"Menu Plan Monday" #5

This is a busy time of year, with many activities wrapping up before summer, and spring sports underway. The menu plan falls back on some old favorites, and has an ethnic flair to it...but they are pretty common ethnic foods for us. Softball games start tonight, and will be just about every Monday and Wednesday night for the next month. So, watch for really quick meal ideas on these days for the next month! Just for fun, to kick off the season, I will serve hot dogs, chips, and veggies after the season opener tonight--the traditional baseball food! Plus, this will be easy to fix up quick.

Thursday is the last regular AWANA night at church (and Andrew's Cubbies group will be having their awards night), so we will do a quick warm-up of leftovers for this night, and have "The Most Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies" for dessert like Ernie Elephant and the Cubbie Friends make with the 'Better-Butter-Batter-Baker' in Andrew's Cubbie Book--a cutesy way to end his Cubbie year. I have a Cubbie Bear to give him as a reminder of the Scripture he learned in his Cubbie Book, so if he's not too 'manly' to love a teddy bear, he can share his AWANA Awards dinner and cookies with his new teddy bear. Next Thursday night is Jessica's Sparks Awards Night to end the AWANA year, and then Thursday nights will be freed up. I suppose I will have to think up a 'Sparkie' dinner for that...hmmm...

Monday

Season Opener Night-Hot dogs w/ whole wheat buns, potato chips, veggies w/ ranch dip served in red baskets, picnic-style, root beer floats

Tuesday

Oriental Night-Egg Flower Soup, Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken w/ vegetables

Wednesday

Mexican Night-Taco Soup (in crock pot), Whole Wheat-Cheese Quesadillas, served w/ shredded romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, salsa & sour cream

Thursday

Leftovers Night-yippee!

Friday

Italian Night-calzones (feature recipe of the week)
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Chicken-Broccoli Whole Wheat Pizza or Calzone

1 pkg. Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Pizza Dough ($.99 in the refrigerated section—comes in white, whole wheat, and garlic herb and is great for breadsticks or foccacia bread, too. Freezes well, so I always buy a few when I go to T.J.’s)
1 small pkg. frozen petite broccoli florets, drained (or steam your own fresh broccoli, chopped small)
¾-1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese (use a combination of other favorite Italian cheeses, if desired)
½-3/4 c. cooked chicken breast, chopped
about 1/3 Alfredo Sauce recipe (see below)
olive oil

Roll dough into desired pizza shape on the Roulpat, and place on the Silpat and baking tray. Brush dough with olive oil, top with Alfredo sauce, chicken, broccoli, and cheese. For calzone, place toppings on ½ the dough and fold over, pulling and crimping the edges together by hand. Follow package directions on the dough for temperature and time to bake pizza, about 425-450 degrees for 10-15 minutes for pizza, or 25-30 minutes for calzone.

Alfredo Sauce

2 T. butter or olive oil
¼ c. finely chopped onion
1 lrg. garlic clove
½ c. chicken broth
½ c. milk (or cream may be used for a richer sauce, if desired)
½ tsp. freshly ground
black pepper
a pinch of salt to taste
1 c. shredded parmesan
4 oz. cream cheese, cut into small pieces

***Makes about 3 cups of sauce

Saute garlic and onion in butter over medium-high heat until just translucent and soft; do not burn. Add broth, milk, and seasonings. Heat to a boil. Add cream cheese and parmesan cheese, mixing well until melted and smooth. Return to a boil, stirring constantly and remove from heat.
Use for sauce on Chicken-Broccoli Alfredo Whole Wheat Pizza, or serve over your favorite pasta with chicken and steamed broccoli. Freezes well.

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In the Kitchen photos from the past week...

Last Wednesday, the kids helped me bake Cate's birthday cake, and we had a little party for her after we came home from Bible study later that night. The kids also made these shortbread-jam cookies to take to Bible Study. The recipe was from their Clubhouse Jr. magazine (by Focus on the Family), and was a cookie to make for Easter with crosses on them. J & A made some with 2's (for their sister turning 2), initials of everyone in our family, and then lots of crosses, as well. It was a basic shortbread dough, rolled into a ball and flattened with the floured-bottom of a glass. Then the symbols were made by creating indentions with the wooden handle of a spatula, then gently filling with a small amount of jam (we used red currant jam). They had a lot of fun with this.

"Wordless Wednesday" #3: Two Years Ago Today...

__________________________________________
Forget the 'wordless'--As I look at these pics, I realize how much significance was in this time in our lives as a young family. This is too fun to reflect on...

Here we were, on the big day we'd been planning for, decked out in spotless, coordinating "I'm the big brother/sister" t-shirts I'd made with iron-on transfers printed from the computer, ribbons in the hair, 'welcome baby' banner, which the kids made with their hand/footprints and doodling, posted in the hospital room, a basket full of cleverly re-labeled 'Here-she-is' bars to share with visitors, which included a 'nutrition facts' box with baby's name printed on the back and a space for J to fill in the birth stats, pink cardstock paper ready to receive extra footprints for the scrapbook...on and on...so many carefully planned, fun details to help make this last trip to the birthplace a very special one...but, why does it seem like this was the last perfectly orchestrated day we've had...seems so silly now, when life has been so real and 'nitty-gritty' at times with three. It's almost like I now prefer the chaos to it's polar opposite, because there has been such richness in it...in the authentic experience of real life.

The following is a story I wrote after Cate was born when prompted by a friend who thought this was the best labor story...as an aspiring writer, I wrote this thinking this might be a good story to get published in a pregnancy or baby magazine...they're always sharing labor stories...kinda raw...kinda humorous...and I hope my mother-in-law, if she reads this, sees the humor in it, and doesn't take offense...

My Labor Story

For no good reason, we had much premature anticipation of the beginning of labor with this pregnancy. Like a few weeks prior when I had had the stomach flu one long night, thinking I was in labor until it worsened in the wee hours of the morning. In hindsight, this turned out to be much worse of a feeling than going into labor, I would say. Then, there was the fact that Jim traveled across the country for business a couple weeks into the last month, making me keenly aware of every twitch or twinge. We began to fear he may miss the delivery, because even if I let him know right away, it would take him at least nine hours to travel back, no holds barred. That was when I was feeling a lot of cramps every other day. Then, there was 1-2 weeks of severe sciatica from my lower back all the way down my right leg, caused by the way the baby was pressing on the sciatic nerve. There really wasn’t much I could do to ease this pain doctors said, except rest. I wasn’t packed, nor did I have the house at all in order, and here I couldn’t stand or walk without severe, shooting pain. Needless to say, this forced the final days of pregnancy to drag on and on.

My doctor visits brought the most excitement, because each week the exam showed I was more dilated, until I was at a 5 the last two weeks. The last three weeks the doctor kept saying that I was so ready she would be surprised to see me at my next appointment. I mistakenly told this to countless others and got them excited without due cause. My sister-in-law, an experienced labor/delivery nurse, advised me not to wait when I did go in to labor, because if I was at a 5, and with my history of short labors, I could delivery quickly; instructions reiterated by my doctor. So, I finally did get things packed and actually in the car for the last week prior to my due date. I drove around town running errands with my bags, just in case. All this prompted my mother-in-law to pack five bags and move in with us ten days before my due date to “help”. When asked when she was planning on leaving, she said she was just thinking she’d wait until Monday for my next appointment to see what the doctor says, as if that would really mean anything definite. Thankfully, my husband cut her plans short and took her home after a couple nights stay. She was helpful, but it was much easier to relax in our home without company.

At last, my due date came… and went…, so, naturally, I began to feel like I would never go into labor. It was rather depressing and kind of defeating, like I had lost at some game; like having my baby after the due date is less exciting. I spent “d-day” more actively than I had been spending the past month. It was Sunday, and so we went to church. Strangely, I had skipped church the last week, moping around and wanting to hide out this one last weekend, since I would surely go into labor before next Sunday, and anyway, it was getting embarrassing to talk about my pregnancy over and over again to people who were expecting something to have happened by now. We met friends for dinner that night, and they took us to their local Mexican restaurant, joking that the spices may do the trick. I always eat spicy food, so I knew that wasn’t going to do it. Besides, I had come to the conclusion that there was nothing I could do to bring labor on any sooner.

The day after my due date, I went to my appointment around 10:30 Monday morning. I told the doctor that I had been feeling some pain in a small ball down very low in my abdomen since about 6 in the morning, and it was coming and going every so often; maybe every 20-30 minutes or so. She said she could hook me to a monitor and track to see if it was labor. I declined, as I would have to wait for it to come again while trying to entertain my two young children who were with me. She agreed with me that it could very well be constipation, which is what I was pretty certain I was feeling. I thought surely going into labor was like stronger Braxton Hicks contractions that firm up your entire stomach area. With my other two children, labor had been induced and so I really didn’t have experience in how early labor began.

I left the office and drove to Albertson’s to get groceries...and suppositories. I was taking a good long time shopping, finding it hard to concentrate, for some reason. The kids began to get restless and get into things. I started to not feel good, so we tried a trip to the restrooms. This was really turning out to be the longest and most miserable shopping experience I’ve ever had. As I tried to decide between brand or generic suppositories and compared prices, I suddenly became very annoyed with everything. I decided on the generic and made my way to the checkout. The lines were long, and it was noon-ish. “Oh, look at the cute newborn in front of us in the cart; I can’t wait!” I thought. As sweat began to bead up on my forehead, and I instructed my son and daughter to stop playing foursquare in the aisle and put the bouncy balls back, I struck up a conversation with the mother of the newborn. She had given birth 4 weeks ago, and she asked when my due date was. “Yesterday,” I was pleased to respond, and I told her about how ready I was. Then, as we were talking, I began to feel uneasy. I realized the pain I was feeling kept coming and going about five minutes apart. I finally told her that I really I didn’t know what I was doing grocery shopping because I was beginning to think I was in labor, but I wasn’t sure. She studied me for a second, and then responded that I probably was in labor. She told the cashier’s attendant that she should really help me out to the car with my groceries. I told her thanks and good-bye, as my excitement, …and fear began to grow. I began making notes in my head, and realized just how close these pains were. I had had many throughout the store, one in the checkout line and one while leaving the store, and another when getting into my car… ”uh-oh,” I thought. I better do something about this. It was about 1:00.

I called my Mom first; she was an hour away and was going to come and be with the children. I told her to get ready and I would call her back when I got home and figured out if it was really labor or not. I called Jim next, as I headed down the road toward home. I told him I was pretty sure and he should come home. He sounded excited and somewhat nervous about getting home and taking me to the hospital in time. He told me to call the doctor and let them know I was coming in, but I didn’t because I just wasn’t sure yet. I got home and unloaded all the groceries, and called Mom back and told her to come; helped Jessica make peanut butter sandwiches for her and her brother. After everything was cleaned up, put away, and I had the kids upstairs for their naps, I laid down on our bed to wait for Jim. I remember it hurting, but it also felt so good to lay down and just enjoy it. Jim got home about 2:00; walked into our bedroom and laughed at me lying there, but he didn’t stay relaxed for long. Quickly, he turned to business, instructing me to hurry and call my doctor, saying we shouldn’t wait for Mom, getting the kids up and shoes on, and changing his clothes. I talked to the nurse, and she said, “You were at a five, so you can’t wait, not even fifteen minutes for your mom; get here as fast as you can!” This turned out to be the best advice. We got in the car and I was beginning to feel the kind of contractions I felt when first put on pitocin with the other two, and, yet, I halfheartedly suggested we take a video clip of us all in the car on our way. Jim grabbed the camera and took a quick clip. The kids were a picture of excitement.
As we drove on our very bumpy roads, the ones that hadn’t been repaved since the 60’s and were scheduled to be repaved next month of all months, I recalled a friend telling me to go to the hospital early because I was going to hate all the bumps in the road during contractions. That, too, would have been good advice to heed. I remember gripping the door handle and the dash a couple times. I told Jim, “Wow, these are really close. Did you time that one?” He got distracted timing the contractions and missed a turn to get to the hospital the quickest. We argued a few seconds over which way to go, and how could he have done that, and he finally admitted, “Well, you distracted me!” Andrew began to whimper in the back as Jim turned the car around. I thought he was scared something was wrong with Mommy, but he cried out, “You mean no we go to the ‘hopsible’ to have Mommy’s baby? We laughed and explained to him that we were still going.
We got to the hospital and walked in with just what we needed for labor and delivery; my bag and the cameras. We got upstairs and I remember not feeling like smiling. The admit nurse greeted me and was ready; knew my history, “You’re the Tami with the four-hour labor and the three-hour labor; we thought you’d be looking worse by the time you got here.” I told her I felt bad enough. As soon as I got in the room, I was feeling pretty helpless. Jim settled the kids on the couch, then he and the nurse were talking, and I just wanted him to help me into my gown quickly.
As soon as I got into the bed, I was in more pain than I had ever had. I was catching my breath and panicking, gripping the bed fiercely. The nurse examined me, and upon examination, jumped in high gear. I was at a 10 she said, and there is a head right there. “Tami, are you feeling a lot of pressure like you need to push?” I really didn’t. My Mom rushed in next. It was a bit past 2:30; maybe 2:40. Mom greeted me, and Jim, noticing my condition, quickly sent the kids out with her. She later commented that she thought I looked comfortable; she hadn’t known how far along I was. I was only in severe pain for about 15 to 20 minutes, as the anesthesiologist was nearby and gave me a spinal promptly.
From 3:00 on, I was feeling good, and so excited. The spinal made me itch intensely, but it completely numbed me. I couldn’t feel the contractions and wasn’t in any hurry to push. If I had been serious about pushing in the beginning, the baby would have came within a few minutes, but, as it was, I got my bearings and had a few practice pushes. My doctor came in and was readying everything. She broke my water, and commented that it was a tough bag of water; that under most circumstances, being at a five for weeks and then laboring to a 10 and not breaking the water is rather rare. Finally, I concentrated for a few more pushes. Our new baby girl was born at 3:37; perfect and sweet.
I would love to do my labor and delivery experiences over and over again if I could. I think I will always long for that again, but as it is, this will be our last. It was quite an exciting time, and a memory I will treasure forever.

"Tackle It Tuesday" #3

I was over at Mom's all day, visiting with the kids, so all I had time to 'tackle' when I got home was dinner--which went over well. I did 'tackle' teaching my mother how to log onto the computer and get to my blog--hopefully, she will remember. This new technology stuff makes her a bit nervous (in this way, she makes herself seem more old-fashioned than she really is--she's only 51!)--plus, she's so practical about homemaking and working with her hands to accomplish big things, that being on the computer seems like just a waste of time. Well, I'd have to say she's right,...it really is...it can be...yes, sometimes...she's always adding a healthy dose of reality as the other voice of reason in my life (that's after Jac--in case you missed that post). Yet, I am still compiling my case for blogging, and will share it when it's complete. However, I do know that there will always be those individuals in my life whom I will not be able to convince.

Well, I guess if I am going to be 'wasting' my time at the computer, it would be more luxurious to have an organized/cute computer armoire to sit at. Here is what I have been putting off... First, I will pull all the stuff out, and purge/containerize, then, I want to make some fabric & ribbon bulletin boards on the doors to organize notes, calendar, etc. I think this will be more fun than 'real' housework, I've got to admit...and next week I will show how I have tackled this project.

MY ORGANIZING TIP OF THE WEEK:

Clutter your notebook, not your mind. If you think of things that need to get done, just write in on your to-do list. However, if you never check off items from the list, that can weigh on your mind just as heavy. So, make sure you are steadily chipping away at those projects. Enlist help from others if you need to. Those who really care about you are usually flattered and excited to be able to help--to them, your projects are more fun than their own. Trade off spending a morning helping at each others homes.

"Menu Plan Monday" #4

I continue to add new features to this weekly column on my blog, so here is a run down of where it is at:

From time to time, I may include stories, cooking philosophies, cookbook critiques, kitchen, product and food photos, new ideas, tips, my favorites, etc. I will be beginning a Reference & Resources list in the side bar (or somewhere on this page) to link to previously mentioned items and get all the info.

As far as the menu plan goes, this week I have included some theme nights (like 'Breakfast for Dinner', 'Soup & Sandwiches', etc.), which can be fun because you can use the same themes week-to-week or several times a month by just changing up the ingredients and/or dishes. I also will name a feature recipe of the week, which is a dish I am excited about trying, or one I've already tried and love.

I may give the full recipes, or, in today's case, only ingredients and basic process that I used. Where I have not referred to a source, the recipe is my own. Most of my cooking, as I've said before, is original, but study/research varying recipes I come across and create my own version. After awhile of doing this, you learn to look at the pantry or refrigerator stocks, and just come up with multiple ideas for putting foods together from the top of your head. This is when cooking begins to feel like art.

Saturdays and Sundays may or may not be included in the menu plan. I am finding it hard to plan the weekends on Monday, since my cooking is so often determined by what foods/produce need to be used up next. Sometimes, it will make sense, like when there is company coming or a special event. Often weedends will include outdoor grilling after working outside. That brings me to confess, that I haven't been following my menu plans completely. As we get through the week, I may fall back on something simpler, or do leftovers more when it's necessary. However, it is always good to have a plan--to aid in grocery shopping, for one, and to assure the week run smoothly after 5 o'clock. I am never caught without ideas, at least.

Finally, for the sake of planning and organization, I have ended the column with my Kitchen "To Do's" for the week. Here is where I put down additional tasks, that take advanced time and prep work to complete.

This Week's Menu Plan

Monday-(Feature Recipe of the Week)

Grilled Salmon, Vegetable-Cheese Frittata, w/ sauteed onions, orange bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, asparagus, green beans, basil, egg whites, cottage cheese, and shredded three-Italian cheese blend for topping, seasoned w/ kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, & Spring Greens w/ homemade vinaigrette

Tuesday-
Breakfast for Dinner Night~Dutch Babies (sometimes also called German pancakes and oven pancakes~I make my batter in the blender with whole grains that have been soaked overnight--see Breakfasts & Blender Batter Baking, by Sue Gregg) w/ blended cottage cheese/honey sauce & blueberries, sausage-sweet potato bake (B&BBB, p. 155), spring greens with vinaigrette (to add some green!)

Wednesday-
Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Pasta w/ vegetables (my take on Rachael Ray's Recipe Makeover from her show, 4/23), salad or fruit


Thursday-
Soup & Sandwiches Night~Butternut Squash & Sun-dried Tomato Soup (Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon, p. 228) w/ Roast Beef sandwiches, salad

Friday-
Leftovers Night

This Week's Kitchen "To Do's"

~Begin a new batch of sourdough starter
~Make another batch of jam from our frozen raspberries
~Clean out (make room in) kitchen refrigerator-freezer

Planet Earth

Jac, our resident 'Planet Earth' photographer, captured this breathtaking scene of Mt. Hood on his recent flight to Brazil. Unfortunately, it was dark (both ways) flying over the Amazon Rainforest.

"I lift my eyes up to the mountains--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2

Happy Earth Day, 2007!

Did you know that if the earth's land were divided up equally among all of its inhabitants, we would each own 4 acres? What are you doing to preserve your part of the planet; to leave behind a place that is healthy and of some value to the next generation?

Never really thought I'd be saying that...as a conservative Christian, I guess I just usually, and probably without really thinking, distance myself from secular, humanistic agendas, and I am turned off by those who seem to 'worship' nature instead of Creator. Besides, our treasure is supposed to be in heaven, right? However, going along with our last series of teaching at church, I have been putting more thought into secular and global issues because it is exactly that closed-mindedness, of Christians like myself, which turns off so many who need to know our Savior.

Have you seen the "ground-breaking 11-part series, Planet Earth, that was 5 years in the making, 2,000 days of filming, 204 locations..."? We have been watching it on Discovery for the past few weeks. It really is amazing and has affected me...I have been seeing the world around me differently because of these amazing photographers. They captured such dramatic, mostly never-before-seen (or filmed) nature events. I couldn't believe how many things from nature I had never seen or even heard of before!...Jim heard that this project had no limitations of the budget, but only the assignment to succeed in making the best documentary on the Planet!

On another documentary I saw this weedend, "Green, the new Red, White, and Blue", there were other interesting facts--mostly ones that made you really stop and evaluate how you can save energy and reduce waste. Now, this has always been something I felt was important. I have always done the an environmental unit in the classrooms I've taught, which included a fun recycling project. The object of this project was simply to make something useful out of what we would normally throw away. The kids loved this project and it got them thinking creatively about new uses for things.

The idea to take away here is that this world exceeds anything man could ever fully understand, and every awesome aspect of nature speaks to the amazing God who made it all. The Bible even speaks of how all of nature praises Him (Psalm 148). And, yes, this God put man here to "fill the earth and subdue" it (Genesis 1:28), but He also wants us to take care of it out of respect for Him who made it.

"You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet." Psalm 8:6

"What Have You Been Up To Lately?"

I thought I'd go ahead and post an email I sent to my sister-in-law today, in resonse to her question: "What have you been up to lately?" There's something interesting about how personal letters/emails capture such a candid snapshot of the little details of life. Here is a pic of Mindi and I at her wedding.

"Min-
Thanks, for the email. There are days when I longingly remember the life I had (all 16 months of it)when it was just Jim and I, and you trying to decide what to do on a day off reminded me of that, today. As well as when I saw part of a scene on tv where a husband called his wife from work and said, "Meet me at Alexander's for dinner at seven." She showed up in a pretty red dress...don't get me wrong, my life is fulfilling, but often in a less peaceful and glamorous way.

Jim got back from Brazil yesterday morning, and visited us in class at co-op on his way home from the airport. We came home and had a picnic lunch on the deck, then, he spent the rest of the nice-weather-day mowing and moving dirt with his tractor, while the kids played outside, and I went for a five mile walk. I weighed myself this morning and had apparently lost 4 pounds just yesterday!

We left for softball practice at 4:30 (Jim's coaching, so I'm 'the coach's wife' which makes me in charge of fun things--like handing out papers and uniforms yesterday--but I like to get in there and dirty practicing with the girls, too, when I can--which means when it's not in the 40s, pouring rain, and blowing 30 mph--which it was the last practice I came to, so I had to stay in the car with Catie--and then, Andrew, after he got too wet and cold.

Next, we all went straight to AWANA after softball where I 'pulled my hair out' because I had a headache, was hungry, tired, and the kids were SO LOUD--kind of ironic that we had to fill out a questionaire that very night on our intentions to help with club next year--Jim had to be my voice of reason on that one--I was in no frame of mind to say 'yes' right then--but he clarified that WE both wanted to be Sparks leaders at least one more year because we could do it together with Jess and Drew on a team together--and lastly, we were home at 8:30 where I GOT to make dinner. Luckily, we had decent leftovers and I whipped together a salad. As I was putting Cate in her high chair and removing her jacket, I saw a label stuck across her tummy that read 'PIG'--I remembered her nursery teachers were holding a labeler when I dropped her off (I assumed they were using it to label cubbies or toy bins), but it clicked that perhaps they were playing a joke with us because Catherine always crams down all the Cheerios at snack time--pretty funny. Yes, I do feed her. She gets 2 or 3 'dinners' on busy days like yesterday. She sat in her stroller and snacked all through softball practice, so I guess the label fits.

Love, Tami"

Jesus Back Where He Belongs

This story was emailed to me today:

UNITED STATES MAP--"A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, "Go into the other room, and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today." After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised, and asked how she had finished so quickly. "Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belongs, then our country just came together."

'Curlers 101'

Since there was a question about this week's "Wordless Wednesday" (see previous post) photos, I decided to do another post about 'curlers'...with words..

I got started doing curlers because my mother is a 'beautician', or hair stylist, as we call it these days. I remembered going to bed with sponge curlers in my hair, and I do the same with my daughters...I'll have to ask Mom just how many generations this ritual has been passed down...

Me, age 2

Well, I used to do this a lot with Jessica, but not so much with Cate. Her hair is so stick- straight, that it takes more to get hers to curl. She looks SO different with curls--or even waves!

I just put the curlers in after a bath. Baby thin hair is easy to roll up, and dries quickly. The key (and the tricky part) is to leave them in until they are completely dry--so overnight.

I try to do it just before bed, let her run around a bit while I am watching, so that I can distract her if she tries to pull them out. She soon forgets about them. Then, when they are about dry, I put her to bed where she may leave them in if she goes to sleep quickly. Worst case, she pulls out the ones in the front before falling asleep, but that hair is usually, at the least, wavey. I only trouble myself with this for special events, or when I'm feeling especially vain about perfecting my child's already precious looks: Easter Sunday, weddings, portraits...

The next morning, you want to take out the curlers and 'finger'-comb through the hair and shape/style with your hands. Brushing turns it into an 'afro'. If it is way too curly, loosen curls a bit with damp hands (I never have that problem with Cate!). Lightly spray to hold in place.

"Wordless Wednesday" # 2: Curlers

God is Good

The following is a good reminder for us to remember God is in control in times of trouble, even though we do not understand it all. This is written by Bill Perkins, of Million Mighty Men ministry.

"Today I'm asking, "Why would someone kill 32 people, most of them kids, at Virginia Tech? (I can't write the words without seeing the bloody image of a victim being carried out on of a building). Behind that question lingers a harder question: Why would God allow such a terrible thing to happen?

If a friend who's hurting asks you that question the best answer is no answer. Just silence and a hug, a tear, and a prayer.

Of course, hundreds of books have been written which attempt to answer the question: Why does God allow suffering? While no answer removes the pain of a loss, I've found that with understanding comes comfort and hope. I've discovered in the Bible a number of truths:

First, life is difficult and God is good. Just as an artist uses black paint to make shadows, without which a painting would have no contrast, so God uses hardship in our lives. In Romans 8:28 Paul declares that God uses "all" things for the good of those who love him.

Second, God allows us to suffer to enable us to comfort others. The person who has been wrapped in the blanket of God's comfort is best able to offer it to a hurting friend. A parent who has grieved the loss of a child is best able to offer comfort to another grieving parent. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Third, God allows us to suffer to show us our weakness so we can rely on his strength. Paul said he suffered so that, "we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).

Fourth, while my losses may confound and anger me, God knows what he's doing. Job freely challenged the goodness and wisdom of God after the loss of his family, wealth and health. After God had addressed his questions, Job said, "I spoke of things I did not understand. Things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 41:3).

Fifth, while God created man with the potential to do evil, God is not responsible for evil and suffering. We are. The choice to sin and walk away from God brought with it many consequences--including suffering and death.

I know that when I hurt the most, while the pain lingered, the assurance that God is up to something good gave me strength. I think the psalmist said it best: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . .
'Be still, and know that I am God'" (Psalm 46:1-2, 10). "

Steadfast at Home

Here is the site description from New Harvest Homestead , an email newsletter. This purpose statement supports what I value based on how I was raised, my parents were raised, and on down the line. There is more to the country life than one might think.
"The word "homestead" tends to evoke an image of pioneers living off of the land. However, we have come to embrace the literal meaning of the word which, simply put, means to be "steadfast at home". We want to encourage and assist Christians in rediscovering the practical skills and home arts which were once commonplace in our culture, but have been all but lost to the last couple of generations. We especially want to encourage women who want to give the majority of their time and energy to their families and homes, in contrast to a culture where women are constantly on the go. The rewards of the homestead or home-centered lifestyle are manifold. Life becomes quieter and less complicated. There is a great joy and satisfaction in working with our own two hands to provide for our family's needs. Most importantly, the more we interact with God's creation, the better we get to know the Creator Himself."

"But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

"Menu Plan Monday" #3

This week is going to be low key, with Jac gone on business (Brazil). I cooked a roast in the crock pot Sunday, so I will be doing some roast beef recipes* (see below), as well as using the fresh fruit and vegetables the kids and I picked up at Costco after church yesterday (strawberries, grapes, bananas, blueberries, lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, & cucumbers).

These fruits and veggies will be lunch and snacks for the kids this week, along with yogurt, cheese sticks, & turkey sandwiches. My lunches will be salads, fresh fruit, and turkey, swiss, and carmelized red peppers and onions on Melba toast*.

We had hot Bob's Red Mill muesli* (whole grain oats, wheat, rye, barley, triticale, date pieces, raisins, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almond slices, and chopped walnuts) for breakfast this morning--yum!

Another new thing I tried and liked from Costco, is the sparkling juice, Talking Rain Ice (all natural, 5 calories).

So, I guess this sums it up for this week--I'll plan the menu out more specifically again next week.

RECIPES

*my favorite Roast Beef Ideas--(shredded beef)--

1. French Dip Sandwiches--heat leftover broth (with fat skimmed after cooling) on stovetop in a small saucepan, pour into small bowls, and serve with roast beef on toasted buns (add carmelized onions, and swiss cheese, if desired).

2. BBQ Beef Sandwiches--roast beef on toasted buns with barbecue sauce (We like Sweet Baby Ray's from Costco) and melted cheddar.

3. Enchildadas/Burritos

4. Shepherd's Pie

*carmelize red peppers and onions, that have been sliced into thin strips, by cooking in olive oil on high heat, and occasionally stirring, until they 'melt' down and are thick, with a golden color. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. This is a sweet/savory topping for quesadillas, eggs, sandwiches, etc.

*Muesli recipes

Hot Muesli--soak 2 cups muesli in 4 cups water overnight. The next morning, add a couple pinches of salt and cook on medium-low for 15-20 minutes. Cool & serve with favorite toppings.

Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies--(from the package)

1 cup muesli

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

2/3 cup applesauce

3/4 cup brown sugar (or rapadura)

6 oz. chocolate chips (or carob chips)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

Mix wet ingredients, then, add in dry ingredients that have been sifted together. Mix well and place on cookie sheets. Bake @ 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Just a Walk in the Park

Last week, the kids had morning swimming lessons in O.C., so on the way home one day, we grabbed lunch and stopped at Willamette park on the way home . Luckily, I remembered that I had my camera with me in the car, so I was able to snap these photos.

It was nice to have the park all to ourselves for the hour, or so, that we were there. Two ducks came within a foot of Cate, and she was brave. She picked up wood chips and pretended to 'feed' them, while tossing the wood towards them. As Jess and Drew came over, their size intimidated the ducks, who turned and waddled off. The big kids were excited to lead Catherine around the play equipment, and to watch her toddler antics as she tried climbing, swinging, and sliding on the jungle gym. There was a lot of laughing and friendly interaction amongst them. "Jess,... look! I can jump from here!" "That's cool, buddy! I'm too afraid to try that." I had a 'mommy moment' then. As I watched the three playing together, I reflected on the scene earlier at swimming lessons, when Jessica found herself near the rope dividing Andrew's group from her own. I saw her stretch across the rope and give him a hug, and he hugged her back. They were genuinely and innocently happy to see each other.

These are times I cherish with my children--we love to have our own adventures and explore, and, homeschooling allows us the time, space, and freedom to learn in this way, and has given us more of an opportunity to strengthen the bond of friendship amongst siblings.

"Wordless Wednesday" #1: Oh, the Comforts of a Blankie...

"Tackle It Tuesday" #2

Well, here it is... Tuesday again!......I have finished with last Tuesday's challenge. Here are the before and after pics. I still need to spend time reorganizing the cupboards in this room (a lot of clutter there), but at least the clutter is gone from the floor. This is a step in the right direction...






So, the laundry room project got me going the rest of the week...well, along with company coming for Easter dinner...so I organized 4 junk drawers from the kitchen. (Yeah, you're thinking, "Who needs 4 junk drawers," right? Not me, anymore!) So, I emptied the contents of all 4 drawers into a huge plastic container (see pic), reorganized, and here is the result. There are 3 drawers shown, and the 4th is EMPTY~a beautiful thing~

Along with the junk drawers, I tackled the message center~

So, here are some of my next organizing goals~ areas that need attention next are: laundry room cupboards, the homeschool cupboard, the computer armoire, my craft station,...and ALL the bedrooms/closets upstairs...ugh.

MY ORGANIZING TIP OF THE WEEK:

This may go without saying, but...just get started. Energy and inspiration come from starting the dreaded projects.

First tackle a cluttered space by emptying it (use large containers and store them in the garage until you have time to purge further)

"Menu Plan Monday" #2

A Cook's Passion

Those of you who have seen my kitchen know that I have a rather sizable collection of cookbooks. Fortunately, our kitchen is equipped with a nice section of open bookshelves which keeps this collection handy, and I do use my cookbooks, although I have always wanted a sign in my kitchen that reads "So many recipes...so little time...," because it is so true. I have always been fascinated by the endless number of recipes and variations.

I love to read cookbooks, watch the Food Network, and browse through kitchen stores (some of my favorites being: Sur La Table, Kitchen Kaboodle, Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel.) I also have a collection of DeMarle, Pampered Chef, and other products due to a number of party demos I've been invited to over the years. At one demo, I was struck by the sales rep's pitch that the kitchen is a woman's shop where she needs a number of quality tools to do the job right, and that we work in our kitchens every day, so it is worth investing in good tools.

I have developed a real passion for cooking. I love to create recipes, and am known for being incapable of following any recipe exactly as it was originally written. Anybody else? I feel like a 'mad scientist' in the kitchen. I enjoy dishes with dynamic flavors, and contrasting colors and textures. To cook is to be an artist, and the dish is the canvas.


I hope everyone had a great EASTER! This week's menu plan has, of course, been determined by the amount of holiday leftovers that need to be used up.


Monday: grilled sirloin steak, mashed potatoes (leftover), peas & carrots, home-canned peaches with cottage cheese, angel food cake with lemon glaze and fresh strawberries (leftover)

Tuesday: mushroom, ham, & asparagus strata (leftover ham), field greens w/ strawberries, pecans, & orange-balsamic vinaigrette

Wednesday: Italian meatballs, steamed broccoli, parmesan breadsticks, and pasta salad (leftover)

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: stir fry w/ chicken

Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts--April 2007

Each month I write the Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts column for the Hearts @ Home mom's group newsletter. Here is the installment for this month:

There is a lot to get done in a day, so find creative ways to double up on chores--fold clothes in the hall or clean the bathroom while keeping an eye on kids in the tub, bathe your toddler in the kitchen sink after his messy meal, while you do the dishes in the other half (if you have a double sink), practice memory verses, math facts, phonics, or spelling with your kids while driving in the car, read to the kids while they finish eating, and, always be sure you take the time to teach each child how to do the chores himself.
Save and store old flat sheets in a drawer of your television cabinet to spread out for TV or movie night picnics. Relax when the kids want to snack with you in the family or living rooms, knowing there is a simple way to collect the popcorn crumbs and ice cream drips and protect your furniture and floors from stains. Keep a container of baby wipes there, as well, for easy clean up.

Make a homemade growth chart to record your children's yearly growth. Using a 3/4"x 4"x 5 1/2 ' board from a builder's supply store (have them cut for you to the specified measurements), paint the entire board your choice of color, and allow to dry. Using a contrasting paint, add horizontal dashes up the middle of the board for each inch starting with 12" (1 foot), and going up to 6 foot, 6 inches. Mark each foot with a longer dash. Label each foot by freehand painting or stenciling the numbers 1-6 next to the appropriate dashes. At the top, paint or stencil "Our Growth Chart". Decorate the board with 1x2" close-up birthday portraits shrunk down using photo-editing software and printing from your computer. Paste the photos onto the board near the height of your child for their corresponding ages. Using a foam brush or paintbrush, spread satin finish mod podge over the photos and the entire board; allow to dry well (mod podge dries completely clear and adds a protectant coat and sheen over the photos). Using paint and a fine-tipped paintbrush or a paint pen, label the child's initials, age, and inches where they belong on the chart. Mount the growth chart one foot up on the wall. Use this chart to mark your child's growth yearly, and continue to add photos and labels that correspond. This growth chart will be a special memento of childhood, and can be taken with you from house to house if you move.

"Tackle It Tuesday" #1

Can't wait to see what the rest of you tackle today...as for me, I have been motivated by D, my good friend, and "Tackle It Tuesday" comrad who inspires quite often with her "go-getter" personality, to work on that 'catch-all'--the laundry/mudroom.

I will update this post with before and after photos as I progress...

"Menu Plan Monday" #1

There is a website, 5MinutesForMom, that gives witty quips to blogging topics for the days of the week. For example, Tuesdays are titled "Tackle It Tuesdays", and whoever visits can read blogs of other moms who have tackled a problem for their Tuesday and shared it as a way to stay inspired and motivated to get tough tasks done. They have other topic days, which I haven't explored so much yet, but this concept gave me the idea to come up with my own special topics for the different days of the week, and topic names with alliteration. So, I am working on that.

I am blogging into Tuesday, now, but I was thinking Mondays could be "Menu Plan Mondays" where I can share the menu ideas I'm planning for the week. Please share your favorite menu ideas with me, as well! So here goes...

M baked salmon, baked sweet potato fries, asparagus, strawberry- citrus pound cake trifle

T easy chicken pot pie, salad

W Thai-chicken pizzas on whole-wheat flatbread, fresh fruit salad

T leftovers night

F (Good Friday--Jac off work--special family breakfast and
coloring Easter eggs tradition)
streusseled coffee cake w/ blueberries, hard-boiled eggs, fruit

BBQ--burgers with white cheddar, avocado, and grilled onions,
baked beans, salad

Sa/Su--Family Easter celebrations--ham, scalloped potatoes, salads, deviled eggs, rolls, desserts, etc.

Phew!

Well, it has been 10 days now, and Cate is still doing well with potty training. Phew! She has wetting accidents once in awhile, but not the other, and she quickly does her business whenever she sits down on the toilet--no messing around now. She does a big surprise face, where her little mounth makes a big 'O', and opens her eyes really wide whenever she hears a 'tinkle'... or 'plop', and then she smiles really big and acts very proud of herself. I tell you, it is the most fun one can have with bathroom business.

We drove to Bend over the weekend, so I took the potty chair in the car. We drove all the way there, stopped and ate lunch, then, finally, I remembered to take her potty--and she stayed dry that entire time--almost 4 hours!

Those of you who are not yet parents just don't get why this is worthy of being such a topic of discussion, but believe me when I tell you how great it feels to be successful at a feat such as this--and the first time you work at it with the child! It gets your hopes and dreams going--"my child is brilliant and so disciplined...at this rate, she'll be reading by 3, and reciting poetry ..." No, just kidding, but it does make a parent feel accomplished.