Creativity

Wow.... Creativity. I love creating things.
Taking something ugly or useless and making it pretty and/or useful tastes just like fresh chocolate chip cookies out of the oven! And if you know me, you KNOW how much I enjoy those delectable treats.

But I often have a hard time describing myself as "creative". There are so many incredibly talented people out there and it is easy to deem them creative and not always myself. Sometimes my creativity comes because I see something I like and I use that idea. Also, sometimes I have things just sitting around for weeks or months until one day it just hits me what I am supposed to do with it. I love having cute scrap book paper, pieces of wood, and fabric laying around for spur of the moment creating. I love browsing Pinterest for ideas in a certain medium, and I also find all kinds of inspiration in magazines and other's homes.

I don't really think I can say honestly that my creations greatly differ from others. I mean there are sooooo many beautifully creative people out there that inspire me, and you could probably find mounds of art and redone furniture that looks very similar to mine. If anything makes me different, it is that my art is made by ME; My under-developed painting skills that may cause little imperfections, and my full on lifestyle that only allows time for quick crafts, art, and creations, maybe even my resourcefulness to use up what I have laying around me. It all makes my art reflect ME.

For example... I really like the natural wood/ rustic wall art that is popular right now. While building our house last year I was noticing piles of cut lumber that was completely usable being stacked up as garbage or to be burned, and it literally made my stomach turn! I instantly thought I could make things with it.

From painting on them, making small pieces of rustic furniture, even attempting picture frames out of the left over trim, I had to do something with it! Granted much of it did get burned or tossed simply because of the HUGE amount that I simply couldn't stuff in my closets.  I also, don't use stencils, not because I don't like them, but because I am really not good at them! The lettering looks all smudgy, so all my wood sign's lettering is done by hand.

I really haven't even narrowed myself down to one genre, I am reusing pieces of wood, but I also enjoy finding old pieces of furniture and giving them new life, decorating, drawing, word art, cooking (which is definitely an art ;) and lots of other things.

Currently I have a booth at a hip flea market with lots of cute home decor. I am always working on and adding some art and color to my house, but also the booth. I don't have the booth looking like I want it to just yet, but it is getting there! Also, I am working on decorating my house, which may or may not ever end. :)

Why do you do what you do?
Even though my originality is not always on the forefront, I create because it brings me a deep sense of joy. I would imagine most creative people have a similar feeling. Putting art on the walls that I have done just gives me a sense of "Yeah! I did that!!" A "Go me!" kind of attitude, and I feel it again every time I look at it. Just about all the decorative pieces you see on my walls I have put together, whether it is paper, paint, watercolor, making picture frames, or reusing old frames. And I know my style is unique!! Country, rustic, bright, eclectic, feminine... ha! What a mixture ;)

I suppose that is as simple as it gets, I create because it makes me happy.

Baked Chimichangas

 The Chimichanga

   

 

 

chim-ee-chahng-guh;

a crisp, often deep-fried tortilla containing a spicy filling of pork, chicken, etc.,  

usually served as an appetizer with sour cream, green chili sauce, melted cheese, etc.

 

If your like me, I try to AVOID crispy dishes at Mexican restaurants. Normally, "crispy" anything when your at a restaurant means FRIED! I just always order something that doesn't sound crispy.... 'cause I know I'm going to get plenty of crispy in the basket of chips right in front of me :). I really do like chimichangas though!  

 

Occasionally I feel creative when it is time to cook dinner, and this night I did...

 

 ...And I wanted Mexican food.

First, I made the filling with shredded chicken (boiled in microwave, and shredded with forks), onions, salt, a bit of sour cream, and some orange and yellow bell peppers. 

Saute the onions and peppers together with some cumin (a couple sprinkles worth), when soft, mix the sour cream, chicken, onion and pepper, and salt in bowl. 

This time, I used store bought tortillas; Lately, I have been making my own. Fill your tortillas like a burrito with the chicken mixture and then throw some shredded cheese on before rolling it up. Place seam side down on your baking dish. 

Spray with some cooking spray and pop in the oven at 400 degrees for a few minutes. I really don't remember how long I baked them! I am kinda bad about just throwing stuff together and not paying attention to times and measuring. Basically, check them after 5 minutes to see if they are crispy. I was amazed at how crispy and light these turned out. I have tried brushing oil on, and had okay results... but spraying some cooking oil on the top really made a difference.

I added a salad like we would get in the restaurant. Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and added some shredded cheese. The simple salad REALLY made me feel like I was at a restaurant!!

 

MMMMMMMM....... I think I'm going to make these tonight!

I've Got Sunshine

Spring is close! The minute we get a glimpse of that warmer weather to come, we try to head outdoors, or to a park. And what better time to play with my newish (used, but new to me) camera than when the sun is shining bright?!

Sweet baby girl Adelaide seems to love to climb and get in tight places. I was very intrigued by how she was winding herself up into this tunnel. She stayed there very content for several minutes. :)

It doesn't always happen, but it is getting more common for Lyla to play alongside Micah. They were enjoying playing a park version of bongo drums. Makes me smile :)

So I tend to be a people watcher... I just love to watch people live life! Apparently Micah is too. He is studying another park goer zip down the slide. I wonder what he is thinking??

...I could stare at that big brown eye and those big pink lips all day... 

...okay I'll move on.... 

...okay now...

Lyla was sure excited about getting to go down the slide with brother!! Micah... not so much.

 

Oh, how I love those babies.

Visitors!

Now that we are in our house, and it is mostly finished, I love having people over.

 I really enjoy our bar, where people can sit, laugh, and still be in close proximity.
One of my biggest dreams about being this is house was the ability to use it for fellowship. To make lots of memories with friends and family and just live life together! The super cold and snowy/icy weather has put a damper on getting to have lots of visitors, but oh just wait 'til Spring. Oh, and our unfinished stairs kinda puts a damper on that too. :)

A couple of weeks ago we had the Connerly clan over. Sarah and Daniel's twin boys are 18 months and very calm and sweet. However, we could see their very different personality's emerge in the short couple hours they were visiting. Micah was completely fascinated with the boys. He wasn't walking at this point yet, so he would pull up on Easton or Kellen, walk with them as they tried to get away, and then attempt to hug or kiss them. I suppose he needed some boy time!

The picture below, I thought, gave a good example of how the night went. HA! Micah wanting to explore the boys and how they were alike, and the boys ever so calmly letting him. I can't recall either one of them getting upset once; even while Micah was lovingly poking at theirs eyes. :) Sweet Sweet boys.

Sarah playing with Kellen here. He has such a cute giggle!

Giving Duke some loving. Going in for a hug here. 

All four! Learning how to share at the kitchen hot spot. :)

I said "Hi, Easton" and he so happily began waving and smiling big for me. Cute little guys :)

Amish White Bread

Okay,  I would LOVE to be one of those people who rarely go to the grocery store for food staples because said person makes or grows needed items at home. Well, let's just say, I'm working on it. Gardening is in my future this spring, and as for the winter; baking is always fun! So while at the food mart for my weekly food shopping, I didn't buy one loaf of bread... not one! I said to myself rather proudly (actually while I was making my food mart list) that I would make our own bread this week. :)

I have made wheat bread before, and knowing it is very dense, and does not rise very well, I knew I would make a white/wheat flour bread, and also try a white flour only bread. My wheat bread did as expected- dense and not big and fluffy. I didn't add enough white flour I suppose.

However, the white bread turned out rather nice! It actually reminded us of white bread from Subway. As I was making this bread, I realized I still haven't found my bread pan from the move, so I made hoagie rolls. Here is the recipe I used.

Amish White Bread:

2 cups warm water
2/3 cup white sugar (First try, this was WAY too much sugar. Next time I'll use about 1/3 a cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour

Dissolve sugar in the warm water. Stir in yeast and let sit until a foamy layer appears. Then add salt and oil. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead ten minutes then put in your bowl that has been prepared with Pam or oil. (so the bread wont get stuck to the bowl). Let the dough double in size. When doubled, punch it down, shape into loaves, or hoagie rolls, let rise another hour or so until double again. 

I baked my rolls at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. A loaf would take 5- 10 minutes longer.

There ya have it! This makes great sandwich bread. Soft, not too dense, fluffy... etc. 

I decided to make shredded chicken sandwiches out of our hoagie rolls. A little sauteed mushroom and onion, chicken, slice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Nice.

Baby Food Pouches

These convenient little pouches filled with yummy, supposedly 'healthy', pureed fruits and veggies can be expensive. I mean down right expensive! Micah can suck one down in 15 seconds flat... then I'm like what now?  Oh, here have some crackers...

I made Lyla's baby food, I just hadn't felt like doing it with Micah since we were in my parents house for most of his first year; so these things were awesome. But, I had to limit myself to one a day since they are around $2 each, for an organic brand.

I have thought several times to myself... I wish there were a pouch I could use and refill over and over. And then my incredible sister-n-law's blog had a post about nothing less than re-usable pouches!!! YES! I immediately bought some of the least expensive pouches reviewed.

Here is a link to that review. So helpful!
http://thricethespice.blogspot.com/2014/01/baby-and-big-kid-pouch-review.html

 As soon as my pouches came in I started planning! And after some research, came up with some tasty recipes for our very own, homemade, in-expensive food pouches!

I used my Magic Bullet to puree all the goods. I steamed in the microwave the carrots, sweet potatoes, pears, and squash. All separately of course ;)

Above is sweet potato, apple sauce, and cinnamon.

 I just portioned it to where I thought it would be a good consistency, not too thick, not too smooth.

When we used to buy the ready made pouches at the store, Micah seemed to enjoy the spinach pear mix. So I made my own version.

Spinach, steamed pear, and a bit of applesauce.

I had never bought a savory food pouch at the store, mainly because they were $3.00 and up. And if he didn't like it, well too bad for me I guess. However, since the homemade version only costs around $0.30 cents I decided to try one.

Avocado, steamed squash, steamed sweet potato, and spinach.

He didn't turn it down, but it wasn't gone in 15 seconds either. After a few tries, I believe he will like it!

Steamed sweet potato, steamed carrots, and steamed pear.

Steamed carrots and pineapple.

Apple sauce, steamed sweet potatoes, and pineapple.

 And then I made some strawberry applesauce for Lyla. She was very interested in it all and was pleased to have her own. :)

Just a few frozen strawberries, and applesauce. 

Also, I made sure and bought No sugar added applesauce.

Hope this gives you some inspiration for your own baby food!

This Brings Joy

What a beautiful yard we get to look at right now! Winter days can be so bright and cozy, especially when there is lots of bright white snow. However, I still look forward to the spring and summer days ahead when most of our time will be spent outside in the sunshine.

 Lyla slept in again this morning, and I couldn't help snapping a picture of her stretched out in her bed. She is getting so very long!

 

 

When I informed her that the snow was melting, she quickly decided to get ready and go play in it before it melted all away. We haven't been going outside to play much due to the cold, so I was pleased to see her playing and exploring. Our guard dog Duke stayed right beside her the entire time; made me for more at ease watching from the window. She didn't stay long, but when she came inside she seemed refreshed and extra obedient. It is amazing what some fresh air and outside time can do for the spirit. God's creation is the ultimate mood lifter.

Also, while watching Lyla play, I discovered she is going to be a big help in the garden this year. :) Work that shovel girl!

Joyful Day Everyone!

Her Very Own

I have been planning and dreaming of decorating Lyla's bedroom since we started building our house. Actually, probably LONG before that. Nonetheless, it is finished. And I really like it... Oh wait, it is not for me. She really likes it. :)

 

Finding a good deal just makes me plum happy. The pink chandelier above was a Craigslist find.  Already painted and ready to be hung. How cute and girly is that?

We had some scrap trim pieces left from the house, so I made some picture frames and painted them pretty colors to display her art, letters from friends, or family pictures. 

The flags are from her birthday party decorations. Scrapbook paper triangles hung on hemp twine. I saved them with baby girl's room in mind. 

ONE ROOM DONE! I can mark that off my list. :) 

Happy day everyone!

Blessing

I was reading a book I borrowed, from a dear sweet friend, regarding motherhood and its purpose. I like to really read, re-read, and ponder on books like these hoping to let them sink in and really change me for the better. Well, this one has some questions to think, write, and reflect about at the end of each chapter. One of these questions and coordinating scriptures has given me a whole new light about my children.

The Question: Read Psalm 127:3. What does this verse imply about the ministry of motherhood?

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep. 

First, I let myself see that my children are my weapon (vs 5). Weapon? YES! They are my fist full of arrows. Just think for a moment about the child-like faith our children have. They have faith in us, their parents, faith in the world, faith in tomorrow, faith in good; they do not fear (unless they are taught too); they are full of laughter and joy; they are filled LOVE right from the womb. What could be more dangerous to the enemy than these things? Our children bring us back to a place where faith is expected, goodness reigns, and fun is... well, common! I believe this is why life tends to be so BUSY in today's world. The enemies way of keeping us from using our weapons. And busyness is expected and respected in most cultures. Think of a warrior with a FIST FULL of arrows. Seems silly to think about them not being used.

Just seeing those gleeful smiles shuts out any darkness. A fist full of arrows...

Then I re-read (like I do) and notice that I am blessed because I am a parent. Because I have children, I have blessings. My Lyla and Micah are my blessings. 

My rewards. 

My prizes. 

Grab a hold of this and let it rock your world. 'Cause let's face it, the worldly view of children is messy, loud, dirty, annoying, time consuming, and expensive. But our Father says that my babies are my PRIZE!! 

I felt His anointing poor over me as I grasped this concept. And I am holding on for dear life. I never want to forget that Lyla and Micah and any other babies we may have are my reward. They are my BLESSING. and therefore, I have begun addressing them as my blessing out loud. Instead of saying "sweety" or "darling", I say "blessing". 

It reminds me of my ministry as a mother, it keeps my focus on my Father's view of children, and it lets my blessings know that they are just that... a blessing. 

Fun at the Park