Chillin' Like a Villian

"Good morning, good morning, good morning...

it's time to rise and shine. 

Good morning, good morning, good morning...

I hope you're feeling fine.

It's time to get up, get out of bed! It's time to get up you sleepy head.

Good morning, good morning, good morning...

it's time to rise and shine."

New love-pbj

When I was growing up, my dad woke us up at 5:15 A.M. every week day but Tuesdays. He didn't sing this song to us, but he would put on music. In my early years this was upbeat records played on a record player. As I got older, it was tapes, and then c.d.s, of peppy hymns. Dad would turn on the music, and then he'd yell up the stairs, 

"Good morning!" After which he would proceed through each one of us kids names (there were 8 of us) so each one would feel greeted, and know they weren't excused from getting up that morning. We had to jump out of bed, and run down stairs for our morning hug. Early mornings just got ingrained in me.

Today, I could barely peel my eyes open-even with my cup of joe flowing through my system. I think my busy couple of weeks caught up with me.

Looking at my week's list yesterday, I felt a bit discouraged that I have several major things that I haven't done yet. These would include: filling out 5 passport applications, doing some other paperwork, cutting the boys' hair, and fixing our grill. All the extra things on my to-do list this week. But, then I remembered that I have done some things that weren't on the extra list, but still needed done. Like weeding the gardens. And cleaning my house thoroughly. And making bread and cookies. And reading to my kids. And doing some work in my bedroom. (I have 3 Mondays worth of thrift haul fodder=)) Oh, plus I made another button for my blog link party on Tuesday. That took forever! I still don't know what I eventually did to get it right. And I made a customized signature. I added the smiley face because in real life, I always sign my name with a smiley. Well, not on checks-but just about everything else. 

And, it has been HOT this week. Especially yesterday. We went on a sojourn to my bff's parent's pool last night to cool down before bed. All the kids were very brave. Just swimming around. Meres loved the little floaty thing they had. She was kicking around her happy foot.

such a handsome dud=)

LC

It's Friday, which means it is time for another small kitchen adventure.

I don't know about you, but in the heat I really don't like cooking. We eat a lot of salads. Light fare. I often will make a pasta or potato salad that stretches a few meals, and then I cook meat to go with it. I did pulled pork in the crockpot on Wednesday (pork, onions, a dry rub, a cup of water-cook on high a couple hours. Then add a mixture of 1/3 cup tomato paste and 1/2 cup dry red wine. Cook on low another hour or so. Then pull the pork using two forks. Delicious) In order to finish up the potato salad I also made on Wednesday, tonight I am making stuffed chicken.

no pics of BMV

also a good looking dud

do you know how difficult it is to take a self portrait in a pool?

she was totally in to her "gear."

The good thing about this chicken is it is easy, quick, and tasty. My kids have nick-named it Turtle Chicken, because they think the thighs look like little turtles. This can be baked on high, or grilled. It combines the strong flavors of feta and olives. The filling and cooking it at extreme heat for a shorter time, keeps the chicken moist.

Feta Stuffed Chicken

10-12 chicken thighs-DO NOT SKIN

3/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup pitted, chopped Kalamata olives

2 t fresh oregano

1 small garlic clove, minced

salt and pepper

Pat dry thighs with paper towel, season with salt and pepper.

Mix cheeses, olives, garlic and oregano in a small bowl. 

With your fingers, place 1-1/2 tablespoons of filling under the skin of each thigh.

Heat oven (or grill) to 450 degrees. 

(if grilling-just grill)

Line a baking sheet with foil, place an oven safe cooling rack on the sheet. Arrange chicken on cooling rack. Bake 35-40 minutes-until skin is crispy and juices run clear.

Enjoy.

Well, to all my North American readers...this weekend-"stay calm. Stay cool."

Here's To You Mrs. (Elliot)

Dear Mrs. Elliot,
I just wanted to say "thanks."
More than any person in my life, living or dead, (besides my Hippie parents and spouse) you have profoundly influenced my life.
It was the winter of '97. I was 19. I had grown up hearing about your husband and the other four Ecuador martyrs. I had read your biographies of Jim. I had met people who knew you in your youth.
I had been raised to be a wife and mother and keeper of the home. But here I was-19, and no prospective husband or children. (in retrospect, I actually met my future husband right about this time though we didn't become more than friends for another 3 years) No job. Just at home in my parent's house, helping out. Day after day.
And then someone placed your book, Passion and Purity, into my hands. She said, "you have got to read this. It will rock your world."
And it did.
I plunged into her copy and took notes in a separate notebook. Within weeks, I bought my own copy, (which is now highlighted and underlined) to read through a second time. And then again and again, when I was discouraged. When I needed a friend.
Passion and Purity is your love story. You and Jim. It is so romantic. It gave me hope. It challenged me. Your story challenged me to make a daily habit of reading the Bible. I had committed to this year after year at camps. I knew I needed to be daily in the Word, hearing God's voice. But something about reading how you had read the Bible daily since high school, and had annually read through the Bible sparked something in me. I have read the Bible almost daily, and cover to cover, ever since that winter.
I revelled in your love story. What girl doesn't love a love story? A prince charming, a beautiful girl, a happily ever after. I was challenged with how your relationship was founded on God, but was oh so physical. Passionate-you know? It gave me hope that someday a knight in shining armor would come sweep me off my feet too. That he'd be handsome and buff and strong. Mr. Hippie and I still quote your quote of C.S. Lewis...four bare legs in a bed.
I was challenged with how you lived your life as you were waiting on God to bring your love story to fruition.
My idea of a modern Christian woman found its roots in this book. In the midst of the Feminist movement and my strict stay-at-home upbringing, you showed me a moderate middle ground. I saw how a women is a spiritual being with her relationship with her Maker at her core. I gained a vision for how godly women can study the Bible and minister in more ways than just cooking and cleaning and caring for children, yet remain in their God-given role. I saw you following God as He led you, and allowing Jim to follow God how God led him, and both trusting God that He would give you the desires of your heart. In His time. You challenged me to purity in thought-not just action. I also learned that Christian woman can be romantic and passionate. It isn't unBiblical. Or ungodly.
You gave me a taste for Oswald Chambers. (though I often still puzzle over what exactly he is getting at). You gave me vision. Your words spoke to my heart, and I am forever grateful.
Since I was 19, I have wanted to be like you. To serve our Lord wholly. To glorify Him day by day. To love passionately and purely. To be a student of God and His word. To touch other's lives. To minister, even when my heart is broken and it hurts. To let God purify me through the trials.
Funny thing is, it isn't an easy path. That's what I am learning year by year. And the secret isn't in becoming like you-it's in becoming like Jesus Christ. Following His footsteps. Running the race He ran, and the race He has set before me. Laying aside burdens and sins the so easily beset. Running with endurance.
And for that, I thank you!

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of christian,But the fact that I am a christian does make me a different kind of woman.”
― Elisabeth Elliot

*just wanted to let you know that there are some exciting things in the works for Barefoot Hippie Girl. How about a link up?!? "Take Two Tuesdays" will be starting next Tuesday, July 3. 
And how about that giveaway?! I am waiting on an installment of toe rings, but soon and very soon, we are going to have a giveaway. So spread the word.

Poltergeists & Peeves

WWoW
Poltergeist /ˈpōltərˌgīst/ noun: a ghost or supernatural being that announces its presence with rapping, throwing objects or the creation of disorder. In Harry Potter, Peeves the Poltergiest is always around causing havoc when you least desire him.
Origin: 1838, from German poltergeist, from poltern "make noise, rattle," + geist "ghost."
Again, this is one of those words that I read over and over again, mispronouncing to boot, that I misunderstood what it meant. I would have told you that a poltergeist was a mischief causing person. I had no idea that poltergeist were ghosts.
Let me tell you, you can find out way too much on this subject on Wikipedia. There are supposedly documented cases of poltergeist activities. Frankly, I am not convinced.
Since I don't believe in ghosts, I will give you my list of pet peeves.

if Meres was a ghost, she'd be a poltergeist
love/hate link up

-This is for all my sisters out there...have you ever noticed that no matter how carefully you shave, you always miss a patch. For me, it tends to be on my knees. I shave, and reshave, and still there is always an illusive few hairs that show themselves when I am lounging in a shorts, or a shorter skirt, or my bathing suit.
-People merging late. This is definitely on my pet peeves list. It absolutely drives me nuts when there are construction signs for miles saying that a lane is going to be closed and 90% of the people get over. But you have those cars who stay in the wrong lane until the last second. I wonder if they are just rude. Or do they think where they are going is far more urgent than everyone else (how arrogant). Or maybe they can't read. Personally, if I was a police man, I would sit in that lane and ticket everyone who is still in it at a certain point. But, I'm not a police man.
-Entertainment talkers-movies, plays, symphony, church. Just pay attention to what is going on. You can give your thoughts later.
-Cussing. I don't like cussing ever. It really gets my goat. But, I particularly dislike cussing in older people. I find it offensive, and I wonder how the person got to this stage of their lives without learning better language to express their feelings.
-Global warming. Evidence or no evidence-I'm just tired of hearing about it. An additional guilt trip is not something I need in my life.
-Running on the road. I run. I rarely run in the road. I know sidewalks are a harder composition, but runners running in the road seem to have a death wish. In the summer it isn't as bad. But in the winter, there is ice on the roads. You can slip. Cars can slide. The road is narrower. Why would you take your life in your hands like that?
-Biking on the wrong side of the road, or on the sidewalk. Again...a death wish? Bike with traffic. On the road-if you have an adult bicycle. Walk against traffic. That's the rules. Is that complicated or what?
-Stepping over or around something on the floor that doesn't belong on the floor. Maybe it is only at my house, but am I the only one who sees the garbage on the floor, and the toys that need picked up? 'Cause everyone else seems o have no problem just ignoring them.
-Texting on dates. Or when you are with friends. Live in the here and now, people!
-Using "just saying" to excuse rude or hurtful comments. It doesn't make it okay. It just makes it your opinion.

That's my Top Ten. What what peevish behavior annoys you? What peevish behavior are you guilty of?=)

the girls snuggling this morning

Whatever your peeves, here's to a "pet peeve-free" Wednesday.

Foot Loose and Kid Free

My three oldest are attending another VBS this week. And I am experiencing FREEDOM! Now, truly, the only way you can say that word is by yelling it in your most robust Scottish accent. Invoke your inner Mel Gibson, and give it all you got. Everyone together now...."FREEDOM!"
You want to know what I did with my 3 hours of freedom today?
-I surfed Craigslist for a new dresser for my bedroom. This was necessary. Too bad I don't have a before pic. Think drawers falling apart and missing, and you will be right on the money.
-I went to Meijer, returned bottles, and picked up my Meijer groceries. Which included toilet paper. Because we had been down to one roll for two bathrooms since Sunday. I personally think that LC goes through more tp in one bathroom stop than I go through in a day or two.
-I went to the bank and cashed a check.
-I went to the store that had listed the dresser on Craigslist that caught my eye. I bought said dresser. It was a steal. But I will tell you more about that next Monday.
-I came home to drop off dresser, because Mr. Hippie happened to be here. We got the old dresser out, and the new dresser in.
-I then proceeded to Aldi, and went through there like a whirlwind. Let me tell you, you can practically run through a store when you don't have a gaggle of kiddos that you have to keep track of. And I didn't have to tell anyone-not even once-to keep their hands on the cart. And off their siblings.
-Sams club was next. That is always fast, kids or no kids. Or one kid. 'Cause did I mention that I did have Meres?
-And then we were decisive at Pier One Imports. I went in there looking for curtains. I had settled when I originally repainted my room, and I never was happy with what I settled with. I am happy with what I picked up today. They are a nice chocolate brown, and definitely a step up from what they are replacing.
-I zipped in to the driveway at 12:00 noon, a good 10 minutes before the Hippie offspring.

Now I am going to spend some time cleaning and rearranging my room, before our next HP installment. Then I am making chicken enchiladas to take to the Blues concert in the park this evening.

I am ashamed to admit that this weed patch belong to one of my gardens.

After...much more visible dirt.

cherry tomatoes-look at that drop of water

first Romas

weeding the green beans

Here are pics of the gardening I did yesterday. I woke up this morning absolutely dragging. My shoulders hurt. As does my rump, and my lower back. And I have 2 blisters on my hand (I always end up with blisters if I even look at a garden tool). All from gardening. This is why I don't garden. But now the soil is loosened, and weed free. Water and nutrients can soak their way down to the roots.
Ttfn!

Sissies Need Not Apply

*Today you can also find my VERY FIRST guest post at geeky and sassy. 

It was a weekend. Or the end of two very full, very blessed, weeks.
There were lots of highs, plus a low.
I wore a dress to church for the first time in over a year! This would be because I have still been doing a lot of nursing-even at church. But, we've made it through two Sundays-no church feed. Sigh.

not the best pic ever. But, whatever.

We celebrated Meres' birthday. She totally got into her cake. Not interested in the candle and blowing it out. But definitely interested in the frosting. She dug into the cake frosting before we even finished singing Happy Birthday. She got covered in chocolate cake. And she kept wanting more. She had a great time with her gifts. She is at a stage where she experiences everything through her mouth. This includes opening presents. She kept ripping off hunks of paper with her teeth. Nice.

finger lickin' good

doing presents

Mr. Hippie and I filled many moments with great conversation. We were both very thrilled with how our events went the past two weeks. We felt that God enabled us and was glorified.
We got in a good run. I even got a bit of sun that I didn't notice until yesterday morning. I have been running so early that my "runner's tan" hasn't been getting much attention. But, Saturday it saw the light.
Speaking of running, let me tell you, there are many benefits. Fitness, tans, and great curb finds. This is my thrift haul of the week. One morning Mr. Hippie and I were running and found this chair on the curb-about 1/4 of a mile from our house. Perfect condition, and very comfortable. It had a free sign on it. We decided that we couldn't pass it up. But, do you know how loud it is to roll an office chair on cement sidewalk at 6:30 in the morning? It sounded like a herd of elephants in the stillness. We alternately rolled and carried it home. And, though he was surely rolling his eyes at my ideas that morning, Mr. Hippie has had much cause to be thankful for this chair since then.

So...my low moment of the weekend. It is now time to wear my mom heart on my sleeve.
Sigh...
Here is the situation: for both VBS's we did last week, we put together "race packets" for the kids to take home the last day. They contained t-shirts, whistles, water bottles, granola bars, and bookmarks. They were forgotten on Friday morning, so the kids were told they would have to wait. No prob-it's my kids and my two nieces. Disappointed, but not greatly. Fast forward to the evening VBS. We had between 5-10 extra kids that last night. Kids who showed up that night, but hadn't been there the rest of the week. There weren't enough packets for everyone. So, who goes home with the packets?
Not my kids. 
(Let me just say right now, that they got their packets yesterday-at church)
Here is my mom dilemma. Who gets the packets? What do you do? Any way you decide, you have disappointed kids on your hands.
I didn't make the decision-someone else did. And they decided that my kids could wait for their packets. My kids were heart broken. Crest fallen. Disappointed. LC came up to me crying, "where's my packet?" Freckles too. And it broke my heart. To feel their pain. Their disappointment. Their feelings of injustice. I wanted to cry too, because I could totally understand how they felt. My kids were at the VBS morning AND evening-every day. They were promised these race packets morning and evening-every day. They were good sports, and listened and participated for over 3 hours-every day. They gave up their mom for over 3 hours-every day. They didn't camp with their grandparents so they could be our audience. They sacrificed. Over and over again.
And then they were told they were the ones who needed to sacrifice their packets. They could get their packets later. (I'm sorry, kids don't really get that.) They were told by someone who loves them very much, that they are more "Christian" than most of these other kids, so didn't they think the other kids should get the packets instead?
I understand-okay? I understand both sides. I want to teach my kids to be generous, and unselfish and sacrificial-even when it hurts. And they did give up their packets-even with a few tears.
But they are just kids too.
I don't know what could have been done differently. I wanted the other kids to have the packets. They need to hear God's Word. They need to tangibly feel our love and generosity. They took those packets home with Scripture in them. That Scripture will possibly be read by their families too.
But, my kids are kids too. What is the message that came across loud and clear in this situation? The message that I-as a parent-have to fight?
Good behavior and faithfulness and sacrifice isn't rewarded-you are just expected to give more.
It does matter who your parents are. And you aren't going to be treated equally. You are going to be held to a higher standard. And you are going to be expected to sacrifice more than everyone else.
Ouch. That is not what I want them to get from this experience.
I don't want people to treat my kids like the "teachers's kids." I just want people to treat my kids like each and every one of the other kids. Not expect them to be perfect. Not expect way more of them than everyone else. Let them be kids.

I love them all. So very, very much! (embrace the camera link)

I can put up with a lot that is aimed toward me. But, my mama bear instinct rears its head when my kids get hurt.
I had to confess my heart break and attitude to the Lord. I had to love on my kids. I had to point them to the Lord. I had to thank them for giving so others could have. I had to positively reinforce this situation the best I possibly could. Lemonade out of lemons.
And I cried to the Lord. Because it hurt. I hurt for my kids. And I hurt because I can't always keep them from being hurt. No matter how much I want to. I had to once again open my hands and release their hearts and well being to the One who loves them even more than I do.
That is hard. So hard.
Put my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book? Psalms 56:8
Parenting is so NOT for sissies. 


Have you ever encountered a situation like this? What did you do? Did your "mama heart" break? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, eh?

Ca-razy Goodness

Occasionally I do something crazy. (someone else might say it is far oftener than occasionally)
I have had a wonderful group of teenage girls working with me this week, doing two vacation Bible schools. They have done a marvelous job. We started out last Friday with a whole afternoon of training.  And then they dove right into teaching and leading on Monday.

Just for some back ground...my church has a big tent that we set up in the side yard. We invite kids from the neighborhood between 5-12 years of age. We have been using the theme of "Running well in God's Race." We have been doing a VBS in my yard in the mornings, and the church yard in the evenings. It is all based on Hebrews 11-13. We talked about signing up by faith in Jesus Christ. We talked about following Jesus Christ-He made up the Christian race, ran it first, and finished triumphantly. We talked about how every good athlete has a trainer who trains them to run better. Who outlines what to give up-good and bad-in order to perform the best. God is our trainer, discipling those He loves. Getting us to lay aside the weights and sin that holds us back. We talked about our great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Those Bible characters who ran before us, and are surrounding us, cheering us on. To learn from what they learned. To run with endurance. To serve God strong and in faith. Today we are going to talk about race packets-those things you get from every race, that makes race day go smoothly. T-shirts, maps, number, timing chip, etc. And Hebrews 13 is full of instructions for our race. God gives us everything we need to run well.

I can't stop taking pics of her-notice the foot

Anyway, we invite out these kids, and we have been having over 30 every night. We stay in the tent, and sing, have an athletic intro tied in with Hebrews 11-13, tell a story about a character from Hebrews 11, play some games, have a skit, and teach a memory verse. It has been packed full of goodness. I think yesterday was the best. Each girl dressed up like a character from Hebrews 11, and told that person's story, giving a lesson they'd learned from their faith. 

The girls have worked hard. They have taught every aspect. I am doing a bit of teaching, quite a bit of supervising, but mostly just trying to stay in the back ground and let them learn by doing.

It has been an amazing thing to watch them grow this week! To grow in new skills. To grow in confidence in leading and teaching 30 kids. To grow in their own faith in God-His enabling and provision. Plus, the props they came up with were very creative. Props aren't my thing so much. I am not creative in that way. But they totally hit it out of the park in that department.

So, here is the something crazy I did. I wanted to give these girls something to thank them for their efforts. To thank them for encouraging me. To thank them for helping me and working with me. Mr. Hippie was right on board. I had been stewing about it. And he suggested the idea of a gift, before I even said something. I knew it was a "God prompting" then.

I hauled out a sugar scrub recipe, made a Meijer run, and put together little baggies for each of them. The "craziness" comes in with me being at Meijer at 9:30 p.m.. With LC and I mixing up and packaging sugar scrub at 10:00 p.m.. With Mr. Hippie and I labeling and tying bows at 11:00 p.m.. Crazy because this Barefoot Hippie Girl is always in bed by 9:30.=)

Here is my 3 crazy projects of this week in pictures.

strawberries for pie and jam

natural beauty

smooshed for jam

9 cups crushed berries, 6 cups sugar, package pectin.
boil until thick.

isn't it gorgeous!

hot bath-15 minutes.

pie crust-make it or buy it

4 ingredients-strawberry jello-2 boxes

2 cups water
2-1/4 c sugar
6 T cornstarch-
boil until thick

add jello

hull and wash berries

stack in baked crusts

pour on glaze and refrigerate.
This is affectionately known in the Barefoot Hippie Household as
"Strawberry Goodness."
I'm sure you can guess why.

hard at work

my sugar scrub partner

loving the pajamas

new recipe-3 cups sugar, 1 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice.
(going to add more lemon-either essential oil or juice- for scent next time)

I think they are pretty sweet looking

fantabulous Friday linkup

this could be yours-plus a toe ring
(they are getting those too, I just didn't have them last night.)
100 FB likes, or 50 "members" on blog=Barefoot Hippie Girl drawing.
Get the word out!!!=)

Hippie offspring-living the dream

Today we finish up both morning and evening VBS, plus I get to enjoy a big slice of Strawberry Goodness with the BFF.

It's going to be a great day!!!

Giving Up Good-Recycling

I love Thursdays. If you have noticed, most Thursdays lately I've been linking up with Tiny Twig and Naptime Diaries for "Giving up the Good."
This has been a great evaluation thing for me. Some things are things that I have given up that week for the greater good. Some things are lifestyle things that I have given up for something better. I like this challenge for the reason that what is right for me to give up, is not necessarily the same as what you are giving up. I like that some is light and some is heavier. I like the fact that we are giving up the super woman image for reality and encouraging each other. I like the fact that we aren't just weeding things out in an "I can't" attitude, but that we are seeking to fill our time with the best. What best suits our unique God-given lives, interests, gifts, and abilities.
This week I have given up some cooking, cleaning, and yard work to be able to focus on VBS and training of the girls I am working with. I somewhat feel like my house is falling apart around my ears, but actually it not THAT bad. I am going to whip a few things into shape later today-the urgent stuff. But dusting and washing the floors just may get a total pass this week.

Does this look like a recycling couple?

Now, for the funny thing I have given up...You may find this ironic in light of the fact that I call myself the Barefoot Hippie Girl. I don't recycle. (I probably just lost 90% of my readership in one fell swoop.=)) I know. Completely shocking. Against the tide. Irresponsible. Everybody recycles. How can I not recycle?

Well, let me tell you.
I am a conservationist. I am not a tree hugger. I don't waste water or energy-more because of the economy of it than anything else.
But, my time is money. If I am going to spend my time on something, you had better believe that I think it is worth it.

And I just don't think my time is worth scrubbing out cans and jars and plastic bottles that are essentially going in the trash anyway. I have no desire to sort my trash. Call me lazy.
The Reader's Digest had an Earth Day spread about What Activities Do You Feel Most Guilty About? They listed wasting water, driving, not recycling, and wasting electricity, among others. Frankly, I don't feel guilty about any of it.
While I may not recycle, I don't use bottled water. I refill my own water bottle.
I don't buy new of everything. I thrift shop and up cycle.
I constantly go through my house turning off lights and other appliances, etc. not in use.
And, Mr. Hippie scraps metal for date money.
I return my pop bottles-because I have money invested in them.

I guess the moral of the story is...I'm mercenary. If you would pay me to recycle, I probably would. But, I am certainly NOT paying to recycle-either in time or money. With everything else on my plate, I just am not going to take the time.
I also find it rather interesting that a whole lot of Christians seem more concerned about saving the planet than saving souls going to hell.

So, call me mercenary or lazy, or both. But recycling is what this Hippie girl has given up.