Making: beef wellington. Dad's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year, and that's what he requested. It was an adventure, and turned out wonderfully!
Cooking: oh, lots. Cranberry sauce, green beans and bacon, the beef wellington, pecan pie, soup, lemon curd...holiday weekend stuff.
Drinking: hot chocolate.
Reading: these Royal Diaries I loved when I was younger. I don't have the whole series, but they all look interesting.
Wanting: to make clove-oranges today.
Looking: forward to decorating.
Playing: Christmas music, because that's legal now.
Wasting: juices. We got some at BB's the other week, but they're a bit too cucumber-y for me. Maybe I'll get around to drinking them, but they were only fifty cents each.
Sewing: ~
Wishing: we could put up the Christmas tree this weekend, but alas! I have to wait till next Saturday.
Enjoying: sleeping in this week.
Waiting: for Daddy to start this year's reading of "Miracles on Maple Hill".
Liking: this yummy bread my sister brought over yesterday. She changed it up with rosemary, garlic, and walnuts.
Wondering: ~
Loving: the freedom I feel to toss my plans of working out to the winds, and hang out with my family, cook good food, and stuff my face instead.
Hoping: I'll be able to get back into the rhythm of school next week.
Marveling: ~
Needing: to find a monologue and sign the contract for my audition that's in a week or so. Yup, I'm so responsible. At least I reserved an audition time all by myself!
Smelling: evergreens.
Wearing: aaaall the sweaters.
Following: Butter Nutrition.
Noticing: what a foodie family we are.
Knowing: ~
Thinking: that I totally should have been a hobbit.
Feeling: thankful that all my siblings and their families could be here for Thanksgiving.
Bookmarking: ~
November 28, 2015
November 27, 2015
Giving thanks for...
It's a day late, but ya know...cooking, family, and pie.
1. the fact that everyone could be here for Thanksgiving
1. the fact that everyone could be here for Thanksgiving
2. my parents
3. my sister
4. all my brothers
5. theatre and singing opportunities through The Academy (spellcheck says "theatre" is incorrect. Spellcheck got no class)
6. learning to appreciate my body and how to take care of it
7. learning to let go of schedules, plans, and what I think should happen
8. devotions in the morning
9. lights in the kitchen
10. Pumpkin Spice Roll ice cream (it is thing)
11. being able to learn through Veritas Press.
12. family
13. traditions
14. movie and game nights
15. a patient Redeemer and Friend
16. the beautiful moon last night
17. my nieces
18. the view out back
19. changing seasons
20. having the knowledge and tools to be healthy
21. Thanksgiving break (and breaks in general)
22. my journal
23. youth choir
24. mercies new every morning
25. old and new friends
26. hikes
27. hot chocolate
28. candles
29. (almost) free reign over the kitchen
30. talks with Mom
31. snow
32. chickens and the vegetable garden
33. Christmas lights
34. the seasonal colors of the kitchen: butternut squash, pomegranates, parsley...
35. family (again)
11. being able to learn through Veritas Press.
12. family
13. traditions
14. movie and game nights
15. a patient Redeemer and Friend
16. the beautiful moon last night
17. my nieces
18. the view out back
19. changing seasons
20. having the knowledge and tools to be healthy
21. Thanksgiving break (and breaks in general)
22. my journal
23. youth choir
24. mercies new every morning
25. old and new friends
26. hikes
27. hot chocolate
28. candles
29. (almost) free reign over the kitchen
30. talks with Mom
31. snow
32. chickens and the vegetable garden
33. Christmas lights
34. the seasonal colors of the kitchen: butternut squash, pomegranates, parsley...
35. family (again)
November 22, 2015
Links: some laughs, some food, and a story
haha (edible miniature yoga mats...).
tee hee.
The Great British Baking Show is so addictive. Pretty food! Unusual flavors! British accents! I should start narrating everything I do in the kitchen and pretend I know what I'm doing: "then we add the butter because...the recipe said so...and because butter".
My uncle's journey with cancer, on my aunt's blog.
tee hee.
The Great British Baking Show is so addictive. Pretty food! Unusual flavors! British accents! I should start narrating everything I do in the kitchen and pretend I know what I'm doing: "then we add the butter because...the recipe said so...and because butter".
My uncle's journey with cancer, on my aunt's blog.
November 15, 2015
Grain-free biscuit...dinner roll...things
I'm not sure what to call these. They're not flaky enough to be biscuits, but they're not soft and mounded enough to be rolls. They make excellent breakfast sandwiches, though, so I guess I'll call them biscuits.
Makes about 6-7 biscuits--adapted from The Preppy Paleo
3/4 c. arrowroot flour (tapioca should work too)
1/4 c. ground flax seed
6 T. coconut flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. olive oil
1 egg
1 t. apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together dry ingredients. Stir in wet ingredients. Let the batter sit for a while so the coconut flour can soak up some of the liquid. After a few minutes, scoop out the batter in quarter cup amounts and plop onto parchment paper. Bake for 35 minutes and let cool completely before storing in an air tight container.
November 6, 2015
Links: A whole lot of randomness so I can't think of a title
What food additives look like before they end up in food.
My chemistry class is the best. We start class with music, our teacher (who is also a pastor) preaches us devil sermons, and to celebrate Mole Day Eve we watched Jurassic Cookie in class. (I promise we discuss chemistry as well)
And of course, grain-free (but nonetheless delicious) things I want to make during Thanksgiving break: chocolate pecan pie, pumpkin roll, pumpkin-apple pie, apple pie, pumpkin panna cotta tart, scalloped sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed cauliflower, and who knows what else!
October 30, 2015
Taking Stock, Vol. VI
Making: cute labels for our kombucha bottles.
Cooking: lots of chicken stock. We typically roast two chickens at a time, once a week, and make two batches of stock out of the carcasses.
Drinking: coconut water (BB's score).
Reading: Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini.
Wanting: ~
Looking: at Bauman College. I'm very interested in studying holistic nutrition, but not a fan of the new age-y stuff that can come along with it. The Natural Chef and Nutrition Consultant programs look promising, and I haven't found anything suspicious while snooping around their website. Two of their locations are in hippie-central, but they also have a long distance learning option. I've got two years left, but I like to plan. :)
Playing: pop music! I never listen to pop, but I took some of The Art in Life's recommendations (like "Fight Song"), added some of my own ideas (like "Rolling in the Deep" and some Hillsong United), and listened to them while running. Much more fun.
Wasting: time while drooling over recipes. At least I wasn't supposed to be doing anything important (and recipes are important! they inspire, they motivate, they...I'm running out of excuses).
Sewing: ~
Wishing: ~
Enjoying: The Nourishing Buzz podcast. The ladies are fun, the topics are interesting, and they give simple and doable tips.
Waiting: ~
Liking: Forever 21, Gap, and Loft's petites and X(X)S.
Wondering: if our trees will get toilet papered tomorrow night. The local TP-gang hasn't been particularly active in the past couple years. Maybe they're all in college.
Loving: the trees. This year especially, I'm grateful we live in the country, with hills and hills of beautiful color.
Hoping: for snow. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again. Not immediately, of course, but anytime after December 1st.
Marveling: ~
Needing: to clean out the chicken coop. humph.
Smelling: nothing. I don't think I notice that sort of thing (plus my nose has been kinda stuffy).
Wearing: my pajamas until lunch time. Too comfortable and too lazy.
Following: Downshiftology and Honestly Nourished.
Noticing: how much Spanish I actually know when I try to have a conversation.
Knowing: I was much more relaxed with school this week. I tried not to make too many plans and overload my brain, but just got one thing done and moved on to the next, as cheerfully as I could.
Thinking: about all the things I want to make for Thanksgiving dinner.
Feeling: glad I don't have any actual allergies, so I can have something with grains or dairy if I want, and not need a trip to the ER (pecan tart? Don't mind if I do).
Bookmarking: ~
Cooking: lots of chicken stock. We typically roast two chickens at a time, once a week, and make two batches of stock out of the carcasses.
Drinking: coconut water (BB's score).
Reading: Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini.
Wanting: ~
Looking: at Bauman College. I'm very interested in studying holistic nutrition, but not a fan of the new age-y stuff that can come along with it. The Natural Chef and Nutrition Consultant programs look promising, and I haven't found anything suspicious while snooping around their website. Two of their locations are in hippie-central, but they also have a long distance learning option. I've got two years left, but I like to plan. :)
Playing: pop music! I never listen to pop, but I took some of The Art in Life's recommendations (like "Fight Song"), added some of my own ideas (like "Rolling in the Deep" and some Hillsong United), and listened to them while running. Much more fun.
Wasting: time while drooling over recipes. At least I wasn't supposed to be doing anything important (and recipes are important! they inspire, they motivate, they...I'm running out of excuses).
Sewing: ~
Wishing: ~
Enjoying: The Nourishing Buzz podcast. The ladies are fun, the topics are interesting, and they give simple and doable tips.
Waiting: ~
Liking: Forever 21, Gap, and Loft's petites and X(X)S.
Wondering: if our trees will get toilet papered tomorrow night. The local TP-gang hasn't been particularly active in the past couple years. Maybe they're all in college.
Loving: the trees. This year especially, I'm grateful we live in the country, with hills and hills of beautiful color.
Hoping: for snow. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again. Not immediately, of course, but anytime after December 1st.
Marveling: ~
Needing: to clean out the chicken coop. humph.
Smelling: nothing. I don't think I notice that sort of thing (plus my nose has been kinda stuffy).
Wearing: my pajamas until lunch time. Too comfortable and too lazy.
Following: Downshiftology and Honestly Nourished.
Noticing: how much Spanish I actually know when I try to have a conversation.
Knowing: I was much more relaxed with school this week. I tried not to make too many plans and overload my brain, but just got one thing done and moved on to the next, as cheerfully as I could.
Thinking: about all the things I want to make for Thanksgiving dinner.
Feeling: glad I don't have any actual allergies, so I can have something with grains or dairy if I want, and not need a trip to the ER (pecan tart? Don't mind if I do).
Bookmarking: ~
October 15, 2015
Taking Stock, Vol. V
Making: ~
Cooking: not a whole lot, at least compared to last week!
Drinking: chamomile tea and chocolate milk.
Reading: the Leviathan series, by Scott Westerfeld. I think this is my third time around. :)
Wanting: to run more, especially outside. Unfortunately, no one else in my family wants too, so I wouldn't have a running partner. Maybe I can bribe someone with cookies....
Looking: forward to when all our mini-butternut squashes are ripe. Stuffed, thrown in a soup, pureed....
Playing: my Pride and Prejudice station on Pandora.
Wasting: avocados. When Mom and Dad were in England, I kept wishing we had avocados. Little did I know that there was a bag slowly rotting away in the corner. oops.
Sewing: nothing, but I would love to knit little booties for my youngest niece. I don't think I has da skills though.
Wishing: ~
Enjoying: the sunshine of the past few days. I was able to do school-reading outside, which was a nice change.
Waiting: for my analytical essay to come back, butchered by my older sister. Ah well, that is what rough drafts are all about. :)
Liking: all the souvenirs my parents brought back from England (hey, this doesn't have to apply to the internet all the time, does it?). These include little recipe booklets for traditional Welsh and British food, which I'm quite excited about (there's a LOT of lamb involved).
Wondering: ~
Loving: soup I made up last night. I had it for supper, then breakfast, and then lunch! It was just beef with carrots, golden beets, leftover mashed cauliflower, and peas, but I whipped in some dried sage, white pepper, turmeric, rosemary, fennel seeds, red wine vinegar, garlic, and salt. With some chimmichurri and butter to top it off. Delicious!
Hoping: ~
Marveling: ~
Needing: ~
Smelling: honey. See why below.
Wearing: food on my face. I've been slathering raw honey all over my face in the mornings, leaving it on for a few minutes, and then rinsing it off.
Following: Carrie Vitt, the author of that amazing brownie recipe I linked to last week, and some amazing cinnamon rolls I made on Friday.
Noticing: the leaves changing color. Gold, rust, and red. The chickens like eating all the berries on the bushes and small trees, too. :)
Knowing: we need to harvest most of the veggies this Saturday (except the kale), since it's supposed to get down to 31 that night. Which means we will have piles of lettuce. Which means I will be eating lots of salad next week. Not that I'm complaining. #saladvore
Thinking: that our chickens are heading for the stewpot. Egg production has dropped considerably in the last few days (even though it's been sunny and warm), and I don't want to buy feed for them during the winter. So maybe we'll butcher them this year and get a new batch in the spring.
Feeling: pretty good, considering last week's grumpy post. :) PSATs were yesterday. English sections were good, math sections are wanting in...umm...everything. Oh well, it was only practice! School's not as hectic and I think I've got things in order.
Bookmarking: ~
Cooking: not a whole lot, at least compared to last week!
Drinking: chamomile tea and chocolate milk.
Reading: the Leviathan series, by Scott Westerfeld. I think this is my third time around. :)
Wanting: to run more, especially outside. Unfortunately, no one else in my family wants too, so I wouldn't have a running partner. Maybe I can bribe someone with cookies....
Looking: forward to when all our mini-butternut squashes are ripe. Stuffed, thrown in a soup, pureed....
Playing: my Pride and Prejudice station on Pandora.
Wasting: avocados. When Mom and Dad were in England, I kept wishing we had avocados. Little did I know that there was a bag slowly rotting away in the corner. oops.
Sewing: nothing, but I would love to knit little booties for my youngest niece. I don't think I has da skills though.
Wishing: ~
Enjoying: the sunshine of the past few days. I was able to do school-reading outside, which was a nice change.
Waiting: for my analytical essay to come back, butchered by my older sister. Ah well, that is what rough drafts are all about. :)
Liking: all the souvenirs my parents brought back from England (hey, this doesn't have to apply to the internet all the time, does it?). These include little recipe booklets for traditional Welsh and British food, which I'm quite excited about (there's a LOT of lamb involved).
Wondering: ~
Loving: soup I made up last night. I had it for supper, then breakfast, and then lunch! It was just beef with carrots, golden beets, leftover mashed cauliflower, and peas, but I whipped in some dried sage, white pepper, turmeric, rosemary, fennel seeds, red wine vinegar, garlic, and salt. With some chimmichurri and butter to top it off. Delicious!
Hoping: ~
Marveling: ~
Needing: ~
Smelling: honey. See why below.
Wearing: food on my face. I've been slathering raw honey all over my face in the mornings, leaving it on for a few minutes, and then rinsing it off.
Following: Carrie Vitt, the author of that amazing brownie recipe I linked to last week, and some amazing cinnamon rolls I made on Friday.
Noticing: the leaves changing color. Gold, rust, and red. The chickens like eating all the berries on the bushes and small trees, too. :)
Knowing: we need to harvest most of the veggies this Saturday (except the kale), since it's supposed to get down to 31 that night. Which means we will have piles of lettuce. Which means I will be eating lots of salad next week. Not that I'm complaining. #saladvore
Thinking: that our chickens are heading for the stewpot. Egg production has dropped considerably in the last few days (even though it's been sunny and warm), and I don't want to buy feed for them during the winter. So maybe we'll butcher them this year and get a new batch in the spring.
Feeling: pretty good, considering last week's grumpy post. :) PSATs were yesterday. English sections were good, math sections are wanting in...umm...everything. Oh well, it was only practice! School's not as hectic and I think I've got things in order.
Bookmarking: ~
October 6, 2015
Taking Stock, vol. IV / Links
Making : these delicious fudgy brownies.
Cooking : suppers! Since my parents are over the Pond for their 30th wedding anniversary, I've been in charge of dinner. Thankfully, Mom prepped most of the meat before they left, and the only mishap was forgetting to defrost some kielbasa (we made do with some random ham in the fridge).
Drinking: kombucha. I finally figured out how to make it more carbonated, and it makes a satisfying pop when you open the bottle. :)
Reading: "Of Plymouth Plantation", by William Bradford himself. Omnibus, yo.
Wanting: to sleep. I have a feeling I'll be mentioning that quite a bit.
Looking: at the computer screen a lot. Between online classes, projects, essays, voice lessons, and random Instagram stalking, I stare at this for hours everyday.
Playing: Hillsong United. At youth group on Sunday we sang "Empires". I really liked it, looked it up when we got home, and proceeded to make a playlist.
Wasting: some arrowroot flour trying to make grain-free tortillas. Whoops.
Sewing: nothing now, but I did sew the ears onto that fox scarf. Finished except for the eyes and nose (and maybe some whiskers).
Wishing: days could be extended to 26 or 27 hours a day, so I have more time to sleep, do fun things, and accomplish schoolwork with minimum stress.
Enjoying: bahahahahahahaha.
Waiting: ~
Liking: pictures of my parents in England.
Wondering: how I will deal with all the reading, writing, and experimenting heading my way. I CAN do this, and I WILL do this!
Loving: siblings. I can call my big sister and talk, have adventures involving (almost) overflowing toilets with my third-biggest brother, and listen to Adventures in Odyssey with my lil' brother.
Hoping: ~
Marveling: at how tiny we are. And that God can find and care about us in this gigantic universe.
Needing: to go to bed earlier.
Smelling: ~
Wearing: sweaters and socks! It's finally cool enough.
Following: ~
Noticing: ~
Knowing: ~
Thinking: honestly, I'm mostly trying to keep all the due dates straight in my head and figuring out what I need to get done for school.
Feeling: stressed and nervous about the pSAT in a couple weeks. And about school in general. ugh.
Bookmarking: ~
hmmm, most of that was me ranting about school stuff. Alack and alas, this is my lot in life.
Cooking : suppers! Since my parents are over the Pond for their 30th wedding anniversary, I've been in charge of dinner. Thankfully, Mom prepped most of the meat before they left, and the only mishap was forgetting to defrost some kielbasa (we made do with some random ham in the fridge).
Drinking: kombucha. I finally figured out how to make it more carbonated, and it makes a satisfying pop when you open the bottle. :)
Reading: "Of Plymouth Plantation", by William Bradford himself. Omnibus, yo.
Wanting: to sleep. I have a feeling I'll be mentioning that quite a bit.
Looking: at the computer screen a lot. Between online classes, projects, essays, voice lessons, and random Instagram stalking, I stare at this for hours everyday.
Playing: Hillsong United. At youth group on Sunday we sang "Empires". I really liked it, looked it up when we got home, and proceeded to make a playlist.
Wasting: some arrowroot flour trying to make grain-free tortillas. Whoops.
Sewing: nothing now, but I did sew the ears onto that fox scarf. Finished except for the eyes and nose (and maybe some whiskers).
Wishing: days could be extended to 26 or 27 hours a day, so I have more time to sleep, do fun things, and accomplish schoolwork with minimum stress.
Enjoying: bahahahahahahaha.
Waiting: ~
Liking: pictures of my parents in England.
Wondering: how I will deal with all the reading, writing, and experimenting heading my way. I CAN do this, and I WILL do this!
Loving: siblings. I can call my big sister and talk, have adventures involving (almost) overflowing toilets with my third-biggest brother, and listen to Adventures in Odyssey with my lil' brother.
Hoping: ~
Marveling: at how tiny we are. And that God can find and care about us in this gigantic universe.
Needing: to go to bed earlier.
Smelling: ~
Wearing: sweaters and socks! It's finally cool enough.
Following: ~
Noticing: ~
Knowing: ~
Thinking: honestly, I'm mostly trying to keep all the due dates straight in my head and figuring out what I need to get done for school.
Feeling: stressed and nervous about the pSAT in a couple weeks. And about school in general. ugh.
Bookmarking: ~
hmmm, most of that was me ranting about school stuff. Alack and alas, this is my lot in life.
September 12, 2015
Taking Stock, vol. III / Links
Making : muffins. I've made five batches this week: three of lemon chia-seed, one of blueberry, and one of pumpkin.
Cooking : tomatoes in the oven. I just had a brilliant, late-night idea that I'm sure someone else has already done. I sliced a fresh tomato, topped it with cheese, and put it in the oven for five minutes. Teeny pizzas!
Drinking: smoothies. Blueberries, pineapple, kale, carrots, lettuce--they all go in.
Reading: all. the. time. Fortunately, we have a treadmill. I've set up a "treadmill desk" and walk while I read. Otherwise I'd probably fall asleep on the coach or chair.
Wanting: a kitten. There, I said it.
Looking: forward to youth group! I've never been part of a regular youth group, but after YXL I wanted to get involved with one.
Playing: "Think of Me" (Jackie Evancho's video). I'm singing this for voice lessons, but the timing is a little tricky.
Wasting: tea. I'll often make a big travel mug-full for choir or voice lessons, and then I only drink half of it.
Sewing: still nothing. I'm knitting that fox scarf, though. Hopefully it will be ready for Christmas.
Wishing: We could make it out the Central Market more often.
Enjoying: the feeling of accomplishment. My online Veritas classes started this week, and I decided I was going to concentrate on school all day, and then in the evenings I could check blogs, instagram, etc. It's worked out well, and I don't have those distractions that last ten minutes instead of five.
Waiting: for approval from my teacher to take a class off. Then I can go with my choir to see "Amazing Grace" on Broadway! Love our annual NYC trips.
Liking: pictures of the cutest nieces in the world, as well as pretty pictures my talented friends take.
Wondering: How some people have the time to do stuff outside of school.
Loving: Little Women all over again. I watched the movie on Thursday (I laugh and want to cry pretty much every time. never gets old) and started rereading the book yesterday. If you haven't done either, DO IT NOW!
Hoping: September starts to cool down and we'll have a snowy winter (because I don't have to drive...yet).
Marveling: At the beauty of the crows that have been hanging about. They are not very pretty birds by themselves, but seeing them glide across a still, grey sky is wonderful.
Needing: to cry. Sometimes I get that need-to-shed-some-tears-and-get-out-this-pent-up-emotion feeling. Happens about once a week, haha.
Smelling: a lot of wet mornings. It rained all day today and the poor chickens were soaked.
Wearing: lots of skirts, since I'm doing Skirtember.
Following: Smitten Kitchen, Caroline Potter, and Urban Poser instagram accounts. Because food! And pretty pictures!
Noticing: the mornings are getting cooler. Maybe it is wishful thinking.
Knowing: everyday is a new day.
Thinking: about all the things I should have done, should be doing, should do.
Feeling: fairly at peace about above thoughts.
Bookmarking: nothing much. Too much school to do any research, and I use pinterest for all my recipes.
Cooking : tomatoes in the oven. I just had a brilliant, late-night idea that I'm sure someone else has already done. I sliced a fresh tomato, topped it with cheese, and put it in the oven for five minutes. Teeny pizzas!
Drinking: smoothies. Blueberries, pineapple, kale, carrots, lettuce--they all go in.
Reading: all. the. time. Fortunately, we have a treadmill. I've set up a "treadmill desk" and walk while I read. Otherwise I'd probably fall asleep on the coach or chair.
Wanting: a kitten. There, I said it.
Looking: forward to youth group! I've never been part of a regular youth group, but after YXL I wanted to get involved with one.
Playing: "Think of Me" (Jackie Evancho's video). I'm singing this for voice lessons, but the timing is a little tricky.
Wasting: tea. I'll often make a big travel mug-full for choir or voice lessons, and then I only drink half of it.
Sewing: still nothing. I'm knitting that fox scarf, though. Hopefully it will be ready for Christmas.
Wishing: We could make it out the Central Market more often.
Enjoying: the feeling of accomplishment. My online Veritas classes started this week, and I decided I was going to concentrate on school all day, and then in the evenings I could check blogs, instagram, etc. It's worked out well, and I don't have those distractions that last ten minutes instead of five.
Waiting: for approval from my teacher to take a class off. Then I can go with my choir to see "Amazing Grace" on Broadway! Love our annual NYC trips.
Liking: pictures of the cutest nieces in the world, as well as pretty pictures my talented friends take.
Wondering: How some people have the time to do stuff outside of school.
Loving: Little Women all over again. I watched the movie on Thursday (I laugh and want to cry pretty much every time. never gets old) and started rereading the book yesterday. If you haven't done either, DO IT NOW!
Hoping: September starts to cool down and we'll have a snowy winter (because I don't have to drive...yet).
Marveling: At the beauty of the crows that have been hanging about. They are not very pretty birds by themselves, but seeing them glide across a still, grey sky is wonderful.
Needing: to cry. Sometimes I get that need-to-shed-some-tears-and-get-out-this-pent-up-emotion feeling. Happens about once a week, haha.
Smelling: a lot of wet mornings. It rained all day today and the poor chickens were soaked.
Wearing: lots of skirts, since I'm doing Skirtember.
Following: Smitten Kitchen, Caroline Potter, and Urban Poser instagram accounts. Because food! And pretty pictures!
Noticing: the mornings are getting cooler. Maybe it is wishful thinking.
Knowing: everyday is a new day.
Thinking: about all the things I should have done, should be doing, should do.
Feeling: fairly at peace about above thoughts.
Bookmarking: nothing much. Too much school to do any research, and I use pinterest for all my recipes.
September 9, 2015
In His plan
"Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood,
who draw sin as with cart ropes,
who say: “Let him be quick,
let him speed his work
that we may see it;
let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
and let it come, that we may know it!”
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight!"
-Isaiah 5:18-21
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."-Isaiah 5:8-9
who draw sin as with cart ropes,
who say: “Let him be quick,
let him speed his work
that we may see it;
let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
and let it come, that we may know it!”
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight!"
-Isaiah 5:18-21
I'm working my way through Isaiah using this Bible
study. One of the questions asked which of the "woes" in
chapter 5 struck me the most. Verses 18-21 were what got me. The people
described in this passage are impatient and think they know best. They run
along their sinful way, and demand the Lord adhere to their plans, times,
etc. They think their plan is best.
I often stumble into this way. I have a plan as to what my life should look like. I think I know what is best, and it does not include any trials I may be going through. I wonder if God really has my best interests in mind. Does He really love me? If so, why would He give me this?
I'm also reading the Westminster Confession of Faith for school (yay Omnibus), and it is constantly stressing the perfection of the Lord's counsel. He is wisest, strongest, mightiest, highest, and yes, He does love me. I am in His plans, His wondrous, incomprehensible plans.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."-Isaiah 5:8-9
August 21, 2015
Taking Stock, vol. II
Making: a fox scarf for my brother
Cooking: lots of chicken stock. We have too much.
Drinking: ice water. aaah.
Reading: more Mitford books.
Wanting: a fitbit.
Looking: forward to seeing Joseph (again) at Sight and Sound.
Playing: nothin'.
Wasting: time. duh.
Sewing: nothing, again.
Wishing: our schedule had more room for friends. le sigh.
Enjoying: reviewing Spanish--I didn't forget everything!
Waiting: for the show this evening (as stated above).
Liking: all the birthday cake we've had around recently.
Wondering: if I should sleep or make myself walk on the treadmill. Hmm. Maybe both.
Loving: my littlest niece's sweet smile and my eldest niece's chattering.
Hoping: the hawk doesn't get any of the chickens. He has returned...
Marveling: how similar my Mom and her sister are: the way they pronounce certain words, which words they put stress on, how they play with their hair, etc.
Needing: a nap.
Smelling: heat (when I step out of the lovely, air-conditioned house, that is).
Wearing: cute headbands.
Following: where my stomach leads. Which usually means cheese or something.
Noticing: how hunched over I am while typing this. *straightens*
Knowing: I should be practicing voice lessons.
Thinking: I probably won't.
Feeling: a little guilty.
Bookmarking: articles about GMO's.
Cooking: lots of chicken stock. We have too much.
Drinking: ice water. aaah.
Reading: more Mitford books.
Wanting: a fitbit.
Looking: forward to seeing Joseph (again) at Sight and Sound.
Playing: nothin'.
Wasting: time. duh.
Sewing: nothing, again.
Wishing: our schedule had more room for friends. le sigh.
Enjoying: reviewing Spanish--I didn't forget everything!
Waiting: for the show this evening (as stated above).
Liking: all the birthday cake we've had around recently.
Wondering: if I should sleep or make myself walk on the treadmill. Hmm. Maybe both.
Loving: my littlest niece's sweet smile and my eldest niece's chattering.
Hoping: the hawk doesn't get any of the chickens. He has returned...
Marveling: how similar my Mom and her sister are: the way they pronounce certain words, which words they put stress on, how they play with their hair, etc.
Needing: a nap.
Smelling: heat (when I step out of the lovely, air-conditioned house, that is).
Wearing: cute headbands.
Following: where my stomach leads. Which usually means cheese or something.
Noticing: how hunched over I am while typing this. *straightens*
Knowing: I should be practicing voice lessons.
Thinking: I probably won't.
Feeling: a little guilty.
Bookmarking: articles about GMO's.
August 15, 2015
Taking Stock, vol. I
Making : plans for this school year. Aaaall the plans.
Cooking : lots of cookies for company this weekend. Oh wait, that's baking. So why are they called cook-ies?
Drinking : Ginger Peach tea, chocolate smoothies, and plain 'ole water.
Reading: A Light in the Window (Jan Karon), The Westminster Confession (a bunch of men a long time ago), and David Copperfield (Charles Dickens).
Wanting: cinnamon raisin bread.
Looking: forward to fall.
Playing: Nothing at the moment.
Wasting: time on the internet. Instagram is my bane.
Sewing: nothing, but I have lots of things I want to sew.
Wishing: I had some sheep, kittens, or goats (don't tell the chickens).
Enjoying: waking up earlier, which means I get more done.
Waiting: for school to start.
Liking: ummm...cute pictures of my nieces.
Wondering: Why two of my chickens were squawking frantically yesterday evening.
Loving: the last bit of summer.
Hoping: for a good school year (pSATs--yikes!)
Marveling: at all the truths in the Westminster Confession.
Needing: breakfast.
Smelling: bacon.
Wearing: my fuzzy robe.
Following: Live Simply blog. It's for all those frugal, real foodies out there.
Noticing: a hummingbird out in the garden.
Knowing: Jesus loves me, this I know.
Thinking: about all the cleaning and cooking I have to help with today. The aforementioned company, you see.
Feeling: hungry.
Bookmarking: cute dresses. :)
----
I thought this was a fun idea. I might make it a regular thing on the weekends, though I'm not putting pressure on myself. During the school year it will be nice to take a break from stuff, sit down, and just review my week.
Cooking : lots of cookies for company this weekend. Oh wait, that's baking. So why are they called cook-ies?
Drinking : Ginger Peach tea, chocolate smoothies, and plain 'ole water.
Reading: A Light in the Window (Jan Karon), The Westminster Confession (a bunch of men a long time ago), and David Copperfield (Charles Dickens).
Wanting: cinnamon raisin bread.
Looking: forward to fall.
Playing: Nothing at the moment.
Wasting: time on the internet. Instagram is my bane.
Sewing: nothing, but I have lots of things I want to sew.
Wishing: I had some sheep, kittens, or goats (don't tell the chickens).
Enjoying: waking up earlier, which means I get more done.
Waiting: for school to start.
Liking: ummm...cute pictures of my nieces.
Wondering: Why two of my chickens were squawking frantically yesterday evening.
Loving: the last bit of summer.
Hoping: for a good school year (pSATs--yikes!)
Marveling: at all the truths in the Westminster Confession.
Needing: breakfast.
Smelling: bacon.
Wearing: my fuzzy robe.
Following: Live Simply blog. It's for all those frugal, real foodies out there.
Noticing: a hummingbird out in the garden.
Knowing: Jesus loves me, this I know.
Thinking: about all the cleaning and cooking I have to help with today. The aforementioned company, you see.
Feeling: hungry.
Bookmarking: cute dresses. :)
----
I thought this was a fun idea. I might make it a regular thing on the weekends, though I'm not putting pressure on myself. During the school year it will be nice to take a break from stuff, sit down, and just review my week.
August 5, 2015
YXL 2015
It has been a month since this wonderful youth conference. I made so many new friends, strengthened old friendships, and cannot wait to go back. Here's a summary of what went on. :) Go team C, I miss all of you!
learning lab challenges, hour long Bible study and prayer time, teabagging, late night games of Body-Body, pygmies, guitars everywhere, peanut M&Ms, hiking the AT, blindfold jokes, Geneva and Kari wailing Taylor Swift in the bus, skipping Mike in phase 10, Heather rapping, microwave gatherings, teary and real debrief time, mystery meat, team care, worship, Kiwi and Geneva ('nuff said), chicken dance and I'm-a-little-teapot, cake smashing, Kelly rockin' the electric slide, spotting, Kiwi's gum, Tyler's foot, stretch, climb, reach, grow, so much more.
learning lab challenges, hour long Bible study and prayer time, teabagging, late night games of Body-Body, pygmies, guitars everywhere, peanut M&Ms, hiking the AT, blindfold jokes, Geneva and Kari wailing Taylor Swift in the bus, skipping Mike in phase 10, Heather rapping, microwave gatherings, teary and real debrief time, mystery meat, team care, worship, Kiwi and Geneva ('nuff said), chicken dance and I'm-a-little-teapot, cake smashing, Kelly rockin' the electric slide, spotting, Kiwi's gum, Tyler's foot, stretch, climb, reach, grow, so much more.
July 26, 2015
Curiouser and curiouser....
Ladies, gentlemen, children of all ages! Come and see the curious adventures of Alice in Wonderland (musical style)!
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| Go to the website for more details |
July 25, 2015
Muesli
Muesli (/ˈmjuːzli/ or /ˈmuːzli/; Swiss German: Müesli [ˈmyəsli], Standard German: Müsli [ˈmyːsliː]) is a breakfast dish based on raw rolled oats and other ingredients including grains, fresh or dried fruits, seeds and nuts, and may be mixed with cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, yogurt or fruit juice. (from Wikipedia)
And then, six or seven years later, I've been craving more comforting breakfasts. That's kind of hard to do when you don't eat grains. Oatmeal, fresh bread, and dutch babies are out the window. However, necessity(ish) is the mother of invention and there are many grainless versions of all those things cluttering up the web. I remembered the funny-smelling, porridge-like thing Mom used to make, and decided to give it a go. Behold, a muesli recipe to add to the collection!
Grain-free Muesli:
Serves roughly 3 people...odd number, I know
2 c. yogurt
1 apple, grated
1 small carrot (or half a large one), grated
1/3 c. shredded coconut
1 t. cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and cover tightly. Place in fridge overnight. In the morning, serve in priceless china and top with nuts, raisins, and whatever else takes your fancy.
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oh, and yes, I am eating dairy now! I can't handle a glass of milk (raw or pasteurized), but I'm eating more than my fair share of yogurt and cheese...and the occasional scoop of ice cream. :) Thanks to BB's, we have boatloads of all the grass-fed, organic, snooty yogurts at a cheap-o price.
July 22, 2015
Lamp and Sword
-Psalm 119: 105
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
-Hebrews 4:12
I often put off doing Bible reading. It is hard to see the point in plowing my way through all the minor prophets. They just say the same thing, over and over and over again. I don't want to sit down and study the Word, but I also know that I should. Why should I?
As Psalm 119 says, it is lamp to my feet. It will guide me through life. If I am dwelling in the word every day, and (unconsciously) soaking up its truths, during times of tribulation I will remember encouraging verses or the different promises God has made.
The Word is sharper than a two edged sword. Even though I am going through the slightly repetitive minor prophets, the Holy Spirit has convicted me about all sorts of things, where I hadn't looked for them. I shouldn't underestimate the power of God and His Scriptures.
Sometimes I get discouraged when not everyday is a grand revelation. If I don't read something life altering (hee) every single time, I think it isn't "working". God doesn't stick to our plans, though. As C.S. Lewis said about Aslan, "he isn't a tame lion."
Thank you for listening to my rambly post. :)
"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true."
-Acts 17:11
June 30, 2015
30 days of beautiful: day 30
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| ~happy to have a homestead~ |
June 29, 2015
30 days of beautiful: days 28-29
I procrastinated, it got later and later, and before I knew it, the lighting was bad. So I waited for this morning to take yesterday's picture. Here's what I meant to take yesterday.
Aaand today's.
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| ~feather fresh~ |
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| ~bean bee~ |
June 27, 2015
30 days of beautiful: day 27
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| ~this book...warm, funny, colorful, real~ |
June 26, 2015
June 25, 2015
June 24, 2015
June 23, 2015
30 days of beautiful: day 23
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| ~the calm after the storm~ |
It was a beautiful evening. The air was cool. There was a pink haze everywhere. The sky was like a cathedral's ceiling, except for a band of bright sunny-afternoon-blue. Two lovely does visited the field behind our house.
Thunderstorm day.
June 22, 2015
June 21, 2015
June 20, 2015
30 days of beautiful: days 19-20
Stuff happened, but mostly I forgot. This was taken today, but it is what I meant to take yesterday evening.
Aaaand today's.
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| ~the aftermath of a jolly good time at my sister's house: lemon meringue and chocolate pudding pies~ |
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| ~she's a comin'~ |
June 18, 2015
30 days of beautiful: day 18
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| ~dinner al fresco: crispy fish, basil-parsley pesto, broccoli, sweet potato fries, and coleslaw~ |
June 17, 2015
30 days of beautiful: day 17
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| ~elephant pants is happy~ |
Feelin' hippie in these, especially when I was hanging out with my chickens and doing stuff in the vegetable garden. #crunchy
June 16, 2015
30 days of beautiful: days 7-16
Oh The Places We Went: Montreal, Quebec city (old and new towns), Chateau Frontenac, visited the White Mountains of NH, Dover NH, a little town in Maine, the Marginal Way, Portsmouth NH, Danbury CT, and back home.
Oh The Things We Saw: puppies, lots of smokers, runners/bikers/general athletic activity, old architecture, cobblestone streets, window boxes, a donkey, chickens, pigeons, cute little schoolchildren, tourist traps, cannons, rooftop gardens, Fiats, bicycles, carriages, rivers, mountains, a porcupine, flowers everywhere, the Atlantic, and big rocks.
Oh The Things
It was grand.
Here are yesterday's and today's pictures.
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| ~fennel in the garden~ |
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| ~in my own little corner~ |
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