Dairy and Egg Free Baking!

My son is allergic to dairy, eggs and nuts.
I have been blessed to find so many recipes on blogs that I can revamp and make dairy and egg free without sacrificing taste. So I thought I would pass some of these yummy things on to you.

Giant Breakfast Cookies (original recipe from Heavenly Homemakers )
1 cup oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
½ cup soy milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups whole rolled oats
1 cup raisins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mix oil, honey, applesauce, salt, cinnamon, soda, vanilla and soy milk. Stir in flour and oats. Fold in raisins. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet (I cover my cookie sheets with parchment paper). Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool 3-4 minutes on cookie sheet before removing cookies to cool on a wire rack.
____________________________________________________________________
Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins (original recipe from My Recipe Collection)

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup soy milk
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup applesauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1cup frozen blueberries, do not thaw
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray, or place paper baking cup in each muffin cup. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

2. In large bowl, beat soy milk, oil, honey and applesauce with spoon. Stir in flours, baking powder and salt just until flours are moistened (batter will be lumpy). Gently fold in blueberries.

3. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (cups will be full). Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan.

Gratituesday- Faith of a Child

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Mark 10:15

Isn't it exciting when you watch your child's faith begin and grow? Quite often Hudson asks the adults in his life "Do you know God loves you?" This always brings a smile to my face and heart.

I also love listening to my son singing praises quietly. He often doesn't know I am listening, so there is no reason to put on a show. Just sing to Jesus all by himself.

So the thing I am grateful for this Tuesday is that I have a little reminder telling me to have faith like a child and to reach out to my Father in Heaven.

For more Gratituesday head on over to Heavenly Homemakers blog.

No Sew Tutu!

I can not sew to save my life. So I was really excited to come across this great tutorial on how to make a no sew tutu! It turned out so well. Of course when one makes a tutu for their 7 month old one must also have a photo shoot. So here are the pictures!

This picture is my favorite. It's so soft and pretty.

She's laughing here. Love it!

Quick pep talk from big brother.

The diva is DONE!!!

Baking Blunder

I had a baking blunder on Thursday afternoon. I thought I knew the recipe so well that I did not need to actually get out the book and read it. (I was making Mocha Cheese Cupcakes). So I proceeded to add and mix ingredients in the bowl.

Upon taking my creation out of the oven I noticed that the cream cheese part wasn't quite as set as usual. Hmm...I took out my recipe book and lo and behold I had put 1cup of sugar into the cream cheese instead of 1/3 cup of sugar.

Now they were still edible but not as nice as they would have been had I been sure to read the recipe while baking.

On to the life lesson the Holy Spirit whispered to me in this: How often do I pick up my bible and really read it? Sure I skim a chapter every night out of duty. I have scriptures memorized. I know the "rules" of how to be a good Christian.

God wants more. He wants us to abide in His word. He wants us to dive in and study it. He wants us to hide it in our heart (not just our memory). He wants us to make sure we are following His recipe for an abundant life.

Finer Things Friday- outdoor fashion

There are 2 things that make these pictures a finer thing.









The first is that it was actually warm enough for our family to go for a walk last night after supper. Our nostrils no longer freeze when we breath in and our toes aren't numb the second we step outside. Bliss.

The second finer thing about this picture is that my sweet Hudson is wearing his favorite things without a care as to the latest fashion trends. By choice he is wearing his most loved pilot hat and his Lightning McQueen jammies out in public. Oh to be free from the burden of image.

Definitely two of life's finer things. For more Finer Things Friday Head on over to Amy's Finer Things

Thursday Thirteen-organizing tips

Those of you who know me in real life and are reading this are probably thinking What! Sarah is handing out cleaning tips? That's a laugh. I am willing to admit that I am not the most organized and tidy person, but others have shared their wisdom with me and now I will pass it on to you.

1. Have a daily list- write it down. You are much more likely to actually do things that are written down. Some of the things on my list are: Make my bed, sweep the floor, wipe the bathroom sink...
Now you may think these things are obvious but for me it is very easy not to make the bed (whose going to see it anyway?) or neglect the floor (I have a baby and a preschooler it's just going to be dirty again in an hour or less). Plus crossing things off a list is so satisfying.

2. Clean in timed increments. It takes 10 minutes for me to unload the dishwasher in the morning. So while my kiddos are eating breakfast I can put away the dishes and have a place to put dirty dishes through the day so that my counters are less cluttered.

3. Seek out mini jobs that you can do while on the phone or waiting for the kettle to boil or what ever. I bet you can fold 10 towels while chatting with your mother.

4. This one is from Jennifer at Extreme Housewife: Have a lunch kit handy in your fridge so that you can put things in it for your husband or kid's lunch through out the day. That way you are not scrambling to make lunches after supper (during bath time and story reading and bedtime) or in the morning.
Note: When I suggested this to my husband he had the idea to have 2 lunch kits as he would be taking one to work and one would be at home.

5. Have a give away box that is handy to put things in as you come across them. I keep my box in the bottom of my pantry. When it is full I cart it off to the re-use shed at the dump or drop it off at our local thrift store.

6. Have a mail box by the door. Place a divider in it and have one side be for incoming mail and the other for out going. (Keep stamps in the outgoing side).

7. Cook when you have the time. You can make a casserole for supper during nap time and then pop it in the oven 1/2 an hour before you want to eat and have a hot meal ready for you without the chaos of dealing with entertaining children, browning meat, chopping vegetables... you get the idea :)

8. Prepare a menu for the week. There are several blogs out there that participate in Meal Plan Monday. So you really don't even have to make up your own menu. Go steal someone else's.

9. Enlist the help of your family. My 3 year old son has jobs to do in our house. They include putting away cutlery and plastic dishes from the dishwasher, putting away folded bibs, tea towels and dish clothes, and putting away his own laundry and toys. It may be more time consuming to have your tots work along side you, but it is so worth it to spend the time teaching and loving them.

10. Wipe down your garbage can every time you take out the trash. It will stay so much cleaner if you do.

11. Keep things simple. Have a basket for your kids toys to be tossed into at the end of the day, have 1 calendar to write down birthdays, appointments...etc. Don't get elaborate or it will be too much to keep up.

12. Cut yourself some slack. Sometimes there are more important things that a clean bath tub. If you don't tackle everything on your list today, there's always tomorrow.

13. Celebrate your accomplishments. You made your bed today, hooray! You finished a load of laundry, yahoo! Focus on what you DID get done and stay positive.

For more Thursday Thirteen go to Happy to Be at Home .
Or Click Here.

Why I Am So Thankful That We Homeschool

I don't usually post on Wednesdays because Wednesdays are my busy days. However I just can not keep this blog article a secret. Why I Am So Thankful That We Homeschool by Mrs. Robin Brookshire. Now as someone starting at the very beginning of her home school journey (calling) I soaked up all that this article had to say. It is so reassuring to see someone close the the end of homeschooling give reasons why it was so worth it. I love Mrs. Brookshires answer to socialization. How many moms of preschoolers out there are asked the question "So what programs is your child in?" Programs? Really should I be sending my 3 year old away from home to be taught by someone else? So hop on over to Like a Warm Cup of Coffee to take in this fantastic piece of writing.

Gratituesday- My Husband

Hold on to your hearts ladies! This is my hottie husband Craig.

Now before you get all flustered remember he is a married man! That picture was actually taken for a costume party. Craig does not really have a strange mustache.

In all seriousness I am so grateful that God chose me to be Craig's wife. I have had the privilege of watching my precious mate grow from an atheist, who once said to me "People who believe in God just don't understand science", to a disciple of Jesus who regularly points out scientific evidence of our Creator.

I am so blessed to be married to a man who takes seriously his calling to be head of our home. He is often found reading countless bible stories to our children or helping me with scripture memorization.

I am in awe that God loves me so much that He would give me Craig.
For more Gratituesday head over to Heavenly Homemakers



P.S. If Craig reads this I am probably in a bit of trouble for posting that picture of him :)

Spring Trees

This was not solely my idea. No Time for Flash Cards and Kate Miller over at Happy to Be at Home
each posted about similar crafts. Mine is a little different than each of these.
Materials:
1 sheet 8.5x11 card stock (I used pistachio green)
Brown tempura paint
Paint brush
1 small bowl of popcorn
white glue

Step 1: Paint the inside of your child's hand up to their elbow pit.









Step 2: With fingers spread stamp the painted hand onto the card stock









Step 3: Pop popcorn while waiting for the paint to dry








Step 4: Glue popcorn to the hand/tree trunk on the card stock









Step 5: Display your beautiful tree.

Ultimate Blog Party!

Welcome to those who have found their way here from 5M4M Ultimate Blog Party. Click on the banner above and join the fun if you found your way here by some other means.
Well let me introduce myself:
My name is Sarah and I created this blog recently because I have found very few home preschool blogs out there in blog world. (If you have a home preschool blog then leave me a comment and I will add you to my blogroll).
I have 2 sweet kids, Hudson who is 3 and Meadow who is 6 months old.

To get this party started I am going to give you my new favorite cupcake recipe:

Ingredients:
1 Chocolate cake mix
1 &1/2 blocks of cream cheese
1/3 cup of sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 325F. Prepare cake mix as per directions on the box.
Beat together cream cheese sugar egg and coffee. Spoon cake mix into cupcake papers until 1/2 full. Top with a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture. Place a milk chocolate melting wafer in the center if you so desire. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and enjoy!
(These are also great to freeze!)

3 Prizes I have my eye on are:
INTL 23 – Blog Makeover From Busy Mama Blog Designs
USC 26 — 10 $50.00 Gift Vouchers to Hatley
USC 58 — Handmade Retro Apron of your choice!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave a comment telling me who you are so I can check out your blog too!

Finer Things Friday- Sleeping in

This is Hudson on Wednesday morning. He slept until 9am. A number of things make this event so fine:
1. My daughter Meadow also slept in (because she was cozy snoozing beside me in my bed).
2. I also slept until 9am
3. I was able to get this angelic picture of my first born.
4. I am now able to share this bliss with all of you.

Visit Amy's Finer Things for More Finer Things Friday.

I've changed my name!

Same great blog! Just a new name that I think suits the content and my personality better.

Thursday Thirteen- Scriptures to Memorize

1. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

2. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 139:1

3.I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

4. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27

5. Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3

6. I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26

7. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
John 13:34-35

8.For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

9.For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

10. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Titus 2:3-5

11. Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:22-24

12. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13

13. This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13

Be sure to check out my give away
And for more Thursday Thirteen head to Happy To Be At Home

My Sweet Retro T-shirt (plus a fun give away)

I went on a mom's shopping trip on Monday night. Two of my favorite things were incorporated... sushi and thrift stores. So 4 moms and 1 baby (the baby being mine) headed to the big city. There we dined on tempura, spicy tuna rolls, udon noodles and bento boxes. The world's most amazing food really. Then we went treasure hunting.
I got 4 new shirts from the thrift store, but 1 just just makes my heart happy.
It's a retro McDonald's t-shirt with the whole gang on the front. You see I spent a good portion of my high school years working at McDonald's and this shirt brings back some really fun memories.
I love great finds like this.
To celebrate my very cool treasure I am having a little give away. Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite t-shirt and you could win 2 very cute retro look postcards. (contest ends March 22 at 9pm Pacific Time)

A Wee Bit o' St. Patrick's Fun

Oh what a joy it is to celebrate any occasion! Tonight for dinner we had "Green Supper" I decked out the table in green decor and prepared green food. I love doing things that my kids will remember fondly when they are older.
Our menu consisted of:
Leprechaun Chowder (Broccoli Soup)
Spinach dip and French bread
Lime Jello

Leprechaun Chowder Recipe
1 cup chopped ham
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large carrot grated
2 cups chicken soup stock
2 cups pureed broccoli
1cup frozen corn
1 1/2 cups Half and half cream
1/2 cup instant mashed potatoes

Fry ham and onions in the bottom of soup pot until onion is soft. Add grated carrot and fry for another 3-5 minutes. Add soup stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Add broccoli, corn and half and half. Heat but do not boil. Add instant mashed potatoes if the soup need thickening. Salt and pepper to taste.

Gratituesday- Green

Seeing as it is St Patrick's Day I am going to write about green. Now this might gross you out so if your gag reflex is extra sensitive... STOP HERE!!!
So the green that I am really thankful for today is... boogers. Yup that's right you heard me...boogers. Now it's really not so much the gross slimy greenness of the boogers that I am thankful for, it's the fact that my 3 year old son knows how to blow his nose. This makes booger season so much nicer. I no longer cringe when I hear "Mom! I've got boogers!" I calmly tell my pint sized sniffler to get some tissue and blow his nose. It's the simple things in life that really mean the most. For more Gratituesday head over to The Heavenly Homemakers

Cute Conversations

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Psalm127:3This is my 3 year old son Hudson. He will talk your ear off if you are his mom. I thought I would post today about some of the sweet conversations that my husband Craig and I have had with our boy.

Hudson (trying to get out of going to bed) : Mom! You forgot to take my socks off!
Me: Hudson, You're not wearing any socks
Hudson: Oh, Well my toes are really grumpy.

Craig (upon noticing that Hudson had gobbled up all of his cake): Did you save any cake for me?
Hudson: Umm yes
Craig: Where is it?
Hudson: Um... in mom's bowl

Craig: Hudson, it's time to use the toilet.
Hudson: Dad, that's not a kind way to treat your Hudson.

I love the chatter that permeates my days.

Finer Things Friday- Food Faces

Food face pictures. We all have them... whether they are of ourselves or our kids or even our grand kids (not that I have any of those). As adults we relish in the adorable little immature eater who just can't help but get their supper mashed onto their face, in there nose and through their hair. This would be a major etiquette breach in the adult world, but in kid world it so darn cute.
Here are a few pictures of my daughter Meadow. One eating carrots and the other beet. Bon Appetite! For more finer things head over to Amy's Finer Things

Thursday Thirteen- Things about me

Well this is my very first ever Thursday Thirteen post so I thought I would make it about me. (A little selfish but interesting none the less).
1. I am a self professed cheesaholic. I love most cheeses. My favorite are brie and really aged cheddar.
2. I used to wish I was a blond. However I have come to realize that blond hair with my very dark eyebrows would be a hideous combination.
3. My middle name is Louise (there now it's public).
4. I like my toes. I think they are dainty and cute.
5. I love my kid's toes. They are the sweetest most nibbly adorable toes God ever created.
6. I do not believe I have a foot fetish.
7. My very favorite food is sushi. I especially love tuna rolls.
8. I wish I had a closer relationship with my sisters.
9.I was a pageant princess in the year 2000. (It was a very small town pageant and there were only 5 other contestants). I got to wear pretty gowns and a crown.
10. I often am still in my pajamas when my husband gets home from work. I rarely get dressed unless I am going out or someone is coming to visit me.
11. I have hawk eyes (20/15 vision).
12. I have selective hearing to go along with my hawk eyes
13. I love to blog. I really didn't think that I would but I really really do!
Visit Happy to Be at Home for more Thirteen Things!

Confession

Well I have a confession...I had planned a unit study on, If You Give a Moose a Muffin, this week. However life got in the way. Somethings were great like Craig being home Monday and Tuesday so we could have some special unstructured time with daddy. Somethings were just the bumps of life. Next week there are 2 really fun events though. St Patrick's Day and the first day of spring YAY!