I can't believe it is already April! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather. I'm also looking forward to being able to hang out clothes, cut grass, work in the garden (in other words, summer)! This month's goals:
1. still working on family time (some extra patience on my part!).
2. enjoying the moments.
I haven't done so well with making the family more of a priority. I discovered something in the midst of trying to free up some time, I like being busy and having tons of things on my plate. However, I realize that it is not healthy.
I think I'm scared of having free time. Free time in my mind means idleness. This probably comes from the way I grew up. However, I am determined to face this. It is ok not to be busy. It is ok not to know. It is ok to say, "no" sometimes (or many times).
So, back to the monthly resolutions: Make more time for the family. (again)
I have wanted to make crackers for a long time. I experimented this weekend and they turned our fairly good.
Cheese Crackers
2-4 tablespoons of Butter (depending on your taste)
1 1/2 c Flour (freshly ground is better of course)
1/2 t Salt (also depends on taste)
1 t Baking Powder + (1 tsp cream of tardar--optional--helps with rising)
1 tsp Pepper (lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, or other spice that you like)
2 c Cheddar cheese grated (or other cheese that you like)
Stir the dry ingredients into a bowl and then cut in the butter to
resemble cornmeal. Then cut the cheese like you did with the butter. The more fine, the better blended. Mix in the remaining ingredients and shape into a ball. Chill for 30 minutes in the
refrigerator. Roll out onto a floured surface (1/4-inch thick or so). Cut into squares with a knife. You can poke holes into the crackers before they bake if you like them to look that way.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees F for about
10-12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool. Store in airtight containers.
Toothpaste Recipe:
6 tsp baking soda--1/3 tsp salt--4 tsp glycerin--15 drops peppermint--1 tsp xylitol.
I like this recipe, but would like to add a compound to control plaque. I think I might add anise which helps control bateria. I read that myrrha and hydrated silica also are in toothpaste, but unsure where to get them.
The New Year Resolutions are too grand for me right now. However, if I don't write this stuff down I'll never do it. I need to slow down--in just about everything. The comment about a house not making a home really hit home to me. I need to stop and realize what is important. So my goal this month is to learn how to focus more of my time and energy on my family.
Moving is so stressful. We had no plans to move, but we might need to. Plus, we need to look long term if we are going to pursue our dream of a small farm. My sister and I are the owners of the 18 acres that sits behind our house and she wants to develop the land. We are a little disappointed to say the least. Anyway, there are a lot of things to think about when moving and my brain just cannot process them right now. I just needed to write this down and get it out so it doesn't burn a whole in me.