Auntie Hannah's HOMEMADE SNOW ICE CREAM

Mav and I saw that his cousin McKenna was making snow ice cream the other day, and we wanted in on the action! So this morning I decided that this would be our 'Snow Day Activity' for today. And bonus, I already had all the 'ingredients' in my 'pantry.'

*Have you noticed how when people post recipes, they're all like, "This one is so easy, and it's probably stuff you already have in your pantry!" Umm, I usually have exactly none of those things. Want to know what's currently in my cupboards? A ridiculous amount of canned chicken noodle and tomato soups, a loaf of bread, 4 boxes of Cap'n Crunch, and the bottom two shelves I have no idea about because I shove things down there and then forget about them because I can't really see them.*

6 cups of snow
1/4 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk
1 tsp vanilla

Start by bundling up and heading outside to gather your six cups of snow from the frozen tundra
Put 3 cups in the freezer to dump in later
Add milk, sugar, and vanilla to your bowl of snow (I threw in a little extra vanilla)
Stir in the 3 cups of the snow from the freezer

Put everything back in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up a little bit, pull it out and you have LITERAL HOMEMADE ICE CREAM but it was way easier and cheaper to make. Plus it didn't require pulling a huge machine from the depths of your cupboards.
Cuddle up tonight with your loves and stay warm!

MmB

Patti's Cozy Corn Chowder

Have you noticed every time I share a recipe I give ownership to someone else? It's because I just literally can't take credit for any of them, because as you know...I don't cook. This one is a favorite in our house this season, and I've been making it every time we have a fresh set of house guests...this way I get real good at making THIS ONE THING and everyone finishes supper raving about how great it is. The best part? It's just opening a bunch of cans. Sometimes you can't beat winter cooking.

A package of diced ham
Crispy bacon *optional*
Two cans of corn
Two cans of creamed corn
Two cans of cream of potato soup
Two cans of diced potatoes
A small carton of half and half
Onion + minced onion
Milk
Salt + Lots of pepper
I've witnessed Patti add green onions? Or some kind of green flakes? I've never added that because I don't what it is, but you do what you want.

Foil a pan and lay out your bacon, bake at 350 for a half hour or until it's nice and crispy
Dump everything from my list into your biggest pot, don't drain anything
Cut onion and bacon, dump into the pot
Pour in as much milk as you feel like it needs...sorry I don't have more direction for you on this one
Add your salt + pepper

Stir frequently until it's hot, and serve with a sleeve of frozen garlic bread.

I made this once in a crock pot, and as long as it was on low all day and I stirred every once in a while, it was excellent this way also. Because sometimes I don't like standing over a hot stove and actively cooking as people are walking in the door. Ya know?

I hope your snow day was as magical as ours was!

MmB

Summer Reads, Christmas Reads & Everything in Between

It's been a minute since I posted one of my reading lists.

I'm here to catch you up. And thanks to my monthly-book-stack-Instagram-accountability posts, I know exactly what I accomplished!

I've had this nagging feeling like I've hardly read anything, but looking back on this list, I've read more than I realized! I always set my goals way too high so I never get out of the habit by NOT having anything to jump to after I finish a book. I know people who can be reading five different books at a time, but I am not one of those people. My brain just can't process that many different books at the same time.

August:

1 . Everybody Always, Bob Goff

Might be the best book I read in 2018. I'll read it again and I'm willing to loan it to anyone who wants to borrow it. It was easy to read, fun to read, and kept me fully engaged every single sentence. I'm planning to read every Goff book that exists on shelves this year. Without rambling on with a summary of what it's about, I'll leave you with this quote:

"Loving people means caring without an agenda. As soon as we have an agenda, it's not love anymore. It's acting like you care to get someone to do what you want or what you think God wants them to do. Do less of that, and people will see a lot less of you and a lot more of Jesus." -Bob Goff

#micdrop

2. Becoming a Women of Influence, Carol Kent

I helped Patti clean out her garage this summer and found this gem in a box. It wasn't the full book, more of a study-book with questions throughout each chapter so it was a quick read. I wanted to read something from Carol since she spoke at a women's conference at my home church a couple years ago, but overall it wasn't my favorite. Probably would be better as a study with a group of gals.

3. Parenting, Paul David Tripp

Truthfully, we should have read this one way sooner, but didn't. Of course it's been underlined within an inch of its life and should probably be in the, 'Read Once a Year' pile. Don't look for any practical, day-to-day, nitty gritty advice in this book BUT because you'll start applying stuff from the book at a much deeper level, it starts to flood into every area of parenting, including the day-to-day tantrums, fights at bedtime, and breakfast conversations. MUST READ.

September:

4. Grace Based Parenting, Tim Kimmel

This one took me a WHILE to get through but I'm glad I toughed it out. It's not a flashy, exciting book. Just a good perspective to read from someone with grown kids, while we're still in the early stages of this parenting journey. I liked reading his stories and examples of parenting situations he dealt with when raising his kids, toddler through college, as well as examples from his experience counseling kids/families as a pastor. Good but also boring.

5. In His Image, Jen Wilkin

Knocked this one out in three days while we were at the lake with Josh's family. It's underlined to death. I can't get enough of this woman, as evidenced by the ridiculous weekend I spent commuting way more than I should have to and from Twin Lakes to Ames to see her speak at the One Conference. I don't know how she does it, but at least one time in every single book I've read of hers, she literally blows my mind with something in scripture that I've completely been missing for the past 30 years. Might be my second fave from 2018.

6. Imperfect Courage, Jessica Honegger

Ok it's impossible to pick favorites, I'm done doing that, k? I've been following Jessica on Instagram since the EARLY days of Noonday and I had absolutely no idea what was happening behind the scenes. I love that she's a CEO of a socially conscious business that uses fashion to create jobs for women all over the world, while specifically empowering women in third world countries. The impact this woman has had, starting a business from a spare bedroom in her house...insane. She balances the tension between visiting artisans in Africa one week...no showers...living in a hut...to wearing heels and big earrings while running business meetings and errands the next week SO WELL. I'll read everything she writes from here on out. This is the only 'network-marketing' brand I will ever wholeheartedly support.

7. Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis

I know this one comes loaded with controversy after TGS posted that article about it but I felt like it was a good kick in the pants. It's motivating and fun! Maybe it's good for Christians to just not take things so seriously sometimes. Also maybe this one is more for moms who work outside the home, since many of Rachel's examples were about balancing the work-mom life and climbing the corporate ladder (which obviously didn't resonate with me) BUT I still liked it! If you have a brain and you're able to sort through what is a little bit of crap and what is motivating and applicable to your life, I'd say read it!

8. 1 & 2 Corinthians, She Reads Truth

Probably the best Bible study I did in 2018. I went through it with a group of friends, and that always helps me get a bit more out of Bible studies. Though we only 'met' to chat about it twice, just the idea that friends were going through it with me helped me discuss some things out a little more. SRT leaves many of their studies wide open...the blank pages after each passage are pretty much left up to you to write your own thoughts. Then following each week, there are structured discussion questions. I continue to use the Risen Motherhood 'cheat sheet' to help me process each passage more thoroughly.

9. 1 Peter, Jen Wilkin

Honestly didn't give this study the time and energy it deserved, and it bugs me. It's the one they decided to go through at Cornerstone this fall, along with weekly videos of Jen's teaching + table discussion and it was just one 'thing' too much for me to take on. Between the usual busy/fun fall activities along with finishing up lingering house projects, I barely kept my head above water with the homework. I have plans to comb back through at some point this spring. It's a good one and I'd really recommend, even though I can't say I got much out of it. Anyone wanna do it with me?!

December:

10. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

After watching more movie-re-makes and spoofs of this classic story than I care to admit (thanks Hallmark), I decided this year was THE YEAR that I would finally read it. Like, really READ it even though it was a little hard. And I did. And it was good. And I'm making it my goal to read it in November/December every couple of years. Plus the copy I found on Amazon has really great illustrations, which brings a little bit more life to an old book like this one. It's also not as long as you think!

11. The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson

FAVORITE DECEMBER READ HANDS DOWN. Ok, ok, the actual Christmas story is the best thing I read in December, BUT this is a close second. I LAUGHED OUT LOUD while reading it on our little getaway to Galena. Like, in the middle of a restaurant, was laughing and crying a little. I remembered it being funny when I was little, but for some reason totally forgot about it and haven't read it in probably 20 years. SO MUCH REGRET. Will read it every year and it will be one we read out loud as a family. Just totally hilarious. I read it in an afternoon.

12. Advent: Until the Son of God Appears, She Reads Truth

I have two days of this left to finish, but I count that as a win since December every year is its own brand of CRAZY. I was able to keep up with the study (thanks to those 'free' days at the end of every week) and it doesn't hurt that every year the books get more and more beautiful. Opening it every day was a good way to hit 'reset' and remember WHAT I was decorating for and celebrating in the midst of the craziness. Jesus is coming!

13. A Pioneer Christmas Collection, 9 stories/9 authors

This was what I was looking forward to all month and I'm finally there. I wanted to spend December reading FOR FUN, as opposed to what I spend most of the year doing...studying, learning, growing...This book has been a really, really fun one to work through. Chapters are short, individual books are short, the stories are all by Christian authors, and it's been YEARS since I've read anything like this for content. I'd highly recommend for your Christmas reading next year!

I'd leave you with my book-selections for January, but this post is already too long and I've lost all of you. I'll post those to Insta tonight!

MmB

The Ames Holiday Home Tour

If you know me, you probably know I spent the past year preparing to be on the Ames Holiday Home Tour, put on by the Altrusa organization in Ames. 

A *little* bit of an undertaking, considering we also spent the year renovating. But all the while, I was picturing exactly how I would decorate for Christmas. In a weird way, it was my #1 motivation for knocking out project after project. I'm actually really thankful I had something to PUSH me to finish certain things that I might have put off for years otherwise.

Anyway, each house on the tour does a write-up for the tour booklet and I thought I'd share ours for those of you who didn't make it to the tour on that rainy, muddy weekend in December:

Josh and Mollie Boersma purchased the 'fixer upper' cottage farmhouse of their dreams on December 2017. It was potential (wrapped in wallpaper) and work began immediately with March 1st set as the move-in goal. Originally built in 1939 and remodeled + addition in 1984, extensive work needed to be done after decades of neglect to bring the charming cottage-character back to life and carried cohesively throughout the home.

Some projects were outsourced; however, the majority of the work was completed by the couple, along with their amazing friends and family, who came and helped for fun. By August 2018 the home was totally 'finished' and focus shifted to landscaping; tree trimming, and the garage + barn overhaul began.

Glass doorknobs, arched doorways, and original hardwood floors are some of their homes' favorite features. Authentic shiplap from Josh's grandpa's barn, hung above the whitewashed fireplace adds meaningful character. The mantle mounted in the dining room came from the old 'Polk Cottage' (which sat on Iowa State's campus prior to relocation) and brings coziness to the large, vaulted space.

Christmas is always a highlight of the year for the family, but especially this year as they decorated their sweet cottage farmhouse for the first time. 16+ trees will grace the 4,200 SF home featuring a large collection of antique ornaments and vintage decor, all uniquely displayed.

Josh and Mollie, along with their energetic three-year-old, Maverick transitioned easily to acreage life. Two Great Pyrenees, Milly and Remy made their home here in April; two kitties arrived in July. The couple enjoys hosting as much as they possibly can and are usually happiest when all the beds and couches in their six-bedroom home are full of overnight guests.

In the next month I'll share more about our Christmas adventures, what we have coming up for 2019, and how I'm organizing + deep cleaning every inch of this house for the first time. One of my goals for the year is to also spend a little more time in this space...my fun little creative outlet was neglected for most of 2018 due to LOTS OF CREATIVE THINGS happening in real life. I'm not even sure what I'm going to do with myself now that I don't wake up to painting project after painting project starting me in the face. 

MmB

Christmas Hangover Egg Bake

I'd rather be playing and opening presents with my baby than cooking...I did my fair share of cooking this Christmas, but on Christmas Day WE WENT TO PERKIN'S BECAUSE IT'S CHRISTMAS FOR MOM TOO OK.

In an odd turn of events, this blog is turning into a place where I share 'recipes' I've 'created'.

Laughable. 2019 is already interesting.

Here's what we have today...Christmas hangover. Hard. There's nothing in the fridge, but at the same time, there are a lot of random leftovers in the fridge. I'm to the point where I don't even want to look in the scary abyss that is our refrigerator (I think hosting so many people/events/parties over the past month has done this to me, though I've never been fond of any kitchen appliance). So I've just started dumping things and combining things, hoping it will turn out to be something edible for guests.

Turns out, everything has been! And not only has it all been edible, it's actually been GOOD.

I like egg bakes because I can make them the day before the morning that people will wake up in our house hungry for breakfast. This way, no one sees my awkward 'cooking.' I pop it in the next morning (or go to bed with the disclaimer, 'whoever is awake first in the morning, preheat the oven and put the egg bake in') and after an hour it's a delicious breakfast everyone is raving about, yet I had very little to do with. Excellent.

Ingredients:
(basically everything listed below is optional except the eggs...go with what you feel here)

8-12 eggs (depending on how many you're feeding)
Milk
Half & Half
Cheese (any and all varieties, shredded or block, doesn't matter)
Christmas ham
Christmas bacon
Christmas pork
Christmas stuffing
Christmas sweet potatoes
Christmas mashed potatoes
Anything else from your Christmas dinner you feel like throwing in
Random onions/peppers/spinach/veggies you find in the fridge

Layer stuffing/potatoes (if you have them) on the bottom
Whip (am I using the right kitchen verb there? WHISK-whatever) eggs, add whatever milk you find in the fridge that hasn't gone bad...in my case this meant some half & half
Add your assortment of meats into the egg mixture
Throw in some salt and pepper, minced onions, garlic salt, all at random...none of us have time for measuring things
Throw in your veggies
Add a handful of cheese
Stir

Dump the egg "surprise" mixture on the bottom layer of the egg bake
Throw a bunch more cheese on top
Put in the fridge or bake right away

Preheat oven to 350
If it's been in the fridge overnight, bake for an hour (prepare to leave it in longer)
If you're planning to serve it right away, 45 minutes-an hour
Let stand for 10-ish minutes

To combat that depressing Christmas hangover, serve your egg bake with mimosas and/or Bloody Mary's...again, feel free to completely make up the recipe for these based on whatever liquor/juices/wine people left at your house from previous Christmas festivities.

ENJOY!

MmB