Fresh Milled

A few years ago I started milling my own wheat and making bread for my family. I was looking for an alternative way to get my kids healthy. At the time, Tristen was struggling with sinus infections and we couldn't find anything to get her healthy. I started doing some research and found how important it is to consume fresh milled wheat.

After trying it out on a friends machine, I took the plunge and bought my own mill. It has taken some time to learn what I am doing and make things that are yummy and delicious.






It really doesn't take that long to toss a few cup fulls of wheat berries into the hopper and turn it into flour.

Then I use my Bosch mixer to make the dough. I follow the recipe I got when I ordered my mill from this company.


I have made it a tradition to make pizza every Friday night. When I make my dough I use half of the dough for pizza and the other half for bread or cinnamon rolls.


It has been great to see my family come to really enjoy this type of food. I have expanded my recipes to include spelt pancakes, soft wheat brownies, and stuffed bread (our favorite).

I have seen a huge difference in the health of my family. I really understand what goes into our bodies makes a big difference in how we feel and the sickness we can shake off. Don't get me wrong, we still eat some junk food and other things that most families have in their cupboards. We are far from perfect. But I have become a fresh milled Mama. I will include some pictures later of some of the other things we have made.

"Sorta Done"

Get it?? Sorting turns into sorta. I know, it's not funny if you have to explain it. And I know that this post isn't very interesting. But the sorting and organizing is done. I worked with Chuck this weekend to get the rest of the job done. It turned out to be a good way to spend "quality time" with him and work together.

The big question is, will it stay like this? All neat and tidy. Who knows, but I never thought tools and nuts and bolts could look so beautiful. =) Tim, the tool man, would be proud.

Sorting

I have spent the last 2 days working in the garage. I first sorted our things that stay in storage...Christmas, memory, china, sports...Let's just say again we have too much stuff.

Today I have tackled the WORK BENCH. That is total MAN ZONE. I am sorting through tool boxes and such. Even boxes of things that the previous owners left for us (how nice of them). I feel like I should be on one of those Messy Makeover shows on HGTV.

I am trying to be a blessing to Chuck. He has had a super hard week at work and he has been meaning to get the garage sorted since we moved. He wants to get a peg board up and get it all organized. Hopefully this will help him out. Now we should have no excuse for not finding the tools we need.

If you have ever read about 5 languages of love than you would understand that one of my love languages is acts of service.

Tissy Medical Update

If you have known us for long you know that Tristen has had a variety of medical issues. Just wanted to give you a quick medical update. We just got back from her yearly visit to the cardiologist. All reports are good. Tissy is doing really well.

Last year we started her on medicine for her fainting and we saw good results from the medication. This year the doctor believes it is a good idea to keep her on the medicine and use it as needed.

Tissy is a good sport with all of this and I am thankful that she continues to handle her condition well. The doctor described it well today, reminding us that she does not have any extra reserve of energy and when she has used hers up, that is when the fainting will take place.

She always gets nervous when it is time to go and see the doctor and do the tests. She doesn't like the EKG even though it doesn't hurt. The whole day is exhausting. Now that we moved, we live 2+ hours from the hospital and it makes for a long day for all of us. We always bring our school work and get it done while we are waiting.

I am thankful for the good report and grateful for God's grace in her life.

What replenishes you?

Some years ago a friend asked me that question and it still is with me today. What replenishes you? I love that word, REPLENISH. Fills you up. Makes you anew. Maybe it is a combination of things. Or maybe what replenishes you changes depending on why you feel depleted.

For me, I feel replenished after completing something. Sometimes I need time alone with just me and quiet (for a little while). So...what replenishes you?

Sunday Afternoon

We are totally enjoying this cute and quaint downtown. It is only about 12 min. from our house. We went by after church today and checked out a local eatery. Yummy food and fun shopping.

Are these my girls??? When did they grow up to be such beautiful ladies?

Can you go to bed with dishes in the sink?

I admit I tend to be a bit "Monkish" about things. I tend to order the same thing at restaurants. I often make the same meals. I buy the same things at the deli every week, but I can go to bed with dishes in the sink. Not always by choice but what about when you are soaking a lasagna dish? Or what about when you just started the dish washer and it is packed full and you find a few more things in the kids rooms? Isn't it interesting how we have our quirks. Things that other people might notice and judge us for.

And other times I go to bed with the dishwasher empty and the sink full of dirty dishes just because I am too tired. And I know if I start to do the dishes it will wake me up and then I will have missed my sleep window. Or I might just choose to leave the dishes in the sink to fight off the OCD tendencies. Ohhh...I sound a bit twisted in this post. =)

CRAZY FAMILY

Just a crazy family fun night playing games. It's cold here and we are taking the opportunity to wear the hats. We are beyond silly. It started out fun and then got really goofy.

Beep

There is this beep that I can't find in the house. It goes off every 30 seconds or so. Real quiet. Must be a battery that is dying. But where is it? Not smoke detectors, watch, cell phones...what is it???? Chuck and I looked last night trying to follow the beep, but by 11:30 we had to give up. Just noticed it yesterday. Any ideas??? Where is it coming from???

New Beginnings...New Year

I love new beginnings. New school year, new season, new house, new year. I love that we have the chance to begin afresh. We were talking about New Years resolutions at dinner last night. I was trying to explain that it is something that makes you a better person or a goal and not just a new toy you are wishing for. =) I think the kids were caught up on the idea that it is something you WANT for 2008.

I think it is important to have goals for the year. Something that is attainable, but that will stretch you. I said I want to open my home more and be more hospitable. I also want to learn to garden. I usually think for awhile before I come up with a goal...so I will have to let you know if I come up with something that I desire to work on.

In the mean time, enjoy the new beginning. Just like God's mercies that are new every morning.

Letterboxing

This has quickly become a favorite family hobby. LETTERBOXING. We started early this summer and have really enjoyed it. If you are unfamiliar with it read this short article in Family Fun Magazine. http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/ff0906-letterboxing/

We love that it takes us to new places. We have enjoyed being out doors and exploring nature. I use http://letterboxing.org/ and http://www.atlasquest.com/ to find the boxes we are looking for. We have even planted some boxes.

This was a micro or mini box made out of a film canister. Most are in small Rubbermaid type of containers. This box was attached to the side of a railing. Most boxes are hidden under branches or leaves.

After you find the box you "trade" stamps and journal a bit about your time.

When we solve the clues and find the box and finish the task...we feel pretty proud. There have been a few times that we failed and didn't find the box.

IKEA made me think...

I was just sitting at IKEA with the family enjoying a light meal and I had some interesting thoughts. For starters...what a great place to people watch. It is kind of a international Mecca of home decor. Lots of languages and a great variety of people. I do love to people watch. It is interesting to observe the dynamics of different families. One lady had nothing positive to say about the place and another said she loved it and would come back a lot. I noticed that it is often the mom who gets everyone set up with drinks and napkins and ketchup for the hot dogs. One guy gave up a seat for his wife and mother and children (chivalry isn't dead.)

I also noticed that my family enjoyed this meal quite a bit. Pretty simple of hot dogs and chips and such. But our whole meal was less than a tip that we had left earlier in the day a brunch. We had a nice brunch with our neighbors at a local restaurant. Pretty good food on the buffet, but I knew that Tristen would never eat $7 worth of waffles and fruit.

I did find myself feeling overwhelmed in the giant home store. Watching the people file in to go up the escalator and stand in line for the bathrooms. Mobs of people. Lines of people. Crowds of people. I don't think I would make good decisions on my decorations in such a chaotic place. After Christmas crowds and all. But...I did enjoy the people show.

Wise Words for Moms

I noticed my kids were bickering the other day and it just wouldn't stop. One thing after another. I haven't done it in awhile, but I pulled out my Wise Words for Moms chart.

I picked this up a few years ago when I heard this lady speak at a conference. She encourages parents to deal with the root of the problem. Rather than disciplining for arguing, find out what is the root. In this case it was selfishness. Then we talk about putting off selfishness and putting on generosity and thinking of others. It was a great reminder to me to be patient in my parenting and really deal with the issue at hand.

I have such a passion for GOOD PARENTING. I believe it is worth the effort it takes to have enjoyable children. I believe that Mom's often don't get encouraged to keep up the efforts and hang in there. No one gets a pay check for this or even a performance appraisal.

This chart is a tool I have used and thought I would pass along the info. As with any book or speaker or anything, I don't agree with every idea, but I found some great information in it. I even bought her talks on CD and Chuck and I have listened to them and gained great insight.

So I am encouraging my 'blogging friends" to hang in there, good parenting is worth the effort it takes.

Highlights of the Day

We had a very nice Christmas. Very low key this year. Even so...I am still up wrapping gifts and making strata for breakfast past midnight on Christmas Eve. (When will I learn?) The girls enjoyed their gifts and the day was wonderful. Even went out and letterboxed that afternoon (another post to come).