Hopeful Housewife

My house smells like a bakery right now. I have the world’s best waffle recipe for you guys, you know, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Mine look tastier than that, but you’d never know that because I cant find my camera. (I do, however have my keys in my posession again, so I’ll take what I can get!)

Ok, staying focused- I give you Yeast Waffles:

Start these the night BEFORE!

2 c milk

2 1/4 tsp yeast (or one packet)

1/2 c butter, melted

1/2 c warm water

1 tsp salt

2 TBSP sugar (original recipe called for 1 tsp, but it was almost savory so I added more)

3 C flour

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 tsp baking soda.

Warm the milk until bubbles form, then remove from heat and set aside. Mix the yeast and water in a small bowl, and give it about 10 minutes to proof. In a large bowl, combine the milk, yeast mixture, butter, salt, sugar, and flour. mix well, cover with tea towel, and leave on counter overnight. In the morning, before preparing the waffles, add the eggs and baking soda. I find that every waffle iron is different, so I’ll just tell you how to cook them in mine. I spray the iron, add about 1 cup of the mix, close, and leave it for about 3 minutes. Then, I flip it, and leave it again for about 5. Flip once more and leave for another min or two. So much for the waffle iron that boasts being able to make a waffle in 4 minutes. Hopefully your process is faster.

These waffles almost have a sourdough taste to them. Such a nice contrast to the sweet syrup. YUM!!

Today was the kind of day that makes you feel like time is not passing at all. I could not wait for my husband to come home from work today, and it felt like the day was just DRAGGING. I always look forward to him coming home, but sometimes, like today, I really struggle with missing him.  I delivered some cinnamon rolls to him and a few of his co-workers today, and I simply did NOT want to get back into my car. Eventually, though, the time did pass. Whats really frustrating to me is that the entire day drags on until he gets home, and then it feels like time just flies. Simply not fair.

All the sappy stuff aside, here’s our Tuesday.

Woke up early with the hubs, got some stuff around the house done, including breakfast. We had cinnamon rolls, bananas w/ a little chocolate syrup, and turkey bacon.

I rolled out the cinnamon rolls last night, put them in the fridge, and then just let them warm up a bit and rise on the kitchen counter before baking. I’m trying really hard to perfect my rolling technique, and slowly but surely, I’m getting there.

disregard the sad little one 2nd from the left, bottom row. Its an end piece, thus, the runt.

After a bit, we popped em’ in the oven:

and iced them.

excuse the hideous cookie sheet, its the only thing I had to send to the hubs’ office. His office has a way of eating my dishes, and I decided to send something that didn’t necessarily need to come back.

Kids enjoyed the cinnamon rolls.

Some more than others:

We enjoyed our decadent bananas…

and demolished the bacon. (and isnt it true that bacon somehow brings on a sense of peace? LOL!)

then continued on with our day.

Did plenty of schooling, including a lesson on portraits for Piper. She decided to make a portrait of me, instead of a self-portrait. I think it looks just like me.

 Got dinner going, several hours before it needed to be ready. I made a dish that requires several hours of simmering, so we got it goin’ early. Sadly, as often as I have experienced it, you’d think I’d know by now that my eyes are not immune to the toxic gasses of onions.

P.S., if you burn a candle near you while chopping onions, it will help burn off the gasses, thus reducing the effect on your poor eyeballs.

While dinner simmered, we did a bit of housework. Piper did her favorite job, the windows.

I just want you to know I do not encourage her to do this, but often finding her doing dare-devil cleaning tactics.

Took a moment for a quick child-requested photo shoot:

The hubs got home just after 6:30p, and we enjoyed some albondigas soup, with my sister as a dinner guest.

The hubs then took the kids and I to get a treat. The kids got Wendy’s frosties, and the us grown ups treated ourselves to Starbucks. I love me some pumpkin latte’s.

Came home, cleaned the kitchen, and for some reason felt the need to polish the kitchen window. It was really windy today, and there was sap all over the outside of it. There I was, 9:45pm, scrubbing the outside window. Good thing the hubs is used to me. Worth it though…look at the reflection of the dining area light in the window!

And now, we’re headed off to bed. Looks like the cat beat us to it.

Ack! I’m so tired today, gang. I was good out of the gate, but I’m melting now. Woke up early, had cinnamon rolls bakin’, turkey bacon poppin, and things pretty tidy before the kids were fully awake. After I had breakfast, however, I completely crashed. I just want to SLEEP, and I didnt even eat a whole cinnamon roll! Cant blame the sugar/carbs if you really just had turkey bacon and bananas.

I think its the wind. Makes me want to curl up and sleep. The sound of it is so soothing, and the idea of being next to an open, breezy window covered in a soft blanket is so enticing. Times like this I wish our curriculum wasnt so tough, so we could take a day off every now and again.

Just delivered some cinnamon rolls to the hubs and a few of his co-workers (I say a few because really, I’m not baking 90 rolls.)  He was so cute, and the kids were so happy to see him. He suggested that we make sure no one turns on the TV tonight so we can go out for a treat then hang out at home and enjoy it. I’m looking forward to some quiet time with my little family. The next two days are going to be busy, so I figure we should enjoy the peace today while we can.

Gonna get back to some science lessons around here, and I’ll be back with a few pics this afternoon. Hope you’re enjoying your day, wherever you are.

Guess that wouldnt be called “today in my home” then…suppose it would be “two days ago in my home”, eh?

I’m not even sure why I’m posting these. I think its because I like to see pictures and read the details of others’ days. I find it interesting to see the daily grind of people’s lives, and take pleasure in sharing my life with you all too, at the risk of my blog posts being remarkably boring.

Friday started off by celebrating “cookie day”. Every Friday, the leasing office of our complex has “Cookie day” and all residents are welcome to come and have a sweet treat. Sometimes I think we’re the only ones that go, as I’ve never seen anyone else come to have a cookie, but its the highlight of my kids’ Friday. “Miss Amy” always puts out yummy cookies, and the kids love to go in there and tell her about their week. I’m not gonna lie, I like it too. I really enjoy my conversations with Miss Amy. She’s an absolute doll.  Last week I took some cinnamon rolls to her to enjoy with her family. When I came in on Friday, she had my pan and my little mason jar that contained icing. She had dressed it up with hot pink tissue paper, a cute candle lantern and five amazingly yummy smelling tea lights. So, so sweet of her.

So before the kids and I left for speech therapy, we stopped by for our weekly chat and snack.

On the way to speech, Gavin took it upon himself to adjust the candles in an effort to express his happiness. He also took it upon himself to steal my camera and snap a pic. ;)

Afterwards, we headed out for speech therapy for the older two. We meet the speech pathologist at a really nice library about 15 miles away. The library is gorgeous…I should really get some pics of it. The kids and I trekked it through the parking lot, trying to get inside on time:

While the kids were in their session, the wee one and I sat in the kids’ room, where she read me a few books. This one was her favorite. Clearly she has a new found preference for the posed, cheesy, fake smile.

After speech, we headed home so Gavin could get to the house in time to meet his Papa, who was going to take him to “boys camp”. Its the highlight of Gavin’s week, and he was so excited. While they were gone, the girls and I ventured out for some high-end shopping.

Trin got a beautiful pink skirt, Piper a cute green dress, and I got a new valance for my kitchen. Overall, a success.

Came home and put up my new valance, and found a home for my lovely new lantern.

I ended the night at church, followed by a gourmet meal at Denny’s with my mom, Trin, and her future husband. It was a great service, and having one-on-one time with my Trinity was lovely too. It was a bonus that we all had coupons, so my mom’s and Trin’s meals were free, lol!

It was a “Thank God its Friday” kind of day, in every sense.

A day in the life of the Hopeful Housewife:

Had the most magnificent, blessed day today. Not gonna go into details just yet, but I may soon. Please keep me in prayer if you remember or feel led to…lots of neat stuff going on, and I’m loving watching God move in my life, and the lives of those around me. He truly is an awesome God!

Woke up before 7 today, had my usual hubby morning routine, wore my favorite dress.

Got the kids up and around, hair done, clothes together, wee bit of school, then got my bag and my sweater, and headed out the door.

Had the kids line up by the car (a new (to us) car btw..forgot to mention that I think!)

Stopped for an iced mocha. Hadn’t had one of those in a long time, and it was like pure heaven.

Dropped the kids off at church for their classes:

Waited in the car for a while, waiting on my mom to meet me there so we could do lunch.

Got a little impatient, and decided to go kill time at the Janitorial supply store. That place is dangerous for me. Left with two professional grade cleaners, some scouring pad things, and a toilet “swab”.

Mom showed up as I was walking out of the store, with her adorable dog, Corey.

We went to lunch at a salad buffet place (yum!!) had a great conversation, and just basically enjoyed eachother’s company. Went back to pick up the kids, and admired the mural that is coming along beautifully.

Sent the boy off with my Mama to have some Grandma time, and took the girlies home. Trin conked out ten minutes or so after we left the church.

Had a fantastic “girls night”, including Bible study over McNuggets. Waiting on the hubs to get home, but enjoying the comfort of being home tonight.

I dont remember the last time a Wednesday was this satisfying.

I woke up feeling rested today for the first time in a really, really long time. Funny too, because I didn’t sleep very well. I got out of bed, pressed the hubs’ clothes, grumbled briefly about my leaky iron, and had a minute to chat with the hubs before he had to head out. He gave me the most sincere compliment before he left. He told me he was grateful for me, saying, “You know, not everyone is as commited as you are.” Doesnt sound like your typical touchy feel-y husband compliment, but it was really the best thing he could have said to me today. I’ve always been told I’m a flake or have no follow through. I’m confident that my “job”in my home is the one thing I have successfully adhered to, but it felt sooo good to hear my husband put it to me that way. I shooed him out the door around 7:00am, and sat with my older two kiddos for a bit while they ate some breakfast. I made some really tasty chocolate chocolate chip muffins last night, and the kids enjoyed those with some chocolate milk this morning. My menu has been a bit altered this week, but still managed to make everything I made with what I had on hand, and that’s my only goal, really.

I had some hot tea, and enjoyed a phone call from a friend of mine. It felt really good to talk to her, and I so appreciated her taking time to give me a ring.

I managed to get the kids through the majority of their schooling today, and was pleasantly surprised when my son brought down a short story he had written. I was really impressed with his writing, and feel like things are really clicking in that area. It’s a tough subject for him, but after such a successful week writing, he stated today that he wants to be a writer when he grows up. “One that the New York Times talks about.” he explained. Love that boy. His dreams are so big.

Got all my dinner food prep done before lunch time, and it paid off. Dinner was so tasty tonight! I boiled down the chicken I was going to use for buffalo chicken pizza, and decided to serve it shredded in a chicken gravy over pilaf. I paired it with some sauteed spinach and homemade bread. The hubs was so happy. He doesnt usually eat my sauteed spinach, but he had THREE servings of it tonight. After dinner, hubs and I had a really sweet conversation that made both of us tear up. Funny how there are days when you just realize how important you are to one-another. I really am so blessed to have such a great man who actively strives to be godly.

Hubs loaded us all up in the car and treated us all to a wendy’s frosty for dessert which we ate at the little “park” in our complex. The kids then showered up, and got ready for bed. As I walked upstairs to take my shower, I spotted Gavin reading “Frog and Toad” to the girls. He saw me and said, “I thought I’d make some time to read the girls a bedtime story mom.” They were so grateful to have a moment with him. He’s very easily irritated by his sisters these days, and as a mama, I need to see these kinds of moments.

God revealed some really encouraging things to me today, and I’d appreciate your prayers as I sift through everything He has said to me. I suspect that a ministry I’ve been working on for years is getting ready to move forward. I’d appreciate prayers for wisdom, discernment, and a quiet spirit. I tend to get too excited and then I cant hear a thing He is telling me.

Finished up my evening by tidying up the kitchen and dining areas, and cleaning my stove top, inside and out. Love the feeling of cooking on a really clean stove. I’m gonna pull the rest of the frozen cinnamon rolls out tonight so that they can be baked and sent with the hubs in the morning for a few of his co-workers that might enjoy a little treat. We’ll make sure that four of them stay here with us, of course.

Hubs and I will head to bed soon in order to prepare for another day. A day the Lord has made.

It’s 4pm on Tuesday afternoon, and I’m taking a moment to breathe. I have about an hour before dinner must be started, about 20 minutes before the kids and I finish up a few schooling loose ends for the day. Our schooling takes SO long, and as hard as I try to adhere to my Maxwell schedule, days like today prove that just cant always happen. So, I am sitting here with a cup of tea, in an effort to reflect on the fact that in spite of my lack of schedule following today, stuff ended up gettin’ done, and the day isn’t quite over yet.

Today, the kids and I managed to get quite a bit of school done, with only one subject remaining undone at this point for each of them. Gavin really impressed me today by doing his creative writing without having to be asked. He even typed up a final draft and printed it out for me. I honestly had NO idea thats what he was doing. I thought he was reading the entire time. Turns out he started off reading, but finished his book (The Outsiders) and managed to complete the entire corresponding literature unit. My boy really does enjoy a sense of accomplishment, and I admire that about him. Trinity walked herself through her math lesson today, while I was working w/the other kids. I was letting her piddle around a bit until I could get to her, but she not only started the lesson, but completed it. Days like today remind me that they really are learning, even though it feels at time that they dont hear a word I say. Piper started 1st grade math yesterday, and today finished the first unit. I have to slow her down some because I really dont *want* her to start 2nd grade before she has a chance to turn six, LOL!  Right now, Gavin is upstairs writing some more, and the girls are singing on Trin’s karaoke machine. The Annie soundtrack is still in heavy rotation around here.

I’m sitting downstairs, with all of the windows open. The breeze is beautiful, and the sun is out. Just before I sent the kids upstairs for free time, we did a one hour “power clean”. The house looks and smells great, and it gets done so much faster when the kids comply. I have to admit, I really like hearing “yes ma’am, I’d be happy to” when asked to do something around here.  I dont rule with an iron fist at all, but the kids and I seem to have a mutual respect for eachother that makes it easy for us to want to serve one another. While the kids sorted laundry, put away school books, and took out the trash, I swept and mopped the bathroom and kitchen floors. I gave them a good “hands and knees” bleaching, and can I just say, I LOVE the feeling of a freshly bleached floor under my feet. It gives me such pleasure to mop my floors here, and I think its because the tile is stark white. It looks so bright and …I dunno, sanitary (?) when its done, lol. Love the feeling of clean, cant help it.

I think the highlight of my day was just before lunch. The kids and I piled into my bed and just had some “snuggle time”. It was quite chilly earlier today, and it was nice to snuggle up and keep eachother warm. I’m fairly certain I dozed off for a bit, but managed to snap out of it just in time to fix lunch for a few hungry little monkeys. 

Speaking of food, tried a great new recipe with moderate success. I made spelt waffles from a batter I made last night. They texture and taste were great, but they are going to take some getting used to when it comes to the kids. Piper really loved em’, as did the hubs and I. Gavin ate about half of one (belgian waffle, so even 1/2 was decent!) and Trinity was “too scared” to try them, but she’s not much of an eater these days, so I figure she’ll give em’ a second chance next time.

Dinner tonight is a slight adjustment from my original plan, as my sister took us all out ot lunch yesterday, and we ended up eating the leftovers for dinner last night. This left me with a lot of beans leftover. Tonight, I’ll be making refried beans, fried potatoes, fideo, and tortillas. I had some of the beans and tortillas for lunch, so I must admit, I’m not really looking forward to more beans at this point, but I figure it will be tasty w/the potatoes. Maybe I’ll fry up a few eggs to go with it.

Gonna start an afternoon devotional with the kids, and then get moving on dinner. Hope your Tuesday was a good one.

Wow, I have a lot to do today. I’m glad I dont have anywhere to go or anything major to get do outside of the housework.  I’m feeling rather exhausted as of late, and I’d really like to be able to just rest, but that’s not going to get the laundry done. So, with that, I give you (and me) today’s to do list:

House:

1.) Laundry, Laundry, Laundry. Make no mistake, that does not mean there are only 3 loads. I could be doing laundry all day. I have NO idea how it piles up so quickly. I’m *this* close to switching my kids to uniforms, LOL!

2.) Clean my room. I changed my linens, and thats as far as I got. I still haven’t completely recovered from the trip to my brothers wedding, and my room is proof.

3.) Scrub bathroom floors.

4.) Change cat box. Yay.

5.) Starch and press dh’s shirts. Life is so much easier when I do them all at once!

6.) Dust. Must. Dust.

Kitchen:

7.) Start Buttermilk sourdough starter, check existing starter, and peek on my Kombucha brew.

8.) Make yogurt

9.) Clean out fridge in preparation for my new fridge arriving on Saturday. This needs to be done so that I have a place to put the yogurt when its done too, lol…

10.) Try not to fall asleep in the process.

Busy day today. It’s going to be 106 and I need to get certain things done before the heat of the day creeps in.

1.) bake bread, like NOW.

2.) laundry, as usual. Gotta get pics of my new clothes line up too…my hubs rocks.

3.) Make yogurt.

4.) See if the health food store sells Kombucha.

5.) Um, donate that bag. Yes, THAT bag. Yes, I still have it.

and to answer Jessica’s question:

Jessica, I will post some recipes that I have, and a few that others recommend.  Lemme dig em’ up for ya.

ok ya’ll. off to remove the clothes from the line before it gets too hot.

 Have a great day ladies.

DUST. I didn’t get to it yesterday, and its only getting worse.

Starch and iron dh’s shirts.

2 loads of laundry.

Donate that darn bag of stuff.

Figure out dinner!