French Toast Sticks

What do you do with a loaf of bread you make on Sunday and forget to take out of the machine until Tuesday?   (Smacking myself on the forehead!)

You turn it into french toast sticks! 

First, use a good bread knife and saw...err, slice the bread into thick pieces, about an inch.  Then cut those dried out...err, sturdy pieces into thirds. 

Then you're ready to dip those sticks into your egg and milk mixture.  Just use what you normally would for french toast.  Add yummies like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg.  Anything you like.  But let those dried out babies soak for a while! 

Then lay them out on a baking sheet and bake until they look done.  Don't you love my accuracy?  I just wing it a lot in the kitchen with things like this.  Oven temp?  350 is probably good. And watch them till they are brown and lookin' good. 

Then when they are cool, throw them in a freezer bag to surprise your kiddos at breakfast one morning.  Tomorrow maybe!

The English Muffin Bread recipe I shared is great for these sticks, too.

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN...

...jiggity, jig!

Hubby is home, Hubby. Is. Home!  Did we dance a jig?  Just about.

Our week has been filled with stories of Africa and letting Daddy nap to recover from his jet lag.  The 8 hour time difference takes its toll.

Our original plan had been to spend some quality family time at a nearby campground for the first several days he was home.  We lasted a whole 3 hours before the tornade threats started.  Boooo!  We decided better safe than sorry, packed up the camper as quickly as we could and headed home.  We did enjoy quiet days at home, but it's not the same as enjoying them in the outdoors.  Ah well, what can you do.  We are just glad to have him home!

A Little Baking Prep

I don't use a baking mix too often.  But lately I've been considering buying that famous box just to have on hand.  But in my love of surfing cooking blogs and Pinterest, I knew there had to be a homemade recipe out there that was good.  And better for you than prepackaged.  So, I went and found one!  On Pinterest, of course, right here.  Just mixed up a batch to stick in the fridge. 

While I worked, I thought of the time I used to put together bread bags to store in the freezer.  I don't know why I don't do that anymore!  I started again today.  Just one bread bag, but it's a start.  My bread bags are simply the dry ingredients needed for a loaf of bread, stored in a freezer bag.  I write the name of the bread and the wet ingredients needed on the outside with a Sharpie.  Then when I want to make a loaf, I take it out, dump it in the bread machine, add the wet ingredients and yeast and I'm good to go.  Here's the one I did today.  LOVE this recipe.  So good toasted, then smothered with butter and jam.

English Muffin Bread

1-1/4 Cup water
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 Cups flour
3 Tbsp dry milk
1-1/2 tsp yeast

Add to bread machine in the order directed by the manufacturer.

Now I'm going to make some granola bars.  New recipe.  Still looking for that perfect recipe that just amazes me, you know?  We are going camping today through Friday and I need to make some good, camp friendly snacks.  Go-bars and trail mix are always a hit.  And of course, S'mores!  ("S'more of what?"  haha!  name that movie...!)

A Gem

Had to share this little gem of advice I recently read.  Being more positive, more optimistic, is a good thing.  You feel better, you work better, you look better.  You just ARE better!  Do you agree?  Count your blessings.  Give thanks in all circumstances.  Right? 

So try this one:

When you find that lonely sock in your dryer today, just sing out, "Wow!  An extra sock!"  And I bet you need one, too, don't you?

credit

A Homecoming

From my emotions to God's Grace

My Hubs is back state side now.  I'm so relieved!  I got an email from him over the weekend that he was awaiting  a flight to Amsterdam.  My reaction was not one of joy at his final homecoming, but of shock that he was coming home so soon.  Does that sound backwards?  I think so.  Joy should be the first reaction.  Joy should be the only reaction.  Why the shock?  Because I didnt' expect him to start his trek homeward until today.  I waited for the joy to come but it didn't.  What followed was anger.  Anger because he would be home, in our country, by Sunday.  But not home with me until Wednesday.  Something in that equation did not settle right with me.  I was quite furious, actually.  And that is embarrassing to say, but I say it anyway because writing helps me to sort out the whys and wherefores of myself.  Furious, yes, because his parents and his sister will be the ones to share his first days home. 

I have learned that anger is a secondary emotion.  This means that there is some other feeling from which anger grows.  When I feel angry I usually find myself doing a little self-evaluation.  What's causing this anger?  What is the "real deal" here?  I think this time it's obvious.  Although I didn't acknowledge it right away.  It's jealousy, pure and simple.  Hubs is with someone else and not with me.  Not with his boyos.  Not at home.  He is safe.  And I am so very thankful for that.  He is with family, where he will be loved and cared for.  And I am so very thankful for that.  But I am jealous.

So today I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the safe return of Hubs and his father.  And as I do so, the grace of God works within me to ease the jealousy out of me.  I still miss him.  I still long for him to be here and not there.  But he's home!  And one more plane ride from now (a safe one, I pray), he'll be in our home.

French Press Fridays

I sit here in the quiet, windows open, breezes blowing in, sipping my lovely sample of Gevalia coffee that came in the mail yesterday.  Why is it that getting free coffee in the mail causes me to do a happy dance??  Anyway, no french press.  Not today.  At least, not yet.  I started my blog time this morning trying to figure out why my link-up of a couple of days ago is NOT WORKING!  Grrrr....  Very frustrating.  But....I'll have you know.... I solved the problem!  Hurray for me!


Now, onward, to my grandmother's teacup collection.  Here is part of it.  Her tea service is in front.

A pretty white teapot with creamer and sugar bowl.  The larger white covered dish is probably for holding goodies.  And if you look to the far right of the teapot, you'll see more of the mess I mentioned earlier.  Just ignore it.  I usually do.  Here's the rest of grandma's collection

.

A much nicer display.  I really want to rework the organization and displayability (new word) of these shelves, but that's a project - and a post - for another day.  Each one of these teacups is different.  Each has it's own beautiful flower and unique shape.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Isn't this one beautiful?  The inside of it shimmers iridescently like the inside of a seashell.  Such fun to drink from.  The shape of the handle and the scallops on the saucer are so unique.

With its pale pink color and delicate flower on the inside of the cup, I have to call this one precious.

Such beautiful, delicate blue flowers on this cup.  Violets maybe?  If they aren't, they sure are a close look-alike.

My only regret as far as these beautiful teacups go, is that I never got to use them with my Grandma.  I don't know why.  Sitting down to tea was not something she did, I guess.  But I was so touched when I learned that she wanted me to have them.  My mom has always been one to make use of the old antique, collectible type things.  So I follow her example and I use these cups.  I have shared a pot of tea with dear friends and it was so fun!  Another time, a friend and I shared tea and treats with her daughter.  The three of us drank with our pinkies in the air, trying our best to sound like English ladies.  It was wonderful. 

Putting Grandma's tea set to use for special, memory making days is so much better than letting it collect dust on the shelf (which it does!), only to be there for display.  I remember her every time I look at the cups.  But I remember her more deeply when I use them.

Clean it again, Sam!

link up here

Another first for me in the Land of Blog:  linking up.  We'll see how it goes.

Emily has a wonderful post at Weak and Loved.  She shares, straight from her heart, the joys and heartaches of being a mom.  This week she is collecting photos and stories of the never ending messes we deal with as moms.  "Didn't I JUST put those crayons away?  And didn't you help me do it?  How come they are all over the floor again?!"  Sound familiar? 

Bud's biggest offense is the one of dirty socks.  They are left anywhere and everywhere. 

Athletic socks AND dress socks in the mudroom.  A room he passes through every day.  Several times a day.  Where he hangs his backpack.  Every day.  Did I mention he's in this room every day?

Here are a pair trying to hide under the chair.  Hahahaha!  You cannot hide from me, the Queen of my domain.  You will meet your doom in my washing machine soon enough.

The messes of the younger two, JoJo and Mouse, are a little more interesting.  Here's an example:

Church bulletins from Sunday (one rolled into a spyglass?  sword?), a Star Wars "dude", a cup, some gray plastic piece that look like so many other gray, plastic pieces, a notebook that I'm sure has someones story started in it.

This is when it gets difficult for me.  What's OK to toss?  How do I know they are "done" with it?  What is it's something they want to show dad when he gets home?  Generally, I go by this rule:  if it's been there for more than 2 days, I throw it out.  I told you I wasn't much of a housekeeper.  I'm better at making a home than keeping a house.

So I wonder what other messes will turn up during the week?  I'm really looking forward to hearing the stories behind the messes! 

Salute to Single Moms

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  It was a good day.  I talked with my mom and enjoyed the outdoors with my boyos.  We had a special outing the day before to the art museum which had a temporary exhibit on Egypt.  Mummies!  Perfect for a mother's day outing with 3 boys, don't you think? 

But later in the day I got to thinking about my hubby who has been absent from us for the past week.  He's in Africa doing some work with his dad.  They are repairing the roof on a girl's dormitory and possibly other repairs, too.  I'm sure it's been quite an experience so far and will continue to provide some incredible memories for Hubby and his dad.  But this post isn't about him.  It's a selfish one, about me.  And our boys.  We miss him.  We've never been apart from him for this long.  And we still have a week and a half to go.  And on this mother's day, I couldn't help but think about mother's who are constantly without their counterpart, maybe because of death or divorce.  My heart goes out to them.

How do they do it?  How do they provide the constant attention that kids need?  How do they stay strong in the constant role of disciplinarian?  How do they continually break up needless fights without joining the fight themselves?  How do they answer the constant questions day after day?  How do they make decisions without thier spouse's input?

Here are the things I miss saying because my Hubs isn't around:

"Go ask your dad."

"After the kitchen is clean, I am DONE for the night."

"Ask your dad when he gets home."

"Talk with your dad about that."

"Can you put them to bed tonight?"

"I will send your dad up to say goodnight when he gets home."

"What did your dad say?"

"Dad might know the answer to that one."

"Do I need to get your father?!"

I raise my glass, and several prayers, to all of you single mom's out there!  God bless you.

A Fun Day

Today was Fun Day at the Boyos' school.  Some schools might call it Field Day.  It's the same thing.  Lots of runnin' and funnin' out in the sun and fresh air.  In years past, the kids have competed for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons and such.  The school has also made use of the track and all the space around it.  This year, however, plans were forced to change.  And, if I do say so myself, they changed for the better.  Improvements and additions have been happening to our school the past year and a half, and that includes the track and all fields.  So the elementary Fun Day was relocated to parking lots, the playground and the street in front of the school.  Oh, some of us parents complained.  We fretted about parking and the inconvenience of a two block length of street closing for the day.  But it was so fun!  Truly a FUN day!  The kids had a blast.



Busy playground



What I appreciated most about the forced change was the doing away with the competition aspect.  This year the kids did not compete for first place; no ribbons of different colors were handed out.  The focus was entirely on FUN.  The games were things like Shoe Kick, Tricycle Races, Water Balloon Toss, Scooter Races, Obstacle Course and of course the Dashes.  The kids were just having FUN!  I chatted with the school counselor a while about the change.  Some parents phoned in, very upset that Junior would not be getting a ribbon this year.  She had no sympathy for them, at least not in relating the story to me.  "There is so much competition on that end," she said, motioning to the highschool end of the building.  "They don't need it here." 

I agreed with her.  I mean, really...how often do our kids just get to be KIDS?  How often, in today's society, do they get to have FUN?  With no restrictions, no judgements, no tips on how to "improve their game"?  Today was all about good, ol' fashioned fun. 

Even the teachers got in on the fun!

French Press Friday

While visiting my favorite coffee shop the other day I learned something new.  The barista told me - and I'll assume she knows of what she speaks - that the lighter the roast, the more caffeine.

I think I need to switch to a lighter roast in the mornings.

Works for Me

I read somewhere that cleaning is the item on the To-Do list that most women would have someone else do, if they could.  I don't know.  I don't mind it.  I'm not very faithful about doing it, but I don't mind it.  Ironing is the To-Do I would gladly hand off to someone else!  (shudder)  I detest it.....

But cleaning I don't mind.  As I said, I'm not very faithful about it though.  That's a problem especially in the bathrooms, wouldn't you say?  Gross.  Three boys using said bathrooms.  Double gross.  So I decided to put together this:

My Bathroom Bucket!  Isnt' it pretty?  Feminine, flowery, spring colors.  Just what my home needs more of!   I used to keep the needed cleaning products in each bathroom thinking that would make it so easy for me to whip something out when needed.  And it did.  It worked, for a while.  Thing is, I always put off the scrubbing of the tub until "Later".  And I don't know why, but Later never came.  I waited and watched but, alas, Later never came and my tub was seldom scrubbed.  Time to change my strategy!  A set day on the cleaning routine for bathrooms and this neat Bathroom Bucket were just what I needed.

 Here's what's in my Bathroom Bucket:

The bucket and the cute gloves I picked up at Dollar General.  The scrubber, at the Dollar Tree.  I have glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner (I make myself) and disinfectant (just vinegar).  And the remains of a pumice stick to get out the hard water stains on toilet and tub.  That's it!  Sometimes I'll use baking soda in addition to the cleaners to scrub at the tub.  The brush really comes in handy.  I just spray the tub, dip the brush in a plastic container filled with soda and scrub away.  The fizzing makes me feel good!  Like I'm really attacking the scum and grime!  When I pull this bucket out of my broom closet I also toss in a couple of rags for cleaning and then toss them in the wash when I'm done.

Now, is my bathroom always spotless?  Oh, no.  Have the boyos learned better aim?  Um, no.  But I like my bucket and it makes my job a little less of a drudgery.  And I really love my pink gloves!

Stupid Days

How does it happen that we have days of stupidity?  Days when we do and say stupid things?  Not with malicious intent, but those stupid things happen none the less.  I sit quietly for a while, reflecting on my day so far and I find myself saying, "How could I have been so stupid?!"

I know to check my rearview mirror before backing up.  The long blast on a horn that is not mine tells me I made a stupid mistake.

I know that it is well after lunch.  The smirk on the clerk's face tells me my greeting of "Good morning" is not quite right.

I know I shouldn't try to sip my hot coffee while accelerating.  The slosh up my nose tells me I should have left my cup in the cup holder.

I  know how to respond politely to strangers.  Yet, because of my mind being elsewhere, I mutter a cool, "Yeah" to the cashier's "Have a nice day!"

I shake my head at myself.  I know, I know, I know....but I make mistakes.  I'm misunderstood.  I choose poorly.  When I'm feeling less reflective and more humorous, I might call them my "blonde moments."  I can laugh at myself.   Today I just wonder, why the Stupid Days?

FPF, take 2

What do you do with the coffee left in your pot from the morning? 
You make ice coffee....nummmmm!

I got my little gadget from Best Buy and I love it!  I can insert an MS card, an SD card and a microSD card (which is what's in my phone) and easily get pics transfered to my laptop.  So great.

From Bud's Big Day...

Bud's in the middle.

This one was taken by his brother, JoJo.

Here he is in mid blink.  Couldn't do that again if I tried!  And he's holding the biggest bottle of rootbeer he's ever seen...and lovin' it...and lovin' that he doesn't have to share it!

A quiet game of chess with a good friend.

Enjoying the gift opening.

Siblings and cousins enjoy the wrapping paper from the gift opening!



French Press Friday

I feel most obligated to post something on Fridays, now that I've given the day it's own special title.  Although today, there is nothing french press-y about it.  So much has happened the past couple of weeks that I don't feel I've had time to breathe, much less write.  Trying times for this introvert.  Happy, celebratory times, though, too.  And that's a good thing.  A very good thing.

I attended the EVE conference for pastors' wives two weekends ago.  I think it was our 7th year...?  Not too sure about that.  But the numbers keep growing and the wonderful topics just keep coming.  I do so wish we could extend it a bit, from one night to two.  But that's a hard thing to do for some of the women.  Most of them, maybe.  Lots of littles at home.  It's encouraging, though, to hear from more and more members at church how they, too, wish it were a little longer....for my sake...for the sake of the other wives.  These members know how much we give, and sacrifice, for the sake of our husbands' ministries.  They like knowing that we, the wives, are being cared for and fed, too.  It is encouraging.

And then last weekend, my oldest....my baby....my firstborn....my companion through the seminary years....was confirmed!  I teared up during the service when he, with the other confirmands, answered the questions himself that were answered for him at his baptism. 

"Do you renounce the devil?"
"Yes, I renounce him."

Do you renounce all his works?"
"Yes, I renounce them."

"Do you renounce all his ways?"
"Yes, I renounce them."

"Do you believe in God the Father Almighty...in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...in the Holy Spirit?"
"Yes, I believe..."

Proud Mama.  Proud Daddy.  Proud family.  If I could, I'd add a picture right now.  But that will come.  (A stop at Best Buy for some computer gadget is on my to-do list today.  Then I can transfer pics more easily...)

We celebrated with a house full of family and friends.  What a wonderful time it was!  Bud enjoyed all the attention, I think.  No, I KNOW he enjoyed it!  And the gifts that come with the event, of course.  Such a showering of love and well-wishes for him.  A strong demonstration for him of those that love him. 

I just enjoyed watching  him.  Taking pics.  Trying to preserve this day, these memories.  Another First for my oldest, my baby.