Kids Talk, God Speaks, I Cook

The Humanity of Chickens

2013-12-15T18:24:00.000-05:00

As the snow and ice fell and the sun set on a cold winter’s day, Bob took the trek to say good night to and close the chicken coop up for the evening. We do this to keep them safe from night time predators looking for a treat. All was well and all settled in for a long winters nap.

After a quick breakfast the next morning, Abby put on her snow clothes and traveled across the yard to the coop, equipped with warm water for the chicken’s breakfast. When she got to the coop she did her morning head count and found not the expected eight hens, but rather only seven. One girl had never made it home the night before.

Remembering that four of the sister hens had been playing under the deck while the snow fell the previous day, Abby quickly ran to see if the missing hen had stowed away there for the night and more importantly, had she survived. Our little short feathered brown chick had indeed survived the cold, the predators and sleeping alone for the first time in her chicken life. We gave her warm water, warm bowl of oatmeal and let her try to work her way out and home. Yet she stayed put.

As we checked over and over to see if she had decided to move out of her perceived safety under our deck, I caught a glimpse of something that warmed my chicken loving heart. I peered over toward the coop and saw one of her sister hens slowly navigating her way across the ice covered snow path from the coop to the deck. She took time, tried not to slip and made her way to where her sister hen was sitting in fear. She then sat next to her sister that had been missed all night. She waited until her missing sister was ready and then they walked back to the coop together to join the rest of the family. The coop is now full of eight happy and healthy sister hens again.

Let brotherly love continue. - Hebrews 13:1

Young Adults and Missing Tomato Plants

2013-07-28T21:01:00.001-04:00

Our chickens are now young adults. Fully feathered, taking their rolls in the flock and learning the boundaries set out for them. While they truly enjoy following me onto the deck and hanging out there, I do not enjoy cleaning the mess they leave and so a baby gate has been installed to keep them out and off. Our chickens have redefined free range and taken over much of the 3 acres we own. We are for the most part happy with this and enjoy watching the "chicken TV" each evening, but when they do things like eat my entire tomato plant, it loses the charm it once had.

Despite the chicken's best efforts, most of our tomato plants are thriving along with our basil, parsley and lettuce plants. The peppers are not far behind, but a bit spicy for the chickens I believe. They seem to have left those alone.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Teenage Chickens

2013-06-01T18:29:00.000-04:00

Today we took a trip to Agway to gather some chick supplies. Bedding, food, grit (did you know they need to eat this rocky stuff to help digest food from outside?), a larger feeder and water container among other things like chicken scratch and dichotomous earth. While at Agway we took a peek at the chicks waiting for a home and were amazed at how tiny they are compared to our now pullet sized chicks. Our brood of eight lovely ladies are now true gawky teenagers compared to the cute balls of fuzz they once were. They have grown so quickly and are starting to grow their combs as well as feathers on most of their bodies. The roost and dust themselves, but still love to play and compete with each other.

In other Foreman farm news, the tomatoes and peppers have been transplanted the the herbs are starting to resemble what they will be as adult herbs. The lettuce and rosemary are yet to be planted. Good thing we like to eat.

Moving On Out

2013-05-28T08:13:00.001-04:00

This weekend the coop was completed enough for the chicks (now pullets) to move on out. The weather is consistently warm enough and the coop is sealed from predators and all just in time as the chicks were desperately running out of space in the box in our basement. They seem to enjoy the space to spread out a bit and love to chase the dust in the warm sunlight from the windows. Bob and Abby fashioned a mini roost for them to start with and they jumped right on as if they had been using it since birth. My children grow fast, but I am pretty sure at only 4 weeks old these chicks are now teenagers, with a little less attitude.

Savannah, the chick above, has started to take on a dominance role already. We continue to hope they are all hens and she is just the alpha hen and not a rooster in the making. Since we are not breeding and only looking for the eggs a rooster is not needed and would most likely be a noisy brute.

Just had to share this photo again as it is so darn cute. This was only a few days before they moved out, but there is clear growth in that short time.

Next steps on our chicken palace: nesting boxes, dropping board (as lovely as it sounds), the run and the big girl roosts.

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they? - Matthew 6:26

The Walls Will Rise
Construction Continues
Construction Begins

Lamb and Chicken Meatballs

2013-04-23T06:38:00.000-04:00

Below is the recipe that I prepared to go with the Gluten Free Tabbouleh from yesterday. I personally cannot eat much meat and only had one, but the house critics consumed and enjoyed the rest, including our pickiest critic, so it was decided we would share.

Lamb and Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 Lb Ground Lamb

1 Lb Ground Chicken

¼ cup Finely Crumbled Feta Cheese

3 Cloves of Garlic, minced

3-4 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary, chopped

3-4 Sprigs of Fresh Dill, chopped

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Olive Oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Warm the olive oil in a skillet. Combine all ingredients and mix together thoroughly. Shape meat mixture into balls and brown in olive oil coated pan on all sides. Remove from oil and place in 9x13 baking dish. Bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 25-40 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with tzatziki sauce and enjoy!

Tzatziki Sauce:
Blend together: 16oz Greek Yogurt, 1 Seedless Cucumber, 4 Cloves of Garlic, Lemon Juice from 1/2 Lemon, Handful of Fresh Dill, Handful of Fresh Mint, 1 TB Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper to Taste. Best served chilled.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

Tabbouleh– Gluten Free

2013-04-22T21:32:00.003-04:00

I have entered a bit of a recipe rut lately and am often stuck as to what to make for dinner. This morning I handed my husband, Bob, several of my many cooking magazines and told him, "Pick something, anything and I will make that tonight." He thoughtfully and diligently flipped through the glossy pages and finally landed on a Greek Mini Meatloaf. While I actually didn't follow the recipe at all (as I tend to not do lately), I did use that for a theme and made Lamb, Chicken and Feta Meatballs with tzatziki sauce, gluten free tabbouleh, rice pilaf and gluten free quinoa flat bread. It was scrumptious, the kids and Bob loved it and well worth all the work. Below is the recipe for the tabbouleh and I will add the meatballs shortly. Enjoy!

Tabbouleh (Gluten Free)

2 Bunches of Italian Parsley

4 Cloves Garlic

3 Tomatoes

1 Seedless or Seeded Cucumber

2 Green Onions
Several Leaves Fresh Mint

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa

¼ Cup Olive Oil

Juice from 1 Lemon

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Finely chop parsley, garlic, tomatoes, cucumber, mint and green onions. Combine with quinoa, olive oil and lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste and combine thoroughly. Enjoy with your favorite gluten free pita or wrap or just as is.

The Walls Will Rise

2013-04-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was cool, yet warm enough to continue construction. The previous night's torrential rains created a very muddy work environment, but nothing we could not slosh through. At the beginning of today's work we had nothing but a floor, 7 trusses and a lot of lumber but ended with 4 secure walls and most of a roof. What an amazing feeling to have our minds and hands build and create a structure. We are not builders by trade or nature, but we worked together and made it happen. Now, all the details are yet to come...do chickens really need windows and a full roof? I have never heard a chicken complain about the outside of the coop not being the proper color, have you?

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. - Ecclesiastes 4:9

Construction Begins

Construction Continues

Slow Cooker Rosemary Pork Loin

2013-04-17T11:21:00.001-04:00

Warm days and busy evenings are in store for us as spring starts to take it's rightful place. So, time to break out the slow cooker and prepare easy, home cooked meals for those time limited days.

Slow Cooker Rosemary Pork Loin

Ingredients:

4-5lb Boneless Pork Loin
10 Cloves Garlic
7 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
2 C. Vegetable Broth
1 Large Onion
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Warm olive oil in a sautee pan.
With a sharp knife, cut slits into pork loin and slip the garlic into the meat.
Generously salt and pepper the pork loin and brown or sear on both sides in pan with oil.
While pork is browning, chop onion and place on bottom of slow cooker along with extra garlic if desired.
Place browned pork into crock pot along with vegetable broth and rosemary sprigs.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until pork is tender and cooked through.

Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! - Ephesians 5:11-17

Construction Continues

2013-04-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

10 Things I Learned While Building a Chicken Coop:

1. A jig is not just a dance anymore. (jig - A device for guiding a tool or for holding machine work in place. )

Birds Mouth Cut

2. Birds Mouth is a type of cut used inmaking a roof, not just what a bird uses to eat.

3. Air compressors for an air nailer may not get enough current through a long extension cord and can waste a lot of time trying to figure out what is wrong.

4. What looks square is not always square.

5. Measure twice, cut once.

6. When none of the power tools work, save time and ALWAYS check the circuit breaker first.

7. Desperation is going on the roof in search of a better extension cord.

8. Trusses are easier to buy then cut yourself, but don't tell an engineer that.

9. Time moves faster then a power drill, circular saw or a miter saw ever can.

10. Rome was not built in a day and neither is our chicken coop. There is always next weekend....

Ratatouille's Ratatouille

2013-04-11T09:10:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is entertain and cook for friends. This has become even more enjoyable since my gluten free needs arose and eating anywhere but home can be a challenge and end in pain despite the best efforts. A good friend of ours that knows my love of cooking, has been asking about ratatouille for quite some time and when he, his wife and their three kids came to visit this weekend I decided to prepare the dish he had built up in his mind for so long. I had a feeling that he was not interested in the authentic dish, but rather the colorful pretty one that had been featured in Disney's movie Ratatouille that the family had watched and fell in love with. After some searching, I found a beautiful version created by Smitten Kitchen and with a few slight modifications our Ratatouille's ratatouille was prepared and graciously gobbled down by kids and adults alike (well, some kids). Though it is not authentic, it is delicious and visually appealing and went wonderfully with the smoked chicken, roasted potatoes and wonderful company we shared.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. - Proverbs 15:17

Ratatouille's Ratatouille

as adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients:

1/2 Onion, Finely Chopped
3-4 Garlic Cloves Garlic, Minced

1 ½ cup Tomato Sauce or Puree

Olive Oil
1 Eggplant
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 Red or Orange Bell Pepper
Italian Seasoning Blend (fresh herbs are best of course)
Salt and Pepper

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Spread tomato sauce in the bottom of a round or oval baking dish and add the onion and minced garlic.
Using a mandolin, slice the egg plant, zucchini, yellow squash and bell pepper in thin medallions.
Toss the vegetables in a large bowl with olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper.
Layer the vegetables in a pattern, circling the baking dish.
Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 40min
Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

Construction Begins

2013-04-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

This past weekend began work on our chicken coop. I have been working on providing a cleaner diet and life for my family for awhile and fresh eggs are the next step on the list. We are building an 8x12 coop and hope to house 10-12 chickens. After a year of helping at the neighbors and being paid in fresh eggs, Abby is leading the chicken care and prep work. Giddy with anticipation of our new feathered friends, Abby has been dancing around the house and spending free time reading all the books on chicken raising she can get her hands on. The other kids are also excited, but Abby has been blessed with the gift of love for all animals and cannot wait to be able to care for some of God’s creatures in her own yard.

This coming weekend we hope to have walls and a roof and have already ordered the chicks to arrive soon. Perhaps an omelet or quiche party this summer?

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Gluten Free Chicken Fingers

2013-02-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. - Romans 14:1-23

Gluten Free Chicken Fingers

Ingredients:

1 Cup Hazelnut Flour (I imagine almond flour would work as well, though I have never tried it.)
1 tsp Granulated Garlic
1 Tb Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 Beaten Egg
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat the olive oil in a skillet.
Combine hazelnut flour, garlic, seasonings and salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
Cut chicken into desired size pieces. Gently tenderize chicken pieces to ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Immerse chicken in egg wash. Place egg coated chicken into hazelnut mixture and coat thoroughly.
Gently set chicken into the preheated pan with oil, be sure not to over crowd the pan. Brown chicken on both sides and then place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 or until chicken is cooked through.

Tangy Tomatillo Salsa

2013-02-12T19:48:00.000-05:00

I tend to make fresh Pico de Gallo (Or Simple Summer Salsa) on a near weekly basis. I have gotten bored with the same old combination and tiring chopping and was not going to make it at all tonight. The bottle of Chi Chi’s salsa looked mighty fine to me. However, as I was clearing my counters to start cooking, I found I still had three lonely tomatillos waiting to be called to duty. How could I let these little green balls, swaddled in their husks down by ignoring them for one more meal? So, Tangy Tomatillo Salsa was born. Welcome to the world Tangy Tomatillo Salsa, you are loved by all in this house and I am sure many others to come.

Other things I have learned today:

Holding a three day old baby can be great therapy.
No need to apologize for who you are. If they don’t like you, saying sorry won’t change that.
Emily likes to turn off all the lights in the house and relax in the living room as a family. Why? That is yet to be discovered, but it is very nice to have the hum of electricity silenced for a bit.
Everybody is busy. Just too darn busy all the time. Everybody. Go make some salsa and relax.

Tangy Tomatillo Salsa

3 Tomatillos (With husk removed and sticky outside rinsed clean)
2 Red Tomatoes
¼ - ½ Red Onion
4 Cloves Garlic
1 Green Pepper
1 Handful Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Juice from one Lime
Salt to taste

Chop all vegetables in one inch or smaller chunks. Pulse in food processer until desired texture is reached (I like a bit of chunk in mine). Place in large bowl and stir in cilantro, lime juice and salt. Serve with blue corn tortilla chips (or your favorite) and enjoy!

Shrimp in a Bacon and Tomato Sauce

2013-02-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

I did not know what to make for dinner today, so today I played Chopped.

My basket ingredients were:

Shrimp

Parsley

Canned Tomatoes

Bacon

(Yes, I know I went easy on myself. I did want my family to eat the food after all.)

And the results:

Shrimp in a Bacon and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

6-7 Slices of Bacon, diced
6 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 Stalk of Celery, diced
1 Small Shallot, diced
1 Small Onion, diced
½ Cup White Wine
1 28oz Can Crushed or Diced Tomatoes (depending on how chunky you would like the dish)
Handful of Fresh Parsley, chopped
Handful of Basil, chopped
1 TB Crushed Red Pepper
Salt and Pepper to Taste
2lbs of uncooked Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Brown Rice Pasta for serving

Directions:

Place diced bacon in a large preheated skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add garlic, celery, shallot and onion once the bacon grease begins to form. Continue until bacon is cooked.
Add white wine and cook on low/med for about 2min.
Add tomatoes, crushed peppers and herbs. Simmer together to let flavors marry.
Place the shrimp in the sauce and continue to simmer until the shrimp is cooked.
Serve with pasta or rice and enjoy!

Chick and Louise a Love Story - The End

2013-01-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

Chick passed away today. As the last few days had become increasingly painful and long for Chick and Louise, prayers of peace and comfort had begun in abundance. Today the prayers of peace were answered for Chick. Though there is relief in his new peace, there is sadness in Chick’s absence on this Earth. Today, Louise lost her best friend and love of sixty-six years and there is an intense amount of loneliness in her heart. Louise knows that one day they will be united again, but until then she must journey on alone.

On October 30^th, 1946 two souls were joined as one under God and before family and friends. Two lives were melded into one and went on to create a family full of their love. Today, though the lives have been temporary separated, is not the end of this love story. The love story of Chick and Louise lives on in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In all that they accomplish and all they become. There is no end to such a love story because there is no end to true love.

“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” ~ Williams Penn

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” - Luke 23:43

Chick and Louise a Love Story Part 1

Chick and Louise a Love Story Part 2

Chick and Louise a Love Story Part 3

Chick and Louise – A Love Story Part 3

2013-01-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

Several months have passed since Chick entered the rehab, aka nursing home. Louise continues to visit him diligently and dutifully, though Chick’s condition continues to deteriorate and there are more bad days then good.

Today, Chick was asleep for most of her visit, but that does not detour Louise from gently caressing his forehead and cupping his chin to look into his face. Her furrowed brow and tight lipped grimace, soften as Chick opens his eyes from time to time. Louise eagerly tries to talk with Chick but the moments are quickly gone with his silent return to sleep and her face falls once again. Seldom looking away from his face, Louise continues to wait for an opportunity to communicate with her love.

In the months since Chick has been away, many celebrations and occasions have been made new with the haunted memories of what once was. Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went without Chick at the table and the couple celebrated sixty-six years of marriage. In the quiet of the empty house, Louise is often brought back to memories of when the house was full of people and happiness. When house guests were plenty and the kitchen was always warm. Today, the kitchen is littered with unopened mail and the sink holds one lone glass and plate from Louise’s breakfast.

As Louise continues to wait for an opportunity to connect with Chick, the clock ticks on and her visiting time comes to an end. “He doesn't look so good” she mutters seemingly to herself as she straightens his blankets and fixes his hair, most likely talking to the God she feels doesn't hear her right now. She often calls out in the night, asking what she has done to deserve this, why does He want her to suffer. The night is filled with a thick silence. “I will be back tomorrow, Chick” she says to the still body that was once her restless, active husband. Chick does not move. Louise bends over and gives him a kiss good-bye and as she stands to go, her face crumbles and her eyes well with tears. With each step away, she stops and turns back in hopes that Chick has awaken and all is well again. The departure is painful and it shows on her face. “Chick is on his way out,” she remarks and slowly, tearfully and torn she returns to the empty house that was once their home.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

Chick and Louise a Love Story - Part 1

Chick and Louise a Love Story - Part 2

Summer is on the Move

2012-08-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

Summer is quickly fleeting as we enter the month of August. The days are already getting shorter, though the weather is still warm. We are at the point in the season where the threat of thunderstorms happens on a daily basis and often puts an exclamation point at the end of fun filled final days of summer. The pool attendances become less and back to school items litter the shelves. Another season is diligently making way for the next. The changing of seasons can often be an exciting time; dreaming of traditions to come and new memories to be made.

Our lives are full of seasons both environmentally and spiritually. As we make our way through our path in life, we will encounter many changing seasons. There is a season to play as a carefree child and then a season to take responsibility for ourselves as a young adult. A season to grow our family, a season to watch them grow on their own and a season to wait until God calls us home. There will be seasons with thunderstorms and seasons of tremendous rain. There will seasons of sunshine and bitter cold. But best of all there will be seasons of joy, hope and faithful, enduring love. As we feel the seasons change, rather than mourn the season passing, we need to embrace the seasons to come and remember that He never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Italian Bean Salad

2012-07-30T08:37:00.001-04:00

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Italian Bean Salad
This salad is full of flavor, protein, easy to make and free of gluten.

Ingredients:

15 Ounces Garbanzo Beans (1 can)
15 Ounces Black Beans (1 can)

2 Cups Chopped Cherry Tomatoes

3-4 Green Onions Chopped
1 1/2 Cups Parsley, Finely Chopped
1 Large Lemon, Juiced

3 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

2-4 Cloves Minced Garlic

2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

Drain and rinse canned beans and place in large bowl. Chop tomatoes, green onions, parsley and add to beans. Salt and pepper bean mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and parmesan cheese. Whisk together and then add to beans and tomatoes to cover mixture completely. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese if desired. Chill completely prior to serving. Enjoy!

Not About You

2012-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Recently while on a family hike, my youngest Emily looked to Bob and said “Dad, did you get us lost?”

“No, I know right where we are.” He confidently replied.

“Well, it is always about you then isn’t it Dad.”

While this was a bit of a snarky remark for a four year old and certainly caught us off guard, I was in fact hearing my words come out of her little mouth. I have been known more than once to remind my children that this world and often the things we have to accomplish are not solely about them. When I hear a whine following my request to get ready to go visit someone they don’t want or to help their sister or brother on a task they would rather not, I quickly reply with “this is not about you and your needs right now. “ And they sulk their way through the task to completion.

I am guilty of not always listening to my own advice, as I am sure we all are from time to time. It is very easy to forget that this world and our existence on this spinning globe is not all about us. We are here for a greater purpose and though we may not be aware of the purpose today, someday it will be clear. Getting distracted with daily tasks and routines can leave us feeling selfishly needy and move our focus from where it ought to be. When we lose focus, we miss opportunities to help others and serve the Lord. The Lord is large, perfect and easy to focus on and He has provided us with the perfect life map to follow while we are small, flawed and lost in our own selfishness much of the time.

Good and gracious God, I am grateful for Your guidance and patience with my sometimes lost focus. It is not about me and I am thankful that You never let me stay lost.

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Gluten Free Banana Muffins (or Bread)

2012-07-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

My children fight often, as all siblings do. The summer months seem to bring out more of the bickering, which can often start as soon as they open their eyes to start the day. While this can be an extremely frustrating time as a parent, I am trying to use this period as a learning experience for the children and myself. Along with the opportunity to grow our patience, we are also given the chance to learn how to react kindly and respond softly. When a fight erupts over who bumped into whom or who has the next turn on the trampoline, we are learning to listen rather than speak louder. And then we bake muffins.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger...James 1:19

Gluten Free Banana Muffins (or Bread)

Ingredients:

½ Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

4 Ripe Bananas

½ Cup Sorghum Flour

½ Cup Buckwheat Flour

¼ Cup Oat Flour

¼ Cup Coconut Flour

½ tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Vanilla

Directions:

Cream the butter and sugar together. Mash the bananas and then add to butter and sugar mixture along with the eggs and vanilla. Mix in flours, baking soda and salt. Pour into prepared muffin tins or loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20min for muffins and 60min for bread or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

This recipe yields approximately 24-30 muffins or 1 loaf of bread.

Chick and Louise a Love Story – Part 2

2012-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today Chick is a bit cranky, wanting to talk with the person in charge about the quality of the food. Another lunch of mashed potatoes and ground beef with gravy is not appealing to his spoiled pallet. Louise has always cooked such delectable meals that this “slop” is getting on his last nerve. Louise is equally disgusted with the meals that do not even come close to comparing to her lovingly prepared spreads; however she knows that no amount of squawking on Chick’s part will change the menu. As Louise attempts to take him out of the cafeteria to relax, Chick slams his feet down in protest so that the wheel chair stops dead. Eventually a nurse has to intervene and move Chick out of the door way, despite his protest so that the rest of the residents are able to exit the cafeteria.

Although it was a rough start to the couple’s visiting time together today, they quickly fall into relaxation mode with Chick resting in his chair and Louise gently holding his hand by his side. While visiting, they reminisce a bit and remember a time shortly after they were married that Chick recorded a song onto a record. The song, “Yours and Mine” first sung by Guy Lombardo quickly comes back to them:

Just a home with morning glories,

like you read about in stories;

And we’ll call it yours and mine.

Where the flowers extend their greetings,

Where the bluebirds hold their meetings;

We’ll call it yours and mine.

When the sun gets up, then we’ll get up;

and I’ll help you cook.

Then when you sit down, I’ll sit down

in our breakfast nook.

Then between your chair and my chair

maybe there will be a high chair;

And we’ll call it yours and mine.

As they recall the song and the time back when, they laugh together. Sixty-five years of marriage yields many fond memories that can easily remove the frustration of poorly prepared lunches. The silence that followed the laughter was full of warmth from their smiles as they held hands just knowing they are together at this moment and for now that is good enough.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)

Forecation - Part 3 - The Surf

2012-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

No trip to the shore is complete with out water and waves. There is something exhaustively wonderful about getting beat up by mother ocean. Nothing says complete vacation like sand in your trunks and salt in your eyes and nose.

While our house was on the bay and we had tons of fun in the wave free waters, we did venture out to the beaches with waves a couple of times. You can run...but you can't hide!

As I learned this year, there is a fine art to catching the right wave. There are also better locations for wave breaks then others. We researched the best wave beaches in the area and found that it is indeed less painful when the waves break away from the beach and not right on the sand.

Each day we were at the waves, the kids (big kids included) entered the water as soon as we got there and did not leave the water until we left 6 hours later. The young kids crashed on the car ride home and the older kids had VERY sore muscles the next day.

And while the waves were a lot of fun, there was a lot of great splashing to be had in the bay as well. Emily preferred the the calmness of the bay and no one else seemed to mind the relaxing swim either. Though, it was easier to feel the sea life on your toes when the water was still.

What a wonderful blessing to enjoy the beauty of God's creation with lovely family and friends. Thank you Lord for blessing us with the time, opportunity and people to enjoy this vacation with. Amen.

Forecation - Part 2 - The Sand

2012-07-04T08:56:00.002-04:00

Along with the wonderful crabbing experiences, we also spent hours in the sun and sand this past vacation. While we did not build one of our traditional sand sculptures, there was a large wall built to block the wind one day, bocce to play and hours of digging holes and covering toes.

While the seagulls are not nearly as bothersome on this beach as they are at the more popular and boardwalk beaches, they are still there. Frequently arriving in the evening, the seagulls provided a fun option for entertainment for some. Feeding (never near the people so that there are no "accidents") and chasing seagulls are always good for a giggle.

At one point, the older girls convinced Emily that if she stood a certain way the birds were more likely to come right to her. She tried a couple of days in a row with no success.

No Foreman trip to anywhere is complete with out some loving competition. Jon, the soon to be Foreman, fit right in with his race challenge to Bethann.

And use the pay phone? The kids thought this was the most curious and hilarious item we saw all week.

And of course there is always time to just explore and enjoy the sand with an after dinner walk.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Forecation - Part 1 - The Crabs

2012-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

This week of family vacation was filled with sunshine, family time, crabbing, boogie boarding, games, fishing and just plain fun. One of the coolest things about the house we rented was the dock out back from which we could crab on a daily basis. Not only did we catch the crabs, but we caught enough for a a mini meal for us all.

Ben and Brad also found this as an opportunity to scan for minnows to use for future fishing needs. They caught so many minnows that Ben was thinking of starting a part time business selling them to fishermen at the point.

At low tide the mud was very thick and black near the dock. The first day, Brad dared his girlfriend Shyla to jump in, tricking her with how thick it was. As you can see, you cannot stand on the mud and it gets quite deep. She was not impressed.

Eventually the crabs started rolling in and the crew was reeling them in, lifting them out and measuring them for keeping status. There was also a little bit of fun to be had with the punchy, hard shelled sea creatures.

Don't mess with a crab on the loose, they are not trying to hold your hand out of love and that is not a new dance move. Though, perhaps it should be. Raise your arms and snap your hands around. Now stomp to the left and dive in the water....Do the Crab!

He's a keeper...sorry buddy but you will taste lovely with Old Bay and melted butter tonight.

This one might be a bit small, what do you think? Time to throw the net out for more dinner!

Everyone takes turns checking the nets and sometimes they even lose the nets in the mud. Not naming any names...but give you one guess who lost the most nets. She is not pictured here and her name starts with and "L"....

Time for dinner and to enjoy our catch today. A lot of work, but delicious reward.

As the sun sets on this crab filled day, we rest comfortably with our bellies full and our traps ready for tomorrow.

Bunnies Vs Rabbits

2012-06-21T08:15:00.002-04:00

Last night while looking out of our bay window, the kids and I spotted a rabbit hopping in the yard. This is not an uncommon sight for us. However as the rabbit hopped to the right, we saw a small, grey mound of fur hop after. Instantly we were all glued to the window as mommy rabbit nursed baby bunny and as they hopped after each other under the maple tree. As the sun began to set the kids continued to watch and make sure the bunny was protected by his mommy and I marveled at the small size of the creature. I am sure by the end of the summer; it will be difficult for us to distinguish the mother from the baby as he continues to grow.

My bunnies are rapidly growing too. My oldest bunny is now 12 and almost as tall as I am. His voice is becoming deeper and he has his own style and ideas. He mows the lawn and rides his bike to the store to gather items we need. Still, when the light is right and his smile big, I still see my little bunny giggling at my jokes or playing cars under the maple tree for hours.

My middle bunny is now 9 and a lovely little lady. She has a natural nurture instinct and loves to care for animals, taking care of the neighbors chickens daily. She is almost in women’s clothing and already wears shoes larger than many women in our family. She loves to cook for us and has even made recipes with flambé in the directions. Yet, when she cuddles in my arms after a long day I can still see my little bunny toddling around the yard and playing in the mud or tripping while trying to walk in daddy’s shoes, which are not that big anymore.

My youngest bunny is still very much a bunny, though she is rapidly moving on. She loves to sing and dance and has her own opinion on style and life. She independently plays and is content to play at a friend’s house without me. She can reach the bathroom sink and takes showers, not baths anymore. Still, when she hugs me tight and looks up at me with her tired eyes, I can still see my little bunny who loves to listen to lullabies and be rocked to sleep.

Lives moves so quickly and before you know it, the summer is over and bunny has become rabbit. While I will miss the bunny days, I am enjoying the journey of having young rabbits and the joys that this season of life brings.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of my lovely bunnies. Thank You for watching over them as they grow and guiding us as we enter new seasons. By Your Grace, we continue to learn and grow together and for that we are truly grateful. Amen.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. - Proverbs 16:9