Tuesday Recipe: The Perfect Granola
March 31, 2009 | Filed Under Recipe | 31 Comments
I am not even kidding when I say this is the perfect granola. I bet you want to know just what makes it so perfect.
I will tell you! Because I am kind and generous and wonderful and…gag.
It’s rice flour. That’s the secret, perfecting ingredient.
Now you know!
I have spent a lot of time and money and hopes on way too many granola recipes. Searching for years for the recipe that will give me granola with clumps in it.
You see, I’m not a fan of granola that is just fancy oatmeal. I want G-R-A-N-O-L-A.
I took a great recipe my mom handed down to me; tried it, tweaked it, and totally created it. Perfection. Finally.
My purse breathes a sigh of relief.
This recipe is especially wonderful because it is versatile. Your family loves dried cranberries in their granola… Great! Add ‘em in! They love pecans but hate walnuts… So use pecans as your chopped nuts. Perfect! I adore sunflower seeds so I throw in a bunch. Whatever you do, just don’t leave out the rice flour or mess with the wet ingredients.
By the way, I found my rice flour at Whole Foods but any health food store worth their salt should sell it.
So, are you ready?!
The Perfect Granola
(Makes 1 batch)
Mix together in a large bowl
4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
In a medium size bowl, mix until smooth:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pour the wet ingredients onto the dry and mix very thoroughly. Spread onto a big cookie sheet.
Bake at 315 degrees in increments of 10 minutes. Check every 10 minutes but Do NOT stir. If you make a double batch, switch your top and bottom baking sheets after each 10 mins.
Bake until golden. Mine usually takes around 40 minutes. But remember, I am at a wicked high altitude so you may need to adjust for that. Let cool and then turn onto a sheet(s) of wax paper.
Break up the clumps as desired.
Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy this perfectly delicious granola!
Home Again, Home Again…
March 30, 2009 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 32 Comments
I have this feeling… this feeling that life is all the sudden going to slam into warp speed. I hate warp speed. I don’t function well when life is whirling.
There is so much happening in the next three months. Eve turns six the end of April, graduates Kindergarten the middle of May, Daniel leaves in June for his deployment, and the kids and I move back home.
Big sigh.
My heart physically hurts right now, in this moment, as I write these words.
I’ve prayed and agonized over the decision of whether I should stay here in New Mexico or go home to New York during Daniel’s deployment. I knew what I felt was right, what I wanted to do, what made sense to me. And at first I was determined I was going home. Period. But then I remembered a lesson I had (re)learned not so very long ago… Find out what God’s will is and go with that.
So, I have been praying and praying. Asking God what it is He wants for me. Because I know that I know, God’s way will always be best.
I have felt a true peace about moving back home. I am looking forward to not having the struggle of living life on my own. Knowing that I will have my parents, my in-laws, my friends, neighbors who have known me since I was a little girl… that blesses my heart. If I have any needs at all, they will be filled. I will be surrounded by people who love me, who support me, who will play with my children.
For the family who has a deployed spouse, knowing that there is a community who is involved and cares, there can be nothing better. Besides, having Daddy home. Of course. But, we can’t have that.
The toughest part of this move back home has been finding somewhere to live. Daniel and I both felt that we needed to keep our house here. But, keeping this house meant that I would need to live with someone or in a space that is already furnished. It’s not so easy to find a situation like that! Especially when there are three small children involved. My parents very generously said we could live with them either the whole time or until we find something else.
Another burden that has been lifted is that I have found what I think is a great school for both Eve and Judah to attend. It involves a bit of a drive and more money than we are spending right now but quality of education is crucial to us.
I am also going to be able to go back to work part-time at Scott Miller’s. I can’t even tell you how thrilled I am! I learned from Daniel’s last deployment, that I need some time that is all my own. I feel blessed that Scott and Helen are going to create a job for me, that they want me to work for them again, that Helen said that she would take any amount of time I could be back in their salon family for. It’s been 8 years since I have worked there! I am thankful for the good relationship I have with Scott, Helen, and so many others at the salon. I know that having that job is going to make the time apart from Daniel go much more quickly.
I am sitting here, quietly thinking as I type this to you. I hear the wind swirling around outside my window and I feel as though this day marks a turning point. I know what is ahead of me. I don’t like it and I’d really prefer to hide in the corner and wish it all away. But, that won’t do anyone any good. I have three children who depend on me; I need to be stable and courageous for them. I can’t allow myself to fall apart like I did last time Daniel deployed.
How much harder it is to live that out than write that out.
Oh, that the time together would go slowly and be sweet. And the time apart would be filled with laughter and pass quickly.
Hi!… and stuff.
March 28, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 9 Comments
I am tired, my friends. This vacation stuff isn’t for the faint of heart.
SeaWorld was FUN. And the fact that we could go and enjoy the day for free, saving a TON of money thanks to the “Here’s to Hero’s” program, was so fantastic.
The kids loved the park, but I must say, we were all very bummed that the waterpark area was closed. The anticipation for that part of our day was high… only to be cruelly crushed. Okay, a little dramatic. But still, we were really disappointed.
The kids were so awesome yesterday. Amazing, wonderfully, truly spectacular. Zero meltdowns, zero fits..blew my mind. SeaWorld all day, dinner on the riverwalk with Aunt Kiki, and then we went and hung out in Aunt Kiki’s hotel rooftop hot tub ’til 10.
The hot tub was quite the adventure. It was more of a “warm” tub but it was perfect with the chilly breeze. Eliza was in Heaven!
After the hot tub, Daniel took Eve to go get “Bessie” from the parking garage…. but forgot the keys. And his cell phone was dead. Poor guy. A long walk for nothin’. We ended up getting back to our hotel room at 11. Have I mentioned how awesome our kids are? They totally rolled with it all. I love traveling with them.
Today we are headed back down to the riverwalk to do some walking around and maybe, maybe us girl will get our nails painted. Then, off to IKEA…. SO EXCITED. Really, I can hardly contain myself.
I just have to add that San Antonio ROCKS MY WORLD.
Catch ya later!
Vacation Randomness…
March 26, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 11 Comments
*The feed is fixed…!
A few thoughts/questions/observations about Texas…
Why all the goats? Really. I need to know.
Texas, well, at least western Texas, is a lot different landscape than I expected. I don’t actually know what I expected but it wasn’t the scrub brush and jagged rocks that I have been seeing for the last 250 miles.
We followed a rain storm the last 50 miles or so into San Antonio. It was awesome! I haven’t seen rain since…. Well, I can’t remember the last time I saw rain.
I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of restaurants there are here in San Antonio. Wow. Not that I eat out much, or ever really, but being the typical American that I am, I love to know I have options.
Eve has been slathering on Bath and Body Works Vanilla Jasmine lotion this whole trip. I’m absolutely certain if she didn’t apply any more lotion for the next oh, week to ten days, she’d continue to smell quite lovely. Phew. My nose needs a break, man.
Eliza is not at a good age/stage for long car trips. She is easily bored and won’t fall asleep in her car seat for any substantial length of time. Trying to ignore her and hope she will sit quietly and suck her thumb doesn’t work.
Well, hello humidity. I can’t say as I or my hair have missed you.
Don’t leave your car window open while your husband drives through big puddles. Heed my little words of wisdom.
Texas has squirrels! Where I live, there are NO squirrels! Can you believe that? I actually hate squirrels but the kids were super excited to see some today.
There are plenty more observations and other random facts that are floating around in my head… but I’ll have to catch ya tomorrow!
P.S. I’m working on the feed issue. I appreciate that you let me know it wasn’t working! Thanks for bearing with me on this computer stuff… I totally rot at it.
By the way, in case you’re curious, yes… that bird does have a mischievous look. Yes, Judah was also being mischievous. And yes, their mutual mischievousness did indeed collide. He got pecked. I totally laughed my head off. So did he.
San Antonio and a Sunset
March 25, 2009 | Filed Under Life Stuff | 13 Comments
We are headed to San Antonio today, or rather I should say, tonight. We took it easy today, coupling that with Judah having an ultrasound appointment this morning and me needing to get my hair colored… well, we certainly aren’t getting an early start. But, that’s okay! Y’all, we are on vacation!
We are driving only halfway today, hopefully staying at Dyess AFB for the night, and then finishing up the driving tomorrow. Nine hours in one shot is a tough drive with three little ones. Besides, my kids are always up for staying in a hotel! Such adventure.
We have the zoo and the aquarium on the ticket for tomorrow; Sea World on Friday, and IKEA on Saturday. And, you know, whatever else fun stuff we find to add in along the way.
I love this type of vacation… a general idea but no cement plans. I appreciate a vacation that makes room for plenty of adventure and surprise.
Last night we spent some time at a pond on a golf course close to our house; Eve found a tree that has just the perfect spot for lounging in. I did not pose her, this was all her doing. And if I didn’t know her better, I’d think she was trying to be model-esq. But, she’s way too naive and beautifully innocent for all that.
I’m bringing my “sweet girl” along on our vacation so in essence, I’m bringing you . Are you up for it?
iHeartFaces: No Flash
March 24, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized, iHeartFaces | 20 Comments
I took this photo at a local golf course on a fateful day last fall… The day was fateful because I got kicked off said golf course by an enormously crotchety old man.
There aren’t many green places here in eastern New Mexico. In fact, the golf course was the only green place I could think of for a photoshoot. We were only using the side of it but the man, that man, he crushed my hopes, my dreams, my very happiness by kicking us off…. NOT REALLY. I was bummed. But I rallied. I found another golf course.
Anyways…
I am such a sucker for funny photos. I always ask my clients to make a silly face – I love how it immediately brings their true personality to the forefront, not to mention how it loosens them up! These lovely sisters made my heart glad with their beautiful silly faces.
Join in the no flash fun over at I ♥ Faces!
FYI
March 23, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 8 Comments
My blog might start to look a little bit funky… The transition from this blog to the new one has begun.
I’m excited but you know, I really have issues with change.
And yet, here I am, a military wife.
The things that make you go “Hmmmmm….”
A Startling Development
March 22, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 24 Comments
We’ve had quite the development here at our house….
It’s surreal to me that I have a child old enough to be losing teeth. The tooth fairy was good to her though I doubt she’ll ever spend the coins. She called them her “special money.” Nobody, more specifically, her kid brother, is allowed to touch them.
I love that she wrote out her name with a little “v” in the middle. That’s my favorite way of writing her name. I didn’t think she had ever noticed…
She’s my Little Mama
March 19, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 10 Comments
Eliza’s new thing is running around in her towel after her bath. And by running I mean a stiff-legged, booty sticking wa-ay-ay out, trot. She slays me.
I love after-bath babies. Incredibly soft, and breathe deep sweet smelling.
Tuesday Recipe?
March 19, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 38 Comments
Is there any interest in a resurgence of my “Tuesday Recipe?” I think I am up for the challenge if you all want me to bring it back.
By the way, I am getting myself a brand spankin’ new website that includes a recipes tab (YAY!).
Anyways, let me know!
Houston… We’ve Got A Problem.
March 17, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 30 Comments
Things were going along swimmingly. Cute outfit, flowers in hand, sitting in a suitcase with a mirror, old-school bow in the hair…
And then the bottom fell out. Or should I say, the top fell down…
Mama swept in and lifted the lid. But, she totally bailed.
I was given strict instructions to go torture someone else. And so I did.
iHeartFaces: Green
March 16, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 26 Comments
Join in the fun over at I ♥ Faces! The theme is “Green” and the contest will close Tuesday night.
A Little Mommy Dearest Advice
March 15, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 8 Comments
Dear Eliza,
A little advice…
You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose.
But, you can’t pick your friend’s nose.
Love you,
xoxo Mama
Baby Bonnets
March 13, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 6 Comments
A couple of you asked about the bonnet Eliza was wearing in the pictures from the other day. I actually bought hers at a second hand store in Vermont for a dollar.
But don’t despair! I did a little digging, along with my friend Kim, and we found a couple great resources for sweet baby bonnets.
Just to let you know, I did check out Etsy first but found zip in the way of Eliza’s type of bonnet. Bummer. I like supporting other moms.
I kept on looking…
Here is one I found that has a bunch of beautiful, feminine, cotton bonnets. My favorite is the puff crown; I just love that shade of pink.
Another place Kim found is here. Honestly, I love every one of the bonnets on this web page. I would put any of them on Eliza and call it fantastic.
I hope this helps because there really is nothing cuter on a baby girl than a bonnet. See for yourself…
Sick but Glam!
March 13, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 14 Comments
The bug caught up with Eve last night. Bless her heart, she is miserable. But you certainly wouldn’t know it by looking at her. Earrings, bracelet, sparkly mini skirt, barrette, coordinating tights… She’s decked out in a typical outfit.
Eve has her own sense of fashion and one of her rules is:
“Just because I feel like crap doesn’t mean I have to look like crap.”
(Okay, I paraphrased.)
Eve is 100 percent wardrobe conscience at all times. Even when vomiting.
I hope that someday she finds a man that celebrates this fantastic part of who she is…
