Heather's Prairie

A new peanut butter cookie recipe, after 30 years. . .

2012-01-28T23:30:00.000-06:00

My LLL cookbooks came yesterday and spent all Ralphie, and Belle's nap times meal planning. I have 3 months worth of meals planned now, and almost a years worth of snacks for both the LLL meetings and the supplemental meetings, lol. I think I will go through my pintrest, and two other cookbooks I have here at home already and try to plan a few more months of menus, I would like another healthy crock pot cookbook though. It's so much easier when I schedule our menus. Especially cooking for so many people. And so many taste. I'm hoping every one will like the new recipes. Thank goodness the kids mainly eat what I cook with out much if any complaint. I think they are getting to really like quinoa. I'm glad cause as much as I like cous cous, I don't like the very little nutritional value, and the expense. With quinoa in the bulk section now in our local Krogers it's a bit cheaper and a lot healthier then cous cous. And especially now that I have discovered the joys of Bragg's dry seasoning! I am going to buy their aminos next! I also am going to start using coconut milk more often, I really loved the soup I made with it last week. Of course I love coconut period, and so do the little Haitians in the house, so that's a double bonus, as they are the pickiest when it comes to the food in the house. I can't wait to try to cook quinoa in coconut milk next!

Today I made a peanut butter cookie recipe I found on pintrest a few weeks ago, cause Lela was begging me to make more Rice Krispy treats I had made for the LLL meeting the other night. It's a adaption of the old peanut butter cookie recipe I've made since I was 7 years old. My old recipe was 1 cup pb, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The adaption recipe I found on pintrest calls for 1 cup pb, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and I believe chocolate chips. But, I didn't double check the recipe, as mainly I knew it was the sugar difference, and I can't remember if I thought of the chocolate chips myself or if it was part of the recipe I found. Either way I love chocolate chip cookies because of the chocolate chips and the taste of the brown sugar in the batter. However, I rarely if ever have made chocolate chip cookies cause of all the ingredients. I have always fell back and made the old stand by peanut butter cookies cause of the very very few ingredients. I would sometimes add a few reeses pieces to the top or a hershey kiss, but it never dawned on me to stir in chocolate chips to the mix, or to do half brown and half white sugar. WOW this bumped my peanut butter cookie recipe up to a whole new level. I will never make them the old way again. The greatness of a good chocolate chip, mixed the ease of my reliable peanut butter cookie, what could be better? NOTHING! Even Lela and Vince my two who hate sweets, can barely keep their hands off these!

Well, it's off to get out one of those other cook books and see if I can get another months worth of menus planned up!

Updates. . .

2012-01-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

Ok I've been horrible about updating my blog this month. A lot has happened. Although I must say I think they are much cuter in real life. She loves them. And they were on sale. They are supposed to be as good as Stride Rite. I guess we will see.

That same day we went to Yoder and picked up our haul-less popcorn, and went to the Amish restaurant for lunch. Mmm the best chicken and mashed potatoes ever.

We found out we are going to be welcoming a new little nephew into the world in May. So I've been planning his little baby shower. I went to the Cake shop today and bought flavoring and a new mold. I so want to add to my mold collection. I wanted some new teddy bears, but resisted and just bought diaper pins mold. I may buy the teddy bears later, I also want the double wedding bells. And also some graduation shapes. And, and, and! lol I over looked a cupcake book or two, as I got some ideas from others I browsed at Lowes the other day. Settled on making a lion cake, and hippo and alligator cupcakes to go with it. I ended up buying orange, and keylime flavoring. The keylime is soooooo good. I am going to make the frostings one of those flavors for at least one cake. Not sure which though. I want to try the pina colada flavoring too. But, I know the keylime one is soooo good.

After that we went to Talliano's for dinner with the kids. It's really cheap pizza buffet and oh so good. Then it was off to dollar tree to get some more ideas. I have a idea of which invites I want now, either girraff's which would go with the jungle theme, or blue and chocolate striped ones, which would be more contemporary and classic. I also looked at little favor stuff to put in snow globes I am making for the favors. Hopefully with a picture of little nephew in it. I also am working on truffle boxes like I made for Belle's shower, and I am going to make orange with blue rice krispy treats to put in them. I'm floundering between teddy bear ones, and animal train ones.

When we got home, Lela, Loudine, Belle and I made mints. Bennette helped me clean the stuff to make them though and find all the stuff. We made diaper pins, and baby booties. I just may have to go buy those teddy bears. haha We made them buttermint flavored. And only orange tonight. We will make blue ones later. And maybe chocolate brown ones too. But, not positive yet. The orange came out really pretty though. What was really funny is I bought the orange icing coloring to make the frosting for the lion cake at first. And I practiced making a lion cake. Lela seen my first attempt and said, were you trying to make it orange? Cause I didn't use much coloring cause I was afraid of making it too bright, however, it's prettier brighter like I made the mints. Any way, I said yes. She said, lions aren't orange mommy, they are yellow with brown manes. Maybe you should go to the zoo and look at them so you will know what they look like. It was hilarious! Ok Lela I will go buy yellow food coloring and try it with that! lol I also used toasted coconut for the mane, it was brown, but kind of blah. So I'm going to try to tint it orange and then toast it and see how that works.

I have also finally went to a really cute local shop, that I have known about for around a year just hadn't gotten to. It's called Sweet Cheeks. They are great. I have discovered the joys of nursing necklaces. And Ralphie has already figured out to play with it instead of pinching me like Belle does! Belle still likes to pinch me even though she hasn't nursed in months! ha So I hope I can nip that in the bud with RJ! Plus the ones I picked out are really cute too. But, I may go ahead and buy the chew beads too. To try to wean Belle from pinching me. She also says we can have the shower in her shop if we register there, so cool!

I've been trying new soups too. And discovered the joys of pintrest. I have tried a red lentil coconut soup and a cream cheese chicken soup so far from it. And they were both delicious! I also finally was able to order my Whole Foods La Leche League books, and a sister on my JWLW group started a cooking club. So I can't wait to try even more new recipes healthy recipes. Oh and I also found out the Bragg's seasoning is great in quinoa! Also we have a great new health food grocery store, that sells quinoa, Bragg's, and hyland stuff, all at good prices. And has awesome hummus for only 1.99! I want to try the babaganoush next!

The other day we were puttering around town and trying to think of some place to eat. When I suggested we try Don's. Which I hadn't been to since I was a teen. So glad we went. Still get a ton of food for a good price. And it was still good as ever. It's not as nice inside any more since they added the gambling. But, the service is great, food is great, and not a bad price. So glad I thought to go back. I've been missing a good diner. And the few we tried since I moved back that I used to like had really really went downhill, nasty places now! So glad Don's had stayed clean and good!

I've also been able to finish making my coat. And learned to make baby legs for the kids. So things have been going pretty good in that regard. And I was able to get my new sewing machine out of layaway! I also found what I want for this years anniversary gift, haha I already told Vince. I found a place that engraves bakeware with your name and every thing. And it looks great. So that's exactly what I want! I am missing so much of my stuff. ARG!

My First Homemade Frosting. . .

2011-12-22T23:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight I made my first home made frosting ever! I made a cream cheese frosting. It was pretty much made how I make cream cheese mints, but with butter as well, and less powdered sugar. I really really liked it! So much better then the canned stuff. Why would people eat canned stuff when home made taste so much better and really isn't hard at all to make!

Darla brought home some buckeyes last night from one of her nurses and they were soooooooo good. Now I have to be on the look out for a good buckeye recipe. But, in the meantime, I thought I would share one of my tried and true peanut butter cookie recipe.

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. They are a soft cookie and I have never been able to make the traditional peanut butter fork criss cross on them. But, they make a great thumb print cookie. Fill the thumb print with chocolate or peanut butter candies and they are even yummier! I've been making them for about 30 years like this, and yes it's true no flour at all!

Now I need to work on also making a home made strawberry cake. As I love strawberry cake, especially the Fish House in Queens NYC, made a awesome one, and their banana pudding was to die for. Mmm, I miss their free days! Their smothered chicken, and smothered pork chops were mmm mmm, as was their collard greens, and candied yams, I could go on and on! haha Hmmm, maybe smothered chicken should hurry and get on the menu for dinner! Yeah I think so. I'm out of collard greens so for sure need to add those to my shopping list this week as well. I tried to grow my own, but apparently the bugs really like them as well. Grrr....how do you keep the bugs from eating them all up? UHG!

We also made some pinecone crafts my sisters, and Lela, and Belle. Lela didn't want to stop. She loves arts and crafts. I have to do more with her. Maybe we will do some orange bird food next week. Will have to think about that. We also have some more pinecones left, should make those in to bird feeders for the birds as well. We have plenty of lard and peanut butter.

Speaking of lard, the store in Yodar got our 50 lb bag of haul less popcorn in. It's soooooo good and we are popcorn lovers. So I can't wait to get over there and pick it up. How does this coincide with lard? Lard makes the best popcorn ever! That's how. Mmm a little lard in the bottom of the popcorn popper and hand crank till it's toasty and a few even burnt. And it's the best stuff ever.

It snowed today and Lela and Loudine had lots of fun playing out in the snow and then getting in the hot tub. Silly girls!

And more good news Anne said she got my Jalie pattern in. I can't wait to make it. On Freecycle I got a nursing sweatshirt made by motherhood, in the exact same style. And Jalie just came out with the pattern this October. I really would of never tried the style had I not got it free on freecycle but now it's my favorite casual shirt. So I know I will make a lot of them. I'm hoping to get over there and use my 50 percent off coupon on it too. hehe. And maybe buy myself some discount gift cards for Needle Nook too.

Floods and a coat. . .

2011-12-19T23:00:00.000-06:00

I ended up with a chocolate brown zipper from Needle Nook it's really pretty with the print on my fleece for my jacket. It's a cool zipper too, I am love with it. I will never buy another one from Joann's! And my jacket is pretty much done. Except Needle Nook was out of a 24 inch zipper which I need for the baby panel. They are supposed to get some in on Thursday. I can't wait, then I can finish it completely. I wouldn't of been able to finish it with out Julie's help though. She did a lot of it for me. And really helped me while I had to nurse and care for RJ. However, I think it's came out about 2 sizes too large, even though I went down to a size large with it. And I'm supposed to be a XXL in it. So glad I didn't make a XXL! I think I just have to trust I am a size medium with ELD patterns and just go for it. Cause I keep starting with a XL or a L and then get a HUGE end product that is just OVERLY large. But, I get scared to start with a medium and waste fabric and it not even fit at all. I just don't know.

I also got my yearly coupons from them and can't wait for them to get in their Jalie patterns. I may go ahead and use my last years coupon though for another pattern as I didn't realize it was still good till the end of this month! I am going to buy gift certificates as well from them, I'm pretty sure. I'm hoping to be able to buy a few. hmmm. I think I am going to bring up to them this program where I got half price gc's for another local sewing shop a few years ago, the program gives the company their full price so they don't lose anything and they get more business. I will ask Anne if she signed up for them or not. Cause that really helped me a lot when they did that. Next on the list of things I want to sew is a Hot Patterns pattern I seen for free on Fabric.com I already printed it up and taped it together, now I need to trace it and cut it out.

The house flooded from the septic tank. The little girls stuffed too much rice and ramen noodles down the sink. And it was waaaaaay backed up. I didn't realize my closet was hit till the other day and every thing in there is now mildewed. I usually wear things from my dresser most. This is a huge hit to us as of course our dressier clothes are in the closet and they cost the most. Including my very expensive dansko shoes, UHG we can not get the mildew out. And it smells horrible. And so me and little buddy (RJ) are really sick from that. And to top it off, I now have a abscess on my ribcage. Just what I need. I'm on a antibiotic for it though and Darla is going to drain it tomorrow. It's huge, about the size of a golf ball.

I ended up going to the LLL meeting on this side of town last week as well. I'm so glad I went. I won a book for my SIL, I had been wanting to buy it for her but now I don't have to! The womanly art of breastfeeding. And I also got 20 dollars for Papa Murphy's. So that will help a lot. We also found a really good local pizza parlor by Dollar Tree the other night, and it's super cheap and really really good. We got the buffet as that was the cheapest way to go since the girls only cost 45 cents! And Vince and I were only like 4 dollars each. My favorite pizza they put out was a sauerkraut and ham one. I thought it was hawaiian was I in for a shock when I but into the sauerkraut but I really liked it. Who knew! haha

I found the Bragg's seasoning at Dillon's grocery store and we are loving it! I put it in the split pea soup tonight and loved it. Hmmm, you know I just sent Amber for lentils for it.....oops I was crazy apparently. I made split pea/lentil soup. lol Oh well. haha I wondered why they weren't very green. Apparently I was losing my mind when I sent her to the store. Oh well, it still tasted awesome. All the kids even liked it. I have found though we need a little broth in the water for the split pea soup or it just doesn't taste as good. So I am pretty sure I have now perfected my recipe of that. Even if I didn't use all split peas tonight. lol haha CRAZY ME! ha! Oh well even Belle and Lela had seconds later in the evening. It was so cute they shared a bowl.

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Julie came over and we worked on my coat to the point of needing zippers. I plan on going to buy zippers on Saturday. Then hopefully she can come over again sometime next week and help me a little bit further. What ever we don't get done then, I will take the rest over to Anne's Needle Nook Fabrics and finish as my "UFO". If I finish before that, I may take a new jacket or more nightgowns over to work on. Or a skirt. I want to make a flared skirt with some wool I bought. There's a independent pattern company that has the perfect pattern for it, but I don't really have the funds for new patterns right now, so I'm thinking on using a existing pattern I have and redrawing it the way I would like and see what happens. I'll use some of my 20 cents a yard fabric to test it out, so I may do that at the store. Will have to figure it out when it comes I guess. After Julie went home, I made another mock turtleneck. Man I love how fast the mothercovers whip up!

Belle is getting closer and closer to sleeping in the bunk beds with Lela. She's at least laying down with her and starting the night out with her, now if she will just stay there.

We went to Denny's tonight before La Leche League, and it was pretty good. Wish I had tried the red velvet cake puppies, but probably best I didn't! haha I'm thinking about visiting the other LLL meeting next week, since we won't have another meeting at the one I go to this month due to Christmas. Will have to see if Vince is up to it. Since I usually only go once every other week, and this time would be three weeks in a row because of the way the days have fallen this month.

2011-12-06T01:53:00.000-06:00

Outside my window. . .freezing cold.

I am hearing...my sweet babies sleeping.

I am thinking. . .all the sewing I'm doing.

I am thankful for. . .a toasty apartment.

I am remembering. . .how tiny my baby girls are and were.

I am hoping. . .that I get a lot done on the coat tomorrow!

I am creating. . .lots of turtle neck mother covers, and a coat.

On my mind. . .circuit assembly coming up.

Noticing that. . .I am really tired.

From the kitchen. . .roasted chicken, and mac and cheese.

One of my favorite things. . .hot soup.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .getting a lot more sewing done, going to LLL meeting and going to the CA.

What I am reading. . .message boards.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Belle getting in cat bed

Sewing Storm. . .

2011-12-04T15:52:00.001-06:00

Julie came over yesterday and we cut out the pattern and the fleece fabric to make a ELD Nursing Classic #206 jacket/coat. I am a little nervous about making a coat, but I'm hoping it will go well. If I like it enough I will buy some wool from Needle Nook and make a second one. Before she came over I finished up another flannel nightgown. It's a really pretty pink, I think it's the best version yet that I have made of that pattern. I need to take a picture of it for sure.

It was so cold this morning when I went out to the car to go to meeting the door handles were frozen shut! I had on a wool skirt, and wool sweater with a knit turtle neck underneath and was still freezing. I should of wore my boots. I am going to buy some leg warmers from Vermont country Store, and going to make myself a flannel slip tonight. No air went up my skirt, but some did get up my sweater/turtle neck, so if I had been wearing a full flannel slip I may of been warmer, and especially leg warmers and boots! I think I will buy some of their socks made for 30 below zero degree weather as well. Scouring JC Penny's site too and might get a tweed skirt. I need more winter wear. I did buy some pretty sweater knit from Needle Nook I'm going to make a suit with, and also going to make a suit with some mystery sweater like fabric that was only 20 cents a yard from Walmart. I will probably be working on all that this week. I want them done ASAP! lol haha I figured out the first knit jacket I made is really not that too big for me as much as the back of it is too big. So I visited Anne at Needle Nook and she measured and I'm going to try it again after pinching out 3 inches from the back piece.

The special day is coming up next week, so I think I want to get at least one of those suits made. I will for sure get the charcoal jacket remade by then, since the skirt and shirts are already made for that. Even though I also bought another knit for another mock turtle neck for it too. I can probably do that as well! lol

Any way still having fun sewing. Was thinking about it during the Watchtower study this morning, about recreation. At least it's a clean recreation. Just will have to be careful about time spent on it. But, I don't think I spend too much time on it. Can't between the chillin's! lol haha

A really sweet woman, named Bethany, at La Leche League made the most delicious butternut squash on Thursday, I have to get Bragg's seasoning, as she said that's what she put on it. It was so good, I didn't even need butter or salt! Chris, one of the LLL leaders, made a delicious stew, she said she used Watkin's meat magic. So I have to make a trip to the store for both of those, they were so delicious!

Too busy. . .

2011-11-30T01:56:00.001-06:00

Whew been to busy to post.

First of all, I was sewing right along on a fast and easy jacket, when all the sudden my machine came to a screeching halt. Had gotten thread all up in the bobbin case. I got it all cleared out and still wasn't working. Then I changed needles and all kinds of things, and it still wasn't working. That was a week ago on Tuesday. I worked on it all day on Wednesday and still couldn't get it to work. Ended up going with Amber to Spangles with one of her friends, and then went to a yogurt bar. We have a ton of self serve yogurt bars around here. That was my first time at one. It was really fun, and yummy! Had pumpkin pie, blueberry muffin, english toffee, tarro, and red velvet cake flavored yogurt myself, and every one was yummy! Then I called the man I bought the sewing machine from on Thursday and he talked me through a few things and it still was acting weird. So he said I would need to bring it in, but I just didn't think we had the gas to take it that far. It's two hours each way! So I decided to pack it with us to the black Friday sales.

Vince's parents sent us some money to get the girls a new TV from the black Friday sales. We started at Walmart at 8pm. Got Lela a TV, and myself a lap top, whew that helped since Lela broke mine a few weeks ago. So now I can finally get email again. Then came home went to bed, and got up bright and early and went to Joann's, got a ton of flannel and some fleece. Lots of night gowns in my future. Then I went to our local fabric store and bought some knit from her. She only really sells knits, and her's are cheaper and so much better then what the chains sell. And I got my free gift for shopping locally as well. I had them look at my machine but they couldn't figure it out either. So they sent me to a local sewing machine shop. Which I am really happy they did cause I had been wondering which shop would be good, as my grandma never did find a "good" sewing machine shop. Any way the man, Lynn, looked at it and figured out I didn't have the new needle in tight enough. Odd since it wasn't working before I changed needles as well. But, oh well it's fixed now! Then I put a used bernina on Lay away. I just couldn't resist. I had been wanting a bernina as well. Wish I had been to that shop in the first place! Oh well, every one loves the machine I have as well and always goes on and on about what a good machine it is. Now all I want is a Elna so I can have some decorative stitches and I'll be set with the machines I want thus far. Came home and went out to eat with Nick and Megan.

Saturday started out horrible, I had a awful head ache, I had to take pain medication and a hot bath to just make it tolerable, I was in so much pain I was nauseated. By, mid afternoon I was tired, but drug myself with every one else to see the new Muppet movie. I am glad I did. It was hilarious, sweet and clean, every one loved it. We also met Darla's little cousin's, Ella, Marshal and another little boy I can't remember's name there, and their mother. Then we came home and we had a anniversary party for Nick and Megan, grandma and grandpa came out to celebrate with us. And we had at least 10 cakes! haha Of course the one Grandma Delores made still tasted the best! Had sparking apple cider, and used Eldon's grandma's glasses to serve it in. They are probably at least a 100 years old and really pretty. Eldon's grandma, who they called Mamma Dunn, was 105 when she died and I was only about 6 or 7 years old at the time. So over 30 years ago....so I'm sure the glasses are well over 100 years old really.

Sunday started out great, I zipped through finishing my jacket, made a mock turtleneck and a skirt in just those couple of days. Then we went upstairs to eat dinner with the family Sunday evening and after dinner the Rat Terrier attacked Belle, and bit her in the face! Without any provocation at all. Thankfully both Darla and my dad were home. They used plastic surgery liquid stitches and put her face back together, and Monday she went in and had a tetanus shot. But, today it was looking infected so she had to go on a antibiotic as well. UHG! We are praying the poor baby heals soon and well. It was so scary, when I heard the dog and Belle and couldn't see what was happening it made my heart stop and I was scared to death of what I would see or that the dog was going to kill her. Thankfully it's just two small bites, but still is so scary and AWFUL! The dog went to the humane society where hopefully they can find a good home for it that the people can handle her better. Our family was not a good fit for her. Vince and I just can't stand that this happened to her.

While I was at the sewing machine shop on Friday Lynn said that the foot I had on there wasn't good for sewing. So I went back yesterday, because I was in the neighborhood for a eye exam, again my old local eye doctor, I just love. The one I had in NYC was rude and yelled and screamed at me the whole time that I wasn't making choices (1 or 2) fast enough and then wanted me to buy 400 dollar glasses, which I never did cause I was afraid with all the screaming and rushing me through I wasn't picking the right choices, and would have the wrong prescription in the end! Now I will finally have new glasses, and for a fraction of what I was going to pay in NYC, and nicer frames to boot. So went back to the sewing machine store, where I met Don, and got a different foot and also picked up a Jersey Knit needle, I wonder now though if I should of gotten the stretch needle. Hmmm. I think I will go back on Thursday and buy some stretch needles as well. They were 25 percent off. So now would be a good time to pick them up. I also went back to Needle Nook causes I wanted to give her business first for needles and machine feet but she doesn't sell them. However, she is still having black Friday sale's so I couldn't resist and bought more fabric! lol I am going to have a NICE meeting and casual wardrobe for pennies! I can't wait to finish my first suit. However, with what I stitched up on Saturday and Sunday I need to retrace the patterns smaller sizes. I made the outfit too big. But, it was mainly with fabric I got at Walmart for 20 cents a yard so not a big deal! I did make the shirt though with a knit from Needle Nook. While it's VERY soft and comfy, it also stretches a lot. I don't think I will make outerwear with that kind of knit again. I will make a slip with it though, and maybe a nightgown. Hmmm, should of bought more today for a slip. Hmmm, that's ok I will buy more on Thursday as I'm going back then any way. That will make a really warm slip! Even though I bought flannel for that too! haha Will be a good layering piece no matter how you dice it. But, from now on my outerwear I will be sure to choose fabrics with more body, so it doesn't stretch out so easily. Belle had a lot of fun at Needle Nook too, she loves playing with all their Melissa and Doug toys, and eating popcorn. I just love local stores I must say again, they are so nice to the kids and have it set up so well for them.

After all that we went to dinner at Ah-So, and had some wonderful Korean food. And of course again, have I said it enough, I love mom and pop local businesses, she remembered us and was so sweet to us. Actually gave Lela and Belle's meals to us for free. We were going to have them eat off our plates, and she brought out their own plates put them on the table and said for the babies. Lela ate ALL her's, and Belle was mighty happy with hers as well. Her son was visiting as well, which coincidentally had moved to Queens the same time I did and moved back here the same time as me. How ironic! I've been eating there since I was Belle's age, and love being able to take the kids to the same places, with the same people I grew up with.

Then we went to my mom's house to show her Belle, and my uncle Doug came over to see us too. They all felt so badly for Belle too. It was so sad. But, thankfully it's looking a lot better then it did! But, still just hate that this happened to her. Poor baby was already afraid of animals and now it's going to be even worse. Hopefully things will get better soon, and she will not remember much of this.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-29T23:51:00.000-06:00

Outside my window. . .beautifully perfect weather days.

I am thinking. . .I can't wait to get all my sewing projects done! So excited!

I am thankful for. . .my beautiful children.

I am remembering. . .Sunday night.

I am hoping. . .Belle's face will heal safely and not be too scarred.

I am creating. . .Skirts, and blouses.

On my mind. . .Belle. . .

Noticing that. . .I'm addicted to fabric!

From the kitchen. . .split pea and ham soup.

One of my favorite things. . .locally owned shops.

What I am reading. . .sewing message boards.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

2011-11-16T23:30:00.000-06:00

Belle got the stomach bug again yesterday. UHG. We had to miss meeting cause she started vomiting at 4 pm and didn't stop till well into the wee hours of the morning. Vince and I were tag teaming giving her bath after bath. Thankfully so far none of the rest of us have gotten it yet. And now we have clean sheets and clean blankets on the bed. lol Not to mention we had only had the ones she vomited on for a day. It's a good thing I am making new night gowns as well as I went through those quickly during all that! At least she had a lot of PJ's and Darla gave her a few more when she started running out at the end of the night. I usually go and get her pedialite but none of us felt like going to the store last night so we gave her EmergenC and it worked great. It is full of electrolytes as well. I think part of her problem was gas cause after she drink some EmergenC she let out a HUGE burp and then has not had any problems since. Today she's eating pizza, and cookies, and drinking milk again and has been better all day with exception to a runny nose. It also got right down frigid last night! And the warmest blanket was in the washer from one of the vomiting incidents. UHG. At least we got it back on tonight. Whew. We even had snow today!

RJ is still doing great nursing as well. I am so proud of him.

Monday I made cabbage, bean, and ham soup for the first time. My mom used to make it often but I have never made it. It must of been a hit as it was completely gobbled up. Lela asked for seconds! So that's for sure going down as a do again! I'm working on doing at least one soup a week and testing and seeing what the family likes so we can keep it in rotation and what they don't like so much. This was a winner, and almost free to make! And for 50 cents I added corn bread as a side. So very very cost effective. Was able to feed the WHOLE family of almost 20 for less then 10 dollars!

Looking in the kitchen tonight, I decided to ask Vince to bring in my wire racks I think I can get them in the corner with the dinette. It will help organize more of the non-perishables a lot I think.

So far I haven't made any money at all with the Ad-Sense, I'm hoping to make at least a little bit. Hmph! Oh well.

2011-11-15T23:30:00.000-06:00

Outside my window. . .my favorite time of year, crisp autumn days.

I am thinking. . .I would like to get more time in service soon.

I am thankful for. . .A helpful husband.

I am remembering. . .how fun sewing is.

I am hoping. . .Belle's stomach bug subsides tomorrow.

I am creating. . .hoping a healthy baby boy.

On my mind. . .teaching our children to be servants of God.

Noticing that. . .that Belle and Lela are getting so big!

From the kitchen. . .home made pizza, and no bake cookies.

One of my favorite things. . .nursing a new baby.

What I am reading. . .LLL message board.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Grandma Oveela and Belle

2011-11-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

I'm almost done with another flannel nursing night gown. But, when I got to the sleeves I didn't like the lace I had picked out for it, so hurried myself over to Needle Nook Fabrics, and bought some smaller lace. I also bought some sweater knit off the remnant table to try to make a ultimate mother cover. I thought I would make a turtle neck, but now I'm thinking I may go back to Anne after I trace out the pattern and ask her to help me make a shawl neck line instead cause she told me a while back she would help me do that. It's a really fluffy soft fabric, Anne really likes it and said it will make a really really comfortable and warm sweater and that I would like it a lot. I wish she had more fabric like it, it seems so cuddly. She also said it was easy to sew. My kind of fabric! haha I also meant to buy some local honey comb lotion from Anne, for a 5 dollar or less gift exchange I have coming up in a few months, but completely forgot! Uhg, I guess I will have to try to remember when I go back to have Anne help me with the shawl collar.

Then we went to Aldi's and bought some food stuff, and a pumpkin pie. I baked it and wish it would cool faster, I want a slice! haha I also got a ham, that should last us for several meals, I plan on making soup at least twice with it, and having some sandwiches as well. I also got more seasonal creamer at Walmart, the pumpkin pie spice and the peppermint. They were out of the pumpkin pie spice creamer at Aldi's but I want to try it since it's like half the price, same with the peppermint creamer. Oh well. I can't wait to have a yummy cup of my Dunkin Donut's coffee with the seasonal creamer and a slice of pumpkin pie!

After that Vince said he wanted to Chinese food, so we went to a buffet that is always on commercials here but we never go to. I went there years and years ago, way over a decade ago just not recently. But, they have a VERY funny commercial. It's red necks, and just hilarious considering it's a chinese buffet ran by Chinese people! Any way, getting to the point, I was so glad we went there. Ming's has been my family's favorite Mandarin restaurant since I was a baby. But, Grandma Ming died some years back, and sadly so did a lot of the recipes. I got used to the new chef's eggrolls, and rice, (which were pitiful compared to Grandma's!) but then when I moved back here and I went with my dad we were both VERY disappointed when they got yet another new chef that changed our very favorite main dish. It was called sweet and sour chicken. However, it was much different then any other sweet and sour chicken from other "Chinese" restaurants, it was NOT the traditional red sauce, but rather a orange colored sauce with a citrus flavor and chunks of pineapple in it. It was not very sweet like the red sauce that is at most chinese restaurants, but more "fruity" then sugar sweet. Any way, so sad that the new chef at Ming's changed to that traditional red sauce you can get EVERY where! So I just hadn't gone back and had started just eating more Korean food from Ah-So. Even though she had stopped making my favorite dish as well, she said the lollipop chicken was getting too hard for her to make with her arthritis hands, but was so shocked I was old enough to have kids. lol Funny, her and Mike Ming always seem to remember me no matter how long it's been since I've been in. That's what I love about family restaurants. But, any way back to the point, the buffet had Grandma Ming's sweet and sour chicken! They called it "Orange" chicken though. I can't believe, I haven't ever found that "sauce" any where else, oh I've had a lot of sweet sauces at Chinese restaurants, sesame, general tso's etc etc. But, never have found Ming's sauce ever any where else. I was so shocked but so happy! They also had a lot of other good foods as well. So I guess it's our new place now. Plus it was cheaper then most the others around here by about 4 dollars a person, which is pretty big. So yup found our new place. Funny thing to be happy about I know. But, I limit myself to how often I have that kind of chicken, and I had been mourning the loss of grandma and all her recipes, and then the extra kick of her chicken being gone too. UHG. I still miss her eggrolls though, never have found any seasoned exactly like hers, hers were perfect. Awe well! I got my chicken back and am very happy! lol haha

Back to the machine. . .

2011-11-10T02:54:00.000-06:00

I've started working on making more nursing night gowns, so far I'm pretty happy with how this one is coming along. I'm hoping to make a few more soon. Along with a few wrap carriers for RJ. Right now on the sewing table is two gowns though, and next I'm going to trace and give a shot at making a faux turtleneck. I have plenty of 20 cents a yard walmart knit to practice with! haha

Have my LLL meeting tonight, looking forward to getting out of the house a bit for that. I finally figured out how to make the no bake cookies with less sugar, just cook them a extra 30 seconds and I get the same texture as full sugar ones! Whoo hoo!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-08T19:36:00.003-06:00

Outside my window. . .dreary and rainy.

I am thinking. . .dinner was really good tonight.

I am thankful for. . .all my friends, and especially the support I get at LLL meetings.

I am remembering. . .my sister in law and brother and can't wait for them to have their first baby.

I am hoping. . .that Vince gets a better paying job some day soon.

I am creating. . .another nursing night gown, I also want to make some turtle necks too soon though.

On my mind. . .cleaning my sewing area, so I can get to work.

Noticing that. . .my energy is back up to almost normal. This next year will be fun!

From the kitchen. . .home made potato soup. mmmm it was delicious! I need to take a photo.

One of my favorite things. . .my cutco knives. boy did they make, making dinner so much easier and faster. LOVE them!

What I am reading. . .LLL message boards.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Little Lela-Newburge Assembly Hall

EARTHQUAKE! ! !

2011-11-07T23:18:00.010-06:00

The other night I felt a the earth move, under my bed! I thought I must of drink too much coffee. Since I haven't had coffee since being pregnant with Raphael. But, the grocery store had pumpkin spice creamer out in the dairy, and I just had to try it. It was awesome! I drink a ton of coffee that day feeding my pumpkin spice addiction. So I thought oh my goodness, I'm having a stroke! I better lay off the coffee. Then a few minutes later two of my friends posted on facebook that we had just had a earthquake. It was supposedly a 5.2. WOW. Then again tonight we had another small one, but I was bathing Raphael and trying to feed him at the same time and didn't notice it. However Caleb did, and yelled to ask me if I felt it. Nope......not this time. UHG!

Lela also knocked my laptop off the table that day on accident. Ever since it has not been working right. I can't get my email at all. And most of my programs no longer work. I'm barely able to even get online. Hoping we can get a new desk top for Vince and then I may inherit his laptop. I don't know yet though, we'll see. To be quite honest I'm shocked with all the kids around us all the time that this is the first pc to bite the dust due to one of them.

Been trying to get caught up on laundry, almost there for what's in the house........then there is bags in the barn that really need to get gone through and done too. *sigh* It seems to never end.

I'm trying to save some money and make soup at least once a week. Last week we had chicken noodle soup, the week before that we had chili. This week we are having steak house potato soup, and next week white bean, ham and cabbage soup is on the menu. One of my friends though just today posted a picture of chicken enchilada soup, that is for sure going on the menu! If I don't get the ham in time next week, that may be exactly what we will be having since I have every thing for it in the house already! His pictures of his food look amazing too! I can't believe how great they look. I wish I could photograph my food as well as he does. grrr.

Well as you may or may not of noticed, I have added Ad Sense to my blog. I hope it is not too bothersome to any one, but I really need a little extra dough. This could maybe help me get some fabric money for clothes and sewing and such. Hopefully it will work out for me. Sorry if any one gets upset about it. We'll just try it out and see how it goes, if it is too annoying I will probably end up removing it. But, hopefully it won't be too bad and I will actually get some money out of the deal, who knows.

Chilly weather has came. . .

2011-11-02T23:26:00.008-05:00

I've been making no bake peanut butter cookies a lot lately trying to figure out how little sugar I can use and still make them. I tried to quarter the amount and while it was sweet enough the texture wasn't right. So tonight I am trying it with half.......still isn't really as firm as I would like I don't think....hmmm will see how they are by morning.

Poor Vince keeps hurting himself, burned his arm the other night, and then last night he broke a toe by dropping a drawer on it, and tonight he burned his arm again! UHG!

Made Chicken Noodle soup and brown and serve rolls tonight, mmmm it was good. We had a cold front come in so it was extra good on a chilly evening. Plus Lela has been begging for chicken noodle soup forever now. Next week I am going to try to make steak house potato soup, I've made it before but not for as many people as I will next week.

It's so chilly I think I'm going to buy some fleece next week and make a really really warm moby wrap for RJ. Will probably make a second one for my niece or nephew that is due in May. I'm thinking charcoal fleece with a asian brocade pocket. hmmmm. . .

Oh and Quick Trip got their pumpkin cappucino in, mmm it was really good half pumpkin and half toffee flavored.

We also have a new Yoder Meats that was supposed to open today, but I forgot to go and check it out. Hoping to go there soon. We are hoping that they are selling the haulless Amish popcorn, we really really like it.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-10-26T00:53:00.000-05:00

Outside my window. . .crisp autumn weather.

I am thinking. . .So happy that RJ is so healthy!

I am thankful for. . .having a loving, happy, healthy family.

I am remembering. . .all the things I need to get caught up on around here.

I am hoping. . .to get the laundry caught up with soon.

I am creating. . .hopefully some healthy meals soon.

On my mind. . .trying some new whole foods recipes.

Noticing that. . .my kids are growing so fast.

From the kitchen. . .spaghetti.

One of my favorite things. . .friends.

What I am reading. . .LLL magazines-New Beginnings.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Fall Craft Party. . .

2011-10-22T23:02:00.001-05:00

The girls had a great day today. The sisters in our congregation organized a arts and crafts party at a local recreation center. They had a ton of fun. The made flower pot creations, butterflies, caterpillars, memory boards, boxes, alligator things, trucks, sun catchers, puppets, tons and tons and tons of things. Lela didn't want it to end!

The invite didn't say to bring snacks, but glad I did. As at the end a lot of people had brought snacks and snacks were served. I made no bake peanut butter cookies, and muddy buddies. Every one really loved the cookies, but I came home with a lot of muddy buddies cause another sister had brought them too! lol haha Vince said I should of brought deviled eggs, and yup I should of as there was only a few savory snacks, but I just didn't think of it. Oh well, maybe the next gathering I will bring them. I hadn't made the no bake peanut butter cookies in decades though, and forgot how EASY they were to make. I will for sure make them more often they are soooooo easy. Plus almost all the ingredients are CHEAP! And with exception of the sugar, they are healthy too! I think I may play around with the recipe and see just how low I can get the sugar in them and still come out with a good outcome.

Lela keeps wanting to know when the next "party" is. I guess I better find out how much it cost to rent that recreation center, and try to help organize something else soon! lol Or clean my own house and invite some kids over. lol hmmm, I think I would rather rent! haha

Second Pediatric Appointment. . .

2011-10-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

Raphael had his second pediatrician visit today. He's gained some weight, he's now 7 lbs 13 oz. He's doing well. Doctor said to also have him do tummy time for 30 minutes 4 times a day, seems really young for such, plus he doesn't really like laying down by himself but we're trying.

It was still early after his appointment so we joined my mom and Eldon at Kimmy's. It was a greasy spoon for sure. Full of smoke, grease, and the older generation along with several police officers. The food was good and cheap, and reminded me of my childhood, just the kind of place my grandparents liked to go. But, it really wasn't as clean as I like places to be........so I don't think we will be going back. I'll stick with Braum's I think. Or Panera bread, I never have gotten there in time for breakfast but always want to! UHG!

Vince gets tomorrow off, so I think we'll have a big breakfast at home. I'm thinking some kind of egg casserole, sausage gravy, pancakes or biscuits, but with being so tired that will probably turn into what would be easier which is whole wheat toast! lol But, the eggs and gravy is still easy enough to do. However, man Target is selling all kinds of pancake mixes I would LOVE to try! Like the cinnamon roll ones, that come with cream cheese icing, and the red velvet cake pancake mix! mmmm love both of those so I can imagine them in pancake form would be fabulous.

LLL is offering some cookbooks for a special price and coming out with a new one. I have a ton of cookbooks but I like the idea of them being whole foods, and fast and easy. For sure something I need! So I may get them, I just wish I could try a few of the recipes first to see if they are something we would like. But, I would still like to support our local group so may get them any way.

Every one's home safe and sound. . .

2011-10-19T18:43:00.001-05:00

Vince's parents made it home safe and sound Monday afternoon. Saturday their last day with us, they helped build the girls bunk beds so now we can hopefully get Belle to start sleeping in the bottom bunk soon! And then we went to Yoder and ate at Carriage Crossing. I went to the gift shop and meat store across the street and bought some Amish hullless popcorn I have been very anxious to try it. Tomorrow I'm going to the store and getting some butter first though. haha I've tried other brands and they didn't taste very good, but I have been hoping the Amish one tastes better as I hate the hulls stuck in my teeth, gums and roof of my mouth. Then we went to dinner. They loved the food! Especially the mashed potatoes and gravy. Mmm it was so good. Vince's mom kept saying it tasted like home made, and she really really liked it. We hadn't been there in so long that Vince said when we left he forgot how much he liked the food there. On the way out, Vince's mom bought Lela and Belle a pie making toy from Melissa and Doug. They played with it as soon as we got home. They love that thing. Just this morning Lela brought me a piece of "pie".

Sunday morning my mom called early and said she was going to Golden Coral for breakfast, so we decided to meet her there. They added a chocolate fountain. Oh my! It was soooooo good, now I want to go just for the chocolate dipped strawberries alone! haha.

Vince has been working nights this week. So tonight is his last night to work, he gets a four day weekend now. I am so glad....that means I may be able to get a little more sleep with him home for four days! I hope at least.

Thankfully I've been feeling a lot better, and been able to get the house cleaned up here and there much better then it had gotten. Hopefully in a few weeks it will look how I would like it to! Rather then the disaster it got into.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-10-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

Outside my window. . .cold wind.

I am thinking. . .What a great nurser RJ is.

I am thankful for. . .finally getting the house cleaned up after months of not being able to do much.

I am remembering. . .fun times had with family and friends.

I am hoping. . .the house gets all cleaned before sisters start arriving at my door!

I am creating. . .thinking about creating some nursing tops.

On my mind. . .Vince taking a vacation?

Noticing that. . .there's a lot of laundry to get caught up on.

From the kitchen. . .home made hamburgers and french fries.

One of my favorite things. . .friends.

What I am reading. . .nothing much for now.

Picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Visits going well. . .

2011-10-14T23:48:00.000-05:00

Been busy busy while Vince's parents have been visiting. We've been eating out and at their hotel a lot. The chef at the hotel is super nice, so it's been fun eating there and it's FREE. haha

A friend of mine sent me a 5 dollar Khol's cash and I was able to get a cute little monkey outfit with it. It came with a monkey bib, a onesy with monkeys all over it, and then pants that had a monkey tail embroidered on the back. Too cute. Between the cash, and the sale I was able to get it for only 5 dollars and 35 cents, and normally it was 30 dollars! Vince's mom bought the girls the Khol's cares books of the month. Very cute night time story books. They are always hard for me to resist, great quality books for a great price.

Went to my first LLL meeting since I had RJ, of course every one fawned over him, and loved his name too. hehe. He's nursing really well. I'm so thankful! No problems at all this time around! Was a good meeting. After the LLL we went to Krispy Kreme with Vince's parents, and the girls. mmmmm hot donuts....simpson drool!

Tonight we met my mom, Eldon and the kids at World Buffet. We haven't seen them in a few days so thought we would meet up with them. So had a nice dinner.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-10-11T23:34:00.022-05:00

Outside my window...autumn on it's way.

I am thinking...I am so happy with the family I'm blessed with.

I am thankful for...I don't have to pump milk!

I am remembering...my grandma Lela.

I am hoping...to get to my LLL meeting this week.

I am creating...lots and lots of milk.

On my mind...finally getting the house cleaned up after a loooong pregnancy!

Noticing that...the days are finally getting nice and cool, just right outside
.
From the kitchen...nada today.

One of my favorite things...spending time with my family.

What I am reading...message boards.

Picture for thought I am sharing...

In laws arrived . . .

2011-10-08T23:28:00.001-05:00

Vince's parents came into town yesterday. We met them at Olive Garden for dinner, and Lela was so excited to see them. Later today, after I got caught up on some rest, we went to their hotel to visit them. Poor Belle started getting ill though. She threw up before we left home but I thought that was just a one time thing. Once we got to the hotel though she was very clingy and feverish. Poor babe, I think she has a lot of teeth coming in again. She always gets four or more at a time, and really puts her out of commission. Poor baby. So we stayed in at the hotel and had Vince and Kathy go out and bring us food back. Lela and I had Braum's and every one else had Panda Express. Then we had Braum's homestyle strawberry ice cream for dessert. mmmm I still think it's the best flavor yet! Vince's parents bought a lot of little outfits and bibs for little RJ, much needed I might add. So that will be nice. Sister Adam's also sent a card with them of congratulations on the arrival of RJ. She's always so sweet.

We had planned on going to the zoo today but it rained all day. And with Belle not feeling well probably best we didn't any how. Maybe later this week. I for sure though want to make it to the pumpkin patch while they are here. Cause I know Lela will have so much fun on the slides, giant swings, the bouncy thing, and the cars. And Belle loves the corn crib. So hopefully it will dry out enough to go there this week. Sadly it's also the Renascence Fair this weekend and the County Fair, but with this rain I doubt we will go to either. UHG, I love going to both!

For me the epesitomy is finally started to not hurt so badly. So things are getting better. RJ also seems to be doing well with his tongue clipping. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it any longer. I am hoping it isn't hurting him. Poor baby. But, I know it was best to get it fixed sooner then later. I didn't have mine clipped till I was 8 and it's still a mess from waiting so long.

We also received the photos taken at the hospital yesterday. I was so anxious to get them. They are so very very cute! I can't wait to take them to a kiosk and print a bunch off. We ended up buying the CD with all the copy rights to print as many as we want. Seemed like the best and cheapest option. Cause they were all so cute couldn't narrow down just a few. I am going to see if I can make some birth announcements for free from Shutterfly too. I am hoping so, cause these photos will make extra extra cute birth announcements. The girl did the best job I have ever seen, let alone for hospital photos. I am hoping we can hire her some time to do family photos too.

Oh Boy! He's Arrived!

2011-10-06T11:48:00.001-05:00

One week ago I had my little man, Raphael. He came in at 7lbs 3oz. Doctor Jensen barely made it to his arrival. I went in on Thursday, the 29th of September for inducement. We went to Panera bread first to have dinner, then headed over to Wesley Hospital, where they were waiting for us. My veins didn't cooperate to much with getting a IV started, but after that we were able to continue. I got a folly put in at about 1 am, and by 4 am it fell out and I was 5cms dilated. At 6am they started me on pritocin. By 10 am my water broke and about 20 minutes later little RJ was here! They called the doctor when I said he was coming, and doctor Jensen ran across the street but barely made it. They called him back to tell him to forget it that he would be here, Dr. Jensen said he was on the floor just tell him what room to go to! lol He made it, but barely. RJ came out perfectly! He had one bout of low blood sugar, I tried to nurse him through it but he wouldn't latch. So they cup fed him. I was so happy they didn't put a bottle on him, and they asked me first as well. The nurse took a lot of time and care into cup feeding him and also taught a student nurse how to do it. After that he has been nursing like a champ. However, he was tongue tied so I had to use a shield, thankfully I had packed one with me. I was really impressed by the hospital. It was so nice, had a Jacuzzi tub, private big birthing room, they let me walk around, get in the tub, or even a birthing ball anything I wanted to do. Although I really didn't want to do anything but walk a little bit. But, it was nice to know I had the freedom to any how. Both my nurses were also so supportive about all natural birth. Both had done all natural them selves with all their births and encouraged me. Such a difference, between in NYC them telling me every one says that but no one does!

The doctor said I was so calm and relaxed they should of video taped the birth for a infomercial on natural child birth and how calm it can be. haha Later we heard another woman screaming, and the student nurse asked if that was a baby, and the RN said no, that's a woman in labor, that's what most women sound like in labor. Not like Mrs. Woodford, who just calmly said, this really burns. Most are screaming just like that. The poor student nurse looked scared. lol I must say though he was so much larger then Belle or Lela it was a little painful, I didn't have any pain at all with Lela. However, I guess I wasn't in the same kind of pain most women seem to go through, thankfully. The birth it self still wasn't really painful it was the episiotomy that was the painful/burning part. I guess the swiftness that my babies come at causes that. I'm just thankful we have a healthy baby boy and every thing went so very well.

Two hours after his birth I was put on the maternity ward, and for the first time I was able to room with my baby. Both Lela and Belle had to be in NICU. It was so nice to have little RJ with me the whole time. He ate and ate and ate. They only kept me 24 hours, but said I could stay longer, but I was ready to come home, so did.

He went to see his pediatrician Dr. Raman Choprah today, and had his tongue clipped. Hallelujah! I am so happy the ped could do that for me today. So now maybe he won't have to keep using a shield or at the very least maybe he can nurse faster then 2 hours. haha Poor little guy. He cried a little and looked sad, but other then that did well for his procedure. He's sound asleep now. He also has gained a ounce, so that's great considering he's only a week old. We're for sure in love with him. He's very sweet, relaxed, and just a good little baby.

At the hospital they asked me who I wanted for a pediatrician and I said I wanted Chopra but hadn't been able to contact him yet. The nurse putting in the data looked worried, but the other nurse said, type it in, he won't care, he will come, if we call! And he did. He's been a wonderful doctor. I love him. He came right away when RJ was born, he looked him over and asked if I wanted to have him circumcised. When I said no, he stuck his thumb up and gave a wink and said good going. And he's just been so easy going and doesn't pressure us with anything. I am really really liking him. Glad I asked around for a pediatrician, cause I'm very happy with him.