Our New Kitchen

Well, we are so close to having this kitchen done...I just can't resist posting some "almost final" picture. We are still missing a new stainless microwave above the stove, and I haven't painted the walls yet. We are also watching Craig's list for a piece of butcher block to install next to the stove. Otherwise, we're pretty much done...FINALLY!! (I included a few "before" pictures in case you can't remember...the 2nd + 4th pics are same view, the 3rd + 5th pics are almost the same view).

A Request from Ben

Translation: Ben's school has a Read-a-Thon every year for their fund raiser (which I think is a great idea since we avoid having to sell anything and it get the kids excited to read). Ben is looking for pledges from anyone who is willing. Please don't feel obligated in any way. He is likely to read about 60 minutes a week, and it lasts four weeks. You can pledge per minute, or just a flat amount.

JACK-O-LANTERN!

We've been anxiously watching this pumpkin ripen for at least two months. It's the first of what will be a bumper crop from our backyard this year. So, what do you do when a pumpkin is ripe the first week of September? Make a Jack-o-lantern...first one on the block! :-)

Vampire Blues

Yes...I have the vampire blues. Just finished the last in the series of Twilight books at 2 am this morning. Thank you Laura, Katelyn, and Heather for loaning me your copies (I hit up whoever was closest when I was ready for the next book). I thought the books were probably the best I've ever read. She describes each characters inner emotions so well, and that is what sucked me into the story...the characters! The problem now is that the books are over, and I enjoyed being lost in Forks, WA so much that I'm having withdrawal. Feels so strange to come back down to earth where my happy life is only a fraction as exciting as what Bella and Edward were living.

What will I do with myself now??? I know... laundry, dishes and everything else I was too preoccupied to get done this past week and a half. Spent way too much time on the couch! My compliments to Stephanie Meyer for keeping the books as clean as they were. It was a pleasure to read and not worry about something too graphic popping up in the middle of a great story.

Healthy Quick Mix

Here is my recipe for a homemade, healthy baking mix. We use this all the time for pancakes and muffins. I love it because I know exactly what's in it, and it's all good for my kids. The blue ingredients are optional...I add them for their great health benefits and the kids can't tell. You can find these in the baking isle in the specialty grains like Bob's Red Mill. I also add shredded carrots and zuchinni to the muffins. Even Ben eats them.

Healthy Quick Mix
8 cups flour: 3 whole wheat, 5 white
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups instant nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 c wheat germ
1/4 c bran
1/4 c flax meal
1/4 c dried egg powder
2/3 cup healthy oil (e.g. canola)

I use my Kitchen Aid mixer and blend all the dry ingredients, then slowly drizzle in the oil while it's mixing. This recipe just barely fits in the small size mixer. I usually make two batches at a time because we use it so quickly.

To make pancakes: 2 cups mix + 1-1/4 cup water
To make muffins: 2-1/2 cups mix + 1/3 c sugar + 1 egg + 1 cup water. 350 degrees, 25-30 minutes.