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Bless your little Bakin’ Heart!

March 3, 2008 by Laura 6 Comments

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I LOVE to bake.

I know…not everyone does…

But for me, it’s the most fun way to make my home a haven!

My friend Char tells me that everytime her husband walks into their house and smells something baking….he just starts grinning and his eyes get real big! What a perfectly easy way to make your man happy!

I LOVE it when my hubby gets home from work and says, “MMMMMmmmm! That smells SOOO good!”

And of course…the kids never mind it when Mama bakes. They’ll come running full speed into the kitchen and then slide on their socks to a skidding halt and say, “What are you MAKING?”

Baking is also a great way to bless your friends and neighbors.

I’ve gotten such a kick out of my cousin Jayme lately! Ever since she discovered my Soft Pretzel recipe…she’s been a Pretzel Princess…baking up batches and running all over the neighborhood delivering them to whoever gets there first…baking them for her daughter’s teacher….baking more for her own family. I LOVE it!!!

So, I say…make your home a haven by getting some flour in your hair and on your face…and start blessing others with some baking!! Your haven never smelled so good!

(Please use these great recipes as you make your home a haven!)

And now, I’m going to go make my haven smell like brownies with homemade chocolate chips!

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Justus’ Happy Birthday…

March 1, 2008 by Laura 3 Comments

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Ah, finally…two weeks after the big day…I’m finally getting around to telling you about Justus’ 8th birthday!!

I have some good excuses for being so late in doing this (although I can’t really remember what they are…)

Oh, one is that the night before his birthday…Justus got a fever. And didn’t even care anymore that the next day was his birthday.

And that’s saying a lot…since for the last 11.29 months, that’s all we’d been hearing about.

I’m very serious. We plan birthdays big time around here.

Justus even had his details planned down to the conversations he would have with his friends who came over for the sleepover…(Justus would say, “Okay guys, now that we’ve made dinner, I’m going to put it in the oven.” and his friends would say, “What? You mean your mom will put it in the oven?” and Justus would say, “No! I’m a professional chef. I put things in the oven all the time by myself. I know, it’s crazy, since I’m only eight…” and his friends would be amazed and impressed and look at each other as if to say, “I don’t believe it.”)

Oh yes, I listened to these such plans and “conversations” just about everytime Justus and I were in the kitchen together.

So, when he got a fever the night before and didn’t care about his birthday…well, we knew he was SICK.

So, we called off the party for the following night and put the little guy to bed.

The next morning, he felt quite a bit better…better enough to eat a little of his planned birthday breakfast…

As you can see, everyone else felt just fine eating the biscuits and gravy too…

And he felt better enough to open his presents.

He felt much better as the day went on…not better enough to clean the house…but better enough to blow out birthday candles on this cake. (Remember…the chocolate cheesecake that I didn’t eat…?)

See the candles in the shape of a “J” for Justus?! He’s so clever.

Fast-forward one week…

Everyone is healthy and ready to have a belated birthday party.

The friends show up…with sleeping bags…presents…appetites…and all the other things eight year old boys need for a sleep-over.

Oh, wait…that’s all eight year old boys need for a sleep-over. No clean socks or toothbrushes needed…

Using those things would take up precious nerf-gun fighting time.

They took a couple of moments to open presents…legos and a new cap gun….and PLENTY of caps….

(Well, I’m pretty sure the caps all got used in the van the next day when I took the boys home…there’s not a mailbox or a pole light left un-shot from here to there. And the windows were rolled up…and…

Oh, never mind…)

Okay, anyway…then (as planned) the boys made dinner themselves. Justus made this plan at Christmas after he got his Kid’s Cooking Kit. He picked out a recipe that he and his friends would make…Ham and Cheese Melts.

And make them they did…YUM!

Then, we had little Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes.
Um, they all got one of their own…. Please don’t look at that one little cake and think that I made them all share it.

(If I’ll let ’em shoot cap guns in an enclosed van, I’ll let ’em all have their own cheesecake. Just so I can have one this time!)

And then there was ball tag and more nerf gun wars and some hide and seek…and then some Play Station 2 before bed.

And then Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast.

And then more nerf gun wars.

And then more PS2.

Then more nerf-gun wars.

And to think…I only got hit with ONE nerf ball that whole time.

The next birthday around here is in June.

Oh yes, the plans are already underway….

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Happy Leap Day!

February 29, 2008 by Laura 4 Comments

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How are you going to celebrate this extra day that only comes around once every four years?

I’m gonna do four things:

1) Clean my house

2) Take a nap

3) Host an Amazing Leap Day Sale

and….(drum roll please…)

3) Reveal the all new and improved HeavenlyHomemakers Website!!!!!

Yep, that’s right! One day earlier than I said I would even!!

We gotter done!

Go take a gooooood loooonnnnnnnnnnng look around.

And come back and tell me what you think.

Anything you’d like to see but don’t see? (translation: have anything you want me to add so that the site is more helpful to you?)

Have any recipes or clever creations that I should add? Send them my way so I can look them over!

I’ll read all of your wonderful responses after I get up from my nap.

And, please give a warm round of applause to Char…who helped make all of this possible and who spent LOTS of time with me on this. Thank you!

Okay…now GO check out the site!!

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It All Adds Up

February 29, 2008 by Laura 2 Comments

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A couple of months ago, I began babysitting for two extra little ones.

Very part time.

I felt like it was something I could do to help out a little.

At first…I felt like I was working very hard for very little pay…and asked myself…is it worth it?

I certainly didn’t want it to take away from my own family’s needs.

Not for the tiny bit of extra income it provided.

But, now we’re into a nice little routine with it…and my kids take turns helping and playing and chasing the little ones. They are learning more ways to serve…

So that in and of itself has made it worth it.

The families that we are babysitting for have both voiced their satisfaction with the comfort they feel knowing their babies are safe in our care.

And, the amount that I get paid per hour? Well, it all adds up.

I can make that extra cash go a long way at the store.

And I feel so grateful that God always provides…even in these little ways.

It always adds up to big blessings.

More Frugal Fridays here!

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Healthy Treat for Today: Banana Cake

February 28, 2008 by Laura 23 Comments

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So, I told you I’d give you some amazing and deep insights into why I want to be like a banana. And I know you can hardly wait to read this and gain from my incredible deep- thinking thought.

So here it is.

I was looking at my bananas a few days ago…and watching as they turned darker and blacker and squishier and saggier.

And then I began to think through the life of a banana.

It starts out green…and it’s not very tasty.

Then it turns a beautiful yellow and it tastes good…it’s in it’s prime of life.

And then, it begins to lose it’s beauty…and slowly becomes darker and blacker and squishier…and saggier…

And as that happens…the banana just gets softer and sweeter…

And even more useful.

Because before, it was just a banana to be eaten.

Now, it is a super sweet banana that can be made into ALL kinds of things…banana bread, banana pancakes, banana smoothies, banana muffins…

And that’s when I decided that I wanted to be like a banana.

As I get older…I’m going to get age spots and get saggier…and all those fun things.

But, I also want to get sweeter and sweeter and be more and more useful to people.

I want to appreciate the older “bananas” around me who are “oh so sweet” and have “oh so much wisdom and usefulness”.

And I want to teach my children to appreciate them too.

Now when I see those bananas on my counter, instead of seeing the black, squishy sagginess of them…

I see that they truly are beautiful.

And THAT, my friends is my incredibly deep insight into why I want to be like a banana.

Here’s a great recipe to use with those beautiful squishy bananas!

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup rapadura or 3/4 cup honey
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 smashed over-ripe bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
1 stick butter, melted
1 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Mash bananas in a separate bowl. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients. Pour in mashed bananas and all other ingredients. Stir well (or beat with hand mixer).

Pour into a greased 9×9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese FrostingYum

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 ounces cream cheese
1 t. vanilla
4 T. honey

In a medium sized bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, vanilla and honey until smooth. Fold cream cheese mixture into whipped cream. “Slather” it on your banana cake.

Enjoy.

I’m going to go have myself a piece of cake…

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Thirteen Things I Thought…

February 27, 2008 by Laura 8 Comments

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Before I got married and had kids…

1. My kids would never throw a fit in a store.

2. I would never have cobwebs in my house.

3. My drawers and closets would always be organized.

4. I would never wear sweats to bed (and certainly not ones that don’t match!)

5. I would always be organized and have a to do list so that I can get everything done that I need to each day.

6. I would fix my hair every day and put on make-up. (make-up?)

7. I would never put my spit on my thumb to get food off of my child’s face.

8. I would always remember the birthdays of our extended family. (I’m lucky to remember the names of my immediate family.)

9. I would never yell at my kids.

10. I would never leave dirty dishes on the counter over night.

11. My kids would never wear clothes that don’t match.

12. I would not have picky eaters.

13. My kids would never have crusty noses.

(Um, before you go check out other Thursday Thirteen lists, can you hand me a kleenex so I can spit on it and wipe my little guy’s nose?)

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Pearl…Schmearl

February 27, 2008 by Laura 1 Comment

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Today the boys and I were discussing oysters.

Oh, it’s amazing the topics that can be covered in one day’s time.

The possibility of an oyster providing a pearl didn’t really offer much excitement around here.

(“What’s a pearl?” “For a necklace?!”)

Yeah, I could tell they were thinking of things far more “precious” than pearls.

So, I asked each of them…

“If you had some Gulf oysters….and you opened one up and found something precious…what would that precious thing be?”

And here’s what they said:

Asa (age 10): “Well, I’d like to say something like, ‘for everyone to be nice’ or ‘for everyone to know God’ or ‘for everyone to have everything they need’. But, if you want me to tell you an answer that’s a ‘thing’…I guess I’d have to say, ‘A $10,000 dollar bill.'”

Justus (age 8): “I can’t really think of anything.” Which translates to, “Maybe, could you stop asking me weird questions so that I can go back and play some more?”

Elias (age 6): “Hm…I’d like there to be a Wii in there…but that would have to be a REALLY big oyster!”

Malachi (age 3): “A GUITAR!” (gurtawr)

If you ask me (although no one did), I would have to say: “Springtime” or “A helpful little housekeeper” (wouldn’t that be cute?!).

Well, I guess we could all settle for a pearl…and then sell it on ebay?!

I’ve never eaten oyster (I live in Nebraska, you know…).

But we found some great oyster recipes at BeOysterAware.com just in case we ever come across any. They actually sound pretty good!

And we found out that you have to be careful with how their cooked, so you don’t get sick…cause no one wants Virio vulnificus lurking around on their oyster, now do they?

Now, we’re more oyster aware…and I can go dream about opening up an oyster and finding that cute little housekeeper…

Hope she does windows!

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Healthy Treat for Today: Coconut Macaroons

February 26, 2008 by Laura 16 Comments

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All these “natural sugar” treats are soooo working for me around here. They satisfy the sweet tooth…my kids love them…and I can feel good about us all eating them!

Here’s today’s recipe!

Coconut MacaroonsYum

4 egg whites
1/4 t. sea salt
1/2 t. vanilla
2 T. arrowroot powder
1/2 cup real maple syrup (grade B is best)
2 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut

Separate eggs…putting the whites in a mixing bowl and the yolks in the fridge for tomorrow’s breakfast!

Beat the whites and salt with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.

(I took this picture with my left hand while I beat my egg whites with my right hand. But, I’m not trying to brag or anything…)

Continue to beat and add vanilla, arrowroot powder and maple syrup, one at a time.

(I cannot brag about adding these ingredients and beating the egg whites and taking a picture all at the same time.)

(I mean, I could have… but I was too busy working on our taxes, practicing my latin skills and tayloring a new suit for my husband while I did this step. I simply cannot do everything at once.)

Fold in the coconut.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes….then turn the oven to 200 degrees for one hour to let them crisp up.

These little treasures are so delicious!

The hard part about making them is smelling them bake for a whole hour and a half….and not being able to eat them!

Ah, but your patience will pay off!

Enjoy!

Tomorrow’s natural sugar recipe will have something to do with bananas…as I have several around here who have seen better days.

I’m thinking…hmm…banana cake?!

I also plan to share with you some deep insights into why I hope to be like a banana someday.

Deep. Very deep insights.

Be sure to take a look at all of the great natural sugar treat recipes…and to keep coming back for more each day!

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Guess What?

February 26, 2008 by Laura 1 Comment

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Guess what I’ve been doing the last several days…and what’s been taking up many of my hours…and what has been exciting and frustrating and fun and crazy all at the same time?!?!

I’m re-doing my whole HeavenlyHomemakers website!!

It’s going to have a whole new look…and a whole new format!

I’m doing this so that it will be more user friendly for you…and so that it will be easier to maintain for me!

So, now you can get excited with me! It’s going to be great! I’m lovin’ the new look and I can’t wait to reveal it to you!

But…it’s not done yet…so you still have to wait….

Just a few more days…

March 1st is the big day!!!

In the meantime, just know that I’m furiously working on the website to get it ready by Saturday.

So, if my blogs are knot worded well, and if I don’t mak much cents win I’m righting, it’s because my brain is a little fried from all the new things I’m learning and all the things I’m trying to do on the site.

But, thanks to Char…my friend and amazing website designer…it’s coming together! (I keep asking her, “What do people do who have websites, but don’t have a Char? Who do they ask all their questions to?”)

Okay…get excited with me…the countdown begins!

And, just remember what I’m doing so that you’ll forgive me if I’m blogging in the next few days and fail to complete a senten

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Healthy Treat For Today: Smoothies

February 26, 2008 by Laura 23 Comments

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There really is no limit when it comes to smoothies.

smoothies

Yum

Whip out your blender and you can make them with just about any combination of ingredients:

Yogurt or kefir, berries, peaches, apples, bananas, juice, cream, milk…

How about spinach smoothies?

Yes, and they’re good too. Really. I’m not kidding.

I made myself one yesterday. Ain’t it purty?

Heather mentioned some smoothie suggestions a few weeks ago at the beginning of the NO SUGAR Plunge. Here are her great ideas:

The Ultimate Smoothie:
half a Banana
four to six frozen strawberries
half cup plain yogurt
half to one cup orange juice
one Tbsp Flax seeds (ground in coffee grinder)

In a blender add the banana, strawberries, yogurt, and orange juice. Blend until smooth. Add the flax seeds and whey, blend until evenly distributed. Pour in two glasses and enjoy! Makes 2 smoothies or cut ingredients for a solo one!

Change the fruits to make a whole new kind of smoothie.
Tropical- Fresh banana, frozen mango, pineapple juice
Very Berry– Fresh blueberries, frozen raspberries, pomegranate juice
Peachy Dreams– Fresh strawberries, frozen peaches, orange juice

Thanks, Heather for sending us those!

I really like mixing my homemade yogurt or kefir (kefir is a lot like yogurt, just a little runnier) and a variety of frozen fruits, a tiny bit of vanilla and a few drops of stevia to sweeten. Blend it up and you’ve got breakfast or a snack or a side dish at lunch.

And I know you’re dying to find out how I made my spinach smoothie…’cause you really want to hop right up and make one yourself!

It was a banana, and apple, a big handful of spinach leaves, about a half cup of water and a few drops of stevia. Trust me, it mostly tastes like banana and apple. You can use any kinds of greens – I just happened to have spinach on hand.

What do you put in your smoothies?

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