Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Recipe Request


Multigrain Waffles or Pancakes
Yield: 6-8 servings

3 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or whole wheat flour)
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 1/3 c. skim milk
2 eggs*
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. ground flax seed or 1/8 c. oil
1 tsp. almond extract (optional)
1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (optional)

In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder and baking soda
In a medium bowl, combine milk, brown sugar, eggs*, and flax or oil.
Stir into dry mixture until blended. (There will be lumps in the batter.)
Pour batter into waffle iron or onto hot griddle or skillet if making pancakes. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

* You can separate the eggs--add the yolks to the liquid mixture, beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then fold into entire mixture. I have found that I can't tell much difference in the waffles or pancakes and it saves time and dirty dishes. My mom never did this, so maybe I don't have a discerning enough palate, but I've never had complaints because I skip this step.

**Warning--these pancakes/waffles are much more filling than those made from white flour. :o)

***One of my favorite fruits to add is bananas, I will often then cut the oil in half.  You can also add some cinnamon and you will have waffles or pancakes that taste a lot like banana bread!  Yum!!! :o)

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Iced Tea

Now that Spring is in the air, my hubby started wanting tea.  Not being a huge fan of all that sugar in my tea, I usually make mine with Stevia and add some lemon juice.  

I usually use 4 tea bags (black tea) for two quarts of iced tea.

Here are some ideas:

  1. I heat up the water for the tea in my tea kettle and throw the tea bags in a glass 2 cup measuring cup. I add the hot water, let it steep about ten minutes, pour the tea into the pitcher add any other ingredients, stir, and fill the pitcher the rest of the way up.

  2. Heating the water in the tea kettle allows me to make iced tea for hubby and myself.  I can also get a cup of hot tea out of it, so I am able to get two chores and a treat done all at once.  ;O)

  3. If you have some flavored tea you bought and it is flavorful, but not to your liking, throw one of those tea bags in with your others.  You won't be able to taste the not-to-your-liking tea hardly at all and it beats throwing the tea out.

  4. Instead of Stevia, which is rather spendy, I've been experimenting with fruit juice to sweeten my tea.  Fresh pineapple juice and orance juice have been quite tasty.  Make sure you aren't using juice with sugar added to it!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

"T" saves the day!

Today, I jumped into the car to head off to work.  I got about a block from home and my phone rang, it was home.  "T" was calling me to let me know that my front passenger side tire was almost flat.  I decided to head back home and just as I reached the driveway, I heard the "thump, thump, thump" of tire death.  I parked the car and drove the van to work.

A couple of ways God was watching out for me:
  1. I usually turn the other way when going to work so "T" wouldn't have seen the tire.  In the spur of the moment, I decided to take the back way into work.
  2. "T" happened to be watching out the window to see the tire.  (When I called him back to let him know how thankful I was, he said, "I'm just glad I was watching you leave!"--Me too!)
  3. Mike had taken the company van to the cities, so our van was still at home, so I could still get to work "on time"--I was one minute late.  :o)
  4. I have a husband to deal with the tire.  :o)

Think On These Things Thursday

John 17:13-17
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

I read this passage this morning and was struck with the way Jesus prayed for His disciples right before He knew that He was going to be taken and suffer many things for us.  He could have prayed for strength for Himself, but He was more concerned about those around Him.
  
John 20:20-23
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Then I read this passage and realized that He also prayed for everyone who would believe in Him and trust Him as Savior.  I may have known this at one point, but how neat to know that Jesus prayed for each one of His children who currently were His children and who would later become His children!  Jesus said a prayer for me and for you if you are a child of His!

The other thing I wanted to point out is that in todays world of twisted ideologies and everyone doing what "they" think is best or "feels right", the only place to truly find the Truth is in the Bible.  Not from philosphy books or even Pastors.  We need to make sure that what we are believing and see as Truth lines up with the Bible.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Z's trip to the Dentist

Okay, so I'm going to admit a failure as a mom.  I do not nag my kids about brushing their teeth.  Apparently Z had not been so good about brushing his in the morning.  At least he was honest with the hygienist.  When she asked if he brushed his teeth, he told her only at night.  She asked why he didn't brush them in the morning and he replied, "I'd rather cuddle on the couch with Duke (our 80 lb. boxer), neither one of us are morning people."

Duke Update

Duke went to the vet on Monday.  He was declared healthy and was a pretty good boy.  He  was pretty excited about seeing a cat, but he sat well, except for the shaking with excitement over the thought of "greeting" the cat.  We found out he now weighs 82.5 pounds.  He insists the vet scale adds 5 pounds and his winter coat adds a couple more.  ;o) 

Here he is asleep with his "chewy."  Must have taken a lot of effort to chew on it!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Quicker Grilling

I don't know about you all, but my hubby is the grill king in our family.  I think he would be very offended if I touched the grill.  Last night we had planned to grill boneless ribs.  I didn't have anything else set out and he ended up at the vet (check up only--Duke is healthy) longer than planned.  I already had potatoes in the oven, so I put the ribs in a casserole dish with lid and threw some marinade over them and let them cook at 350 for about 30 minutes, then he transferred them to the grill when it was ready.  They cooked much faster and we were able to eat much sooner.  They were tender and quite yummy!

For more great kitchen tips, visit:   http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3792

Monday, March 22, 2010

Thought for the day

I know that many people are rather discouraged by the passage of the health care bill in the House yesterday.  Which brings up--does anyone know when they started passing legislation on Sundays.  I don't recall it happening until recently.  It really annoys me that they work on Sundays.  Anyway, I digress. 

A couple of thoughts:
  1. It is not signed into law yet and God can still put a stop to it if that is His will.  God is still on the throne and NO government entity can "sneak" anything by Him.  I admit I am not a fan AT ALL of this legislation, however, God is still in control.  Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
  2. If this does eventually pass, God will still take care of us.  Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.  Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
  3. God can work even through bad things to bring about good.  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.
  4. God does not want us fretting and upset about things that happen in our lives.  He wants us to give our worries and concerns to Him.  He is much smarter than us and can take care of our problems much better than we can.  Matthew 11:28-30  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.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Pinewood Derby 2010

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts.  This is "T's" last.  He'll be a Boy Scout soon.

Both boys were happy with their design.  "T" took second place in his den.  "Z" got a pat on the back for his effort. 

Here are some pics:
Z's car


T's car


T's car and trophy

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day--The truth about Patrick

Have you ever had someone say something untrue about you, something that could really damage your reputation?  That is exactly what has been done to Patrick.  I think that the true Patrick for which this holiday has been named would be horrified to see what is done in his "honor".

"Patrick", (real name Sucat) was born around 389 AD in Britain, not Ireland.  His father was a deacon and his grandfather a pastor.  This is before Catholocism even reached Britain, so it would have been rather difficult for him to be a Catholic! 

Patrick actually went to Ireland from England on two different occassions.  First, unwillingly, he was captured by Scottish pirates at age 16 who sold him to a Druid chieftain in northern Ireland.  He herded cattle for him.  He remembered his father and grandfather's teachings about God (a sure contrast from the things he observed in the Druids, I'm sure) and turned to God.

After 6 years, he was able to escape and after a difficult trip, made it back to Britain.  His parents begged him to never leave Britian again.  However he would go to Ireland again this time willingly after he heard the call of God to go as a missionary.

He was not sent by the Catholic Church.  There is no record of Patrick in Catholic records until Patrick has been dead for 175 years.

At 40, he went to Ireland to begin his mission work.  The work was not easy.  The people sacrificed their own children on alters to false gods.  He came into notoriety when he lit a fire on the Eve of Easter, when it was forbidden to light a fire.  The king sent for him.  He and his fellow missionaries went to see him under threat of their lives by the Druids.  They preached the gospel to the king.  The king believed and was baptized.  After this, he went on to win thousands to Christ during his 33 year ministry.  By the end of his ministry, the entire country of Ireland had been evangelized and many churches were started.  The Catholic church, though very influential was not able to sink its roots into Ireland until 1172AD, 700 years after Patrick had gone there.  This is amazing when you consider how far Catholocism had reached long before this time.

I have decided not to wear green for St. Patricks day, since the day in no way honors the person it is supposed to be honoring.  It has become an excuse to get drunk and pinch people.  Instead it should be a day to remember our job to be missionaries wherever we are!

For more information, visit:  http://www.reformedreader.org/history/patrick.htm
*I have not read everything on this site.  What I have read seems to be good, but I am in no way endorsing everything on the site.  Please read any information you find anywhere except the Bible with great discernment.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Joseph M. Scriven

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

"W" and I are singing this song in church on Sunday night.  It is always amazing to see how God lays a song on your heart to sing and then as you practice it and it goes through your mind throughout the day you realize you really needed the song in your life during this time!  Even more special is that "E" asked to sing this song, but it has been a HUGE blessing to me this week!  I am so thankful that I have Jesus as my friend, I don't know how people live without Him in their life!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Think on These Things

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 must apologize for totally missing Think on These Things Thursday.  I'm afraid that my work life has been pretty hard on my heart this week, and my brain hasn't been functioning at full throttle.

I am so glad that when things get tough, though that we can know that God is in charge.  We can't always control what happens to us or those around us, but we can control our reactions.  I am afraid mine have not always been the best this week.  Until I spent a lot of time in prayer and I know had many people praying for me, my main reaction was anger.  Anger can be right, but usually isn't.  Even if you are angry for the right reasons, it is very easy to say and do things that are not right or to have a bad attitude.

I am glad though for all the blessings God has given me.  Really, my life is blessed in so many ways.  I have a wonderful family, God who takes care of me and loves me, and a great church family and many wonderful Christian friends.  My work life has been pretty stressful for awhile, but I know that God has me there for a reason.  I will continue there until He gives me the green light to move on. There are many people who have lost their jobs, have stressful work lives and then they go home to a stressful home life and don't have faith in a God who cares for them.  It breaks my heart and terrifies me to think of life without a God who loves me, takes care of me, and works everything together for good!

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I originally put this verse in a card for a friend who was told her job will end next week.  It struck me today, though that this verse while mainly applied to supplying our monetary/physical needs can also be applied to God supplying whatever we need, be it spiritual, physical, strength, wisdom, control over our emotions, etc.  How often, though we run about, wearing ourselves out trying to provide all those things ourselves, instead of going to the One who has already promised these things to us through HIS RICHES!!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Crock Pot Pizza Sauce

In reply to Sarah's question--I kind of combine the two recipes. The main difference in my recipes is that the spaghetti sauce has more basil and garlic and the pizza sauce has fennel and more oregano. Basically to make your own sauce, I do something along these lines--sorry I can't give you an exact recipe since I tend to guess when cooking.

3 cans (15oz each) of tomato sauce, you could use also use crushed tomatoes for part or all of this
2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. fennel
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. oregano

You would need to season it to your taste.  I really am not sure about amounts of seasonings, I don't measure and will sometimes throw in other seasoning that catch my fancy.  :o)  Basil and garlic are the most important, though.  :o)

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! part 2

It looks like the "Cutest Blog on the Block" is now fixed and so is my blog.  :o)  I was even able to get a few more toys for my blog this time.  I must say, it feels great to have my blog back to rights after its winter wear.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Recipe Request

Crock Pot Pizza
Ingredients:
12 oz. Kluski Egg noodles*
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 medium onion, chopped**
14 oz. jar pizza sauce (I make my own)
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (I make my own or buy when cheap)
1/2-1 cup fresh mushroom, sliced thin**
1/2-1 cup green pepper, diced**
8oz. grated parmesan cheese
8oz. shredded mozarella cheese
1 pkg. (4oz) pepperoni
*these are not regular egg noodles, they are more like Reames' noodles when cooked
**You can change these up, even add olives, other toppings you would put on pizza.

Directions:

  1. Cook noodles til "al dente".

  2. Add sauces and vegetables (onion, green pepper, mushrooms, etc) to ground beef.

  3. Layer in crockpot or 9x13 pan as follows:  1/2 beef mixture, 1/2 noodles, 1/2 cheese, rest of meat, noodles,then cheese.

  4. Cook in crock pot 2 hours or until cheese is melted.  If in pan, cook in oven at 350 for 30 minutes.
Tips:

  • This can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge overnight.  Don't put the top layer of cheese on until right before you are going to cook it to prevent the cheese from becoming discolored.  You will also need to add cook time due to the crock pot being being cold.

  • I like to cook the pepperoni on a couple layers of paper towels in the microwave for about 45 seconds to get rid of a lot of the grease.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

YEAH!!!!!

I just discovered that "Cutest Blog on the Block" is temporarily gone due to server issues, so I'll be able to get my old template and buttons back.  :o)  :o)   :o)  I had no idea how much I enjoyed their site until I thought it was gone forever.

A New Look

I decided it was time to do away with the snow flakes, optimist that I am.  :o)  Being one to not really like to change things once I have what I like, I went to look for my old blog background, only to discover that "Cutest Blog on the Block" where I got my last one seems to have disappeared!!!  The website and blog are no longer there.  Apparently they no longer have the cutest blog on the block, so I guess I won't have the cutest blog on my block anymore, either!!!  I have chosen this current background, but am not quite convinced I really like it, so more changes may be afoot.  That'll learn me to change things for the season!!!  My new philosophy is going to be if it ain't broke don't fix it. OR  I might just decide to change the background more often so I don't get so attached to a particular background!!!  Guess you'll have to stick around and see...

Friday, March 5, 2010

Think on These Things Thursday

I haven't forgotten about Thinking Thursdays! Last week I was out of town until after 9:30pm. Yesterday, hubby called me at work and said we were going over to have dinner with and help some friends with the beginning of their move to the cities, so once again I did not get home until late. I am working on a post I hope to get finished tonight. :o)

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.
Psalm 119:89-104
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.98 ¶ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.101 ¶ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.102 ¶ I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.103 ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.


God's Word:
  • Is settled, perfect, needs no changes.
  • Reminds us of God's faithfulness to us.
  • Is pur guidebook.
  • Protects us from trouble if we follow it.
  • Is an encouragement.
  • Gives us wisdom.
  • Gives us understanding.
  • Gives us peace in the troubles of life.

I loved this passage and how it reminds us of how powerful and helpful God's Word is!



Monday, March 1, 2010

Recipe Request

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I like to make the powdered laundry detergent. I have made the liquid, but I think that this is easier to make and use.

Here is my recipe:

1 bar of ivory soap
3 cups washing soda
3 cups Borax

I usually double it. I grate the 1 bar of soap in my food processor, then add a cup each of the washing soda and borax and process with the blad, then dump it in my pail, then repeat with the second bar. I then add the remaining cup of washing soda and Borax to the pail. I shake it up well. I use about 1 1/2 tablespoon of detergent in each load. It is a good idea to give the pail a shake before using. This has worked well for us.

Here is a link to a website with more laundry detergent information:

http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-detergent/