Front Yard Fun!

Our plan this last weekend was to build our patio, but the front yard drew all the attention instead...So, we dug out the front yard (which was actually 90% weeds), laid bricks under the fence (so we don't have to mow up to the edge) tilled up the ground, leveled it out, added sand and rolled out the SOD. Viola!



The fence is also part of our addition, it just didn't happend this weekend! The very first pic is when we bought the house last summer!

Where is the fun?

Psalm 1:2-3

His delight is in the law of the Lord

And on His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers."

My utmost desire...

TWO Today!!!

My Oldest just turned a whole TWO years old today!!! I knew it would happen, but sometimes I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm a mom at all! We are celebrating his birthday later this month (once our yard is done), but had a small little celebration for him tonight. I just couldn't do nothing!

We had warm brownies with Tillamook ice-cream and he enjoyed every last bit! Here are some pics....My two-year old!!! Wow!

Whole Wheat Bread

This is one of my hobbies that comes and goes. It is certainly an art to make 100% whole wheat bread from scratch...but a rewarding one at that.So, from someone still learning the trade, here are a few tips I've learned along the way:

1) Do a sponge rise first! This usually only consists of 2cups of flour, the liquid, yeast and maybe honey if your recipe calls for! It won't look anything like dough. It will be somewhat soupy and very sticky. Just cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled...then continue with the recipe your using

2) Use vital wheat gluten. I buy Bob's Red Mill and add about 2-3tbs for a two-loaf batch. Using a quality flour makes a difference too. Bob's makes a great whole wheat bread flour!

3) For Rising. Pour steaming water into a glass bowl and put on the bottom rack of your cool oven. Place the dough, covered with plastic wrap, on the rack above and close oven door while rising. This keeps a moist, warm, draft free place for the bread to rise!

4)Be Patient! It really is a learning process and the more you try it, the better it will turn out!

5) If it doesn't quite turn out, just serve it warm or toasted and with a little bit of honey or jam and no-one will even notice!

Just around the corner...

We just got a glimse of summer last week and now we are back to the seemingly annual rain, of the first week of June. However, I know summer is on it's way so this year we are going to be prepared...especially with two active little men to entertain.

So, the last few weeks we have been working on our back yard. It previously was not particularly usable with a huge rotten Walnut tree in the middle, pine trees all along the back fence, and really no grass except one strip along our hedge. With the aid of my wonderful father-in-law, it is now leveled out with grass growing and a sprinkler system!!! Not to mention the "soon-to-be" plans for a future patio, raised garden and a few extras for enjoyment/functionality. Here are some pics of the last week or so...

Naturally Mommy

I am a mother of two (and perhaps more in the future : ) darling, but busy little men. Justus and Gabriel! They are constantly either a simple joy or a refining challenge. Always bringing some sort of life to our family. I grew up "naturally" and am slowly incorporating many of those methods into our ever-changing lifestyle. I am by no means a pro at any of them, but am always looking to improve them and find "better ways".
At our home we like to make our own bread, eat healthy whole foods from scratch, dry our clothes on the line(weather permitting), nurse exclusively, birth naturally, use cloth diapers, spend time outside, walk more-drive less, and most importantly-"grow" our children in the light of God's Word.
If you don't do all or even any of the things listed I certainly don't want you to get the feeling you don't belong. Welcome you are!!! I enjoy any and all mama's and love to learn from others. If you do share certain interests, please do join in and perhaps we'll all grow together and catch a tip or two along the way.
Much love,
Melody