If I don't have eggs, but I'm in the middle of baking I use this simple egg substitute recipe:
1 egg = 2 t water + 1t oil + 2 t. baking powder
(t= teaspoon)
I have used it for cakes, brownie mixes, pancakes, cookies. And only recipes that use eggs as a leavening agent but not for binding. Its a quick and easy fix.
I did google this earlier and found this helpful website if you'd like more information:
http://www.vegcooking.com/vegcooking-eggreplace.asp
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Palmyra
Friday on our trip to see Kelly we went to Palmyra. We traveled less than two hours. First stop was the Joseph Smith Farm. This is the log cabin that the family built. One large room with a smaller bedroom off to the right side. Later was added on a nursery on the back of the bedroom. The main room was the kitchen/dining room/living room. And I complain about our house!!
Upstairs is where the kids slept. The two girls in their own room behind the door and the boys (3 in each bed) in the large area. This is the bed Joseph slept in when he saw Angel Moroni.
Later Alvin (Joseph's older brother) build the family a frame house. This is the living area. I liked the painted rug. This rug is a replica of the one that Mother Smith would've painted to beautify the house.
See the little potty chair!! There was a considerable amount of room in this house. On the main floor was a living room, bedroom, pantry, kitchen, dining area and master bedroom. A cellar for the food and upstairs more bedroom. The Smith Farm now straddles two different counties, so we could not go upstairs in this house.
The kitchen and dining area. Through the open door you can see is the 'Master' bedroom.
Outside the frame house with the Sister Missionary that guided us through the houses.
We also went through the barn and wood shop. We were anxious to see the Sacred Grove, so we didn't look around there much.
Upstairs is where the kids slept. The two girls in their own room behind the door and the boys (3 in each bed) in the large area. This is the bed Joseph slept in when he saw Angel Moroni.Later Alvin (Joseph's older brother) build the family a frame house. This is the living area. I liked the painted rug. This rug is a replica of the one that Mother Smith would've painted to beautify the house.
See the little potty chair!! There was a considerable amount of room in this house. On the main floor was a living room, bedroom, pantry, kitchen, dining area and master bedroom. A cellar for the food and upstairs more bedroom. The Smith Farm now straddles two different counties, so we could not go upstairs in this house.
The kitchen and dining area. Through the open door you can see is the 'Master' bedroom.
Outside the frame house with the Sister Missionary that guided us through the houses.
We also went through the barn and wood shop. We were anxious to see the Sacred Grove, so we didn't look around there much.This picture shows how the fences were build. A sign near this fence talks about how Joseph collapses in fatigue trying to climb the fence the morning after his visits with Angel Moroni.
The Sacred Grove is everything you'd think it would be. The singing birds, the calm, the peaceful feeling. It was beautiful! Need I say more:
The Sacred Grove is everything you'd think it would be. The singing birds, the calm, the peaceful feeling. It was beautiful! Need I say more:
We then drove over to the Palmyra Temple and looked around.
We then went into town to Grandin's Print Shop where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. It was a fascinating tour. Backpack was very grumpy, so I didn't take in much.
But the kids got to fold up some replica pages of the first printing of the Book of Mormon. We didn't know, but most books were paper bound. But Joseph Smith was instructed to have the Book of Mormon leather bound, so people would know its worth.
Next we drove up to The Martin Harris Farm. Currently there are missionaries living in the house, so there isn't a tour. We took a picture and went on our merry way.
Our last stop was The Hill Cumorah Visitors Center. First we were led into a room with a giant statue of Christ. While we sat listening the presentation, Backpack kept reaching up to Christ, opening a closing his little hands and grunting like, "Pick me up". We had a good chuckle from that. Another room had many of the originals of famous painting we use in Church. And there was also a round table full of copies the Book of Mormon in all the different languages.
This was our favorite display. Showing Christ with the people in New Testament times and with the people on the American Continent. Showing the the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Christ, adding to the Bible.
Then we went out to Hill Cumorah. Also the place of the pageant.
We did stay an hour or so longer while Travis helped some ladies unlock their car. Always a ladies man :-) It was a trip worth making!
We then went into town to Grandin's Print Shop where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. It was a fascinating tour. Backpack was very grumpy, so I didn't take in much.
But the kids got to fold up some replica pages of the first printing of the Book of Mormon. We didn't know, but most books were paper bound. But Joseph Smith was instructed to have the Book of Mormon leather bound, so people would know its worth.
Next we drove up to The Martin Harris Farm. Currently there are missionaries living in the house, so there isn't a tour. We took a picture and went on our merry way.
Our last stop was The Hill Cumorah Visitors Center. First we were led into a room with a giant statue of Christ. While we sat listening the presentation, Backpack kept reaching up to Christ, opening a closing his little hands and grunting like, "Pick me up". We had a good chuckle from that. Another room had many of the originals of famous painting we use in Church. And there was also a round table full of copies the Book of Mormon in all the different languages.
This was our favorite display. Showing Christ with the people in New Testament times and with the people on the American Continent. Showing the the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Christ, adding to the Bible.
Then we went out to Hill Cumorah. Also the place of the pageant.
We did stay an hour or so longer while Travis helped some ladies unlock their car. Always a ladies man :-) It was a trip worth making! Thursday, July 9, 2009
New York Trip with Kelly
Travis had a week off from AFIT (but not Wright State) so we decided to meet up with Kelly at her parent's house in New York. We've always wanted to got to Niagara Falls (our goals from a back of cereal box, another post about that later). So she promised us a grand tour, complete with our own tour guide. How could we pass that up! So Wednesday night we packed up the van and drove 6.5 hours straight to Kelly's parents house. We didn't even stop for a potty break. Thursday Morning we headed straight for Niagara Falls. We went to the Canadian side where it is more touristy.
The day was overcast, which kept the crowds down. We saw on part of the falls then decided to go in man made caves behind them. We got these nifty yellow ponchos. Kelly and I stuck our babies heads through the opening of our ponchos and Kelly called us 'Two headed monsters'.
Here you can see the other falls. This is looking at the USA (Buffalo, NY) side.
There is an island (blocked by the mist) in the upper body of water, so it looks like two different falls. The right side is Canadian, left in USA. See that boat. We did that boat ride.
This is how close the boat gets up to the falls. 
Here we are on the boat. Backpack slept through the entire bumpy, wet ride. 
After Niagara Falls I found a 7-11 and got a Slurpee! and spend $20 on REAL chocolate :-) When we got home we took Kelly and her parents out for dinner to say thank you for being such gracious hosts and putting up with 5 extra people in their home. Afterwards they took us to a beach area on Lake Erie. The lake is so big with some waves, it felt like the ocean. Dynomite found seashells and coral fossils with Kelly. Daddy and Trouble had fun out in the water. 
The day was overcast, which kept the crowds down. We saw on part of the falls then decided to go in man made caves behind them. We got these nifty yellow ponchos. Kelly and I stuck our babies heads through the opening of our ponchos and Kelly called us 'Two headed monsters'.Here you can see the other falls. This is looking at the USA (Buffalo, NY) side.There is an island (blocked by the mist) in the upper body of water, so it looks like two different falls. The right side is Canadian, left in USA. See that boat. We did that boat ride.This is how close the boat gets up to the falls. Here we are on the boat. Backpack slept through the entire bumpy, wet ride. After Niagara Falls I found a 7-11 and got a Slurpee! and spend $20 on REAL chocolate :-) When we got home we took Kelly and her parents out for dinner to say thank you for being such gracious hosts and putting up with 5 extra people in their home. Afterwards they took us to a beach area on Lake Erie. The lake is so big with some waves, it felt like the ocean. Dynomite found seashells and coral fossils with Kelly. Daddy and Trouble had fun out in the water. Friday we spent the day in Palmyra (next post). When we got home we met up with Kelly and her Mom, Donna. They fundraised for and participated in Relay for Life. That really impressed up. Kelly is always doing something to help others. We actually got locked out of their house, so we went and walk a mile with them. It wore the kids (and the parents) out! Kelly did 5 miles that night!!
Thanks to Kelly, Donna and Dave for a great trip!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gain Perspective from Jones in Andy Andew’s book: The Noticer
The Noticer by Andy Andrews is a story of friendship, love, good advice and an old man with a suitcase. Jones is a man who seems to know everything about everyone and has his heart set on helping people see the bigger picture. This book begins with the author in despair during a turbulent time in his life. Then appears Jones, whose advice and caring ways turn his life around. Throughout the story, the author’s life crosses paths with Jones. Jones then tells of this newest rendezvous, which then the author records and turns into this delightful book full of nuggets of wisdom.
I would recommend this book to be on every book shelf. We are taught that with a little (or different) perspective our burdens can made light. This book is truly an inspiration to all of us, regardless of background or circumstances. Although, I was puzzled over who or what Jones was I realized that in the end it didn’t matter. People can be an answer to our prayers; it is not up to us to questions how, but why. There is plenty of great advice to glean from this uplifting and enriching novel.
I would recommend this book to be on every book shelf. We are taught that with a little (or different) perspective our burdens can made light. This book is truly an inspiration to all of us, regardless of background or circumstances. Although, I was puzzled over who or what Jones was I realized that in the end it didn’t matter. People can be an answer to our prayers; it is not up to us to questions how, but why. There is plenty of great advice to glean from this uplifting and enriching novel.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Backpack Battles Bee
Friday Night we were outside and Backpack was on Travis' shoulders. Suddenly he starts screaming and I see a bumble bee fly off his face and onto his ear. I knock the bee off his ear and Travis rushes him inside. (Coincidentally, I had a newspaper rolled up in my hand already) We applied a cold cloth to his face under his eye where there was swelling. Travis wiped him with a sting relief wipe and then put him in a cool bath. It was chaotic trying to find the 24 hour nurse help line. Finally we got though to a doctor that told Travis he did all the right things. Since Backpack wasn't having trouble breathing the doctor said he should be okay. He woke up twice that night throwing up. Which may or may not be related to the trauma of the sting. We figure he must have seen the bee and grabbed it or swatted at it. The bee stung him on the hand then attacked his face and ear. Thankfully he is okay! This morning his eye was almost swollen shut, but by this evening his ear is back to normal and we can see his eye. His hand is still puffy.
Here you can see how bad his ear was.
Other than that we had an uneventful weekend, despite the holiday. Travis took us to Chinese food for lunch on Friday. Today was the Pancake Breakfast at the church. Travis left to cook at 6:15am and we arrived almost 2 hours late. But we still ate. I promised the kids doughnuts, so we went to Tim Horton's afterwards (which are still in the box). The last few days Trouble had been complaining about his stomach and not eating well. Finally today, while driving home from the breakfast (after a stop at our favorite thrift store) he threw up all over the van. He gained some color back in his face after that! So we went home, cleaned the van, and stuck in a movie (The Incredible Mr. Limpet). Then as we were getting ready to attend a BBQ, Backpack threw up! Honestly, we just couldn't win today. So we called it a day and put the kids to bed, folded laundry, and watched Avatar. So Happy Freakin' 4th of July.
Here you can see how bad his ear was.
Other than that we had an uneventful weekend, despite the holiday. Travis took us to Chinese food for lunch on Friday. Today was the Pancake Breakfast at the church. Travis left to cook at 6:15am and we arrived almost 2 hours late. But we still ate. I promised the kids doughnuts, so we went to Tim Horton's afterwards (which are still in the box). The last few days Trouble had been complaining about his stomach and not eating well. Finally today, while driving home from the breakfast (after a stop at our favorite thrift store) he threw up all over the van. He gained some color back in his face after that! So we went home, cleaned the van, and stuck in a movie (The Incredible Mr. Limpet). Then as we were getting ready to attend a BBQ, Backpack threw up! Honestly, we just couldn't win today. So we called it a day and put the kids to bed, folded laundry, and watched Avatar. So Happy Freakin' 4th of July.Friday, July 3, 2009
Kelly Etsy
Kelly has opened up an Etsy Store. She has lots of great eco-friendly products sure to make your baby feel loved! I have one of her cloth swim diapers. So go check it out! And check often! 
This is her business card. Click her business card on the sidebar and you'll be taken to her store.
This is her business card. Click her business card on the sidebar and you'll be taken to her store.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Backpack, the stairmaster!
The other day I was upstairs and suddenly hear, "How did you get up there?" from Trouble, then some giggling from Backpack. I look down the stairs to find Backpack slowly climbing his way up! Backpack has been successfully crawling for about a week. We've never prohibited our kids from the stairs. In fact Trouble could climb up before he could crawl. So he'd get to the top of the stairs and cry for someone to get him because he couldn't go anywhere!
Anyway, I yelled for Travis to get the camera and we filmed his first ascent. Now I really have to watch him because stairs have become his favorite past time, besides following me around!
