Laborers of the World-Unite!

The kids have been enjoying the cooler days. I'd like to say this is a scene of
sibling bliss, but Freckles is yelling at LC for putting her feet on him.
Thus the buggy eyes. I love Meres little legs just dangling. Big girl!

I have a confession to make. I love chocolate. Like, love-love. I am just of the opinion that a day is not complete until it has had a bit of chocolate in it. Thankfully, recent studies have showed that there is some benefit for this.

"People who ate chocolate often (say, five times a week) weighed less than those who didn't eat any, finds an "Archives of Internal Medicine" study. The candy consumers didn't exercise more and they took in more calories overall. What's the magic? Antioxidants in chocolate may help prevent the calories you eat from being stored as fat, say study author Beatrice Golomb, M.D., Ph.D. The metabolic boost was strongest when people nibbled small amounts of chocolate frequently rather than having a weekly splurge." ~American Baby, Sep. 2012.

Now, I don't know what is considered "nibbling small amount of chocolate frequently" but I am sure I have that base completely covered.

My two favorite forms of chocolate are M&M's (dark or plain) and brownies. I haven't got a recipe for homemade M&M's, but I do have a recipe for some ooy-gooy chocolaty brownies.

If you are a cake brownie type-this recipe is not for you. But if you love the fudgy goodness of an almost not cooked enough brownie, this is the recipe you need to incorporate into your Labor Day weekend.

These are way better than a box, have 7 ingredients, and take about 10 minutes to put together. Totally worth it.

before baking. the after didn't last long enough to take a pic. Actually I just forgot.

A here is a tip that I didn't learn until rather late in my brownie career...always cut brownies with a plastic knife. It prevents clumping and ragged edges.

Deliciously Chocolate Brownies

2 sticks of butter, melted

1/2 cup, plus 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1-1/2 cups flour

pinch of salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mis the melted butter and the cocoa powder until smooth. Add the eggs, flour, salt and sugar, and mix by hand just until combined (no lumps, no white). Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 28 minutes. Do not over bake!

Now, the recipe says to let the brownies cool completely, but some rules are meant to be broken.

As we are on the last day of August, and are embarking on Labor Day Weekend, and the unofficial end to summer, I have a recipe to compliment any cookouts you may be invited to. (this is in addition to the brownies)

Last hurrah!

I am not a huge sweet corn fan. Because, I don't like "sweet" sides or main dishes. Sweet is for dessert.

But, this spring someone introduced me to a roasted corn and black bean salad, and I have been hooked ever since.

Roasting the corn beings out its flavor. And this salad is packed with all the fresh vegetables that are abundant this time of year. I used tomatoes and peppers from my own garden. You can add an avocado to this recipe if avocado is your thing.

Freshness

I like the pairing of lime juice and cilantro. It has the perfect tang. This salad is hearty enough with the beans that you could have it as a meatless main dish.

Oh, and let me just say that the coloring is absolutely amazing!

Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad

2 Tbsp of olive oil

6 ears of corn, shucked, 

1 onion-red or white

2 medium tomatoes

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 green pepper

1 japaleno pepper, optional

1 avocado, seeded and chopped, optional

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cut the corn off the cobs, and fry it in the oil on med-high until almost charred. (8-10 minutes)

Chop tomatoes, onion, peppers, and combine with avocado, garlic and black beans. Pour lime juice over all, and add seasonings. Add corn. Serve immediately, or let sit 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to meld flavors.

As I have all the ingredients for this, I may just be making another batch. Ummm...

Isn't that gorgeous!

Do you have any traditional Labor Day foods that you share with your family and friends? What is on your menu this Monday? Leave me a comment.

Who's Judgy?

Word Smiths
A word that keeps coming up in the online world is "judge." More accurately, it's two words, "don't judge." We've even coined a new word, "judgy."

I've seen judge and judgy (my spell alert keeps coming on for judgy-telling me its not really even a word) on blog posts, Facebook, and twitter. I've seen it applied from what you feed your kids, to what you think about Pinterest, and to what you post about. It is used for important things and non-essentials.

To judge is to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises; to form an estimate or evaluation of-particularly to form a negative opinion about; to hold as an opinion.

I think in our very online/social media society everyone puts a whole lot of things out into the stratosphere that in prior times just wouldn't have been discussed. We've lost something called discretion in the name of transparency.

And, if some disagrees with us, it is called judging. It is NOT OKAY.

I think this is rather interesting, and kind of funny, actually. Really, who cares?

So what if everyone doesn't agree with you? So what if everyone doesn't do things the way you do? So what if...?

God is into variety. He didn't just create bear and earthworms and call His creation good. He created thousands of different birds, fish, and animals. And that isn't even touching on all the different species of insects.

Here is a snippet of Professor Dumbledore wisdom that I came across yesterday. It was from the scene when Hagrid was hiding out because people had discovered he was half giant.

"Not all of 'em" said Hagrid. "Not all of 'em want me to stay."

"Really, Hagrid, if you are holding out for universal popularity, I'm afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time," said Dumbledore. "Not a week has passed since I became headmaster of this school when I haven't has at least one owl complaining about the way I run it. But what should I do? Barricade myself in my study and refuse to talk to anybody?"

source

What to do
1. Don't judge. That's Biblical. Matthew 7:1-2 says, "judge not that you be not judge. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged. With what measure you measure, it will be measured to you again." Prepare to receive back what you dish out. If you are nasty, you are going to get nasty back. If you are being judgmental of others, you are going to get judgmental back. And the reverse is true too.

2. Be discerning. All judging isn't bad. We need to discern between good and evil. What is worthwhile and what is not. Another verse is "judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgement." John 7:24

Frankly if you don't agree with someone over and over again-why are you following them? If you are fundamentally on different pages, why continue reading? Why hang with them? No one is making you. But, if you find that the good out weighs the bad, then be nice. Agree to disagree, or just plain be respectful of their opinions and style.

3. Be discrete. Maybe you shouldn't air out all of your dirty laundry. This is not to say that you should act like you are perfect and have it all together. But, are you, or is someone else, going to be embarrassed by this info later?

4. Another Biblical truth is found in Ephesians 4:29, "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers." Edifying is building up. Grace is undeserved, unearned favor and kindness.

This doesn't mean you can't disagree with what someone says or does. How are you putting forth your opinion? Humbly. In love, like Ephesians 4:15 says? This goes for both posting and commenting. I like to also think to myself, "would I actually SAY this to this person?" Probably not. Then don't type it.

5. Be thick skinned. Just because someone does things differently doesn't mean they don't like you, or are judging you. We are all just different people. We like different things. We have different personalities. If someone leaves you a negative comment, either answer it or delete it. Don't read into it or assign motives.

6. Don't give up. You are the way you are. You write what you write. Your blog is how it is. Your life is how it is. Maybe it needs some tweaking. But just because there is opposition doesn't necessarily mean you are supposed to change. Do what works for you. Do what God has called you to.

Take a cue from Paul-fierce opposition, amazing ministry. 1Corinthians 16:9, "for a great door and effectual is opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

A Final Thought
"Never judge a work of art by its defects."-Washington Allston

The Rhythm Method

No, this is not a post about birth control. Though I did consider adding the tagline, "Scheduling Hippies," but I resisted and desisted.

Have I said recently that our school year is looming? We start next Tuesday, bright and early. Full speed ahead. Jumping in with both feet.

As we go from the fluid summer to scheduled fall, I think am reminded how the Barefoot Hippies are really not scheduled. We are more rhythm people.

My philosophy is that if you have a schedule, and it is rather rigid-if life throws you a curve ball, you are up a creek without a paddle. What is something is supposed to go from this time to that time, but you don't get started until that time? What happens? Some people throw in the towel, and the day is done before it starts.

The Barefoot Hippie Rhythm Method is a bit less stringent. More flexible. More realistic. (everything I am not, actually)

It is based on two ideas:

Parts of the day-morning, afternoon, evening.

Weekly rhythm-your days may look different from Monday to Tuesday, but your weeks tend to be very similar-the same things scheduled most Mondays and Tuesdays. (this is actually one of the ideas behind Laura Vanderkam's book 168 Hours, that I keep referring to. This thought resonated with me, because it is how I already live.)

My daily rhythm with the start up school will look like this
6:00 (at the latest) me up, coffee, exercising, devotions, shower
7:30-start breakfast prep
7:45-kids up, get dressed, beds, teeth, small chores
8:00-breakfast, finish chores
8:30-devotions
9:00-reading (me showering or studying)
9:30-12:30-school work, studying(me), some cooking, etc
12:30-lunch, and literary lunch hour
1:00-quiet time-reading, blogging
3:00-my chores, cooking, outside time for kids
6:00-dinner
6:30-8:30-clean up, reading, scheduled evening activities
8:30-kids to bed,
me in bed by 10:00

So, that looks rather structured, huh?! But, the thing is, I know it isn't going to go exactly like that everyday. Some days dinner will be earlier or later depending on what we have to do. Some days devotions might start earlier or later. We always do 1/2 hour of morning reading-but it may start at 8:55, it may start at 9:15. We just go with it. This is a framework. Not the 10 commandments.

Now, weekly rhythm. I have chores and activities that I do on certain days of the week. These things fit into the framework, and sometimes alter it. For me, Wednesdays I do my chores early because I have to leave for Bible club at 3:00. No qt for mom that day.

Mondays-paperwork, whip the house in shape from the weekend, grocery shopping-every other week, laundry, BSF in the evenings, swim, run

Tuesdays-vacuum/dust, dinner with the BFF, study for Bible club, run

Wednesdays-laundry, clean bathrooms and floors, dinner at church, Bible club, swim

Thursdays-baking, reading, long run

Fridays-fun school, baking, laundry, swim

We also try to have someone for dinner either Thursday, Friday or Saturday, each week.

These activities don't vary much from week to week. It is helpful to me to know what I need to accomplish say on Mondays. Then, if I have time, I can fit in the paperwork during the kids' breakfast, or whatever.

I think a key to a schedule or rhythm, is that you have leave flexibility in case you miss a time slot. Just pick up and start where you are at. For me it is not helpful to have things planned out in any smaller chunks (like 15 minute segments). There is too much room for error, and discouragement if you keep getting off schedule.

I need a framework in order to get done everything that needs done. In order to be everywhere I need to be. Every week on Monday morning I write out a list of my week, and what needs to happen everyday-the "always"things and things unique to that week. It is clarifying to me. It gives me goals.

As I make my list every week, I pray over it. And I pray over it each day. "Lord, order my day. Help me to get done what needs to be done. Multiply my time, and my efforts. Help me let go of what needs to be let go."

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unit thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path. Proverbs 3:5,6

What about you? Do you have every minute of your day planned out, or is your day more sectioned out for different things? What is most helpful to you if you get off track? Do schedules make you feel more or less stressed?



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Howdy, Partner

Woman was created from the rib of man.
She was not created from his head to be above him
Nor was she created from his foot to be trampled by him
She was taken from his side to be his equal,
From beneath his arm to be protected by him,
From near his heart to be loved by him.

Author unknown


Do you ever get writer's block? I do. This morning I had no idea what I was going to write about.

But I tied on my brand new grey running shoes with the magenta laces, (truly they are as cool as they sound) and started pounding the pavement and praying.

"God, what do you want me to write about today?"

And, I was thinking about how I was running without my partner today. And from there my thoughts just snowballed.

Someone remarked to me this spring that Mr. Hippie and I have a rather unique relationship. What did that he mean?

Well, we are partners. In everything. We work together. We hang together. We serve together.

This doesn't mean that we don't follow the Biblical model of wives submitting to their husbands. Because I sure try. As far as our relationship-it would be like a 60-40 partnership, with the senior partner having the veto power. That would be Mr. Hippie-not me.

So while submission is not my favorite word, I submit to my husband as to the Lord. That is my call.

The Premise of Partnership
If we are following the Biblical pattern and mandate of "husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church," and "wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord" why does our relationship look a bit different than other's?

Well, obviously, because we are 2 unique individuals in a relationship. Every relationship is going to find its own rhythm and flow.

But, also, we have a different foundational idea that makes our relationship a bit unique-especially in our circles. We believe in a Marriage of P's.

I (and from here on out, when I say "I", it includes both of us) believe in roles and spheres.

Roles are are the hats you wear. It is the jobs you do. It is who you are. My roles include being a human being, a woman, a wife, a mother, a spiritual being, a Christian, a volunteer, a teacher, a homemaker, and...

Your roles may include all of the above, plus being an employee, and multiple other things.

Quite often when Christians use the term "roles" they are purely referring to the husband-wife/submission-love thing.

I think roles are much more than just that. Because we are more than that.

God created male and female in His image. He created male and female for different roles. But my point today is not the differences, it is the similarities.

God created human beings, male and female, to have a relationship with Him.

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sinful world-male and female. Believer's, male and female, have eternal life.

God calls believers to serve Him. There are many commands in the Bible that are not specified towards just men, or just women. These include the Great Commission, hiding God's Word in your heart, service, and prayer.

I feel that Biblically speaking, my primary role is to serve and glorify my Creator. My second most important role is as a wife-submitting to my husband, and being a help meet for him. My third role is as a mother. God has given me four precious souls to raise for Him.

My other roles flow out from these 3 primary roles. And my roles also help define my spheres of influence and service.

Instead of looking at my home as my only sphere, I prefer to look at my home as my service hub. A hub is the central part of the wheel from which the spokes branch out.

I spend the majority of my time at home, doing home things. Home schooling, child training, child care, laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.. But I also have spheres that extend beyond my home. These would include church, online, and other ministries and Bible studies I'm involved in.

Partners
God created Eve to be Adam's help meet. Meet means fitting. Eve was specially created by God to work with Adam in the work God called him to do. That is the concept of help. Marriage is a partnership-a match made in heaven.

God puts two people together because together their potential of serving and glorifying Him is greater. Together, rather than apart, they will be conformed more to the image of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Hippie and I are partners. We are two different people with different strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Hippie is a dreamer. He is artistic. He is smart (and handsome-which really has nothing to do with partnership, but its true=)). I am an organizer. I do details and practical really well. We balance each other out. We make each other better. He is more patient. I am more impatient. We are like a rope-stronger for being together.

And, we partner in just about everything.

Life. We are together for the long haul. 11 years and counting.

Parenting. We are working together to fulfill our mutual goals of training and raising our children.

Service. We serve together. We do a lot of children's work together. We both teach. We do training on how to teach. We plan together our own curriculums. Mr. Hippie preaches. Then I partner with him by listening and praying him through. Sometimes we partner by him watching the kids so I can lead a Bible study.

Home business. Mr. Hippie is a roofer. Which is why he is so buff. We partner in this too. He does the physical work. I do a whole lot of the paperwork-paying bills, keeping track of numbers, insurance and taxes.

Running. We slog out our miles day by day together. For our short races we separate. I cheer him at the start, and he is always there waiting at the finish for me. That lone voice I listen for. On the long races (25k, 1/2 marathon) we run together. I set a steady pace, and he makes us go faster.

Equal, but not. Different roles, same goals. With one mind working together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

Barefoot Hippie Girl Partners
I have recently added opportunities on my blog for partnering. Being a partner is a mutual thing. You put your button on my side bar for a low fee, and I tweet up and Facebook share you and your posts. The low fee gets put back into my advertising, and paying for things like giveaways. Please check out the details on my Let's Partner  page, and consider partnering with me this month.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, and a threefold strand is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

So, what do you think about partnership? About marriage partnership? Leave me a comment with your thoughts.

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Chaos Quantified

The last weekend of August 2012 was a rip-roaring success in the Barefoot Hippie household.

The Barefoot Hippies have been drinking awesome coffee this past week.

 My 3 oldest kids spent a couple nights on a cousins' campout. We went to a Tiger's game. And they got their butts in gear by the 8th inning to win spectacularly. And I forgot my camera. We had a great morning at church. Meres was mobile but I still got to hear most of it. We all got a needed nap yesterday afternoon. I wrote a post about avoiding scams (here). I got linked up with a great blogger, Wendy, for  Big Blogger/Little Blogger. And Meres learned how to go down stairs backwards. Whew! What a relief!

It just needs some work.

Oh, and I got to go shopping with just ONE child Thursday evening. I found my elusive stripes party outfit. And I got 2 other new dresses. Plus 2 shirts. All for less than $45. At the mall. Oh yeah!

Now it is a new day, a new week. The final week of FREEDOM!

And my word of the week is organization. (not freedom=))

I am going to get this place whipped in to shape! Somethings on the organizational list include

Paperwork. Is there ever an end to paperwork?

Insurance. We are switching brokers in time for all our renewals next month. This means finding a lot of info for the new broker.

Kitchen counters and cupboards. What with Mr. Hippie's new Nespresso machine, I feel like my counters are being over run. I am going to see if there are options for better using some of my cupboards so the counters can be clearer.

not happy with this situation. It gives me itches.

Living room closet. Not too bad, but some things can go else where. Some things can be gotten rid of. I've got the urge to purge.

Yes, this is a pic of the closet. I am somewhat embarrassed.
This is why you don't look in someone else's closet.

School bin. Take out last year's books and replace with this years. Buy paper, notebooks, pencils and folders. And new crayons. A new year must start with a new box of crayons. Maybe I will get the kids peeling the old ones, and do a melty crayon Pinterest project I've seen.

Thrift haul of the week. Not sure what I am going to use it for.
But I love it!

Basement closet. Implementing a new system for jackets and boots and other paraphernalia.

In other news, I am guest posting over at Heidi's Taking the Plunge today. Its a hymn story to encourage your heart. Check it out.

Now, I'm off to organize. Wish me luck.

What are you going to be up to today? Leave me a comment. I'll read it on breaks from organizing.



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Don't be Scammed

Please stayed tuned for a public service announcement...

Having been scammed once this summer, with someone trying once again just the other day, I wanted to share some info I've learned to guard against your credit/debit card stolen.

This is what was in my inbox the other day.

You sent a payment of 130.00 USD to Adobe Systems.

This charge will appear on your credit card statement as payment to PAYPAL *ADOBESYSTEMSSTORE

SellerAdobe Systems.   Note to seller You haven't included a note.

Description	Unit price	Qty	Amount
Adobe Photoshop CS 7	130.00  USD	1	130.00 USD

Shipping and handling 0.00 USD Tax 0.00 USD Total 130.00 USD

---

Do you confirm this payment?

If this payment was not made by you please immediately take the following steps:

      * Login to your account by clicking on the link below :
      * Provide requested information to ensure you are the owner of the account      
      * After you did the previous steps the order will be cancelled.
      * We will refund your money to you and the payment will deleted from transactions history.
                                                    
                                                    CANCEL TRANSACTION!

Does this look authentic, or what? Scammers use authentic looking sites. The sites look just like the real deal. They are sites that you use. The two that got me this summer were a Google Wallet look alike and a Paypal look alike.

And, just as an aside, this has at least one typo, if not more. Legit isn't going to have typos. Not for this kind of notice.

Provide the requested information. Scammers ask for information that you didn't have to give when you first signed up your account. Information like driver's license numbers or social security numbers.

After you do this your money will be refunded. Scammers use urgency. "If you don't click on this link and update the info, your account is going to be shut down."Of course you want your money back that you didn't actually spend.

And notice the last bullet the payment will be deleted from transactions history. This sounds legit. There is no transaction, because it isn't legit. There will be no record on your account, because this really isn't a PayPal thing.

How can you tell the difference between the real and a scam?

If you look up in your search engine bar where the website address you are at is listed, you will always see http:// or https://. The "s" stands for secured. Most sites that you enter personal payment information with credit card numbers are https://, or secured, sites. This is to protect against fraud. Always, before you enter personal information, make sure it is a secured site.

So, you think PayPal-the site for secure money transactions. PayPal has a great reputation. They have to. Which is why scammers are capitalizing on their reputation. If you receive an email from "PayPal" about needing to update your info, you are going to jump on it.

With the Google Wallet thing, I had just adjusted my blogger account. I didn't want them shutting down my blog. The urge to deal with it cost me.

Remember protocol. The email address this came to is not the one our PayPal account is linked with. It took me clicking on the link and seeing the request for personal information that to realize this.

Funds are not released from PayPal and then refunded. You are first sent a link to release them.

If you are not sure about something, don't click on the link and just type in your info. Go to the official site, and log in to your account. If there is a payment pending, or information that needs updating, there will be a flag in your account.

And, a sure sign that you have been scammed-typing in your information, and hitting submit, and getting an error message. Every time. It's a scam, and you've been had. Call your bank to put a stop on your card. Call the card company.

Identity theft is a big problem in our very online society. Hopefully these tips will keep you from making the mistake I did.



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Bon A Petit

Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” ― Julia Child

August is winding down...the nights are crisp, the days are (mostly) mild. And I don't get hot flashes anymore just thinking about turning on my oven.

Yes, it is time again for Mac and Cheese and marinara and chili and fresh baked bread and cookies. Beef stew and chicken soup. All our favorite comfort food.

With the advent of school looming, there are only 2 breakfasts with the BFF left before we switch back to dinners. That means it is time to pull out all the stops, and haul out any favorite recipes that may have gotten overlooked so far this summer.

That would include Stuffed French Toast Strata. This is a french toast casserole that gets made ahead. You can make it anywhere from 2 (if you forgot) to 24 hours (if you are really on top of things) before hand.

Where a stale, crunchy bread might seem unappetizing, using the bread in cooking solves the problem without waste. One way is to soak the bread in milk and eggs and fry it. Or bake it.

The origins of the first recipe are unknown, although a version appears in the fourth century Roman cookbook often attributed to Apicius ("Break grated Sigilines (a kind of wheat bread), and make larger bites. Soak in milk, fry in oil, douse in honey and serve.").  

Similar dishes have existed in many countries and under many names, since the 4th or 5th century.

I like this french toast casserole because it is the Cadillac version of french toast casseroles. It's extra special ingredient is cream cheese. The cubes of cream cheese are layered with the bread making for a nice surprise. It is not sweet. You need the syrup for sweetness.

This casserole gets served with a Apple Cider Syrup. I love fruit syrups. I also have a blueberry recipe that I have substituted strawberries or peaches in. Fruit syrups are very versatile. They can be used for casseroles, pancakes, waffles or even ice-cream. They add a nice pop of flavor and color. And they are super easy to make.

Stuffed French Toast Strata
1 (1 lb) loaf of French bread, cubed, (12 cups)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
8 eggs
2-1/2 cups milk, light cream or half and half
6 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

-In a greased 9x13 pan, layer half the bread, all the cream cheese, then other half of bread.
-In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, butter and syrup. Pour evenly over bread and cheese.
-Cover with plastic and refrigerate 2-24 hours.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or until center is set and edges are golden.
-Let set 10 minutes before serving.

Apple Cider Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
4 tsp corn starch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp butter or margarine

-In a small saucepan, stir together sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir in cider and lemon juice and cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Makes 1-1/3 cups.

Blueberry Sauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 tsp lemon juice

-Cook and stir everything but lemon juice until thick and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.

Stuffed French Toast Strata pairs well with a strong cup of coffee, bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit. Almost as well as Frank Sinatra's Love and Marriage.

A Perfect Pairing

And, always remember a tip from the French cooking pro...

“If you're afraid of butter, use cream.” ― Julia Child

Linking up today with

Fantabulous Friday
TGIF
madeinaday
Weekend Blog Walk
Serenity Now
Mercy INK
Try a New Recipe Tuesday
bloom designs
Homemaid Simple

Summer Fridays
Weekend Wanderings

Past, Present, Future

I need neither future nor past, but to learn to take today not too fast. ~Jeb Dickerson

The school books arrived yesterday via UPS. I think the guy delivering them must have thought the kids were nuts. They were too excited about books coming.

To me, the arrival of the books signals the beginning of the end. Only 10 more days until school restarts. I am excited.

Past
But I also wonder just where this summer went. It absolutely flew by leaving me wishing "summer would always be here."

It was a sweltering summer. And it was an awesome summer.

I feel like I mostly accomplished my aim for the summer. I gave up study, schedule, and school for a more laid back summer. We did a lot, but we also lived the moment.

Literary Lunch Hour was a great addition to our summer. The kids and I all loved it. We are currently in the fourth HP book. We will finish it within the first week or so of school, and then we are going to take a break from that series, and read Lincoln.

chairs set up for literary lunch hour

We attended an outdoor concert as a family for at least 6 weeks in a row. Mr. Hippie and I went on dates at least every other week. (that was terrific!) We ran 2 races, and we are now gearing up for another long one.

We visited DC and Philly. We did ministry together as a couple and as a family. We led four VBS's, a guys' retreat, and a how to teach Bible clubs session.

We did a lot. And I feel the Lord blessed it. I see fruit, and that thrills my heart.

Meres grew some teeth and learned to walk. Three of the offspring added a year to their age. Freckles sprouted more freckles, and got some spectacular scrapes. LC got taller, and added even more personality to her profile. BMV learned more random facts to throw my way in addition to growing almost as tall as my shoulder.

We made new friends, and renewed old friendships.

We had a great mixture of activity and relaxation. Ministry and being ministered too.

We were stretched in difficult circumstances-being made to rely on God. We were encouraged as God showed Himself unchanging time after time.

Future
But now, this break is almost over, and we are moving on into fall. The structure of fall. The schedule of school, and evening activities.

Moving forward. It's an adventure.

I am looking forward to Influence and everything that holds. Learning new things, forging new relationships.

I am looking forward to an extended family meet up in St. Louis in late October.

I am looking forward to cider and donuts, apple picking and pumpkins, Thanksgiving and scarves.

I am planning for how life is going to be a bit different. Online time is going to happen at a different segment of the day. It is going to be shorter, because school, etc. doesn't leave as much time for surfing.

I am looking forward to our city's art competition. I am looking forward to my Mom's visit.

I am looking forward to what this fall holds. I am remembering the past with fondness. I am living in the moment.

This is what I have learned over the years. You have to plan ahead. School can't start without books. Retreats and Bible studies and ministry opportunities don't happen without planning and studying.

Present
But, you don't want to look so far forward that you miss what is happening right here. Right now.

Living in the present 

Right now we are revising the chore chart. Scooting various responsibilities around. Breaking up the tedium and teaching new skills.

I am reorganizing my kitchen counters to fit Mr. Hippie's new coffee maker. This involves reorganizing the cubby hole, and the basement closet. (don't ask-it just does)

I am taking my kids to a cousins' campout this afternoon. A grand finale to the summer.

The Barefoot Hippies are also going to descend upon Comerica Park this weekend to watch our favorite ball team.

We are going to embrace this last week of freedom before we have to hit the books hard. We are going to connect with friends and family. We are going to sleep in and stay up reading.

I love these kind of pics.
I have no idea what they are scheming, but I'm sure I will find out.
Eventually.

Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace. ~Author Unknown

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present. ~Babatunde Olatunji, a similar version is also attributed to Alice Morse Earle

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. ~Jean de la Bruyere

 If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is. ~Author Unknown

 How are you planning for your fall, and also embracing your "right now?" 

Love the Place You Live

It's Wednesday...and today I'm linking up with Design Mom's challenge to love the place you live.

You know, loving Grand Rapids is not hard for me. It's a great city. Not too big to have huge traffic issues. But big enough to have great restaurants and attractions.

Having just been away for almost 3 weeks, I've come to appreciate GR even more. There truly is no place like home.

We travelled to many places that I enjoyed, and I even could picture myself living in the DE/PA area (or anywhere that is hilly like TN), but for now, I am glad to call GR my home.

Here are a few of the reasons why...

Abundance of produce. MI is a great place to pick fresh apples, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, pumpkins, squash, green beans, tomatoes, and.... It is all available here. MI produce in MI grocery stores, or at MI farm that are within short driving distance.

Distinct Seasons. Here is MI we have a definite snowy and cold winter. Spring brings with it the hope and evidence of new life as the world warms up slowly. Summers are hot and humid-great for being outside and swimming. Fall is gorgeous with crisp color changes, as things go dormant once again.

First Class Symphony. I know I have talked up the GR Symphony before. They are talented and I enjoy an evening out listening to whatever they have cooked up. Our season tickets arrived yesterday. We have 4 great concerts on the agenda, and I am sure we will be able to pick up a practice or two.

Godly atmosphere. West MI is unique. It really and truly is. The huge influx of Dutch citizens has made it a fairly religious corner of the world. This is lived out in churches on every corner, Christian schools and home schoolers, blue laws, and virtually smut free bill boards. You don't have to drive far out of MI to see bill boards for gentlemen's clubs, etc. Here in West MI they don't exist.

Closeness to big bodies of water. Here in the mitten we are surrounded by the Great Lakes. Almost anywhere you live, it would take you less than 3 hours (and probably less than 2) to get to one of the Great Lakes. I have to say that when I saw the ocean, I wasn't impressed. It didn't look any different than Lake MI. The lakes are great for swimming and boating. They are clean and cool. And not every state has them. I forget what a blessing our lakes are.

Lake Michigan, less than 40 minutes away

There are lots of blonde hair-blue eyed kids. And tall folk. We are not the exception to the rule here. We fit right in. Though I don't personally have blonde hair.

View from my front door

Trails. There is the White Pine Trail State Park that stretches 90 miles. A whole lot of that is paved. There are many other beautiful and safe trails for walking, running, biking and exploring.

School doesn't start until after Labor Day. It's the law. There are a lot of state laws that I really don't like, but let me tell you, I totally dig this one.

Oh, and we made a great lip dub too.

What do you love most about the area you live in? 


Linking up today with
Love the Place You Live
Love/Hate

There is Sunshine in My Soul Today

It has been a busy day in the Barefoot Hippie Girl online world.

I wrote a guest post for Alessandra over at Adventures in Homeschooling. Here is a picture of the recipe I shared. I made Mac and Cheese for dinner tonight when my tomatoes for chili were taking too long to cook down. Plus I didn't get home from the grocery store with the rest of the ingredients until way late.

Comfort food personified

So, if you would you like more than a mouth watering picture to look at, mosey on over to Alessandra's blog for the rest of the story.

On another front, I mentioned earlier that I was nominated for 3 blog awards this week. It is totally a great honor. But, it is also a lot of work. (so, if I nominate you, and you don't want to do this blog version of a chain letter, at least you, and everyone who reads my blog, knows that I think you and your blog are awesome!)

Angela from Harmon Baby Farm nominated me for this lovely award. The Sunshine Award. The Sunshine Award is given to “bloggers that positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” I can say that Angela has definitely added sunshine to my world. I just found her a couple months ago. She was (is) in the midst of building her new house and is pregnant with her third child. Her pregnancy stories make me laugh. I have so been there. I have loved building a relationship with her. Thanks Angela, for writing your awesome blog, and for nominating me.


Anyway...here are the rules for the award: (because all these awards have rules)

Include this award logo in either your acceptance post or somewhere in your acceptance.
Answer 10 questions about yourself.
Pass the award onto 10-12 deserving bloggers.
Add a link on your post to all the talented winners and comment on their page to let them know they've been deemed amazing.
Thank the brilliant soul that recognized your talent and bestowed this wonderful award on you...and of course link back to them as well!

Ok, so let's get down to it and have a little bit of Q&A time!

1. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? 

Somewhere on the water. A big lake, or the ocean. In the United States. Somewhat close to a Sam's Club and Meijer.

2. If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go? 

Italy. For several weeks. Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, the Riviera. Italy is history, architecture, art, and food appreciation on steroids. 

3. What's your favorite part of blogging?

I enjoy the writing. Putting my heart and thoughts out there and it touching someone else's heart. That is the best. Knowing God is using me to bless others. And I enjoy the relationships I've formed. With all kinds of women.

4. Coffee or hot chocolate? 

How about coffee with hot chocolate in it. Everyday. First cup of the day. Oh yeah!

5. What kind of coffee do you drink? What do you put in it?
I drink Folgers or Maxwell House. I really like Folger's Black Silk. I either drink my coffee with hot cocoa in it (refer to previous question), or cream with a minuscule amount of sugar.

6. What do you do to relax? 
Read a good book. Take a walk. Pound out a good run. Have a daily quiet time. Not devotional time-but time to read and be quiet. Chiropractor's orders.

7. How do you keep calm in a very stressful situation?
I don't. Actually, today I drove several miles (but 15 minutes) to the shoes store, and discovered I'd left my wallet home. I had no way to pay, and I also had to get groceries. I had to drive all the way home through awful traffic. I could feel myself tensing up. Stressing out. But then I realized that I hadn't eaten, and that I needed to take a deep breath, and also pray about this shopping trip. I could feel the stress receding.

8. Beautiful skies or clear skies with stars?
I love starry skies. I like laying in bed with my curtains open and being able to see the stars and moon.

9. Dogs, cats or fish? 
Is "none of the above" an option? Totally not into pets. We had fish. Several times. And I killed them all. (accidentally) 

10. Be honest, which last name do you like more, maiden or married? 

Well, honestly, I liked my maiden initials better. But I love my married name. I mean, who wouldn't want to be Mrs. Hippie?-I mean Mrs. Veenstra?=)

One of my "sunshines." See the new tooth?

Here are the Sunny Blogs I am nominating for the Sunshine Award. I look forward to reading each one of these blogger's new posts. They inspire and challenge me. They make me laugh and make me think. And they add sunshine to my little corner of the world.

1. Amanda
2. Beth
3. Virginia
4. Cari and Courtnee
5. Jena
6. Noel
7. Heidi
8. Kara
9. Johanna
10. Sarah
11. Shelia
12. Anne