My Life as a Mom

Resurrection Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:07:00 +0000

We LOVE Easter around here. Yet we keep it VERY simple. We do bring out our set of 12 plastic eggs with a few things in them to remind us about events in the last few days- hours of the Savior's life. We love using those.

A couple of years ago, we also started playing around with this recipe and baking these SUPER EASY rolls that we call Resurrection Rolls. We learned to make them from our Aunt Bonnie; we just have made some changes to make it work for the kids. They love helping to put the marshmallows inside, then as they bake the marshmallows melt and the crescent roll is puffed up, but like the tomb - IT IS EMPTY!

Go make these, you will love them!

Resurrection Rolls
Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (original)
• 8 large marshmallows
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon
• Sugar

Directions:

Take one marshmallow, and one crescent roll, wrap the marshmallow with the roll and pinch the openings closed very well. Be careful not to leave sections where the roll dough is too thin, for it will break open and the marshmallow will leak.

Dip the roll with the marshmallow wrapped inside in the butter and then roll it in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake in cookie sheet at 375 for 15 minutes. Check they are well cooked and remove from oven. If more time is needed, add one minute at a time. (the package says 11-13 minutes, but with the way this rolls end up being, they need more time, or they remain somewhat gooey and also ovens vary... so just keep an eye. But 375 for 15 minutes works well for us.

Let them cool in the pan before attempting to remove them.

Enjoy!

You just never know if today is a day to use your "Don't do list"

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:57:00 +0000

Many months have gone by. So much has happened in my life and my family's life. There's so much I need to do, reflect on and embrace. As a Mom I have been challenged in ways that I never thought of. I need to have a date with myself soon (thank you Aaron! for scheduling time for it. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed:) ) and cannot even begin to describe how dates with myself help me to recharge. I love being a Mom. I would not trade it for ANYTHING in the world. No other job, full or part time, no other career can compare to the joy. I am sure there is so much out there I could do, good things out there. Many people I could reach. Exiting careers and things to do outside of my home. But, it is not my place now.

And then, during those hard days as a Mom....because see: I LOVE!!! this job of mine, but it's not by any means easy. So during the hard days, I make an effort to use my "Don't do lists" sometimes in my mind, sometimes I write it down. It goes like this: I say a prayer in my mind, or I just take a moment to ponder and center myself or I get on my knees and out loud I vocalize my 'overwhelmness' and ask to know what I need not to do that day.

For example, "Don't do the dishes, until you play legos with J" or "Don't go to the laundry until you get to read two books to M" or "Don't vaccum until after you pray and read a verse from your scriptures".

When the busy items come to the surface, then I can see the essentials and I can smile and slow down to do what will bring balance to my day.

I love my "don't do lists" as much as I have learned to love my "to do lists" (I have NOT always like lists). But my don't do lists! they give freedom... we are friends, and it's my simple way to face a challenging day or hour in my own way. It works for me and truly helps me to be a better Mom.

These treasures of mine are worth a don't do list!

A day to remember

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:15:00 +0000

What a day this has been! Everything is turning green and alive and I want that feeling for my everyday life. Life is so great and so hard.
For me Mother's Day is always on the 10th of May. And I think that in my heart it will always be that way. I can celebrate with my mother then on the same day too.
I am grateful for the dream job that I have that gives me such satisfaction and such sorrow sometimes that I even have gray hair to show for it. But I know I can only grow from these experiences as a mother. I saw in my daughter's eyes today the divinity that lies in each of us. I wanted to squeeze her so tight and I realized that that feeling made my day complete. I know one day she will be a mother of her own (she tells me about it everyday) and I will remember her look as a little girl, innocent, spirited, full of ideas and energy and so huggable. I need to remember those hugs for all my kids specially when I might think is hard to extend those. Then I can continue to grow from this beautiful and hard thing in life called motherhood.
To a Happy Mother's Day! And the chance we get to learn and grow.
This video has helped me today to stop and think and feel.

Sometimes all is needed is a nap

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:14:00 +0000

When I was in college, a wonderful friend of mine would counsel me to take a nap when things would get fussy and incomprehensible in any way. Today there have been many fussy and incomprehensible moments in our home. I need to listen to the wise.

So when anybody in this house feels like this:

We must remember to do this:

And all our dreams can come true.

Then we can start feeling better:

And better:

That is if a nap does not make you more cranky.

We don't seem to have that issue over here :)

My life as a Mom who's trying

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:49:00 +0000

I have really been trying my best (most of the time) at many things and endeavors in the past few months. These months of the year have been challenging, beautiful, and full of surprises and emotions.
This is one of the flowers that my husband got me at Easter time. It shows me that God is in charge and that I can trust Him and He will lead my trying until I become what He would like me to become. He can make it be THAT beautiful!

These are some of the things I have been trying hard to improve on or do:

Become a better wife. Life is short and I am one blessed gal to have the husband that I do at my side. I am so grateful for our life together and for him.
Exercising. By no means am I perfect, but it sure feels good as I take care of my body. I do it in 10 minute increments and feels doable.
Visiting Teaching. I am constantly reminded of the example my own Mother has set for me on this way to show a token of love. I love the interaction and women I visit. I am trying hard to do my best and as I try I am the one blessed, really.
Mothering. Oh, just the thought brings me to reverence and hair pulling... But I am learning each day nonetheless. I have found treasured pieces here and there and there; as my husband and I are needing them to help us in this adventure and all I can say is: I admire how my Mom did it and I need Heavenly Father's help every 3 minutes give or take. Recently I was able to attend a Mother's Retreat and I found peace in knowing that what I do daily or don't do in favor of the child(ren) can rock our world here at home. It was a lot of information that I still need to process and de-clutter; for not everything I heard there has felt is needed in our home, so I need to decide what to use. I am grateful for the opportunity to go and the break it gave me.
Unpacking. It should have happened more than 6 months ago when we moved, but sets of working hands to get it done and finished are in shortage at our household now. I know one day these kids will be grown and I will have many more sets of working hands. But for now, I get to marvel (usually until they are asleep) in their tiny hands and how quick they can make messes, how they really try to play and fix my hair (or attempt to), how in few years they have learned to work on puzzles, play piano, play ball, ride bikes and scooters and bring down things from our school closet to play just because. But back to unpacking... I am trying and my solution is getting rid of stuff more than trying to find a place for it. It feels sooooo good to feel free from stuff.
Eating healthy. I really try and I am learning a lot. I love to feed my family a good wholesome meal. And when I don't; I smile... you know, to minimize the effect of the junk in our bodies :)

I feel grateful for my challenges, my family and the love I can feel towards me from different sources. The love keeps me going and I will keep trying.

Orange-cranberry Harvest Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:22:00 +0000

These muffins are a great treat this time of the year. After playing much with different versions, I believe this version hits the spot.

Yummyness!

Orange-cranberry harvest muffins

3 cups whole grain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/4 cups half & half
2 eggs
1/2 pound unsalted butter, melted and cooled (could use part coconut oil)
Zest from 1 orange
Juice from one orange
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh cranberries
3/4 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts, or walnuts or pecans, toasted and skinned
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup agave nectar

Make sure, super sure all ingredients are room temperature. These are softer and more delicious if you take all ingredients out in the morning, mix everything before you go to bed and leave the batter (at room temperature still, it will be ok) resting overnight and then fill muffin cups in the morning and bake.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, gum, cinnamon, and ginger in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the half & half, eggs, melted butter, zest and juice. Stir quickly just to combine. Add the cranberries, hazelnuts, and both sweeteners and stir just to distribute the fruits, nuts, and sugar evenly throughout the batter. Cover with a clean cloth and let rest overnight.

In the morning, Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Line muffin cups with paper liners.
Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each one to the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned on the top and a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean.

Cuteness...

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 18:34:00 +0000

I love this girl and her sister and her brother and her Daddy and all her extended family. And I miss her 'abuelito' so much.

I love them all. It's all I have to say

Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:52:00 +0000

Oh yes, what joy to be alive. Life for everyone is busy and crazy. So I don't feel I am the only one. But I do feel very blessed and loved by those around me. As we are going through many different changes in our lives currently, I feel the love from God, my dear friends, neighbors and family. My life as a mom, without those individuals would be a very hard one. President Packer said recently: "We wanted to have a mortal experience.. and now we are having it". So true!
I am so grateful to be alive and have those I love around me, even now. As they sleep and I can't (great campfire though! and now the heart-burn is keeping me up, but at least I am working now on all those things that need to be done, i.e. dishes, laundry, kitchen clean up and of course, finishing this entry that I started like a week ago :) ... anyway, as they sleep I look at their faces and I think of all the cute, sincere, funny, naughty, interesting and full of life (restless) things they say and do. And with this I mean my little kids... but my heart is full of gratitude and love and appreciation for many more around me.
So, now I retire to bed ...

Sunrise from my living room a few days ago:

Missing these:

and missing looking at this:

And it is ok, life is great and full of surprises!!

Whole 8 grain flour

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:55:00 +0000

Update: July 2010
I have been asked if I use this mix of grains to bake a loaf of bread.
The answer is 'no' and 'I wish'.
However!!.... hubby and I have been working on a mix of grains and legumes to make bread. It's oh so good!! It's almost to where we want it. Will share for sure!
But we keep using and loving!! this mix of grains for muffins, pancakes (oh the pancakes!), rolls, cobbler and anything baking you can think of, except a loaf of bread.

Whole grain flour... delicious. I've found that the secret to baking with whole grains is to get the right mix of grains--then my baked goods come out light and fluffy instead of heavy and hard, with no white flour needed. I've received questions about the mix of grains I use and so I want to share with you my method of doing things.
It is a great feeling to whip up a batch of pancakes, rolls for dinner, or muffins for breakfast, etc. and know that you've done it for at least 1/10th of the cost than at the store--and that you've done it with fantastically nutritious and delicious results!
So... here we go.

8 grains: Wheat, Spelt, Triticale, Barley, Millet, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Oat Groats.

The approximate amounts I use are listed below with the pictures.

1 cup Wheat

3/4 cup Spelt

3/4 cup Triticale

2/3 cup Barley

1/2 cup Millet

1/3 cup Brown Rice

1/2 cup Quinoa

1/3 cup Oat Groats

I mix them well and place them in my wheat grinder (aka grain mill) and voila! Out comes the best flour I have had the pleasure to bake with. I only grind what I need at any given time preserve the grains' nutrition.

Grain mix in my Wolfgang Wheat Grinder

(available at www.bestwheatgrinder.com)

Note: When I am making pancakes, muffins (which usually carry some kind of fruit) or dinner rolls, I add 1/4 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum to the batter/dough to help it bind together. Those items still turn out great without the Xanthan Gum, but might be a little crumbly.

Best of luck in all your whole grain baking adventures!

And once you've given it a try, please come back and leave a comment to let me know how it went (or to share some baking secrets of your own)!

Things we do and say!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:17:00 +0000

I have been enjoying having my three kids SO much.

And it is hard too.

Many times, very hard.

But I am grateful for them and for the feelings of this heart of mine towards them.

My computer broke. I am almost done with the birth story (typing in my phone is not very fast) but hey! I can do that (kind of) while I am nursing, so that's why it is almost done.

We are baking a lot of bread lately, decided to buy bread no more! And I am so glad. Kids love "mami's bread" (even if hubby is the one who made it:) haha! )

I miss my mom and my sisters.

I am quite impressed how when I go to the store to buy groceries with just my two older kids, it seems sooo easy now.

I love telling stories to my kids. And just the other day I was telling DS the story when Jesus feeds a multitude. This was our conversation:

Me: "And do you know that Jesus got from a man two loaves of bread and five fish? "

Son: "No!"

Me: "Well, He did and you know what He did with those? "

Son: (just silence)

Me: "He did a miracle"

Son: "Wow, Is that yummy, mom? "

Oh I love my kids!

And many days I so look forward to bedtime! and then I miss them :)

Am I crazy?

Love is the why

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:59:00 +0000

Feel very humble to be a mother once more

She is precious

She was peacefully born at home

Life is wonderful!

I love her Daddy!

Quinoa... easy and delicious!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:22:00 +0000

I have eaten and used quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) for the past two and half years, however at the beginning of me using this found treasure, I had found it somewhat hard to really enjoy (taste- and-smell-wise) and I could not figure out why. BUT, here I want to share a very simple way to prepare quinoa; that takes away that weirdy taste and smell to it. I discovered that I just needed to wash it first! and soak it of course. You will see how. Please trust me that it is simple, might not look like simple at first, but it really is and so worth the time.

Get ready to enjoy a high protein grain (plus many other benefits), that not only makes delicious porridge for breakfast, it can also be used instead of rice (in some cases), and it's just plain delicious!

Oh! and an added bonus.... if you are a nursing mother, this grain has been know in the regions of the Incas in the Andes and many other parts of the world, as the 'mother's grain'. It has a powerful effect in mother's milk production and provides excellent nutrition during the nursing time and for everyone really.

So here is my recipe for quinoa porridge. Feel free to use any kind of fruit you like. And just one more thing... give Quinoa a try, you will not regret it!

Enjoy!

Quinoa Porridge

2 cups quinoa

2 T whey * (see pictures below)

Water

1 t cinnamon

½ t salt

2 T butter (soft)

3/4 c chopped roasted walnuts and almonds

1 mango (chopped)

1 apple (chopped)

Pure maple syrup to taste

2 c whole milk plain yogurt

Start by rinsing the quinoa in running water through a strainer (the grains are small, so use one that has very tiny holes).
Once rinsed very well, place the quinoa in a pan with 2 T of whey (the acitidy of the whey will break down the phitic acid present in the quinoa) and plenty of warm water to cover and let soak for 12 hours minimum or overnight. Yes you read that right, 12 hours. You will be glad you did.

(To get my whey (and save some money) I use my whole milk plain yogurt.

So what's whey?... It's the serum or watery part of milk / yogurt that gets separated from the curd. It's acidity helps break down the bitter resin-like coating quinoa has called 'saponin' and thus the true delicious flavor and nutrition in the grain comes out. See? soaking has a noble purpose.

So to get my whey, I just dig a 'cup' at the top of the yogurt, let it collect whey and keep pouring in a glass jar as it collects. Then I just keep it in my fridge ready to use!)

Once soaked, strain and rinse the quinoa again. Return to pot and add clean water (enough to cover the grain plus ½ inch or less). Bring to a boil and lower to low heat until cooked. (Between 5 - 8 minutes) You'll know the grain has cooked when it has more than doubled its size, is soft, and most of the water is gone.

(This is how it will look like once cooked. It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it)

Turn heat off, add the rest of the ingredients, and mix well.

Enjoy!

Notes:
The steps and preparation might seem too much to do. But in reality is fairly simple, you just need to plan ahead and wait. But oh boy, is it worth it!

(You will also notice, the grain sprouts quite quickly, even after just the soaking time, this is an added bonus with this grain, sprouts make it more digestible)

Mom... are you having an infection?

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:35:00 +0000

As the days of the birth of my baby come closer; I am like most women, experiencing plenty of Braxton Hicks contractions. I have had only a few of them that have been actually stronger than the rest. Just the other day I was going through one that seemed stronger and I had to pause what I was doing. My 4 year old noticed that something was happening (we had explained to him that contractions are the way this wonderful muscle will help his brother/sister be born, so he has the idea of what happens to my uterus), so he comes next to me and with the sweetest facial expression he tells me: "Mom, are you having and infection right now?"

Now I know that laughter makes everything better!

A mother

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Gratitude is what I feel for this woman and what she means in my life. My mother. She is wise and tender, yet quiet and reserved. She trusts God and has loved me every day of her life. I can trust her at all times and I feel grateful I can have a listening ear every time I need one.

She left her home to pursue her education when she was only 13 years old. She was ready for it and did beautifully. She has a very strong determination in all she does; she doesn't know how to leave things unfinished. She speaks 4 languages and still learning some more. After she married my equally wonderful father, and I came into their lives; she knew what was important and what her priorities needed to be and I will forever be grateful she put her schooling and everything else on hold, so that when I got home she was there.

This month is her birthday and I am grateful for the time she has on this earth and the blessing she is to all of us around her. As I approach the time to deliver my third baby, here she is. Coming my way to be with me, to baby me, to care for us as she has done with our other children. For weeks at a time she puts her life on hold and gives herself to us with all the love, patience and a lot of work needed after a new baby comes.

She loves God and she is an example to me of trusting Him and be still to let Him guide her life. More than once I have been blessed by her being ready to listen and act upon promptings she has had. As I grow and learn as a mother myself, I can not ask for a better example and guide on this earth. I love you mother and I hope you can always feel my love for you.

Mad Libs in Motherhood...

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:23:00 +0000

A few days ago, I left a comment here for a Motherhood Mad Libs.

This is what came about using my answers.....

Job posting: Motherhood

WANTED: One sharp lady to work full time as mother in a magnificent household. Job duties include:

Doing laundry softly for at least seven people in a washing machine the size of a sock

Coming up with something to cook for dinner every night even when you only have rye, butter & bananas in your cupboards.

Cleaning the house until the floor’s so clean you could shine on it.

Bathing and dressing children. (Experience working with sea lions is very helpful.)

Creating and maintaining a discipline plan to ensure that children talk, sleep & travel promptly.

You don’t have to do it all alone. You could also make a gorgeous chore chart and sit back and watch while the children love.

You should probably be paid about $ 4 an hour for this work, but you’ll do it for free since it makes your heart say “seriously! ”

Big people need not apply.

Oh, and remember that in heaven, you’ll get lots and lots of books.

There are days some of these 'job requirements' feel that way in real life... thankfully not everyday. Even with the hard days that come along, I am grateful for the opportunity.
I love being a Mom!

Salt and Pepper

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:58:00 +0000

Today felt like a marathon, but we got so much done. We went to the local library for a family event that ended up being a LOT of fun (and confirmed that DS is really, really good at playing checkers against whoever wants to play), we went shopping for groceries, some clothes for the kids, joy school materials, fish oil for the kids, and 4 more fish for our tank.
But a moment today, has left me thinking and pondering...
We were having lunch and our kids took form the table the salt and pepper shakers... they were ready to play with them and a sudden question came out my mouth... "Hey kids, do you know where salt and pepper come from?" Then silence for a moment....
So, DH and I had a very good chat with them about salt and pepper... playing at the table was then channeled into a nice talk and a reminder that 'teaching' children can happen anytime, any day and I do not have to have a formal time to teach. I can take any opportunity and turn it into a moment where I can connect with my family and feel joy. This is not new and already obvious... but today was a time to reflect on that and relish on the moment.
The moment turned out to be the 'salt and pepper' in our busy day and a chance to have a simple moment we will all remember.
What are some of your "salt and pepper" moments?

35- 40 minutes that save my pregnant belly days! Yahoo!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:38:00 +0000

Never thought that pregnancy would be a nice period of time in my life... but I love feeling a little one inside me moving and enjoying his/her tenancy there. I honestly cannot even complain about morning sickness (thanks to my awesome chiropractor doctor, I got just the right prenatal vitamins that take my stomach uneasiness away if I ever start to feel it). However, pregnancy it's not an easy time for me some days though, so I meet my great friend every (or most) days:

My totally awesome husband got this video for me when I was pregnant with my first child. It helped a lot. Then with my second child, it helped even more. But this time around it's a life-saver! That's the truth! Tiredness is a constant for me the first 10-14 weeks and then it returns my last trimester, and several aches that for me start around month #5, seem to fade away as long as I spend the 35-40 minutes toning my body and taking some time for me. DH makes sure I have that time every day and to him I am extremely grateful. I have not been able to hear/see/or follow till the end of this video. The relaxation section at the end, puts me into dreamland every single time and even laying there on the floor, I can rest and don't feel a single ache. Maybe one day I will be able to watch it until the end, but for now I am happy to drift to sleep every time... which I so need.

I can't wait to be in labor and to have this baby in my arms and be a mother to a new child in our home. Can't wait!

So, what do you do or have done when you are expecting your babies to help with the nuisances that come from pregnancy?

Filling our cup...

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:37:00 +0000

We sure did!

It looked like this:

Oh, it was sooooo good.

Bluberry-Almond real "good to your belly and soul - need to share it" milkshake. There have been many days in the past 4+ years that we have thought.... 'Oh, how would you like a milkshake from Granny's'? And we would just dream....

But you know! getting older it's not so bad. It wasn't my b-day, but Aaron had one and we got a day while visiting UT, all for us. My dear sisters and brother and their families kindly and happily took our children and we went on a day-long date to: IKEA ( I know, it might sound lame... but buying glasses (finally, since all the ones we had pretty much have disappeared (aka broken) and we were in desperate need of glasses) at IKEA without children was really great and relaxing. We visited Park City, and a quaint Mexican Restaurant which was followed by this cup of heavenly Milkshake at Granny's in Heber City. And we ended where we started.... seven and a half years ago.... our first date. We went walking by the river after having failed (me) miserably at rollerskating with a pair of roller-skates that nearly killed my feet. But we walked this time around the same river holding hands, kissing, and realizing that many things have changed (for the better). It brought a sweet feeling of gratitude for MANY wonderful things that have happened and gratitude for the many challenges we keep on encountering. We got our cup filled ...

We then got back home to my sister's house, only to find our son suffering from a stomach flu. We thought the night ahead might turn into a very long one... but thankfully we had with us (really on accident) homeopathic tablets of Ipecacuanha and he was able to stop his constant throwing up pretty quickly, to be able to rest for the night and recover. All in all, it was all good!

One sweet moment in time

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:51:00 +0000

I had the chance to be in the classroom where my son had his class at Church today. It was such a treat for me to be there and see my child there. My heart was filled with love for him and specially for our Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas is all over now, so it was so sweet for me to have that feeling today. That He lives and that He loves me, He loves my sweetheart and my children in a PERFECT way that I cannot even begin to comprehend. I wish that I could have seen Him blessing the children and shedding tears for those He loved. But I get to have other experiences in my life that can help me to get to know Him better as if I would have been there. I want that in my life.

About to welcome a new friend!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:41:00 +0000

I grew up in a big city and having a dog was not much of an option.... plus I have not been much of an animal person. Well that's about to change.
See, Aaron is a dog advocate and has wanted to have a dog at somepoint for our family. Has mentioned it before; but knowing how I have felt about the issue, he has not put ANY pressure on me. Wise man!!!!

Well, these past couple of weeks have changed me. There's just this sweet feeling that my children and me for that matter, our family.... we need a dog. I have felt how it can benefit my kids and I am grateful for these feelings. I am even exited about it... so in the next couple of weeks we will welcome a beagle puppy.

Aby's signature cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:35:00 +0000

These make an appearance at our home more often than any other dessert.... maybe because they are quick (after some preparation in advance) and even nutritious (as nutritious as desserts can be) or because we love sharing them with people. We don't know, but we LOVE these cookies. Ok, the recipe....

Preheat oven to 375

Cream until light and fluffy:
7 T butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1c. rapadura (or brown sugar)

Add and beat well:
1 egg
3 T milk
1 t. vanilla

Add to above mixture and mix well:
3/4 cup whole grain flour* (as described here)
1/2 c powder milk
1/4 c wheat germ
1c. freshly flaked oats
1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t baking powder
1/2 c raisins
3 T sesame seeds
tons of dark chocolate chips (about 10-12 oz or even 16)
1/4 c crushed roasted nuts (optional)

Scoop in baking tray (with ice cream scoop to make them all even). With wet hands, flatten them slightly. Bake at 375 for 9 minutes.

Note: *When I am making a batch, I usually pour several other batches of the dry ingredients in individual Zip Lock bags (as in the first picture) to freeze and use in the future to make these treats in no time.

One tired & hungry girl

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:54:00 +0000

I love this girl to pieces. I often find myself wondering how did I get so lucky to have her and to teach her manners at the table... I am trying... really.

One of those great moments...it will be around Easter time

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:20:00 +0000

There are many great moments in a mother's life, some 'hard great moments' and some 'joyous great moments'. This year I am being blessed by experiencing both kinds in many different ways. And no.... dying eggs it's not one of them in this case, although that could be fun.

Back in March this year I wrote this:

This week we lost our twin pregnancy at 12+ weeks gestation. It has been a smooth roller coaster, but roller coaster nonetheless. I have prayed through this experience to have Heavenly Father’s will to be done and to have peace. He has truly blessed me and answered my prayers literally. I feel a happy sadness and I know He will continue to carry me in His love.

"There are times when I feel I know all I need to know; that I am good to go conquer the world. There are other times, when I feel more cautious and humble and there are times when I clearly have a lot to learn and feel that I have no clue where to start. But I am grateful for all those times because together they are what life is all about: learning. Well at least I hope I can learn and continue to learn throughout all these times.

There are many more feelings that have touched my life this week…. I guess I was due for some learning here. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who LOVES and GUIDES. I feel gratitude and pray I can continue to see His hand in my life. I am grateful for my husband and his LOVE and CARE at all times, he makes life beautiful to me and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

The list does not end there however… and I cherish my parents LOVE and SUPPORT along with my siblings’, dear friends’ , my caring midwife who hugged me and felt the pain with me and my own children's who have cared for, prayed and done everything you all could have done to be by me at this time. Thank you!"

Today, I find myself savoring the feeling of a very new life inside me again. I cannot begin to comprehend the beauty of it all and feel grateful that I am being given this opportunity to see my heart out there walking again before my eyes.
It will be around next Easter time that I look forward to holding a little one in my arms and witnessing again the power of God in my life.
I am tired beyond I thought I could ever be. But it's ok, I'll take that. Hopefully soon I can function to a better capacity, in the mean time I love napping and reading. Thanks to my sweetheart for filling in for me.
Easter cannot come soon enough..... but I have a whole fall and winter to go through first. I think I can wait.... not really. Wait! When it's Easter next year?... I just checked and it's April 4th, so knowing my past history of 'guess' dates with my kids, it will be way past Easter...
I feel so exited to have the time come when it's time to die eggs again.

Pick me, pick me!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Motherhood is awesome! Yet, sometimes I feel like DD in this picture, I don't know what to do? Or how to get through the next 2-3 hours until DH is off work? Or my attempts to soothe a child are failing, or dinner ends up being late or not happening altogether, or I am plain exhausted and out of ideas to keep playing..... (spirited children show me what it is to have a LOT of energy)

But it's ok. All I need is a nap, a shower, and remember why I am doing this and why I chose to be where I am. For as long as I can remember I have felt like this about being a wife and a mother

...and I am reminded often and usually at nights when my kids are fast asleep, why I am doing this. It's a continuous process for me and feel humbled by the fact that I am truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity I have of being a mother.

Pancakes Delish!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Atzimba) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:47:00 +0000

I have tried to find the right mix of whole grains to make pancakes fluffy, sweet, etc, everything nice you can think of when thinking about pancakes, yet full of nutrition and just the right flavor...... after a LONG time of trying, I think I have found the right mix.
So here we go!
QUINOA, BROWN RICE, BARLEY, WHEAT, MILLET, OAT GROATS, SPELT, TRITICALE will give you the best pancakes!
The key?... The right amounts of each grain and soaking overnight!

Whole Grain-Buttermilk Pancakes

3 1/2 c. whole grain flour
3 c. buttermilk or sour milk

4 T. rapadura
4t. baking powder (aluminum free)
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. xanthan gum
2 eggs
6 T. Coconut Oil
(1 c. desired fruit) bananas, blueberries, etc (optional)
Pure Maple Syrup or honey

Mix well the grain-flour in the buttermilk. Cover with a kitchen towel and let soak for at least 10-12 hrs. at room temperature.

In the morning, mix by hand the rest of the ingredients except maple or honey.
Cook pancakes on hot griddle.
Enjoy! You will. I promise.