The farm side of things is pretty quiet these days. We said goodbye to the goats back in January and have been missing all that fresh milk. Marty's brother actually offered to let us keep the goats, and whatever babies were to come this spring, but the idea of starting a herd is just more than we can take on right now. I think that in a few years we actually will start a small herd for milk and cheese, and we will teach our little ones to help with the farm chores.
With the unusually warm winter weather this year I feel like we should be getting ready to plant; however, we still have a good 2 months before that will happen. I did notice that our daffodil bulbs tried to start shooting up in our last batch of warm days. Everything is just a little bit confused. I am hoping that the asparagus and rhubarb plants don't try to come too early. I would rather miss out on a few flowers than some fresh vegetables.
With all this quiet time, I am doing a lot of planning for the spring and summer. The girls will be old enough to spend more time in the garden with me this year, and the baby will be small enough to pack around for longer periods of time. So long as the weather cooperates, we should have a fairly successful year. As I'm watching all our canned and frozen foods from last year move off the pantry shelves and out of the freezer drawer, I am eager to get growing new foods to replace them. I'm really falling in love with the cyclical movement of gardening and preserving. And, hopefully, I'll get a little bit better with each go around.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Rainy Day
The Rainy Day
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.
My husband recently did this poem with this students at school, and he brought it home and shared it with me. I was so grateful for the message of hope and assurance that all is for our learning and good. Yes, "some days must be dark and dreary" so that we may more fully appreciate those bright days that grace our lives. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures:
"And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet" (D&C 29:39).
How grateful I am for the chance to overcome and grow through adversity. How grateful I am that not ALL of life is adversity and there is JOY to be had! And how grateful I am to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches me such truths.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Chocolate Beet Cake
I promise, we don't eat all of our veggies in this house pureed in a baked good. I guess I just tend toward those recipes on this blog. But anywho--this is a great way to use beets if you find yourself with a glut. And oh boy, do we have more beets than we know what to do with!
CHOCOLATE BEET CAKE
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
2 small handfuls of chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups of beet puree
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour (I used whole wheat with no problem)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
powdered sugar for dusting
In a small sauce pan, melt the chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and allow pan to cool slightly while proceeding to next step. Cream the remaining 3/4 cup butter with the brown sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Blend the chocolate mixture, beet puree, and vanilla into the creamed mixture (it will appear separated). In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool about 15 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cake has cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!
CHOCOLATE BEET CAKE
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
2 small handfuls of chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups of beet puree
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour (I used whole wheat with no problem)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
powdered sugar for dusting
In a small sauce pan, melt the chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and allow pan to cool slightly while proceeding to next step. Cream the remaining 3/4 cup butter with the brown sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Blend the chocolate mixture, beet puree, and vanilla into the creamed mixture (it will appear separated). In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool about 15 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cake has cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Stress
I was reading a bit from an old Relief Society manual the other day and came across this quotation:
When in situations of stress we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked. When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and we were found equal to our tasks; and, therefore, let us continue, but with a more determined discipleship. When we feel overwhelmed, let us recall the assurance that God will not over program us; he will not press upon us more than we can bear.
~Elder Neal A. Maxwell~
I needed this today. Hope it helps you on a day when you need it too.
When in situations of stress we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked. When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and we were found equal to our tasks; and, therefore, let us continue, but with a more determined discipleship. When we feel overwhelmed, let us recall the assurance that God will not over program us; he will not press upon us more than we can bear.
~Elder Neal A. Maxwell~
I needed this today. Hope it helps you on a day when you need it too.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Butternut (or pumpkin) Pancakes!
We were blessed with butternuts this year!
And thank goodness, I say,
because these beauties will see us through the winter.
And thank goodness, I say,
because these beauties will see us through the winter.
I have a deep love for winter squash,and so we have already been digging into the supply.
Here is one of our favorite breakfast recipes for butternuts:
Butternut Squash Pancakes
1 egg
3/4 cup milk (full fat is best)
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp. honey
1 cup squash puree
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
In a small saucepan, combine the squash, oil, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, and warm over medium heat until coconut oil melts (but don't let the mixture get HOT).
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powder, soda, and salt, and stir to combine.
In another small bowl or large measuring cup, measure out the milk and mix in the egg.
When the squash mixture is warmed to the point where the oil has become liquid, fold into the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure no dry pockets of flour. Then add the milk and egg mixture. Stir until batter is smooth and well combined.
Cook on a hot, greased griddle in 1/4 cup portions over low heat. Throw in a few chocolate chips if you are feeling sassy, or just enjoy with some pure maple syrup! (yields 12 pancakes)
1 egg
3/4 cup milk (full fat is best)
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp. honey
1 cup squash puree
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
In a small saucepan, combine the squash, oil, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, and warm over medium heat until coconut oil melts (but don't let the mixture get HOT).
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powder, soda, and salt, and stir to combine.
In another small bowl or large measuring cup, measure out the milk and mix in the egg.
When the squash mixture is warmed to the point where the oil has become liquid, fold into the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure no dry pockets of flour. Then add the milk and egg mixture. Stir until batter is smooth and well combined.
Cook on a hot, greased griddle in 1/4 cup portions over low heat. Throw in a few chocolate chips if you are feeling sassy, or just enjoy with some pure maple syrup! (yields 12 pancakes)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Daughters in my Kingdom
I have been so grateful to have a copy of this remarkable book for the last few weeks. I love reading a few pages every time I get a chance. I was particularly struck by an excerpt from a talk by President Thomas S. Monson on charity. The message was shared only a year ago as part of the general Relief Society broadcast, and yet, somehow in a year I had forgotten so much of his important message.
President Monson spoke of charity beyond just the relief of suffering or giving of substance (though noted that this form of charity is also "necessary and proper"). "I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.
"I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.
"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. the need for charity is everywhere.
"Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited...
"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. it is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others."
And the message went on. I read back through the words of this living Prophet, and I know that I have a whole new list of goals to work toward. My vision of charity needs to expand. And I'm so grateful that we are given the wonderful guidance we need to truly become more like our Savior.
President Monson spoke of charity beyond just the relief of suffering or giving of substance (though noted that this form of charity is also "necessary and proper"). "I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.
"I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.
"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. the need for charity is everywhere.
"Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited...
"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. it is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others."
And the message went on. I read back through the words of this living Prophet, and I know that I have a whole new list of goals to work toward. My vision of charity needs to expand. And I'm so grateful that we are given the wonderful guidance we need to truly become more like our Savior.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Miracles
It has been far too long since I posted anything on this blog. I think, perhaps, it was a bit lofty to believe I had time to manage more than one.
But here I am. Ready to try again.
Part of the long absence was due to a long family vacation. The other part of the absence is because I am busy fighting through morning sickness--which is where the title of this post comes into play.
We all have miracles occur within our own lives. Some are large and touch the hearts of any who hear about them. Some miracles are small and are only miraculous in our own eyes. However, all are blessings from the our Heavenly Father and a reminder of His great love for each and every one of us.
I have seen many little miracles occur in my own life since we found out we are pregnant again. One, in particular, truly let me feel of that love from my Father in Heaven.
Marty had to leave our vacation in North Carolina a week early to come home for Scout Camp. I was then going to caravan up to Pennsylvania with my 2 sisters and 10 children to have Marty meet me at the airport to finish the drive home. This, to be honest, terrified me. I had no idea how I was going to cover hundreds of miles by myself when even a trip to the grocery store left me clutching a gallon plastic baggie to catch anything that may decide to come up.
Before he left, I asked my sweet husband to give me a Priesthood blessing. As the hands of my husband and my father were placed on my head and my husband spoke to our Heavenly Father in my behalf, I felt the sweet assurance that comes with faith in Priesthood authority. I was going to make it. Somehow, Heavenly Father would help me get to Pennsylvania.
The morning of the trip came. I was tired, a little queasy, and trying to remember the peace I had felt at my blessing. I packed the seat next to me with snacks, water, and baggies (just in case), and we headed out for a day of driving. The first few hours went by, and I felt okay. Better than okay. I kept nibbling on crackers and licorice and sipping on water, keeping my stomach busy and happy. By lunch I needed substance and was amazed at how a burger and french fries could make me feel so much better. The last few hours of the trip seemed to go by slowly. I was starting to lose steam, and felt a bit queasy. By the last hour I had a headache and was hoping I would not need to pull over.
By the time we got to Eva's house and I got myself out of the car, I knew that I was in for a rough night. But I remember laying in bed, afraid that any movement would send me back to the bathroom, praying to thank Heavenly Father for getting me there. I knew he wouldn't lift the morning sickness for good, but he gave me enough of a break to accomplish what I needed to--just like he promises he will.
The next day I left for the airport to pick up Marty and barely made it to his terminal without tossing my cookies all over the car. I parked, quickly kissed him hello, and buried my face in a plastic bag. I barely took my head out of various plastic baggies the whole 6 hours home. I was still amazed at how I had managed the whole day before in the car without getting sick once.
So that was my miracle. And it certainly made me feel loved by my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that he knows each of us and answers our prayers. I am grateful for the Priesthood of God here on this earth. And I am grateful to know there is a sweet little spirit growing inside of me. How blessed we are.
But here I am. Ready to try again.
Part of the long absence was due to a long family vacation. The other part of the absence is because I am busy fighting through morning sickness--which is where the title of this post comes into play.
We all have miracles occur within our own lives. Some are large and touch the hearts of any who hear about them. Some miracles are small and are only miraculous in our own eyes. However, all are blessings from the our Heavenly Father and a reminder of His great love for each and every one of us.
I have seen many little miracles occur in my own life since we found out we are pregnant again. One, in particular, truly let me feel of that love from my Father in Heaven.
Marty had to leave our vacation in North Carolina a week early to come home for Scout Camp. I was then going to caravan up to Pennsylvania with my 2 sisters and 10 children to have Marty meet me at the airport to finish the drive home. This, to be honest, terrified me. I had no idea how I was going to cover hundreds of miles by myself when even a trip to the grocery store left me clutching a gallon plastic baggie to catch anything that may decide to come up.
Before he left, I asked my sweet husband to give me a Priesthood blessing. As the hands of my husband and my father were placed on my head and my husband spoke to our Heavenly Father in my behalf, I felt the sweet assurance that comes with faith in Priesthood authority. I was going to make it. Somehow, Heavenly Father would help me get to Pennsylvania.
The morning of the trip came. I was tired, a little queasy, and trying to remember the peace I had felt at my blessing. I packed the seat next to me with snacks, water, and baggies (just in case), and we headed out for a day of driving. The first few hours went by, and I felt okay. Better than okay. I kept nibbling on crackers and licorice and sipping on water, keeping my stomach busy and happy. By lunch I needed substance and was amazed at how a burger and french fries could make me feel so much better. The last few hours of the trip seemed to go by slowly. I was starting to lose steam, and felt a bit queasy. By the last hour I had a headache and was hoping I would not need to pull over.
By the time we got to Eva's house and I got myself out of the car, I knew that I was in for a rough night. But I remember laying in bed, afraid that any movement would send me back to the bathroom, praying to thank Heavenly Father for getting me there. I knew he wouldn't lift the morning sickness for good, but he gave me enough of a break to accomplish what I needed to--just like he promises he will.
The next day I left for the airport to pick up Marty and barely made it to his terminal without tossing my cookies all over the car. I parked, quickly kissed him hello, and buried my face in a plastic bag. I barely took my head out of various plastic baggies the whole 6 hours home. I was still amazed at how I had managed the whole day before in the car without getting sick once.
So that was my miracle. And it certainly made me feel loved by my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that he knows each of us and answers our prayers. I am grateful for the Priesthood of God here on this earth. And I am grateful to know there is a sweet little spirit growing inside of me. How blessed we are.
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