Monday Morning!

Finally my Cinnamon rolls turned out!  I didn't even try to make icing with powdered sugar though- I just made a sugar/water wash and brushed it on them. YUM!

Sunday night

Can't sleep. It is 10:45pm and I can't sleep.  We have a major snow/ice storm headed our way and I don't feel prepared. We are almost out of milk and we don't have any matches or lamp oil. 

I decided since I can't sleep I will do some laundry and make some bread.  We are almost out of bread and I need to make some anyway. I think I am going to make 1 load and try to use the rest for cinnamon rolls.  I am going to do the half wheat flour mixture again. It is probably healthier for us anyway.  Also trying something new- letting them rise in a warm oven instead of by the stove.  Also have a different recipe for the icing of the rolls- it is more of a glaze than an icing- just sugar and water-called a pastry glaze. Hope it will be good!

I ordered a cheese press kit tonight off of ebay.  Can't wait to make cheese!  Also am going to make butter!  I am sure we can get some milk from Craig Westfall (our neighbor that milks) if not my sister has been getting fresh milk from a lady in Humansville.  My sister has made cottage cheese and butter and have trying to build a cheese press to make cheese. 

Chris made a little door for my chicken house this morning.  Isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but it will do. 

will update on the rolls tomorrow.

today is better

Well after complaining the day yesterday turned out better than I had planned.  Chris took off work a little early, stopped by the store and bought me roses. :) He knew he had done wrong. Don't get me wrong I love flowers...especially bought by Chris, but Why DO men think that just because they get you flowers and take you out on a date (will get to that later) that everything is okay?  Luckily though after a long talk this morning I *think* I got him to understand.

So last night Chris asked mom and dad if they would watch the kids, they said they would as long as we picked them up when we got home. (grrr but beggars can't be choosers) So Chris and I went to Springfield and went to the Campbell 16 theater. We saw Little Focker- GREAT movie! Afterward we went to Cheddars and ate.  I got a Strawberry Swirl Texas Margarita- it was so good! I had never had one before and I want another one! lol.  I was buzzing the whole way home.  To eat I got the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and fries...very good.  Chris got a hamburger with onions and mushrooms on it.  It looked really good too.  We got home around 11 or so and the kids were extremely tired.  Sophia was so tired that she didn't really want to even go to sleep---overtired. ugh. She cried for like 2 hours. 

Suprisingly I did not have a headache this morning (figured I would).  Got up about 8:30 (kids and Chris were still sleeping) went and let the chickens out and started cleaning their house out. It is truly amazing how much the poop! I filled the entire lawn cart full of poo! And it had only been about 3 months since I cleaned it out.  I went back into the house and talked to Chris- he had planned to run off to my dad's house for the day and I told him no.  He whined like a little kid, and whined somemore.  BUT I got my nest boxes built and he still got to go to Dad's house.  (where he is now) 

Sophia is napping and I am in here on the computer. I am going to go back outside here in a minute. It is absoluty beautiful outside today- 60 degrees and the temp is still rising!  I need to live it up since we have a MAJOR snow and ice storm moving in tomorrow and Monday. BOO!  I am so ready for Spring and mother nature is being mean by giving us a small taste and then dumping cold air and yuckiness on us again.

I made a new sign yesterday to sell eggs.  Raised my price to $2.00 a dozen.  Eggs at Walmart are now $1.64 a dozen! I couldn't believe it!

Can I scream? Major Mommy Rant...

I want to scream like the kids and throw a fit. But no I am an adult and I can't do that.  My head is killing me-that argument with Chris last night did not help it. The kids won't take a nap.  I dropped a gallon  of milk on the parking lot at WalMart. I forgot to stop by Walgreens and get diapers. I need to clean my house. Laundry needs to be folded. I am so tired and worn down. It is a beautiful day outside and I am depressed. sigh.

The only people I ever talk to are the kids, Chris, and my mother. I talk to my BFF once a week, if that-but its not the same.  I want day to day interaction with adults, but I can't get a job and afford daycare.  I would like to start working in the evenings but I know Chris wouldn't go for that. 

I wish mom and dad would watch the kids for a weekend for us, but they won't even keep them for 1 night.  Its not fair.  Grandparents are suppossed to be happy to keep their grandkids, but not my parents-since they are raising one of them.  I wish Chris and I could just get away for a couple of days and not have to worry about the kids, animals, keeping the house clean, etc.

I want a clean house. I want it to stay that way. I am so tired of dirt-not just dust--- mud, wood chips, crumbs, DIRT!  No one ever picks anything up, or even tries to clean up messes.  Chris will spill something, get a towel and leave the towel on it. ugh.

Oh and my vaccuum sucks...well actually it doesn't suck-that is the problem. Who ever thought it was smart to put all those stupid foam filters in it should be shot.  I have washed them numerous times and they are falling apart...and no they don't sell replacements for them anywhere that I can find- I even looked online.  I think I need a new one, but I hate to spend much on a vaccuum when the only carpet I have is Cooper's room and the area rug.  Of course I use it in other places too though, more the attachements though.   The damn thing wouldn't even suck up a cobweb! ugh.

Everything that we got as a wedding present is tearing up. We will celebrate 5 years in July. 5 years! Things should last longer than 5 years.  My cookstove only has 3.5 working burners--the main one in the front only works part of the time-and I already tried a new burner--it is the stove.  My stand mixer sucks- the bowl is tearing up and I can't get replacement parts because they discontinued the line and no other bowls are compatabile.  and my vaccuum.  oh and my wall mirror in my bedroom fell off the wall a few days ago and took some of the sheetrock with it...

I want to paint my living room. I want sheetrock on my walls. I am really tired of the blue walls. It makes it so dark in here.  I want white walls-or something really light like a cream color.  Dark floors, brown furniture, Dark Blue walls, and white trim makes a really dark living room. 

I just want to be happy.  I can't get Chris to help me with anything!  I NEED help with my nestboxes.  He acts like he doesn't care.  Says he doesn't have the time-but then goes over to dad's and works on a tractor. Since when does his FIL come before his wife?  That doesn't seem right to me at all.  I am glad they get along, but he needs to learn to say no. No I have things I need to do at home. Erin needs my help.  ugh. 

I guess I need to quit venting but I am so irriated. I need some mommy make me happy pills- maybe they would help me....

I hope today is better

Yesterday had to be one o the worst days I have ever had as a stay at home mom.  Cooper was out of control. He would not listen, AT. ALL!  I ended up taking a big black trash bag and bagging up all his toys and putting them outside. It BROKE HIS HEART.  I ended up giving him a bath at 6 and putting him to bed.  This morning he is doing better, but is still backtalking me and not listening.  I heard a quote one day and I always think of it when I am trying to reason with him. "Reasoning with a toddler is like nailing jello to a tree" It is impossible and pointless.  I really did feel bad for  packing up his toys, and I posted about it on Facebook.  Here is my status with comments (names deleted for privacy)

Erin DeHart


I think I may get the worlds meanest mom award this year. I just bagged up all of Cooper's toys in a big black trash bag and set them outside. He won't listen to me, won't pick his toys up, won't nap, won't eat what I fix, and won't drink out of his sippy. He is mean to sissy today and I am sick and tired of it. I will give them back when he starts listening.

16 hours ago ·

 Not a mean mom at all!!! I did the exact same thing with my kids today...Their room was a disaster and after asking them to clean it 1 too many times..I bagged it all up!!!

(me) thanks that makes me feel better. this kid will not listen today. I don't normally do time outs but he had 3 before 10am this morning. I am about to lose it with him.

 Been there done that!!! Feel your pain :(

 I've done it, too. We all suck! ; )

Ive done it too..but I actually made them throw it away..sick of toys in my living room instead of their playroom

(me) the last straw was sissy tripped and banged her head pretty hard. he is still screaming about it.

 Erin, it must be in the water, Jackson hasnt' been listening either. I hope he snaps out of it soon this mama can't take much more. If you need a break let me know!

 Ashley tells me I mean all the time, Guess that means Im doing something right! ANd that is what I tell her too.

 You are NOT a mean mom! He's just at "that" age right now. I used to have to do the same thing with zachary. Every day was a battle with that kid. He's finally grown out of it. Not that he's a perfect angel every day but its not a battle all daý long every day like it used to be! Things will get better, promise :)

 Erin, that's called 'tough love'. You're doing exactly what Momma's need to do. Hang in there!!

Been there done that Erin!

 You are a great mommy, consistent discipline is so important. You love your children so much and want the best for them, it takes alot more time and effort to actually discipline children but will be well worth it in a few years.

____________________________________________________________________

It made me feel a bit better, but I still felt like crap. 

Oh and cinnamon rolls did not turn out. The chickens ate them this morning... they didn't get fluffy for some reason. I think I may have overworked them.  I may try again sometime.

Beautiful Sunny Day

So I made bread again yesterday. I changed it up a bit and used part Whole Wheat Flour- can't tell a difference in taste-it just is a bit darker.  Today I am making cinnamon rolls.--or attempting to, lol.

Yesterday evening after Chris got off work I stole away to Bolivar without the kids.  I was out of Bread Flour (hence reason why I used WW flour yesterday) I was irriated that they only had 1 brand and I was hoping to buy a jar of yeast but they didn't have it in the jars.  I hate going to Walmart but Woods is so expensive and they are the only two choices in Bolivar for groceries.  Soon I need to go to the Amish Bulk store and get supplies.  I don't think I am ever going to buy store bought bread again- or at least in awhile. lol.  I am really addicted to making my own bread and I love the way it makes my kitchen smell.  I bought myself some flowers yesterday-they just make me want spring to be here even more though. 

Today is a beautiful day-looking out the window it can fool you into thinking that it is warm. Well I guess it is a warm 36 degrees- warmer than the single digits we had last week.  The sun is shining and the chickens are running around sratching at the ground. I love to see the animals have energy, makes me want to get out and do something-only if it weren't so muddy out. 

Hmmm I need to figure out what to make for supper tonight.  I wish Chris liked soup more-he won't hardly eat it.  Vegetable soup with fresh bread sounds so good to me. oh well...back to the drawing board. Maybe we will have breakfast...we have almost 3 dozen eggs in the fridge.

Bread and Pizza...

Friday was my dad's 57th birthday. Doesn't seem like he should be that old. He doesn't act that old.  I kept Jake all night so mom and dad could go out on a date.  I made pizza from scratch and it was Delicious! I will definitely be keeping that recipe. 

FLEISCHMANN'S PIZZA DOUGH

.
This recipe for pizza crust is unique in that it can be mixed and baked without any rising time! It only works using Fleischmann's Pizza Crust Yeast, a specially formulated yeast just for making pizza.


1 3/4 to 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 envelope Fleischmann's Pizza Yeast
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup very warm tap water (120-130°F)
3 tbsp. oil (we used olive oil)
pizza sauce, toppings and cheese


Preheat oven to 425°F for 15-20 minutes before baking. Brush a 12-inch pizza pan with olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Stir in water and oil, mixing together until well blended, about 1 minute.
Gradually add 1/2 cup flour, stirring until a soft dough is formed and dough ball begins to leave sides of bowl; dough will be slightly sticky.
Knead dough on a lightly floured work surface until smooth and elastic (about 4 or 5 minutes). If additional flour is needed to keep dough from sticking, gradually add a few tablespoons at a time (but use as little flour as possible).


Cooks Tip: Coat hands with olive oil to keep dough from sticking. Alternatively, dust hands with flour.


Using fingertips, press dough out to fit pizza pan (or roll out). Dimple the surface to make indentations for the sauce.


Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, using the back of the ladle or spoon to spread evenly. (Make sure sauce is not hot.)


Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over sauce, then a little Parmesan cheese, a pinch or so of basil and oregano, and other favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, chopped peppers, sliced mushrooms, onions, anchovies, etc.


Bake pizza on the bottom oven rack for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is nicely browned.


Cooks Note: For a fresh taste, top the pizza with the sauce only; add the cheese during the last final minutes and finish off on the top shelf until the cheese is bubbly and the crust browned. Keep a pan of hot water in the oven for an extra crisp crust.


Submitted by: CM

I put hamburger, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, lots of cheese and homemade sauce on it. It was divine!

Since I was already in the bread making mode-I decided to go ahead and make bread! I tried a different recipe than I had been making and I think I will continue making it!  My great-grandmother's recipe is a lot like it and dad said it tasted a lot like her bread.  The recipe is called Amish Bread and is very simple to make.  It made a nice fluffy bread.  Chris wants me to start making bread all the time and quit buying regular sandwich bread.  I think I am going to try it for awhile.  He said it makes sandwiches taste so much better!

The recipe is:

Amish White Bread

2 cups warm water

2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour, give or take some

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.



Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.


Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

It was not dense at all and was very moist. I used olive oil to brush my pans since I already had it on my brush from the pizza crust.  I think I am going to keep doing that.

On another note my chickens have started laying more eggs, which really excites me.  This morning when I went to let them out there were already 3 eggs in the nest.  Yesterday we got 5 eggs. Hopefully soon I can start selling eggs again.  I think if they keep laying 5 eggs a day I will call my neighbor and let him know that I can sell him some eggs again.  I am really likeing this feel of self sufficency (if that is a word) ... raising chickens, gathering eggs, raising beef, baking bread, raising kids at home, cooking from scratch, etc.  I feel that it is my calling. 

There are days of course that I just want to run away-no one is perfect and someone let my kids know that early on!  My kids and my hubby drive me insane somedays, but most days I really really love my life. 

Oh and I don't think I mentioned it before- Chris bought a 70 John Deere a couple weeks ago.  He got it running Friday night and finally took it for a test drive yesterday. He is so excited.  We only had to pay $1200 for it- it is worth so much more than that. The body is pretty straight and the paint is good.  We are going to try and find some new tires for it though, since it had set for at least 4 years and they are cracked and have threads showing.  He wants to pull it some this summer just to play- and then he is planning on selling it.  It really makes him happy- I just wish it had enough horse to pull the 530 JD Baler that he bought earlier in the month!  He will be needing a tractor for that soon-but for now-- well, at least this summer, Dad will let him borrow a tractor to pull it.  I hope he can pick up quite a few custom baling jobs this summer.  Especially since he has the round baler and the square baler. Plus he said he is thinking about advertising to combine for people.

The price of corn has risen greatly lately as so the price of cattle.  If the prices stay high than the price of fescue and wheat will probably be high next summer-if that is so than more people will want to combine. 

I just can't wait for summer.  I complain so much I know when it is 100 degrees and miserable, but I really like it much better than winter.  Everything is much more prettier and easier to do in the summer.  Plus I can stay occupied more outside and I don't get cabin fever as bad.  I think this summer since the kids will be bigger and can play outside better, it will be easier to work out in the garden.  Oh I get so excited when I think about it.

Okay I have rambled on enough in this post, I reckon. :)

Well I have been busy

These past few days have been really good.  My brand new washing machine was delivered on Tuesday- and I love it!  I never thought I would be so excited about doing laundry but I am!  My laundry pile in my bedroom had gotten quite large...and well, I love doing laundry right now!  Here are some pictures:

Clothes...I have way too many that I don't wear.  What to do with them? I guess I should donate them to Goodwill, but it is so hard for me to let go of some of them.  Like my Prom Dress- I only wore it once...in 2004 - I have tried to sell it but not any luck.  and I might wear it again someday... lol-doubtful.  I also have the dress that I wore to the carnival my freshman year...omg that was 10 years ago! I feel so old now.  I guess I just need to donate all of it.  I have some shoes too...

Other stuff- what do you do with it? The knick knacks, books, yard sale stuff that didn't sell at the yard sale.  Do the thrift stores really want it? I don't want it to just go to the landfill-that would make me feel bad. surely someone could use it.  I think I have too much clutter in my life.  sigh.

On another note, I have been cooking like crazy this week.  Monday I made a delicious Angel Food Cake with blue 7 minute icing. It was divine!  I used a different recipe for the icing and it turned out PERFECT.  Chris said it was as good as Grandma DeHart's (BIG POINTS in my book!!).  I took a picture of it too..

Here is the recipe for the cake and icing:

Angel Food Cake:

12 Egg whites, set at room temp for 30 minutes

1 c cake flour

1  1/4 c confectioner's sugar

1  1/2 tsp cream of tartar

1  1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1  1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar

 

 Sift confectioner's sugar and flour together, set aside. Combine egg white, cream of tarter, extracts, and salt- beat on high speed. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture.

Pour into a 10" ungreased tube pan. Cut through batter with knife.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

 

Seven Minute Frosting:

• 4 egg white, room temp 30 minutes
• 1  3/4 C sugar
• 1/2 c water
• 1/2 tsp cream of tarter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

 

In a saucepan (medium size) bring sugar and water to a boil, continue boiling for 5 minutes or until firm ball stage.
Meanwhile, beat egg whites and cream of tarter until foamy- Slowly pour in HOT sugar misture; continue to beat for 7 minutes or until stiff peaks form (took me about 10 minutes on the 12 speed setting) Add extracts, continue beating 2-3 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.

 

 

 

Last night/yesterday I made a pork roast in the crockpot.  I cooked it with Onion Soup mix and water, along with mushrooms and onions.  I added carrots around 2pm.  I mashed some potatoes and made gravy to go with it.  It was soooo good.  Chris said it was the best supper I had cooked in a long while.  I bought bread flour the other day, I am going to make some bread soon.

I think it is the weather that is putting me in this mood.  It started snowing again yesterday.  We have about 5 inches and it is bitterly cold outside.  I love to cook, and when I can't leave the house- I have to entertain myself somehow. lol.

Well guess I need to get back to folding clothes...

Thursday

Snow is still here and it is very cold out today.  This morning the temperature was 0.0 with a wind chill of -8. brr. But the sun is shining now and it is a 'warm' 26 degrees F outside.

Last night I started planning my gardens. Yes I said GARDENS! I am going to have at least 2 vegetable gardens - Our old garden on the south side of the house will be the fall harvest garden consisting of pumpkins, ornamental corn, pop corn, and possibly watermelons.  The strawberries and the raspberries are already planted over there.  My new garden will be where the old hay barn used to reside. Here:

Which after the tornado in May of 2009 it became this:

and now we finally have it cleaned up.  The soil should be very good for a garden since it has had hay and straw on it for 100 years!

I also want to try and grow flowers (from seeds) and make hanging baskets and sell them.  My only problem is I would like to buy like 20 hanging pots wholesale but the smallest amount wholesale I can find is 50-for $41.  I don't need 50 pots. At least not now I don't. 

Hopefully my hens will be laying lots of eggs and my customers come back.  I hope to sell some veggies along with eggs.  I have so many plans for this summer I just hope I can get them all done in time!  I am going to start seeds for my garden in about 3-4 weeks and I just absolutely cannot wait!

pictures--snow today!

haven't posted in a long time...

Wow it is already the new year...2011!  Christmas was okay.  Got a new camera and I love it.  We had our last Christmas celebration tonight.  The DeHart side...I hated it.  It has been 5 years and I still feel like a freaking outcast.  NO ONE will talk to me and when I TRY to join in a conversation they look at me like I am an alien.  I feel like I can't relate to anyone.  I worked really hard last night making pasta salad, 2 cheese balls, and a paradise pumpkin pie. Only 1 piece of the pie was eaten, an Aunt comented that whoever made the pasta salad needed a new recipe (I wanted to throw it in her face) and the cheeseballs went over okay.  I don't even know why I try though.  The things I try the hardest at (like the pie) are overlooked and not appreciated.  I always feel as if I am not good enough.

Sophia cried most of the night and Chris stayed outside in the garage with the guys.  I sat alone with Sophia.  Chris' cousin Casey hates me- she won't speak to me and just glares at me. The rest of them just degrade things I say.  It took me over 2 hours to get ready tonight and I feel like that was a waste.  Chris' cousin Justin said something to me and I wanted to flog him.  I cried most of the way home and Chris felt really bad-even though it isn't his fault.

I am just pissed right now. and feel so alone.