But I Had A Tiara

Hoods. They Are On.

2013-06-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

Hoods are delicious. Sweet. Juicy.

Brief.

This year they are early. Which means they are still delicious and juicy. But they aren't as sweet as they will be. Nor as brief.

I've perused the internet to find as many ways as I can to eat them. My Pinterest is loaded with what I've found. But I'll be adding more. Cuz I just can't get enough.

I made Fresh Strawberry Muffins this morning. Oh yum. They are a veritable taste treat all by themselves.

But I couldn't leave it at that.

We had then with Strawberry Butter.

Decadent.

If these aren't better than strawberry shortcake...

The natural sugar of the berries mixed with the salty of the butter, then the lightly sweet taste of real maple syrup all blended together in buttery goodness and, ohhhhh, sweet mother of mouth-melting goodness.

Strawberry Butter ala Delish

~Cut up a bunch of berries. This is a great way to use up the mushy ones.

~ Mash them up, however you choose to do that.
I used my great grandma's nut chopper and it worked great.

~Mix those little beauties into softened butter (mine comes from grass-fed cows:). Or, as in my case, completely melted butter. Hey, my little guy wanted something to drink and the butter jumped from polar freeze to liquid inferno in 20 seconds flat.

~Stir in***REAL*** maple syrup to taste. I must stress the word "real". If you use Aunt Jemima or other pancake syrup, you will end up with high fructose corn syrup butter, not lightly sweetened perfect butter.

The muffin recipe says the muffins aren't too good the next day.

Ummmm, I'm thinking that won't be a problem...

Roasted Pecans

2013-05-15T16:48:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the nuts you buy at the store are often not as good for you as they could be because of the chemicals and processes they have undergone?

I didn't either. That's another one of those things I learned when I read Nourishing Traditions. I also learned that soaking nuts and seeds (as well as grains and flours) helps remove naturally occurring substances that can make it harder to digest them.

I am sure there are recipes online for preparing all types of nuts. I more or less use the recipe in Nourishing Traditions. I have tried almonds and pecans. I wasn't a fan of the almonds, but I might try again and add more salt. That's what I did with the pecans and I found that, in addition to the nutritional benefits, we really enjoy the taste of these, much more than the ones we buy at the store already roasted.

I add a bag of pecans, approximately 4 cups, to a container large enough to accommodate the pecans and several cups of warm water. I bought my pecans at Costco. Not the healthiest, but I'm on a tight budget so I do what I can.

Nourishing Traditions calls for just a couple teaspoons of sea salt. I add a full Tablespoon. At least. I stir it all together until I know the salt has mostly dissolved. I come back and stir it a few times. Unless I'm sleeping while they soak. Then they just are what they are. I let it soak for at least 7 hours, usually just overnight. When I get up, I turn the oven on to 200 or 225, then strain the water out using a colander, making sure it's pretty well drained. I pour the pecans onto a baking sheet in a layer and stick them in the oven. I leave them there at least all day. Of course I have to sample once in awhile to make sure the salt is right. If it's not seeming to be quite salty enough, I sprinkle on a little more, but only if the nuts are still moist.

At the end of the day, I usually turn the oven off, but leave the nuts in there. When I get up the next morning, they are perfectly done and ready to top my yogurt!

Let me know if you try it!

2013-04-20T12:12:00.002-07:00

It's official. I'm ready for summer.
Well, at least I will be by the time it gets here.

I FINALLY made sauerkraut again. My mouth is watering just at the thought of it. On a polish dog. Or just plain. Cuz it's really, really good. Well, it will be.

I've made this recipe many times before. My Mr. Picky Pants used to love it when he was a baby and would practically make a meal of it. Once I added shredded apple to it and it was pretty good. If I ever did it again, I'd leave the apples in bigger pieces because I don't really like soft apples.

If you haven't read about lacto-fermentation, you should Google it. I first read about it in my favorite, most life-changing cookbook, Nourishing Traditions. I have it in hard copy and on my Kindle. That way I can look up a recipe whenever I am (there's a new one now for babies and kids too. Can't wait to get my hands on it!). So anyway, I learned about lacto-fermenting food there. It's much like pickling, only way better for you. After doing alot of reading, in addtion to the wealth of knowledge in that book, it's my understanding that, while pickling veggies and such in vinegar does preserve them, it lacks the health benefits of lacto-fermenting. And it doesn't taste nearly so delicious.

In order to lacto-ferment food, one must have whey. In fact, this is teh third time I have purchased cabbage in order to make sauerkraut, but then didn't make it because I could not find a close source of the culture needed to make any cultured item I'd need to make in order to get whey. Well, when I was out of town visiting friends recently, we went to a garden store and -- lo and behold, they had what I needed! So I finally made chevre this week. I can't stand the taste of goat milk. But I like the chevre I make because, when I make it for myself, I make it with cow milk. Which begs the question -- is it still chevre? I'll have to look into that, but it gave me whey and that's what I was going for. Another plus for using cow milk is that the whey I got will leave no goaty aftertaste in my fermented foods.

Here's chevre I had this morning, with pepper jelly and crackers. Yummy.

If you decide to make this, do it soon. It takes some time to sit and ferment. Just how much time varies, depending on your taste. You need to let it sit out for 3 days, then refrigerate, but it still needs to age in there. I like mine at least several weeks old.

I used two and a half heads this time.

Then I cut it up into small pieces. As with the apples, I used to shred it.
But I like the texture better when I cut it up small, but not so small as to be shredded.

Then I add sea salt, whey and caraway seeds. If you don't like caraway, you don't have to add it, but I love it!
I found this cool, very old crushing tool years ago. Someone told me it has an actual name.
It's kind of like a big pestle, as in "mortar and pestle" , but that wasn't it. Whatever you use, you need to do it for about ten minutes or so to release plenty of juices.

When I pack my jars, I use the wood pestle pounding thingy to push in down so the liquid will cover it.
My tool is perfect because it just fits perfectly into a wide mouth canning jar.

Now for sunny days, friendship, eating outside and sauerkraut!

I can't wait!

Menu Plan Monday: French Dips

2012-10-07T08:11:00.004-07:00

Funny how comforting it feels to start a post for Mean Plan Monday. It's been awhile, and gives me a feeling of "normal" even though my "normal" has changed!

Going from cooking for eight, then for fewer and fewer until now I cook for anywhere from just one to four or five, depending on who I'm with. It's been quite an adjustment learning to cook for less people, and I have friends and family who have enjoyed the fact that it is taking me some time to realize I don't need to make much food.

Between new business endeavors, including getting my Etsy shop back up and running (this week I hope!) and getting ready to sell some recently acquired treasures via Craigslist, picking up kids from school (their father decided to move 45 minutes away from where the family house is, where I apparently have to stay until it sells -- so it's alot of driving back and forth), and lots of other things, I'm definitely keeping busy! But, just as always, despite how busy I may be, having home-cooked meals with and for my kids continues to be something important to me.

I hope you are ready for fall and pumpkin patches and cooking food in the crockpot! Let me know if you try any of the recipes I include below, and how you like them.

Thinking of Pumpkin Butter and SOUP, and maybe Soup's On Saturday...

Here are some things I have made in the past couple of weeks that I thought I'd share:

~ Homemade pizza using Trader Joe's or bread machine pizza crust. I've made this with or for the kids every Friday night for close to two years now. Now that I only get every other Friday with the kids, I make sure we keep doing it. My daughter especially always wants to have it. I think it is part the yummy pizza and part just feeling like "normal" and keeping tradition. I think I will post more about this in a couple weeks.

~ Taco Corn Chip Casserole This was a recipe I found while searching out instructions for a home decor idea a friend mentioned. It turned out to be a good recipe we enjoyed. And I had leftovers to share with friends the next day. They loved it too! (Suzy is dressed kind of risque but just scroll down and you will see the recipe right away!)

Her photo is prettier than mine, but mine sure tasted good:)

I made a small dish for Mr. Picky. NO veggies.

Watermelon went great with it!

I have made French Dips for my family for years.

It is something everyone has loved.

Well, except Mr. Picky Pants. But that's just him.

Despite the warm days, it started getting chilly outside this week in the mornings and evenings

so it was a perfect time to make a favorite hot sandwich.

Ingredients:
Sliced Roast Beef
Sourdough Sandwich Rolls
Mushrooms
Onions
Green peppers if desired
Jack or Mozzarella cheese
Au Jus

To make them, I saute mushrooms and onions in my red pan in some olive oil, bacon fat, or butter. If you like peppers, you'd add those too. I would normally add some salt, but au jus is pretty salty, and you are going to dip thirsty bread into it and soak it up, so use caution if you aren't familiar with au jus.

For heating the roast beef, I use one of several methods; I have added the sliced roast beef to the mushrooms and onions as they are sauteing, but some people don't like the veggies on their sandwich and it's hard to pick them out. I have also heated the au jus in my red fry pan then added the roast beef until heated through. This is my favorite method because the au jus gets into the beef and the beef gets into the au jus and it's really quite yummy when the juice soaks into the bread. In a pinch (when I get started late!), I have also microwaved the beef -- but please do not repeat this because I wouldn't want word to get out.

I have used packaged au jus many times, especially when we're camping. But, as noted above, the sodium content is very high, so read your package and try to choose the one with least sodium. This is not sea salt! And make sure there is no MSG. I have also used canned Beef Consomme which is really good. Using a home cooked, cooked-down beef bone broth is best. For extra tang, to the consomme or home cooked beef broth, I like to add a couple teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and sometimes a little garlic.

When I have the "innards" all warm and ready, I broil sourdough sandwich buns under the broiler until lightly browned. This step helps to prevent the bread from getting too soggy, breaking off, and becoming a floater when it is dipped into the au jus. Then I place sliced or grated mozzarella or jack cheese on one or both sides, depending on who I'm cooking for and how much cheese I have, and place back under the broiler until cheese is melted.

Now add the meat and veggies as desired. You must cut in half to get good dipping leverage. Dip, and enjoy!

Yogurt in an Igloo

2011-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

There are lots of posts around the internet for how to make your own yogurt. Google away, and you'll probably find at least ten different ways to do it.

Some call for raw milk and others say that won't work because of the competing good bacteria. One calls for for powdered milk, another says you can use non-fat, 1%, 2%, or whole milk. Opinions vary from using a powdered culture to using store-bought plain yogurt. "You MUST hang your yogurt to get a non runny product". "Don't bother hanging it, it's just fine without". Different temps, use the oven, use a yogurt maker, use a cooler...

Yep. Lots of opinions.

And they probably all work just fine.

For myself, it's all about making it simple. And cheap. And deeeelicious.

I originally followed directions for using the oven and the results were sorta slimy. So then I tried using the cooler because, by golly, I was NOT purchasing another space taker-upper for my kitchen (as in a yogurt maker)!

The cooler worked great. But then, the stopper to my cooler broke off and got, um, misplaced. And the other cooler is huge and needs a good cleaning. And they took so much water and so much space while they did their magic.

So here's what I use and it is PERFECT:

Okay, so it's the brand Igloo. But "Yogurt in an Igloo" sounds so much
more fun than saying "Yogurt in a Drink Dispenser".

It perfectly fits four one quart canning jars (that's a gallon to all of you who maybe forgot). It doesn't take much water or space, and it makes the yogurt turn out creamy and delicious!

So, here's the skinny:

~ Turn on your tea kettle filled with water.

~ Sterilize 4 one quart canning jars and lids.

~ Bring ONE GALLON MILK to 175-180 degrees F. If you want to be precise, you really won't need the entire gallon. But pretty close, so mayizwell play it safe and just do the whole gallon. Then let it cool to 105-110 so the heat doesn't kill your squirmy little active cultures.

OPINION ALERT: If you are buying organic milk from a trusted source, go for whole milk. If you cannot afford that, get skim. I personally think that getting the proper amount of fat is healthy, especially for growing children. But research shows that toxins are stored in fat cells. So if you don't know what is going into the cow that makes your milk, try not to ingest the fat.

~ Pour the milk divided evenly between your 4 sterilized quart jars that have been allowed to cool. Don't get stressed about who gets more. The jars won't care. Just be sure you leave a few inches at the top so you have room for the cultured yogurt.

~ Drop in about a quarter cup of plain active yogurt into each jar and stir. Just plop it in, no need to measure precisely. Well, I don't. But my sister who asked for these instructions probably will, because she's a precise kind of girl. She'll be happy I told her a quarter cup instead of a plop.

~ Place caps on jars. Screw lids down tightly. You don't want watery yogurt do you?

~ Now, you are going to need to fill the Igloo to just below where the jar lids will be, with water that is between 105-110 degrees. I try for 110 or a scad (sorry about the non-measurable measurement Sis) bit higher myself. I fill it about halfway with faucet-warm water, then take it's temp and add boiling water or cold water until I get it right. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT put your jars of yogurt in first, then dump boiling water in, thinking you will cool it. It's gonna kill those active lil cultures. Water first, then jars.

~ Put your jars in the Igloo. If you've filled it past where the bottoms of the lids end up, drain some out.

No Silly. Not that Igloo.

See, what'd I tell ya? They fit perfectly.

The N on one lid was so I knew which one was which when I tried Nancy's plain yogurt for one
of the starters. It was a pretty nice starter, just slightly tangier than when I used the
powdered culture and every bit as creamy.

Make sure your Igloo is in a warmish area, or wrap it real good with some towels or a blanket. I put mine in front of a heat vent in the laundry room.

Now go have a glass of kombucha or kefir and read all about how healthy it is for you and your family to ingest as many good, live, cultured foods as possible.

Then, for goodness sakes, go to bed before the sun comes up. That yogurt is going to need a good 8 hours in it's bath. It is very shy, plus you don't want to allow precious heat to escape, so DO NOT OPEN THE LID.(Alternatively, I hear you can make it early in the day and let it sit for about 8 hours, then refrigerate. I have not tried doing that.)

Dream about bunnies and rainbows and unicorns. Or a pina colada on a beach in Bora, Bora. Or about one day having your entire house clean and your laundry done all at the same time for an entire hour. Whatever puts you in your happy place so you can get some good REM Zzzzs.

When you wake up in the morning and realize it was mostly all a dream, it will be nice to remember you really do have some fresh yogurt to eat for breakfast.

Take the jars out and dry them off. Open a lid and check on the consistency. Now is also a good time to stir in a little vanilla if you like vanilla yogurt. I am thinking you could stir in any flavor extract if you'd like. I love orange extract in other things, but I have only tried vanilla for yogurt.

It will probably be just fine to eat for breakfast, but if you want optimum consistency, only eat one quart and put the rest in the fridge for a few hours and it will set even more.

My favorite is plain, topped with some pure,
grade B maple syrup and a couple of walnuts.

What's yours?

If you try this at home, please tell me how it goes!

Spring Check In

2011-03-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hi. It's Me.

Popping in for a visit at least.

Not making any promises.

We'll see.

I miss you.

Much to my delight, I/we went hiking three times this week. Spring has definitely sprung here in green Oregon. I would have gone a couple more times but it was just too wet to risk one of my kids falling. I am thankful this long winter is past and we have the next 6 or 7 months of being-outdoors-kind-of-weather to look forward to. I can't wait to get our first camping trip in!

Spring also means some shifting around for our last term of school. My girl's math is wonderful, but I have switched her to Aleks for now just to make sure she is ready for the same language and styles she will see on her first achievement testing coming up in May. I also started a couple of the kids in 4H for goats last fall so they are working on getting the goats used to being handled the same way they will be when they are shown. Two of my kids are just about to start play practice for Cinderella, and three of them are practicing, practicing, practicing for their voice recital in early summer. We have decided to drop our full day of outside classes, leaving only one morning per week for a P.E. class, so we can tie up some loose ends scholastically, work on "perfecting" our character (ahem), and also so we have more possible flex times for outside learning adventures. I am loving getting more acquainted with Charlotte Mason's thoughts on this.

I am also trying to get back into a routine for meal planning and more purposeful in our traditional style food habits. I have been spoiled with the meals I made when I ordered from Zaycon Foods. They have been so helpful during some tough times when meal planning was not on the top of my agenda, but I knew that telling the kids to "throw a Cheese Quesadilla on the George Foreman and grab a few baby carrots or an orange" should not be a daily happening.

This week I started a new batch of Kombucha and I am very much looking forward to the results. I also made Kefir and have yogurt and chevre multiplying their bacteria as we speak. I have a few other things burning in my mind that I'd like to make this week too, so we'll just see.

I am working on a compilation of the chicken recipes I used when I ordered 120 pounds of chicken breast the first time and 80 pounds the second time so my friends and family who ask will have one tidy place to refer to. I will be using my blog as the posting place so my faithful blog readers will see it first;).

Unfortunately, one of my main freezer shelves is broken and the food slides off each time I open the door and I have to be careful and strategic when trying to pile it back on so the door will close. I have nowhere else to put it, so I am going to have to plan to eat the things that take up the most freezer space first in order to get to the shelf and figure out what needs to be done to make it right again.

Well there's my blippet about life today.

Here's some of what we are planning to eat this week:

BREAKFAST:

Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal Pancakes (if I can locate the cord to my griddle. Urgh.) These babies are so filling that my big boys can usually only eat 2 or 3!

My Favorite Muffins

Baked Oatmeal baked in crockpot (using alternative sweetener, probably real maple syrup which is our favorite sweetener of choice) Baked Oatmeal was one of my favorites growing up and I have made it for my family from the beginning. But I have not tried making it in the crockpot, so this will be a tester.

Migas using truly free-range eggs . I might throw in some basil because I just love basil.

DINNER: (most of the links are the basic recipe, which I adapted so I could make them as freezer meals)

~ Enchiladas using the frozen Mole Chicken Burritos I made previously

~ Buffalo Chicken Mounds served on homemade buns (I have to let them raise longer where I live)

~ Praline Chicken

~Butterflied Whole Chicken Breast cooked on the grill, with mushrooms and asparagus

~ Chicken Marbella

(For tons more recipe links and menu ideas, visit www.orgjunkie.com, where lots of ladies like me link up every week to share ideas)

Finding The Stillness

2011-01-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

Stillness is a word befitting of winter. We all have seasons where we are recovering from being really busy. Seasons when we are wrestling inside, or facing change – welcome or not. Times when your insides are all in a turmoil and you feel like you are falling short in even the most mundane things. We don’t feel still. At all. Those are the times when there is a lot of (sometimes raging) noise. Sometimes we don’t even know how to rest.

“Be Still and know that I am God”

Sometimes I don’t even know how, yet, in the midst of stillness is where my heart must take the time it needs to answer questions, to ponder deep thoughts, to evaluate, and to be silent.

Take a deep breath.

I remember my Grandma's words when, as a small child, she brushed my very tangled hair -- "SIT Still!" Of course I was squirming and squiggling my way away from the pain. But I just needed to be still and let the brush do what it needed to do in my Grandma's capable hands. Soon the knot was out, Dippity-Doo was applied, and rag rollers were in.

The next morning, as she unrolled the ringlets, I saw the pay-off.

I think back to a Christmas season not long ago, when we had alot of snow. I remember myself, dressed warm and cozy and comfortably, walking outside, all alone at night, in the snow. The moon overhead and the city lights in the distance were set against the pink tinged sunset and reflecting on the snow. That is when I took the picture above.

I live in the country, so what I was breathing in was fresh and clean with just a hint of bold evergreen making it's way through the frozen air. We had been sledding earlier and now I was all alone for those few quiet moments. I could hear only my footsteps in the snow and a brief greeting from the cow who spotted me heading her way. All the snow from one high branch fell down at once and the branch wobbled as it was freed from the weight. But it did not disturb. I marveled at how it made a noise that did not disturb, but only accentuated the silence. But it did make me realize how still my mind had been up to that point.

Things melting away. Things shifting. Knots untangled. Being set free.

Lord, please teach me to be still. Please help me find clarity and rest.

Where are All of the Round To-its?

2010-12-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

Slip slidin' away.

Good golly, time is just passing by and my poor blog is getting a little dusty. Cough, sneeze, aaaaaachooo!

Ohhh, there's plenty to blog about. But I just have not been getting a round To-it. I have some square To-its, but the round ones are harder to come by.

Please don't forget about me. Because I plan to be back in the swing of things real soon.

Keeping It Simple

2010-11-24T09:14:00.001-08:00

If you look at my menus for Thanksgivings past, you will see that I am keeping it simple this year.

There has been so much going on; we have icy weather, and our three youngest have been sick with bad colds all week as well, so we decided to stay quiet this year. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day as a family, with no extended family or friends, for the first time ever. My menu will be simple, but full of tradition for us.

I usually try at least one new thing but I am not sure if I will this year. I am trying to be mellow. But old habits die hard so, we'll see.

We all need some time to relax and just give ourselves permission to sit around and play games, do puzzles, play Wii or whatever.

If everyone is feeling well enough, we will have some company for brunch on Friday. I will make a breakfast strata I have made for years. This Farmer’s Strata is one of my favorites. Stratas taste wonderful and are convenient because you make it the night before, so your morning is pretty easy.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be blessed!

Homemade Cranberry Salsa over cream cheese, served with a variety of crackers

Lemon and Tarragon Turkey (this just sounded good so I am coming up with a recipe)

Cashew Swiss Salad

Scalloped Potato Casserole or Frufru Mashed Potatoes (I will take a poll of my family) with gravy (one of my sons reminded me to make PLENTY of gravy!)

Dilly Rolls

Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing (and some with no cranberries for a few people)

Sparkling Peach Punch

Sparkling Juice

Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream

Spice Cookies and dip (one of my faves ever!)

Coffee

Salted Caramel Cocoa

The Big Switch

2010-11-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd chat about the curriculum switch we made for this year. We have enjoyed our core curriculum, Sonlight, for so many years, I sure did hate to leave it. I am hoping maybe next year we can go back to it. But we’ll see.

I just had too many kids in varying places in schoolwork and was getting overwhelmed with all of the reading out loud and at different levels, needing to adjust for each individual child, plus all of the other subjects being at different levels. It was taking way too long every day and there was no possibility of getting anything else done each day. Not to mention, I want my kids to enjoy school. If the load is too heavy, and if I am stretched too thin in helping them, or learning along with them, the fun and enjoyment stretches pretty thin too.

So, for anyone who may be curious, below is what we are doing daily. Keep in mind that we started out doing something totally different and have phased out the old and, slowly, in with the new, so we are still adjusting to getting everything done. Many days we can’t get everything done, but I aim for them to get Math, Handwriting, Dictation and Spanish done every day at least. If we have to give a little, it is usually something besides those.

Science (Lyrical Life Science for 4th and 6th graders, Apologia for 10th grader)

Math (Saxon 7/6, RightStart for 4th grader and Thinkwell Pre-Calculus for 10th grader)
Dictation, Spelling, Vocabulary, Narration, Handwriting Practice (Spelling Wisdom – This is a change for us too. Previously we were using Spelling Power plus doing dictation, which took more planning to locate passages. We are able to cover narration, vocabulary, spelling, handwriting and dictation all with one exercise. Plus they get some really great quotes and passages, which we discuss.)

By the way, I also purchased Laying Down The Rails as I have felt like we need to make a more concerted effort in this area; a refresher course on habits, especially for the younger kids, since we made a concerted effort with the older ones and some things mightpossiblymaybe have gotten a little rusty. We'd possibly be up there with wild Indians if it weren't for The 21 Rules of This House having become a permanent part of our home many years ago (and that's even a little creaky!).
Handwriting (we use Italic but they requested to learn traditional cursive so we are doing that right now then will go back to Italic)
Reading for at least one hour daily, (Misc. and/or pertaining to current History studies)
History/Bible (Loosely based around the Story of the World, Child’s History of the World and Engermeier’s Bible Story Book, using this chart and this chart for assistance and adding in my own hands-on activities) and age appropriate Bible times for each
Spanish (Rosetta Stone)
Plus assignment completion from their once a week classes (including Creative Writing, Communications, Speech, Vocabulary, Shakespeare and/or Literature, depending upon the child)
Twice per week we do a Nature Walk and once per week we aim (operative term to date) to do nature journaling
Once per week we focus on a new Lyrical Life Science song. They are wordy and informative and we just added this a couple weeks ago, so we have not gotten very far yet.
Once per week the boys have a full day of classes outside the home, my daughter takes two of them. This has been a huge help!
Once per week they have a PE class
They have other activities through church and 4H, basketball starts soon, and they have chores around the house, property and for the animals plus learning cooking and other Home Ec type skills. We have put piano, guitar and voice on sabbatical. We have no extra time!
I am still streamlining and trying to figure out how to balance all of this. This is the first year in 16 years of homeschooling where I do not have any two students doing the bulk of the same work. Plus I have a 4 year old who also has his own little learning times.
I’ll post again in a month or two with a progress report because many days I still feel like there is just too much, especially with high school requirements, to get everything done!

A Cluck of A Deal!

2010-11-14T19:19:00.001-08:00

One of my wonderful friends told me about a great deal on chicken breasts for $1.48 per pound! Zaycon Foods is new to me but, at that price, I bought a ton. Well, not literally, but 120 pounds sort of felt like a ton when I was elbow deep in raw chicken all week. Because you know there was no way I was just staying in the kitchen until it was done. There is school to teach, driving kids to and fro, dinner to forage for, ~~blogging,~~ LAUNDRY, appointments -- and then there is sleeping and eating somewhere in there.

But I am quite happy with the result. I bought 120 pounds of fresh, all natural, boneless, skinless chicken breast meat. Do you have any idea how much raw chicken that is??!!

I bought three 40 pound boxes

This is half of one box

I bought additional groceries at Costco and Trader Joe’s and used things I already had in my pantry (from buying in bulk and through my co-ops).

For this I got:

over 30-15+ serving casseroles,

5 dozen+ pre-made meaty burritos,

30+ individual servings of either BBQ or buffalo shredded chicken for easy-to-grab take-away meals for the boys who are in college and as needed,

over 30 seasoned and seared substantial breast pieces for the kids to use for quick protein on the George Foreman grill,

about 2 dozen additional substantial breast pieces I trimmed and froze plain for later use and 3 bags of broth mixtures to use in soups later.

That’s about $.68 per serving. And each serving should be substantial enough for a meal because I included a lot of meat in each recipe.

If I include buns and/or produce that will be needed to complete some of the meals, I am still under or right at about a dollar per meal per person, if I figure amounts, servings and figures correctly.

So yes, I am pretty happy about my stocked freezer.

And I am breathing a big sigh of relief that I have so many meals made ahead just before Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was dreading the “rush”. But now I am so looking forward to all of the fun things we are going to do for school and for holiday fun.

I’ll be sharing the recipes I used and some pictures of the process during the next couple of weeks. Mostly because I want to keep my notes for next time!

Have a great week!

Thursday. That’s Today.

2010-11-04T17:34:00.001-07:00

My blogging has dropped off considerably the past few weeks. It’s mostly because AT&T decided to change it’s Laptop Connect package and not provide anything comparable.

Living in the country, I don’t have access to WiFi. And, well, a couple of my sons decided to watch a movie on my computer. That used up most of what was left of my October service package and I was left with DIAL-UP, people!

I could write quite alot about AT&T and it’s decision to be way behind in internet communication outside of an iPhone. It would bore you, so I won’t. But this loyal customer of 14 years is not happy.

The AT&T debacle was on the heels of my writer acting up and…oh, forget it. I’ve been having computer and program woes. I’ll leave it at that. And then I will tell you that I *think* I am back. Pending another AT&T interference. Or a teenager using up my airtime.

Another reason could be that I have been dejunking like mad. I’ve pretty much been busy 24/7, except for a little bit of sleep in between tasks. And in between carrying my elder brother on my back, uphill, in a tornado with ~~barefeet, nah, let's say~~ Laboutin's on. I've barely eaten and my nose is cold.

And my husband was gone for a week to Haiti, then a week to Germany, back-to-back.

And it has been gray here so I get a little sleepy anyway. Yawn. The past couple days have been unseasonably warm, so I am not complaining, just sayin’.

And I'm teething.

And I need a nap.

Excuses, excuses.

I think we FINALLY have our school schedule down. Since we changed our curriculum altogether, I have been adding additional subjects a little at a time. This week marks the first week all subjects are added in and I think it is going to be okay, other than the fact that we could use another couple of computers since we all do Spanish on my laptop and two of the kids have math lessons on DVD. But we're making do (oh, there's another reason -- I don't get my computer much these days!) I don’t think I have ruined one kid while trying to reach another in a language he/she can understand. But the jury is still out.There are days when I wonder...

Tonight I am going to watch the rest of Gone With The Wind with a couple of my kids. So maybe tomorrow I will get caught up on all of your blogs.

Happy Autumn!

(Oh Drat! Doesn't the clock "fall behind" this week?)

Pumpkin’s Birthday

2010-10-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

I am just getting my programs working again and there are still some bugs to work out. But at least things are back up and running!

There is lots going on around here so plenty of blog fodder. However, there is not much time to post about it. Here is a highlight from last week.

My Little Man was born during harvest season, so we like to visit the pumpkin patch for his birthday. In fact, his very first birthday was celebrated at a farm. I hope he enjoys this tradition even when he grows up.

This year a local pumpkin patch added a pirate ship and my little swashbuckler was very happy about that! Some of my family was there to celebrate with us. I cant post pictures of them because some of them don’t like to have their pictures online. But my boy knows they were there and he has pictures for his scrapbook. Building memories for him, and for the other kids in the family, are most important.

We put our focus on the bountiful harvest rather than spooky things, so I appreciate the pirate fun and the opportunity for my kids to dress up if they wish.

I love how the ship looks like it is sailing through the fields of corn.

Ahoy there Mateys!

I loved how my birthday boy decided to wear mittens. It wasn’t even cold out.

There are four of my kids in this picture, including the peace sign.

Thank you God, for four wonderful and healthy years with this little boy.

Thank you for the seventy-seven birthdays I have been able to celebrate with my children, all total.

Happy Harvest!

Soup's On Saturday: Making and Using Dry Soups and Mixes

2010-10-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

I tried to coordinate the timing of this post to give you plenty of time to make some mixes yourself before the holiday season hits us full force. Also to remind and motivate myself to start getting some of this stuff done ahead of time!

How many recipes do you have that call for onion soup mix? I know I have lots. It is a great shortcut for many delicious meals, many are for the crockpot. I remember needing to make something quick and easy, then going for one of my trusty roast recipes, only to realize I am out of onion soup mix. So I looked around and figured out that I could make my own with ingredients I normally have on hand. Mixing up a batch of it doesn't take too much longer than ripping open a package. You know exactly what ingredients are in it, and you can tailor it to match whatever you are making.

Pick-a-Flavor Onion Soup Mix

1 1/2 cups dried minced onion

2/3 cup onion powder

2/3 cup bouillon granules of your choice (I use beef, chicken or mushroom)

1/2 teaspoon sugar (I use less processed sugar and it works well)

Herbs are nice too. Basil is always a welcome addition in my book. If I am using chicken bouillon and will be using mix for poultry dishes, I like to add tarragon.

If recipe calls for one packet, use 6+ Tablespoons, according to taste.

Soup-In-A-Jar

Dry soup mix in a jar is one of my favorite gifts to make and give to my loved ones, especially during the cold months. I love soup in general (ya think?) and I love feeling like I am sharing a little bit of my love, even when I am not there, as the recipient enjoys the warm, cozy, and tasty contents of the simple glass jar I have given them, maybe even months before.

That simple glass jar is another thing I love about making soup mixes. I love the simplicity of using a plain old canning jar. The fact that I am giving them something they can reuse, especially something that is not plastic, appeals to me. Canning jars can be found inexpensively through Craigslist, garage sales, and the Goodwill too. Gotta love me a gift that can be given without having to find a decorative tin or a bunch of wrapping supplies!

Many people enjoy adding a fabric circle under the metal ring lid. My must-have is a piece of raffia or twine. I use that to tie on a piece of brown paper bag with the instructions written on it, or typed out on white paper and glued on. Sometimes I use burlap under the ring. Another idea I have been thinking about trying is using a piece of white tea towel from the dollar store and letting the kids use fabric paint on it. Simple, quick and easy -- that's probably the only way I am going to get it done!

I have made and used several different soup mixes. My favorite, to give and to eat, is a mushroom soup recipe. Check out the link for more details. What I love about it, in addition to the delicious taste of the basic recipe, is how flexible it is.

Another all-time favorite, whether in a mix or otherwise, is Tortilla Soup. I have seen varying recipes for this, as well as different ways for layering the ingredients. Search around the internet and you can find some interesting ones, including this one that calls for lemonade powder!

I don't add the tortilla chips to the jar. I use that space for the rice and spices, then add a bag of chips, and cans of chiles, tomatoes and canned chicken in a basket. If you know it will be eaten in the next few days, you can also add a container of sour cream, some grated cheese, an avocado and other items that make good tortilla soup toppings.

From Pioneer Soup to Basic Chicken Noodle, it's pretty easy to find one for any taste, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. There is so much out there, this post could get way too long.

I hope I shared with you just enough inspiration to go "in search of" and find some you enjoy making, eating and giving!

Mundane

2010-10-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I am missing blogging this week. Between technical problems with my writer, aircard problems, getting ready for a garage sale that is now rained out, and sickness in the house (including me, BOO) I just can't seem to post.

Here are some mundane facts about our week:

~ My Little man turned FOUR last weekend and we went to a pumpkin patch with him dressed as a pirate. The pumpkin patch has a hay ride that is a pirate ship. It looks like a ship sailing through a corn field. It was perfect. (Pics later, when my face is not about to explode).

~ The kids are doing great in their Language Arts classes. I did not think any of the classes were age appropriate for my girl, but she is taking Creative Writing and is quite good at it.

~ I LOVE Spelling Wisdom.

~ We are trying a new cold medicine called Umcka.

~ I was able to soak out a stain from a shirt I thought I'd lost.

~ It got cold enough to turn the furnace on, but it was stinky. I think something is wrong with it. We all got sick the next day. Coincidence -- or caused by the dust and ickies that came up? I am thankful for the radiant heater that uses the same amount of electricity as a night light. And really, really glad we added individual heaters in the homeschool room. When it's the only warm room in the house, the kids are especially happy to be in there.

~ I got a sweet message from my friend who recently moved to Arizona, that she dreamed about me. I loved hearing from her. I wanted to call her today to talk more, but my ears are plugged.

~ The two younger aged school kids and I have been talking about wanting to meet Buzz Aldron and Neil Armstrong.

~ I have not felt like cooking (garage sale busy-ness and sickness) and have not made anything on my menu since Monday night. Tonight it was Subway $5.00 after 5pm on my way home from getting a hair, nail and brow pick-me-up at the salon.

~ Praying for a dear friend's new twin nephews, about to make an early appearance at 27 weeks, and their mommy and daddy.

Time to go make more hot drinks all around. And blow my nose again. Praying nothing ruptures.

Sniff, sniff,

Soup's On Saturday: Like Grandma Used To Make

2010-10-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

(Due to problems with my writer this weekend, I am combining SOS (top half) and MPM (second half) . Come back on Saturdays for Soup's On Saturday, and Sundays for Menu Plan Monday.)

S.O.S. "Like Grandma Used To Make"

When I think of soups my grandma used to make, the first thing that comes to my mind is a bunch of slimy shellfish floating around in milk with a pat of butter. Not really my cuppa tea, but it is a family tradition and I do see the value in it. I just don't want to eat it!

The next soup I think of is my Gran's Chicken and Dumplings. But it's been awhile since she made the old fashioned kind. It was replaced years ago by canned Cream of Chicken Soup, and dumplings made with Bisquick.

I do, however, remember my Great-Grandma, as well as my Grandma, making Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles. If you've never had homemade noodles before, you probably can't imagine the taste or the texture accurately.

My GG's noodles are made with white flour and I have not had much luck, so far, in revamping them with whole wheat. Truth be told, I sorta want to just leave them as they have always been - a pretty basic recipe. For every ONE egg, you add ONE cup of flour and ONE pinch of salt. Mix together until all ingredients are combined and knead until smooth. Roll to about 1/4 inch and cut into slices, however long you prefer your noodles to be. Add them slowly to your boiling bone broth (I add veggies too) and let them cook until done. Purty easy alright!

If that's not easy enough for you, Costco sells a brand of egg noodles that are very good and, in the absence of homemade, will do just fine.

Sorry I don't have pictures this time. I had hoped to get some of my grandma making them but can't find any so far.

If you have a favorite soup your grandma used to make, I'd sure love to see the recipe. Feel free to link it in my comment section. Make sure you come back next Saturday for my next installment, "Soup's On Saturday:Making and Using Dry Soups and Mixes". I gave dry soup mixes for Christmas one year and I still hear about how delicious and handy they were!

Menu Plan Monday:(for lots more menu ideas, visit OrgJunkie each Monday)

Note: Last week I planned to make Slow Cooker Curry Chicken with Quinoa, only not in the slow cooker. When I went to cook it up, I found that all of the apples I had planned on using had been eaten. Well, in this house of eight people, this is sometimes unavoidable -- items I purchase for a certain recipe get eaten. So, you have to learn to make do! I did have on hand a pint jar of pearsauce I made and canned last year, so I threw that in as a substitute and LOVED IT!

As for my MENU PLAN this week:

Monday: Rice and Sausages

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe's with Homemade buns we did not get last week

Wednesday: Cream Cheese Chicken over rice

Thursday: Nacho Spuds

Friday: Older and Wiser Sister's Taco Soup

Saturday Leftovers

Sunday OUT to eat

Have a wonderful week!

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

2010-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

We find comfort in the sovereignty of God. There is no lost potential, no purpose unaccomplished; there is only the glorious plan of God perfectly fulfilled in a precious little life" ~Author unknown

We all know someone, or several someones, who have lost a little one through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.

Today is a good day to let them know you remember.

"Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our life for only a short while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."

These Babies (and many more) Left Their Footprints on My Heart:
Marsha 1940 (would have been my aunt)
Three of my siblings (1970s)
Toby 1980 (cousin)
Joseph 1987 (nephew)
JMMc's miscarried babies (nieces/nephews)
TMB's miscarried babies (nieces/nephews)
LMB's miscarried babies
Paul Christian 1998 (my son)
Paul's twin 1998 (my baby)
Jack 1998 (friend)
Aleah 1998 (friend)
Timbrel 1999 (friend)
KS's baby (1999) (friend)
Amargain (friend)
DF's baby (friend)
Jennifer S's baby
CJC's baby 2007 (friend)
Roland D. 2009 (friend)
Baby McC 2009 (my grand niece or nephew)
KE's baby 2010 (friend)
Lydia 2010 (friend)
MT Olson 2010 (friend)
Baby Hill 2010 (friend)
JMG's miscarried babies (nieces/nephews)

These are just a few of the little ones I am remembering today. I know many more loved ones who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss. Sadly, there are too many to list them all. Please feel free to remember a special little one and/or their family in the comment section if you wish.

"The 'why' of so many things is known only to the heart of God, but He has told us that at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances, nothing can separate us from His love".

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Whether your loss is seasoned with the tears of many years, or if you have only recently been unwillingly taken on this journey, may you be surrounded with Peace that passes understanding and Love that knows no bounds,

If you would like to make a donation in memory of a special baby, may I suggest:

Holt International Adoption

PO Box 2880

Eugene, OR 97402

Purposeful Parenting: The Timer Method

2010-10-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

Being given time to emotionally prepare for what’s next gives a child a chance

to bring an activity to a logical conclusion and be ready to move on.

A handful of times recently, I have been asked about child training for various situations (naptime, whining for attention, and sitting nicely in a carseat) where my advice for each of them included using a timer. Since the Timer Method can be so helpful, I thought I'd share it here.

Depending on the age of the child, you can employ The Timer Method for help in training your little ones (or not so little ones) a wide variety of habits. For this method, you should purchase a kitchen timer that ticks and, when time runs out, gives a satisfying DING. There are all sorts of fun character timers out there if you want something specific. Mine is a simple orange dial kitchen timer from the 70s that I bought at an estate sale for a buck (but I’d sure love to have one like the turquoise one I added above!).
An older child may enjoy watching the sands in the hourglass pass through. If you choose this type of timer, based on my personal experience with a huge glass hourglass getting knocked off of our mantle, I recommend plastic!

You should use, and play all sorts of games with the timer so your little lamb can begin to realize the timer will go off shortly. “Mommy is going to read with you for five minutes. When the timer goes off, we will go get a snack”. Mommy sets timer for five minutes, reads to lambie poo and, when timer goes off, they go get a small snack. “We are going to sit nicely at the table with our snack for four minutes, then you may play with your blocks while Mommy checks email for ten minutes, then it will be outside time”. So on and so forth, until that sweet one has had a chance to understand how the timer works.

As an example, The Whiner who whines for mommy’s attention: Many times whining for attention stems from a task-oriented mommy not giving the child quality time to count on but, instead, plugs him into TV, tells him to play and leaves him to entertain himself, or is constantly hushing him while she is on the phone or having coffee with a friend.

By using the Timer Method, you can set specific times when your child knows you will be 100% his. “When the timer goes off in 10 minutes, Mommy is going to play with play-dough with you for 30 minutes”. Once your child is aware of what that means, he is much more likely to wait patiently and not feel the need to whine to get your attention.

I find that I am often the one who benefits most from the timer, as I can easily loose track of time when I am busy. I sure don’t want my children to be taught that they can’t count on my words! They need to understand that I mean what I say.

Using a timer and teaching your little one the concept of time has many practical benefits. It is a tangible way your child can be reassured by having a boundary, and can also learn cause and effect. It is worth the investment!

From The Freaky Files: Matryoshka (Russian Nesting Doll) Eggs?

2010-10-12T14:09:00.001-07:00

I’d definitely classify this as a once-in-a-lifetime event!

I had never even heard of it!

Keeping chickens for our own farm fresh eggs is wonderful. We love how rich and fresh the eggs are, and knowing where they have been and what they have been eating.

I am also amused by the variety we get. When my son comes in with that day’s eggs, he will usually put any unique eggs in the door of the fridge, apart from the others, because he knows I love seeing them before they are cracked open and eaten. Sometimes they are abnormally small or large (see below), flat on one side, lopsided, or what-have-you.

Here are two silly eggs, one very, very small and the other very, very large!

A few months ago, I noticed we were getting low on eggs in the house, so I sent my egg boy up to the barn for more. Then I noticed one rather large, blue, Auracana egg in the door and decided I’d be happy with just one, mixed with some bacon and onion, fried rather than boiled, as I had originally planned.

He and I had a discussion as to whether or not it would be a double-yolker or not, and if I should eat one or two.

I got my onion and bacon all friend up then, in suspense about whether or not there would indeed be two yolks, he and I watched closely as I cracked it into the pan…

I began to express my surprise and disappointment at the fact that only one fairly normal yolk poured out.

Then…

KERPLOP!

Out came yet another egg, in a shell and all, from within that one!!!

For realzies.

We sat there, stunned, trying to make sense of what we had just seen.

Then I just started laughing, incredulous!

Of course, I called my 86 year old Grandma right away and

even she had never heard of it!

I take pictures of oddity eggs and flat out pretty eggs all of the time. I have quite a catalog of them within my photo files. But, since I have so many, I had refrained from taking one of this before I cracked it open. I was sure sorry about that afterwards!

I took a picture of the little one inside the larger shell for comparison.

Here is the larger one pieced back together.

I regret to say that we put off opening the little one,

and either it started out empty,

or whatever may have been in it dried up.

Because it was empty.

I looked it up online and could only find a few other cases of this. It is called “Ovum in Ovu”. Since it is so rare, no one is quite sure how or why it happens, but there is speculation about it and at least one scientist seems to be pretty sure why.

You can read about Ovum In Ovu and watch a video at this link, Big Egg,

and see other instances of it at the links below.

Odd Eggs (scroll down to see egg within an egg)

Astounding Discovery in Sri Lanka

Or just search “egg within an egg” and you can view what is out there.

Pretty cool and freaky huh? I consider myself privileged and blessed to experience something so rare!

... I keep thinking I should buy a lottery ticket, LOL!

P.S. If you think a post is worth repeating, please scroll below to the SU button

and click "submit" for StumbleUpon. Thanks!

Finding, Buying, and Using Locally Seasonal Fall Produce

2010-10-10T21:59:00.001-07:00

I love using seasonal produce. By this, I mean locally seasonal produce. Buying local helps to support farmers in your own community, and also helps to cut down on costs by making transport unnecessary and, as a result, cuts down on pollution too. There are many other benefits to buying and eating local, these are just a few. I highly recommend that you read this thoughtful article, “Finding Health Close To Home: A Call To Localism”. If nothing else, it will give you alot to think about!

The beginning of fall is not the typical season for most of us to be thinking about fresh produce. But there is still lots to be had. Gorgeous bounty in the cabbage family, apples, winter squash varieties, apples, and many beautiful root vegetables, including potatoes (the perfect food IMO), are just a few. Many CSA’s offer winter shares, and you can certainly find what is seasonal for you at your local farmer’s market (I wrote about our first year using a CSA here). You can find a CSA near you through Local Harvest. They also have a search engine for finding your local farmer’s market and other helpful information.

I get alot of information through my local county extension office. If you Google “County Extension, My County, My State” (filling in your county and state, of course) you should be able to find yours. Often, several neighboring counties will go together and make one produce guide that lists out what is available when, and at what farms those items can be found. I think most are available online nowadays too. I have linked an example of this above.

If you want to try to start buying local but just don’t know where to begin, here are a couple other resources to help get you started:

~ List of some great posts about buying local produce.

~ List of American Seasonal Produce, what’s in season and when.

~ Here is a great Seasonal Produce Recipe Guide to help you find ways to use those great mom-and-pop store, straight-off-the-farm, and farmer’s market purchases.

Getting local, seasonal produce for free or cheap:

~ This week I plan to ask a number of neighbors with apple trees dropping fruit to the ground like mad, only to rot, if they would mind if we come and pick what is left on their trees. Most people are happy to let you do this as nearly everyone would like to see food being used rather than wasted. Look around you as you drive and see if any of your neighbor’s have pears, apples, figs or other fruits going to waste.

~ Last year I saw a pile of zucchini at our CSA that was laying separate from the rest. I asked The Farmer’s Wife about it and she told me that their subscribers don’t like to see “imperfect” produce in their shares, so that pile was destined for the compost heap. I can’t remember now if she agreed to sell it to me on-the-cheap or if she just gave it to us, but we did end up with it. The imperfections were minor and did not affect the quality of what we ate.

~ Pumpkin patches are busy right now. But come November 1st, many pumpkin farms have pumpkins left in their fields that they will just allow to rot into the soil.

~ You can often find free or very inexpensive produce using Craig’s List.

If you invest a little time and effort now, you can be using delicious produce you put up now, well into next spring. I will post a few things I do with fall seasonal produce over the coming weeks, as well as ways to use it once it has been preserved.

What are your favorites?

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Menu Plan Monday, October 11-17

2010-10-10T19:00:00.001-07:00

I hope to have a bunch of apples to use this week so our house should be full of the aroma of baking apples, slow cooked apple butter and the like all week! We also plan to visit our CSA farm and a neighbor with a pumpkin patch, so who knows what else we’ll end up with?

If you are coming over from MPM, please come back and visit me on Saturday, and maybe share your own recipe, for my Soup's On Saturday blog carnival. You can click my button below for more details, or even put it on your blog by using the code in my sidebar.

I don’t usually list out my side dishes in my MPM post, but this week I am hoping to try a few recipes for using squash in hopes that I can find at least one my family likes. Butternut Squash Fries, Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, and Butternut Squash, Apple and Onion Au Gratin are a few of the recipes I am considering.

MENU PLAN:

Monday -- Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Quinoa, I have two cooked chickens and will be using the bones and some of the meat to make my soup on Tuesday and the rest of the meat for today. Obviously, my chicken will already be cooked, so I will be adapting the recipe and not using the slow cooker.

Tuesday – Soup for Soup’s On Saturday, the theme this week will be Family Favorites (“Just Like Grandma Used To Make” – Or the ones you make which your grandkids will one day say that about).

Wednesday –- Something yet-to-be-decided using the crockpot. I will decide after I go to Farmer’s Market on Tuesday and/or today (Wednesday).

Thursday – Sloppy Joe’s on homemade buns (I have to let mine rise for about 2 hours). We will probably make a quadruple batch as we love these. If we have leftovers, we enjoy toasting them at breakfast time and slathering them with real butter and honey or maple syrup.

Friday – Leftovers before I rush off to an evening wedding

Saturday – I will make a nice breakfast of Baked Blueberry Apple Oatmeal this morning since all or most of my kids will be home at breakfast and not at dinnertime. Baked Oatmeal is something I grew up with and I’ve experimented with different ways to make it. This recipe is different and sounds wonderful! We’ll eat light at dinner, probably bean and cheese burritos or sandwiches.

Sunday – Restaurant for Little Man’s 4th Birthday. Of his choosing, so likely to be McDonald’s or some other nutrition free zone which we do not frequent except for on very rare occasions such as these!

I'd love it if you'd pllleeeaaase share with me your recipes and ideas for making squash the whole family will love (and I do NOT mean in desserts!).

I am likely to be in bittersweet mode this week with my baby turning four. So many mothers in the world don’t even get to have their little ones to their first birthday, so I am exceedingly grateful for healthy children. But he is growing up so quickly, as they all are, and no more babies on the horizon.

This is quite a different side of life for me!

Be Blessed!

For tons more Menu Plan Monday ideas, visit OrgJunkie.

Soup’s On Saturday: Seasonal Produce Week!

2010-10-09T10:02:00.001-07:00

Sorry I am a little late posting, in case you were waiting, LOL. I am at a wonderful conference this weekend!)

If you know me very well, you know I LOVE veggies. So I, of course, had to do this soup category.

I enjoy old cookbooks and vintage recipes, so it was with delight that I found the recipe for this soup in a collection of vintage recipes I recently purchased.

I am really enjoying my (purposely still small) collection. There is something so precious about using something as personal as another woman’s recipes from her recipe box! Today’s recipe came from the one with the little kettles and utensils on it. I love it when I can know a little history about the original owner of a recipe. I was told the owner of this one lived where she had a beautiful view of Puget Sound, and she had at least one grandchild.

“Potatoe, Cheese and Pear Soup”

I thought it sounded interesting, but also risky! But I looked up the chef and he is a famous guy. Sweet and savory is a great combo. Usually. And I figured, with 5 cups of cheese, it couldn’t be too bad!

Potatoes are a great seasonal item, and pears are ripe right now, so this was perfect.

First I threw in the potatoes. Yes, I know the recipe says to peel them, but I knew I was going to throw them in the Vita-mix and it would take care of the peels. Why waste all of those vitamins? Not to mention, the extra work it saved me.

Anytime I am making soup, I use the celery heart if I have it. That leaves the easier to eat ribs for the kids. And I always use cast iron.

Again not following the recipe, which said to dice the onion finely. But I am not sure this chef had a powerful Vita-Mix at his disposal back in 1991.

Didn’t peel the pears either…

I had to transfer to a bigger pan. This one is cast iron too, coated with porcelain. I doubled the recipe out of habit, and it made alot!

This is when I threw it all in the Vita-Mix, but I forgot to take a picture. I had to do it in batches. And it just looked like a bunch of veggies whirling around, as you would expect it to.

I like to use only free-range products. If it’s organic, all the better.

When they created a recipe that called for 5 cups, I don’t think they had four cup-sized boxes of broth. Maybe they made their own.

Staying true to form, I added the cream and the cheese by sight, not by measurement.

I did not have fresh, hot, buttered croutons. My store only had flavored ones, and I didn’t have time to make my own. But these worked out just fine. My favorite bites had croutons and chopped pear in them! I tried some cheese crackers in it too, later, and that also added a nice crunch and flavor.

This soup was rich and satisfying. I will definitely make it again. I might even use a nice swiss or another kind of sharper cheese. And, especially with the wine and cheese, I think it would also make a great fondue dip.

It tastes even better served up in my great-grandma’s bowls:)

A couple of my favorites from past years that include seasonal veggies are Lots of Onions Soup, which has been one my favorites for years, and Pumpkin Chili. I remember how surprised I was at how good such an odd sounding stew was. My while family loved it too. Check my sidebar for lots more. And share your favorite link in a comment, or link below if you’d like to add your own! Don't forget you can add my button to your blog too, find it in my sidebar.

Have a sweet yet savory week!

Serving It Up…

2010-10-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

Going to estate and garage sales, and also at the GW, I see alot of pretty and/or useful trays. There are so many uses for them that I decided to look into different ideas for how to repurpose or upcycle them, and also how to make my own with objects I like.

I figure I should see if I should take advantage of all of those great deals I find.

And I found alot of inspiration!

You know I like this idea, using chalkboard paint! I am thinking you could also use magnetic paint on a tray and make it into a reminder board. Or use a metal tray as one w/o having to paint it.

Urban Cottage Studio

Using as a bird feeder – great idea!

You can choose your materials depending on your individual tastes too.

Transient Treasures

Repurposed as a jewelry holder/wall decoration

Shabby Vintage Mom

Upcycling a TV tray into a small, foldable, portable ironing board.

I’m totally going to do this!

Oh Fransson

Using an old cabinet door as a serving tray. I’d like to do this with a very old cabinet door. But I wouldn’t want to paint or decorate it.

I’d just want it to look old and chipped.

Hippy Shopper

Repurposed ORANGE PEELS!!!

Urbanecologie

How to make a darling serving tray using an old picture frame

Apartment Therapy (with tutorial)

This person gave new life to a rusty old tray by using spray paint and a rub-on decal. (see before and after pics there)

Valet Tray made from an old record album!

Brinda Kay Design

There are lots of things you can do to make your own tray (use an old cookie sheet or?) or to give a new life to a tired tray, or one you don’t really like. I found lots more all around the web. People are so creative!

I have several trays around my house for various things. When I see a tray, I am also reminded how I should serve others. I need lots of reminders!

I use this one for my Quiet Time items so I can easily have my QT anywhere I want to.

It also helps when my coffee sloshes, so my books and tablecloth don’t get spilled on.

I use this lap tray for my laptop, for writing notes,

or for soup when someone is sick.

Don’t you love the little clips on the sides for holding your paper down?

I have no clue as to why it folds upward like this.

This old mirrored tray is on my dresser and holds a grouping of items

I enjoy or that mean something special to me.

(The lil item in the reflection means quite a bit to me too! Yes, he’s napping.

When else could I blog?!)

Trays come in so handy! What ideas do you have for trays?

What do you use them for?

Serving up some love to all of my bloggy friends,

on a super cute, whimsical tray!

Oh! I almost forgot to remind you to join me tomorrow for Soup's On Saturday! Bring your appetite for comfort food, and your favorite recipe using seasonal produce!

Most Important

2010-10-07T15:04:00.001-07:00

Reminder to self:

“…Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

I love homeschooling. It has worked well for our family, which is why we have stuck with it for so long.

When I count all of the hours we’d be in the car, running here and there, doing homework, etc. I think parents who have their kids in traditional school probably spend as much, or close to as much time, as I do, on school! Not to mention, some (probable) stranger would get the honor of spending all of that time with my kids -- and I’d miss out.

But this school year, and the prep leading up to it, this “seasoned” homeschool mom has been befuddled and bewildered.

Reevaluating.

Having to choose.

Too many choices.

Indecision.

Confusion.

Paralyzed at times.

What has always worked before isn’t working for us this year. I have had to make changes. And I really like the comfort of the “same-old, same-old”, so it is sort of hard.

I have four school or pre-school aged children at home this year -- from a highly intelligent and stereotypical Boy With A Curl In The Middle Of His Forehead who needs alot from ME, to a high-school young man who learns differently than his brothers before him, with two in between who cross over each other in some subjects, but have different learning styles and needs.

I finally realized that I needed to let go of a curriculum we really, really like, at least for awhile, and simplify. It was a huge blessing when my kids were closer in levels, and I could do it with multiple ages and levels at once. But things are different now and I need to be flexible. I am still sort of saying “boo-hoo”, but it is getting easier as I see how much sense all of the new things are making.

I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel, finally embracing the hints I’ve been seeing for months now. And I think I am going to rejoice at the “in with the new” as soon as it is all in place and running smoothly. Because it will fit. It will align with what I see as a desired end result, and peace will reign. In my heart anyway – probably not in this house full of jokesters and gymnasts doing parkour!

Back to the Basics:

“Every day, every hour, the parents are either passively or actively forming those habits in their children upon which, more than upon anything else, future character and conduct depend.”

~ Charlotte Mason

I look forward to the next couple weeks of establishing

and settling into our new routine!

Whimsy On Wednesday: My Little Daughter Makes Me Smile. Alot.

2010-10-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, she is adopted. But you wouldn’t know it.

Well. You would... since she is brown and I am beige and all.

But if you were color blind, you wouldn’t.

It is very apparent that she is just as “mine” as if she came

the same way the boys did.

Maybe more.

I don’t know how God did it, but He sure knew. Even now, more than nine years later, my eyes almost always fill with tears at the thought of her. My heart gets all squeezed up and I can hardly stand it for loving her more than I can describe. I love her so much that I can’t imagine anyone else loves their child as much as I do.

Seeing myself in my beautiful girl-child today was whimsical. Especially since she is adopted and, yet, she mirrors me so closely.

I heard her giggling and chatting on the phone with a dear friend.

I had to go take a look.

Be still my overflowing, ever-grateful heart.

Yep, that's me you can see in there.

I hope something really precious gives you a smile this week too.