Happy Easter!
Jesus is Alive!!!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Happy Birthday, Ashlyn!!! 2 years old!
Today is Ashlyn's birthday!
She turned 2!
She's the sweet girl we all love on every day!
She's almost got all her eye teeth. Blond hair. Blue eyes. She still writes marker on her hands and not always on paper (as you can see here). She says everything! Anything! She loves cucumbers and green beans! She sings "Jesus loves me ... I know."
Take a look at our darling today! (Can't tell here but she's still got the runs! Keep praying.)
Hadassah put these letters up for Ashlyn today. Then she did a 'photo session' with her! :)
She's two years old.
Cute as ever.
Opening up her gift from us.
New flip flops ... her favorite shoe besides her rain boots.
Sunglasses from Hadassah.
A new sticker book! She has just about finished her other two books. This girl loves to put stickers in their right spot. Peel and stick! :)
We are so blessed to have Ashlyn in our family! She's such a delight! We love you so much 'sweet pea'. You are our 'cutie pa-tutie'! "Sweetie peetie".
She turned 2!
She's the sweet girl we all love on every day!
She's almost got all her eye teeth. Blond hair. Blue eyes. She still writes marker on her hands and not always on paper (as you can see here). She says everything! Anything! She loves cucumbers and green beans! She sings "Jesus loves me ... I know."
Take a look at our darling today! (Can't tell here but she's still got the runs! Keep praying.)
New flip flops ... her favorite shoe besides her rain boots.
We are so blessed to have Ashlyn in our family! She's such a delight! We love you so much 'sweet pea'. You are our 'cutie pa-tutie'! "Sweetie peetie".
Easter Season ... #1.
Part 1 ~
Good Friday = the day a long time ago that our Lord, our Jesus, the Saviour of the World died on the cross for me. For you. For the whole wide world! For all those who receive the free gift of eternal life!
This day is a special day that we reflect on the death of Jesus on the cross. No school. No work. Just reading and reflecting about Jesus.
After everyone was awake and Ashlyn had two over light eggs eaten, we sat down as a family and watched a kids movie telling the life of Jesus. It started with His birth and went through His miracles. His healings of the blind made well. His teachings and parables. Then it showed His disciples and the Last Supper.
We watched as Jesus went before Pilot and Herod on trial. Then crucified.
He died such a brutal death! One being beaten. Spit upon. Hair pulled. A crown of thorns smashed down, piercing into his head. He carried a cross. He bleed. His blood poured out for me.
BUT ... the story doesn't end in defeat! NO ... on the third day ~ EASTER DAY ~ Jesus rose from the dead! He arose!!! He's alive!
Good Friday = the day a long time ago that our Lord, our Jesus, the Saviour of the World died on the cross for me. For you. For the whole wide world! For all those who receive the free gift of eternal life!
This day is a special day that we reflect on the death of Jesus on the cross. No school. No work. Just reading and reflecting about Jesus.
After everyone was awake and Ashlyn had two over light eggs eaten, we sat down as a family and watched a kids movie telling the life of Jesus. It started with His birth and went through His miracles. His healings of the blind made well. His teachings and parables. Then it showed His disciples and the Last Supper.
We watched as Jesus went before Pilot and Herod on trial. Then crucified.
He died such a brutal death! One being beaten. Spit upon. Hair pulled. A crown of thorns smashed down, piercing into his head. He carried a cross. He bleed. His blood poured out for me.
BUT ... the story doesn't end in defeat! NO ... on the third day ~ EASTER DAY ~ Jesus rose from the dead! He arose!!! He's alive!
After the movie and some discussion, we made a big breakfast. Creamed beef, toast, eggs, bacon and warm pears! Yummy! Mike was off for some golf and the kids and I hung out here at home. Last night, we went to Matt Lapps and enjoyed pizza and fellowship ... in between caring for Ashlyn. :/
We've been slammed with a flu bug the past few days. Matthew and Ashlyn were taking turns throwing up. Matthew is better but Ashlyn is stilling having a major case of the runs. Poor girl. Please pray for her and for complete healing on her small stomach!
Remember the death of our Lord today. He died so that we can be set free from sin.
Pen pals!
It all started with a simple phone call at 6:57 AM, Wednesday!
I was getting the kids their breakfast and getting ready to pack two lunches. Hadassah's class was going on a field trip today and I wasn't sure if she needed a lunch to take along. I called a friend from school that also had a child going on the trip. She said that they did not need a lunch. She also said that she was planning to go along and chaperon, but one of her girls had just woke up not feeling well. I made two quick calls and found a baby sitter for Ashlyn and I volunteered to take her place on the field trip.
Going to an old folks home was something I didn't do for years. When I was much younger, Rosa and I would go with Lynn to a old folks home and wheel them down to a room and play bingo with them. It's an experience I will never forget. Thanks Lynn for the taking us along way back then!
Seeing the fifth graders talk and get acquainted with the old folks was a bit awkward at first. They rehearsed at school with what questions would be appropriate to ask old folks. They even did some drills of sticking cotton balls in their ears ... hard hearing. Putting on glasses that were fogged up ... bad eye sight. Etc.. Etc.. Just to get a feel of how it must be be old. But, even after those drills, it still took a bit of smiles and giggles before they got the older person to say their name. :)
Each student had a Pen pal from the retirement home. They each made a gospel track for their pen pal and then on the field trip, they would get to meet that person and spend the morning with them. Hadassah's pen pal lady was sick, so we couldn't get to meet her. Bummer. Instead, she doubled up with Jenna and spent most of our time their with "Emily". They played two games. Made a gospel bracelet with the old folks. Ate grilled cheese and tomato soup with the elderly and then shared their track and bible verses with them. The whole trip was so neat! Thanks to Miss Kreider for organizing it! Great idea!
"Emily" was a sweet 'old' lady. She turns 92 in July. She told us about her favorite memories. Her deceased husband and wonderful two sons. Her wedding day and that they had chicken salad sandwiches and a white cake served at their reception! :) Her favorite food is cheesecake! She said as a little girl she lived on a farm and was right across the field from her school. She excepted Christ in her heart at age 8!!! A long, old Christian soldier was sitting right across from us all morning!
Hadassah was still able to give her small gift of a pansy flower and the track she made to her Pen pal. One of the retirement home employees made sure that her Pen pal would receive her gifts! I still wish we could have met her lady. Maybe, maybe we can go back in a few weeks and see her!?!
Spending time with older people was a great reminder for me to appreciate my health and all that I have! Everything good comes from God! I am thankful for my husband and kids!!!
I was getting the kids their breakfast and getting ready to pack two lunches. Hadassah's class was going on a field trip today and I wasn't sure if she needed a lunch to take along. I called a friend from school that also had a child going on the trip. She said that they did not need a lunch. She also said that she was planning to go along and chaperon, but one of her girls had just woke up not feeling well. I made two quick calls and found a baby sitter for Ashlyn and I volunteered to take her place on the field trip.
Going to an old folks home was something I didn't do for years. When I was much younger, Rosa and I would go with Lynn to a old folks home and wheel them down to a room and play bingo with them. It's an experience I will never forget. Thanks Lynn for the taking us along way back then!
Seeing the fifth graders talk and get acquainted with the old folks was a bit awkward at first. They rehearsed at school with what questions would be appropriate to ask old folks. They even did some drills of sticking cotton balls in their ears ... hard hearing. Putting on glasses that were fogged up ... bad eye sight. Etc.. Etc.. Just to get a feel of how it must be be old. But, even after those drills, it still took a bit of smiles and giggles before they got the older person to say their name. :)
Each student had a Pen pal from the retirement home. They each made a gospel track for their pen pal and then on the field trip, they would get to meet that person and spend the morning with them. Hadassah's pen pal lady was sick, so we couldn't get to meet her. Bummer. Instead, she doubled up with Jenna and spent most of our time their with "Emily". They played two games. Made a gospel bracelet with the old folks. Ate grilled cheese and tomato soup with the elderly and then shared their track and bible verses with them. The whole trip was so neat! Thanks to Miss Kreider for organizing it! Great idea!
"Emily" was a sweet 'old' lady. She turns 92 in July. She told us about her favorite memories. Her deceased husband and wonderful two sons. Her wedding day and that they had chicken salad sandwiches and a white cake served at their reception! :) Her favorite food is cheesecake! She said as a little girl she lived on a farm and was right across the field from her school. She excepted Christ in her heart at age 8!!! A long, old Christian soldier was sitting right across from us all morning!
Hadassah was still able to give her small gift of a pansy flower and the track she made to her Pen pal. One of the retirement home employees made sure that her Pen pal would receive her gifts! I still wish we could have met her lady. Maybe, maybe we can go back in a few weeks and see her!?!
Spending time with older people was a great reminder for me to appreciate my health and all that I have! Everything good comes from God! I am thankful for my husband and kids!!!
Monday, March 25, 2013
"Egg"cellant!
This is the Easter week. We are starting it with it snowing huge, white flakes outside. Not my preference ... but it looks gorgeous and we are warm and dry here inside. I always say, "If it's gonna be cold, it might as well snow." I usually mean this in "Winter" and not "Spring". Since the Spring weather just can't seem to get here soon enough for me and if it's cold anyway ... I guess I will welcome the snow. Snow in Spring? I can go with it. OK. :)))
However, I am really enjoying it this morning. I have Pandora playing Easter Songs on the Bose. Ashlyn is giving her 'baby Kate' and teddy bear a ride in her baby stroller. The heater is still turned on low in the family room. It's cozy!
Thinking about Easter seems a bit silly with the snow outside still coming down heavy. It does remind me of the verse, " ... wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." ~ Jesus
Here are my pansies and daisy's on the back porch. I hope they survive! :)
The children did some fun Easter projects in the Sunday School classes yesterday. Hadassah filled a large egg with Rice Krispie candy and then a cross inside. So neat! Hadassah's class also had a small seed they put in water and it grew into a small branch in no time! Really! I have to read up on the branch. It looks like an evergreen. It went from tiny to a small branch in an hour!
Matthew decorated a graham cracker with icing and candy! He said the icing is good! :)
With Easter on my mind and seeing a fun food to do this morning on a blog I have come to enjoy, I whipped up some Rice Krispie Eggs in no time flat! You can too if your into some fun!
However, I am really enjoying it this morning. I have Pandora playing Easter Songs on the Bose. Ashlyn is giving her 'baby Kate' and teddy bear a ride in her baby stroller. The heater is still turned on low in the family room. It's cozy!
Thinking about Easter seems a bit silly with the snow outside still coming down heavy. It does remind me of the verse, " ... wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." ~ Jesus
Here are my pansies and daisy's on the back porch. I hope they survive! :)
Here's the outside of my back door! Everything white and snowy!
The children did some fun Easter projects in the Sunday School classes yesterday. Hadassah filled a large egg with Rice Krispie candy and then a cross inside. So neat! Hadassah's class also had a small seed they put in water and it grew into a small branch in no time! Really! I have to read up on the branch. It looks like an evergreen. It went from tiny to a small branch in an hour!
Matthew decorated a graham cracker with icing and candy! He said the icing is good! :)
With Easter on my mind and seeing a fun food to do this morning on a blog I have come to enjoy, I whipped up some Rice Krispie Eggs in no time flat! You can too if your into some fun!
Melt some butter in a large pan. About 3 Tb. Melt one bag on marshmallows with the butter till everything is nice and creamy! Gooey! Stir in 6 cups Rice Krispies. Spray a plastic Easter Egg with cooking spray. Also, spray some on your fingers so that the gooey mixture will not stick on your fingers. Fill the egg half full and then place a chocolate egg (or I used a Robin Egg Candy). Fill the other half on the egg and press together. Open and set in an egg carton. Sprinkle with fun sugars or sprinkles too! I did two different egg sizes. I know the kids will enjoy these treats!!! :) This would be fun to make with them! I might do another batch with their help later in the week!?!
Enjoy the snow. I can see a Robin out by the pines watching it snow. I think it is confused! Matthew and I both said "Yippee" when we saw the first on the Robins showing up in our trees! I hope they don't mind too much!
Happy Easter Week!!!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Waiting ... for the "Spring" weather!
Burr. Shiver. It's cold outside! I don't mean to complain. I am so ready for some warmer weather! I don't think my seeds have been able to do a thing in the cold ground? But, I am so thankful that the sun is shining bright today! It lifts my mood against the coldness outside! (And maybe I should go check on my seeds? I might be surprised and see some sprouting! That would be exciting! : ) )
I have some random pictures to post today. Hadassah had some friends over the other weekend. The three of them had a blast together! They are chums!!!
They took my camera out back and did photo sessions of one another.
Hair curled! Smiles everyone!
They even snuck a few of Ashlyn in the midst of the girl fun!
Then they got creative and decided to paint an 'Easter Scene'. They got a board and some paint. They painted with their fingers and did a great job!
They gave the finished project to their wonderful teacher ... Miss. Kreider! They adore her!
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"Spring warmness ... please, please come! I keep going outside without my jacket and shoes! Mom keeps saying that I need warm weather to go outside barefoot! Please! Please come soon!" ~ Ashlyn
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Ashlyn is all into sticker books. She does it daily. A lot! She completed one book with no more stickers to pull off and restick. She is now on the second book! She loves, loves it! Right now, it's else the sticker books or the Jesus books!
Jesus books ~ All three kids loved these same books. I read them over and over in my own version and words. "Around and around and around went the stone. Zing. It hit the bear in the head. The bear fell dead!" This is my re inaction of David killing a bear. Ashlyn now says this herself and it sounds way too cute!!!
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Easter is right around the corner. Next weekend in fact! That's exciting to me. Reading over the Easter Story and reflecting on the death of Christ is always the best reminder for me that Christ died for me! On a cruel cross! For me!
Anyway, I responded to emails about the kids school Easter parties. I also searched on Pinterest with some fun foods to do with the kids over this time. There are some great ideas!
Last night, we had a family movie night! Here at home. It was great fun! I think we got three movies watched. Well, Mike and I fell asleep on the couch before 11 PM!!! During the movies, we ate popcorn and "Peep Smores"!
When I came across this idea ... I thought it was the coolest thing! Of course ... why not make a smores out of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow peeps?! Brilliant! I stacked the ingredients and then placed them under broil for just a bit and until the peeps began to get soft. We then topped them with the second crackers and yum! They were good!
I have some random pictures to post today. Hadassah had some friends over the other weekend. The three of them had a blast together! They are chums!!!
They took my camera out back and did photo sessions of one another.
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"Spring warmness ... please, please come! I keep going outside without my jacket and shoes! Mom keeps saying that I need warm weather to go outside barefoot! Please! Please come soon!" ~ Ashlyn
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Ashlyn is all into sticker books. She does it daily. A lot! She completed one book with no more stickers to pull off and restick. She is now on the second book! She loves, loves it! Right now, it's else the sticker books or the Jesus books!
Jesus books ~ All three kids loved these same books. I read them over and over in my own version and words. "Around and around and around went the stone. Zing. It hit the bear in the head. The bear fell dead!" This is my re inaction of David killing a bear. Ashlyn now says this herself and it sounds way too cute!!!
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Easter is right around the corner. Next weekend in fact! That's exciting to me. Reading over the Easter Story and reflecting on the death of Christ is always the best reminder for me that Christ died for me! On a cruel cross! For me!
Anyway, I responded to emails about the kids school Easter parties. I also searched on Pinterest with some fun foods to do with the kids over this time. There are some great ideas!
Last night, we had a family movie night! Here at home. It was great fun! I think we got three movies watched. Well, Mike and I fell asleep on the couch before 11 PM!!! During the movies, we ate popcorn and "Peep Smores"!
When I came across this idea ... I thought it was the coolest thing! Of course ... why not make a smores out of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow peeps?! Brilliant! I stacked the ingredients and then placed them under broil for just a bit and until the peeps began to get soft. We then topped them with the second crackers and yum! They were good!
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Have a great weekend!
Spending lots of time with the kids and Mike is the only major thing on my agenda this weekend!
Stay warm. :/
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Let's let "Spring" spring forth!!!
Got that? Happy First Day of Spring!!! I have been so looking forwards to this day!!! I know that the 20th of March is just another day on the calendar but it always says ... "First Day of Spring"!!! No matter what the weather is outside, cold or warm, it is now Spring in my mind! That's exciting! I already feel motivated to Spring clean. Ahh ... just kidding! :) I'll get my urge. I'll wait for it to come! :)
I love Spring time. It's the time of year that seems to wake up the earth! We are enjoying the robins in our tree's (and Matthew is working on getting rid of the black birds that every year seem to make all their nests in our pines.) The grass is slowly turning green. The bulbs in the ground are breaking through the dirt and will soon be tulips and johnny jumps!
Thinking about flowers is like theory for me! I love, love greenhouse shopping. Even if it means greenhouse window shopping for now and until the weather allows me to actually plant them in the ground. I just said last night to my mother-in-law that I can't wait to go visit the greenhouses!
I am thrilled to say that today will be that day! We are taking sister Jody out for her birthday. We plan to stop for some pansies and a gift for her. We will also eat lunch together somewhere? Her pick!
The first day of Spring is always the first opening day for Rita's Italian Ice too. I plan to surprise the kids this afternoon when I pick them up at school with going for some free ice! Hopefully, the weather will be nice and not give snow showers as it's predicted! :/ Let's have warmth and sun now!!! Would that be too much to ask our Lord? Never too much for Him!
I am energized by the sunshine this morning. Thank you Lord for the dose and rays that are streaming through my picture window right now!!!
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I realized the other day that I had a few more fun pictures from our Florida Family Vacation that I would still like to post ....
These two love, love Popsicles!
Hadassah made rose's out of play dough one afternoon. They had fun getting creative!
The sweet oranges that I juiced a lot of, I am still enjoying! We brought some along home and I had another fresh glass of fresh squeezed orange juice this morning!
Here are the awesome people that live with me! They are so cool!!! Love them all!!!
Our last day on the beach and enjoying the ocean!
All three kids loved the water! Ashlyn loved the waves! Matthew did not like the seaweed but liked the wet! Hadassah loved diving through the water and swimming!
I love Spring time. It's the time of year that seems to wake up the earth! We are enjoying the robins in our tree's (and Matthew is working on getting rid of the black birds that every year seem to make all their nests in our pines.) The grass is slowly turning green. The bulbs in the ground are breaking through the dirt and will soon be tulips and johnny jumps!
Thinking about flowers is like theory for me! I love, love greenhouse shopping. Even if it means greenhouse window shopping for now and until the weather allows me to actually plant them in the ground. I just said last night to my mother-in-law that I can't wait to go visit the greenhouses!
I am thrilled to say that today will be that day! We are taking sister Jody out for her birthday. We plan to stop for some pansies and a gift for her. We will also eat lunch together somewhere? Her pick!
The first day of Spring is always the first opening day for Rita's Italian Ice too. I plan to surprise the kids this afternoon when I pick them up at school with going for some free ice! Hopefully, the weather will be nice and not give snow showers as it's predicted! :/ Let's have warmth and sun now!!! Would that be too much to ask our Lord? Never too much for Him!
I am energized by the sunshine this morning. Thank you Lord for the dose and rays that are streaming through my picture window right now!!!
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I realized the other day that I had a few more fun pictures from our Florida Family Vacation that I would still like to post ....
These two love, love Popsicles!
Here are the awesome people that live with me! They are so cool!!! Love them all!!!
Our last day on the beach and enjoying the ocean!
All three kids loved the water! Ashlyn loved the waves! Matthew did not like the seaweed but liked the wet! Hadassah loved diving through the water and swimming!
One afternoon, I was sitting out on the back porch in Florida and Ashlyn was running through the towels on the washline. I love the way she is enjoying this. Oh, to be more FREE and LIVE LIFE MORE LIKE THROUGH A CHILD'S EYES!
HAPPY SPRING!!!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Bigger than any mountain!
Life ... sometimes the troubles and worries get heavy. And sometimes we ride on mountain tops.
Yesterday, Mike left for a golf outing for a few days, leaving me to care for the kids alone. We went to church and the devotional I read in the morning was the same thing that was shared in the church message. I like when that happens. It seems to be a double encouragement!
We got home from church and had lunch. The kids were entertaining themselves and I was sitting on the chair thinking and relaxing. Then, my relaxing turned into worrying. I sat worrying for those that are having a difficult time in life. I sat wondering if they will be OK? I reread the verses that encouraged me so much just a few hours earlier at church. I prayed. I even talked to a friend. Sometimes getting it out and 'off my chest' helps.
I know that God gives peace. Peace like a river.
Last night, was great! The kids and I enjoyed a night of laughter (a good dose) at our church talent show. There were so many skits that I laughed and laughed through. I like nights like these! Everyone needs them! The kids enjoyed it too! Especially, "Give Bessy, give. The babies gotta live!" It's still ringing in my head and I get smiles thinking about it!
I am writing all of this for those who are having a hard time in life. For those that need a little encouragement at times too. Like me. We attended a night of singing on Saturday night and they sang this song! It's an old favorite. I still like it and it's my reminder today to not get all worried about the things I can't change or help. Pray. Stop worrying! Trust God. Again. Trust Him. I need to set my focus on ALL my blessings that God gives me every day! Count them one by one!
Here's a song for you to start out your Monday strong! Strong in the Lord!!!
"Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Saturday, March 16, 2013
"Let it grow" ...
Some seeds have been planted in the ground last week. I hoped Spring was here to stay.
The kids are all into this song on the movie Lorax called "Let it grow". Yesterday, was the first I watched the movie and the song is really cool. It's got a catchy tone and one that kinda sticks in your head all day.
This week seemed to be wet and dreary. I am so ready for Spring to come and push Winter out the door! Officially, that first day of Spring is on Wednesday. (Yes, we will have a celebration!!!) I hope the sunshine comes on strong too!!! I wish my laziness and body wouldn't depend so much on the outside weather conditions. When we were in Florida, with the sunshine warm and bright, I felt like I could conquer the world! Lot's of energy! Now, back to the North and wet, cold and dreary, seems to give me no motivation to Spring clean or get aggressive with my yard sale collection to sell. That's why I am really hoping next week will be filled with sunshine and warmth! :)
I am again into my veggie melt tortillas for a healthy lunch. Yesterday, I put a tiny bit of butter on the bottom of my pan and then put a tortilla on top. I put asparagus, mushrooms, and left over roasted sugar peas (thanks to Costco, we can enjoy all these spring veggies now!) on top of my tortilla. I sprinkled on some feta cheese and shredded muenster cheese. I turned on the stove at low and left it warm up the veggies slowly. The cheese got all melty and the veggies soft, leaving my tortilla with a crispy crunch!
I sat down to eat this yummy lunch ... and yep, my healthy eater companion came too! Ashlyn was not about to miss out on this meal! I had already made her a sandwich (which she picked all apart) and she ate some sliced cucumbers. She loved my lunch! It thrills me how she eats veggies and what most people would think are 'adult foods'. Why is it that we serve the kids hot dogs and French fries and then the adults eat the salad and good burgers??? Maybe we may say "it's easier". Not really. If we can make the healthy foods for us to eat then maybe the little people would enjoy it too.? You might be surprised what your kids will eat after seeing you enjoying! :)
Hat's off to a good weekend!!! With a talent show written on my calendar ... we are sure to get some extra laughter in our hearts this weekend! I hope to get a good dose!!!
Here's the song I mentioned earlier. I hope it will bring you some Spring fever and a smile to your face. With the rain showers, I am sure my seeds will grow.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The first seeds are in the ground!!!
It seems like Spring has finally sprung!!! I am reminding myself that the lovely 50 degree days we've had all weekend may not be here to stay for good ... but I will enjoy them while they are here!
Saturday was 'Spring Clean up' around our house. It's a start! I have lots of weeds that still grow over the late fall/winter and I refuse to pull them when it's freezing cold outside. Because the weather was "Springy", I decided to dig in. Literally!!! I pulled weeds. I sprayed Round Up on some 'Larksburg' that I don't want to grow anymore and what seems to take over my front flower bed. I raked out old, dead pine needles from under the trees. I hoed the flower beds. Blew off the driveway. And, and even got the lawn mower out to mow up all the weeds in the back yard!
When Mike came home from work, we tilled the garden and worked up the dirt. Today, I stopped for some garden seeds! I first sprinkled on some organic fertilizer and lime and worked that in the dirt. Then I made some straight rows and planted!!! 2 packs of Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce. 2 packs of Champion Radishes. Olympia Hybrid Spinach. Tyee Hybrid Spinach. Dwarf White Blossom Sugar Peas. Imperator Carrots.
It's my start to another year of healthy, home grown foods!!! I have lots more I would like to plant, but it is only March so the tomatoes, peppers, butter crunch lettuce and other things will have to wait till we are frost free!!!
It's a feeling of blessings to be able to grow some of our own foods! We love when we can walk from the back porch and take a few steps to fresh, home grown veggies!!! I can't wait to see these seeds grow and then serve the foods to my family!
The first day of Spring is only a few days away and having changed our clocks for daylight savings time, makes me excited!!! Spring is such a wonderful season ... one of my favorites! I might have to make a stop at the greenhouse for some pansies and have some 'REAL LIFE' planted on my porch!!! :)
Enjoy the warmer days! Come on Spring ... we are ready!
Saturday was 'Spring Clean up' around our house. It's a start! I have lots of weeds that still grow over the late fall/winter and I refuse to pull them when it's freezing cold outside. Because the weather was "Springy", I decided to dig in. Literally!!! I pulled weeds. I sprayed Round Up on some 'Larksburg' that I don't want to grow anymore and what seems to take over my front flower bed. I raked out old, dead pine needles from under the trees. I hoed the flower beds. Blew off the driveway. And, and even got the lawn mower out to mow up all the weeds in the back yard!
When Mike came home from work, we tilled the garden and worked up the dirt. Today, I stopped for some garden seeds! I first sprinkled on some organic fertilizer and lime and worked that in the dirt. Then I made some straight rows and planted!!! 2 packs of Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce. 2 packs of Champion Radishes. Olympia Hybrid Spinach. Tyee Hybrid Spinach. Dwarf White Blossom Sugar Peas. Imperator Carrots.
It's my start to another year of healthy, home grown foods!!! I have lots more I would like to plant, but it is only March so the tomatoes, peppers, butter crunch lettuce and other things will have to wait till we are frost free!!!
It's a feeling of blessings to be able to grow some of our own foods! We love when we can walk from the back porch and take a few steps to fresh, home grown veggies!!! I can't wait to see these seeds grow and then serve the foods to my family!
The first day of Spring is only a few days away and having changed our clocks for daylight savings time, makes me excited!!! Spring is such a wonderful season ... one of my favorites! I might have to make a stop at the greenhouse for some pansies and have some 'REAL LIFE' planted on my porch!!! :)
Enjoy the warmer days! Come on Spring ... we are ready!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Back to cooking ...
Because vacation time is officially now over for me (at least for now :) ), I am back in the kitchen cooking for my family! It's a bummer that vacation is over but not a bummer to cook. I really enjoy making different foods and I love to search out new recipes!!!
This week I made a baby meal for my sister-in-law. Which, by the way, her baby is so, so adorable! We were waiting for TWO phone calls while we were on vacation. Calls from two sister-in-laws! We were so happy to hear that Addison (and she's a cutie too!!!) and Hunter arrived into the world safe and sound! Both moms are doing well! So many blessings!!!
Crispy Chicken Leg and Thigh was my meat choice for the baby meal. It turned out so moist and yet had a crispy skin. I will be making this recipe again! The 'deviled eggs' and 'roasted veggies' complimented my meal!
Another main dish I made this week is called "Fish Stick Supper". It's easy and delicious. I made some small changes to the original recipe. I cooked potatoes till they were soft and then shredded them. I mixed 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp. dill weed, some seasoned salt and pepper with my potatoes. I added some shredded cheese (about 1/2 cup) and mixed again. Pour into a greased 8x8 dish. Lay lots of fish sticks (or I used hand battered fish pieces which were totally yummy) on top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until fish is fully cooked. My family really enjoyed this and I will be making this again too!!! I served it with a fresh salad with 'apple chips' on top! If you ever ate at "Salad Works" they have these crispy apple chips you can order to be put on your salad. I found some at the grocery store and now I can add them to my salads too!
Hamburgers is something Matthew orders at a restaurant 'every single time' we go out to eat. Mike picked up another big load of fresh beef for the freezer last Saturday that mom and dad gave us for Christmas! "Thanks so much!!!" I absolutely love having the freezer stocked with great roasts, hamburger and steak. I REALLY love it when I know all the meat came from one of dad's good feed steers!!! This spoils me from not needing to buy red meat at the grocery store too! Anyway, Mike and Matthew were ready for some good hamburgers made from the excellent ground beef that's now in the freezer. I grabbed a bag of the ground beef and thawed it. Then I mixed it with some Zesty Italian Dressing, some bread crumbs and seasoned salt. I formed five burgers and cooked them on the stove. (I know the BEST hamburgers are cooked on the grill ... but our grill needs some attention before my grilling season begins!) I topped each burger with a slice of cheese and my family ate them with delight! A side of green beans was all I needed to make Ashlyn a happy eater too!
We ate more than just meat this week! :) I am into roasting my veggies! It's a way easy way to cook your vegetables and healthy! And delicious! Lay out your vegetables in a dish and splash on some olive oil and what ever seasonings you like. I used some thyme and dill and basil. Grind some sea salt and fresh pepper on top and roast them at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. I can't wait to do this with fresh asparagus!!! Maybe then I will then be able to convince my husband that those long veggie spears are really good!!! :)
While we were in Florida, we stopped at a "Trader Joe's". It was fun going up and down the isles looking at their healthy selections. It was more of a fun trip and not really a trip to get lots of food but I did pick up something I remembered being curious about. "Orzo". Orzo is a pasta but looks really similar to rice. It is small pieces of pasta that look almost like grains or sunflower seeds. I bought a small bag but waited to actually make it till we got back home. I melted some butter (1 Tb.) in a pan and then toasted the Orzo (about 1 cup) in it, stirring it constantly for about 3 minutes. Then I poured in 1 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 1/4 cup of water. I simmered that for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid was absorbed. Then I sprinkled in some basil, salt and pepper. I stirred in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and poured in a little bit of heavy cream to give it a nice, creamy texture! Oh, I thought it was so delicious. Probably something people like to call 'comfort food'! It wasn't too creamy or too dry. The Orzo had a little bit of gel or wet bite to it. Nothing dry. I thought of it maybe being something like when you eat tapioca. That gel texture with cream and herbs and warm! Way better than tapioca!!! I am so glad I still have some dry Orzo in my cupboard for another time!!!
Desserts is not something I normally serve after our supper meals. But, because we just came back from Florida and we are tempted to think we now need a sweet bite after our meals, I decided to make some cake. Nothing fancy. Nothing difficult. Normally, I try to 'think outside of the box' when it comes to baking cakes, but this time it was "cake from the box". I'm not sure if it's because of a childhood favorite or if it's because it's so easy to mix up and bake or if it's because the few 'from scratch' chocolate cakes I have made were not so good, but what ever the reason may be ... we love chocolate cake from Duncan Hines! Yep, that's the secret for this cake! It's light and fluffy and with white icing on top ... it's delicious! We gave four pieces away with the baby meal I made but the rest of it we all ate every single crumb! Canned peaches go so well with this chocolate cake!!! :) (Another childhood memory!!!)
With the cake all gone and Hadassah having Courtney and Laurie over tonight, I figured some cupcakes would make for a nice treat. "Yum Yum Cupcakes"! This I did make from scratch and they turned out scrumptious! That cream cheese and chocolate chip filling makes these cupcakes so tasty!
Well, the weekend is just beginning and we already had homemade pizza! I added some 'bread and butter' pickle slices to a small section of the pizza before baking it and those slices had everyone reaching for them!!! I'll remember that for the next time! Ashlyn can say pizza and she knows what it is, but when she saw the pickles on top, that's really what she wanted to eat!!! She's my 'greens' girl! She will try and eat MOST veggies! That makes me smile!
I hope some of these foods will inspire you to get cooking in your kitchen too! There's nothing like 'good home cooking'! And maybe it will even inspire you to try some Orzo or make you want to try a food you never had before?!. Go for it!!! You may find yourself with a new favorite recipe!
Have a great weekend!!!
This week I made a baby meal for my sister-in-law. Which, by the way, her baby is so, so adorable! We were waiting for TWO phone calls while we were on vacation. Calls from two sister-in-laws! We were so happy to hear that Addison (and she's a cutie too!!!) and Hunter arrived into the world safe and sound! Both moms are doing well! So many blessings!!!
Crispy Chicken Leg and Thigh was my meat choice for the baby meal. It turned out so moist and yet had a crispy skin. I will be making this recipe again! The 'deviled eggs' and 'roasted veggies' complimented my meal!
Another main dish I made this week is called "Fish Stick Supper". It's easy and delicious. I made some small changes to the original recipe. I cooked potatoes till they were soft and then shredded them. I mixed 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp. dill weed, some seasoned salt and pepper with my potatoes. I added some shredded cheese (about 1/2 cup) and mixed again. Pour into a greased 8x8 dish. Lay lots of fish sticks (or I used hand battered fish pieces which were totally yummy) on top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until fish is fully cooked. My family really enjoyed this and I will be making this again too!!! I served it with a fresh salad with 'apple chips' on top! If you ever ate at "Salad Works" they have these crispy apple chips you can order to be put on your salad. I found some at the grocery store and now I can add them to my salads too!
Hamburgers is something Matthew orders at a restaurant 'every single time' we go out to eat. Mike picked up another big load of fresh beef for the freezer last Saturday that mom and dad gave us for Christmas! "Thanks so much!!!" I absolutely love having the freezer stocked with great roasts, hamburger and steak. I REALLY love it when I know all the meat came from one of dad's good feed steers!!! This spoils me from not needing to buy red meat at the grocery store too! Anyway, Mike and Matthew were ready for some good hamburgers made from the excellent ground beef that's now in the freezer. I grabbed a bag of the ground beef and thawed it. Then I mixed it with some Zesty Italian Dressing, some bread crumbs and seasoned salt. I formed five burgers and cooked them on the stove. (I know the BEST hamburgers are cooked on the grill ... but our grill needs some attention before my grilling season begins!) I topped each burger with a slice of cheese and my family ate them with delight! A side of green beans was all I needed to make Ashlyn a happy eater too!
We ate more than just meat this week! :) I am into roasting my veggies! It's a way easy way to cook your vegetables and healthy! And delicious! Lay out your vegetables in a dish and splash on some olive oil and what ever seasonings you like. I used some thyme and dill and basil. Grind some sea salt and fresh pepper on top and roast them at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. I can't wait to do this with fresh asparagus!!! Maybe then I will then be able to convince my husband that those long veggie spears are really good!!! :)
While we were in Florida, we stopped at a "Trader Joe's". It was fun going up and down the isles looking at their healthy selections. It was more of a fun trip and not really a trip to get lots of food but I did pick up something I remembered being curious about. "Orzo". Orzo is a pasta but looks really similar to rice. It is small pieces of pasta that look almost like grains or sunflower seeds. I bought a small bag but waited to actually make it till we got back home. I melted some butter (1 Tb.) in a pan and then toasted the Orzo (about 1 cup) in it, stirring it constantly for about 3 minutes. Then I poured in 1 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 1/4 cup of water. I simmered that for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid was absorbed. Then I sprinkled in some basil, salt and pepper. I stirred in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and poured in a little bit of heavy cream to give it a nice, creamy texture! Oh, I thought it was so delicious. Probably something people like to call 'comfort food'! It wasn't too creamy or too dry. The Orzo had a little bit of gel or wet bite to it. Nothing dry. I thought of it maybe being something like when you eat tapioca. That gel texture with cream and herbs and warm! Way better than tapioca!!! I am so glad I still have some dry Orzo in my cupboard for another time!!!
Desserts is not something I normally serve after our supper meals. But, because we just came back from Florida and we are tempted to think we now need a sweet bite after our meals, I decided to make some cake. Nothing fancy. Nothing difficult. Normally, I try to 'think outside of the box' when it comes to baking cakes, but this time it was "cake from the box". I'm not sure if it's because of a childhood favorite or if it's because it's so easy to mix up and bake or if it's because the few 'from scratch' chocolate cakes I have made were not so good, but what ever the reason may be ... we love chocolate cake from Duncan Hines! Yep, that's the secret for this cake! It's light and fluffy and with white icing on top ... it's delicious! We gave four pieces away with the baby meal I made but the rest of it we all ate every single crumb! Canned peaches go so well with this chocolate cake!!! :) (Another childhood memory!!!)
With the cake all gone and Hadassah having Courtney and Laurie over tonight, I figured some cupcakes would make for a nice treat. "Yum Yum Cupcakes"! This I did make from scratch and they turned out scrumptious! That cream cheese and chocolate chip filling makes these cupcakes so tasty!
Well, the weekend is just beginning and we already had homemade pizza! I added some 'bread and butter' pickle slices to a small section of the pizza before baking it and those slices had everyone reaching for them!!! I'll remember that for the next time! Ashlyn can say pizza and she knows what it is, but when she saw the pickles on top, that's really what she wanted to eat!!! She's my 'greens' girl! She will try and eat MOST veggies! That makes me smile!
I hope some of these foods will inspire you to get cooking in your kitchen too! There's nothing like 'good home cooking'! And maybe it will even inspire you to try some Orzo or make you want to try a food you never had before?!. Go for it!!! You may find yourself with a new favorite recipe!
Have a great weekend!!!
Monday, March 4, 2013
We are home from the south. (post 4)
We are back North ... living again in the cold state.
Our family vacation was ... I think "the best one yet!" (I think we say this a lot. But really, it was great!) We had so much fun TOGETHER! We were together 95% of the time. We woke up together. We stayed up late together. We ate breakfast together. And frozen yogurt and pie and lunch and supper together. We beached together. We laughed together. We traveled the highways all together! Family time together was great!!!
Now, we are catching up with laundry, unpacking, visiting TWO newborns that were born in our family while we were vacationing, and back to school and work. The time 'off' was refreshing and now we return with hoping that Spring will soon be here!!! :) (Having snow in the forecast doesn't help the wishful soon Spring arrival does it?)
Anyway, I have so many pictures yet I would love to share with whoever reads this blog. I think the pictures are gorgeous!!!
One morning, Ashlyn got the dust pan and brush and decided to play in the dirt. Don't worry ... the street we lived along was VERY UNOCCUPIED! Well, until we arrived! That's one reason why we like staying at this house! The kids can ride their bikes, rip stick, and play on it without fearing cars will come along!!!
This is why Siesta Beach was awarded for #1 beach in the USA!!! White gorgeous sand!
We now have tanned skin. And our skin is now dry and starting to get a peel here and there. Lotion is the only moisture now and not the water and sun. Sad.
However, we are glad to be back home. Back with Ginger. Back to extended family. Back to "real life"!!!
We are very thankful that God blessed us with the wonderful, safe, and fun vacation!!!
P.S. Spring comes in the month of March!!! We can't wait for the weather to warm up, the flowers to bloom, and the yard sales to begin!!! :)
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