My Everyday Graces...

Homeschool Revised Part Deux

2012-02-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

So, in Homeschool Revised Part 1 I wrote about the fun stuff we added to our school week. Today I want to talk about where the professionals came in.

Though I studied French into college and feel comfortable instructing the boys for first year French, I am thrillled to have found a native French speaker to teach them. A friend of mine had found a French tutor and asked if we would be interested in joining them for French once a week. The boys are fortunate to have un homme français for an instructor, and I must admit some relief to have French off my plate.

Next, and as one with a BA in English Literature the irony is not lost on me, I found someone else to instruct the boys in writing. I'm so thankful for this decision! I don't have to do everything just because we homeschool. Truthfully, I was letting writing slide. I don't particularly care for the program that Tapestry of Grace provides.Personally, I found it difficult to implement due to a lack of clear instruction and accountability (my opinion).

I much prefer our new program, Shari Barrett's Put That in Writing; it is clear, concise and I love the daily instruction. I had emailed Mrs. Barrett, as she is local and offers some writing classes, alas she was not available but directed me to another woman who has taught the program for many years. Our new instructor is a delight and is so familiar with the subject and program that she is comfortable allowing the boys to whiz by or take more time on the various ideas in the book, as needed.

I think it is easy to put too much pressure on oneself when homeschooling... what a weight lifted to give away the preparation and teaching of French and writing!

Next time I'll post on some of our other curriculum shake ups... our writing book wasn't the only switcheroo.

À bientôt!
Heather
myeverydaygraces

Homeschool Revised Part 1

2012-02-05T23:31:00.001-08:00

The secret of getting started is breaking your [seemingly] complex overwhelming tasks
into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
- Mark Twain

That's pretty much how our homeschooling year started. In August I posted my formal curriculum reveal, or what I thought our schedule would look like; ha! Of course I expected that it would be tweaked here and there as we dove into our first year at home... I just didn't know what it would look like in the end.

Now, almost five months after starting school, I finally feel like we are in an agreeable, liveable place.

What has changed? Quite a bit really, but today I'll focus on the fun stuff.

First, I was incredibly blessed to find Rocker Man Dan, as my sons call him. He instructs Hayden in guitar and Reece in piano once a week. While the boys like him because he makes music fun and current, my favorite thing is that he comes to the house. Yep, you read that right; he comes to our house, hallelujah!!

Second, I just enrolled them in a Fine Arts Studio Class; so cool! They go to a small studio locally and get personal intstruction in the medium and subject of their choice- drawing or painting landscapes, sculpting faces and almost anything in between.

We are also studying Judges, Ruth and Samuel I and II this year through Community Bible Study, which has a large children's program that is fun for them. Meanwhile, I get to spend the morning with a great group of women, which is very fun for me!

I really look forward to all of these events each week, and I'm sure it's a nice break for the kids too.

Next time I'll write about what subjects I broke down and called in the professionals for. I'm not too proud:)

À bientôt!
Heather
myeverydaygraces

Literal wisdom, thank you CS Lewis, once again...

2012-02-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Do your children ever feel the thrill of living on the edge? Although I certainly don't want my children literally on the edge, I do feel it is important that they feel the exhiliration that comes with adventure and discovery. I want them to think they're pushing the limits.

So, while reading CS Lewis's Surprised by Joy, my heart gave a little flutter when I came upon the following:

I number it among my blessings that my father had no car, while yet most of my friends had, and sometimes took me for a drive. This meant that all these distant objects could be visited just enough to clothe them with memories and not impossible desires, while yet they remained ordinarily as inacccessible as the Moon.

The deadly power of rushing about wherever I pleased had not been given me.

I measured distances by the standard of man, man walking on his two feet, not by the standard of the internal combustion engine. I had not been allowed to deflower the very idea of distance; in return I possessed "infinte riches:" in what would have been to motorists "a little room."

The truest and most horrible claim made for modern transport is that it "annihilates space." It does. It annihilates one of the most glorious gifts we have been given. It is a vile inflation which lowers the value of distance, so that a modern boy travels a hundred miles with less sense of liberation and pilgrimage and adventure than his grandfather got from traveling ten. Of course if a man hates space and wants it to be annihilated, that is another matter. Why not creep into his coffin at once? There is little enough space there. (ch. 10)

I'm still chewing on this little piece of wisdom and how to broadly incorporate it into my family life. How have you created opportunities for thrilling discoveries in your children's lives?

Thanks for stopping by-
Heather
myeverydaygraces

No dairy? No eggs? No problem!

2012-01-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

I have discovered a most delicious treat! At least I thought I had discovered it, but when I checked it out online I see I am a few years behind the curve... oh well, my new love and I have finally connected and it is a very good thing.

Paired with my morning coffee, now doctored with Vanilla Soy Silk, it is a perfectly delightful way to start the day... ooey, gooey, cinnamon-y with just the right amount of sweet.

Made without any animal products, it's great for those off dairy and eggs. I'm not a huge fan of the name, but that's just me- in my head it's called "Cinn-Dawg".

It is made right here in Oregon at Dave's Bakery. I hope you are able to find some near you, but be forewarned~ it is deliciously addictive.

À bientôt!
Heather
myeverydaygraces

Moment of clarity...

2011-12-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

I had a brief moment of clarity the other day amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season.

Not only can I not do it all, I don't want to!

It doesn't matter if I don't have every Christmas decoration I own out in perfect display...it's okay if the family room floor is full of Legos...nobody's going to know if that one particular drawer in the kitchen is almost overflowing.

I am going to savor snuggling on the couch and reading Door in the Wall with my youngest.

I am going to find joy in listening to my oldest play his latest song on the guitar.

I am going to relish quiet time sipping mulled wine by the tree with my husband.

I am going to rejoice in the Glory and the Grace that is Christmas.

30 miles on two feet is a long, wonderful way...

2011-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

We had a marvelous time two weekends ago when we attempted to hike 42 miles around Mt. Hood, starting and ending at Timberline Lodge. It was the boys' first backpacking trip and the first one Bob and I have been on in about 7 years! Brave or silly? You can be the judge:)

The Hood to Coast Relay started on that same day. We said, "Bah! Anyone can run from Mt. Hood to the Coast!" and kept walking.

What goes up must come down... to the White River. That is some cold glacier water!

Pretty little crossing in the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area- Mitchell Creek.

I don't know why, but these flowers so reminded me of Dr. Seuss!

Wait, if we walk down there doesn't that mean we have to go up the other side? Yep!

Clark Creek... gotta love trekking poles!

Um, aren't those logs a little far apart? Now that's a little more like it!

It wasn't as bad as it looks... getting down to Newton Creek.

Time to set up camp... I think 12 miles is enough for one day!

Better than waking up to Foldgers I'd say! Day two...

The lady is fierce!

Well, some of us are still smiling:)

The snow crossings got a little old!

Mt. Rainier... a brutal beauty. Hiking Cooper Spur with Rainier to the right.

This became a familiar view... what can I say? I'm slow.

We ended up at Cloud Cap- one day before the wildfire that is still raging. We noticed the smoke that afternoon as we hiked back up towards Cooper Spur. Unfortunately, or maybe not, our next creek crossing was riskier than we were willing due to a major washout several years ago. We may have been turned back because of the fire anyway.

Day three... Cooper Spur, again.

Everyone got a turn filtering our water... good and cold!

Back into Meadows.

Day four... Good Morning White River! About 3 miles later we were in the car and on our way home.

The hike was everything I had hoped it would be, though I do hope that we can complete the loop someday. It will be interesting to see how the current wildfire changes the landscape of the mountain and trail.

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Bittersweet dreams...

2011-08-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

We are attempting the completion of a bittersweet dream this weekend. Ever since my brother's death in 2002 I have been looking forward to the day when the boys would be old enough to do a special family hike around Mt. Hood- now's the time.

I love this mountain... so did he.

It's more about the journey than the destination. I look forward to giving a full report next week.

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

So good- Blackberry Crumb Bar Recipe

2011-08-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

*So good they're worth a second post! I am making these for an upcoming camping extravaganza and thought I'd repost... enjoy!*

Not everything worth eating grows in the garden... here is something from the other side of the fence!

As I have mentioned before... I am so happy to have two boys who ~~enthusiastically~~ go out and pick whatever I ask them to (usually), and when I tell them I'm making Blackberry Crumb Bars, they really hop to it!

Right down the road we have a plethora of blackberry vines that I have been trying to take advantage of... free is a very good price, indeed.

This summer, in addition to blackberry jam, I have been making this delicious, and easy, Blackberry Crumb Bar recipe. Once you try it I think you may just simultaneously curse and bless me; yep, they are that good!

Ingredients

Preparing the mise en place is very enjoyable for me... I love the textures and colors of the ingredients.

Makes 16

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, and 1/2 cup (1 stick), room temperature, plus more for pan

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan

1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 containers (5 ounces each) blackberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides; butter and flour paper, tapping out excess.

Make topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; add 1 cup flour, and mix with a fork until large moist crumbs form. Refrigerate topping until ready to use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat room-temperature butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture. Spread batter evenly in pan; sprinkle with blackberries, then chilled topping.
Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Using paper overhang, lift cake onto a work surface; cut into 16 squares.

Delightfully tender and moist cake with berry bursts and a crunchy topping... are you printing the recipe yet?

Click here for a printable Blackberry Crumb Bar recipe.

water barefoot...

2011-08-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Life is full of simple pleasures...

which one have you discovered lately?

linking up to simple lives thursday.. and sweet shot tuesday

Chickens like zucchini...

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The time of year when you slink in and out of the house so your zucchini growing neighbor doesn't have a chance to catch you. You might draw the shades and keep the lights low to discourage the fateful grocery bag full of gargantuan green oblongs. Actually, perhaps it's time we think about what the poor zucchini grower goes through!

After only planting one plant last year and getting hardly any they may have thought ahead- you know, prepared. Instead of one plant maybe they planted three and now they're afraid to walk into the garden in the morning just in cased they missed one of those little 7 inch beauties... because if they did it is now at least 15 inches long with the radius to match!

Lucky for me chickens like zucchini!

Also, lucky for me, my family likes zucchini. And, we were particularly fond of this:

Carrot-Zucchini Bread with Candied Ginger

from Eating Local by Janet Fletcher

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray, for preparing the pan

3 c sifted unbleached all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp ground giner

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp kosher or sea salt

1/2 c minced candied ginger

3 large eggs

1 c canola oil

1 3/4 c sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 c carrots, grated large

1 c zucchini, grated large

Preheat the oven to 325F. Coat two 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 loaf pans with cooking spray.
Sift together the sifted flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder into a medium bowl. Stir in the salt and candied ginger.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until light and foamy. Add the canola oil, sugar, and vanilla, whisking vigorously until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the carrots and zucchini.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture all at once and stir with a wooden spoon just until blended. Divide batter between the 2 prepared pans.
Bake until the breads are well risen and firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool in the pans on a rack for 10 minutes, invert and finish cooling right side up on the rack.

click here for the printable Carrot-Zucchini Bread with Candied Ginger recipe

Now go forth, and be thankful for the zucchini...

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

linking up to:
the garden party, foodie friday, miz helen's full plate thursday

They call this school? Nature Journal II...

2011-08-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

The boys and I ventured out the other day in search of nature... snakes in particular.

(potential back to school photo:)

Why so glum?

Come on boys; let's go!

Hey, whoa, here's a little nature we can't resist! Pit stop for fresh blackberries...

Arriving upon our destination we crept slowly up to the old wooden board... shhhh, we're hunting snakes!

Eureka!

Did you know that the snake is the only animal that can swallow something bigger than itself? They have an extra bone where their jaw hinges and the bone in their lower jaw actually separates- open wide!

Do you see what we see?

What nature field trip wouldn't be complete without a little scat? Scroll over the photos to see what we found... come on, we've all seen worse:)

Do you think they're both coyote? I'm kinda thinking they are; I just liked the raccoon picture.

Thanks for joining us on our great nature adventure!

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

linking to The Not Back to School Blog Hop- see you there:)

Good Housekeeping

2011-08-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that keeping up with housework is one of my biggest challenges; I wouldn't try to deny it!

So last week I tried something new, sort of. In the past I had signed up with FlyLady.com to receive her daily emails suggesting areas in the home to clean... I'm not sure why that didn't work for me at the time.

Anyway, I signed up again last week, followed her daily plans, and it worked! I even got the kids involved in Monday's 10/7 program- that's taking 7 jobs and devoting 10 minutes to each of them... three people working made it a breeze.

Thanks to flylady.com I now have a super clean car, empty laundry baskets, and a clean kitchen. I really, really appreciate the way the tasks are divided up into an achievable list.

Do you need a little inspiration around the house? Or just a kick in the pants? Zip on over to flylady.com...

Try it... you'll like it:)

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

A Mother's Love Song

2011-08-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Something got me to thinking about Paul Simon's Father and Daughter song yesterday. It captures perfectly many of the feelings I have towards my children and is one I have sung to the boys often; of course, I have to change the lyrics up a bit.

I hope you enjoy it...

...i'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow... as long as one and one is two, there could never be a mother loves her boys as much as I love you...

What special songs does your family have?

Now what? Spicy Sesame Salad!

2011-08-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is the second installment of I grew it... now what?. I love this recipe! From the garden it includes: peas, broccoli, onion and garlic. Gorgeous ingredients ~ lovely supper.

This would be a great dinner for those of you caught up in the heat wave, especially if you have a burner on your grill to cook the noodles. My family also likes to grill up a little chicken to accompany the salad.

Spicy Sesame Salad
from Portland's Palate (really, who doesn't love a good Jr. League cookbook?)

1 lb thin spaghetti

Dressing:
1/2 c vegetable oil, divided
1/2 c sesame oil
1/3 c red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground ginger
3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
1/3 c soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced

1 carrot, shredded
1/2 c green onions, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
1/4 lb pea pods
1/3 c broccoli florets

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, place in serving bowl and toss with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

In a blender or food processor, combine vegetable oil through garlic and blend thoroughly.

Pour dressing over noodles and toss while noodles are still warm. Cool, add carrot through broccoli and toss. Refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight.

Click for the printable Spicy Sesame Salad Recipe.

Bon Appetit!

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Linking up to:
Foodie Friday
Full Plate Thursday

Hmmmm, apparently I am serving Gigantes Plaki in Palm Beach, FL

2011-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am always curious when I check my stats to see how people come to My Everyday Graces. Interestingly, a lot of people arrive here via Google Images. I am not sure how that works exactly, but I would love to be enlightened if anyone in blogland does:) I mean, who sorts all those photos anyway?

But I digress.

One image/post that brings a surprising number of folks my way is a post on making Gigantes/Gigandes Plaki, one of my favorite Greek dishes. You might notice the picture in the right column... I'll put it here to just in case you missed it:) I was sure to add my name to it this time.

So, the other night, for kicks and giggles, I searched "gigantes plaki" images to see what came up. Not only did I see the photo from my post, but I also saw a suspiciously similar photo on The Palm Beach Steakhouse's website... I might even call it an eerily similar photo... I might even call it the exact same photo! Yes, the website says, "A few specialties to celebrate our executive chef's Greek heritage," and then it has my beans on rotation with a couple of other dishes.

http://www.thepalmbeachsteakhouse.com/greek.html

What do you think? Should flattery get you anywhere? Everywhere?

Have you found that your photos have popped up unsuspectingly in cyberspace?

~Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Don't (just) thin those seedlings!

2011-08-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

It always pains me to thin and discard seedlings in the garden... it's like ripping out a little piece of myself (perhaps a little dramatic). After taking the time to prepare a bed, plant the seeds, water, etc. I find the whole thinning thing to be a little wasteful.

I much prefer to transplant whenever possible. After preparing the bed I do try to space the seedlings pretty evenly, but some seeds are so little that inevitably I end up with clumps of competing plants.

But enough with the chit chat- let's don the gloves, grab a shovel and get digging...

I usually try to wait for a little cooler weather... morning or evening is generally good, and I pick a day when I'll be home to water a few times if it gets warm.

Separate the seedlings and press into the newly prepared area. I only do a small shovel full at a time to prevent the roots from getting too dry. Once a row is planted water heavily; I watered three times for safe measure on the day I moved these seedlings.

I just about tripled my planting area by transplanting, and now, instead of getting leggy Romaine (who wants that?), I'll have nice, full heads of lettuce.

I also did this to my new spinach seedings and the radiccio.

How do you handle unruly seedings?

~Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

linking up to The Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage

Easing into our first homeschool year... (reposted)

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

The boys and I slipped quietly into school last week.

Concerned about the upcoming challenge of how to start homeschooling I went to work on a plan of action; start slowly, with few subjects, and a start date of August 1 (which just so happened to be a Monday!).

So what to start with?

The obvious first choice was the summer reading list from Tapestry of Grace. Hayden is reading The Ancient Celts (Calvert) and The Church in History (Kuiper), while Reece is reviewing Trial and Triumph (Hannula).

Next, I wanted to do something a little challenging, but still fun. I chose to have the boys work through The Fallacy Detective (Bluedorn) together. The book is 38 chapters, and they are doing two chapters a day, M-F, each being about 2-3 pages long. I am reading along with them and learning a bit myself! I think it will come in especially handy as we head into the thick of the political season.

Lastly, something enjoyable and creative was the goal. Nature journaling was the perfect selection! Armed with Anna Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study, we set off to observe and journal about the Robin's who had taken up residence in one of our apple trees. We spent time watching and answering the questions from the book before we illustrated our journals... I say we and our because I joined in the fun too.

The boys' first attempt at Nature Journaling... next up? Snakes!

My attempt at following the drawing guide in How to Keep a Naturalist's Notebook...

Are you doing anything to ease the "back to school" transition?

~Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Easing into our first homeschool year... (really)

2011-08-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

The boys and I slipped quietly into school last week.

The boys' first attempt at Nature Journaling... next up? Snakes!

My attempt at following the drawing guide in How to Keep a Naturalist's Notebook...

Are you doing anything to ease the "back to school" transition?

~Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Chicken fun~

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, Gertie, get a load of the beak on that chicken!

Darlin' that ain't no chicken!

Drat! Sadie's plans are foiled once again!

Thanks for stopping by.
Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

I grew it... now what? Chicken Cabbage Salad!

2011-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

I love to plant things in the garden... it's just that I don't always know what to do with it all after it has grown. Thankfully, this old family favorite is a triple whammy; it calls for peas, cabbage and onion. And, it's one of our favorite summer dinners.

Chicken Cabbage Salad

from The Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook (you know, the red checks)

1 3-ounce package ramen noodles (discard or save seasoning packet for another recipe)

1/4 cup slivered or sliced almonds

2 tbsp. sesame seeds

3 cups shredded Napa or green cabbage (1/2 of a 1 lb. head)

2 cups chopped chicken (we grilled ours, but leftover rotisserie chicken works fab!)

1 cup pea pods, halved crosswise

1/4 cup sliced green onions (or whatever is in the garden)

1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper (or orange, or yellow- I'm easy)

3 tbsp. salad oil

2 tbsp. white wine vinegar or rice vinegar (I use seasoned rice vinegar)

2 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil (optional)

Break up noodles; place on a baking sheet with the almonds and sesame seeds. Bake at 350F for 5-8 minutes or until golden, stirring once.
In a large salad bowl place cabbage, chicken, pea pods, green onions, and sweet pepper; toss to combine.
For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine salad oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and, if desired, sesame oil. Cover and shake well. Pour over cabbage mixture. Add toasted noodle mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

linked up to Foodie Friday

My formal curriculum reveal... 6th and 8th grades

2011-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

The decisions have been made and the books have been purchased... gulp! Wow, who knew what a difficult thing it would be to personally select the curriculum for my two boys. Difficult and exciting! I poured over websites, catalogs, books and more books, and picked the brains of friends and strangers (thank you fellow bloggers!). In the interest of full disclosure, my boys have both been enrolled in a classical Christian school until now:)

So now, I must say I have really gone and done it... for better or for worse... Here is my final answer:

Tapestry of Grace Year 2- the Medieval Period to 1800- for both 6th and 8th grade. I must say, as an English Lit. major I am pretty enthused about the subject matter. I chose TOG because of the ability to teach both the upper grammar and dialectic from the same curriculum. I am pretty committed to the classical model of education and this was a big plus.

The TOG program includes literature, history, theology, art, writing, geography, government and philosophy (I think the last two are more rhetoric level).

our year at a glance...

Math-
6th- Horizons 6
8th- Harold Jacobs Elementary Algebra
Fun Friday Math- Family Math or Life of Fred

Both the boys have used Math U-see and my older son did Prentice Hall Pre-Algebra last year. I must say that the Jacobs book looks right up my liberal arts leaning son's alley!

Science-
6th- Apologia Anatomy and Physiology... lots of cool "try this" sections!
8th- Apologia Physical Science

I am also hoping to do some nature journaling à la Anna Comstock; we have been studying the Robins and their babies this week.

just about the cutest thing ever

Language-
We won't be studying Latin... there, I said it!

What we will be doing is BJU French 1 for both 6th and 8th. I studied 3 years of French in college, and though I don't remember much off hand, I think I am competent enough to see them through their first year or two of class.

Spelling-
6th and 8th- Spelling Power... I'll give it a whirl:)

Logic-
8th- Introductory Logic

Grammar-
6th- Rod and Staff 6

I have been using Homeschool Classifieds to help with book costs. I scored big with the Harold Jacobs and the BJU French 1, yippee!

I have yet to find anyone in my area of Oregon doing TOG year 2 but would like to meet some others, the sooner the better:)

As I look over my stocked bookshelves I feel excited, confident, nervous, and a whole bundle of other things. I am really looking forward to getting to know my boys on another level... I just hope they like me at the end of it:)

However, it should be duly noted that summer ain't over yet!

sleeping under the stars... doesn't get much better!

Thanks for stopping by!
Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Joining

A real woman...

2011-07-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a friend's facebook post and think it's too good not to share.

A real woman always keeps her house clean and organized, the laundry basket is always empty. She's always well dressed, hair done. She never swears, behaves gracefully in all situations and all circumstances. She has more than enough patience to take care of her family, always has a smile on her lips, and a kind word for everyone.

Post this as your status if you, too, suspect that you might be a man.

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Helloooo... is this thing on?

2011-05-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, you know you've been gone awhile when everything looks different upon your return; Blogger has been busy! I haven't exactly gone anywhere; I just haven't been here.

I would love to say I have been fabulously busy doing fabulously amazing things (like you all have been doing). Alas, I have merely been puttering around here... selecting next years curriculum, trying to work in the garden between showers (eh-hem, you do know I mean rain showers:), driving boys to school and lacrosse, etc. The mundane things that make up a life. Oh! And retrieving about 24 eggs a day from the lovelies.

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and say I hope to be seeing a lot more of you in the near future!

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

A bit of beauty in my inbox...

2011-03-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

It is blustery out! I'm talking sheets of rain, people... sideways sheets of rain. The wind is howling, the skies are grey and the drops are huge- Ah, Oregon:)

But, I had this lovely little image in my inbox this morning... a promise of things to come~

magnificent dahlias*

What a lovely little bit of encouragement, wouldn't you agree?

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

*photo from White Flower Farm

Gardens of delight...

2011-03-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

I'd been spending some time today writing a post about what I've been up to the last week or so, when I came upon this little collage I created awhile back.

Wouldn't a child love to have any of these things in their yard? A fairy garden perhaps? A working toy train? A special hobbit hideaway?

These are all areas within The Children's Garden at The Oregon Garden outside of Salem. I think they are marvelous examples of ways to delight the imagination.

Thanks for stopping by! Linking up to the Tuesday Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage.

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce~ no heavy cream!

2011-03-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

In which I share my Grand Finale, because baby, this is good! Hot, thick, chocolatey and homemade...

After my eggless, butterful recipe for disaster last week, I opted for simplicity and familiarity. Though I have never made hot fudge before, I think it just might become a staple around here!
If you need me I'll be at the gym; a lot!

In the interest of healthy eating (of course!), I bought some Frozen Vanilla Yogurt to use for our sundae. We like to slice a banana for a base and then add some chopped walnuts to top it off.

After one recipe a week for a month, Fine Cooking Chocolate and I are ending on a beautiful note. Make some of this ooey, gooey yumminess soon! And let me know if you do:)

Thanks for stopping by... I have narrowed down my personal challenge cookbook selection for March to two books... I'll reveal my final selection tomorrow! One thing is for sure- It is all about the Irish!

Bon Appetit!

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Mocha Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies... Um, not so much, thanks...

2011-02-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

I was convinced these cookies would be the best thing since sliced bread... how could they not be? I mean coffee and chocolate... let's get real here.

So, it really pains me to say, especially after 3 sticks of butter, that I cannot, in good conscience, recommend these cookies.

This was my third recipe out of Fine Cooking Chocolate. If you are new here, I have undertaken a personal cookbook/magazine challenge you can read about here. The Port-Glazed Brownies and the Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches were fabulous; how could I have known?

How could something that sounded so right go so wrong? The flavor of the cookies is not the issue; they are quite tasty. I think the problem lies in the fact that there are no eggs in the recipe and it calls for 3 sticks of butter. They were flat and greasy... I guess when the recipe said to lay paper towels on the cooling rack I should have gotten a clue??

I'll not post the recipe, but if you are interested you can find it here if you belong to the Fine Cooking website and here if you don't. I did leave Fine Cooking a little review and saw that I was not the first disappointed customer.

In short, I think if I used my regular Guittard or Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe and added the instant espresso and cinnamon I would be quite content!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

ps. for the record... I took 34 pictures of these cookies:)

Little Lovely or Chicken Little?

2011-02-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

One comment that seems to be recurring around here is "More lovelies, please!"

So, being the pleaser that I am, I went out to capture one on film (chip?). This one is most curious... always running up and peering at the camera. As you can see she had just finished having a little drink.

The babies have started to lay and we are now retrieving up to 9 eggs a day. I expect it to rise to around 24 a day by March!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Linking up to Sweet Shot Tuesday at my3boybarians.

Oh, and thanks so much for your comments on my How to be a better blogger post! I am savoring them and will be doing a compilation post soon:)

How to be a better blogger... what do you think?

2011-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

So, I have been blogging for a little over a year now and have had a great time doing so. I am truly amazed at what a powerful tool the blogging world is for women. Whether we are looking for craft ideas, dinner recipes, solace, friendships, how to's (you name it) it may be found in Blogland.

My Tilly

Anyway, my thoughts lately have been on how to be a better blogger.

I would really appreciate learning:

How do you keep up with the blogs you follow? Do you read them in google reader? How often do you comment? Do you expect a response to a comment? How long do you devote to reading other blogs?
How do you keep up with the readers of your blog? Do you respond to every comment? Should each comment be responded to? How long do you devote to your readers?
How do you keep up with your blog posts? How often do you post? Do you have a schedule? How much time do you spend posting?
Anything else you may feel is important to consider:)

I am really looking forward to reading what you have to say; I feel like Tilly when I read comments:)

Heather
myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Quite possibly the Best Peanut Butter Cookies... ever! And a little more me trivia...

2011-02-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

In keeping with my new goal of picking a cookbook/magazine a month and making a recipe a week from it, I figured why not stay with the magazine that brought me those fabulous Port Ganache Glazed Brownies last week?! Kind of a no brainer, wouldn't you agree?

This magazine was an impulse buy at Costco a few months ago... you can understand, can't you?

Trivia alert: I have loved Friday Night Lights since its first season and am a little bummed out that the hubs and I watched the final episode last week! TV won't be the same.

Next up on my recipe challenge... Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies. I really do need to warn you... don't make these unless you have neighbors nearby or are going to a party! I would feel really badly if you were forced to eat all of the cookies this recipe makes; they are sinful, and yet, somehow, they feel so right.

This photo is from Fine Cooking... I thought it was beautiful, and quite frankly, the cookies I made were gone before I could take a photograph!

Trivia alert: When I hear (come on) Eileen or (Miss) American Pie on the radio I sit in the car until it is over... even if I am at my destination.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies

For the cookies:

6 oz. (1-1/3 cups) all-purpose flour

2 oz. (2/3 cup) cake flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

6 oz. (12 Tbs.) unsalted butter, completely softened at room temperature

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

For the filling:

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

3 Tbs. heavy cream

1/4 cup coarsely chopped roasted unsalted peanuts

1/4 cup coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate, or mini semisweet chocolate chips

To make the cookies

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. In a medium bowl, sift together the two flours, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg; continue creaming until smooth and fluffy, about 3 min. with an electric mixer (longer by hand). Stir in the flour mixture by hand just until it's incorporated; don't overmix or the cookies will be tough. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter, spaced about 2 inches apart, onto the lined baking sheets. With floured fingers, flatten each dab of batter into a 2-inch round. Bake until the cookies are puffed and golden, 12 to 14 min., rotating the baking sheets if needed for even baking. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.

Trivia alert: I attended Total Body Conditioning at the gym yesterday (for the first time in ages) and am having trouble walking today... thankfully my typing fingers still work:)

Thanks for stopping by! Linking up to Foodie Friday and I'm Lovin' It.

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Garden Dreamin'

2011-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

I've been starting to dream about this year's garden and the word potager keeps coming to mind... a potager looks like an informal kitchen garden, but a lot of thought and planning goes into planting beds that overflow with vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits.

And then, as if for added motivation, this video came through on my google reader today; I thought you might enjoy a peek. It is Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of one of my favorite cookbooks... From the Cook's Garden.

I posted about her Vegetable and Cheddar Quiche last summer...

And her Rhubarb Struesel Coffee Cake is a must during rhubarb season! Sorry, we ate it before I could get a photo:)

Leigh over at 5 Acres and a Dream told me that Parisienne Farmgirl is hosting a potager how to... I am headed over there now to get more inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heather

myeverydaygraces.blogspot.com

Stylish Blogger Award- What you don't know about me...

2011-02-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

I received a very nice gift this week. My bloggy friend, and real life friend and neighbor, Petie over at Inspired Nesting, gave me a Stylish Blog Award! Little ol' me? I certainly don't feel too stylish in my chicken muck boots and baseball cap, but I'll gratefully play along:) Thanks so much, Petie!

There are a few "rules" about accepting the award... acknowledge the person who awarded me, list 7 things people don't know about me and select a certain number of blogs to pass the award to. But the rules didn't say anything about how I am supposed to accomplish those two things... so I am going to do it mmyyyyy waayyyy (imagine Frank Sinatra here)!

The first thing you probably don't know because I've never talked about it on my blog is that I have a thing for glass! Oh, do I love me some pretty glass... wine glasses, water glasses, bar glasses- you get where I'm going with this.

The second thing you don't know about me, because I have been afraid to say this out loud, is that I am going to homeschool my boys next year. Yikes! Really though, I am super excited about it. I have been studying curriculum like mad and have found so many great, great programs, and I know it will be hard to choose between them.

Okay, last one of the day.

The third thing about me, which I may have shared before on this blog, is that I am a cookbook/food magazine junkie. The problem with my cookbook collection is that I don't use it! At least not often enough. So, I'd like to go ahead and commit to choosing one cookbook/magazine a month and preparing one dish a week from it, which of course I will post here to share with all of you:)

Now, as for passing on the Stylish Blog Award to others... I have really thought about this and have decided that I would like to give the award to three of my earliest and sweetest bloggy friends. These ladies have emailed me when the posts are far and few between, just to make sure everything was ok, and they are always encouraging. The first round of Stylish Blogger Awards goes to:

Sherri B. @ Little House in Paradise - A fellow chickeneer and gardener who hosts lovely giveaways in her own personal style.
Pogonip @ Meadowsweet Cottage- Another chicken wrangler and gardener (I'm detecting a theme here:) who always has a kind word on her blog and a kind comment on mine.
Sunny @ Sunny's Life In Rehab- A wannabe chicken lady (she lives vicariously through mine:) who is always good for a chuckle as she rebuilds her vintage Florida home that she affectionately calls Chateau Flambeau because of a destructive house fire a couple of years ago.

If you stop by for a visit tell them Heather at My Everyday Graces says hello.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Modern Country Style Garden Party...

2011-02-08T23:03:00.000-08:00

With spring creeping just around the bend is there a better time to dream of gardens past and future? Bundle up; let's go outside shall we?

Imagine you're in Paris (I know it's a stretch:).

You are walking along narrow streets with tightly knit houses when suddenly you turn a corner and see this.

Isn't it divine? Smack in the heart of Paris... I think it is one of the loveliest gardens I've ever seen, and I want one of my own, s'il vous plait.

How about these smart little Parisian gardens...

Right here in my own backyard I often enjoy morning coffee while strolling the paths and visiting the flowers...

and afternoon happy hour is celebrated right here...

But now, as I look out the window at the drab February landscape *sigh*... Oh? What do I see? The Hellebores have awoke from their slumber!

The garden season has begun anew.

I do hope we'll find another one of these.

What is happening in your garden?

Linking up to:
An Oregon Cottage- Tuesday Garden Party

C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.

2011-02-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

What would you say if I told you that I had to take 23 pictures of this brownie in order to get one shot that I am (fairly) comfortable showing to the world (or at least to those of you who visit my corner of it)? Maybe you'd say, "Wow, this girl needs help," or perhaps you'd say, "I do that all the time". Sadly, I really do do this every. time. I. post. But, my camera and I are slowly becoming acquainted! So here is my Sweet Shot of the day and recipe of the week.

Big Girl Brownies

Port Ganache Glazed Brownies with Dried Cherries

Naturally these brownies aren't for everyone... they really only appeal to those who appreciate very rich, very moist, very chocolaty desserts:). Proceed with the recipe at your own risk!

Port Ganache Glazed Brownies with Dried Cherries

For the port-soaked dried cherries:

1/2 cup dried cherries, very coarsely chopped (or whole dried cranberries)
1/3 cup tawny port

For the brownies: 8 oz. (1 cup) unsalted butter; more softened butter for the pan
3 oz. (2/3 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for the pan
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. table salt

For the port-ganache topping: 1/2 cup tawny port
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

Soak the cherries:In a small saucepan, bring the cherries and port to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Make the brownies:Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350° F. Butter and flour a 9-inch-square metal baking pan, tapping out the excess flour.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk or stir in the sugar, follwoed by all four of the eggs and the vanilla. Stir in the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, starting slowly to keep the ingredients from flyin gout of the pan and stirring more vigorously as you go. Stir until the batter is smooth and uniform, about 1 minute. If you're using the port-soaked cherries, stir them in at this time, along with any remaining liquid from the saucepan.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it so it fills the pan evenly. Bake until a toothpick or a skewer inserted 3/4 inch into the center of the brownies comes out with just a few moist clumps clinging to it, about 40 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a rack.

Make the topping:In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the port to a boil. Boil until the port is reduced to 2 Tbs., 3 to 6 minutes. Pour it into a small cup or bowl. Thoroughly rinse the pan. Bring the heavy cream to a boil in the pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the chopped chocolate and reduced port until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is melted.
Pour the ganache into a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Put the bowl in a cool part of the kitchen and let the ganache cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. When it's cool, spread it evenly over the cooled brownies and give the ganache about an hour to set (it will still be quite soft and gooey). Cut into 16 squares. Keep the brownies at room temperature, well wrapped. You can freeze them, too.

Linking up to:

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Foodie Friday

Jim Vogel- Time, Travelers, and Model T's

2011-02-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

I just received the press release for my brother-in-law's next art show in Scottsdale, AZ. Seriously, if you are in the area you should go! The artist reception is Thursday, February 17th, 7-9 pm.

The painting on the postcard is actually framed by a 1940's Coupe Door Frame- the ultimate in upcycling.

This piece is at Bluerain Gallery in Sante Fe, NM; framed in a 1930's era Crosley radio cabinet.

Sorry people, this one is sold. But isn't the frame gorgeous? My very talented sister-in-law creates wonderful salvaged metal frames for Jim's work.

Also at the Bluerain Gallery in Sante Fe... I think this piece is my favorite. I can just imagine myself cruising down the road mesmerized by the incredible scenery. And look at how the door mimics the mountains with those perfectly placed dents... sheer perfection!

If you are intrigued and would like to see more of Jim's work, including his amazing series on John Henry and the Railway, click on Bluerain Gallery- Jim Vogel or any of the photos on this page.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip to the southwest... thanks for stopping by!

This is the Stuff that Drives me Crazy...

2011-02-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

Heard this in the car this morning and instantly loved it! Of course, I'm partial to anyone who can rock a Ukulele...
The chorus?

In the middle of my little mess,

I forget how big I'm blessed...

It might not be just what I'd chose,

but this is the stuff You use...

Need a little pick me up? Go ahead, give it a spin.

I am lovin' this gentle reminder not to sweat the small stuff so I'm linking up to:

Tidy Mom's I'm Lovin' It

Your (not so?) humble opinions please...

2011-02-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be part of a very unique blog hop. Gail @My Repurposed Life and MeganDVD @ Beauty in the Attempt are hosting “The Bold and the Beautiful-your blog reviewed”.

Please take a look around my blog, check out the layout, pages, buttons, sidebar and gadgets. I would love for you to gently critique my blog.

It would be great if you could give me constructive criticism, but be sure to tell me what you like about my blog too!

Do you like my pictures?
Does my blog load quickly for you?
How about the font?
All tips and tidbits welcome!

You are welcome to join the party, it starts Thursday night and is open for a week.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

1985 Bathroom Revamp...

2011-01-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

I know that to many bloggers out there two weeks before Christmas is the perfect time to undertake a bathroom redo. I mean, we were only having 24 people over for Christmas Eve... what else was I going to spend my time on?

The patient: A 1985 bathroom with formica counters, creamy yellowish sink, massive wall mirror and brass fixtures.

The cure: Dramatic wallpaper, tumbled stone counter, new bronze faucet and white sink, new mirror, a little bling for the cabinets and a little spray paint!

I didn't get a photo of the mirror, formica or the brass light fixture (bad blogger, shame on me:)

The formica was vanilla cream color and the old brass light fixture is now spray painted bronze.

I didn't care for the oak cabinets and at one point thought about painting them, but when it all came together the oak kind of disappeared for me. I bought some pretty little crystal knobs and was completely sold.

Switched out all fixtures for pretty oil rubbed bronze ones. Commissioned some art from my personal artist, aka school painting by my son.

I love, love this faucet! I was worried about dripping, dirty, soapy hands (I have two boys) reaching across the tile for soap, but then I found this great bathroom faucet that has a soap dispenser included, much like a kitchen faucet. Eureka!

A cozy guest bath that feels more like a furnished room is what I was after, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Thanks for stopping by!

linking up to

Whipperberry's Friday Flair

Boring to Better @ Savvy Southern Style

Metamorphosis Monday

Making the World Cuter

Transformation Thursdays @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

Do you Wordle? Tell me about it!

2011-01-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Even though wordle.net has been around for a long time I still get caught up every time I visit. I have tried putting lots of different things in, like poetry or blog posts, but today I just tried entering in my blog's URL.

Here is my blog as seen through Wordle:

I would love for you to go over and give it a whirl. Do you think Wordle has your blog pegged? Are you surprised by any of the words? I would love to see what you came up with, so let me know if you post one on your blog, please.

Go to www.wordle.net and enter your blog URL to see what they come up with. On my computer I saved the image as a pdf to my iphotos... not sure how that works on a pc. Then I went into iphoto and cropped the photo down and uploaded it to blogger. Piece of cake:)

I also tried it where I emailed it to myself as a pdf and then sent it over to my photos to crop and download it to blogger. I was unable to save it to my computer without turning it into a pdf, which I could then turn into a jpeg.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up to Tater Tots and Jello's Weekend Wrap Up.

How gorgeous is this??? I want it!

2011-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

One of my little pillows was in an Etsy treasury yesterday with this gorgeous piece!! Don't ask me what Furry Beaver Tooth Fairy Pillows have to do with 1960's Hollywood Regency Style... I don't know. What I do know is that this is a whole lot of fabulous!

photo from Fabulous Mess

A girl's gotta have dreams! Head over to Fabulous Mess on Etsy to see more.

Thanks for stopping by...

I found a book series that my 13 year old and I both enjoyed...

2011-01-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

My eldest son is a voracious reader. Being an old (figuratively speaking, of course:) English literature major myself, I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. I enjoy going to the library and checking books out for him... you might say it is a bit of a control thing, but in a good way.

So, when I saw a series with Shakespeare in the title I couldn't resist. He breezed right through them, and I am working on finishing the last one. They are quite enjoyable and give a good account of life during Shakespeare's time. I also enjoyed the way the author wrote some of the story in a Shakespearean way, but for kids... a great introduction. The books move along quickly and have some suspense.

The series of three is by Gary Blackwood, and the books are:

Click on any of the books to go to Amazon and learn more. Oh, and I don't get any $ for this:)

I'd love to hear what you think if you check them out. I think they'd be good anywhere from 10/11 years and up.

Do you have any must reads for boys in middle school?

One of these things is not like the others...

2011-01-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

One of our Ameraucana hens just started laying the most beautiful eggs.

Don't you think it is more fun to cook with lovely ingredients?

linking to Sweet Shot Tuesday at My3Boybarians
Mingle Monday at AddAPinch

A little Valentine's fun...

2011-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

In keeping with resolution #1 I have been having fun in the sewing room.

Here is an easy and fun way to present a gift.

Measure for a wine bottle or whatever you'd like to give and cut fabric.

Pick something fun to embellish the bag and stitch it onto one side of the fabric.

Put right sides together and sew (only 3 sides mind you:).

Turn right side out.

Voila!

Thanks for stopping by...

linking to Sew Cute Tuesday @ Creative Itch

Craftastic @ Sew Can Do

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Chaotic or Creative?

2011-01-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolution #1- Spend more time here...

Chicken Check-in

2011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I realize it has been awhile since I shared any chicken news... and I know I have some chicken fans out there:) I am still enjoying the girls; they are a real hoot. Let's get on with it, shall we?

Gary leading the some of the ladies out for their morning constitutional.

This little hen just started laying... good girl!

One of the original layers... she likes to sit in the nest box all day.

I think she'll make a good mama hen.

A youngster, or perhaps I should call her a spring chicken? She'll start laying early spring (I hope:)

Hey now... it looks like, whoa, how did he get in here? Gary has some competition.

So far they seem to get along. Anyone with multiple rooster experience?

I have no idea what kind of chickens these last two are, so please leave a comment if you can fill me in.

And, we just had a record 5 egg day recently (woot, woot!); not too bad for 6 layers in the winter, eh?

Thanks for stopping by.

Calling all Etsy Shopkeepers

2011-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

I just love this idea from Thy Hand Hath Provided; she has graciously created an Etsy Mini link on her sidebar featuring items from her readers. I would love to do the same if anyone will take me up on it. It will look something like this:

(I was excited to have my Pink and Green Christmas stocking featured in this treasury:)

Please let me know you are a My Everyday Graces reader and list the link to your Etsy shop in the comment section below. I am looking forward to spending some time getting to know you and your wares a little better.

If you don't have an Etsy shop but sell your items elsewhere please let me know that too.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year to me:)

2011-01-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled that my Fuzzy Tailed Squirrel Pillow was featured in this adorable Etsy treasury...

Aren't the house shoes and acorn tassel hat darling? What's your favorite?

Happy New Year!

Thanks for stopping by...

Live from my iPhone (sort of)...

2010-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful

but the fire is so delightful

so if we've no place to go...

Let it snow, snow, snow!

Happy New Year, and may you be richly blessed in 2011!

Public service announcement! Saveur $3.99 year...

2010-12-29T18:47:00.000-08:00

Sherri over at Little House in Paradise just alerted her readers to this great deal. Click on http://www.discountmags.com/product/5222/saveur?a=slickdeals&utm_source=slickdeals&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=12-01-10 and then enter the discount code 7461 at checkout. Don't worry, if the offer has expired you are not locked into a purchase.

I just got my subscription. 2011 is looking delicious already!

I should say I am trying to post this with my iPhone, so if it doesn't work there is a link to little house in paradise on my sidebar.

Bon appetit!

In case you're wondering...

2010-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

Why, after silence for so long, I suddenly write TWO posts in one day....

I am supposed to be cleaning for my in-laws who arrive in about 45 minutes! Ha!

Christmas Tree Desperation!

2010-12-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

It was almost two weeks ago that we were out doing this...

We wandered down to the tree farm, aka backyard, and came up with this beauty...

She was cut and trimmed and set up inside...

Only to sit, and sit, and sit. Until one day my 10 year old couldn't stand it any longer. Out of desperation he crafted this very fine ornament... he's no stranger to the terms upcycled and recycled!

And then the lonely tree, with its lone ornament, sat for a few more days... until finally it looked like this (Three days before Christmas? Plenty of time:)...

Thanks for stopping by!

Creating a Christmas Entry~ Quick, Easy and Free!

2010-12-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

It is time to freshen up with greenery collected from around the yard to create an inviting Christmas entry.

I started with this poor, sad little planter... Where have all the flowers gone?

I clipped some cedar, douglas fir, pine, holly and curly willow from the tree farm, aka the backyard. The faux poinsettias were in my Christmas stash, probably originally from Joann's. The price is definitely right!

I hope you welcome lots of Christmas Cheer to your home this holiday season...

Thanks for stopping by!

A little house tour... getting ready to get ready!

2010-12-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

The time for disarray is over! Yep, I volunteered to host our annual family Christmas Eve dinner. You see, the only time I really have a clean house is when company is coming over. Shhhh, please don't give my secret away.

I often lament my lack of skills and dedication regarding this part of my life... I blogged a perfect example in a post titled I Want to be Organized. There is a reason I link to Garden Parties and not House Parties:)

But for now I'd like to bask in the glory of what is a rarity at my house... a living room and dining room that is ready to receive company...

Tilly is waiting to greet you~ come on in!

Standing in the entry... need to soften those windows a bit, don't you think? I have some gorgeous rods to put up and then I will look for fabric.

Photographing your home is a great exercise... it makes me look at things differently.

Hmmm, should have closed my bedroom door:)

You can see my newly organized pantry if you look closely.

I do like my dining room... it feels warm and inviting.

And now, time is of the essence. The countdown continues, and there is much left to do... looking forward to sharing more later.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linked up to Nester's Paint Party... I used Benjamin Moore's Monarch Gold on every wall.

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and other pressing matters...

2010-12-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

In the wine industry a purple hand is a badge of honor; at least that is what I'm told. Others may be wondering when I last washed my hands! Let me assure you... thoroughly and often.

"How does one get such a pretty thumb?" you ask. Ah! We have been pressing grapes, and lots of them, over at Natalie's Estate Winery. Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet from several vineyards, Sangiovese, and more. I thought I'd share a little more about the process.

Here is the wine press. The black rubber in the middle is the bladder which will fill with air. The two wooden halves will form the walls and they will be lined with a mesh/screen that will keep the grape skins and seeds contained.

The grapes are thrown into the press one bucket at a time... whew!

The hubs even came in to help one day. That's Boyd, the winemaker, overseeing. The wine that is beginning to run into the cooler is called "free run"... it is the liquid that comes off the grapes before any pressing is done.

We are very high tech! Igloos are kind of like duct tape... so many uses.

This is the mesh that holds the skins and seeds in during the press.

Time to empty out this round and start all over again!

Thanks for stopping by!

Yahoo!!! My mother always told me I was a winner...

2010-11-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to discover that I won a book giveaway from Jeri Landers over at Hopalong Hollow Gazette. Jeri is a children's author and illustrator, as well as the hostess of a charming blog where she personalizes her day to day animal adventures. If you are in need of a little chuckle, you will most likely find one over at Hopalong Hollow!

Why don't you hop on over and introduce yourself... believe me, you will want to meet:

Mavis Mudd, Naomi, and Beatrix... just to name a few! (photos from Hopalong Hollow Gazette)

Read about what happened to poor Beatrix when the new sheriff was brought into town... hysterical!

And here is the book I won... so adorably creative!

And I discovered that Hopalong Jack won (not surprisingly):

"BOOK OF THE YEAR" 2005 Children’s Picture Book

From Independent Publishing's Foreword Magazine

2006 IPPY Award Winner~ Winning A 2006 Finalist Award

Perhaps this book would make somebody very happy on Christmas morning?? Click here to see more of Jeri's work.

Thanks for stopping by!

Garden Party~ Now What?

2010-11-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

I know to prune the roses over President's Day and plant daffodils in the fall. But what am I missing? I started wondering about this the other day and decided to get my google on and find out.

Here are some of the links I found. Just click to visit:

Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine

Ed Hume Seeds Monthly Garden Planner

Oregon Specific: OSU Extension Monthly Garden Calendar

To find a region specific calendar Google "month by month gardening (your state here)".

I didn't realize I needed to cut the tops off of my asparagus plants in November, after they yellow. Who knew? I also appreciate the reminders about when to fertilize lawns and to clean the mower and empty out the gas.

Now, of course, I don't need reminders about raking leaves... but my kids do!

I didn't see anything on the calendar about chickens in the garden... I guess it's fair game!

Thanks for stopping by...

I am linking up to The Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage and am looking forward to seeing what people are doing this month.

One of those days...

2010-10-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ever had that kind of day? Or even that kind of week?

I'm having one, but looking at this I'm thinking it might not be so bad after all.

I took this photo outside of Baker City, Oregon a couple of weeks ago.

Welcome to harvest... Pinot Noir style...

2010-10-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

The grapes are hand picked by snipping the clusters from the vines. We collect them into the small bins and then they are picked up and deposited at the bottom of the hill into larger wooden bins. The "fruit zone" on the plant is about the lower foot with 2-3 feet of canopy on top to help plant vigor.

The vines are pruned to expose the fruit to the east, catching the heat of the early day sun. More leaves are left on the west side of the vine to protect the fruit from the hottest sun of the day.

Wine grape carnage... a sad sight indeed. The fruit is inspected as we pick for raisin-y (very technical term) fruits, unripe grapes, and especially important this year because of our cool, wet September, we check for botrytis, a mold that thrives in moist, tightly set fruits. If a cluster is deemed not worthy it is tossed.

The clusters are checked over once again as we transfer them from the small bins into the bigger wooden ones, sadly more carnage ensues.

The grapes are then transported to the winery where the fun really begins.

The wooden boxes are hoisted up onto a platform next to this amazing contraption. It quickly de-stems the fruit sending the grapes into the fermenter and the stems out the other end. There is a tube with holes inside that rotates around causing the grapes to separate from the stems and fall through.

Of course, there is still the labor of getting said grapes into the machine. This is called "throwing grapes" and it is literally done one pitchfork at a time. It is nice to have a few people around to take turns!

It takes a couple of days for the fermentation process to really heat up... and it does really heat up too. But we'll get to that another day...

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed your day in the vineyard; click Natalie's Estate Winery to see more.

This post is linked to Simple Lives Thursday.

Another beautiful day in the valley...

2010-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here is where I'll be spending my day... not too shabby, eh?

I have lots of great photos to share of the whole process, soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Petticoat Junction

2010-10-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Va-va Voom!

Petticoats were worn throughout history by women who wanted to have the currently fashionable shape created by their clothing. The petticoat(s), if sufficiently full or stiff, would hold the overskirt out in a pleasingly domed shape and give the impression of a smaller waist than the wearer actually had. It would also complement the desired large bust. (Wikipedia)

Another surprise about owning chickens that makes me smile...

ps. Do you write compliment or complement? I usually use an "i" but Wiki had an "e".

Which came first: The chicken or the egg?

2010-10-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

All I can comment on is how it went down at our house.

We had this~

And then two days ago we had this~ our first!

Yippeeee!

I am picking Pinot Noir grapes Thursday... looking forward to sharing with you soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie Oliver's Crispy, Sticky Chicken Thighs with Smashed Potatoes and Tomatoes~ contest

2010-10-11T21:34:00.001-07:00

One episode of Jamie at Home and I had a bit of a crush. You see, he has the most amazing vegetable garden and an unfitted kitchen filled with mismatched dishes (swoon).

And I'll never forget the episode where he was so excited to be out in the garden and he had his rubber boots on. It had been raining and he went charging to get something and completely wiped out. You have to hand it to a guy who would include that in the final show.

Sherri of Little House in Paradise is hosting a giveaway at her other blog, The Kitchen Calls. All you have to do is submit a tomato recipe for a chance to win Ina Garten's new cookbook. This dinner is a favorite in my home, so it was a quick choice for the contest. Grab your tomato recipe, head on over to The Kitchen Calls and join the festivities!

Crispy and Sticky Chicken Thighs with

Squashed New Potatoes and Tomatoes

Ingredients
1 3/4 pounds new potatoes, scrubbed
12 boned chicken thighs, skin on, preferably free-range or organic
Olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 pounds cherry tomatoes, different shapes and colors if you can find them
1 bunch fresh oregano, leaves picked
Extra-virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar

Put the potatoes into a large saucepan of salted boiling water and boil until cooked.
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each chicken thigh into 3 strips and place in a bowl. Rub the meat all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss.
Heat a large frying pan, big enough to hold all the chicken pieces snugly in 1 layer, and put the chicken into the pan, skin side down. If you don't have a pan that's big enough, feel free to cook the chicken in 2 batches. Toss and fry over a high heat for 10 minutes or so, until almost cooked, then remove with a slotted spoon to an ovenproof pan or dish.
Prick the tomatoes with a sharp knife. Place them in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for a minute or so. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, pinch off their skins. You don't have to, but by doing this they will become lovely and sweet when cooked, and their intense flavor will infuse the potatoes. By now the potatoes will be cooked. Drain them in a colander and lightly crush them by pushing down on them with your thumb.
Bash up most of the oregano leaves with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, or a Flavor Shaker if you have one. Add 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a good splash of red wine vinegar and some pepper and give everything another bash. Add to the chicken with the potatoes, the tomatoes and the rest of the oregano leaves. Toss everything together carefully. Spread out in a single layer in an appropriately sized roasting pan, and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
click here for a printable recipe

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up to
Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum and

Oh Deer! Look what we found...

2010-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you went out to your flower beds and saw this?

I had the sweetest surprise one summer day last year when I was walking through the yard to see what was blooming. This little baby was the size of our cat... I couldn't believe it. It was perfectly still with the exception of its nostrils flaring in and out. I called Bob over to see it, and we stood in awe. Then the panic set in.

Do you know what to do if you find a baby deer without its mama? While Bob stood guard, I ran into the house and did a quick search on Google to find this...

Does often leave their babies in a secluded spot with express instructions that the fawn stay put, no matter what, until she returns. Just because a fawn is found alone does NOT mean it is abandoned. The mother is probably just grabbing a quick bite to eat. Leave the baby alone unless you see a deceased mother.

I couldn't see the mama anywhere, though I am sure she must have been watching us. I snapped these photos, and then we went to tell the boys so they could see. When we returned the baby was gone. Mama had seized the opportunity to call her baby to safety. We saw the two of them later in the field below our house.

*Reposted from February. It is a dreary day here today, and these pictures always make me smile.

Making Wine and Making Dinner without the Whine!

2010-10-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

I started work at the winery this week, which I am really excited about! My friends agreed to "mentor" me through crush (harvesting grapes and making wine). So far I have been learning how to be a sanitation specialist, basically doing "wine dishes"... the hoses, funnels, filters, tanks and more. I have learned that the #1 priority is cleanliness (sigh).

Natalie's Estate Pinot Noir. Photo courtesy of Natalie's Estate Winery

We have been working with the 2009 Viognier, a white wine that is typically a little sweeter. However, Boyd has managed to make it deliciously drier, and it is one of my favorites. After filtering the particulates out we did a second pass to filter out residual sugars... bye bye sweetness.

Boyd Teegarden, owner and winemaker of Natalie's Estate. Photo courtesy of Natalie's Estate Winery.

I also have learned to punch... look out! I have been punching Tempranillo grapes. After the grapes are picked and de-stemmed they go into fermentation boxes where they sit for a few days. This is when the yeast gets busy eating all the sugars to create a lovely, balanced red wine. And it does some other stuff too, but I haven't learned that yet.

Did I mention I am on a need to know basis?

Anyhow, the punch down is when you press all the grapes/skins from the top of the fermenter down to the bottom of the fermenter. You do this about three times a day and it is a great abdominal workout (wine, it does a body good!). This helps to extract all the great color from the skins to get that gorgeous red.

Mmmmm. Photo courtesy of Natalie's Estate Winery.

At this point you may be thinking... didn't she mention something about dinner in her title?

Yes! Because I was to be gone all day, I wanted to make dinner before I left. I googled "frozen pork chops in crock pot" and up came this... it was a BIG hit!

Pork Chops for the Slow Cooker (yet another unimaginative food title)

Ingredients

6 boneless pork chops (can be frozen!)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, crushed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place pork chops in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over pork chops.
Cook on Low setting for 6 hours, until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pork-chops-for-the-slow-cooker/Detail.aspx

We served it over rice and it was really, really good and oh so tender. If you are wondering about dinner, and realize you haven't been to the store in forever, but you remember you have some frozen pork chops in the back of your freezer, give it a whirl.

Ah, it's good to be back! Thanks so much for stopping by...

~Linking to Foodie Friday over at Designs by Gollum~

Hitting the trail and chickens too... (this doesn't sound quite right...I'm not hitting chickens)

2010-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

I received the sweetest email from my bloggy friend over at Little House in Paradise. She was just checking on me as I haven't been posting lately, so I just wanted to do a little shout out to anyone paying attention~ I am still here!

Breakfast view the other morning~ great way to start the day!

I have so appreciated all the feedback on my Christmas post... I have read and re-read the comments (thank you!) and am coming up with a calendar and ideas to share. I am also trying to arrange some "guest" features... so if you are interested please let me know and I will see if I am able to work it in.

Life has been fun and busy.

Marine biologist in the making?

I was just at the beach for a field trip to the Hatfield Marine Science Center with my 5th grader.

Have you ever seen a clam defend itself against a starfish? It sticks its foot out and flings the starfish off, amazing!

Too tempting not to touch...

Now, I am getting ready to hit the trail... literally, the Oregon Trail. We will head to Baker City, close to the Oregon-Idaho border and then up to Walla Walla, Washinton back to Oregon stopping to see some pioneer cemeteries and a place where we will still be able to see the wagon wheel ruts (made over 150 years ago!!)

I have been assigned as the photographer for the group and am feeling the pressure! I have tried to explain that for every photo I post on My Everyday Graces at least 30 go to the round file, so to speak. Good thing my camera card holds a lot of photos.

Has anyone been wondering how the babies are doing? I am pleased to say that we still have 23 and they are thriving. We have moved them out to the chicken coop and run but have separated the quarters so they bigger girls, and Gary too, cannot begin establishing the pecking order. I am not sure when exactly they should be mixed. Anyone?

We have yet to get any eggs from the other lovelies, but I am certain that within a month we should start. The bigger girls look so great from the back with their feathers fluffed out... it looks like they are wearing petticoats, and it is a sight to see them waddle around the run.

I am still trying to record Gary's morning performance; he seems to be a little camera shy. He is still nice to me, but something about a rooster's eyes keeps me alert. They are so focused and with that big red comb it is hard not to look intimidating!

Well, for a quick "shout out" this has gotten rather long! I am looking forward to things returning to normal next week.

Oh, and I do have a little news to share... a kind friend has agreed to mentor me (for lack of a better word) in winemaking. His winery, Natalie's Estate, is one of our favorites and you absolutely will not find better people out there than Boyd and Cassandra! I consider myself fortunate to call them friends. Anyhoo, I am looking forward to sharing my exploits, naturally.

Tilly was not quite sure what to make of our big, colorful intruder.

Thanks for stopping by!

Garden Scribbler

2010-09-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Spider's Web

The spider, dropping down from twig,

Unfolds a plan of her devising,

A thin premeditated rig

To use in rising.

And all that journey down through space,

In cool descent and loyal hearted,

She spins a ladder to the place

From where she started.

Thus I, gone forth as spiders do

In spider's web a truth discerning,

Attach one silken thread to you

For my returning.

-- E B White

What a lovely, visual sentiment... I can just imagine attaching a thread unto a loved one in order to return.

Attaching this thread to Sweet Shot Tuesday...

The case against white dogs...

2010-09-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Tilly got a bath yesterday... she was so white, so clean, so happy. What a pretty girl!

~Tilly yesterday~

Did you know I live in Oregon? You may have heard it rains here... quite a bit...

~Tilly today~

I have no words for this...

I learned how to make a header today and you can too!

2010-09-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to create a header for my blog so today I decided to google "how to make a header" and this fabulous tutorial came up. I have a BIG learning curve when it comes to stuff like this so if I can do it so can you!

Just click on Clover Lane's Tutorial...

Enjoy! And please let me know if you are inspired to change your header.

Hazelnut Biscotti Recipe~ with or without chocolate...

2010-09-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

As I wrote yesterday, I am looking forward to a handmade Christmas. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy this delicious biscotti before then... I mean, don't you think it would be irresponsible not to test it before the holiday season? I for one am willing to sacrifice in the name of quality control!

This biscotti has a beautiful Italian name, which I think would be just lovely printed onto a tag and attached to the ribbon.

Biscotti Nocciole-Cioccolato

From BISCOTTI by Lou Seibert Pappas

Biscotti made with hazelnuts and chocolate, but I like to make half with and half without the chocolate; it's delicious both ways!

Ingredients
3/4 c. hazelnuts
4 ounce. bittersweet chocolate (I use two ounces as I make one log with and one without)
1/2 c. unsalted butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp. Frangelico or Amaretto (or hazelnut coffee syrup if you prefer no alcohol)
2 c. unbleached or all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place nuts in a shallow pan and bake 8 to 10 min, or possibly till golden. Let cool slightly and then rub between hands to loosen the papery skins. Let cool.
Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, grind nuts finely. Remove and set aside. Add in chocolate to food processor and process till coarsely ground.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and liqueur. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture, mixing till blended. At this point you can either fold in the nuts and chocolate and then divide dough in half OR fold in the nuts, divide in half and then add chocolate to one of the halves.
On a greased and floured baking sheet, pat out 2 logs about 1/2" high, 1 1/2" wide and 14" long, spacing them about 2" apart. I like to flour my hands and the cooking sheet slightly. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 min, or possibly till lightly browned.
Transfer from the baking sheet to a rack. Let cool for 5 minutes. Place on a cutting board. With a serrated knife, slice diagonally at a 45 degree angle about 1/2" thick. Place the slices upright 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 10 minutes longer to dry slightly. Let cool on a rack. Store in a tightly covered container.

Makes 3 1/2 to 4 dozen.

Please click on my Handmade Christmas Post... I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject!

Linking to Foodie Friday at Design's By Gollum

A handmade, recycled, up-cycled Christmas...

2010-09-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am super excited about this! I want to embark on a totally handmade Christmas this year... would you care to join me? Maybe you aren't interested in making 100% of your gifts, but perhaps you would like to try a couple of things, or maybe I am late to the party and you have been doing this for years. Either way I'd love to hear about it!

Is this too early?

I cannot stop thinking about a few things I saw in the Napa Style catalogue. You may be aware that getting Napa style is quite expensive! But I have seen some things that I believe I could make with items I have on hand around the house.

Like these...

or this...

all photos from Napa Style

In past years one of my favorite things to do has been to make three kinds of biscotti and package them into cello bags to give to teachers and acquaintances. Usually for teachers I will add an ornament for an extra little something special. I am excited to share my biscotti recipes with you starting this Friday.

Last year I also made some wine bags to be used for blind tastings... my friends refer to them as "fun bags".
We love to do blind tastings when we all get together... and living in the Oregon Wine Country gives us plenty to sample!

This year I'd like to add homemade soap to my reportage. Have you ever made soap? I haven't, so this should be interesting. I am particularly interested in making soap with goat's milk. I have done a little research and have found some recipes that are made in the Crock Pot. Are you with me?

And don't forget about the homemade crackers and onion jam that I posted about earlier this summer.

Like I said, I have big ideas! What do you think? Does this interest you? Would you like to hear of these DIY exploits? Would you like to participate? What are your DIY ideas for Christmas? How many questions can a girl ask in one post?

Thanks for stopping by... I am interested to hear what you have to say!

Today in the garden and some lovelies...

2010-09-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was determined to pull myself out of my tomato-less depression and join The Garden Party today...

Let's Go!

Whoa... the Pink Banana Squash is doing well. They can grow to around 2 feet long and up to 10 lbs. I have never grown them before, but I figured if they were good enough for the pioneers I should try. (my shoes are size nine's for perspective:)

The cantaloupe is happy! We have many melons on the vines... come on sun!

Okay, I'm not entirely tomato-less, but sometimes it feels like it!

Gary and his gals, the Barred Rocks. He has found his voice and I am trying to capture it on video to share with blogland.

Buff Orpington

From the outside looking in. Poor Tilly~ Can't we all just get along??

Oh, Gary, it's hard to look cool when you have cucumber on your comb and my sweetest lovely, an Easter Egger.

Sugar Sweet Pumpkins & I couldn't resist adding this pretty little pumpkin, scars and all.

I was a little unorthodox this year and planted broccoli late, but look what's growing.

I'm not too happy with my zucchini selection this year. I bought it as a start and didn't realize it wasn't the "typical" type.

We grow these white wine grapes each year (chablis?) but never do anything with them. What should I do with them?

The Robins love this little bath... the headless bird doesn't seem to phase them.

The raspberries just keep producing!

Tilly treed a squirrel and I think she's trying to jump up to catch it! She jumps like this from a stand still, funny girl.

Thanks for taking a stroll through the garden with me. What's happening in your neck of the woods? Do you ever get the gardening funk?

A photo that speaks to my soul...

2010-09-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

I captured this moment the other morning before we left for school. The boys were waiting for me to come out of the house and had gone down to see the chickens... I don't know why, but I just love it.

It speaks to me of time.

It makes my heart ache a little.

It is grace.

grace: the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor. [1913 Webster]

Caution: Hazelnut-Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe Ahead

2010-09-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I mentioned some things I was making for a party to honor some out of town friends. At the time I said the recipes would be forthcoming... is there a time limit on that?

Today I really was thinking about the Hazelnut-Cream Cheese Brownies and felt it my duty to make them... really, I made them just so I could take the photos and share them with you (~~share the photos not the brownies~~). Of course if you lived next door I would share the brownies... although my neighbor, Petie, doesn't care for sweets; didn't I plan that well?!

Note: The recipe says to prepare 3/4 cup hazelnuts. However, if you love hazelnuts, might I suggest that you prepare an additional 1/4 cup and stick them in the fridge... next week I will be making my favorite hazelnut biscotti recipe. Seriously good stuff and all part of my handmade Christmas plans for this year.

Okay, let's bake:

Hazelnut-Cream Cheese Brownies

To roast hazelnuts for this recipe (which we based on one favored by Oregon's Hazelnut Marketing Board), spread shelled nuts in a shallow pan and bake in a 275° oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the skins crack. Cool, then rub the hazelnuts with a rough cloth to remove skins. I do my hazelnuts in a 350F oven for 10 minutes, cool slightly and then roll them between my hands... it's fine if you have a little skin (in the biscotti it adds nice color).

FOR THE FILLING:

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1⁄4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract

1⁄4 cup finely ground roasted hazelnuts

FOR THE BATTER:

1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

4 tbsp. butter

3⁄4 cup flour

2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa

1⁄2 tsp. baking powder

1⁄4 tsp. salt

3⁄4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts

1. For the filling: Put cream cheese and sugar into a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice, and vanilla and continue beating until well mixed. Fold in hazelnuts with a rubber spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
2. For the batter: Melt chocolate and butter together in the top of a double boiler set over a pan of simmering water over medium heat. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
3. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt together into a medium bowl and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 350°. Put sugar, eggs, and vanilla into a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Beat in melted-chocolate mixture, then add flour mixture and continue beating until mixture is smooth. Fold in hazelnuts with a rubber spatula.

5. Spread half the batter into a greased and floured 8" square cake pan. Spread filling over batter. Gently spread remaining batter over filling. Pull a rubber spatula through layers to create a marbled effect. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out nearly clean, about 40 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into 2" squares.

tender, chocolatey bites with bits of hazelnuts and a creamy, tangy, sweet something extra thrown in

Please do come back next week for biscotti:)

click here for the printable recipe at Saveur.com

Linking up to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum

Behold, the power of one girl...

2010-09-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

The power of one girl, in a dark closet with a pair of scissors, the night before picture day.

It is hard to believe that anything could top my lovely polyester Wizard of Oz dress, but I think I managed. Oh Yeah! Thank you, thank you very much. (This must be said Elvis style to get the full effect:)

This is a public service announcement.

Love and Hurry~ thoughts for a new season

2010-09-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

The most serious sign of hurry sickness is a diminshed capacity to love. Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is one thing hurried people don’t have. John Ortberg

Ouch!

I was fortunate to attend a women's weekend this month which featured a day with Paula Gamble and her reFresh Retreat. Her sharing of John Ortberg's words really struck me; it is so true. Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible... Hurry kills love (her words).

I thought of that quote in relation to how I, and my children, spend mornings Monday through Friday; I get the kids ready for school in the morning and we rush, and I get upset, and we are late, and yuck, what a way to start the day... it doesn't feel like love.

In my attempt to right our mornings I have resolved to get up 1/2 hour earlier than the kids to shower, dress, and begin breakfasts and lunches. Not surprisingly, the mornings have run much smoother and I am a kinder and gentler mom... who wouldn't want that?

Brothers in Bandolier National Park, New Mexico.

What do you think of the idea of love and hurry? I would like to hear your thoughts...

Have a wonderful weekend!

*This is a repost: As we spend our last weekend together before school starts this idea has been heavy on my mind, so I wanted to share it again.

My Everyday Graces...

Homeschool Revised Part Deux

Homeschool Revised Part 1

Literal wisdom, thank you CS Lewis, once again...

No dairy? No eggs? No problem!

Moment of clarity...

30 miles on two feet is a long, wonderful way...

Bittersweet dreams...

So good- Blackberry Crumb Bar Recipe

water barefoot...

Chickens like zucchini...

They call this school? Nature Journal II...

Good Housekeeping

A Mother's Love Song

Now what? Spicy Sesame Salad!

Hmmmm, apparently I am serving Gigantes Plaki in Palm Beach, FL

Don't (just) thin those seedlings!

Easing into our first homeschool year... (reposted)

Easing into our first homeschool year... (really)

Chicken fun~

I grew it... now what? Chicken Cabbage Salad!

My formal curriculum reveal... 6th and 8th grades

A real woman...

Helloooo... is this thing on?

A bit of beauty in my inbox...

Gardens of delight...

Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce~ no heavy cream!

Mocha Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies... Um, not so much, thanks...

Little Lovely or Chicken Little?

How to be a better blogger... what do you think?

Quite possibly the Best Peanut Butter Cookies... ever! And a little more me trivia...

Garden Dreamin'

Stylish Blogger Award- What you don't know about me...

INSPIRED NESTING

A Modern Country Style Garden Party...

C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.

Jim Vogel- Time, Travelers, and Model T's

This is the Stuff that Drives me Crazy...

Your (not so?) humble opinions please...

1985 Bathroom Revamp...

Do you Wordle? Tell me about it!

How gorgeous is this??? I want it!

I found a book series that my 13 year old and I both enjoyed...

One of these things is not like the others...

A little Valentine's fun...

Chaotic or Creative?

Chicken Check-in

Calling all Etsy Shopkeepers

Happy New Year to me:)

Live from my iPhone (sort of)...

Public service announcement! Saveur $3.99 year...

In case you're wondering...

Christmas Tree Desperation!

Creating a Christmas Entry~ Quick, Easy and Free!

A little house tour... getting ready to get ready!

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and other pressing matters...

Yahoo!!! My mother always told me I was a winner...

Garden Party~ Now What?

One of those days...

Welcome to harvest... Pinot Noir style...

Another beautiful day in the valley...

Petticoat Junction

Which came first: The chicken or the egg?

Jamie Oliver's Crispy, Sticky Chicken Thighs with Smashed Potatoes and Tomatoes~ contest

Oh Deer! Look what we found...

Making Wine and Making Dinner without the Whine!

Pork Chops for the Slow Cooker (yet another unimaginative food title)

Ingredients

Hitting the trail and chickens too... (this doesn't sound quite right...I'm not hitting chickens)

Garden Scribbler

The case against white dogs...

I learned how to make a header today and you can too!

Hazelnut Biscotti Recipe~ with or without chocolate...

A handmade, recycled, up-cycled Christmas...

Today in the garden and some lovelies...

A photo that speaks to my soul...

Caution: Hazelnut-Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe Ahead

Behold, the power of one girl...

Love and Hurry~ thoughts for a new season