I am not the daughter that is dealing with an aging mother at this point in my life, but my mother is and so are many others. So, here's a short story that is just a little glimpse in honor of all of them.
“I’m going to go and see Rachel and the new baby, Mom” Anna said, walking into her aging mothers room.
“Rachel?” her mother said with a little bit of a grimace on her slim face.
Anna knew her mother had once again forgotten what she was talking about. It was painful to see her mother forget the things that would normally have brought such joy.
“I told you that girl was going on too many car dates unchaperoned. Now, a baby!” she said grief stricken with this news she had just pieced together. “That’s okay,” she said, straitening her petite frame. “We will get through this. She can live with your daddy and me. We will help..”
Anna interrupted, “No, mom. This is Rachel and Michael’s third child. They’ve been married for fifteen years. You remember.” She needed so badly for her mother to remember. “And dad has been gone over a year and half now. You’re living here with me and Tom.” she finished with a sigh, raising her voice as she spoke.
Anna didn’t really know why she did that. Raising her voice as if speaking in a louder volume would make it somehow clearer to her mother helping her comprehend.
She looked around at the little things in her mother’s room that were left from the large two story home they had brought her from. The memories of a time when everyone who had passed on was still here. Gifts her mother had received over all the past Christmases and Birthdays. Anna wished somehow those times could be preserved the same way the nic-nacs were.
She looked into her mothers frail features and realized she probably wouldn’t be going anywhere today. Anna saw an older version of herself in her mother. They both were short and petite with fair features.
Her mother broke into her thoughts. “What? I know, I know.....did they have a boy or a girl this time?,” she said clearly not knowing, but trying to get her brain to operate in the here and now.
“They had a boy momma. They named him Joseph after daddy. See, look over there on your book shelf. She sent you a picture of him. I was going to go and see them and stay a few hours.” Anna said with her mothers eyes still fixed on the picture of the tiny baby that was the name sake of her Joe. “Momma, do you hear me? Are you listening? I said Tom is going to stay here so if you need anything he’ll be right here.”
“You don’t need to raise your voice. I can hear you.” she answered cooly.
She wasn’t unpleasant, just firm. Anna’s mother never had been an ugly person. She was always quite delightful to be around. She just hated to be reminded by her own daughter of all she had lost and of those that had gone before. It was even more frustrating to be reminded that she was beginning to forget them. She was afraid of the abyss she was slowly slipping into. Even worse was that her own child was having to witness it. She wanted to stay strong.
Anna realized she wouldn’t be able to go anywhere today. Her mother was having another bad day. She sat down slowly in the chair next to her mother with a bitter sweet feeling, sad she was missing the first moments with her brand new grandbaby, but Understanding she was trading it for the last moments with her mother.
Her mother looked over to Anna with a spark in her eye, “Why Anna, when did you get here? I was just getting ready to put on a pot of coffee while I was waiting for your daddy to get home. Would you like a cup? There’s nothing like a hot cup coffee to lift the spirits. You look like you could use one right now. Making a cup of joe for my Joe I always say. Your daddy can join us when he gets here.” She said with a little bit of a giggle.
It made Anna feel good to hear her mother remember one of her common sayings. Even if it was painful to think about the loss of her daddy and her mother’s inability to accept it.
“Sure momma, I’d love a cup of coffee.”
copyright 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Game day favorites
YUMMY MUMMY RECIPE
Guest Blogger
Amy
Mom of three
I have recently switched from stay at home mom to working mom, but I still love to cook and make yummy things for my friends and family. Now that I work I am always on the look for things that I can make without hours in the kitchen but still taste homemade. There is never a reason to sacrifice taste.
With the Super Bowel approaching I thought it would be fun share a couple of my easy crowd pleasing recipes.
Oreo Yums-
1 pkg of Oreos
1 - 8oz pkg of cream cheese
1 – pkg chocolate or white chocolate Almond Bark
Crush the entire package of Oreos with potato masher or food processer (Mashing is a kid friendly job if you have help in the kitchen). Add the entire package of cream cheese and mix into the crushed Oreos. The mix will start out looking like dirt and then as the cream cheese mixes in it will start to look wet and sticky. After it is fully mixed roll into quarter size balls. For the best results freeze the balls for at least an hour before dipping. Melt Almond Bark in the microwave or by using a double boiler on the stove top. Remember to lay out wax paper to set the balls on after they have been dipped. The easiest way to dip the balls in the chocolate is by using toothpicks. After dipped set on wax paper and allow Oreo Yums to dry.
This recipe is versatile feel free to try different things with it. During Christmas I bought candy cane flavored Oreos and it tasted delicious. You can really use any flavor Oreo or sandwich cookie. If you want to use for a Valentines or Super Bowel party one could use the white Almond Bark and add your favorite food coloring.
I made this recipe for my daughter and her friends and they ate them before the chocolate could even dry. My husband, who doesn’t usually like chocolate, loves them too.
Sly’s Bean Dip
My family loves Mexican food or anything closely related. My grandmother-in-law always made a yummy bean dip that quickly disappeared. I was surprised when I finally watched her make it, what a simple recipe it was. I have added a few things to make it my own over the years but it is still delicious and simple as ever.
1 can refried beans
2 big tablespoons of Miracle Whip
¼ cup Picante Sauce
¼ shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium size bowl mix the first three ingredients. Pour into small baking dish and bake for 10-15 min. Remove and add cheese, place back in oven until cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
This recipe can be spicy or mild depending on your family’s taste. You can add Tabasco or jalapeños if you have a taste for the spicy. If you like it milder, forget the picante and add extra cheese. My grandmother-in-law usually warmed it up in the microwave, which is great if you have hungry unexpected friends or family.
Guest Blogger
Amy
Mom of three
I have recently switched from stay at home mom to working mom, but I still love to cook and make yummy things for my friends and family. Now that I work I am always on the look for things that I can make without hours in the kitchen but still taste homemade. There is never a reason to sacrifice taste.
With the Super Bowel approaching I thought it would be fun share a couple of my easy crowd pleasing recipes.
Oreo Yums-
1 pkg of Oreos
1 - 8oz pkg of cream cheese
1 – pkg chocolate or white chocolate Almond Bark
Crush the entire package of Oreos with potato masher or food processer (Mashing is a kid friendly job if you have help in the kitchen). Add the entire package of cream cheese and mix into the crushed Oreos. The mix will start out looking like dirt and then as the cream cheese mixes in it will start to look wet and sticky. After it is fully mixed roll into quarter size balls. For the best results freeze the balls for at least an hour before dipping. Melt Almond Bark in the microwave or by using a double boiler on the stove top. Remember to lay out wax paper to set the balls on after they have been dipped. The easiest way to dip the balls in the chocolate is by using toothpicks. After dipped set on wax paper and allow Oreo Yums to dry.
This recipe is versatile feel free to try different things with it. During Christmas I bought candy cane flavored Oreos and it tasted delicious. You can really use any flavor Oreo or sandwich cookie. If you want to use for a Valentines or Super Bowel party one could use the white Almond Bark and add your favorite food coloring.
I made this recipe for my daughter and her friends and they ate them before the chocolate could even dry. My husband, who doesn’t usually like chocolate, loves them too.
Sly’s Bean Dip
My family loves Mexican food or anything closely related. My grandmother-in-law always made a yummy bean dip that quickly disappeared. I was surprised when I finally watched her make it, what a simple recipe it was. I have added a few things to make it my own over the years but it is still delicious and simple as ever.
1 can refried beans
2 big tablespoons of Miracle Whip
¼ cup Picante Sauce
¼ shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium size bowl mix the first three ingredients. Pour into small baking dish and bake for 10-15 min. Remove and add cheese, place back in oven until cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
This recipe can be spicy or mild depending on your family’s taste. You can add Tabasco or jalapeños if you have a taste for the spicy. If you like it milder, forget the picante and add extra cheese. My grandmother-in-law usually warmed it up in the microwave, which is great if you have hungry unexpected friends or family.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sick Food
Not all food is created equal when your sick. For example I make chicken noodle and wassail when we have the cold or a flu. I did however make the mistake of making wassail when one of my kids had a stomach virus. Big mistake. Citrus doesn’t sit well on an upset stomach we both suffered for that one.
I am giving our family sick food recipes. Usually by this time a year at the end of sick season someone says, “I never want to eat chicken noodle again.” But when the next sick season rolls around their ready and it’s the only thing they want.
COLD or FLU
Listen Family Wassail
1 qt apple cider
2 cups OJ
2 #2 cans pineapple juice
1 stick cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves
Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
Bring to boil then let simmer for 30 minutes.
The pineapple cans are the big cans usually on the bottom shelf at the store. I play with the recipe a bit because we like more of the sweet cider taste. Wassail is loaded with Vitamin C and great no matter what.
Chicken noodle soup
2 10 1/2 oz cans cream of chicken soup
8 cups water
1 lb bag of Amish Country Chicken Homestyle noodles
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 cup chopped celery
Salt and pepper to taste
8 Chicken flavor cubes
Directions
Pour soup and water into pot on high.
Add chopped celery, onion powder, and cubes. Bring to a boil.
Add noodles and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until noodles are softened.
You can add more water if you enjoy more broth in your noodles. Remember to add 1 chicken cube for every 1 cup water added.
STOMACH VIRUS
I usually do the B.R.A.T. diet when the kids have this type of sickness. Bananas, Rice, Apple Sauce, and Toast is what the letters stand for. We start with one and see how the kids handle it and move on from there. Not real glamorous but after all I did say I learned my lesson with the wassail.
I am giving our family sick food recipes. Usually by this time a year at the end of sick season someone says, “I never want to eat chicken noodle again.” But when the next sick season rolls around their ready and it’s the only thing they want.
COLD or FLU
Listen Family Wassail
1 qt apple cider
2 cups OJ
2 #2 cans pineapple juice
1 stick cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves
Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
Bring to boil then let simmer for 30 minutes.
The pineapple cans are the big cans usually on the bottom shelf at the store. I play with the recipe a bit because we like more of the sweet cider taste. Wassail is loaded with Vitamin C and great no matter what.
Chicken noodle soup
2 10 1/2 oz cans cream of chicken soup
8 cups water
1 lb bag of Amish Country Chicken Homestyle noodles
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 cup chopped celery
Salt and pepper to taste
8 Chicken flavor cubes
Directions
Pour soup and water into pot on high.
Add chopped celery, onion powder, and cubes. Bring to a boil.
Add noodles and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until noodles are softened.
You can add more water if you enjoy more broth in your noodles. Remember to add 1 chicken cube for every 1 cup water added.
STOMACH VIRUS
I usually do the B.R.A.T. diet when the kids have this type of sickness. Bananas, Rice, Apple Sauce, and Toast is what the letters stand for. We start with one and see how the kids handle it and move on from there. Not real glamorous but after all I did say I learned my lesson with the wassail.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Legacy Of Discipline
As I have been going through my week praying about "legacy" and how that would apply to discipline wouldn't you know one of my own little chicks pulls a big doozy. I honestly thought about not posting or choosing another subject. I mean how can I encourage other moms about something it feels at this moment, I'm not great at myself? Isn't that what the devil wants us to believe? That we are no good as parents let alone disciplinarians. However, I can't change that this is still my focus for our family. To live a life of legacy, something worth passing on to the next generation.
When I was first married with out kids. We attended a church with many young families. Knowing we would one day have children, we couldn't help to observe them. To our benefit every Sunday there was two families that sat close to us that was most entertaining for a young couple.
The First family had six kids and they all sat perfectly in service like little angels. The other family had three kids with one that was everywhere. He would sit on the floor, climb under the seats, and mess with other peoples feet, Bible, or whatever. All the while his mom looking on and admiring his spirit as one that shouldn't be tamed. As young marrieds of course we wanted to have offspring like the first family. To be honest I think they ended up somewhere in between the two. Although, taming does often take place.
My hope was that one day I would have children that were not naughty. I didn't think about character or the heart of the child. I just didn't want a child crawling under a pew and bothering other people and let's face it, with a child that wasn't naughty they wouldn't bother me either. Alas, we learned in order for a legacy to take place a discipline of the heart must. Our children are future adults and character must be cultivated.
I can't tell you in this short blog exactly how and what to do to discipline your children. This week alone, there have been moments when I myself am at a loss and seek the Lord in earnest prayer for guidance. What I do know is that consistency is key.
In Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the
land...
If we are not consistent with our children we cannot expect our children to be in a word tamed. Obedience is a heart condition that takes discipline from parents to be obedient to God's word. If we are only disciplining our childrens' action and not their hearts character will not develop. In doing both we bring God's word to light in the legacy of discipline we live as a family.
I do like technical advice as well from a Godly perspective I'm going to attach several links for you to further research and pray over.
LINKS
Raising Godly Tomatoes
Shepherd Press
Family Life
Focus On The Family
Blessings on you and your family as you search out God's wisdom in the legacy your family would leave in this world.
When I was first married with out kids. We attended a church with many young families. Knowing we would one day have children, we couldn't help to observe them. To our benefit every Sunday there was two families that sat close to us that was most entertaining for a young couple.
The First family had six kids and they all sat perfectly in service like little angels. The other family had three kids with one that was everywhere. He would sit on the floor, climb under the seats, and mess with other peoples feet, Bible, or whatever. All the while his mom looking on and admiring his spirit as one that shouldn't be tamed. As young marrieds of course we wanted to have offspring like the first family. To be honest I think they ended up somewhere in between the two. Although, taming does often take place.
My hope was that one day I would have children that were not naughty. I didn't think about character or the heart of the child. I just didn't want a child crawling under a pew and bothering other people and let's face it, with a child that wasn't naughty they wouldn't bother me either. Alas, we learned in order for a legacy to take place a discipline of the heart must. Our children are future adults and character must be cultivated.
I can't tell you in this short blog exactly how and what to do to discipline your children. This week alone, there have been moments when I myself am at a loss and seek the Lord in earnest prayer for guidance. What I do know is that consistency is key.
In Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the
land...
If we are not consistent with our children we cannot expect our children to be in a word tamed. Obedience is a heart condition that takes discipline from parents to be obedient to God's word. If we are only disciplining our childrens' action and not their hearts character will not develop. In doing both we bring God's word to light in the legacy of discipline we live as a family.
I do like technical advice as well from a Godly perspective I'm going to attach several links for you to further research and pray over.
LINKS
Raising Godly Tomatoes
Shepherd Press
Family Life
Focus On The Family
Blessings on you and your family as you search out God's wisdom in the legacy your family would leave in this world.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Adoptive Mom Martha Shares Her Story
ORDINARY DAYS EXTRAORDINARY MOMS
Martha and her husband Scott live in the Tulsa area where they are parents of five kids. They have three biological kids and two adoptive and this is their story about their adoptive son and daughter.
Quicktime Player
Links
Dillion International
The book Martha was referring to in our conversation was Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. You can find more info on this book and others at blackaby.org.
If you have any further questions for Martha I can forward them to her.
Martha and her husband Scott live in the Tulsa area where they are parents of five kids. They have three biological kids and two adoptive and this is their story about their adoptive son and daughter.
Quicktime Player
Links
Dillion International
The book Martha was referring to in our conversation was Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. You can find more info on this book and others at blackaby.org.
If you have any further questions for Martha I can forward them to her.
Jeannie's Mess
YUMMY MUMMY RECIPE
posted by guest blogger Jacqueline Schwenke
Door County, Wisconsin 4 kids (3 girls 1 boy)
Penny Savvy Dollar Wise on Facebook
In 1982, we moved to the country. I had the pleasure and privilege to meet and become good friends with a lady named Jeannie, whose quick wit constantly kept me in stitches. One day we were visiting in her home, she telling me a story about how her youngest (2 yr old) daughter suddenly ran from the yard and rushed down toward the creek. She was talking her usual mile-a-minute and asked me to follow her to the kitchen- she didn't want to interrupt her own chatter, but needed to tend to something on the stove.
The minute I stepped into the kitchen I could see (and smell) the serious cooking going on. She had many prepared vegetables sitting on the counter, and something simmering in a skillet on the stove. She took the lid off and I could see the concoction was chopped green pepper and onion plus rope sausage that had been sliced into what she called 'pennies'. The aroma was heavenly! I stood and watched as she began to layer the prepared veggies into the pan, on top of the sausage mixture. When she was finished she set the lid on top and said, 'There!'. I looked at the lid, which was sitting on top of a mountain of veggies, about two inches higher than the top of the pan. I gave out a short laugh, and Jeannie being 'Jeannie' grinned at me showing the deep dimples in her cheeks, then flew off into an explanation about how as the veggies simmer they shrink, and the moisture from the veggies will keep the bottom of the pan moist so that the sausage mixture does not stick- and how the weight of the lid would help to compact the whole thing.
After further discussion she told me she came up with this recipe (which I found out later was a variation of another one floating around the USA at the time) because she always had 'a mess of veggies' from their large garden to use and she did not want them to spoil. So for her, the idea was to throw in anything from the garden- as long as it was a veggie. That day, she had put in a layer of potatoes, then yellow squash, white squash, zucchini, and more onion. Later that evening she brought some over for us to taste. She had added fresh tomatoes on top with a thin layer of melted cheese, so it was not only absolutely delicious but colorful as well. The recipe became a standard in our home, and affectionately known as "Jeannie's Mess".
Over the years I have had to adjust the recipe for different brands of sausage, types of potatoes, etc. My advice is to start with the veggies you and your family love the best. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time you make it. I haven't met a kid yet who doesn't love this recipe and I think a lot of it has to do with being able to smell it while it's cooking. The heavenly aroma gets the taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
(I am not giving amounts here- make as little or much as you wish)
Good quality rope sausage, such as Hillshire Farm
At least 4 different vegetables (our favorite is: Onion, potato, yellow and green squash)
Shredded Cheddar cheese (not the fine shred)
Tomato (can be omitted)
Cooking Oil or Butter (which burns easily)
Directions
Chop onion (green pepper, hot peppers- anything in that 'family') to small pieces. Place in hot skillet to which enough butter or oil has been added so that the bottom is covered completely. Let simmer while you cut the sausage.
Cut rope sausage into 1/2 inch thick 'pennies', and add to skillet. Lower the heat to a slow simmer (low) and cover.
Starting with the potatoes, prepare remaining vegetables by washing and slicing into round pieces. You can use small chunks, but they do not layer as well. Stir skillet mixture often and lower heat if it seems to be cooking too quickly or the mixture begins to stick. You want to soften the onion and any peppers while giving the sausage a nice glaze.
After potatoes are sliced, add them to the skillet in layers and put the lid back on. (This is a good time to sprinkle in black pepper, a bit of garlic powder, or any other spice you'd like. I have used Morton Nature Seasoning as well.) Continue preparing the other vegetables. Each time you finish slicing one type of vegetable, add it to the pan, lid on. Don't be alarmed if your stack of veggies is not taller than the pan.
Working quickly to slice is a good idea, once the potatoes are in the pan. If your pan seems to be cooking dry, add a little beef broth- just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. If you are not an experienced cook, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time.
After all layers are in the pan, put the lid on top and keep simmering on low, checking often to make sure it's not too dry. Do not stir or toss. At this point, when it's done is up to you. Some people like their veggies a little crisp, some like them cooked completely limp. When yours are done to your liking, remove the lid and simmer out any extra liquid at the bottom of the pan. Extra means you don't want soup. One way to do this is to increase the heat until the liquid is at a fast simmer. Add 1 TBL butter, (real butter), and it will help disperse the liquid. Don't panic if you have too much liquid, even after simmering. You can always use a slotted spoon to serve.
At this point you can throw some diced tomato on top, and add the cheese, allowing it to melt before you serve. You don't need any other vegetables with this meal- in fact we've never even served it with rolls, but I guess you could. My choice would be a whole grain roll.
P.S. The ending to that story about her daughter was that she went running after her, catching her by the seat of her overalls just before she stepped into the creek- and all that was to say how fast her daughter could run, plus explain why I had to go through a chain-linked fence before getting to the front door. :)
posted by guest blogger Jacqueline Schwenke
Door County, Wisconsin 4 kids (3 girls 1 boy)
Penny Savvy Dollar Wise on Facebook
In 1982, we moved to the country. I had the pleasure and privilege to meet and become good friends with a lady named Jeannie, whose quick wit constantly kept me in stitches. One day we were visiting in her home, she telling me a story about how her youngest (2 yr old) daughter suddenly ran from the yard and rushed down toward the creek. She was talking her usual mile-a-minute and asked me to follow her to the kitchen- she didn't want to interrupt her own chatter, but needed to tend to something on the stove.
The minute I stepped into the kitchen I could see (and smell) the serious cooking going on. She had many prepared vegetables sitting on the counter, and something simmering in a skillet on the stove. She took the lid off and I could see the concoction was chopped green pepper and onion plus rope sausage that had been sliced into what she called 'pennies'. The aroma was heavenly! I stood and watched as she began to layer the prepared veggies into the pan, on top of the sausage mixture. When she was finished she set the lid on top and said, 'There!'. I looked at the lid, which was sitting on top of a mountain of veggies, about two inches higher than the top of the pan. I gave out a short laugh, and Jeannie being 'Jeannie' grinned at me showing the deep dimples in her cheeks, then flew off into an explanation about how as the veggies simmer they shrink, and the moisture from the veggies will keep the bottom of the pan moist so that the sausage mixture does not stick- and how the weight of the lid would help to compact the whole thing.
After further discussion she told me she came up with this recipe (which I found out later was a variation of another one floating around the USA at the time) because she always had 'a mess of veggies' from their large garden to use and she did not want them to spoil. So for her, the idea was to throw in anything from the garden- as long as it was a veggie. That day, she had put in a layer of potatoes, then yellow squash, white squash, zucchini, and more onion. Later that evening she brought some over for us to taste. She had added fresh tomatoes on top with a thin layer of melted cheese, so it was not only absolutely delicious but colorful as well. The recipe became a standard in our home, and affectionately known as "Jeannie's Mess".
Over the years I have had to adjust the recipe for different brands of sausage, types of potatoes, etc. My advice is to start with the veggies you and your family love the best. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time you make it. I haven't met a kid yet who doesn't love this recipe and I think a lot of it has to do with being able to smell it while it's cooking. The heavenly aroma gets the taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
(I am not giving amounts here- make as little or much as you wish)
Good quality rope sausage, such as Hillshire Farm
At least 4 different vegetables (our favorite is: Onion, potato, yellow and green squash)
Shredded Cheddar cheese (not the fine shred)
Tomato (can be omitted)
Cooking Oil or Butter (which burns easily)
Directions
Chop onion (green pepper, hot peppers- anything in that 'family') to small pieces. Place in hot skillet to which enough butter or oil has been added so that the bottom is covered completely. Let simmer while you cut the sausage.
Cut rope sausage into 1/2 inch thick 'pennies', and add to skillet. Lower the heat to a slow simmer (low) and cover.
Starting with the potatoes, prepare remaining vegetables by washing and slicing into round pieces. You can use small chunks, but they do not layer as well. Stir skillet mixture often and lower heat if it seems to be cooking too quickly or the mixture begins to stick. You want to soften the onion and any peppers while giving the sausage a nice glaze.
After potatoes are sliced, add them to the skillet in layers and put the lid back on. (This is a good time to sprinkle in black pepper, a bit of garlic powder, or any other spice you'd like. I have used Morton Nature Seasoning as well.) Continue preparing the other vegetables. Each time you finish slicing one type of vegetable, add it to the pan, lid on. Don't be alarmed if your stack of veggies is not taller than the pan.
Working quickly to slice is a good idea, once the potatoes are in the pan. If your pan seems to be cooking dry, add a little beef broth- just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. If you are not an experienced cook, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time.
After all layers are in the pan, put the lid on top and keep simmering on low, checking often to make sure it's not too dry. Do not stir or toss. At this point, when it's done is up to you. Some people like their veggies a little crisp, some like them cooked completely limp. When yours are done to your liking, remove the lid and simmer out any extra liquid at the bottom of the pan. Extra means you don't want soup. One way to do this is to increase the heat until the liquid is at a fast simmer. Add 1 TBL butter, (real butter), and it will help disperse the liquid. Don't panic if you have too much liquid, even after simmering. You can always use a slotted spoon to serve.
At this point you can throw some diced tomato on top, and add the cheese, allowing it to melt before you serve. You don't need any other vegetables with this meal- in fact we've never even served it with rolls, but I guess you could. My choice would be a whole grain roll.
P.S. The ending to that story about her daughter was that she went running after her, catching her by the seat of her overalls just before she stepped into the creek- and all that was to say how fast her daughter could run, plus explain why I had to go through a chain-linked fence before getting to the front door. :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Living a legacy
The word "legacy" means something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past: My husband's Grandma and Grandpa DeSpain were the best at passing on the stories of faith. They would tell stories of great grandparents and their love of the Lord. His grandma would say to us every time we left their home with our children, "Be careful. You have a million dollars worth of livestock in there." Just recently when we were leaving she stumbled over the words. She had a hard time remembering what she had always said. My husband filled in the words for her, " We have a million dollars worth of livestock grandma. We are going to be very careful." Although this wasn't one of the stories that she would tell that was steeped in the passion she had for the Lord it was a way for her to communicate her love for us over and over again so that all of us, even our children, were able to repeat it back to her.
In Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them to your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land...
Voddie Baucham Jr said in his book Family Driven Faith
"You and I are living in an age and in a culture that is tearing at the very fabric of Christian community. How many of us look at our teenaged sons and daughters and know they are not with us? How many if us lay our heads on the pillow at night and know that as soon as our kids leave te house they are probably going to leave the faith as well? All of the statistics point to children leaving when they go to college, but my experience and my conversations with Christian parents leads me to believe that the problem manifest itself much earlier."
"There are many worthwhile pursuites in this world, but few of them rise to the level of training our children to follow the Lord and keep His commandments. I desperately want my sons and daughters to walk with God, and I am willing to do whatever it takes, whatever the Bible says I must do in order to be used by God as a means to that end."
Living and leaving a legacy for our kids, I am convinced, has slipped as our priority, but never the less is our duty. So, what is a "legacy"? In short, it is taking on the responsibility to live out and pass on the Christan faith in such a way that it would be engraved onto our children's hearts and minds in hopes that they would stand steadfast against this world and pass on to the next generations a love for Jesus Christ and his statutes.
I'm excited about this topic and I am going to continue this topic in my next blog, hope you’ll join me.
Friday, January 8, 2010
SUPER BOWL SLOSH
YUMMY MUMMY RECIPE
posted by guest blogger Jacqueline Schwenke
Door County, Wisconsin 4 kids (3 girls 1 boy)
Penny Savvy Dollar Wise on Facebook
This recipe comes from my own kitchen, but my husband is the one who is the brains behind it. He has some sort of weird, secret talent for putting meat dishes together that are outstanding. Here's a bonus- if your kids are picky eaters, they may clamor for second helpings.
Know what attracts kids? Sugar..every time. Being the evil Mom that I am, I can add just a teaspoon of Molasses to just about any recipe and it won't end up making it sweet enough for a non-sweet eater to detect. Reason being: Molasses is a 'dark' sweetener. To some it tastes nearly burnt. Add it to recipes and you have not only a great seasoning, but it adds an attraction most people can't pinpoint, especially kids. Think it's terrible to add sweetener to dishes just so the kids will eat it? Check out the nutrient facts of molasses: It's a good source of B6, Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese. One tablespoon has 5% Iron and 4% Calcium. It's low in saturated fat, cholesterol and Sodium. You'll also find a little bit of Niacin and Selenium. There are 10.0 mg of Omega-6 fatty acid in one tablespoon as well. It gives pan browned (not fried) chicken strips a caramel flavor, puts a lovely browning on beef and is inexpensive. So, try Molasses next time you want to 'lure' your kids to eat well. I have mixed it with a little honey and real vanilla to make a delicious topping for carrots. When creating recipes of your own, or using recipes created by others, keep in mind that you can add or subtract as you wish. Just make sure you don't tamper with the integrity of the recipe (don't take out baking powder, etc)
Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef (such as ground sirloin- organic if possible)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (can be omitted)
1/2 teaspoon Morton Nature Seasoning (in spice area)
1/8 teaspoon red pepper (can be omitted)
1 carton Beef Broth (you can buy low sodium if you'd like but buy it in the carton..not can)
1 16 or 24 ounce stewed tomatoes (if you wish use the seasoned type)
OR
1 can of Manwich
• lb Velveeta loaf (use Pepper Jack, Mexican Mild or regular. If you use the flavored leave out the red pepper above)
• Tostitos Plain Chips
Directions
Brown ground beef in skillet, drain grease if necessary. Add spices and 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer for 7 minutes. While beef is simmering cut Velveeta into small cubes. Add the tomatoes or Manwich to the beef, bring to a simmer. Turn heat off and add cheese cubes, stirring well. If mixture seems too thick, add more beef broth. Stir until all of the cheese has mixed with the hamburger and liquid. If you prefer, you can heat the tomatoes or Manwich in a large measuring cup and then add the cheese to that to melt and mix it, then add it to the beef.
Serve with Tostitos Chips (we use no salt) or it may be poured on top of Fritos with a dollop of sour crème added on top. If you have kids who can't manage the chips, this can be thickened with more cheese and spread on tortillas.
Go to www.kraftfoods.com for possible coupons for the Velveeta. While you are there, sign up for the email newsletter they send out- it’s great! ConAgra Foods (Manwich) doesn’t share coupons as often as other food companies, but they usually do have some on their site. www.conagrafoods.com
posted by guest blogger Jacqueline Schwenke
Door County, Wisconsin 4 kids (3 girls 1 boy)
Penny Savvy Dollar Wise on Facebook
This recipe comes from my own kitchen, but my husband is the one who is the brains behind it. He has some sort of weird, secret talent for putting meat dishes together that are outstanding. Here's a bonus- if your kids are picky eaters, they may clamor for second helpings.
Know what attracts kids? Sugar..every time. Being the evil Mom that I am, I can add just a teaspoon of Molasses to just about any recipe and it won't end up making it sweet enough for a non-sweet eater to detect. Reason being: Molasses is a 'dark' sweetener. To some it tastes nearly burnt. Add it to recipes and you have not only a great seasoning, but it adds an attraction most people can't pinpoint, especially kids. Think it's terrible to add sweetener to dishes just so the kids will eat it? Check out the nutrient facts of molasses: It's a good source of B6, Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese. One tablespoon has 5% Iron and 4% Calcium. It's low in saturated fat, cholesterol and Sodium. You'll also find a little bit of Niacin and Selenium. There are 10.0 mg of Omega-6 fatty acid in one tablespoon as well. It gives pan browned (not fried) chicken strips a caramel flavor, puts a lovely browning on beef and is inexpensive. So, try Molasses next time you want to 'lure' your kids to eat well. I have mixed it with a little honey and real vanilla to make a delicious topping for carrots. When creating recipes of your own, or using recipes created by others, keep in mind that you can add or subtract as you wish. Just make sure you don't tamper with the integrity of the recipe (don't take out baking powder, etc)
Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef (such as ground sirloin- organic if possible)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (can be omitted)
1/2 teaspoon Morton Nature Seasoning (in spice area)
1/8 teaspoon red pepper (can be omitted)
1 carton Beef Broth (you can buy low sodium if you'd like but buy it in the carton..not can)
1 16 or 24 ounce stewed tomatoes (if you wish use the seasoned type)
OR
1 can of Manwich
• lb Velveeta loaf (use Pepper Jack, Mexican Mild or regular. If you use the flavored leave out the red pepper above)
• Tostitos Plain Chips
Directions
Brown ground beef in skillet, drain grease if necessary. Add spices and 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer for 7 minutes. While beef is simmering cut Velveeta into small cubes. Add the tomatoes or Manwich to the beef, bring to a simmer. Turn heat off and add cheese cubes, stirring well. If mixture seems too thick, add more beef broth. Stir until all of the cheese has mixed with the hamburger and liquid. If you prefer, you can heat the tomatoes or Manwich in a large measuring cup and then add the cheese to that to melt and mix it, then add it to the beef.
Serve with Tostitos Chips (we use no salt) or it may be poured on top of Fritos with a dollop of sour crème added on top. If you have kids who can't manage the chips, this can be thickened with more cheese and spread on tortillas.
Go to www.kraftfoods.com for possible coupons for the Velveeta. While you are there, sign up for the email newsletter they send out- it’s great! ConAgra Foods (Manwich) doesn’t share coupons as often as other food companies, but they usually do have some on their site. www.conagrafoods.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
A New Decade
Wow, 2010 I cannot believe it. I feel so.....dare I say it....old.
I've been a little weepy and tired lately...okay, a lot tired lately. We welcomed our 5th child into our family recently. He is a treasure to us all. He does, however, bring a lack of sleep. I was holding him in my arms on New Years Eve and watching all the coverage about the last decade. It has been a rough patch for the United States. We had our feeling of security torn from us when the Two Tours fell, a bad economy, and the business world as a whole disgraced in so many ways I couldn't even write it all down here. I saw all this play over and over again to usher in our new year and new decade.
Although it could have been somewhat depressing, I couldn't help but to think about my family's life in the last decade. We brought in New Year's 2000 with our first brand new baby. What a different feeling that was. I had no idea what to do with this little baby God had given us and one year later we had another baby. That's right, two in one year. Along the way each day the Lord showed us what do to with these kids and continued to give us a heart for "Just one more."
I reminisced about the vacations we had taken, the holidays and birthdays we had had, and all the spontaneous days of joy that came without any planning. I also thought about the bumps, bruises, stitches, and hospital stays we had accumulated along the way. It brought joy to my heart and a little tear in my eye...okay, okay, multiple tears to both eyes.
Then I looked forward and I saw 2020, the beginning of the next decade. At that point my nest will be beginning to empty. I will have two adult children and one teenager with a license. Will I be able to stand proud of what we will release into the world? Will I even be able to release them into the world? Again, I am looking forward feeling as if I have no idea how this will all be accomplished in this next decade to come. I have, however, grown more confident in the Lord's ability to guide and show us his path as parents. In that there is peace, excitement; and yes, lots of tears in both eyes in anticipation of what the Lord can accomplish.
Happy New Year to all the new and old mommies. How are you anticipating the Lord's hand in your life this year?
I've been a little weepy and tired lately...okay, a lot tired lately. We welcomed our 5th child into our family recently. He is a treasure to us all. He does, however, bring a lack of sleep. I was holding him in my arms on New Years Eve and watching all the coverage about the last decade. It has been a rough patch for the United States. We had our feeling of security torn from us when the Two Tours fell, a bad economy, and the business world as a whole disgraced in so many ways I couldn't even write it all down here. I saw all this play over and over again to usher in our new year and new decade.
Although it could have been somewhat depressing, I couldn't help but to think about my family's life in the last decade. We brought in New Year's 2000 with our first brand new baby. What a different feeling that was. I had no idea what to do with this little baby God had given us and one year later we had another baby. That's right, two in one year. Along the way each day the Lord showed us what do to with these kids and continued to give us a heart for "Just one more."
I reminisced about the vacations we had taken, the holidays and birthdays we had had, and all the spontaneous days of joy that came without any planning. I also thought about the bumps, bruises, stitches, and hospital stays we had accumulated along the way. It brought joy to my heart and a little tear in my eye...okay, okay, multiple tears to both eyes.
Then I looked forward and I saw 2020, the beginning of the next decade. At that point my nest will be beginning to empty. I will have two adult children and one teenager with a license. Will I be able to stand proud of what we will release into the world? Will I even be able to release them into the world? Again, I am looking forward feeling as if I have no idea how this will all be accomplished in this next decade to come. I have, however, grown more confident in the Lord's ability to guide and show us his path as parents. In that there is peace, excitement; and yes, lots of tears in both eyes in anticipation of what the Lord can accomplish.
Happy New Year to all the new and old mommies. How are you anticipating the Lord's hand in your life this year?
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