How would you cook a chicken?

I've cooked whole chickens before, but I often wonder if there is a better way to do it. I can't even tell you how I do it because I don't think it's ever the same. How would you cook a whole (small) chicken? Crock pot? Oven? Spices?

Saturday

Today was a good day. We had something every night this past week. We enjoyed each thing, but we do not like to be that busy. Also, Isaiah seemed to be in the mood to push every boundary and Nathan has not been sleeping well (can't figure that one out??!!) Anyway, last night Jeremy told me that I should go out this morning for awhile. I almost cried. It was not so much because Jeremy offered, he does great at keeping the boys if I need some time away. It was more just the realization that I was going to be alone, away from home. It's been awhile since I've left the house without at least one of them. I feel like I'm complaining about my kids. I don't mean to. I just needed a break. Badly.

I went to the mall first. I found some great deals! I love clearance stuff almost as much as I love tupperware. Actually, more. I stopped at a few other places then went to the library. I found a book on crocheting. I have been wanting to get back into it for months, but I don't remember how. Maybe this book will help.

On to other things. Jeremy and I will celebrate our 5th Anniversary next month. I'd like to give him something. Any suggestions?

I cannot find a nice black maternity dress that I know I had, but loaned to someone. No, I'm not pregnant, but my sister-in-law is and I'd like to see if she could use this dress. I think it's from Old Navy. Does anyone have it?

And just for fun, here is a picture of Nathan in "the glasses". I think my mom bought these for Isaiah almost 3 years ago and they are still in one piece!

Swagbucks

I feel like I should post something, but I can't think of anything exciting to say and I can't find any new pictures that would interest anyone.

So, I'm going to tell you about Swagbucks. Maybe most of you have heard of it and maybe even use it, but if you haven't you really should try it. Basically, you win points for searching for things on the Internet. It's random and you never know when you'll win a point or how many. I've won 1, 2 or 3 at different times. After you earn so many points you can cash them in for things. The best I've seen is 45 points gets you a $5 gift card for Amazon, but there are other things like Target and Starbucks gift cards for more points. If you're someone that searches the web even a little you really should try this. I always have a list of books I want to order from Amazon so this excites me. :) (We downloaded the toolbar and that works very well.)

That's all my exciting news for today. Maybe I'll be inspired tomorrow.

Old Timers (or so they say)

My Mom emailed this picture to me several weeks ago. I was moved to tears just looking at it. Most of you don't know anyone in this picture, but some of you see them regularly. It has been at least 6 years since I have seen any of these people and that was at a big reunion so I doubt I talked to most of them.


For those of you that don't know these people they all live in RL and all (exepte for one couple) lived there when I lived there. These are people that all impacted my life in one way or another. Some I only know by name and face, but I have memories of stories that I link them to. Other's were parents of friends and Sunday School teachers. All of them represent a much simpler time in my life. A time I sometimes almost hurt with longing for, but yet never want to return to. Looking at these faces I realize that as I knew them they were neighbors and church friends, people in my world. As an adult looking at this picture I see people that have experienced adventure, loss, joy, many unknowns, dreams, frustration, a call. I was struck by the knowledge that even though I haven't lived around any of these folks in 20 years (this June!!) that they each are still apart of my memories. I wonder what kind of impact and memories I'm leaving on the children around me?


A few memories that come to mind when I look at this picture:


-A&N L: Handicraft, I loved that place. The smell of leather, candy and Gospel Echoes tapes all in one place! I also have very found memories of a book that A used to read during the children's time at church. It was called Bird Life in Winkton. I found that book in Rosedale's library and had a great time reading it. N was such a wonderful hostess and she took time to talk to me and notice me often even after we left RL.


I&R R: Remember playing Kick the Can and I'm in the Court, Give me a Wave with their sons up at the old shop on "the hill". It was nighttime and I was scared out of my wits, but so thrilled to be included.


W:(can't remember wife's name or last name name:( ): radio


N&M G: Thier place was a great place to play at. How many places could a 10 year old go and have their own car (?!) to drive. Also remember doing ceramic projects at their house. Oh yeah, and hobby! I remember learning to singing hymns there that I still love.


DS: Beautiful lady. Norman also left a big impression on me as a little girl. I remember him as a very kind man.


H&M H: More "hill" stories. While I was at RBI (years ago when I was single) God did a work in my heart during one of our revival weekends. Amazingly, the people God wanted me to forgive and H were there for the weekend. No one else at RBI would have known any of what I was working through. I still feel that God had H there to help bring healing to me. I remember praying with him and not even needing to give details. I will never see his face or hear his name without feeling grateful for a kind, recognizable face that I believe God had at the right place at the right time, just for me.


I didn't even touch on half of my memories that include everything from tree planting to the old green school and many more. A lot of my memories are fuzzy. I guess I'm getting old. :)


Thank you to all that have allowed me to watch you, even when you didn't know it. Thank you for teaching me much about life and God. I hope I can leave as good of an impression on those watching me.

Poppyseed Lemon Scones

This is Robyn's recipe. Robyn, I hope you don't mind me sharing it. I always thought scones were hard to make, but these are so simple. I think the key to making them good is to not stir or knead them too much and not over bake. Let me know if you try them!

Lemon Curd:
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
6 T. margarine, melted (I used butter)
1/4 c lemon juice
2 T. grated lemon peel (I didn't have any lemons, but I think this would make them even better)

In top double boiler, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in butter, lemon juice and peel. Cook and stir for 15 min or until thick. Cover and refrigerate until cool. (it thickens as it cools)

Scones:
2 c. flour (Melanie, I'd stick with white :))
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 T. poppy seeds
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. cold butter
3/4 c. milk
1 T. lemon juice (fresh-squeezed is best, but I never have lemons on hand)
Additional sugar for sprinkling

Combine first 5 ingredients. Cut in butter. Combine milk and lemon juice and stir into flour mixture just until blended (dough will be soft). Place on a floured counter and knead gently 6 times. Shape into a ball and pat into an 8 inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Place on greased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm with lemon curd.

Yummy

One of the light bulbs in our refrigerator has been out for a long time, but since there was a second bulb we didn't really think that much about it. Recently the last bulb died so Jeremy put two new bulbs in. Suddenly I could see so much. The fridge needed cleaned. As I was cleaning it this morning I thought about how often the question "how long does (fill in the blank) last if it's refrigerated?" My new answer: Anything will last forever in your fridge. I have yet to see anything get up and walk out on it's own. Stuff can grow hair and change color, but thankfully, it doesn't grow legs. "Yo, eggs, I'm out of here!"

Joke

Joke for Today:

A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion.

The first student got up in front of the class and said, "my name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David."

The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary."

The third student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I'm a Mennonite, and this is a casserole."

Healthy Cookies

For all you health nuts out there you need to try this Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. I was a little scared to try them, but they were very good!

Laughing

Maybe this is a little too personal, but I have to share it anyway. Tonight I was rubbing Jeremy's back and found a long hair (lone, long hair, he does NOT have a hairy back. I want to make that clear. :)) I showed the hair Isaiah. He got a very serious, sober look on his face and said "Maybe his back is a head or something".

People tell us to write this stuff down, but seriously, there is too much to write down or remember. We never know what is coming next. He has us stumbling around trying to explain stuff all the time.

I feel like I'm always posting stuff about Isaiah right now because he's talking so much. I wish I could post videos of Nathan. He's just a ham. He's into everything. He threw a slinky into the toilet a couple weeks ago. Jeremy fished it out (after taking a picture -that's one for the books!), washed it off and gave it back to him. I later found Nathan on the table dunking it in my water glass. :( Yesterday we caught him on the top rail of his crib about to fall out. He never stops. He gets himself and Isaiah into trouble a lot. :( Isaiah follows him way too much, but sometimes Isaiah will run to me and say "Nathan's doing something bad!"

Bread Crumbs

Today I'm baking French Bread. When life gets too fuzzy and unsure I bake and often it's bread. Today is one of those days. Don't call the shrinks or anything, it's just one of those days. It's one of those times in life that just don't feel right or at best uncomfortable. Some days it's OK, even good. Other days I just am. I don't post this to ask for sympathy. Somewhere way down in a little corner of my heart is a little light and that little light reminds me that some day, maybe next week or next year life will look different. That little light gives hope and the ability to look at Bread Days as the stepping stones that will get me across this crazy time. I tell the Lord that this is ok, sometimes I can only whisper it or barely breath it, but it's ok, because he promises that He will complete what He has started in me. I love baking bread. I love the process. I love beating it to death in my kitchen aid only to watch it rise again. So, I'm going to enjoy this bread day. (Mom, don't call, don't worry, I'm fine. :) ) P.S. Our Sunday school lesson this week is on humility. Hmmm...

In other, more positive news I posted a lot of pictures from the wedding, but I failed to mention anything about the party that took place at our house after the wedding. Matt's three oldest girls spent the night here along with my parents. The time was way too short, but it was so much fun. This aunt misses the days when I had hours to spend playing with my nieces. I miss it, but I do love watching them play with Isaiah and Nathan. They are great babysitters! Here's a picture of Sunday morning breakfast. (notice Nathan's long hair)

The next week I cut it -finally! Here is an after picture. Sorry it's so dark. I love his eyes. One of these days I'll post an update on what all he is getting into and doing. He is growing up so quickly!

One more random thing. A couple morning ago Nathan woke up before Isaiah and started playing in his crib. He was laughing and having a great time. Isaiah woke up then and we heard him interact a little with Nathan, but then he came over to our room and told us with a very sad look on his face, "there isn't any laughing in my mouth!" :)

This morning Isaiah wanted me to do something with him, but I was talking to Jeremy. I'm not sure what Jeremy told him, but he responded with "but she's my woman!" I wonder where he hear that from?! He called me "Babe" the other day. I put a stop to that rather quickly!

And that's enough random thoughts for one day.

Update

Just wanted to clarify something. On the site where I was reading about using plain yogurt in baking she said she substitutes yogurt for butter. She mentioned she has done this with some muffins and coffee cake recipes. I'm having my doubts about using it in cookies and the such. Just thought I'd mention that before someone totally destroys a good batch of chocolate chip cookies. :) However, if you do try this and it works please let me know!

Plain Yogurt

I made yogurt in my crockpot on Friday. I got the recipe here. I added unflavored gelatin and that did help to thicken it up, but next time I'll mix it a little bit better because I ended up with a chunk of gelatin on the bottom of the crockpot. yuck. I was impressed with the results. However, this is the only way I've ever made yogurt so I can't compare it with anything. Anyway, I've been reading about all that you can use plain yogurt for. I made waffles last night and replaced the buttermilk with the yogurt. They were great! I've read that you can replace butter with plain yogurt in a lot of baking recipes. Has anyone had success with this? What do you use plain yogurt for?

3/17 Update: I made this yogurt again a few days ago. I added the gelatin to the cold milk before I started the process and it worked much better than adding it to the warm stuff. I stirred it once during the first 2 1/2 hours too.

Wedding

Last Saturday my cousin, Anya, got married. Isaiah was the ring bearer and our niece Chloe, was the flower girl. Jeremy preached. I decided having a son and husband in a wedding is more stressful than being the bride. Not really. :) It was a beautiful wedding. There is so much I could write about it, but I'm just going to post pictures. Isaiah and Jeremy (and Chloe!) were great. I was a very proud wife, mother and aunt. :) (these are not really in order)

Ready to walk down the isle.

Here is Isaiah during the ceremony. (it's also one of the very few pictures I have of Anya. :() One of the groomsmen handed Isaiah a piece of gum when he got to the front. Isaiah was thrilled and held it up for me to see. Chewing gum kept him so busy that he didn't have time to try to do anything else. What a lifesaver!

This was taken just a few minutes before the wedding. He was clueless about what was coming, but thrilled to see himself in the mirror.

Chloe showing Isaiah her flowers. He was sooo impressed

Me and the preacher. We sleep together. (sorry, I never said this was a G rated site. :)) I was so proud of him. He did an incredible job at the wedding. Isaiah ignored him during the ceremony. (I don't think he could see Jeremy) I was glad because Jeremy used play dough as an illustration and I'm afraid if Isaiah had seen it he would have wanted it. :( Oh yeah, and Jeremy looked great too!

Me and the ring bearer. I used to change his diapers. What a cheesy face. I'm afraid this is the face he had on most of the pictures taken after the wedding. At least he wasn't crying.

Isaiah and the groom. He told me the day before the wedding that David is his favorite.

I love this picture because it is typical of how he looked for most of the day. No wonder I was on pins and needles! That rose lasted the whole day and still looks great! Amazing.

This is one of my favorites.