Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup

This was yet another attempt to use up some of our sweet potatoes (you can see where we store them here).  I actually expected to include this recipe in the next installment of "Worth It or Not?" (coming later this week), but...as you can see it has earned it's very own post.

On my computer, I have a 'Recipes to Try' folder under my 'Bookmarks'.  There are A LOT of recipes there and this one was among them- for I don't know how long.  Deb over at Smitten Kitchen posted about it in 2007, so it's possible it's been there since then.  What in the world took me so long to try it?!

I had to significantly adjust the recipe to fit the ingredients I had on hand, but the main gist is still present and still delicious.  And, still simple.  I highly recommend this soup.  And, remember, that's a lot coming from someone who claims she doesn't like soups.

I may be growing up after all.

I debated using this photo.  It's really terrible and make the soup look awful, but I'm using it anyway. Why?  I just think recipe posts should have pictures so you can tell what the finished product should look like.  Just please don't judge this soup on my terrible photo skills.  Thank you.

Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup (adapted from Smitten Kitchen)
Serves 8

3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 pound bulk sausage
2 medium onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2-3 cups loosely packed frozen spinach, 1/4 box of frozen chopped spinach (from the store) OR 9 ounces          fresh spinach

In a large cooking pot, cook sausage in oil until done.  Transfer sausage to a bowl and set aside.  Drain off some of the fat, if you like, but leave at least a few tablespoons in your pot.  Add onion and garlic and saute until transparent.  Add cubed sweet potatoes and 1/2 cup water.  Cover and cook sweet potatoes until they are tender (10-15 minutes), checking often to see if you need to add a bit more water to keep them from burning.  Add broth and cook sweet potatoes for another 10 minutes or until they are very soft.  Using a hand blender or potato masher, blend/mash at least half the sweet potatoes, leaving some in chunks.  Add cooked sausage and spinach and cook a few minutes until heated through. Pin It

How I Coupon & An Uncoventional Giveaway

Like with everything else (it seems), it takes me awhile to catch on to good stuff.  Swagbucks is an example.  Another example is couponing.  I couldn't quite imagine that it would be worth it because we don't buy much stuff that you can use coupons for.  I've never seen a coupon for a 25 pound bag of rolled oats or bulk spices - have you?

So, back when I hosted a coupon purse giveaway for Mavis, I decided to see what all the fuss was about.  We don't get the newspaper, so I asked my dear neighbor, Marie (Hello, Marie!), if she wouldn't mind passing the coupon inserts from her paper on to me when she was done with them.  She was happy to- she's sweet like that.

The first thing I thought as I flipped through the inserts was that I don't buy any of this stuff.  Then, I started reading some of those coupon websites (my top three: Hip2Save, Blessed By Bargains & Totally Target) and got caught up in the thought of saving money and began clipping like an animal.  I've mellowed out since then (thankfully) and have come to a pretty happy medium.

If you're not sure about coupons, let me offer up what I do.  It may be more do-able than you think.

1) I stick to the stores I shop at anyway and go to each one once a week.  For me, the two stores are a non-chain grocery store and Target.

2) I signed up to get their sale circulars on line and watch for items I buy.  I may not need the item this week, but if I know I will buy it at some point, I take note of the sale.

3) Next, I got my hands on some coupon inserts that come in the paper.  The two most popular ones are Red Plum and Smart Source.  Ask a friend or neighbor if you don't get the paper- many people just pitch these inserts.  I clip the coupons for the stuff I buy even if it isn't on sale that particular week.  Then, I save the inserts for possible future use.

4) Next, I match coupons with sales and watch the coupon websites I mentioned (they point out sale and coupon combinations)  AND search this coupon database for what's on sale that I usually buy.  The data base is amazing.  Instead of having to hunt through my old inserts or do searches online, the data base tells me which coupon insert a coupon is in (that's why you save them after you clip your top coupons- a sale next week might match a coupon in your old inserts) or provides you with a link to follow to print out an online coupon.

Now, you're ready.

The best tip (that I've found) is that if you can, use both a store coupon AND a manufacturer's coupon (you're allowed) on a SALE item that you would normally buy anyway.  THIS will usually make your purchase cheaper than buying generic.

If you want to take it a step (or 10) further and get multiple coupon inserts for multiple deals and buy stuff you wouldn't normally buy, that's fine, too.  You can donate your surplus to food banks and shelters.  Just be careful that you're not buying stuff just because you have one coupon (unless it's free, of course).  If you do this too much, you may end up spending more than you're saving.  Just saying.  The idea is to SAVE money:-).

On my last grocery store trip, I saved $5 off my $30 total.  On my last two Target trips- my first week's total was $30 and I paid $11 after coupons.  My second week total was $24 and I paid $5!  So, in the last two weeks,  I saved $43.  Not bad.

My coupon binder.

A great way to organize your coupons is to buy a three ring binder and some baseball card sleeves.  Add dividers and your coupons are organized.  I use a smaller coupon case for my actual trips to the store (because I know what I will buy/what coupons I will need).

Happy clipping!

Speaking of Mavis.  You all need to hop over to her blog this morning.  Not only does she talk about coupons, but every week she does a giveaway.  This week's giveaway is a tad unconventional-  in true Mavis-style.  Good luck to all! Pin It

The Class I Took

Some of you may remember that this past fall, I took a class.  Me.  I took a class.  It was every Tuesday night from 7:00pm-9:45pm for 15 weeks.  Even at the auditing level, there were several hours of reading to do each week.  This was quite a leap for me.  I was a little bit anxious about what this class might do to me.  And, rightly so.

This class changed my life.

I'm not saying this flippantly.  Not like I might say, "This dessert changed my life", because I've been know to say things like that.  I really mean this.  This class changed me.

I think about my life and future differently.  I think about the world differently.  I read the Bible differently.  I think about people all over the world differently.  I think about God differently.  I'm talking real change.

So why am I only writing about it now?  I've wondered this myself and have finally come to the realization that I've been hesitant to write because I'm afraid I won't do this class justice.  I know (even now as I write) that I will not be able to put into words something that I feel in my heart and gut.  But, what would be worse than not doing this class justice would be to keep this class to myself.

The class is called Perspectives.  (Yes, it's title inspired the name of my other blog, Perspective.)  It is offered all over the world and even online.  If you have a computer, you have access to this class.

I was drawn to this class because I wanted to expand my focus.  As many of you know, spending almost all your time staying at home caring for children, working a garden and making much of your food from scratch can cause you to turn inward, to forget about the world going on around you.  Forgetting about the world can be bliss, but is it responsible?

What I found through this class was not how to determine what my interests are outside the home, but to determine what God's interests are and then to align myself with those.  It is so important to me that anything I read or listen to that's inviting me to change my life be Bible-centered.  This class is that through and through.

I cannot begin to tell you how the readings inspired me.  How the teaching walked me through the Bible from beginning to end, helping me see the whole over-arching message of the Bible and how God's purpose that is outlined in the beginning is carried out through time.  This purpose and the carrying out of His plan are unstoppable.   With or without us, it will go on until completion.  But God invites us to join Him.  How can we decline?  Instead of accepting out of fear or guilt, I accept this invitation out of joy and love.  And I didn't always have those two things the way I do now.  I have this class and it's speakers to thank for that.

If you are interested, and I pray that you are, please visit Perspectives' website here.  Take your time, browse around.  Watch the videos.  Pray about this.  Take this seriously.  It will change you and you will be thrilled.

Let me say one more thing.  This class and it's message mean so much to me that I cannot just say, "That was a great class" and leave it be.  Instead, I have volunteered to contribute to the planning of next year's class in our area and am searching out ways to introduce it to our church congregation.

Did I mention that it changes you? Pin It

A Morning to Myself

Does anyone want to take a guess as to what's in this 5 gallon bucket?  Don't gag.  It's not vomit.

Well, I'm just going to come out and tell you.  In a minute.

First, I want to tell you that the other day, a friend of mine (thank you, thank you, thank you!) came over to my house at 9:20 in the morning and loaded all three of  my children in our van and took them away.  She had my permission, of course.  She took them to the children's museum in town and then to the park to play AND have a picnic lunch.  Yes, she is a dear.

You should have seen the dance of celebration that erupted from Sam and Sadie as she pulled in the driveway.  Poor Miriam really had no idea what was going on.  She brought them back about four hours later.  I racked my brain for days trying to decide the best way to fill my time while they were gone.  I knew I would chose to stay home because I am rarely, rarely, rarely home all by myself.

But, what would I do?  Work?  Sleep?  Read?  Blog?  Clip coupons?  Sit in front of the TV and stare?  I'm not one to take a long bath or do my toe nails or anything like that.  I am one who likes to feel productive and likes being productive without umpteen interruptions.  So, here's what I did.  I'm sorry if you don't care.  I'm going to tell you anyway.

I stripped the kids beds and washed all their sheets and blankets and hung them out to dry (it was a beautiful day).  I did two additional loads of laundry.

I reorganized the pantry, pulling all of the full jars to the front and within reach, boxed up several large boxes of empty jars, and removed 31 jars of outdated home-canned food (most from 2008- I was a spazz that year).

I organized the smoke house (our attic) and put all the boxes of jars together.

I dumped all the contents of the outdated jars into a five gallon bucket (ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!).  I won't even feed this stuff to the chickens.  There were outdated pickled beets (we have plenty from 2009), old barbecue sauce, old chutney, old sweet and sour cucumbers and even 2 quarts of green tomato curry from 2007.  Then, I washed all the jars and boxed them up, too. (They're being boxed up just to make the pantry easier to keep organized- I'm not going to quit canning or anything silly like that.)

I got three bags together of stuff to donate, got the mail and then...

I laid on the couch and read for a whole hour in peace and quiet.

It was wonderful.  Oh.  Did I forget to mention that I cried a little when they first left?

Yeah, I'm weird like that. Pin It

What To Do With Bread Crust

1) Dip it in your yogurt and eat it (a favorite of my kids).

2) Feed it to your chickens.

3) Feed it to the birds.

4) Freeze it for later so you can...

5) Make homemade croutons.

6) Make homemade bread crumbs.

7) Make Pineapple Stuffing.

8) Make regular stuffing.

9) Make Ham or Sausage and Cheese Souffle.

10) Make Spinach (or Chard) and Cheese Strata. 

11) Make Savory Tomato Bread Pudding.

12) Fool your kids and make them a sandwich, crust-side-in

or, last but not least...

13) Buck up and eat it.

What do you do with bread crusts?

  A variation of 8, 9 and 10 with sausage, spinach and swiss cheese.

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More Birthday News

I know, I know.  I usually (and only infrequently) post about Swagbucks on Saturdays, but today I couldn't resist.  For those of you who will not search with swagbucks no matter what I say, there's another post coming later today, so please don't fret.

So, here's the thing.  Swagbucks (a search engine that earns you Free Stuff) is turning three years old a week from today (on Monday, February 28th).  I'm still sold on this swagbucks thing and regret not starting sooner than I did.  Mavis, my friend who is keen on all things that have to do with saving money, told me about swagbucks long before I first signed up.  But I, possibly like many of you, needed to sit back and watch how it worked for awhile before jumping on the bandwagon.

 Jamey has these same glasses and actually looks a bit like the Swag guy.  Sometimes, when he wears them, he pops in front of my face and says, "You've won 50 swagbucks!"  It cracks me up every time:-).

I signed up back in May 2010 and since then have earned over $500 in Amazon gift cards that I've used for diapers, Christmas gifts, school books, etc.  Currently, I'm spending them on Little House on the Prairie DVDs as fast as I can earn them.  The other day, Sadie donned an apron and asked asked me to braid her hair "like Laura" and she has the same crush on Pa that I do did.

Now, I do want to be fair in telling you that you likely will not earn as many swagbucks as fast as I did unless you have a vehicle, like blogging, where you can share your love of swagbucks with others.  When they earn swagbucks, you do too- up to 1,000.  Is this a reason not to do it?  Goodness, no!  Even if you earn 1/10 of what I did, you'll earn it effortlessly and it will be money you did not have before.

So, here's the awesome news.  Not only are they doing all kinds of fun things over at swagbucks.com this week through Monday to celebrate, if you sign up (using this link) between now and Monday (the 28th) not only will you earn the standard 30 bonus SB, you can earn an additional 50 bonus SB when you then enter a special code.

Here is exactly how to do it...

1) Click here.

2) Enter your information to sign up (I've received ZERO spam relating to swagbucks) AND AT THE SAME TIME...

3) Enter this code 3rdBirthday147 into the window that asks for a special code (this earns you the extra 50 SB).

4) Then, complete the instructions.


5) Once signed up, click on "Toolbars" all the way at the top and then click "Download" to get the swagbucks toolbar/search box.  This is where you will search for things online instead of in your google or yahoo search box.  Occasionally when you search, a special box will pop up telling you you've won swagbucks.  There are other ways to earn as well, but don't concern yourself with those now.  Just start searching as you normally do (over-searching can keep you from earning) and browse around the site to learn about other ways to earn as you have time.

That's it!!

To read more about what *I* do to earn swagbucks, click here.  Happy earning!  Every little (or big) bit helps:-). Pin It

Birthday Jealousy & Princesses

As each birthday approaches I totally forget about birthday jealousy.  Totally.  And I feel like somewhat of an idiot for forgetting about this phenomenon that plagues my children without fail.  In hindsight, I always think that if I had prepared them for it, things might go a little more smoothly when their sibling's birthday arrives.  Instead, I'm caught off guard and it's a bumpy, bumpy road of a day.

Sam and Sadie both had birthdays recently and while the birthday boy or girl enjoyed their birthdays to the fullest, the non-birthday girl or boy was filled with angst during certain portions of their sibling's special day (when the phone rang, when I brought in the mail, when the presents were given, etc.).  There were tears, turned down mouth corners and general sulking.

This is a prime opportunity to teach that all-important lesson that while, yes, they are very special and very loved, the world does not revolve around them and them only.  And, that we do not need to always be the center of attention and we must learn to be happy for others, to feel joy because others feel joy.

And that leads me to another issue I must get off my chest.

I would really like to write a letter (and maybe I will) to the Disney Company and all the other companies that make and sell princess paraphernalia.  I have a bone to pick with them.

For one, similar to the whole Barbie issue, these princesses (be it dolls, movie characters, what have you) all have perfect skin, perfect hair, tiny little waists and extravagant clothes.  What girl, young lady or woman can boast these traits at any point in their lives?  It is setting young girls up to be disappointed in themselves because, well, if a girl wants to be loved and adored like a princess, she must look the part.  If she doesn't, what is she?  Ordinary?  That is simply not good enough, but often the reality.

Appearances aside, princesses (at least the commercialization of their characters) always come out on top- adored, spinning and prancing around in a beautiful castle with a handsome prince on their arm with servants, helpers or talking tea pots at their every beck and call.  And this will happen during most women's lives at which point?  I guess I'm just not there yet.

We are doing a disservice to our daughters if we set them up to believe that the world revolves around them.  They will be in for a rude awakening when they enter any form of the real world and discover that as special as they are, they likely will not be the best and greatest at everything they attempt.  It's okay that they're not.  It's perfectly alright to not be the prettiest or the most popular and to have to work for their successes.  And, for their husband's sake, I certainly don't want my girls to enter their marriages under the impression that their husband's sole purpose is to take them dancing and lavish them with fine things.

Who really wants to marry a princess anyway?

Sadie loves princesses and this fact rocks my world.  As you can imagine, it is a little difficult for me to handle.  I enjoyed dolls and pretend play as a girl, but I played with Cabbage Patch Kids.  They were a little different.  So, we have conversations about the importance of inner beauty, showing kindness and putting others first.  For now, Sadie is, thankfully, mostly intrigued by their pretty dresses (we only have a few of the miniature dolls and have watched none of the movies).  I would love to think that this is all the farther their influence will go and we will do our best to ensure just that.

Some of you may think I'm taking this a little too far, that I'm reading too much into a girl's play things, but to me, this is serious business.  It's our job, as parents, to help our children build character.  Character that values the needs and well-being of others and that puts stock in how a person conducts themselves over how they look or what they have.  While some of the 'princess message' has evolved to include helping others, I can't help but wonder why we need all the princess fluff in order to teach that lesson.  Our girls are bright enough to learn those lessons without the up-dos, ball gowns and unnatural body proportions.

As girls and women, we do need to feel loved and special.  Sometimes I wonder, though, if God originally intended for us to feel this need so acutely.  There is a theory that The Fall may have played a role in all of this.  After Adam and Eve gave in to temptation and ate of the tree God told them not to eat from, there were consequences for each of their actions.  Here is the woman's portion of the punishment (Genesis 3:16, NIV, italics mine)...

To the woman he said,
   “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
   with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
   and he will rule over you.”

Pains during childbearing and painful labor.  Check.

Now, note that your desire for your husband is considered a punishment.  I don't think God was talking about loving your husband and finding him physically desirable- those are blessings, not punishments.  I think this has to do with an insatiable need to be adored.  Take Valentine's Day for an example.  As much as I couldn't ask for a better and more loving husband (seriously), I still find myself sucked into wanting to be lavished with gifts that really mean nothing in and of themselves. 

I think this is a character flaw that many of us women have to deal with without getting us started early with the help of the media and the toy conglomerates.

We need to teach our girls and remind ourselves that the only true and perfect love we will receive is God's love.  It's His affections that we need to concern ourselves with and, thankfully, He freely gives them.  He will never disappoint and He is the only One who has a steady stream of love to fill our bottomless love pits.  (Italics mine)

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (Psalm 36:5)

"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:26)

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39)

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Lettuce, Potatoes, Muffins & Pie

We couldn't stand it any longer.  Even though we are {still} waiting to plan our garden so we can base it on what the next year will bring, we have such a hankering for fresh vegetables- particularly lettuces.  So, a couple weeks back, Jamey planted some baby beds of lettuce in our office under lights.  They are coming up nicely and need thinning.

We're not sure if they'll make it until he can build a larger cold frame to house them outside.  They might just end up in our tummies even though they would make some of the world's smallest salads.

Our potatoes which are stored (wrapped in newspaper) in our outer (non-heated) mud room are fairing pretty well.  They are beginning to sprout and are the slightest bit soft, but are still lovely inside.  I used a big bowl full to make Jamey mashed potatoes for Valentine's Day.  It just goes to show how much I love him (if you haven't caught on, I dislike mashed potatoes- what is it all you people see in them?).

Our sweet potatoes are still hanging out wrapped in newspaper untder the table in the office that holds the lettuce beds.  Stored beside them is our tub of oats.  At the rate we eat baked oatmeal, we buy 25 pound bags of oats and divide them into the proper amounts for each large batch.  The sweet potatoes are holding up pretty well.  But, because they're upstairs, I tend to forget about them.  Every once in awhile Jamey points out we haven't eaten any in awhile and that jump starts me into sweet potato action.  Just in case you need a couple ideas for your sweet potatoes, here's what I've been doing with them...

The other week, I cooked up a couple large pots of sweet potatoes and hand-blender-ed them...

Okay.  I just have to interrupt myself to tell you that Sadie (5) just came into the dining room and asked, "Mom, can I clean up the whole house?"  Either A) my house is so messy that my 5-year-old can't stand it anymore or B) she's the child of my dreams.

...into puree for sweet potato pie and muffins.  The pie recipe is fairly standard, but a good one, so I'll include the recipe below.  I often serve it with dinner, as a vegetable, and it makes the kids think I'm the coolest (albeit a temporary thought).  The muffins, I love.  They are not your standard, crumbly, on the dry-side muffins that require butter or jam.  These muffins are actually creamy.  And, not under-baked creamy, either.  Just perfectly spiced and moist and creamy.  You can find the recipe for Creamy Sweet Potato Muffins here.

Sweet Potato Pie (adapted from allrecipes.com)

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
3/4-1 cup packed brown sugar, depending on your love of sweet
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and blend well.  Pour into pie shell and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until the center of the pie is set and no longer giggly.  Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Pin It

White Chili

I know.  I appear to be on a 'white bean' kick since, just the other week, I posted about White Bean Enchiladas.  Thank you so much to those of you who tried them and came back to comment on how you liked them!

I'm not a huge fan of soups.  I wish I was because it's so easy to just combine everything into one pot, whip up some muffins and be done with it.  That said, I love this soup.  The first time I ate it was right after Sadie was born.  Friends of ours brought this White Chili for us as we were getting used to life-with-two and I could not stop raving about it.  I was thrilled to discover that it came from Simply In Season, a cookbook I already owned.

I still love this soup.  I usually double the recipe because it freezes so well.  I love to be able to thaw a quart of it on Saturday so it's ready to heat up Sunday noon so I don't have to worry about cooking when we get home from church.

Please make this soup.  It's wonderful.  And!  It's a great recipe for using up some of the peppers and corn that still may be hanging out in your freezer.

White Chili (adapted from Simply In Season)
Serves 4.  Leave out the chicken and it's a wonderful vegetarian dish.

1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup mild green chilies (canned)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked navy or other white bean
2 cups corn
1 cup cooked chopped turkey or chicken (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

In a heavy-bottomed cooking pot, saute the onions, green pepper, chilies and garlic in a little oil until just tender.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside.  Using the same pot, melt the butter, blend in the flour and cook briefly.  Stir in the broth and milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.  Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, including the sauted vegetables.  Heat through and taste.  Season more if needed. Pin It

How It All Began

I love to hear stories about how people met.

My all-time favorite story is that of my maternal grandparents.  My Grammie loved ice skating and she was good at it.  One winter, she was skating and fell through thin ice.  Thankfully, there were others on the pond and one particular young man pulled her out of the ice and carried her to a nearby house.  That young man was my grandfather and that rescue was how they met.

Jamey and my story is not nearly so dramatic. 

I remember clearly sitting in the back seat of my grandparent's station wagon.  We had borrowed it and my parents were driving me back to college for the fall semester of my sophomore year.  The night before, my boyfriend of three years broke up with me.  I knew it was for the best.  I knew I wouldn't ever marry him, but to officially break off a relationship and friendship that had lasted so long was hard.

I was looking out the car window and these thoughts were running through my head...okay, I know most of the boys in my (college) class and while many of them are really great, I can't see dating and becoming serious with them...I guess if I'm meant to marry, it will be someone I meet at church or through my job one day.  I remember praying to God for patience and putting my love life (or lack thereof) into His hands.

Over the first couple months at school, I was surprised to find myself dating.  It was clearly what people my age did, it's just that it had been so long since I got to know a new person in that way and I found that I wasn't ready and needed to back peddle a bit to gain my footing.

Then, one evening a group of us were hanging out and one of my good friends (thank you, Jon) brought along a high school friend of his, a freshman.  He was tall, cute, unassuming and quiet.  And he was all I could think about from that day forward.

I managed to get to know him over time.  Some girlfriends would give me a heads up if he was in the campus center or cafeteria so I could "run into him".  They used to joke that when he walked into a room, his eye lashes would knock them over even if they were on the opposite side.  I spent many hours playing pool in the game room with him and his volleyball teammates.  This in itself seemed bizarre to me.  I had never been friends with jocks before.  My boyfriend of three years played guitar, was in a band and had dreadlocks.  This new young man did not.  He had short, neat hair and enjoyed exercise.  Weird.

We became good friends, but he did not catch on to the fact that I wanted to be more than that for quite a while.  Once he did and I discovered he felt the same way, life was bliss.  I have such wonderful memories of getting to know him, spending hours playing the questions game.  You know- when you ask a person all sorts of hypothetical questions about the future (in a non-commitment-threatening way) in order to find out what they are like.  I remember one session of these questions when the topic of homeschooling came up.  We discovered we both thought it was cool and would be open to homeschooling our kids one day (not kids with each other- no, no- we were playing it cool).

I remember how it felt so weird to fold my hands together (as if I was praying) during that time.  My hands felt so small because I was so used to holding his big hand in mine.  I know it's sappy and corny, but that's love.  Sappy and corny.  Three years later we married.  That was 13 years ago.

It's not a dramatic, fall-through-the-ice kind of story, but it's my very favorite one. 

I love these stories.  Did I mention that already?  Please tell me your favorite meeting story- it can be yours or someone else's.  Pretty please?  It would make my day. Pin It

Overwhelmed

I am sitting here, banging out these words despite a migraine.  Despite the fact that I was in the middle of doing laundry.  I had to come and put these words, these thoughts into type because...because the urge was strong.

This may not be the post you were expecting to read.  If you know me, you know that this post could be about how overwhelmed I am with chores, children, homeschooling, living on a tight budget, but not today.  As I was folding clothes I became so overwhelmed by God's love that tears welled up in my eyes and I had to stop.

I don't deserve this love.  I don't deserve all the many good things I have- my health, my children, my husband, cupboards, freezers and pantry full of food, the likelihood of a comfortable future.  I don't.  I mess up.  I screw up.  I disobey.  I give in to temptations.  I repent and then I sin again.  And again and again.  How can He forgive me every time?  How is it that He forgets my transgressions so completely?  I am so thankful for this Perfect Parent- this Parent who continues to love me regardless, who gave His only Son for me.  For me!  And I think my kids are hard to parent sometimes?!  Ha!

I know my life thus far has been easy.  Not perfect, but very close to it.  And I know that in a split second, this life could change drastically.  I could experience any number of tragedies.  I do not expect to come to my life's end without experiencing one or more.  Bad things do happen to good people.  I have learned this and will not be ignorant of this fact.

What I do know it that while my life may change, MY GOD WILL NOT.  He was and is and is to come.  His promises will remain the same.  He will never leave me, never forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  I may not understand why things happen, but I will trust that whatever happens, my God has the power to take control of a tragedy and perform a miracle from the result.  A miracle that will bring glory to Him and draw others into His arms.

His love, His power and His glory overwhelm me and I am overcome with gratitude- for the life I've lived, the life I'm living and the life I will live, no matter what it may look like.  I know this is easier said when all is well,  but this is my prayer...that I will...

"Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Simple Meal Idea & Resource

I've told you about the simple meal challenge here.  Today I want to tell you about an amazing resource if you and your family are finding these glimpses into other cultures and simple meals rewarding.

Extending the Table is one of the World Community Cookbooks (the others include Simply In Season and More with Less).  But, Extending the Table is more than a cookbook...

"We did not glean recipes from a refined list of the world’s best dishes. These are recipes that people learned to eat as they lived, worked, and grew to know others in settings as diverse as the winding paths of Uganda, the mountains of Appalachia, a rice table in Indonesia, and an international center in London. Since each recipe represents a relationship, we must share the stories and friendships that first gave flavor to the foods." - Author of Extending the Table, Joetta Handrich Schlabach in the foreword

A few of our many favorite recipes from Extending the Table include Chicken Wat (Ethiopia), Creole Chicken (Dominican Republic), and Bang Bang Chicken (China).



I could go on and on about this cookbook.  In the Geographical Index in the back, there are more than 100 countries/regions listed, so you can easily find recipes by location.  There are little stories sprinkled throughout about individual's different experiences with people of other countries, their culture and foods.  And, each chapter begins with an introduction...

Chapter/Introduction

2, Beverages/An Invitation to Friendship
3, Breads/Rising, Breaking, Reconciling
4, Soups/The Hospitality of Poverty
5, Salads and Vegetables/Caring for the Earth, Caring for One Another
6, Grains, Dried Beans, Stews, and Main Dishes/Honoring the Everyday
7, Festive Dishes, Poultry, Seafood, and Meats/Flavors of the Feast
8, Appetizers, Snacks and Condiments/Nourished by Diversity
9, Desserts/A Season for Sweets

The book also includes a map that labels the countries represented in the book, tips on using the recipes, and a glossary of terms.  It is a wonderful resource to have and makes a great gift.

Today's recipe is in honor of our babysitter of 8 years, Hannah, who is currently spending a semester studying in India.  We miss you, Hannah:-).

Everyday Lentils and Rice (India, Extending the Table)
Called Khichri (KICH-ree), this "is a popular dish among India's rich and poor, but the ingredients vary according to family resources...It is one of the first solid foods offered to babies.  The West Bengal Voluntary Health Association recommends Khichri as a low-cost nutritious lunch or supper."
Serves 6

2 tbsp. oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 green peppers, sliced or chopped
2-inch stick cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cardamom (I left this out because I didn't have any on hand)
4 whole cloves
1 cup uncooked rice, white or brown
1/2 cup lentils
1 1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup cauliflower, chopped (I left this out and used 1 cup peas instead)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
4 cups water

Saute onion, green peppers, cinnamon stick, cardamon, and cloves in oil for 2 minutes.  Add the uncooked rice and lentils and stir fry 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients (if using peas, hold them out until 10 minutes before the end of cooking time) and bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer until rice, lentils and vegetables are tender (between 20-35 minutes depending on the kind of rice you used).

The key to this dish, in my opinion, is salting it properly.  Once it's salted enough, the cinnamon and clove flavors shine through beautifully. Pin It

Questions

What are we having for lunch?

Why?

What are we having for dinner?

Why does Sam get to sit there?

Why do Amish think driving cars is wrong?

Can I have a snack?

Why?

Why do we have noses?

Are there Amish pharmacists?

Why are you driving so slow?

When are we going to get there?

Can I have a snack?

Why aren't there any ducks?

Why can't we drive in the other lane?

Why?

Can I have a snack?

Mommmmmmy?  Mom?  Mommmmmmy?  Mom?

When will Daddy be home?

Why do I have to do everything?

Can I have a snack?

Why doesn't Sadie have to clean up?

Why can't we go to Target?

Why are there fences?

What happened? or What's that? (Miriam, when she hears any little noise)

Why?

Could an ant colony eat this whole pizza roll?

Can I have a snack?

What if all the ants in the world were three feet long?

Can I have more applesauce?

Can I have more applesauce?

Can I have more applesauce?

What we it be like if we could smell with our ears?

Why?

Why?

Why?

If we move, can we get a barn?

(We're not moving.  We have a barn.) Pin It

Meal Time

There were times when I was growing up that I didn't give my parents the respect they deserved.  I have a feeling I'm not alone in this.  Teenage-angst-years aside, the times I think of most often were meal times.  Hmm.  I wonder what prompts these memories.  If you're a mom or if you've been around children at all during meal time, I bet you can guess what it is that prompts my memories of meal time disrespect.

At our table, unless we are having pizza or waffles, one or more of the children will make their displeasure known (through whining, crying, complaining and refusal to eat).  Usually, I do a real good job not taking it personally.  They're kids, after all.  What do they know about good food?  Not much, really.  I didn't enjoy broccoli or asparagus while growing up and now I adore them.  So, I chalk up their complaints to immaturity.  Most of the time.

Sometimes, though, at the end of a long day, when I thought that there might be a chance that what I was preparing might please everyone, it doesn't.  And, it gets to me.  More even than having my feelings hurt, I am disappointed that even when we try to help our kids understand how blessed we are to have so much, they can (and will) still be petty and ungrateful.  So, we have the talk all over again and if they fuss, they must leave the room until they are ready to come back and try again.

Some evenings the older two end up taking turns leaving the room.  But, that doesn't happen in your house, right?

Back to my childhood.  I'm sure I gave my mom grief at dinner time and for that I am sorry.  {Sorry, Mom.}  And, my dear mother had five potential complainers.  I hope the memories of all our pettiness and ungratefulness have faded from her memory, but just in case they haven't, I want to let you know, Mom, that there were many meals that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I'm afraid I can't take back my dislike of the times you served liver or scrapple, but I certainly could have been nicer about it.  Of that, I am sure.

One of the dishes that I always loved and that made my mouth start watering when I smelled it baking was her Tuna Bake with Cheese Biscuits.  It is a very tasty and comforting dish indeed.  As a mom, I love that it includes all the major food groups, but my {personal} favorite part is still the biscuits with all the melty cheese inside.  I made it again recently and, in proper form, one out of the three kids disapproved, but hey.  Those odds aren't terrible and I was happy.

Tuna Bake with Cheese Biscuits (adapted from my Mom's recipe only in that I double it)
Serves 6-8.  Now, some of you will be put off my the store bought/processed elements of this recipe and others of you will rejoice in them.  Of those of you in the first category, there are many ways to  appease yourself- use grated cheese, make and use homemade bisquick mix and homemade creamed soup substitute.  If you're not a fan of tuna, you can use chicken.  If you're still not pleased with your choices, you may leave the room until you're ready to come back into the room and act decent.

3 tbsp. butter
1 large onion, chopped
3/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup Bisquick or homemade baking mix
2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken condensed soup mix or the equivalent of the homemade version
3 cups milk
2 cups cooked peas
1 or 2 cans tuna, drained, or 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
2 tbsp. lemon juice

4 cups Bisquick or homemade baking mix
3/4 cup water
8-10 slices American cheese or 2-3 cups shredded cheese of your choice

If your peas are not cooked yet, go ahead and set them to cook.  (If you're using chicken and it's not cooked yet either, go ahead and take care of that as well.)  In the meantime, melt the butter in a large skillet or large heavy-bottomed sauce pan.  Add chopped onions and peppers and saute them until the onions are tender.  Stir in 1/2 cup Bisquick and saute briefly, incorporating it well.  Add the condensed soup and gradually stir in the milk.  Heat to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Boil and stir for one minute- sauce should begin to thicken.  Turn back the heat to medium and add the cooked peas, drained tuna (or chicken) and lemon juice.  Cook a few more minutes until heated through and sauce is thick.  Take off the heat and set aside.

To make the biscuits, combine 4 cups of Bisquick in a large bowl with 3/4 cup water.  Blend with a spoon and then turn out onto your counter.  You won't need to flour your counter (at least I don't).  The dough may seem dry, but once you kneed it a little bit you will likely see that it's just right- soft and not too sticky.  If this isn't the case, add a smidge of water or Bisquick until you've got it.  It should look like this...

Next, roll it out into a rectangle or oval (or whichever happens first) about a 1/4-1/2 inch thick.  Lay the cheese slices over the dough like this...

Now, starting at the longer edge closest to your belly, tightly begin rolling the dough (and cheese) up, away from you.  Once it's rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the roll into slices, about 15.  It will look something like this...

Next, coat a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and pour all of the sauce into it.  Lay the biscuit slices on the top of the sauce like this...

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits are lightly browned and the cheese is slightly darker, like this...

Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Pin It

Choices

When it comes to all the choices we have, I sometimes think I'd prefer how things were, oh say, 100 years ago.

Take food for example.  We grow most of the vegetables we eat and some of the fruit, but we don't harvest our own wheat and sugar cane and churn our own butter.  We could, I guess, but that would mean choosing to spend a lot more time working for what we eat.  Not that working for what you eat is a bad thing- it's not.  But how much is too much for us?

So, we decide to go to the store or the farmer's market for our remaining food needs.  More choices.  Do I try to buy everything I can from local farmers?  If I do, I will spend more money and may have to make trips around town to pick up raw milk, etc.  I completely understand why small farms have to charge more and I'm happy pay them, but that extra money I'm spending on the food or milk could be given to those in need if I would just shop at the store.

So, I'm off to the store for some of my purchases.  Which store do I head to?  The small, non-chain store where I can't find everything and where they charge slightly more for certain items or a chain grocery store where they offer cheaper prices and one stop shopping?  Cheaper prices means more to give, but what about those local businesses who need my support?

Once I decide which store to shop at, do I choose the organic options (of things I can't buy at the farmer's market) knowing that it's safer for my family and will encourage organic companies/farmers or go with the store brand so we have more money to share?

Choices, choices, choices.

And, that's just food.

What if I need some clothes?  My options are ridiculous.  There are the boutiques, the chain stores in the mall, the mega stores, the discount stores, and the thrift stores (not to mention all the on-line stores).  Do I spend time and gas money driving to thrift store, then discount store, then mega store, then chain stores (I never make it to boutiques) because I couldn't find what fit me properly and was of good quality at the previous store?  Does it really matter that it fits properly or is of good quality?  I mean, I have clothes to wear.  I should just be thankful for that, right?

What about gifts?  Do I make my own gifts?  Do I spend cash to buy handmade gifts to support friends?  Or do I find less expensive gifts and give more to others?  OR do I support mega sites like Amazon where I can use my Swagbucks and shop for free, using more saved money for the needs of others?

Do you see what I'm getting at?  What's more important?  Organic food?  Local food?  Cheap food?  Clothes that fit properly?  Reusing clothes?  Handmade gifts?  Less expensive gifts?  Local gifts?  Free gifts that lead to giving?

There are books lining the shelves of bookstores, articles in magazines, important people blabbing away on talk shows (and, dare I say, blogs?)...everyone everywhere seems to be telling us what to buy where, who to support, which way is best, what to avoid.  All these choices have their own consequences.  So, how does one decide?

You'd like me to tell you, right?  I'd like me to tell me.

Dare I ask what would Jesus do?  Okay, I won't (although it might not be a bad idea).  But, I will ask you what you think the Bible has to say about it.  From what I gather, we're to love God first, then love our neighbors (near and far) as ourselves.  We're to take care of the poor, the widows, the orphans, the sick, the elderly, creation, and spread the Gospel (the Good News of Jesus).

That simplifies it, right?  How we decide how much of our resources go where to support these commands is up to us and, hopefully, we are letting the Spirit lead us in this decision.  But to hear the Spirit's leading, we have to listen, not just follow the latest trends.  This making-choices-thing can't possibly be as complicated as I'm making it.  I don't think it's God's intent to confuse us.

So, next time I need to make a purchase, I'm going to ask for guidance and try to listen very carefully.  If you happen to see me standing in the aisle of the local grocery store appearing paralyzed, feel free to join me. 

We can listen together.

Jesus replied:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." 
Matthew 22:37-40, NIV

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Worth It or Not?

Let's play a little game called "Worth It or Not?"  It will be really easy.  I'll give you the answers and everything.  Below are some online recipes I've made recently.  Some I'll make again and one I will not.   Here we go!

The first recipe I want to talk about is Mama Pea's Swiss Steak.  We have year old venison (not fawn-meat, folks, it's been in the freezer for a year) that needs using up and when I read her post on "guaranteed tender" venison, I knew I had to give it a try.  OH. MY. WORD.  Please make this recipe.  It's our new favorite way to eat venison.  It was tender and, oh, so tasty.  The gravy was so delicious it made even the mashed potatoes yummy.  So there.

Mama Pea's Swiss Steak:  SO Worth It 

Next, we have Pioneer Woman's Chicken Cacciatore.  It was one of the most beautiful dishes I have ever made.  Really now.  I have this gorgeous off white platter that an aunt gave me for Christmas years ago.  Trying to be like PW herself, I plated the entire pot of pasta and topped it with the entire pot of cacciatore, sprinkling it with parmesan cheese.  It was lovely.  Would you like to know why I did not save the lovely photographs (they were lovely, by the way)?  Yep.  It was a flop.  The dish looked the part, but it tasted flat and not just an it-needs-more-salt kind of flat.  Sorry, P-Dub.  Not this time.

PW's Chicken Cacciatore:  NOT Worth It

Pioneer Woman redeemed herself with her Chicken Tortilla Soup.  This was amazing and easy to make.  We even had some fresh cilantro on hand (a rare, rare occasion) and that made it, well, even better than it already was.  I used flour tortillas and less chili powder (for the kids' sake).  It was delicious and another keeper.

PW's Chicken Tortilla Soup:  Worth It

The last recipe comes with a little story (surprise, surprise).

It was my dear Sadie's birthday this past week and we were going to celebrate with extended family over the weekend.  Sadie loves "noonles".  Okay, she can say "noodles" now, but she used to say "noonles" and I loved that.  She also loves meat.  To Sadie, meat is all the same- she doesn't bother differentiating between the kinds.  We were going to be at my sister's house, so she and I decided to make spaghetti and meatballs with myself contributing the meatballs (and the cake- Sadie chose ice cream sandwich cake).

I've never made meatballs before.  Don't seem so surprised.  We don't eat very much meat around here.  I found a recipe over at Simply Recipes (here).  The recipe said it served six.  There was going to be ten adults and four children (and two babies who don't eat meat yet), so I decided to triple the recipe to make sure I had enough.  The recipe did not indicate how many meatballs each person should eat.

Would you like to know how many meatballs I made?  About 140.  Here.  I'll prove it.

They were really good and I'm glad I made so many because now I have a bunch in my freezer that I can thaw and add to sauce some evening when I don't feel like making something involved.  The family agreed that they are winners, so I'm sharing the recipe with you below.

Simply Recipe's Meatballs:  Worth Every One

Turkey & Sausage Meatballs (adapted from Simply Recipes)
Serves "6" according to the original recipe, but I'd say quite a few more.

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 pound bulk sausage
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 eggs
3/4 cups plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 tsp. salt
1-2 tbsp. olive oil

Place all ingredients (except for the oil) in a large bowl and mix well with your hands.  Form into 1-inch balls  and lay them on a greased cookie sheet (because you need a place to put them).  Don't make them bigger or they will not cook evenly/properly.

Heat a frying pan to medium to high heat and add olive oil, turning your pan to coat it.  Lay in meatballs, but do not crowd them or place them two-deep.  Do several batches if need be.  Brown the meatballs on each side, watching carefully so they don't burn.  You do want them crispy, so find the happy medium between just light brown and burnt.  Once all sides are browned, set them on a plate topped with a paper towel.  Repeat until all are browned.  *They aren't finished/cooked through so don't eat one yet even if they smell heavenly.*

 

Bring tomato sauce to a boil, add the meatballs and let them simmer in the sauce for 45 minutes.  Now, you may eat them:-).  I made these the day before, let the cool completely after browning, refrigerated them overnight and simmered them in the sauce the next day.  This worked just fine.

Game over. Pin It

Books & Balance

It's been awhile since I've written about the books we've been enjoying.  Sonlight has been introducing us to lots of great books this year and we've been discovering a few things on our own.

We're studying world history this year and have really been enjoying our current study of Asia and, in particular, China.  It started out with reading Gladys Aylward, part of the Christian Heroes Then and Now series (there are about 40 books in this awesome series!).  Gladys' adventures were incredible- we all loved reading this book- and I love exposing our kids to real life stories of people living out their faith.  We can all use examples!


Little Pear was also a big hit.  It was one of the read alouds Sadie stuck close for.  This is a really sweet book about a young boy named Little Pear and the trouble he gets himself into.

We've also been watching the amazing documentary series (via Netflix), Wild China.  It's appropriate for children and plenty interesting for grown ups.  We've watched how rice is planted and harvested, learned about Chinese customs, pandas, how silk is made from silk worms, about the Great Wall, the landscape...I could go on and on and on.

Then there's Strawberry Girl (which has nothing to do with Asia), a book that tackles the issue of how we respond to families that are very different than ours...and who are mean to us.  It provokes lots of good conversation.









A couple new books series Sam has gotten into are the Jungle Doctor series (true stories based on a missionary doctor's adventures) and Chronicles of Faith (this series has lots of pictures).

It's really hard for me to place just any 'ole book in Sam's hands anymore.  I used to stick to anything that was written when my parents were children or before because I trusted the content, but I'm finding there are some other decent options out there.  My requirements are still stiff and depend greatly on the characters and examples a book will place before his eyes.

While not all of Sonlight's books are Christian, I do trust their judgment and recognize that there are things that my children should be thoughtfully exposed to especially if I'm close by asking follow up questions or pausing to discuss certain elements of a story.




This balance of sheltering and exposure is quite a challenging part of parenting.

How do you determine what you will or won't allow your children to read?

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