Happy 1st Birthday Kendall!

Happy 1st Birthday to our youngest!  Kendie, you have made the past year the BEST one yet!  You are an angel and the most content child I have ever encountered.  You make every day brighter.  God has given us miracle after miracle this year and we are so thankful.  We love you, Bunny Boo.

Impressionism

During CC classes this week, the kiddos learned about Edgar Degas, one of the founders of impressionism.  This was Lincoln's interpretation.

Potato Salad -- Sweet Style!

We saw a potato salad on Food Network and since we had a bag of potatoes from our CSA, we decided to give it a try.  We drastically changed the original recipe (which called for sweet potatoes and mascarpon cheese to start) but ours was delicious so here's what we did:  I'm going to do my best to guestimate the amounts....

1-2 lbs. potatoes
Dice on a cookie sheet and drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until somewhat crispy on outside but soft inside.
Let cool completely.

Dice 2 organic apples (we used honeycrisp but I think granny smith would be amazing)
1 c. dried cranberries (didn't have on hand so we used raisins)
chopped nuts optional (I desperately wanted toasted pine nuts but my kids voted no nuts)

Dressing:
1 c. raw yogurt (or plain organic yogurt)
1/2 c. organic cream cheese
2 T. Ohio maple syrup
1 T. dijon mustard

You may need to adjust dressing amounts depending on how many potatoes you cook.  And beware -- this salad is completely addicting!

Merry Christmas 2013

I distinctly remember last Christmas Eve; thinking, praying and waiting for this new baby girl that would soon join our family.  Something was missing.  She was missing.

And all I have thought about today is how blessed, how very blessed we are to have her with us.  She is so meant to be here.  What a blessing and a joy.  Truly, the best Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas to all 6 of my blessings.  Thanks for making my dreams come true.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end...."   Isaiah 9:6-7

Happy 3 year Anniversary Fast "Food" ??!!

Snapped this picture tonight of our fast "food" project from October 2010.  For more on that story, click here.

Or for the 2012 picture, click here.

Yes, I still have this "food."  My kids have begged me to keep it as long as possible so its tucked high away in one of our cupboards for the annual anniversary photo.  OMWord.

No Bake Chocolate Granola Chia Cookies

I'm always looking for a gluten-free, sugar-free way to curb my sweet tooth.  This one is amazing and super easy to make!  I meshed several recipes together and here's what I came up with:

1 c. organic nut butter (we usually use almond but I splurged on pb -- highly recommend!)

2/3 c. raw honey (thank you to my bees! :))

1/4 c. chia seeds

1/4 c. raw cacao powder

1/3 c. coconut oil

1 T. vanilla

1/4 t. real salt

3 c. organic granola (you could use oatmeal but I used our granola and it was superb)

Mix all the wet ingredients together in a bowl.  Add the chia seeds, cacao and salt mix well.  Stir the granola in and mix evenly.  Chill in fridge for an hour or so and then roll into balls.  Chill until serving. Bwhahahahahaha.  They won't last long enough to chill....

Continents and Oceans

This kid could teach me a thing or two.