Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

I love new beginnings, don't you?  This blog has a new name, a new background, and new tabs to more accurately reflect the blog's overall theme.  Check out the "Yearly Goals" tab to see how I am kicking off 2013. 

It was so nice today when the kids were able to get all their winter stuff on (helping each other and doing it without my assistance).  They had a blast playing in the snow and making a snow science museum.  I have no idea what a snow science museum is, only that my kids are having fun building one.:)

In light of my goals for 2013, I was the good Mommy and called them in for hot chocolate before their faces were too red.  Hubby gave me this idea the other night to make homemade mint hot chocolate; so easy and delicious.
  
   Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

   Step #1:  Gather the supplies (Andes mints- I got these crushed mints on sale at Aldi after
   Christmas for $1.30; they are usually quite a bit more- you could use whole Andes mints too.  You
   can crush up candy canes too although that is harder, literally).  Also you will need hot water,
   mugs, spoons, candy canes and hot cocoa mix.

  

   Step #2:  Boil water for the hot cocoa (I like the whimsy of using a teapot).

   
    Step #3:  Add mints to the bottom of the mug

   
  
   Step #4:  Pour hot water over mints and stir.

   Step #5:  Add your favorite hot cocoa mix and stir

  Step #6:  Add a candy cane if desired (careful because it cracks and breaks when the water is hot. 
  Make sure the drinkers know there may be large candy chunks in their drink before it melts).  You   
  can also use a candy cane for dipping too.  Let the drink cool some before you serve it, you can
  always add an ice cube.  Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles would be a fun add-on.

 

     Step #7:  Enjoy a cup for yourself and the smiling faces that think you are the best!
 

First Pinterest Party

I put this photo first, because you need grace for a Pinterest Party, grace for yourself, that things are not going to turn out perfect with your recipes or crafts and it is okay.  The point is that you try and you do and have fun with friends.

I had only tried a few things from Pinterest, but knowing the party was coming up, I was inspired to try more things.  Below is a description of each item with credit given to those who came up with it.

This is my adaptation of:

Lemon Quinoa Avocado Cilantro Chickpea Salad

thediva-dish.com 
http://thediva-dish.com/uncategorized/healthy-living-class-green-drinks-sweet-eats-and-salads/

 

(I didn't have quinoa so I used rice, didn't have fresh tomatoes, so I used canned.   I went a little too heavy on the garlic cloves, I would use less next time.  It is really flavorful and yummy)!

 

 

 

Here is my adaptation of the Pina Colada pops from:


http://therealityofskinny.tumblr.com/foodrecipes

I added vanilla yogurt and fresh coconut to the recipe and then put it inside the scraped out coconut and froze it.

The guests arrive- Anna and Abby.  They introduced me to Pinterest so it was fitting that we had our Pinterest Party together. 

I made these Andes Mint Cookies from my Dessert Pinterest Board. 


http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/04/andes-mint-cookies.html?showComment=1323739192245#c8874412180426553846

I used chopped Andes Mints (instead of whole) and mixed them into the dough...these are SO good.  I had to make another batch, since my family and I had eaten most of the first batch the night before.   I will be taking these to gatherings, so easy and delicious.

Anna made these yummy pretzel bites and cheese sauce for dipping.

www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/hot-pretzel-bites/2690b027-f62d-426c-9777-fb69ec754b66

   Abby made these good granola bars- healthy and great tasting!
http://www.anjasfood4thought.com/2010/04/banana-pecan-granola-bars.html

    Enjoying the yummy goodies!

Anna made the canvases and taught us how to do this craft.  We arranged the fabric petals on our own canvases.  Theirs turned out much cuter than mine, but this is where the grace comes in right?  Proud I did it, instead of just leaving it unmade on my Craft Board (can't locate who did this originially, repinned it from a friend's board).

Darling daughter and I tried these out the day before the party.  We found that sticky, puffy letters work best...while not the cutest font they were easier to manage than other flat stickers.  We used a bit of tape on the bottom of the candle so it would stand upright and added rocks around it.  Wide-mouthed jars work best too.  This idea was adapted from:

http://radicalcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-food-jar-recycling.html

So, there you have it; our first Pinterest Party!  Hope it is the first of many.  It was fun to provide a time and place to put feet to these projects.  None of us spent very much money and we enjoyed being together and getting creative.  I would love to hear and see what you have made from Pinterest! 

Check out "The Mom Creative" for a great blog article on using Pinterest.
 
www.themomcreative.com/2012/03/10-tips-for-using-pinterest-well.html

The Creative Cooking Stretch

As mentioned before I like to cook creatively- a little of this, a little of that, using leftovers to create new dishes...yes, I do have flops every once in awhile (used to have them more frequently but practice helps).  I am excited to share with you a creative cooking stretch that I just did that made two meals into four!  We can all benefit from stretching our meals and budget, right?!

Creamy Chicken Casserole
Cook enough rice to feed your family and a little bit more
Then add one large can of cream of chicken soup
1 large can of canned chicken (drained almost all the way)
1 cup of sour cream
Frozen peas (cooked), about a cup
Season with sea salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings
Mix together and put in a lightly greased baking dish
Crush a row of crackers and put them on top of the mixture (do not mix them in)
Melt 3-4 Tbsp. of unsalted butter and pour over crushed crackers
Bake on 350 for 25-30 minutes (make enough to have about 1/3 of the casserole leftover for another recipe)


Pizza Pasta Bake
Brown 1 lb. of hamburger (put 1/2 to 3/4 of the cooked beef in this recipe and save the rest for another) and season with seasonings listed below (minus the brown sugar)
Cook enough pasta to feed your family and a little bit more
Place pasta in a baking dish
Add pepperoni in with the pasta (mix it in)
Add 1/2 to 3/4 of the meat to the pasta
In a bowl mix 1 or 2 jars of pizza sauce and one large can of diced flavored tomatoes (undrained)
Add Italian and/or pizza seasonings, dried fennel, and dried or fresh basil, a bit of salt and  1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Pour mixture over pasta and mix
Add your favorite white cheese (shredded) to the top
Bake 20-25 minutes on 350 (save 1/3 to 1/2 of a pan for another recipe)

Serve with fresh or frozen green beans as a side (save several cups of beans for another recipe)


Baked Potato Soup
Prepare about 5-6 potatoes (boil them for about 15-20 minutes and then cut off skin and dice up the insides)
Melt 4 Tbsp. of unsalted butter over medium to low heat
Add fresh or dried chives to melted butter
Add 1 tsp. dill and 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper
Add 4 heaping Tbsp. flour and mix thoroughly
Add 4 cups of milk
Let it get thick and bubbly (watch closely)
Then add potatoes and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the base
After 5 minutes or so add the leftover creamy chicken casserole to the soup
Cook for about 10 minutes more (watch closely)
Serve with more shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top

Italian Garden Soup
Put about 6-8 cups of water in a big pot on medium heat
Add 2 tablespoons of beef base
Add a hearty amount of Italian seasonings, salt pepper, a bit of garlic, celery salt (season to your liking- the more the better)
Add 1 tbsp. cooking oil (whatever kind you have on hand)
Let broth heat up for about 10 minutes
Add leftover green beans, ground, beef, and pizza pasta bake to soup.
Stir and heat for about 20 minutes.

Serve with another row of crackers for dipping or topping.

So there you have it.  Cook two dinners and use the leftovers for two batches of soup, which could be used for two more lunches or dinners.  Most often your family doesn't realize they are eating leftovers because you have transformed them!:)  Let me know if you have questions and I would love to hear the ways you transform leftovers and stretch them creatively.

Giving thanks for The Nester, other blogs, and products...

I have enjoyed following The Nester, on www.thenester.com, I enjoy home decorating ideas and she provides fun inspiration. A few things I have gleaned thus far...bring the outside in and incorporate more white. I don't have white walls (since I enjoy colored walls so much), but I found some lovely white treasures at Goodwill the other day. I spotted a great vintage bright green vase I really wanted to get, but we decided not to, since nothing we have would match and it would require painting to make it match. So here are my inexpensive finds that add some "pop" to the house- thanks Nester!:)





The following is a piece of fabric from one of my sis-in-laws (that she is using to make Baby #4's quilt). It is a hopeful reminder of our child to come and adds some fun color to our plant's pot.




This frame was only $2.99 at Goodwill- it had a not so lovely oil painting in it...I popped it out and used it as a frame for our calendar. It helped jazz up the look of our calendar and now looks like a work of art (isn't that what the details of our life turn out to be when they are viewed all together- a masterpiece of grace designed by the Great Artist Himself)?!






Here is a special bird ornament I received this Christmas and my darling daughter found this nest outside on the ground.



A thank you to www.thekrazycouponlady.com for this great deal, 25 photo cards for $1.49 from Fujifilm, at www.seehere.com


Currently, my favorite local savings blog is www.savingaddiction.com, these ladies post the Meijer deals, which is where I shop, so it is really helpful.




Shown above are the four ingredients that we used (3 from Meijer) to make a smoothie recipe (that daughter found in the Mini Page). The strawberries were picked and frozen from a local fruit farm (fun to be enjoying this fruit in the winter). We made it on our new "Ninja" blender!

We tweaked the recipe and here is the magic combination:

Joyful Winter Smoothie
1 cup frozen peaches
1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup 100% fruit juice (we used Berry)
1 cup vanilla yogurt (we tried plain but it was not sweet enough)
(if it is not sweet enough for you try a bit of raw honey)
Blend and enjoy!

Lastly, is one of my new favorite hangouts (this store) and past times (drinking tea). Check it out at www.chocola-tea.com/! Daughter and I went out for their amazing Peanut Butter Pie and drank spiced plum herbal tea the other day. The pie is $3.99 for a slice, but it is so delicious (don't try and eat a piece on your own though- def. meant to be shared since it is so sweet). I found that if something has good enough quality you don't mind the price too much or the drive to get there. Hence, Rise n Roll Bakery, www.risenrollbakery.com (cinnamon caramel doughnuts- enough said).

Thankful for flavors

Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:
Wheat bread
Butter
Sea Salt
Pepper
Eggs
Cheese
Green Onions (optional)
Crumbled bacon or sausage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease muffin pan with butter
Roll out a piece of wheat bread with a rolling pin
Butter bread and put it in muffin hole (shape to fit)
Cook eggs until the yoke is almost firm (sea salt and pepper to taste)
Place egg on top of bread (in muffin hole)
Put onions and meat either on top of bread or on top of egg (your choice)
Place a square slice of cheese on top of egg
Bake about 15 minutes

Disclaimer: These are somewhat labor intensive, but fun and delicious too. Include your family in on the process to have more helping hands (one child could roll the bread and butter, another could assemble the meat and cheese while you cook the eggs).


French Bread with Fresh Herb Dipping Oil
This summer my friend Beth and I had fun preparing a snack, for the Family Camp ladies, with an Italian Theme. We bought sparkling juice and Meijer Gold juices (in various flavors) and then made dipping oils for french bread. We cut fresh rosemary, pineapple sage, regular sage, basil, and garlic chives from camp's garden and then added olive oil to them. We also added bread dipping seasonings to some. It was very easy, tasted good, and looked good too.


Try these additions to your next spaghetti night (juices and bread and dip); and watch them gobble it up!:)

Expecting and Expectations

"O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms. O how bright the path grows from day to day- leaning on the everlasting arms."
I was reminded several times recently that I am expecting! Yes, we are adopting, and no, we do not know for sure when we will be chosen by a birthmom, but, we are still "with child" (in heart) and expecting the arrival of a newborn. It feels good to be reminded of this and let myself celebrate that fact. We registered at Babies R Us the other day (please don't scold us if you think this was not wise or necessary- it was something we needed and wanted to do and was an important milestone in our preparation to welcome #4 into our family). Someone dear started making our baby's blanket the other day, I could have cried- how special and hopeful to us. There has been such an outpouring of support- prayers, fundraising, people asking us how we are doing and how things are going; thank you for walking this journey
with us and supporting us in it; it means so much.
We were thrilled to find out that a waiting family, we have met online, just welcomed their adopted daughter into the world- oh, she is cute! They have been waiting just a bit longer than us and it brought much joy and hope to hear they are now holding their 4th child in their arms.
Daughter and I decided to pack/stock our diaper bag today, just in case we get a call from the hospital anytime soon- wouldn't that be exciting and wild?! But, regardless we will need it anyway once baby arrives.
Along with expecting a baby comes "nesting". Today I organized our bathroom, linen closet, and schoolroom closet and it felt great. During my nesting session today, I came across some articles about Sarah Edwards (Jonathan Edwards' wife). I had been prompted to look her up again and it was quite timely that I found these articles. What a woman it sounds like she was- her greatest success was being a great wife and mom; what a valuable legacy! At the end of the research paper I was reading it said, "Sarah Edwards was not remembered because of her profound writings or her legacy-making preaching. Rather she is remembered as a model theologian who spoke not in words but deeds" (Morrison, 1998).
I want that to be true of me- that my largest "sermons" come from what I do and how I live my life, not just by what I say. It is easy to say the right thing, to challenge others, and to paint this flowery picture of my life...but I want people to be inspired by how I live, really live. I don't want there to be a disconnect between what I say (preach) and how I am living...when I see that in others and myself it is ugly for sure and puts a bad taste in people's mouth. I can say "be present and spend quality time with your kids"...but am I yelling at my kids and too preoccupied with my interests, aspirations, and life on the computer? Yes.
In 2 Corinthians Paul says, "If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message". Amen, I don't want to be praised for things that aren't really worked into my life. I want to be real, to not have a gap between my message and actually everyday life.
Today's Challenge: How do you spend your time? Do you live like Sarah Edwards, spending the best of yourself on those God has placed in front of you- your family? A wise friend once told me that I can have the greatest impact on society and for God's
Kingdom by raising our children well. And as we know, this is hard work! Sometimes I think moms of young children stay so busy with the "other things" (even good things) that they miss out on a lot with their children. I think some reasons this happens is: identity crisis, not really grieving the changes that motherhood brings (don't get me wrong there are fabulous things about being mom, but you do need to give up a lot to in order to gain), not wanting to face the hard things in motherhood (the whining, yelling, character flaws, sins, and weaknesses of our precious kiddos)-- it takes work to set schedules, and boundaries, and discipline consistently; but it is worth it, and it will be worth it! Let's not beat ourselves up with Mommy Guilt, but resolve to do the hard thing today- to love our families well. To lay aside selfishness and keep our husbands in mind and heart, to cuddle with our kids and pray with them; to talk more calmly and play with them.
Speaking of spending time with your family...here is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe for granola to make together.

4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats (Meijer Naturals Brand is what I use)
2 cups chopped Almonds (I use unsalted, or salted with sea salt)
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/2 cup raw honey or maple syrup (with no high fructose corn syrup)
I like to use a mixture of both of these (honey and maple syrup)

Mix the oats and almonds in a big bowl, then pour the melted butter with honey and/or syrup mixed in with it. Stir it all together. Bake in a lightly greased large glass plan in the oven on 300 degrees for 25 minutes, stir and then cook for 5 more minutes. Let granola cool and then place in an air tight container for up to a week. Trust me, you'll go through it quickly! You can add raisins when you serve it...eat as cereal or use as a yogurt topping. Yum!

Of carmel corn and angels

So, the other day Kale asked me to make caramel corn instead of regular popcorn. For sure! This recipe is so easy and quick. I adapted it from "Better Homes and Gardens" cookbook. -Pop 2 bags of microwave buttered popcorn, or make your own and lightly salt and butter it (sea salt and real unsalted butter). Grease a LARGE baking pan and put the popped popcorn in it.
-Over the stove, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 3/4 cup brown sugar and 3 tablespoons maple syrup.
-Cook and stir over med. heat until it boils- then cook it (without stirring for 5 minutes), watch it closely you don't want it to burn...turn it down if you need to.
-Remove from heat and add 1/4 tsp. of vanilla and 1/4 tsp.baking soda, stir and pour over popcorn, mix it to make sure it is all coated.
-Cook at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, then stir and cook for 5 minutes more. Cool and serve (store in a air tight container).


So the other day, we looked out the window and saw this:
Brooke said, "Mom, it looks like the angels are coming down Heaven!" I readily agreed, when I see light rays coming down from the sky it reminds me of the spiritual realm and how God is Creator, Lord, and King of Kings, majestic, holy and always present (even when I forget). This reminded me that God is the One who keeps us, is fighting for us...spiritual warfare is real. Just yesterday a friend reminded me to be mindful of the battle that is raging...the enemy was trying to trick me to focus on other people's attitudes/faults and hurtful behavior and get upset at them, instead of extending more grace and standing strong in the Lord. Satan is the one who hates us and wants to destroy us and he will use people to discourage us and get us down...but let's keep our eyes on Christ- He is our hope, shield, and defender. We can be free in Him! I am so glad I know the One who has won and will keep winning! "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things and because of Thy will they existed and were created." -Revelation 4:11

Autumn Aromas

Okay, so I don't think milkweed has much of a scent, but I just liked this photo and wanted to include it in the post. We had a great time celebrating Kale and Aunt Laura's birthdays this weekend (age 5 and 30 respectively). I still smile that Kale was born on my sis's birthday. I wasn't smiling much 5 years ago when I had 14 hours of intense back labor with him, but was so glad to meet him once he was born! This photo was taken at a disc golf course we all went too. It was so warm, no it was hot, and sunny- a lovely fall day!

The Birthday Duo amidst musty, dusty, crisp brown oak leaks that never seem to stop falling in my parents' yard (adult children convicted at how NOT hard we used to work to help with the continually raking). Endless fun jumping and swinging from strategically-placed hammock to awaiting and overflowing leaf pile. Coughing from leaf "fragrance"; precious moments with each other on the "day of rest" the sweetest perfume of (f)all. Uncle Kirk and Bro's g-friend Sarah also share b-days with these two.

Concord grapes are so fragrant! We had the joy of picking these at a local orchard nearby and turning them into grape juice; delicious. Reminded me of John 15 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who ABIDES in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing" (vs. 5) ABIDE....to remain, to stay. Are you abiding? Are you fighting the vine or fighting being attached to the vine? Do you want your own way, to call the shots, to produce your own fruit? I know my fruit was pretty stinky today....exasperation with the darlings, yelling to try to motivate obedience, trying to do too much, unrealistic expectations of myself and others, etc. Thank You God for grace, beautiful grace among my ugly sin; for redemption, for rest, for reminders all around of Your love.

A harvest of apples from a dear old 98 year old man and his son...made delicious applesauce (Courtlands, Jonathans, McIntosh apples). Fragrant old barn full of apples; inviting, nostalgic, welcoming. God asked me to go back a second day and ask the elderly man if he knew Jesus. Honestly, ashamedly, I didn't want to. Not because I didn't care about him and his salvation, but because I felt annoyed, embarrassed, frustrated; and also very convicted that I don't do these kind of things more often (telling others about the Savior). Oh what a sinner I am (the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak)! I changed my mind though and decided to obey...an opportunity to teach children (about sharing the good news and also about my weakness and struggle), opportunity to grow, opportunity to plant seed. Arrived at barn, old man not there, his son was...asked if they knew Jesus (he said "yes" his dad did and "more or less" he did). Shared how much Jesus loved him, simply, brief; tried to communicated His love and care. Thank You God for Your patience with us...help us to obey without tantrum; knowing that You are good and desire us to share Your good news with others- as You lead, even when it is uncomfortable at times. The apple barn experience was sweet, not as hard as I thought, brought joy- I've missed opportunities before, haunting; not this time, hopefully, not next time either.

Sweet & Spicy Taco Soup! A fall favorite for sure...confession, I am a creative cook (I am not a big fan of following recipes exactly- unless I am baking), I use what I have on hand and like to add my own portion of spices. Mind you, I have had some big blunders in the kitchen, but feel like for the most part my family is learning to be braver when I throw the word "Surprise" to the end of a dish (ex. Burrito Surprise for dinner last night- basically throwing together whatever I have (that makes sense) into a tortilla- last night it was drained pinto beans, chives from the yard, handful of spinach leaves, chopped green pepper, part of a can of chili verde (green) salsa, a bit of monterey jack cheese, taco-seasoned meat, dashes of hot sauce and a little sour cream. Top with more filling, taco sauce, salsa, and bit of cheese).








Now, back to the taco soup...
One 64 oz. can of Tomato Juice
One can of corn (drained)
2-3 cans of your favorite beans drained (black, dark red, red, garbanzo, pinto, etc.)
One can baked beans (drain just a bit then put it all in)

2 tablespoons brown sugar
One cup of your favorite salsa
One can diced tomatoes (or one large tomato cut up)
One pound seasoned taco meat cooked
Add some of the taco season to the meat also (however much you like)
(see picture above for my sis-in-law's homemade taco seasoning recipe)
Put in crock pot on low for 4 hours or so
Serve with shredded cheese, crushed up tortilla chips, and sour cream on top.

Zucchini Muffins make a great side with the soup or for dessert (or use corn bread for a delicious side). Two summers ago, as I read the following verses, I felt impressed to start building up a food supply in the summer, for the winter (freezing food, canning food, and buying extra canned goods to start an emergency/winter supply). "Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).
I admit I did not do much that first summer...but this summer we had a garden, made strawberry jam, grape juice, froze jam and applesauce, and froze veggies from the garden. A lot of work, but a lot of fun too! This muffins were made with some of the zucchini we froze from the garden. I use the recipe found in the traditional Better Homes and Garden cookbook. I used coconut oil (melted) instead of regular oil and a bit less sugar.

Savory Squash and Carrot Soup
This is how I made it today...
Few tablespoons of cooking oil (previously infused with fresh rosemary)
4-6 cups of water
3 tsp of beef base
Dashes of dried rosemary/thyme/sage spices, celery salt, marjoram, cumin, coriander, sea salt, pepper
Bits of fresh basil, sage, and rosemary
Chunks of 5-8 peeled carrots
One large cooked butternut squash cut up in chunks
Boil all ingredients on medium high for awhile, then run it through a blender. Soup will be like a puree. Serve as is or top with a sprig of fresh herb and/or sour cream.

Had to end with a few photos from our impromptu Fall photo shoot the other day. Anna joined the darlings and we had fun coming up with different poses and angles. I hope you are all having a fantastic Fall- hasn't it been beautiful?! May your Fall be fragrant with: wonderful and delicious aromas, an appreciation for God's bountiful blessings all around, opportunities to share His Good News, and thanksgiving for so great a salvation!



"But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings." -Hebrews 2:9-10