Our First Visitor

We had barely been in Nebraska for a month and I was already desperate for my mom to visit.  It was not that I missed her, although I do, but I wanted her to see Oakland.  It is difficult to describe this place. 

My friend Amy was making a quick trip to Kentucky to visit her parents and asked if the kids and I would like to go along.  Although I would like to make the trip I couldn’t bear the thought of putting my kids in the car for an hour.  They can barely stand to be in the car for more than thirty minutes.  Amy graciously asked if my mom would like to ride back to Kentucky with her for a visit.  This would require my mom to fly back to Kentucky, ALONE.  She hates to fly and would definitely not want to fly alone. My mom and I knew this was a great opportunity for her to come because she would only have to fly home.  She reluctantly agreed.

She arrived on Tuesday, November 1^st. Alexander was so excited to see her.  On Wednesday we drove her around Oakland and showed her the dirty house, the parsonage.  On Thursday we went to Fremont for the Christmas Express.  We found some neat shops and I even got a pair of jeans for $25 that were originally priced at $175.  I love a good deal.  On Friday we walked around downtown Oakland.   That evening we had Secret Church, a telecast with David Platt.  On Saturday we went to Hooper for a craft show.  Sunday we went to church of course and on Monday we headed back to Omaha to do some shopping and take my mom to the airport. 

At the airport they allowed me to go through security with my mom and help her get settled at her gate.  I found a nice lady who was also a passenger on my mom’s flight to sit with her on the plane.  On her second flight she sat with a family who works for the Billy Graham Association.  My mom loves Billy Graham.  I was thankful when I heard she arrived safely in Louisville.  It was great to have her here and Alexander got to spend lots of special time with his Mimi.  Too bad Daddy isn’t alive to visit as well.  I pray my mom will become comfortable with flying and visit again regularly. 

Audrey’s First Halloween

Halloween was beautiful this year. I love the tradition in Oakland.  After school, about 4:00 the children go up and down Main Street collecting candy from the local businesses.  Later in the evening the kids can also go door to door.  Alexander was a cowboy.  We had to buy a new cowboy hat because the hat that went with the costume was too small for his fat head.  Audrey was a UK cheerleader.  We had to show our Kentucky spirit. 

Alexander was a little shy and had to be prompted to say, “Trick or Treat,” and “Thank you.”  After collecting candy from each house, he would say, “Can we go to another house?”  I think he would have gone all night long if we had let him.  He came home with lots of candy.  Audrey enjoyed chewing on the candy wrappers. 

Makes Life Interesting

 Here are some interesting or challenging things about living in Oakland.

We currently do not have a dishwasher.

Because we don’t have a dishwasher I am constantly washing dishes.  This is especially difficult because the water busts out of the faucet and it is nearly impossible to get warm water, because it is either boiling hot or ice cold.  Finding the perfect middle warm spot is quite a challenge.  Also they have water treatment with salt here, and it is difficult to get the soap off your hands and dishes.

These ladybug things are everywhere. (Asian beetles) I had one in my eye when I was going to sleep the other night.  Yuck!

There is no garbage collection.  We have to take our trash to the dump.  It is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and all day on Saturday.  They do recycle though :) 

We don't have internet at our current house.  We use our phones for internet and have a limited data plan.  I miss Pinterest and browsing the internet.  We will have internet when we get to the parsonage.  

On a more positive note…We joined a gym.  It is Anytime Fitness.  It is open 24 hours a day.  It is brand new.  Not only do they have great treadmills for running when it is super cold outside, but they have Fitness on Request.  I can choose to do an aerobics or spinning class at anytime.  I choose the class I want, close the doors, and a screen drops down and the video begins.  I did an aerobics class by myself at nine o’clock the other night.  It was great.  You know how much I love to exercise.  I am super excited about this.  

 Overall, I am really happy here.  I am super excited that my mom is coming to visit next week.  She is riding with my friend Amy who lives here in Nebraska.  She will have to fly back to KY on her own.  Pray for her, she hates flying.  I can't wait for her to see  Oakland.   I think it will remind her of Mt. Eden, where she grew up. 

One Year Ago

October 15, 2010 my amazing father went to be with the Lord.  So much has happened in the last year.  Audrey was born, I left my job, we moved to Nebraska.  It is hard to believe that he has been gone a year, but it seems so long since I have seen his sweet face. 

Moving to Nebraska was much more difficult knowing Daddy was gone.  I feel tremendous responsibility for my mom and being so far away makes it nearly impossible to make sure she is ok.  On the other hand it makes it easier because I never wanted to disappoint my Daddy.  It would hurt me to think that he was disappointed we were moving and he would be unable to see Audrey and Alexander frequently.  I feel this same pain about my mom.  I know that Daddy would be supportive of our ministry here in Nebraska, but he would have hated for us to be so far away.  My mom mentioned how if Daddy were here that he and my mom would probably have driven to Nebraska to help us move.  I can only imagine how helpful he would have been helping us get our new house ready.  I wish he was here for so many reasons. 

All week I had hoped to think of some way to honor Daddy today.  I couldn’t think of anything to do.  When Adam came home from church this afternoon he said we were going to Harvest Moon Pumpkin Patch.  The Pumpkin Patch is owned by a sweet family at our church.  

After dinner we headed to the farm.  It was amazing.  Alexander loved riding the tricylces, racing the roller coasters, doing the zipline, and eating smores.  I even did the zip line.  The salted caramel apple cider was amazing.  We brought home a 19 pound pumpkin.  We saw lots of animals, including miniature ponies, Daddy’s favorite.  Without even knowing it we had done something special in remembrance of Daddy.  When I think of Daddy, I definitely think of living on a farm.  We love and miss you so much Daddy.  We look forward to the day we join you in heaven and spend eternity there. 

I have been reading Heaven is For Real.  I hope that what is portrayed in this book is true.  I hope that we can recognize our family and they can see what is happening on earth.  I don’t know if this is true, but it gives me a little more peace about Daddy. 

Packing, Moving, and Life in Nebraska

On Monday, September 19th we started packing. The moving trucks would arrive on September 28th. I know this isn’t much time to pack, but I had to maintain normalcy until after Alexander’s third birthday. After living in our house for five and a half years it was difficult to take apart all that I had worked hard to get everything just the way I wanted it. The hardest part was taking apart sweet Audrey’s nursery. 

On Wednesday, September 28th, Adam and I picked up two U-Hauls. One was a 26 foot truck and the other was 17 feet. At first I thought there was no way we would fill two trucks. Early that afternoon I realized how wrong I was. As we started packing the truck, with the help of family and friends, I came to realize that not everything was going to be going with us to Nebraska. It was overwhelming at moments. I would just walk around wondering what to do next. We got to the point where we just started putting things in boxes regardless of the unusual combination. I am so thankful for all those who helped us pack and move, my brothers Rob and Derrick, and many from Providence Community Church, Ryan May, Paul & Carrie Valentine, Derek & Jessica Bostic, Colby & Christi Willen, Stephen Burnett, Carolyn McDonald, Lisa Karam, the Skidmores, Jerry Robinson, Keith Walters, Anthony Karam, and ….
On Thursday, Adam picked up two guys from Nebraska, Johnny and Daniel. They went straight to the Bostics and helped to pack their truck. We all quickly came to the same realization that all their things were not going to fit on one truck as well. Thankfully, they were able to make two trips rather than leave behind some things like we were going to have to do. We headed back to Lexington and began unloading their things while continuing to load our belongings onto the truck. Can you imagine what the neighbors were thinking? Three U-Hauls, two moving out and one moving in, simultaneously.
On Friday morning the trucks headed back to Frankfort for more packing. We squeezed in a few more pieces of furniture and lots of clothes for Alexander. In the end we ended up leaving the following things in Lexington. Porch swing, two rocking chairs (I pulled from the neighbors trash), kitchen cart, dresser, Adam’s smoker and grill, and Christmas tree. There just wasn’t enough room for these things. After the trucks left I realized several items had accidently been forgotten. The major thing included Alexander’s basketball goal. Guess we know what to get him for Christmas now.
Adam and Madeline drove to Nebraska on Saturday, October 1st. They didn’t get far when I realized Adam had left his new pillow. This isn’t just any pillow. I knew I wouldn’t have room for it in my luggage so he had to turn around and get it. Not a good way to start at 14 hour drive. Oh well. The brother and sister combo made it to Kansas City Saturday night. They finished their road trip Sunday afternoon. They arrived in Oakland where the church congregation was eagerly unloading the U-Hauls. Since our parsonage was not yet ready they provided us with a house to live in temporarily. The major downfall was that the house is only two bedrooms.
Sunday I went to Evergreen Baptist Church, where I grew up, and saw many familiar faces. It was odd being there without Daddy. It was also difficult to see many people who were young and vibrant, in my memory, aging. I am certainly thankful to not have to see my father in that state. He would have hated to be old and losing his physical capacities slowly.
On Monday the kids and I enjoyed dinner with the Geldhofs. Parker and Alexander have become good buddies. Jenn and I have grown so close as we have had several similar life experiences together in the last three years. Our boys are very close in age, we both lost a parent, and had our second children this year as well. On Tuesday I took Parker, Alexander, and Audrey to Monkey Joe’s. Alexander kept saying he wanted to go to Monkey Joe’s, “one more time.” Karla, Carolyn, and Ariel joined us as well. It was a quick trip, then we headed to Dixie for one last school responsibility. We gave several goodbye hugs. Earlier in the day we said goodbye to Derek, Jessica, and sweet baby Addison. Derek and Jessica have invested so much time and love in the lives of my children. Jessica and Alexander were so close. You develop a special bond with the person who takes care of your children. I couldn’t be more thankful for having such a wonderful childcare provider for my precious babies. Jessica and I have become extremely close friends as well. She spent many days with us early in Audrey’s life. She was there through the difficult colicy days when I wasn’t sure what to do with my crying baby. It was a difficult goodbye with lots of tears. I am thankful that Derek and Jess have the opportunity to live in our house, and that we don’t have to try to sell it now, but I know it will be difficult or awkward for them to live there since we are gone.
After Dixie we had dinner with Kelley. Adam said Chinese food may be hard to come by in Nebraska so we enjoyed some Moo Goo Gai Pan at IChing. We then made our final return down I-64 to Frankfort. We were greeted with many visitors, Rob, Cissy, and the entire Hudson family. The kids played and we all tried not to cry.
 

 On Wednesday morning we packed our things and went to visit Nana and Cissy one last time. Then we headed to Cracker Barrel for one last southern meal. We enjoyed our pancakes and eggs and headed for the airport. I was not sure how I was going to manage two children on two flights and two hours in Chicago Midway, but knew there were lots of people praying for us. From Louisville to Chicago, Audrey slept the entire flight and Alexander enjoyed playing with the tray table and eating pretzels. While in Chicago, Midway we got a snack and played. Passengers and airport staff were very helpful with the kids. Shortly after takeoff from Chicago Alexander fell asleep. I was hopeful that Audrey would go to sleep as well, but that didn’t happen. Not long into the flight I began to feel sick. I kept looking around trying to figure out who could hold Audrey if I got sick. I kept asking God to keep me from getting sick. I was counting the minutes until I could get off the plane. Upon arrival in Omaha I headed straight for the restrooms. By the time we were greeted by Adam and Madeline I knew I was turning green. Immediately upon reaching the car I threw up. This continued all the way to Oakland every twenty minutes or so. Due to a road closure the one hour drive turned into an almost two hour trip. I was never more excited to be at the new house. As soon as we walked in the door Alexander threw up on the kitchen floor. What an awesome welcome gift! I knew I was in for a long night. Alexander and I slept together taking turns getting sick. It was the night that would never end. By 5:00 am we had finally stopped throwing up. When I would throw up, Alexander would say, “Mommy, I know, I know.” Such a sympathetic little guy.
On Thursday we began to explore the new house as our energy returned. It was difficult for me to not be able to jump right in and get the house in order. I knew Friday I would feel much better, but guess what happened Friday morning. Yes, Adam was sick. Welcome to Nebraska. 

 This is just our temporary house.  The parsonage is not ready yet.  It is undergoing major renovations.

Alexander is 3

It is hard to believe my baby boy is three. I offered to prepare him a special birthday breakfast and what does he choose? Peanut butter toast. I was excited about pancakes or waffles, but peanut butter toast? On Saturday we spent the day preparing for Alexander's birthday. Adam woke up early and smoked two pork shoulders and two chickens. Alexander's party was on Sunday due to the UK vs UL football game. Sorry to say that the Cats lost.

Sunday afternoon Alexander's friends and family arrived for a fun filled afternoon. Alexander asked for books for his birthday. Well, maybe Mommy asked for books for Alexander's birthday. Alexander got lots of fun books like "A Mouse About the House," "Trucks and Diggers," and "The Busy Bug Book." He especially loved his microphone, John Deere fishing pole, and yo-yo.

We had a balloon release for Daddy. Each of the grandchildren, Alexander, Conner, Jaxson, and Caroline released a balloon in honor of Daddy Bob. We miss him so dearly. Alexander's second birthday was the last time the entire family was together before he died. Daddy was at the party, but already walking with a cane and very sick.
Did you know there is a helium shortage in Kentucky. Well, that is at least what the lady at Kroger told me. She would only fill three balloons with helium for me.

It is 10:16pm and Alexander is still singing his ABCs in his bed. Definitely a great birthday.

Today was the last time to see a few of our family and friends before we leave for Nebraska. Saying good-bye is definitely going to be harder than I thought.

So thankful for our little "Grasshopper."
Mommy and Daddy love you Alexander.

Goodbye

Make your own digital ecard

Our Mini Vacay

After realizing that we would be moving so far west, I felt the need to head to the east coast for one last visit to the ocean.  I soon realized that this was probably not a great idea with a wild almost three year old and my demanding seven month old.  We tossed around the idea of a Kentucky State Park and Gatlinburg.  We gave in to the idea of Cincinnati. 

On Tuesday, we headed north and first hit up IKEA.  Alexander loved crawling into each toddler bed and taking a nap.  Adam and I were overwhelmed.  Trying to decorate a house 1000 miles away is a little difficult even without two babies.  We decided it might be a little easier without the kiddos.  We escaped with only buying two blue, rubber pot holders, which Alexander used as crab claws. 

We arrived to our hotel and headed for the pool.  I was a little disappointed it was indoor, but enjoyed it none the less.  Audrey loved hanging out on the float and Alexander was very content in his circle, as he calls it.  We enjoyed dinner at Behle Street Cafe followed by a walk by the river.

On Wednesday morning I took advantage of the fitness center and then indulged in the free breakfast.  Omelets, pancakes, and waffles to make up for that jaunt on the eleptical machine.  After our tummies were stuffed we returned to the pool.  Alexander wanted so badly to join us in the hot tub, or hot pool as he called it.  He frequently dipped his toes in, but always quickly returned to the cold pool. 

Around noon we headed to the Newport Aquarium for the debut of our vacation.  Alexander had enjoyed the aquarium several times before as a toddler, but we knew he would love it even more as an older child.  He ran from display to display and even touched the sharks.  He was overjoyed watching the penguins as he sang, "Penguins like to waddle, waddle, waddle.  They have wings, but they don't fly." 

We all enjoyed a night away from home and especially letting someone else cook and clean up after us.  It was great to spend some special time together as a family.

A New School Year

August is here.  For me, this usually means returning to school to prepare my classroom and get ready for the students.  Today we tested our kindergarten students and welcomed their parents to our school.  While our kindergarten students and their families said hello to Dixie, I said goodbye.  After seven years at Dixie, I am leaving to become a different kind of teacher.  Adam has accepted a call to pastor a church in Oakland, Nebraska.  I will be able to stay at home with my own children now.  I am so excited about being a full time mommy.  I have always been a very focused and driven person.  This was especially evident in my teaching.  I have struggled for the past three years, working and having children.  

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people."  

Whatever I do, I want to do it well and with all of my being.  I either wanted to be a superior teacher or a patient, super organized, energetic mother and wife.  Before having children I stayed at school until six o'clock each night.  After the birth of Alexander I rarely saw the clock strike 3:15 at school.  I often felt tremendous guilt about this.  I wanted my students to receive the best instruction possible, but longed to spend time with my own kids.  

While I am thrilled with the new opportunities before us, I am filled with such grief about moving so far away from our families and friends.  My mom doesn't fly, so I don't know how she will ever visit us.  I long for my children to have a close relationship with their grandmothers. 

Speaking of grandparents, one year ago today Daddy was taken to UK hospital and diagnosed with cancer.  I was at school, at the same Kindergarten Kickoff that I was at today, when Adam came and got me to go to the hospital.  It was all I thought about today.  I miss him so much.  

I wanted to leave Dixie with a bang.  Well, I think I really did.  As my principal was helping me load my things into my car, a can of Dr. Pepper fell out of the car and exploded on Mrs. Isaacs and myself.

Summer Eats

Yummy!  Carrots, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, lacinato, komatsuna, beets, basil and lemongrass.  So what did I do with all this?

Alexander loved the carrots.  Boiled and added Karo syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.  

Alexander and I devoured an entire cucumber at lunch Sunday with a little ranch dip.  

We roasted the squash and zucchini, coated in olive oi, and then topped with balsamic vinegar and basil.  We also made some delicious zucchini bread.  It is amazing how much sugar is in it.  2 cups!

I tried this komatasuna saute recipe, but the texture was unusual.  I enjoyed the flavor, but maybe I cooked it too long. 

3 sprigs of Komatsuna, stalks and leafs cut and separated
1 clove of garlic, sliced (or its equivalent of dried)
1 tbsp of butter/margarine
Rosemary salt/ course ground pepper

Melt butter in pan, and add garlic slices, and only brown slightly. Add stalks and saute for about 1 minute before adding leafy section. while adding salt and pepper, saute until leafy section wilts only slightly. Serve immediately.

I used some of the lacinato kale for a
Banana-Kiwi-Kale Smoothie

1 banana
1 kiwifruit
2 cups organic kale
1/2-3/4 cup water plus a little juice (I used peach punch)

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.

I am excited to use the beets and basil.  I am going to make pesto with the basil.  

 Our delicious zucchini pizza. 

Zucchini Pizza

Makes one pizza (square, “rustic” or pie shaped)

2 large zucchinis

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

sea salt

pepper

red pepper flakes

pizza dough: either regular or whole wheat.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Either dust cornmeal on a baking sheet (or pizza stone–even better!) or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Grate the zucchinis and press with paper towels to soak up the liquid. Mix the zucchini with the mozzarella cheese and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and garlic. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Work the pizza dough into whatever shape your heart desires. Spread the ricotta cheese on top and then top with the zucchini mixture. Add some pepper flakes if you like spice in your life. Reduce oven temperature to 450 and bake pizza for about 12 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn golden and the cheese has started to bubble.

Cool, slice and stuff your face.

http://www.eatliverun.com/cheesy-zucchini-pizza/ 

I am excited that Alexander is beginning to love vegetables like his mommy.

  Alexander enjoying his smoothie. 

Stars and Stripes

As a child we would always celebrate the Fourth of July in Mt. Eden.  The festivities included a parade, beauty contest, greased pigs, and food at my Grandmother's. Wait, I can't forget the horseshoeing contest.  Did you know that I was Little Ms. Mt. Eden one year?  As I got older we spent the holiday at the Glass family farm.  After Erin died in sixth grade it was never the same.  Each first holiday or special event that passes without Daddy is difficult and unusual.  

 

This year the day was rather ordinary, a trip to Wal-Mart, Qdoba, and Michael's.  The evening was a little more exciting with a surprise visit from Jessica and Derek.  The kids and I enjoyed a walk around the block.  Alexander was constantly asking when the fireworks would start.  I was reluctant to allow him to watch, fearing that he would be afraid of the loud noises.  Much to my surprise his eyes lit up with the spark of each colorful shower.  After a few squealers he asked to go back inside and watch. It is so fun to watch my children enjoy the things I enjoyed as a child.

Plans

So I wrote in a previous post about my summer plans.  Too bad I didn't recall Proverbs 16:1 when I was writing that post.  "To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue."  So while Adam was away I had planned to cook, exercise, and scrapbook.  Well, none of that happened.  Within 24 hours of Adam leaving Alexander had a fever.  We were never able to identify why he was so sick with diarrhea for at least five days and a high fever, even after blood work and several stool samples.  By Friday Alexander was feeling much better, but on Sunday, Father's Day, I was getting sick.  I thought my head was going to explode.  On Thursday, when the pediatrician called with more negative test results from Alexander's stool samples I asked if I could take a Z pack I already had here at home.  I typically don't like to take medication, but after a severe headache for five days I couldn't take it anymore.  So between Alexander and I being sick we had just managed to survive for the first ten days of Adam being away.  

I was awoken Friday morning with a phone call from Adam.  He quickly asks what is wrong, as I respond, "I'm sick."  He informs me there is good news and bad.  The good is he will be home on Monday and the bad is he hurt his hand.  The weekend seemed to last forever waiting for Adam to get home.  I was struggling with the reality of him coming home and not finishing his trip.  Part of me wanted to tell him to tough it out.  I just know how angry I get with myself when I don't finish something I have set out to do.  For example, if I go for a run expecting to complete at 5K and only make it 2.7 miles, as I did on Tuesday while sick, I spend the rest of the day kicking myself for not finishing.  I keep thinking, "I could have finished."  Not only was I worried that Adam would feel this way, but I didn't get to do the things I had planned while he was away.  I had only visited my mom once, I hadn't touched my scrapbooking supplies, and had probably only logged ten miles on my Nike+.  I was so disappointed, not that my husband was coming home, but that he was hurt and things hadn't gone as I had planned. 

Now that he is at home, with a broken hand and a cast for six weeks, things are still not going as planned.  Someone asked if I was happy for Adam to be home.  Well, I am happy to not be 11,000 miles apart, but I would rather him be in Nepal without a broken hand than at home with this injury, unable to drive, unable to lift the children, and frustrated because of his circumstances.  That may seem harsh, but I know he feels the same way.  It is strange how the Lord gives you peace and comfort while away from your spouse when you know they are doing God's work.  I never worried about him while he was gone.  I knew God would protect him.  Even though he is safe and not severely injured I do feel doubt rising in my soul.  I want to say, Lord, I trusted that you would protect him.  Maybe he protected him from something worse, but I just don't get it.  I must find my rest in His word,

”‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

So much for my plans.  Let's see what the Lord has in store for the rest of the summer.

Dinner For One

Blackened Tilapia 

Ingredients

---

• 4-6 Tilapia
• 2 Tablespoons - paprika
• 2 Teaspoons - salt (or to taste)
• 2 Teaspoons - lemon pepper
• 1-1/2 Teaspoon - garlic powder
• 1-1/2 Teaspoon - ground red pepper
• 1-1/2 Teaspoon - Dried, Crushed basil
• 1 Teaspoon - onion powder
• 1 Teaspoon - Dried thyme
• 1 Cup - unsalted butter, melted

How to make it

---

• Heat iron skillet on high 5 minutes.
• Mix all seasonings in a bowl.
• Dip fillets in melted butter and coat with seasonings. (I drizzle the spices on each piece of fish to get an even coating. Don't be afraid to coat heavily)!!
• Place fillets in hot skillet and cook 2 minutes on each side.
• Makes 4 servings.
• Enjoy!!!

http://www.grouprecipes.com/43317/blackened-tilapia.html

Served with brown rice and broccoli from our garden.  It was a little too spicy for Alexander, but I certainly enjoyed it.  Can't wait for Adam to be home to try it. Wait, he is home.  Yay! (I made this while he was in Nepal.)

Ten Years Later and We Can Finally Drink Coffee Together

Adam and I have been married for ten years today.  On this day ten years ago we enjoyed White Castles together after not getting to eat much at our own wedding reception.  Too much talking and dancing.  Even 11,000 miles apart I love him more and more each day. 
Not unlike many others I have an addiction to Starbucks.  Fortunately, it is not the caffeine that draws me there. I always order a nonfat, decaf, caramel frappuccino, no whip.  Recently my husband has learned to appreciate my affinity for Starbucks.  Although he does have a caffeine habit, his is form Mountain Dew, he loves the Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino.  I don't think this drink has any coffee in it, but we can at least both enjoy a date at Starbucks together. 

Since I can't bring myself to pay five dollars for this amazing refreshment the only way I stop by Starbucks is when I have a gift card.  It is rare for me to get gifts from students anymore, but this year Adam was the recipient of many Starbucks gift cards from his students at school.  (No, I am not really that mean of a teacher that I don't get gifts, but most parents don't even know that I exist, much less have their child in my reading group.  Sad, but true.)

Anyway, I think I have mastered my own version of the caramel frappuccino. I am guessing at the measurements of course, because that is my cooking style. 

Brew some coffee and refrigerate.  Pour 1/2 cup cold coffee into blender.  Add 1/2  cup of milk.  Drop in 8-10 ice cubes and a teaspoon of sugar. Blend until ice is finely crushed.  Top with several squeezes of caramel syrup. 

I have tried the mocha as well, but definitely prefer the caramel. 


So after making waffles for breakfast, pizza and salad for lunch, enchiladas and quinoa for dinner, it was time to figure out what dessert to make for Community Group.  Since Adam was not in attendance I could veer from my usual chocolate menu.  After taking inventory of my pantry I found several cans of evaporated milk and four frozen Spalding's doughnuts in the freezer.  So here is what we came up with at    http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/doughnut-bread-pudding/detail.aspx

Doughnut Bread Pudding 

* 4 stale raised glazed donuts

* 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit

* 2 eggs (room temperature)

* 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

* 2 tablespoons white sugar (optional)

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

* 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small glass baking dish.

2. Tear the donuts into bite-size pieces. Combine donut pieces and raisins in the prepared baking dish. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together the eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the milk mixture over the donuts in the dish, and press down lightly to help absorption. Let stand for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking dish, and fill the outer dish with enough water to go about halfway up the sides. A dishcloth may also be placed under the bread dish, to prevent drying.

4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm.


 Yummy! After all that food I hit the treadmill at 10:30 pm.

Hungry for Summer

My first day of this month with Adam away. 

8:45 am Wal-Mart to replace my already dead Impatiens (How did they die already?)
9am pictures with the kids 

 10:00 Made a return at Buy Buy Baby - Glad to have the $10 back for that hat I bought.  Didn't know I already had one in the hand me down pile. 

Alexander spiked a fever during nap.  

We did get to talk to Adam a bit while he was in China tonight.  The video quality was poor, but Alexander still loved hearing his Daddy's voice.  

I love being home with my babies.  Someday soon I do see a day at the pool with a Watermelon Frosty in my hand. Doesn't this sound yummy?  Can't wait to try it. 

Watermelon Frosty
serves 2

2 1/4 cups frozen watermelon cubes
1/2+ cup water
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 lemon, squeezed
1/2 banana

Garnish: a few slices of watermelon - with rind on - frozen.

Blend Pour. Garnish with frozen watermelon/rind slices. Serve! Enjoy.

Sweet Summer

Ahh.  Sweet summer.  I am so excited summer is finally here.  Looking forward to spending time with my precious children, but will certainly miss my husband for the next month.  He is leaving Monday for Nepal.  I know he will be doing incredible work for the Lord, but I feel an awesome responsibility of managing the children and our home alone.  I foresee spending a lot of time at home with the kids.  It is too hard to take two kids out alone. 

Some things I am looking forward to this summer...

Working out - running with a double jogger  Zumba Wednesday mornings 10am @ Providence

Scrapbooking 

Pool - Alexander's new pool is big enough for me too.

Creative cooking 

Bread Machine Bagel Recipe

1 cup warm water

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons white sugar

3 cups bread flour

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

3 quarts boiling water

3 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon cornmeal

1 egg white

   1. Place 1 cup of warm water, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, flour and yeast in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough setting and press start.

   2. When cycle is complete, let dough rest on a lightly floured surface. Meanwhile, in a large stock pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of white sugar.

      Cut dough into 9 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a small ball. Flatten balls. Poke a hole in the middle of each with your thumb. Twirl the dough on your finger to enlarge the hole, and to even the dough around the hole.

   3. Cover bagels with a clean cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.

   4. Sprinkle an ungreased baking sheet with cornmeal and set aside.

   5. Carefully transfer bagels to pot of boiling water. Boil for 1 minute, turning halfway through. Drain briefly on clean towel.

   6. Once drained, arrange boiled bagels on baking sheet with cornmeal. Glaze tops with egg white, and sprinkle with your choice of other toppings.

   7. Bake in preheated 375-degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden. 

 Homemade Baking Mix

    * 10 cups flour (I used freshly-ground whole-wheat. Doreen suggested doing half white and half whole-wheat.)

    * 8 Tablespoons baking powder

    * 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

    * 1 1/4 cup powdered milk

    * 1 Tablespoon salt

    * 1/4 cup sugar or turbinado

    * 2 1/4 cup coconut oil or shortening

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Cut in shortening or cold coconut oil until you have fine crumbs. Store in a tightly covered container in a cool place. Use in place of Bisquick.