Preparing For Rain

Homemade Poptarts

cbmrj777 — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:24:35 +0000

After 2 tries I think I’ve figured out how to make these Homemade Poptarts. :D

The first time I tried I had very crumbly dough. It was tough to work, and even harder to roll out. I spent over an hour trying to get it flat and thin but it just wasn’t working out right. I cooked them up anyway and although the family liked them (or were being very polite about it), they just didn’t turn out that well. So I grumbled, muttered, whined, and couldn’t sleep. I had dreams of homemade poptarts that night. Dreams replaying what went wrong. I tend to over analyze and obsess about things, if you hadn’t noticed…

After posting a comment on the Heavenly Homemaker blog my woes, Laura replied with her suggestion of adding more yogurt (or adding a bit of water). The other thing I guessed that wasn’t working in my attempt is that no, Virginia, Country Crock is NOT butter. No matter how I may squint at the label, it just wouldn’t read “butter”. It kept reading “39% vegetable oil spread”.

Hmmm… alrighty then. Back into the kitchen I went.

This time I used REAL butter. Genuine real butter. Butter. Not Parkay. (Anyone remember those commercials from the 80′s? Or is it just me?) And I added about 1/4 cup more of yogurt to the recipe. Result? Pliable, workable dough! YAY!

For the middle I used 2 jellies (triple berry and strawberry) and an almond butter spread. The almond butter spread was NOT a hit with my picky kids. I liked it well enough. But not exactly a hit here.

This time instead of the dough only yielding 7 measly poptarts, I cooked up 20 poptarts! And these came out decent. I cooked them for the 25 minutes in the recipe but my oven seems to run really hot, so the edges were a bit harder than I’d like. Well, harder than the kids liked. So next time I’ll cook them for about 20-23 minutes. I’ll also use less filling. A whole HEAPING teaspoon resulted in a few leaking their yumminess:

What can I say? I am NOT a natural in the kitchen. But it has been a learning experience for me.

You probably noticed one poptart in the top photo had some white on it… I added cake frosting to a few of my poptarts to entice the kids to think that they are JUST LIKE these:

Not sure it quite worked but it sure added a bit of fun to their poptarts!

Now that I have the dough figured out, time to play around and make Hot Pockets, Pizza Pockets, and more! :D

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Homemade Poptarts

Really?

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:06:26 +0000

Has it seriously been that long since I’ve lasted posted here? A lot has been going on here including surgery for me, a move for us, and keeping busy packing and unpacking! We’ve got an exciting year planned for us. Homeschooling, gardening, and learning homesteading and self-sufficiency skills.

I’ve remained somewhat faithful to our photo blog. That’s a good thing. lol But now… time to get back to blogging!

Going Vintage

cbmrj777 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:40:13 +0000

Rhythm is such a photogenic horse. We must have a zillion photos of her. Something about the Saddlebred’s refined head, beautiful form, and expressive eyes just really speaks through photos.

This time I wanted to do something different to her. Here is the original taken by Kayla:

Pretty uninspiring, huh? My camera produces cool, dull photos. Blah. Just doesn’t do Rhythm’s beauty any justice.

Let me state right up front that I’m very much an actions girl.. saves so much time in editing large amounts of photos. Some Photoshop actions I use are free (like Pioneer Woman), others cost (like MCP and Lily Blue). So here is what I did and used to turn this dull photo to vintage wow!

First thing I did was warm up the photo and “defog” it. I used MCP Light Fog Fixer from the Quickie Collection. Then I warmed the photo by using Pioneer Woman’s Action Set 2 Warmer action. Could I do this by hand? Sure. By why? I have combined these 2 actions into one that I call Beginning Prep. Click play and it runs both just like that. Quick and easy!

With the basic prep out of the way, I heal some crusties from Rhythm’s eye using the Spot Healing Brush Tool on a duplicate layer.

Next, the bottom part of her next is so dark, I wanted to lighten it a bit. Using MCP’s Touch of Light action (which is free by the way), I painted over this area to bring it out of obscurity. I probably could have lightened it a bit more but I wasn’t overly concerned at this point.

I used Pioneer Woman’s Heartland action to turn her photo vintage.

I’m really liking this! Vintage suits her well. Like an old timey photo of one of her ancestors. Because I just can’t leave well enough alone, I continued messing with her photo.

It’s a problem I have…

I need help.

Is there a 12 step program for Photoshop addicts?

OK… so I’m thinking let’s try a little texture on this photo. Enter hours of experimenting. There are so many great possibilities. But in the end I went simpler rather than a complex texture by running Lily Blue’s Pecan Grain action from the Chocolate actions set.

I didn’t like how it looked on her face and body so using a mask, I painted the texture off those areas. The differences between grain on the face and no grain on the face are subtle.

I love masks… just not on people.

Clowns scare me.

Chuckie Cheese… **shudder**

Finally a little vignetting to draw your attention to her beautiful face.

And there you go… from blah to vintage wow!

Photo taken by Kaybear.
Post-processing by me.

October 31st isn’t Halloween for us…

cbmrj777 — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:47:17 +0000

We don’t participate in Halloween at our house. Most people look at us as if we are strange. But God has given us a more glorifying reason to celebrate on October 31st each year…

This is the day Bryon adopted Mikayla as his own. Four years ago, our family became whole.

In much the same way, God has adopted us as His own children when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) Isn’t it amazing? Our Creator has chosen to adopt US and give US the inheritance of Heaven. All we have to do is believe in Jesus and we are adopted into His family.

Happy Adoption Day, Kayla and Bryon. This is one of the most important days of my life. I give thanks to my loving Father – the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth – who brought Bryon into our lives and blessed me with such a beautiful family. <3

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 8

cbmrj777 — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:01:53 +0000

At the end of the day, Ann-Marie as notified that we won an award for our entry in the parade!

Congratulations!!

Well, this brings us to the end of our day. Hope you enjoyed the photos! I’ll showcase some more photos on our Photoblog, so be sure to check them out from time to time!

Until tomorrow, have a blessed Sunday,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 series:
Part 1 The Parade Staging Ground
Part 2 The Parade
Part 3 The Parade: Our Group
Part 4 Adult Horse Rides
Part 5 Never Too Old
Part 6 Breed Display
Part 7 Ylluster
Part 8 Award

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 7

cbmrj777 — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:01:50 +0000

This Friesian mare was not in the Breed Display but she was at the Celebration of the Horse event with our group. She gathered her own share of admiring looks at the Adult Horse Rides.

Meet Ylluster and her momma, Michelle.

This beautiful Friesian mare was imported from the Netherlands in 2004 by a Minnesota farm. She lived there for 5 years and gave birth to 2 foals.

Michelle came across an ad for Ylluster on dreamhorse.com. Michelle was looking for a “family” horse. As they corresponded concerning Ylluster, Michelle believed this mare would be a great fit for the family. Ylluster seemed to ride well under the saddle and was said to always “take care” of her rider. But little did they know there would be some challenges along the way.

November 2009, Yluster arrived via 1st class shipment. Giddy with excitement, Michelle and her family greeted Ylluster. Ylluster was not as enthused. She promptly avoided Michelle and her husband. A bond was formed, though, between Michelle’s daughter, Madelyn, and the black mare. Madelyn could catch her and lead her unlike anyone else.

After awhile, Michelle began working with Ylluster but with little success. Most everyone agreed that she just needed to ride Ylluster. The mare would settle. The opposite happened with Ylluster taking off at full speed and Michelle clinging to her.

That is when this woman came into the picture. Ann-Marie.

The first time Ann-Marie met Ylluster, she said to the mare, “I know, I understand you. We just need to make your people understand”. Michelle knew she found just the right trainer for her horse.

I’ve seen Ann-Marie work with Ylluster on many visits to the barn. This beautiful classy mare has come so far already. With Ann-Marie’s no-nonsense yet natural training methods, Michelle has been able to ride Ylluster.

“Did I hear someone talking about me?”

Check out Ylluster on the PhotoBlog! :D

Well, we’re almost to the end of our Celebration of the Horse event. Tomorrow, find out what our group won!

May your weekend be fun and sunny,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 6

cbmrj777 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:01:58 +0000

After hanging out at the Adult Horse Rides most of the day, we took the Littles to see the various horses on display in front of Equine Gatherings.

Many breeds were on display including this cute little donkey. Five donkey facts:

A male donkey is sometimes called “jack” and a female a “jenny”.
A donkey can carry 20-30% of their own body weight. No wonder they are called “beasts of burden”.
The first donkeys born in the United States was owned by George Washington.
Did you know that beginning in Old Testament days, ownership of many donkeys was a sign of God’s blessing? The Bible often specified whether a person rode a donkey, because this was a sign of wealth.
And legend has it that the cross marking on the donkey’s shoulders comes from the shadow of the cross at Christ’s Crucifixion, placing the donkey at the foot of the cross.

This Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is the companion to the Andalusian, Listo, the Painting Horse. He’s a bit jealous of the attention his pasture buddy receives because of his popularity as an equine artist. Apparently, he has started painting as well.

The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is a separate breed of donkey originating from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. According to The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association, “because they were so small they were employed to turn grinding stones for grain inside the peasants houses. There are 18th century wood block pictures showing these small donkeys, blindfolded, attached to the grain mill and walking in endless circles. They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds.” (credit)

Oh my Grandmother, what big feet you have… and hairy… very hairy.

Did you know that at one time there were over 140,000 Clydesdales in Scotland. But by 1975, the Clydesdale was on the Rare Breed Survival Trust vulnerable list. The Clydesdale now numbers about 5,000 around the world and is considered an “at risk” breed.

These beautiful horses are one of the largest of horse breeds, weighing in at 2,000 to 3,000 pounds at adulthood. At birth they weigh around 180 pounds.

Whew! My uterus just hurts thinking about that. :o

The Haflinger has the distinction of being referred to as the “tractor of the Alps”. They earned this title working on the small, steep mountain farms in the Alps of Austria. They often lived in close quarters in the lower levels of the house with their owners, who took advantage of the horse’s body heat. Because of this living arrangement, they developed pleasant, sensible, and affectionate personalities. One breed description I read somewhere noted the Haflinger as “uncomplicated”.

“That looks like Whinny.”

Yes… same breed, baby.

“I think Whinny is cuter.”

Not a bit of bias in that statement.

Nah.

I posted this photo on our Photoblog last week of the Quarter Horse.

The fastest horse is a Quarter Horse, having been clocked sprinting short distances of up to 55mph. That’s a quarter mile in 21 seconds! The current QH record holder is a 3 year old filly named Eyes of Dawn. She ran 300 yards (or 3 football field lengths) in 14.909 seconds. Whew! That’s mighty fast!

This Friesian, Isabella, is an expecting momma. She also had something in common with Ylluster, a Friesian at Ann-Marie’s barn (you’ll meet her tomorrow)… the same daddy. :D

The Friesian was often used to carry knights into battle and are recorded as having been around since at least the 1200s.

Friesians are named according to the year they are born. Each year, Friesch Paarden-Stamboek (FPS) designates a specific alphabet letter for which all foals born within that calendar year should be named. For example, the names of all foals born in 2010 will begin with the letter G, H or I. FPS is one of the oldest studbooks in the Netherlands, and is the original studbook for the Friesian horse.

Over 80% of all Morgans today have Saddlebred crosses within them. In 1930, Morgan owners began breeding the Morgan with Saddlebreds because of the rising popularity of the Saddlebred as well as the prestige in the show ring. This practice continued making the Morgan resemble closely the Saddlebred. The Foundation Morgan Horse Society is looking to preserve the original Morgan, whose appearance differs from that of the modern Morgan. These Morgans must trace their paternal ancestry directly to that of the original Morgan horse, Justin Morgan.

Like Saddlebreds, Morgans were popular cavalry mounts in the American Civil War. Stonewall Jackson’s “Little Sorrel” was originally a present for the colonel’s wife. But because Jackson’s larger, more powerful mount was too skittish, he choose to rode Little Sorrel. His easy temperament made the decision easy and proved itself time again and again in battle. (Read more about Little Sorrel here.)

A relatively young American breed, the Standardbred was like the family car 200 years ago: pulling the family on errands, to church, and plowing the fields. The Standardbred is so named because of the standard (one mile) that he can trot in harness. The current standard for 2-yr olds is 2.20 minutes, and for 3-yr olds the standard is 2.15 minutes.

If the Standardbred is the family car, then the Thoroughbred is the Ferrari. With speed up to
43mph, this horse can fly. This Thoroughbred was from the group, Communciation Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses or CANTER. He is known as an OTTB or Off-Track Thoroughbred.

Did you know that while the USA leads the world with 50,119 races in 2008, Japan came in second with 17,744 races held? I had no idea racing was so popular in Japan! (stats)

This Arabian was not part of the breed display. Kaybear walked with Makenna around and found her owner getting ready to leave. If I remember correctly, behind where the adult rides were, there was knight demonstrations. There were many trees blocking the view but I think I saw medieval costumers on the riders and horses. Regardless, this beautiful girl seemed anxious to get home and eat! (photo taken by Kaybear)

I missed this Gypsy Vanner when we were touring the breeds, but Kaybear and Makenna made sure we had a photo of him. Mickey was in last year’s Celebration of the Horse parade as well as this year’s.

The Gypsy Vanner was so named after the Gypsies of England and Ireland who bred them as well as the caravans (“vanner”) they were bred to pull. They were bred for the temperament (gentle around children) as well for their looks. And WOW! If you ever seen a GV in person, you would be wowed by their long mane and tails. I couldn’t imagined how long it takes to groom the GV!

… You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you …

Could Carly Simon have been singing about Mickey?

We couldn’t leave the event without giving the little donkey a good-bye kiss.

“Goodbye, donkey. We’ll see you next year!”

Tomorrow… the Friesian, Ylluster. She wasn’t the Fresian in the breed display but she was admired by many at the Adult Horse Rides. Wait until you see her!

May your life be graced by a horse,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 5

cbmrj777 — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:00:41 +0000

If you take time to stop and look about you, you will always find inspiration among us. On that Saturday, inspiration came in the form of an 83 years young woman.

This soul wanted to ride but seemed unsure at first. “What if the horse doesn’t like me?” she joked. But you could see in her face the burning desire to ride once again. Her granddaughter and the many onlookers encouraged her to ride. After a bit, Ann-Marie and others encouragement finally convinced her to ride.

Denise steadies Hunter as Ann-Marie helps her prepare to mount. Look at her smile! Like a kid on Christmas morning, pure joy in anticipation of riding.

As Ann-Marie, Mike, and Denise helped her settle into the saddle, she was laughing in excitement. She just couldn’t believe that there she was… 83 years young and riding again.

The woman was in good hands with Ann-Marie leading Hunter on her ride.

I keep saying “the woman”… how impersonal.
I really wished I would have caught her name… to have a name with the face of this person who was so willing to fulfill her dreams.

As Ann-Marie and Denise led her around, she reminisced about her younger days when she rode horses.

As I stood on the rail, I looked over to my own daughter and told her that *this* is what life is all about. Reaching out to others… making them smile and helping them to live their dreams.

Our Creator did not intend for us to live in cocoons, living life for only ourselves. But to show His love to others in such simple acts such as this.

And what a simple thing this horse ride was… yet Ann-Marie’s kindness of providing free adult rides and happily encouraging this 83 year young woman resulted in such joy and fulfillment in her life.

And that, my dear friends, is what truly life is about.

Visit tomorrow for the Celebration of the Horse Breed Display! Yep! Horses, horses, and more horses! :D

Love one another,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 4

cbmrj777 — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:01:39 +0000

After the parade and loading Rhythm into the trailer, we all assembled behind Equine Gatherings to help with the adult horse rides. Sponsored by The Traveling Trainer, adults could ride free. Of course, donations were always appreciated with any donations going to The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER).

I thought it was great! You always see the little ponies for the little kids, but as Saturday proved, many adults wanted a chance to ride, too!

Older adults were young again.

And the young felt grown up on the big horses.

Many conversations took place inside the round pen. Hunter looks like he is listening in on Denise and his rider.

Here Hunter is ease-dropping on Ann-Marie. I wonder if there is something we don’t know about Hunter.

Perhaps he’s a spy, gleaning information from Ann-Marie and the crew?

His mission… to find out what’s for dinner tonight.

Danny Boy (aka Cajun) was feeling a bit left out of the action. Most riders wanted one of the larger horses. He spent most of his time seeking a little TLC from Kaybear and Makenna.

Finally Danny Boy had a chance to carry a rider… and fulfill his task of spying.

Ease-dropping on Kaybear and Makenna’s conversation must have been mind-numbing to say the least. I’m not sure those two ever stopped jabbering the whole time.

That’s Jessica and Coolio leading another happy rider around.

All in all, it was a wonderful day and smiles were abundant.

Until tomorrow,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 part 3

cbmrj777 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:43 +0000

So after a million horse and riders, I was beginning to wonder if I lied to my son about where his sisters were or daddy. Somehow the baby stayed in his stroller riveted by all the flashy horses. I didn’t realize that Ann-Marie’s group was practically the last group in the entire parade!

So finally I see Madelyn and Lauren carrying the banner announcing their arrival!

Denise, Makenna, and Ann looking sharp! Looks like they are enjoying the crowd! :D

And Kaybear finally pops around the bend with Mia beside her!

I poked brother and told him, “Look! Your sister!”

He said, “That’s Kayla!” with a big grin!

Yep, that’s my girl!

She’s such a natural. Her first parade and she just looks like she has always been doing them.

You know where she gets her horse genes, right?

Yea… me.

Just checking. I knew you knew that. :P

There’s Ann-Marie, Matt, and Jessica.

Except you can’t see Jessica. Sorry, Jessica!

And there they go on down the street.

And bringing up the rear (no pun intended hehe) are my Strawberry girl, Hubby, and Aiden. They had a dirty job but look at her… Ann-Marie couldn’t have had a cuter assistant!

Little Man just *had* to join the parade. He ran after the group until he caught Strawberry’s hand and they took off down the street after the group.

That’s my babies. *sniff*

A few more groups followed.

Hi, Renaissance Man!

Awww… Such a cute donkey.

This group sang a few songs for us.

As the parade wound back around, I caught this photo of the foal who slipped earlier in the parade. Just precious.

Makes me want to have a baby.

Foal, that is.

This is what I get when I said, “Say cheese, sweetie!”

Silly girl.

Another going-away shot.

More photos coming your way tomorrow… this time we go to the round pen for some fun adult horse rides! :D

Have a blessed evening,