Miriam Elayne! (www.miriamelayne.com)

Friends, Family -

I'm blogging more regularly over at www.miriamelayne.com now that our little one is here!
Check it out and feel free to subscribe :)

Here's a recent pic of our sweet girl, but there are MANY more at the new site!

Say Something

Have you ever struggled with 'why'?
Do you find yourself questioning God in the midst of your heartache?
Have you ever experienced something so heart-wrenching, you could hardly breathe?
And then you re-experience that something?

This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of finding out we would lose our first pregnancy to miscarriage. Words don't express the depth of emotions there were one year ago, or a few days ago.

Still, I have found that Joy permeates. It is ever-quenching, forming my soul. It occurs, no matter my state, rather in my choosing to be aware that it is there. It is when I say something - acknowledge my truth - that healing (re)begins.

https://vimeo.com/86326888

Happy Anniversary!

Four years.

Today, my husband and I have been married four years!

We have so much to be grateful for in this life we are building together.
Our God.
Our children.
Our relentless love for one another despite unruly circumstances life throws our way.
Our friendship :)
Our compassionate and generous friends.
Our family members, near and far.

So much more could be stated.
Simply put, I am the most blessed woman.

A Paleo observation ...

It's no super-revelation.
But I feel it's a worthy note.

Paleo is simple.

There. I said it. It's just simple.
A little almond flour here. Coconut oil there. Sea salt and baking powder/soda.

I can pretty much put together a tasty entree or baked treat at any point if I have these items on hand, plus some fruit or meat. Btw, if you are shopping well, you have these things on hand :)

Done.

Just sayin'.

Example: Banana-Blueberry Muffins (courtesy Dr. Davis, "Wheatbelly")
http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/author/admin/


2 c. almond flour
1/4 c. flaxseed, ground
1/4/c. honey/agave/your choice natural sweetener
1 t. baking powder/soda
1 ripe banana
2 eggs
1/2 fage/sr. cream or coconut/almond milk
1/4 oil, grapeseed, olive, coconut
1 c. blueberries

Preheat to 325-ish*. Combine eggs, sr. cream/milk, oil. Beat in mashed banana. Add in dry ingredients. Fold in blueberries. Spoon batter into greased or cupped muffin tin. Makes 12 muffins (spread evenly between). Bake for approx. 30 mins. Cool for 15mins before removing. Enjoy!!

Feeling Reflective Today ...

Spring, I love thee. Even on a day like today when you are barely there.
Still, you are beautiful. Full of hope.

This has been my most recent RE-revelation: hope is simply and always there. Even in my days of great despair, it's the green buds against the flying snow. It's the cars and people that show up to a garage sale in 37* and mist for weather.

It is sitting with my sister, laughing and dreaming; remembering yet thinking forward. Eyes misty. Souls connected.

If only I will just be still, and acknowledge the healing of its' presence.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12

Beautiful Things

Today, I choose to remember the truth this song beautifully portrays.

"Beautiful Things"
by
Gungor

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

Wheat-free April!

My husband and I are pretty passionate about health and fitness.

One of the things we study is food - it's impact on well-being and lifestyle. "Wheatbelly" by Dr. William Davis has been the topic of our most recent food discussions/learning.



He is almost through the book and then I'm going to tackle it, but in the spirit of practicing what we preach, we have decided that April will be a wheat-free month for us. Together, we are going to experiment with Dr. Davis' ideas about removing wheat from our diet and experience the impact/s directly.

Let's go!

The Orange-Apricot Scones?! A.maz.ing. So light; mild sweetness; especially good slightly warm and with a fork :) Hubby-approved!

Today, I dove deeper into Elana Amsterdam's lovely cookbook, "The Gluten-Free, Almond Flour Cookbook". I made her Chocolate Cake and the Shrimp Fritters. Pictures posted here :)



Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting: definitely need to use a larger cake pan (it spilled over a bit during baking) but has super-delicious, light texture & flavor. The Marshmallow Frosting was fun to try as well. I made it with honey and egg whites - yes, only 2 ingredients! - although I would like to try it next time as the original recipe indicates: agave and egg whites.

Shrimp Fritters: a lovely change in palette - light and super-tasty on a leaf of romaine! We tried it with salsa and soy sauce on the side; both good - sweet chili sauce would also be nice :)

For inspiration or a link to the cookbook itself: www.elanaspantry.com

Enjoy!!

The little things ...

My husband is the light of my life. He is so patient, with me and the world, and teaches me something every day.
He also likes to surprise me!

A few days ago he surprised me with a new cookbook - "The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook" by Elana Amsterdam. (If you haven't read her blog yet, definitely check it out: www.elanaspantry.com - by far, one of the best in gluten-free and Paleo out there!)

My first recipe will be made out of it today, in just a few minutes in fact: Orange-Apricot Scones.

Stay tuned for how much we love them ;) Yes, I'm an optimist.

Today was a snow day.
So is tomorrow :)
We're working our way towards a foot apparently ...

The good thing about these days is that I get down-time. Down-time for me includes spring-cleaning/rearranging our master bedroom - yes, I actually get enjoyment out of this. Down-time also included my husband today! He had a snow day from work too so he graciously helped with the deep-clean; then we got out the Jeep and played in the snowy streets! So much fun to drive around [easily] - see the world as it comes to a near halt. So peaceful. We were able to help some who were stuck on slick streets or in big drifts. The world is both great and humbling in these moments.

Of course, food is a fun part of these days. I decided we would try to make our own tortillas for Shrimp Quesadillas. I borrowed the recipe from the Pork Avocado Enchiladas from a week or so back and voila! - one of our favorite foods is back in the house :) Of course, it's not entirely Paleo (that darn yummy cheese) but I'm pretty sure it'll become a once-a-week-er recipe around here. Life on the 80/20 keeps us cheery, for sure!

Weekends ...

Kale Bacon Egg Pie.
Pork Avocado Enchiladas.
Stir-fried Shrimp in Olive Oil.
Paleo Pie Crust.

This is how I spend my weekends. You wanna come eat with us?!

So one of the tricks I've learned in making a family switch to Paleo-eating is planning/thinking/cooking/baking ahead. I like to spend my weekend days doing this; most of all, it helps keep my sanity throughout the week given a family that is ultra-busy with cheer, football, teaching Financial Peace University, leading community events with our church, and - oh yeah - Paul and I try to contribute to the GDP throughout :)

I wouldn't want it any other way tho; really. Life is a gift and we are making our way beautifully - mistakes and all.

Be encouraged this week, friends; one of my favorite encouragements is the Psalms/songs of the Bible. May you find it blesses you this week, too:

Psalm 4: 6b-7a
"Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy ..."

Animals and Plants

Know what has excited me most the past two weeks?! Making my own mayonnaise ... thank you Melissa Joulwan! Paleo Chicken Nuggets ... Finding a Paleo Ranch Dressing recipe ... Paleo Zucchini Bread ... Catching the theme?! :) I'm seriously enjoying this food journey. I must give a shout out to the amazing recipe books, "Eat Like a Dinosaur" and "Well Fed". I've focused myself on these two books, just so I don't get overwhelmed in choosing recipes for my family. But, I'm excited about getting into http://paleomg.com/ - I ran across an amazing recipe there a couple weeks ago, Avocado Chicken Enchiladas. Haven't tried it yet but stayed tuned ... For now, I thought I would share my Feb menus. I spend an hour+, each month choosing recipes ahead of time in hopes of one, saving money and my sanity, and two, helping my kids love Paleo cooking with me :) Enjoy!

Happy 2013! My motto this year is "Eat well. Run well. All is well." We are becoming a Paleo family and are functioning on the 80/20 concept currently; 80% Paleo, 20% other. I'm very proud of my husband and kids for jumping into this with me - I feel so strongly about our family's heath and wellness, and truly feel the Paleo lifestyle is one we all 'get' and agree we can live! If you're not too familiar with what it means to be a Paleo family, I would encourage you to start with www.paleoparents.com. This family is awesome but super low-key & practical as well :) My husband and I are in the beginning stages of getting our running legs back aka building the base in prep for an April 20th trail half-marathon. I'm excited, and have also realized how much ground I've lost since the marathon we ran in November 2010. But, I am determined. One of my spiritual encouragements comes from Hebrews 12:11. It says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (NLT) It applies to every aspect of who I want to be as a person, friend, wife, and mother. I've come to accept that nothing I truly want of long-term value in life will happen without the encouragement of this verse. May you find spaces of peace in your life as well as you journey on your strongest life!

What an exciting last 6 months for the Sidwell home! We really have hit the ground running; on 04 December 2011, I was challenged by my Pastor - well, really by God through my Pastor! - to pray daily for two specific miracles, one being financial and one being family-oriented. What a journey it has been! God has lead my husband to a new full-time career in manufacturing for a local tech company while continuing his construction business on the side. We have paid off over $20,000 in debt in the last 6 months and are right on track for being debt-free in December of this year! I am a new aunt - my nephew, Ezekiel (Zeke) Dekker, was born on January 27, 2012 and he is truly amazing! Check out this 4-month pic! This summer will be a whirlwind; Brendan will be a 6th grader in the fall and is super-ready to be in middle school - it's going to be a great fit for him. Summer School and Agility Camp for fall Football season fills his days. Lauryl will be in 8th grade this coming year and has her first 'real' job this summer; she is working at Northridge Horse Farm in the stables with some really beautiful horses, and getting a taste of farm life! Aubry will be our lone ranger at Renner as a 4th grader in the Fall. She and I are cooking and baking up a storm this summer, and she has made several new neighborhood friends lately that are keeping her bunk bed full on sleepover nights :) We are a truly blessed family and are looking forward to continued miracles!

Summer to Fall

It's a testament to how much my new job has taken over my life when the last blog entry is the 13th of July! Wow!

It's been a lovely, beautiful, crazy-busy Fall in the Sidwell home. I am teaching gifted children again and LOVE my new job even though it requires all my mental energy just to keep up! This fall, Paul and I helped host the first annual Helping Heroes Challenge - a trail run at Platte Purchase Park to benefit Wounded Warriors. Everything from building and designing the trails to course marshalling to picking up trash; we were in the thick of things and loved every minute. It was a thrilling learning experience; put 10 November 2012 on your calendar for the 2nd annual HHC!

November and December are fast-moving months with our anniversary, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all within 6 weeks of each other! We went to the Plaza III (a steakhouse on The Plaza) to celebrate our 2nd anniversary this last weekend and reflected on how grateful we are for the life we lead. 2012 looks to be a BIG year for us - lots of faith and trust and hard work are in store for our third year of marriage. The starting line is just up ahead; we're about to hit the ground running!

Happy Holiday season to all!

It's a Cupcake World

I can't begin to guess how the cosmos lines up to makes these things happen but ... I baked cupcakes two months in a row. I know. Totally weird, given my non-cake thing. But, once again, we've found a beauty in these babies: Root Beer Float Cupcakes for my sister's (shortcakessweettooth.blogspot.com) June theme.

Recipe: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/04/hot-fudge-root-beer-float-cupcakes/

These cupcakes were extremely simple to make. Simple batter. Simple frosting.

Simply, go for it!

A couple things I learned/would change:

1) More root beer flavoring! These 'cakes weren't nearly as strong on the root beer flavor as I thought they would be, given the amount of extract I put in. My official note to self was: look for STRONGER extract for next time.

2) Make is super-easy on yourself and eliminate the separation of frostings; just make it all root beer flavored! Of all my taste-testers, it was unanimous that this change would be make the 'cakes even better :)

Perfect for hot summer days when you'd rather be eating than running outside in 147% humidity! Enjoy to the hilt :)

Margaritaville!

I'm not a huge fan of cake. Really, only certain kinds of 'cake' turn my fancy. Cheesecake. Texas Sheet Cake. And once in a while, a cupcake.

So my sister chooses "Picnic Food" for our May theme in baking. And nearly the next day sends me this dangerous and sinful link:

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/05/05/margarita-cupcakes-cinco-de-mayo/#more-11708

Don't believe me? Just keep reading.

So a couple weekends ago, I'm in the mood to make these beauties. Let me tell you, this was the best cupcake making and eating experience I've had. That's right. Ever.

The cupcake batter secret is to do exactly what she says. Now, how against the grain is that for me, right?! But, margarita in my right hand and beautiful red Kitchen Aid mixer next to my left, I followed directions for once, and beat the butter and sugar for 5 minutes. 5 minutes. 5 minutes! A thing of beauty ...


The fresh lime zest and lime juice I would say were the next most important parts of both the batter and the frosting. Well of course, besides the tequila ;)

2 of my children wanted to lick the batter from the bowl so we gave it a go. "This tastes weird" all around! Not too hip on the tequila taste as it should be; but AFTER they came out of the oven (the tequila baked out) it was a different story all-around: "These are awesome!" - "They taste so moist!" (Yes, one of my children used the word 'moist').

After again following the directions - this was a marker day for me - for the frosting, and whipping this butter as well for 5 mins (these are super-low calorie cupcakes btw), on went the deliciosity of frosting.



As you can tell, my husband didn't mind posing for the camera with tequila-enthused smiles all around *wink* In all seriousness though: these babies need no tequila to make them amazing. The perfect cupcake. There. You heard me. They're an 11!


Now, go make some for yourself - you won't regret it!

Contemplation

The last couple months have been many things, but mostly a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. I've had several life-changing highs and excruciating lows. I usually sense the roller coaster is coming but it is not until I'm riding it that I realize I am flailing. Like water through a sieve, I leak toxins. I chose self-preservation rather than truth; rules rather than questions; movement rather than contemplation.

See, contemplation requires me to stop. Stop moving. Stop analyzing. Stop controlling. Contemplation allows solace, comfort, rest, moment-to-moment peace. It is about choice. We are always choosing. Ever notice that? Rice or beans; South or North; listen or judge; accept or defend.

I am being stretched in new and different ways. While I am no foreigner to this process by any means, being stretched is never 'fun'. It is typically painful and requires a new level of trust and faith in God to get me through. Spending time in contemplative prayer with Him who makes all things work together for good - and yes, that says ALL things - is an essential piece for me.

It has been hidden.

It is remembered. And uncovered.

Strawberry Goodness

Spring = Strawberries in my world! So happy to participate in the Strawberry Baking promoted by my amazingly, creative food artist sis! (Check out her awesome blog here: http://shortcakessweettooth.blogspot.com/)

I ventured into the muffin-world for my Strawberry-themed recipe this past month. My boy asked me just tonight what my favorite fruit was and I had to respond with 'strawberry'. There are so many ways to enjoy this decadent fruit! I took a recipe recommended by my sister called Strawberry Muffins (the recipe is here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/strawberry-muffins-2/).

In my usual fashion, I am not a great recipe follower (one of the many great traits I gathered from my Mom!) so some things were changed to protect the errr ... innocent- muffin-eater ;) I liked the recipe up-front but also knew I wanted to incorporate fresh berries rather preserves into the recipe. Changes I made: I used strawberry yogurt v. the vanilla yogurt as called for; and I completely left out the preserves and substituted about 2 - 2 1/2c. of fresh strawberries, folding those in last. I also doubled the recipe because I had plans to share with friends at a brunch at work! (The recipe doubled nicely). A few pics of the process along the way:





The muffins were super-moist (thanks, yogurt-y-goodness!) and tasted fresh for at least 3 days without refrigeration. I would recommend this recipe to all :) Enjoy!

Chocolate Mint Brownies

They're here! And they're go-ooo-oood :)

Brendan and I whipped up some Chocolate Mint Brownies for the Mint March recipe.

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/18/chocolate-mint-brownies/#more-11075

The recipe takes a few steps but they are not difficult by any means - good recipe for helpers too. B enjoyed retrieving the measuring cups, unwrapping chocolate, and peppermint patties, as well as smelling everything in sight ;)

Here's a few pics of how it looks, just prior to baking and just as we were about to eat a warm yummy sample!





I'm interested most to see how they taste cooled completely v. still warm and gooey.

Can't wait to hear from others participating in the Mint March cook-off!