Tutti a Tavola A Mangiare!

I made homemade pasta last night and it turned out FABULOUS! It was easy, fun, and yummy. I received a pasta machine for Christmas (thank you Suzy) and I finally got the chance to use it. I didn't realize how easy it actually is to use.
I used the recipe below (from Lidia) and made fettucine pasta. I then made up my own sauce to serve over the pasta. I topped the pasta off with purple Sage flowers and fresh Italian parsely.

Easy: The dough does not require much work and the act of running it through the pasta machine was really quite easy (and fun!). Clean-up was VERY easy. The machine says to NOT use water or soap. I only need to wipe it off with a brush. So, that is what I did after making my pasta. I brushed it off and put it straight back into the box!

Fun: I made the pasta with my little girl Lydia (3 yr)...and we had a great time doing this together. She helped me make the dough, knead it, and then roll out in the pasta machine.

Yummy: I think anything made from scratch tastes so much better than already store bought food. The pasta was REALLY good. I loved the freshness of it. Hmm, I am craving some right now!

My next step is to make raviolis! I need to find a good filling. Anybody made raviolis before? If you have any good recipes, share!

Fresh Pasta: Mlinzi

From Lidia Bastianich (Lidia's Italy)

Makes 1-1/2 pounds

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup very cold water, plus more as needed

Put the flour in the bowl of a food processor and process for a few seconds to aerate. Mix the eggs, olive oil, and the water in a measuring cup or other spouted container. Start the food processor running and pour in the liquids through the feed tube. Process for 30 to 40 seconds, until a soft dough forms and gathers on the blade. If the dough does not gather and is wet and sticky, process in more flour, in small additions. If it is dry and stiff, process in more water, by spoonfuls.

Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for a minute, until it’s smooth, soft and stretchy. Press it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using. To use later, refrigerate for up to a day, or freeze it for a month or more. Defrost frozen dough in the refrigerator; return it to room temperature before rolling.

Sticky

For a special "Girl's Day Out", I took Sophia and Lydia off to the movies! They LOVE going to the big movie house. It is a special treat, because we rarely go there (mainly it is too expensive).

But, with the Hannah Montana movie coming out and a chance to spoil them a bit, I thought it would be a fun afternoon adventure for us.

The girls had gathered about 6 pieces of candy from their bags they recieved from previous birthday parties (therefore, I did not need to buy expensive sweet stuff from the movie theater). I put their chosen candy treasures inside two different pockets in my purse.

We got our tickets. HUGE popcorn and soda drink. Booster seats.

Previews...

sipping on soda and crunching on popcorn

1st piece of candy

movie starts

1/2 way through the movie: 2 more pieces of candy, lots more popcorn and sipping soda

(spoiled fun)

Little did I realize that one of the pieces of candy that Lydia chose was gum, because soon she began to complain about gum was sticking on her hands.

What? Gum?

Well, I thought it is probably okay if it is just on her fingers, right? That could be remedied. Nope, this is LYDIA we are talking about here folks.

Sigh. Lydia had gum on her fingers, legs, mouth, and the seat. A huge clump on the theater seat. I am surprised she did not get any gum in her hair.

How in the world did that happen? How much gum did she have?

So, in the midst of the most important part of the movie (Sophia's eyes glued to the screen), I took Lydia to the bathroom to try and wash up. I, of course suggest that she go potty too, but no she "didn't have to go", but rather just wanted to get the gum off of herself.

And, wouldn't you know....there are NO paper towels in the bathroom? Just those air dryers! Really.

So, we get off what we could--which there was still a lot left on her legs. We get back to our seats...and Lydia wants to sit on my lap. (Yep, I somehow got gum on me too).

Then...

In a small quiet voice (no not really---Lydia only has one volume level to her voice --LOUD)

"Mommy, I need to go potty!"

What? We were JUST THERE!

(A BIG SIGH)

We rush back to the bathroom (Sophia's eyes still glued to the screen)

We rush back out of the bathroom with Lydia's dress tucked into her panties....oh, dear!

I am still not sure about what to do with the seat. I keep thinking about it for the rest of the movie. I try to get it off with a napkin and it ends up just sticking to the napkin. So, I wad up the rest of the napkin and leave it there.

I confess...I didn't say anything to the movie people. I left the wadded napkin to the seat (with the booster seat on top)....I know. Guilty. Shameless. But, really I just wanted to get out of there after that.

We finally finish our movie and head for home --where I hope to take a nap. But, not after I drag the girls out of the theater --because they want to buy Hannah Montana stickers that cost .50 cents from the coin vending machines. (NO! --I am not paying for that--I draw the line there. I tell them we could buy a pack of gum at the store for that amount of money.)

AHEM! Did I just mention GUM...what am thinking?

Time of Solitude

Last weekend I packed up the car with a HUGE load of laundry, backpack of essentials, journal, Bible, and Rosi. I took a "get away" road trip about 2 hours north to my parent's house.

I knew I needed time to relax, rejuevenate my spirit, pray, listen, worship ---a time of solitude and loving from the Lord.

I took Rosi with me because she is not old enough yet to be left without me (I am still nursing). Plus, I think Ric had his hands full with the other two girls. Ric, by the way, was a HUGE blessing to me. He graciously let me go and have this time. He told me, "Take your time." I think he knew and understood how precious time it was for me to dwell in the midst of my Father. Thank you my love!

My mom also was gracious and welcoming to me. She watched Rosi for me hours upon hours, so that I could have quiet restful time. She also made me some homemade comfort food" Campfire Stew and Bisquits. Hmmm! This was perfect! It brought back so many memories of my childhood when we would eat this. I loved reviving those memories.


The sunshine was beautiful on Saturday. I sat on the porch with my crocheted blanket, water bottle, journal, books, and Bible. I soaked in the warmth of the Son!

Here are two verses that were spoken to me that I really held on to over the weekend. I love how God gives you exactly what you need to hear --if we only listen.

Give me victory and be my shield. Guard my course and protect my way.
~ written in prayer form from Proverbs 2:7-8

Let me dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Be my refuge, my fortress, my covering, my shield. Do not let me fear the terror of the night, nor any type of plague or sickness. Do not let any harm or disaster come near me or my family. Command your angels to guard me in all my ways and keep me from hurting myself. When I call, answer me. Be with me in trouble; deliver me and honor me. Satisfy me with long life and show me your salvation.
~ written in prayer form from Psalm 91

These verses speak to me about my relationship with the Lord right now. Though, I am struggling through the battle with Crohn's disease and feeling frustrated because of it, I have a Father Who is bigger than all of it---and yet He is my shield, my Healer, my fortress in this time of need. My desire is to DWELL in His shelter and be comforted by His hand.

This time of solitude is what I needed. Everyday we need to have time to rest in the Lord, and being a mother makes it difficult at times (but that is no excuse)...however, there are times where we just need to really get away for awhile and dwell in the midst of the Almighty. I am so thankful for this time and I give Praise, Honor, and Glory to God for holding me in His arms and speaking to me!

Twirling, Dancing

There is just something beautiful and magical about a little princess dancing with their doll.

Happy Lilac

I have had a lilac bush (stick with leaves) for about 8 years.  I got the lilac stem from my parent's yard.  I planted it in a pot and there it stayed -- for 8 years. I never replanted it.  It never bloomed.  I kept hoping it would and then I thought maybe it never will be a blooming bush.  Until now...

...we think it broke through the pot and found fresh earth. It was probably delighted with the fresh earth and therefore, put out lovely flowers for me to enjoy.  They make me happy and so peaceful inside.  Really, I was giddy when I saw them.  

Thank you Lord, for refreshingly "new".... the beauty You have created is beyond amazing. I am in awe of Your handiwork. 

I gave my baby a dorky haircut...

...and I couldn't even blame it on her sisters.  Seriously.  You would of thought that Lydia (3 year old) got a hold of scissors and practiced cutting on Rosi.  But, nope, I have to confess that I "trimmed" her bangs and look what happened.  

She is still cute, though.  However, I can't help but laugh when she makes her facial expressions. She is so expressive.

  I am not sure what I should do about it...I could try to straighten out...or just let it grow back and admire the dorkiness of it fir this moment. 

Bubblegum

It is the little simple things you don't really think about --that when you first learn how to do them, you are SO excited about having accomplished the task. For example: tieing your shoes or snapping your fingers.  Well, for Sophia, today she accomplished a HUGE task! Blowing Bubblegum Bubbles!  She is so proud.  Me too!  The reward for me besides watching my girl take another step into growing up, was the purple grape flavored kiss I would get after a bubble and the HUGE dimple smile of utter enjoyment she so beautifully shared.

Passionate

“purposefully aligning my passions to fit His purposes“ 

We have some friends visiting us today as they are traveling through on their journey of moving from Arizona to Alaska.  I am so excited to spend some time with them to listen and learn about their adventures in Kingdom living!  I had read this post on Carrie's blog a little while ago and I was really motivated and encouraged by her own spiritual journey as a wife, mother, and friend.  She wrote about her passions --the things that God desired for her to be passionate about.  She created a binder with these passions marked into categories. "It has really helped me to not get so overwhelmed and instead be able to enjoy learning and applying things in His time."

  I really loved this idea.  I have began, stopped, and then re-started (not yet completed) a binder to help me with organizing our home...but it has always been more work for me to get it right and let alone finished or workable. (Maybe it is the perfectionist in me).  But, when I read Carrie's post, something struck a chord with me.  I have yet to stop and seek God first.  What are my passions?  What does God want me to be passionate about? 

It was a whole new way of thinking about how I go about organizing my home and living our lives to honor God.  My home is to not be perfectly spotless, extremely organized, or run smoothly, but rather it is a heart reflection of who God is creating me to become: a help meet, mother, friend and servant. 

So, instead of creating a "homemaker's binder" with cleaning, menu, calendar, and lists upon lists...I need to first seek God and make His passions run clear through me.  This is where I should be focused....

So, I will be spending time in prayer and seeking God's purpose in my life and what I am to become passionate about.  I will share these with you soon.

What are you passionate about?   

My Echo

Do I hear an echo? A constant echo of my own voice. Someone pushed the "repeat" button on my lips. Why is it that I am always having to repeat myself? Every day! This must be a requirement that I must do as being your Mama?

One of you has the gift of selective hearing. You stubbornly hear what you want to hear...and if you don't like what you hear, than you scream. The first time I ask, most likely your response is NO. Then there are times that I tell you to do something and you don't respond.
Tell again.
No response.
Again.
Nope.
.....sigh.


One of you tries to hear me, but when asked or rather told to do something, you forget as your mind wanders off into your land of la-la. So yet, I hear my echo...asking again for you to follow through the task I have once, twice, three times already asked. And thus, I still see the boots lying on the floor in my bathroom. ....sigh.

And then there is you, whom I think has a sense of humor and learns quickly from the others how to use selective hearing. I call you to stop or come and what do you do? Turn. Look at me and run. I REPEAT....and you continue to run and giggle. You are a little stinker....you have found out how to push that "repeat" button. ....sigh.

How many times do I need to tell you?
Once

Do I need to repeat myself?
No

Then??
Okay Mom, okay...just a minute.....

Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock.....

Sigh.

(Maybe this is why I don't like laundry. Wash. Rinse. Dry. Repeat....)

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow' s breakfast:

YESTERDAY:
Whole Grain Apple Pancakes -- I was given a whole 10-grain pancake mix from some friends. I thought to put it to use and made my family some cakes! I peeled two golden delicious apples, diced them into chunky pieces, and added them to the batter. I also added about 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla. These cakes topped with some real maple syrup--fantastic!

TODAY:Wild Berry Smoothie -- blended in my vita-mix!
Ingredients:

• Frozen Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries...)
• Agave Nectar
• Silken Tofu
• Pomegranate Blueberry Juice

Smoothie served with whole grain toast topped with peanut butter!


TOMORROW:
Scramble -- Using some leftovers for a hearty breakfast.

Chicken Apple "Sausage"
Green Onions
Tomatoes
Eggs

Also on the menu: Fresh Strawberries, Whole Grain Toast w/ Earth Balance

Lydia's Pizza

Lydia has spent many days helping her Papa make homemade pizzas. This is a family favorite. Lydia was able to make her very own pizza. She helped Papa make the dough, then she stretched it into a small personal pizza size. She helped cut veggies (mushrooms, olives, chicken, pineapple, tomatoes) with her special knife and put them upon her special pizza. She was so proud!

Lydia's Pizza Recipe:

Dough:
Flour
Water
Sugar
Yeast
Salt
Olive Oil

Toppings:
Homemade Mariana Sauce
Olives
Mushrooms
Pineapple
Chicken
Mozzerella Cheese

Resurrection Cookies

Resurrection Cookies

Here I have included the recipe and steps that are involved in the process.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. whole pecans
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 c. sugar
• zipper baggie
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible

Instructions:

Preheat Oven to 300 F. (Note: Do this first, don’t wait until you are half way done with the recipe!) Place pecans in Ziploc bag and let your children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

• Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

• Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.

• Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

• Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.

• Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

• Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.

• Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

• Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar.

• Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us, He wants us to know that and He wants us to love Him as well.

• Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.

• Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

• Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.

• Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.

• Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.

• Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.

• Read Matthew 27:65-66.

IT”S TIME TO GO TO BED!

• Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

• Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Sunday morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On Resurrection morning, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

• Read Matthew 28:1-9.

THE LORD JESUS HAS RISEN!!! HE IS ALIVE!!

Source

...

....wishing I could be sewing, crafting, playing guitar, painting, taking walks in the beautiful sun, riding my bike, dipping my toes in the sand, playing games with my girls....but, lately I have been just trying to manage the laundry pile and three little girls! I have been having a flare-up with my Crohn's disease for the past few months---so that has put a huge halt on life lately --AND as you can see a huge hole in my blog writing too.

I just wanted to check in with you. I am still here....just not completely.

Hopefully, in the next few days, I can do some back tracking and put up some posts of a few of the things we have been doing here besides the laundry.