We can check off one from the list. I made some apple cider last night.
Happy Fall!!
9.21.2011
Happy Fall
Fall is my favorite season of all. There are so many wonderful activities that I look forward to this time of year. I found a Fall Bucket List on Pinterest that I fell in love with. I modified it a bit for what I wanted to make sure we did this fall. Feel free to make your own copy and do as well. I printed it to an 8x10 and framed it to display. I hope to be able to check them all off this season! I emailed it to my cousin and she said there was too much cooking on there for her. Haha!
9.19.2011
Grocery Store Request
I have heard that in some bigger cities grocery stores offer childcare. Some days I would pay big bucks for this service, and today was one of them!!!! I thought I was going to lose my mind. They usually behave very well in the grocery store, but for some reason today they were bonkers. They were chasing each other, wrestling, not paying attention to others around them and running into people. Also, I had a long list and I went to a different store than usual so it took me longer to find everything I needed. Then to top it all off, Lucas pooped in his pants because he strapped himself in the child's seat in the bathroom and was couldn't get out. (I was checking out right on front of the bathroom).
Fun times in the freezer section.
I would like to request childcare in Wal-Mart and Food Lion. ☺
9.18.2011
Must Get for Kids
My friend, Trish, discovered some videos and was relentless until I tried them out for myself. Once we watched them, I ended up getting them all. I wanted to share with everyone that has children because they are WONDERFUL! They are by Phil Vischer, the founder of Veggie Tales. I heard a Focus on the Family broadcast about a year ago with an interview with him over this his regrets in selling Veggie Tales. Here are the links if you want to listen: Part 1 and Part 2.
After selling Veggie Tales he decided to start a new project with telling the bible in detail with puppets instead. So far he has five DVDs out. They are FULL of information and there are many things that he shares in the videos that I just learned about a few years ago.
We were eating dinner this summer and we started talking about the videos. They had watched them them several times in a row in the van. The boys were telling Landon some details and he was impressed...me too. Logan was telling details of the Davidic covenant and Lucas was telling what books of the Pentateuch were. You will be amazed at what all children can learn and pick up on just by watching them.
We have always been fans of Veggie Tales, but I have sometimes wondered if the changing the stories would confuse them in any way (the tickle feather in Esther for Haman's punishment instead of death, the slushies as weapons in The Battle of Jericho...) I think they are wonderful and we have watched many of them, but I do like these better.
I think his plan is to go all the way through the bible, but for now he just has five Genesis-1 Samuel. The links to Amazon are below the pictures. It's the cheapest place to get them.
After selling Veggie Tales he decided to start a new project with telling the bible in detail with puppets instead. So far he has five DVDs out. They are FULL of information and there are many things that he shares in the videos that I just learned about a few years ago.
We were eating dinner this summer and we started talking about the videos. They had watched them them several times in a row in the van. The boys were telling Landon some details and he was impressed...me too. Logan was telling details of the Davidic covenant and Lucas was telling what books of the Pentateuch were. You will be amazed at what all children can learn and pick up on just by watching them.
We have always been fans of Veggie Tales, but I have sometimes wondered if the changing the stories would confuse them in any way (the tickle feather in Esther for Haman's punishment instead of death, the slushies as weapons in The Battle of Jericho...) I think they are wonderful and we have watched many of them, but I do like these better.
I think his plan is to go all the way through the bible, but for now he just has five Genesis-1 Samuel. The links to Amazon are below the pictures. It's the cheapest place to get them.
Coming soon...
My boys love them all, but their favorite one is #5. I just wanted to share because I give them a great review. They are entertaining and will fill your minds full of biblical truths.
I Only Have a Kitchen Cuz It Comes With the House
I can't believe I am actually blogging about cooking because if you know me at all, this is unusual. I didn't learn to cook growing up. Many of you know my story of my first attempt at making spaghetti. I will never live the story down because I didn't drain the noodles. I won't take full credit for that blond moment either. My mom left me detailed instructions, leaving out a crucial step that has haunted me for the rest of my life. (I was in middle school, by the way).
Before I got married, I had a a fear that Landon would be disappointed at my lack of ability in that department because his mother is an excellent cook. He has never made me feel bad about it in any way our whole married life. Through the years, I have managed to learn a few things and can follow a recipe without major problems. However, I have never enjoyed any of the process. Actually, I hated it. Not long after we were married, I received a gift (I won't say who from) that was a wooden sign for my kitchen. It said "I Only Have a Kitchen Cuz It Comes With the House". It hung there for years and it was the truth. For family gatherings and holidays, we are usually in charge of paper goods and two liters.
I know some may think this is strange, but I have actually prayed for God to give me the desire to cook because I know it is something I really need to do without despising. It wasn't an instantly answered request, but over the last few weeks, I have actually looked forward to cooking...a definite first for me!! I don't know if it is the fall weather, or if it is because I am pregnant, or if it will even last, but for now I am going to enjoy making new recipes.
I went through my list of usuals recipes like spaghetti, roast and potatoes, chili, grilled chicken...etc, but then I was in the mood to try some new ones. Landon has enjoyed my new found love for cooking immensely. I am also really thankful that he isn't picky. I have a good friend whose husband is extremely picky and her recipes are limited that he will actually eat.
I don't know if there are others who share my struggles in cooking, but I wanted to share a few simple recipes of what I have made over the last few weeks.
Taco Ring: our family staple. If it were up to Lucas we would eat this every meal. If I ever ask what he wants for dinner, it is his request.
We typically have eaten out several times per week. I have always felt guilty for this, especially when we would total up how much we would spend eating out. Also, I have never felt like I live up to what a good and virtuous wife is...thanks to Proverbs 31:14-15, "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family." Umm...that's not me!
I didn't realize what that was doing to Lucas especially because when you go out to eat, everyone picks out what they want individually. When I cook at home, our rule is you must try at least one bite of each thing. I don't make them clean their plate, but only try one bite. They don't have to eat if they aren't hungry, but I will save their plate for later. Also, I don't make a separate meal for them if they don't like it. (I'm doing good to prepare ONE! ☺)
We have had two of the worst melt downs ever in our history of parenting this week on this subject. The first night was over Baked Ziti. Lucas refused to try a bite, and it lasted the entire meal. I knew he would like it because he likes spaghetti, so I didn't feel the request was unreasonable.
It completely ruined the entire meal because he cried and carried on for so long. It ended up in a spanking and him watching the rest of the family eat dessert.
Last night, we had another lovely meltdown. He wouldn't try one chip in Rotel dip. It was just the cheese on it too. Another long, drawn out crying, hyperventilating fit soon followed. I ended up making him eat it and he threw up.
I shouldn't expect anything less than to have my own picky eater. I have NO room to talk. I vividly remember my mother chasing my around the house, catching me by the couch, sitting on me and forcing me to try hashbrowns. To my surprise, I liked them. I am trying new foods still as an adult that I have simply refused to try, so I do have a little sympathy. However, when it is something I know he will like, I will not back down.
Before I got married, I had a a fear that Landon would be disappointed at my lack of ability in that department because his mother is an excellent cook. He has never made me feel bad about it in any way our whole married life. Through the years, I have managed to learn a few things and can follow a recipe without major problems. However, I have never enjoyed any of the process. Actually, I hated it. Not long after we were married, I received a gift (I won't say who from) that was a wooden sign for my kitchen. It said "I Only Have a Kitchen Cuz It Comes With the House". It hung there for years and it was the truth. For family gatherings and holidays, we are usually in charge of paper goods and two liters.
I know some may think this is strange, but I have actually prayed for God to give me the desire to cook because I know it is something I really need to do without despising. It wasn't an instantly answered request, but over the last few weeks, I have actually looked forward to cooking...a definite first for me!! I don't know if it is the fall weather, or if it is because I am pregnant, or if it will even last, but for now I am going to enjoy making new recipes.
I went through my list of usuals recipes like spaghetti, roast and potatoes, chili, grilled chicken...etc, but then I was in the mood to try some new ones. Landon has enjoyed my new found love for cooking immensely. I am also really thankful that he isn't picky. I have a good friend whose husband is extremely picky and her recipes are limited that he will actually eat.
I don't know if there are others who share my struggles in cooking, but I wanted to share a few simple recipes of what I have made over the last few weeks.
Taco Ring: our family staple. If it were up to Lucas we would eat this every meal. If I ever ask what he wants for dinner, it is his request.
Mexican Lasagna
1 pound of hamburger
taco seasoning
can of black beans
onion
can of diced tomatoes
shredded cheese
refried beans
tortilla shells
Brown hamburger, add taco seasoning, black beans, onion, and diced tomatoes. In casserole dish, layer tortillas, refried beans, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
This is a must try for a cool night. I actually liked it better than O'Charley's.
Chicken Casserole (from Mae-Mae)
She used to fix this for me all the time and I am so glad I got the recipe before she lost her memory.
It is also a family favorite...and super easy!
2 cans of cream of chicken
1 small carton of sour cream
chicken breasts
roll of Ritz crackers
1 stick of butter
Cook chicken. In large bowl, mix cream of chicken, sour cream, and cooked chicken. Pour into a casserole dish. In a separate bowl, melt better and add crushed up roll of crackers. Stir and put on top of casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Baked Ziti
2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb ziti pasta
6 oz mozzarella shredded cheese
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1 lb ground beef
6 oz provolone cheese slices
spaghetti sauce
Boil pasta and drain. Brown hamburger and add spaghetti sauce. Simmer 15 minutes. Layer 1/2 the ziti in a greased casserole dish, layer provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture. Add another layer and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Sausage Balls
1 lb sausage
2 cups Bisquick
1/4 c. water
2 c. cheddar cheese
Mix together and form into balls. Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits from Red Lobster
2 1/2 cups Bisquick
3/4 cups cold whole milk
1/2 stick cold butter
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 heaping cup cheddar cheese
Topping:
2 tbs butter (melted)
1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine Bisquick with cold butter in medium bowl. Don't mix too thoroughly. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Mix by hand. Drop 1/4 cup portions onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15-17 minutes (or until brown). Brush on topping while hot.
Corn Casserole
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can cream style corn
8 oz sour cream
1 egg
1 8 oz package corn muffin mix
1 tbs dried onion flakes
salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients and pour into a greased 8 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.
Apple Cider Pound Cake...Logan's favorite!!!!
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup butter
6 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla
Icing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
Combine icing ingredients in saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. While cake is warm, drizzle icing on top of cake.
I don't even like cooked apples and I loved this.
I didn't realize what that was doing to Lucas especially because when you go out to eat, everyone picks out what they want individually. When I cook at home, our rule is you must try at least one bite of each thing. I don't make them clean their plate, but only try one bite. They don't have to eat if they aren't hungry, but I will save their plate for later. Also, I don't make a separate meal for them if they don't like it. (I'm doing good to prepare ONE! ☺)
We have had two of the worst melt downs ever in our history of parenting this week on this subject. The first night was over Baked Ziti. Lucas refused to try a bite, and it lasted the entire meal. I knew he would like it because he likes spaghetti, so I didn't feel the request was unreasonable.
Last night, we had another lovely meltdown. He wouldn't try one chip in Rotel dip. It was just the cheese on it too. Another long, drawn out crying, hyperventilating fit soon followed. I ended up making him eat it and he threw up.
I shouldn't expect anything less than to have my own picky eater. I have NO room to talk. I vividly remember my mother chasing my around the house, catching me by the couch, sitting on me and forcing me to try hashbrowns. To my surprise, I liked them. I am trying new foods still as an adult that I have simply refused to try, so I do have a little sympathy. However, when it is something I know he will like, I will not back down.
On the menu for this week:
Monday: Baked Spaghetti
Tuesday: Chicken, Twiced Baked Potatoes, and Corn
Wednesday: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Thursday: Chicken Tetrazini
Friday: Craft Night..no cooking for me!!
Please feel free to share some of your family favorites!!
9.12.2011
I Heart Faces: Back to School Photo Challenge
I wanted to make Logan's first day of second grade really special, and he was more excited than I expected. I took a few pictures on the first day and usually he complains, but not this day. This photo was all his idea--even holding up two fingers for second grade. He was being a goof ball. This is one of my favorite photos of him ever.
This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – check out http://www.iheartfaces.com/ for more great Back to school entries.
9.11.2011
Remembering a Date Etched Forever
It has been a frustrating day where every little thing that can go wrong does. Technology seems to work against me just for spite. I am positive it is the operator, and I hate that we are so dependant for our everyday lives to function. So, when it doesn't work properly, it can send me in a terrible mood quickly. I also had to fill in for a Sunday School class, along with play the piano for my mom who was sick. Sundays can be stressful and hectic at times, but I remembered a verse to ease my tension..."Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.
I was quickly reminded through a memorial video that was played at church at how futile and small my little frustrations can become in comparison to so many things around me. I don't ever watch TV anymore, so I haven't seen flashbacks that I am sure have been on for the last several days. As I watched some videos, photos, and sound clips of that horrid day, I was taken back to the exact place I saw what happened ten years ago.
I read stories of so many that remember exactly what they were doing, and I do too. I was teaching my first year in Van Buren County when a middle school student burst into my room as classes were changing and told me to turn on the television because a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought he was joking. Seriously. It took a few others to tell me the same story within a few minutes for me to actually take him seriously. We all watched in horror and shock as we soon watched the second plane crash into the other tower.
I was stunned, along with the rest of our country. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I didn't know anyone personally, but I was definitely impacted. I was fearful of the future and what would happen next in our country. I knew this meant war but I wasn't sure how it would affect everyone. I just wanted to go home to be with Landon and all my loved ones.
It is hard to believe it has been ten years because it is still so vivid when I see the images. I can only imagine the pain survivors must be going through as they reflect on the day that changed their life forever. My heart breaks for their loss and the heartache that was avoidable.
I am doing a bible study by Pricilla Shirer on the life of Jonah. Of course, nearly everyone knows the "story" of Jonah, but I learned some things I hadn't ever considered. I didn't really think about his strong resistance toward going to Ninevah, where he was so clearly called to go. Ninevah was in Assyria, which was an enemy nation to Israel. Jonah's ministry was focused on foretelling the expansion and prosperity of Israel.
In the first half of the 8th century B.C., Ninevah was one of the principal provinces in Assyria. The Assyrians had a reputation for inflicting physical and psycological terror on its enemies, including Israel. Some of Jonah's loved ones may have suffered and been killed at this time. Jonah placed no value on Ninevah or its inhabitants. If Ninevah received God's mercy, they might stand in the way of Israel's prosperity. To Jonah, God's directions to go and preach the message of hope and deliverance to his enemies didn't make sense to him, so he went as far as he could in the opposite direction.
Jonah was an elitist and hypernationalist. He was a patriot so dedicated to his people that he saw obedience to God's intervention as contrary to loyalty. In actuality he had pledged allegiance not to God but to his people.
We were asked in our study if we grew up with a hatred or fear of any group of people? We were to explain who and why. I immediately thought of my feelings after 9-11-01. I did have a hatred toward not only the group of terrorists who would do such a violent act but also the ones who stood by in other countries and cheered. If God were to call me to go and minister to this particular group of people who are our enemies as he did Jonah, what would I do? If I lost a loved one in the attacks on September 11, how would I respond to the calling to go and minister to the ones who had been responsible for their death? Jonah is ridiculed by millions over many generations for basically the same thing.
This happened a little over two years before Logan was born, and this is the first time he has heard of these events that took place. He was asking me lots of questions today, and I showed him some pictures and explained some of the details. I didn't want him to be afraid, but he was really concerned about what happened and wanted all of the details. He said, "So our enemy came and died in the planes just to kill our people?" Then I had to explain that they believe in a different god than we do. Our God doesn't require acts of violence like that to be accepted into His own. I explained that those people need Jesus just like so many others. How I can casually say that without earnestly praying for the lost. There are so many who are lost and willing to die for a false hope. It is my prayer today that I have a genuine passion for the lost and will be willing to do and go wherever he leads without running in the other direction as far as I can go. We are all called to love, even our enemies. This is not possible at times with our flesh, it requires God working through us to pour out the kind of love He asks us to give.
I was quickly reminded through a memorial video that was played at church at how futile and small my little frustrations can become in comparison to so many things around me. I don't ever watch TV anymore, so I haven't seen flashbacks that I am sure have been on for the last several days. As I watched some videos, photos, and sound clips of that horrid day, I was taken back to the exact place I saw what happened ten years ago.
I read stories of so many that remember exactly what they were doing, and I do too. I was teaching my first year in Van Buren County when a middle school student burst into my room as classes were changing and told me to turn on the television because a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought he was joking. Seriously. It took a few others to tell me the same story within a few minutes for me to actually take him seriously. We all watched in horror and shock as we soon watched the second plane crash into the other tower.
I was stunned, along with the rest of our country. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I didn't know anyone personally, but I was definitely impacted. I was fearful of the future and what would happen next in our country. I knew this meant war but I wasn't sure how it would affect everyone. I just wanted to go home to be with Landon and all my loved ones.
It is hard to believe it has been ten years because it is still so vivid when I see the images. I can only imagine the pain survivors must be going through as they reflect on the day that changed their life forever. My heart breaks for their loss and the heartache that was avoidable.
I am doing a bible study by Pricilla Shirer on the life of Jonah. Of course, nearly everyone knows the "story" of Jonah, but I learned some things I hadn't ever considered. I didn't really think about his strong resistance toward going to Ninevah, where he was so clearly called to go. Ninevah was in Assyria, which was an enemy nation to Israel. Jonah's ministry was focused on foretelling the expansion and prosperity of Israel.
In the first half of the 8th century B.C., Ninevah was one of the principal provinces in Assyria. The Assyrians had a reputation for inflicting physical and psycological terror on its enemies, including Israel. Some of Jonah's loved ones may have suffered and been killed at this time. Jonah placed no value on Ninevah or its inhabitants. If Ninevah received God's mercy, they might stand in the way of Israel's prosperity. To Jonah, God's directions to go and preach the message of hope and deliverance to his enemies didn't make sense to him, so he went as far as he could in the opposite direction.
Jonah was an elitist and hypernationalist. He was a patriot so dedicated to his people that he saw obedience to God's intervention as contrary to loyalty. In actuality he had pledged allegiance not to God but to his people.
We were asked in our study if we grew up with a hatred or fear of any group of people? We were to explain who and why. I immediately thought of my feelings after 9-11-01. I did have a hatred toward not only the group of terrorists who would do such a violent act but also the ones who stood by in other countries and cheered. If God were to call me to go and minister to this particular group of people who are our enemies as he did Jonah, what would I do? If I lost a loved one in the attacks on September 11, how would I respond to the calling to go and minister to the ones who had been responsible for their death? Jonah is ridiculed by millions over many generations for basically the same thing.
This happened a little over two years before Logan was born, and this is the first time he has heard of these events that took place. He was asking me lots of questions today, and I showed him some pictures and explained some of the details. I didn't want him to be afraid, but he was really concerned about what happened and wanted all of the details. He said, "So our enemy came and died in the planes just to kill our people?" Then I had to explain that they believe in a different god than we do. Our God doesn't require acts of violence like that to be accepted into His own. I explained that those people need Jesus just like so many others. How I can casually say that without earnestly praying for the lost. There are so many who are lost and willing to die for a false hope. It is my prayer today that I have a genuine passion for the lost and will be willing to do and go wherever he leads without running in the other direction as far as I can go. We are all called to love, even our enemies. This is not possible at times with our flesh, it requires God working through us to pour out the kind of love He asks us to give.
We remember and are praying for your families you left behind ten years ago....
9.07.2011
Labor Day Weekend
This weekend, we had a family reunion in Indiana at Shakamak State Park. We have been looking forward to going for months to spend time with the family and enjoy all of the things in the park. I have never been camping (I am not particularly outdoorsy) so I thought it would be a good experience for the boys. We had several cabins rented for the large Moore clan. We found out the week before that the cabins had no air conditioning. I admit...I am spoiled. I can be the first to say that. Also, there were record high temperatures for that weekend, reaching 100 degrees on some days. It is difficult to sleep when you are laying there in pools of sweat.
Logan and I just finished reading the first book in the Little House on the Prairie series. After reading that book, I became extremely thankful for the generation that I was born into. I really don't think I would have ever survived living in another time. To read about what all had to be done just simply for survival was really eye opening. How fortunate are we to have modern conveniences and yet I still can complain??? I am not comparing this weekend to any type of life they had to endure, but I was reminded of what all I can take for granted so easily.
The boys had a great time playing with their cousins. I thought were were going to have a major meltdown with both boys when we said we were leaving to go back home. Lucas said he wanted to move to Indiana.
I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures this weekend. I usually take many more, but I didn't this time. Here are the few I took...
Poor Logan...he had an allergic reaction and his eyes were almost swollen shut. I forgot their allergy medicine and this is what happened. I felt horrible.
Logan and I just finished reading the first book in the Little House on the Prairie series. After reading that book, I became extremely thankful for the generation that I was born into. I really don't think I would have ever survived living in another time. To read about what all had to be done just simply for survival was really eye opening. How fortunate are we to have modern conveniences and yet I still can complain??? I am not comparing this weekend to any type of life they had to endure, but I was reminded of what all I can take for granted so easily.
The boys had a great time playing with their cousins. I thought were were going to have a major meltdown with both boys when we said we were leaving to go back home. Lucas said he wanted to move to Indiana.
I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures this weekend. I usually take many more, but I didn't this time. Here are the few I took...
Uncle Bruce helping Logan fish.
Lucas lost interest quickly. He would rather throw rocks in the water and play with the artificial bait.
Logan is much calmer and patient while fishing☺
Starting to get a baby bump.
Lucas in heaven...throwing rocks in the water. When he was little and he would see a gravel parking lot, he would get so excited and yell, "I LUB ROCKS!!!" When we got home, his pockets were crammed full of rocks. I am sure that was uncomfortable on the way home, but he had his precious treasure nearby. It's a wonder I didn't have a dryer full of rocks.
One thing in particular the boys were excited to do was go horseback riding. They didn't get to because they weren't old enough, but we got there in time to see some of our family off on their trail.
William said he almost got thrown off his horse.
It was a fun weekend in spite of the heat. I appreciate Bruce and Debbie Moore for organizing everything!
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