The Power of Words

I remember middle school and high school like it was yesterday.  There are a lot of found memories, but what I remember most is feeling awkward and out of place-like I wasn't good enough.  Isn't that usually a part of growing up?  Today I hear so much about kids being bullied.  I don't remember any of that going on when I was a youngster, but I do remember how powerful words were.  Kind or mean could make or destroy you.

Lately we've been doing the Basic Life Principles Course by Bill Gothard.  One of the things he speaks of is how a word misspoken can cause a lifetime of bitterness-even if the speaker didn't intend for it to be offensive.  Well, my story is just the opposite.  A kind word (or 2) can change a teen's world.

When I was in 8th grade I was super insecure and shy.  I truly didn't feel that I fit in.  We'd have all of these theme days.  One week it was 'twin day'.  A beautiful young lady who was smart and sweet and a cheerleader (which made her popular) asked me to be her twin.  I was floored! Me??  Seriously?  I felt like I was on the top of the world!  

Let's flash forward 26 years.  We just had our 25th high school reunion.  I didn't go.  All because I still feel that I don't fit in.  Why relive all of that?  Well...I get a message.  It's that same girl from 8th grade saying she missed me at the reunion and wants to try to get together while she's home (she lives 24 hours away).  Once again I was floored!  

I had her and her children over today.  Our time was so sweet, so comfortable.  I can't imagine that she'll ever know how much the visit meant to me.  I hope though that one day, when she gets to heaven, God will have a very special jewel in her crown.  

Never underestimate the power of a kind word.  It can change someone's life.

(Alisa and me, June 2013)

Simply Sweet

The other morning I walked into the bedroom to find little Emma brushing her doll's hair while listening to the audio book Doll People.  She and her doll had on matching gowns which made the scene all the more precious.  As she brushed and the CD played Fraulein, our 1 year old Springer Spaniel looked on contentedly.  The morning sun was pouring in through the windows as I stood there and smiled.  I'm so blessed by simple moments like this...and so thankful.

Crocheting on a rainy Sunday afternoon

Lately the weather here has been so pretty that we're always outside either swimming in the pool, water skiing or playing with the pets.  Today, finally we got some much needed rain.  It was the perfect time for me to pull out my crocheting which has been packed up for a few months.  Back in the fall while we were in Canada I started crocheting granny squares.  For so long I've wanted to learn to make them and never realized it would be so easy.  So today, I'm adding to my granny squares as I sit under my Auburn quilt and listen to the rain.  What a nice Sunday afternoon!

If you 'd like to learn to crochet, check out the Klutz Crochet book.  

My other girls

You've seen their house, now here are my girls-my hens that is.  I never thought having chickens would be so much fun.  I actually look forward to waking up early and going to see them.  They have such unique personalities.  If I don't have snacks (left over vegetable scraps) to bring them they seem to get upset and impatient.  When I bring something new in with me they're so curious.  They love to peck my painted toe nails (when I forget to slip my boots on).  Oh and it's true...diamonds are a girl's best friend!  If my wedding ring dangles in front of them too long, they simply can't resist!  It may seem strange, but these visits with my girls are so relaxing to me.  I'm truly thankful for my girls and the joy they bring to my mornings.

English Muffin Recipe

I've always wanted to try to make English muffins but for some reason thought they'd be difficult.  I recently found this recipe (sorry I can't remember where) and tried it.  It could not have been easier!  I made a couple of batches, wrapped them individually and froze them (that is the ones we didn't eat warm from the pan).  They are more dense than store bought English muffins, but have such a delicious flavor and texture.

1 cup of milk
3 TBSP butter
3 TBSP honey
1 cup of warm water (105-110 degrees)
1/4 oz of yeast (about 1 TBSP)
2 TBSP of cornmeal
5 cups + extra for sprinkling all purpose flour
1 tsp salt

(to make gluten free, use a mix of rice flour instead of the all purpose flour, and use soy milk in place of whole milk)

Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water, mix lightly and set aside for ten minutes to foam.  In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter and honey until the butter is melted.  Let cool slightly.

Combine the yeast mixture and milk mixtures gently.

In a large bowl, sift 3 cups of flour.  Pour in wet ingredients.  Stir until cohesive. Flour counter well and knead the dough for 3 minutes or until lightly elastic.  Let rest for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cover 2 cookie sheets with parchment and lightly sprinkle with cornmeal.

Now roll dough out until it's a 1/2 inch thick.  Too thick is better than too thin.  Cut out circles (don't twirl your cutter, just cut).  Gently place on the cookie sheets, sprinkle the tops with cornmeal and cover with a dry, light cloth.  Let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.

Heat a heavy bottomed skillet on medium low, don't grease it.  Gently place a muffin in your hand and shake lighly to remove some of the corn meal.  Gentleness is the key in all of the handling.  Place into the pan and repeat until the pan is full.  Don't let them touch each other.  Keep the heat on low.  Cook for 8 minutes on one side or until browned (mine didn't take that long), flip and cook on the opposite side.  Let cool on a wire rack.  Split, toast and top with butter!

Mt Cheaha State Park, Alabama-Girl's Road Trip

This weekend the girls and I got away for a bit. We drove 5 hours north to visit family and then another hour (or so) east to see one of my Army buddies who is at Ft. McClellan for training. On the way home we decided to take the scenic route. We ended up driving through Mt Cheaha State Park and Talladega National Forest. It was so beautiful! We got out at the highest point in Alabama, Bald Rock and any other scenic overpass that we saw. We took our time and were able to just enjoy all of God's wonderful creations around us. I love these trips with my girls. We're making memories that will last forever.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

I just gave a speech to my family the other day about how we have to get back to healthy eating. We've been out of town so much lately and honestly didn't always have access to 'good' food. I went shopping and stocked up on fruits and vegetables. We've all been juicing and trying to eat lots of raw foods.
In the midst of all of this, I get the urge to bake...cinnamon rolls! I guess I can justify them because I grind my own wheat and use all quality ingredients. :) Regardless, my girls were thrilled to smell them baking in the oven! My recipe makes 2 large pans of rolls-way too many for us. We decided to package some up and deliver them to extended family. I'm happy to say I only ate 1/2 of one. That's will power my friends!

Basic Cinnamon Rolls

Dough

2 cups warm water (110 degrees)

2 Tbsp SAF yeast

1/2 cup dry milk powder

1/2 cup oil, softened butter or coconut oil

1/3 cup honey

O2 large eggs

1 Tbsp salt

6-8 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup gluten

Cinnamon Roll Mixture

1 cup Sucanat or brown sugar

1 Tbsp + 1tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup butter, melted

Combine yeast,  dry milk powder, gluten and 3 cups flour in a large mixer bowl.  Add water, oil and honey.  Mix well for 1-2 minutes.  Turn off mixer, cover the bowl and let the dough sponge for 10-15 minutes.  Add eggs and salt.  Turn on the mixer; add additional flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl.  Knead for only 5 minutes and keep the dough very soft and manageable.  If the dough becomes stiff while kneading, drizzle additional water as you knead.  Melt the 1/4 cup butter for the cinnamon roll mixture and set aside.  Combine the Sucanat and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing well.

Grease two 9x13 pans.  Divide the bread dough into two equal portions.  Lightly oil countertop and roll dough into a 15x20 rectangle.  Spread 2 Tbsp of melted butter over the rectangle of dough.  Sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture.  Roll up into a jelly roll, seal the seam, and cut into 1 inch thick pieces.  Place rolls in prepared pan.  Repeat this process with the remaining dough.  Let the rolls rise in a warm area until doubled (approx 30-60 minutes).  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until browned.

To make Glazed Cinnamon Rolls:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp milk, plus more
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla

To prepare the glaze, melt the butter, sugar and milk together over medium heat.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat.  Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add more milk if necessary to reach desired consistency.  Beat well.  Allow the glaze to cool slightly, then pour over cooled rolls.