In the Kitchen & LIfe

I could easily spend my day in the kitchen; couldn't you?  There are the three meals a day to prepare and tidy up after, the time it takes to make things from scratch, and the investment of time to learn new things.  Yes, I could definitely just camp out in the kitchen!  I mentioned a couple posts back that we are eating different.  When we got home from Hawaii I was inspired by my friend, K'lyn {pictured below}.  I should mention that I was first appalled, I mean, c'mon, food is emotional, right?!  But after the initial shock, I was inspired, and challenged.  She is one of my everyday heroes. 

To make a long story shorter, we did the Paleo diet for a few months, and needed it.  I had become so addicted to sugar!  I had to have my chocolate after breakfast, Hot Tomales after lunch, ice cream after dinner.  Sheesh!  After the initial pain of cutting the sweets, it wasn't that hard.  I have found the more you eat the more you crave.  Hot T's don't even sound good.  I am reaching for dried fruit or making homemade ice cream for treats now- way healthier!  We've also greatly diminished our processed foods, really, you should see our pantry!  I love that we are eating more veggies.  I refer to Nourishing Traditions a lot.  My desire is to feed our family nutrient dense, nourishing foods.

The reality is, I can't spend my  w h o l e  day in the kitchen, so I keep it simple and try new recipes, foods and techniques as I can. 

I was quite pleased two weeks ago when I made: bone broth, Kombucha, soaked beans, cooked liver, and made an array of baby food.  I spent a lot of time in the kitchen that week.  It was an accomplishment to make those things in addition to everyday cooking.

Bone Broth for the freezer

Kombucha doing its thang

Kombucha bottled and ready to drink

Now for Life in Pictures.

A country walk with cousins. 

At the end of this year my parents will have 10 grand babies.

My family spoiled me with plants and flowers for Mother's Day.

I am having so much fun getting to know this new little person.

My Dad/Grampy:

Peyton laid out Colton's clothes like this one morning.  What a crack up!

The tribe dressed up to meet their new cousin.  My little brother had a baby girl, Emma Joy this week!  Congrats Patrick and Deb! 

I recently moved furniture around with my sis-in-law, so this is the living room right now. 

I will end this abruptly as our beautiful ballerina has her recital tonight. 

Time to get a move on!  Luvs~

On the farm

Well, hello, again!  These pictures are from over the weekend  and this week.

We put our garden in, and I think it will be the best one yet.

The view from the front of the house {crimson clover}:

A fun visit to the Saturday market with cousins:

Homemade ice cream Saturday night:

She picked this spot to do her math homework today.  She had the window open and it overlooks the garden. 

Chick chores this morning:

When I came back from the barn, a few of the chicks had new homes. :-)

Us

Would you believe this is us right now, a current post?  So excited!  This year has been full of changes.  Since February David has been busy with an extensive house remodel project replacing the interior trim, sanding all the doors, fixing up a gross bathroom, and tying up loose ends in the basement. With the exception of the kitchen, the house is beautiful and like new!  We've also revamped how we are eating, purged the house, got a new mini horse and chicks, kids are in t-ball, and I am part of a leadership team for the kid's ministry at church- just to name a few!  We are scheduled to be done with the school year May 10th, although we're planning to do a few things during the summer.

Most recent funny quotes from the kids:

Jules saw one of the workers climbing up on a grain bin and when I asked her who it was she told me,

"I don't know, probably John Wayne or somethin' ". 

Peyton was being goofy and said, "don't you love when my red cheeks are gleaming with laughter?".

Olivia told me she wished she had a rubber book to go in the shower.  Book worm!

The baby gained two teeth and she lost two.

Little farmer boy:

Picking out chicks:

I took this little cutie out to breakfast this week for a mama-daughter date. 

This is my sister Leah's little one, Hugh, making a run for Grampy across the busy farmyard in bare feet and nothing but a diaper.  Loved it!

David and my Dad training Olivia's horse, Sam:

Grammy {David's mom} has been coming on Fridays and does art with the kids.  It is such a nice couple of hours for me to get things done or go help at church.  Last Friday it was listening to a podcast on raising boys while catching up on ironing and having a cup of tea... bliss!

Part of our healthy eating is cod liver oil.  Trying to get it down the two-year-old is proving to be the most challenging.  I have ended up with it in my face twice now.  Oiy!

This little chubber starting eating solids a few weeks back.  Don't be jealous of our kitchen floors.  They are both vintage and distressed.

Fun times ahead! 

Nearly six months!

See the sweet little chick below?

This week he turns six months old, and on this 21st of April he was dedicated to Jesus.  What a celebration in heaven and on earth!  Time is truly flying by.  Days and weeks are gone.  Is it really almost May? 

I loved this motherhood quote as shared with me by a friend,

"Motherhood is raw and pure.  It is fierce and gentle.  It is up and down.  It is magic and madness.  Single days last forever and years fly by... Be gentle with yourself as you travel, dear mother.  Don't miss the scenery.  Don't miss conversation with your traveling companions.  Laugh at the bumps and say 'ooh , aah!' on the hairpin turns.  Buckle your seat belt.  You're a mom!"

~ Aviva Jill Romm

It was time for his nap, but he cooperated for a few pictures before his dedication. 
He is such a sweet little love bug. 

I love how proud his big brother looks.

My awesome, good-looking parents at lunch.

Of course we waited until after lunch when we were ready for naps and looking quite disheveled to get a family picture. ;-)

May we look into the eyes of our littles as we listen to them today, may we seek and see Jesus in everything we do!  And may the laundry please disappear.  Amen!

  All our love~