Refocus-January 2010!

The new year of 2010 will be here in just one more day! I love January...a time to refocus our lives. Here are my goals of refocusing in various areas of my life.

Refocus - On my husband: My husband's main goal for the year 2010 is to start and pastor a Baptist church in Nevada. It is a great and large goal! Almost too large for my small goal-oriented mind! :) However, this year, my refocusing goal for my husband to support and help him all the way in the journey of reaching this goal. This will entail many different aspects...prayer, walk with the Lord, visiting, verbal love and support, helping with the business set-up. It is a great challenge and I am focusing on this for him this year.

Refocus - On my children: To daily show them that I love them. It may be reading them a book, playing a game with them, hugging them, telling them a story...

Refocus - On my God: I have a small journal for the year 2010 that I want to write down my thoughts about God and the things He has done for me and yes, just how great He is! It is amazing the more thinkful you are...the more thankful you become.

Refocus - On myself: I want to focus on exercising for my health so that I am a better wife, mom and child of God.

Take time to refocus today!

Video: Sledding Mania!

Video: More sledding fun!

Video: Luke's First Sled Ride!

Video: Sister Sledding!

This is a video of my sister, Rhoda, and her son, Jordan...and me and Addie sledding.

Recipe: Amish Friendship Bread

My sister and I were talking about Amish Friendship Bread today so I thought I would share the recipe. This would be a fun project for kids out of school for Christmas break...bake and share with friends and neighbors for the holidays. Merry Baking!

Amish Friendship Bread Starter and Recipe

To start the bread:
“Day 1” mix together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk.

(Do not refrigerate. If air gets in the bag, let it out. It will be normal for the batter to thicken, bubble and ferment.)

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 1 If you receive the bag – do nothing. (Or you make it from scratch)
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 2 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 3 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 4 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 5 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 6 Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 7 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 8 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 9 Squeeze the bag.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ Day 10 Combine in a large non-metal bowl—the batter and add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk

Mix with a wooden spoon (or plastic one). Pour four, 1 cup starters into 4 large ziplock bags. Keep one for yourself and give three starters with instructions to friends.

Mix in with the remaining batter:
1 cup oil
½ t. salt
1 cup sugar
½ t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
1 ½ t. baking powder
3 large eggs
2 t. cinnamon
2 cups flour
½ cup milk
1 large box instant vanilla pudding

Pour into 2 large greased and sugared (cinnamon & sugar) loaf pans. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top if desired. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Split the recipe into four batches. Give away as many batches as you do not want, and use the rest for bread. Each batch would make 2 loaves.

Notes:

• If you are starting this recipe from scratch, on “Day 1” mix together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk.
  
  If you mix the sugar and flour together and then mix the milk in with the sugar/flour mixture it does not clump together as much.
  
  Nuts may be added.
  
  Less rich bread? Substitute ½ cup oil and ½ cup applesauce for 1 cup oil.
  
  The sugar in the last addition may also be reduced by about half.
  
  Pistachio pudding or any other kind may be substituted.

Ideas for Christmas Joys-Part 5

Ideas for Christmas Joy: Part 5
41. Attend your church's Christmas party/banquet or Christmas cantata.

42. Before going to bed Christmas Eve, read by candlelight about the birth of Jesus in Luke 2. Join hands and sing "Silent Night."

43. Personalize your Christmas cards with a hand-written note.

44. Spread peanut butter on pine cones, roll in bird seed and hang them on a tree near your kitchen window as a Christmas treat for the birds.

45. Tie jingle bells on your children's shoes.

46. When you think you have enough lights on your tree, add two more strands.

47. Don't wait until Christmas Eve to wrap gifts. Wrap them when you purchase them.

48. Give the youngest member of your family the honor of placing the star or angel on the top of the tree.

49. Go caroling.

50. Check for loose of burned-out bulbs before you put the strand of lights on the tree.

Ideas for Christmas Joys-Part 4

Ideas for Christmas Joy: Part 4

31. Choose a Christmas tree that's a little too big for the room. (That was us! :)

32. Tie a wreath with a big, red bow to the grill of your car. (I saw a school bus do that. :)

33. Have a special place to display Christmas cards from friends and family.

34. Organize a progressive holiday dinner for your family or church friends or ladies' group. Have appetizers at one home, the main course at another, and dessert at a third. (We did this for our church staff Christmas party one year.)

35. Try at least one new recipe and one new decorating idea.

36. Start working on a Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzle the first of December. Try to have it finished by Christmas Eve.

37. Take a shut-in a scrumptious Christmas dinner.

38. Rent a Santa Claus suit. Put it on and hand out candy canes at work or a school.

39. Hire teens from your church to help with your holiday entertaining. They can serve, clean up before and after the party and perform odd jobs such as childcare.

40. Take your family to a live performance of The Nutcracker Suite. (We have this in Reno.)

Ideas for Christmas Joys-Part 3

Ideas for Christmas Joy:
Part 3

21. Introduce a child to the wonders of snowflakes. Chill a dark sheet of construction paper and then examine each flake with a magnifying glass.

22. Bake Christmas cookies with Christmas music playing in the background.

23. Take a few minutes each month to jot down your family's news. Then write a Christmas letter to send with your Christmas cards and photos.

24. Take a basket of Christmas goodies to your local fire and police stations. My husband and brother-in-law are volunteer firemen and I know this would be welcome. :)

25. Wear a smile and a Santa hat when you walk through the mall.

26. Take lots of photos of Christmas events throughout December.

27. If your child gives you a handmade gift, convince him it is your favorite gift of all!

28. Reconfirm correct addresses for Christmas cards early in the season.

29. Be considerate of your in-law's special Christmas traditions.

30. Purchase a special Christmas sweater or pin and wear it often.

Ideas for Christmas Joys-Part 2

Ideas for Christmas Joy: Part 2
11. Find out what's on everyone's Christmas wish list when the family is together at Thanksgiving.

12. Make an effort to attend every Christmas party you're invited to, even if you can only stay a few minutes.

13. Place your children's stuffed animals under the Christmas tree as a welcoming committee for Santa.

14. Adopt a needy family for the holidays. Let members of your family buy a present for the person closest to their own age.

15. Fill your house with the holiday fragrance of cloves, orange peels, and cinnamon sticks simmering on the kitchen stove.

16. Don't despair if you are short of cash. Be creative. The Christmases when you had the least money were the ones that left you with the best memories. (I have a friend that is building their two daughters a dollhouse. Wow!)

17. Ask your mother to send you the Christmas stocking you used when you were a kid and a couple of old family Christmas photos.

18. Let go of a problem you can't solve. Enjoy the season!

19. Hang a favorite Christmas tree ornament from your car's rear-view mirror.

20. Sprinkle red and green confetti in your Christmas card envelopes.

Ideas for Christmas Joys-Part 1

Welcome to the holiday season! This is a wonderful time of the year...but things can become too stressful that we become Scrooges! For the next several posts, I decided to give 10 ideas a day to make Christmas a special holiday for you and your family.

I marvel at the power of holiday traditions and the comfort and continuity they bring to us each year. As you are reading this, you are reminiscing back to perhaps your childhood years and the traditions that you looked forward to each December. Old Christmas decorations, Christmas songs, the smell of pine and cinnamon, the taste of the first homemade Christmas cookies are just a few things that trigger our Christmas memories.

My childhood Christmas memories include having a sleepover with our cousins at Grandma's house Thanksgiving night. After the adults left from the Thanksgiving get-together, we decorated Grandma's Christmas tree and hung homemade styrofoam pictures and snowflakes on the windows. We listened to the same Christmas records (yes, records :) every year. We had ping pong tournaments and board game contests. We had homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning for breakfast.
And we never wanted to go home! :)

I cherish those memories. I am grown, married with a family of my own. I live over 2,000 miles away from my grandma. I do not get to spend any more holidays with her. I still remember them in my heart though.

Traditions are very important! Make family traditions. It will make your family bond stronger and give your children and grandchildren memories for years to come.

My husband and I started a new Christmas tradition this year! We cut down our own Christmas tree! It was a wonderful time together with our kids...we made memories for years to come.

Start a tradition today!

Ideas for Christmas Joys:

1. Be the first to wish everyone you meet a Merry Christmas.

2. Buy a pair of red flannel or Christmas pajamas that you wear only on Christmas Eve.

3. Take the family to see a small town Christmas parade.

4. Don't count calories from December 15th through January 2nd.

5. Never select a Christmas tree after dark.

6. Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative during the holidays.

7. Take a basket or plate of goodies to a neighbor.

8. Be pleasant to sales personnel. They are often wearier than you are.

9. Don't schedule yourself too tightly during the holidays. Before making an appt., ask yourself if this can wait until after Christmas.

10. Take a holiday family photograph each year in the same spot, such as by a favorite tree in your yard. In years to come, you will have a wonderful record of the growth of your family, as well as the tree.

Seasonal Decoration: Autumn Centerpiece

Here is an easy idea for a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or autumn table. This would also look great to accent your bedroom or bathroom. Make it your own style with different colors of candles...different fillers. Have fun!

Winter blows in to Reno...

Brrr! We had a little taste of winter blow through here this weekend! Friday blew in with 60 mph wind gusts! Both neighbors had sections of their fence come down. Incredible wind! Our power was out for 4 hours in the morning...how often we take for granted the blessings that we have and use on a daily basis! Coffeemakers, refrigerators, furnaces, washing machines, etc! So we did school at the kitchen table without our videos. Soon after the power came on around noon, the temperature started dropping and it started snowing! It snowed for 3 hours straight! I loved it! I enjoyed watching the big snowflakes fall and coating the ground. This is the picture I took this morning with my cell phone from our living room window. It will soon be gone as the temperatures reach into the 50's again. But I will enjoy it while it lasts. :)

Today is full of normal activities. School...a few loads of laundry...preparing for Sunday...spending the evening with the family...babysitting. I wish you all a blessed weekend!

Our newest addition!

Belle at my husband's work before he brought her home.

Belle and Max taking a nap one afternoon.

So...we have added a new member to our family. :)
My husband brought home a little West Highland Terrier. She is four months old, all white, and her name is Belle. In honor of Addie's favorite princess-from Beauty and the Beast. It was quite the rambunctious beginning in her new life...the girls like to smother her in blankets and carry her around like a baby doll. Max tried to attack her and then show her that he was the alpha male in the house by peeing on her! Whew! However, things have settled down.
Belle is welcomed with open arms and is a sweet part of our family.
I do have to say though...one more dog or one more child...and this might change to a mad house! :)

"Hold you, Mommy."

This morning, my 2 yr. old, Sierra, asked me..."Hold you, Mommy. Hold you." In translation, this means - "Hold me." :)

I put her on my lap and she said in her broken, toddler language that only Mommies understand..."Lay down...Mommy's...arms."

How I loved that statement.

"Yes, baby girl, I will hold you.
And yes, baby girl, you may lie down in Mommy's arms."

When you have a hard day...difficult trials...not sure of your next step...and just need a hug...

Go to God...tell Him..."Hold you, God. Hold you."
Then tell Him..."Lay down...God's...arms."

And He will.

A Thoughtful Gesture...

Will you be visiting someone's home for the Thanksgiving holidays?
A nice home-warming gift is to bring a fall bouquet of flowers for the lady of the home when you arrive for the Thanksgiving meal.
It is a nice thank-you for all the work and preparation that she has done for the holiday!

Harvest Party 2009

Eric, myself, Addie and Autumn at the Roller Kingdom

The princesses are ready to go!

Nana Holt and Sierra

Our pastor's daughter, Rachelle, our pastor's wife, Carla Ralstin, and our pastor's mom, Stella Ralstin.

Papa Tastet and Sierra

My mom is here visiting from Ohio this week. On Tuesday, we went to our church Harvest Party at Roller Kingdom. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship! Here are a few pictures of the evening.

Video: Max's Escape!

Our dog, Max, taught himself how to open the gate to his kennel! LOL! Now we will have to put a padlock on it! Smart doggie!

Autumn Joy's 4th Birthday Pictures!

An Autumn Afternoon

Yesterday was such a sweet autumn day. Beautiful sunshine...warm, mild temperatures in the low 70's...slight breeze. I decided to take advantage of it and work in the back yard getting ready for the cool temperatures. I raked and bagged leaves and twigs from our big tree in the yard. There weren't many leaves to jump in but the girls tried to anyway! I spread out fertilizer on my garden for next spring. I pulled weeds around the yard. I cleaned out the fire pit and restacked the wood for our fires. It was hard work and I was sore...but it looked really nice!
It is fun to work on projects and then step back and see the fruit of your labor! :)

Video: Autumn Catches Her First Trout!

Yesterday, Autumn went with Daddy and Papa on an afternoon fishing excursion. Here is a video that he took of her.

Video: Is Your Home Like Ours? :)

This is a typical evening in the Tastet home! I just sat back on the loveseat...watching the girls...and thinking...what a crazy but wonderful life! LOL! Notice how Max just goes about his business... :)

Autumn Days...

Autumn Days...

My autumn days have been...

...home schooling with my girls.
...a date to Carson City and lunch at Chili's with my hubby.
...babysitting nights.
...enjoying my neighbor's beautiful trees with their yellow leaves.
...adoring the snow-capped mountains.
...savoring a hot cup of coffee with some fresh baked muffins in the mornings.
...raking the leaves in the backyard.
...crisp nights and mild afternoons.
...cute fall outfits with warm tights.
...potty training my now 2 yr. old...well, that is an iffy! :)
...hearing her say new words every day and talk my ear off!
...anticipating my mom's visit in 2 weeks from today!
...a good Psalm from my Bible.
...trying new fall recipes to enjoy for dinner with the family.
...pumpkins and scarecrows.
...loving the Lord and my family.

Video: Dancing Ballerinas!

Here is a video of Addie and Autumn dancing like ballerinas. Watch closely to Autumn...she dances specifically for the camera...then...hilarious!!!

Addie's 6 Yr. Birthday Pictures

Recipe: Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole

Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 12 corn tortillas (6 inches), cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

• In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute the onion, celery and peppers in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the chicken, soups, tomatoes and chili powder.
• Line the bottom of a 3-qt. baking dish with half of the tortilla strips; top with half of the chicken mixture and 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 8 servings.

Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Doughnuts

My sister and I had a fall tradition...every year...we would go to the County Line Orchard. You can ride on the wagon and pick your own apples - we love the Gala apples! You can visit the little petting zoo area for the kids. Sample free apple cider...shop at the country store. We loved it! One of the best things about our visit was fresh pumpkin and apple doughnuts from the bakery! Mmm good!

Here is a recipe to try your own this fall at home. :)

PS...Rachel, if you are reading this...please bake me some doughnuts and mail them to me! :) Love you sis!

Spiced Pumpkin Doughnuts

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or a Dash of ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for deep-fat frying
• Spiced Sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high seed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in pumpkin, buttermilk, egg, egg yolk and vanilla until combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour until well combined. Cover and chill 3 hours.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-inch doughnut cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts. Reroll as necessary.

3. Fry doughnuts, 2 or 3 at a time, in deep, hot fat (365 degrees F) about 2-1/2 minutes or until golden, turning once. Using a slotted spoon, removed doughnuts from oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and doughnut holes. Coat warm doughnuts in Spiced Sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes about 12 doughnuts plus holes.

Spiced Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

A few autumn pictures to enjoy...

An autumn path...

Pumpkins and mums...

Candy corn...a cute display...

A beautiful fall entrance...

A fun way to display carved pumpkins...

Why carve...just add light!

Happy October!

I am enjoying the cool nights...warm, sun-filled afternoons...my lit-up jack-o-lantern on my entertainment center...my fall mums in my planters...baking special treats that warm up my kitchen and send yummy smells throughout the house...flickering candles.

What are you enjoying today?