Waiting until the last minute...

So, today is the day to eat the egg or have egg on my face. :) I'm going to eat the egg. How will it be prepared? Deviled! I am bringing deviled eggs to a New Year's party tonight and since this appetizer highlights the yolk, I figure it has to count. So.... I will have Ted take a picture of yours truly eating the yellow school bus on white with paprika please.

Happy New Year to you, my readers. I am thankful for your encouragement to keep on keepin on. May 2010 hold joyous unexpected surprises for you and yours!

Love,

Robin

AMAZING Mahi Mahi Tacos

Ok, rarely do I brag on my cooking, but these are out of this world! Even my mom who was a wee bit frightened by the sound of a fish taco tried them and fell in love. Give the recipe a whirl and you too will be saying, "Looks like we're having fish tonight!" (Quote from Finding Nemo-shark scene.)

Mahi Mahi Tacos

Mahi Mahi is a beautiful fish with yummy white meat. It is so nice they named it twice, as my grandma Lorna would say!

Ingredients:

2 pounds, or more, of skinless Mahi Mahi fillet (We buy the frozen bag at Costco and use 3 fillets.)

2-4 T olive oil

1 -2 limes (Depends on if they are big or mini limes.)

1/2 cup cilantro - finely chopped

salt and pepper

Taco Ingredients:

finely sliced cabbage (A short cut? Buy the bag of ready to make cole-slaw)

diced red onion

pico de gallo

sour cream

avocados (This is a must have for Ted in anything resembling Mexican cuisine.)

cheese

warmed tortilla shells (We use white flour shells.... terrible I know.)

Directions:

Grill the fish. When it is done, flake it into a glass cake pan. Mix the olive oil and lime juice with the cilantro. Pour this over the fish. It should be a little liquidy as you don't want the fish drying out. Salt and pepper. Place the glass pan in the oven and keep warmed at 250 degrees while you prep the remaining ingredients.

Dress the taco's and enjoy! Bonn apatite

*For a side..... we usually serve brown rice with black beans - two favorites in our house.

Baked Potato Soup

I should be writing my Christmas cards right now, but posting this yummy recipe seems like more fun at the moment. This is easy, easy so enjoy!

Ingredients:

bacon, I use turkey due to my no thank you on pork.

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup all purpose flour

7 cups of milk

4 large baked potatoes, cubed (I leave the skins on)

4 green onions, chopped

1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook bacon to your liking, drain and crumble. Set aside

2. In a stock pot, melt the butter on a medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil stirring frequently.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Mix in cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted.

4. Serve and sprinkle the top with crumpled bacon. Bonn apatite!

*This soup is excellent served in a bread bowl. yummy yummy

Joy filled heart

I am sorry to have posted an I am bummed out post and not countered it with life is filled with joy again post. Thank you to my dear readers for checking in on me. I really am doing great and have not turned green and grinchy on you. :)

Enjoy Christmas with your families and I will be doing the same. Thank you for reading about a year with chickens. It's an adventure!

Lots of Love,

Robin

The Play Report

The rendition of the Christmas Story was performed on Tuesday evening for the lil Sprouts dads. The kids did amazing! I was proud of Natalie who said her lines clear, loud and with heart. I think back to her first reaction to even the thought of being in a play. Pure panic I tell you. Oh Nat, you've come so far! She truly had a FUN time and it was such a confidence boost for her. I was proud that Lydia did not interject a dragon in the play. She went on stage, with costume and seemed to have fun. She LOVES being included in 'school things' and she played an important part. Will enthusiastically rode his horse to visit Bethlehem. He stalled admiring the Christmas tree, but quickly snapped back into character. He seemed a little nervous, but went on stage and did his lines regardless. Natalie, William and Lydia your mama is so proud of you! I can't wait to see the tape and see it from "the audience"!

The flop in our family really came on my part. I messed up all over the place and have been working on getting over it. I forgot to take off an inn keepers apron and when she was a magi another mom had to pause the play to take it off.... I tried to give the magi gifts before they even said their lines.... and I lead the kids in O Holy Night ahead of the piano and before the last line was shared. I needed more dress rehearsals...... This was all very humbling for me and is teaching me to remember that it isn't about ME and that the kids had a blast regardless and oblivious to my fumbles.

So, way to go lil Sprouts actors and actresses you were wonderful, you worked hard and I am so proud of you!

Meet my friends Calvin and Hobbes.

These guys make me laugh.

15 days left to eat THE EGG

Just recalled my earlier post declaring I would eat one of our "farm" fresh eggs before the new year. Suddenly, with only 15 days between me and the yolky school bus, I have the flee feeling. Anyone relate? Ever volunteer to do something that is months away and then as it approaches the reality of what you've said you'd do sinks in. I've been there too. So a few cliches come to mind... the glass is half full. I mean at least I have food to eat, right? Don't count your chickens before they are hatched. Hope! Maybe they will cease laying and there will be no egg to eat. Or, grin and bare it. Which is probably the most appropriate for the given egg eating dilemma. I'll be sure and post a pic of me savoring every bite! Ha!!

A down day...

I'm needing hundreds of super smoochies and hugs from my fam today. It's been a down day. Blah blah blah.... And so close to Christmas? I'm sure my moods are breaking international laws.

So, I will attempt to instead be thankful. My nephew Briggs was realeased from the hospital today, after open heart surgery. All my kids are zonked out enjoying dream land. The house is very quiet. I have great friends. There is homemade fudge in my house. Hmmm... not working yet, I think I'll try a hot bath with a lil Calvin and Hobbes.

4 boxes down, 1 to go

*4 Christmas boxes have been mailed and the last one WILL be mailed tomorrow morning.

That to say, something confuses me....... I mailed a cereal box sized package and it was just under $10, my sister mailed a box equal to 4 cereal boxes, containing all our gifts and a B-day present, and it was just over $10. I don't get it. *Both were sent parcel post. Is it all about the weight and the size doesn't matter? If so, I think I should've sent those items in a huge box filled with tissue because it would've been more fun to open. Instead, I pack as efficiently as possible, even cutting down the sides where the space is not needed. Hmmm....

Maybe the post office could offer classes educating package sending customers to the in's and out's of mailing boxes. Yes, I would be the first in line to sign up.

Facebook post, what do you want for Christmas?

I posted a what do you want for Christmas on facebook expecting light hearted funny responses. However, this wasn't what I got. Instead, I got heartfelt pleas for things like one more baby for our family, joy for my family, that my husband would not be deployed again to Iraq. It made me cry and now again I'm crying..... I have so much to be thankful for. My family is healthy, my husband loves me and our family, We love God, Ted has a great job and we have 3 amazing kids. So, in that same vain, what do I want for Christmas? I've already got it.

I fired up my oven today.

I just began Christmas baking. During my childhood, my mom, sister and I started way early and would freeze the creations. I would "secretly" sneak in the deep freeze and snatch some of the goodies. I especially liked the frozen white almond bark dipped pretzels. Yummy! Or the handmade chocolate dipped caramels. Ok, now I am drooling. My poor mom when it came time to put the plates of goodies together, which she gave to everyone we knew, was sometimes shocked to see a tin no longer full. Sorry about that mom! I'm sure you contemplated placing a padlock on that deep freeze, and you probably should have done just that. :) It's different for my family today, we don't have lots of functions that we bring baked goods to and our family can only eat so much.... although I do sometimes wonder when the 'too much' point will come as we have several sweet tooth's.... So, today I made fudge and peanut butter/Hershey kiss cookies. Both remind me of my Grandma Lorraine at Christmas time. We have our lil sprouts home school Christmas play tonight and I intentionally signed up for cookies so I would have a reason and the accountability(!) to bake.

Lydia edits her inn keeper line....

My kids are practicing their lines for an upcoming Christmas play. Natalie is Mary, Will is a magi and Lydia is an innkeeper in scene 1 and 2 and an angel in scenes 3 and 4. To prepare, we have been practicing our lines at home. Natalie has 2 lines, Lydia has 1 and Will has 2.

One day while we were practicing, Lydia said her line like this, "Sorry. We are booked. Try next door DRAGON." She smiled pleased with her editing. I tried desperately not to laugh and explained that there were no dragons in this play. She said, "Oh, ok. I'll do it again mommy." She did it again, this time whispering dragon. I again explained there was still no dragon in the play. Her third attempt went like this. "Sorry, we are booked. Look! A star. Look how bright it is!!" to which Will replied, "That's my line! MOM she's taking my line." Everyone went crazy and then I joined in and realized my voice was raised and here we were practicing our Christmas play. We took a break....

I don't know what will happen on Tuesday night when this is performed for our audience of dad's. It is hard to say if my 3 year old will place a dragon in the scene or roll change, stealing her magi brother's lines. She's got enough spunk to do it, I'm praying she just doesn't think of it at the moment. Then again, if she does a laugh will be shared from the audience I am sure. You beat to your own drum Lydia, and again our family wouldn't be complete without your beat. Love you pumpkin.

Your wenis

Did I get your attention? I recently learned that the rough skin on the outside of the elbow is called wenis. Truly, it is! Now don't get me wrong, I am not going to rush out and teach this to my toddlers. I mean can you imagine that mishap at the grocery store? Natalie says to her brother, "Will I got your wenis." Everyone looks, I try to explain... no one believes me. Yada yada yada But I do encourage you to grab your husbands elbow skin and say, "I got your wenis!". Laughter is good.

I want sheep

I want sheep. What? Your year with chickens is still in progress! I know, I know but I am reading this wonderful book called Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg and now I want sheep. Yes, sheep. What is Ted going to say? I have no idea, I'm not sure how to break it to him. Maybe I'll start knitting like mad and then he will come up with the idea thinking it will save money on yarn in the long run. Ha Ha good luck with that angle. I've seen your washcloths. Hush hush I can now make a beautiful washcloth thank you very much. Maybe the thought will fade. We'll see. Yes, we'll see.

A Bridesmade Roadtrip (and a very very merry random post from yours truly.)

Have you been in lots of weddings? Why not take all those bridesmaid dresses and take a road trip with some girls this spring or summer. You could start planning this great adventure now. (I say the girls, because I don't think a man could truly appreciate this experience.) Here's what you could do....

1. Choose a destination. Mount Rushmore? The Grand Canyon? The largest ball of twine? A big city near your town? You get the idea....

2. Round up some adventure seeking friends

3. Pack all those dresses you were promised, "Really, I think you could wear my bridesmade dress again."

4. Along the route, take photos of you by interesting sites wearing the dresses. For example in Jamestown, ND there is an albino buffalo. Wouldn't that make a lovely backdrop to that dress from your best friend's cousins wedding? LOL

5. When you return, make a postcard of you in the dress and send it to your friend. Say something like, "You were right! I was able to wear the dress again."

I think this kind of trip sounds like a BLAST! I have been in 3 weddings and would need to work hard to locate the dresses. HOWEVER, I think it would even be fun to buy hideous dresses at Goodwill, give them a good story to tell and take them along too.

The point is FUN! We all need to laugh and have more fun. Be inspired and watch out America, a bridesmaid road trip may be coming through your town soon.....

My Christmas Kitchen Window

Well, all the owls had to come down, fall is done. Although those adorable tea towels on the copper rod were my fav, it was fun to switch it up for Christmas time. Plus, when I pull the hooters back out in 9 months, I will be giggled to put them back in place. So, with that, here is my simple kitchen window sill for Christmas.

*Notice the blue lights? (They are a bit hard to make out...) These are so nostalgic for me. Growing up, we always decorated our tree in the old school C9 blue lights. As the years went by, the lights burned out and it became harder and harder to replace the blue bulbs. Eventually, we went with all white mini lights. Funny, it's the blue ones I remember from childhood the most.

Adventures in needle felting

Well, let me just say that I have REALLY been enjoying needle felting. It is a total blast! I have created mostly felted acorns but also constructed a heart ornament for my nephew Briggs. He is having open heart surgery this Thursday, so it seemed a fitting ornament to adorn his present this year.

Why I am liking needle felting you may be wondering.... It is a relatively speedy process and lets face it I can be impatient when it comes to crafting. :) I also love the texture of roving wool. The one negative is the needles are SO sharp and I do routinely stab myself thus forcing a break, at times when blood is drawn. I'm hopeful this side effect will vanish with practice.

counting down...

Feeling a little pressure tonight on the Christmas gift front, yet not enough to get moving. Can anyone relate? We need to mail our ND, MN and GA packages soon to save the wallet on fast shipping charges that otherwise may apply. :) I him and hah too much really. Most of them are complete, I just keep analyzing each gift. Oh yes, and the Christmas picture and cards have not been taken, signed or addressed yet. I'm going to work on savoring the joy in the moment this week, otherwise Christmas will be here and gone in a wink.

Will and his wife.... of someday

I kissed my sons cheek before dinner and told him that someday he would be a GREAT husband. He smiled and said simply, Thanks mom. Then said, I'm going to build her house. Your wife's? I asked. Yes, he said. She's going to saw the wood. And then she's going to grow babies. How many I asked. 3 girls and 5 boys he said with a smile.

2, of the many, gifts our youngest has been given

You are a lover of music Lyds. The music comes on and you are clapping to the beat, and dancing at only 3 years of age. Joy washes over your face at the sound of music. I love watching this gift develop in you. Oh the places your musical talent will take you!

You also have quite the sense of smell! (Like your mother) You are the first to declare, "Someone farted." "I smell cookies." "I smell sugar bugs." It always gives me a giggle to hear you broadcast your olfactory reactions.

12 Christmas Traditions in our family of 5

1. We always have a live tree - In our opinion there is just NO other way to do it.
2. Christmas Cards are sent to close friends and all our family.
3. We watch the Grinch at least 5 times, and sometimes we begin before October is through.
4. Every child receives a new ornament each year that represents that year for them. (This year each child is getting a hand felted barred rock hen to remember our family's year with chickens.)
5. Our Christmas feast consists of homemade soup and bread. Yep, that's it. Until we can enjoy cooking a huge feast as a family, we will have it simple and just be together.
6. We delight in eating Cinnamon rolls Christmas morning.
7. New pajamas are opened on Christmas Eve and worn that evening. (Confession- they are not washed before they are worn.)
8. Underwear, toothbrush and an orange are in the stockings every year, along with some lil toys or such. Food and 'essentials' are a blessing!
9. The tree is tinseled Christmas Eve night while everyone is sleeping.
10. A new ornament is bought each year for mom and dad that also represents something from the year.
11. We read the Christmas story and the Night Before Christmas.
12. We go on long drives with hot chocolate to ooh and ahh at lights.

Clyde n Dales

We got our tree last Saturday and it is so perfect! It is tall, about 10 1/2 feet and very thin. It is actually the same circumference at the bottom as it is at the top. I love it! We found it almost immediately, but we always enjoy walking the fields so we did that and then returned back to this one. My husband is the best dad ever! He is a big kid, really. :) He and the kids played hide n seek in the trees, we drank cider (more than our share!), rode on the horse carriage and had lots of fun!

The kids got to pet Ted (the horse!) and Andy. As we walked away, Will said, "That horse had privates mom. I forgot to not look at them." Kids are funny!

The tree was decorated on Sunday and it is gorgeous! We buy the kids an ornament each year that in some way represents that year for them. It was a blast pulling them out and telling each story of where and why it came from. Natalie especially enjoyed the stories, and told many to us as she remembered from years past. I love traditions! It's the most wonderful time of the year.

A large bird.....

My husband arranged for us to purchase an organic turkey from a guy he works with who has a side buffalo farm in Elma. Ted said he wanted a "big" one. I shared my concern and he assured me that in years past the "big" ones were 18 - 20 pounds tops.

A few months past.....

We got the call on a Saturday that our bird was ready to come pick up in Elma (about 40 min. away.) The bird weighed 36 pounds. Yes, 36 pounds! And yes, this is the "ready for the oven" weight. I did some quick calculating and said, "Oh my goodness Ted!" After a $2 discount, the bird rang in at $115. Did I mention we went to a friend's house for Thanksgiving and didn't cook a bird this year?!?

I was more than a little shocked and my reaction could've been sprinkled with love.... My husband's response was PERFECT. It calmed me, made me laugh and REMEMBER that these are the crazy little things I ADORE about him. He said, "I know it's bigger than we thought, but let's let it be one of those funny little things. Someday when we're old and using our walkers, we can look at each other and say 36 pound turkey and bust a gut laughing." I knew he was right. It is hilarious and forever memory has been made.

So, just how long does one cook a 36 pound bird? We've heard between 10 - 14 hours... We'll give a full report once we cook it. :) Ted, I love you and I adore how passionate you are about going for the biggest and best.

Turkey Gobble Contest

We were invited to a friends house this year for Thanksgiving. We brought an activity to share and it was a turkey gobble contest. Ted recorded all the kids performing their best gobble, unannounced to the parents. Before dessert, we gathered everyone together and played each turkey call and the adults voted on their favorite one. It was hard because there were lots of good ones! After the winner was declared, we had all the dads go behind a sheet. They got to listen to a real turkey call and then they each took turns mimicking a turkey. The kids got to guess which gobble came from which dad. This was hilarious! I was so impressed by the men's gobbles. We all had a good laugh. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with amazing food, friends and laughter! We are blessed.

Natalie you surprise me!

A few weeks ago I told Natalie about Upward, a basketball league for kids, and asked if she'd like to be apart. Seeing she didn't look too wild about it, I told her to think it over. Over the next few weeks she asked lots of questions like, "Will people be watching me?" She also kept saying, "I'm too shy." Which my response was always you are not shy, God made you gentle. (There is a difference!) To my surprise she came to me and said, "I want to join that basketball team." You are a thinker Natalie, I love it!

So, we signed her up on Friday, and the try outs were that day too. I had been sick, so Ted took her along with the other wee ones to try outs. Natalie can't dribble the ball (Yet!) and she's never really tried to shoot so I was a nervous mom waiting at home.

When Ted got home we put the kids to bed and then I sucked out every last detail of the night, which he gladly shared. He said, "I have never seen a little girl try so hard and not give up before." She stood in the lines by herself with her clipboard, listened to the adults and did the timed drills. When it came to shooting baskets, she didn't make a shot.

Seeing her disappointment, Ted went up and said why don't we stay until you make one. She was delighted. She shot and shot and shot..... for 20 minutes. Ted encouraged her and helped her aim and then she made one. She yelled, "I did it dad!" She was excited for the after try outs cookie she had been told about at registration, but they were gone. Dad to the rescue! "Natalie why don't we go out for ice cream to celebrate your basket." Squeals of delight from all 3 of course.

I just know Upward is going to boost her confidence in so many ways. I am excited for basketball season and blessed to be seeing Natalie grow. I love you Natalie! And Ted, you are one amazing dad and husband. I love you too.

binding off

As a side note, yes a side note even before I begin, apparently there are different binding off techniques, much to my chagrins. :)

I recently learned the knit bind off from a utube video in the comforts of my living room. I did it successfully and felt on top of the world. A dish cloth, the masterpiece being finished, NEVER looked so good. As I cut the string and looped it through the last loop, I then snipped the end...... If you are a knitter you are now gasping. Yes, I snipped it. What was I thinking! I even knew the end was to be woven back in with that giant plastic needle.

Due to being snipped, the corner looked awful. I was about to stab myself with the needle or strangle myself with the remaining tri color cotton yarn when I quickly calmed down and decided maybe it wasn't so bad. That's when I showed my finished dishcloth to my husband. Here was his reply or at least how my ears heard it, "Why did you cut the end off like that? I think you were supposed to sew it back in so it looked like the other corners." I took a deep breath and considered retiring from a quick, quiet life of knitting. I contemplated stabbing Ted with the needle, but decided otherwise. I do like being married after all. Although I thought this "beauty" would be a gift, I've decided I will keep it instead.

Yesterday, to prove to myself that I could indeed do it, I knit a new washcloth and remembered to not snip-snip the ends. It turned out delightful. My patience is growing....

A Retreat for Mom and Dad

Ted and I attended our 8th Couples Retreat this past weekend to Seaside, OR. It was the best one yet. We had so much laughter together and God was faithful to show up to teach and reveal his best for us. I love that after almost 15 years with this man I am still learning about him. Thank you Lord for loving us. Thank you for making us different. Thank you for the GIFT of marriage.

Back on the home front all the kids got the flu. Poor grandma Georgia had a different visit than we planned. Instead of day hikes and picnic's, it was soda crackers and holding hair back. Thank you mom for investing in our marriage by serving our family. We love you!

More Christmas Photo Ideas....

1. Re-create whoville at our home and update the name to Baileyville. Dress as who's and say cheese! Is this maybe taking it all a little too far?
2. Fly to a tropical destination and get all 5 of our bodies buried in the sand.
3. Have each child hold one of the hens and capture 'the moment'. Although this probably lends itself best to a u-tube video.
4. I could madly knit matching sweater vests for everyone? After all, my kids are too young to rebel. Hmmm...
5. I'm thinking toboggan, snow and an action shot.

I just want to belong!

Long, long ago (Ok, like 9 years ago) when I first discovered Starbucks, I so badly wanted to fit in. The atmosphere was divine to me. I had one problem however, I hate coffee and I felt like such a fraud ordering hot chocolate. I didn't feel like I belonged. That all changed when I discovered chai tea. At that point I could order a real drink that was normal to acquire from a coffee shop. Bliss I tell you, bliss.

Well, my latest 'I want to belong' has to do with knitting. The location I want to fit in at is a delicious yarn and other fun things store called Canvas Works in Olympia. I feel like a total impostor, knowing I can only accomplish the knit stitch, even casting on can be a challenge for me. Truth be told, I don't know how to end a project either. (Is this called binding off?). My plan is to learn the purl stitch, bind off and add and decrease stitches. I think those skills are my chai tea equivalent for yarn stores.

*Special thanks to my friend Stephanie who patiently cheers on my knitting desires and helps me end projects. Without you, I would have 2 mile long scarves, truly.

My son's fascinating questions

Last night while I tucked Will into bed he asked me, "Mom, if I took a scissors and put it into my eye like this (He motioned as if he was poking out his eye) what would happen?"

My face always cringes at these type of questions. My girls don't ever ask them, it is always from Will. I figure either he likes my face better all wrinkled up and panic stricken or he really wants to know the effect of stabbing himself with a sharp object. I explained the ramifications of such an action and his response was a simple, "Oh". Ow is more like it!

Play in the puddles

We live in WA and it rains a lot. I often feel I am constantly telling my kids, "Watch out for that puddle!" Well, why not plan a puddle play day. I did this last year and it was a blast. We arrived at the park in rubber boots and rain coats. It was pouring cats, dogs and small bunnies. I opened the van door and told the kids to get out we were going to play. They responded, "But mom, it's raining." I told them they had permission to play in the puddles and their eyes grew twice their regular size. It was awesome. We played for about an hour, received some curious looks from dog walkers briskly paced to return to dry, but it was wonderful. On the way home, they sat in their wet underpants. (I had forgotten spare clothes) At home we took warm baths and had hot coco. I don't know if the kids will recall this day as they grow, but I will wear this memory close to my heart forever. I love you Natalie, Will and Lydia and I adore playing with you.

A fun $4 family night

I purchased 4 tubes of glow in the dark bracelets from the dollar store a few months back, knowing they would be fun for something. Well, last night we needed fun. The kids have had a cold all week and been cooped up. So, here's what we did.

I told them they were a team of special forces that needed to work TOGETHER, not leaving anyone behind to recapture the treasure which was contained in the sticks. This was of course a top secret mission. Ted and I shut off all the lights and hid the 40 sticks (We did not assemble them into bracelets) around the house. The troops had to leave the lights off and had to go into and out of each room together. That's all there was to it. They loved it and probably played over an hour.

So, for $4 we made a fun family night they won't soon forget. Go get some glow sticks and have some fun!

Variations: Assign each child a color and they are to only collect that color stick. Divide into teams, which team can find all their colors first? Or, time the whole group. How quickly can they work together to find all the treasures. You get the idea, lots of opportunity for variations. :)

food quirks

I am not in favor of banana flavored things, this includes smoothies with bananas. Nor am I a fan of naturally occurring blue foods. Although natural, it just doesn't seem right. Blueberries, I am talking about you! What else, I have texture issues with egg plant, mushrooms and hairy fruit. I will eat carrots raw preferably and cauliflower only baked in the oven with thyme and sea salt. I also do not like anything coffee flavored including coffee itself, the smell however is delicious.

Family Christmas Photo Ideas

I admit it, I love the annual family Christmas photo. Each year I try and think of a creative way to do it. Here are a few ideas I've brainstormed for this year.

1. Place green tights on our heads and take a group shot with the caption 'No elves were harmed in the making of this family photo'.

2. Better yet, wear green tights, elf ears and hat. Hmmm... will Ted go for this?

3. We could do a classic people pyramid with Lydia gracing the top.

4. Another black-n-white photo booth shot. (We did this one last year. Scan in and voila!)

5. Find a 50's or older photo, scan and photo shop in our family's faces.

Thankfully we have a couple more weeks to decide. I'll post some more options as the ideas strike and the chosen shot once it's taken.

Handmade Christmas

My creative juices have been flowing and I am filled with ideas for a handmade Christmas this year. I am excited! I so wish I could share all my ideas right NOW, but I can't unveil the surprise because family reads my blog. I do, however, promise to post each and every handmade treasure. I will say that glitter and hot glue gun will be close friends these next 2 months.

My heart

I love being a mom. This is not to say that it is easy. No way! But I feel that I was made for the role. I think of my kids, even now, and I begin to cry tears of joy. Ask my kids what mommy's favorite sound is and they will answer, "Her kids laughing." and they would be correct! My mom was right, I had no idea I could love someone so much or be willing to give everything for them. I love being your mom Natalie, William and Lydia.

A fun harvest fest

Yesterday was one of those standout family days. It had everything including action, food, naps, candy, pumpkins, pizza and FAMILY! Will played his last soccer game of the season and scored his first goal! His grandpa Dennis was there along with Aunt Beth and Uncle Brian which made it extra special. In the afternoon, we carved pumpkins together and ate delicious roasted seeds later that night. We all dressed up (Raiding the dress up clothes) and we attended a small harvest party at Will's preschool. Following, a hay ride, games, cotton candy and great memories, grandpa treated us to yummy pizza at Brewery City. Natalie said. "This is one of the best days of my life!" It was an amazing family day.

(I loved that all the adults dressed up too. It began with Beth putting on the Sullivan costume, size 2T! Brian then picked the hat, Dennis was a shoe in for more hair, Ted wanted the Dr. Seuss and I was a farmer. These are the things I want to do more of, but I often forget and get too practical. It was good to join in play.)

19 years was a long time

For what you are wondering??? For not eating pork or red meat, but that all changed today. Ted and I had a wonderful missions meeting for a future trip to Cambodia. We were blessed with amazing Asian cuisine, much of which was pork and beef. Customary to these places, it is polite to try each dish. For those of you who know me well you know how NOT adventurous I am with food, but let me tell you I made you proud today! The only side effect has been a very vocal rumbling and gurgling in my tummy and throat. You may ask, will I be adding these meats back into my diet? No thank you, but it was a good experience and I would do it again. It's good to grow. :)

Episdoe FOUR - Locked Out

It was night time and unannounced to the humans, we (3 hens) were out in the woods playing an evening game of duck - duck - goose. The big guy locked up the coop, assuming we were inside.

"Duck...duck... huh, what was that?" said Helga.
"It sounded like the lock." worried Hazel.
"3 girls out tonight! What should we do? Tear up this town?" said Harriet.
"You better start praying that coons don't tear us up tonight!" yelled Helga.
"Let's finish the game and then go find some fun!" said Harriet.
"Game? Fun? Are you coo coo? We need to find shelter and find it now." declared Hazel.
"Party pooper" said Harriet.

The girls walked in a nervous line. The wind whistled and they darted into full sprint. Exhausted, they hid beneath a fallen tree and fell asleep. Hours later the sun began to rise.

"That was horrible. I dreamed of horrible things. From now on it's in the coop by sunset for me gals." said Hazel.
"MOVE IT!!! Is the door open? Did anyone check? My egg is coming and it's coming NOW!" said Helga.
"Quit your squawking and find a tree Helga! I slept great! A little excitement does a chicken good." said Harriet.

our next GREEN step

Its been a little over a year since our family gave up paper towels. In there place, we use rags that can be washed and reused. Our next GREEN step is going to be giving up paper napkins. That mardi gras 500 pack is just so convenient, but I am going to switch to cloth or knit. Hey, mac-n-cheese night just got fancy! :)

Several years ago I was given a book by my friend Wendy whom I had worked at the zoo with. Since reading Serve God Save the Planet by Matthew Sleeth, we've incorporated the following into our life.

• Buy shade grown coffee
• Eliminate paper towel usage
• Recycle (We've always done that.)
• Use reusable shopping bags (When I remember to bring them with me!)
• Look first to craigslist or a yard sale for a need versus buying new - I've learned to LOVE the hunt!
• Use reusable water bottles versus regularly buying bottled water
• Dry clothes on a clothes line (I used this maybe a dozen times this year, but it was a dozen times I didn't run the dryer.)
• Energy efficient bulbs outside and in the garage

If you haven't read the book, I would recommend it. The foundation of the book is that God tells us to love our neighbor and that has a lot to do with how we consume. Your thinking, "what?" read the book...

homemade laundry soap link

Ok, when a friend shared this recipe with me I was excited to try it, but skeptical. I was a TIDE girl and I wasn't so sure. I share this because first off it cleans clothes and second it is cheap to make. We have front loader machines and a septic system and this laundry soap is GREAT for that. I made a batch today, enough for 640 loads! It took about 15 minutes and cost under $5. Check out the link below.

http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

I have felt down today. A cold lingers at the back of my throat and I am tired. I am moved tonight by all the goodness in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. Our home, our cars, my husband's job, 3 healthy kids, people who love me and people to love, the joy of hearing my kids laugh, shoes for my feet, food for my belly and clothes on my back. The list could go on an on, you get the idea. Forgive me God for not being thankful today. Thank you for leading me back to your presence tonight. As I sit and give thanks for the simplest things all around me, peace washes over me. Thank you for love, peace, joy, gentleness.....

upcycle versus recycle

I keep bumping into the term upcycle and was confused how it differs from recycle. Here's what I understand after some "research". Upcycle is to take an item and reuse it in a new way. For example, taking a bike chain and making a wall clock from it. *An important note, this only works IF the bike chain was used as a bike chain and is now done as its bike chain existence. Purchasing a new chain and using it for a clock is neither re or up cycling. :) Recycle is when plastic, for example, is melted down to create new plastic or an entirely new item. Recycle requires a chemical process and upcycle is an artistic change versus a chemical or process change. Another upcycle example would be creating a scarf from recylced sweaters. (See picture above) Technically, upcylce could be a subcategory of recycle.

My take? As green becomes the new black, new terms are popping up. Being green is more widely available and desired by a more diverse audience than ever before. No matter what you call it or how you define it, the good news is whether upcycle or recycle it is more gentle on the planet and a good practice to adopt.

5 easy ways to help the planet

1. Buy only shade grown coffee. http://www.groundsforchange.com/learn/shadegrown.php

2. Use energy efficient bulbs on outdoor porch lights. (If you don't mind the light they give off, use them everywhere!)

3. Bring your own shopping bag to the store.

4. Use rags instead of paper towels.

5. Use a personal water bottle versus continually buying bottled water. http://www.refillnotlandfill.org/whatcanyoudo.html

Displaying Masterpieces

We've always enjoyed displaying our kids masterpieces as art work in our home. Over the years, we've done this at varying degrees with tape, clips, magnets, wire and so on. Yesterday, I thought of an EASY and fun way to display more art. :)

Materials Needed:
A length of ribbon, lace, rope or other. Tacks
Clothes pins (I used mini ones found at JoAnnes)
Glue
Buttons (In my opinion, you can NEVER go wrong with adding buttons!)

How To:
1. Choose a wall. Tack the lace to one side and with a gentle swag, secure the opposite end with another tack. (Have a small space that needs a little something? Hang the lace vertically.)
2. Glue a button on the clothespin and let dry.
3. Pick art work, photos, postcards..... and "pin" up.
4. Enjoy!

ordinal numbers

We are on lesson 19 in Natalie's math book and it is on ordinal numbers. Yes, ordinal numbers. Natalie is in kindergarten. Yes, kindergarten. I am pretty confident I did NOT learn ordinal numbers at this age. I'm pretty sure in the first month of class I was still learning to take off my coat and raise my hand. I'm guessing we'll be in long division by Valentines Day.

an egg confession

I can't eat our hens eggs plain. There, I said it.

I gladly use the eggs for baking and they are beautiful and delicious. I feed my family fried eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets for breakfast, but I just can't partake. Why? The yolks are unbelievably yellow. Scrambled eggs aren't a pale hue in our home, rather an eye stopping yellow similar to a school bus. And yes I do add milk to them. I'm serious. I know our eggs are more healthy but I can't get over the color. I recently heard duck eggs were wonderful and I almost puked in my mouth. So, with all this I am committing to eat one of our hen eggs by the end of 2009. I'm scared already!

a lil harvest this year

So, our pumpkins were VERY late getting in and thus harvest is a lot slim. BUT, I am reminded of the summer joys of caring and watching over the pumpkin plants. We had fun! Next year, we will plant sooner. Next year, we will plant more plants and have an official patch, as I don't think 3 lil rounds constitute a patch. Next year, we will have pumpkins for all our friends! How many pumpkins comprise a patch?

*Sadly, I delayed in photographing our robustly challenged pumpkins. They rotted quickly, thus having a very short front porch life. They were returned to the field to be enjoyed by critters.

love to cook

Our house is preparing for Grandpa's arrival and one of the things I most look forward to is blessing him with yummy food. I enjoy cooking, but LOVE to cook for others. Dennis, my father-in-law is a lot like his son Ted, or maybe that's the other way around. :) These men love to eat and enjoy any kind of food. This makes experimenting a total blast for me. I have elaborate meals planned in my head, but even if they don't all come to pass I know what does will be enjoyed. To try something and not be able to fail, ahhh the best canvas to work with! I can't wait to fill your belly Dennis!

Work

work- the effort applied to complete a task.

There's nothing like good old fashioned physical work. Ted's labor of choice lately has been collecting wood (more like whole trees!) and splitting it for firewood. Today, I took the garden a part and cleaned out the chicken coop. I realized I'd been missing hard physical labor. At one point, my tomato cages were such a mess I was ready to throw in the towel and let Ted take over when he got home, but instead I "dug deep" as he would say and cut the wire to pieces. When the plot was cleared (about the size of a large bathroom), I almost roared, feeling such a sense of accomplishment. I see this same need and satisfaction in all my kids. We were created to work and to "dig deep" as Ted would say.

Socks! Oh socks, where art thou??

I love washing laundry, but am not a fan of folding and putting away. I totally fizzle out carrying the warm load to the couch. On top of that, I despise socks! With 10 feet in our family, I find it frustrating from the beginning, and that is never a good attitude to go into a task with. Can anyone relate?

We worked outside this am, cleaning the coop and ripping out the garden. I told Will he couldn't come out until he had socks and shoes on, it was cold. He came out and I didn't notice anything peculiar. After our work, I showed Will how to build a bike ramp. (Will I be sorry for this later?) As he road on the ramp again and again I noticed his socks. The only socks he could find, not surprisingly, were his soccer socks with built in shin guards and ankle bone pads. With his pants on I hadn't noticed. I had to laugh and commit to folding socks today, no matter my attitude.

Simple Curtain How To

MATERIALS

1. Tea Towels (2)

2. Safety pins (10)

3. Twine

4. Copper pipe (1)

5. Mounting hardware (2)

Mount a 5/8 to 1/2 inch diameter copper pipe to your wall as the rod. In the plumbing section of a hardware store, you will find copper mounting brackets. Place one at either end by fastening screws in the top and bottom holes.

Use the 2 tea towels as the curtains. Place 5 safety pins at the top of each tea towel, then "thread" a piece of twine through and tie it to the pipe.

Other ideas? Sew a piece of ribbon and use them as tab curtains tied at the top.

Voila! Curtains in less than an hour. :)

*My plan is to change them out seasonally. The curtains pictured are for fall.

My youngest is 3, how can this be?

Her birthday came and all of a sudden our little pumpkin is a little girl. It's amazing how that can happen in a mother's eyes literally over night.

This year, we celebrated with a giant cookie cake. :) In the morning, I often ask the kids what they dreamed about. 99.9% of the time Lydia responds, "I dreamed of cookies mama." So, it seemed only appropriate to have a cookie cake this year. I love being your mom honey.

Rooster Obituary

Barred Rock Rooster known as Hans dies at 7 months

Hans, 7 months, died Wednesday, September 23rd, at his home of unnatural causes. Cause of death, a broken neck.

No services were held, but a sigh of relief was heard by the Bailey children.

Hans was born last spring, at Lattins Cider Mill in Olympia, WA. He never married, but did have 3 friends, Helga, Harriet and Hazel.

He moved to the Bailey’s home in June 2009. He was a member of the Rooster wresting club and liked to practice his moves on Helga, Harriet and Hazel.

The hens wrote: "Hans loved looking at himself in anything shiny. He really did think he was all that and a bag of chips. We did feel protected by him, but in unity, disagreed with his decision to become aggressive towards the children. We only hope they (the kids) can learn to trust chickens again. We are sad to see him go but also relieved that we can now do as we please and have choice picks of the grub."

The Bailey's only comment, "We are out of the rooster business."

Hans is survived by relatives unknown to us.

Cleaning my Home

I am working towards a clean house today. This seems to be a constant thing to do on my list. Clean the house!

Back in August when I was in MN, I stayed with my sister and learned something shocking.(Which may be a duh to anyone else, but wasn't to me). She cleans regardless of if something is dirty. The floor appears clean, but she washes it anyway. The wood gets dusted even though I don't see any bunny hop going on. At first glance you may think that's crazy, like I did. But I think she's on to something. What I see happen is that her house is ALWAYS clean. (She would argue otherwise I'm certain, but I would counter reply she doesn't know messy until she's been to my house.) I on the other hand wait until something NEEDS to be cleaned, but with a full life rarely do I happen to have the time to tend to the need that exact moment. The result? Laundry explosion, an absence of utensils bowls, plates..., toothpaste party on counters, mirrors, dust bunnies throwing a rave. So, I am trying to get this place in shape today and then will try this new approach. Clean on a certain day, maybe a certain zone each day (Bathroom Day, Laundry Room...), regardless of if it actually needs it. I'll report back.

I am interested in knowing your thoughts. How do you keep a clean house? Please share your tips!

What can happen in 9 years?? A lot!

1. 1 apartment

2. 3 houses

3. 3 kids

4. 1 mini van

5. 1station wagon

6. A husband who accepts Jesus as his Lord and Savior

7. 2 full time jobs

8. Graduate school

9. Adjusting to 1 income

10. Homeschooling

11. Being small group leaders at our church

12. Seeking HIS best for our life instead of our own

13. 4 Chickens!!

14. Attending marriage retreats because we want to!

And that's just the stem of the pumpkin! I can't wait to see what the next 9 years will bring. I love you honey.

9 Years Ago

9 years ago today we were wed. Just before pictures, Ted and I had some private time in the sanctuary, his first chance to see his bride. I was nervous! What I loved most about that moment was the card he gave me. It was identical to the card I had for him. No kidding. The other stand out things to me were the bell choir that chimed all at once during our 'you may kiss the bride' moment and the sparklers the guests lit versus throwing rice or the like. I've always loved sparklers. I love you Ted and I am delighted that YOU are my husband.

Come live with me and be my love and we will some new pleasures prove...

"Dad, it's mud puddle time!" said Will.

I love my Will. If there is a puddle in a 2 mile radius, he will find it. We've given up trying to keep him from puddles. Given up meaning it has lost its shock value on us. Instead, if circumstances allow, we encourage him on such occasions to just go for it. Although we've been doing this a bit now, he's still surprised by the thumbs up to dirty up. To play like a kid, don't you just want to join in? I do! :)

A Miraculous Adventure with Iris

Yesterday morning, Natalie discovered a caterpillar and asked to keep it. I agreed she could for the day, knowing if I agreed to anything else our condo room would be an insect zoo in no time. She carefully prepared a cleaned out spaghetti jar and filled it with leaves and a little water. Together we placed saran wrap on the lid, fastened with a rubber band, and poked out some holes for oxygen. Then, we went out for the day and Iris stayed behind. Natalie was anxious to return. When we did, Iris was laying in water at the bottom and sadly, she was dead. (In hind site, I should've checked the misting of water in the jar...) Nat was heartbroken! She held Iris and cried. I suggested she put her outside. Nat and I sat together and talked about accidents which is what this was. Natalie prayed that she would be ok and kept running out and checking on her. It broke my heart! At one point she went to the bathroom and I decided to go out and chuck Iris over the garden hedge so Nat would be comforted and think the caterpillar had walked off. I went out and honestly her head moved just a little. I decided to leave it alone and go back inside. (I was shocked!) About 10 minutes later Natalie came back in beaming and declaring a miracle. The caterpillar was now alive and although moving slowly, was headed for the garden. She boasted from our room what Jesus had done and her joy and awe was infectious.

At dinner, the little thought slowly seeped in, "I guess it wasn't dead after all." I immediately cast it out and declared the miracle that had occurred. Trust me, this little caterpillar was DEAD and the prayers of Nat rose it again. This may sound crazy, but our family witnessed it. This is a picture of the God who created us and that we love and serve. He cares for Natalie so much that he "fixed" her caterpillar, Miss Iris. In a way she can understand, God displayed himself as Mighty to her! Oh, how great is our God!

*The photo is one Nat drew while she waited to see what would happen to Iris. It is a picture showing where she found her.

I choose to relax....

It's our first full day of vacation and I have to keep telling myself, "I choose to relax." When did I wind up so tightly? We went for a beach walk and inside my head I said, "Ok, what's next?" Then we played at a park and an internal timer went off and said "Time to go.". We headed to an adorable little shopping area with live grass and goats on the roof and again the timer went off, but this time it was, "Time for fudge.". Tomorrow I WILL focus on really enjoying the moment and not on what is next. Ever live life like that? When that becomes my focus, man do I miss out on the details that make it all so beautiful.
*This photo was taken the next day, after some serious unwinding. :)

Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list? (Things you'd like to do before you leave earth) I began creating one last year and I find it quite fun to add to. One of the things on there is to own a moped and use it. However, Ted my transportation engineer companion on earth, says "NO WAY!". This is quite the dilemma so until I figure that one out, it remains on my list. Along with seeing a blue whale and taking a vacation on a sail boat. *If you do not have a list like this, I strongly suggest starting one. It's a good thing. :)

Dating Anniversary

Today is our dating anniversary! Pathetic that I know this? Well, maybe, but here was the scenario. Ted desperately wanted to date me all freshman year and I just liked him as a friend. Came back to college after summer, sophomore year, and my feelings, surprise to me!, changed the moment I saw him. On Sept. 7th I told my girlfriends I was going to let Ted be my boyfriend. Hee hee (This was of course not how I meant it, but how it came out.) I didn't care for the number 7 so I told them I would wait to tell Ted until the 8th. (I am nuts for 8's and multiples of.) So, the 8th arrived and I nervously asked Ted if he wanted to date me. Although in shock, he said YES! This was in 1995. :) I love you honey and I am glad you let ME be your girlfriend.

Pumpkin Muffins, a fall essential

Another delicious taste of fall that will excite your taste buds.

Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup solid-pack pumpkin (15 oz)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

1 1/4 cups plus 1 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

Put oven in middle position and preheat to 350 degrees

Place liners in muffin cups

Whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, 1 1/4 cup sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Then, whisk in the flour mixture until just combined.

Stir together cinnamon and remaining 1 Tbsp sugar in another bowl.

Divide batter among muffin cups (3/4 full), then sprinkle tops with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Bake until puffed and golden brown and wooden toothpick comes out clean. 25 - 30 min.

Cool in pan on a rack for 5 min. then transfer to cooling rack.

These are a family favorite! Enjoy the yummy taste of fall.