Wordless Wednesday: My Darlings

The French Press

My sweet friend, Sharity, asked about making coffee in a French press. 

This is all you need! 

I love coffee, good coffee that is.  I've used an automatic drip coffee maker for the last couple of years.  Before that I used my lovely press.  Why I got out of the habit, I don't remember.  It just happened that one day that I wanted to use the automatic feature of the automatic coffee maker.  I was in love with the idea of waking up to the sound of coffee brewing and then that faint whiff of coffee floating up the stairs to my bedroom!  (Yes, I do really love coffee that much.) 

Anyway, I recently rediscovered my French press.  (So glad I did not give it away.) Oh, what joy!  I really did miss it's rich, deep, almost chocolate-like flavor.  However, let me say, if you are not a coffee snob, you're probably better off just using your old drip coffee maker because there is a huge difference in taste that you might not appreciate.  :-) 

To make about two 8-12 oz. cups of coffee in the French press, I first heat the water in the kettle, and coarse grind my espresso beans in the grinder.  I put the ground coffee in the brew pot, about 1/2 cup of coffee.  Pour the hot water over the grounds.  Put the lid on the press and set my timer for 4 minutes.  When the timer goes off, I press down on the plunger and serve the coffee.

One thing I noticed is that when I have regular brewed coffee, I need a lot of cream.  When I drink pressed coffee, I use a lot less.  It just tastes so good that I don't need as much sugar or cream. 

Do you press or drip?  Or *gasp* not at all? 
~Jenn

Finally, It's His

He's been working, saving, dreaming, planning, and more.  Today his dream came true,his first new computer, an early birthday present.  Sometimes it's just fun being a parent and helping your child's dream come true. 

Today, I Am...

Happy... that Jeff is home for one more Saturday.  He knows for certain that next week they will start working Saturdays until April 14th. 

Excited...to perhaps order a new hard drive for my laptop.  It's been a couple long weeks without it.  At first, I thought I really did not need it, but I can see how it really comes in handy!  Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. 

Pleased...that Grace is no longer coughing.  She slept well, too.  She bounces back quickly from most illnesses.  Probably due to all the fruit that girl eats! 

Going to...bake a chocolate cake today for a special lunch tomorrow after church.

Annoyed...that my kids talk to me while I am on the phone, still at their ages!  This really annoys me!!! 

Starting to think... spring is here! 

Enjoying... my French Press coffee each morning! 

How about you?  What are you doing? 
~Jenn 

Saw this format at The Non-Consumer Advocate Bog and thought it might be nice to do as well. 

This Week At Home, 2012, Week 8

A daily little note written in order to remember each precious day.  

Monday...
Gym class, bakery, lessons and lots of laundry as usual.  Some how I felt behind all day, though.  And I was starting to get frustrated by the house mess.

The bestest kitty I know! 

Tuesday...
No little friend this week :-(.  Her grandparents are visiting, so she is having a great time with them instead.  We did get to our lessons, took Grace to art class, and got the house tidy, but not clean.  (There is a big difference!)  I made a favorite dinner of cod, Quinoa, and steamed green beans.  We also had whole wheat brownies for dessert.  *yum*  

Girl up-side-down?

Wednesday...
Helped a friend clean her home, which was just put on the market.  Cleaning her house inspired me to come home and get busy dusting and vacuuming my own home!  I also baked pumpkin muffins and two loaves of bread.  Lessons got back on track, too.  I made a big pot of broccoli cheese soup to go with the bread.  Oh, so lovely!  The kids had friends over who took care of eating most of the muffins.  I need to make a triple batch next time. 

Food never lasts long here.

Thursday...
Today was the day to really hit the books to pull this week off with a big gold star, because we are HOME ALL DAY and evening, unfortunately, Grace came down with Trevor's bug today.  (Ugh!)  I made sure that she took it easy this afternoon.  So,I had plenty of time to make a nice dinner of chicken with spices in the crock pot, steamed cauliflower, and brown rice. 

from the lens of Trevor Cam

Friday...
Must go get groceries, but not terribly motivated.   Need to finish lessons because of our unproductive Monday.  Ryan has a big function at church tonight and most of tomorrow.  This is his "big water park, sleepover" with the Jr. High.  Our small group is canceled due to the measles outbreak.

Weekending... 
Jeff will probably work Saturday.  Grace will need to rest.  At some point, I will go to the library to return DVDs and get more books.  Sunday we are having family over for lunch after church and then we will need to rest up for the coming week, because it will be back to AWANA, dance class, and karate at church!  Oh boy! 

Talkative Tuesday

Since we all know that Wordless Wednesday and I do not exactly work, I decided to post a Talkative Tuesday.   ;-)  *wink*

See those beautiful flowers?  Wow, how can I begin to thank my dear husband for these?  I have to say that this bouquet represents all of my favorite colors, too.  I've always loved pink roses, hydrangeas, and palms. Reminds me of springtime every time I see them.  Won't be long now! 

Sometimes you just need some flowers to brighten your day.

Thank you, Honey!
~Jenn

This Week At Home, 2012, Week 7

Monday...
Sickness has struck, again.  This time it is my dear Trevor.  He had a fever Sunday evening and a low grade temperature today.  Thankfully, Grace was only ill for a few days last week. I am praying no one else gets it, of course.

So, we took it easy today on the lessons.  I got the laundry caught up.  Took Grace to gym class. Bought some yummy bread at Great Harvest, and let the kids watch movies the rest of the day.  Of course, this means we will have to work harder the rest of the week, but hey, that really is OK.  I've built in days like this to our calendar, just in case we need them.

My bird lover. 

Tuesday...
It snowed!  Only a couple inches, but enough to need the driveway cleared off.  Which, a sweet girl did on her own accord! What a happy St. Valentine's Day!  We got our lessons done in time to entertain our dear little friend.  Then,Grace had art class, her favorite thing of the week.  And tonight, we are having a special dinner of shrimp and other good things to celebrate God's love.  The day was full of love.  Love of good books, love of others, and love of chocolate! 

Long gone treats...A picture sure lasts longer. 

Wednesday...
Breaking news!  AWANA was cancelled tonight.  While I am sad for the reason, I am always glad for another night at home.  (There is a measles outbreak and several people at church are affected.  I am glad they are being careful. And thankful my kids had those shots!)

We enjoyed a slow-paced day at home.  Lots of time to read and dream.  Ryan and I took an afternoon power walk at the park.  Unfortunately, it started to rain.  I was very glad to spend a little time just walking and talking with my fine young son.

Thursday...
Karate is cancelled tonight, also due to the measles outbreak.  This is turning into a week of multiple nights at home.  Yippee! Our pace has really slowed down this week and I am very  happy about that. 

I wish Trevor were feeling all better, but it is taking a little time.  He is coughing and has a headache today, but no fever, thankfully.  We manage to get our lessons almost done and watch a little science TV.  (Mythbusters is school, right?) 

All that remains of a lovely recent coffee date.  

Friday... Today we will finish our lessons and then just hang around, trying to get Trevor all better.  No big plans this weekend, either. I think this afternoon, I'll grab one of my healthier kiddos and go take a walk in the park again as it is supposed to be warmer and actually dry. 

So cozy. 

I am so thankful for this quieter, slow paced week.  It's been kind of cozy, actually.  Sorry that my Trevor has been sick, but happy to be home, all the same!
~Jenn

Wordless Wednesday: My Sleeper

Let sleeping teens lie. 

(When I leave him to his own sleeping rhythm, usually only on Saturdays, I don't see him until 11 o'clock AM, even with the bright sun shining! )   

This Week At Home, 2012 Week 6

Happy second week of February! With our whirlwind weekend, the week got off to a slow start, but gained momentum towards the end. 

Watching the big game with Granddaddy.

Sunday, we were able to watch the Super Bowl, enjoying some relaxing family time.

Monday was devoted to laundry with lessons in between the buzzer going off. I had blankets, sheets, dress clothes, and play clothes for five people to process!!! It was like getting back from a camping trip.  The contractor was here today,also, to install the new bookcase.  (See below) 
 

Working on lessons.

A flower to cheer the winter heart.

Tuesday, our little friend was here for six hours.  We were able to get the basics done before she arrived.  I kept the laundry going in the afternoon. 

Wednesday, we really stepped things up so that we could come from behind to finish our 5 days worth of reading in 4 by Thursday.

Lovely baby. 

Thursday, the laundry was finally caught up, put away, and I was able to stock the larder.  We also got our lessons wrapped up. We are even ahead in one book.   Yay!

Reading to baby.

Friday, we had a morning errand to run, then got to cleaning up for small group tonight.  Trevor is off to the Children's Museum with grandparents.  (Lucky dog.) They are calling for snow today.  I really hope not! 

Writing up a storm this week. 

Here is the new bookcase.  In that spot before was a 1960's charcoal grill.  Yes, an indoor grill!  Who would use such a thing???  (Imagine the smoke and mess.)  Anyway, now it is put to better use.  The change was inspired by a leak in the flue to the grill.  It poured in water!  Yuck! 

New bookcase installed! 

As of today, we have 56 more days left until we are done with school!  56 days until I have a young man in highschool!  *gulp* Where has this year flown to?

Have a great weekend!
Jenn

Wordless Wednesday: More Dunes

Indiana Dunes State Park 

The Monday After is Always Hard

Brr! 

Good morning, friends!  We are back, safe and sound, from our whirlwind trip up north to say good-bye to Jeff's grandmother.  It was bitter sweet, of course.  I so loved taking an hour long hike in the dunes, but would rather we had been there for different reasons.

The weather was not as pleasant as we'd have liked, 30's and cloudy.  But, that did not detract from the beauty of that place.  Of course, we got the usual,"You're crazy!" from our family who live up there.  That's OK.  Winter hiking is not for everyone.

A lonely parking lot

The actual funeral went well.  Jeff gave a great message that honored his grandmother.  Seeing all his family was great, too.  We all went out to lunch afterwards and then to his uncle's home for dessert and a chance to take a memento of hers. 

All smiles

And now, we are sleep deprived from our trip with a big game party on top of it all.  I think I will go to bed early tonight! 

Foggy lake

***  Please excuse the blurry phone photos, as usual.

This Week At Home, 2012 Number 5

Monday at gym class

Monday felt like a Monday.  Gym class went well.  I do enjoy talking to the friends I've met there.  On the way home, I stopped at a Great Harvest Bakery to get some bread.  I admit, I was lazy and did not want to bake bread.  Also, I wanted to support a local store.  I know running a bakery is hard work.  I also like how they are committed to good bread.

Tuesday enjoying the warm day. 

Tuesday was another warm day.  We are now spoiled and the birds are totally confused.  They are singing, which brings joy to my heart, but fear for their jolly souls when winter comes back, as we all know it will.

We watched our little friend today.  She came to the door with her little pink Wii remote.  So cute!  She is quite good at Mario Kart for a 5 year old. 

Grace brought home her latest work of art from art class.

Later in the day, we learned that Jeff's grandma passed away.  She was 94 and very unhappy.  She had quite a hard life with some difficult losses, her husband and only daughter in the 1950's.  What I will remember most is her love for my children.  She so enjoyed watching them swim in their grandpa's (her son's) pool almost every summer until last year when she became too frail. 

Grace's latest work of art.

Wednesday we enjoyed a few hours outside with friends after lessons.  AWANA was crazy as usual. Ryan was invited to a friend's house for the evening as youth group was taking a select group of kids down to the Super Bowl hoop-la, and as you might have guessed, Ryan has less than zero interest in that.  He's all geek.  100% geek and proud of it. 

My Wednesday ice after walking.  It feels so much better! 

Thursday, we did our lessons and headed out to get the things we need for the weekend.  Dear husband and I went to get a new hard drive for my laptop while the kids were at karate.  Unfortunately, the guy at the store informed us that there is a hard drive shortage due to flooding in Taiwan.   How inconvenient for them (and me!) Time for plan B.  Not sure what that is at the moment. 

 

The Math Buddy strikes again! 

Friday is going to be the start of a very busy,family filled weekend, of which I will write about later.  Until then, toodle oo! 
~Jenn

Wordless Wednesday: Large and in Charge!

(I should know by now that my Wordless Wednesday is never wordless!)

Today he backed up my laptop, which is acting unstable.  (Of course he will figure  out why soon.  Most likely the hard drive he says.)

He changed our only Windows computer so that it will dual boot Ubuntu with Ubuntu being the defalut.  (yay!)

And this afternoon he will upgrade the computer I am currently using to a new operating system.  Why?  Because he can!  He is not one to leave something that works alone.  (lol.)

And this week he has earned $11 and a cool mouse in trade for his tech support.  Last week he earned $20.  He's motivated to earn money because he wants a $400 new computer.  He has never had a new one, only cast-offs. 

I tell you what, he is on his way to big things!  And, yes, I am very, very biased.

~Jenn

PS Maybe some premature good news, but it turns out that the hard drive might have just been loose in the laptop.  We'll see if putting it in firmly does the trick.  Otherwise, I will get a new hard drive installed by my favorite geek this weekend.