Pizza Pizza!

Soooo good! Not to time consuming! Makes 2 pizza crusts. I wrap the second crust and freeze it.

Mom's Pizza Dough
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 Tablespoons oil
2 1/2 - 3 cups flour
Yeast Mixture: (mix in measuring cup)
1/2 cup warm water
3/4 Tablespoon yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
- mix all this around with your finger a bit, let rise until at 1 cup mark to make sure you know the yeast is working
Method:
-First make your yeast mixture. In the mean time mix together sugar, salt and oil in separate bowl. Add yeast mixture to bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth and gradually add in additional 1 1/2 cups flour. Dough should be like biscuit dough. Turn on lightly floured board until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and let stand 45 minutes, or until doubled in size. Punch down and divide into two.  Let rise 10 minutes. Then, roll out dough on lightly floured surface and place on greased cookie sheets sprinkled with cornmeal.

I was hungry so I didn't take to much time making the crust's look pretty :)

Let rise 10 minutes. Place in 400 degree oven for 7 minutes. After taking the dough out of the oven carefully flip over. Let set a few minutes and then add desired toppings. Bake again at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.

Topping Ideas:
Tomato sauce, oregano, mushroom, 1/2 green pepper, pineapple, tomato, olives, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, beer or summer sausage.... etc.

Chicken Mixture

What I top it with.... via watching Mom
First I do a layer of cream cheese, then a chicken mixture that I've pre-cooked on the stove. Mixture has cubed chicken, mushrooms, oregano, italian spices, a lot of garlic, green onions and such. I don't measure or anything, just make sure it smells good! :) Okay so.... cream cheese, little sprinkle of mozzarella, chicken mixture, more mushrooms, parmesan cheese, then a little more mozzarella cheese and you're done!
DO NOT OVERLOAD IT! Gets all soggy in the middle. Ew!

Just a P.S. to my sister Laura.... let's not act like we're on allrecipes hahaha!

Planting Started!

Today the men started planting corn! Woohoo! That means lots of things to do, and Casey hardly getting any sleep. He asked for a big chunk of time off at his day job, cause there is so work he can't farm just at night. We are really excited though! So nice to have one year down so that we know what to expect! I hope to post some pictures this season!

There is always a "race" with the farmers to see who can start planting earliest, and I must say we are one of the first ones in our area! :)

Since Casey's gone so much I find myself antsy. He's getting home late now, and I want to make sure I am feeding him really good so he's not hungry.

So on this first day I am baking chocolate chip cookies to take in the tractor!

Recipe:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Oven temp - 330 degrees
Time - 13-15 minutes

Mmmm mmmm!


Josey will be four months old this week Thursday. It's happy and sad. She is even trying to sit up now to! She wobbles a lot, but she's trying!!! Here she is talking to her Grandma Kathy on Skype to show her how she's started sitting! :)

Just Monday..

St. Patricks Day!

Here she is! My little Josey! Getting so big and tearing our hearts out! Her personality is coming out more and more. I could hardly feed Josey her bottle earlier today because she was so busy kicking, waving her arms everywhere, and talking. She has started cooing and talking in her crib before she gets up in the morning. Everything has gotten easier with her and we have a little routine going so that is nice! All the little new things she does each day are so amazing to me, how fast it's all going!

And I thought I was having a bad day....

I couldn't sleep last night. I was tossing and turning, trying to figure out what I was mad at. I didn't want to go to bed angry... I was so fed up with myself and didn't know what it was. Was it me? Casey? Our marriage? Money? Loneliness? Am I just that tired? My relationship with God? ...Yes ..the last one. Where am I going or what am I doing with my life? I can't answer that all the time. And it really bothers me. On the side of my blog I wrote how I'm a Christian and realize over and over I can't do life on my own. This is one of those times I need to realize that again. God has a purpose for me.

I read this passage this morning, and I realized all the blessings I have, and was brought back to the Cross and what "it's all about". Cause I'm sick of caring about what the world tells me "it's all about".

(this is kind of long, but if you have time to check my blog, you can read this too. I want to share this)

Isaiah 52:13-15 through chapter 53
Passage title is The Suffering and Glory of the Servant (meaning Jesus)

"See, my servant will act wisely;

he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.

Just as there were many who appalled at him -

his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man

and his form marred beyond human likeness -

so will he sprinkle many nations,

and kings will shut their mouths because of him.

For what they were not told, they will see,

and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Who has believed our message

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,

smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him 

the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgement he was taken away.

And who can speak of his descendants?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After the suffering of his soul,

he will see the light of life, and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors."

It's not about me. That's what it's about. 

Yes, I thought I was having a bad day.... well I was, but after seeing what is all in front of me, how can I? Why would someone do all that for me??? Why? I don't understand why God loves us.... or me, but he does, and has a PURPOSE for me.

So I'm going to live life for Him, and stop worrying about everyone and everything else. 

What's behind the name

Josey /j(o)-sey/ as a girls name is a variant of Josephine (hebrew), and the meaning of Josey is "Jehovah increases" or "God will add".

The name Josey had special meaning to me after losing my sister 6 1/2 years ago. I always wanted to name my first baby after her. I want my children to know about her and learn from her example. At a young age she was confident in herself, and unashamed of her love for Jesus. All the little marks in her Bible, poems, and art she made where little things left behind that I want to show Josey someday so she can know who her Tante Jessica was.

Jessica and me when we were little

I am very thankful that God has added to our family.

Josey's middle name Marie. Marie was Jessica's middle name. Casey's Grandma's name is Mary, and my Oma's name is Maria, so we were very happy to choose this middle name! There are more family members with this name to!

Josey Marie McCausland!

The "work week" of labor :)

Yes it's true. I joke that it takes a work week to have a McCausland baby. And yes, I can say it with a smile. :) I want to write an account of it more for myself, because the memory is already fading..

Labor started on December 12 around midnight. My sister Krista had put in a special request that the baby be born on her birthday the 13th, so I was excited that they could share when I got out of bed and looked at the clock. I walked around the dining room table and started counting/timing contractions, they weren't bad at all and not that close together.

Soon things started kicking in a bit more and I went to wake up my Mom around 2. My Mom was sooo excited and told me that her and my Dad had prayed before she came out of bed. I like that :) So I just kept walking around the dining room and would let Mom know when each contraction came and went. We called my midwife, Brande, around 3:30-4:00 I think because I was 5-7 minutes apart. Yay! So exciting! She told us to see how things went for around an hour to make sure it was real labor, and my Mom and I sat in the kitchen and chatted, drinking tea.

Casey got up for work around 5:00, I hadn't told him I was in labor yet, he was SO excited! He started walking around all antsy, tapping his legs, and decided he wanted to watch hard rock music videos right next to me to calm himself down. haha! Which he had to turn off VERY quickly after that. I think he just walked around antsy for awhile again, and decided to watch tv in the other room.

Brande came to the house soon after. Around 7 or 8 I think. (I stopped looking at the clock after Casey got up, because I didn't want to expect to much, or feel rushed) Labor really kicked in within the next few hours to where I wasn't walking or talking to much at all during a contraction. I had started to get back labor as well. Brande's helper/nurse came within a few hours after that, Malory, she was also a doula, and knew exactly where to put counter-pressure on my back to relieve some of the pain. LAAA! I loved that. So most contractions after that, I would ask for someone to press on my back. The day went on for a bit and I felt like we were making good headway, but by the afternoon one time when they checked me Josey had turned to the side, and I had gone backwards in labor. From a 7 back to 5 I think.

After that I pretty much lost sense of time... so there's not much detail in the story here. So the rest of the day was spent rocking back and forth on my hands and knees, walking stairs, and on the labor ball to try to turn her. I would make progress and then go back, then make progress and go back again. Josey was moving her head all over sideways, straight, sunnyside-up ...everything. That was that evening into early the next morning. I could see everyone start to get a bit concerned, and then really excited each time we went back and forth in labor. I was just concentrating, and really focused on each contraction. Praying... :) I knew I was close, so I didn't get upset or desperate. Josey's heartbeat was really consistent and there were no signs of distress at all.

Early Tuesday morning I was checked, had retracted again, and Josey's eye was open looking out. She had moved herself to coming face first! After that Brande called the OB that she works with, and we made preparations to go to the hospital. The fact the I had gone back in labor again, Josey's position, and how long it was taking were why we went. I had told everyone that I was DONE as well. I wasn't sad about not having the baby at home. Something we decided very soon after we found out we were pregnant... and something I have always wanted. Everyone was rushing around to leave, grabbing everything and packing the cars up. Then I got in the car (BLEH)... and the car wouldn't start! So we started packing everything into Malory's car, and realized she had a flat tire! Casey and Dad raced up to the farm filled the tire, and brought it back so I could get in (BLEH again, just imagine doing that in hard labor folks) The hospital was 40 minutes away and by the time I put my seatbelt on (BLEH) we couldn't get there soon enough! I was in the front seat and it was snowy/icy out. One side note during our drive there I made sure to remember the car was a Pontiac Vibe so that I would never ride in one again.

Once we got to the hospital Casey's family was there. I remember being wheeled in, was happy to see them, but told everyone that I wasn't going to talk :) Went through the check-in stuff which felt like forever. They asked if I wanted an epidural and I said "This totally goes against my grain, but YEEES!!" Then we were off to the delivery room. I was supposed to be in there for just a little bit while they were getting a C-Section prepared. I had to wait for the epidural because there were 2 ladies we had to wait for. During that time they gave me medicine through the IV to hold me over. After a little bit the nurse looked at me and said "HEY! Was that pushing?? You can't push yet!" I didn't really know that I was pushing, but breathed through the next few. The nurse had to leave for a few minutes and told Casey and my Mom if I pushed to call her. She was gone for just a bit and Casey had to call her back in! I was checked again and Josey's head was straight and everything was ready to go! After that the crew was rushed in so we could have the baby! After that I HAD the baby... no extra explanation needed. Just a few comments I remember... one of the nurses had said "Ooooh your doing so good! That epidural feels good huh?" I never got one... Josey came before the medicine man :) . I remember my Mom one time saying "OOOH TARA!" because Josey was almost here, shortly after that Casey said "Is it supposed to look like that?" kinda quiet next to me. haha!

When Josey was born and they laid her on me announcing "IT'S A GIRL!!!" That was the best thing! I loved waiting for that moment! She was so calm and just looked at me kinda quiet like "Hi!" We were sooo happy! The relief that it was over! OOOH SO HAPPY!!! I didn't care about what it took to get her here, and still don't. If every labor for every child was 38 hours, with 26 hours of hard labor, I would do that, and more for each of my children!

What a blessing! What an answer to prayer!

First Family Picture

My Cup Runneth Over

Life has changed in so many ways since I last posted.

My daughter Josey Marie McCausland is here now! Born December 14, 8lb 4oz, 20.5 in.
Josey turned 5 weeks old yesterday, and I can't express what a blessing she is.

One day old

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! Lots of family, Christmas, diapers, laundry, joy, and tears! I love watching Casey be a Dad! He is so good with her and is so proud!

God has been doing so much in our lives. There has been so much prayer and answer to prayer. I am amazed at life, and how God constantly is there, and cares about me and my family. Why am I surprised? Maybe humbled is a better word. There is so much that I want to write, but now that I'm sitting here I have no idea what to say. I'm overwhelmed... in a good way! That's why the title of this post is my cup runneth over. Cause it's FULL....OVERFLOWING! :) 

Looks like I'll have to make a few posts about everything....

Josey is hungry now anyways :)

"Sgt. E." Bars

So many memories come back when I make these! They were a regular in school lunches, and a favorite snack growing up.

There was a name change to the bars when I was in high school. My older brothers recruiter Sgt. E. ended up being a close friend to the family, at school one day he was offered a bar from one of us, and from that day on he would HOUND us for his favorite "cookie". There was never really a name for these before that, so in honor of his love for these, we changed the name :)

RECIPE

1 cup butter

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups brown sugar

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups rolled oats

Fudge Nut Filling

1-12 oz. package chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup finely chopped nuts

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream together butter and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in rolled oats. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Set aside while you make filling.

In saucepan over boiling water mix together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter and salt. Stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla extract.

Spread about 2/3 of oatmeal mixture on cookie sheet. Cover with chocolate mixture. Dot with remaining oatmeal mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

ENJOY! Cut up into desired bar sizes and store in freezer. Cause that's where I put everything. I even prefer to eat these frozen. But eat as you like! These are awesome!!!!

Counting Down....

Baby's Room!

My picture taking skills aren't that awesome, excuse me. But you get the gist of it... this is the nursery!!! There are still those finishing touches, pictures n things to be added. I'm sure I will organize everything 2 million times in the next few weeks. I kinda got everything set up in there last night and it finally has that almost finished look instead of a storage look :)

My parents were here on a short stop on their way back home and it was so nice to see them! Even if it was for just a day! I'm happy that they got the chance to actually see me pregnant and everything. I love that my mom got to help set up the baby room last night! I asked my Mom a million questions about babies etc. ... my Dad got a few laughs out of the huge look in my eyes about me just thinking about the baby coming so soon. I know that everything will be fine.

I'm over thinking about the delivery... now it's after the delivery that I can't get out of my head. A baby is actually coming and it's staying here... not going home to someone else, it's mine, and I might break it! It's always so cute to see other people go through pregnancy and see their babies, it's all "AWE and butterflies" but I've never thought of all the crazy random thoughts and emotions that may go through their heads. Not to seem down at all about any of this... I am THRILLED to have a baby and be a Mom! Absolutely thrilled! I just know that I used to look at people who were married and/or about to have babies and think AWE! and not give a thought to what it is actually like. Marriage is great! Love it! It's a lot of work. Pregnancy and babies are great! Love it! But that's also a ton of work, and there are all the great things to follow... I guess what I'm trying to say is, just think past the AWE! moment all you "awe"ers out there :) It's kinda scary to!

I'm 36 weeks 4 days pregnant today! I thought I should take a picture again and show the belly progress!

No bare belly picture this time... I pull my shirt up and go OOO I'm getting reeeeally pregnant now! (well to me anyways) So as soon as that shock wears off, then maybe we'll do a bare belly shot. My belly has dropped a bit in the last week so it's not so out there. At the last check-up everything was good, babies head is down ... waaay down. Somewhere around a 5 pounder now and will be gaining 1/2 lb. a week, I think... so by the time the baby is due it should be 7 - 7 1/2 lbs. Which is fine by me! I was expecting bigger by the end for some reason.

I've been staying busy and working still. I work part time so it's not that bad at all. I don't know when I'll stop, I just know that if I stop I'll be at home and go craaazy waiting for the baby to come. Especially if it's late! We are on the count down! So exciting! Can't wait to have everyone meet Baby MAC!!!

Lately...

Life has been crazy busy lately... and good!

It's harvest! Harvest is actually almost done by now! So exciting! That means more family time, and we can have a first year behind us! Casey has been working so hard, I'm so proud of him! :)

I am really excited to see all the bright Fall colors this year. Being from Central California, Fall means everything goes from blah dried out brown to green, and then it gets foggy for a few months .... that's all. But here, all the fields go from bright green to brown, and the trees really put on a show before they finally lose their leaves. Which hasn't really happened all the way yet, the trees are just starting. Yay! Maybe after a few years here I won't be as amazed, but I hope not to lose that. It feels special to put on a jacket, bake apple pie, look at pumpkin recipes, and be outside enjoying it all! There are SEASONS here! All with their pros and cons, but I am happy to see them this year! I've got to put pictures up!

Speaking of seasons.. there is hunting season. I probably shouldn't kid myself that I'll see Casey a whooole lot more after harvest cause he'll be gone in some tree stand or duck blind or something... oh well! :)

In pregnancy news...

I am 32 weeks/8 months as of Sunday. We have less than 8 weeks to go, and we are soo excited! There's baby showers coming up, finishing the nursery stuff, reality has to set in a bit (don't know if it will)... all sorts of things to get ready for this little one! :) I am really enjoying being pregnant! Ya, there are the long nights of repeated trips to the bathroom, waking up every time you have to roll over, sitting there with your mind spinning, and you lose almost all brain function in decision making, and so on but it's sooo worth it! There's a BABY that's YOURS at the end of it all!!!

There is something that I feel I need to tell the world though... If you don't know a pregnant woman, don't touch her belly!! It's just gross, and very uncomfortable. Maybe some pregnant woman like complete strangers touching their body, but I am definitely not one of them, so please don't do it, or attempt it. EW! EW!

The nursery has had some changes, there are new curtains up, and the deer are out of there! Yay! I will post pictures once it's closer to being finished!

Until then ... take care!