Best Gluten Free Peanutbutter Cookies! Double or Triple it, really!

Here is the recipe for these delicious cookies:

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Combine ingredients and roll about a tablespoon of dough into a ball and place on cookie sheet. Make crisscross marks on each cookie using a fork to gently press and flatten. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.  Like I said, you probably want to double or triple these cookies.  They go fast!

Being Responsible

Picture this: Your 14 year old son is eager to make some extra money.  He works hard and is anticipating the extra cash he can make in the summer months.  Even though there is snow on the ground, he knows that soon the weather will change, and there will be grass to cut in the many lawns of the neighborhood.  You remind him of the new rules in your development that say he must get a permit to mow lawns, and that he will have to be more careful where he leaves the clippings.  Clippings now have to be bagged in brown bags and marked for recycling.  He grumbles about the extra work; it will mean less profits for him because he will have to take more time with each lawn.  You tell him that you will give him half of the $25 for the permit, and remind him he has 4 long months to earn the other half.  He still grumbles over the price of the permit.  You ask him what he plans to do to get ready and how he plans to earn the money he needs. He informs you that he is not in agreement with the new policy and plans to fight it. He gets his two friends, who also mow lawns in their neighborhoods, to help.  They design fliers, get them printed, buy paints and poster board and make signs and protest in front of the town council meeting every month for 5 months.  In all they spend about $50 protesting the new rules.  In the neighborhood, their potential customers are not amused.  They are happy with the job that the boys do mowing the lawns, but they expect the boys to be responsible and clean up the clippings properly.  No one wants to pay a boy to mow their yard and then have to come behind them and sweep up the sidewalks and clean out their flower beds and bag up all the clippings.  When you pay for a job to be done, you want it done well and thoroughly. And, lets not forget that these boys spent more protesting than it would have cost them to just plan ahead and be willing to follow the rules.

This is essentially what the coal burning factories in Ohio are doing.  The amount of mercury being sent into our air and water is at very dangerous levels. And it isn't just our state that is effected.  The mercury is being blown into neighboring states that have already cleaned up their own factories emissions. Mercury poisoning is a very serious issue, and 20 years ago the federal government mandated that the emissions from factories be lowered.  All of the states in the United States took measures to follow this rule.  All of them except the coal burning plants in Ohio. These factories have spent more in fighting this ruling than it would have cost them to make the changes.  They claim they have not been given them enough time to comply with the law, that it is too expensive to make the changes, and that they should not have to follow this rule because they have "rights". 

Really? Now, I'm not what you would call and environmentalist, but I am a mom.  I have 8 beautiful children.  I want their drinking water to be safe.  I care about the emissions from these factories because it directly effects the world that my children and grandchildren will be living in.  Here in Ohio, there is a group of moms who are banding together to show our politicians and the leaders of big industry that we expect them to be responsible.  The Moms Clean Air Force is a group of women, just like me, that are taking our concerns to Washington and our state legislators to let them know that we will not be silent on this issue. Asthma rates in Ohio are astounding and much higher than the national average, and the rise of autism is staggering. Protecting our children from mercury poisoning is preventable.  Please consider reading about the effects of mercury emissions and the testimonies of fellow Ohio moms  here: http://www.momscleanairforce.org/category/ohio/  The Ohio Moms Clean Air Force is having an informational luncheon on February 23rd.  It is a great time to find out what the OMCAF is about!


On Thursday, February 23rd, we would like you and your family to come! We want to fill the Ohio Statehouse Atrium with moms, dads, grandmothers grandfathers and of course the children that we all love. We will have games and activities that teach children about clean air. We will also have speakers, food and information that will help our moms and their families to be more informed.

WHAT: Ohio Moms Kickoff Party!
WHEN: Thursday, February 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
WHERE: The Ohio Statehouse Atrium
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
WHO: Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard
Co-Founder Dominique Browning
Ohio Moms

A New Spelling Strategy

After many years of home schooling, trying countless spelling programs and approaches, I finally seem to have a winner.  I wish I could say one of the many books gathering dust in the corner of my curriculum closet was my go to book, but no.  I simply googled "the most used words" and was handed a wonderful link with the 1000 most used words in the English language.  I figure if we systematically go through these words, not only will my children be able to read most any book they pick up but they will have 1000 common words to write and spell correctly! The first 100 are so easy, that I plan to start them for Kindergarten from now on. This is the website: http://www.duboislc.org/EducationWatch/First100Words.html   The first 100 start out pretty easy and builds in difficulty.  I know it isn't a long term solution, but I think it will work until I start them in the Wordly Wise Vocabulary program and use those words for spelling.  What do you think?  I just tested the kids and wrote down the first 10 words they missed and made them the weeks word list.  A fun challenge to see how your spelling skills stack up.

he of and a to in is you that it he was for on are as with his they I

at be this have from or one had by word but not what all were we when your can said

there use an each which she do how their if will up other about out many then them these so

some her would make like him into time has look two more write go see number no way could people

my than first water been call who oil its now find long down day did get come made may part

I Finally Found It!

A mentor mom, one who has helped me in my homeschool journey, told me that I needed a purpose for homeschooling.  Some want higher educational standards, others want to cater to special learning styles, others want to keep their moral standards.  What was my goal?  I knew it wasn't to raise genius kids, or that I thought the perfect curriculum would be better than a public or private school.  I searched the bible for a verse to lead me, and found an old stand by, "Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not part from it."  But, as true as that verse was, and how much I knew it to mean that our being the main influence of our children was God's will, it wasn't a goal for our children.  It was a promise to me as a mom, a comfort on my long days for sure, but I prayed for God to reveal the purpose He had to me.  He as always was faithful.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 1 John 1:4

That was it!  A simple one sentence verse from John!  How true this statement is for me.  If our children follow God's will for their lives, and His paths, then all else greatly pales in comparison.  What history curriculum we use, courses they study in high school, or class they take will pass away and be of little consequence as they move along through life, but the foundation of God's word and truth are what will be long lasting!  The scripture we memorize and write out, the character lessons that I teach, the service projects and joy that they learn in serving others; that is what I know to be long standing.  They will remember these things just as Proverbs tells me they will, and God has promised they will not turn from it when they are old.  I must be faithful to believe this promise, and pray that God will nurture them and that they will make good decisions, but the firm foundation I need to give them isn't one of academics, it is one based on God's word and truth.  Academics are important, but not the most important part of their education. It is all about perspective and end goals.  1 John 1:4 sums up all that my end goals for each of our children are.  That they love Jesus and walk the paths that God would have them go.

Too tired to finish this thought

  I love my children, my role as a wife and mother, and being home with our kids is a privilege. So, why am I so tired, run down, weepy, and plain exhausted?  No, I'm not pregnant lol.  I am just beat down right now.  Stress, short nights, and being needed 24/7 has drained me of all I feel like I can give and do today.  Do you ever have those days?  I mean, I know I can't just go on strike, so I pray for strength and persevere, but I am so tired I swear I could fall down right here and sleep for a week.  I would love to lay down in bed and cover my head, and stay there until Thursday.  But our life is busy and I have no time for down time for me.  Alright, I'm done whining about being tired.  I need to get up and pack lunches, make my grocery list, double check my Christmas list, and get the kitchen cleaned up from breakfast.  I want to scream out in frustration, sit and cry from exhaustion, and just step out of my busy schedule and pretend it doesn't exist today.  I won't but the thought is pretty tempting :)

A New Way Of Thinking

This isn't working.  That is the thought about home schooling that has been running over and over in my mind.  My first inclination was to dream of sending off a couple of the kids to school next year.  A list of reasons/excuses came to mind. Like, I need a break or  the house is falling apart with a to do list I never have time for!  The younger kids are being cheated of my time, and no one seems to be learning anything.  All these reasons swirled through my mind, and for a brief moment I had myself convinced that it could be a good thing.  Then a small still voice came though loud and clear.  God reminded me why He had called Mick and I to home school in the first place.  It is our job to train the kids not the schools.  Okay God, I thought, but what is up?  Why is this SO hard, and why am I failing?  I have cried, I have prayed, and this morning durning my bible time I got some answers.  I have created the perfect storm.  I went into survival mode for way too long, and training has been slack.  I've let good habit training go to the wayside, both in myself and the kids, and now I am reaping the consequences.  So no begins the long journey back to good habits and attitudes.  I wrote out a list of family rules, modified from the Duggar family, and the first step is to work on getting everyone back on the path of politeness and obedience.  "delayed obedience is disobedience!" and J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, others second, and yourself last.  It takes 6-8 weeks to form a habit, so hopefully in 6 months this will be a much more peaceful and productive house. We shall see how good this mama is at creating a new and good habit in herself by the fruit of the children's attitudes and behaviors!

No Fast Food and De-Cluttering: The First Two Weeks

No fast food is going really well!  I've only been tempted to drive thru once, and boy was it a big one.  I took the younger 6 kids to the zoo, and on the way home we hit traffic, the snacks were gone, it was almost dinner time, and Lia was crying she was hungry, Levi had to go potty for the third time in less than 30 minutes, and Luke was screaming to be out of his chair and fed.  Luckily Kroger was around the corner, so we hit the bathroom and then I picked up some lunchables.  Not the best or healthiest option but way better than fried food.  After that day, everything has been easier :)  Having a set menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is so freeing!  It makes my life so much easier.  I have only had to run to the store for milk and bread, since I had a full list of what I needed for all of our meals.  Much better for our budget, which is nice since I am a homebody at heart.  As my bimonthly shopping trip is coming up, I am really happy with my menu options and food choices for breakfasts and lunches overall, so I need only tweak a few of the meals I am rotating.  I am testing out my own granola recipe today, and I am super excited about that.  The kids love granola bars, so I am trying my own version of granola bites as well as bars.  I also decided to put a yogurt maker on my Christmas list.  The kids love it, and with Lia and Levi's food allergies I need to find a way to make yogurt they can eat.  I can not in good conscience buy coconut yogurt for over two dollars for a small container! 

We've amended our no eating out policy to include Subway and Chipotle.  Mick's work schedule and the kids busy soccer season drove this decision.  When we had only PB & J left after we finished the lunch meat, we knew we needed a healthy not fried option, so we chose those two places.  Also, Mick and I have started a breakfast date with one or two of the kids on Wednesday mornings.  It's nice to have some special one on one time, and since we cut out fast food the extra money means we can splurge.  Not to mention, I can make sure that the kids all get restaurant manners. Let's face it, eating out is expensive, especially with a family of ten, but I don't want the kids to be unable to sit nicely and have good manners on those rare occasions when we do have go out to someplace nice.  I love these time eating out with the kids in smaller groups too.  It is so fun to watch them get excited about the special treat of eating out,  and the excited chatter and laughter spending special time with Mick and I.  Precious moments that this mama will treasure as they grow older!  My organizing project is in full swing, and so far I have 3 bags to donate, 2 trash bags, and 2 of my 7 rooms done.  I am saving the basement for last, because it scares me a little bit lol. 

So Far So Good!

I finally got my menus completed for our 30 day challenge of no fast food and making homemade meals.  I want grocery shopping yesterday, and it is amazing how little of my time was spent in the middle isles of the store!  My cart was pretty full, but the Koshi cereal was on clearance!  $2.01 for a box of cereal that I can feel good about the kids eating is a must buy, especially for the days when we have to be out the door early or when someone sleeps past 7:30AM.  The kids know breakfast time ends at 8:00AM sharp, one time of missing breakfast because of sleeping in, and they make sure to be up and ready. 

So, today I started off the day at 5:00AM, fed little man, and came down to make muffins.  I realized had all the ingredients for the perfect muffin, but lacked the recipe to make said muffins.  I searched and found something good, but I had to tweak.  No more refined sugar and cutting the amount in half, adding in whole oat flour, and using butter and coconut oil in place of vegetable oil.  It was close to bakery style, and I can't imagine adding all the sugar plus using a crumb topping!  I did sprinkle raw sugar crystals on the tops and it gave the muffins a pretty shine.  I think next time they'll be even better!  I also plan to try baked oatmeal cups.  Muffin shaped oatmeal will make for tasty snacks and quick breakfast on the go.  I love how my whole way of thinking about food is changing.  I can see the lost art of cooking good wholesome meals being found, and I really love it!  I think Satan has done a serious number on our culture.  The joy of home cooked food brings a warmth to the house, it smells divine in here!  Not to mention the added health benefits.  I was going to wait until tomorrow to start the 30 day challenge, but we are off and running today!  More potato canning, sorting through clothes, and soccer games are on the agenda. It looks to be a beautiful day.

Preperation and Purging

Well, my good intentions of menu planning are going slowly.  Life keeps happening, but I will be ready by Sunday to go "old school" with all the cooking.  Keeping my focus on the health benefits makes planning easier.  Why is that the "simple" in simple meals keeps hanging me up?  We already eat pretty simply, I just need to get some new recipes to spice things up.  I broke the news to the kids this week that all fast food is gone and that we are going to be simplifying our lifestyle.  They took the no fast food much better than the simplifying part.  Honestly, that is the part I have the hardest time with too!

Before Mick got out of the Army, we moved around quite a bit.  We would change bases, living off base until housing opened and then moving on to base as soon as we could, then packing again and moving on to the next place.  All that packing meant purging naturally happened.  When you have to box up all the things you own and then unpack it all, it is amazing what you consider fodder and purge.  I am a pack rat by nature.  I had every paper I ever did or turned in in high school when Mick and I married, and I moved them all to Fort Polk, LA, our first home.  When it came time to move to Fort Carson, CO those pages were pitched.  With two small children, packing was a chore, even though all I had to do was get things organized since the Army had movers come in and pack everything up.  I knew I would be the one unpacking all of this stuff when we hit Colorado, and our 600 sq ft apartment after a luxurious 800 sq ft living space for the last 3 years!  Downsizing became a habit.  It was purge or be overrun! Fast forward to today. 

We have been living in our own home here in Ohio for about 7 1/2 years.  I have kept way too much!  With out the threat of having to box and unbox, I have left the "stuff" pile up.  So, tomorrow after I drop the kids off for their school time, Alyssa, Justin, and I are officially purging.  We have a basement full of stuff, and much of it has been sitting there for the last 7 years.  I am also a frugal person, so getting rid of things when I may need them again is hard.  That I think is from my sin nature, no matter how cute I try to make it sound by calling it practical, economical, or frugal.  Where is my faith that God will provide if I hold tightly on to things that would bless someone right now?  Yes, the 8 tubs of clothes for the kids in the basement are great for hand me downs, but do I trust God to provide clothing for our children in a year or two if I take them all to the Volunteers of America so that they can give them to someone in need right now?  The lines between being wise with what we have been given and becoming self reliant instead of God reliant are blurred in our society.  That fact hit me soundly this week, that I am putting my trust in storing up stuff instead of in God.  Don't get me wrong, things aren't bad, it is the reliance on them in place of faith that God is going to provide that is the sin.  I need to be needy!  I need to be a little less comfortable, and a lot less proud that I will provide for our family all that they need.  Everything is God's and from God.  It's time to give and bless others, knowing and trusting that God will provide for all of our needs.  Come Monday morning, I pray that our basement is mostly empty, and our closets seriously downsized. 

Healthier Eating Heading Into The Holiday Season

There is a really great, albeit intimidating, challenge going on this month called The October Challenge.  The idea is to get back to raw and unprocessed foods, and eating organic when possible.  I love the sound of it, but as I considered it and read the blogs of those who are sponsoring the challenge, I started to waver on whether I could really do it.  Over the last year, we have been making changes to our diet to make it more healthy.  I try to by organic when possible and economical. I've also started buying our meat from local meat markets, and buying only grass fed or organic beef when possible.  With 10 people to feed, and a husband who will not eat most vegetables or bean and legumes it is a serious challenge to our budget and my creativity in the kitchen to come up with nutritious and delicious meals that everyone will eat!  I think we are going to bypass The October Challenge, but I'm making a 30 day challenge for our family, that I hope to stretch out to a 90 day challenge through the holiday season. 

First off, I'm cutting out the fast food.  We don't eat it often, but it is terrible for all of us, and I would rather start planning so that I can have quick meals that travel for the days that I normally would just run through the drive thru.  Giving up the weekly pizza from the local pizza place will hurt, but I can make my own for a lot less and it's better for us. Secondly, I'm going to get rid of most of the boxed cereal, and start making heartier healthier breakfasts.  Overall, I'd say we're going back to homemade, the way food should be and the way it tastes the best.  I plan to blog our progress, including menu ideas.  It should be a fun!  Our start day is in one week.  That gives me plenty of time to plan and get menus ready for all meals and snacks for the next two weeks.  We are having Josh's birthday party next Sunday, so that menu will be my first big hurdle!  I'm off to search out recipes and plan menus.