Somewhere Over the Rainbow... My Girls' Birthday Party

Whew! We have been back in our home for almost a week now and it feels really good to be back in our space, but we are still going through some re-entry adjustments.

All in all, we had a great furlough... it was busy, but fruitful. We've come away with many new memories and my girls' birthday party is one of them.

My two oldest girls, Naomi & Tabitha, are unique... they are my Labor Day babies. Both born on Labor Day two years & 3 days apart. I always say God sure has a sense of humor having me go to labor and birth on Labor Day... not once, but twice in a row!

For the past few years, we've celebrated the girls' birthdays right at the beginning of our yearly furlough. I did my best with doing simple birthday celebrations for them, but this year decided to really go an extra mile and put in extra effort to really throw a party for them.

I actually started planning, by accident, back in May!

It all started on Pinterest... of course (rolling eyes). I was simply browsing around and a beautiful picture of a rainbow cake caught my eye... not only that, but the caption said something about using homemade, all natural dyes.

Yep, that caught my attention and an idea started blooming in my mind.

That's when I started my 'Birthday Pin Board'. Gotta love Pinterest!

I started planning, pinning and made a list...

Girls' Birthday Party - Rainbow Theme

Rainbow skirts for all 3 girls.
   - measure them (waist & length)
   - ask a friend if she can make 3 of this rainbow skirt.

Birthday banners
   - rainbow colors
   - order from Etsy

Small Plastic Horses
   - spray paint them in red, green, blue, purple & orange (orange turned out hideous!)

Cake Stand
   - ask a friend to make a simple kind using a wood circle and old ice cream sundae glass.
   - spray paint white or red?

Rainbow Cupcakes
   - contact a friend to help make the cupcakes
   - bake in mason jars
   - make simple buttercream frosting
   - make rainbow sprinkles using natural, homemade dyes and coconut sprinkles

Rainbow Fruit Sorbet
   - buy fresh or frozen fruits (strawberry/banana, mango, pineapple/banana, kiwi and        
     blueberry)

What made this a successful party was my asking for help from friends. I learned from past experiences that I couldn't pull off a simple party like this without some help!

All of them were glad to do it... especially for the girls. You all know who you are, thank you!

The girls knew they were having a small party, but the theme was a surprise. I knew there was no way I could plan a complete surprise party, but I can surprise them on the theme!

I had originally planned to do the party on my parents' front enclosed porch where the walls are a fresh white, making the room bright and sunny. I wanted to string up the banners across the room to give it a festive look.

My mom did a great job decorating the enclosed porch with fun mix-matched chairs, plants and pictures that all basically match with the colors of the rainbow theme.

In my mind, it was a perfect set up and excellent for taking good pictures. Plus, there was enough room for everyone who was invited to sit comfortably and enjoy the party!

But right when we arrived to my parents' house from Honduras... the weather took a turn from comfortably warm to super hot all week.

It was a melting 100 degrees outside by early afternoon on the party day. Waah!

I was SO disappointed, but made the choice to shake it off and make the best of it. The party was not about making everything look perfect, but for my girls and they don't care if the set up is perfect or not... it is the thought, effort, joy and excitement that counts and that is what they will remember.

I asked my hubby to help me bring in the yellow, retro 50s table (a wedding gift from my parents to us) from the porch and pushed it up to the window... there I pulled back the curtains as far as it would go to allow as much light in as possible.

Sigh... not how I wanted to look, but I knew my girls will still love the surprise.

I get to work prepping for the party... getting my colorful stripe dishes out (my family kept them for us when we moved to Central America!) and setting up everything on the table.

I also started working on the rainbow fruit sorbet, which I will share more below. My friend dropped off the cupcakes and I send my mother-in-law out to the garage to spray paint the mini-horses.

During this time, the girls were kept busy upstairs so they wouldn't see their 'surprise' party.



Once the mini-horses were dried. I set them up on the cupcakes... they were perfect. Do they look awesome?!

I did have orange spray paint, but it came out clumpy and a hideous bright orange color. The paint was coming off and I didn't like the idea of eating bright neon orange paint with my cupcake. Those poor neon orange horses got tossed aside.

The colorful sprinkles on top... those are actually coconut flakes that have been naturally colored!

I will have to do a post on how to make homemade colored sprinkles with coconut flakes. It is pretty simple and a fun project that I know my girls will enjoy! The sprinkles really perked everything up. I almost didn't even want to do them, but change my mind later. So glad I did!

I set up all the jars on the cake stand and around the front of the stand on the table. I was so pleased with how everything was coming together. Shows how a good attitude helps you see everything in a different & better light!

So, using the natural rainbow cake recipe... my friend helped make these rainbow cupcakes and the buttercream. Do they look lovely and natural?!

She was concern the colors weren't bright enough, but I wasn't expecting the bright, obnoxious, artificial rainbow colors and thought they looked perfect and so natural. Like they should look!

For the ingredients, I originally wanted to use sprouted flour, but the bag I ordered didn't come in time. We made do with regular whole white wheat flour with a little bit of unbleached flour. We used organic cane sugar, but we cut the cane sugar back by a 1/2 cup or so. We also cut the sugar back in the buttercream. My girls don't like sweet cake (woohoo!) and neither do I.

The cake was a little dense & chewy, but tasted really yummy and the buttercream was perfect with it. Even my husband, who is not a fan of cakes, really liked it a lot!

Next is the rainbow fruit sorbet.

Of course.

Me being the "Ice Cream Queen" and recently knighted as "The Ice Cream Mentor" by some of you guys... I had to make and serve some form of homemade ice cream for the girls' party!!

My parents have an ice cream maker, but I didn't have time to re-freeze the bowl over and over to get all the rainbow colors. So, I did a short-cut that is super easy and a no-fail method!

You can actually find the tutorial of how to make the rainbow sorbet in my ice cream ebook, Just Making Ice Cream... there's even a picture of it on the front cover!

Hmm, maybe I will share with you how I make these fantastic rainbow sorbets in a later post... with a video, maybe  ;o)

Anyway, I like to mix banana with the frozen strawberries and pineapples because of their higher water contend... which can make them very icy once frozen. The banana helps them stay creamier and makes it easier to make nice scoops once the sorbet thaws a little.

Man, the textures and colors of this rainbow sorbet is just downright delicious! When thawed a bit, the sorbet scooped up beautifully. See the last picture below.

Next, I send up the girls' outfits. Darling rainbow skirts handmade by a local friend!

I finished prepping everything and got my photos done. Just before we were expecting our guests to arrive... I called down the girls and we got ready with our cameras to capture their expressions when they saw the table.

As you can see... they loved it!

"Oh mama! The horses look so cute! Did you paint them?"

"Mama made rainbow sorbet! Yea!"

"Ooh, look at the colorful cakes in the jar!"

"Look, there are sprinkles on the frosting!"

"We are having a rainbow party! Thank you Mama!"

Even though Poema's birthday wasn't until October I still had to have a skirt made for her!! 

Don't they all look darling?!

I am humbled and honored that the Lord has blessed me with 3 girls. I have a big responsibility in raising them because they will be learning from me as they grow up.

I pray that my life will lead each of them to desire a relationship with our Lord and follow Him all the days of their lives.

I want to show them a love of life that can found only in Jesus.

I want to be an example of a humbled wife that loves and submits to her husband through everything. I want to show them the joy that can be found in family and children, no matter how challenging it can get.

When I pass on from this world, I want to be remembered by them as a woman, wife and mama who loved Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. Leaving them inspired to do that same.

That's a big and sometimes scary responsibility. I am human and make mistakes, but I remind myself that my girls don't need me to be perfect... they just need me to be real and humble.

That's all.

The party was a hit. The cupcakes were delicious. The rainbow sorbet was yummy. Everyone enjoyed their time with us and celebrating the girls' birthdays.

Thank you Lord for another year that we can celebrate with our 3 special girls!

Would you like a scoop of rainbow sorbet??  :o)

Read More

DPP 2011 > A Plan & Purpose

Vivid red petals with golden drops of rain... the flower was made for me to enjoy its glory and beauty. To remind me that there is a Creator.


It didn't just happen... there was a plan and purpose for that flower. Just like there is a plan and purpose for you and me. It was planned for this flower to take root, grow and show off its vivid red glory for me to enjoy... for anybody who wants to take the time to enjoy its beauty.


The beauty that God surrounds us with is breath-taking.


Have you taken the time to stop, look around and admire the creation?


It was created for you and me... for our pleasure!


I can't tell you how many times I go through my days without taking a peep at the beauty outside my house.


I get busy and caught up on laundry, cooking and family... We all do.


What a difference it makes when I purposely take the time to stop, look and enjoy.


When I do that... I can feel the tension around my eyes fade away. My mind clears up. My lungs take in a deep refreshing breathe of air. My heart sings. My body feels restored.


I feel recharged and ready to finish the day with a song of praise in my heart... bursting out from my lips. I often noticed that my kids like hearing me sing, it relaxes them and it relaxes me.


Remember, enjoy what's around you... embrace the life you have... it will be gone in a moment.

Read More

Strawberries & Thankfulness

Day before Thanksgiving day, I checked our small strawberry patch and what did I find?

Our first 2 beautiful, deliciously red & sun-riped strawberries!

It is simply crazy for me to think that in the USA everybody have finish up harvesting their garden bounties and huddling up for winter, while we are watching our strawberries flowery, forming and slowly growing.


This is my first time growing strawberries. I never thought it would be possible to grow strawberries up here, but they are growing beautifully & organically! 

They smelled earthy, fresh & sweet! My girls and I couldn't stop smelling them. Hmmm!


So, I had to hold the girls back from eating those two precious gems and wait for their Daddy to come home to share the love. Seriously, what is better than a simply strawberries & cream?

Now, on a different thought...


The night before Thanksgiving Day, like everybody else, I started thinking about things I was thankful for... Of course, there is so much and it comes naturally to think of all the good things when all is good.


But...


What about everything else I should be MORE thankful for? Having the attitude of thankfulness It a 24/7 choice we make. Not just on Thanksgiving Day!


So my thoughts changed direction... What things in life should I have the attitude of thankfulness?


Am I thankful when I might not have the house I want? Am I thankful for the things I already have? Am I thankful that God called my family to be missionaries? When my healthy son wakes me up in the middle of the night to nurse, am I thankful?


Are you thankful for that job, even when you don't like it or it doesn't pay well? Are you thankful for the trials in your life? Are you thankful when you struggle with your weight? Are you thankful for that car you have? Are you thankful for that person that bothers you?


Are you thankful for the life God has given you... good & bad?


"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)


"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."
Colossians 3:15-16 (NLT)


"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)


"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Read More

GNOWFGLINS Lacto-Fermentation eCourse

Have I Told You All How Much I Love GNOWFGLINS eCourses?


Right now I am going through the Sourdough eCourse and LOVE it. I've already made several treats using my homemade Honduran sourdough starter. I am so much more confident now baking with sourdough that I look back and laugh at myself for being so nervous about it! The eCourse is so easy and simple to follow... totally not like some of the websites I tried to learn from and failed. I highly recommend you joining the Sourdough eCourse, but you can just purchase the Sourdough A to Z eBook and skip the eCourse. The eBook has the entire sourdough eCourse in written form and a lifetime of updates whenever a new recipe is shared. Yeah, its a sweet deal!


Anyway, the focus here is the newly launched Lacto-Fermentation eCourse. I know I shared about this lacto-fermentation class a while back, but I now have decided that GNOWFGLINS eCourse is much simpler, easier and costs less.


For only $8 a month you have access to video demonstrations and print downloads to help you master the art of lacto-fermentation like I have! The Lacto-Fermentation eCourse offers simple lessons and tasty, nutritious recipes for pickles, chutneys, relishes, condiments, pickled fish and meats, sourdough, simple cheeses, beverages, and more! The weekly video demonstrations give you multiple opportunities to practice the principles of lacto-fermentation in limitless ways.


I LOVE LOVE lacto-fermentation... it was the first thing I learned to do when I starting to learn more about real & traditional food. I learned quickly how to make my own kombucha and kefir. I fell in love with the Cortido (Latin American Kraut) and still have it almost everyday 4 years later! Since then, I've made all kinds of stuff and almost every one of them have come out delicious and left my gut dancing for joy.

What You’ll Be Learning And Doing

• The history of lacto-fermentation
• The science of fermenting foods
• Why fermented foods are supremely digestible and nutritious — the best kind of food for your gut!
• How fermented foods help you embrace the harvest
• Save your appliances, resources and energy by going low-tech with traditional fermentation methods
• How to ferment fruits into delicious relishes, chutneys, jams and beverages
• How to turn vegetables into fantastic pickles, relishes and krauts
• Culture dairy into tasty and nutritious butter, sour cream, yogurt, kefir, cheese and more
• Use traditional methods of sourdough to prepare your baked goods and pastries for the best nutrition and digestion
• Pickle and preserve meats in traditional methods
• Ferment beans to make dips, spreads, and pastes the old-fashioned way
• Learn how to give your homemade condiments a probiotic boost
• Master making the most delicious and refreshing natural sodas and other probiotic beverages
• Learn formulas and rules for making up your own ferments to use up your seasonal produce
• Put fermented foods into your daily diet with our meal and menu planning helps

Join Now!
So, what do you think? You up to the challenge of making ferments? Honestly, it really isn't hard... once you do it... you will be amazed at how easy it is. Just recently I was chatting with a long-time friend on Facebook and she shared that she had just started making lacto-ferments. She went on to share that she was shocked by how easy it was to make them, amazed that her family loves it and notices improvements in her family's overall health when eating ferments. Now, she only wishes she had started sooner, but was too overwhelmed at the thought of trying something so foreign... so different!

If you are in the same position as my friend was, my advise to you is to join the Lacto-Fermentation eCourse. Don't think about it... don't put it off... don't even pick your nose! Just do it and you will be so glad you did! LOL!


A bonus about this eCourse is the enrollment is always open, unlike other online classes, so you can enroll any time.


If money is an issue... I encourage you to start thinking about how you can save money. You can start saving $8 a week and in 12 weeks you will have a whole year paid for! If you are thinking there's no way to save $8 a week... what about skipping that weekly cup of java from the coffee shop or that movie rental or stay home more & saving that gas money... there are so many ways you can cut out things that are pleasures (luxuries, really) that can be lived without for several weeks. You never know, by the time you save up the money... you might realized you don't even need those things anymore! That's the beauty of learning to live simply and fully.


Now, go sign up for the Lacto-Fermentation eCourse and... I promise... you will love it!

Read More

Alternative Laundry 101 Series-Part 2: Natural vs. Chemical Laundry Detergents

VS.

A couple weeks ago, I shared the 9 reasons why line-drying your laundry is all around healthier for you and the environment. Now I want to talk about what to use to clean the laundry with.


What we’ve been taught for so long, that we need to use chemicals to effectively clean our clothes, has never been the true or smart . Many natural soaps work as a great & cost effective replacement and will not pollute our bodies & the environment.


The chemical detergents (and all cleaning products) are full of toxin chemicals that quickly wear out your clothes, pollute the land & water sources, harm our animals, cause allergic reactions and damaging to our health. Have you ever wondered if your favorite laundry detergent is making you sick? Here are the 10 common ingredients you will find in any laundry detergent:

• Phenols: Toxic, a suspected carcinogen and rapidly absorbed. Effects include swelling, pimples, and hives. Internal consumption can cause circulatory collapse, cold sweats, coma, and death.
• Optical brighteners: These synthetic chemicals convert UV light wavelengths into visible light, which makes laundered clothes appear whiter (although does not actually affect the cleanliness of the clothing). They’ve been found to be toxic to fish and to cause bacterial mutations. Further, they can cause allergic reactions when exposed to skin that is later exposed to sunlight.
• Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS): These synthetic surfactants are commonly listed as ‘anionic surfactants’ on labels, and are one of the most common surfactants in use. During their production process, carcinogenic and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. They also biodegrade slowly, making them a hazard in the environment.
• Petroleum distillates (aka napthas): These chemicals have been linked to cancer, lung damage, lung inflammation and damage to mucous membranes.
• Phosphates: These chemicals are used to remove hard-water minerals to make detergents more effective, and to prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during a wash. A major problem with them is that, when released into the environment, they stimulate the growth of certain marine plants, which contributes to unbalanced ecosystems. Many states have banned or restricted the use of phosphates for this reason, and you may see laundry detergents advertised as “low-phosphate” or “phosphate-free.”
• Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach): This is a chemical precursor to chlorine, which is highly toxic and involved in more household poisonings than any other chemical. When it reacts with organic materials in the environment, carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created than can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.
• EDTA: Skin irritant leading to allergies, asthma, and skin rashes. EDTA is a class of compounds used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they’re put in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not biodegrade readily and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment, allowing them to re-enter the food chain.
• Artificial fragrances: Toxic effects on fish and mammals, often causes allergies, skin and eye irritation. Do not easily bio-degrade ain the environment.
• Ammonia: Can cause burns, cataracts & corneal damage. Long term repeated exposure can cause bronchitis and pneumonia. Also has a toxic effect on plants, animals and fish.
• Sodium Sulfate: It is corrosive and a severe eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Can cause asthma attacks.

Makes you think twice before using detergent, yes? Read more here and here and here.


Did you know that companies who make laundry detergents are not required by law to list their ingredients?! They claim that their formulas are "confidential"... does that make you wonder what they are hiding? Now, please don’t be fooled by the “free & clear” detergents… they are still made with the same chemicals, just “free” of dyes and fragrances that often cause skin reactions and trigger headaches. Much like the fabric softeners I mentioned before.


With all that said, I use biodegradable & natural products to wash my laundry. I like knowing that my natural soaps contain ingredients from nature, not man-made chemicals. Over the years, I have tried many different laundry soaps… Charlie’s Soap, Earth Friendly ECOS, BioKleen, Ecover, Soap Nuts and many others. Be careful... not all natural soaps are really "safe and natural"! I learned that the hard way, for the past 4 years I’ve been using Charlie’s Soap mainly because I read from reviews that it was the best to use on cloth diapers. Yes, it did a great job of cleaning and not creating a scum that prevents the diapers from being absorbable... BUT I no longer use it for 3 reasons:

• I learned from a friend that Charlie’s Soap is not entirely natural or safe like it says on their products and website. That really bothers me!
• When Naomi was in diapers, she used to break out in HORRIBLE rashes from her diapers if I didn’t make sure to double rinse the diapers after washing them with Charlie’s Soap. If that stuff is supposed to be natural… why was it burning my little girl’s bottom?!
• Since we moved to Central America, it hasn’t done a very good job washing our clothes and diapers in cold-water… especially hard water. Even when I add vinegar and baking soda to help soften the water, still no good.

Now, I’ve switched over to BioKleen and found it did a way better job of cleaning our clothes and diapers. I am also using Soap Nuts... I love the fact that they grow on trees and are completely God-made, but I can't decide if they are really doing a good job of cleaning the laundry. I bought them because 1) they weight less then powder or liquid… 2) I read such great reviews about them and... 3) I got a really great price for 1,600 loads worth. I will keep using them and time will tell if they really do work or not!

I'm sure most of you are wondering if your natural laundry soaps are really "natural and safe". These days there are so many different kinds of natural detergents out there that its hard to know what is good and what is simply a cheap imitation... here are 10 things I've learned to look for when buying GOOD natural laundry detergent:

• 100% Non-Toxic and 100% Biodegradable – Helps protect the environment… most importantly... our water sources, lakes and streams.
• Uses 100% natural and eco-certified ingredients – All natural ingredients plus testing by an independent agency that certain ingredients used are indeed ‘green.’
• Uses only plant-based enzymes – Avoid animal-based enzymes and other animal ingredients (which can lead to unnecessary animal testing). More on the importance of enzymes coming up.
• Butoxyethanol Free – Found in Charlie's Soap and most common laundry & cleaning products (source).
• Petrochemical Free – Free from 1,4-dioxane (and all its derivative names) and NPE. You already know the health risks associated with these.
• Phosphates and Sulfates Free – Free from phosphates and SLS/SLES (and other derivatives).
• Derived from plants, vegetables, and natural food sources – Contains only natural food-grade ingredients.
• Free from bleach, dyes, fragrances, optical brighteners, and masking agents – Only natural oils and food-grade ‘cleaning’ sources used.
• Includes a plant-based fabric softener – No need for a separate softener (not necessary if using vinegar and/or baking soda).
• Performs ideally in cold water and is safe for delicate fabrics and colors –Saves energy over hot water. Performs well regardless of fabric material and colors.

Basically, you want to look for natural soaps derived from non-toxic plant-based and food-based ingredients. That's not always easy to find and often we might find out 1 or 2 years (or 4 years, in my case!) to late that the "natural" soap we've been happily using, isn't so natural... which is why I really want to like my Soap Nuts!


I would also LOVE to make my own laundry soap, but have not found a recipe with ingredients that I can find here in Honduras. I know this would be the most frugal and easiest thing for me to do in the long run. Anybody got recipes to share with simple ingredients and no borax???


Next, in Part 3... I will share with you how to use vinegar and baking soda for all your laundry needs!


Tell me, what are you favorite natural soaps and why? Do you make your own laundry soap and is it effective?


Don't forget... The Everything Beans ebook is on sale to all my noisy readers and check out the Against The Grain eBook Giveaway!!
Have a great week y'all...

Read More

He Is Risen, As He said!

Hope you all had a wonderful day!

  
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.


But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.


And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.


(Matthew 28:1-9, New King James Version)

It is awesome to know that He is alive and right there with us! Even more awesome is that we don't have to earn our salvation... he freely took our sin upon himself so that we can freely & simply receive His salvation. Wow! Thank you Lord!

Read More

Life is Beautiful

I can't believe we now have 3 kids... wow. If you told me 10 years ago that I would be a missionary living in the rural area of Honduras with 3 beautiful kids and my hubby. I probably would've try to run away... like Jonah! LOL!

Honestly... life here is hard and a daily struggle, but I am so glad I am not truly alone. I have my best friend and husband, Jon, to keep me going each day. I have my relationship with my Lord to keep me focus on my calling as a wife and mother. I have my 2 girls and little man to keep me plenty busy!

I am daily learning what it means to die to myself and serve my family. It is a long, challenging road and I always remind myself... "God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it"... It is my daily prayer to meet each new day with a light heart, joyful attitude and LOTS of singing  :o)

Please enjoy our new family pictures!

Where's Tabi? LOL!

Sweet Sisters

Read More