Idolizing your image

I can not remember a time when I wasn't worried about my body image. Ok, well, yes I can. I remember being in high school and being ok with myself, not really focused on other girls and women's bodies. But as soon as I graduated high school, I started to worry.
It started with realizing I needed to lose a little weight. So, I'd do some aerobic VHS tape, or some Kathy Smith Abs workout. A half an hour a day and be done. When I went to college for Photography my body awareness heightened. Girls that were taking the photography course that were also modeling made me really look at myself. I am 5'5" and I weighed, at the time, about 130. It wasn't bad, BUT celebrities and models were skinnier. At one point I only ate one meal a day! I stopped that habit after realizing I was - 1. hungry all the time, which 2. made me grouchy and 3. it wasn't healthy. So, I started working out. Doing VHS tapes, Yoga, weightless training.
I joined a gym and started going every day. Around this time I also started abusing laxatives. I always had digestive problems and was tired of dealing with it, and when the laxatives worked for me, I started using them every day. The bonus, at the time, to them was that I lost weight. A LOT of weight. In fact, I got myself down to 95 pounds. I was so thin that an old friend, who I hadn't seen in a while, said I looked sickly and said I needed to gain weight. I was able to get off the laxatives, after about 6 months or so of using them. But I was forever worried about my weight.
I was addicted to buying clothing. I loved clothes that made me look thin. I was always thinking about how my body looked and if I was the skinniest woman in the room. I used to spend whatever money I had on clothing.
I love food. Food was always a battle for me. Some days I'd eat good and in moderation , and some days I'd binge on junk. Food was a love/hate relationship.
But as I started reading the bible more, and as I started to open my heart to God and let him lead me to where I should be, I discovered something. The Lord made me see that this idolizing celebrities bodies, and my own image led to an empty existence. I was working for my body image every day, endlessly. Beauty fades. If that's all you work for in your life, what will you have when it's gone? Is it really THAT IMPORTANT to look like a celebrity? To be the skinniest or prettiest person in a room? How does that make the OTHER women in the room feel? It's not "real".
It has been a couple weeks now that I have NOT gone to the gym every day. I have started trying to work out at home half the time. I was starting to feel bad about putting my kids in the childcare. Leaving them in a daycare setting for an hour for my own body image. Seeing all the OTHER women there working out for hours. Some had plastic surgery. Some would leave their children for 2 hours a day to work on their "perfect body" image. Parents taking their obviously sick children to the gym, just to achieve this perfect image. It made me realize that we are idolizing ourselves.
Now, please, don't think that I am saying "forget working out, you don't need it". You do need it. This is NOT an invitation to let yourself go and let it all hang out. God gave you this body, you should take great care of it. Maybe being ok with yourself on you journey to a healthier you is what you need. Not saying "If I can lose X amount of weight, I'll be happy" or "I hate my body, I have to step it up and work out more".
I will still be working out everyday (though some of those days at home, to be with my children). Obsessing over it, though, is where I went wrong. It's where we all go wrong. I am trying to have a new attitude now. I will work out because I enjoy that routine. But if I don't get to it that day, I will not beat myself up. I will not worry "what if I get fat?", or "I have to fit in size 2 jeans forever". Once we make ourselves out to be so important, like everyone else cares how thin or fat we are, we put ourselves on a pedestal and we begin to idolize ourselves.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol” is an abbreviated form of one of the Ten Commandments which, according to the book of Deuteronomy, were spoken by God to Israel and then written on stone tablets by God himself

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought ~ Romans 12:3:

The Bible warns us not to think more highly than we ought. It does not forbid us to think highly of ourselves, but simply not to think more highly. The word “more” deals with quantity. The issue is not whether you should think well of yourself, but whether or not you have gone too far. Paul makes this clear in 2 Corinthians 10:14, “We are not going too far in our boasting.”

Peace to you

So Thankful for Him

We got quite a little bit of snow today, here in PA. The kids got out of school early, roads were bad, it snowed all day. I left one time, and it was a short distance. I vowed not to go out again!

My husband on the other hand, he left for work this morning at 6 am, like usual. It normally takes him 45 minutes to get to work. Today it took him almost 3 hours! And he did it without a thought. In fact, every morning he gets up, without questioning it, and leaves for work at 6 am to support us. I stay at home. I don't do rush hour. I don't have to be anywhere, most days, at any specific time.

I read in a book one time that said one big way our husbands show us they love us is by going to work every day. They leave the house, sometimes in the dark , sometimes in the cold , but they always go. Without question. They love us so much. They know that we NEED them to go to work for us. Especially us stay at home Moms. They work extra hard just so we can be home. And they love our children so much that they want what is best for them (which is us staying home with them). When you think about it, take the time to let it sink in, you really appreciate it 10 TIMES more! My husband left in the dark, in the snow, probably sliding half the way there....FOR ME. I am so thankful and grateful for him! And when he gets home I plan to make the house a warm and inviting place. I plan to have a hot dinner, that he enjoys, waiting for him. Happy kids that meet him at the door with a big giant hug. Maybe I'll pour him a beer or glass of wine to help him relax. He deserves it for doing all he does for his family. I love you!!

Peace!

Living A Simpler Life

Funny, after I made that post yesterday about the Amish and their simple way of life, I find this on my facebook today! - http://journeyintotheword.com/2011/01/seeking-the-simple-life/
Funny, God ALWAYS sends you what you need WHEN you need it!
1 Timothy 6:6-10
6 You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be happy with what you have. 7 We didn’t bring anything into the world. We can’t take anything out of it. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be happy with that. 9 People who want to get rich are tempted. They fall into a trap. They are tripped up by wanting many foolish and harmful things. Those who live like that are dragged down by what they do. They are destroyed and die. 10 Love for money causes all kinds of evil. Some people want to get rich. They have wandered away from the faith. They have wounded themselves with many sorrows.

Perfect accompaniment to my post yesterday! Check out Mark Brown's post at the above link. Peace!

The Amish

Over the weekend I saw a documentary on the Amish community. It really delved into their society, morals and their way of life. The Amish spend their whole lives focused on family. Everything they do is for, or involves their family. They spend their time as children working with and serving their Mother, Father and siblings. And as they get older they look to find a husband/wife to have a family with. When the children grow up, the parents turn the house over to them. In turn, the children build on to the existing house for their parents to reside in.
They do not go to college. Their schools consist of Reading, arithmetic, and writing. And any other education is God focused. Church services are 4 hours long, and the service is entirely in German!
They were talking about their farms and fields and crops. The one man said they have to carefully review a new piece of machinery before being able to approve and use it. He said "We have to make sure it will not change out daily lives, or our family". The man went on to say that they do not want machines to be too fast. They do not want too much mobility (like cars) because this creates stress and chaos. They want things simple. It may not be the easy way, but it's a less stressful way. It really made me think. Days when I can stay home and clean my house, bake and do chores, I feel so at peace! But the days I have to run to the grocery store, to the library, to the gym...all I want to do is GET HOME!! It makes so much sense, that the more mobile you are, the faster things go, the more stress and chaos you have in your life.
In order to live a (less) stress free life, you have to SLOW DOWN. Cut out the unnecessary things in your life. The craziness. Spend as much time as you can at home (your own little place that you have TOTAL control over). The more time spent at home, together with your family, without outside distractions, the happier your family unit (your own mini community) will be. The more at peace you all will feel.
The other thing the one young man said was that at home, men were not allowed to wear pockets on their shirts. Why? It's amazing really. Because if you have pockets, you can fill them with things. Nice trinkets that say "look at me. Look at what nice stuff I have!". It singles you out and makes other people possibly jealous. In the Amish community no one is to be better, above, singled out. You are supposed to all be equals. How much do we live our lives thinking about the Jones's. Trying to keep up. It's gotta make us happy right? WRONG! Think of how much energy and time is spent on what you could, should have, and not what you DO have. Imagine how HAPPY you would be if you didn't see the things your neighbors had. Or the commercials that tell you "You HAVE to have this". What about if we CHOOSE to ignore it? Not to be wanting to covet what our neighbors had? What about all the money we spend (that we don't have) on "things" and putting ourselves into debt?

let's look at some Bible verses on envy and jealousy -
Proverbs 21
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Galatians 6:4 ESV
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 ESV
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

what about living a simple life?
I love this one!!
Proverbs 15
A simple life in the Fear-of-God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches
So perfect in our world today!
Peace everyone!!

An article about "Me Time"

Today I read a post about Mommy "me time", and thought I'd share. You can read it on a blog called "joyful mothering" here - http://joyfulmothering.net/ . I recommend checking out for yourself!

I thought I'd add my own two cents on the subject. She Talked about how there seem to be 2 "me time" extremes. The "I deserve me time because I work so hard", or the "taking me time is a selfish thing to do" mindsets. She said she doesn't agree with either. And I agree with her. I've met women in my adulthood who thrive on "me time" and lots of it. Mainly going out without their husband or kids. Sometimes every week. It's not for me. It seems empty without my family. I personally feel I am getting me time when I am baking. I adore putting music on Pandora or itunes and doing my thing in the kitchen. I am also trying to do Yoga (to a DVD) in my living room. In both instances I am with my family, so I don't feel they are being sacrificed. But I am having "me time" right in the middle of it all. It doesn't have to be time away and alone from your family. But I do know that me time is an important thing. Even if it's baking, doing yoga, or even just blogging for a couple minutes. It's good for your kids to see you enjoying something too. As long as it's done in moderation.

Thank you to Christin, from Joyful Mothering for your inspiration today. Peace!

fat, shortening and butter - Oh No I didn't!

Yes, yes I did in fact! I tried this yummy recipe tonight I found on a fellow Christian mom/wife blog I follow. It was called caramelized green beans. Here's the recipe - http://homecookinginmontana.blogspot.com/2011/01/caramelized-green-beans-with.htmlmaking these green beans, maybe I can do something delectable with my potatoes too!". So I took regular white baking potatoes I had bought from the local farmers market and diced them thick. I took the chicken drippings (oh yes I did!) and drizzled them on the potatoes along with a tablespoon of butter (what a scandal!). I added a generous amount of salt and pepper and baked them for 1/2 hour at 425 degree heat. Oh man..they were too good for words. I love using meat drippings for cooking other foods. I have even used the meat drippings in place of butter! For Thanksgiving I took the Turkey "juices" and tossed fresh brussel sprouts in it. Added some salt and pepper and broiled them under low heat until the outside started turning brown and crispy. Amazing! Happy Cooking!

fabulous Choc. Chip cookies!

My mother knows how much I LOVE to cook and bake. She gave me this WONDERFUL cookbook that her mother gave HER when she got married. It's simply called "Betty Crocker's cookbook". The recipes are all old school, 50's style cooking and baking. Most of the baking recipes call for Crisco (gasp, it's just scandalous!). I used to be afraid of Crisco and lard and fat and all those wonderful things that make food taste so darn good! No longer am I afraid. I've gone to the dark side and I love it (come join us, we have cookies!). Anyways, I made chocolate chip cookies today from a recipe in the book (I usually use the recipe on the bag of Nestle chips) and they are OUT OF THIS WORLD! Here's the recipe. Note, they do not melt and spread all over the place, but stay in more of a thick rounded shape. They get crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside (just heavenly!).

Choc. Chip cookies

2/3 cup shortening (I used to be afraid to. Liberate yourself! Use the Crisco!!)

2/3 cup butter (I used salted) softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

1 bag choc. chips (I had Hershey's milk chocolate laying around, so that's what I used)

preheat oven to 357.

Make like you would any other cookie. Mix shortening, butter, vanilla and sugars and eggs together. Add the dry ingredients until well mixed. Add the choc. chips and Walla! You're done. Now I like bigger cookies. I have a cool pampered chef cookie scooper thingy and I always use that. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes.

They are gonna go fast, guaranteed!

Peace!

My plans and goals for 2011

My wonderful husband bought me this super cool book today! It's called "Country Wisdom and Know How" - http://www.amazon.com/Country-Wisdom-Know-How-Editors-Publishings/dp/1579123686/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295143513&sr=8-1 . I am so excited to delve into it! It looks like it will be a very valuable resource for me and my family in this upcoming year. Another thing I'd love to get is some of these DVDs - http://www.homestead-blessings.com/products.html/
I have decided this year to become as self sufficient as we possibly can. I would love to live a rural, farm life in our suburban neighborhood. How cool, right? I want to expand my little raised garden beds, adding 2 to 4 more. Growing all sorts of vegetables to store, freeze, cook, ect. I wouldn't mind learning the art of canning and preserving either. I have already started on my journey of making everything in my power from scratch. I make my own bread now, my own cheesy crackers, cookies, breakfast pastries and baked goods, pastas, ect. I plan to learn all I can about gardening and working my little land. I plan to work towards getting chickens. Having the kids experience raising them and taking care of them and collecting their eggs. I use a lot of eggs now that I am making everything from scratch. I want to teach my girls the home arts. Cooking, baking, sewing and the proper care of a house. I just want to be as self sufficient as I can be, and work the land we have, and life the best life I can. I want to put my all into making our house a warm home. I want to be present in every moment of my children's lives. And I want to be the best woman/ mother and wife I can be. A real Proverbs 31 woman! God has really been calling to me this winter. I always say when I pray to him "I am open to whatever it is you want and need me to do. Show me the way, and I will follow". I have always felt that being a Mom and wife and managing a home was a niche' of mine...but now I feel that God is showing me that THIS is my calling. And others may scoff at this. Say I am anti-feminist, or must be brainwashed. I don't care. This is where I feel my best. This is where I know in my heart that I belong. And I will follow him, where ever he leads me! Peace!

Loss - You are not alone!

I got this in my email today, and I know of a few people going through hardships right now. Funny how God corresponds to your needs, when you need it. This is for anyone going through loss or hardship. He is with you, holding you up. You can be sure of it!

Being seen and known
Luke 7:12-13: As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry" (NIV).

Although she did not call out to him, Jesus saw the widow who had lost her son. How wonderful to be seen by the Son of God! Not only did He see her, but this verse says His heart went out to her. He connected with her suffering.
What encouragement for us as parents. Jesus sees us, too, but not in a casual, indifferent way. He feels our pain and He knows our struggles. You can take comfort in knowing that as you walk the sometimes difficult and painful path of parenthood, His heart goes out to you as well. Remember that you are not alone. He is walking alongside you this very day.
You are known and loved by the Son of God.

Too often we feel alone when tragedy strikes. We feel that God has left us, or ignored us. Some people even turn their backs on God in response to a tragedy. But he understands. Jesus understands. Being tortured and crucified was a horrific way to die. Jesus knows suffering. God cares about us all and is always there for us in a time of need. We just need to reach out our hands to him, and he will grab a hold. God has gotten me through some very tough times in my life. The Lord never said there will be no suffering, even for Christians. There will always be suffering. But he can make the pain easier, and give us hope to move forward. Peace!

If you want to read another good article on Suffering and God, go here
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/01/what-gods-really-keeping-track-of-the-real-game-changer/

Mommy Tip Time!

OK, all you Mommies and Daddies out there, I have a tip for cleaning up around the house with kiddos! Today I decided to try and get my kids involved in my cleaning, so I could spend more time with them, and less time WISHING I could be with them instead.
First off we did the dishes together. I had my 3 year old help me "wash" in the sink next to me (we have a little double sink). He would wash, then hand them to me to "rinse" and we'd put them in the drying rack. We'd say "Order Up" and my 5 year old grabbed it and dried it. This actually worked and the dishes went pretty quick (and we played the whole while).
Next we made all of our beds. As we did, we had little contests. Laughing contests, crying contests and mad contests. Anything silly like that will work. Which lead up to the biggest contest, the prettiest bed contest. We all judges each other's beds (of course my son AND daughter tied in first..I got second.)
Last we cleaned up the toys in the living room, dining room and sun room. I set the timer and said that IF the house was cleaned within 3 minutes (it went fast) that anyone who helped would get 3 pieces of candy (yup, 3 whole pieces!!).
I'm thrilled to say this ALL worked and I didn't feel like I was missing them and I they were playing with me. Everyone won and everyone is happy! Give it a try and let me know if it works!

Habitual Joy

I saw this post on another (fellow Homemaker) blog and wanted to share. I know a couple Moms and friends who could use this post today. A word of encouragement, a word of Hope, a way to move forward. I think you know who you are, and this one's for you! xoxoxoxo
http://joyfulmothering.net/2011/01/12/habitual-joy/

Learning to see things in a new light

I have always hated the snow. I used to generally be a cold person most of my life, and so winter, I usually just stayed indoors. Even when I had my oldest child, I didn't enjoy being out in the snow. I would take her out for just a little bit, but be done pretty quickly.
As the years passed I would TRY and be out more when it snowed, but I still hated the cold. I would take the kids sledding, and have fun, but getting the motivation to go out was rough.
I've had some tragedies and bad times during the snowy winter months too. I remember when my father passed away 12 years ago, it was in January and it was so icy and cold that people were slipping all over at the cemetery, and the ground was too hard to bury him that day. I really viewed the snow and winter as a curse. Every time it snowed I thought of my father and his death. And I really just dreaded the time of year.
2 years ago my little brother passed (again in January) in winter. I remember how cold and dreary outside it was. We were afraid we wouldn't make it to his funeral, because it was a long drive and it was snowing a lot that day. Again, the snow - another symbol of death and sadness in my life.
But a strange thing happened. We had been going to our wonderful church for a couple years at this time and I had been learning to pray. I was going to ask God to help me be positive, and to make winter happy for me. I had decided that I was going to turn things around. I couldn't take the dread and sadness connected with the snow anymore. I was going to make the best of winter. I was going to go play with the kids, have snowball fights, laugh and then come in to the warmth. The first winter I did it! With God's help, I overcame this mindset and really made the best of my winter. In fact, we had the best winter we had in a long time! And last winter it snowed A LOT here. Hours upon hours of shoveling. Followed by snowball fights, sledding and hot chocolate.
This year as I was out in the snow, shoveling, I realized something. I no longer dread the snow! In fact, I sort of LIKE it! I enjoy shoveling. I enjoy seeing my kids delight in it's cold fluffiness. Building snowmen, snowball fights, and their beautiful laughter. And I see the beauty in the Lord's works now. I don't really think I would WANT to live somewhere where it never snowed.
Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to turn these sad memories into happy ones. Thank you for holding my hand through tough times, and giving me hope. Please help anyone else out there who is going through a tragedy of their own. Maybe perhaps winter brings sorrow to someone else as well. Help anyone who is reading this see the magic and beauty in your cold, white fluffy snow. Amen.

Virtues: The Blessings of Loving My Children

Virtues: The Blessings of Loving My Children this post reminded me of MY post the other day about loving and cherishing your children. Thanks to Hallee the Homemaker for all her inspiration!! Peace

Love & Marriage

Love & Marriage this is a very good artice on Marraige and what a marriage should not be. It's a shame that two people can get so far from the love they used to share. And how often this happens in life. Makes me very thankful for my marriage and the couples I know out there who are still in love (you know who you are!) Peace

A Happy Marriage

I was excited to see that the pastors from my church ( http://www.exeterlutherans.org/ ) are starting a course called "Dynamic Marriage". Now, I have a wonderful marriage. We really connect on every level, and are the best of friends. I am very aware that what WE have in our marriage is not overly common anymore. However, I think this course is great, because I feel no matter how good your marriage is, there is NEVER any harm in working to make it even BETTER!
So, the pastors listed the Benefits of a healthy marriage for men, women and children. I thought I'd list them for you. It's pretty interesting.
Children who have parents in a happy, healthy marriage are - more likely to attend college, more likely to succeed academically, be physically healthier, be emotionally healthier, less likely to use drugs or alcohol, less likely to commit delinquent behaviors, less likely to be victims of abuse, less likely to divorce when they are married, less likely to become pregnant as a teen.
Men who have happy healthy marriages are - likely to live longer, physically and emotionally healthier, wealthier, increase in stability of employment, less likely to commit violent crimes, less likely to commit suicide.
Women who have happy, healthy marriages are - emotionally and physically healthier, wealthier, better relationships with their children, less likely to be victims of abuse, less likely to commit suicide.
A Happy healthy marriage benefits everyone in the family unit. And there's always room for improvement.

it all slips away so fast!

I have learned, over the years, to treasure my children. I remember with my oldest, being anxious for her to make all the milestones as a baby. It couldn't' happen fast enough! I enjoyed my time with her, but always looked to the future. With my second and third I have learned that the time with them, as tiny kids, slips away so fast.
I am a stay at home mom. I am with my children all day, every day. My oldest and middle attend school (though that may be changing in the next year), but I am always with them when they are home. I have my days when I get annoyed, I do. But something has changed in me since really devoting my life to Christ. I don't let the annoyances rule me. In fact, I don't even let them get me upset anymore. My children are such a joy and the most wonderful gift God could ever give us. Kids will be imperfect, rowdy and energetic. It is in their nature. They are one big learning process and we need to shape them. We are their first, and ongoing teachers on how to live their lives. How to treat others. What values and morals to have. How to be a good person.
I know a few women who wish their children's childhoods away. Who let the little things that make children who they are, annoy them so much that it interferes with their lives with their children. It breaks my heart. Yelling screaming, punishing over little things,and constantly joking to others about how they want to give them away. Your children should never feel like they are a burden to you. Or a bad person for being a child (doing childish things)
We need to cherish every day with them. We need to take joy and pride in our daily work (even if the day is imperfect). Take joy for the Lord. And show your children to take joy in their lives and their work. It is what the Lord wants for us. Love those little kiddos unconditionally, like Jesus loves you (even if you don't deserve it). Love them, hug them and kiss them..even when they are misbehaving, or acting unlovable. God bless all you mothers out there!

Passing our wisdom to younger women

The aged woman likewise,that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given too much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be descreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed. ~ Titus 2:3-5

How to be the perfect wife

I wanted to share this today with you all. I follow a blog called "women living well"


She posted a video on youtube called how to be the perfect wife. She was inspired by proverbs 7:10-23. check out her video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33sqe4qowEo&feature=player_embedded. I feel very strongly about this subject as well, and I think a lot of women out there aren't getting it. They sadly lose touch with what their husband's need. I've read a few good books as well, that touch on these subjects. They are well worth reading! One is http://www.amazon.com/Women-Only-about-Inner-Lives/dp/1590523172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294409924&sr=8-1. This book has a lot of insight that is very valuable for us women to know! Another book that is great for husbands or wives is "The Love Dare". Whether you're struggling or absolutely blissful in your marriage, this is a great book to have!
I went to a seminar once on being the wife your husband needs you to be. And I learned a slew of wonderful new ideas. Example: how men would love us to do something they love with them, without talking. But one thing she said, that I will NEVER forget is this : "Be the woman you would want your son to marry." WOW! That was so thought provoking! Your sons will marry a woman according to how YOU treat YOUR husband and kids. Something to really ponder! Would you want your son to marry someone like yourself?

Thank you Lord!

I feel truly blessed today! It is snowing here in PA, and the kiddos have a 2 hour delay. That means my kindergartner has NO school, and I do NOT have to leave my house today! I plan on taking my kids out in the snow (shoveling for the exercise), and baking all day long! I'll throw a little cleaning in there for good measure too ;o).

I will make pizza for dinner with a homemade dough (super duper easy) http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/pizza-dough-recipe/index.html

My son got me a Giant cupcake mold for Christmas and I plan on making a yellow cake from scratch, and using the attachment to put chocolate pudding inside the cupcake! Kids also requested brownies..we shall see!

So, I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me this wonderful day at home to do what I truly enjoy (hanging with my kids, and cooking!!). Have a great day everyone!

cooking, baking and serving OH MY!

I decided that in 2011 I would take my love of cooking and baking to a whole new level. Let me first say I LOVE TO COOK AND BAKE! I mean love it! I could cook and bake all day! Give me an oven, cooking/baking supplies and a laptop playing an 80's pop on Pandora, and I'm in heaven! So, I decided to use my cooking as my hobbie. And to challenge myself to make EVERYTHING in my power. To not buy anything from the store that I think I can make at home. Since it's winter, the things I will still buy from the store will be meats, cheeses (let's face it, I can't possibly make better cheese than the stae of Wisconsin!), yogurts, fruits and vegetables (which I will grow over the summer..as much as I can) and eggs (will be getting chickens at some point too...so that is only temporary).
So far I have been making cookies to start. No more buying oreos or Chips Ahoy, when I can make any cookie out there! Next I found a recipe for ritz like crackers and made them. They were a hit! I will make donuts this weekend and bagels next week. My husband has requested soft pretzels. I am findin it so satisfying to to challenge myself like this. To know that I can be as self sufficient as I can be. I will be sharing the recipes I find so you too can try your hand at these easy and delicious foods!
Homemade ritz cracker recipe

http://homecookinginmontana.blogspot.com/2010/02/cheddar-crackersreminiscent-of-goldfish.html
Have fun baking!

Hello and Welcome!

It's a Blog Party!

Hello, and Welcome! What is a way back woman? Well, when I think of the term I think of Caroline Ingals (little house on the prairie). Who was Caroline Ingals? She was a strong woman. She stayed home and raised her kids. She cooked all the family meals. She watched over the kids school work. She did the wash. She even took up a job now and then to help the family out in hard times. She adored, respected and supported her husband at all times. And she was always there when you needed her. Really reminds me of a Proverbs 31 kinda gal. That's my kinda woman! This is who I strive to be. To serve my family and the Lord.
In our world today, There is a desire for titles, money, and material things. There is depression, crime and lack of morals. In this scary world, I want to be like Carolyn Ingals to my husband and kids. The Mom who is always there for her kids. Who is always ready to listen, and always ready to help. The wife who supports, respects and loves her husband unconditionally. Standing by him at all times, letting him be the head of the household and me the strength behind him. The woman who makes her household a warm and welcoming place.  Who makes her family a strong community. A family who works together, and respects one another and lives a Godly life. I'm not worried any longer about titles or status. About feminists and what societies ideas of a woman have become. I want to be who the Lord designed me to be. Who I am meant to be, and where it feels good to be! To fulfill my true calling. It may not be your calling, or her calling. We all have different callings. But it is my destiny. I have known this for many years!
You know what is a feminist in my opinion? A woman strong enough to choose to stay home, if she can. A woman confident enough to raise her children all day, every day. To make sure they turn out to be good, strong people that she can be proud of. To do the necessary chores at the house to make it a warm, safe haven for her family to come home to. To be in isolation most of her day cleaning and cooking. To give up this over rated title and status in the world to be the backbone of her family unit. The strength the holds up the family.To be the most important, sought after person in the house. To be the support to her husband. The woman behind the man. THAT my fellow women is a feminist to me. Let's take back our role as housewife and stay at home Mom with pride! Let's know we are raising well adjusted, happy children. Let's know our husbands are happy at home! Let's serve our family so that it flourishes. Let's serve the Lord, and teach our kids to live by his laws and word! Let's build a strong and moral generation of kids. We need to turn this broken world of ours around!

Proverbs 31
¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.