Life in the Ryker Household

I'm back! I think...

2010-11-11T14:38:00.001-08:00

To get back into the swing of things, how about a recipe?

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/pie-crust-102-all-butter-really-flaky-pie-dough/

Ok, this is someone else's recipe, but I have not found a crust I like better. Don't be scared off by the amount of butter. It's amazing and all REAL! I use whole wheat pastry flour instead of the white flour and found that the texture is amazing and it's whole wheat....it MUST be healthy!!!

Seeds

2010-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there a seed to plant kinda guy or gal??? Do you have any tips or resources? I have decided to start all my vegetables from seed from here on because of the enormous savings. From one packet for $2.75 I can get 50 plants versus 2 plants for $1.99, which is still a good deal if that is the way you want to go.

I think I'm becoming a morning person.

2010-05-18T05:47:00.001-07:00

I have been up and awake since 4:30 am, no don't read that over...you read it correctly. I have decided that the only way for me to have some quiet time with my Savior and squeeze in some exercise is to get up before the crack of dawn. Lord help me, thankfully He is.

Great Old Broads For Wilderness

2010-05-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have been given the wonderful opportunity to cater a "Broadwalk" for the Great Old Broads for Wilderness. We are heading up to Warner Springs, CA on Thursday to the Oak Grove Community Center. It should be crazy fun!!! Here is the menu: I use mostly all local organic produce and organic meats, cheeses, and dairy.

Thursday Dinner: Chunky Veggie Chili topped with tangy yogurt, cheese, and scallions Whole Wheat Corn Muffins served with honey butter Green Salad Dessert: Snickerdoodle Cookies

Friday Breakfast: Oatmeal Bar with tons of fixins' (Brown Sugar, Nuts, Dried Fruit, Etc..) English Muffin Fresh Fruit Dinner: Potato-Squash Enchiladas Southwest Slaw Dessert: Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Saturday Breakfast: Tomato, Asparagus, Goat Cheese Egg Frittata Roasted Red Potatoes Fresh Fruit Dinner: Vegetable Lasagna and Turkey Sausage Lasagna Caesar Salad Fresh Artisan Bread Dessert: Avocado Pound Cake served with Whipped Creme Fraiche, Grapefruit, Oranges, and Strawberries

Sunday Breakfast: Multigrain Pancakes Veggie Sausage and Pork Sausage Fresh Fruit Dinner: Blueberry and Yellow Beet Sushi Salad Pork Tenderloin Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Monday Breakfast: Yogurt Parfaits with homemade granola Blueberry-Banana Muffins

What are those?

2010-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, those are certified seed potatoes from Ronniger Potato Farm in Colorado, I had lots of fun picking out what I was going to plant and here they are all ready to be put in the ground. Here's hoping for 70+++ pounds of potatoes!

Also, please excuse the terrible picture...cameras on phones are really good for nothing! =) Well maybe texting your mom to make sure that those pants don't make you look fat...

Book Review: "Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a Day"

2010-03-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite book. Well, it would be yours too if you had hot, fresh bread every day (well, almost every day...even I don't have five minutes sometimes.) So, I have been making this bread for over 2 months now and LOVE, LOVE this book. They make it look so easy and you know what, IT IS! You will love it too, I promise. Pictured at the top of this post is the french boule that I made tonight. Crusty Exterior....soft, chewy interior....mmmmm..... The book calls for unbleached all purpose flour but I wanted to use whole wheat, so I have done this batch of bread with a very small amount (3 cups) of unbleached all purpose flour, 10 cups white whole wheat flour.

I'm back...with a Ryker update

2010-03-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

So first I must start this post by apologizing for my absence, then again who am I apologizing to....??? Debbie! My former co-worker and friend reads this….So Debbie, I am once again posting. So, let me start again….

Debbie, I must start by apologizing for my absence in the blog-o-sphere and ask that you continue to read my blog, despite my lack of consistency. (by the way did you know Microsoft doesn’t recognize the word blog? One more reason I must switch to Mac.)

Here goes nothing…

Life around Ryker Household is always interesting but has been more interesting with the addition of two others living in our home. We have rented out two of our bedrooms to two ladies. Praise Jesus! So far, there seems to be no tendencies towards being a serial killer or axe murderer, for this I must shout another PRAISE JESUS! They also have stayed away from my Kitchen Aid, which means that they have my seal of approval. (Just so you know even touching the Kitchen Aid is punishable by death.)

I planted my spring garden this month. Paul lovingly built me several raised beds with a couple more coming to plant some items I am receiving in the coming weeks, so this year my plants will hopefully be disease free. Growing in our garden is: Swiss Chard, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, celery. I received my potato “seeds” last week, and much to Paul’s dismay they are not seeds at all but mini potatoes. I told him I was aware that they would be small potatoes but they are certified to be disease free and excellent for growing large quantities. He, I think is still convinced I was “ripped off” and couldn’t believe how excited I was to receive a ‘free gift with purchase’ which in fact was another potato seed. I love gifts! It could be a potato or a diamond….these things just make me happy.

2010-02-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

I got nothin'!!!!!!!! Come back, I'll have more soon. Husband's like to eat and live in a clean house with clean clothes. Oh, but I did buy a new citrus essential oil for my laundry soap at Jimbo's and it smells heavenly...and you want to know the best part, it was the cheapest of them all.

Freedom Food

2010-01-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

Freedom from industrially processed food

Commercial Mayo is made with industrialized oils, even the "new" olive oil mayo out on the market is made with just partial olive oil and the rest is soybean oil. Soybean oil is roughly 46% omega-6 fatty acids, a small amount of this fatty acid is great in your diet, but this amount is far greater than you want to be eating. Omega-6 fatty acids can also squash the effects of the excellent omega-3 fatty acids. That's my soapbox...now on to the recipe...

Homemade Mayonnaise ( Don't forget to say it like me, mannaise, it irritates Mr. Ryker) 2 egg yolks*** 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice freshly ground pepper and sea salt to taste 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Using a whisk, stick blender, or regular blender - combine the egg, lemon juice and salt and pepper and mix until well blended. Mix at low speed if using a blender. Add olive oil a little at a time or in a constant small stream. The ingredients will emulsify and thicken. And...wouldn't some basil be great in this or some garlic or anything really.

I can't remember where I found this recipe (to give credit where credit is due) but it is lovely and you get the satisfaction of home processing your food. I'm dying for some chicken salad with dried cranberries and pecans right about now. Enjoy.

***Disclaimer: Always use FRESH, free range eggs. It is a personal decision to eat raw eggs. Eat at your own risk. \"/

Wholesome Recipe of the Week

2010-01-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

Lentil Chard Soup (adapted from "Food and Wine" magazine)

1 cup lentils (rinsed)

4 cups water

4 cups chicken stock

--bring to a boil, add 2 lg. chopped yukon gold potatoes then simmer 25 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are just tender.

4 strips bacon, fry till crispy remove from pan

in bacon grease saute 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes till soft. Add Coarsly chopped Swiss chard--stalks removed (I love the rainbow variety from Jimbo's) and wilt. Add to soup along with salt and pepper. Add to soup and simmer for 15 minutes. Juice 2 lemons and add to soup.

Serves about 6. Great with a salad and some crusty whole wheat bread.

The Unconventional Housewife

2010-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Reaching beyond conventional

My Son of Promise "He maketh the barren woman to keep house and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord." Psalm 113:9

I weep and wait for God to fill my womb just as...

Sarah waited for Isaac. Genesis 16-21

Rebekah waited for Jacob and Esau. Genesis 30

Rachel waited for Joseph and Benjamin.

Samson's mother waited for Samson. Judges 13

Hannah waited for Samuel. 1 Samuel

Shunammite woman (whom the Bible calls a great woman) waited for her child. 2 Kings 4:8-17

Elisabeth waited for John the Baptist. Luke 1

I put my faith and trust in God. He will fill my womb in His time, just as He was faithful to fill these wombs with not just any son but sons of promise.

One Frugal GIrl's Guide to Survival #3

2010-01-19T18:31:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: I don't know if I can really be described as frugal or that if you are frugal there is a need for survival. Frugal is relative. Now remember, because this what I am told I have to tell myself... "It is not a deal if we can't afford it." Paul Ryker, head of the Ryker household

We Eat! Our food lifestyle is changing and therefore this frugal girl, is doing a major re-think on her food shopping. I cannot shop the ads anymore for delicious "cheap" meat, because it is cheap in quality. If anyone knows me, they know that I get my ads and scour them for meat to fill my freezer. Not anymore, I only shop now for good quality meat. Grass-fed beef, free range chickens and eggs (they are omnivores like us, they eat veggies and bugs, so I look for that too!), and pastured pork. This is definitely costly, so I am looking for recipes to stretch these meats into multiple meals. It is amazing to me how for all this time I could eat meat without even thinking of what the animals ate. They are a lot like us, in that they need to be healthy, they need a premium food that is right for their diets too. Frugality is relative on this one, definitely. So I will leave you with the old saying, "You are what you eat." and a new twist from Mrs. Ryker, "You are what the food your food eats."

Wholesome Recipe of the Week

2010-01-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

I LOVE making frittatas. I generally bake them in the oven so it is not completely a traditional frittata which gets started in a pan on the stove but this recipe is easy, frugal, and pretty tasty too!

Cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan in baby spinach. You can put a lot because it shrinks down. Next I sauteed two slices of bacon, then crumbled them. In the bacon grease I sauteed 1/2 a minced onion until soft. Then I sprinkled them on top of the spinach. I also generously sprinkled some whole milk feta. After that was all layered in the pan, I whisked together 12 eggs, 1/2 cup raw whole milk, then added freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Then just pour on top( the eggs won't completely cover the spinach) and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until center is "wiggly free."

One Frugal Girl's Guide to Survival Edition #2

2010-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

We "shop" the public library first. I LOVE books, so this one is hard. My dream house would consist of a study with ceiling to floor bookshelves and a chaise lounge right in the middle to read whenever I want to. Oh but my dream is to also have a big family, so I don't think this will be happening. Anyway, for fear of "spider-webbing," I will move to my point. Renting books from the library has saved us so much money, when I remember to turn them in on time. Just recently I stopped myself from spending $50 at Amazon and found the books at the library instead!
In case you want to know what I'm reading... Real Food by Nina Plancke, My Life in France by Julia Child (I actually bought this when it first came out in paperback and am re-reading it), In the Defense of Food by Michael Pollan, To live is Christ by Beth Moore,

Happy Anniversary Baby!

2010-01-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

3 years ago I married my best friend, my love. The best part is, he knows the most about me and is still around. :)

NYR 2010

2010-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

Now, comes the time for the dreaded, well ok, maybe not dreaded New Year's Resolution post. You know you have all already blogged yours, right? Here's some bed time reading in no particular order...

1. "Jesus Time" with the Hubba-wubba. We keep trying this and sometimes are very good at being consistent and other times it is once a month. Looking to keep this a habit and enjoy time growing close to my Husband and to my Heavenly Father. 2. Run 5k, 10k, and half marathon. This may sound crazy to you all, well it is I have gone crazy. I have discovered that the only way for me to get into shape is to have these goals. The 5k is in April, so I will have lots of time to get into peak condition. I have been running consistently for the last week and a half and it has actually been fun...I am crazy sore....but fun! 3. Whole Foods Diet. No this doesn't mean I am going to shop exclusively at Whole Foods Market. We are changing the way we eat, to more "real" food. My husband is exceedingly excited about this because that means raw cream top whole milk. The process will be slow, but look for recipes and thoughts on all this through the coming year. 4. Keep my master bedroom clean. Did you know that my husband would rather have the rest of the house messy, but our bedroom spotless. He calls it his sanctuary. I read, "The Other Side of the Garden" FUGATE last year and one of the points she made was to ask your husband about the house, where his sanctuary is and my husband of course said the place that all the junk goes first to hide. 5. Keep our budget tight and thrifty. Our desire and goal is to have all our debt (minus the house) paid off in the next 16 months. That is why you will be seeing posts about being frugal, living with less. Think "frugal chic."

Ok, I will leave it at that! Happy New Year, God's richest blessings to you and your family this year!

Wholesome Recipe of the Week

2010-01-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I made Alton Brown's Granola Bar Recipe and they were fabulous! Chewy, with some good crunch. We had our nephews over so I can tell you that they were "kid tested, and aunt approved."

Chelle's Comments
Make sure that you are measuring out everything with a scale. Lots of the reviews talked about how the measurements seemed off and that is because they were not quite accurately measuring everything by hand.
You can find wheat germ at Henry's in the cereal aisle. I like the raw wheat germ, since you are already toasting it in this recipe
For the dried fruit, I used half Turkish apricots and half dried cranberries.
When you add the dried fruit you can add some flax seed meal to give it some extra wholesomeness.
Next time, I think I will put in a bigger pan and make longer thinner bars, much like the store bought variety. These were squares and thick. Just remember to adjust the time baked.

One Frugal Girl's Guide to Survival Edition #1

2009-12-29T21:09:00.001-08:00

I make my own laundry soap. click here for recipe

This may sound strange or you may think...does it work? Is it good for HE washers? Does it smell good? Does it really save money? And I can tell you a big fat YES to all these. I splurge on essential oils for the scent and love the lavender variety. I love knowing exactly what I am washing my clothes in and I really think it cleans better and does not leave a grimy residue. Now, I understand you all may be Tide lovers or cannot live without your All. But I bet I can make a believer out of you once you see how much money you are saving.

Note: I use Ivory bar soap and it works great and can usually find it cheaper than Fels-Naptha

I buy some things in bulk.

Keyword is SOME. Costco and I have a love-hate relationship. It is my Indy-500, I time myself to see how fast I get out of there and am going to start making my list by aisle number if they would just stop moving things around, it must be a conspiracy. I have a problem people or maybe it is a good thing. Just know if you ever stay at my house you can be sure I won't run out of toilet paper or pickles. I don't necessarily do all my bulk shopping at Costco. When I say I buy in bulk, I buy a lot of one thing if it is on "killer" sale. For example: my husband's 3-N-1 shampoo is made by Sauve (it is cheap already). But a couple weeks ago it was on sale at the grocery store and I got it for about $.75 ea. So of course I bought 6. Anyway, the moral of the bulk story is shop and hunt, cause when you are trying to cut corners it pays to find the best deals.

OK folks, that's it for edition #1 of this frugal girl's guide to survival. Stay tuned next week for Edition #2. For tomorrow, Chelle's Variation of "Alton Brown's Granola Bars."

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

2009-06-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

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

In a large bowl, dissolve the honey in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
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.
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.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Dating Anniversary

2009-03-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-02-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T23:33:00.001-08:00

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.

2009-02-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

"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!

2009-02-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-02-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-24T19:24:00.001-08:00

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...

2009-01-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-08T23:01:00.000-08:00

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.....

2009-01-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

I married my love.

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

2008-12-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

I ABSOLUTELY love Christmas.

Our home group treats...

2008-12-11T23:14:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-10-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Check back soon for some pics!!!!

2008-09-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-09-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Wants vs. Needs (continued..)

2008-06-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

The struggle to have instant gratification is so intense in our society. Our culture teaches that life is about getting what you want and enjoying it, that is the meaning of life. Then, if that doesn't work you must donate millions to charity and take photographs with the masses that you have assisted and if this fails to make you happy, what are we to do? I find myself falling in the category of instant gratification so often or maybe pray about it on Monday and expect results Tuesday. I want it now!! NOT TOMORROW! Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Excerpt from Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler

"A mighty God could have created a world quite different from the one we know. It could have had perpetually dark skies, grass that hurt to walk on, dogs that couldn't be housebroken, and people incapable of love."

"So often we miss life's beauty because we are preoccupied by it's flaws. Instead of taking of our shoes to feel the feathery soft grass beneath our feet, we complain that it's growing so fast we don't have time to mow it....."

So often I take for granted how God has provided what I need for today. Let us all take a step back to relish in the life God wants us to live TODAY.

Jim and Luba's West Coast Wedding Celebration

2008-06-14T23:43:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we celebrated our good friends, jim and luba. They married on may 31st in beautiful upstate new york. Most of us over here on the shining california coast were not able to join them, so we planned a gathering of friends. I have no good pictures of the happy couple to share unfortunately but if you look below, you will see some items that I lovingly prepared. I did fruit and veggie platters, cheese platters, a pasta salad to feed the whole usa, a cupcake tree, and prepared some of the flowers (her bouquet and the cupcake stand). I had lots of fun with just a hint of stress (please don't ask my husband about the "hint") and I am thinking of expanding my business to flowers and catering.

Food!

2008-06-14T23:42:00.000-07:00

A Bouquet and Favors

2008-06-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

A Cupcake Tree

2008-06-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

2008-06-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Cupcakes (Lemon with Lemon Buttercream); Tabitha's Birthday Cupcakes (Coconut with cream cheese frosting)

New Phase...

2008-06-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Wants vs. Needs enough said, I think.

Gone Phishing....

2008-06-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ladies prepare yourself. Are you already to be "phished," scammed, or otherwise violated. I thought it would not happen to me, what do I have that those kind of people want? But today it did. My parents got a call and message from a man who asked for me by my maiden name, he proceeded to harass my mom after she called him to tell that I no longer lived at that address. To make a long story short, I called him and he stated that I had a collection account originally with Chase but then Chase sold my account to First USA Bank from 2005/2006. After a long conversation with him, he resolved to check out the facts on the case and said he would call me back. This man, knew my parents names, my parents street address, my parents phone numbers, etc.. Here are some facts that I checked out with Chase. Chase did merge in fact merge with first usa but Chase bought them out. Chase never sells credit cards to other financial institutions. This man also stated that he was the president of a consulting firm that was outsourced by chase. Chase also let me know that they do all their own collections, no matter how much the amount or what the time frame. The best news of all Chase DOES NOT have a credit card account under my social security number, previous name or current name. Chase warned me that I was trying to be caught in a phishing scam and that I should contact the local authorities. I called the escondido pd and they could do nothing for me but told me some helpful hints in case he keeps calling me. According to Chase and the Esc. PD I did everything I should. Ladies, let me tell you, he said all the right things, had all the right answers, and sounded for the most part legitimate. The scammers are only going to become more prevalent as the financial realm gets worse, be on your guard.

2008-05-26T00:24:00.001-07:00

So life in the ryker household as been a little crazy lately!! Here is what is going on...

We have started demo on our hallway and hall bath..yikes...there is white powder on EVERYTHING!
We tore down "sound proof room" in garage
From first two items, we have gone to dump at least 3 times and we have a full dumpster in the driveway and could probably go again to the dump.
I of course have been working, as usual. Loving the fact that I work in Escondido now and don't fill up my gas tank all the time.
Paul is done teaching for the semester.
We have planned our 2 summer trips--Backpacking in Big Sur with the Floyd's and Soaking up the 105 degree sun at Lake Mojave with Family.
Did I say my house is a mess and I am considering forming a support group for people that remodel and demo their own homes.
I have been making TONS of cupcakes. (I am also looking for "investors" to help start a bakery)
Planning a west coast reception for friends that are getting married on the east coast.....and guess what, I am making cupcakes.
Best of all, I have tomorrow off and get to sleep in.

The Mothers in my life....

2008-05-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

This are some of the women in my life, who happen to me mothers, that have helped mold and shape the woman I am today and becoming. My Mom, Christy: She has such a beautiful heart. I can talk to her about anything. She can make me laugh, that deep belly laugh that makes you hurt. I love the way she looks at my Dad, you can tell they are still in love, even if you don't hear those words. The way she can make Costco way more enjoyable astounds me, if we go together I leave much less stressed. How she raised me with the assurance that God exists and Christ, His Son died and rose again for our sins. My Mother-in-law, Sheila: She raised the wonderful man I call my husband, his heart speaks volumes of how he was raised. Her delightful spirit when she is around her family. How she will drop everything if someone is in need. My Grandmother, Joy: She developed my appreciation for art by taking me to museums and looking through books (I think you all know how that fits in). She shares my love for all things European and french. My Grandmother, Beverly: I loved how she made me endless amounts of vests that I loathed wearing, just because she wanted to make me something special. The quilt she handcrafted for me that we sleep with every night and the one she gave me before she died for my future daughter. How she helped develop my love for baking. How we could just sit and chat all day. The amount of dairy that lactose-intolerant woman ate. The legacy she left for my mom and I. My Sister-in-law, Leah: The management of her 5 child household still amazes me. How she can carry an intelligent conversation while 2 of the 5 children are screaming in the background. How she carries herself with beauty, poise, and can still be rough and tumble with her boys. The joy she shares when she is happy for you. My best friend, Bre: How she explains things for her step-son, so he can actually increase his knowledge instead of giving him the easy answer. She encourages me even when she is the one needing the encouragement. Her hair, it is always fabulous. There are so many other qualities I see in these women, these just name a few. Thank to you all, I pray that I can some day be a mother like you too.

Raven's Birthday Cupcakes

2008-05-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

I made 24 Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with bright pink buttercream with mod pink flowers for decoration. These were done for a co-workers daughter's birthday...hope she enjoyed!

Art Walk San Diego

2008-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend (April 26th and 27th) is Artwalk in Little Italy, San Diego. Paul will be featuring some of his latest work. On another note, these paintings are up at Vincent's Sirinos on Grand Avenue in Escondido till the end of the month and are some of my favorites. I would also like to add that here at Ryker Illustrations were are joining the 21st century and are able to accept all credit cards, including american express ; ) Paul and I are very excited, we even swiped our card for 1 penny to "practice."

2008-04-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Lemon Squares and Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites.

I can't stand anymore....

2008-04-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

60 cheesecake bites and 30 lemon squares later (after working all day).....I'M DONE!!!

Daddy.....I need you.....

2008-04-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

I had a co-worker the other day write me a beautiful email of how she sees such joy in my heart and if she was not a Christian she would wonder what makes and shapes my heart. I could not believe this email because lately the Lord has been tugging, no yanking at my heart to cling to Him, trust Him, love Him, be joyous in Him. My response to the Lord has been one of no response. I am ignoring my God, like a teenager does to her father. Before this email my heart was heavy not joyous. My God chose to speak to me through a friend at just the right time. I am amazed friends. I am being watched, God is using me and I am not even aware. My strange, depraved life is a glimpse of who God is. I could sit here and write what I think I need in my life. What should come next in the Ryker family. How I need this or that. But God is right there telling me what I need and what should come next. That is to rely on His everlasting mercies, cling to His love, and trust that He is the only way.

A Fine Day For a Walk...

2008-04-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday was such a beautiful day. So Paul and I decided it would be a great day to head out to Lake Hodges. So we called up the Ferkins and headed out. I had the opportunity to try on some kids for the day and take a "faux family portrait." Well these are my nephews but Paul and I got to see what it would look like if we had 2 little ones. : )

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stowers

2008-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

My brother and my new sister in law got married this weekend!!! What a great event and we couldn't have asked for better weather!!! (Some of the featured music is on a specially created playlist at the bottom of the page...check it out.)

Will Paint For Food....

2008-03-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband is an artist by profession not by hobby. No "starving" artists live here. That is our business and I would love nothing more than for him to be able to support us and our future family by doing something that he loves dearly. He gets so much enjoyment out of it. By observing the male sex and understanding just a pinch of how God made them I can see that a man feels most respected, accomplished and has more "self"-worth when he is providing for his family by doing something he truly cares about. I can't imagine sending my husband off to work each day to sit at a desk in front of a computer all alone tucked in a cubicle. He would not thrive. However, I know if he needed to he would do a job he hates in order for us to live "well," I think that is one of the reasons why I have no reservations about supporting him in his endeavor. Some months are tight, some are even tighter, but the Lord provides and shows us continually he is in control and we do not need to fear. Please pray for us, please pray that my husband can continue to paint and sell his work. Pray that I would be able to respect, trust and submit to his financial and business decisions. Praise God for the blessing of the gifts and talents he bestows upon us.

Single for the weekend!

2008-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well kinda. My husband left today for Tempe, Arizona's "Festival of the Arts." He does not return till Monday Late, and I frankly do not know what to do with myself. I think I will sprawl out in my big bed, steal all the covers, leave the porch light on and dream on all the things I will do this weekend. I miss him though : (

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

What would Easter be without some cake after dinner. So I made a 2 tiered strawberry cake (fresh strawberries, of course) and filled and frosted it with whipped cream cheese frosting (a perfect blend of whipped cream and cream cheese). On a more serious note..... Thank you Jesus for the splendor of what you did for a sinner like me.

MY BABY!

2008-03-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is for all of you who don't know me well, this is one of my children. I have two children in my house; my beautiful, fabulous kitchen aid mixer and our 5 year old lab, cali. The Lord has not brought little people in our lives quite yet so until then....but even after that the mixer will always hold a special place in my heart.

He WAS smiling....

2008-03-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is Silas my good friend Bre's litte boy, I promise on a normal basis this little guy laughs and smiles at me, but for this picture he just looked freaked out. "Who is this lady, and why are you letting her hold me mom?". Also on another note, you can see I have new hair. Both the hair and the picture were stolen from bre. (Thank you!)

You are right, I am always wrong....don't worry!

2008-03-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

This is how my day went..... member says...."I would like twenty from my checking account." I say....."Ok, twenty from checking." member says....."yes" I say...."Please sign where it says cash received by." After this I hand member twenty. Member says..."I wanted two hundred!"

Shameless Carrot-Pineapple Cupcakes!

2008-03-07T22:12:00.000-08:00

I made some scrumptious, super moist carrot-pineapple cupcakes with delectable cream cheese frosting. I even used whole wheat pastry flour and substituted half the oil for applesauce. They definitely weren't guilt free, but you don't have to feel ashamed to eat one or....maybe two.

Happy Dating-a-versary

2008-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today Paul and I celebrated our "dating anniversary" by going back to the place we met and had our first date. We had a lovely breakfast filled with way too much coffee and scrumptious food. (the food masacre is pictured above)

Recipe of the Week

2008-03-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

I posted the new recipe of the week on the right. This week yummy meatballs! (courtesy of Laine's Letters website) I love this recipe....so easy too. They are great if you want to make meatball sandwiches or if you just want classic spaghetti and meatballs. I am sure they would be great with ground turkey if that suited your fancy.

I WILL MISS YOU SOUTH 15!

2008-03-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I will no longer see you south 15, I regret to inform you that I am breaking up with you. Our relationship was a long 7 months and I will miss our drives together every morning and night, listening to talk radio and catching up on the latest political news. Even though I will miss you....we had our differences you and me, I didn't like how you made me late to work on several occasions or that you had other relationships---too many in fact. I also hated how you always needed work done and how you demanded I spend more time with you on those days. But don't worry I will see you again, but this time just in passing. I know that you are here from me if I need you, that is one good thing about you.

For those of you that don't know I have transferred to Escondido and now will drive only 5 minutes to work......PRAISE GOD!

Orange Marmalade

2008-02-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Beautiful oranges on my tree have ripened! We thought after the fire we had lost them, since half the tree lost its leaves and was all dry from the intense wind and heat. But they survived and are tasty I might add. I think I am going to attempt to make some orange marmalade. If it is any good I'll share!

Put in your st. patty's orders now.

2008-02-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am rolling out all the St. patrick's day cookie cutters and making sure I have green coloring....... I am making a list, checking it twice..... No it's not Santa Claus, it's the Bakess (named by my husband). If you would like to put in an order for Cookies, Cupcakes, or any other special treats. Send me an email at misschelley@gmail.com.

I have a sign pasted to my forehead....

2008-02-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

.....that reads, if you are high maintenance, needy, or just want to push someone around visit my window. Kind of like the statue of liberty. Today at work it seemed as though I got all the members that had 10 different things they wanted to do in one transaction. None of these things were simple mind you they all had a long story of why they needed said transaction done. I also received all the members that were past due on their loans or negative in their checking accounts. This involved long conversations with them, then long conversations with collections about them, then long conversations between them and collections, and so on. I am sure you get the idea. I also have great translation skills, I think this is from being a preschool teacher. I can translate any form of english, ie...mumbling, english as a second language, or those that are smacking on a piece of gum while talking. Being a preschool teacher has also helped with deciphering forms of writing....people seem to get very frustrated if you can't tell if their 4 is a 4 or a 9. Anyway, I am done ranting, Please forgive me.....until next time.

Recipe of the Week

2008-02-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Check every week for my new "recipe of the week." Which will be posted to the right after my favorite food and cooking websites. This week yummy chunky turkey crock chili.

2008-02-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all.... It has been a while since I last posted, but you'll see some yummies that I created for valentine's day below. I hope soon to post some new pics of our house since it has changed quite a bit since the pictures from the summer. We now have a delightful red door and red shutters. We also have added some trees out front with brick planters around them...spring should be fantastic at our house since these trees are cherry and the have beautiful pink blossoms at that time. My husband has prevented me from taking any pictures to show you since he is out on a "Guy's only" backpacking trip this weekend and took the camera. He was so excited this morning when he woke up....like a little boy going to disneyland. The living room was covered in all of his "necessary" items last night and now all that is left is dirt and remnants from the garage and his last camping trip. I sure am excited to clean that up! : D Well I better go....I am off to have a little "girls only" time myself.

Valentine's Day Treats!

2008-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Yummy Cookies and Cupcakes!

Painting cont...

2007-07-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

I painted our house numbers!

Here is my door...in paint process. (saved at least $60, spray painting door versus buying new one!)

me covered in more paint and dirt than you can imagine!

The Painted Couple!

2007-07-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Aren't my sunflowers pretty? They are ready to go, but we will hopefully have new little seedlings sprouting soon!

JAKE!

2007-06-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day! This afternoon we went to our nephew jake's soccer game, doesn't he look cute in his uniform. Then we rested and relaxed, is there a better way to spend a saturday?

2007-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

My husband is always stealing my stuff to paint! This piece is featuring my cute brown betty teapot!! Paul has a show coming up on July 22nd 4-7 pm. Visit www.paulryker.com for more info!

MUFFINS!

2007-06-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

So I have been determined lately to make a GREAT muffin that is healthy. So every week practically I have omitted one ingredient and replaced it with another, this week I replaced the flour with whole wheat pastry flour. I thought they were going to be dry but the banana and the applesauce I used in place of the butter really helped them out. Here is a recipe I created if you are interested, after omitting the milk. Thanks Chelle CHELLE'S NANA-BERRY MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all- purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup mashed banana
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries (trader joe's has a great frozen maine)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400F
Grease standard muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
In a bowl stir together dry ingredients.
In another bowl whisk together banana, melted butter, and eggs.
Mix together just until blended. Stir in frozen blueberries and fold in carefully.
Spoon batter into muffin pans filling each cup full, this makes a nice big muffin.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 4 minutes and remove.

Flowers from my garden!

2007-04-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Some of our Honeymoon pics!

2007-04-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Ryker's

2007-03-03T07:35:00.000-08:00