I want to wish each and every one of you (YES! I mean EVERYONE) a wonderful, joyous and fulfilling holiday season.
May you and yours never let the spirit of this beautiful season slip away.
May you embrace each other with loving hugs, tender kisses, and lots of quality time together.
May you joyfully remember the special times you have shared with your loved ones who have departed the earth this year and before.
May you be abounding in patience and grace with your families, friends, and strangers during the hectic times.
May love fill your minds, hearts, and souls to the point of feeling like you will overflow, and then may you overflow with love and spill it all over the place!
May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace. Num 6:24-26
Love to you, my friends!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
?????
Dear readers,
Something has come to my attention.
Folks have been visiting my blog and taking my words to such unusual extremes, reporting back to others and attacking my character. This has been done by folks I thought were my friends. I created this blog as a record of things that go on in my life. It covers things I am interested in, such as knitting, food, my family, and my spiritual thoughts. My intentions have never been to create controversy. Simply to share myself, because that is what I do.
If you don't like what you read (I can handle that), don't read it. If you intend to cause trouble for me (this is not right, and you know it), I hereby uninvite you from this site. Unless you choose to bring up your problems with me, directly, rather than the option you have chosen, you are not welcome here.
Really, you can think what you want of me, your thoughts are your own (like mine are) but I would thank you to end this attack on my character.
I don't really have anything else to say on this matter.
Something has come to my attention.
Folks have been visiting my blog and taking my words to such unusual extremes, reporting back to others and attacking my character. This has been done by folks I thought were my friends. I created this blog as a record of things that go on in my life. It covers things I am interested in, such as knitting, food, my family, and my spiritual thoughts. My intentions have never been to create controversy. Simply to share myself, because that is what I do.
If you don't like what you read (I can handle that), don't read it. If you intend to cause trouble for me (this is not right, and you know it), I hereby uninvite you from this site. Unless you choose to bring up your problems with me, directly, rather than the option you have chosen, you are not welcome here.
Really, you can think what you want of me, your thoughts are your own (like mine are) but I would thank you to end this attack on my character.
I don't really have anything else to say on this matter.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
My New Church
No. It's not what you may be thinking. Haven't relocated to a different set of four walls dedicated to Sunday morning worship services.
My absence from blogland hasn't been lonely. I have been absent from other parts of my life, too, including attending Sunday morning services. All this since I have begun my new job, coincidentally at the same time our former pastor resigned from our church. That in itself is not the reason, just happen to have some crazy timing.
I have been feeling more and more inspired to write a post about what has been going on in this here corner of the world, and tonight is the night. I have a long list of chores/duties ahead of me, but this has been bubbling up inside of me and I need to let it out.
My new church is the world in which I live. It has always been that way, to a point, but now, since I have a job, I have a new perspective on it. Please, if you are reading this, I am not trying to sound pious, sinless, or anything. I am making my way through this world, one step at a time, stumbling, coasting, soaring, tripping, just like everyone else. This post is to share what I have been experiencing since I have joined the workforce.
I haven't worked since 1998, at a paid job where I am away from the house. Raising my 3 kiddos till they began school - that was the single most wonderful thing that I ever dedicated my time to.
Now that I am working a full time job, early to bed, early to rise, I have a different perspective on the week. Evenings are hectic. I arrive home to collapse on the couch for 45 minutes or so, or until it's time to cook dinner. I cook, do any tidying that needs to be done, serve dinner, and then wash dishes (or Honey does, or sometimes the kids). Anyways, by the time all that is over, it's time for making our lunches for the next day, ironing, setting out clothes, signing agendas, so on and so forth. Then, tuck in the kids, say prayers, and collapse in my own bed.
Saturday mornings, we get up, do some cleaning around the house, inside and out, and get ready for some T-Ball, cheer the boy as he gives it his best shot, visit with Grandpa, eat somewhere in between all that. Come home, finish cleaning then collapse.
Sunday mornings, we have been sleeping in, staying in our jammies, having nice big family breakfasts (usually something really special) and hanging out. We play chess, bananagrams, Wii, we talk, joke, watch movies, whatever. But we do it together. Since we have no place to go, we are in no hurry, and we enjoy each other so much more than we ever did before! We are all functioning together as a family unit, we are all much more relaxed, and we laugh and smile all day long. It is bliss. And you know what? God is as present in our lives, our home on a Sunday morning as He is in church amongst great numbers of believers.
In certain ways, I sort of feel bad that this has taken precedence over attending Sunday services. I almost feel a social obligation to gather up the family and go. But in other ways, I feel so free and blessed to take this time and be in love with my family with no obligations.
I know that there are so many (I once felt this way, until quite recently) that say we should attend services, to spend time among other believers, worshipping, singing songs of praise, listening to sermons that help us to learn and grow. Well, I spend time with other believers, in a much more connected and intimate atmosphere, every single day. I sing songs of praise when I arrive at school during the most breathtaking sunrises you can imagine. I thank God every moment for the blessings of hundreds of precious children whose lives I intentionally bring love into (and whose lives enrich mine to no end), whether they need it or not. I worship God by giving extra love and affection to little ones who show up to school angry and wild and tired and excited. I gaze into the eyes of my little special needs babies and thank God for how they will always be so innocent, so normal compared to the rest of us. I walk through the halls, looking for downcast eyes so I can tell them how beautiful, how precious and wonderful they are, to bring a smile to a sad face. I put every bit of myself into everything I do. I have never felt more fulfilled, more content, more spirit filled, than I have in the last several weeks.
I miss a lot of my friends that I used to only see on Sunday mornings. However, the ones that I was closest connected to, the ones who I consider to be my family, I still see, call, text, IM, on a very regular basis. I still have community. I still read, learn, research, listen.
The bible verse that I have been striving to live by is Romans 12:1-2 - " And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Peace and love to you as you go about your weeks!
XOXOX
My absence from blogland hasn't been lonely. I have been absent from other parts of my life, too, including attending Sunday morning services. All this since I have begun my new job, coincidentally at the same time our former pastor resigned from our church. That in itself is not the reason, just happen to have some crazy timing.
I have been feeling more and more inspired to write a post about what has been going on in this here corner of the world, and tonight is the night. I have a long list of chores/duties ahead of me, but this has been bubbling up inside of me and I need to let it out.
My new church is the world in which I live. It has always been that way, to a point, but now, since I have a job, I have a new perspective on it. Please, if you are reading this, I am not trying to sound pious, sinless, or anything. I am making my way through this world, one step at a time, stumbling, coasting, soaring, tripping, just like everyone else. This post is to share what I have been experiencing since I have joined the workforce.
I haven't worked since 1998, at a paid job where I am away from the house. Raising my 3 kiddos till they began school - that was the single most wonderful thing that I ever dedicated my time to.
Now that I am working a full time job, early to bed, early to rise, I have a different perspective on the week. Evenings are hectic. I arrive home to collapse on the couch for 45 minutes or so, or until it's time to cook dinner. I cook, do any tidying that needs to be done, serve dinner, and then wash dishes (or Honey does, or sometimes the kids). Anyways, by the time all that is over, it's time for making our lunches for the next day, ironing, setting out clothes, signing agendas, so on and so forth. Then, tuck in the kids, say prayers, and collapse in my own bed.
Saturday mornings, we get up, do some cleaning around the house, inside and out, and get ready for some T-Ball, cheer the boy as he gives it his best shot, visit with Grandpa, eat somewhere in between all that. Come home, finish cleaning then collapse.
Sunday mornings, we have been sleeping in, staying in our jammies, having nice big family breakfasts (usually something really special) and hanging out. We play chess, bananagrams, Wii, we talk, joke, watch movies, whatever. But we do it together. Since we have no place to go, we are in no hurry, and we enjoy each other so much more than we ever did before! We are all functioning together as a family unit, we are all much more relaxed, and we laugh and smile all day long. It is bliss. And you know what? God is as present in our lives, our home on a Sunday morning as He is in church amongst great numbers of believers.
In certain ways, I sort of feel bad that this has taken precedence over attending Sunday services. I almost feel a social obligation to gather up the family and go. But in other ways, I feel so free and blessed to take this time and be in love with my family with no obligations.
I know that there are so many (I once felt this way, until quite recently) that say we should attend services, to spend time among other believers, worshipping, singing songs of praise, listening to sermons that help us to learn and grow. Well, I spend time with other believers, in a much more connected and intimate atmosphere, every single day. I sing songs of praise when I arrive at school during the most breathtaking sunrises you can imagine. I thank God every moment for the blessings of hundreds of precious children whose lives I intentionally bring love into (and whose lives enrich mine to no end), whether they need it or not. I worship God by giving extra love and affection to little ones who show up to school angry and wild and tired and excited. I gaze into the eyes of my little special needs babies and thank God for how they will always be so innocent, so normal compared to the rest of us. I walk through the halls, looking for downcast eyes so I can tell them how beautiful, how precious and wonderful they are, to bring a smile to a sad face. I put every bit of myself into everything I do. I have never felt more fulfilled, more content, more spirit filled, than I have in the last several weeks.
I miss a lot of my friends that I used to only see on Sunday mornings. However, the ones that I was closest connected to, the ones who I consider to be my family, I still see, call, text, IM, on a very regular basis. I still have community. I still read, learn, research, listen.
The bible verse that I have been striving to live by is Romans 12:1-2 - " And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Peace and love to you as you go about your weeks!
XOXOX
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Some worthy notes of preparation
OK, so I have been getting ready for the upcoming week by preparing some foods that will make breakfast easier for my busy little family.
I have been researching making homemade granola bars. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that highlighted a few different healthy, nourishing bar recipes, but I couldn't find the page (nor could I remember the site!). I typed Granola Bars in the Windows Live search engine, and the second recipe caught my fancy. Click here to see it. They are in the cooling stage right now, but as far as I can tell, they are delicious! I didn't have sunflower seeds or peanuts, so substituted sliced almonds and flax seeds and sesame seeds. I also used dark muscovado sugar instead of brown sugar. The latest batch of local raw honey that I have is so delicious that I could drink it, so it was a nice touch. I forgot to add vanilla and salt, but I am OK with that because I enjoy the flavors of all the ingredients. For the dried fruit, I used dates.
Next on the to-do list: cook a pound of local, nitrite free bacon. The plan is to cook it and let it cool, place in a container in the fridge and heat and eat as needed. The only bummer is, we have a hen setting on a nest and there have been no eggs! (Note to self: add eggs to my grocery list).
Homemade yogurt is in the fridge. I don't make it too often, only when we don't drink our 3 gallons of raw milk in two weeks, or if some of it starts to sour. It makes the best yogurt and the girls love it. The girls and I also love oatmeal, so we can soak it over night and eat in the morning.
There is a problem. Danny Jr doesn't like bacon or yogurt or smoothies or oatmeal. He does like granola bars, but he needs another option. I am thinking, bean and cheese burritos. I can make the beans ahead of time, assemble the burritos, keep in freezer and place in the fridge the night before. Hmmm. I am brainstorming as I type. I can make some pancakes ahead of time, too. These re-heat well, and the kids can do it themselves.
Do any of you out there have any tips or hints concerning healthy food preparation for families on the go? I am new at this work thing, but I don't want to give up our healthy eating habits for it. Please comment on this post with your ideas!
I have been researching making homemade granola bars. I read an article a couple of weeks ago that highlighted a few different healthy, nourishing bar recipes, but I couldn't find the page (nor could I remember the site!). I typed Granola Bars in the Windows Live search engine, and the second recipe caught my fancy. Click here to see it. They are in the cooling stage right now, but as far as I can tell, they are delicious! I didn't have sunflower seeds or peanuts, so substituted sliced almonds and flax seeds and sesame seeds. I also used dark muscovado sugar instead of brown sugar. The latest batch of local raw honey that I have is so delicious that I could drink it, so it was a nice touch. I forgot to add vanilla and salt, but I am OK with that because I enjoy the flavors of all the ingredients. For the dried fruit, I used dates.
Next on the to-do list: cook a pound of local, nitrite free bacon. The plan is to cook it and let it cool, place in a container in the fridge and heat and eat as needed. The only bummer is, we have a hen setting on a nest and there have been no eggs! (Note to self: add eggs to my grocery list).
Homemade yogurt is in the fridge. I don't make it too often, only when we don't drink our 3 gallons of raw milk in two weeks, or if some of it starts to sour. It makes the best yogurt and the girls love it. The girls and I also love oatmeal, so we can soak it over night and eat in the morning.
There is a problem. Danny Jr doesn't like bacon or yogurt or smoothies or oatmeal. He does like granola bars, but he needs another option. I am thinking, bean and cheese burritos. I can make the beans ahead of time, assemble the burritos, keep in freezer and place in the fridge the night before. Hmmm. I am brainstorming as I type. I can make some pancakes ahead of time, too. These re-heat well, and the kids can do it themselves.
Do any of you out there have any tips or hints concerning healthy food preparation for families on the go? I am new at this work thing, but I don't want to give up our healthy eating habits for it. Please comment on this post with your ideas!
It begins....
Tomorrow is the first day that students go to school! Last week was team building, meetings, and preparation for the school year.
The school year begins! My baby goes to kindergarten, and I go to work. The girls both got the teachers they wanted (no pulling strings on my part, either!). DJ's classroom is across the hall and two doors down from the classroom I'll be in. Hope I can go to the boo-hoo breakfast! I'll need it!
All this time in a school environment has encouraged me to start planning on going back to school to earn my degree. There are two options that I am considering, and will do some soul searching to decide which direction to take. Who knows, maybe in the end I'll do them both. But that won't be for years!
Have a nice week! I'll try to blog once in a while!
The school year begins! My baby goes to kindergarten, and I go to work. The girls both got the teachers they wanted (no pulling strings on my part, either!). DJ's classroom is across the hall and two doors down from the classroom I'll be in. Hope I can go to the boo-hoo breakfast! I'll need it!
All this time in a school environment has encouraged me to start planning on going back to school to earn my degree. There are two options that I am considering, and will do some soul searching to decide which direction to take. Who knows, maybe in the end I'll do them both. But that won't be for years!
Have a nice week! I'll try to blog once in a while!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
This is it!
Reality is setting in! Eleven years as a stay at home mom are officially over. Tomorrow morning, at 8 AM, I start my new job as a teacher's aide. It's a week full of team building, meetings, and preparation for the upcoming start of school. I am anxious, thrilled, nervous, and excited. Above all, though, I am extremely grateful.
I will keep you updated!
I will keep you updated!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A New Chapter in the life of...
In the last few months, I have been exploring several different "themes" to the next chapter of my life.I have made many different status plans ranging from ideas of starting my own business to a restaurant job in a highly acclaimed local restaurant, to my most recent and FINAL decision.
Last fall, I put in a resume at my children's school (KRE) to be a teacher's assistant. At the time, there was an opening in the bilingual program, which, ultimately I did not get because I am not fluent enough in Spanish. That turned out to be OK, as I embraced the opportunity to spend the last several months at home alone with my baby boy, before school let out and the girls came home for summer.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard about a job at the River House Tea Room in Gruene. I applied for it, and was hired! Even though I lack kitchen experience and formal chef training, the chef felt comfortable with me and decided to give me a chance. The first day to work was yesterday, Tuesday evening. We prepped and tested and developed recipes to introduce for the upcoming breakfast menu (she didn't serve b'fast before, only lunch 6 days and dinner on two days. This morning I went in and really proved myself to be an asset to the kitchen crew, working alongside two incredibly talented and experienced chefs. What an opportunity!
Two days ago (Monday) I received a call from the secretary at Klein Rd, inquiring for the principal if I was still interested in applying for a teacher's aide position! Imagine the nerves I was experiencing! I interviewed yesterday, on my way in to my first day at the other job, leaving there with the promise of an answer today.
I got my answer! I was offered the job as an aide in the PPCD program, special ed in the Pre-K classroom. Next week, I attend Paraprofessional Course in San Antonio from Tuesday through Friday, and I start work the following week! I get to be with my children, at their school, with their schedule. WOW! How blessed I feel right now.
I am so looking forward to being able to bring a smile into the PPCD children's lives, to spend days with them, loving on them and helping them to be independent and to learn life skills.
In case you are wondering, I called the chef and explained to her what happened, and she was so beautifully gracious, and ensured me that I could still have a job there if the school job doesn't work out. WOW.
I thank you all for your patience, support, and encouragement. HUGS!!!
Last fall, I put in a resume at my children's school (KRE) to be a teacher's assistant. At the time, there was an opening in the bilingual program, which, ultimately I did not get because I am not fluent enough in Spanish. That turned out to be OK, as I embraced the opportunity to spend the last several months at home alone with my baby boy, before school let out and the girls came home for summer.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard about a job at the River House Tea Room in Gruene. I applied for it, and was hired! Even though I lack kitchen experience and formal chef training, the chef felt comfortable with me and decided to give me a chance. The first day to work was yesterday, Tuesday evening. We prepped and tested and developed recipes to introduce for the upcoming breakfast menu (she didn't serve b'fast before, only lunch 6 days and dinner on two days. This morning I went in and really proved myself to be an asset to the kitchen crew, working alongside two incredibly talented and experienced chefs. What an opportunity!
Two days ago (Monday) I received a call from the secretary at Klein Rd, inquiring for the principal if I was still interested in applying for a teacher's aide position! Imagine the nerves I was experiencing! I interviewed yesterday, on my way in to my first day at the other job, leaving there with the promise of an answer today.
I got my answer! I was offered the job as an aide in the PPCD program, special ed in the Pre-K classroom. Next week, I attend Paraprofessional Course in San Antonio from Tuesday through Friday, and I start work the following week! I get to be with my children, at their school, with their schedule. WOW! How blessed I feel right now.
I am so looking forward to being able to bring a smile into the PPCD children's lives, to spend days with them, loving on them and helping them to be independent and to learn life skills.
In case you are wondering, I called the chef and explained to her what happened, and she was so beautifully gracious, and ensured me that I could still have a job there if the school job doesn't work out. WOW.
I thank you all for your patience, support, and encouragement. HUGS!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
As promised
Last Thursday was my last time to do the CSA veggie delivery. So sad. The weather has been excruciatingly hot around here, leaving our local farms with parched lands, not enough water to feed their crops hydrated, and no veggies that want to grow in this heat! Even the hot weather loving crops are slowing down.In my last CSA bag were 3 big sweet onions, 3 purple onions, an eggplant, and 3 or 4 beautiful zucchinis. Each week I try to do something different with the squash and zucchini, and today was something new and original.
Here is the recipe for Baked Stuffed Zucchini Boats:
2 long zucchini, or 3 -4 smaller ones
1 lb ground beef
1 c uncooked brown rice, prepared according to package directions (about 3 c cooked)
1 small onion, chopped
1 t garlic, minced
1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 c chicken broth, water, or water plus 2 t bouillon powder or cubes
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2-1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 egg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out soft center and set pulp aside. Place zucchini, cut side down on a microwave safe plate, add 2 T water and cook in microwave for 4-6 minutes, depending on size. You may have to do this in two batches. Place in a 9X13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
Brown beef in skillet along with chopped onions, garlic, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Drain. Add to cooked brown rice, stir till combined. Beat egg in a separate bowl - add a scoop of the mixture to the beaten egg, stir (this is to temper the egg) and add back to meat/rice mixture. Spoon mixture into the hollowed out zucchini, heaping all the extra mixture on top and in between boats.
In a blender, combine 1 14.5 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes and 1 c water or broth. Blend till thoroughly combined and smooth. Pour over the zucchini boats. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Enjoy! We had a salad on the side, which was a nice accompaniment.
The entire family devoured this! There are no leftovers. Even my dear brother in law, who HATES zucchini, loved this!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bringing Back the Meal Plan
I fell away from doing the weekly menu planning around the beginning of the year sometime. Guess I got busy, or distracted, or something! Since school is (gasp!) three weeks away, and I am about to be gainfully employed (starting Tuesday) I am going to make a huge effort to get my life more organized. This will start, of course, with my menu plan.
For the week of August 2 - August 8, my menu plan (excluding breakfast for now, till school starts) is:
Sunday - salad and baked potato
Monday - baked stuffed zucchini boats, salad
Tuesday - pot roast, potatoes and carrots
Wednesday - posole (my favorite!)
Thursday - grilled chicken and vegetables with wild rice pilaf
Friday - My birthday! I'm not cooking!!!!
Saturday - going to see Julie and Julia followed by dinner at La Madelaine!
Tuesday is a crock pot meal because it is my first day at the new job, starting at 5 PM (followed by 6 AM Wednesday)! The kids, Grandma and Dad will be able to eat dinner and have an easy time of cleaning up.
I will try to remember to take a photo and post the recipe for the baked stuffed zucchini boats tomorrow as I work on it. Think - same kinda filling as in stuffed cabbage or peppers.
My new place to post the menu plans here at home is on my little upright freezer in the kitchen. It is centrally located and highly visible. I write on it with dry erase markers, which easily wash off.
Have a wonderful week! I will post Wednesday to let you know how my first day went!
For the week of August 2 - August 8, my menu plan (excluding breakfast for now, till school starts) is:
Sunday - salad and baked potato
Monday - baked stuffed zucchini boats, salad
Tuesday - pot roast, potatoes and carrots
Wednesday - posole (my favorite!)
Thursday - grilled chicken and vegetables with wild rice pilaf
Friday - My birthday! I'm not cooking!!!!
Saturday - going to see Julie and Julia followed by dinner at La Madelaine!
Tuesday is a crock pot meal because it is my first day at the new job, starting at 5 PM (followed by 6 AM Wednesday)! The kids, Grandma and Dad will be able to eat dinner and have an easy time of cleaning up.
I will try to remember to take a photo and post the recipe for the baked stuffed zucchini boats tomorrow as I work on it. Think - same kinda filling as in stuffed cabbage or peppers.
My new place to post the menu plans here at home is on my little upright freezer in the kitchen. It is centrally located and highly visible. I write on it with dry erase markers, which easily wash off.
Have a wonderful week! I will post Wednesday to let you know how my first day went!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Language?
Danny Jr came up to me the other day, asking, "Mom, what language is BARF? Is it English or Spanish? Because PUKE is English, and BARF means PUKE, but what language is it?"
I tell you, the boy is a critical thinker!
I tell you, the boy is a critical thinker!
Gourmet
Yesterday, on the way home from the bowling alley, we stopped at a local fast food joint for a snack to offset the unimaginable hunger that ensued during the one hour stay at the bowling alley (we were positioned directly in front of the snack bar, where the smell of frito pie and french fries continually wafted in our direction).
Olivia decided on getting mozzarella cheese sticks for her snack.
One bite in, she said, "Mom. When I bite into these cheese sticks, they are so delicious and cheesy and melty. It's like I am eating gourmet food!"
The girl isn't hard to impress!
Olivia decided on getting mozzarella cheese sticks for her snack.
One bite in, she said, "Mom. When I bite into these cheese sticks, they are so delicious and cheesy and melty. It's like I am eating gourmet food!"
The girl isn't hard to impress!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Chest
Danny, my Big Honey, has taught the children how to play chess. Little Danny follows him around as soon as he comes in the door, asking him if he wants to play chest. It's so cute! DJ even challenges anyone who walks through the door if they want to play, then proceeds to inform them of how easy it was to beat them. I know, this isn't good sportsmanship, but it is so funny! From a 5 year old? He's just like his Dad.
So today, DJ asked Big D to play, and Big D said, "Why don't you play with Mom?" DJ said, "No, way, Dad, she's way too easy to beat."
Sigh.
So today, DJ asked Big D to play, and Big D said, "Why don't you play with Mom?" DJ said, "No, way, Dad, she's way too easy to beat."
Sigh.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fondant fun!
Today I attempted working with fondant. I have never tried this before, and decided to start off with homemade marshmallow fondant. Here is the blob of fondant before cake decorating:
And here is the finished product. It was a lot of fun, sorta like play-doh for grown ups! I did a very simple design for my first project, so I could get a feel for working with it.
This cake is made for Grandpa's 83rd birthday party. Can't wait to dig in!!!
And here is the finished product. It was a lot of fun, sorta like play-doh for grown ups! I did a very simple design for my first project, so I could get a feel for working with it.
This cake is made for Grandpa's 83rd birthday party. Can't wait to dig in!!!Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I am having a Squishy Squashy kinda day.
Our CSA has been providing an abundance of summer squash, and my family doesn't love it enough to eat on a regular basis so I have had to get creative so as not to loose all this squash.
I got a food processor on Freecycle a while back (Thank goodness! Can't imagine life without it anymore), so I shredded all the squash I had, and it yielded about 8 -10 c of squash to use in my baking (or other) recipes.
Today, with a little help from The Joy of Cooking as a guide, I made 3 different types of muffins. The first, Spicy Squashy muffins (think carrot cake-ish), Pineapple Coconut Squash muffins, and Gingerbread Squash muffin bites.
Here are the recipes:
Spicy Squashy Muffins
preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 1/2 c white whole wheat flour (used King Arthur Flour)
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ginger
1/4 t cloves
1/4 t black pepper
mix all these together, set aside
2 eggs
3/4 c sugar
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
let sit a few minutes
add to wet ingredients:
2 T milk
1/2 chopped pecans
5 T coconut oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter (I used coconut oil)
Mix wet ingredients into dry till incorporated, scoop into greased muffin tins, about 1/3 c of batter each. Bake for 15-18 minutes, till toothpick comes out clean.
Pineapple Coconut Squash muffins
Preheat oven to 400
1 1/2 c White Whole Wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 c chopped dried pineapple bits
mix together, set aside
2 eggs
3/4 c brown sugar
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
5 T coconut oil
1/2 c shredded coconut
mix together
Add dry ingredients to wet, mix to incorporate, spoon into greased muffin tins, bake at 400 for 15-18 minutes. You know the drill.
Gingerbread Squash Muffin Bites
(I made these as bites due to their strong flavor)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 1/2 c White Whole Wheat flour
1 t baking soda
2 t ginger
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t cloves
1/2 t salt
3 T chopped crystallized ginger
mix together, set aside
2 eggs
2/3 c molasses
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
1/2 c melted butter
mix together
Add dry to wet, mix thoroughly, using a cookie scoop, scoop into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 400 for 12 minutes.
***As you can see, all three recipes are variations of the same basic combination. Use your imagination, whip out some different ingredients like carrots, apples, bananas, zucchini, pumpkin, maybe even sweet or regular potatoes, leftover jars of baby food that are still in your pantry, whatever! Try different nuts, spices, dried fruits, oils.
Enjoy!!!!
I got a food processor on Freecycle a while back (Thank goodness! Can't imagine life without it anymore), so I shredded all the squash I had, and it yielded about 8 -10 c of squash to use in my baking (or other) recipes.
Today, with a little help from The Joy of Cooking as a guide, I made 3 different types of muffins. The first, Spicy Squashy muffins (think carrot cake-ish), Pineapple Coconut Squash muffins, and Gingerbread Squash muffin bites.
Here are the recipes:
Spicy Squashy Muffins
preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 1/2 c white whole wheat flour (used King Arthur Flour)
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ginger
1/4 t cloves
1/4 t black pepper
mix all these together, set aside
2 eggs
3/4 c sugar
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
let sit a few minutes
add to wet ingredients:
2 T milk
1/2 chopped pecans
5 T coconut oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter (I used coconut oil)
Mix wet ingredients into dry till incorporated, scoop into greased muffin tins, about 1/3 c of batter each. Bake for 15-18 minutes, till toothpick comes out clean.
Pineapple Coconut Squash muffins
Preheat oven to 400
1 1/2 c White Whole Wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 c chopped dried pineapple bits
mix together, set aside
2 eggs
3/4 c brown sugar
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
5 T coconut oil
1/2 c shredded coconut
mix together
Add dry ingredients to wet, mix to incorporate, spoon into greased muffin tins, bake at 400 for 15-18 minutes. You know the drill.
Gingerbread Squash Muffin Bites
(I made these as bites due to their strong flavor)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 1/2 c White Whole Wheat flour
1 t baking soda
2 t ginger
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t cloves
1/2 t salt
3 T chopped crystallized ginger
mix together, set aside
2 eggs
2/3 c molasses
1 1/2 c firmly packed shredded squash
1/2 c melted butter
mix together
Add dry to wet, mix thoroughly, using a cookie scoop, scoop into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 400 for 12 minutes.
***As you can see, all three recipes are variations of the same basic combination. Use your imagination, whip out some different ingredients like carrots, apples, bananas, zucchini, pumpkin, maybe even sweet or regular potatoes, leftover jars of baby food that are still in your pantry, whatever! Try different nuts, spices, dried fruits, oils.
Enjoy!!!!
Who will be the Next Food Network Star???
I loved Sunday night's episode of TNFNS. The challenge of the day for the final contestants was to do a 3 minute cooking demo for a Miami morning program. The challenge was that the kitchen was rigged for disaster, and the contestants had to overcome the sabotage and keep their cool.
I am still working at the soup kitchen on Mondays. Look forward to it every week. Especially when Gus asks me to cook something! Usually I am doing prep work and sometimes serving and other support type jobs.
How does this tie in with TNFNS? Whenever Gus asks me to cook, something is missing or goes wrong. A few months ago, he asked me to make beef stroganoff. Thankfully, it is something I am familiar with so I got to it. Once I got the saucy beef mixture going, the water was boiling and ready for noodles, and lo and behold, the noodles were missing. So, I made it with potatoes. I think I got a little flustered at the absence of noodles and overdid it with tarragon. LOL, I still haven't lived that down!
Last week, Gus made calabasas con carne de puerco (zucchini with pork) - it was delicious, but we when Gus asked me to get the bread out of the freezer, we found none. I thought a handful of tortilla chips would have been good, too, but alas, there were none. I found a stack of frozen corn tortillas that were bound and determined to stay frozen, even after a nice long jaunt in a very hot oven. So I pried each one off the stack and grilled it and they came out fine, albeit a little torn.
Yesterday, I walked in and Gus asked me to make bread pudding - this is something I am pretty good at and love to do. He have me the bread that I needed (cinnamon raisin swirl and croissants) and I got to work - a layer of raisin bread, a layer of torn croissants, then a layer of raisin bread. It was sure pretty! I went to the fridge to get the eggs and found NONE! I asked Gus and he said there was a flat of eggs that someone donated and were there yesterday. Well, it appears that someone decided they needed the eggs more than the soup kitchen did! We were about to wrap it up and stick it into the freezer for when we got more eggs. but I saw a couple half gallons of ice cream hanging out in the freezer. I asked Gus if I could use them, and he said yes. I took 1/2 gallon of Blue Bell homemade vanilla and 1/2 gallon of vanilla bean, melted them together, added some cinnamon and nutmeg and some milk, and poured the whole thing over the bread layers. We stuck it in the oven for close to an hour, then topped with a glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of cinnamon and vanilla.
We all decided that this will be the new way to make bread pudding! I wish I had my camera handy, but didn't. It was so delicious, creamy and perfectly textured! Can you imagine how pecan pralines and cream would taste with it? Or buttered pecan? YUM-O!!
I am still working at the soup kitchen on Mondays. Look forward to it every week. Especially when Gus asks me to cook something! Usually I am doing prep work and sometimes serving and other support type jobs.
How does this tie in with TNFNS? Whenever Gus asks me to cook, something is missing or goes wrong. A few months ago, he asked me to make beef stroganoff. Thankfully, it is something I am familiar with so I got to it. Once I got the saucy beef mixture going, the water was boiling and ready for noodles, and lo and behold, the noodles were missing. So, I made it with potatoes. I think I got a little flustered at the absence of noodles and overdid it with tarragon. LOL, I still haven't lived that down!
Last week, Gus made calabasas con carne de puerco (zucchini with pork) - it was delicious, but we when Gus asked me to get the bread out of the freezer, we found none. I thought a handful of tortilla chips would have been good, too, but alas, there were none. I found a stack of frozen corn tortillas that were bound and determined to stay frozen, even after a nice long jaunt in a very hot oven. So I pried each one off the stack and grilled it and they came out fine, albeit a little torn.
Yesterday, I walked in and Gus asked me to make bread pudding - this is something I am pretty good at and love to do. He have me the bread that I needed (cinnamon raisin swirl and croissants) and I got to work - a layer of raisin bread, a layer of torn croissants, then a layer of raisin bread. It was sure pretty! I went to the fridge to get the eggs and found NONE! I asked Gus and he said there was a flat of eggs that someone donated and were there yesterday. Well, it appears that someone decided they needed the eggs more than the soup kitchen did! We were about to wrap it up and stick it into the freezer for when we got more eggs. but I saw a couple half gallons of ice cream hanging out in the freezer. I asked Gus if I could use them, and he said yes. I took 1/2 gallon of Blue Bell homemade vanilla and 1/2 gallon of vanilla bean, melted them together, added some cinnamon and nutmeg and some milk, and poured the whole thing over the bread layers. We stuck it in the oven for close to an hour, then topped with a glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of cinnamon and vanilla.
We all decided that this will be the new way to make bread pudding! I wish I had my camera handy, but didn't. It was so delicious, creamy and perfectly textured! Can you imagine how pecan pralines and cream would taste with it? Or buttered pecan? YUM-O!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Determination
Here is a little video of Danny Jr when he began blowing bubbles - he's determined, that's for sure.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Cucumber Salad with Creamy Parlsey Mint Vinegarette
My garden is producing so many cucumbers! We eat them just like that, with a bit of salt and pepper. Today, though, I had 8 in my veggie bowl, and I know that they wouldn't all get eaten just like that, so I came up with a delicious salad using 4 items from my garden! Cukes, red onions, parsley, and mint. I used organic olive oil and red wine vinegar and homemade yogurt from local raw milk. Here is the recipe (please forgive the approximate amounts):
3 cucumbers, sliced
1 very small red onion, or 1/4 regular sized one, sliced thinly
handful parsley, minced
handful mint, minced
1-2 T red wine vinegar
2-3 T olive oil
3 T plain yogurt
1/4-1/2 t garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Place cukes and onions in a medium sized bowl. In a small bowl, add minced fresh herbs, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and vinegar. Whisk together till combined, then add olive oil in a thin stream (still whisking) till incorporated. Add yogurt and whisk till all combined, nice and creamy. Pour dressing over cukes and onions, mix well (I used a rubber spatula) and transfer to a serving bowl. Refrigerate till ready to eat. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Blahg
As you may have noticed, there hasn't been much blogging from my neck of the woods lately. Can't explain why, no excuses, I just haven't been doing it. Sorry.
Summer is here, the kids are home from school. We are doing summer stuff, like library visits (Danny Jr got his first ever library card! It was a proud moment in our lives, especially to see how doggone cute and serious he was while signing the application and the card), reading, swimming, visiting friends, and walk/jogging. I decided to start doing the couch to 5K training, and rallied up some friends to join in. Today was the second official Club C2/5K meeting and I got a tummy bug. Blek.
Sophia is in Girl Scout camp - a day camp here in town - M-Th this week. She loves it so much! We used to worry so much about her - she never was confident enough to enjoy social activities, sports, and all things that consisted of being away from home (and Mom). Now, after forcing her (as she LOVES to point out) into soccer and basketball (both of which she DOMINATED in), we can barely keep her from wanting to do everything social. She has certainly blossomed!
Olivia and I stayed up really late Sunday night, just talking about this and that, nothing in particular. It was so nice to talk with no one else around. She is such a great young lady. I am very proud of the person she is becoming - she has a seriously huge heart! And as wacky and wild as she is, she is quite level headed when it comes to issues outside of the home (like school, bullies, children from broken homes, etc.- she *gets* so much).
Danny Jr is starting Kinder in the fall. Wow. Where on Earth has the time gone?????? A chapter in our lives is very quickly coming to and end, and "Book 2" is about to begin. My baby, the last of my three precious ones, is embracing his big-boyness and is so ready to start school. I can't imagine what life will be like when I have to be out there, working and balancing kids, career, and home. Wow. Talk about changes!!!!
I am in the early planning stages of creating a business, one which will be full swing when school starts - not giving any details, but I am certainly asking for prayers and positive thoughts. Just know that you will know what it is when the time comes to reveal it! : ) Till then, thank you!
It was nice catching up, hope all is well with you - I am off to do some home stuff, since I am here and not somewhere else. Peace out, y'all!!!!!
Summer is here, the kids are home from school. We are doing summer stuff, like library visits (Danny Jr got his first ever library card! It was a proud moment in our lives, especially to see how doggone cute and serious he was while signing the application and the card), reading, swimming, visiting friends, and walk/jogging. I decided to start doing the couch to 5K training, and rallied up some friends to join in. Today was the second official Club C2/5K meeting and I got a tummy bug. Blek.
Sophia is in Girl Scout camp - a day camp here in town - M-Th this week. She loves it so much! We used to worry so much about her - she never was confident enough to enjoy social activities, sports, and all things that consisted of being away from home (and Mom). Now, after forcing her (as she LOVES to point out) into soccer and basketball (both of which she DOMINATED in), we can barely keep her from wanting to do everything social. She has certainly blossomed!
Olivia and I stayed up really late Sunday night, just talking about this and that, nothing in particular. It was so nice to talk with no one else around. She is such a great young lady. I am very proud of the person she is becoming - she has a seriously huge heart! And as wacky and wild as she is, she is quite level headed when it comes to issues outside of the home (like school, bullies, children from broken homes, etc.- she *gets* so much).
Danny Jr is starting Kinder in the fall. Wow. Where on Earth has the time gone?????? A chapter in our lives is very quickly coming to and end, and "Book 2" is about to begin. My baby, the last of my three precious ones, is embracing his big-boyness and is so ready to start school. I can't imagine what life will be like when I have to be out there, working and balancing kids, career, and home. Wow. Talk about changes!!!!
I am in the early planning stages of creating a business, one which will be full swing when school starts - not giving any details, but I am certainly asking for prayers and positive thoughts. Just know that you will know what it is when the time comes to reveal it! : ) Till then, thank you!
It was nice catching up, hope all is well with you - I am off to do some home stuff, since I am here and not somewhere else. Peace out, y'all!!!!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ketchup
I mean....catch up....
We had some Turducken (that is really Turkey with a duck and a chicken).
Olivia had her last art show of the year. She painted this bird with acrylics.
And this beautiful flower with watercolors.
Rosie laid her first egg on Friday. It's the little blue one. The next day, Snow White laid an unusually large egg. It's the brown one. The rest of the hens lay eggs the size of the last one, some white and some light peach in color.
It's so cute! I am so proud of Rosalina. She is the sweetest chicken. She looked wiped out that day. I can so identify!
We went to play at the river last week. The kids had a blast! They are little fishies! That's DJ diving in.
Oooowee that was so much fun!!!!
I have missed blogging, missed you! I went through a little spell of funkiness, will blog about that really soon! Till then, have a lovely week! XOXXOXO
We had some Turducken (that is really Turkey with a duck and a chicken).
Olivia had her last art show of the year. She painted this bird with acrylics.
And this beautiful flower with watercolors.
Rosie laid her first egg on Friday. It's the little blue one. The next day, Snow White laid an unusually large egg. It's the brown one. The rest of the hens lay eggs the size of the last one, some white and some light peach in color.
It's so cute! I am so proud of Rosalina. She is the sweetest chicken. She looked wiped out that day. I can so identify!
We went to play at the river last week. The kids had a blast! They are little fishies! That's DJ diving in.
Oooowee that was so much fun!!!!
I have missed blogging, missed you! I went through a little spell of funkiness, will blog about that really soon! Till then, have a lovely week! XOXXOXO
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Another food to prepare with Swiss Chard
Mexican Beans with Chorizo and GreensThis was taken from Rick Bayless' cookbook, Mexican Everyday.
I love him, I love his recipes, and his passion for Mexican cooking. I attended a demonstration/book signing when he was promoting the book. See this post.
Back to the food, this is comfort food at its best.
A Shout out to my GFF's!
That would be to my Gluten Free Friends - not that you have no gluten, but that you can't eat it. I catered a small breakfast this morning and one of the expected attendees is incredibly limited at gatherings that offer food. She usually brings her own food, but we wanted her to come and eat and not worry. I immediately had an idea for a gluten free egg casserole - something similar to the popular pot luck fare that uses bread as a filler. I used potatoes to add bulk, which turned out to be a delicious alternative that even my family loved. They never like breakfast casserole, so that was good news.
Gluten Free Egg Casserole
Gluten Free Egg Casserole(makes 20 good sized servings)
15 eggs
1 pint heavy cream
1 lb pork sausage
5 small potatoes, baked in microwave
1 lg red pepper, chopped
6-8 oz spinach or chard torn into bite sized pieces
1 onion, chopped
1-2 c shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 375. Cook sausage in a large skillet till done, add onions and peppers and cook for a couple of minutes, till they soften a bit. Add the greens and cover, cook 2 more minutes till they wilt down. (*I did this the night before and stuck it in the fridge till the morning, but that was to work with the time I had. You can do it right away, or the night before).
Whisk eggs with cream then add the meat/veggie mixture and shredded cheese (*I used a bit of cheddar and some medium white cheese from my bag of cheese ends) and season with salt and pepper to taste - I went with about 1t salt and 1/2 t pepper. Spray a jelly roll pan or half sheet pan with non-stick spray and pour egg mixture in. Check to make sure everything is pretty even. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.
I served this with fresh fruit and some gluten free corn bread which was a surprisingly good match.
Here is my Swiss chard patch. This is what I used in the recipe. It is so good.
Have a nice weekend! Peace out, yo!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hymn
When I was growing up, I was one of those who attended church once or maybe twice a year, and usually it was under duress. I wasn't raised with church a part of my life. I could recite the Lord's Prayer, say the Rosary, and a couple of lines from the Apostle's Creed. I recited them, never fully understanding the meanings of any of it. The music in church, to me, was the same - I could sing along with no clue of what I was singing. As I grew up, I left church altogether, attending only for weddings and funerals. I say I left it, but I never was really...there. As an adult, after my second child was born, I was invited to a contemporary, Christian, non-denominational church and began my new life as a Christian. My whole life changed, definitely for the better - for the greatest, best journey of my life.
This church that I have attended since 2002, being contemporary, presents music that is upbeat and joyful - meaningful songs you would hear on Christian radio stations. I never spent time in a traditional setting, singing hymns, learning them, hearing the words and understanding them. Occasionally, our incredibly talented band throws in a hymn, and when they do, while most folks around me are singing along without looking at the words on the projector, I am reading the words with fresh eyes, hearing the lyrics, new to my ears, mind and heart. Hymns are a new experience for me.
Sunday, we sang a song that I had heard before but never understood - I recognized the tune but never experienced......it is so hard to put this to words - it felt like I was washed clean - goosebumps covered my arms and legs, my heart felt like it was filled to the brim - with the love of my Savior, with love FOR my Savior. The song is Come Now Fount, and here are the lyrics:
Come thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise His name! I'm fixed upon it
Name of God's redeeming love
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
This church that I have attended since 2002, being contemporary, presents music that is upbeat and joyful - meaningful songs you would hear on Christian radio stations. I never spent time in a traditional setting, singing hymns, learning them, hearing the words and understanding them. Occasionally, our incredibly talented band throws in a hymn, and when they do, while most folks around me are singing along without looking at the words on the projector, I am reading the words with fresh eyes, hearing the lyrics, new to my ears, mind and heart. Hymns are a new experience for me.
Sunday, we sang a song that I had heard before but never understood - I recognized the tune but never experienced......it is so hard to put this to words - it felt like I was washed clean - goosebumps covered my arms and legs, my heart felt like it was filled to the brim - with the love of my Savior, with love FOR my Savior. The song is Come Now Fount, and here are the lyrics:
Come thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise His name! I'm fixed upon it
Name of God's redeeming love
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Our week
Man, we have had quite a week, actually 9 days and counting. It all started last Monday when Sophia came home after school with a fever and chills. She stayed home with that fever till yesterday, which was, count 'em, 8 days. We took her to the Dr twice, neither time with a diagnosis. They said it wasn't the flu (according to the test) but in every sense of the word, every symptom that could be experienced, it was the flu. Maybe it was a super-bug, a new version of the flu that hasn't made it to diagnosis yet, who knows. Anyways, this picture was taken of Sophia on her 8th birthday. We had no party, no cake, no meal. She went from sleeping on the porch to laying on the couch and back and forth all day. She has had no appetite and has lost at least 4 pounds. Thankfully, today her fever has stayed away. Her appetite is returning, and soon she will be eating birthday cake. She may even get to go to school tomorrow!
Meanwhile, with our animal family, the midnight marauder has been coming around. It was getting into our chicken feed, got around our first solution (a container with a locking lid) - we brought the food up onto the porch and locked it up. Sunday night, it pulled the fencing back from the frame of the babies' chicken cage and got ahold of Sissy. Here she is, the poor baby. Her toes on her left foot were all torn off at the 2nd "knuckle" - one is still hanging by a thread, and I am afraid to take it off the rest of the way. I will let nature take its course and let it fall off on its own. The varmint also got her right wing - she only has about a half inch of wing left. Luckily, no skin was broken on her body (besides the wing and foot) so, systemically she is healthy still. Her wing and foot are healing nicely, and she is eating and peeing and pooping. She also thinks that we are her mommy as we have held her in our hands since yesterday when we found her. She even got a warm bath in the sink, healing ointment on her wounds, and lots of TLC and snuggling.
We have set traps out on many occasions, but this doggone critter has been smart enough to eat the bait and not set the trap off. Last night, we tied a few bones to the inside rear panel of the cage and it worked! Here is the pesky raccoon in its defeat. My dear neighbor, Tony, picked him up a little while ago to release somewhere far, far away.
My goodness, he is so cute. Too bad he's such a trouble maker.
We are looking forward to having a better week, what with Sophia on the mend and the raccoon gone. Maybe we'll even get some sleep tonight!
Love to all...
Meanwhile, with our animal family, the midnight marauder has been coming around. It was getting into our chicken feed, got around our first solution (a container with a locking lid) - we brought the food up onto the porch and locked it up. Sunday night, it pulled the fencing back from the frame of the babies' chicken cage and got ahold of Sissy. Here she is, the poor baby. Her toes on her left foot were all torn off at the 2nd "knuckle" - one is still hanging by a thread, and I am afraid to take it off the rest of the way. I will let nature take its course and let it fall off on its own. The varmint also got her right wing - she only has about a half inch of wing left. Luckily, no skin was broken on her body (besides the wing and foot) so, systemically she is healthy still. Her wing and foot are healing nicely, and she is eating and peeing and pooping. She also thinks that we are her mommy as we have held her in our hands since yesterday when we found her. She even got a warm bath in the sink, healing ointment on her wounds, and lots of TLC and snuggling.
We have set traps out on many occasions, but this doggone critter has been smart enough to eat the bait and not set the trap off. Last night, we tied a few bones to the inside rear panel of the cage and it worked! Here is the pesky raccoon in its defeat. My dear neighbor, Tony, picked him up a little while ago to release somewhere far, far away.
My goodness, he is so cute. Too bad he's such a trouble maker.We are looking forward to having a better week, what with Sophia on the mend and the raccoon gone. Maybe we'll even get some sleep tonight!
Love to all...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dannyism
So our family has been fighting a nasty virus that acts just like the flu. First Olivia had it, then Dad, then Sophia. During the night last night, litte Danny started with the chills and coughing. I was talking to him about it this morning, and here was his response: "Actually, Mom, I am feeling kinda better. Except my brain is still kinda like umm frozen."
Alrighty then.
Alrighty then.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Baby Surprise Jacket
Elizabeth Zimmerman is a knitting design genius! She came up with a way to knit a baby sweater, shaping and all, knitting back and forth with very minimal seaming. When it is finished (before seaming) it looks like this:
Here is the back - so simple yet so beautiful:
The seam is the tops of the arms/shoulders. Add a few pretty buttons and Voila!
The yarn I used was Knit Picks Imagination, in Damsel. It is a hand-dyed merino/alpaca/nylon blend. It is so soft and the colors so rich, it turns an ordinary gift into something that is quite luxurious.
Here is the back - so simple yet so beautiful:
The seam is the tops of the arms/shoulders. Add a few pretty buttons and Voila!
The yarn I used was Knit Picks Imagination, in Damsel. It is a hand-dyed merino/alpaca/nylon blend. It is so soft and the colors so rich, it turns an ordinary gift into something that is quite luxurious.
Friday, April 10, 2009
300th Post!!!!
I want to thank you all for sticking with me, for reading this blog and coming back! This is my 300th post and I am so happy to have this venue for sharing my life. I feel like I am overflowing with love and joy and I want it to spill over and flow into your world.Peace and Love to you Always!
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you: the LORD turn his face to you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Because I needed caffeine today....
I thought about calling my DH while he's running errands in town to bring me one of those famous fast food chain iced coffees, but I thought I'd forgo all the artificial stuff and make my own.
Next time you get a hankering for a cold coffee drink, try one of these. Yum!
You will need:
Next time you get a hankering for a cold coffee drink, try one of these. Yum!
You will need:*instant espresso powder
*sugar
*cinnamon
*vanilla
*whole milk
*ice
Bring a half cup of water to a boil. In a tall glass, add 2 heaping t of espresso powder, 2 heaping t sugar, a dash of cinnamon and a couple of drops of vanilla. Pour boiling water into glass and still till dissolved. Add enough ice to bring the liquid level to half the glass, stir till ice is melted and coffee is cool. Pour milk into glass and leave a little room for more ice. Pop a straw in and try not to down it all in one shot!
Enjoy!
Love to you!
Beef, Baby
One of the wonderful blogs I follow is having a giveaway - stop by and check it out! The prizes are a $100 gift card and 3 cook books. Don't forget to peruse the blog, fun stuff! ; )
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Posole
PosoleOne bag of pork for carnitas (+/- 3 pounds) or a pork roast
3-4 large dried pasilla chiles (available in the hispanic section of the spice aisle)
1 36.5 oz. can each, yellow and white hominy
beef bouillon
garlic
oregano
1-2 c cabbage, shredded
1/2 c onions, chopped
cilantro
limes
optional avocado and radish
In a slow cooker, the morning you plan to make posole, salt and pepper the pork, add some garlic and oregano (1 t each), and set on low for several hours or on high for a few. You can also cook in a pressure cooker - same ingredients, but add a c of water and a bit of beef bouillon and when the pressure regular begins to rock gently, cook at pressure for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, add water to your soup pot, at least 2/3rds full. Slit open the pasilla chiles and remove seeds and stems. Add to the water along with a couple of T of beef bouillon powder, a few dashes oregano, and a couple of cloves of garlic, minced. Taste broth and add a bit of salt to your liking. Bring mixture to a simmer. When chiles are soft and rehydrated, add them to a blender with a ladle full of the broth and puree. Pour back into broth (you can strain it if you want). Drain hominy and add to the pot. Remove meat from crock pot or pressure cooker and chop in to bite sized pieces, add to the pot. I always add some of the rich pork drippings to the soup, as well. Heat through.
Prepare your vegetables - shredded cabbage, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, radishes, and lime wedges. Serve along side the soup as a garnish.
Enjoy!!!
Haven't done this in a while!
Here's what my family is eating this week:
Sunday: BBQ
Monday: oatmeal, leftovers from Sunday
Tuesday: eggs and toast, posole (my most favorite meal in the world!)
Wednesday: smoothies, pork chops, mashed potatoes, and veggie (OR leftover posole)
Thursday: cereal, chicken stir fry on brown rice
Friday: oatmeal, pasta with Italian sausage
Sunday: BBQ
Monday: oatmeal, leftovers from Sunday
Tuesday: eggs and toast, posole (my most favorite meal in the world!)
Wednesday: smoothies, pork chops, mashed potatoes, and veggie (OR leftover posole)
Thursday: cereal, chicken stir fry on brown rice
Friday: oatmeal, pasta with Italian sausage
Friday, April 3, 2009
Littlest Pet Shop
We got 8 baby Amauracanas at the feed store yesterday! Aren't they beautiful? They are the same breed as our little hen, Rosalina. They are also known as Easter Eggers. All hens, their names are (in the pic, from left to right, top row first) Lemony, Sissy, Clairy, Sammy, Chicle, Bandit, Lulu, and Bailey. When they grow up, they will lay blue and green eggs. Welcome, Babies!
Monday, March 30, 2009
A couple sweet pics from Spring Break
These were taken in Gruene - top one outside of the Gruene Hall and the bottom was taken in the social area out back from the Gruene Hall.
What to do with your oatmeal leftovers
Last night, I soaked one cup of steel cut oats so that the girls could start their first day back to school after spring break with a good hearty breakfast. I drained the oats then added to a pot and covered with water, adding more as needed. When the oats were cooked just right (have you ever had steel cut oats? They are so yummy!) I served them with honey, chopped pecans, and some fresh raw milk. It was so good! I meant to eat the leftovers but time got away from me and they didn't get eaten right away. They coagulated, or solidified, or whatever you call it, so eating them all warm and mushy was not an option. I took out my little non stick frying pan, melted some butter on it and fried the oatmeal in the butter. It came out of the pan in two hunks, so I got two nice fried oatmeal mush patties. I ate them with a smear of butter and some honey. It was good enough to make some intentional leftovers! : )
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bye, Mom, we'll miss you!
Today, we saw Mom off at the San Antonio Airport. It was the end of a nine day, excitement and love-filled visit. We haven't seen her since October of '07, so you can imagine how much the kids have grown since the last time. They all had oodles of fun, from teaching her how to play the Wii (and beating her! Poor Mom) to playing horse (basketball) to eating, walking, wine tasting, margaritas and mariachis. We even went for a little dancing one evening at an old dance hall. We took lots of pictures (a challenge getting Danny Jr to sit still for that many pics! HA!) and never was there a dull moment.
The car ride home, apres drop-off, was very sad, indeed. Olivia gazed out the window, the wind blowing her hair and her tears across her face. Sophia sat as quiet as could be, wiping away the tears as they came. I have never seen Danny Jr show such deep emotion. Tears streamed down all three of their faces (I forced myself to hold it together for their sakes). After about 10 minutes, D broke into a very mournful wail which the girls fed off of, turning into three mournful wails. If it wasn't so sad it would have been funny.
Now everyone is exhausted - physically and mentally. So with that, I'll say good night. More pics tomorrow.
Love to you!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Oh, How I Love...
The best $14.95 our family has ever spent. The thing we love about it is we can all play on a fairly level playing field. You don't win due to the length or strength of your words, you simply win for having the least amount of unused tiles in front of you when the game is over. It develops critical thinking skills and vocabulary. It is so much fun. I would highly recommend it to anyone! We have done some serious family bonding over this game!
A sad thing to witness...
This morning, I took Olivia and Danny to the local feed store to turn in our rooster, Star. I was tired of having to be armed when going near him, and he actually BIT me yesterday, and drew blood! Needless to say, it wasn't a teary farewell. Even Danny Jr, Star's official parent, was OK with leaving him behind.
After the feed store, we were headed off to the pediatrician for Olivia (she's been pretty sick all week, and missing her 3rd day of school today - sinus infection).
As we were pulling out of our parking spot, a small, late 80's model car pulled out of it's spot, but continued in reverse at high speed, doing about 6 donuts, knocking a rack over. As the car came to a stop and I determined that the driver was in park, I ran over to find a confused elderly lady, completely unaware of what was going on. I kindly asked her to pull the park brake, which she couldn't find, so I reached in and pulled it. I asked her to shut her car off and she pressed the gas pedal, revving it up, reaching for the shifter. I begged her to stop. Meanwhile, another woman approached and we talked the lady out of her car, which I then parked. I handed the elderly woman her cell phone and the store owner her car keys. I had to leave to take O to her appointment, so I don't know how things turned out.
My heart broke because she was so sweet and so unaware. This may well have been her last car trip, meaning the end of her independence as she knows it. I know that we will all be there one day, but it is so incredibly sad to see it happen to someone else. I am extremely thankful that she didn't get physically hurt, nor did she hurt anyone else or cause any property damage.
I hope that there is someone who is able to console her and care for her today.
After the feed store, we were headed off to the pediatrician for Olivia (she's been pretty sick all week, and missing her 3rd day of school today - sinus infection).
As we were pulling out of our parking spot, a small, late 80's model car pulled out of it's spot, but continued in reverse at high speed, doing about 6 donuts, knocking a rack over. As the car came to a stop and I determined that the driver was in park, I ran over to find a confused elderly lady, completely unaware of what was going on. I kindly asked her to pull the park brake, which she couldn't find, so I reached in and pulled it. I asked her to shut her car off and she pressed the gas pedal, revving it up, reaching for the shifter. I begged her to stop. Meanwhile, another woman approached and we talked the lady out of her car, which I then parked. I handed the elderly woman her cell phone and the store owner her car keys. I had to leave to take O to her appointment, so I don't know how things turned out.
My heart broke because she was so sweet and so unaware. This may well have been her last car trip, meaning the end of her independence as she knows it. I know that we will all be there one day, but it is so incredibly sad to see it happen to someone else. I am extremely thankful that she didn't get physically hurt, nor did she hurt anyone else or cause any property damage.
I hope that there is someone who is able to console her and care for her today.
La Grande Visite
A surprise guest is coming to town tomorrow! My mother is coming to visit - it was originally a surprise for the kids and me, but I found out by accident and now the surprise is for the kids! We haven't seen my mom since October of '07 so we are all excited!
There is one problem, however, 60% of my household is sick!!!!!! We are praying the germs away! We want to all be well by tomorrow evening, and we don't want our special guest to get sick, too.
I will try to remember to take a lot of pictures! : ) Look for an update next week sometime.
Love to you!
There is one problem, however, 60% of my household is sick!!!!!! We are praying the germs away! We want to all be well by tomorrow evening, and we don't want our special guest to get sick, too.
I will try to remember to take a lot of pictures! : ) Look for an update next week sometime.
Love to you!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Stitch in Time
It's been a while and a lot has been going on! Lots of activity plus one yucky illness and some fun stuff.
Danny Jr is always full of funny sayings. A few days ago, very seriously, he asked me if I used to have a Sugar Momma or a Sugar Daddy. I was laughing hysterically in my head, but he was so serious I had to hide the amusement. I think he got it from the Proud Family cartoon, where the grandmother's name is Sugar Momma.
Last Friday, we took a friend to see our chicken coop and he commented how the chicken named Molly was so "impressed" that the other hens laid some eggs.
**We got 3 new hens last week - Molly, Lani, and Snow White Ducky. Pictures to come later.**
At first we were getting one egg every other day. Then on to one a day, then either 2 or 3, and yesterday we had 4! Woo Hoo!!!
Danny Sr. started a new job at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage division. If you live in S. Central TX and have mortgage/refi needs, comment here and I'll get you in touch with him. He is the bomb(with lots of mortgage experience). And the Bomb went to Denver CO this week for training. He has been learning a lot and is looking forward to serving our community with their mortgage needs. On the home front, things have gone exceptionally well - we have had company for dinner 2 out of 3 nights. The kids have been well behaved (for the most part, hehe!) and it's been life as usual.
I had a cold last week that ended up in a ruptured eardrum. Ouch! I am better now. Thankfully!
For those of you who are unaware of our current weather conditions, it was mid to upper 80's earlier this week. Our area has been experiencing the worst drought in the country and the worst drought in our history. Yesterday a cold front blew in and it is now 43 degrees and raining buckets. It is freaking ugly out there right now! Blek! But I am ever so thankful for the rain.
I started catering lunch every Wednesday (I think I mentioned that before) - the last 2 weeks I have served 16 instead of 11 plates. That is wonderful! Makes the whole venture a little more worth while. It is also a stroke to my cooking ego - everyone cleans their plate every time. Yesterday I served Quiche Meloise (My take on Quiche Lorraine, recipe will be at the end of this post).
My Jaywalker socks got a nice hole right under the ball of my big toe. I wear them a lot and have worn them down quite a bit. I don't usually wear socks other than the ones I make), so I don't usually have holes to repair. I had to do some research on how to darn socks. Since this isn't what I mean by darning socks, I had to do it the old fashioned way!
While researching, I discovered the meaning of the saying, "A stitch in time saves nine." I love finding useful tidbits of information!
I used an egg from my backyard! You run your yarn across the width of the hole, a bunch if parallel stitches, then go back across the length (or vice versa) and weave through the parallel stitches, covering the hole with a woven swatch of fabric. Here's the tutorial I used.
The finished project turned out more comfortable than I expected.
A smile for you : )
Have a lovely week!!!!!
Quiche Meloise
1 pie crust
1/4 lb peppered Canadian bacon, chopped
1/3 onion, chopped
1 - 1 1/2 c shredded strong white cheese
1 c cream
1/3 c milk
4 eggs
salt pepper
2 T butter
~Preheat oven to 425^
~saute onions in 1 T butter till translucent. Add to the bottom of the pie crust.
~saute Canadian bacon in 1 T butter till warmed through and starting to brown, layer on top of onions in the pie crust.
~add shredded cheese to other ingredients.
~beat together cream, milk, eggs, salt and pepper and pour over onions, bacon, and cheese.
~place quiche in oven, set timer for 15 minutes. Turn oven down to 375^ and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, till golden brown and set in the middle.
~Let cool for at least a half hour before cutting.
~Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Putting all my eggs in one basket
Monday, the girls started laying eggs in a more prolific manner. It seems that they are becoming more familiar, more comfortable with their surroundings. They could also be reacting to the speech Big Danny gave them, "Listen here, if you don't start producing eggs, we're gonna eat YOU." No matter what the motivation was, I am glad they started laying more eggs. They have been laying 3 per day.
This bowl is so special to us. It was Danny's Grandma's bowl. She used it to hold her eggs.
That makes me smile.Sunday, March 1, 2009
Oo oo ah ah
Here is my first Monkey sock - I knit it with Knit Picks Imagination sock yarn in Frog Prince. I cast on last Sunday evening and finished it this Sunday. It knit up surprisingly fast! I love the sock, love the pattern, and hoping to NOT suffer 2nd sock syndrome. Hoping for a little more cool weather so I can wear them. : )
Chicken Marinade
This week at a local grocery store, split chicken breast was on sale for $.88 a pound! I bought a couple of family packs and froze one and stuck the other in some marinade to prepare for company. I placed all the marinade ingredients into a gallon sized Ziploc bag, shook it around to combine, added the chicken and mushed it around till I could tell that the marinade covered all the chicken. I placed the bag into a tall plastic food storage container and turned it over whenever I thought about it. The chicken came out delicious and here's the recipe (forgive the casual-ness of the amounts):
A good glug of canola/olive oil blend (maybe a third cup)
juice of 2 lemons
a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce (maybe 1 1/2 - 2 T)
a spoonful of jarred minced garlic
a good shake of garlic powder
pepper
sea salt
Place the chicken breast, skin side up, on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 425 for 30-45 minutes (I didn't watch the time, just occasionally checked the temp with my meat thermometer). Let sit for a few minutes to let the juices distribute.
This gave the chicken a nice light flavor - I served it with brown rice and asparagus. The asparagus was served with a little shmear of butter and lemon wedges for squeezing.
We ate it all before I thought to take a pic. Sorry!!!!
A good glug of canola/olive oil blend (maybe a third cup)
juice of 2 lemons
a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce (maybe 1 1/2 - 2 T)
a spoonful of jarred minced garlic
a good shake of garlic powder
pepper
sea salt
Place the chicken breast, skin side up, on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 425 for 30-45 minutes (I didn't watch the time, just occasionally checked the temp with my meat thermometer). Let sit for a few minutes to let the juices distribute.
This gave the chicken a nice light flavor - I served it with brown rice and asparagus. The asparagus was served with a little shmear of butter and lemon wedges for squeezing.
We ate it all before I thought to take a pic. Sorry!!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
SOCKS
Last August, my dear friend gave me a skein of sock yarn for my birthday. I whipped out my first sock, and, true to the second sock syndrome, I knit half the second one and sent it into hibernation for several months. I finally picked it back up this week and finished it today. The pattern is my own (which was scary because I didn't take notes when I knit the first and had to really think to get the second one finished!) and the yarn is SRK On Your Toes by Kertzer. It is a superwash/nylon blend with aloe vera added. Nice. They make my feet happy. : )
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