Wordless(ish) Wednesday | The Blessings

Such helpful boys!  I am daily reminded of their love for me lately by their compassion and their helpfulness!  Don't know what I'd do without them, especially lately while I'm feeling like I do!  Love you Jon & Jaden <3

Opals Kitchen | Homemade Granola (on the cheap)

If my little family had its way, we would have a hardy breakfast every morning. Pancakes, omelets, hash browns...you name it, we like it.  But, then there's reality, and I don't always have (nor choose to have) an hour to cook every morning, especially lately!

We don't buy boxed cereal, trying to stay away from sugar saturated puffed corn and rice.  There is simply no very little to no nutritional value to them at all!  Then there's the price, paying $5 a box only to open it up when you get it home and find that there's only about two bowls worth of cereal in it.  

In short, we make our own cereal in our house.  Its healthier and way more cost effective.

  One batch of our granola cost us around $10 to make and fills 2 gallon ziplock bags full of granola.  For us, that works out to about 24-30 bowls full!  My other tip, ALWAYS buy these ingredients in bulk!  It will cost you much less and will save a lot of packaging waste.

Opal's Homemade Granola

10 C. rolled oats (old fashioned NOT quick oats)

3/4 C. brown sugar

1 C. honey

1 1/2 C. olive oil

1  tsp salt

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp vanilla

Mix ins

(optional and changeable)

1 C. dried cranberries

3/4 C.walnut pieces

3/4 C. almond slivers

1 1/2 C. date pieces

To Make /// Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Put oats in large bowl and add brown sugar and cinnamon, mix.  In separate bowl, combine honey, olive oil, vanilla and salt, mix well.  Add wet to dry and mix well. 

To Prep Nuts /// Nut will have to be toasted before they are ready to add to the granola.  To do this, put nuts on pan and toast at 350 for about ten minutes.  Be careful and watch them, it doesn't take much time.

Pull them out of the oven and set aside for later.

To Bake ///  In large pan, add oat mixture till its about 1 inch deep.  You will have to toast a little at a time, if the pan it too crowded it will be hard to get any toasting done.  Put in oven for about 10 minutes, then pull out and stir it up.  Always pull the outside corners in, because those will toast the quickest.  Put back in oven for 5 minutes and pull out again to stir.  Depending on your oven, it may be done now or need one more 4-5 minute cycle.  You want the oats to be a dark golden color but don't worry that it isn't crunchy, that will happen as it cools.  When its done, set it aside in a clean bowl or pan to let cool.  Repeat the process until all of your oats are toasted, adding it to the cooked bowl/pan as you cook.  Make sure to mix every once in a while as it cools so it doesn't become a solid mass.

Mix Ins /// Add the mix ins only after the oats come out of the oven.  Simply stir in the dry fruit and add the nuts after they have been toasted.  Make sure you are adding them while the oats are still warm.

Let cool and store in any air tight container.  It may be a little time consuming but its still very easy to do! Granola does, eventually, get stale.  But that takes a long time and we usually eat it all before that happens, so no worries.

Happy Eating & Enjoy!

The Secret part 2

(Warning: as I am talking about getting pregnant in this post, I will be using words like cycle and such.  If your uncomfortable with that its probably best not to read any further.)

We thank you for all of your well wishes!  Needless to say we are pretty thrilled with the news of our newest little addition.  Some of you asked for more specifics, others did not, but  who you kidding people??? You know I'm going to tell!

We already knew by the time last weekend rolled around.  We have practiced NFP for practically our whole marriage, because of this I'd like to think I'm pretty in tune with my body.  The original plan was to wait till mothers day to take a test (even though we already knew, the test just makes it feel official).  But we didn't, we couldn't, Jon and I are both pretty terrible with secrets!  A possessive test on Saturday.  Another on Sunday (Mothers Day & also the day Jon took me to the beach).
We were most definitely pregnant!

This may seem like a small little something to many of you.  But, the reality is that we have been trying (and trying) for well over a year now.  Baby number two just didn't seem to want to know us.  It has been a hard and dark emotional roller coaster.  I've struggled with my relationship with my Savior as I felt ignored and abandoned by Him.  I know that a bold thing to say, and I know He never left me, but it just seemed that He was so far away...and so quiet...that it hurt.

I know Jesus is not a genie, there to grand my every wish.  In my heart of hearts I knew that there was a chance that we would always continue to say no to my plea of another little one.  But it was a great desire of my heart, it IS a great desire of my heart.  I cried out to him out of pain and a total lack of understanding...and to be honest I still don't really understand.
Its been a hard year.

We had written off the April/May cycle because we would be traveling and visiting the in-laws.  I figured that was a big stress point for me and decided not to worry about it too much this time around.  The beginning of May, I sat down and talked with my midwife to discuss where to start concerning infertility, I was planning on making an appointment for June to start all the tests.

Little did I know I was pregnant when I had that conversation.

My midwife kinda giggled when I told her the news last week.

As of now, I am only 6 1/2 weeks along and have been asked why I chose to announce it to the world this early.  That is an easy one to answer.  With JJ, we didn't tell anyone about it until we almost out of the first tri.  I had had 2 check ups and a ultrasound by the time it went public, just the way we are all told to do it.  The safe way, you know, just in case.
We chose not to do it the safe way for a few reasons this time.  First, because we have been waiting for soo long with such heavy hearts that this news was just too good to keep to ourselves.  Its our little miracle baby, and it didn't seem right to keep it a secret!  Second, because its scary.  We lucked out with a pretty easy pregnancy with Jaden, and are a little more fearful this time.  Family history and statistics are not in our favor, but God is so much bigger than that! 
We told everyone so that everyone could pray! Pray that this little one inside of me stays healthy and whole.
And lastly, I think a lot of women suffer in silence for no reason.  If something were to happen, I would want people around me.  I don't want to ignore the fact that this is, without a doubt, our (second) miracle baby.  Whatever the outcome of this pregnancy, this little one will always be a part of our life.  My mama heart cries out and prays that its the Lords will that I hold my second little in my arms in January! 
But fear can overcome me if I let it.  I pray Jesus gives me the strength to really trust and rely on Him!

We are thrilled, elated, beside ourselves with joy!  Thank you for being joyful with us!  I ask you continue to come along side of us in prayer and rejoicing.

The Secret

Again, All Over. Some More.

Its been a week, a good week but a life changing week all the same.  I assume thats what my silence is about, I don't know how to talk and not talk about all of life right now...and I can't...not yet.
Yesterday was another beach day, twice in one week...I know!  My husband travels for work and occasionally we tag along. It was an overnight trip to the Olympic peninsula, somewhere that has been  a part of my life since as long as I can remember.  My grandma grew up there, she met my grandpa there, and we have visited there nearly every year for as long as I can remember.  I enjoy going back, even if it never changes and I've seen everything a million times.  Its part of who I am.
Now, its part of my son too.

In PA at the fountain.  We spent a long time there....

Kolalock beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

Port Angeles, Washington.  Skipping rocks.

Fish & Chips at PA

Skipping rocks with Daddy.

Opals Kitchen | Chicken Noodle Soup

I will always have a special place in my heart for comfort foods.  I can't help it, its just who I am.  Be it meat loaf or pot pie, mashed potatoes or chicken noodle soup...they all are calming "reminds me of my childhood" types of meals.  More often than not, I find myself craving them, probably as much for their comfort as their taste.  Chicken Noodle Soup is a definitely a love of mine on one condition, it HAS to have homemade noodles!  Without the noodles its just not the same!

Noodles:

ingredients

3 c. white flour

3 large eggs

3/4 c. olive oil

1/4 c. water

pinch of salt

Soup:

ingredients

2 oz. butter

1/2 lb carrots

1 head celery

1 large onion

8 c. chicken stock (we use chicken base)

2 heaping Tbsp fresh thyme ( or more!)

2 tsp. fresh oregano

2 tsp. fresh rosemary

1 lb chicken, cooked and cubed

salt and pepper, to taste

To Make: Noodles /// First we want to make the noodle mixture because it will have to sit for a while.  Combine the flour and salt in a bowl until fully combined.  Make a well in the center and add the eggs and oil.  Slowly mix, starting in the center of the well and work outwards.  Slowly, always slowly.  Once fully combined you can gauge if you will need to add water or not.  Mix should be well combined, with no flaky bits, but firm.  Add water a little at a time until its just right.  Set aside.

To Make: Soup ///

 Peel carrots and cube. Chop celery and onion, you want all the pieces to be the same size for cooking and presentation purposes. 

 In large pot, melt butter over medium/high heat.  Once melted add carrots, celery and onions.  Stir to coat and cool until about halfway cooked.  Prep herbs by stripping the leaves off the stock. Add herbs and salt and pepper, combine.  Cook for 1-2 minutes then add stock.  If you choose to use prepared stock, that is just fine, but I prefer to use chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon, found in any grocery store ). Add cubed chicken then let simmer for about 30 minutes or until   veggies are tender.                                                                               

To Make: Noodles Part 2 ///  

Split your noodle dough in fourths, at least.  The smaller the portion the easier it will be to work with. 

 On a well floured surface, roll out one section of dough thin enough that you can see through it. about 1/16 of an inch. Trim all edges to make a relatively perfect square/rectangle then cut into equal sized squares.  To make the bow ties like we did, simply pinch the middle of each square.

 

If your dough is too dry, you may need water to pinch it, otherwise the gather in the middle will hold. Set aside the finished noodles on a plate or pan until you have finished all of them.  Once all of them are done, gently drop them in the soup!  They take only a minute or two to cook, you'll know they are done when they float to the top.  Serve and enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

A Day At The Beach

I've shared before that I love the beach, the ocean...anything generally aquatic.  My husband has had no choice but to know this.  Holidays and special occasions are a big deal in our little family, we make a big fuss over each other.  This weekend was my mommy weekend and included farmers markets and beach trips (of course!), lots of sunshine and a whole lot of delicious food!  Okay, maybe too much delicious food....

Cannon Beach was our destination yesterday.  A sunny 77 with no wind provided a rare and beautiful day on the Oregon coast.  I was in heaven!  Jaden has only been to the beach a handful of times, and not since he was a little dude.  Even then those trips were the usual windy, cold weather...and he would have rather not have been there.

This time was a complete change, we had to pull him away from the beach to do things like eat and use the bathroom.  He was in love and that made me oh so happy.  Another little something I share with my son, its beautiful to me!

My husband spoiled me a bit....a lot and I did enjoy myself a whole lot.  I am pretty thankful for a husband who cares enough to make me feel appreciated.  He is a pretty awesome guy!  And for a wonderful son who made me a mama in the first place. 
...And to my heavenly father, who entrusted me with a tiny soul to teach and care for.

I love being a  mama!

Getting ready to head to the beach!

JJ barely got past the entrance before he planted himself in the sand to dig.  He was a definite fan!

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Or.

Jaden had better things to to do than let mama take pictures, obviously.

Best. Outfit. Ever.

White Pepper and Pistachio macaroon. Delicious!

Pools around Haystack at low tide.

Sliding down the sand.  It was warm and the jacket didn't last long at all.

TMI & Sick Bugs

I forget, sometimes, what those long sleepless nights felt like when my son was a wee thing.  That is, until, he reminds me.
JJ has had the flu since yesterday, a quick bug that's been going around.  We found out when he was falling asleep on our bed one minute and repeatedly vomiting the next.  We repeated that process a few more times before it seemed to be over.  Three baths and 10 loads of laundry later, his tummy calmed and the chaos subsided.
Not that I would applaud my sons heaving skills (as I would rather him not have regular practice with that in life) but he did take it like a champ.  It rather hard to see your little like that though, with nothing you can do.

Anyway, things are looking up today and hopefully all will be back to normal real soon.
Now, I'm off to sanitize some stuff!

You

Son,
At this moment you were explaining to me how to knead bread.  And quite effectively, might I add.
I admire your passion, even in the things you don't fully understand.  I admire your creativity and your passion that blooms a little more every day.  I'm proud of you, my love.  I am proud of your longing to learn and explore.  I am simply proud of all of you, my darling.  Always.
                                                                                                                             -Mama

Opals Kitchen | Homemade Butter

This family is not one to use butter substitutes.  We can't stand the taste of margarine, have ruled out soy and have discovered a recent allergy to coconut oil.  But even if that wasn't the case, I'll be honest, I just like butter. 
So, I'm here to be an advocate for butter.  Butter doesn't make you fat, it doesn't kill you.  Use butter, naturally chemical free...oh yeah...and it actually taste like something.
Many of you will remember shaking a jar full of cream in grade school, it taking some 20 plus just to make any butter fat appear.  Don't worry, I will not subject you to that. 
Homemade butter has a rich flavor, but it is oh so smooth.  A lovely addition to any meal preparation or strong enough to stand on its own.
It cost me around the same amount to make the butter as it does to buy it, around $5.  Sound like too much?  Remember these things, you will not use your butter so generously because it has a stronger, fuller flavor. You know whats in your butter, it is pure, honest and natural. Also, there is a certain level of respect for something you made with your own two hands. 

Homemade Butter

Ingredients:

1 quart heavy cream

1 tsp salt

(yep, that is all!)

Yield:

About 10oz., depending on fat % of cream.

Step One /// First things first, let your cream sit out for about two hours (or more), you want it to reach about 60 degrees.  Any colder than that and your butter will have a hard time forming.  If you are looking for a bolder, richer flavor you can leave it out for about twelve hours, though I prefer the shorter wait.  

Step 2 /// With mixer or food processor, mix cream alone on high.  You will see it go through stages, first a soft whipped cream, then a stiff whipped cream.  After that it will get a little grainy and start to separate a little, before you know it, it will turn yellow and the butter fat will have completely separated from the buttermilk.  When you reach that point, you can stop.  Don't worry about watching it too closely, you'll know its done when it starts to slosh. (A technical term in butter making, I assure you..ahem)

Step 3 /// Take entire contents of bowl and pour through fine mesh sieve or colander with very small holes.  let butter sit for 15 minutes to drain, pressing down a little. 

Step 4 /// move butter to colander over a plate and add salt.  Mix with a wooden spoon, or two forks.  Work butter for 5 to 10 minutes to work the last of the liquid out of the butter.  Your done mixing when you can press it and no buttermilk (or very little) comes out.  (if you can't seem to get it all the way out, don't worry, your butter will not be ruined!)

Step 5 /// Scoop the butter out and form in ball (or any other shape you want) Wrap it in plastic wrap or wax paper and place in fridge.  It will keep for about a month, or up to 9 months in the freezer.  

Remember: Keep the Buttermilk!  Its great in baking!  We use it in our Saturday morning pancakes.

Introducing BitsyBeauty & A Giveaway

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a long time friend of mine.  In fact, the first time I met her was the summer that she was my camp counselor.  (I was 13, though I doubt she would like me to tell you that)  She is a creative soul who is dear to my heart, as are her children.  I am more than thrilled to share with you her creative side, in hopes you will love it just as much as me!
A few weeks ago, I got a lovely little package in the mail.  I love mail, so that fact that it was addressed to me was a perk all in itself, but there was more! (Oh, be still my beating heart)  Inside was an adorable hat that just so happened to be my favorite color.  Alright, she asked about the color thing, but still.

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MEET RACHEL

Hello! My name is Rachel Freeman. I am the mother to 3 wonderful kids, Bailey and Jonathan are 10 year old twins, and Alijah is 6. I have been married for almost 13 years now, to the man God gave me, and we consider ourselves very blessed.

I have been crocheting off and on for years, my mom taught me to chain when I was only 7 years old. In the past couple of years it has become something more than a mild hobby to me. My husband still asks me what I'm knitting half the time (I don't knit!) But it's all in good fun as I'm spending more time with yarn every day.

bitsybeauty crochet is a business for me, but really it's just an excuse to maroon myself on the couch with my hooks, a pile of yarn, a great pattern and a book on cd! Nothing is more fun than starting out on a fresh new pattern with pretty soft yarn... well, maybe finishing an item, and smoothing it out and smiling with pleasure....

Shop / Facebook

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The hat is adorable and soft.  It has a lovely scalloped detail and I do so love the interchangeable flower.  A nice option when I don't feel all sunny yellow but more of a mellow cloudy grey.  I am kinda partial to it.

So, are you ready for this?  bitsybeauty is giving Opal & Rouge readers a chance to win not one but two custom hats from the shop!  You may (separately) enter for the adult sized hat and/or one for your little (or any small little adorable person of your choosing!)   The winners will be put in contact with Rachel of bitsybeauty so that you can fully customize your hat! 

Do you love bitsybeauty's hats too much to wait to see if you won?

Rachel is offering 15% off to Opal & Rouge readers with the coupon code:

"ROUGE"

Winners will be announced on Saturday, May 12th.  Giveaway is open until Friday, May 11th.

A chance to win the custom adult hat here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A chance to win a small hat for your little (available in infant or toddler size) here:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Home Sweet Home & Answered Prayer

Its been a long week, but now we are finally home playing, recovering and lounging in our pj's well into the day!  Something about being away make you really appreciate when you actually come home again.
  I want to thank you all for all your kind words and so many prayers for my husband over this last week.  I received many comments and emails of concern and comfort, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I also noticed, that because of my request for prayer, I lots a good handful of followers.  So be it.  I'm sorry it had to happen that way, but I do not regret our public call to prayer.

I am happy to say that Jon is doing so well, the best I've seen him in some time.  The meds are working so far and the irritation and misery has calmed quite a bit!  His personality is blooming again and I am seeing more and more of the husband I haven't seen for months now.  I know they prayers of so many of you were heard.  I thank you for actually taking the time to pray!

Anyway, home feels nice, and perhaps a bit more regular that it felt when we left.
I'm excited to get into the swing of things.

As for the rest of our trip, well, here was our yesterday...

I'm not trying to write my sons future for him, but he does look pretty cute on a tractor, just saying.

JJ's Other People