Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Entertaining

When I have people over, I write out a list of everything I am going to serve, including drinks and even things like pickles. Before making it a habit to write out the list, I would inevitably find something in the fridge I was going to serve AFTER everyone had left!



Have a great Holiday Season!



For more great Kitchen Tips, visit: www.tammysrecipes.com/taxonomy/term/53

Christmas Break

We arrived safely in Illinois. I won't be bloggin this week since we will be spending time with family this week. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

I love to read the Christmas story over and over the couple of weeks before Christmas. I am always struck with God's miracle of love for us. Over and over it says "that it might be fulfilled" or "as it was spoken by the prophet". How long He loved and planned for salvation for us, even though we are so unworthy. I also can not wrap my brain around the knowledge that God loved me so much He was willing to leave a perfect, beautiful place where He was loved and worshipped to come to the imperfect world to be scorned, doubted and murdured. All so that each of us, though unworthy and imperfect might live with Him in Heaven some day. Such love in uncomprehendable to me!

Let's keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Busy week

I went to the FAR NORTH, as in almost to Canada, put in 9 hours driving in 2 two days. The nice thing is that I got to listen to Anne's House of Dreams AND get paid for it. Jealous, aren't you. :o) I had a nice time visiting with my fellow workers in Roosevelt, Bemidji, and Grand Rapids. Now I need to get ready for our trip to Illinois!

Recipe Request

Reduced Fat Mocha Fudge

Ingredients
3 cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14-ounce) can Low Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

3 tablespoons chocolate-flavored syrup

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
In saucepan over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condesed milk. Remove from heat; stir in syrup, coffee and vanilla. Spread evenly into foil-lined 8-or 9-inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off foil and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Christmas Program

The kids had their Christmas Program today. They all did a great job. "T"and "K" had reading parts. "E" sang a solo and "Z" was a wise man who sang in a trio. The program went really well and no great tragedies occurred. We had several parents get saved which is the best thing about the day.

Gift Giving Stress

My post on Thursday was about Christmas being about giving. However, as a reader pointed out, the most stressful part of Christmas for many is gift buying. Most of us don't have an unlimited amount of money to spend and want our loved ones to have a nice Christmas and not be disappointed.

I have several thoughts:

1. Remember that God has promised to provide for you and He is in charge. He has given us what we need, even for Christmas gifts. Philippians 4:19--But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory.
2. Pray about gift ideas, for God to stretch your budget and to help you find sales for what you need. Matthew 7:7--Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. I love how this verse even includes seek and ye shall find, I don't think the context is Christmas shopping, but you can claim the verse for this.
3. Ask yourself what your motive is--love or pride. Often times, pride comes in, we don't want others to think our gift is cheap, not as fancy as theirs, shows we have a limited budget, etc.
4. Be content with your budget, no matter how small.
5. Remember that we often worry (which is a sin) about what others will think of our gift (pride) and really, they are just happy to have been remembered.
6. Also, I don't know anyone who would want their friends or family to be stressed about what to get them! If you have someone who would want you to be stressed, I recommend taking them off the list completely. :o)
7. Remember that when we get stressed about Christmas, we are losing sight of the real meaning of Christmas--God's gift of love for us!
8. Remember that there are often seasons in people's lives--there are times when you may struggle financially and someone else gets to be the blessing and times when the roles will be reversed.
9. Remember that the person we need to please is the Lord, not others. He asks us to rely on Him and He will do the rest. I think it makes Him really sad when we get stressed about Christmas.
10. Read Matthew 6:25-34. I think He includes Christmas in this passage. :o)

Inexpensive gift ideas:

1. Coupons to do something for them--could be raking leaves, babysitting, bringing them a meal, etc.
2. Buy something small and then make a special card or find a way to make it special just for them. You could include a note about how this made you think of them and why.
3. Buy one gift for the whole family--like a game.

Recipe Request

ROLO COOKIES

2 1/4 c. flour

3/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp. Baking soda

1 c. sugar

1 c. packed brown sugar

1 c. butter, softened

2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

60 Rolo candies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and soda; blend well. In large bowl, beat sugars and butter until fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well.
3. Slowly add flour mixture; blend well. Stir in nuts.
4. For each cookie with floured hands, shape about 1 tablespoon dough around caramel candy, covering completely. *I didn't see any need to flour my hands. I put the dough in the fridge for 1/2 hour so it would firm up a bit.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool slightly and remove from sheets. 60 cookies. **They are done when they start to crack a bit and look fairly dry on top.

Think On These Things Thursday

It is better to give than receive

It is so easy to get caught up in what we will "get" for Christmas and to forget about the blessing of giving. It is also easy to allow Christmas to become a "duty" or burden instead of remembering that we are giving to others because of God's wonderful gift of Salvation. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."--John 3:16. God gave to us selflessly, knowing that what He would get in return was imperfect humans that ridiculed Him, served Him when it was convenient for us, talked to Him only when we want something from Him, were ashamed to tell others about Him, etc. We need to keep the true meaning of Christmas--giving to remind us of what Christ did for us in leaving a beautiful, perfect home and coming to an imperfect earth and then dying on the cross for our sins.Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Holiday Baking Tips

1. ALWAYS wear an apron or clothes you don't care about. Inevitably, you will probably get something on you that will stain your clothes. I have several outfits I now have to wear for baking/cooking because I stained them previously while cooking/baking.
2. Use parchment paper. I realize this may not be frugal, but you CAN reuse the same pieces over and over. It makes it much easier. You don't have to spray your cookie sheets with cooking spray or butter them! You also don't get that left over cookie film to scrape off all the time.
3. Let your cookies sit for a couple of minutes before trying to move them to a cooling rack or waxed paper to cool.
4. Start baking early. The holiday season is hectic enough. Almost all goodies--fudge, cookies, peanut clusters, candy can be frozen and will thaw nicely.
5. Think ahead to what you will need goodies for, make a list and then divide up your goodies appropriately before you freeze them and then mark the container.
6. If you like to give away goodies as Christmas gifts, keep your eye out during the year for nice containers for cheap to give them away in. I like to buy china or tins at second hand stores. This year I was able to pick up a 4 place setting of Christmas dishes for $2.50 at a garage sale. I've put goodies on them and given them away as gifts.
7. Another cheap way to package goodies is in a ziploc bag placed inside a decorative lunch sack. They have them at Christmas time for a quarter, or better yet, you can buy lunch bags, decorate them yourself, punch holes for a ribbon and have just as pretty a container!
8. Listen to something you enjoy. My kids were gone while I was doing some of my baking, so I listened to Anne of Avonlea on my phone. It was more fun to bake "with Anne".
9. For more great kitchen tips, visit: www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3066

Weekend Recap

Had a nice relaxing weekend. Baked 20 dozen cookies, which sounds like a lot, but when I realize how many places they need to go, they suddenly don't seem like so many! Also made another batch of peanut clusters and a batch of fudge. I managed most of this while listening to Anne of Avonlea and then Anne of the Island. I stayed up late last night and finally got Gilbert and Anne together. I couldn't start the week with them still not together!!! Managed to take a short nap yesterday while listening to Anne of the Island and even painted my nails. :o) Haven't had a chance to just relax in awhile. I probably really didn't have the time yesterday, but decided to do it anyway and ignore all the things calling my name for a little while. :o)

Have a great week, everyone.

I know I posted this last year, but still get a chuckle from it, so had to post it again. :o)

The wife was on my case to get the Christmas lights up for a couple of weeks. They're up now, and for some reason she won't talk to me...

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

As the Christmas season approaches, I thought I would focus on a few names of Christ.

Emmanuel

Matthew 1:23--Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

It is so great to have a God who is with us and helping us throughout our life!

Only Begotten

John 1:14--And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

It amazes me that God would leave a perfect place in Heaven and come to the imperfect earth to be despised, rejected and then beaten and crucified for me so that someone as imperfect as I could go to Heaven.

Recap

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving with our family. On Friday we braved Walmart about 11am and it wasn't too bad. Got a lot of Christmas baking done and got the house decorated for Christmas. Also finished 5 gifts that I was making, only have about 5 more to go. :o) On Saturday, I had some friends over to make Christmas cards. We had a nice afternoon and evening.

Just a FYI, I can no longer access my e-mail at work, so if anyone e-mails me during the day, I won't be able to post the comment until I return home. I used to check my e-mail when I was on hold or during my break, but we are not longer allowed to do that. We ARE supposed to find another way to take breaks, so this could be fun. :o) Cot is at the top of my list right now. The mall is also across the street, maybe I could learn to shop in fast forward. I also thought about seeing if I could save up my breaks and leave early on Fridays. :o)

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Thanksgiving Thoughts--Part Two

When should we give thanks?
In every circumstance. (God does not tell us to be thankful for everything, but to have a thankful spirit in every circumstance, including mountain tops and valleys! It is easy to forget to be thankful and take things for granted on mountain tops. It is easy to complain and whine in the valley. We should have a thankful spirit in every circumstance!)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God

During our prayer time.

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving...

Continually; habitually.

Hebrews 13:15--By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

For what should we give thanks?

For His goodness and mercy (forgiveness).

1 Chronicles 16:34-35 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

For His protection.

2 Samuel 22:49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

For the wonders of creation and life.

Psalms 139:14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are thy works...
For food, drink and other provisions.

The secret of maintaining a grateful heart is contentment.

Thank him daily.

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits...
Thank him no matter what happens.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1 Timothy 6:6, 8 But godliness with contentment is great gain.... And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...

Kids...

Last night "T", "E" and I went to the grocery store. I love to take at least two kids shopping with me--one to push the cart and one to hold the used coupons. When I go by myself, I feel like I need a couple more pairs of hands!!! So nice of the kids to provide them for me, along with great conversation. :o)

We completed our shopping, learning along the way that coupons don't always save you money, though it was very disappointing not to use the syrup coupon. (They also think it is silly that we have to buy syrup when homemade tastes so much better, but the master of the house doesn't care for homemade because it is too thin).

When we went to put the groceries in the trunk of the car, which my husband has mainly been driving for work, there was a Wal-Mart bag with three boxes of Little Debbies in it. Horror of Horrors!!! The kids were appalled that Daddy would buy such junk! (No, I am not making this up, they have apparently been well taught along the way. :o) I think they were also appalled that he would buy such junk and then NOT SHARE!!!! We had quite the conversation on the way home. They were plotting ways to hide it, etc. "E" suggested hiding it in the basement to rot, then "T" pointed out that that would be wasting Dad's money, to which "E" replied, "He already did!" When we got home they confronted Dad with the evidence, and reminded of how unhealthy they were. To which he replied, "Those are for my lunches, I also bought water, that's good for me." Interestingly, the Little Debbies are open, the 24 bottles of water packaging is not. Hmmmmm.

Think on These Things Thursday--Belated

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Thanksgiving Thoughts--Part One

Gratitude is an attitude: it should mold and shape our lives – not just be something we do or say. In the Old Testament, "sacrifices" of thanksgiving were offered. (Leviticus 7:12, 13, 15) Some Levites were even "appointed" to the office of giving thanks – indicating its great importance.
1Ch 16:4 And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

God commands us to be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18–In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Psalms 50:14, 97:12; 100:4; 105:1; 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3, 26, Ephesians 5:3, 4, 19, 20; Colossians 1:12; 2:6, 7; 3:16, 17; 4:2
The benefits of thankfulness-- Being thankful is "good" for us.

Psalms 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord..
1. It is helps our prayers/relationship with God.
Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving...Psalms 100:4 Psalms 140:1
2. It yields the peace of God in our hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:6, 7–Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. It is God's will.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this isthe will of God...

4. Being thankful is a good indicator of our spiritual condition.
1. The wicked are ungrateful:

"For ... they did not honor him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21)
2. In contrast: "the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name." (Psalms 140:1)

How should we give thanks?
1. With our voice, not just in our thoughts.
Psalms 34:1 (cp. Psalms 71:8; 109:30) ...in my mouth...Psalms 35:28 ... with my tongue...Hebrews 13:15... let us offer... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
2. In music.--2 Samuel 22:50 ...I will sing praises unto thy name.
3. With prayer.--Philippians 4:6--Be careful (anxious; worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Trips and Kids

My journey to the northern most part of Minnesota went well. Listened to Ann of Avonlea which made the trip go much faster. :o) The office manager and I had a nice time. I even got to visit Warroad! Not many people have heard of Warroad, much less been there! It is the home of Marvin Windows. I got to eat venison roast cooked by an avid hunter, it had nice flavor. Unfortunately, it was not enjoyed so much by the newest hunter in the home and my hostess. It looks like I may be taking more trips to the Roosevelt area than I had planned on. My nurse's health is not very good at the moment. Maybe I'll get to listen to all of the Anne of Green Gables books. :o)

Just this morning, we were discussing a lady who had emergency surgery for a tumor in her colon, after we discussed what the colon was (where you food goes after your stomach and turns into poo), "E" shook her head and said, "I wonder how they find out such things!"

Weekend Recap

Started my Christmas shopping on Friday night. The kids really "enjoyed" it. It seems they only like shopping for themselves.

On Saturday, I enjoyed fixing goodies for the stamping get together at my house. We had a nice time. I know what I am doing for Christmas cards and have the pieces all ready to assemble-- which is 3/4 of the work. :o) I think we enjoyed visiting with each other as much as stamping.

I will be out of town until late Tuesday night. Going way up North to Roosevelt. I giggle now when I here people say we live in Northern Minnesota, there is a whole other world north of here!

Recipe Request

Marinated Mozzarella Cubes

1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 jar (7oz.) roasted red peppers, drained, cut into bite size pieces
6 fresh thyme sprigs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 c. olive or canola oil
2 tbsp. minced fresh rosemary
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. basil
bread or crackers

1. In a quart jar with a tight fitting lid, layer a third of the cheese, peppers, thyme, and garlic.
2. Repeat layers twice.
3. In a small bowl, combine oil, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
4. Pour into jar, seal and turn upside down.
5. Refrigerate overnight, turning several times.
6. Serve with bread or crackers.
*After the cheese has been eaten, you can use the oil mixture to dip bread in.

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8--Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity to take things for granted. Aldous Huxley

This quote really made me stop and think. It is so easy to take things for granted. I would make a list of all the things I take for granted, but I am pretty sure it would be hugely incomplete. So often, we find ourselves bent out of shape about something, but if we stopped to think we really should be thankful for how good we've had it up to this small bump in the road. If we made a list of all the things we have to be thankful for it would FAR outweigh any difficulties we have in our lives.

I Thessalonians 5:18--In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This verse does not say that we need to be thankful for everything, but rather that in any situation we can find something to be thankful for. Remember that God is always going to be in control. :o)

Kid "Wisdom"

Today I told the kids who had all gathered on my bed (along with the dog) that I needed to get ready for work. This brought on the following conversation:

E: Why don't you just call in sick?
Me: But I'm not, so would that be true?
E: No
Me: So would that be the right thing to do?
E: No
Z: You could jump out the window and then it would be true.

Work has been a bit stressful lately, but not THAT bad!!!

This brought on another conversation about how I didn't work in the hospital, so what DID I do as a nurse??? I explained I make sure the PCAs take good care of the patients. Z didn't think that I could possibly know how to take care of people since I hadn't worked in a hospital. He doesn't seem to think that college and experience count for anything. Glad he's not my boss.

It's all in how you look at things...

The last three weeks have not been easy. Not horrific, just stressful. Part of the difficulty is that I am waiting to put my ducks in a row, but can't seem to find the ducks to put in a row!!! When things get difficult, I generally mull things over in my mind until I can find a positive/humorous way to look at them. Lately, though it seems that the rose colored glasses have been difficult to keep on. I have been rathered annoyed at myself also because I haven't been so good at leaving the burdens at God's feet. I keep finding them strapped to my back AGAIN. VERY silly of me, I know!

I found these quotes also (thanks mom for the Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul book):
I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. E. E. Hale

The ability to laugh at life is right at the top with love and communication, in the hierarchy of our needs. Humor has much to do with pain; it exaggerates the anxieties and absurdities we feel, so that we gain distance and through laughter, relief--Sara Davidson

I am going to meditate on these verses and pray when I start feeling panicked. I think that looking at things in the light of God's Word should make the day/week/month go better. :o)
I Peter 5:7--Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Job 39:11 Wilt thou trust Him, because His strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to Him?

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I have learned that life is mainly about our attitude to the things that happen to us, more than just about what happens to us. Our lives are more defined by how we handle things than what actually happens. We can choose to look at things from two different perspectives. If we believe God is in charge, then we can look at things and KNOW that He will help us through them and that He is working to make all things work together for His good!

THE ATTITUDE ALPHABET

YOU CAN BE:

A–Angry or accepting--------------Proverbs 19:11
B–Bitter or Better----------------- Romans 8:28-29
C–Condemning or Commending----Ephesians 5:29
D–Defensive or Delightful----------Romans 12:19
E–Edgy or Edifying----------------Proverbs 15:4
F–Fighting or Forgiving------------Matthew 5:7
G–Griping or Grateful-------------Psalm 100:4
H–Haughty or Humble------------James 4:6
I–Insolent or Inspiring------------Proverbs13:10
J–Jealous or Joyful----------------Proverbs 14:30
K–Killjoy or Kind------------------Ephesians 4:32
L–Lusting or Loving---------------I Corinthians 13:4
M–Murmuring or Merciful--------Philippians 2:14
N–Nasty or Nice------------------Romans 12:21
O–Obnoxious or Obedient--------Romans 12:18
P–Pouter or Praiser--------------Psalm 34:1-3
Q–Questioning or Quiet----------Romans 8:28
R–Rotten or Rejoicing------------Philippians 4:4
S–Sour or Sweet-----------------Ephesians 4:32
T–Testy or Tender--------------Proverbs 15:1
U–Undermining or Uplifting-----Proverbs 17:20
V–Vicious or Victor--------------I John 1:19-20
W–Whiner or Waiter------------Psalm 27:14
X–eXploder or eXhorter---------James 1:19
Y–Yoke of bondage or Yielded vessel----Proverbs 3:5-6
Z–Zany or Zealous-------------- Titus 2:14

Recipe Request

Low Fat Zucchini Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup applesauce

1 egg

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup grated zucchini

1 cup chocolate chips

* Optional Items: Protein powder, wheat germ, craisins, etc. (I added 1/4 cup flax seed)

Directions:

1. Cream together sugar, butter, applesauce and egg.
2. When well blended add dry ingredients, add zucchini and chocolate chips.
3. When well blended spoon out onto cookie sheet sprayed with pam.
4. Bake at 375 for 10-12 min. Makes about 3 dozen.
5. Enjoy!

Kids...

We got the kids pictures taken on Saturday, they did well and had some fun. Then we went to Old Country Buffet. The kids were diappointed because they had to go up with an adult and we weren't always ready to go for second, thirds, fourths, etc. when they were. "Z" pondered his predicament of having SLOW eating parents and said, "Mom can "T" and I go up together, because together we are 17! Nice try, huh. :o)

Casting Your Care Upon Him

I got some news yesterday that is going to lead to some tough decisions. I find that I have an easier time Casting My Cares on Him AFTER the decisions have been made than during the decision making time. I pray for wisdom, but still find myself thinking through things over and over again!

I'm trying to sing this song (to myself) when I catch myself becoming obsessive about the situation.

I cast all my cares upon You, I lay all of my burdens down at your feet and anytime that I don't know what to do, I will cast all my care upon you.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

When you put a "prepared meal" or even the main part of a meal, like taco meat or meatballs and sauce in the freezer, write it on a 3x5 card and keep it in the front of your recipe box.

Cross off things as you use them and add to the card as you add to the freezer.

Since I don't seem to have as good of a memory as I used to this, this has helped me a lot and helped me not to waste food because I forgot it was in the freezer until it was covered by two inches of ice crystals.

I can also look at the 3x5 card when I am planning my menu for the week and decide if want to use anything from the freezer. This also helps if you need to take a meal to someone on short notice.

For more great kitchen tips, visit: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3591

Recipe Request

Lasagna

Meat Sauce:
1.5 lbs. hamburger
1 tbsp. minced garlic 0r 1.5 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. basil
1.5 tsp. salt
16 oz. tomato sauce
12 oz. tomato paste

Cheese Filling:
2 eggs
24 oz. cottage cheese
1/2c. parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

10 Lasagna Noodles
16 oz. Mozarella Cheese

Directions:

1. Brown hamburger and drain. Add rest of sauce ingredients, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occassionally.


2. Beat eggs, add rest of cheese filling ingredients, mix well.


3. Cook lasagna noodles per package directions, drain.


4. Grease 13x9 pan.


5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over bottom of pan, then 1/2 of noodle, 1/2 of cheese filling, 1/2 of mozarella, 1/2 of meat sauce, then remaining noodle, then cheese filling, meat sauce.


6. Cook at 350 for 35-45 minutes.


7. Add rest of mozarella during last 15 minutes of cook time.

*Can prepare ahead of time and refrigerate. Plan to add 15 minutes to cook time.

*I will sometimes use two cans of diced tomatoes in place of the hamburger to make a meatless lasagna.

Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Nothing too deep, just thankful that I can put my faith in a loving God and know He will take care of me, no matter what may come my way--health problems, work difficulties, even a government that would turn the country I love into country I barely recognize. God is still in control and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us! What peace is it to know that the all knowing, all powerful God is on MY side. :o)

Psalm 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Update

My friend who had surgery is doing better. Still in pain, but better than yesterday. Please keep her in your prayers!

Adventures at the Hospital

Today I went to the hospital with a friend who was having surgery. I was a little nervous because I don't know my way around the hospitals here, even though I have lived here for about 11yrs. (I really hate it when I don't know where I am going. I have this irrational fear that I will end up wandering around and then someday someone will find my skeleton in some deserted hallway and solve the great mystery of what happened to me!) I've decided that it is a good thing to not know my way around the hospitals because that means I don't work there and haven't had anyone close to me sick enough that I've become familiar with the hospitals. My method of navigating the hospitals is to read signs and ask the little information desk people or pretty much anyone wearing what appears to be a badge where I am supposed to be going!

When we got to the hospital, I was sent to a waiting room to wait until they had my friend ready for surgery, then I could go sit with her until the surgical people came to take her away. I was told to check in at the waiting room desk so they could find me when they needed me. I dutifully filled out the little piece of paper, had my parking ticket stamped, chatted with the little volunteer lady, who said she needed new glasses. I then went and sat to wait. About half an hour later, another volunteer lady who was at the desk when I checked in came and with a somewhat school teacher like tone asked me to please come register because I hadn't. I went to the desk, explained I had--she looked at me and said, "Well we don't have you down anywhere." I felt like a naught elementary student! I filled out the paper again. The lady who NEEDED new glasses asked if she could stamp my parking ticket. I explained that she already had. She said, "Well I've never seen you before!" I said, "actually we talked about how you needed new glasses." "Oh, did we?" she said. They found my previous slip and apologized. I told them to give me some free coffee and I'd call it even. :o) (They always offer free coffee.)

I saw my friend off to surgery, then went back to wait.

After she was out of surgery, a little gentleman gave me a slip and told me to go back upstairs to post op. He told me the bed number and I was on my way. I was rather proud that I managed to find my way, only having to ask one person! When I got to the bed, though the person occupying the bed was about eighty years old and a MAN!!! My friend is in HER thirties! I went to the desk and the first lady told me, well it says bed 13, so you need to go over there. I explained that if they had done that to my friend in surgery she was NOT going to be very happy!!! I finally found someone helpful and they just giggled and said the voluteer guy was a little confused, she called and found out where my friend really was for me. :o)

Did I mention I brought chlorox wipes with me (in a baggy) to wipe down the table before I set up my computer. I know this is probably a sign of OCD. Actually I prefer CDO--it's like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but the letters are in alphabetical order--the way the SHOULD be! Hospitals really gross me out, especially during flu season! The older I get the more they disgust me--probably due to the wisdom that comes with getting older, right! I can't count how many times I used the hand sanitizer today. When I walked in the door tonight, my husband asked me "Did you catch anything"? Only time will tell--still taking my Vitamin C and Zinc, though!

For those of you who know my friend, the surgery went well, but the recovery is never easy and is unfortunately pretty painful, so please pray for her. She's looking for volunteers to trade places with her!

Prayer Request

Please pray for my friend Terri who is having surgery today. For a safe surgery and QUICK recovery.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Apple Bread

This recipe is posted by request. :o) It was originally a Pear Bread recipe, but I decided to make it with apples since I had an abundance of them and it turned out pretty well. :o)
*makes two loaves

3 eggs

1 1/4 c. sugar

2/3 c. vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp. Almond extract

3 c. flour--I used whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 c. ground flax seed

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tbsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

4 c. finely chopped apples (I don't peel mine)

1c. chopped walnuts

1. Combine eggs, sugar, oil, and extracts. Mix well.

2. Combine flour, bkg. powder, cinnamon, bkg. soda, and salt. Mix well.

3. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture til moist.

4. Add apples and walnuts, mix well.

5. Pour into loaf pans.

6. Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes.

7. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

Overheard:

In regards to some friends who go South for the winter:

T--They're people hibernating! :o)

'Nuff Said!

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

John 9:1-5

1 ¶ And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

As I read this passage it struck me that so often when difficulties come our way, it is easy to get focused on the "whys" of our difficulties. However, this passage shows us that there are times that difficulties are put in someone's life so that God can be glorified. Here this gentleman had been blind for his whole life and he is an adult in the story (later in the passage the parents say he is of age). That is a long time to live with being blind. His trial wasn't for a few days or months or even years!

Instead of focusing our energy on the "why me", we need to focus our energy in finding ways to give God the glory for getting us through the trials. He has promised over and over to never leave us or forsake us, commanded us not to fear for He is with us, promised to give us the strength we need and promised to never give us more than we can handle--because He is there to help us! I think that God sometimes gives us trials so that when others ask how we are making it, we can say that God is getting us through because we certainly couldn't manage on our own!!!

Another point about this passage I wanted to make it that the disciples thought that this man or his parents had sinned. (It is a little funny that they thought it may have been the man, even though he had been blind FROM BIRTH!) Sometimes people will decided that someone may have sinned and that is the "why" of their difficulties. I don't think that anyone should decide that sin is the reason for a person's difficulties, that is between God and them. Sure there are consequences for sin and sometimes they are apparent, however, our job is to be an encouragement and help them with a loving spirit, not a judgmental one.

If you are going through a difficult time, remember that God is just a prayer away. Enlist others to pray for you too!

Saving you...

Time:
I needed to finish getting my apples in the freezer/ready to cook with. I had nearly half a bushel left. I was using my apple wedger, but it doesn't cut all the way through, so I had to then pull all the apple wedges through the wedger. I finally got smart (unfortunately when I was over 1/2 done) and used the handle of a wooden spoon to push the core the rest of the way out, then you basically had a "bloomin apple" which was easy to break into pieces for the food processor. The kids helped a lot and cut the time in half!!!! I LOVE helpers.

Money:
I went to the eye doctor on Saturday. I asked her about my eyes burning and if I could use cheaper solution to rinse/put them in my eye and the more expensive stuff to soak. (I've tried the store brand stuff and it doesn't work for me. I have to replace my contacts twice as much!!!) She said to use the contact solution to soak them and then buy NORMAL SALINE to rinse and put them in my eyes. It is A LOT cheaper!!! Also, she said that the contact solution has disinfectants that irritate some peoples eyes, so rinsing in Normal Saline actually helps to decrease eye irritation since it gets rid of the chemicals. I tried the Normal Saline today and my eyes felt much better. I love it--two problems solved with one "solution". :o)

Think On these Things Belated

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Optimistic=Trusting God

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Through our health insurance, there is an application for "Living Well"--basically to address the emotional side of life. We get points for doing their suggestions. My next area to work on is optimism. It got me thinking. The first step is to write down the good things in your life.

Isn't it so true that when we make an effort to focus on the good in our life and the things to be thankful for, our outlook will be more "optimistic".

Really, it struck me that being "optimistic" is really trusting God and His wisdom to direct our paths.

Weekend Recap

My weekend started last Thursday. :o) Wish I could figure out a way this could happen all the time! It ended on Sunday, I just haven't had time to get this post done. It was back to work on Monday.

Thursday

We packed a picnic lunch and headed out to Bayfield.

1st Stop: Farm for pumpkins for the kids/Aunt Molly and mini pumpkins and gourds for me to decorate for fall. They had fun picking out their pumpkins.

2nd Stop: Iron Bridge Hike in Bayfield. This is a nice, relaxing hike under a beautiful old iron bridge and along a creek. It is beautiful and not strenuous. Perfect to stretch the legs after a 2 hour trip!

3rd Stop: LUNCH!!! We stopped at picnic table in Bayfield for lunch under some beautiful oak trees.

4th Stop: Hauser's Orchard. They have a mail order barn ordered from Sears and Roebuck back in the 1920's. It was shipped by train and put up by local carpenters. Cost: $896.00.We picked a bushel of apples in about 10 minutes. I actually wish it had lasted a little longer, it seemed a little anticlimactic to drive all that way to pick apples for such a short time. Alas, I don't have a very big freezer, though!

5th Stop: Blue Vista Orchard. They have a beautiful old red barn, but we couldn't pick our own apples, which was a little disappointing. They sold me some apples at pick your own prices, though. My sister also bought me a pottery apple baker--which works in the microwave or oven. :o)

6th Stop: Meyer's Beach for the Sea Cave hike--3.6 miles round trip. It is a relaxing and pretty hike. Some up and down hills. We also walked along the beach a bit.

Friday

Very rainy and basically miserable out, so we hung out at home. We played Wii some. Also, we carved pumpkins. The nice way they turned out is largely due to Aunt Molly's talents, certainly NOT mine!

Saturday

Went to a water park in the twin cities. We had a lot of fun! Got our exercise walking up and down the four flights of stairs to the slides. We were pretty well worn out. Then we went to an old friend's house for dinner with his family.

Sunday

We went to church at a church we really enjoy visiting in the twin cities. It is always nice to find a church away from home that you fell welcome in and that believes like you do. We went to the Como Zoo and then hiked around Fort Snelling. Then dropped my sister off at the airport.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Freezing Apples

We picked a bushel of apples on Thursday, so last night I had about 20 minutes free so I thought I'd start working on freezing some.

• I usually cut up the apples with a knife, but last night I remembered by apple wedger. I wedged the apples, which nicely decores them also.
• Then I put them in my food processor to slice or chop. I froze half in slices and half chopped.
• Using the apple wedger saved A LOT of time. I don't peel my apples. They end up sliced thin enough that no one complains and the peel has extra nutrients and fiber.
• I put them in freezer bags and marked the number of cups in the bags with a permanent marker.

I was able to get twenty cups of apples in the freezer in the twenty minutes. I couldn't believe how fast it went! With clean up--about 30 minutes.

For more great kitchen tips, visit: Tammy's Recipes at http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3545

So true and So sad...

Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.--Marilyn Monrow

I think we could say today that they will pay you a million dollars for a kiss, but still only 50 cents for your soul if they'll pay for it at all.

This quote broke my heart!

Busy

My mom and sister came last Thursday and we have been busy having a great time together, so I won't be posting much if at all until next week. Have a great week!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Ground Beef

Since I work full time and don't get home until 5:30pm, I am always looking for ways to make dinner faster. I've started making something out of my ground beef as soon as I get it home from the store.

Some ideas are:

1. Meatloaf--I usually make up three meatloafs and then freeze them. I discovered last time that I can mix up the ingredients, then divide it into three ziploc freezer bags (I used to use a TON of plastic wrap--silly me!), squish the bags into three loaf pans and freeze them in the freezer--uncooked. (You want to freeze them in the pan so the meatloaf will fit in your pan when you go to cook it.) You can take the bag out of the pan after the meatloaf has frozen. When you want to cook the meatloaf, take it out of the bag--you may need to run some hot water over it to loosen is from the bag, put it in the pan to thaw. I usually put mine in the oven on time bake in the morning with aluminum foil (sprayed with pam so it doesn't stick) and set my oven for time bake so when I walk through the door you have meatloaf ready. :o) I also usually throw in some baked potatoes to cook with the meatloaf.
2. Make hamburgers and freeze.
3. Cook up a lot of taco meat and freeze it in amounts for meal time.--I add lentils or black beans to increase nutrition and stretch the meat.
4. Make up meatballs to freeze--these I cook before I freeze them. I cook them on the broiler pan in the oven. I make a double batch and there is not hardly a millimeter of space unused on my pan. I then freeze them in a ziploc bag.
5. Cook up a bunch of the beef and leave plain to use in recipes. I have found that I can cook up enough ground beef in one skillet to divide out for three meals. I put enough water in the skillet to go about 1/2 way up on the pan, this decrease the fat content even more.

I hardly ever freeze ground beef anymore unless it has been made into something or cooked. It really doesn't take that much time, but it sure make meal prep easier! :o)

Z versus the spider

There was a spider in our bath tub. I called in Z to see if he wanted to kill it. He looked at it rather anxiously and decided he would put a small bucket over it to smother it. He grabbed the nearest bucket, then put it down. "Oh, yeah it can't have any breathing holes!" (it was a small bucket with holes in the bottom).

He then grabbed one without holes but was unable to put the bucket on top of him because the spider wouldn't stay still!

He then tried to wash the spider down the drain, but that didn't work!

Rather exhaustedly and dramatically he decided to call in the big guns and T was able to dispense with the spider.

Sorry, I couldn't let this go!

A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

This was a quote on my google home page yesterday and it REALLY annoyed me. I generally leave politics alone and don't think I've been very political on my blog.

In light of these facts:

Many families where no adult works or certainly does not work full time receive:

• Up to $900 in food stamps.
• Get SSI money (about $600/month) for their kids diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc.
• Get welfare
• Get free child care
• Get pratically free medical, dental care, and vision care--they do have copays of a few dollars for some things

I realize that some families need this help for a short time or need it because they are truly unable to work due to serious health problems. I think we should help these people. I have issues when we this becomes their career choice and there is not effort to work and support themselves!

THEREFORE a liberal is:

• a man with two perfectly good legs who has learned to walk , but has decided the rest of the world should carry him while he complains about how the world is not carrying him properly and giving him the shaft OR
• a man who has decided to walk but thinks you should help those who have chosen not to walk with someone ELSE's money (someone with less money than themselves usually), NOT their money--their care and concern is usually a cover to advance some type of poilitical chicanery.

Please pardon the rant.

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

It seems that life just keeps moving faster and faster and sometimes we feel we can't keep up anymore. Most of the times when we feel we can't keep up it is because we are trusting our own strength and not God's strength. How silly we are to try to do it on our own when God has offered His help. I wonder if He sees us like the little toddler trying to carry in the grocery sack that is way to heavy insisting "I can do it!" and refusing help only to tumble over with the groceries!

If our burden is heavy, we haven't given it to the Lord!

My Bed and Breakfast Stay

The bed and breakfast I stayed in at Brainerd was adorable. It was really relaxing. I enjoyed it immensely. I spent a couple of hours sitting in a comfy rocking chair reading a book in front of a huge fireplace on the screened in porch! The only thing missing was my hubby.

Here is the porch.

Here is the entry way onto the porch where they served yummy zucchini crisp in china bowls. :o)

Here is my cabin.

Interior of the cabin.

Adorable window treatments.

They were great at using what they had, so here is an old metal spoon with a wooden handle used as a toilet paper holder. I would have never thought of that!

The food was all natural, organic and quite tasty. :o)

Anyone looking for a bed and breakfast in the Brainerd area, I highly recommend this one. You eat breakfast in a late 1800's rail car. The owners were very sweet and great to chat with.

Weekend Recap

We had a nice weekend, went to a Twins game with some friends and enjoyed visiting with them. Looking forward to maybe enjoying a major league baseball game next year when they actually play outside where baseball SHOULD be played!!! Having said that, I'm probably guaranteed to only pick days to go when it is rainy, windy, and cold. :o)

I'm proud to say I drove in the twin cities for the third time and managed not to injure anyone too badly!!! Really wish the Twins played someplace like Hinckley, though--it would be a much nicer drive!!! :o) My shoulder muscles haven't recovered from the stress of driving in the cities. Guess I'm too much of a country bumpkin!

To my friend "S" at church, I thought of another song for your mental enjoyment--"This is a song that never ends..." :o)

I'm off to Grand Rapids, Bemidji, Brainerd, and Finlayson over the next couple of days, so I won't be posting. I get to stay in a bed and breakfast in Brainerd. I'm really looking forward to it, if I have to spend the night away from home for work, might as well enjoy it. She graciously upgraded me to my very own cabin since it is a Monday night. :o) Her e-mail said, "You also have a window air conditioner, microwave, fridge/freezer, and satellite T.V. Your evening snack/dessert will be on the old stove that you will see as soon as you are on the porch. There is make-it-yourself tea and hot chocolate by the microwave as well as microwave popcorn. Purified water to prepare the tea and hot chocolate is in the porch fridge. We'll start a fire in the evening in the stone fireplace on the back porch and you can keep throwing logs onto the fire as long as you like. The wood is located in a wagon near the fireplace. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. in the railroad car tea room at the far end of the back porch. " Here's a picture of the cabin: http://www.whiteleycreek.com/queen_of_the_meadow_bloom/bb_cottages/

Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

In Junior Church this year, I have been going through the kings of Israel and Judah. It is amazing to me how patient God was with His children. You read of king after king who did that which was evil in the sight of God and even kings that followed God, but still allowed idol worship. God sent difficulties to get their attention, but they still continued to ignore Him. There were times of revival, but they were few and far between. There were also kings that started out serving God, only to go their own way in the end. Joash started out and served the Lord as long as his mentor, Jehoiada the priest was alive, then he turned away from God. He turned so far away that when God sent a prophet to tell him to get right with God, he killed the prophet! God dealt with him, but was a sad ending to what could have been a great life used for the Lord. Even sadder is the fact that when the kings served other gods, so did the most of the people.

I am thankful for God's patience and love for us. This also challenges me to live for the Lord and lead others to Him.

May we be able to say what King Hezekiah could say:

2Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

A Spirit of Thankfulness

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


I have found that when I remember to be thankful for things, even in difficult times, it makes life much easier and more joyful. I have been trying to look for things to be thankful for and have found myself enjoying things I used to dislike. Now to remember to be thankful ALL the time!!! I really need to work on this at work. I find myself frustrated at times, but need to be looking for things to be thankful for and focus on them.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Kids and Chores

We have a chore wheel at our house. One side has dinner chores--Help with dinner, set table, clear table, and help with dishes. The other side has various daily chores, such as clean a bathroom, vacuum a room, sweep a floor, etc. The chores are listed on the outside of the wheel and the kids names are on smaller wheel on each side in the middle of the larger one, held together with a brad, this allows me to turn the wheel so the chores rotate. If you use paper that coordinates with your kitchen, it can end up looking kind of nice on the fridge.

Chores can help your house run more smoothly and teach your kid responsibility. BE PATIENT with the kids, however. Realize up front that they are not going to complete tasks as well as you would. They are younger and less experienced than you. They also will probably take longer than you to complete the chore. When I first started having the kids do chores, I did not tell them they missed a spot, etc. As they have gotten older, I occassionally will add another step or ask them if they think that is how it should look. (If they are being lazy, I do address that-usually by asking them if they did their best.)

Last night, it was "Z's" turn to do the dishes. I had gone upstairs, when I came down, it was apparent that he had enjoyed using the sprayer on the sink A LOT!!! There was about 1/4 inch of water in my utensil holder that is about 18 in. away from the sink, my toaster and stove appeared to have gotten a shower, the cabinet above the sink was dripping with water, the counter had standing water on it and I noticed the pair of socks I had just put on were rather soggy!!! I mopped up the water--at least everything near the sink is now fairly clean from the shower! I did suggest to "Z" that he might want to keep the water turned on low before he uses the water sprayer in the future, but I really am grateful he did the dishes without complaining. He actually seemed to enjoy himself. :o) Oh, yeah, the front of him seemed to have gotten a shower too.

Another thing I've started doing, due to the rapid way that dish soap was disappearing, I keep an old bottle and add water half way up, then add dish soap the rest of the way up. If you add the water first, it decreases the sudsing! You can also get a pump type dispenser to help decrease how much soap they use.

I've been trying to remember the poem (couldn't find it) that goes something like this:

Be thankful for the dirty dishes, for you have food to eat.

Be thankful for the dirty clothes for you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the toys strewn about for you have children to fill your home, etc.

Looking for a way to be thankful for a mess/chore makes the chore much less burdensome and you may even find yourself smiling while you do it. :o)

Adventures with Kids

On Wednesday morning, the morning started off fairly well. We had been given a bean bag chair that Mike had just brought in from the trunk. The kids were pretty excited about it. "Z" decided to jump on it, but did not think about momentum and the rocking chair right in front of the bean bag chair!!! I heard crying and went to investigate. He was obviously hurt, so I picked him up and "K" said, "Look, there's blood!" Sure enough, he had cut his forehead pretty good. I wet a washcloth and had him hold it on his head with some ice and then went upstairs to get the butterfly bandages, but we were all out! I was not yet dressed and still had a towel around my hair. I told the kids to help him get his shoes on while I quick got dressed and ran a comb through my hair. We headed to Wal-Mart with the wash cloth and ice on his head. I bandaged his head with the butterfly bandages in the isle at Wal-mart. I let the curious clerk know I did plan on paying for the whole box! I was late for work--I told my boss due to adventure at home! "Z " is doing fine.

Sp"egg"tacular Kids!

On Wednesday when I got home from work, the kids told me the neighbor lady had gone to a place that was giving away free food. She had gotten a 30lb (yes, I mean pounds, NOT ounces!!!) box of frozen, already cooked scrambled eggs. She didn't have room in her freezer for them, so she thought of us! :o) The kids are quite proud of themselves for this WONDERFUL find!!! They put them in the refrigerator in the basement, because--surprise, surprise, they couldn't get them in the freezer. I would have liked to see them get that box down the stairs and into the 'fridge! I checked the dates on the box and the eggs are still fine, they were in a sealed box in plastic. I didn't know such a thing as frozen precooked scrambled eggs existed! Since I had church and couldn't deal with them at the moment, I turned the fridge all the way up and dealt with them later. To put the amount of eggs in perspective, they filled 10 gallon freezer bags!!! I am pretty sure we will NOT eat an entire bag of eggs for one meal!!!

Oh, yeah, the neighbor lady suggested to the kids that some of the other neighbors might want some, so last night they went door to door asking our neighbors if they wanted some of the eggs. Suprisingly, everyone said NO!!!!

Anyone out there want some frozen, precooked scrambled eggs??? I have thought of a list of ways to get rid of them:

1. Give them away as Christmas gifts.
2. Serve scrambled eggs every time I have company.
3. Every time someone comes over, sneak a bag into their trunk.
4. Every time I have company, serve scrambled eggs.
5. Cook lots of breakfast burritos.
6. Sneak them into parked cars along my street.
7. When I have someone over for a meal, serve scrambled eggs.
8. Beg people for recipes involving scrambled eggs.
9. When I take a meal to someone, use scrambled eggs.
10. Use them for art projects--just kidding!
11. When I ask someone over for a meal, serve scrambled eggs.
12. Take scrambled egg salad to the steak dinner at church.--the kids think this sounds gross.

Anyone want to come over to my house, I have a lovely menu planned!!!

I am thankful for my kids that are always looking for ways to save me money and for free food!!!

After eating all these eggs, we may turn into chickens--you'll know our family by the way we all walk in a nice row, clucking!!! Maybe Hubby will start waking us up with a cock-a-doodle-doo!!!