Pumpkin Bumpkins

Our darling trio at the Pumpkin Patch.

Quinny was a bit overwhelmed at this joint- what ever happened to good old fashioned patches, where the hay ride was the biggest event?
Trains, boutiques, tractors, cannons, corn maze, hay maze, slides, towers, tunnels, music...it's overwhelming for me, let alone a kiddo with sensory processing disorder.

From now on, I will be on the hunt for old school establishments that give our children beautiful memories without the mid patch melt downs.

Crew Cotton Snell

Our handsome, calm, sweet sweet little boy:

I was induced on Saturday September 15th due to high blood pressure. I was 39 weeks along and ready to bring this baby into the world.

No epidural.
Two solid pushes.
Healthy baby boy.
Incredible experience.

I spent 39 weeks full of anxiety, juggling all of the 'what-ifs' and 'how the hells' in my mind. It has been two and half weeks of mommy-ing 3, and without a doubt, not a single doubt...life was not nearly as cool without this kid.

I definetly have less time on my fanny.
My organizational skills are a MUST.
My face is (and will continue) to be a tired, no make up palette.

But I have never been happier.
Never been more fulfilled.
Never been more at peace.

Crew, you're an incredible little fella.
You've completed us.

Baking Basics

I was telling Jake tonight how I have gone through more dry baking food items in the past four months, then I have our entire marriage (6 years).

Who knew how expensive REAL vanilla was (but so worth the price), or how it is so much cheaper to buy yeast in bulk and keep in the fridge. How ratios and chemical reactions make and break your products...things I never thought I would know, but love that I do.

So in the spirit of this bakin' babe's (yes, I just called myself a babe) growth and discoveries in the kitchen, let's talk about some of my faves:


The all purpose gluten free flour (I make/ mix this on a weekly basis).
I stole the recipe from my "Cooking for Isaiah" cook book; truly the best ratio of flours I have found thus far- I use it in all of my softer baked goods (cookies, pancakes, cakes, bread, scones).

6 cups of white rice flour
3 cups tapioca flour
1.5 cups potato starch
2 tbsp. xanthum gum
1/2 tsp salt

Mix (messy bit, but lots of fun)

Put on shelf and ENJOY!

Speaking of shelf- here is the rest of the gang, my go-to's if you will:

Bob's Red Mill GF all purpose flour (which I use to make my flavored breads, thickening agent, and muffins).
Bob's Red Mill GF Oats
Isaiah's GF all purpose flour
GFCF pancake mix (made from my Isaiah gf ap flour, I just add a bit of sugar and baking powder)
GF baking powder
GF coco powder
GF granulated, powered, and brown sugar
Bob's Red Mill xanthum gum
Bob's Red Mill gf baking soda

Still building my baking empire over here on Olive Street...and when I say empire I mean my shelf, my fridge, my freezer, our tummies- but adoring the learning, the mistakes and the messes each and everyday.

Family Playtime

A fun morning at Oregon Heritage Farms.

Love. Tolerance. Kindness: Let's Change the World

Having watched the two political conventions, reading facebook comments of folks and the daily news- I think it is about time to soap box some emotions with regards to our current societal political climate (I'm too pissed right now to soap box my emotions on other topics...).

OYE PEOPLE!
What is going on???
What the hell happened to tolerance, kindness and RESPECT?!?

Listen here:
I think it is beautiful that we all have different stages and phases in our beliefs, values and thoughts.
I think it is awesome we live in a country where speaking those personal truths is not just allowed, but is encouraged.
I love researching, learning and discovering other view points, so that I can learn and grow as a person and either change a view, or solidify one I already had.

But here is the gig:
I will NOT listen to hate.
I will NOT respect disrespect.
I will NOT ever be ok with those who use bullying, rudeness and hate to spread their personal beliefs.

The freedom of speech should coincide with the responsibility to speak wisely and with purpose- not to fill the air ways with rhetoric, defamation and humiliation.

To strive and use intellect and void hate from the battles.
To think of other's feelings and direction.
To honor those differences.
And to learn something from the other side of the aisle.

We certainly don't have the role models in Congress or in most leadership positions these days, but until we expect something better from ourselves, how are we going to hold those in power accountable?

The world would be callus and boring if we all traveled down the same path and fought the same fight; I dig the creativity of thought and presentation of ideas through debate and factual dialogue- but for God's sake, be like Jesus wanted, be like Lincoln lived and RESPECT your neighbors and their colors.

Put your passion into passing out papers, writing your leaders, attend rallies and picket lines. Be a part of the change you so desire, not just a megaphone for all that is wrong with the opposite's.

Be and Do BETTER.

Fast and Fabulous Project

Jake surprised me yesterday with an updated version of my calendar area.

He screwed in the little metal container I had laying around and put the bulletin board behind it all- making it an all in one "keep Jill focused" station. He even pinned up my Joann Fabric coupons! Could he be any cuter?

I just adore that dude- and appreciate his love soooo much!

Field Trip: GF Vegan Bakery (LOCAL)

We were delighted (or should I say BEYOND excited) to find out that right in McMinnville there is an adorable gluten free/ vegan bakery!

Ruby Cakes

The gals and I ventured there this afternoon to sample some of their delights.

It was so fantastic to walk into an establishment and not even think about ingredients (literally everything in their bakery is GF and vegan) and the girls had a BLAST!

Quinn got a chocolate doughnut.
Carter got a lemon scone.
Mama got a Marionberry pie.

All were good- best pre-made GF/ vegan pastries I have found yet!

Feeling so lucky to have a joint like this so close to us.