WFMW June 28

It's that time again. Works for Me Wednesday from Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. So far, I've gleaned many wonderful tips from some really neat ladies. I hope I've been as helpful to others as they have from me.

This week, we're going into my kitchen. I've learned a few things over the years that help me with food prep. One of those is to buy meat on sale in bulk and store it in my freezer. I usually have 1 turkey, 2 chickens, bags of drumsticks, bags of boneless/skinless breasts or thighs, packages of chicken parts (usually thighs) and multiple packages of beef - steaks, ground beef, stew meat, etc. We usually buy 1/4 beef and keep that in the fridge, but in between beeves, I stock up with the store has a meat sale. This week, I've expanded on that because the store had a stupendous sale on ground round - $1.89/lb. Now, I have 5 lbs worth of meatballs in my freezer, which ended up being about 160 meatballs. I love meatballs. They are so versatile. You can make chili with them, spaghetti, meatball soup, and meatballs with rice. Those are just the top 4 recipes we use them for.

Here's what I did. I took my biggest bowl - a Tupperware "Thatsabowl" - and put my beef in it. In the meantime, I had cleaned about 4 carrots and cut them into chunks. I also cleaned about 4-5 stalks of celery and cut them into chunks, and 1 onion peeled and quartered, plus 4 garlic cloves. I stuck these into my food processor and made a slurry. I added a bunch of quick oats to the beef, probably 3-4 cups, and probably 3 Tbsp salt. When the veggies were all liquefied, I poured them in as well. Then, I mixed and mixed. When it was all incorporated well, I shaped a meatloaf from about 2 lbs of the meat and left the other 5 for the meatballs. Then I spread out some wax paper on cookie sheets and grabbed my small scooper thing from Pampered Chef (about 1" dia). I just started plopping beef onto the sheets and covered with more wax paper when done. It was a cinch, especially since I didn't have to make the meatballs by hand, and the cleanup was easy as well. When the meatballs are frozen, I'll just stick them in a freezer bag and pull out as I need. The cookie sheets are covered with wax paper, so I don't have much cleanup on them either.

That's my tip, and it works for me!

Let's Get Real Monday - shoes

It's been a while since I participated, but I love shoes, so I had to join in!

Since getting married and having kids, my feet have grown. I went from a 9.5-10 to a 10.5-11. So, my shoe collection has greatly diminished. Now, although I adore shoes, I am much more selective, especially because I prefer to have supportive shoes that are comfortable. I tried to wear a pair of heels about 2 months ago, and was miserable for 2 weeks afterward because I'm not used to wearing them anymore.

My main pair of shoes is a basic New Balance shoe - 336. I love these shoes!

My other pair of favorite shoes is a pair of Men's Skechers. I can't find a pic of them online anywhere, so they must be discontinued, much to my chagrin. They are dark brown leather clogs. I got them when I was largely pregnant with Teflon and I needed a pair of slip-on shoes that I wouldn't fall off of like I do my Eastland clogs. After searching high and low in the women's section, I could only find a few (Clark's) that I liked, but they were out of my price range. When I went to retrieve DH, I stumbled across those shoes, and fell in love - comfort, price, and fit. I still wear them a lot. In the winter, I pair them up with my wonderful handknitted socks and stay quite toasty. In summer, I just slip them on and go!

Next comes my dressier and summery shoes.

I like to wear these, only mine are in a tan nubuck.

I also have a pair of black dress shoes that I got when pregnant with Timex - Strictly comfort brand from JC Penney. I coveted the Mary Janes, but we didn't have the extra money to buy that style, so they are very sensible flats with a funky toe, and I love wearing them to church in winter. My only real pair of sandals are a pair of Earth sandals that I got in Massachussetts 2 1/2 years ago. I was wearing DH's Birk's at the time, but he ruined his shoes in the ocean and took them back, leaving me unshod. We passed by a shoe store that had their sandals on clearance, so I got them for a steal - $20. While I don't wear them often, I still love them and the way they make my feet feel. They are thongs, but have this fringe on them, and that fringe keeps them from making my feet look like skis.

I have two other favorite pairs of shoes, but can't wear either of them. One was a pair of Rockport walking shoes that I got before going to college. I wore them until they stank so bad that DH demanded their removal from our family. I have never found another pair like them, which is too bad. The other pair is my Birks, which I wore the soles out on them. I kept them for the longest time, thinking I'd eventually resole, but now my feet are just a smidge too long, so I eventually threw them away too.

So, that's me. I love shoes, especially sturdy, sensible, "granola" shoes (that happen to cost an arm and a leg!). I like my feet to feel supported and comfortable. It's ironic that my dress style reflects this. I prefer to wear khakis, jeans, or jean skirts (capris and shorts in summer) with t-shirts, sweat-shirts, or casual sweaters. If I wear a dress, it is often compatible with my clogs or black flats.

Sad state of affairs - buyer beware

To me, this article represents the sad state of affairs in the U.S. today. The basic premise is that we spend enormous amounts of time working to make enough money to spend it on a small amount of time saved in the form of convenience items. Not to mention the health costs of eating so much "convenience" food in our diets. Another thing, my time with my husband is too precious to cause him to waste 5 hours to save me 1. I'd rather forego my blogging time to make it up than that. I'm going to start buying less convenience food and see how much we save. Maybe that is the reason I've not been able to keep the grocery bill as low as I thought it could be. Anyway, it just flummoxes me. I mean, yes, things like baby carrots are handy, but does it really take that long to clean and cut carrots into sticks, especially when you enlist your kids to help peel? And, with a pressure cooker, you can cook beans in bulk in very little time. I think they taste better too, even though I often buy canned just so I don't have to plan ahead (which is my own laziness & lack of self-control). Those are just a few examples, and even in my own fairly healthy cooking, I know that there are plenty more where the 2 above came from! My challenge to myself is to cut out as many convenience items as possible and see where the real costs and savings are - time, money, or both?

Perhaps we are becoming the stereotype of a "fat, stupid, lazy American"? Something to think about.

VBS

This week is VBS week for our church. What a busy, happy week! I'm working snacks, so Teflon is in the nursery, Timex is in a special Pre-K class for VBS worker's children, and Bubba is in regular VBS. We're having a grand old time back in the kitchen. It has been a fellow young mom and 2 of our seniors (both 84, I think) and I. Not only are we enjoying our work and the good company, but also the different age groups. Each brings its own unique set of challenges, but they also have something special about them that makes them so enjoyable. I'd say the miniature table full of Pre-K is my favorite, though. Those tiny little bodies sitting up so straight and trying to do such a "big kid" job of eating their snack without a mess - really cute! It's also fun to see the Kindergarten group at the bigger table trying to act bigger than the little ones. The little ones' prayers have been cute as well. The older grades are so appreciative of the snack and cold drinks right after recreation time, and they love to help clean up. The middle grades are equally sweet, and sometimes they try to out-do each other with politeness.

In my own family, I'm seeing 2 little boys wrestle with sin and salvation. They have been talking about how we all sin and that sinners go to hell, but Jesus loves us and died for our sins so we don't have to. It's hard to convey the doctrine of election to such small ones, so we're not really focusing on that. It is enough that they know that they sin, but that Jesus' work on the cross "fixed" our hearts so we can live with Him in heaven. I'm also amazed to hear my 5 year old express such sadness that many people in our neighborhood do not go to church and that so many people in the world don't know Jesus. He knows that reading the Bible is very important to us as Christians, and he thinks that if someone knows the Bible, then s/he is saved. I haven't been able to find the right words to explain that one to him, but hopefully the Lord will bring the right words at the right time.

Today was "hump" day, so now that we're over the "hump," I'd love to see us finish the week with a flourish! Our job isn't done until Friday night after the closing ceremony. We have enough leftovers, however, to keep extra work at a minimum.

WFMW June 21

Trying to teach kids their phone numbers can be a challenge. I had not been able to get my 5 year old to do so. That is, until I came upon this little trick. We took our home phone number and put it to music (Old McDonald). He now gleefully sings it whenever you ask. The 3 year old almost has it down, too. To avoid confusion, we put HOH's and my cell numbers to different tunes, and they are gradually learning these as well. In time, I will get creative enough to put our address to music, as they don't know this either, but for now, we're working on significant phone numbers.

Of course, the song trick is not limited to phone numbers, or even addresses. We have also used it successfully for a little ditty to remind the boys that all of need to strive to please God not ourselves. There's only two options on the shelf: pleasing God or pleasing self. That is the saying, and we made up our own song and words to elaborate on it (not just me - Bubba helped too). But, that saying is for another post.

WFMW June 14

My headache protocol

I get headaches on a nearly daily basis. In fact, I've just been diagnosed with atypical migraine.

Here is my headache protocol that I use every time to nip these boogers in the bud. It doesn't always work, or work right away, but it gets me to a point where I can function, and that's something.

1. Drink a big glass of water or 2; wait about 10-15 minutes to see if it goes away. Many headaches have their root in dehydration, so I always do this to ensure that I'm not taking medicine for something that just needs water.

2. If possible, lay down and rest in a dark room for 15-20 minutes.

3. Sniff some lavendar essential oil. Something about this relaxes me and often helps relieve my headaches.

4. Take apple cider vinegar tablets. I don't know, but something about this also helps sometimes.

5. Now we are at the medicine point. Sometimes, er, usually, I have to take medicine to help, even though I don't like it. Usually by this point, it's a pounder, so I take 2 tylenol together with 2 aspirin, and I try to make sure to drink something caffeinated with it (aka Amy's mock Excedrin). This will normally do the trick.

6. In the rare case that the above protocols don't work, I will take 2 liquid-filled ibuprofen gel-caps about 2 hours after I've taken the mock Excedrin combo.

***NOTE*** I've been told by my doc, however, that as soon as I feel the migraine coming, I should take medicine and prevent a day of misery. Sometimes I'm not that smart, and sometimes I am. If it feels particularly bad, I have a prescription (Relpax) that I can take that will stop it dead in its tracks. I prefer to do things naturally, but this drug works and it works well, which is something that I've not found with any of my natural remedies. For the first time in years, I can be virtually pain-free when I want to be (meaning when I'm not trying to go days between taking the drug)!

Summer Reading Filch

So, I've read about the summer reading challenge at several blogs (I remember Good Soil, Quiet Life, and Well-mannered Frivolity in particular), but didn't sign up for it. I did, however, filch several interesting-sounding titles - ones that were outside my usual repertoire of reading. Boy, so far, I'm really glad that I did! :) So far, I've read The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, which was very enjoyable to read, especially in the evenings before bed. The imagery is quite vivid and the descriptions rich enough to aid in peaceful dreams. The other book I've read is Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. While it is not a slapstick, laugh uproariously book, it was very amusing and I loved the tongue-in-cheek humor.

Next on the list is The Hawk and the Dove trilogy by Penelope Wilcock. I'm only a few pages into it, but I can already tell that I'm going to be hooked. The other one that I got from the library is by Elizabeth Gaskell, whom I saw on someone else's list. I just didn't get the same book that she is reading (which I can't remember). I'm reading North and South. The last book that I have for this round of library books is by Amitav Ghosh, The Glass Palace. The title and description intrigued me, so I picked it up. Hopefully I can get them all read before they need to be renewed, but no harm in doing so as it is free. I think I have about 10 books total that I'd like to read this summer, so we'll see if I can meet my personal reading challenge.

How does your garden grow?

A lot of blogs are prompting me to "brag" about the beautiful garden I'm being blessed with. It is pretty empty right now, but I have grand plans for it. Here's what I do have so far, though.

I have 3 tomato plants out, and 2 have a couple of pretty yellow blossoms. I have an heirloom Wisconsin 45, a Plum Dandy, and a Viva. The latter 2 are plum tomatoes.

My squash has about 5 leaves. I have some Hubbard squash, Little Jack pumpkins, and Rond de Nice zucchini planted, too, but they have yet to come up.

I've picked peas twice now, and have almost a cup of peas (they're a dwarf variety, so cute!). I am thinking that I need to buy 2 packets of seed next year, though, because it's just not enough for this pea-eating bunch around here.

My herbs are taking off. The lovage is nearly as tall as I am, and flowering. I have 6 volunteer cilantro plants that have really taken off. I'm really excited about this because I absolutely adore cilantro. My thyme, chives, oregano, sage, and tarragon are doing well, too. I also have a volunteer chamomile that came up in a pot. I'm excited because we love chamomile tea. I recently planted some rosemary that is really healthy and happy. I have a couple of herbs that aren't planted yet, too, but maybe I can do that tomorrow (and perhaps even take pics!). They are lemon balm, which I will be planting in a pot since it is so invasive otherwise, and a basil so I can put it fresh into sauces.

Today, I also planted 2 new scented geraniums and a tiny lavendar plant. I also planted some seeds for teeny roses from Renee's Garden, called Angel Wings - hopefully these will grow because Teflon has decided that he needs to taste the dirt in their pot. These will go into our front flower bed with some lavender (maybe a blend of Munstead, Hidcote, and fern-leaf). There's a lot of work there - digging out the existing soil, adding some topsoil and peat moss, getting lavender that will overwinter, and getting the roses to grow. I think it will be worth it, though. I am considering adding some Enfant de Nice carnations too. I just love the smell of old-fashioned carnations! Just thinking about the beautiful colors and smells that will come from out front! I'll need to get some nice furniture for my front porch so we can enjoy it even better. ;) I'm getting some ideas about the rest of the landscaping, too. I have seeds from Renee's garden on my "covet" list for this: Fragrant Stock, Forget-me-nots, Alyssum, Sweet William, Sweet peas (for hanging baskets in spring), Nigella, and a wildflower from the Pacific NW called Clarkia.

I also want to build a berm on the low side of our yard and plant a cypress or two. Then, I plan on putting hostas, painted ferns, lily of the valley, and perhaps some of the above flowers who are on the covet list.

I could go on and on, but it might get boring for you. ;)

WFMW June 7

I know this is a day late, but Blogger was acting up every time I tried to post yesterday.

My tip is very simple. It is how to get salt, pepper, or peppercorns from their storage containers to their shakers or grinder.

I take off the lid to the shakers or open the grinder door (have a nifty hand-squeeze grinder). Then, I put this teeny tiny funnel into the hole. It is no bigger than 3 inches across at the widest, and I think the funnel spout is about 1/2" dia, if not 1/4" across. Then, I just pour my salt, pepper, or peppercorns into it and close it up when done. The peppercorns sometimes get a bit fiddly and clog up the spout, but a few taps against the side of the grinder resolves this easily. Even with the fiddly peppercorn part, it is so much easier than trying to get the kids quiet and out of the kitchen long enough to wrestle with everything. Works for me!

I'd like you to meet an incredible lady!

She goes to my church, and I'll call her K to protect her privacy. This lady just had triplets 6 weeks ago, and she's already back and at 'em bringing them to church (just started last Sunday evening).

What makes her so amazing? I'm not sure. I know that her love of God plays a huge role in this. Did you know that she prayed for twins this last time she and her husband started trying to have another baby? She already has 3 older children - 6, 3 1/2, and 20ish months. Her mom was one of 2 sets of twins, and I think there is a history of twins on her husband's side, so they definitely had the multiples issue covered. Anyway, I'm rambling. She is just really neat. Such an amazing picture of trusting in the Lord, and He has been her strength.

Anyway, I just wanted to put a public kudos up for K. I saw her out with 5 of the kiddos today. With her mom's help, she had taken 2 of the triplets to their doctor's appointment & then to Fazoli's for lunch. I tell you, it was such a joy to see them today. The last triplet is supposed to come home this week. Let's pray that he (Baby K3) can stay out of the ventilator tent for 48 hours so he can be welcomed home.

Eat your heart out, Miracle Grow!!!

I raise big babies. It's just a fact of my life. All of my boys were over 8 lbs at birth (Timex was over 10 lbs). I'm used to lugging 25+ lb toddlers around and have the biceps to prove it. However, my darling 14-month old Teflon takes the cake. He had a well-baby checkup today and tipped the baby scales at 27 lbs 12 oz. His height is even more astounding. He is 34 1/2 in tall. No wonder I've been noticing that I can't carry him as well anymore! I'm still in shock at his stats. His feet and hands ("man hands" as the doctor called them) are really large, too. I think he is going to be tall like my husband's youngest brother. Uncle Andy is over 6'4", and there is a grandfather or great-grandfather who was something like 6'7" on that side, too. Not to mention that we are tall willowy people on my dad's side.

Go breastmilk and cheerios!!!

1. What is your life verse?
Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

2. Give a bit of your testimony. (fuller testimony here)
You may or may not know that I come against pentecostalism & charismania pretty harshly. The reason I do so has a lot to do with my background. My parents are ones who are looking in the clouds for Jesus to come, and think that he will return during Rosh Hoshanah of this year or next (been saying that for about 3 years now). As a child, I was always afraid that when I couldn't find them, they had been raptured & I was left behind because I was such a bad person. Let me tell you the damage that this mindset creates can take many many years to heal. As a result of this, I still tend to be more of a "pan-millenialist" - no matter what happens, it will all pan out in the end (pun intended, but I'm serious, too). The most freeing moment that I can remember, however, was the dawning realization that, yes, I am indeed really really bad. I deserve to be "left behind." But, that because of Christ's redeeming work on the cross, I am saved from the fires of Hell and guaranteed eternal life. The reason why it is so freeing is that I now know that I have to rely on Jesus to get me into heaven. I won't be "left behind" as long as I remain in Him. That realization has done more to help heal the damage than anything else, and I praise God that He showed it to me!!

3. Do you have a favorite preacher?
I have a lot of favorites. I really enjoy listening to our pastor. I also like James McDonald, Ravi Zacharias, and Alistair Begg.

4. What's the best Bible study you've ever done?
The Elizabeth George Philippians study we did in the fall at church.

5. What do you feel God's calling is on your life?
"To glorify God and by enjoying Him forever." (From John Piper's book, Desiring God) I love the slight change in semantics that Piper puts forth. Somehow, it reminds me to take an active role in enjoying and glorifying God.