Watchful Wednesday

It is a rite of passage for a boy to possess his first watch. It announces his awareness of time. Though he owns the time on his wrist, it truly is God who numbers his days. And so, Mr. Smackdown, formerly Buddy A, announced it was morning to his sleeping mommy two hours before morning officially began in the quiet household. Not able to see the analogue clock in his bedroom and the digital one lacking electricity, he began his wakeful journey into his parent's bedroom. After too many mornings of being woken by this this excited 4 year old's voice announcing his desire to start the day, became necessity to this lactating mom that her son have his very own INDIGLO watch. Now Mr. Smackdown doesn't even have to get out of bed to know the time. He can press the magical flashlight on his watch and he can see if it says 7:00. Let's see if it works.

Thankful Tuesday

Don't get me wrong, I love snow. However, it was a treat to have some warm weather with sun yesterday. I am thankful for a God's eye glimpse into spring--fresh smells, green grass, sweet composting leaves, and sprouts in my garden. While the boys moved massive amounts of mud in our pretend lake, I moved copious amounts of winter dog poop (you thought I was going to be poetic, didn't you?). We pulled out the sand table, stripped off the coats, and abandoned hats. As I look forward to warmer days, I will still smile should we be blessed with the white snow that reminds me of the daily cleansing bath I receive from Jesus. In a nutshell, I am thankful for mud.

Word of the Week: synecdoche

Synecdoche. I just learned this word. It is pronounced si-neck-dah-key, with the emphasis on the neck sound. According to Wikipedia, it means a term denoting a part of something is used to refer to the whole thing. For example, if you said that someone was of the cloth that would mean that they are clergy. Kleenex for tissue. Plastic for credit card. In an attempt to really understand this word, I sought out a picture to describe synecdoche in my life. Baby Smiles sums it up in this precious photo shoot moment. Love. Happiness. Mothering. I can't decide but agree with them all.

What is something that you want to learn about?

I have a gazillion things that I personally would like to write about, but the words simply aren't coming. I am passionate about many things and sometimes get flustered in the activity of all that I am cataloging in my brain to learn about, try, or throw away. So I came up with an idea to get my creative juices flowing. I want to know what would you, my reader, would like to learn about. This can be something that I could blog about for you or would allow me to hear about your dreams and passions. Here are some ideas, a sampling of things that I still would like to learn more about:

1. how to achieve consistent home organization
2. using biblical essential oils
3. creating a wide readership of my blog
4. healing my thyroid
5. techniques to maintain Bible memorization
6. growing big yellow onions and hearty carrots
7. Greek
8. interesting, healthy, sprouted, fresh lunches that my children will eat
9. harvesting and storing seeds from my garden to plant the following year
10. read music and play the guitar

So leave a comment and let me know what you would like to learn about. Tell a friend and have them leave a list. Better yet, become a follower and I will be sure to blog about one of your learning dreams!

Granola Mom's Favorite Granola

I love coconut oil and attempt to put it into anything and everything. I decided that it was silly to continue to buy granola at the store for a ridiculous price. Thus, I have been making my own about once a week. This is by far my favorite recipe because it is simple and it tastes good. It is easy to modify, my kiddos LOVE it, and my husband devours it (often with a handful of carob chips)!

INGREDIENTS
8 cups quick-cooking oats (I use regular rolled oats)
1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped almonds (or any other type of nut you desire)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup olive or peanut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or dates

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the oats, coconut and almonds. Divide between two large baking sheets, and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 7 or 8 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly toasted. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then return to the large bowl.

While the oats are toasting, combine the coconut milk, coconut oil, peanut oil, and honey in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla. Pour the syrup over the granola in the bowl, and stir until the dry ingredients are fully coated. Divide between the two baking sheets, and spread evenly.
Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until fragrant and toasted. Cool in the pans, then mix in the dried cranberries or other dried fruit. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Please note: For every extra cup of ingredients add 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 Tablespoons of honey.

I encourage you to become a fan of coconut oil!