Christmas will be here before we know it....

I know that it has been a very long while since I entered my very own blog. You would think that it is because I am very important and have so many things to do. Well, I am busy but I am on this computer way too much to not update all of you on the Ryker household. Let me start by saying that I CANNOT believe that it is june 12th already, can you? What happened to february, march, april, and may. I remember January going by but where did the last 4 months go? I will not bore you with detail by detail but here's a few...

• paul has an art show today. My husband has been feverishly working and has produced some beautiful work. He leaves july 13th for 3 weeks to go on an art show "road trip." I don't know what I am going to do without my man for that long.
• I have a thriving flower garden. Roses, lavender, hydrangea to name a few. I planted my first vegetable garden this spring and have too much squash for us to eat. But I love squash, so we are not at a loss. The tomatoes are doing well, despite Paul reminding me each day to check for horn worms and each day I say, "eeeeewwwww!" I have one carrot that is growing, yes, I said one! Only one seed took. So when that carrot is ready I am going to enjoy it! I planted green onions and they have taken off. I have found with discipline, I am enjoying gardening. Through my garden, my Lord displays my relationship with Him and His relationship with me. I am so fragile like my beautiful plants.
• Our bathroom is SO close to completion. We are using it now. The only thing that needs to be done now, is some moulding. YIPPEEE! I can't believe how long it took, but it was worth it. Now that the bathroom is complete we are going to rent out our front bedroom. Jesus bring us the right person, I am so hesitate to do this but know that this is best!
• I of course am still working at the credit union. I am working hard for another promotion. They have me training so that when a position becomes available I will be ready.
• I have some catering opportunities this summer. Two wedding receptions, yikes! It is going to be fun and we are in need of the extra income but I am still nervous.

What else??? I don't want to bore you all! I will post more later....gotta go help the hubby sell some art!

Recession proof your bread box

I try to make bread at least once a week and no longer buy from the store. I just can't bring myself to spend over 3.00 for a loaf of good, no preservatives, whole wheat bread. Below you will find my recipe, I adapted it to fit my style. I sometimes add 2 tbs of flax seed meal to give it some oomph. When mixing I use my kitchen aid mixer and dough hook, this does all the kneading for me, then I just turn it out onto my oiled board and just knead a few times to make sure it is smooth.

• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 5-6 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the honey in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl (I use nonstick cooking spray), and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled (nonstick cooking spray) 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Dating Anniversary

I remember this day well 3 years ago. I was a preschool teacher at Light and Life Christian School, My best friend got married the weekend before and was set to return from her honeymoon and I thought I was just going on ANOTHER blind date. I remember how God was shaping me up to this moment. He was preparing me for who? Himself. To use me, a sinner in another man's life. I had no idea that this man, was a man God was preparing for Himself, to use in my life. I had no idea that in just 10 months I would marry this man that God had prepared for me, that he would be my love. The man God has chosen for me to shape and mold me to prepare me to stand before Christ. If you don't know the story of how we met..here goes... My mentor at the time and still, Christina, was determined to find me a husband...my one superficial requirement was that he be tall, so she and her sister set me up with their nephew. Who was tall but not who God had in mind. We have another couple at our church (who turn out to be some of our best friends) who got married the october before we met and Christina had been at the wedding and noticed this man, a groomsman that displayed a marvelous servant heart, she also noticed that he was TALL. So she got to talking with our friends, Rich and Sarah and started hashing out a "plan." Rich quickly intervened, being very smart, "let's not try to trick them into meeting, let's see if they want to meet each other." They talked to Bre making sure it was a good idea(thanks Bre) and Bre being another smart woman sat me next to Christina, Rich and Sarah at her wedding, where Rich very promptly out of blue, "can we have your number so that we can give to our friend." I of course, handed over my number. That was Saturday and on Wednesday, I noticed a phone call from a Paul Rider (I thought he said Rider). I called him Thursday at nap time and we played phone tag. On the message he asked if I would like to do lunch on Saturday. I talked with Debbie at work and she said, "you should suggest the french bakery on Grand." So we talked and Paul said,"I know this great french bakery on Grand, Would you like to go there?"----I think God had that planned---just to make me smile. So the rest is history..... I don't want to bore you with what we talked about....but let's just say it "worked out!" : ) So I am off to eat lunch with my love at the spot we met.

My new favorite product

So lately I have been looking a little worn around the eyes and my mk consultant just happens to work with me and has been telling me about this product for awhile, I was like ok, great, anyway... But today I was talking with her and I was whining about how tired, run down, and heavy my eyes felt. So she gave me a sample of this.... This product is amazing!!!!! This is Mary Kay's Soothing Eye Gel. I don't sell this you'll have to talk to Luz, but if you see a Mary Kay Consultant grab her and tell her you need it, because what woman doesn't need a little eye revitalization?

Deep Honesty...

A year, several weeks, and a few days has passed and my womb is still empty. I find myself mourning my freedom. I get the "enjoy your freedom now" or "just you wait" all the time. I stare at pregnant women, children in carts, babies--secretly begging Jesus to grant this desire. I want their insane lives, I want to corral children around a cart in the grocery store, I want what they have. My heart cries out to God, my womb aches to be filled. I struggle with connecting what my mind knows with what my heart desires. I know that God will give us children in His time, I know that He has a plan, I know that He is moulding and shaping me. I know that our Lord might have a different plan, I know that all things work together ultimately for His glory. I must find contentment and peace through Jesus. I put my trust in Him and only Him, He will see me through.

Lake Arrowhead

This past weekend we headed up to Lake Arrowhead, where we stayed at my aunt and uncles cabin amidst foot after foot of snow surrounding the cabin. (It was actually a 3 foot wall) We had so much fun with our dear friends- jim, luba, rich and sarah. I am not quite sure I am ready to live where it snows but it's nice to know that it is so close if I want to visit it.

Have some tea with me today, and enjoy time with Him.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 I really needed this verse today! Praise the Lord! I hope it will encourage y'all (remember I am trying to become southern, in so-cal) today!

SO, because of renting out a room in our house (see post below) I am moving my craft room all over the house. This is where one day I will have a pot belly stove but until I can save up enough this space now housing my sewing table. The sewing table is actually quite large but folds in half so that on a regular basis I can store it against the wall with a cover on top. Ok, so do any of you have some ideas for this space, it is in my family room and I don't have a table cloth that fits it to extend to the floor and I have a white sterilite drawer container to the side. I don't like clutter...but....I don't know how to make this space look pretty.

I have to send a "SHOUT-OUT" to my friends over at Old Navy, Khakis and boxers for the hubby and I only spent $5.49

This place is MY home, oh wait it's not!

Ok, so lately with the economy and all that goes with that (by the way, I am so done talking about the economic situation of our country) we have been discussing what we can do to generate more income, because lets face it, NO ONE is buying art right now (if you want to purchase some let me know, paulryker.com---we except visa, mastercard,discover, amex, paypal, you knew I would push it...)! So we are going to rent out one of our bedrooms and possibly a second if it comes to that, I am trying to convince paul that I need to be gradually moved into this. I have also been fighting it. Ok, I admit it...here I am in a study where I am learning all about...eek...submission and this is one area I am NOT submitting in. So here sits a little girl in front of this computer just wanting to play house. Have her little room where she can sew, have overnight guests, craft and blog. She wants a bedroom that is all pretty. She wants her husband to have his fabulously organized and decorated art studio, etc... AND DON'T FORGET YOU TOUCH MY KITCHEN YOU DIE!!!! But that all changed this afternoon.... God is molding me ladies because today I was listening to the radio minding my own business and it was like I heard Him audibly tell me, "That home is NOT yours, it's mine. I own it, I can take it away, I can let you keep it." I am not saying it is not going to be hard or it is going to be easy, I am just saying my perspective is changing. What an awesome way to serve! Married Couple, Christian. 1 Eccentric Artist, teacher, bathroom re -modeler and 1 crazy banker, baker, house cleaner, blogger. Seeks 1 christian male to rent 1 cozy bedroom with bathroom. They must only eat peanut butter and jelly or top ramen or enjoy someone else cooking for them. just kidding.... well, maybe

attention all prayer warriors...

My cousin jayme is getting married in May and she asked me to be a bridesmaid...yahoo. So she picked out these stunning dresses in a beautiful clover color. There is just one small problem I need to lose weight!!! So I am going to be focusing on eating healthy and exercising...I think this is one of my new years resolution..anyhoo.... SOOO...I am going to start a seperate blog (because I am so good about blogging regularly). This will journal what I am doing, no need to read it if you don't want to. I love you all! So as of today I have 118 days till I am a super hot bridesmaid, no hotter than the bride of course. Here's the dress.....

New Year Resolutions...

Ok, this is coming to you all a little tardy, like 21 days...but oh well here goes....

1. Lose weight This is normally on everyone's list, I know. How many years have I said this? Well, I have gained too much weight, and NO it is not from the holidays. There is one wrench that I wouldn't mind getting thrown into this goal, which would be pregnancy. I can't really make pregnancy a new year resolution, so I am throwing it here.

2. Organize my house Ok, so I know this goal is a little large but I think I can do this, I have a whole year and no kids are surrounding me yet. But wait, I can't stretch this out over a year...we are renting out the room that hoards all my stuff! Ok so that has to be this week. YIKES!

3. Budget Ok so every year we make a budget! Yaaa, for budgets. Divine freedom in them, don't you think??? NOT! I hate this meeting that my husband and I have. SO, on that note....there is a prayer request for y'all (no, I am not turning southern, but have been reading all these blogs by southern authors that say y'all, and it sounds so much cuter than you all) We need to stick to our budget and my argument of "but it was such a great deal or it was so cheap," does not really fly anymore. So I must find contentment, refuge, peace other than in shopping...aack this definitely a prayer request.

4. Reading the word of God together and praying together This is another one that we need prayer for. Paul and I want to be able to do this 5 nights a week (I don't do mornings well, so don't suggest that, please). We have struggled with this just because so many things get in the way.

Ok, so I'll leave the list here. I think these are the key ones, so many more though. I don't want to bore you.

ok, so I am the worst blogger

My posting is so sporadic, so if anyone is still reading or checking it out, God Bless YOU!

I made this recipe over Christmas and again tonight. I love it, so yummy. I would recommend using fresh cranberries (I had some bags that I stockpiled from thanksgiving).

LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Estimated Times: Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 1 hrs | Cooling Time - 30 min cooling | Yields - 24 slices (12 slices per loaf) Enjoy this irresistibly moist and flavorful bread. Delicious for breakfast or snack. One batch makes two large loaves; one for now and one for later. Or bake into mini loaves. They make great gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice or water
• 1 cup sweetened dried, fresh or frozen cranberries

Directions: PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. COMBINE flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil and juice in large mixer bowl; beat until just blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pans. BAKE for 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Recipe makes two loaves. FOR THREE 8 x 4-INCH LOAF PANS: PREPARE as above. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. FOR FIVE OR SIX 5 x 3-INCH MINI-LOAF PANS: PREPARE as above. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

2 years ago.....

I married my love.

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas....

I ABSOLUTELY love Christmas.

Our home group treats...

This week was our turn to clean the church so we headed back to our house for some warm, fresh out of the oven oatmeal ginger cranberry cookies and something warm and cozy to drink, now all we need is that fire in the wood burning stove I want to get!

I'm Decorating...

Check back soon for some pics!!!!

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

The Lord blesses us in many different ways. I feel particularly thankful for certain physical possessions He has given me. Here are just a few....

• My Oven: He has created a gift and desire in my heart and hands to create for my friends and family.
• My Bed: Where He gives me ultimate rest. We all need sleep, but I certainly have joy when lying in my comfy bed.
• My Car: Despite the rising gas prices, I am still able to drive this mechanism that allows me to get here and there. Another tool God has given me to give Him glory.
• My Couches: Where I can snuggle up to my honey and watch a movie, dive into a good book, debate and discuss with friends, or put up my feet and browse through my cookbooks and magazines.
• My Computer: Where I can blog with friends, eat up all the latest news, search for interesting things, SHOP for good deals.

These things are just things, all may be taken from me in a blink of an eye, however the Lord has chosen to bless me in this way today.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

I am starting a weekly blog about Thankfulness. I saw this while browsing other blogs and thought what an awesome opportunity to praise our Lord. Sometimes they will be silly, other times serious, and others obvious "Sunday school" answers.

• Thank you Lord for revealing my need for thankfulness. Your mercies are truly new every morning.
• My house---that the bills are paid and on time.
• The gift to cook for my family and friends. I often take this for granted and gripe or complain, but what another awesome way to serve you.
• For relaxing times in bed when Paul and I read aloud to one another. This time has turned out to be a huge blessing. THANK YOU.
• For the opportunity to be hospitable in our home every Thursday night by having the other young marrieds over. Thank you for blessing us in this way.

This is for you Bre..... Argh, I miss you! I need some face to face girl time. Can't wait for November.

Jam, a strict budget, and bread baking

Well, it has been a while since I posted. Today I am enjoying a much needed day off from the credit union but have my work at home. I have severely neglected doing the laundry and because of how much I am doing today I have decided to discipline myself to a laundry schedule. Mondays-Towels, Tuesdays-Sheets, Wednesdays and Thursdays-our clothes. You may wonder and may not care that I am posting this, but I am making it public so that I can be accountable. Some things that are happening 'round these here parts....

• I am making jam. I have already made strawberry-fig and white peach. This evening I will make plum.

• We have revised our budget. The food budget has been cut, as well as eating out. So I am up for a challenge, I am in the process of finding delicious recipes that will stretch dollars. I am open to suggestions. As far as eating out, I have a beautiful picnic basket that we will have to start using and eat out that way. As far as budgeting goes we have also canceled some services that we have enjoyed in hopes again to save money. Don't feel sorry for me please, this doesn't mean that we are depriving ourselves, we are going to find other ways to keep ourselves occupied. We have discovered that the library has movies for $.50, so we will get one a week and enjoy movie night. We also are going to start reading some of our favorite books to one another, learn spanish, etc....

• Since bread is $3+ a loaf I have decided that I am going to try baking bread. It seems like it should be rather easy and who doesn't love the smell of fresh baked bread :)

• I received my annual review at the credit union this past week and rated better than I thought with a raise. YAHOO!

• Paul is joining the "painting a day" group on ebay (it's not really a group, but many artists do this). He will post one painting a day, 5 days a week. The size will generally be 6x8 unframed and the bidding starts at about $100. Check out:
  http://paulryker.blogspot.com/

That is about it....

Backpacking @ Sequoia National Park

Here is a few pics from our most recent vacation. We went backpacking in the Sequoias and had a great time but in classic Michelle fashion I rolled my ankle on the last 2 miles, so have been recovering ever since. Oh darn, I had to wear flip flops to work for a week : (

3rd Annual Art Show, This Sunday

Paul Ryker

Art Show @ The Huff Ranch in the beautiful Escondido countryside, exclusively featuring fine artists Paul Ryker and Nathan Huff. Sunday, July 27th 3-7pm Please consider attending. Email me if you are interested in attending and I will get you the info.

This is all I am going to say and I'll be done, well maybe

Consumer confidence is too intense, I can't handle it! We are so blind that we "run" this economy. Sorry President Bush the "Stimulus" didn't work, they all do and say what the news media tells them.