The Gluten Free Pastor's Wife, Living the Simple Life

Snow Day Contemplation

2012-01-22T10:35:00.001-08:00

Like the rest of Western Washington, we were trapped indoors for five days while the snow just kept falling. Yesterday was the first day my car saw the light of day, and though it was good to get out, I enjoyed the snow days. We had our moments of "to much togetherness" but all in all, I loved every minute of it. I think snow days are a good time to evaluate things. You are forced into down time, stuck in the house with your family...what do you feel like? Are you going nuts? Are you texting people as fast as your fingers will go? Or are you relaxed, enjoying the time as a gift, not escaping into video games and technology constantly.

I choose the latter. You see, I don't even have texting. My cell phone, which is fondly referred to as "Bob's Phone" because of it's lack luster appearance and basic features sat in my purse as it always does in case of an emergency only. I don't even know my cell phone number. Do you know what a tremendous amount of peace that gives? Yes, I do have a Facebook account which I frequented more than my usual twice a week peek...I'm not totally in the dark ages. However, you won't find a Wii or X Box or whatever else there is at this house. What you will find is lots of craft supplies, lots of wet clothes continually going into the dryer after hours in the snow, and stuff baking in the oven. There's lots of chats with my kids and just hanging out...and time for big mugs of tea and reflection on life and Christ and all that matters. There was also a day of kids with cabin fever were everyone got on everyone else's nerves, but isn't that just part of being together?

Anyway, all this to say, I love snow days...all the busy schedule stuff gets canceled and those are the only distractions from just total peace here at our house. The snow was a welcomed guest for us, and I hope you welcomed it too. After all, life is about these precious moments in time...it's not about that big trip to Disney Land or that awesome thing that happened in your career. All the technology in the world can't replace the simple pleasures of home. That's were my heart is.

For you gluten free peeps...I invented a new recipe during this time:

Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 Cup Brown Rice Flour

1/2 Cup Tapioca Flour

1 Cup Gluten Free Oats

1/4 cup Flaxseed Meal

1 Teaspoon Sea Salt salt

1 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

12 Tablespoons Organic Butter, softened

1 Cup Organic Sugar

2 Free Range Eggs

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350

Whisk flours, oats, flax meal, salt, xanthan gum and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar with a mixer until blended.

Add the flour mixture and beat to blend.

Finally, add the eggs and vanilla and beat in.

Stir in the chocolate chips and drop by heaping Tablespoons on a cookie sheet.

Bake 12-14 minutes.

Makes around 2 dozen.

42 Years of Lessons

2011-12-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

I turned 42 today...not a milestone...nothing special...just a little older. Then I thought about all I've learned in those 42 years...all Christ has brought me through. I thought I'd write down the top lessons I've learned.

1) Everything goes better if you give it over to God. He is the only one in control anyway. Let it go!

2) When you go through a tragedy, are treated unjustly, or suffer greatly, grieve deeply and right away. It's draining and painful, but it's also healing and keeps you from becoming bitter.

3) Simple things are the best things. Titles and accomplishments aren't that big of a deal. Loving people and God...this is what is important.

4) Trust your instincts. They are there for a reason.

5) Never say never. Stay open to new things.

6) Don't give up. It took 20 years of writing articles before I got my first book published...and lots and lots of rejection.

7) You may have a plan or a dream...don't form it from stone. God may have another plan that you never dreamed of.

8) Look at others through the eyes of Jesus. We are all at different places in life...and we all have walked different paths that form who we are. Go with grace.

9) Spend time with your children. Not "doing" just "being". Knowing them is a rich treasure, and when they are all grown up, it's too late!

10) Live life to the fullest. There is only one chance.

Petite Sweet Bakery

2011-12-01T18:12:00.001-08:00

Finally...a place to eat gluten free in Arlington, WA! And it was worth the wait. Petite Sweet makes their own GF bread (white and multi grain) and it was fabulous. There are many sandwiches to choose from, and they even had two soups to chose from. The atmosphere is unique and cozy with the art gallery inside. The restaurant is located on Olympic (Arlington's main street). Bread is available to order and is baked on Thursdays. Go enjoy!

More Vintage Christmas

2011-12-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have been looking everywhere for a vintage Tom and Jerry's bowl and cup set. Etsy has it, but for an outrageous price! Who knew that the local antique store would have it for $15.00. My Mom and I where out and she bought it for me. You're never to old to get spoiled by Mom :) She also bought me the mistletoe apron.

Keeping Christmas Simple

2011-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

My husband, kids and I stopped at a local Starbucks on Thanksgiving Day before going to our family dinner. As we passed the Best Buy to get to Starbucks, we were horrified to see several people in tents pitched in front of the store and even a motor home rolled up on the sidewalk. No giving thanks for these folks...just a freezing night with no sleep in order to get a bigger TV or the next version of "whatever". My husband even took pictures.

Yes, Thanksgiving day is now the beginning of Christmas shopping instead of the day after Thanksgiving. What happened to simple holidays with food and family? What happened to the true meaning of Christmas? It seems it's gone with the quest for more stuff and more busyness. We are missing the point.

Since my husband Jim is a pastor, Christmas can get really crazy for us. I've tried to make a concerted effort to keep things simple so we don't miss Christmas, or it's meaning. Shopping is done early and without putting our bank account in the red. Decorations are simple and vintage, because that sense of times past when things were not so crazy brings me a sense of peace and joy. (Not to mention I love the thrift store hunt for these inexpensive treasures). Hang out days are scheduled to just be and enjoy time together, not always running around.

It's so easy this time of year to get lost in the craziness. We live in a time where having peace, balance and family time takes intentional steps. I hope and pray that you and your family will make that effort. After all what your kids really want is not more stuff and more to do, they want time with you and memories of the true meaning of this season.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.

Vintage Christmas

2011-11-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Autum is Here!

2011-09-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Vintage Federal Glass bowl with pumpkins

My free chair with pumpkins!

Ok, I am ashamed to say this is growing in my front yard, and though I knew it was an Aster, I had no recollection of planting it...until it bloomed! Then I remembered the little plant someone gave me two years ago...you know the ones in the grocery store wrapped in colored paper. It's huge and gorgeous! Can't believe it did that.

This is my favorite time of year. So glad it's here! Enjoy your Fall!

photos by Emily Johnson

Vintage Finds for Fall!

2011-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

OK, This is a great story. We are at a garage sale and I see these two old chairs, painted but the seat is all rustic. I look at the price tag and it says....FREE!!! I am figuring out how to talk my husband into these chairs...I know just what to do with them. We don't get them, but I keep talking while we look at more sales. Soon he is back in front of the house loading them in the back! Yipee! I can't wait to put a big pumpkin on them!

I love to find vintage Anchor Hocking/Fire King dishes. This cup and saucer are from 1952-1956

I love 1970ish Pyrex mixing bowls!

This is a page from a pamphlet published in 1968 for Teen girls by Carnation. .29 cents was all I paid...I have enjoyed reading these funny out of date excerpts to Emily, my almost teen. Times were so different!

A Gluten Free Girls Day Out

2011-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

American Girl Resturant and Pink Bella Cupcakes made for a fabulous shopping day at Alderwood Mall.

Vintage Finds

2011-08-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

I love the thrill of the hunt! Vintage is my thing. I found the 1940's Salt and Pepper at a garage sale for $3. The milk glass tray behind it came in a set of 4, with one surviving cup for $3 at a thrift shop. The December 1969 (Month and year of my birth) Life Magazine chronicling the 60's was.....79 cents! No joke. And the 1940's children's book with rare illustrations was 25 cents at a garage sale. Watch out American Pickers!

A Tadpole Named Bob

2011-08-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the summer my son Ben went to play by a pond at a friend's house. I picked him up to find him hauling a bucket containing 2 tadpoles.

"I'm gonna keep them and have pet frogs," Ben proclaimed. I sighed, remembering my own childhood attempt to keep tadpoles. What I didn't have then was access to the internet. I was amazed at the information on caring for a tadpole at home. "This is actually possible?"

I still had my doubts, but put some boiled lettuce in a clear Rubbermaid box filled with rocks and filtered water. We changed the water and lettuce every few days, but Larry the tadpole quickly died. I feared the day Bob would die as well. To my amazement, weeks went by and the tadpole thrived. We went on vacation for several days and I ran to the stinky container expecting to see a floating tadpole. Instead, I saw a tadpole with back legs!

I checked the internet again, now pretty convinced that this was going to happen, but still afraid it wouldn't. The info said the transformation from this point on would be magical it happened so fast. That was an understatement. Each day we woke up to run and see what change occured next. We started putting Goldfish food in the water so he'd get some protein. Then after about 6 weeks, we found a frog sitting on a rock that stuck out of the water's surface. Yep. A frog. He still had a bit of a tail, but he was done with the water.

We moved Bob to a tank filled with what the pet store advised for the bottom, along with a large pond and some fake trees and rocks. I eyeballed the boxes of crickets, then was informed I needed a "Cricket Keeper". (Of Course!) I then got crickets in bulk...and then...cricket food. Yes, food for the food.

Each day, Bob absorbed more of his tail until it was gone. My husband was afraid he wasn't getting crickets. It was like Bob was a our baby. I lowed a cricket right in front of him, and sure enough, he knew what to do.

Now I wish I had recorded each stage. I was too pessimistic about his transformation, but transform he did! He's a thriving, swimming, hopping and cricket eating frog. In fact, helping Ben with Bob's transformation has been the highlight of my summer.

Sea Glass (See following article - it wouldn't let me post with it!)

2011-08-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Transformation

2011-08-18T18:27:00.001-07:00

Last week we visited a beach in Anacortes, WA for some summer fun. I have a ritual whenever I'm on a beach of any sort. I hunt for bits of colored, sea-polished glass. My family often participates in my search for the rare shards, and this time, everyone wanted to help.

I've learned the best place to look for sea glass is right where the waves lap at the shore, under the layers of sediment. I found my first chunk in a shade of orange-red and held it up for my rummaging family to see, "Found Some!"

One by one we each found a piece, except for my son, Ben. Just as he was about to give up, he hit some kind of sea glass haven and the pieces just kept coming, along with his excited whoops.

I gathered all the colorful pieces together in my lap, 19 in all. I was amazed. Usually I'm lucky to find three in a trip. Why do I take the time to look for these pieces of glass that most often took the form of a bottle holding beer in a former life? Something discarded and littering the water?

I think it's the fact that a massive body of water consumes something fragile, with sharp edges, that is broken and lost. As the sea constantly churns, the waves pound the glass, rushing over it again and again, making it into something new, something smooth and beautiful. A sort of treasure in the rubble.

It reminds me of what Christ can do in a life. The amazing, often difficult, but always glorious transformation of a broken life, in to a precious gift. The process is to much to grasp, and yet His constant presence and love cause the transformation.

Chocolate Chip Zuccini Bread

2011-08-18T18:24:00.001-07:00

2011-08-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have the extreme privilege of celebrating 20 years of marriage to the love of my life this month. It's made me reflect on what I've learned in this adventure. And since I love articles that are "how to" format... you know, 10 things I learned, 5 ways to do this...8 easy steps...I will write 10 things I've learned in marriage.

1) Unite in the hard times

In our first year of marriage we experienced some of the hardest stuff. It came from outside sources, but it didn't help that it was all new. We learned quickly to stand together and share openly all that we were feeling. I am so thankful now for those time, they gave us a strong base.

2) Put money in it's place

We made barely enough to live on with our two salaries combine the first two years together. I was used to shopping often and had never heard of a budget. The financial stress caused us to put money in it's place and be frugal. I am so thankful now that we still have those principles.

3) Change to together/don't grow apart

I was just telling Jim yesterday how fun it's been that we've changed alot since our younger years, but since we have made knowing one another a priority, we've kind of evolved together. We are still on the same page 20 years later...even though it's a different page then we were on then.

4) Quality AND Quantity Time

I pooh, pooh the whole quality instead of quantity thing when it comes to a relationship with your spouse. I think you need both. I am thankful that we've made it a priority to hangout and communicate together regularly. We've sacrificed other activities to do it...it's sooo worth it!

5) Except the Ebb and Flow

There are times when we've not been quite in sinc. This to shall pass. I've learned to just press in and hold on...the adventure continues!

6) Appreciate the things that annoy the heck out of you

I've learned to appreciate the things in Jim that drive me nuts. For example, he has to think, and mull, and research and wait...and wait...and wait...before making a decision. I, on the other hand just jump. Um...not always so good. I've learned over the years that I need him to balance me.

(I still jump sometimes, but he's always there to pull me up when it goes wrong!)

7) Don't put your children over your spouse

We had 8 years together before children. It was fabulous. We have a firm foundation that kept us putting our relationship first even after the demands of children. I think we are better parents because we don't sacrifice US for THEM.

8) Embrace the uniqueness

I so appreciate Jim's "Jim qualities", more than I did when we first got married. It's what makes him the man I love.

9) Praying and being there through the hard times

About 3 1/2 years ago we went through the hardest time of our married life (again an outside force). It was gut wrenching at times, we both saw each other in deep pain. Sometimes there were no words...just whispered prayers and sitting together, being there. I think it's in those times that a marriage is most tested. There is nothing to cling to but God and each other.

10) Laugh often

Being silly and crazy with no inhibitions is my favorite thing about marriage. To be fully known and accepted gives me the ability to be completely free and silly.

GF in Redmond

2011-06-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Our family headed to Redmond to try "Frankie's Pizza". The place is tucked away on 16630 Redmond Way, and we were so glad to find it. I introduced myself to the owner, and he was so eager to share his GF pizza with me. He is trying to get the word out on his GF crust and other items (they have a GF menu). The atmosphere was very Italiano and pleasant, and Frankie is most certainly Italian! It's a family business, and lots of photos that Frankie took himself in Italy hang on the walls. The GF pizza was really good, a thin crust...and my non-GF boys raved about their pizza and meatball sandwich as well. All in all, a great experience.

While on the same street I spotted the "Flying Apron" sign. I'd always wanted to try it in Seattle and just never get there, and was excited to see a new Redmond location. Emily and I practically ran from the car while it was still moving, anxious to get in to an ALL GF bakery. the chocolate cup cakes with chocolate frosting where to die for, and so was the chocolate shortbread cookie. I would pass next time on the chocolate muffin...a little to funky a flavor, and the berry scone was good in a hearty sort of way, but not if you are looking for that light, flaking type scone. They also serve lunch and everything is vegan and GF. Definitely worth the trip!

Lessons from a War Rationing Booklet

2011-06-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a marvelous find at the Glen Eagle garage sale. In fact, when I saw the weathered, brow folder marked "$1", my heart started to beat a little faster. I am, after all a fan of "American Pickers". I could tell this was something old and cool. I snatched it up, handed the lady my dollar, and ran down the driveway before she realized she had just sold something valuable for $1. I pulled out the contents of the folder with trembling hands to find a War Rationing Book from World War II. "I'm a picker! I'm a picker!" I yelled as my husband drove away from the curb. I had never seen a rationing book before, and was interested to peruse the contents. There was a lot of official info, and handwritten names and addresses of people from a Crawford family. To my amazement, the rationing stamps were still inside, some still in sheets. Amazing. I flipped to one portion of the booklet that stood out to me.

'Rationing is a vital part of your country's war effort. Any attempt to violate the rules is an effort to deny someone his share and will create hardship and help the enemy. Give your whole support to rationing and thereby conserve our vital goods. Be guided by the rules: "If you don't need it, DON'T BUY IT." '

I was struck by two things. First, that it was so important to conserve goods and not waste that it was considered "helping the enemy" not too. I think of how we buy and consume in this country. All the waste. It made me take a second look at what is on my list, and also recommit to buying second hand and making more conciouse choices about what I do and do not purchase.

I also think of our talents and gifts. How wasting them instead of using them is helping the enemy. Your gifts are God-given to be used for a purpose, not hidden away or wasted.

The second thing that stood out was of course the last sentence. "If you don't need it, don't buy it." Yep, something I need to remember. It's so easy to get caught up in consumerism. It's something I'm trying to teach my children as well. It's not "things" that make us happy. They give temporal pleasure, but we don't need a bigger house with a playroom, or a bigger TV to be happy.

I gleened many nuggets out of my first "Picker" find. The war rationing folder ended up valuable to me in more ways than one!

Lessons of Solitude

2011-04-16T11:24:00.001-07:00

I have always been a person who enjoys solitude with God, but this winter at a retreat, I felt really challenged to take more time, and practice an occasional day of solitude. I did that this week, and was surprised at how nourishing it was. I turned off the phone, didn't check email or FB, and just spent quiet time, reading reflecting, journaling, praying...resting. There was no formula. Just my green tea, chocolate. What I found was the focus to really listen, and contamplate where I'm at with God, and just soak in His presence. These are the things God brought to my attention through this time that I personally need to work on or be aware of:

1)I need to limit checking FB and email to once a day...instead of through the day, which clouds my focus and makes me feel anxious. Technology can suck the peace right out of me!

2) Don't focus so much on what I need to buy or add things to the list I don't really need.

3) Focus on the truth: His grace is sufficient for me, and I am free.

4) Live in the moment and focus on really knowing my children. It goes so fast!

5) Leave regrets behind, they are covered by His blood and work on the cross.

6)Be who He made me to be, not who others expect me to be.

7)Solitude is so necessary to hear the truth...allow Christ's embrace of love in those moments

I was challenged and encouraged in solitude. I hope that you will take the chance to be too!

Whatever Happened to Modesty?

2011-04-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, whatever happened...it is definitely gone in Hollywood. I just spent 20 minutes trying to find a picture of an Hollywood Star dressed modestly and guess what...I couldn't! There in lies most of the problem. The examples of dress that are out there are far from modest.

As a mother of a preteen daughter, I am very aware of the inappropriate clothing that is out there for girls. And I'm not just talking flesh-in-your-face bikinis, but super low cut tops, slinky formals and how about the dresses with "boobs" already in them in the kids department? I just heard that Abercrombie and Fitch just released a padded swimsuit for little girls. Wow. What is wrong with THAT picture? And there in is yet another problem. When little girls are encouraged that they are "cute" in their Mommy-lookalike wear, it sets a standard, and a comfort level for the little girl that she will carry into her adult life. My daughter was always given modest clothing, and you know what? She doesn't even desire the flesh-revealing stuff now as an almost teen. And I'm not talking clothes that are frumpy or boring. If you've seen my daughter, you know her love of fashion and funky clothes!

The above pictured book is a great resource for any mom and daughter. It's got examples and stories from real life and from real people. I encourage women to take the time to evaluate what they are wearing and what their daughter's are wearing. I want to stand up for the modern women as a whole person. Not focused on our bodies, but on our minds, personalities and spirits as well. We can project so much, and clothes that are all about the body may lead others to miss those other parts of us and leave us open for inappropriate attention. We are not just a body. We are soooo much more!

G-Sale

2011-04-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

We had a family garage sale yesterday during spring break. I remember saying last time, and the time before that, "I will never do that again!" It is crazy, but when you've got to kids giving it their all and letting go of alot of stuff, how do you say no? The amazing thing is I am not a hoarder type...I purge regularly, but we had a TON of stuff! I think it's because Emily and I have been watching to much clean house, and it makes me want to get rid of stuff. Soo....7 hours later the family is $400 richer. Each kid earned about $100 and we surprised Ben who has been posting pictures of hamsters on the screen saver, and talking about them constantly. He took his money to Pet Smart and got an adorable hamster and the whole set up. It was worth the craziness of the sale (including a crazy hoarder lady that bought 7 garbage bags of stuff and was shaking to get to it) to see his face. I'd include a photo of the cute little girl (hamster that is) but she is currently burrowed into her house sleeping...she is adjusting to a new life. Now, I will never have another sale again...until the next one!

Arlington author writes gluten-free cookbook

2011-04-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Arlington author writes gluten-free cookbook

The Book is Out!

2011-03-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Yipee! "It's All Good Without Gluten!" is out and lots of book signings and classes are in the works! Friend me and also sign up for the book's page on FB to keep up with events, or log in to booktour.com. The first scheduled event is as follows:

Saturday, April 16th

10am-11:30am

$25 for book, demo, tips, and q&a

Third Street Therapies in Marysville, WA

Contact me via FB to sign up! Limited Space.

Also, look for upcoming events at Arlington Health, The Arlington Library, and The Mt. Vernon Food COOP!

Outward Appearance Over Dose

2011-02-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

(Isabella Caro is an Italian model who recently died. This bill board was up in Italy...she wanted to save others.)

(Courtney Cox is praised for staying so young and thin at 40 - photo on the left...the one on the right is her younger.)

(Jennifer Love Hewitt was called FAT after these photos where released)

Just in the last few months I've been overwhelmed with people in the news, TV, and quit frankly, people around me and there obsession with weight. It has become acceptable to focus more time and energy on our body then our inward self, and even our family. In any group of women I've been with, it is common place to hear talk of "how much weight I want to loose" or "how many times a day I did an exercise class", "how many miles I need to run to loose 10 pounds". Most of the women talking like this are what I would consider a healthy weight. We live in an obsessed culture. We are "Outward Appearance Over Dosing" and I've had enough. In the last 5 days, I've heard about several young girls in the news with eating disorders, and several local girls as well. I've watched a documentary done by a model of the pressures they face to stay thin, I've walked by magazines in the grocery store checkout line with pictures of healthy looking celebrity woman declared "too fat" or "big butt alert", I've heard of the death of model Isabella Caro who weighed something like 68 lbs when she died recently, after doing a controversial ad campaign showing her nude, anorexia ravaged body. I'm tired of it. I don't want my daughter weighed down with all of it. It's awful.

I believe in eating healthy, and eating chocolate. I don't listen to the articles that tell me I shouldn't eat bread, or I need to fit into a size 2. I WILL enjoy food. And I DO enjoy exercise. (Yes, I'm one of those freaks who likes it). But I will NEVER allow the media and others who are affected by it to dictate what I should look like or take the enjoyment out of life because I need to look a certain way. While I am on the soap box, I am tired of 40 something celebrities trying to look like they are 20....with all the face lifts and super skinnyness. Grow older gracefully! Enjoy life! Loosen up! Eat some good Italian...and stop obsessing about the outside all the time. There is so much more to life.

Be healthy on the outside, but also work on the inside. Can you imagine if we all stood around and talked about how we need to spend a certain number of hours a day with our husband to have a good relationship, or how many times a week to have solitude and focus on God, or how much texting time we need to cut out a week to have a healthier life? Wouldn't that be a radical change? And our bodies would show it too! It's time to gain some balance in this culture before we loose our daughters to a no-win battle with self image!

Collections

2011-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know to many people who don't have a collection of some sort. Most of us have something that for whatever reason, catches our fancy. My daughter Emily collects pigs. The other day as we were shopping and she kept noticing pigs she said, "I don't know what it is about them...I don't know why I like them so much."

I can relate. I have a pear fetish. That's right, pears. They aren't even my favorite fruit to eat (though I do like them), but it's something about the way they look. Maybe it's the shape or the colors. I don't know...something about them just makes me happy. I also have a collection of vintage cards...my favorites have forget-me-nots or are Valentines. With that collection I do know what the intrigue is. I am a writer...I love words, and I love reading what "Martha Kenington" wrote to "Cravin Randolph" in 1910. I love the old art and the time and detail that went into each piece. Hallmark doesn't make cards like these.

Collections are an expression of who we are, a way to capture what we love about life. As long as you don't turn into a hoarder with a room so full of teddy bears or baseball cards that you can't move, I think there is great value in expressing yourself in this way. It's an opportunity to share yourself with others, bright your day and leave a piece of yourself for future generations. Not a bad thing!

What is it About Valentine's Day?

2011-02-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

What is it about Valentine's Day that makes me smile? OK, more than smile...I start decorating my house in January. I plan out my cards...start finding little gifts, buy cupcake kits. I love it!

This year I even started collecting vintage Valentines that I display. It started with one little card I found on a rainy day in July, when a bike trip turned into antiquing on our vacation. I found this cute little card, and for $1, I couldn't pass it up, it made me smile.

Maybe it's memories of all the school Valentine parties. Making your "mailbox" and then waiting for everyone to put a card inside. Finding out what boy liked you. Or maybe it's because of my Mom, who always made it special. I always got a sweet gift. And then there is my Dad, who always had a box of See's chocolate butter creams for me. Or maybe it's just that in the middle of this bleak weather, when I'm wanting Spring so badly, it's a chance to brighten up life with hearts and candy. Who doesn't like hearts and candy? It's one more chance to say "I love you" to friends, family, and that special someone. And even, to your Creator, Himself.

I don't like to hear that pat negative response about Valentine's Day. "It's just a holiday invented by Hallmark to make money."

Then, reinvent it. Make it your own. Bring some hope and hearts to someone and make their day. It's another reason to celebrate life and all that is good in it. Don't miss the opportunity.

Grilla Bites!

2011-01-09T14:48:00.001-08:00

I found a fantastic place located on the main street in Snohomish...you know, the street with all the great shops! Fantastic! We walked in and Emily was hungry. I'm thinking...oh great, what are we gonna be able to get? They had gluten free chicken nuggets on the menu! And a fantastic salad bar, sandwiches with GF bread, snacks from the Flying Apron GF bakery....ahhhh! And the atmosphere is great, they had live music when I was there on a Sunday. Also, the staff is friendly. What can be better! How fun...go try it out!

Cafe Shop is up!

2010-11-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

"It's All Good without gluten has a Cafe Press shop that is up and running. Check out the many items available for sale! I have provided a direct link under my favorite websites on this blog page. Thanks!

Holiday Treats and Chocolate Muffins

2010-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

So sorry the recipes are all running together...something is wrong and I'm not tech savy, so forgive me!

Every year I make a special holiday mix that the family loves. It makes a ton and it's very easy. I got the recipe about 15 years ago from a guy I worked with. His wife made it and sent it to work. It's fabulous and was easy to convert to gluten free!

White Chocolate Party Mix

5 oz. GF pretzel twists

5 cups GF O's type cereal (there are a couple of brands out there)

5 1/2 cups rice Chex

2 cups salted peanuts

2 cups red and green M&Ms

2 12 oz packages GF white chocolate chips

3 tablespoons canola oil

In a large bowl mix all the cereal, nuts and M& Ms

Heat the oil and white chips in a sauce pan over medium heat until smooth and melted

Pour the chocolate over the cereal mixture

Stir to Coat

Spread the pieces onto waxed paper

Cool several hours and break apart

Store in an air tight container

My daughter is a chocoholic and comes by it honestly. I invented these delicious chocolate muffins from Pamela's fabulous baking mix. They are great to send with Emily when she is going to a sleepover or on a retreat for breakfast. I store them in little Ziploc containers so they don't get crushed and stay fresh. Enjoy!

Emily's Chocolate Muffins

2 1/2 cups Pamela's GF Baking Mix

3/4 cup Silk chocolate soy milk

3/4 cup evaporated cane juice (organic sugar)

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/3 cup baking coca

2 free range eggs

2 teaspoons GF vanilla

Heat oven to 350

Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners

Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl just until blended

Divide the mixture between the cups to fill them about 2/3 full

Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center clean

Mix everything in a medium bowl

"It's All Good Without Gluten!"

2010-11-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

If you are ready to do some Christmas shopping, my book is available directly through the publisher for $12 (A drastically discounted rate) through Dec 10th. After that it will be available in stores and on Amazon for full price. Please go to the link in this article or His Work Pub, in my list of links to order. Also, if you haven't checked that link out, please do! It is actually the book's website. It has lots of sneak peaks, my top ten favorite recipes from the book, a place to leave your comments about the GF lifestyle and a chance to enter your own recipes for the recipe of the month section. Hope you enjoy it! I will be posting an article soon with ideas for GF holiday fun! Also, I just finished my the rewrite on my first novel and sent it to an agent who's waiting for it. Will keep you posted!

It's Just A Little Lie

2010-11-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Warning: This may offend some of you. I apologize in advance. I am expressing my opinions.

I admit my love/hate relationship with Facebook. It's a magical thing...and it's a destructive thing. However, this is not the point. My latest issue with Facebook comes in the form of an 11 year old girl, with big blue eyes who is begging her Dad and me to, "Please, please, please let me go on!"

You may be thinking, "What's the big deal?" or "That is a dangerous place for kids." Again, not my point. It all comes down to one little fact. In order for an 11 year old to be a member of Facebook, a parent must tell the child it's alright to lie when FB clearly tell you that the age is 13 to be a member. In essence you are giving a false view of who they are. It's as simple as that. But it's not so simple. If I tell her it's alright to lie about this, what else is it OK to lie about?

My daughter, trying to prove her point, made me a list of 37 of her friends who are 11 years old and on Facebook. This didn't make me cave, but it made me realize I'm under as much of a peer pressure attack as she is. I haven't had this level of pressure since high school.

So, I leave it to you and your conscience. But quit honestly, I'm not writing this to get you to take your kid off, I'm simply telling my story. I'm not here to convict...but please, if you are convicted because of this, don't tell your kids they can no longer be on Facebook because of me. The kid has enough pressure without that! But I do encourage you to think about it. It's one of those age old issues of integrity. Am I extreme? Do I have a point? Draw your own conclusions. But my kids will not be on FB until they are 13.

It's All Good Without Gluten! to be Released December 10!

2010-11-01T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

My gluten free cookbook is coming! It's set to be released Dec 10th. Go to the website link in my list of favorites to preorder your copy at a discounted rate. It's under His Work Publishing and will take you directly to the website. Yes! The book has a fun and informative website. Check it out and tell a friend!

Balanced Involvement

2010-10-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

I started volunteering in my son Ben's 3rd grade class today. I enjoyed it so much. Nothing like a 3rd grader. They are still excited to see their mom and other mom's come in and help. Where else could I cover cardboard in tinfoil, give a spelling test, make kids laugh and encourage my son all in a few hours? It is a brief and amazing time in life. I love interacting with the kids, teachers and other volunteer moms.

I will savor this year of volunteering, as it may be my last. My daughter said "no Mom" in the fourth grade to volunteering, when all the years before she said, "You're coming, right Mom?" That independence hit, and she never looked back. I was only allowed on field trips, assemblies and special events after that, and I chose to respect her independence and enjoy what I could.

I've tried to remained balanced in this whole parent involvement thing. I am a believer in the public school system, and have deep respect for our district and it's teachers and leaders. It's been a fantastic experience for my kids, and me. And I do believe it is easy to fall into one of two categories when you are in the public school system. #1 Not getting involved at all. #2 Over involvement. I have seen people do both and neither are pretty. When my daughter started school, there was a Mom who came every day and just hung out all day. She had small children, and I wanted to say, "Go home". Her child became resentful...she was dying for a little independence. I've taken notes, and tried to fall in the middle. I think that is hard as a parent, but possible. Not to say that I always do it perfect. I have had my share of trial and error.

What I have learned:

1) It's important to be there when your child wants you there.
2) Keep in contact with the teachers...email is great.
3) Help them with their work at home, and ask the teacher if you don't know how to help them with something. (Believe me, there are wrong ways...I've done them!)
4) Talk about the hard things that happen at school, things with peer issues, etc. at home. Give them the tools and truth to deal with it.
4)Give your child the space and freedom they need to grow and learn from others.
5) Pray with your child every day before going to school. This is an important part of our daily routine, though I don't make a big "spiritual" deal of it. I pray out loud while I'm driving them.

I'm French in my Mind

2010-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

So, I read two fictional books on France, both by the author Siri Mitchell (who is amazing). One is "Chataeu of Echos", the other, "Kissing Adrien". She transproted me to France. Once to the French Country side, and then to Paris. Then I went to the library, (as I always do when I get excited about something) and ordered tons of books on France. Books on French cooking, decorating, French fashion, culture, the women and how they live... What I discovered is that in my thinking, I am French. If you boil down the French way of life it is this: Enjoy life, enjoy healthy food, slow down, live life to the fullest. Yep, I am declaring myself French. Here is an excerpt from the book "French Women For All Seasons" by Mireille Guiliano.

"A few years ago, the oldest person in the world died. She was 122 years old and lived in the south of France, in Arles, the big old town that passes for a city in Provence. Much about her life has been scrutinised and verified: she ate a traditional French-Mediterranean diet, local seasonal fruits and vegetables, olives, and olive oil. She enjoyed her cheeses and the occasional pat of butter. She enjoyed a daily glass or two of the local wine (red) and she liked a taste of port before meals. She did not eat fast food. She did not eat good food quickly. She ate three meals a day at a pace suited to savoring them. walking and bicycling were her primary means of transportation (the latter till age one hundred), and she lived by the clock of Provence, where deadlines exist in only the laxest sense and there are long midday breaks for lunch and perhaps a nap."

No, I don't live in France, but I want to incorporate their wisdom into my American life!

A Good Reminder to Guard the Mind

2010-09-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

My daughter started middle school a couple of days ago, and of course I was worried. I'm thinking of all the things that could go wrong...trouble with a locker, not able to find a class, rude kids. None of these things were the problem. In fact she had a great day, except for gym class. She came home talking about the mean gym teacher and how everyone is afraid of her and they all hate P.E. Huh. Not what I expected. She had P.E. on Wednesday and will have it again today. She was going on and on about how bad it's gonna be and how everyone is talking about how bad it will be and how mean the teacher is.

I said, "Honey, have you ever thought that she might be nervous too? She might be trying to set a tough exterior so the squirmy 6th grade boys will listen and take her seriously."

I went on to tell her something I have learned over the years from experience, and what do you know, I reminded myself at a time I need to hear it too. I told her that the more we think and talk about something, and how bad it is and how horrible it's going to be, the bigger and worse we make it. We must take those kind of thoughts and attitudes captive, and look at things in a different light.

I personally have been stressing, (to the point of having nightmares) over something I have to deal with, and telling my daughter to change her negative thought/talk changed mine. I have to give my stressful thoughts and attitudes over to Christ and trust Him to work it all for the good. Wow, I parented myself. Or rather HE parented me. God always speaks in the most uncommon ways when we least expect it. (Update: Just picked her up...guess what...she likes the P.E. teacher :)

That Time of Year

2010-09-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here we go again...two weeks ago I couldn't wait for the kids to go back to school (that end-of-the-summer-fighting-phase), and now that the day is almost here, I am melancholy, and thinking back to when they were little. I know that it's time, and I don't even think it's healthy for them to be with me 24/7, but I remember the days of all day play, and savoring the last days of kindergarten with Ben...we had those "off" days to ourselves, just he and I. And Emily, just yesterday she was a baby, cuddling me close and now she is going to Middle School, packing all her supplies in the new neon green backpack, laying out funky outfits for the week. Where did the time go? I'm taking deep breaths as item after item gets added to my calendar...and then there's writing to get done. Routine. I love it? I have to get back into it to feel it's comfort. But those lazy summer days are still holding me close in the residue of the sun's warmth. This is the ebb and flow of life. The changing of the seasons, the passing of time. I will not control it, or worry over it. I will savor it. Each day as it comes.

Wedded Bliss

2010-08-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

I went to a garage sale today. It didn't look to promising...a lot of old junk. It covered the front yard, the garage and into a barn. Sandwiched between a rusted tool of some kind and a manual on tractor repair was a vintage wedding topper in it's original box. (The box was not sealed and looked worse for wear, but it was in the box none the less). It was marked 50 cents, so I grabbed it, hoping to unearth the treasure at home. Well, not only was the wedding topper in the box, some old post cars from the Yakima Travel Lodge (I'm assuming a very romantic honeymoon) and, get this, the original party favors (gross, some kind of food wrapped with a bow). The couple is from 1959, and I researched what one in really good shape is worth, and it's $28.00. Anyway, this one is not in perfect shape. I had to remove the floral backing because it was a mess, and the material wedding dress, well it is stained, but it looks like it was sort of meant to be. It looked like the original frosting residue was on the bottom piece too. I had no choice but to submerge the whole thing in soapy water and then blow dry the dress. It did great! I blame the Farm Chicks girls for this...I now can't wait to find some vintage treasure around the corner. I have no idea what I am doing with this, but it's very cool!

Ice Cream Cones

2010-08-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

We just finished having chocolate ice cream in gluten free cones. Delicious! I felt like a kid again! I'm so glad they make GF cones. This got us talking about how in the world people eat the huge cones and that led to the history of the ice cream cone. I googled it. The first ice cream vendors actually put the ice cream in a glass cup, and you had to lick it all out of it and hand it back to the ice cream man so he could fill it for the next guy. Bleh! This was called a penny lick. Then, in the 1850's Italian immigrants in Manchester, England sold what we would consider ice cream cones on the streets. They were called "Hokey Pokey". And the men who called them, "Hokey Pokey men", of course! So not only did I find out about ice cream cones, I found out about that crazy song that you do a dance to at the roller skating rink! There is your lesson for the day! Now go have an ice cream cone!

Little Blessings

2010-07-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Remember when I went nuts over finding a vintage Pillsbury Doughboy? Well now I'm really nuts! A dear friend of mine thought of me while helping her aunt liquidate her antique store. She emailed me wondering if I might be interested in another 1971 Doughboy and a 1972 Dough Girl...(What, there's a Dough Girl?!)...with stands. OK, I was so excited (I know, I'm crazy). Her aunt said she could just have them and so, now they have a home with me. I found out that they actually have names. Poppin' Fresh and Poppie Fresh. How cute is that. Yes, I am excited over little rubber people...and now I'm hooked. I also found out there are OTHERS! Grandpa and Grandma, a baby...the list goes on! I will be searching them out at thrift stores and garage sales. Most of all, it meant so much for my friend to think of me. I am blessed!

Urgh! That Title!

2010-07-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today I had one of those fish bowl moments. I'm strolling through Target, arms loaded down with copy paper, and of course female products. My daughter found a 4th of July tee on clearance for next year which I told her she could get...then starts the sibling antics. Ben looks at her purchase and says, "she gets something!" Oh, how I hate summer shopping with kids in tow! I launched into my lecture with an elevated voice. Not YELLING mind you, like the ladies at the store that make you want to call CPS...just a tone of frustration. I turn around and practically run into an older couple from church. AHHHH. My face goes red. In my back peddling to recover I embarrass the kids. Is there no mercy? Can someone give this PW a break? Can I just say that Pastor's families are human. They have the same ups and downs (OK, not all the same, but you know what I mean, they are people). Sometimes I think people think we are some how holier or have some kind of "mystic magic". Nope. Not here. I get angry and an occasional, mild curse word may be uttered under my breath (see even now I feel the need to justify, just in case someone is thinking I utter the biggy). I cry. I yell at my kids. I eat to much chocolate. I get annoyed by "that person". It's all there, just like you. So, if you see me, or another PW caught in some "human act" just smile and keep walking, knowing she's a whole lot more like you then you may have thought!

Tal & Acacia - Wake Me

2010-06-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like Noah

2010-06-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

This has been a challenging time for me. Ever felt like you were starting to feel like you were getting somewhere, finally, after feeling stuck in the muck for so long...only to find yourself back where you started? My cookbook was to be out this May...due to an unforeseen circumstance, the publisher had to put it all on hold until Fall. Hmm....wait....some more? The fictional piece I finished early this spring called "The Pastor's Wife" caught the attention of a literary agent. One catch, I have to add 100 pages to it to make it marketable. Add? To something finished? Yikes. Then there is the church finance situation. The agony of each week praying that we meet budget. Looking at layoffs. Watching my husband wrestle through it all. I've been struggling with old emotions I thought were resolved, and feeling like....well, like Noah. Then, I stumble across this amazing song. It has become my theme song. My son lets out a sigh often. "AW Mom! Not again!" Each time I play it. It's like Tal and Acacia (the sisters who wrote it) looked into my soul and came up with it.

Wake Me (Noah Song)

I don't know why.
I don't want to try, seriously.
I can't find a kite to fly me away.
It's been way to long like this,
Can't quit, 'cause what if I miss?
can't see, but I hear you workin' away.
It's like my name is Noah,
And I find me here again.

Will you wake me when the boat is done?
Will you show me what you've been doin' all this time?
Used to play in the dark just for fun.
But I wanna see what's been goin' on in your mind.
Will you wake me when the boat is...

I don't want to hide.
You've been so kind, seriously.
You've taken my life and made me awake.
But I'd be lying to dismiss,
How alone I feel in this.
Create what I can't make in these final days.

Will you wake me when the boat is done?
Will you show me what you've been doin' all this time?
Used to play in the dark just for fun.
But, I wanna see what's been goin' on in your mind.

I don't know why,
Flood's comin' soon.
I don't know why.
Believing in what you do.
I don't know why.
Stop worryin',
'Cause the rain was no ta dream.
Create in me, yeah.
What I never seen, yeah.
I want to see what I've never seen before.
Create in me, yeah. What I never seen, yeah.
Open up the windows and open up the doors.

My Friend The Dough Boy

2010-06-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, my mom saved up proof of purchases and sent away for a Pillsbury Dough Boy. I loved that thing! There was something about his blue eyes and the way he smelled. I had him for years, but we moved four times before we settled, and somewhere along the way, I lost him. I have grieved him ever since. Just two months ago I saw a newer one (they had an anniversary edition in the 80s) in an antique store. I wanted it so bad, but I couldn't justify paying for it. I reluctantly put the plump, white man back with the other mementos of the past and moved on.

Then yesterday, the kids and I stumbled into the local thrift store. It was Super Saturday (everything that is already cheap is 50% cheaper). Emily comes running toward me as I'm perusing the tops. Something is behind her back.

"Mom, you are gonna go nuts! You are gonna die!" she says. Then she pulls out the little man of my dreams. I gasp. I look at the little yellow price tag on his head...$1.95....but wait, it's Super Saturday! They are practically giving me this dough boy! I kiss Emily right there in the aisle and then I start jumping up and down and squealing. She must have known how important it was, because instead of the typical horror of embarrassment, she giggled.

I got him home and gently scrubbed the years of grim off his body with Bon Ami. Then, I gasp again, as I clean away the date stamped on him. He is an original 1971 Pillsbury Dough Boy, exactly the one from my childhood. And he is now, as clean and sparking white as new, and resides in my kitchen, in a basket with my 1940's 100 Salads cookbook. A piece of my childhood smiles at me while I happily work in the kitchen!

Tips and Tricks for Saving $ While Eatting Healthy and/or Gluten Free!

2010-05-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

Sheww! That was a mouthful! I just thought with the economy being what it is, this might be helpful. We have had to really pinch the pennies over the last several years, and looks like I'll be cutting back even more as the economy continues to affect us, as it does all of you. You can still eat well and stay on a budget.

1) Get your "grocery membership cards". The savings add up. Especially with a program like Fred Meyer rewards. I get free $$$ to spend at Fred's and cheap gas!

2) Watch the ads. You can get great deals...and stock up! If you can hold off on something until it's on sale, do it!

3) Use coupons! I clip away, and there are more and more GF and Organic brands. I have a link here to Mambo Sprouts which has great e coupons and coupon books by mail! If you can check an ad and get it on the sale price with a coupon, you can really save!

4) Get a Coop membership. I cannot tell you how valuable this is. And our Coop now has dividend rewards at the end of each year.

5) Shop farmer's markets. They are cheap and fresh!

6) Costco! It is getting more and more GF and Organic. Some of my favorites? Sun Rype fruit bites and bars, Odwala OJ, Food Should Taste Good Multi-Grain Chips, organic butter, Annie's snacks, organic hamburger. Use your Costco coupons...did you know they are reusable during the designated time period? A tip for shopping at Costco: Get in, get out, get only what you need. Buying bulk isn't saving you money when it's not something you need...it's adding to the bill!

7) Stop buying cute little snack packs and convenience products like a bag of pre washed lettuce. It adds up. How much effort is it to put stuff in baggies? I don't like washing lettuce, but it won't kill me.

8) Stop using paper towels in the kitchen! Not only is it better for the environment, it has saved me about $20 a month. My cute little Grandma does embroidery on flour sack towels. I have stacks, and washing them with a load I already have to do anyway is better than buy paper towels!

9) Bake your own goodies. Unless a mix is on sale, I bake from scratch.

10) Get reusable water bottles, don't buy bottled water. I have lunch size bottles that fit in the kids lunches. This also saves on buying those juices for the lunches. They can put juice or water in the bottle.

11) Look in every nook of discount stores. I have found GF cookies, and organic fruit snacks at Marshalls for half the price. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this? HAHA. Last time I bought all that they had.

12) Don't eat meat. At least not often. If you can make more vegetarian meals, you will save big!

13) Shop at Trader Joes. Enough said.

14) Stop eating fast food. It's a waste of money and will end up compromising your health, thus giving you doctor bills. Did I mention I really hate fast food?

15) Stick to your list. If you can keep from throwing those "extras" in your cart, you'll save. People always say don't go shopping hungry. I would have to add, don't go shopping with your kids. They want to try this, and that. And you will end up with extras. I shop when my kids are at school!

I think that's it! At least it's what my perimentipausal brain can remember at this time! Hope it helps! Add your tips in the comments.

REAL BREAD!!!!!!

2010-03-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is the best GF bread ever. No, the only GF bread ever. Everything else is a substitute for the real thing. You can eat it without heating or toasting, and if you eat GF you know what a big deal that is. Keep it in the fridge and it lasts over a week. A must have!!! Go Udi's!

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

2010-03-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mother & Daughter

2010-03-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

Reflection

2010-03-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

Took time today to read my journal from two years ago, during the hardest time in my life. It's amazing how looking back on what I'd written, what I'd poured out to God and experienced, heals on a deep level. I felt the presence of Christ reading those pages, and after all this time, and much healing that continues to this day, I see now the growth, the depth of relationship I've gained with my Lord. I wish I could some how infuse the hearts of women with the understanding of how very important it is to get past all the "to do lists" and the "works in the name of God" and just be, just surrender, just let Him love you. It is then that you will make a difference. You see, people are drawn to those who truly know their Savior. At least I know I am. But I know, I can't put this truth in any one's heart, they have to be driven to it, often through pain or turmoil. It is a place I hold dear, and am so thankful for today.

"Surrendering to God is the key that unlocks the door to the life you want. A bigger spiritual "To do" list or a calendar full of church activities will not change our lives. When we give ourselves to God - mind, body, soul and spirit - HE changes us." Nicole Johnson (Fresh Brewed Life).

Running on Faith

2010-03-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

I just went out for my morning walk. I have been a walker, and a runner. I stopped running about 9 months ago when an old injury (I broke my pelvis in college), started causing problems to my hip and knee every time I ran. I LOVED running, but went back to walking. Well, today I broke into a run to pass some ladies, and I couldn't stop! I just kept going. It felt so good I was giddy. I am one of those weird people that loves everything about running. I love the feel of your muscles warming under the friction, the way my perfectly broken-in shoes feel on the pavement, and the sweat dripping down my back. I love the way I feel so free! I came home and did lots of chiropractor recommended exercises to prevent the reoccurring injury. Let's hope it works. I don't think I can stop! HA HA

It Just Happened

2010-03-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

(You can't read the quote here, but I love it. Julia forced her way into a cooking class full of men, by-passed them all with her skill, and later told her husband, "You should have seen the way those men looked at me.")

I finally watched Julie and Julia. What a fabulous work by Nora Ephron (one of my favorite directors). I see now why Merril Streep was nominated....she WAS Julia Child. I remember watching Julia Child on PBS with my Dad who still cooks everything swimming in butter, Julia's favorite! She was always so funny and quirky...but wrote the culture-changing cookbook of her time. I always figured she was some master culinary arts graduate who owned her own restaurants or something. The story reveals a series of opportunities that turn into an unexpected adventure in publishing a cookbook for Julia and also include another story line of a modern day writer, Julie, looking for something to change her mundane life. She cooks through Julia's book and blogs, changing her own destiny.

This story was an encouragement to me on my own adventure. You see, I never started out with a dream to write a cookbook. Over a course of events, it just happened. I had always liked to cook, and mess around with recipes, as well as create my own. I come by that honestly, as my Dad is an amazing cook. I found out I had Celiac disease over 8 years ago, and was disappointed by the taste of so many of the recipes I tried. I also missed my old favorites, and things I'd created. So, out of necessity, I started creating GF recipes. However, unlike my Dad, I am a very simple, straight-forward cook, and never considered a cookbook. Afterall, I reasoned, isn't that for professionals? Then I did a cleanse, and invented recipes to eat during that time without dairy, egg or sugar. Soon I discovered my daughter had Celiac Disease as well, and my quest to make more favorites became intense. Then I realized that I had a cookbook's worth of recipes, and oodles of practical information that could help others. I've been a published writer for 14 years, and though I never though I'd write a cookbook, my journey of culinary meets literary began. It took me over two years to find a publisher, and then of course, there were two (isn't that the way it goes?). I've been blessed with an amazing editor/publisher who has helped me along in this amazing and unexpected journey. You never know what plans God has for you if you are open and willing. And if I've learned anything, it's that it doesn't matter what the "Official" way to do something is, if you are open and hopeful, things happen. It's an adventure of trust and learning, one I'm so blessed to be on. I'm no Julia Child, but I'm ready to give what I have and embrace the opportunities that "just happened".

The Spa

2010-03-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

I got to be the Spa lady at my daugter's 11th Birthday. To much fun. What great girls!

New Favorites

2010-03-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

2 Tablespoons of Cranberry Juice in a glass of water... sip it all day, stay healthy!

I love Trader Joes, good stuff, super cheap. This is my new favorite soup!

These are the best chip/crackers! And I just discovered this gigantic bag at Costco. (Finally, something I want in the gigantic size!)

Calm tea is perfect before bed. It helps me sleep!

I give one of these to my kids every morning with their multi-vitamins and C. Ben and Em love them and they are full of immunity building ingredients! Kind of pricey, but I get them on sale at Super Supplements.

This salsa tastes like restaurant pico! It's soooo good.

This is the most decadent, amazing dessert, AND it's none dairy, no sugar!

These fruit bars are sooooo good! I found them at Costco. Great snack.

Profiteroles are a fancy dessert in my cookbook. I made a batch to test for the cookbook, and have only made them as pictured. We had a ton left, and I put the pastries in an air tight container and we discovered that alone, they are alot like donuts. YUM!

Let Valentine's Day Brighten Your Winter Blahs

2010-02-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

1) Put a note and some kisses or conversation hearts in a lunch box

2) Buy Valentine's Day plates and napkins from the dollar store and use them all February

3) Decorate the House!

4) Send cards to people who might not expect them

5) EAT CHOCOLATE

6) Rent a romantic movie

7) Find a theme verse about God's love for Valentine's Day and memorize it and write it in your cards. (Mine this year is "There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast out fear" I John 4:18)

8) EAT MORE CHOCOLATE

9) Pamper your spouse and children

10) Take time to reflect and write down how God has shown you His love

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Janel's Gluten Free Market

2010-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

My Mom and I visited Janel's this week...what a wonderful place! She's a kind and helpful lady with a clean and fully stocked store. It includes a reading room with an area to have coffee and tea. She's got about 60% of the stock she will eventually have, and is in the process of setting up a bulk flour section, yahoo! They have a great selection, good prices, and have new products out to taste test. I discovered some new things (more later on that). Check it out at 7024 Evergreen Way, Everett WA. You can find a web link under my recommended sites!

Freedom in Christ

2010-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Pouring my soul out to You. In the still and quiet, my mind rests and gives it's clattering up to rest in You. I'm still and resting, waiting for Your words of truth. My heart longs for this dialogue with You. You are the only one who knows me, even more that I know myself. You know my faults and weaknesses. My joy and strength. And yet I can do nothing to add to the pleasure You have in me, Your child. That amazes me. Fully excepted. Completely loved. The walls of my youth that I erected have long ago fallen under the power of Your love. The enemy cannot hold me captive with His lies any longer. I am free. Here my heart is renewed as I soak in the healing of Your presence. There is nothing but You and me. Bring me the wisdom that only comes from being quiet before You. Remind me of the truth that only comes from listening for Your voice in the stillness. I am Yours. You are mine.

It Goes Too Fast

2010-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

My daughter Emily is knocking on the door of eleven years old and it seems since Christmas break it's all coming down. The phone is ringing off the hook. We've had to set limits with all the little girls calling. A boy likes her. And, today she got a more grown up hairstyle. I watched the yard of blond hair fall to the ground knowing that time is ticking away. I'm remembering her little kindergarten pig tails and Dora backpack. Her play food and tea parties. Speaking of parties, she has three to go to in two weeks. When did this happen?

I am so glad at this moment that I put in the time with my little girl. I've been home with her, I've played with her, I've loved her. You hear it said all the time, but it goes to fast. If you are an at home Mom in the throws of toddlerhood, dealing with poopy diapers and messes...love every minute of it. It is a privilege to stay at home with your children. Instead of thinking of the next moment to plan your escape, focus on now. In the blink of an eye, it's over. Don't miss it!

You HAVE to try this amazing new GF Granola!

2010-01-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Nicole Matheson founded "Mirracole Morsels" several years ago, making non-gluten free cookies and granola. She is now launching a whole new business making gluten free granola, and let me tell you, it's outstanding. She sent me a sample which I gobbled up with a banana this morning. This is the best granola I've ever tasted, GF or otherwise. It comes in Cranberry Pecan and Peanut Butter Chocolate chunk. She makes it in a dedicated facility in Suquamish, WA and has a store in Kingston as well. Her products can be found in several locations...for a full listing visit her website! This granola is moist, delicious and full of quality organic ingredients. It's been my pleasure to get to know Nicole, who is a wonderful, Christian lady and amazing business woman. I know you will be seeing more of her delicious products! Find her on the web at http://www.mirracolemorsels.com/

Fixating on the Numbers

2010-01-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that New Year's Resolutions are made, and one of the biggest resolutions for many is certainly weight loss. I must admit, it makes me uncomfortable to see people, specifically women, focus on their weight. Don't get me wrong. I am all about being healthy, eating right, and exercising...it's the obsessing about the numbers on the scale that bothers me. If you are on some kind of diet and reading this, take no offense. This is my personal take on weight loss. In the past, especially in my early 30's when hormones and post-pregnancy start to change your metabolism, I did some "diets". You know what, I didn't like myself during them. I found myself always focusing on the scale, and food, and how much others weighed, and if I was loosing fast enough. Yes, I lost weight, but I deprived myself of foods I enjoyed, and in the process obsessed about it. Now as others are gearing up for weight loss goals, I am staying far from the scale. I will continue to exercise, and eat a portion that isn't overindulgent (most of the time), but I will not focus on numbers and worry about what I am eating all the time. I hope that where ever you are in this issue, you are content with who God made you. It's not about the number on the scale...if you are practicing healthy habits and still enjoying life, you will always put the best you forward.

Boston's GF Pizza Crust!

2009-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

So we finally got to Bostons. The pizza is really good...crisp crust! It's so exciting to have options!

Gluten Free Registry

2009-12-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a wonderful new tool. Glutenfreeregistry.com. I have added it to my list of websites so you can go directly there. You can type in any city and state, the type of restaurant you want, and a map pops up with gluten free restaurants in the area. It's so helpful! Also, for those of you always looking for GF pizza, I just found out that Boston's is now offering GF pizza!

Trumpeter is Gluten Free Heaven

2009-12-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

If you've been eating gluten free for any length of time, you know how difficult it is to find a safe dining experience. Most of the time when you do find a safe place, the menu options are very limited. Enter the Trumpeter Public House located in down town Mt. Vernon, WA. It's a charming Irish Pub and Restaurant and it's gluten free heaven. The owners of this establishment have committed themselves to making their soups, and basic recipes GF, and if you want an item that has a bun or breading, they will make yours gluten free.

You can imagine my excitement at being able to order the special of the day! I just went today with my Mom and we had the soup and sandwich listed on the board in the photo. Delicious! My friend Shaela introduced me to the place, and today was my fifth visit. I've had two of the special sandwiches and soup, garlic bread (yes, I said garlic bread), Pear salad, chocolate cake, and chicken burger...all delicious. Their fries are to die for as well. My daughter is very picky, and wanted chicken strips and fries which were not on the menu...they had no problem making it and Emily devoured it, giggling all the while. (This is exciting stuff!)

I highly recommend this establishment. The food is great GF or otherwise, and the atmosphere is terrific. It is such a treat to eat out like a normal person and have whatever you want without worrying! They do a great job at keeping things "safe". If you are highly sensitive I would substitute the blue cheese items for something else. I am one of those who must. Thanks Trumpeter...we love you!

Turning 40 is a Good Thing

2009-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Why?

1) I know who I am in Christ and I live in that freedom daily.

2) I am secure in a way I never was in my 30's.

3) I'm not afraid to be myself and it no longer matters what people think.

4) If you want to know what I really think, I will tell you.

5) God is using my uniqueness and gifts for His purposes.

6) My kids are at a great age!

7) My husband and I are growing together, and I love and appreciate him more.

8) I am the healthiest and fittest (not the thinnest - there is a difference) I have ever been.

9) I am embracing all of life.

10) The friendships I have are deep and rich.

Yes, 40 is good!

Wise Words

2009-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

I had to share this quote from Stasi Eldredge:

"God wants to live this life together with you, to share in your days and decisions, your desires and disappointments. He wants intimacy with you in the midst of the madness and mundane, the meetings and memos, the laundry and lists, the carpools and conversations and projects and pain. He wants to pour his love into your heart and he longs to have you pour yours in to his. he wants your deep heart, that center place within that is the truest you. He is not interested in intimacy with the woman you think you are supposed to be. He wants intimacy with the real you."

Merry Christmas from the Johnson Family!

2009-11-28T11:32:00.001-08:00

Be Thankful Without Gluten

2009-11-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

If you are Celiac, you know that the holidays bring with them some frustrations involving food. It can be frustrating and even mournful to watch others eat what you can't. Some quick tips for surviving.

1) Bring something you absolutely Love to eat to a meal you can't.

2) Bring something delicious to share with everyone...you'll feel more like you are a part of things!

3) Make your own, small GF Thanksgiving a few days after you attend your non GF celebration.

4) Remember to be thankful you don't have something that cannot be cured by simply eating differently!

5) When it feels like it's all about the food...that's just our skewed American focus...it's about our blessings.

6) Use the questions from others as opportunities to educate about the disease. I usually end up finding someone who most-likely is an undiagnosed Celiac at functions.

7) Enjoy your holiday!

Rest in That!

2009-11-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

This time of year always becomes a bit of a juggling act for me. I do all I can in my power to make things less "busy". All the Christmas shopping is done before Thanksgiving, and I've axed the Christmas cards...no need to cause stress in a busy schedule. And then there are the kids. When they were little, they had no "schedules" and as for me, I have always forfeited my agenda to fit into my husbands. (Busy pastor+Busy pastor's wife=unhappy family) But as the kids get older, you can't expect them to not do certain things (though I am not one to buy into the "keepum' busy" philosophy). So comes the juggling act. How do I fit in all the activity, the expectations of others and keep a quiet and peaceful home for my husband to relax and unwind in? (Yes, I do believe this is part of my commitment to loving him) Honestly, we have all learned to flex a little bit...and I've learned that I can't worry about the expectations of others. That is sometimes easier said then done, but that is the goal. Sometimes I think this society of cell phones, Facebook, and endless social events (yes even church events) can rob our souls of something we so deeply need. Instead of resting in Christ, and letting him have our schedules, we run ourselves ragged trying to fill the very need only time with Him can fill. And what about one on one friendships that need nurture and development? Or time to bond as a family unit without "doing" something big and distracting from the purpose? All these things are so easily lost if we allow them to be. Several young women have approached me lately with just such feelings. They are overwhelmed with demand and expectation and don't know how to deal with it. It's time to take a deep breath, and trust in the only one we really need to please. And you know what, He is already completely and unconditionally in love with us and pleased with us because we are His. (Deep sigh) What a feeling. Rest in that!

Spring Publishing!

2009-10-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to announce that "It's All Good Without Gluten", my guide to gluten free living and cookbook will be out this Spring! It will be available at Amazon, and bookstores. Several book signings will be scheduled after the release, and I am planning on doing a GF workshop with a local wellness clinic too. I will keep you posted on the coming events...now if I can just wait until Spring! I'm blessed to be on this exciting adventure and can't wait to be of service to the Celiac community!

Not Striving, But Being

2009-10-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of rereading an amazing book called "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. It is so validating and such a spot-on account on women, what we were meant to be and how we have allowed ourselves to be robbed of so much. It challenges those who are busy, busy doing good, filling their calendars, tired and guilty...not living out who they are as a woman. It brings me back to the truths, of what God wants for me, and not what other well-meaning people think I should be. It has been particularly timely for me this week. I have honestly felt like a full-on attack has been launched on me over the past days. There have been crummy things I've had to deal with, confrontations I've been dragged into, people issues, and pain. To make matters worse, my best friend and I kept missing each others' phone calls. Once I even found that a rarely used phone was mysteriously off the hook, making it impossible to connect. (This is the ONE person I can tell anything and everything I deal with, as a pastor's wife, too.) I even drove up to pick up my kids yesterday, and the car in front of me had a huge sticker on the back window that said "YOU SUCK". I was just plain mad by then. Mad and knowing I have an enemy who would like to snuff out a struggling little pastor's wife like me. Angry that he uses circumstances and people to cause me to question who I am and who he made me.

I read this in the book yesterday, "I sit outside on a summer evening and just listen and behold and drink it all in, and my heart begins to quiet and peace beings to come into my soul. My heart tells me that 'All is Well." And this is what it's like to be with a woman at rest, a woman comfortable in her feminine (internal) beauty. She is enjoyable to be with. She is lovely. In her presence your heart stops holding its breath. You relax and believe once again that all will be well. And this is also why a woman who is striving is so disturbing, for a woman who is not at rest in her heart says to the world, ' All is not well Things are not going to turn out all right'. Like a fountain troubled, as Shakespeare said, 'muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty'. We NEED what Beauty speaks. What it says is hard to put into words. But part of it's message is that all is well. All will be well."

I feel peace just reading this. Yes! This is who God created woman to be. That's the kind of woman I want to be. Not striving, doing, trying to meet every ones expectations, running everywhere, being all things to all people. But being...resting in who am I, and what God made me. I want to be a beacon of hope. A constant in this sea of craziness. A woman who knows who she is and rests in it.

Fall Favorites

2009-10-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

I love Bethany Dillon! Her new album was just released this fall and I'm falling in love with the songs.

Pajama days with the kids. Emily sometimes gives me fabulous makeovers!

I love this fall flowering Aster. Every year I wait with anticipation for the end of September...just when you think it will never bloom, there it is, after everything else is dying off.

It is so hard to find good whole grain, high fiber, good tasting gluten free crackers! I don't like rice crackers and the glutino kind are so high in calorie. These are really good and you can eat alot without shooting your calorie intake.

Finally, an all natural fruit snack that is GF. These are sooo good and at Costco.

My favorite kiddos in any season.

This is the best stuff ever. Good bugs to keep you from getting the bad ones. I get the high quality kind that is refrigerated to keep the bacteria active. I take one every day and it keeps the bad bugs away. I also open the capsule and put half of it in my kids juice in the morning. It's tasteless and mixes right in.

Sourcream Biscuits! These are in my cookbook. Umm...warm biscuits with butter. OK, so there's alot of food in my fall favorites. Who doesn't like food?

Tomato Soup! This is the soothing on a cold day.

Fall Decorations!

Pansy's always make me smile. They are beautiful and hardy through all kinds of weather, just what we all want to be!

Finding Chocolate, gluten free, healthy and so

tasty granola is a big deal!

Organic Gala Apples, so tasty and good for you! I believe the whole apple a day keeps the doctor away saying. They are so good for you and the organic ones have the most nutrition.

This is the best lotion ever! I just discovered it at Fred Meyer. Smells so good, and works great.

Our first ever pumpkin patch.

Green Tea in a large mug. A must.

Learning to Live in the World

2009-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

My kids are in their new school routine and really liking it for the most part. They love their teachers this year, which is a real plus. As we get back into the school and church group routine, it's inevitable that the "issues" with other kids start coming up. Sometimes they come home with stories of things they have been exposed too, things kids have done to be rude or mean. (And that's both at school AND church). It's hard for them to understand why certain kids act the way they do or say what they say. It's hard to be a parent and have these things come up for a kid. My immediate instinct is to shield them from it. But what I am realizing over time is the great value in letting the kids learn these lessons. This is the world and one day they will have to face it head on. By allowing them to face these issues and difficult people, and then communicate about it at home, they are learning valuable lessons that they will use in their adult life. Each conflict or ugly fact faced with help from parents who care give them the tools they need for the future. After all I want them to know the facts and the truth, and develop the understanding and right thinking to deal with the world and it's issues little by little, so it's not all a shock when they are in their teens. To stand strong they must be given the tools now to handle these situations and to learn to use them in a practical way. I have learned to let go knowing that my prayers go with them, and God will use these life lessons to grow them into quality people that can stand up for what is right.

First Day of School

2009-09-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

So...I usually cry on the first day of school. Maybe I didn't because the kids were so excited about their teachers, classes and new outfits. Maybe it's because it's not a mile stone year. Whatever the reason, I didn't cry. I did however enjoy shopping without being asked,

"Could we, please, please try these?" "Can I get this and eat it now?" Or my personal favorite... "Can I get an advance on my allowance and get this?" It was a peaceful trip with only what was on my list purchased. (Well, except for that little celebration trip to Marshall's, but it was on rock-bottom clearance...and isn't it in the Mother's Handbook that every Mom get a back-to-school clothing item?) Anyway,I'm sure I will save a fortune now that they are back in school. I'm taking a couple days of R&R and then it's back to the novel. Edit, Edit Edit! Ahh, I think I like back to school!

Disillustioned with Disney

2009-09-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am on my soap box today about "Modern Disney" or those teen/tween Disney shows with 12 and 13 year old kids completely obsessed with dating, self, opposite sex, hair, makeup, and clothes. What happened to Bambi or even the remakes of Parent Trap? Now it's all about growing up to fast. I don't even have the big cable channels with these shows, but my kids watch sometimes at Grandma's house and have even figured out how to watch episodes of Disney Tween Shows online. I limit them in all of this and still I see the influence. It is so sad that these kids are being pushed into growing up so soon. Emily has friends that have had cell phones since the 2nd grade, text all recess, and meet boys at Starbucks on the weekends for dates. YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

Thankfully, my daughter is still into being a kid..though she is starting to think more about clothes and nail polish. I'm thankful for companies like American Girl who promote preserving girlhood, and of course solid church programs that keep my daughter's focus in the right place, but it's still scary. There is so much influence to grow up quickly now. I am constantly searching for creative ways to preserve childhood for my children, and use some of these Disney Tween shows as a springboard for discussions on what and what is not appropriate. I'm just waiting for Emily to find out that her admired stars playing Troy and Gabriella in High School Musical are sleeping together and spotted on "getaways" and Hannah Montana is doing something really close to pole dancing in her concert. I know I can't shield them from something that comes at them from all sides, but I can openly discuss it, and shed the light of truth on it to help them make good choices in their lives, and see the farce Disney has made out of childhood.

The New Normal

2009-08-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I received some wise council, and words of wisdom about a month ago. I spoke with someone who has counseled many ministers and spouses who have gone through heavy ministry related burdens and traumas. He said something that set me free. "You are trying to get back to normal, but your normal is forever changed. You have to find out what your new normal is." It was like someone opened a door and a fresh breeze blew in. Yes! I have been frustrated that I am not "back to normal" after such a devastating two years. Oh, it's not like I'm stuck in the muck, I'm just not my old self. But that old self is forever gone, changed by life's hand. But the amazing thing is that God's hand is in it all...and He will determine what my "New Normal" is. I hear Him calling me to keep my eyes looking on His face and following His lead. I no longer have to strive to get back to the way it was. I just need to follow Him into the way it will be. Such great healing is taking place in me as a result of this knowledge. For the first time in a long time I am anticipating what is next, but taking great pleasure in walking with Him in the now.

My Grandma Turned 89!

2009-08-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful grandma...she is sassy, funny, sweet and sensitive...and she's 89!

Cookbook Update!

2009-08-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

The editor emailed me to ask for cover art ideas, so I'm thinking that means it's getting close! Getting excited for all that's coming!!! I'm hoping the art is something funky like this art!

Did I mention I love hiking?

2009-08-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a hike to settle all concerns, bring focus and draw me to the Creator! This is our hike at Big Four Ice Caves!

Soaking in the Sun and the Son

2009-08-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a lazy day...I'm fighting the flue bug Emily has suffered from most of our vacation. I've been reading a great book, "Women's Intuition" by Lisa Samson, watching movies with the kids and sipping lots of green tea and taking Bio Veg, the cure-all from the Naturopath. The sun just peaked out from behind the dark clouds and I take my tea on the back porch for a quiet moment. I haven't cut the dead lavender off the plant yet, and much to my delight, the breeze is scented with the fresh sweetness. How something dead can smell so good is beyond me. I watch the robins pulling up their juicy worms from the wet earth, and laugh at the pumpkin plants taking over the hill where my new flowers are coming up. The one time Jim has shown an interest in gardening he chooses pumpkins. Like a kid he planted three packages of seeds. ALL of them came up. I've pulled half the plants out and still we have plants beyond belief. A pumpkin patch this fall will be fun. I soak the vitamin D into my skin and soak God's presence into my soul. I feel something stirring, like the heady scent of that dead lavender in the air. He's moving. Something new is coming on the horizon, slow and delighting. My heart has healed so much, and though I'm timid to throw myself back into everything full force, God knows, and moves me slowly, softly forward. It amazes me how he works. Something sweet and delicious is in the air.

Gotta Love Seattle

2009-08-07T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yipee! Half their bakery is Gluten Free!!!

A kiss after a cinnamon roll!

School Shopping with Grandma

2009-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Apparently it is uncool to smile when your Mom makes you take pictures in your new school clothes!

Emily is going into the 5th grade (Last year in elementary). She is coming into her own and decided to go funky this year. Minyee (Grandma) gave in to her every whim.

Wenatchee

2009-08-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sprinkler Park with Friends

2009-08-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

Small Town Fun on Record Breaking Day

2009-07-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Across the street at the elementary school we could see water spraying high into the air. Cars lined the streets. What could be going on? The local fire department decided to cool our town off by bringing in a truck and hooking up the hose. Instant, spontaneous fun...which in my opinion is the best kind!

Wohoo!

2009-07-29T12:28:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a restful and relaxing weekend with my hubby. One of the nights we spent at a quiet...and most importantly air conditioned B&B, had an amazing dinner and just had fun together. It's amazing what a little change of scenery can do! Now back to experience the hottest day of the year in the unairconditioned house...tenting it tonight!

Ready for Vacation

2009-07-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sheww! Am I ever ready for vacation. I have only caught glimpses of my husband's back-side as he heads out the door for yet another ministry commitment over the past two weeks. This gets real old, real quick...especially with kids home 24-7. I just commented to him, "I can't wait to not share you with anyone!".

Thankfully, this is not the norm for us. Ministry is ultra demanding of your time, emotions and energy, but there are those leaders, especially Sr. Pastor's, who let it consume them. (then wonder why they have a moral failure?) We have several times a year when I know these times are coming, but I have the security and sanity of knowing Jim and I have committed to guard our time together and our family time in the normal ebb and flow days. Sure, he could be at everything and I could get way involved...then we would come up very empty handed. We shoot for 4 nights a week where he is at home...and since he doesn't have weekends off, he guards our Mondays with a passion...those are our days. We don't DO a lot, we connect a lot. Those days are my life blood, and his too. I do not buy the "quality not quantity" saying. It takes time to strengthen our marriages and family. I am so thankful for a husband who puts me before his demands.

And now we get 2 whole weeks of connecting and enjoying as a family and a few days for just the two of us...can't wait!

Rain, Rain...Don't Go Away

2009-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Two thunder showers in a row in July! I love this kind of weather. When I was a kid, I loved to go out and play in the summer rain or listen to the thunder rolling through the sky and watch the lightening show. My son seems to have this same love for the weather. There is nothing as majestic or strangely calming then a thunder storm. It reminds me that God's ways are so far above me, and all there is left to do is rest in Him through the storms.

Here's My Heart by Lanae Hale

2009-07-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

(these are lyrics to one of my favorite songs by my new favorite artist)

Hear the notes they're ringing'

Through the air I'm breathing

I think I've heard this song before

In my head, In my head

Feel the room it's swaying

Slowly dancing with me

I fall asleep to the words

In my head, In my head

Sweet redemption find me

Hold,me, keep me, blind me

With the truth of Your love

In my head, In my head

Lead me to the still streams

Where my heart breaks then bleeds
Then let peace heal the wounds
In my head

Here's my heart, here's my heart

Search every part

And know me well and
change me deeply

Here's my heart, it's dying to start

Clear all the dark broken pieces and

Make me whole again

Feel the sun it's rising

Gently, warmly finding

My soul whispering the words

In my head, in my head

Slowly stir from dreaming

My heart joins in this singing

Loud and deep calling out

In my head

One step, then another

Shatter all I am to bring me

closer to you

Dogwood

2009-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

I just read the single best piece of fiction I have ever read in my life. I've read thousands of books, so that says a lot. It's a book called Dogwood by Chris Fabry and you can get it at the library. I love the way you can read a book and stays with you or changes you. This book just amazed me. The way in which this writer captures the heart, love, faith, humanity...all of it. And it had the twist of an Alfred Hitchcock (minus the fear) at the end. A truly amazing book. A MUST MUST read.

No More Running

2009-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have had knee issues for the last 2 months, caused by a car accident injury when I was 18. I knew at some point it would come back to haunt me, but I hoped I'd be old when it did. I broke my pelvis in the car accident, and over the years, I've gone to the chiropractor once a month to keep things "tuned up". These regular visits keep the hip in the right place. Over the last couple of months, the hip won't stay in, and because of it, my knee is out of alignment. It swells, and hurts to do anything but walk.

The chiropractor has worked with me on the process of elimination to see what exactly was causing it to go out. We tried all kinds of things, I even tried sleeping differently. Then last week Dr Jim said, "you need to know, the last option after the sleep change is the running."

I spent two nights sleeping differently and took a break from running. My knee was almost perfect. Then I ran yesterday. Within an hour I could tell the hip was out again and my knee was double it's normal size. I went back to Dr. Jim. He informed me that if I keep it up, it may reach a point where he couldn't get the hip to stay anymore if I didn't stop running.

So, my short running career is sadly, over. I started grieving a few days ago...I had a feeling it would come to this. Now I'm trying to focus on the positive - I can still do yoga, walk and ride my bike. These are all good things.

Actually, I woke up this morning to my painful knee and wondered if perhaps the fact that I could run like I did for a short time was a gift. During those early months, the running was needed. I had so much pent up frustration, and hurt from things we had experienced...that's how it started. I was walking and praying, and broke into a run and never stopped. It was part of my healing. I'm in a better place now. Still healing, but not feeling the need to run for healing, but because I love it. Maybe God knew I needed that window of time to run in the wind...to feel the freedom it brings.

Life is a series of changes...doors closing, and new ones opening all the time. That is how we move forward and grow. I will take the next steps forward with Christ, not running, but walking with Him, hand in hand.

On Display

2009-07-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Just went for an early morning run. I always pray when I run, and today my mind was mostly on the Phelps family. Ryan and Jessica are here to candidate for the Worship/Young Adult position at the church.

Jim and I have never been "candidates" in the sense of going somewhere unfamiliar and basically feeling on display and scrutinized by a congregation. Jim was already on staff when he became the Senior Pastor, so not nearly the pressure, though I did feel some of it. Suddenly everyone knew who I was and stared when I entered the services, or expected me to know their names.

The ministry can be difficult. You are pulled in many directions, there are always difficulties to solve, and unrealistic expectations of others that can't be met. But being a candidate can be one of the most stressful things. People who don't know you at all are suddenly watching your every move, seeing your flaws and looking for faults. You are asked to step so far out of your comfort zone that you might as well be in Siberia.

I'm praying for an overwhelming sense of "God confidence" and peace for this couple, and a sense of His arms of protection around them. I also pray for soft hearts for those looking on. After all, people in ministry are only people who God happened to call to do a certain task. I pray for eyes to see truth and ear to hear the very heart of God.

The Magic of a Baby

2009-07-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

My kids have been arguing non-stop lately! Ahhh, the joys of summer. They just bicker and pick, pick, pick..."It's my turn to play that game!"

"You've been doing that 3 minutes and 7 seconds longer than me!"

"Don't get that close to MY side"

It's enough to drive a mother (especially one who is used to a lot of alone time and writing) go nuts. I was an only child...I just don't get it. I want them to STOP!

Enter Jaxton Canady. I had him in the MOPS nursery last year and thought it would be fun to have him come over in the summer...the kids love babies. Who doesn't?

It was a magical 3 hours where my daughter was transformed into the "Little Mommy", and my son, the "Court Jester". They were so focused on Jaxsten and his sweet laugh and innocence, they forgot to argue.

Then of course, I get all sentimental remembering what it was like when my kids were that little...some how it makes the hard days with them a little better.

The First of My Garden's Offerings

2009-07-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love to flower garden. I like to put in the hard work and see the results.

Scary Weed

2009-07-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

This Monster Weed was tangled in our bushy tree...Ben kept pulling...and it kept coming! Ever feel like you've got a weed like this in your life that takes hard work to pull and you are exhausted afterwards? I know I have!

Ben's Summer Cut

2009-07-07T12:20:00.001-07:00

Hiking

2009-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures speak for themselves...we love hiking!

School's Out...."sniff, sniff, wipe a tear"

2009-06-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

The emotions snuck up on me this year on the last day of school. It was a combination of Emily only having a year left at elementary school and Ben finishing first grade (wonderful, family-like, homey first grade with the most amazing teacher) that sent me into a tailspin of tears and emotions.

The kids are growing up. I can't stop it. I don't really WANT to stop it...I just want to savor the moments. I've tried my best to do that, and yet, the moments are slipping by. So now I'm savoring this summer. THIS summer, where they both still wanna hang out with me, cuddle in the bed, make forts and do crafts with good ole Mom. I'll squeeze every last drop out of this time and live it to the fullest!

You're Never too Old

2009-06-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

I went to a wedding this weekend...the ceremony was for a couple in their 80's! John Watson and Margaret Caraway both lost a spouse and met in the "Live Wires " retired group at our church. I was amazed at their obvious deep love for each other. They even sang to each other while a song was performed. You could see them moving their mouths and holding each other's gaze. And when they cut the cake...they shoved the pieces in each other's mouths just like a young couple would.

True love is a wonderful thing at any age, but a fantastic gift at 80+. I will never cease to be surprised and amazed by what life brings to those who place their trust in Christ. It is an adventure!

Creativity

2009-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing day. I took a field trip, away from the computer and routine. I sat in the corner of a favorite, quiet restaurant with a cup of green tea, a pen and a notebook. My thoughts flowed...ideas came together, and before I knew it, 3 hours had passed and 3/4 of my novel is complete (first draft, anyway).

Then later, while in line waiting for the kids to get out of school, I picked up where I left off in one of my favorite books that I am rereading... "Fresh Brewed Life" by Nicole Johnson. She was talking about creativity, and the importance of overcoming our fears and the "voices" of the enemy in our head that discourage us from being who we are and creating with the gifts God has given us.

Here is a quote: "God is the Author of creativity. As we turn down the volume on the destructive voices, we are free to turn up the creativity. It's time to explore and dream imagine and play. God is the Quintessential Creator, and we are created in His image. It pleases Him when we create." -- Nicole Johnson

The creative juices are flowing, and I'm rolling with it! Negative voices, I'm not listening!

Get Outside!

2009-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

I am a big believer in being outdoors. I am not one to go to a gym or exercise class...I'd much rather walk, run, hike or bike OUTSIDE. I don't mind a gloomy forcast, I enjoy it all. I think it's so important to our mental outlook to get fresh air and get out of the house. It's really a big deal for kids too.

I am very proud of Ben and Emily. We did a hike to Heather Lake and didn't realize the snow was still on the ground, and lots of mud and water. It was a difficult hike that took us about 4 hours round trip, but they did great. We've also been taking them on lots of bike rides, working up to longer rides. It's been fun to watch their love for the outdoors develop on grow.

This weekend, I got outside at Haller Park and ran my first ever race, the Eagles Wings Ministry Run Walk and Roll 5K. My dad and Emily cheered me on while my Mom took Ben to his baseball game and Jim was at a men's retreat. It was a whole new world to me and I loved the whole thing. I was surprised at the way strangers cheered others on, and found myself cheering for them as well. I was 1 minute 27 seconds from 3rd place in the 30-39 women's category, doing the race in 32 minutes. That kicked my competitive nature in gear, and I'm already preparing for the next race. I'm gonna start practicing "amping it up" towards the end of a run and get faster!

I consider myself blessed to have the tools and information to stay healthy and gluten free, so I can explore the beauty of God's creation. I'm ready to share the wonder of it all with my children, so they too will appreciate the outdoors.

Get outside!

The Cookbook is Finished!

2009-05-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I am done with the cookbook. I went though some of the cleanse recipes (banana bread and apple muffins) The cleanse recipes are gluten,dairy,egg, and sugar free. I made a few improvements now that there is Agave Syrup which is much better than fruit sweetener. And I made some changes to my carrot cake, because the texture was just not quite right.

All the additional help sections of the book are done, and I sent the whole thing to the editor. I'm waiting to see where it goes from here...we still need to figure out the title, and make any additional edits. I'm excited for the new adventure in my life that God brought through the development and publication of the cookbook. I hope to help many people who are Celiac, those who don't yet know they are Celiac, and those who want to make a change to a healthier life style.

The Rainy Run

2009-05-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

I've just discovered that a run in the spring rain is my absolute favorite time to run. It's not to cold, but the light, cool droplets are a natural cooling system for the body heat. Every once in awhile, I pass a Lilac bush, and know before I've even seen it. The sugary scent dances around me, and I usually realize after I've past, and turn to look at the blossoms.

I ran down a street lined with old trees, bending over the sidewalk and covered in deep-pink blossoms. I attempted to run and sniff at the same time and ended up with a nose full of the rain water that drenched the blossoms. Down that same street, there is an old 1920's home with a spectacular old fashioned garden, tucked in a covering of trees. It makes me think of Anne of Green Gables and all her names for things...like "White Way Delight." It needs and Anne name for sure.

There's a little section that is incredibly steep, and down hill. I've learned that my old cheerleader-injured knees will not take this without much argument later. I am stubborn, and competitive even with my self, and didn't want to admit that I shouldn't force myself to run down hill, as it was killing me. My husband finally said, "Do you wanna walk down the steep part, or not be able to run at all?"

OK, wise Grasshopper. Point taken.

Next I ran down Main, greeting the vet in his wheelchair that is always down town, the old couple going into the restaurant for breakfast, and the big guys in hunting rain gear out for a wet walk. Then I work up to the last stretch, which includes the big hill...it's super steep and lined in beautiful nature art by Harry Engstrom on either side. I mutter words of praise to God all the way up the steep hill, to get my focus off the difficulty of the task at hand and on to the One who can get me through it, just like in life.

With three miles down and only half a mile to go, I feel so good. I've sweated out all the physical toxins, but also the emotional ones. The frustrations and hurts of life are left somewhere on the trail. God always meets me when I run, bringing hope, refreshment, and release.

The Gift of a Garage Sale

2009-05-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

I went to the Glen Eagle neighborhood garage sale today. I LOVE this garage sale. It's like a simple gift. There are treasures just waiting to be uncovered and discovered. And on top of that, it's a bit of a social event as I ran into half the MOPS group, someone I went to high school with, and friends I haven't seen in along time. To top it all off it's a glorious, sunny day!

My best find: brand new Crocs with all the little extra pins on them that suit Emily perfectly for a buck!
My most amazing find: 1) A tie :old copies of Victoria magazine for 10 cents...means nothing to anyone else but it's my favorite and was out of print for along time and is not the same in print now
2) 7 pairs of capris and jeans, all really cute and $1 a piece in my size...and short. NO ONE wears a short, I always have a hard time finding them!