Homemade Flat Bread

My family really likes flat bread, and so do I!  It's been a while since I've made some homemade flat bread, so I was glad to get some more made and put in the freezer.  They are great for lunch or a quick meal when we don't have much time.  I make 4 or 5 batches at a time as this recipe doesn't make a lot of dough.  This recipe was adapted from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kathleen-daelemans/homemade-flat-bread-recipe2/index.html.
 

Ingredients:

* 2 teaspoons active yeast

* 1/2 teaspoon sugar

* 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (next time, I'm going to try using whole wheat flour for an even healthier option)

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 3/4 cup warm water

Directions:

In the bowl of a food processor combine first four ingredients.  Pulse to combine.  Gradually poor the water in a steady stream.  Dough will form a ball.  Knead dough a few times and place in a bowl that has been coated with oil.  

Cover bowl and let rise until double in size (about an hour).  When the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough and knead it lightly.  Cut into pieces and roll out to form very flat 5-6 inch circles.

Preheat an electric skillet to about 300 degrees (do not oil).  Place bread on hot skillet and cook without touching it until you see bubbles on the surface (about 2 minutes).  Turn and continue to cook about 2 minutes until bread has puffed up.  

Serve immediately or store in freezer safe container or freezer bags!

Blessings,

Krystal

Good Mornings Come From Great Evenings!

We all go through various changes and adjustments to develop new 'normal' routines.  This summer has been packed full of trips, mini vacations, time with family, home improvement projects, family workouts, and so much more.  But the time has come!  School has been in session for a few weeks now, AWANA has started, year end at work, and of course our home improvement projects continue.  This new season of life requires my entire family to be flexible and patient as we all adjust our day to day lives to maintain our focus on what's important!  Our time with the Lord and time as a family are of course the first priorities.  If we can keep those priorities, everything else will fall into place!

Over the last couple of years I have read MANY blogs and tips on ways to save time or be more efficient as a wife and mom.  I've appreciated the wisdom shared by other women and the time they take to touch another woman's heart, family and home.

Like most families, our mornings can definitely be the most challenging.  I get up at 4:00 AM to get my run/workout in, then I head home to get showered and ready for work, grab breakfast, take Kylee to school and then to the office by 7:45 AM.

Without further ado, here's a random list of things that have made our mornings pleasant, timely and possible with a smile (most days)!  I certainly don't have all the answers or tips, but if one tip helps just one mom, then it's worth sharing!

1.  A new haircut!  I've had long hair for as long as I can remember.  After reading about another mom cutting her hair shorter to save time every day to help balance her day it really got me thinking.  Having four inches cut off was a big deal for me, but let me just say that I love the time it saves every day!  And it's also been fun changing things up a bit.

2.  Smoothies premade and ready in the freezer!  Breakfast can definitely be a challenge for me to squeeze in before heading to work.  Once a week or every other week I've been making smoothies, putting them in a ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer.  When I get home from working out, I sit one of them out and then it's thawed just perfectly by the time I need to poor it in a cup and head out the door.

3.  Clothes picked out and ready for the week!  I typically do laundry on Saturday's.  Then Sunday afternoons/evenings we check the weather and then the kids get their clothes all picked out for the week.  This has been such a time saver!

4.  Meal planning & food preparation!  I definitely dislike going to the grocery store, but planning my meals and having a list has helped so much.

5.  Most importantly give grace to your kids, your spouse and YOURSELF!  We all know that even with the best planning and best intentions some mornings just don't go well and that's okay.  With God's grace we'll get through the rest of the day!

I would absolutely love to hear any other tips or pearls of wisdom that you may have for us to add to our list!

Blessings,

Krystal

Granola Energy Balls

I've been wanting to make Granola Balls and/or Bars for quite some time for several reasons.  First of all, I love being in my kitchen.  Second of all I've began to strength train (which I REALLY enjoy) to gain strength and in hopes to prevent injuries from running and need to make sure that I look for ways to increase my protein intake and fuel properly.  And finally, they're just YUMMY!

There are a lot of different recipes out there and it really is fun to try different ingredients and I already have some ideas of what to try next.  Here's the first recipe I tried.

Granola Energy Balls

Adapted from http://themarathonmom.com/granola-energy-balls.htm

Ingredients:

*  2 Cups Oats

*  2 Cups Coconut flakes (I used the unsweetened ones)

*  1 Cup peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)

*  1 Cup ground flaxseed

*  1 Cup Chocolate Chips (I made one batch with chocolate chips and another one with raisins)

*  2/3 Cup honey (I used raw, unfiltered)

*  2 teaspoons vanilla

*  1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

*  Mix all ingredients thoroughly

*  Roll into bite-size balls

*  Store in fridge 

I've stored mine in the freezer and grab a few to take to work for an afternoon snack.  They are so yummy!!!  

Blessings,

Krystal

A Helpful Workout!

As most of you know several weeks ago I put together my workout plan for now through the rest of 2013.  I'm really liking the miles I have set for every week and the goal to reach 1,000 miles for the year, but I'm really not happy with the cross training plan I have put together.  I'm averaging about 19-24 miles of running per week and then was doing Turbo Fire on my cross training days.  I really like Turbo Fire, but it's just been too much cardio for my non running days and I really don't want to get burned out.  Next to running I REALLY enjoy lifting weights, so I'm actually considering doing more of that and focusing on building my core strength as well.  I'm hoping this will help me become stronger, become a better runner and ultimately to prevent injuries.  Stay tuned as I tried to get that figured out.

Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about how good it feels to be able to be strong enough to help our husbands on projects at home.  Then last night I was talking with my dear husband how I've been frustrated with my cross training, and he had just the idea for me.  Those of you who know my husband, know he's an incredibly talented, hard working and amazing man (so I'm a little biased).  He's currently working on building a wrap around porch for our house and he's doing most of the work himself.

So, while I re-evaluate my cross training, Joshua is going to come up with some things that I can help with on this porch project.  This morning he had me move a pile of wood that he used to form the porch from the patio to the shop.

It wasn't a huge task, but it was definitely something different and it felt good to be able to help my husband!  This workout simply consisted of continuing until the job was done.  I didn't focus on the number of reps, a certain time, I just kept going until the task was complete!

Before I was really committed to evaluating my health and physical activity (about 14 months ago) I wouldn't have had the strength (or desire) to really help my husband in this way.  God has taught me so much about being the wife He has called me to be throughout this journey.  Submitting to this wonderful man and being his helper are tasks I take seriously and with joy!

I'm actually excited to see what he has in mind for my next cross training task for Friday!  I challenge you to think outside the box for your next workout and help someone you love :)

Blessings,

Krystal

And sometimes you just need a getaway!

Once a year my husband goes on a dirt bike trip with 'the guys.'  Just as he supports me when I need a trip with 'the girls', I try really hard to make it as easy as possible to love him and support him when he goes on his trips, whether he's going snowmobiling or dirt biking!  Although I encourage him to enjoy these trips it does make me a little anxious at the same time!  Today Joshua left to go ride in the mountains with several guys for the weekend.

What wife wouldn't be worried about the thought of them climbing a hill/mountain like this?

Due to Joshua's, accident a few months ago, I'm a little more anxious than normal.  I really can't even imagine the thought of him getting hurt again and really didn't want him to go because of it! I've spent a lot of time in prayer over the last week for his safety and to ease my own nerves!  God has been faithful and has given me just the reminders I've needed this week.  Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  God hears the desires of our heart and for that I am grateful!  Although I'm still a little anxious I've been reminded that only God can truly protect those I love. 

Instead of staying at home while Joshua is on his trip, the kids and I loaded up and headed to Kansas to visit my Mom and Dad!  The kids traveled great and I survived driving all the way. It's trips like these that make me appreciate my dear husband as he usually does all the driving. First thing this morning, Kylee and I went for a 2 mile walk with Nana. Ky and I did a little running too and I got a little extra workout giving Ky a piggy back ride too :). It was wonderful to have a workout where we just giggled, leaped, jumped and played!  And did I mention it's extremely humid?

And of course we couldn't forget about flex Friday!

Then we went and did a little shopping and then headed back to Nana's to hang out in the pool. Jayce fell asleep on the way back, so Ky enjoyed some time together. 

And yes this pool is such a blessing to get to enjoy.  It's so peaceful, so beautiful and the company is just amazing. 

We were so excited when Nana and Jayce joined us. 

And then Pappy came home!  They were just a little excited to see him. 

So yes, we made a slightly unnecessary trip just to avoid being at home without my dear husband, but we're relaxing, enjoying family and praying that Daddy has a fun and safe trip too!  And as difficult as it is I WILL relax by the pool (and in the pool) and enjoy the giggles from my kiddos!

And for tomorrow's entertainment my baby sister (who is 17) has agreed to go on a 10 mile run with me!  Can she keep up with her big sis?  Or will she make me feel old?  Stay tuned!

Blessings,

Krystal

Just need a little break!

Sorry I haven't been writing much lately, sometimes we just need a little break to just experience life and experience God for a while.  My little girl and I also need a little break and just enjoy some precious time together.  So I took off from work a little early, picked up my girl and headed to Buffalo Mountain Pottery to do some painting!

Kylee just loves anything that's related to music and art!  She may discover other things that she enjoys but for now, these are the types of things that she just loves.  She is typically a little reserved and quiet in some situations, and music and art have helped give her confidence.

Kylee was on a mission to paint something for her Nana for her birthday.  At first she was going to paint a plate, but then she saw a horse and just knew Nana would love it.  Her Nana taught her how to ride bareback just a few weeks ago, which made this piece just perfect!

I really struggled on deciding what to paint.   I'm in the process of redecorating our home office/reading area to be full of running inspiration.  It's the place I sit to scrapbook, blog, schedule my workouts and enjoy my quiet time.  I'll be finding ways to encourage and inspire myself and my entire family through our love of running.  I'll be displaying all of our medals, bibs, pictures of us all running, scripture, etc.  I thought it only fitting to make a platter with one of my favorite verses to display in our new running inspired office/reading area.  I'm not very creative, but it's more about the journey and this special time with my daughter!

Kylee really enjoyed picking colors and getting started on her horse!

The conversation was so sweet and we even enjoyed just the quiet while we both painted!

We'll have to schedule another time to go finish our projects and just force ourselves to enjoy some more time together!  I love you Ky and love these special moments with you baby girl!

Stay tuned... we'll share our finished projects when they're done!

Blessings,

Krystal

  

Asking Forgiveness from Your Child

After completing our first race as a family and watching her mommy and daddy run in different races, our six year old little girl has started to have an interest in running.  And wow, has that made her mommy smile. I've really struggled with the balance of how to encourage her to stay active and healthy without pushing too hard and realizing that just because I enjoy running doesn't mean that either of my kids will. Deep down though, I would love to enjoy this together as a family. 

My Mom treated Miss Ky with some new running clothes last week so after she got home she was anxious to give them a try. Of course I know exactly how that feels. New gear always makes the next run a little more fun and exciting. While we were getting ready for the day on Monday Ky did what she typically does and asked how my run went and how far I ran (I love it when she inquires about my run). I told her that I did a different workout but would be running on Tuesday. She then asked if we could go for a run after work.  Of course I couldn't turn her down and agreed to a mile run after work on Monday. 

It was extremely hot, but we decided to venture outside (first mistake).  Josh and Jayce were out cruising around on the RZR and snapped a couple pictures of us. 

This was still at the beginning of our run so we were both feeling pretty good, but that changed when were about half way. Ky needed to walk, so we did, I then made a huge mistake. I started pushing her too hard to finish the run strong. This poor little girl was really hot, tired and frustrated. I should have let her just finish walking home but I told her she was strong and could finish the run. She cried a little bit and then we finished. After we finished the mile we walked the rest of the way home and I began to feel horrible. What should have been fun and enjoyable just turned into something she may never do again simply because of how I pushed her too hard. 

We did have smiles at the end, but we still had some mending of our hearts that needed to take place. 

I prayed for wisdom and guidance that evening as I began tucking my little girl into bed. I love God's grace and life lessons. I had to humble myself and apologize to my little girl for pushing her too hard and asked her to forgive me. She quickly said "of course I forgive you, mamma."  As a parent it can be difficult to apologize to your child, but God can do some amazing things during these times.  There was a tremendous relief both for her and for me. I then suggested to Kylee that if she wanted to go for a run together again that maybe we should do it in the morning while it's cool outside. She thought that was a great idea, and I was just excited that she actually wanted to run again!  God's grace is amazing!

We decided we would run together early Wednesday morning (after I finished my Turbo Fire workout), which meant she would have to go to bed early Tuesday night. I had her lay out her clothes and shoes so that it would be quick and easy for her to get ready when she woke up!

  

She woke this morning SO excited to run. She said she didn't want to listen to music while we ran so that we could talk. What a blessing this child is. I told her she could decide if we walk or run and I would not push her at all. The conversation we had was so sweet and genuine. We only stopped once as her shoe came untied otherwise we ran the entire time. After we reached the half mile mark she said 'I think I can run farther than a mile today.'  I said 'we sure can if that's what you want to do.'  We ran 1.26 miles but the true joy came from the mended relationship and the blessing of running beside my precious little girl!  

She truly enjoyed this run and so did I!

She was so proud of her accomplishment too. I love how running makes you feel good when you go a little further or a little faster than you did before. Great job Ky, your Mama is so very proud of you!

But then the REAL joy came. Kylee saw an absolutely beautiful sunrise. She said 'Mama, it looks as if God is shining down through the clouds.'  I said, 'He is baby.'  While sharing with my husband about our morning, we discovered that Kylee's never seen the sun rise like this before. She's typically not a morning person and the sun is usually up before she wakes up.  I'm so excited I got to share this special morning with her and am praising God for His grace every morning and for choosing me to be her mother!  

Have you ever shared a sunrise with your child?

Ephesians 2:4-9 
⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.

Blessings,

Krystal