my new dutch oven over our new campfire ring. It was the BEST! Our fire was a little too hot so there was not as much gravy as I'm sure there would be in a regular oven bake, but my family still raved. Also because of the campfire,my cooking time was cut in half. This will definitely be making a regular appearance at this family's house.

Dumplings:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons dried basil

Stew:
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 carrots,sliced very thin
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cups chicken broth
1 bag frozen peas (10oz)
4 cups cooked chicken,cut into bite size pieces.

In dutch oven,saute onion and carrots in butter until almost tender. Add garlic and saute a couple more minutes. Add flour,salt,pepper,basil and broth. Stir with wire whisk until thick. Add peas and chicken and cook 5 minutes. Drop dumplings by large spoonfuls onto stew. Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 minutes and 10 minutes covered.

I really hope you get a chance to try this recipe soon!

Have a great day!

Leat

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Caleb is 5 Today!


Caleb is our third son. It has been an amazing 5 years. His big brown eyes and cheeky cheeks just melt your heart. We are so thankful that God blessed us with our precious Caleb Colt!

Each birthday the birthday boy gets to choose the menu for the entire day. So today our family will be eating breakfast burritos,mac n' cheese, and pizza.

For his birthday Caleb got a fishing pole from Daddy, a slingshot from one brother and a birthday game card with all sorts of activities from another brother. The big family party will be on Sunday afternoon.

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

Here is what our family ate over the past week.

Hamburgers and Oven Fries

Enchiladas and Refried beans

Fish, Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw

Chinese

Chicken Stew with Basil Dumplings

Beef Dough Balls

Pizza


Another busy day ahead. Making yogurt,processing the last of the garden tomatoes,school, cleaning,and hopefully time to work on a quilt in progress.

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Christian Radio

We listen to a lot of Christian radio in our house. The main station we listen to is BBN. Bible Broadcasting Network. To find it on your dial check out their website at bbnradio.org.

I like to listen to a sermon or two throughout the day. The boys love to listen to The Captain's Club at 3pm. It features a short reading from The Sugar Creek Gang books,Riddles in the Middle, Bible Quiz question,and a story from Uncle Charlie's storytime. In the evenings after dinner they listen to Adventures In Oddessy from Focus on the Family. They also play the old hymns that aren't sung as much in churches anymore. Overall it is a great family friendly station.

Give it a listen and see what you think.

Have a great day!

Leat

Monday, October 20, 2008

Busy Beaver Monday

We had a wonderful weekend! We camped out in our backyard. I got to use my new dutch over over the campfire twice, and both times the family loved the results. But now it is Monday and back to the grindstone as they say.

Thursday is C's 5th birthday. On Sunday we are having the family party. In addition to just cake and ice cream and presents, we are having everyone stay for a smoked turkey dinner. YUM!

So back to today's title. Today is DEEEP cleaning the house day. The boys really jumped in early with school and finished before we usually start! So they can help clean. We also need to pick any remaining peppers and tomatoes and green beans from the garden and pull up everything to add to the compost and put the garden to bed for the winter. Last of all is make dinner. I think I'll put on a pot of beans to make refried beans and enchilada's. That will leave plenty of leftovers for lunches the next several days.


Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, October 17, 2008

Eeyore's New House Take two



A few weeks ago the boys built this lean-to out of sticks from the brush pile we keep at the back of our property. I think it looks just like Eeyore's house in the Hundred Acre Wood from Winnie the Pooh. (take two because I tried to post this once before when I didn't know what I was doing! Thanks to Bri and HB I can post pictures now!)

Favorite Recipe Friday

Creamy Potato Soup

Fall is here with it's cooler days and even cooler evenings. This soup is so easy to put together and so warm and comforting. Our family loves to eat it with popcorn.

1 medium onion,chopped
1 celery rib,chopped
1 medium carrot,grated
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup,undiluted
1/2 cup processed cheese (velveeta)
6 large potatoes,peeled diced and cooked (about 8 cups)
1 teaspooon seasoned salt (opt)

In a large saucepan,start cooking potatoes in water until tender. Meanwhile in a dutch oven,saute onion,celery and carrot in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil;cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add soup,cheese,potatoes and seasoned salt;mix well. Cook and stir until cheese is melted and soup is heated through. Yield 10-12 servings (3 quarts)

Have a great day!

Leat

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Harvest Blessings

We have a couple pear trees in our front tear drop. They have been producing rock hard,no taste pears for several years. This year the boys discovered they have juice! They have taste! So They picked a large bag full. I made pear sauce and a couple pear pie fillings over the course of several days.
Over the weekend we noticed there were still a lot of pears hanging in one of the trees. So they picked ALL of them with help from Bri on a ladder. I didn't want to have pears sitting around producing fruit flies. So yesterday I decided to process them all. Thankfully I have a great peeler/corer gadget that takes care of business pretty efficiently. So four 1 gallon buckets of peels and cores out to the compost later, I have 10 beautiful quarts of pear pie filling sitting on my counter.

Other blessings from our garden have been countless tomatoes and bell peppers. I had fun learning to make my own marinara and pizza sauce,and fresh salsa. The green beans did fairly well. We got several nice butternut squash, and four almost five pumpkins.

One surprise was a cucumber vine growing among the pumpkins as well as morning glories. I transferred one morning glory to climb our antenna pole.



Another surprise was when we reworked some landscaping around the house and brought over some dirt from the pumpkin patch, a cantaloupe started growing in the strawberry patch. I am hoping they will have a chance to ripen before the first frost of the season.



Have a great day !

Leat

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Menu Review Wednesday

I can't believe it is Wednesday already! Let's see how much I can remember of the last seven meals.

Chicken strips

Turkey sausage burgers on english muffins,oven fries (We will NOT be repeating this meal)

Tacos

Pizza for BIL's b-day

Chinese at the nature park

Potato soup with popcorn

Roast chicken,mashed potatoes,gravy,butternut squash

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Blessings of Family and Friends

I know Thanksgiving is still well over a month away but I have been feeling so thankful for my family and friends lately I wanted to share. I'll start with my great Husband! All year long he has been extra wonderful. He is so great with the boys,teaching them to be strong,godly men. He fixes everything around the house. He bought me a dutch oven to use in our new campfire ring he and the boys built over the weekend!

Next One of my good friends gave us a beautiful log cabin king size quilt with pillow cases and shams. Just because. They had gotten a new bed spread and she knows I like quilts.

My boys bless me by helping each other even when not asked to do so,telling me their hopes and dreams,and just being so darn cute!

Count Your Many Blessings name them One by One
Count Your many Blessings See What God Has Done!

Have a great day

Leat

Friday, October 10, 2008

Favorite Recipes Friday

The Ham N' Beans last night were a big hit so here is the recipe.

Ham N' Beans

1 lb dried great northern beans,soaked overnight in water and drained
6 slices of bacon
1/2 large onion,diced
2 cups ham,diced
3 cans chicken broth (I just used homemade broth)
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I omitted this as broth and bacon and ham had plenty of salt already)

1. In a large skillet,fry bacon until crisp then remove to paper towel lined plate,crumble

2. Add onion and ham to bacon grease,saute until browned

3. Combine all ingredients in crock pot

4. Cook on high for at least 8 hours.

I cooked mine in the crock pot about 6 hours then finished the last two hours on the stove. The beans just were not getting tender enough in the crock pot. I transferred all to my big soup kettle, brought it to a rolling boil then simmered covered till done,stirring occasionally.

I served it with corn bread,fried zucchini slices,and applesauce.

Another favorite recipe is homemade pizza sauce. This came from Healthy Bratt over on www.welltellme.com

Pizza sauce

4 cups peeled,cored,seeded drained tomatoes

Put in sauce pan and start cooking on med/low

Add 1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon sweet basil

Stir occasionally to keep from scalding and keep the heat low (few bubbles) until thick. Puree after liquid is cooked out. Yield 1 pint About 2 pizzas worth.

I just made a double batch this morning. Sooo Good!

Fast Tomato Salsa

This recipe is from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

I made this the other day for Bri for the first time. He just wanted to drink it! It is so easy and SOO Good! I doubled it and got 1 quart.

2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove,minced
1/2 jalapeno chile,stemmed,seeded and minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (14.5oz ) can diced tomatoes,drained (I used 6 fresh from the garden)

Pulse all of the ingredients except for the tomatoes in a food processor until very finely minced,about 5 pulses. (I used my blender) Add the tomatoes and pulse until roughly chopped, about 2 pulses. Transfer the mixture to a fine mesh strainer and drain for about 1 minute before serving.

Have a great day!

Leat

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Kitchen Day

Today is mostly going to be spent in the kitchen. I have several things I have been putting off and today is the day to finally get them done.

Supper will be in the crock pot, so once I get that going I can "forget about it". It is a new recipe. If it turns out I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

I need to get a batch of yogurt made.

I have two zucchini I need to use up. I'll make black bottom zucchini bars with one and slice and fry the other for Bri. Fried zucchini is one of his favorites.

I have several tomatoes and too many bell peppers from the garden. I'll just dice and freeze most of the peppers. As for the tomatoes, I'll cook up and can some pizza sauce. Since making HB's sauce, there ain't no go'in back to store bought! I'll post that recipe tomorrow as well.

Of course there is school. Which we do at the kitchen table so I can still work and help as needed.

My four pumpkins are beautifully orange and still on the vine, but they will have to wait for another time.

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Wednesday Menu Review

Well I've decided to try and put some structure on this blog.

I know several people post upcoming menus for the week. I thought about doing that, but then realized I tend to change my mind about what to fix depending on weather,time,etc. So I'm going to post what we had for dinner the past 7 days each Wednesday.

* Two homemade thin crust pizzas. One for the boys:half pepperoni/sausage, half cheese. One for Bri and I: pepperoni,sausage,bell pepper,red onion,olives,cheese.

* Drive thru at Long John Silvers. Family size fish and hush puppies.

* Chili over corn chips topped with shredded cheese, hot cocoa.

* Taco salad,s'mores.

* Sausage,cheese,crackers, and grapes.

* Potato soup,popcorn

* Chicken Lasagna,roasted green beans from the garden.

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

My Favorite Psalm

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all that is within me, bless
his holy name.
Bless the Lord,O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from
destruction; who crowneth thee
with lovingkindness and tender
mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with
good things; so that thy youth
is renewes like the eagle's.
The Lord executeth righteousness
and judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known his ways unto Moses,
his acts unto the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and plenteous
in mercy.
He will not always chide:
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not delt with us after our
sins;nor rewarded us according
to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above
the earth,so great is his mercy toward
them that fear him.
As far as the ease is from the west,
so far hath he removed our
transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his
children,so the Lord pitieth
them that fear him.
For he knowth our frame; he
remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass:
as a flower of the field,so he
flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over
it and it is gone; and the place
thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from
everlasting to everlasting upon
them that fear him,and his
righteousness unto children's children;
To such as keep his covenant,and to
those that remember his commandments
to do them.
The Lord hath prepared his throne in
the heavens; and his kingdom
ruleth over all.
Bless the Lord,ye his angels,that excel
in strength,that do his commandments,
hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts;ye ministers
of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all his works in all places
of his dominion:
bless the Lord, O my soul.

Monday, October 6, 2008

One Lake Three Campsites

Last fall we went camping at El Dorado Lake. Our camp hosts told us about an event on Saturday called O.K. Kids Day. It stands for Outdoor Kansas Kids. They have different activities like archery,skeet shooting,horse back riding,fishing,petting zoo plus a free hot dog lunch and a goodie bag with a t-shirt,coupons from various sponsors,and pencils, balloons,etc. All Free. So we went and the kids had a ball. This is an annual event so we planned to go back this year.

We had panned to leave very early Saturday morning,then Friday as Bri took the day off work,then we ended up leaving Thursday evening about 6pm. This lake is about 45 min to 1 hour from our house so we were pushing it to get there and get set up before dark.

Over the summer our family developed a love of kayaking. So Bri had researched a place just outside of the state park where canoist and kayakers can put in and go up the White water river which feeds into the lake. The website he found gave good directions to get to this particular spot. So we arrive and get set up. It is a very wonderful spot. Right near the water, lots of wood for a camp fire, and secluded. The only thing is it is near train tracks that are very much in use day and night. But N Loves trains so it's ok. The next morning we wake up and the boys gather stones for a fire ring and build and maintain a great fire most of the day. Bri goes kayaking up the river and has a grand time. After lunch I take a nap with N in the tent and wake up to a truck pulling into our camp site. It is the local wildlife and parks ranger. We cannot camp here. It is for day use only. So we pack everything up and head into the state park.

We decide to camp at the same spot we had last year. Great place. Just across from the shower house,right on the water, plenty of wood. So we set up again and the boys gather wood,throw rocks in the water, have a great time. I heat up our chili over the fire and heat water to have hot cocoa with our dinner.

Saturday morning. OK KIDS DAY! The boys are beyond excited. Bri drives them over to watch set up while I fix breakfast. Back for a bite to eat and then off for a fun filled day. We start with the fishing derby after regestration. C catches the first fish of the day. An 18.5 inch Catfish! Next on to horse back riding,archery,skeet shooting,jumping in the inflatables,lunch and geo caching. Surprise visit from the Army national guard. Cool big army jeeps and army fire trucks. Back to camp for naps. Or is it?

Back at camp, the wind has picked up. It has been windy off and on but now is worse. Do we really want to stay on this open spot and fight the wind all night? NO! So we pack up again and set off for greener less windy pastures. We drive around checking this place or that. All the way on the other side of the lake we see a possibility. No go. Keep looking. Of course it's always the last place you look. Bri finds us the perfect spot. Behind a cedar tree. The wind is still blowing but our tent is safe from blowing in on us. After much gatheriing of more wood and an almost start to prairie burning we decide better not have a fire here. We still have a nice dinner and Bri and the boys find they can still roast marshmallows over the embers for s'mores. After washing the dishes we take a walk in the growing darkness. The boys proudly using thier new flashlight/lanterns they won at OK Kids. Back to camp for the best nights sleep all weekend.

Have a great day!

Leat

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Homemade Thin Crust Pizza Dough

I made this for the first time last night. With homemade pizza sauce and fresh veggies, WOW. We have a new family favorite. I got the recipe from Recipe Zaar.

Pizza Dough for Thin Crust Pizza
2 1/2 cups flour (I used 1 cup whole wheat;1 1/2 cup white)
1 pkg yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
cornmeal for sprinkling

Directions
1. Mix sugar in warm water.
2. sprinkle yeast on top.
3. Wait 10 minutes or until it gets foamy.
4. Pour into a large bowl.
5. Add flour,salt,olive oil.
6. Combine.
7. Knead for 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (add a bit more flour if you need to).
8. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
9. Lightly grease two 12 inch pizza pans.
10. Sprinkle with a little bit of corn meal.
11. Divide dough in half.
12. Place each half on a pizza pan and pat it with your fingers until it stretches over the whole pan. (I used my rolling pin at the end just to make it smooth and even).
13. If desired,pre-bake at 425 F for 10 minutes. (I don't do this).
14. Then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice.
15. bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes,until bubbly and hot. (mine took 15 min).

Makes two 12 inch pizzas. Dough may also be frozen. Grease the inside of a zip lock baggie before putting in dough. This will make removing the dough easier when ready to use.

Have a great day!

Leat

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Camp Cooking

Our weekend camping was just about perfect. We found a great spot near the water, the weather was beautiful, and I discovered how much fun it is to cook over a camp fire.

Some friends came out Saturday evening and all the kids roasted hot dogs over the fire. Later we broke out the marshmallows and made s'mores. We used saltines as I didn't have graham crackers. Sunday evening I buttered some potatoes and put them on a grate we brought to put over the fire. When they were about half way done I added some chicken that had been marinating in the cooler several hours. Made a tossed salad and dinner was done. Grandma and Grandpa B. stopped by for a visit and watched the boys roast the last of the marshmallows. Monday morning I started our usual whole wheat pancakes on the camp stove. The bottle of propane ran out and I finished the pancakes over the fire. The boys said they tasted better that way. I'm looking forward to trying more recipes over the fire.

Here is my pancake recipe. I double it for my family.

Whole Wheat Pancakes
1 cup WW flour
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup dry milk powder
1 cup water
1 egg
2 Tbsp oil

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add wet ingredients. Stir till just combined. Pour jsut under 1/4 cup in hot skillet for each pancake. Flip when bubbles start to form and pop.

Have a great day!

Leat

Friday, September 26, 2008

Camping Food

We are going camping this weekend. So today is all about getting all the food ready to go. It is amazing how much food it takes to feed the six of us for three days and two nights. I know it's the same amount if we are at home. But laying it all out on the counter and then fitting it into two coolers makes it seem like so much more. But I think it's fun planning out the menus and working with the boys in the kitchen. Already this morning my 9yr old mixed up a coffee cake and it is in the oven as I type. Other foods I will be making are sloppy joe mix,pancake mix,whole wheat bread for sandwiches(I'm going to use Em's recipe from her blog at Accidental Farmwife) Ranger cookies,caribbean marinade for chicken over the camp fire,and apple turnovers with some pie crust dough in the freezer. So much food, so little time!

Have a great day

Leat

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Sing of His Mercies

I chose Sing of His Mercies as the name of my blog because I love praise songs that come from scripture. This one is from Psalm 89:1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

A lot of mornings I will sing or whistle while cleaning up from breakfast and getting ready for the day. Sometimes the boys join in and it just gets all of us in a great mood for the start of school. Some of our favorites are : Praise Ye the Lord, This is the Day,Majesty,Jesus Loves Me,Power in the Blood,and making up praise songs as we go.

I want to use this blog to post cute,profound,funny things my boys say and do,post some of our families favorite recipes,once I figure out how,post pictures, and journal a little about what God is showing me in His Word.

Have a great day!

Leat