Rustic Homemaker

Christmas Pasta

2011-12-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

Several years ago, I was watching the Food Network and Rachael Rae made a dish called "Christmas Pasta". We have adapted it to the likes of our family.

Christmas Pasta
2 pounds hamburger
1 chopped onion
2 cups chopped pancetta
2 cups chopped salami
Spaghetti Sauce (gravy), the amount depends on what you like
1 cup parmesan
2 pounds penne, cooked
chopped roasted red bell pepper
chopped black olives
chopped artichoke hearts (marinated)
slices soft mozzarella cheese

Cook hamburger and onion together. Add other meats, gravy, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Add cooked penne and mix together. Stir in peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts.

Serve with mozzarella cheese and extra parmesan.

Menu for the Week of December 26, 2011

2011-12-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is our dinner menu for the week of December 26th through January 1st.

MONDAY
*Leftovers

TUESDAY
*Tamales
*Rice
*Beans

WEDNESDAY
*Ham
*Scalloped Potatoes
*Fancy Green Beans

THURSDAY
*Pasta
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Tacos
*Rice

SATURDAY
*New Years Eve Fried Food Feast

SUNDAY
*Chicken Stir-Fry
*White Rice

Menu for the week of December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is our dinner menu for the week of December 19th through December 25th.

MONDAY
Tacos
Rice
Beans

TUESDAY
Ramen Noodle Casserole

WEDNESDAY
Red Beans & Rice

THURSDAY
Grilled Chicken
Yellow Rice
Stir-fry

FRIDAY
Soup
Bread

SATURDAY
Christmas Pasta (recipe coming)

SUNDAY
Ham
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans

Brain Power????

2011-12-08T16:57:00.001-07:00

It seems like we have had so many injuries and illnesses lately. Katie was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease in the spring. She has not been able to get her medication under control so she has been miserable for many, many months. I'm so used to seeing her able to do all sorts of things and she used to have enough energy for two people but that's changed now. We are praying that the Lord will completely heal her!

Josh has had one head injury after another for a couple of years now. He has been dealing with post concussive syndrome for over a year from a quad accident. He also took a pretty hard fall back in September that gave him another concussion. He ended up with something called "intercranial hypertension" which is a fancy word for too much spinal fluid around his brain. He has has EEG's, MRI's, CT's, lots of lab work, and worst of all lumbar punctures to relieve some of the pressure from his brain and his optic nerves. The pressure has begun to cause his vision to deteriorate, but we are hopeful that when the pressure is down consistently, his vision will return to normal. I honestly hate watching the doctor drain his spinal fluid. What a painful procedure! We are praying that the Lord will completely heal him, too!

I am trying desperately to learn the lessons God is trying to teach me through this really tough time. I don't want to have to relearn them. I want to be wise enough to see God's hand and acknowledge him in this. Did He just want us to slow down? Did He want to show us who our true friends are? Maybe God just wanted us (maybe me especially) to see that even though we try our hardest to control everything around us, we are not really in control. God controls our lives and we can trust him with it!!! So, please pray for us when you remember to.

On a totally different note, I am really wanting to get back to regular blogging! I am going to try to start putting up my weekly menus again and some new recipes. Believe it or nor, even with everything going on, we have tried some new recipes. Families still need to eat even when it feels like everything is falling apart. God has been so good to us and amidst the turmoil, He has enabled us to continue to live our lives somewhat normally. We are still homeschooling, although I am the first to admit that it's been really tough this year. But, we'll keep on keeping on;)

HE's Still Working on Me!!!

2011-10-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that song we used to sing as children? It went:
"He's still working on me;
to make me what I ought to be;
it took him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and jupiter and mars;
how loving and patient he must be 'cause He's still working on me."

I sang that song so much as a kid, in VBS, and Sunday School that I probably could have sung it in my sleep. I even believed it, but I never KNEW IT. I can honestly say now that I know it! God has been working on me. My life, my attitude, the way I deal with everyone around me, but especially my prayer life.

I always get up very early in the morning and start my day with Bible reading and prayer. I don't say this with pride because I know that the only reason I do it is because I am so incredibly desperate for God that I can't not do it. And the only reason I am desperate for God is because he has put a desire for him into my heart. There is nothing good in me that would make me seek God, but he sought me!

For the last several months, when I would study the Word and pray, I would often feel that I was not connecting with God. It was terrible! I felt so cut off from God and I didn't know what to do to get back to him. So many things were going wrong and I couldn't do a thing to fix them. For a control freak like me this is really, really bad. I felt myself starting to get angry with God, but I knew that was just dumb. How can I dare to be angry with God when he's God??? So, along I go trying to get back to God, trying to pretend I'm not angry with him, and guess what? It's not working. It's so crazy to deny the feelings I was having toward God when he knows my heart inside and out.

Truth be told, I was mad at God. In my head, I knew without a doubt that God is in control and that what he does is good. In my heart, I was questioning why he doesn't do things differently (read: my way). I know when I have all the answers, I will see that God's ways were and are best. So, instead of continuing to be angry at God, which is foolishness, I repented of my sin because surely this was sin. I had started believing the lies of the enemy. I began to think that I did not matter to God because he didn't do what I asked him to. I became so "me" centered that I made myself spritually sick.

Repentance is such a beautiful word. I feel as if I have been born again, again. God doesn't answer to me, and boy am thankful for that! Left to me, I would screw this world up so bad. Since God has always been God, I think I will just stop trying to "help" him be God.

So, through this convoluted post, probably full of run-on sentences and fragmented thoughts, I hope to tell you that God is still on his throne. He always was. I just got lost and didn't look to him for deliverance. But, thankfully, He's still working on me!!!

My Commitment as a Christian

2011-05-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

My Commitment as a Christian

(Written by a young African pastor  and tacked on the wall of his house)

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

Lonely, but not alone

2011-04-26T05:00:00.001-07:00

When will Christians begin behaving like Christians? What a disappointment to the Father we must be at times. Believers tear each other down instead of building each other up. This ought not to be!

Why do fellow Christians look at me like I've lost my mind, when I speak of my love for Christ? I cannot compartmentalize my Christian walk from the rest of my life; they are one and the same! When I am serving my family, I am doing it because I love Jesus. When I am exercising, I am attempting to take care of this body the Lord has given me. When I am singing, I can't help but sing songs to Him. When I am studying his Word, I am desperately trying to feed this hunger that resides so deeply in me that I have to be filled.

So, I am sometimes lonely. Aside from my family, I only have a few friends who really understand this need I have to spend time with my Lord. Could you imagine if all the Christians developed a hunger for the things of God? Can you imagine what life would be like if all the Christians stopped nit-picking at each other and truly lived the lives God intends them to live?

Today I can't. But I have hope! My God is able to do way beyond whatever I can ask or even imagine. God will have to act before the church/God's people become really effective and relevant again. Lord, send revival!

Menu for the week of April 25, 2011

2011-04-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 25th through May 1st.

MONDAY
Red Beans & Rice

TUESDAY
Chicken Enchiladas
Beans

WEDNESDAY
Pasta
Salad

THURSDAY
Tacos
Rice
Beans

FRIDAY
Hamburger Hash
Veggie
Ranch Beans

SATURDAY
BBQ Brisket
Pasta Salad
Salad

SUNDAY
Dijon Chicken
Stuffing
Veggie

HE IS RISEN!!!

2011-04-24T05:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I am so thankful to God for another year. I pray that this year I will glorify God with my actions and with my thoughts. I pray that God will renew my strength and that I will mount up with wings like eagles. I pray that I will run and not be weary and that I will walk and not faint. I
know that God gives power to the weak, and I have felt weak many times this past year. I know that "to those who have no might, He increases strength".

I am so looking forward to seeing what God will do in my life in this year. He has given me the privilege of growing older and watching my children grow in Him this year. He has given me grace. Thank you God, for your grace!

Please pray

2011-04-20T05:00:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, the guys were out target shooting and Josh took a ricochet to his arm. Today he has surgery to have it removed. The surgeon told us that it will not be a complicated surgery. He also told us that the way Josh was standing with his arms crossed saved his life. God saved his life!

It seemed like such a minor wound and to look at it, it looked that way too, until the bullet started moving around and we could see it bulging.

Please take a minute to pray and ask God for a safe surgery and a full recovery for Josh. If you know him, you know that the last year has been very difficult for him, health-wise. He had just begun to feel like his old self when this happened. We know that God doesn't waste our experiences and that nothing happens without his knowledge. Please pray that whatever God is teaching us through the trials of the last year will become clearly evident.

Menu for the week of April 18, 2011

2011-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 18th through April 24th.

MONDAY
Red Beans & Rice

TUESDAY
Balsamic Chicken
Couscous
Broccoli

WEDNESDAY
Eating out

THURSDAY
Meatloaf
Mac & Cheese
Veggie

FRIDAY
Chicken Burritos
Refried Beans

SATURDAY
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Bread

SUNDAY
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Manicotti
Egg Bread

Pizza Cake

2011-04-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Christopher's 17th birthday. After Josh's spaghetti and meatball cake was such a hit, I didn't know what kind of birthday cake to make for Christopher. I debated between a hamburger cake and a pizza cake. Pizza won because it is easier, and today easy matters!

Sourdough English Muffins

2011-04-13T05:00:00.001-07:00

I have made English Muffin bread for many years, but until recently I had never made English Muffins. I was always concerned the cooking them on a griddle would leave them raw in the middle so I didn't even try. Last week, I had an over-abundance of sourdough starter so I decided to give the muffins a try. My family was very thankful!

SOURDOUGH ENGLISH MUFFINS
1 cup sourdough starter
2 T. honey
1 t. yeast
5 cups flour
1 t. baking soda
2 t. salt
Cornmeal

Combine starter, honey, yeast, and 4 cups of the flour in a bowl. Let rise in a warm place for several hours or overnight.
Stir down. Mix in soda and salt. Knead in 1 cup of flour for about 5 minutes of until smooth. Roll our dough 1/2" thick. Cut into 3" rounds. Sprinkle waxed paper with cornmeal. Place muffins on waxed paper and sprinkle tops lightly with cornmeal. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Heat griddle for 5 minutes on low heat. Cook each muffin for about 4 minutes each side, turning once.

Menu for the week of April 11, 2011

2011-04-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 11th through April 17th.

MONDAY
Taco's
Rice
Beans

TUESDAY
Chicken a la King
Bread

WEDNESDAY
Chili
Cornbread

THURSDAY
Fried Chicken
Potato Salad
Veggie Pizza

FRIDAY
Ramen Casserole
Salad

SATURDAY
Beef Stew
Soda Bread

SUNDAY
Chicken & Dumplings
Salad

Spring

2011-04-08T05:00:00.002-07:00

We have had the strangest winter! We don't usually get a lot of cold days; our nights are freezing, but the days are almost always nice. We had about five days in February that were the coldest I can ever remember around here. Most of our town was without water for a couple of days and just about everyone we know had busted water pipes, us included. Getting a plumber out here was just about impossible because of the high demand, so we learned a lot. My boys would say we "hick fixed" the pipes, but I don't care what they call it. I was never so grateful for water! Boiling water on the stove (thank the Lord, we still has gas; a lot of people lost their gas, too) got old very quick. We are so spoiled by our modern conveniences! I have always said that I was born in the wrong century. Now I think know maybe God knew what he was doing.

Anyway, because our winters are so mild, I don't really notice when spring comes around, but this year I did. Spring weather doesn't last long around here. It gets brutally hot way before we're ready for it, so I will do my best to enjoy the pleasant days while we have them.

Shark Dissection

2011-04-07T05:00:00.002-07:00

This week we dissected a shark for school. I found it a little gross. This kids liked it. Christopher definitely did not find his calling as a surgeon, though; he cut the poor shark's brain right in half.

Spaghetti & Meatball Cake (yes, cake)

2011-04-06T05:00:00.003-07:00

Sunday was my oldest son's 20th birthday. I have always made birthday cakes for all of my children. It was so easy when they were little to come up with ideas for cakes. We had cartoon characters, baseball, soccer, monsters, etc. Now that the kids are getting older, it is getting a little more challenging to come up with cute ideas that aren't too babyish for them. That's where the spaghetti and meatball cake comes in. What boy/man doesn't like food??? Anyway, I saw it in a magazine; it's not my original idea but it's awfully cute.

Menu for the week April 4, 2011

2011-04-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 4th through April 10th.

MONDAY
Balsamic Chicken
Couscous
Broccoli

TUESDAY
Grilled Chicken
Alfredo Noodles
Stir-fry

WEDNESDAY
Crockpot Meatloaf
Twice-baked potatoes
Salad

THURSDAY
Egg Rolls
Chow Mein or
Fried Rice

FRIDAY
Ritzy Chicken
Yellow Rice
Veggie

SATURDAY
Baked Ziti
Salad
Bread

SUNDAY
Tacos
Rice
Beans

Menu Monday

2010-10-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of October 18th through October 24th. I cooked several meals and put them in the freezer last week, so I am planning to use a few of them here this week. I've marked the freezer meals*.

MONDAY
Lasagna*
Salad
Bread

TUESDAY
Tacos
Rice
Beans

WEDNESDAY
Minestrone*
Salad
Bread

THURSDAY
Grilled Chicken
Yellow Rice
Broccoli

FRIDAY
Pasta
Meatballs*
Salad
Bread

SATURDAY
Hamburger Soup
Rolls

SUNDAY
Green Chili Enchilada Casserole
Beans
Rice

I'm Still Here!

2010-10-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I blogged! I guess life just got in the way of blogging.

We started school in early August and it has been going well. I still haven't gotten used to only having two in school. It's just too quiet without four kids around the table. But, on the up side, we do seem to get more accomplished quicker.

In September we took a trip to the mountains and enjoyed the cooler temperatures. It is so beautiful up there! If God ever provides a way for us to live full-time up there, I would go in a heartbeat. I absolutely adore the sound of the wind through the pine trees. It sounds like a creek is running. And the air smells so fresh and clean. Why, oh why, do I live in the desert???

The girls and I did quite a bit of canning when we got back from our vacation. We canned pickles, banana nut bread jam, and lemon curd. The lemon curd ended up not sealing, so it got stuck in the fridge. I think I over-filled the jars. We still have apples to can, and maybe pears.

I've Been Tagged!

2010-08-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

FOUR THINGS ABOUT THE NUMBER 4

Four things in my bag:
1. Lip Gloss
2. Cell Phone
3. Monkey Pen
4. Money

Four things in my room:
1. Books
2. Kids
3. Dog
4. nine windows

Four things I am currently interested in:
1. The book of Romans
2. Herbal remedies
3. My kids
4. Cooking

Four things you may not know about me:
1. I am addicted to my Kindle
2. I love baseball, but I'm ashamed of my team this year:(
3. I play the piano
4. I write songs

Here are four blogs I enjoy:
http://www.shelookethwell.blogspot.com/
http://antsonafarm.blogspot.com/
http://afirefighterswife.blogspot.com/
http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/

Menu Monday

2010-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of August 9th through August 15th.

MONDAY
*Balsamic Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Broccoli

TUESDAY
*Chicken/Spinach Lasagna
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Beans & Cornbread
*Potatoes

THURSDAY
*Teriyaki Salmon
*Wild Rice
*Cheesy Broccoli

FRIDAY
*BBQ
*Potato Salad
*Grilled Zucchini

SATURDAY
*Pasta
*Salad
*Bread

SUNDAY
*Leftovers

It's Been a Long Time

2010-08-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

It's been along time since I blogged. In some ways I've missed it, but at the same time, I'm not really sure I have anything to say that anyone wants to listen to!

I have many recipes I've made over the last few months that I could post about. I have been making plans for our homeschool. I certainly haven't stopped cleaning.

Hopefully, I am just in a bit of a rut. Lord willing, I will soon feel more like blogging and feel that I have something worthwhile to say.

Menu Monday

2010-07-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of July 12th through July 18th.

MONDAY
*Dijon Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Broccoli

TUESDAY
*Pasta
*Italian Sausage
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Chicken Enchiladas
*Beans
*Rice

THURSDAY
*Eggplant Parmesan
*Leftover Pasta
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Tacos
*Beans
*Rice

SATURDAY
*Leftovers

SUNDAY
*Soup
*Sandwiches

The Living Word of God

2010-07-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Old Fashioned Homemaking

2010-06-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Exactly what is it about old-fashioned homemaking that makes some women feel like kids in a candy shop and makes others feel like they're losing their minds?

We (me included) have so many time-saving gadgets that are supposed to make our lives easier, but do they really? Are you saving any time with your gadgets? We may save a few minutes here or there, but instead of looking for ways to make our tasks easier and quicker, maybe we need to ask God to change our hearts so that we enjoy serving our husbands and children. A pleasant attitude can make most tasks, whether enjoyable or not, much easier to do.

I would much rather be thankful for the blessings God has given me than to be bitter about the work I must do. I am thankful my hands work and I can do the things that need to be done. I am thankful that my eyes can see the mess that needs cleaned up. I am increasingly thankful for the feeling of satisfaction that the Lord puts in my heart when I have done something to serve my family.

A Wise Woman

2010-06-28T20:09:00.001-07:00

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

~ Proverbs 14:1

Menu Monday

2010-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of June 21st through June 27th.

MONDAY
*Soup
*Cream cheese & Apple grilled sandwiches

TUESDAY
*Green Chili Enchiladas
*Beans
*Rice

WEDNESDAY
*Mashed Potato Bowls
*Salad

THURSDAY
*Spaghetti & Meatballs
*Salad
*Bread

FRIDAY
*Tacos
*Rice

SATURDAY
*Cranberry stuffed chicken
*Buttery Potatoes
*Broccoli

SUNDAY
*Leftovers

Chicken Spinach Burgers

2010-06-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I saw a recipe on TV for Chicken Spinach Burgers. I'm not a huge burger fan, but my family really likes them so I figured I'd give'em a try. I am a huge chicken fan so that was a point in my favor. I almost followed the recipe,lol. I didn't use fresh garlic because I was being lazy. I used garlic powder instead and it was fine. The final result was really good. We've probably made this recipe 3 times already. It's that good.

Menu Monday

2010-06-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

This our menu for the week of June 14th through June 20th.

MONDAY
*Chicken Marsala
*Mushroom Ravioli
*Salad

TUESDAY
*Dijon Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Peas

WEDNESDAY
*Spaghetti w/meatballs
*Salad
*Bread

THURSDAY
*Taco Salad
*Spanish Rice

FRIDAY
*Pot Roast
*Potatoes
*Green Beans

SATURDAY
*Chicken Spinach Burgers
*Baked Potato Wedges
*Baked Beans

SUNDAY
*BBQ
*Pasta Salad
*Potato Salad
*Corn on the Cob

VACATION

2010-06-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

We just got back from an impromptu vacation. We went camping (cabining) up in the White Mountains. How peaceful! It was probably 20* cooler up there than it is down here in the desert. We fished and hiked and even shopped a little. The fishing wasn't great but we did catch enough to eat. We hadn't planned to go camping until much later this year, but the opportunity presented itself and we couldn't resist.

Every time I looked outside at God's beautiful creation, I remembered the verse from Psalms that says "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." There's no place like the wilderness to remind you of the awesomeness of our God.

Menu Monday

2010-06-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of June 7th through June 13th.

MONDAY
*Beef Stew
*Salad

TUESDAY
*Ramen Casserole

WEDNESDAY
*Taco's
*Rice
*Beans

THURSDAY
*Red Beans & Rice
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Pizza

SATURDAY
*Spaghetti
*Bread Sticks

SUNDAY
*Chicken Dijon
*Yellow Rice
*Peas

Menu Monday

2010-05-31T17:57:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of May 31st through June 6th,

MONDAY
*Barbeque
*Potato Salad
*Pasta Salad
*Beans

TUESDAY
*Ramen Casserole
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Taco's
*Rice
*Beans

THURSDAY
*Leftovers

FRIDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Rice

SATURDAY
*Chili
*Cornbread

SUNDAY
*Chicken Burgers
*Chips

Menu Monday

2010-05-24T15:10:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of May 24th through May 30th.

MONDAY
Saucy Broccoli Chicken Bake (from Tammy's recipes; changed a little)
Rice

TUESDAY
Parmesan Chicken
Yellow Rice
Salad

WEDNESDAY
Portabella Mushroom Ravioli
Salad

THURSDAY
Meatloaf
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli

FRIDAY
Chicken Stir-fry
Rice

SATURDAY
Hamburger Hash
Salad

SUNDAY
Ramen Noodle Casserole
Mixed Veggies

Fashion Friday

2010-05-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are a few things I like about summer. If you know me, you know the heat is not one of them! One of my favorite things about summer is the fashion. I just love summer dresses in pretty colors. This one is from Chadwicks clearance.

Steel Cut Oats

2010-05-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

We really like steel cut oats for breakfast, but I'm not thrilled with having to cook them for at least 45 minutes first thing in the morning. Call me lazy, but I've found a better way and it's healthy, too. Oats and other grains are much healthier if they are soaked for several hours. My method gives you the health benefits of soaking, the flavor and texture of steel cut oats, and the convenience of instant.

At night, before going to bed, measure out about 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats and put them in a oiled crockpot. Cover with about 6 cups of water and add 2 Tablespoons of butter. Cook on low all night. In the morning, stir in any crust that has developed. Serve plain or with honey and milk. Fresh fruit is also really good in this.

Sometimes we end up with some oatmeal leftover and rather than waste it we just refrigerate it and it heats up very well. It tastes as good the next day as it did the first.

Cleaning with Vinegar

2010-05-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

I like to use natural cleaners whenever possible. A lot of the store-bought cleaners have something in them that sets off our asthma and sometimes even gives me migraines. One of my favorite all -purpose cleaners is white vinegar.

In my house I use white vinegar to clean countertops, mop tile floors, disinfect trash cans, clean the microwave, wash windows, and deodorize the dishwasher when it gets to smelling funky. I used to use it to deodorize the garbage disposal and it worked just fine, but then I found these little lemon scented balls made especially for the garbage disposal and I just loved the way they smell, so that's what I use for that now.

Here is a website that has many more uses for white vinegar. Let me know if you have a use for it that I've missed.

Chocolate Cake

2010-05-18T06:00:00.002-07:00

I NEED chocolate cake with thick buttercream icing!!!

Weekly Menu

2010-05-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week, instead of putting up a menu, I am going to try to cook from my freezer. I have a few packages of hamburger and chicken breasts that I need to use up. I don't know exactly what I'm going to make this week, but I'd like to try some new recipes. If I try anything that comes out really well, I will be sure to post some new recipes.

Bad Blogger

2010-05-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

I've been such a bad blogger. I have recipes and pictures in my head and on my computer, but I've been lazy about posting.

This week I have an excuse. Well, last week too. And the week before. I threw my back out and was down for about two weeks. Then, just when my back started getting better, I picked up some sort of nasty virus. Today, I almost feel human.

During this time of being off my feet, my birthday came and then Mother's Day came. You know what that means? Presents!!! I got a pasta roller and a new lasagna pan; a juicer, a donut pan, and a twinkie maker. I'll post pictures of the cool things I've been making when I get a chance. The kids were so good to me. Most of the stuff they gave me was for the kitchen; I think they had ulterior motives. Gotta love 'em, though!

Menu Monday

2010-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of May 10th through May 16th.

MONDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Peas

TUESDAY
*Beans & Cornbread
*Fried Potatoes

WEDNESDAY
*Chicken Tostadas
*Spanish Rice

THURSDAY
*Bow-Tie Pasta Casserole
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Homemade Pizza

SATURDAY
*Chicken in White Wine Sauce
*Spinach Fettuccine
*Salad

SUNDAY
*Spaghetti Casserole
*Salad
*Bread

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary

2010-05-03T11:55:00.002-07:00

This last weekend, we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary. It was a great time of getting reacquainted with family we hadn't seen in a long time. We had a pretty good turnout and lots of great food.

This is my mom and dad.

This is my parents, my brother and his wife, me and my hubby, and my sister with her grand-daughter

This is Sis, Mom, and Me

This is Mom and Dad cutting the cake.

Menu Monday

2010-05-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of May 3rd through May 9th.

MONDAY
*Dijon Chicken
*Roasted Root Veggies
*Salad

TUESDAY
*Baked Ziti
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Spinach Noodle Lasagna
*Salad
*Bread

THURSDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Beans
*Spanish Rice

FRIDAY
*Meatloaf
*Mashed Potatoes
*Asparagus

SATURDAY
*Chicken/spinach Burgers
*Pasta Salad
*Baked Beans

SUNDAY
*Nacho's

The Danger of Clean Windows???

2010-04-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Until I pulled a muscle in my back a few days ago, I was running around like crazy trying to get the house ready for my parents 50th wedding anniversary party this weekend. I've been touching up paint, having the guys change out lights, spot cleaning the carpets, and other things like that.
I've never been a real stickler for spotless windows, but I do like them to be clean. Around here, the wind blows so much and dust flies everywhere, so nothing stays clean for long. Unfortunately, the birds around here must be used to the spots on my windows. We have bird feeders in the tree outside our living room windows so we spend a lot of time watching the birds. Yesterday, a bird flew straight into the living room window. It hit so hard that the windows shook. I'm shocked that the glass didn't shatter into a thousand pieces. We still have feathers on the window!
I think I'll let this be a lesson to me. Keep the spots on the windows and save the birds.

Menu Monday

2010-04-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 26th through May 2nd.

MONDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Rice
*Salad

TUESDAY
*Elbow Mac Casserole
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Chicken Enchiladas
*Refried Beans

THURSDAY
*Pasta/with Italian Sausage
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Chicken Parmesan
*Spaghetti or Leftover Pasta

SATURDAY
*Parents' Anniversary Party
Lots of food!

SUNDAY
*Leftovers from Party

Fashion Friday

2010-04-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

I decided to give Fashion Friday a try. I don't know if I'll do it every week but I really do enjoy it on other blogs.

I founds a really cute peasant skirt at Chadwicks.com. Don't you just love peasant skirts. They just scream "spring is here"!

Meat Loaf

2010-04-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Meat loaf is one of those meals that everyone has made at one time or another. I really like it so I make it often. What I've discovered from talking to others lately is that not every thinks it is an easy meal to prepare. This recipe is very simple and has not failed me yet.

MEAT LOAF
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup dry oatmeal
1 cup milk (approximately)
2 eggs
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

In a large mixing bowl, pour milk over dry oatmeal until covered. Let the oatmeal/milk mixture sit until the oatmeal has soaked up the milk (about 10 minutes).
To this mixture, add ground beef, eggs, and spices. With your hands mix all the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Pat into two loaf pans or one 9x13" baking dish. Bake @350* for about 45 minutes or until the thermometer reaches 170*
About 15 minutes before the end of the baking time, brush on ketchup or bbq sauce, if desired.

Sorry the picture is so blurry.

Healing Foods: Honey

2010-04-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

Today’s healing food is honey.

Honey is a highly effective antibiotic. Do not give honey to infants under 1 year old because there is a danger of botulism.

Honey may help with:

Stomach ulcers

Burns

Skin infections

Coughs

Cancer

Allergies

Sore throat

Bronchitis

Diarrhea

Asthma

I also try to cook with honey whenever possible. In many recipes, I substitute honey for sugar. If you do this, use about half the amount of honey as you would sugar because honey is so much sweeter.

Psalm 121

2010-04-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

I have been studying the Psalms of Ascent. Today I worked on Psalm 121. What an incredible piece of God's word. All eight verses touch my heart deeply. but verse five especially spoke to me. "The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side." (HCS) This is it from the Hans-Joachim Kraus commentary: "Yahweh is your keeper, Yahweh is your shade above your right hand!"

God is my protector. He is my keeper. He guards my life. God is the caretaker of his people. He formed us with his own hands. He tends to us and watches over us. He doesn't leave the job of caring for us in anyone else's hands. God doesn't take his eyes off us . We need to remember this as we keep our eyes on him. Our God is the maker of heaven and earth. Surely he can keep us safe in the palm of his hand.

Menu Monday

2010-04-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted for an entire week! I feel so lazy but actually I have been very busy. But, busy or not, I am going to try to post more often. I have so much to say, but when I have time to blog, my mind goes blank.

This is our menu for the week of April 19th through April 25th.

MONDAY
*Hamburger Soup
*Salad
*Bread

TUESDAY
*Italian Sausage w/potatoes
*Peas

WEDNESDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Baked Brown Rice
*Stir-fry Veggies

THURSDAY
It's my birthday and the kids are cooking for me. Yippie!
*Goat-cheese Chicken w/apples
*Couscous
*Salad
*Birthday Cake

FRIDAY
*Balsamic Chicken
*Baked Potatoes
*Broccoli

SATURDAY
*Lasagna
*Salad
*Rolls

SUNDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Beans

Menu Monday

2010-04-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of April 12th through April 18th.

MONDAY
*Beans & Cornbread
*Potatoes

TUESDAY
*Dijon Chicken
*Couscous
*Broccoli

WEDNESDAY
*Chicken Enchiladas
*Rice
*Beans

THURSDAY
*Mushroom Burgers
*Potato Wedges
*Baked Beans

FRIDAY
*Spaghetti
*Salad
*Homemade Rolls

SATURDAY
*Italian Sausage Casserole
*Salad

SUNDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Rice

Herbal Remedies: Peppermint

2010-04-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

Peppermint is a great herb to keep on hand. It helps with lots of illnesses. Here are just a few:
*upset stomach
*indigestion
*headaches
*food allergies
*aches and pains
*asthma
*hiccups
*motion sickness

HEALING FOODS: BANANAS

2010-04-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

God has given us many foods to enjoy. Not only do they make our taste buds sing, many of them heal our bodies of various ailments.

Today's healing food is bananas. Here are just a few things bananas can help with:
*diarrhea
*cholesterol
*prevention of pancreatic cancer
*stomach upset
*has antibiotic activity

While most people can enjoy bananas on a regular basis, there are a few people who have unpleasant side effects from eating bananas. Bananas can cause gas in some people and also migraine headaches in a few.

One of my favorite ways to eat bananas is in a smoothie. Here's an easy recipe.

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

1 cup juice (I like orange)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 banana

1/2 container vanilla yogurt

1 cup frozen fruit or ice

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth.

Menu Monday

2010-04-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

Here's our menu for the week of April 5th through April 11th. Better late than never.

MONDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Peas

TUESDAY
*Beans w/ham
*Potatoes
*Cornbread

WEDNESDAY
*Turkey Burritos
*Rice
*Beans

THURSDAY
*Ham w/potatoes
*Cabbage
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Spaghetti Casserole
*Salad

SATURDAY
*Chicken Cutlets
*Baked Mac & Cheese
*Salad

SUNDAY
*Beef Stew
*Salad
*Soda Bread

Birthday Fun!

2010-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are a big deal in our family. We love to celebrate. Usually we do something fun with just each other. We don't often have really big parties or involve a lot of people. We're kind of a weird family, in that we really like being together!
Yesterday was Josh's 19th birthday, and while I'm not happy with him getting so old (read: me getting so old), we had a great day. He wanted all of us to go to the range and shoot , so that's exactly what we did.
Here are just a few pictures of our adventures. We had a blast (no pun intended)! I am so thankful for Josh and the man he's turned out to be. I give God all the glory and heartfelt thanks for the gift of this son. Happy Birthday, Josh!

Most of these pictures are taken from the side or the back.

It's not a great idea to stand in front of someone with a loaded gun. LOL!

Josh, Chris, & Christopher

Here is Josh with his shotgun.

Here is Christopher after he shot Josh's shotgun:)

Here's Katie

...and Talia

...and me

Fashion show -Saturday

2010-04-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Here is todays fashion show post.
The jacket and the shirt are both thrift store finds I think I paid about 50 cent for each of them. The jeans were on clearance but the shoes are new.

Fashion Show-Thursday

2010-04-01T13:46:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,
Here is todays outfit for the fashion show. I got this skirt as a hand-me-down from a friend.

Fashion Show

2010-03-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Over at Amanda Beth's blog she is having a secondhand fashion show. You can post homemade or secondhand clothes that you have for the show. I made this skirt and the vest I bought at a secondhand shop for about 50 cents.

Baked French Toast

2010-03-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

I made some seed bread a few days ago. It had a good flavor but I'm still working on getting the texture right. After the first day, it seemed to get stale quickly. It was also a little more dense than I liked. When I get the recipe improved to my liking, I will post it here. Meanwhile, this is what I did with the leftover stale bread.

BAKED FRENCH TOAST
1 loaf sliced, slightly stale whole grain bread
5 eggs, beaten slightly
1 cup milk
2 cups blueberries
3 T. maple syrup
1 t. vanilla extract
3 T brown sugar

Lay half of the bread slices in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Mix the eggs, milk, syrup, and vanilla extract together. Pour half of the egg mixture over bread slices. Sprinkle blueberries over this. Lay the other half of the bread slices over the blueberries. Pour the rest of the egg mixture over bread slices. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, take pan out of refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake at 350* for one hour, turning the top bread slices about halfway through baking. Serve with butter and maple syrup.

Tulips

2010-03-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

I love tulips. They are my favorite spring flower. I was thrilled when I discovered tulips in the colors of my kitchen. They usually last just under a week if I change the water every two days and trim the stems.

Menu Monday

2010-03-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of March 29th through April 4th.

MONDAY
*Beef & Beans
*Cornbread
*Potato Wedges

TUESDAY
*Chicken Burritos
*Leftover Beans

WEDNESDAY
*Shepherd's Pie
*Salad

THURSDAY
*Balsamic Chicken
*Couscous
*Peas

FRIDAY
*Brown Rice Pasta
*Salad

SATURDAY
*Eggplant Parm
*Spaghetti
*Salad

SUNDAY (Easter)
*Homemade Manicotti
*Ham
*Scalloped Potatoes
*Asparagus
*Italian Easter Egg Bread
*Carrot Cake

Irish Soda Bread

2010-03-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is the recipe I used for Irish Soda Bread last week. It was really good just plain, but I think it would be even better toasted with butter. The recipe is from the Taste of Home Baking Book.

IRISH SODA BREAD
4 C. flour
1/4 C sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
6 T shortening
1/2 C raisins
1 T caraway seeds
1 1/4 C buttermilk
1 egg

Combine flour,sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. Combine buttermilk and egg. Stir into the crumb mixture. Knead gently 5-6 times.
Divide dough into two balls. Shape until round. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cut a cross into dough about 1/4" deep. Bake at 375* for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Irish Brownies

2010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

For Saint Patrick's Day last week, we had Irish stew and Irish soda bread. For dessert we had Irish brownies made into cupcakes. We have had these brownies many times in the past and I always made the mint frosting white because we don't use food coloring. This time, we made them the prettiest shade of green. I made the frosting like usual, flavored it with vanilla and mint extract, then added a little bit of spinach powder. The spinach powder made it such a pretty spring-like color and we couldn't taste it at all. Next time, I'm going to try beet powder to see if I can get a true red. I bought the powders at a place called Mountain Rose Herbs, where my daughter gets most of her herbs for her studies.

Menu Monday

2010-03-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of March 22nd through March 28th.

MONDAY
*Chicken Stir-fry
*Rice

TUESDAY
*Brown Rice Pasta
*Turkey Meatballs
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Goat-Cheese Chicken
*Couscous
*Broccoli/Cauliflower

THURSDAY
*Hamburger Soup
*Salad
*Bread

FRIDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Oven Potato Wedges
*Broccoli

SATURDAY
*Tacos
*Rice
*Beans

SUNDAY
*Pot Roast
*Potatoes
*Carrots
*Green Beans

Posting Difficulties

2010-03-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Posting has been difficult lately. My laptop is fine, but the power cord that makes it work has bit the dust. In the little town I live in, buying a cord for an Apple computer is like trying to buy caviar. Not easy! So, I ordered one and in the meantime I have been forced to use the family computer. It's nice. It has a big screen. It works well. But......the chair isn't as comfortable as "my" chair where I use my laptop. This has caused me to neglect posting. I know I'm spoiled.

According to my tracking information, my power cord will come tomorrow and within a few hours, my red battery will turn green. I have some pictures from last weekend and some others from our Saint Patrick's Day dinner, but I cannot upload them to a dead computer. I can't wait to show everyone the green frosting we made. Not a drop of food coloring, but the prettiest shade of green! I'll tell you how we did it when I can post a picture.

Menu Monday

2010-03-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of March 15th through March 21st.

MONDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Yellow (brown) rice
*Stir-fry veggies

TUESDAY
*Salmon
*Baked Potatoes
*Broccoli

WEDNESDAY
*Irish Stew
*Soda Bread
*Irish Brownies

THURSDAY
*Balsamic Chicken
*Couscous
* Honey Carrots

FRIDAY
*Pasta a la Vodka
*Salad

SATURDAY
*Mashed potato bowls

SUNDAY
*Italian Noodle Medley
*Mixed Veggies

Brownies

2010-03-13T06:00:00.002-07:00

This is from the Boyer family cookbook. I made it for Bible study Monday night and it was a big hit! No pictures for this one either. We ate it too quick. Here's the recipe.

OLD VIRGINIA BROWNIES
4 eggs
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
10 Tbsp cocoa
1 1/2 cups flour

Beat eggs; melt butter. Add butter to eggs in mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients except flour. Beat thoroughly. Add flour and mix thoroughly with wooden spoon. Spread in a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.

Pam's Apple Cobbler

2010-03-12T17:39:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I made my friend Pam's apple cobbler. I don't have any pictures of it because it was gone before I could get out the camera. Yum! This is a good one Pam!

APPLE COBBLER
3 pound bag of gala apples
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
cinnamon
1 stick butter

Melt butter in a 9x13 pan in a 350* oven. Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice apples. Spread apples on melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Mix flour, sugar, and milk 'til smooth. Pour over apples. Bake for 30 minutes.

Spiritual Schitzophrenia

2010-03-10T06:00:00.002-07:00

Why does the world laugh at Christians? I'm convinced it's because we don't live out our lives as Christians. If we truly lived what we say we believe, this world would be turned upside down!

We say the Bible is the word of God and the most important book ever in existence. Then we let it sit on a shelf collecting dust.

We say that our true home is in heaven but we are attached to earthly things as if we were super-glued to them.

We say we are led by and filled with the Holy Spirit, then we live for the world, the flesh, and the devil.

We speak out against everybody's sin, then we try to justify our own sins.

We tell ourselves that our salvation is by God's grace, then we work like crazy to be worthy of it.

We say that worship is important, but we're thinking about the pot roast in the oven.

We say the Bible is 100% without error, then we pick and choose the verses that pertain to us.

We say that God knows and sees everything, yet we have "secret" sins.

We say that God is sovereign but we act like he needs us. He loves us, but he doesn't need us.

We praise God on Sunday morning, then live like the devil the rest of the week.

We say that "it's all about God" then live self-seeking, selfish lives.

We believe there is a judgement to come, yet we sin daily.

I am as guilty of these things as the next person. It breaks my heart to see what a hypocrite I am sometimes. I am praying that I will be more pleasing to God as I seek to live for him. I don't want to be a spiritual schitzophrenic! I want my life to honor Jesus. I want him to own my heart.

Simply Simplifying

2010-03-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

I am kind of a strange person. Those of you who know me know this to be true! I love shopping although I don't always buy something. Most of my shopping these days is grocery shopping. But, I even enjoy grocery shopping. Katie and I try to make a game out of how much we can save by using coupons and shopping the sales. Sometimes it feels like a game of strategy.

One of my "strangest" qualities is that I really like to throw things away. I go through periods of time where I purge everything. I am definitely not a pack rat. I used to be, but as time goes on I am finding that there is a lot of pleasure in simplifying. Usually around the season change (although we don't get much of that!) I get the itch to grab some trash bags and start sifting through our things. I use the three box/bag method. One bag is for garbage. This is the stuff that nobody would want. Things that are broken and torn in a way that cannot be fixed would go in this category. The next bag is for give-a-ways. This is the stuff that we would give to someone else. This would consist of clothes that don't fit anymore or maybe kitchen appliances that are never used and are just taking up space. If you look through all your cabinets and closets you will be surprised at how much stuff is just sitting around. The last bag is for stuff you are undecided about. If you have an item of clothing that you are not sure you want to part with, put it in this bag. If after a month or two you find that you haven't missed the stuff in bag number three, give it away. Somebody else can probably use it. Don't give away stuff that should go in your garbage bag.

You won't believe the freedom you will feel when you untangle yourself from your stuff! Sometimes we don't realize how much we are loving the things of this world until it's time to let some of it go. Give it a try. Simplify a few things and see how you feel. Try just one room to start with. Maybe without all our material possessions suffocating us, we can breathe again.

Menu Monday

2010-03-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of March 8th through March 14th.

MONDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Broccoli

TUESDAY
*Baked Chicken
*Mashed Potatoes
*Peas

WEDNESDAY
*Elbow Macaroni Casserole
*Peas

THURSDAY
*Hamburger Hash
*Broccoli
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Take-out

SATURDAY
*Tacos
*Rice
*Beans

SUNDAY
*Leftovers

Homemade Cream Soup Mix

2010-03-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

A lot of recipes call for canned cream soup. These can get pretty expensive after a while but as a casserole lover, I thought I had no choice. I didn't want to make cream soup from scratch every time I needed a can for a recipe, but I also didn't want to take an economical casserole dish and jack up the price with expensive cream soup. After looking around the internet for different recipes, this is the one I liked the best.

Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, 2006-08-20 16:03 by

Ingredients:

1/2 cup powdered chicken bouillon

1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning 

1/4 teaspoon onion powder 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/8 teaspoon black pepper 

1/4 teaspoon parsley 

1/4 teaspoon paprika 

3/4 cup flour

Mix dry ingredients and keep in an airtight container. When you are ready to use it, use about 1/4 cup or mixture and 1 1/2 cups of milk. Just stir it together and add to your recipe. You can also heat it until it thickens if you want.

Menu Monday

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of March 1st through March 7th.

MONDAY
*Roast Turkey Breast
*Potatoes & Carrots
*Green Beans

TUESDAY
*Grilled Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Stir-Fry

WEDNESDAY
*Eggplant Parmesan
*Salad
*Bread Sticks

THURSDAY
*Penne' with Sausage
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Ramen Noodle Casserole
*Sourdough Bread

SATURDAY
*Chicken & Dumplings
*Salad

SUNDAY
*Soup
*Grilled Cheese

Tradition or Godliness

2010-02-26T08:09:00.001-07:00

As a family, we are studying the gospel of Luke right now. We had a really good study last night. We read about the faith of the centurion and the questions from John the Baptist's disciples. Throughout the book of Luke, we have seen Jesus do many miracles and restore life wherever he went.

Somehow during our discussion we took a bunny trail and started talking about the Pharisees and how they compare to the the "religious" people of our day. We were sad to see that at times in all of our lives, we have been much like the Pharisees. Sometimes the thought of our religiousity appalls me.

Jesus is so much more interested in where our hearts are (just as he was in the gospel of Luke) than in what committee we are on, or what the church voted to spend on renovations, etc. As for me, I just want to please God! I don't mean that to come across as self-righteous or judgmental. It's just the truth. The deep desire of my heart is to know God better and to please him more.

I fail in this so much. I constantly have to pray that God will keep me from meaningless traditions. I want to get caught up in God not in rituals. I know without a doubt that there has to be more to Christianity than what we are seeing in churches on Sunday mornings. I don't want to be part of the club, or the clique. I want more of Jesus.

Does anybody understand what I'm talking about, or am I just rambling???

Things That Annoy Me

2010-02-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

1. Facebook; I'm not sure why I signed up
2. Politics
3. Grumpy dogs
4. Arizona weather
5. People who judge without knowing details
6. Finding the 3 pounds my hubby lost
7. Getting to the end of the puzzle to find one missing piece
8. Being manipulated into going places
9. Guilt-trips
10. My own insecurity
11. Losing friends over petty things
12. Christians acting like the world

Steak Sauce: It's Not A1, but it's Good

2010-02-23T06:00:00.003-07:00

We really like A1 steak sauce but we can't use it because the ingredients include caramel color which lots of us are allergic to. Why, why, why??? As we were lamenting the unfairness of our plain steak, we had a brilliant idea. Why couldn't we make our own? It had to be possible, right? It is! This is our humble attempt at steak sauce. It may not be A1, but is sure is tasty.

STEAK SAUCE
2 c. ketchup
2 garlic cloves
2/3 c. onions
1/2 c. each: lemon juice
   water
   worcestershire
   vinegar
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 T mustard

Mix all ingredients. In a small sauce-pot, bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. Store in refrigerator.


GOOD
EXPENSIVE
HEALTHY?

BETTER
CHEAP
NATURAL

Menu Monday

2010-02-22T14:15:00.002-07:00

This is our menu for the week of February 22 through February 28th.

MONDAY
*Hamburger Soup
*Sourdough Bread

TUESDAY
*Pasta a la Vodka
*Broccoli

WEDNESDAY
*Potato Bowls
*Bread

THURSDAY
*Beans & Cornbread
*Fried Potatoes

FRIDAY
*Taco's
*Spanish Rice
*Refried Beans

SATURDAY
*Balsamic Chicken
*Couscous
*Peas

SUNDAY
*Roast Chicken
*Potatoes
*Green Beans

Light, Fluffy Lemon Pancakes

2010-02-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we tried a new recipe for pancakes. The whole family raved about the new recipe so I figured it was a good one to share.

LEMON PANCAKES
3 eggs, separated
2 C. buttermilk
3 T sugar
1 C. ricotta
1 1/2 C. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 t. lemon extract

Mix together egg yolks, buttermilk, sugar, and ricotta. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and lemon extract. Stir until smooth.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into pancake mixture.
Cook on oiled, pre-heated griddle. I like to use a 1/4 cup measure to pour out the batter and spread it a little thinner. Cook the first side until the edges dry out a little and bubbles appear on the top. Flip and cook for another minute or two.
Serve with butter and syrup.

The Living Word of God

2010-02-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Food Coloring Allergies & Natural Food Colorings

2010-02-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

My husband and kids are allergic to food coloring. My husband's throat swells and breathing becomes difficult if he eats anything with red #40. My kids all have different reactions. One throws up whenever she eats yellow #5 and gets a violent headache when she eats yellow #6. One gets whiney, one gets hyper, and one has a Jekyll/Hyde reaction. So, probably needless to say, we are hyper-vigilant about reading labels and we hardly ever go out to eat. Even eating at family or friends houses is difficult. Sometimes people think we're crazy because we choose to live such a "natural" life when it comes to food. Those people haven't seen the results when we slip up! Believe it or not, children do survive childhood without KoolAid and Jello.

We've discovered a few things that help to make us feel a little more "normal". I love to make birthday cakes for my kids. When they were very little, I learned to decorate cakes. I never got very good at it, but I really had fun so they became an outlet for my creativity. The one problem with cake decorating is that most cakes have colorful icing. I have found a few places that sell natural food coloring but it is very expensive and the colors are not true. Here are a few things we've used instead:
   Lavender---blueberries
   Pink---raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate juice
   Yellow---tumeric
   Green---liquid chlorophyll (supplement) or green food supplement
   Orange---carrot juice
I haven't found a good source for blue or brown or deep red but I keep trying. The most important thing to know about these natural coloring is that they do flavor the icing a bit so be careful about how much you use.

Things That Make Me Smile

2010-02-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of just a few things that make me smile:)
I may keep adding to the list as I think of more. Feel free to comment and tell me what makes you smile!

1. Hugs from my kids
2. The smell of pine trees
3. Tulips (especially red and yellow ones that match my kitchen)
4. Fires in the fireplace
5. Finishing school for the day
6. Tea
7. A good workout
8. A shower after a great workout
9. A clean house
10. Fishing
11. The smell of freshly baked bread
12. Pancakes smothered in butter and syrup
13. The voices of my family praying
14. Early morning walks
15. Watching hummingbirds
16. Discovering something "new" in Scripture
17. Playing piano
18. Keith Green music
19. Visits from friends
20. Going to the hairdresser
21. The silence of night-time when camping
22. Christmas movies
23. Lipstick
24. Wood floors
25. Snow in the desert
26. Cowgirl boots
27. Cookbooks
28. Sheets dried on the clothesline
29. Comments on my blog ;)
30. Fuzzy socks
31. Classical music
32. Cooking on a 100 year old stove
33. Roasting marshmallows
34. Coffee
35. Chocolate
36. Spy novels
37. Grocery shopping
38. Homemade ice cream
39. Disneyland
40. New books
41. My son's laughter
42. My puppy
43. Having my hand held by my hubby
44. Messy, baby kisses
45. Ironed clothes
46. Violins
47. The Blues (New Orleans style)
48. The ocean during a storm
49. Scented candles
50. Friends that have remained true

What makes you smile???

Menu Monday

2010-02-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of February 15th through February 21st. We actually followed our menu very well last week. I don't think we had any substitutions,, which is a first for us! Oh well, a menu is a guide, right?

MONDAY
*Hamburger Soup
*Homemade Bread

TUESDAY
*Ritzy Chicken
*Risotto
*Peas

WEDNESDAY
*Roast
*Potatoes
*Green Beans

THURSDAY
*Chicken Spaghetti (Pioneer Woman)
*Mixed Veggies
*Homemade Bread

FRIDAY
*Roasted Turkey
*Stuffing
*Mashed Potatoes

SATURDAY
*Mashed Potato Bowls (from yesterday's leftovers)
*Broccoli

SUNDAY
*Meatloaf
*Saucy Noodles
*Broccoli/Cauliflower

What's Wrong With Human Effort?

2010-02-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Human effort will only give us human results. If we are looking for supernatural, God-sized things to happen, we must look past our own fingertips. Although it may seem like foolishness to us to sing and pray and praise God instead of "doing something" sometimes we just have to let go and trust that God's plans and ways are much higher than ours.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your ways O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

First Love: A Historic Gathering of Jesus Music Pioneers

2010-02-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

I bought myself a present. No, it's not my birthday but I wanted it really, really bad. This is what I got:

And here is where you can get it:

http://www.explorationfilms.com/exploration-films-first-love.html

Pepperoni Cheese Bread

2010-02-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

This bread goes well with all pasta dishes and especially well with the stuffed meatballs from yesterday's post.

PEPPERONI CHEESE BREAD
1 1/2 C. water
4 C. bread flour
2/3 C. cheddar cheese
1 T. sugar
2 t. garlic powder
1 t. dried oregano
2 t. salt
2 2/3 t. active dry yeast
1 C. sliced pepperoni

Mix all ingredients except pepperoni. If using a bread machine, add pepperoni about 15 minutes into kneading cycle. If using a mixer, add the pepperoni last.
Put into a oiled bowl and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down dough and shape into two loaves. Let rise for another hour. Bake @350* for 35-40 minutes.

Stuffed Meatballs

2010-02-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

Here is a variation on your standard meatball.

STUFFED MEATBALLS
1 lb ground beef
1 lb bulk Italian sausage
2 eggs
1/2-3/4 C. dry bread crumbs
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
5 (about) cheese sticks---I used mozzarella

Mix meats, eggs, and spices. Stir in bread crumbs until mixture holds together well. Form into small meatballs, leaving a little meat unformed. Cut cheese sticks into 1 inch pieces. Put one piece of cheese into each meatball and reform into a ball, adding a little more meat if necessary. Cook at 350* for about 30 minutes.

Puzzle Mania

2010-02-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

We have gone puzzle crazy at our house. When we were taking school vacation last month, we started doing puzzles for something fun to do and we became a bit obsessed. Do you have any idea how great it feels to watch something come together and put that last piece in? I'm not an artist, so I can't draw, but I feel very creative when a puzzle comes together. Talia is the best of all of us. She can sit down and start putting pieces in that we've spent half and hour just looking at.

We have 12 finished, glued, puzzles laid out on the guest room bed, one unfinished puzzle on the dining room table, and one unfinished puzzle on the coffee table. The most difficult one so far has been a Kincaid 3-D puzzle. It's the one sitting in the dining room. It's making us a little nutty. Hopefully, we will get it done.

Menu Monday

2010-02-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is our menu for the week of February 8th through February 14th.

MONDAY
*Pasta
*Garlic Bread

TUESDAY
*Mashed Potato Bowls
*Broccoli

WEDNESDAY
*Eggplant Parmesan
*Spaghetti

THURSDAY
*Baked Chicken
*Rice
*Peas

FRIDAY
*Chicken Enchiladas
*Rice

SATURDAY
*Beans and Cornbread
*Fried Potatoes

SUNDAY
*Stuffed Shells
*Homemade Bread
*Salad

Beautiful Creatures that Defy Evolution

2010-02-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

When we went on vacation in September, these gorgeous blue birds were almost constantly out our windows. Every where we looked, there was another reminder of our Creator. It seems impossible to me to deny the existence of Almighty God, when I see just a few of the things he has created.

Potato Salad

2010-02-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

I know potato salad is traditionally a summer time food, except in my family. When I was growing up, we always had potato salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, I cook the more traditional mashed potatoes on holidays, but I couldn't make it through the winter without potato salad. Here's my recipe.

POTATO SALAD
5 pounds russet potatoes
12 eggs, hard-boiled
1 1/2 cups chopped pickles (I use dill and sweet)
2 cans sliced black olives
1/4 of a small onion
1/2 jar of mayo
4 T apple cider vinegar
1 T celery seed

Boil unpeeled potatoes until tender. Drain and cool.
Peel and cube potatoes. Slice hard-boiled eggs and add to potatoes. Add pickles, olives, and onion. Mix well. Stir in mayo, vinegar, and celery seed. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Chill before serving.

Ray Stevens (hysterical!)

2010-02-04T06:00:00.003-07:00

This is so funny. I remember this song from when I was a kid, but the video made it even better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K16fG1sDagU

Hamburger Soup

2010-02-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

One day when we had thawed hamburger that had to be used, we came up with this recipe for Hamburger Soup. It's so incredibly simple that every time I make it I feel like I've forgotten something. It takes about 5-10 minutes to put together and then it cooks for about 20 minutes. A genuine 30 minute meal. Rachael Rae would be jealous.

HAMBURGER SOUP
1 pound hamburger
1 small onion, diced
1 small package frozen mixed vegetables
2 cartons beef stock
3 medium cans tomato sauce
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
salt & pepper
8 oz Acini di pepe pasta

Brown hamburger and onion together. Drain grease if necessary. Add veggies, stock, tomato sauce, beans, salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are almost done. Add pasta and cook until tender. Serve Italian style with grated Parmesan cheese or Mexican style with cilantro and sour cream.

Things I Have Done (and not done)

2010-02-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

I found this on Candy's blog. It looked like fun so I tried it. Below is a list of things people have done in their lives. I bolded the ones I've done. There is a lot I haven't done, but there is also a lot I don't have any desire to do!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been inside an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

I may not have done much to write about but the Lord has blessed me with the life he called me to. I am forever grateful that God, in his mercy has saved me from my own sin. He has given me abundant life and extended his grace to me. My greatest accomplishment will be to stand before him and hear him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Menu Monday

2010-02-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of February 1st through February 7th.

MONDAY
*Hamburger Soup
*Homemade Bread

TUESDAY
*Ramen Noodle Casserole
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Stuffed Meatballs
*Pasta
*Spinach

THURSDAY
*Ritzy Chicken
*Yellow Rice
*Broccoli

FRIDAY
*Poor Man's Steak
*Fried Potatoes
*Beans

SATURDAY
*Chicken Tostadas
*Spanish Rice

SUNDAY
*Meatloaf
*Mac & Cheese
*Broccoli/Cauliflower

Spoiled Puppy

2010-01-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

I know everyone loves their pets, but I think maybe we've "loved" Pepper a little too much. She has turned into such a little begger! If we're in the kitchen, she's right there underfoot, hoping for us to drop something. I'm convinced she can smell chicken a mile away. She's also pretty fond of marshmallows. We were making marshmallows and dropped one and before I could pick it up to throw it away, she had devoured it and was begging for more.

Eggplant Parmesan

2010-01-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

Eggplant parmesan is something that hubby usually chooses for his birthday dinner. This year he surprised me and chose cheese ravioli instead so, I made the eggplant parmesan for FIL's birthday instead.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN
2 large eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups flour
4 cups bread crumbs
4 eggs mixed with milk
Gravy
Parmesan cheese
Mozzerella cheese

Bread eggplant slices by dipping in flour, then egg mixture, then bread crumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside. Drain on paper towels. Layer in a 9x13 pan. Eggplant, gravy, parmesan, mozzerella, repeat until out of ingredients. Bake @ 350* for about an hour. You may need to cover with foil the last 15 minutes to keep from over-browning. Serve with pasta.

Menu Monday

2010-01-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is our menu for the week of January 25th through January 31st.

MONDAY
*Shepherd's Pie
*Homemade Bread
*Salad

TUESDAY
*Eggplant Parmesan
*Spaghetti
*Salad

WEDNESDAY
*Dijon Pork Loin
*Yellow Rice
*Broccoli

THURSDAY
*Elbow Mac Casserole
*Peas
*Salad

FRIDAY
*Tacos
*Rice
*Beans

SATURDAY
*Pasta a la Vodka
*Homemade Bread
*Salad

SUNDAY
*Nachos
*Taquitos
*Jalapeno Poppers

The Living Word of God

2010-01-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Zapoles

2010-01-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

We have been enjoying a visit from family from the east coast. Every time they come they bring with them a few new recipes to try out. Today Papa and Talia made zapoles. They are a pastry very similar to sopapillas, but not exactly. They taste like a doughnut that is very soft inside. Yum!

ZAPOLES
2 cups flour
2 T. sugar
1 t. salt
4 t. baking powder
5 eggs
1 lb ricotta
1 qt oil

Mix all ingredients except oil. Heat oil in a deep fryer. Use a tablespoon to drop dough into hot oil. When golden brown, remove and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey.