• A sense of drivenness
• Continued feelings of not being good enough.
• Deep underlying need to control one's life.
• Excessive striving after reward and recognition.
• Perpetual jealousy of others and a making of comparisons. Again, it is the idea that so and so has more money, better husband, nicer house, higher achieving kids, gorgeous clothes, great figure, she's a great cook and on and on it goes.
• It robs our peace, It can put us into a depression.

Raw Milk

Pasture/ Grass fed Meats

Real Eggs

Healthy Fats like butter and coconut oil

Soaked or sprouted properly prepared whole grains and baked goods

Bone Broths

Basically, Real Food!

Hunting for a way to learn Nutrition that's based on Real Food?

What's Covered

• The major macro-nutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) & how your body uses them.
• The micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, & their affect on health.
• The nutrient density of Real Food
• Industrial vs. Pasture-based animal husbandry
• Industrial vs. Organic agriculture
• The basics of Real Health
• In this 10 week class, learn about the virtue of Real Food, how to transition to eating Real Food, and eating Real Food on a budget.
• I invite you to join me for Real Food for Real Life Classes

Hunting for a way to learn Nutrition that's based on Real Food?

What's Covered

• The major macro-nutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) & how your body uses them.
• The micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, & their affect on health.
• The nutrient density of Real Food
• Industrial vs. Pasture-based animal husbandry
• Industrial vs. Organic agriculture
• The basics of Real Health
• In this 10 week class, learn about the virtue of Real Food, how to transition to eating Real Food, and eating Real Food on a budget.
• I invite you to join me for Real Food for Real Life Classes

Real Food Nutrition & Health E-Course Intro from FoodRenegade on Vimeo.

I am thanking the Urban Homemaker for is the opportunity to run a grain business! When we volunteered our driveway as the drop off for a twice-a-year grain truck, we never imagined it would turn into our own business. Sales have been consistent (not increasing, but not decreasing), and we get new customers regularly due to word-of-mouth and the website. Thank you for letting us take it over and run it from Aurora. We do miss Dewayne and his consistent friendliness, though!

I also am glad you introduced me to the norwex cloth. I love making a greasy stovetop now because it looks so good after I clean it.  : )

Stop by any time for a great deal on wheat.  : ) Michele Knoshaug

Dear Marilyn, about 19 years ago, we were readying to transfer from Misawa Air Base in Japan back to the states, to Skaggs Island (now closed) near Sonoma/Napa, CA.  I couldn’t wait to get back in the US and order a grain mill and a Bosch from you!  Ever since, I have made bread, cinnamon rolls, and used the freshly ground flour for baked goods.  You and Duane have been a BIG part of my homeschooling family life, keeping in touch with orders through the years, talking with you as you prepared to move “East”, and then back…by your written and verbal counsel both as a wife and mother (we did have some breastfeeding discussions, I remember, and older mom discussions, too!), and by the writings you shared in your catalogs.  Duane was also a big encouragement when I would call needing another set of cookie paddles for the Bosch, or another water filter for the Multi-Pure.  Thank you for being so open about every part of your lives – you have taught many women how to better prepare foods and better handle life situations as they come along.  It’s been a real joy to hear about your family as they grew, about your daughter’s courtship and your husband’s blessing on their then up-coming marriage, and now to see that sweet little grandson…thank you, Marilyn!  There is no doubt the Lord will say to you one day, “Well done”!  Thank you, Dawn Keplinger

Dear Mrs. Moll, Congratulations on 20 years of business!! I am so glad that The Urban Homemaker inspired my parents to buy a grain mill about fifteen years ago. My Mom learned to make beautiful whole grain bread by hand. Then she taught me this valuable skill. Now that I am a Mom with my own family, I'm looking forward to teaching my daughter the pleasures of kneading, baking, and eating whole grain breads! Your business has impacted several generations! Thank you! Rebekka Parry

Dear Marilyn, I was privileged to attend one of your bread making classes in Aurora several years back  .  I think that started for me a way of thinking and doing that continues to this day. Not only did I learn and acquire skills, I caught the passion for tending my home, cherishing my family and serving them with skills that I continue to grow in . I point young women to your website, I still have my Urban Homemaker magazines, although they are pretty thin and threadbare now, and mostly I just love encouraging other woman to learn to love and embrace their God- given role as the privilege He intended for it to be.  Thank you and your husband and family for providing myself and many others with the tools we needed to make our homes a blessing to those we have into our homes and especially our own families . Fondly, Laura Greiving

Marilyn,

20 years!  I remember when you got started, and you telling me the story of your business over the half door of the preschool classroom!  It is one of those mental snapshots I have stored away.

Congrats on 20 years.  I'm sure it is a little sad in that Duane isn't here to share in the anniversary!

Sending hugs!

Diane

Hello Marilyn

I wanted to share how Urban Homemaker has been a part of my life the last several years. I have always had an interest in bread baking. About 5 years ago I started making it for my family using store bought flour. It was good but I needed experience as with anything else, and it was something I did sporadically.

Then, last year, my husband passed away suddenly. Now, I and my 5 children, are on a very limited income. So, for me, this was kind of a no brainer. I make my own bread and grind my own flour as well. I have saved a lot of money doing this and has become a habit.

I have even gotten my children involved in the process and they can't imagine eating any other kind of bread. It was also a springboard to other healthy habits, including, hardly any ordering out at all. Virtually all the food we eat I or my daughter make at home. It is hard sometimes but so worth the effort.

All that to say thank you for introducing me to your business. I've even asked 'what would Marilyn do' at times.

Thanks again and Happy Anniversary!

Sandi Sweet

This recipe is courtesy of Cooking Traditional Foods, the longest running menu mailer based on the work of Weston A Price.

This pudding recipe comes out thick and rich.  It's great as a cake filling or in a custard cup.  You can change out the extract for different flavors.  When my kids want pudding, this is the recipe I use.

4 egg yolks

1 Tbs cornstarch

1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

½ cup chocolate chips

1 tsp peppermint extract

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and chocolate over medium heat until the chocolate is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and cool briefly. Whisk ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk in the remaining milk in a slow stream. Return to the saucepan and heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and cool, whisking regularly to avoid a skin forming on top and keep the fat incorporated, until only slightly warm. Stir in the peppermint extract. Chill thoroughly in the fridge before serving, or use as a cream filling for cakes, cupcakes or the like.

If your family likes sweeter desserts, you can stir in plain or chocolate flavored stevia with the peppermint extract. Unsweetened chocolate and a little rapadura or your favorite chocolate bar can be substituted for the chocolate chips. Orange, vanilla or another extract that would match chocolate can be used in place of the peppermint.

National Drinking Water Week, May 3–9, 2009,  is sponsored each year by the American Water Works Association and an alliance of organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to highlight the importance of tap water and the need to reinvest in our nation's drinking water infrastructure.

More information about the rules that protect public drinking water systems can be found on EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations page.

With so much information about drinking water systems available, which is sometimes confusing or misleading how does a wise consumer evaluate the different water filter technologies?

Following is a basic summary of various filtration devices put together from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Need an idea for Mother's Day?  How about the Norwex Superior Mini Mop Package?

I get more positive testimonials about the Norwex Superior Mops (they are available in two sizes) than any other product I have ever sold.

Here is what one mom wrote to me just yesterday:

Mopping, like it or not, is a frequent or daily necessity in every home.  If you are at all like me, an easier, better, more economical and effective solution to a less desireable job is something I'm very interested in.  A superior mop makes a great gift item for special moms like you.

Here are the details:

Superior Mini Mop Package

Testimonial:

"It has always been one of my goals to get my kids involved with weekly chores around the house. Learning responsibility and the importance of doing a good job are priorities for our family. But how that was going to actually work out practically, I wasn’t sure! Then Marilyn introduced me to Norwex microfiber, and the light bulb came on! Now I could assign small duties to my young kids without worrying about buckets of water and chemicals!"

~Rebekka Parry

Rebekka's Ideas for involving your children with safe Norwex Cleaning.

Don't just take our word for it!  Watch for yourself how Norwex Microfiber Enviro Cloths removes RAW chicken residue off your counters using only a Norwex Enviro Cloth and Water to sanitize the surface!

Click here to watch Norwex clean a counter contaminated by raw chicken

You can be confident that Norwex cleans effectively and efficiently by just using water!

Revolutionize your cleaning by using Norwex cleaning products to save time, money, and the environment.

Equip your home with safe, ultra high quality cleaning products and Save!

Purchase the Norwex Spring Cleaning Package and Save!

Visit by blog:  www.marilynmoll.com Visit:  marilynmollsnorwex.com Subscribe to: From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker Copyright 2010 Marilyn Moll All rights reserved.]]> 1532 2011-03-01 10:16:50 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post _edit_lock 1298999810 _edit_last 1 bfa_ata_body_title_saved 1 bfa_ata_meta_title bfa_ata_meta_keywords bfa_ata_meta_description bfa_ata_body_title http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=1554 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=1554 1554 2011-03-01 10:17:46 0000-00-00 00:00:00 open open draft 0 0 post _edit_last 1 _edit_lock 1298999958 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/07/food-production-is-energy-intensive/ Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:35:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=23 23 2007-07-10 13:35:00 2007-07-10 20:35:00 open open food-production-is-energy-intensive publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/07/wasting-food/ Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:24:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=22 22 2007-07-11 10:24:00 2007-07-11 17:24:00 open open wasting-food publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/07/its-too-hot-to-cook-suggestions/ Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:43:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=21 When a gorgeous shade tree died, that helped cool our house, I knew I needed a summer strategy for getting dinner to the table without cooking. So I started gathering up salad recipes into a complimentary 50 page ebook. If it is too hot to cook at your house, download Sensational Summer Salads ebook for FREE! After you read this book, please email me your comments and suggestions to marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com. Here is what my friend Rachelle said after reading this book: "I just wanted to let you know how excited I was about your new cookbook, Sensational Summer Salads. I have to honestly say, I thought I wouldn't get much out of it, but I was so impressed with the number of new and innovative salad ideas! I feel like a kid in the candy store...I can't decide which recipe to try first! Thanks for sharing your recipes with us!" God Bless, Rachelle TriayHave a GREAT weekend! ]]> 21 2007-07-20 13:43:00 2007-07-20 20:43:00 open open its-too-hot-to-cook-suggestions publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/07/not-being-wise-in-my-own-eyes/ Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:07:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=20 chemical free cleaning phone seminar featuring the Norwex Microfiber Cloths. As I listened while you and Sandy discussed the cloths and how well they actually CLEANED surfaces, I became SO excited! While listening, I browsed Norwex's web site and my excitement grew even more. By the time I got off the phone I told my husband that I was so excited over these cloths that I could see myself selling them to others! That was quite a shocking statement for me - I hate selling things! More shocking is my fear of public speaking! But there was no denying my excitement. My wise husband then counseled me to pray about it and try the cloths for a while. If I was still excited about the Norwex cloths after I had used them, then we could discuss it. I took his advice and eagerly waited for my cloths to arrive.. I was so excited that I told my husband I wanted to bring these amazing cleaning cloths to everyone so they, too, could have a safe and effective way to clean their homes and keep their families healthy. He and I prayed about it, and then with his support and encouragement I faxed in my application to become a consultant. Then reality set in. At two o'clock the next morning I woke up in a panic attack - what had I just done?!?!...... Read the rest of Heather’s Amazing Story at this link: If you are unable to access the story, email me privately and I will make sure you get the whole story.]]> 20 2007-07-26 15:07:00 2007-07-26 22:07:00 open open not-being-wise-in-my-own-eyes publish 0 0 post enclosure http://www.urbanhomemaker.com/downloads/audio/070301_chemical_free_cleaning_ag.mp3 10703491 audio/mpeg http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/09/questions-and-answers-from-my-mailbox/ Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:16:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=19 The following is a sample of questions I have been receiving lately regarding bread baking problems and other topics of interest to homemakers. Dear Marilyn, Besides eating bread faster, how can I keep my homemade bread from going moldy? Thanks. Nancie Dear Nancie, I have four strategies for keeping bread from going moldy. First, I use dough enhancer. 2. I use honey which promotes shelf life. 3. I freeze all bread loaves, sliced and bagged until I am ready to use it. It takes bread about 3 hours to completely thaw. 4. I use the 2 Stage Process. This soaking process has extended the shelf life of my home made bread up to a week. Dear Marilyn, I am new to grinding wheat. I was given an old mill - electric with 2 stones. No directions. I had to experiment and ground the wheat this neighbor gave me. It came out too course, the bread was a little crumbly. I did use dough enhancer. Can this flour be ground again? finer?? Or is it possible to soak the flour first Dear Carol, I would say it is unlikely the flour can be made finer in the mill, but I would say experiment a bit and see if you can. Old stone mills really don't produce good quality flour for high rising yeast bread. My recommendation is to use 2 Tbsp vital gluten per Cup of water used in your recipe, plus master the two stage process. A high speed grain mill will produce finer flour which will do a lot for eliminating crumbly bread. Higher quality wheat will also help. Keep in mind whole grain bread will never be quite as high rising as white flour because the bran is included. Dear Marilyn, I have been looking forward to your seminars but have not seen any posted in a long time. Will you be doing these again anytime soon? I really enjoyed them. Kristin M Kristin, Thanks for asking and encouraging me to get back to the seminars. I plan to resume seminars this Fall and will announce a tentative schedule soon. Dear Marilyn, I want to sprout the grain and then mill it rather that use the two stage process. I've searced your sight and cannot find a conversion of this method for use with the zo machine. I know that the kneading time needs to be changed. Do you have zo machine settings for your whole wheat bread recipe using milled grain already sprouted? Thank you, Amy P Dear Amy, If you have sprouted the grain, use my basic Zo settings. http://articles.urbanhomemaker.com/index.php?article=564 Let me know if it works out ok. Amy wrote back that the dough was still very gooey. Here are my additional suggestions: No, I haven't had anyone contact me regarding the Zo and sprouted wheat bread settings. Hopefully someone who has mastered this process with sprouted wheat will send their tips and I will get back to you. In the meantime here are some other suggestions: I think basic principles should still apply. If it is a gooey mess, it tells me either there wasn't enough flour, did you check for a nice round dough ball and make adjustments in the beginning of the kneading cycle? If so, and it was gooey inside after baking, it tells me the bread wasn't baked long enough, and you will need to increase the baking time by at least 10 minutes using the programmable feature. IF the dough is gooey from over kneading, that tells me to cut the kneading time again using the programmable feature. I would try 8-10 minutes kneading time in that case. Keep me posted with your results so if you get it, I can tell others and give you the credit! Marilyn

Here is a picture of the old packing shed where we bought some fresh fruits locally in the Hood Oregon region.

Have you heard of or shopped at the "Fruit Loop" of family owned fruit farms and orchards in the Hood River, Oregon area? Tell me about your local orchards, farmer's markets and homegrown vegetable stands! I will publish pictures at my website if you want to share.

The next day we traveled along the historical highway along the Columbia. We were so shocked at the lack of development along the river, it is still beautiful and unspoiled for the generations to come. One stop was the Bonneville Dam, built during the depression, and the first dam on the Columbia.

While headquartered at this state park, we visited Ft Clatsop, the place the Corps of Discover (Lewis and Clark Expedition) spent the winter. This ranger dressed in period costume explained why the Corps ate primarily elk and deer meat while they spent the miserably rainy winter of 1805--1806.

Making a Fall Centerpiece is very easy and inexpensive. My talented friend, Sandy Tuin has taken an inexpensive cloth napkin with Fall colors. On top she has used two small silk pumpkins (real ones are fine) that she bought last year at 90% off at Hobby Lobby. Combined with a few pieces of mini-Indian corn (her's is from the garden) and two or three picks in Fall colors. This basic plan could be changed seasonally for Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, etc with a little creativity. Sandy says it is quite easy and can be VERY economical if you plan ahead.Here is how I adapted Sandy's basic centerpiece with stuff I had sitting in storage from years past: How have you decorated your table for Fall?]]> 15 2007-09-18 12:05:00 2007-09-18 19:05:00 open open fall-centerpiece-ideas publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/09/our-garden-is-brimming/ Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:37:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=14 The back row in the picture below is our grape arbor that we inherited with this property. They will be ready to harvest soon. I usually make about 40 quarts using a steam extraction method, saves so much time! ]]> 14 2007-09-26 17:37:00 2007-09-27 00:37:00 open open our-garden-is-brimming publish 0 0 post 532 stuartfamily@a4isp.com 208.100.230.13 2008-03-14 06:06:45 2008-03-14 13:06:45 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/09/supermarket-savings-101/ Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:51:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=13 The $30 a Week Grocery Budget written by a mom of four feeding a family of six. I learned a lot from her, but that book is now out-of-print. However, after many requests, Crystal just released a very helpful step-by-step online course detailing how to reduce your grocery spending without sacrificing quality to do so. Her exhaustive course, Supermarket Savings 101 , includes a large course handbook, six audio lessons, access to a private members-only message forum, and six money-saving ebooks. For the next 48 hours only, she is offering a very special deal to all of us that I am sure you would want to know about if you are serious about saving money in the grocery store. You can get her entire course at the incredible deal of only $8.97! It\'s a no-brainer. Buy the course while you can at this steal-of-a-deal price and your wallet will thank you for the rest of your life! This course has a money back guarantee! Click Here to order it today: Remember, the special price of $8.97 is only good for 48 hours. Don\'t miss out!]]> 13 2007-09-27 13:51:00 2007-09-27 20:51:00 open open supermarket-savings-101 publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/10/prize-winning-key-lime-pie-recipe/ Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:35:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=12 12 2007-10-01 13:35:00 2007-10-01 20:35:00 open open prize-winning-key-lime-pie-recipe publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/10/what-is-happenning-with-wheat-prices/ Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:33:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=11 "Wheat prices are very unstable and are climbing daily. We have no choice but to raise our prices. This also affects the price of flour-which in a few weeks will affect the price of our baking mixes. It's is a merry-go-round. " If ever there was a good time to start baking your own bread, now is the time. The cost of the grain is only a small portion of the cost of bread and baked goods purchased in the store. Commercial bread and baked items include the cost of the plastic disposable packaging, the bakery’s overhead for producing the bread, the transportation costs to ship the bread from the bakery to the store, the bakery manager's salary, and other costs of purchasing ready-made breads. If you are able to save just $10.00 a week on commercial breads and baked goods by making them yourself, you will have a $520.00 nest egg, more than enough to justify an investment in a grain mill. How are you handling these large price increases on bread and cereal products?]]> 11 2007-10-02 11:33:00 2007-10-02 18:33:00 open open what-is-happenning-with-wheat-prices publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/10/convection-vs-microwave-oven-what-do-you-prefer/ Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:10:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=10 "I am looking at ways to be able to have good home cooked meals. During the spring (our busiest season) we will be working 12-14 hour days and we live 15-20 minutes from our business. My family enjoys 'some' crockpot meals. I have been looking at the roaster ovens for making casseroles and then cooking them at the greenhouse while we are there to have them ready. I was wondering about the convection ovens (I found one on sale)." What has been your experience with convection ovens and what would you suggest? Marilyn]]> 10 2007-10-04 03:10:00 2007-10-04 10:10:00 open open convection-vs-microwave-oven-what-do-you-prefer publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/10/free-child-training-seminar-with-pam-forster-of-doorposts-tonight/ Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:20:00 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=9

Nutrient-rich proteins from meats and organ meats from pastured animals Raw dairy products from pastured animals. Eggs from pastured hens Traditional fats - butter, olive oil, lard, coconut oil Chemical-free produce - fruits, vegetables and grains Properly prepared grains, legumes, nuts and seeds Bone broths Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages

Breakfast Burritos Smoothies French Toast Casserole German Puff Pancake Zesty Baked Eggs

            We had a brief warning that we would be evacuated, so I started packing immediately.  I grabbed our adoption papers, our legal documents, my mill, my Bosch, a giant bucket of hard red wheat, my yeast, some vital gluten, and then I started thinking about clothes.  J

        It turns out it was good that I brought my bread supplies, as we were able to bake bread for the family who took us in and they loved the bread so much that they may start milling as well!  They'll be checking out your website soon, I'm sure.

            Please continue to pray for the families who have lost everything out here in Southern Cal.  It's devastating to say the least.  I've never felt more helpless in my life, but prayer and making bread helped more than you'll ever know.

        Praying kept me focused on Him, while making bread gave me the opportunity to bless those who took us in.  I always pray as I make the bread-from the time I start pouring wheat into the hopper until it comes out of the oven, I pray that the bread will be a blessing to those who eat it and that it will honor God in the process.

]]> 33 2007-10-26 09:53:09 2007-10-26 16:53:09 open open news-from-a-southern-california-fire-survivor publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/10/passionate-housewives-desperate-for-god/ Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:30:10 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=35 As a young first time mother, I was already 32 years old! I worked as a career woman until my young daughter was about 14 months old. It took me over a year to realize I couldn't do it all and I didn't want to anyway. I was a young believer who longed to be home with my baby, but finances, I thought, would not permit. One sleepless night as I agonized and wrestled with God about wanting to be a stay-at-home mom, I asked the Lord, "What spirit is compelling me to quit my job?" The gentle and quiet answer I heard said, "The spirit of peace and of rest." After prayer, I concluded this was the Lord speaking to me, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't rely on your own insight." You see, financially it was not feasible to make ends meet on paper, but after I took the leap of faith to quit my job we were able to some how make ends meet. It wasn't easy, but God was faithful. Have you struggled to reconcile God's vision of virtuous womanhood with worldly myths that marginalize, mock and minimize the role of the homemaker? Twenty-two years later I sometimes feel like Elijah, the only one left with a heart for home. Cultural messages often demean the high calling of homemaking and shout the message that a wife, woman, and mother has little worth compared to the successful career woman who out earns even her husband. Modern media, culture, and the feminist agenda all lie to woman saying that you can have it all. Twenty some years ago I discovered that I had bought into this lie as I tried in vain to "do it all". Fortunately God gently delivered me from the bondage of the lie I had bought into and has since helped myself and my family with the mission to exalt, encourage and uphold traditional homemaking. At last, in a delightfully fresh and honest way, a book addressing these issues head-on by talented, articulate authors Stacy and Jennie to prepare a book which provides a fresh vision for the hopeful homemaker. In Passionate Housewives, a former "Christian" feminist shares how she went from a die-hard homemaker-in-training to a dedicated career woman and then back again - after God gripped her heart. You will see the hollow counterfeit of whitewashed feminism and "me-ology" destroyed. But more importantly you will read a beautiful and captivating picture painted through Scripture of what the truly fulfilled homemaker who glories in the hopeful calling God has created for her. This book will encourage and affirm all women who may struggle with their role of homemaking and mother, it is must-have reading for aspiring homemakers as well. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Discover what it means to be a passionate housewife "desperate" for God alone! Download the preface to the book here. Since you have visited my blog, please post why you would like to win a free copy of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, and link your blog into my blog, you will then be entered into the contest to win one of five copies of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God to be given away Saturday Nov 3. To be eligible, you must be sure to leave an email contact so I can award the prizes!]]> 35 2007-10-31 15:30:10 2007-10-31 22:30:10 open open passionate-housewives-desperate-for-god publish 0 0 post 6 heather316marykay@yahoo.com http://homeschoolblogger.com/misty316 98.132.91.152 2007-10-31 12:17:39 2007-10-31 19:17:39 1 0 0 7 melissabreese@msn.com http://homeschoolblogger.com/twaddlemenot 71.161.6.161 2007-10-31 14:04:18 2007-10-31 21:04:18 1 0 0 8 bgraham@ilovejesus.net http://www.school4jesus.com 69.54.115.252 2007-10-31 21:08:33 2007-11-01 04:08:33 1 0 0 9 connelly_jill@yahoo.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jillconnelly/ 69.14.193.39 2007-10-31 21:38:58 2007-11-01 04:38:58 1 0 0 10 gusnbec@hughes.net http://www.thegustafsons.blogspot.com 66.82.9.106 2007-10-31 22:10:37 2007-11-01 05:10:37 1 0 0 11 werwick@hotmail.com 71.54.64.130 2007-10-31 22:17:46 2007-11-01 05:17:46 1 0 0 12 thornrose7@aol.com http://myspace.com/thornrose7 64.12.117.5 2007-10-31 22:34:30 2007-11-01 05:34:30 1 0 0 13 homekeeper31@sbcglobal.net http://www.xanga.com/homekeeper31 69.221.150.114 2007-10-31 22:42:46 2007-11-01 05:42:46 1 0 0 14 shellyshown@gmail.com 75.7.241.87 2007-11-01 09:08:31 2007-11-01 16:08:31 1 0 0 15 CryketO@yahoo.com http://kajijigirls.blogspot.com/ 24.62.245.246 2007-11-01 12:27:31 2007-11-01 19:27:31 1 0 0 16 meandmyhouse@b4God.org http://frommeandmyhouse.com/ 71.214.3.82 2007-11-01 15:33:35 2007-11-01 22:33:35 1 0 0 17 ljohns99@sbcglobal.net 68.255.251.7 2007-11-01 18:06:04 2007-11-02 01:06:04 1 0 0 18 shereelschneider@yahoo.com 24.253.243.97 2007-11-01 21:15:28 2007-11-02 04:15:28 1 0 0 19 twotim.22@juno.com 69.40.166.89 2007-11-02 06:59:23 2007-11-02 13:59:23 1 0 0 20 serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/servingtheKingofkings/ 71.111.189.86 2007-11-02 09:32:40 2007-11-02 16:32:40 1 0 0 21 tully_family@yahoo.com http://tullyfamily.blogspot.com/ 65.24.175.235 2007-11-02 11:20:07 2007-11-02 18:20:07 1 0 0 22 shellyshown@gmail.com 75.7.241.87 2007-11-02 13:29:26 2007-11-02 20:29:26 1 0 0 23 btuttle@lakemac.net http://www.athomeatlakemac.blogspot.com 63.148.172.146 2007-11-02 15:49:12 2007-11-02 22:49:12 1 0 0 24 suzeq@monteallums.com 76.107.177.240 2007-11-02 19:00:21 2007-11-03 02:00:21 1 0 0 25 simplescrapper@gmail.com http://joyfulheartblog.blogspot.com/ 207.119.82.51 2007-11-02 21:40:59 2007-11-03 04:40:59 1 0 0 26 intimeok@hotmail.com 67.65.242.242 2007-11-03 15:48:41 2007-11-03 22:48:41 1 0 0 27 young.joann@comcast.net http://www.youngmomof4.blogspot.com 75.70.49.81 2007-11-04 08:21:07 2007-11-04 15:21:07 1 0 0 28 meandmyhouse@b4God.org http://frommeandmyhouse.com/ 71.214.3.82 2007-11-05 08:07:28 2007-11-05 15:07:28 1 0 0 42 John14-6-KJV@msn.com 71.210.93.181 2007-11-16 11:46:23 2007-11-16 18:46:23 1 0 0 43 jango@bluekopi.com http://www.bluekopi.com/online-dating 74.54.43.2 2007-11-19 03:20:02 2007-11-19 10:20:02 1 0 0 44 jango@bluekopi.com 74.54.43.2 2007-11-19 19:23:25 2007-11-20 02:23:25 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/pumpkin-pie-cake-dessert/ Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:58:23 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=36 Our church has an annual Thanksgiving Dinner Potluck the Sunday before Thanksgiving. One year we catered a more elegant dinner for the whole church instead. This elegant, memorable Pumpkin Cake Dessert was served and I never forgot it. I finally obtained the recipe this year and discovered it is very easy. I hope you will try it! PUMPKIN PIE CAKE DESSERT This is a very easy and delicious dessert for a crowd 1 – 2 9 oz can pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 3 tsp cinnamon 3 large eggs 1 large can Evaporated milk (Not sweetened condensed) 1 Yellow Cake Mix 1 cup pecans, chopped 1 cup butter, melted Combine the above ingredients and place in a 9 X 13 – inch baking dish. Sprinkle one box dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the pumpkin mixture and dribble the melted butter over the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Serve with real whipped cream. Click Here For lots more Pumpkin Recipes!]]> 36 2007-11-03 14:58:23 2007-11-03 21:58:23 open open pumpkin-pie-cake-dessert publish 0 0 post 31 NMICHEL@rochester.rr.com 74.65.36.37 2007-11-05 20:14:31 2007-11-06 03:14:31 1 0 0 49 fmj@hutchtel.net http://www.ourfairytalelife.blogspot.com 66.103.183.32 2007-11-23 20:23:25 2007-11-24 03:23:25 1 0 0 72 Lhansford@webtv.net http://Webtv.net 65.54.97.150 2007-11-29 10:55:09 2007-11-29 17:55:09 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/a-job-or-a-ministry-that-is-the-question/ Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:40:41 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=37 A JOB OR A MINISTRY? In a job, you expect to receive; in a ministry, you expect to give. In a job, you give something to get something; in a ministry, you return something that has already been given to you. A job depends on your abilities; a ministry depends on your availability to God. A job done well brings you praise; a ministry done well brings honor to Christ." Are you so focused on planning details that you have lost sight of why you do it? Are you enthusiastic about what you do? Remember, God has chosen you.  Although you may not understand why, believing it to be so is powerfully motivating. Will you take a few moments now to come before Him in silent submission?  Ask Him to fill you with a deep desire to answer His calling-whatever it may be-and to give you His joy in performing it.  Will you pray, "Lord, I believe You have chosen me to serve You, and I commit myself to your will.  I want to do everything for your honor and glory."]]> 37 2007-11-05 09:40:41 2007-11-05 16:40:41 open open a-job-or-a-ministry-that-is-the-question publish 0 0 post 29 kerimae@aol.com http://homesteadblogger.com/kerimae 69.29.206.128 2007-11-05 17:37:02 2007-11-06 00:37:02 1 0 0 30 seeker3164Him@shaw.ca 24.67.43.33 2007-11-05 20:02:10 2007-11-06 03:02:10 1 0 0 32 twinkleamy@hotmail.com http://www.redhagefamily.blogspot.com 64.179.163.198 2007-11-05 23:19:58 2007-11-06 06:19:58 1 0 0 33 mike_deetta@verizon.net http://not2many.blogspot.com 71.115.108.232 2007-11-06 00:43:01 2007-11-06 07:43:01 1 0 0 34 jwells76@bellsouth.net http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jenniferwells 65.7.236.113 2007-11-06 07:23:27 2007-11-06 14:23:27 1 0 0 35 sweetmtmama@gmail.com http://www.heartofwidsom.com/IntheVine 70.252.129.72 2007-11-06 12:44:14 2007-11-06 19:44:14 1 0 0 36 sweetmtmama@gmail.com http://www.heartofwidsom.com/IntheVine 70.252.129.72 2007-11-06 12:49:24 2007-11-06 19:49:24 1 0 0 37 sweetmtmama@gmail.com http://www.heartofwisdom.com/IntheVine 70.252.129.72 2007-11-06 12:51:34 2007-11-06 19:51:34 1 0 0 38 rebecca@personalbestfitness123.com http://www.personalbestfitness123.com 76.121.70.52 2007-11-06 14:59:59 2007-11-06 21:59:59 1 0 0 39 melissagillan@aol.com 195.93.21.99 2007-11-07 05:54:26 2007-11-07 12:54:26 1 0 0 40 witness@singnet.com.sg http://www.buildingupmoms.com 165.21.83.230 2007-11-07 07:27:51 2007-11-07 14:27:51 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/project-laundry-list-advocates-the-humble-clothes-line/ Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:47:12 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=34 "We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately." Of course I don't think Ben was referring to laundry when he wrote this motto. This emerging trend is part of the recycle, reduce energy consumption crowd and has come head to head with many homeowner associations with covenants prohibiting or discouraging outdoor clotheslines. Yes, in our modern litigous society, both homeowners and home owner's associations and even municipalities have run lawsuits against each other over the lowly clothesline. Apparently a few forward thinking states have banned anti-clothesline rules. The biggest problem with my clothesline is keeping track of the pins! I just discovered a great pattern to make a clothespin holder in The Treasury of Vintage Homekeeping Skills. If you love vintage, you love the old-fashioned art of homekeeping and need some gift ideas, consider investing in this Treasure of a book. This $29.95 book is free with an order of $200.00 or more, $15.00 with an order of $100 or more at www.urbanhomemaker.com. It makes a terrific gift for a young lady, a wedding gift, new mom, anyone who cares about the art of keeping a home.]]> 34 2007-11-06 13:47:12 2007-11-06 20:47:12 open open project-laundry-list-advocates-the-humble-clothes-line publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/cleaning-without-chemicals-update/ Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:16:48 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=38 Benzyl acetate: linked to pancreatic cancer Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant Ethanol: On the environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) hazardous waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders Limonene: Known carcinogen A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's hazardous waste list Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders Pentane: a chemical known to be harmful if inhaled So how could products with pretty names like Soft Ocean Mist, Summer Orchard and April Fresh be so dangerous? The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling--so strong that they require the use of these heavy fragrances (think 50 times as much fragrance) just to cover up the smells!!! Fabric softeners are made to stay in your clothing for long periods of time. As such, chemicals are slowly released either into the air for you to inhale or onto your skin for you to absorb. Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the chemicals are released through dryer vents and out into the environment. Health effects of fabric softener use include headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritation of skin, mucus membranes and respiratory tract. Here are some effective alternatives: Static Eliminator. We also recommend T-Wave Laundry Capsules . I have used all these products with great success.]]> 38 2007-11-12 13:16:48 2007-11-12 20:16:48 open open cleaning-without-chemicals-update publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/thanksgiving-day-count-down/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:33:33 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=39 39 2007-11-16 13:33:33 2007-11-16 20:33:33 open open thanksgiving-day-count-down publish 0 0 post 50 wcgmlg@msn.com 75.163.174.183 2007-11-26 20:38:32 2007-11-27 03:38:32 1 0 0 51 http://www.thanksgiving-ideas-2007.info 74.200.197.42 2007-11-27 19:35:56 2007-11-28 02:35:56 Thanksgiving graphics... Having access to tons of web sites dealing with this is optimum....]]> 1 trackback 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/do-the-next-thing/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:51:15 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=40 do the next thing.  This simple advise has carried me through many a trial and many difficulties. I just learned this phrase is based on a poem by an author unknown.  I found the poem reprinted in Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.   Here it is:

DO THE NEXT THING

At an old English parsonage down by the sea, There came in the twilight a message to me. Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven That, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven. And all through the hours the quiet words ring, Like a low inspiration, do the next thing. Many a questioning, many a fear, Many a doubt hath its quieting here. Moment by moment, let down from heaven, Time, opportunity, and guidance are given. Fear not tomorrows, child of the King, Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing. Do it immediately, do it with prayer; Do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand, Who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, Leave all results, do the next thing. Looking to Jesus, ever serener, Working or suffering be thy demeanor; In His dear presence, the rest of His calm, The light of His countenance, be thy psalm, Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing. Then, as He beckons, do the next thing. If you have not learned this wise counsel previously, I pray do the next thing is just what you need.  If you need encouragement or a vision of what God has for Christian Women, read Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.]]> 40 2007-11-16 13:51:15 2007-11-16 20:51:15 open open do-the-next-thing publish 0 0 post 46 megroocam@hotmail.com 216.152.182.109 2007-11-19 21:44:03 2007-11-20 04:44:03 1 0 0 47 echeloninvestments@comcast.net 71.205.148.158 2007-11-21 22:38:15 2007-11-22 05:38:15 1 0 0 48 Prazhym@Bellsouth.net 72.150.139.129 2007-11-22 09:30:11 2007-11-22 16:30:11 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/organic-or-frozen-which-turkey-is-best/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:06:34 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=41 41 2007-11-16 14:06:34 2007-11-16 21:06:34 open open organic-or-frozen-which-turkey-is-best publish 0 0 post 45 wwbhhld5@hotmail.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/tbrowne 70.233.229.212 2007-11-19 19:53:43 2007-11-20 02:53:43 1 0 0 68 gaakej6mar@frontiernet.net 65.73.172.54 2007-11-29 04:25:50 2007-11-29 11:25:50 1 0 0 70 mutti66@hotmail.com 64.251.128.157 2007-11-29 07:42:56 2007-11-29 14:42:56 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/mamas-apron/ Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:13:44 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=42 The Apron Book. I was inspired by both the book and the poem Mama's Apron reprinted below. This poem captures the essence of a home and family centered life. National TIE ONE ON DAY, the brainchild of EllynAnne Geisel, author of The Apron Book, makes its debut on Wednesday, November 21, 2007--the day before Thanksgiving, when "women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal." EllynAnne, says tomark the new holiday by wrapping a loaf of bread in an apron, along with a written prayer or an encouraging note, and deliver the bundle to someone who needs spiritual or physical sustenance. "No matter which way you turn out your own front door, someone who is deserving of a hug is very close by, she says. A picture of my recently completed vintage apron followed by the poem Mama's Apron: Mama's Apron by Author Unknown An Apron played a big part in mama's life. As common to wear as being a housewife. She used it to gather eggs at the end of the day, To gather vegetables to can and put away, To feed the family on a rainy day... She used it to pick up chips, To start a fire in the old wood stove. To cook the daily bread, For her main concern was to keep her family fed. She folded it around her hands, When at the Table the blessing was said, And wore it in the rain to cover her graying head, She wrapped it around the baby's legs when it was cold. And Sometimes used it to wipe his lil' nose. It was a faithful servant through sad and lonely years, She even used it to dry away her tears. When the children were tucked in and their prayers were said...She laid out a clean one at the foot of her bed. Their job is over now, they did their best. Mama and her apron have been laid to rest. If all is true about Heaven I've been told, Mama is now weaving an apron of spun gold... Have a great Thanksgiving! If you have time to wrap some bread in an apron to share with someone in need, will you please drop me a note about your experience?]]> 42 2007-11-19 09:13:44 2007-11-19 16:13:44 open open mamas-apron publish 0 0 post 54 sadevan@momys.com 74.193.230.113 2007-11-28 16:15:49 2007-11-28 23:15:49 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/jesse-tree-devotionals/ Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:49:35 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=43 Jesse Tree Devotional readings by Ann Voskamp 30 days before Christmas.  The devotional includes 30 readings culminating with the birth of Christ.  When you purchase   you will get all the devotionals plus the beautiful, colored ornaments designed to be hung on a branch or a tree included.  The ornaments are a terrific, hands-on way for the children to remember each bible story leading up to the birth of Christ.]]> 43 2007-11-20 17:49:35 2007-11-21 00:49:35 open open jesse-tree-devotionals publish 0 0 post http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/11/life-is-fragile-count-your-blessings/ Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:52:17 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=44 44 2007-11-28 10:52:17 2007-11-28 17:52:17 open open life-is-fragile-count-your-blessings publish 0 0 post 53 bdbalix@capital.net http://www.follow-the-narrow-path.blogspot.com 209.23.29.237 2007-11-28 12:41:22 2007-11-28 19:41:22 1 0 0 55 goofyhappysilly@bellsouth.net 72.154.191.46 2007-11-28 16:57:28 2007-11-28 23:57:28 1 0 0 56 afischer2002@hotmail.com 75.175.142.163 2007-11-28 17:02:41 2007-11-29 00:02:41 1 0 0 57 suzeq@monteallums.com 76.107.177.240 2007-11-28 17:19:06 2007-11-29 00:19:06 1 0 0 58 suzeq@monteallums.com 76.107.177.240 2007-11-28 17:20:43 2007-11-29 00:20:43 1 0 0 59 slega@verizon.net 71.121.149.186 2007-11-28 17:25:44 2007-11-29 00:25:44 1 0 0 60 njm001@comcast.net http://heart4myhome.blogspot.com/ 98.194.236.166 2007-11-28 18:01:01 2007-11-29 01:01:01 1 0 0 61 duchenere@sbcglobal.net 4.244.54.222 2007-11-28 19:10:17 2007-11-29 02:10:17 1 0 0 62 bornagainandproud@yahoo.com http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mommaofmany 74.61.244.16 2007-11-28 19:21:10 2007-11-29 02:21:10 1 0 0 63 stevie18@aol.com 205.188.117.5 2007-11-28 19:31:12 2007-11-29 02:31:12 1 0 0 64 kjpriceathome@charter.net http://www.homesteadblogger.com/athomewithkris 24.151.251.196 2007-11-28 19:44:42 2007-11-29 02:44:42 1 0 0 65 cassilester@mac.com 65.35.49.184 2007-11-28 20:50:05 2007-11-29 03:50:05 1 0 0 66 quietmom@gmail.com http://www.quiet-mom.com 209.242.24.194 2007-11-28 21:01:34 2007-11-29 04:01:34 1 0 0 67 deborah@lainesletters.com http://www.lainesletters.com 68.188.86.157 2007-11-28 21:40:33 2007-11-29 04:40:33 1 0 0 69 bgraham@ilovejesus.net http://www.school4jesus.com 69.54.115.254 2007-11-29 06:58:15 2007-11-29 13:58:15 1 0 0 71 sweezea5@yahoo.com 76.226.207.242 2007-11-29 07:55:56 2007-11-29 14:55:56 1 0 0 73 yodersix@verizon.net 71.111.59.118 2007-11-29 11:29:22 2007-11-29 18:29:22 1 0 0 74 terry.ornamentsofgrace@hotmail.com http://terrysoapbox.blogspot.com 97.100.20.132 2007-11-29 14:22:40 2007-11-29 21:22:40 1 0 0 75 cassilester@mac.com 65.35.49.184 2007-11-30 11:20:39 2007-11-30 18:20:39 1 0 0 76 shellysstuff@sbcglobal.net 75.7.247.145 2007-12-01 21:43:13 2007-12-02 04:43:13 1 0 0 77 shellysstuff@sbcglobal.net 75.7.247.145 2007-12-01 21:45:11 2007-12-02 04:45:11 1 0 0 96 amandakrobinson@charter.net 68.112.24.171 2007-12-14 01:47:05 2007-12-14 08:47:05 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/12/it-was-the-month-before-christmas-and-all-through-the-land/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:57:38 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=45 One of my favorite Christmas stories is the poem written around 1840 called The Night Before Christmas and all through the House... Well here is an updated version with quite a bit of sad truth in it. Read on:

Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ' Holiday '. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton ! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace. The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

]]> 45 2007-12-04 13:57:38 2007-12-04 20:57:38 open open it-was-the-month-before-christmas-and-all-through-the-land publish 0 0 post 80 simply_ks_amethyst@yahoo.com http://prairiedreams.blogspot.com/ 12.157.44.245 2007-12-07 07:24:52 2007-12-07 14:24:52 1 0 0 http://www.marilynmoll.com/2007/12/the-meaning-of-the-christmas-wreath/ Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:49:06 +0000 http://www.marilynmoll.com/?p=46

• 3 cups sifted all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs, well-beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3 Tbsp sour cream

• 2 3/4 Cup sugar
• 1 pound salted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 - 12 oz pkg milk chocolate chip
• 3/4 cup whole almonds, chopped very, very finely in a blender- almost a powder

The above information has been excerpted from A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread ebook by Marilyn Moll. Click Here to purchase this ebook for $9.95. You may also obtain this book complimentary with any purchase of $75.00 or more by request.

Step by step cinnamon Roll tutorial

• Make your own healthy salad dressings
• Puree tomatoes
• Make cookies ( use batter whips, cookie paddles, or dough hook)
• Mash potatoes
• Puree cooked beans, lentils and split peas for soups, sauces, and dips.
• Make bread crumbs
• Crack Grain
• Chop up nuts
• Mix meat loaves (use batter whips or cookie paddles)
• Prepare pesto
• Prepare hummus
• Prepare salsa
• Mix cakes and quick breads
• Whip cream fast and easy
• Beat egg whites to the stiff peaks stage for meringues, etc. (Quick and easy)

My daughters Laura and Mary realized they needed to "plow" the heavy snow off the trampoline before it gave way to the weight. Sadie, the dog, mostly wanted to help by playing joyfully in the deep snow, but paused long enough to pose for this picture with Laura.

Laura, my photographer daughter walked around the neighborhood and got some more pictures the next day. This is a picture of Mt Lamborn, near our home. It dominates the local area.

Around the corner from us is a beautiful log home with a split rail fence in front. Laura capatured the snow depth before it could melt off. It has been so cold, I am not sure if it is melted off yet or not.

Around another corner of a long country road in the other direction are some huge hay bails to feed the livestock. We live on one acre so we don't have any hay or outdoor animals, yet.

What has winter been like around your town lately?  Could you use some Chili Chasing Chili Recipes to get warmed up.  I have gathered all my Chili Recipes together in one place.

I would love to see what you all are doing to create attractive, seasonal centerpieces from what you have around your home?

It has been just so cold lately around here, with snow coming in every few days to drop a few more inches. Really, this is not normal for our area of Colorado, but it is normal for the mountains.

So soups and stews really sounded good to me, beef stew in particular. I made our Slumgullion Stew a week or so ago for us and for friends and caught a picture before we ate it all up. Here is the recipe for Slumgullion Stew.

I made it up on a Saturday morning in my cast iron pan. Let it sit all day, and reheated it for dinner. I think that sitting process allows the flavors to develop and everyone thought it was fantatic. Try it!

• A sense of drivenness
• Continued feelings of not being good enough.
• Deep underlying need to control one's life.
• Excessive striving after reward and recognition.
• Perpetual jealousy of others and a making of comparisons. Again, it is the idea that so and so has more money, better husband, nicer house, higher achieving kids, gorgeous clothes, great figure, she's a great cook and on and on it goes.
• It robs our peace, It can put us into a depression.

Cream Soup Alternatives

For one can of cream of "whatever soup" use the following simple, four ingredient recipe:

Basic Cream Soup 3 T Butter 3 T Flour 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup chicken stock, water or milk

Instructions:

Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Blend flour and salt into saucepan while cooking and stirring until bubbly. using a wire whisk to prevent lumps, stir in liquid ingredient choice slowly. Medium thick sauce is comparable to undiluted condensed soups and makes approximately the same amount as a 10 oz can.

Variations: Cheese Sauce: Add ½ C grated sharp cheese and ¼ tsp mustard

Tomato Sauce: Use tomato juice as liquid and add a dash each of garlic powder or garlic salt, onion powder or onion salt, basil and oregano.

Mushroom Sauce: Saute ¼ C finely chopped mushrooms and 1 Tbsp finely chopped onion in the butter before adding the flour.

Celery Sauce: Saute ½ Cup finely chopped celery and 1 Tbsp finely chopped onion in butter before adding flour

Chicken Sauce: Use chicken broth or bouillon as half the liquid. Add ¼ tsp poultry seasoning or sage, and diced cooked chicken if available.

CONTEST WINNERS

ED NOTE: What a challenge to pick five contest winners from all these great posts! Please read all the comments, but my prize winners of the two ebooks are:

Jody Courtney, Sharon Clark, Christine Jones, Jill Farris, Carly from AL

They are each winners of Fast and Healthy Menus for Busy Moms along with my ebook A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread. This is a $19.93 retail value! Congratulations to the winners. Your ideas have blessed me immensely.