Sweet Pumpkin Stew

I honestly have no idea what to call this. All I know was each Autumn since I was a little girl, our home would smell of the sweetness of this yummy soup my mom would make and it just got me excited for the cold that was coming and enjoying this sweetness next to the fireplace as it would be raining outside, snuggled under a blanket reading a book on the sofa. Sigh... memories!!!

 My mom told me recently how simple it was to make it that I just had to make it for Dustin as he has never had it before!

 When I made it, it made the house smell of spicy pumpkin and it was cold that night so it was perfect weather for it!

 I did it the same way my mom made it, except, I added seasoning she never did and boy... it was EXCELLENT!!!! Dustin absolutely LOVED it! 

What you will need:

• Sugar Pumpkins (the smaller, the sweeter and I used 2 of these pumpkins)
• Piloncillos (I used 4. Piloncillos is made from pure unrefined sugar cane that is pressed into a cone shape. It tastes like brown sugar with a hint of molasses. You can find it in many grocery stores or better yet, mexican food markets.)
• Pumpkin Spice
• 5 Cloves
• Cinnamon

• Milk, Whip Cream and Nutmeg (for topping afterwards).

 You cut in half the pumpkins and take out all the fiber and seeds (save the seeds for later to roast and enjoy!).

 Wash very thoroughly the inside and outside of the pumpkins and cut them in more halves in order to fit into a large pot.

In the middle of the pot put in the piloncillos, cloves, pumpkin spice and Cinnamon (for the seasonings, you go with the taste. I like mine nice and sweet, some may not like too much. So taste, taste, taste!!!). 

Pour in water until it covers the top of everything in the pot.

 Bring it to a boil, one it boils then let it to a medium simmer and leave it to cook. 30 minutes to 45 minutes later check on the pumpkin (and before that keep tasting the stew).

To see if it's ready, get a fork and pierce the top of one of the pieces of pumpkin and if the fork easily slides in and the pumpkin even slides open easily, it is ready!

Pour some pumpkin and the soup into a bowl, add a splash of milk and some whip cream and nutmeg and you got yourself a yummy hot dessert to enjoy!!!! Careful, one bowl of this and you will be snoring rather fast! ;)

Enjoy!!!

 
 

 

Spinning yarn from Wool

This roving that came already dyed is Merino Top wool that is being spun on a drop spindle.

I have been crocheting for a full year (late september would be one whole year!) and have found that I have a real knack at it and have made many things from crochet and other crafts (as you have seen in a few of my recent posts).

 But I have always wanted to learn to make things from scratch. One thing was: Yarn.

 Once a year we would have a Yarn Crawl, which is every yarn shop would keep stamp "passports" of crafters as myself to come in and check out the yarn and have their passports stamped at each shop, this is to bring recognition and support local yarn shops!

 One place I went too was no yarn shop, it was an Alpaca Farm! I've always been curious how wool was spun from a drop spindle (something I could easily afford, as a spinning wheel cost close to $500!), and to my luck! This farm was offering one hour class for spinning! 

 My mom and I go (she and I are best friends. Seriously, we LOVE the same things and are always laughing together, so naturally I have to bring my mama with me!!!) and we are right on time for class! 

 This teacher of ours was a HOOT! First off, she was a nervous wreck (perhaps just her personality) and so IMPATIENT but... She made it so funny even she had to laugh at herself! My mom and I ended up cracking up more at her than learning anything! But goodness, was she sweet. She had such a passion for her Alpacas and her craft that I HAD to buy a starters kit for $17 which was about 2 ounces of adult alpaca roving and a beautiful drop spindle.

 I had it in my yarn bag for a good month. I never opened it, I was intimidated by this new craft I didn't have the courage to even try practicing it!

 Until one day my mom invited me to a Yarn Fiesta and there were people spinning yarn EVERYWHERE!!!! From spinning wheels to drop spindles of all kinds! 

We walked past these dear women who were spinning on a lovely wheel and another with a drop spindle. I spoke up and said, "Sigh. I bought a starters package but i'm intimidated by it. Our teacher was sweet and fun but she scared the life out of us for spinning it just seems more of a headache than relaxing!", the lady who was using the drop spindle smiled and said, "Honey, this is so extremely easy. Just watch it's as easy as 1, 2, 3..." 

Then she proceeded to show me in less than 2 MINUTES how to do it, in the most simplest way and extremely calm and happily she began to spun in front of us. Right there and then I got the courage to try it...

That night as I returned home I took my starters package and roving and didn't think twice, I winded it on to the starting string and just began to... spin!!!!

 In less than an hour I did this: 

The next day I finished up spinning and finished off the yarn by soaking it in warm water and letting it dry all day and night on our bathroom door handle and then when it was dry my, then, alpaca roving was now yarn ready to be used!!!

 My confidence has boosted so much in spinning yarn that I have spun in the passenger seat of our car as we drove up to Los Angeles, and I absolutely love to spin outside of our beautiful home with Sadie relaxing out on the yard as well!

 I haven't made anything yet with the alpaca yarn or have finished this new yarn (with Sadie hypnotized by the spinning yarn in these photos!), as I have other projects to focus on too, plus getting ready for our BIG move... which that will come later on! ;)

 But I hope this encourages anyone reading this... if you have a desire to do something, just do it... then allow intimidation to stop you! Just dooooo iiiiittttttt!!!! :)

A Privilege and an Honor to recieve a Blessing...

September 15, 2014 was just a couple of days away and that date is extremely important to me, that was the day when my Adventure like no other began, the day I said to my Beloved, "I Do". 

We celebrated 2 years being gloriously married going through horrible and wonderful things already in just a couple of years being together, and everything we have been through together has only made us stronger and more in love. I have never fallen in love with my husband, no... I have been constantly rising in love with him! For when I fall there will always be a bottom, but the more you rise... it is endless, my love for him is just that... endless.

This year we didn't know exactly how we wanted to celebrate 2 years, a dinner? Movie? Getaway to our favorite small town up in the mountains? We knew we couldn't do too much as we are saving money for something that is coming up very very quickly and which I am excited and nervous that it is finally happening!!! But more on that some other time! ;)

As we were wondering what we should do to celebrate our 2 years in matrimony I remembered when I went with my parents to visit my Grandma who is 100 years old (yup, you read it correctly!) in the nursing home that my mom (who visits my grandma at least once a week to every couple of weeks as we live 2 and a half an hour from where she is) asked my grandma if she could bless her and my dad. My grandmother placed her hands on their heads and closed her eyes and prayed with all her might. It was the most beautiful things I witnessed and right there and then I knew that Dustin and I NEEDED to be blessed by my grandmother who is a godly woman (which runs in the family!) before we do anything major in our lives and before the Lord takes her home.

 I told my Dustin a few weeks ago about what I witnessed and asked for an Anniversary gift for the both of us if we go visit her and ask her to give us a blessing and we can take my mother with us to witness it and celebrate with us (it was a weekday that we went which is why my dad couldn't go). Dustin agreed which I was over the moon about!

 The evening before our anniversary Dustin took us to a beautiful small park on Coronado Island to see the city at night! We brought a beautiful comfortable blanket and had a meal of Five Guys burgers (oh ya, that place is AWESOME!) and on my phone I have a "Love Song" playlist and we listened to it on a very small speaker while we were watching the city lights!

During the sunset behind us, San Diego lights were coming to life!

The city lights were absolutely beautiful! plus hearing the water softly hit the rocks was so romantic and peaceful!

My husband and I talked quietly about our past 2 years together and our future together, during our chat a song came on that made dustin get up and extend his hand and say, "May I have this dance?"... Sigh... yes, he is a romantic.

 

Dancing to his song to me on the eve of our anniversary gave me the giggles that night!!! 

My favorite song to end our night was a piece from the soundtrack from the movie "UP" that describes in my heart our love! 

                                      

 It didnt end there either! That night my beloved surprised me by lighting up some candles to finish off our night with another dance before we went to bed! 

Isn't my man handsome? :)

So pretty!!!!

 The next day we drove with my mom to yuma and spent quite a few hours with Grandma, before we left my mom explained to my grandma that this day was our wedding anniversary and we desire a blessing from her...

My mom explaining to my Grandma who is 100 years old our desire for a blessing from her upon my husband and I.

My husband and I knelt down in front of Grandma and bowed our heads as she placed them upon us and gave us a blessing upon our marriage!!!!

My grandmother blessing us as my mom is taking the picture.

I felt privileged to have my grandmother who is an amazing godly woman bless my husband and I on our 2nd year anniversary!!!

 Before we left each of us said goodbye to my grandma and I was hoping for her to say something to me, but she just kissed me and said to be good and stay safe. Dustin was the last one to say goodbye, and she grabbed his hand and brought him in closer to her and looked up at him and in spanish said these words which made my mom and I gasp and smile:

"God be with you and keep you safe and may he bless you, your marriage, your home, and your children." She then did the sign of the cross to seal that blessing upon him.

 My mom whispered with excitement, "Mija! She was reserving the last of the blessing for the Man of the House! She could have said it to you or told me to tell you but she waited to have one on one with Dustin! This is so beautiful!" Oh, yes it was!!!!! 

 I am excited to pass on this godly heritage I have (My great grandmother, my grandmother, my mother and now myself... 4 generations!) to my children and my children children's, and so on, so forth.

 As we drove back home I smiled at my husband as this video I played and whispered to him, "To many more Anniversaries, my beloved!"... I am a blessed Wife, the worth in the privilege of being a wife and keeper of my home is worth far more than rubies! 

Rabbit made in Crockpot

What do you think when you hear the word, "Rabbit"?

Naturally, you think of that cute little bunny you see in the pet stores with its wee little paws, and its wiggly little nose and fluffy tail, saturday morning was filled with our favorite bunny, Bugs Bunny! "Eeeyyyy... What's up, doc?", Oh! Come on! How can one not remember the excitement of waking up every saturday morning to cartoons! Now, THAT was the life! 

When I think of the word, "Rabbit" I think of (now)... Food. 

 When I mentioned I made rabbit for the very first time the majority of the reaction I got was a scrunched up nose and "Ewwwwww!", but think about it, when you eat chicken or cow or any other "farm" animal, they were once alive and had to go through the same process a rabbit has to go through, being processed for the dinner table! So why is a rabbit considered gross? Because most people are only used to the food that are given them to eat, so chicken and cow are considered normal. I just find that fascinating, how most people can think only in a box! I'm glad i'm not like that at all! 

 Ok, ok, ok, enough of that now to the rabbit I  made for the very first time ever!

 We got this rabbit (already cleaned out, I just needed to do the butchering) at our local farmers market from a rancher who raises his own sustenance. My husband was so fascinated at trying rabbit he asked me, "Babe, can you make rabbit for me?", so with absolutely no recipe or any inkling how to make rabbit I said, "Of course!", like I said, i'm the kind willing to try new things!!

All I asked was, "is this a fatty or lean animal?", he said that rabbit is very lean and DO NOT eat the fat as it is disgusting! I took his word for it.

 I had no recipe, no idea what I was going to do, but what I did have was excitement and curiosity for what I was going to make for the very first time... and love. Love for my husband to please him and a love for cooking, with Love, any dish will fall into place! 

After I created this dish, my husband was so extremely pleased by it he wanted seconds and thirds! It was absolutely delicious!!!! 

So, here is my personal recipe (roughly speaking, I rarely narrow down to tablespoons and cups, I just say, "give it a dash or so and taste, if it needs more add! Better to add then mess up and can't take it back!): This Rabbit made 2 servings.

I used the crockpot for this. I didn't trust myself to grill or use the oven. I used an organic red bell pepper, whole mushrooms and raw natural butter.

I butchered the rabbit myself, it was a lot easier than I thought! 

Yes! I had to add our puppy, Sadie, in here! She was almost drooling when she saw the rabbit and smelled the spices! She never left that spot until she realized she was getting nothing! Poor thing! Ha Ha!

For the seasoning of the rabbit, I added to both sides of the pieces pink Himalayan salt, pepper and Cajun spice.

Oh ya! I'll drool with ya, sadie!!! I know this is gonna be one fine meal!

For the veggies I seasoned them with lemon and pepper and a bit more pink salt!

Before I forget! I heated the crockpot with the amount of butter I desired (again, I don't give actual amount, I love butter so I gave the pot a huge dollop of buttah! Mmmm!!!). With my crockpot I just had it at 150. This pot REALLY heats fast and a strong heat as well! Each pot, i'm sure, is different. Just remember that rabbit is a very lean meat, so make sure the heat is low.) In this photo I added the veggies to the butter first and then covered it with the Rabbit. so that the seasoning and flavor of the rabbit will go down to the veggies and the steam of the veggies and butter rises to the rabbit!)

Allow to cook for 3 hours. Try not to take off the top often, as the moisture will escape and you will end up with a dry rabbit! 

It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! My husband and I had this awesome rabbit stew with a side salad of romaine lettuce, tomatoes and red onions. I made a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, himilayan salt, bacon and chive seasoning with thin shredded parmesan cheese!

 I hope you enjoyed how to make rabbit! Try it and see if you like it! I know I will be having rabbit again but maybe next time i'll try it differently! Either way... it was a wonderful meal!




  

Switching my social media to Jesus! ;)

About a little over a week ago I decided to delete my Facebook account. The reasons why will come a bit later, but in short, I was spending more time scrolling this “social” network more than I was having a deeper relationship with my Lord!  Ever since I deleted it, my thoughts have been so much clearer, my desire to have a deeper relationship with Jesus has been stronger than ever, my creativity has become more vivid and I am just so much more at peace!

I was realizing that my focus was being distracted by social media (it was a slow subtle thing), but now I am back to my Hearts desires, which is: Jesus, My husband, my home, and full focused creativity!!

 I absolutely ADORE having revelations when I am in His Word! One of these revelations was: Psalm 143 : 10, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God…”, David made it so simple yet so powerful that God is not just God alone, but made it personal! He could have said, “Teach me to do Thy Will, for Thou art God (Impersonal).”  Or, “for Thou art the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob… the God of my forefathers  (religious).”, No…  For you are MY God! In order for us to truly know the Will of God, we have to make our relationship with the Lord personal! Simple, but a reminder we all need!

Another revelation was Psalm145:15 “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.” The key: “Is”. He didn’t say, “Happy is the people whose God is a convenience (when we are going through trials or in need of something in our lives we all of a sudden remember “Jehovah Jireh  - God our Provider”)… or, Happy is the people whose God is an after thought, (remembering to read our scripture out of guilty obligation and remember only to pray when we eat our meals or some random time.)”. No…  Happy is the people whose God IS the Lord! The sincere daily remembrance of who God is and wanting to know more of Him day by day!

I now totally get King David when he said in Psalm 143: 5-6, “I remember the day of old; I meditate on all they works; I muse on the work of Thy Hands.

I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land.”

So may you be encouraged, to not take for granted the beauty and amazing relationship you have with Jesus and do not be complacent in where you are in your relationship… go in deeper, you can’t go deep enough!  He is just that wonderful!!!!!! He IS Wonderful!!! 

I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine...

I was going through some notes i've saved from years past, and came across this note I wrote on Facebook back in December of 2010... a day after my husband messaged me on the dating site we met on! 
 Reading this brings back such sweet memories and an gratitude to my God for bringing my Beloved into my heart and I into his! 
 Please read on and I hope this blesses you whether you be single or married...

December 15, 2010
"So an elderly gentleman (mexican) drove up, and he definitely looked like a dear old grandpa (he is about in his early 80's or so), and he came up and sat down with us (she knows him well), and he had coffee with us...


We talked about everyday things, then all of a sudden he started talking about how he NEEDS a wife... as his wife passed away 4 years ago, 49 years married...
He then started to talk about how she died, I don't wanna tell that story as it was so sad, yet romantic on how she died with only he present and the promises he made before she died those 15 min! It was like a passionate old romantic movie you'd watch on TCM! those black and white movies, I was hanging on to every inch of his story, a tear betraying me here and there, he spoke so softly, slowly, and lovingly about that memory, I wanted to cry right there and then....


Then my mom went with sis inside the truck and it was just he and myself alone, after knowing his history with his wife (such a beautiful history) I thought, "What a beautiful marriage they had, what is the secret of such long years married?" So I asked him... he looked at me with almost a wistful look in his eyes remembering her and said, "Respect is the secret"... I didn't bat an eye, I thought, "That is it? Respect? I hear that all the time!" I guess he knew what I was thinking and chuckled saying, "today's generation do not know what respect is, that is why there is so many divorces. In my days we didn't even know what divorce was! when I was courting my wife for 5 years, we did not even hold hands, respect started before marriage, it started with knowing eachother... after marrying we kept that respect with our words toward one another. Yes, we got angry at eachother many times, but never have I left the home to walk off my anger, I told her or she'd tell me "Let's talk this out", and we would listen to eachother. listening was not thinking while the other person talked what smart thing I will say next, we listened to eachother, what bothered us, what we needed the other to do, and honored that request... that is listening."


Then he looked out in the distance quiet... There was something that told me not to say a word, but wait... then he said...


"So many young people... so many young people getting married these days, but many do not last. Why? Patience. You hear the term "Patience is a virtue" and it is. The foundation of a marriage begins when two people start knowing eachother, to know someone takes time, it took me 5 years... it takes others less or more, but they are certain in the end "we are ready". today, the youth are getting married because they want too, not because they need too."

I was shocked! So I asked, "But shouldn't one WANT to get married? You know, love?" he smiled and said...


"marriage is a need, that turns into a want... Love is a need, not a want first...everyone needs love then after they have that love then their needs turn to desire! Marriage is not about a wedding, when there is more focus on a wedding then a unity of a lifetime of oneness, then they want marriage, not need it and that is when trouble will come. "

I then said, " how does one know for SURE he is the one?"

He smiled and said "listen to me, and listen good..." I leaned in closer to hear his wisdom...


"A man who says I love you quickly without knowing you deeply is a man you must stay away from, He is not mature.
A man who talks alot, especially of himself, what he has, how much he makes, how awesome he'll take care of you, what he will give you, etc. Stay away from him...
BUT... man who asks question of yourself, digging to know you better, who shows almost no "interest" almost to the point of maybe doubting if you are the one for him, THAT is the man you want.

A man who doesn't speak of himself, in all ego, but shows you who he is, what he will do for you, as the saying goes "action speaks louder then words" He is for you.
Todays young women think men who gives "love" to quickly to them, or speaks words they want to hear quickly is the man of their dreams, when they are the men whom they should avoid, not because they are bad men, no no no... but they are immature and are not ready for marriage, and show so as making quick decisions...

A mature man will think before making big decisions, yes... there are times when a man will make rash decisions in life like buying a car when in need, or lesser things of such importance, but when it comes to romance... a woman... a mature man will take such a long time you may think "He does not care for me", it is because he cares for you, he waits patiently, thinking, deciding, because he knows marriage is not a game.

An immature man will treat you like a car, a lesser item by making a quick decision with regret for you both.


Please remember, marriage is work... are you willing to put in work to grow old with a man? do not marry a man JUST so he can take care of you, but that you desire and need to take care of him. There is no greater love in a couple then when both spouses forget themselves for the sake of the other." At this time, he wiped his eye, I suppose a tear was coming down...

I had to ask one more question, "Sir... I have never been inlove, and am afraid of love itself cos it's a very important big thing! what if I make a mistake and it's the wrong person, what if I miss the right person because I didn't want to give love because I wasn't sure... Please... how will I know, love for a man?"


There was a sweet twinkle in his eye, and a smile betrayed his lips and he softly chuckled while adjusting his sitting position, then he explained...

"when you are inlove, knowing he's the one, you will come to realize you need him, he is like breath, without it you'd die... you would give up everything, family, friends for him. You MUST have him, there is no life without him.

True love is not an emotion, do you know that? True love creeps on you and surprises you when you least expect it, sometimes when you least want it even with who you least expect it to be.

Love does not come quickly, or harshly, like a whirlwind, it comes softly, subtely, then unveils the gift that God has for you before your eyes, and that is when it hits you, perhaps like a whirlwind... 

Love happens that way... don't stop it, let it run it's course!"


After a moment of silence (I was in total awe of all he said)... he started to play with his coffee cup, studying it and said softly, "I need a wife."

I asked, "Why?" He (still not looking up), "all my 7 children (2 girls 5 men) are a blessing, taking good care of me, loving me... but when I go to bed at night, I am alone, When I awake, I awake alone. Not everyday my children are with me, I am alone. It's just me with my 2 dogs. No number of children or close friends can ever replace the warmth, joy, confidence, gentleness, character, patience of a woman... a wife. My wife and I would spend EVERY day of our married life together, we never felt the desire to "get away" from eachother ever, because I was a part of her, as she was a part of me, we were one.

It is not good for man to be alone, and I know that first hand. I have been a widow for 4 years now, I still mourn my wife... I do not cry as my chest hurts when I do, for a part of me died with her. when she died, I prayed to God to take me too. But He has given me strength, and now my mourning days are over as now I am ready to love again and take a wife for my own." Then I remember earlier that day when he remembered what kind of woman he had with this story, "One day I was so tired, so beat down and discouraged. I said depressed, "sigh... I just want to die right now. I just want to sit here and die." His wife put her hands on her hips and said strongly, "We don't have time for that, you don't have time to die right now we need to do something about this, we gotta get to work... you can die another day, but today we will do something." and she rolled up her sleeves and worked hard... that was the kind of woman I had, a strong hard working woman."


That's when I realized, the love he had for her was so deep, he himself wanted to die because a part of him died already with her. (twas the same love my uncle and my aunt had when he passed away, another long beautiful romance...my uncle died of cancer on the day of their wedding anniversary... holding on to fulfill his vows on the day he gave his vows... till death do we part...), a love of growing old together... what a blessing... what a real blessing... I have never had a grandpa... a grandpa who has given me such loving wisdom that I had to share! He still doesn't know it, but I have adopted him as my dear old grandpa! :)"

I received this wisdom and now I am reaping the blessings from it! Thank you Jesus, for this amazing Man of God who I can proudly say, "He is my Beloved and I am his."!!! The wisdom of our elders are rare treasures... don't ignore or toss it to the side!

 Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

My husband was blessed with a gift card to one of his favorite shops, "Bass Pro Shop", and I decided, what a fun short road trip up north to visit one! It was a fun 2 hour drive, but seeing my husband enjoy shopping here was my enjoyment!

Yes... I made him point. Haha!

One day we will own 2 of these! Isn't he a hottie hot hottie? ;)

My beloved with our almost 4 month old Chocolate Labrador, "Sadie"! He just got back from doing some retrieving exercises with her as he wants to get back into hunting and wants to take his girl with him!

 

Ready to crochet for fall!

I have read so many articles how crochet is therapeutic and that must be true because I absolutely LOVE to crochet! If you go to my Pinterest you will see crochet ideas all over! But yet I must admit, sometimes crocheting can drive me CRAZY! Why? If I keep messing up, I have to keep ripping it out to fix it and many times I just keep on repeating the same mistake on the same exact spot and it drives me mad because then I can see my yarn loosening up to much and it's apparent to my eyes (though perhaps no one else can see it but I can!), so then I end up ripping up my whole project and starting ALL OVER!!!! So, yes.. I honestly LOVE to crochet... it keeps me on my toes. ;)

As I have posted on my last post was I love the Fall! If you remember correctly, one of the reasons I love Autumn is the cooling down in the weather! Where I am from (California) our weather is extremely "boring", we get a nice dry heat and when it comes to Fall/Winter we will get some rain but nothing "freezing" (that is up in the mountains). Our freezing is maybe 40's... Yes, i'm sure my husbands family in Minnesota want to smack me hearing that is what I consider "freezing"! ;)

 But because our weather is not that cold enough to wear cute thick winter gloves or items to warm us up, I wanted to design my own fingerless gloves that women in the same kind of weather we Californians experience can wear with no fear of having sweaty hands because their gloves are just too hot to wear!

 I very much want to make my own Etsy account to sell my creations (crochet and other crafts), so when that happens I will be sure to share it in the future here!

 But until then here is a peak at what I have created and I hope you enjoy how pretty they look enough to share with your friends and when my Etsy account is up and running I will be more than happy to sell what I love to make!!! 

I loved making this! Something dreamy and romantic to wear!

Warm autumn colors that is not too warm to wear!

A clip on flower with burlap frays put on! Cute, huh?