Every Thursday afternoon, our daughter participates in a “Keeper’s Club where the girls are introduced to many “lost” arts. Personally, I was drawn to the first month’s topic because it’s something I have wanted to learn for years. (If you follow me on facebook or instagram (beautyandbedlam), you’ve already seen this in real live time.)

When our oldest was born, I bought a sewing machine at a yard sale, and taught myself how to make baby blankets and pillow cases, but I was always so intimidated by the machine. Too often, I couldn’t get the bobbin to work and every little task became a chore, so I sold that machine at my yard sale.

Four Christmases ago, I decided to try it again, and bought our oldest daughter a new sewing machine. We were going to learn together. Well, embarrassingly enough, it was finally taken out of the box for the first time at Keeper’s Club. Yes, that is just sometime how it goes. I “pretended” to help, but really, they ended up teaching me how to get my machine set up. One thing I have embraced it that I am never too old to learn new things. If I desire my children to be life long learners, I have to go there myself.

I was thrilled when I saw this affiliate offer come through for FREE Sewing Machine classes. Yes, you can sign up for the free Crafty classes, then choose on-line class, and finally choose Sewing Machine 911 for Free. If I had this years ago, I may have worked through my bobbin/needle problems.

I’ve already started watching my first lesson and it’s informative, fun, and I think even I can get the hang of this thing.

Did I mention FREE?

Here’s a partial desctiption from the Crafty site: Sewing Machine 911

Intimidated by your sewing machine? Claudia Miller covers all you need to know to get sewing. This free class includes an overview of various kinds of sewing machines, explains what the different parts do, and helps you troubleshoot your machine and keep it in good condition.

The classes are free and never expire. You may access them when ever you want. If this is something you’ve been looking for, give it a try.Sign up for Free

My garden is finally planted, and my fear this year is that I am too lazy for the task that I just took upon myself. There’s something about the spring that brings out all the wanna be, self sufficient, Little House on the Praire type of personality in me. The beautiful weather whips through our woods and field, and the ease in which I bought over 100 plants just warms my soul.

And then the work begins and I start thinking about what this garden is going to require in the middle of 100 degree, drought weather heat in NC, and I think I might have bit off more than I can chew. Yet I know that when the kids pick those first cucumbers right off the vine and munch on them right in the garden, it will be worth it.

I go back and forth about whether I can keep up my desire to go all organic. I have never sprayed at all because we eat right from our garden, but I do want to figure out better ways to keep the pesky critters off of my plants. Something yucky infested my garden last year, and I wasn’t quite accomplished enough to get rid of them.

My desire is to find great organic products that help in all aspects of my gardening, so when Whitney Farms® a full line of 100% organic plant food and organic soil with no additives, nothing artificial, and just ingredients from the Earth offered to let me review their Plant Food, and Tomato and Vegetable Food, I was thrilled. I am so willing to educate myself further on organic gardening over traditional methods.

Three of our kids were my main assistants and we used Whitney Farms® throughout our garden. I am really excited to watch my garden grow.

Here are a few of the important things I found out.

Whitney Farms® has 25+ years of leading gardening experience and has improved their products to have:
-low to no dust
-no manure odor
-easy to apply
-Contains beneficial microbes
-Specially designed protein-based blends provide your plants with
both macro and micronutrients they need to grow and thrive

One of the best things about my garden placement is that our neighbor’s horse hangs out and keeps me company continually. As soon as he hears me in the garden, he comes galloping over for a treat. So far, he is only getting some of the healthy weeds I am pulling, but soon, he’ll get some of my bounty.

If you are a gardener or wanna be, even if you desire just a few containers on your patio, check out their site and take advantage of the $3 off coupon. That is a high value one that you do not want to miss out on.

How about your garden – is it planted yet or are you still thinking it out?

Do you try to do it organically?

Whitney Farms®

As I have started doing my Saving Nation classes, I’ve shared how Super Doubles and Triple coupon weeks are some of the favorite shopping weeks

So when Harris Teeter announced Triple Coupons again this week (5/16 – 5/22, I get all excited.

For those of you who don’t want to mess with a ton of coupons, try and take advantage of a few deals this week, and remember, the rain checks for great deals are your best friend.

At Harris Teeter, rain checks do not expire, so if the shelves are cleared of something you planned on buying at a great sale price, take advantage of that sale and make sure to get a rain check from customer service.

This is the time to get your Grocery Guru game on if you live in the vicinity of a Harris Teeter.

Remember:

Harris Teeter triples the value of manufacturers coupons up to $0.99 face value (which means a $0.75 coupon will triple to $2.25)
Please remember there is a limit pf 20 coupons per household/ per day. Be willing to let the others grab a few deals as well.
You may use three like coupons per visit.

This is just a small sampling of some of the deals waiting for you (if they are still on the shelves when you get there.)

Free Items

Jell-O Tempations, 11.7 oz, $2.50

-.90/1 Jell-O Tempations printable
-.60/1 Jell-O refrigerated , SS 5/13
-.50/2 Jell-O gelatin or pudding, SS 5/06
-$1/4 Jell-O gelatin or pudding, SS 5/06
(use .75/1, makes it FREE)

Tabasco Pepper Sauce, 2 oz, $1.95
-.60/1 Tabasco product, RP 4/29
-.50/1 Tabasco product, RP 4/29
(use .60/1, makes it FREE)

Dole Fruit Crisp, 8 oz, $2

-.75/1 Dole Fruit Crisp, SS 3/25
-.50/1 Dole Fruit Crisp, SS 3/25
-.75/2 Dole fruit crisps printable
(use .75/1, makes it FREE)

Yoplait Light or Greek Yogurt, 4 pk., $2
-.75/1 Yoplait Light or Greek yogurt w/ granola, SS 3/25 (exp 05/19)
(makes it FREE)

Barilla Plus Pasta, 14.5 oz, $1.67

-.55/1 Barilla Plus pasta, SS 4/22
-$1/2 Barilla Plus pasta, SS 4/22
-.75/2 Barilla Plus pasta, SS 4/22
-.55/2 Barilla Plus pasta, SS 4/22
-.75/1 Barilla Plus pasta, SS 4/22
(makes it FREE)

Frank’s Redhot Hot Sauce, 4.5 oz, $1.49
-.30/1 Frank’s RedHot sauce printable
-.75/1 Franks RedHot sauce, SS 5/13
(makes it FREE)

Texas Pete – $0.99
-.40/1 Texas Pete Hot Sauces,  SS 05/06/
makes it FREE

Wasa Crackerbread, 10 ct., $1.99 (if sale continues)

-.75/1 Wasa Crackers (Facebook) printable
(makes it FREE)

Vlasic Relish, 10 oz, $1.99
-.75/1 Vlasic product, SS 4/01
-.55/1 Vlasic product, SS 4/01
-$1/2 Vlasic product, SS 4/01
(makes it FREE)

Margaret Holmes Vegetables, 15 oz, $1 (if sale continues)

-.75/2 Margaret Holmes Southern Style vegetable, May All You magazine
(makes it FREE)

French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, 12 oz, $2 (if sale continues)

-.50/1 French’s Honey Mustard dipping sauce printable
-.75/1 French’s Honey Mustard or Honey Mustard dipping sauce, SS 3/25
-.50/1 French’s Honey Mustard or Honey Mustard dipping sauce, SS 3/25
-.75/1 French’s honey mustard or honey mustard dipping sauce, SS 5/13
(makes it FREE)

Nescafe Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee, 6 pk., $1.55
-.75/1 Nescafe Taster’s Choice coffee printable
-$1.50/2 Nescafe Taster’s Choice or Clasico printable
(use .75/1, makes it FREE)

Comet Cleanser Powder, 21 oz, 99¢ (if sale continues)
-.75/1 Comet stainless steel spray, cream cleanser or powder, bath spray or cream, SS 4/01
-.75/1 Comet stainless steel item or bath spray or cream, April All You magazine
-.75/1 Comet Stainless Steel spray, Cream Cleanser & Polish or Powder cleanser, May All You magazine
-$1 off Comet stainless steel cleaner printable
(use .75/1, makes it FREE)

Other Deals

BOGO Ball Park Angus Bun Size Beef Franks, 15-16 oz, at $5.55 ($2.77)
-.75/1 Ball Park Angus Beef Franks, RP 5/06
-.75/2 Ball Park Franks, RP 5/06
-$1/2 Ball Park Franks, RP 5/06
-$1/3 Ball Park Franks, RP 5/06
(use .75/1, makes it 52¢)

Welch’s Spread, 22 oz, $2.49 (if sale continues)

-.55/1 Welch’s Jam, Jelly, or Spread, RP 2/12
-$1/2 Welch’s Jam, Jelly, or Spread, RP 2/12
(use .55/1, makes it 84¢)

Silk Soymilk, 32 oz, $2.59
-.75/1 Silk product, half gal, 1 qt, or 4 pk printable
(makes it 34¢)

Welch’s Juice – New printable $0.75 off any ONE Welch’s Juice

Smart Balance Spreadable Butter, 7.5 oz, $2.59
-.75/2 Smart Balance buttery spreads or sticks printable
-$1 off Smart Balance spreadable butter & canola oil blend, SS 5/06
-.75/1 Smart Balance spreadable butter printable
(use .75/1, makes it 34¢)

New coupons that just came out that I am going to check on this week:

$0.55 off any Florida Crystals Sugar product

$0.75 off any 18.5 oz. Gold Peak Tea

Used with permission from Jenny -  Southern Savers.

It’s been quite the week in our home. Last Tuesday, I shared about my desire to go back to a simpler life by sharing some of the things I want  to learn to do this summer – life skills that take me back to a simpler time of life. Then our lives got shaken by a terrifying instant, one of those days that puts everything back into perspective, and I realize just how incredibly grateful I am for technology, and how it impacts all aspects of our lives, yes, even a search for a missing children.

And now that brings me full circle to my Tasty Tuesday post, and technology, and how we get so used to what we determine as an everyday necessity, that when we lose it,  it plays havoc in our lives.  I have been without internet in our home for the last 24 hours, so for bloggers like myself, that tend to write moments before I post, this places ourselves in quite the predicament. This morning I drove in search of internet to get my Tasty Tuesday post up, and reply to many emails that have been patiently waiting, and I realize that even though last week I honestly shared I want to live in a simpler time, I don’t know if I would truly choose to give up the things that make our lives so much easier.

We surely are a blessed land to even have that option, aren’t we? So while I want to learn to can, and be more self sufficient, I sure am grateful for all the little things in our lives that make our day to day so much easier – especially those appliances which enable me to cook those quick and easy Ten Minute Dinners.

So since I have been short on time this week, but not short on yummy tasting food options, I thought I would hone your guessing skills to see if you can guess my Fast Five Meals this week with more recipes coming soon.

P.S. With the launch of my Ten Minute Dinners site in the next few months, I will be looking for guest recipe posts and submissions. The only requirement is that the food prep needs to have taken you ten minutes or less, and that you have at least one good picture of it. I don’t need any crock pot recipes, but am open to other more unique ideas. You may submit your recipe through my link at the top.

So, ready, set, go….my quick meal ideas this week, and don’t forget to give great thanks for our amazing appliances that make this a  painless process.

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6 Last Night’s Meal

#1. A yummy Chicken Salad Cucumber Sandwiches

#2 A new take on my Crockpot BBQ Chicken with a twist to make it more like a  Buffalo Chicken sandwich.

#3. I was trying to expand our palette with this quick  Indian Curry Sauce that we served and mixed with chicken and rice.

#4. Nothing like doubling up on a batch of meatballs and saving the extras for meatball sandwiches.

#5. Breakfast for dinner – one of our favorites.

#6 Last night, I made SEVEN pounds of chicken for our family’s most favorite Simple Sesame Chicken. I bagged some up for an extra meal. Yes, that process of cooking up all the chicken did take more than ten minutes, but now that I have additional prepared, future dinners will be super fast.

Thank you for your patience with my late Tasty Tuesday post.

I can’t wait to see your recipe inspiration this week.

One of the all time great “Eat on the Go” snacks in our home has always been the granola bar. With every flavor, variety and healthy option, typically our pantry shelves yields quite a few choices. But recently, as the price has sky rocketed on a box, plus the nutritional value typically equates to that of a candy bar, I had to pull out the big guns and go homemade.

This easy to make, homemade granola bar recipe will have you wondering why you didn’t try this simple recipe attempt long ago, especially since it whips up in less than ten minutes.

There are many recipes available and just like my homemade granola recipe, the options are endless. You can mix and match and make this as healthy as you desire, but to start you off, I am posting a basic and super easy core recipe that I know the kids will love. Because honestly, who doesn’t love anything with a great mixture of peanut butter and chocolate.

Then the next recipe I will share will be with only all natural sweeteners and jam packed with healthy grains.

This picture is proof that I was trying to be a good girl and so instead of stirring in the chocolate, I just sprinkled them on top. Don’t do that. Just stir them right in and enjoy. And those three miscellaneous M & M’s? Those are courtesy of my daughter…just because.

Now go make these yummy homemade peanut butter granola bars. Not only will you thank me, but more importantly, your budget will.

Enjoy some of these free Mother’s Day restaurant freebies this weekend. Enjoy celebrating the special women in your life.
For some last minute meaningful Mother’s Day ideas, check my traditions page.

Bakers Square – Free Slice of Pie for Mom WYB 1 Entree on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Beef O Bradys – Buy 1 Entree Get 1 Free on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Caribou Coffee – 10% Off Drink with Reusable Drinkware & Buy 1 Get 1 Free Drinks on Mother’s Day* (exp: 5/13/2012)
Carls Jr – 2 Hand-Scooped Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches for $2 Mother’s Day Only (exp: 5/13/2012)
Denny’s – Send Mom an eCard and get a FREE Skillet Cookie coupon
Firehouse Subs – Free Medium Sub WYB Any Sub, Chips & Medium Drink on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Friendlys – FREE 3 Scoop Sundae on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
IKEA Restaurant – FREE Breakfast for Mom on Mother’s Day till 11AM (exp: 5/13/2012)
Kona Grill – FREE Red Velvet Cupcake for Mom on Mother’s Day with Purchase (exp: 5/13/2012)
McAlisters – FREE Dessert for Moms on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Penn Station – Free 6″ Sub WYB Any Sub on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Souper Salad – Buy 1 Get 1 Free Adult Buffet on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Souplantation – Buy 1 Get 1 Free Breakfast WYB 2 Drinks from 8AM-11AM on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Sweet Tomatoes – Buy 1 Get 1 Free Breakfast WYB 2 Drinks from 8AM-11AM on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)
Texas de Brazil – Free Dessert and Drink with Regular Dinner Price on Mother’s Day (exp: 5/13/2012)

Del Taco Coupon - Free Bacon Breakfast Burrito WYB Iced or Hot Prima Java Coffee (exp: 5/17/2012)
Dickeys Barbecue Pit Coupon - Free Dessert with $5 Purchase (exp: 5/13/2012)

Waffle House Coupon - FREE Waffle (exp: 5/23/2012)

Thanks to Surviving the Stores.

If you’ve spent any time here, you know I am one not to get caught up in a good marketing ploy. If I listened to every “can’t live without” sign, I’d have to kick the kids out of their room for my shopping storage, yet, when I see a sign that says the “It List” for spring, I definitely perk up and study it carefully.

Even though I have my strong frugal fashionista tendencies, I still want to make sure I am aware of the fashion trends.  I would not want to lead you all astray with my shopping habits.

Plus, with Mother’s Day looming, some of us may need to enjoy buying their own present. Does anyone else do that?

As I show you a few of these “It List” pieces (found at Tanger Outlets J Crew), please note that a few of these listed I can not pull off, and of course, it would be #1- a fedora straw hat. The thought if it makes me feel fashionable and hip, until I put it on, and I look so….ah, “trying to hard” might be what people would whisper.

The rest of these I love, and I will actually add a few of these essentials to my wardrobe for the summer. Now, #12, the 3″ Chino Shorts are quite debatable. These legs have a lot of working out to do before they could pull those off, but it’s something to shoot for when I sweat through the 30 (which has led to 90) day shred.

A few weeks ago, my family spent the afternoon at Tanger Outlets, and I shared my five tips to saving big at the outlets. All of these pictures I took during our shopping trip and my eyes always gravitate to the mannequins.

I love to try and strategize with my wardrobe and visualize what pieces I can put together from what I already own, and then think through the accessorizes I should invest in to re-make my older outfits.

Green and black layering of  T-shirts, along with this long necklace and amazing layering of bracelets, make this outfit pop. What I love about this is that if you switch out the white shorts for nice jeans or black pants, it’s perfect for a night on the town.

(I’ve moved on now from J Crew with this picture above, and  I can’t remember where I took it. Know that it’s possibly Banana Republic, Gap, Talbots, Loft, but if you recognize the store, let me know. )

Two years ago, I wrote about purchasing Trench Coats as part of your core wardrobe. I admit, little black dresses and trench coats are my weakness. You can throw on a trench coat and look great. No one has to know that you have baby spit up and a big rip in your shirt if you have a great trench coat and accessories.

What I love about this picture is the necklace. Isn’t it Eye Catching? Talk about a statement piece. This is it!  Most of you probably have a coat similar to this and some kind of cotton button down shirt. Grab them, and go find a BIG, HUGE, necklace or better yet, buy this one was at the Tanger J Crew Outlet, and use the $10 off coupon.

Now we are onto my favorite part of the It List – SCARVES!!

You all know that I have an affinity for scarves. Yes, I chuckle now at all of my video tutorials of how to tie a scarf, since the quality is that of a novice blogger, but at least you know my heart was in the right place.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most about scarves is that they can take a typical, every day T-shirt and completely revolutionize an outfit.

We all have basic T-shirts in our wardrobe. Invest in some summer scarves and rock those tees.

This is such an elegant look with a tank top completely dressed up by adding a gorgeous scarf. I love how they have it hanging loosely, along with the purple necklace tying together all the colors.

This inspired me in a new way. Remember in my last Frugal Fashionista post I mentioned I am trying to mix up the patterns a bit?

Well, I would never have thought to put this striped shirt with this patterned scarf, yet I really, really like it. It’s a great inspiration piece for me.

Don’t forget to use those scarves for more than just around your neck. They make great belts, hair bands, as well as a great addition to your purchase. Many times I will tie one around the handle just to accessorize the outfit that much more.

We’ve been dreaming about our own Mother’s Day purchases (or at least I have), but I would be remiss not to show you some of the best deals of our trip. This is our 16 year old. Yes, I know you feel for me feeding this wonderful child man. At nearly 6’4″ and 255 pounds, I can’t keep him dressed in clothes that fit, and second hand finds are hit or miss. We scoped out all the clearance sections and found some great buys. Since the outlets are already discounted, I also find items that are clearances, and then pair the coupons on top of that. Yes,  great finds to be had by all.

Don’t laugh, but this is what I bought myself – a sander, oh yes, I did. From the Tanger Outlet Direct Tool store, I used my Groupon, and then the realization hit that I am either getting old or I have really started grooming my DIY gene when that purchased truly excited me.

I spent lots of time just enjoying the Kitchen Stores. I dream a lot about all the things I want, but then only purchased a few things I needed.

And now my virtual shopping spree ends on my biggest, hugest WANT (well, next to the Vitamix or Blendtech that I still haven’t purchased).

I literally spent 45 minutes in the Le Creuset store. This is the picture I posted on my facebook page while I was shopping and in the middle of my deliberation. These cookware pieces are a huge investment, but one that lasts a lifetime because these are the kind of pieces that you pass down to your grandchildren. It was fun to read the comments after I posted it. Some readers have been given them, but they had no idea the treasure that had been gifted. I went back and forth on this. They had a whole table that were “scratch and dent” pieces. Small scratches, not even noticeable, but still deemed them “seconds.” Those are the kinds of buys I look for since one day in our home and they are “seconds” anyhow.

With our family size, I am looking at some of the largest pieces – the 9 quart, but even at the discount, it still would have run around $200. Yes, I told you, an investment, but quality kitchen tools are one of those investments that I really believe in. I didn’t buy it this time, but I did bring my hubby in and showed him the piece that is on my “Someday” list.

That was quite the eclectic post, but I guess that’s what I enjoy about the Tanger Outlet malls. There’s a little something for every one, and if you apply my five tips to saving big, you really can maximize your budget.

So, we ‘ve walked through some fun fashion ideas for the summer, and I’ve shared my Dream Purchase from Tanger Outlets.

Now, I would love to know what is your dream Shopping Spree item?

Tanger wants to help in the savings department by offering a great value on their Gift Cards. Head to Tanger this weekend, and use their  Mother’s Day Coupon: $10 off $50 Gift Card Purchase.

Print here and show at Service Center.

I have enjoyed being a Tanger Blog Ambassador.

Since it’s been such an emotional week after our huge scare on Tuesday, I’ve been a bit out of sorts, and unfortunately, did not get around to posting some of the new Mother’s Day traditions I wanted to share.

I’ve always loved the quote above, but I have a new appreciation for those extra special moments this week, and I want to savor each one. Instead of sharing a new post,  I am going to point you in the direction of some wonderful resources from past years.

Some of you that read through email or reader, may not know that I  have lots of holiday tradition and celebration ideas strategically found in a drop down menu on my blog. Slowly, as in it’s taken me over a year and I still can’t find some of my past posts that I didn’t label as a new blogger,  I am categorizing them so this can be your “one stop” resource for meaningful family ideas.

To see more Mother’s Day ideas and traditions, follow the drop down menu at the top of my blog. It will look like this, and you will note that there are lots of different celebration ideas found there.

You will be pointed to a special homemade mother’s day gift idea, a meaningful “Through the Generations” photo card – both frugal and fabulous,

or even an easy, Free, Printable,  Mother’s Day Coupon Book. A few of the other ideas bring food into the equation by creating a sweet treat with either a box mix or homemade recipe, and surprising mom with this very special “What Mom Means to Me” Mother’s Day Cake. She won’t believe the surprises hiding inside the cake, or an option to hidden love notes, you can create this unique Mother’s Day Love Cake.

Love Cake – The Love Cake is a great way to celebrate love on Mother’s Day. Have every family member write down a message of love and paste their photo onto a heart shaped ‘locket’ cut from red or pink construction paper. Things like “I love you, mom, because you always take care of me when I am sick,” or “Mom, I love how you always make my friends feel welcome.” Display the heart lockets around a Love Cake and take turns reading them as you enjoy dessert. Everyone, especially the children, will enjoy reading their sweet messages to the person they love. Be sure to take a photo of your Love Cake to place in a Mothers Day frame and glue the hearts around the photo.

Head over to my Mother’s Day category for more meaningful ideas.

Have a blessed time this weekend celebrating the very special women in your life.

Yesterday morning, I sat at this table writing my Tasty Tuesday post about lessons that I wanted to learn. I was speaking about tangible life skills like canning or sewing, but never could I have imagined that the Lord had other lessons He wanted me to teach me yesterday.

Painful ones about trust, faith, sovereignty, friendship, and even coming to grips in the midst of a nightmare that bad things happen to good people, and God is good regardless of the outcome.

I don’t really have the energy to wrap my words around my experience or the absolute sheer terror that we went through for four hours, but I will write about them in the future, because I had some powerful moments yesterday, and I don’t won’t those lessons wasted.

We brought Edison home from Ecuador nearly three years ago. This blessings, this gift, this child has taught us more about unexpected joy than anyone else. If you haven’t been following my blog for very long, read his story of being abandoned in a trash can and why my brother and sister in love brought him home.

You will also want to read the post I wrote live from Ecuador on the day I first met this gift nearly three years ago, The Picture Says It All. That too was a miracle moment and we’ve had so many with him. Nearly every day I see sweet Edison, since they live next store to us, and he comes to see “Tia Jen” quite often. He has been “Jesus with skin on” to many of us by shining such joy so often.

Here was my Balancing Beauty and Bedlam Facebook update yesterday.

Life can change in an instance. I had the most horrifying four hours of my life today. My special blessing nephew (Down’s Syndrome), who I had the privilege of bringing home from Ecuador and who lives right next door to me, was lost for four hours in our shared woods (miles of woods). In a split second, he followed the dogs off his deck and into the woods, got disoriented and ended up wandering miles.

Thankfully, the dogs stayed with him the whole time. After hours of searching, teams of rescue, K9 units, and an Amber Alert, we are praising the Lord for his safe return.
It could have been such a different outcome with creeks lining the property. It was a heavenly celebration and reunion.
Love on your babies tonight, sweet mamas. Life is so short and we have such a blessed gift.
Here’s a pic of his momma weeping over his safe return. (Somewhere along the journey, he ditched his shirt and vest, which is so typical of sweet Edison.)
I love that little guy like he’s my own. It’s been a long day and we now rest in the Lord’s sovereignty that we have more time with this blessing. We don’t feel worthy of that gift.

Here are just a few pictures from yesterday.

So many thanks to all the rescue workers and volunteers that came from various counties to help in the search.

Cousins and sibling storming the rescue vehicle before any of the adults even had a chance.

My precious sister in law just weeping over his safe return. (Edison was so embarrassed with all the attention, and typically, he loves being the center of attention.)

This was a precious moment, and one I am sure the rescue workers have not had before.  My brother took a moment before every one began leaving to gather them, thank them, share Edison’s own rescue story with them and proclaim He who is Worthy, the only true rescuer.

One of the sheriffs asked me after that, “Is he a preacher?” I had to chuckle, since he just doesn’t know my family, and responded, “No, but he sure should be one, shouldn’t he?”

After all the units had left, we gathered together as a family/friends to sing and give praise for Eddy’s safe return. Those were some joyous moments.

Safe in his father’s arms, right where he belongs.

Thanking our Heavenly Father

As I gaze at these photos, there’s just something satisfying that stirs my soul down deep: the down home goodness of stocking ones pantry with provisions that feeds a family, nourishing them physically and emotionally.

There’s a sense of preparedness from diligence, and thankfulness for the bounty that has been provided, knowing that hard work will now supply loved ones with the fruit of our labor, literally.

Home economics. Kitchen in housekeeping flat, New York,” circa 1910.

For hundreds of years, the art of canning was a kitchen skill modeled from early on. It was a way of life because a bountiful pantry meant survival, and a matter of necessity, not just an optional task.

source

Circa 1918. “National War Garden Commission. Vigo County Canning Clubs.”

Over the last few weeks, I have realized just how lazy I am. Truly. The modern conveniences that I have access to make my Ten Minute Dinners philosophy a reality in which I am so grateful, but the one kitchen skill that I really want to master this summer can not be accomplished in ten minute. I want to learn to can, and not just the simple freezer canning that I typically do. I want to learn the old fashion, stick the cans in the hot water/pressure cooker kind of canning. I want to line my pantry with gifts from my garden and supply my family with options all year long.

I have the cans and the lids and the cookbooks, and was prepared to be a self learner and teach myself until I opened up a jar that a friend gave me as a gift. It sat on my shelf for a year before I opened it, but that’s the beauty of canning, it should still be perfectly fine, but it wasn’t. It had mold on the rim, and I thought to myself, that would be me if I attempted it on my own.

I don’t want to spend a good portion of my summer mastering a skill to only have it be a waste of time, so I am on a hunt to be a student of this. Since I live in the country, and in the south, canning is still a way of life for many of these truly Southern gals, so I just have to ask. (And buy a pressure cooker.) (And gather a few of my friends to do it with me because it’s always more fun with the girlfriends.)

I will definitely let you know my progress.

So fill in your blank.

Is there something that you have wanted to learn, but just never got around to?  I’ve been wanting to learn to can for years and years, but just never took an action step to actually accomplish it. Now I am.

Won’t you join me? I’d love to hear a skill you’ve always wanted to learn.

I want to learn to …………..

Simple Rules for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods – As always, please link directly to your recipe post and not your blog URL, so that everyone can find this recipe months from now.

Also, link back here in your post so that everyone can join in the fun, it’s just common courtesy of blog carnivals. Please do not link up a recipe meme that you have started, and limit to two posts.  Thanks for your understanding.