My kids talked me into eating at our local cafe tonight for 2 for 1 Burger Night. (It didn't take much convincing as I got home from play practice after 6:30pm.) I had a piece of homemade lemon meringue pie and it was heavenly.
Just thought you'd all like to know!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Pie Snob
I was just called by a wonderful former Cresbard friend to bake a pie for an upcoming local fundraiser. She was so happy and seemed surprised that I was so willing to do that favor for her.
I love to bake. Chances are, if you call me and ask for any baked goods at all--except Rick Krispie bars which I only make on very special occasions--I will willingly oblige. Unfortunately, I also love to eat what I bake! If it weren't for my inherited sweet tooth, I would probably be more than a few pounds lighter that I am now, but what fun would that be?
I have never met a sweet I didn't like, but one of my favorite baked goods is pie. The problem is that real homemade pie is becoming a lost art. Some people love store-bought pies and say they can't tell the difference between Sara Lee and Grandma's oven. I can. Both of my grandmas can bake some wonderful pies. Perhaps I have been too spoiled.
Our local cafe has one of the best pie bakers around on their cooking staff. Every Thursday, she has a long list of homemade pies on the board--Apple, Peach Cream, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Lemon, Sour Cream Raisin, and, our favorite, Chocolate Chip. Chocolate Chip pie consists of a cookie on a pie crust. Yum.
Nothing disappoints me more than "homemade" pie advertised on a cafe's wall only to have a canned filling or food service pie served to me. What a waste of calories. If it came off a refrigerated truck and you warmed it in the oven, please advertise it as such.
The first pie I perfected in my kitchen was pumpkin. Incidentally, pumpkin is one of the few types of pie that I do like from the grocery store freezer, but homemade is still better. I used to use refrigerated pie crusts, but they have a certain flavor I decided I did not care for. I do, however, like the frozen crusts so I will use them when time is short. I have two homemade crust recipes that I go between and have met my tasters' approval. I shared a pie with my in-laws probably about a year ago. I don't remember the type of pie it was, but when my mother-in-law found out I made my own crust, she said, "I didn't know people did that anymore!"
There have been some lessons learned along the way. Sour cream raisin pie will not set with fat-free sour cream. Do not overfill a pie shell or it will make a BIG mess in the oven. Meringue is not as difficult to make as it seems to be.
Yes, I am a pie snob. I love pie so much that I can't choose an ultimate favorite. I only ask that if you are serving it to me or I am paying $2 or more for a piece of it, just please, please make it homemade. Don't lie. I will know.
I now have a couple of weeks to decide what type of pie I will make for the fundraiser. Any suggestions?
I love to bake. Chances are, if you call me and ask for any baked goods at all--except Rick Krispie bars which I only make on very special occasions--I will willingly oblige. Unfortunately, I also love to eat what I bake! If it weren't for my inherited sweet tooth, I would probably be more than a few pounds lighter that I am now, but what fun would that be?
I have never met a sweet I didn't like, but one of my favorite baked goods is pie. The problem is that real homemade pie is becoming a lost art. Some people love store-bought pies and say they can't tell the difference between Sara Lee and Grandma's oven. I can. Both of my grandmas can bake some wonderful pies. Perhaps I have been too spoiled.
Our local cafe has one of the best pie bakers around on their cooking staff. Every Thursday, she has a long list of homemade pies on the board--Apple, Peach Cream, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Lemon, Sour Cream Raisin, and, our favorite, Chocolate Chip. Chocolate Chip pie consists of a cookie on a pie crust. Yum.
Nothing disappoints me more than "homemade" pie advertised on a cafe's wall only to have a canned filling or food service pie served to me. What a waste of calories. If it came off a refrigerated truck and you warmed it in the oven, please advertise it as such.
The first pie I perfected in my kitchen was pumpkin. Incidentally, pumpkin is one of the few types of pie that I do like from the grocery store freezer, but homemade is still better. I used to use refrigerated pie crusts, but they have a certain flavor I decided I did not care for. I do, however, like the frozen crusts so I will use them when time is short. I have two homemade crust recipes that I go between and have met my tasters' approval. I shared a pie with my in-laws probably about a year ago. I don't remember the type of pie it was, but when my mother-in-law found out I made my own crust, she said, "I didn't know people did that anymore!"
There have been some lessons learned along the way. Sour cream raisin pie will not set with fat-free sour cream. Do not overfill a pie shell or it will make a BIG mess in the oven. Meringue is not as difficult to make as it seems to be.
Yes, I am a pie snob. I love pie so much that I can't choose an ultimate favorite. I only ask that if you are serving it to me or I am paying $2 or more for a piece of it, just please, please make it homemade. Don't lie. I will know.
I now have a couple of weeks to decide what type of pie I will make for the fundraiser. Any suggestions?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Date Night
David and I saw the movie "Date Night" with Tina Fey and Steve Carell last night. I am still chuckling to myself about so many parts of the movie. Unlike some movies in which the husband and wife continually criticize each other for laughs, this movie is not like that at all. They are a married couple who genuinely love each other, but have gotten to that almost-but-not-quite-good-roomates stage in their relationship. They decide to break out of their usual date night routine and go into the city. You just have to see it to get the rest, but I will share one of my favorite parts.
At one point during their date, they are discussing their friends' upcoming separation. He asks her if she's ever fantasized about another man. "Ha," she answers, "if anything, I fantasize about being alone! Just on my worst day. . . I'd like to run away . . . get a hotel room just so I can sit in a room by myself and eat my lunch . . . with a Diet Sprite."
What a fantasy! I could SO relate.
I would never want to go back to before David & my children. Really--even on my worst day. But, if I were to fantasize, it would still not include ANOTHER man. I seriously do not know where cheating spouses get the physical energy much less the mental energy required to keep all of their stories straight.
If I had a man on the side, I don't think he would keep me around for long. I would probably show up at his house, sit in his recliner and fall asleep before 10pm. Oh, yeah. Pretty sexy.
Nope, my fantasy would be much like Claire Foster's. A sandwich and a Diet Sprite in a silent hotel room would be the ideal extra-marital affair. I would probably add a People magazine to spice it up a bit. No commitment. No worries that my secret would get out.
David would never have to know--until I returned home and needed help solving the People crossword puzzle.
At one point during their date, they are discussing their friends' upcoming separation. He asks her if she's ever fantasized about another man. "Ha," she answers, "if anything, I fantasize about being alone! Just on my worst day. . . I'd like to run away . . . get a hotel room just so I can sit in a room by myself and eat my lunch . . . with a Diet Sprite."
What a fantasy! I could SO relate.
I would never want to go back to before David & my children. Really--even on my worst day. But, if I were to fantasize, it would still not include ANOTHER man. I seriously do not know where cheating spouses get the physical energy much less the mental energy required to keep all of their stories straight.
If I had a man on the side, I don't think he would keep me around for long. I would probably show up at his house, sit in his recliner and fall asleep before 10pm. Oh, yeah. Pretty sexy.
Nope, my fantasy would be much like Claire Foster's. A sandwich and a Diet Sprite in a silent hotel room would be the ideal extra-marital affair. I would probably add a People magazine to spice it up a bit. No commitment. No worries that my secret would get out.
David would never have to know--until I returned home and needed help solving the People crossword puzzle.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Hoof Prints
I had all but forgotten about our cows' great Easter escape. That was until I mowed the lawn yesterday. It was then I noticed all of the deep hoof prints they made in the then muddy lawn. I don't know how many ladies took the tour through our backyard, but it definitely didn't help that they all had four hooves with which to dig in.
I don't get too uptight about my lawn, but these holes were a definite safety hazzard. All it would take is one foot to fall in one of those and we would be off to the ER to check out the severity of the ankle injury. Since enough things happen around here without the backyard obstacle course, I decided to get those holes filled in today.
With the kids' help, (thankfully they like filling in holes), we got them all filled in with dirt today. It looks pretty silly with all of those dirt patches on our lawn, but they will eventually fill in with grass.
Oh, cows. You can be such a pain in the rump roast. I'm sure glad you taste good.
I don't get too uptight about my lawn, but these holes were a definite safety hazzard. All it would take is one foot to fall in one of those and we would be off to the ER to check out the severity of the ankle injury. Since enough things happen around here without the backyard obstacle course, I decided to get those holes filled in today.
With the kids' help, (thankfully they like filling in holes), we got them all filled in with dirt today. It looks pretty silly with all of those dirt patches on our lawn, but they will eventually fill in with grass.
Oh, cows. You can be such a pain in the rump roast. I'm sure glad you taste good.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Making the Bed
I am not a fan of making the bed. My first thought upon waking is, "What day is it?" My second thought ever since giving birth to my second child is, "I get to have coffee!"
Nope. Making the bed is just never in those thought processes. I usually get to pulling up the covers at some point during the day, however. Sometimes it is right before I crawl back into it, but I usually get the job done.
The absolutely gorgeous spring day turned me into turbo mom today. I started with baking a big batch of chocolate chip cookies, followed with mowing the lawn, and then changed all the beds before heading to play practice.
That brings me to now and this blog post. I am procrastinating. There is good news and bad. The good news is we all have clean sheets tonight and there's just nothing better than that. The bad news is I have beds with sheets and blankets piled on top of them all over the house. There is no getting around it. No one else is going to do it. Not even the boys will be content to sleep on a pile of blankets.
I don't know why I dislike this job out of all the household jobs in the world. It doesn't take that long. I don't have any bunk beds to climb or small spaces I have to fit into. After changing my bed alone an average of 442 times since I have lived in this house, one would think I would be used to it. Still, give me a toilet to scrub any day.
Oh, look at the time. It is nearing the boys' bedtime. They can't go to bed if I don't put the sheets on them first. Then I can't have a bowl of Light Cookies & Cream ice cream. There. That was the motivation I needed.
Nope. Making the bed is just never in those thought processes. I usually get to pulling up the covers at some point during the day, however. Sometimes it is right before I crawl back into it, but I usually get the job done.
The absolutely gorgeous spring day turned me into turbo mom today. I started with baking a big batch of chocolate chip cookies, followed with mowing the lawn, and then changed all the beds before heading to play practice.
That brings me to now and this blog post. I am procrastinating. There is good news and bad. The good news is we all have clean sheets tonight and there's just nothing better than that. The bad news is I have beds with sheets and blankets piled on top of them all over the house. There is no getting around it. No one else is going to do it. Not even the boys will be content to sleep on a pile of blankets.
I don't know why I dislike this job out of all the household jobs in the world. It doesn't take that long. I don't have any bunk beds to climb or small spaces I have to fit into. After changing my bed alone an average of 442 times since I have lived in this house, one would think I would be used to it. Still, give me a toilet to scrub any day.
Oh, look at the time. It is nearing the boys' bedtime. They can't go to bed if I don't put the sheets on them first. Then I can't have a bowl of Light Cookies & Cream ice cream. There. That was the motivation I needed.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Not Just Plain Old Vanilla
What happens when you take a few of these?
And a bottle of this?
Homemade vanilla, of course!
I have aunt-in-law Tami to thank for this great idea. She was just starting her first batch of homemade vanilla when we visited their home about five years ago. A vodka bottle with vanilla beans inside just begs for conversation and I never quite forgot about her little kitchen counter concoction.
As I was looking through a spice catalog this past spring, I noticed the whole vanilla beans and remembered the bottle of vodka on Tami's counter. I ordered a few Mexican vanilla beans and emailed Tami to find out her secret.
Here is her recipe: First, buy a high quality vodka. Place 3-4 vanilla beans inside the full bottle, close it up, and shake it occasionally or whenever it crosses your mind. Check it after a month or so to see if it smells like vanilla and is to your liking.
Tami says she usually leaves her beans in for a few months. The secret is to give it enough time. Vanilla beans can be split and reused with new ones added to future batches. It is not necessary to start with completely new beans every time.
There is some investment getting started--around $20 for the vodka and about $7 for the vanilla beans, but this makes A LOT of vanilla. Real vanilla is always over $10 for a very small bottle at our local stores.
I plan to keep some for myself and put some in smaller bottles for gifts. Until then, I'll be shaking and smelling my bottle of vanilla vodka. Mmm!
And a bottle of this?
Homemade vanilla, of course!
I have aunt-in-law Tami to thank for this great idea. She was just starting her first batch of homemade vanilla when we visited their home about five years ago. A vodka bottle with vanilla beans inside just begs for conversation and I never quite forgot about her little kitchen counter concoction.
As I was looking through a spice catalog this past spring, I noticed the whole vanilla beans and remembered the bottle of vodka on Tami's counter. I ordered a few Mexican vanilla beans and emailed Tami to find out her secret.
Here is her recipe: First, buy a high quality vodka. Place 3-4 vanilla beans inside the full bottle, close it up, and shake it occasionally or whenever it crosses your mind. Check it after a month or so to see if it smells like vanilla and is to your liking.
Tami says she usually leaves her beans in for a few months. The secret is to give it enough time. Vanilla beans can be split and reused with new ones added to future batches. It is not necessary to start with completely new beans every time.
There is some investment getting started--around $20 for the vodka and about $7 for the vanilla beans, but this makes A LOT of vanilla. Real vanilla is always over $10 for a very small bottle at our local stores.
I plan to keep some for myself and put some in smaller bottles for gifts. Until then, I'll be shaking and smelling my bottle of vanilla vodka. Mmm!
Family Fun Night Success
Our first ever Family Fun Night to Fight MS went very well. After expenses, we raised $484 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society & the night boosted our team to 95% of our goal. We now hope to raise $100 in the next 20 days. (Of course, we would be happy to accept more.) :o) It was really heartwarming to see so many people come to support our cause. Several of our guests had their own connections to MS as well. It is our honor to walk in their loved ones' honor!
Half of our donated prizes & pictures from 2009
Aunts Anna & Leona--Leona was our head food planner and cook. She did a FABULOUS job!
My cousin Dan was here for the weekend, so he got in on the fun, too. Here he is with my sister Amanda.
This will be one of my greatest memories of the night--my grandpa calling Bingo. He did a great job!!
Half of our donated prizes & pictures from 2009
Aunts Anna & Leona--Leona was our head food planner and cook. She did a FABULOUS job!
My cousin Dan was here for the weekend, so he got in on the fun, too. Here he is with my sister Amanda.
This will be one of my greatest memories of the night--my grandpa calling Bingo. He did a great job!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Nearly No-Guilt Brownies
I made these brownies this past week when I needed a chocolate fix. I admit I was skeptical, but they were really good! However, I did cheat a little. Here is the recipe--
Nearly No-Guilt Brownies
2 egg whites & 1 whole egg (cheat #1--I needed a little more substance than egg whites alone can provide)
3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese (Sounds weird, but you can't even tell.)
1 tsp vanilla (I have some real vanilla right now that my sister-in-law brought back from Mexico and it is so yummy!)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted & cooled
Place the eggs, cottage cheese, and vanilla in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth. (Cottage cheese curds would seriously ruin the experience, so make sure it is smooth.) Combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, & salt; add to blended mixture. Cover and process for 30 seconds.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate in a double boiler (Who has a real double boiler? Seriously, I have never met the person. You can make your own. Boil a few cups of water in a saucepan and cover with a bowl that fits in the top. Put the unwrapped chocolate in the bowl and stir occasionally. It will melt pretty quickly, but will not burn. This is a little trick I learned on the Food Network.)
After the chocolate is melted, let it cool and then add to the mixture. (Resist the urge to lick the chocolate bowl. It smells good, but it is not--not even for a "dark" chocolate lover like myself.)
Cover and process just until blended, about 15 seconds.
Pour into a greased 8 inch square baking dish. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean (do not over bake). Cool on a wire rack.
Now, the recipe says to dust the brownies with 2 tsp. of powdered sugar. I preferred the leftover butter cream frosting I had in the fridge with 1/2 cup of cocoa added. This added a bit of guilt to the recipe, but it was SO good.
What's a brownie without at least a little guilt anyway?
Nearly No-Guilt Brownies
2 egg whites & 1 whole egg (cheat #1--I needed a little more substance than egg whites alone can provide)
3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese (Sounds weird, but you can't even tell.)
1 tsp vanilla (I have some real vanilla right now that my sister-in-law brought back from Mexico and it is so yummy!)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted & cooled
Place the eggs, cottage cheese, and vanilla in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth. (Cottage cheese curds would seriously ruin the experience, so make sure it is smooth.) Combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, & salt; add to blended mixture. Cover and process for 30 seconds.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate in a double boiler (Who has a real double boiler? Seriously, I have never met the person. You can make your own. Boil a few cups of water in a saucepan and cover with a bowl that fits in the top. Put the unwrapped chocolate in the bowl and stir occasionally. It will melt pretty quickly, but will not burn. This is a little trick I learned on the Food Network.)
After the chocolate is melted, let it cool and then add to the mixture. (Resist the urge to lick the chocolate bowl. It smells good, but it is not--not even for a "dark" chocolate lover like myself.)
Cover and process just until blended, about 15 seconds.
Pour into a greased 8 inch square baking dish. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean (do not over bake). Cool on a wire rack.
Now, the recipe says to dust the brownies with 2 tsp. of powdered sugar. I preferred the leftover butter cream frosting I had in the fridge with 1/2 cup of cocoa added. This added a bit of guilt to the recipe, but it was SO good.
What's a brownie without at least a little guilt anyway?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday
Hmmm . . . it's Thursday . . . and sunny . . . and windy AGAIN. Oh, well. The kids sure don't mind, even if it does blow them to North Dakota!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Oh, Nater!
What would we do without our Nater? Sometimes your ALL BOY tendencies can drive me to my wit's end, but I can't imagine life without you! God truly answered our prayers when he gave us our Nathan David.
(My mother-in-law snapped this picture of Nathan recently. It really captures his true adventurous and lively personality! I just had to share.)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A Pizza Tale
A long time ago, there was this great pizzeria in Aberdeen, South Dakota, named Lu's Pizza. My mom, dad, & I (and maybe Amanda when she was really little) ate there every time we went to Aberdeen. As my dad says, they watched me grow up.
They really did. The kind of pizza we ordered differed, but the thin crust delicacy was always placed on our table on a pedestal. It was always cut in squares, but still, amazingly, still had a "corner" piece. This tiny crispy outer piece was the best. All I knew of Pizza Hut was from TV commercials. Lu's was the place for us.
Somewhere in my childhood, my aunt, (who I will call . . . Cindy), came along and she loved Hawaiian Pizza. I would get so angry when she was visiting and we would have to have pizza with pineapple on it. It was a waste of a good Lu's pizza experience if I ever had one.
But, then my taste buds matured and, sure enough, I also became a Hawaiian Pizza connoisseur. Now my kids, even picky Nathan, like it, too.
As I was paging through a cookbook last week, I found an interesting recipe. It was called Hawaiian Pizza Pasta. I bought the ingredients right away, but didn't get around to making it until Friday. It is absolutely fantastic and really reminded me of my days back at Lu's. If you like Hawaiian Pizza, you MUST try this. Close your eyes and you won't know the difference.
Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
1 small can sliced mushrooms (or 1/2 pound fresh)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 T olive oil
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp. pizza seasoning
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 20 oz. can pineapple
1 cup fully cooked cubed ham
Saute the mushrooms, onion, green pepper, and garlic in oil for 5 minutes until tender. Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, seasoning, & sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions; drain. Discard bay leaves from sauce. Add the pasta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, pineapple, and ham.
Transfer to a greased 3 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!
They really did. The kind of pizza we ordered differed, but the thin crust delicacy was always placed on our table on a pedestal. It was always cut in squares, but still, amazingly, still had a "corner" piece. This tiny crispy outer piece was the best. All I knew of Pizza Hut was from TV commercials. Lu's was the place for us.
Somewhere in my childhood, my aunt, (who I will call . . . Cindy), came along and she loved Hawaiian Pizza. I would get so angry when she was visiting and we would have to have pizza with pineapple on it. It was a waste of a good Lu's pizza experience if I ever had one.
But, then my taste buds matured and, sure enough, I also became a Hawaiian Pizza connoisseur. Now my kids, even picky Nathan, like it, too.
As I was paging through a cookbook last week, I found an interesting recipe. It was called Hawaiian Pizza Pasta. I bought the ingredients right away, but didn't get around to making it until Friday. It is absolutely fantastic and really reminded me of my days back at Lu's. If you like Hawaiian Pizza, you MUST try this. Close your eyes and you won't know the difference.
Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
1 small can sliced mushrooms (or 1/2 pound fresh)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 T olive oil
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp. pizza seasoning
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 20 oz. can pineapple
1 cup fully cooked cubed ham
Saute the mushrooms, onion, green pepper, and garlic in oil for 5 minutes until tender. Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, seasoning, & sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions; drain. Discard bay leaves from sauce. Add the pasta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, pineapple, and ham.
Transfer to a greased 3 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Busyness
How busy is busy enough? Who sets the bar for what is the right amount of busyness? And, why do we all think we are THE busiest?
Ask almost anyone how they are doing. If they don't say, "Fine." (even though they may not be), they will most probably answer, "Busy." I've even said it myself several times.
Busyness can be good or bad. Some people bring their busyness on themselves because they cannot stand to be idle even for a moment. On the other hand, some people's busyness is entirely out of their control because of too many commitments or having to work multiple jobs, and they are miserable because of it.
Not long ago, I was working on a project with someone and I told her I would get started after I sorted through the three things I already had going on. She answered, "I have had ten things on my mind." I know there was no malice intended, but I still almost answered, "OK, you win." What does one receive when he or she wins a busyness contest? I must not have ever won since I don't remember receiving any prize.
Isn't it strange that we all think we are SO busy, but yet at the same time look at others and think they must have all the time in the world? I look at moms of grown children and sometimes--OK, often--envy their "extra" time. But, it seems they are just as busy as they ever were--just with different things! Take stay-at-home moms, too, for example. Even if you acknowledge that staying home is not an easy job, I am sure you have at times envied our "extra" time, too.
All it takes for me to think I have extra time is to leave my home for a few hours. While I'm gone, I think of all the things I will be able to accomplish when I return home. I will finally get to cleaning the insides of my windows or get working on that knit afghan I started. It never turns out that way. Inevitably, my husband or children will have other plans, it will be time to prepare a meal, or something else will be more pressing.
As far as my blogging hobby, be aware that my dusting seriously suffers because of it. If dusting was more important to me, I would definitely be too busy to do such things with my time.
There's really nothing wrong with being busy, as long as you are happy with it. Overall, I am pretty OK with my level of busyness, especially in the fall & spring when I am involved with my high school drama coaching/directing, and my current MS fundraising. It seems this gives me the right balance of at home and out of home experiences.
If you feel you are constantly too busy, maybe some things can be changed in your life to make it more enjoyable. Just know that I am not interested in competing in any busyness contests. If you are over scheduling yourself or your family solely for the sake of winning the title of "Busiest Person of the City/State/Country/World," you win.
I just do not have the time. I am much too busy.
Ask almost anyone how they are doing. If they don't say, "Fine." (even though they may not be), they will most probably answer, "Busy." I've even said it myself several times.
Busyness can be good or bad. Some people bring their busyness on themselves because they cannot stand to be idle even for a moment. On the other hand, some people's busyness is entirely out of their control because of too many commitments or having to work multiple jobs, and they are miserable because of it.
Not long ago, I was working on a project with someone and I told her I would get started after I sorted through the three things I already had going on. She answered, "I have had ten things on my mind." I know there was no malice intended, but I still almost answered, "OK, you win." What does one receive when he or she wins a busyness contest? I must not have ever won since I don't remember receiving any prize.
Isn't it strange that we all think we are SO busy, but yet at the same time look at others and think they must have all the time in the world? I look at moms of grown children and sometimes--OK, often--envy their "extra" time. But, it seems they are just as busy as they ever were--just with different things! Take stay-at-home moms, too, for example. Even if you acknowledge that staying home is not an easy job, I am sure you have at times envied our "extra" time, too.
All it takes for me to think I have extra time is to leave my home for a few hours. While I'm gone, I think of all the things I will be able to accomplish when I return home. I will finally get to cleaning the insides of my windows or get working on that knit afghan I started. It never turns out that way. Inevitably, my husband or children will have other plans, it will be time to prepare a meal, or something else will be more pressing.
As far as my blogging hobby, be aware that my dusting seriously suffers because of it. If dusting was more important to me, I would definitely be too busy to do such things with my time.
There's really nothing wrong with being busy, as long as you are happy with it. Overall, I am pretty OK with my level of busyness, especially in the fall & spring when I am involved with my high school drama coaching/directing, and my current MS fundraising. It seems this gives me the right balance of at home and out of home experiences.
If you feel you are constantly too busy, maybe some things can be changed in your life to make it more enjoyable. Just know that I am not interested in competing in any busyness contests. If you are over scheduling yourself or your family solely for the sake of winning the title of "Busiest Person of the City/State/Country/World," you win.
I just do not have the time. I am much too busy.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Gratitude
My posts may be sparse for the next couple weeks as I have quite a full plate (with an occasional Reese's Peanut Butter Egg for dessert). :o)
I've been going into turbo drive for our Family Fun Night to Fight MS in Eureka on April 17. I am not one to call people as ask for prizes or money, but I took a leap out of my comfort zone this week. A wonderful lady from Aberdeen (with much fundraising experience) called me on Monday and gave me all sorts of wonderful ideas to make our night more successful. Immediately after I hung up the phone, I started calling local businesses for door and Bingo prizes. All of the businesses have been incredibly generous and supportive of our cause.
I am so grateful to be from such a generous and caring community! I hope they will forgive me for the few times in the past when I cheered for the Cresbard Comets over the Eureka Trojans. Since there are no longer Comets nor Trojans (they are now co-oped Patriots), that minor transgression against my roots should be null and void anyway. :o)
The best part of this project is NOBODY knows what to expect! Sure, we have our plans made as to how the evening will be scheduled, but everything else is in God's hands.
I hope all of our local friends can join us on April 17 at the Senior Center at 5:30pm and throughout the evening. You might even win a really GREAT prize!
I've been going into turbo drive for our Family Fun Night to Fight MS in Eureka on April 17. I am not one to call people as ask for prizes or money, but I took a leap out of my comfort zone this week. A wonderful lady from Aberdeen (with much fundraising experience) called me on Monday and gave me all sorts of wonderful ideas to make our night more successful. Immediately after I hung up the phone, I started calling local businesses for door and Bingo prizes. All of the businesses have been incredibly generous and supportive of our cause.
I am so grateful to be from such a generous and caring community! I hope they will forgive me for the few times in the past when I cheered for the Cresbard Comets over the Eureka Trojans. Since there are no longer Comets nor Trojans (they are now co-oped Patriots), that minor transgression against my roots should be null and void anyway. :o)
The best part of this project is NOBODY knows what to expect! Sure, we have our plans made as to how the evening will be scheduled, but everything else is in God's hands.
I hope all of our local friends can join us on April 17 at the Senior Center at 5:30pm and throughout the evening. You might even win a really GREAT prize!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nathan's Sheep
I found this Lamb of God craft project on sale a few weeks ago. It looked like a perfect project to take on with my preschoolers--pre-printed and pre-glued. Nathan usually isn't interested in such things, but he loved making these!
We made some earlier in the week to decorate our house. On Friday evening, Nathan asked if he could make another. He ended up finishing the kit of 12. He was so cute announcing who would get each one he assembled. The last one was for the Easter bunny. He dictated a note to leave beside his basket. When we returned last night, Nathan found his reward--a thank you note AND bubble gum.
Easter Celebrations
This year our family managed to fit several Easter celebrations in a relatively short period of time.
First, we had a Melius family brunch and Easter egg hunt at Grandma & Grandpa Melius' farm.
Then we headed north to our annual Chick (and Rooster) Easter Egg Dyeing Party at our good friends' house.
Easter Vigil was Saturday night. However, our plans changed a bit in the hour before we were to attend. Nathan did not feel well and our neighbor called David to let him know some of our cows were out. Nathan stayed home with Papa Butter and David returned to our farm to get everyone back where they should be. The rest of us went to mass, but we all modeled our Easter outfits again on Sunday morning for proof that we can all be dressed up at the same time!
Happy Easter, everyone!
First, we had a Melius family brunch and Easter egg hunt at Grandma & Grandpa Melius' farm.
Then we headed north to our annual Chick (and Rooster) Easter Egg Dyeing Party at our good friends' house.
Easter Vigil was Saturday night. However, our plans changed a bit in the hour before we were to attend. Nathan did not feel well and our neighbor called David to let him know some of our cows were out. Nathan stayed home with Papa Butter and David returned to our farm to get everyone back where they should be. The rest of us went to mass, but we all modeled our Easter outfits again on Sunday morning for proof that we can all be dressed up at the same time!
Happy Easter, everyone!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Commotion
This morning David informed Landen that he would be helping him and Uncle John work calves today.
"I'm not trained to do that," Landen replied.
I assured him that his dad would provide free on-the-job training.
It turned out Landen's job was to find the underlined numbers on the list, which were heifer calves, and keep his eye on those calves.
As he was watching with John this afternoon, two calves started messing around in the pen.
Landen told his uncle, "That's calf commotion!"
And, later, when one jumped on top of another, he said, "Rodeo!"
Where does he come up with this stuff?
Now, if he would just learn to tie his shoes . . . .
"I'm not trained to do that," Landen replied.
I assured him that his dad would provide free on-the-job training.
It turned out Landen's job was to find the underlined numbers on the list, which were heifer calves, and keep his eye on those calves.
As he was watching with John this afternoon, two calves started messing around in the pen.
Landen told his uncle, "That's calf commotion!"
And, later, when one jumped on top of another, he said, "Rodeo!"
Where does he come up with this stuff?
Now, if he would just learn to tie his shoes . . . .
Love Has Come
I'm sharing some Mark Schultz lyrics with you today. His lyrics always touch my heart. When this song from his newest CD comes on, my kids and I crank it up, dance and sing along. Love has truly come for us all!
"Love Has Come"
I know this life is filled with sorrow
And there are days when the pain just lasts and lasts
But I know there will come a day
When our tears are washed away
With a break in the clouds
His glory coming down
And in that moment
CHORUS:
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That God is love
And love has come for us all
Every heart set free
Every one will see
That God is love
And love has come for us all
For anybody who has ever lost a loved one
And you feel like you had to let go too soon
I know it hurts to say goodbye
But don't you know it's just a matter of time
'Til the tears are gonna end
You'll see them once again
And in that moment
Oh, and on that day
We will stand amazed
At our Savior, God and King
Just to see the face
Of amazing grace
As our hearts rise upand sing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Thank You for the cross
Singing glory, glory, hallelujah
Christ has paid the cost
"Love Has Come"
I know this life is filled with sorrow
And there are days when the pain just lasts and lasts
But I know there will come a day
When our tears are washed away
With a break in the clouds
His glory coming down
And in that moment
CHORUS:
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That God is love
And love has come for us all
Every heart set free
Every one will see
That God is love
And love has come for us all
For anybody who has ever lost a loved one
And you feel like you had to let go too soon
I know it hurts to say goodbye
But don't you know it's just a matter of time
'Til the tears are gonna end
You'll see them once again
And in that moment
Oh, and on that day
We will stand amazed
At our Savior, God and King
Just to see the face
Of amazing grace
As our hearts rise upand sing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Thank You for the cross
Singing glory, glory, hallelujah
Christ has paid the cost
Thursday, April 1, 2010
More happenings around the farm . . .
First, one from a couple weekends ago at Grandpa & Grandma's farm. Landen is such a good big brother!
Next, Teresa's new hair "pretties." What stays in her hair is pretty limited, so we were happy to find these teeny, tiny clips!
This is a drawing of me that Nathan made this morning. I always love his drawings of me--I have very thin legs (albeit a fairly large head.) :o)
Holy Thursday
Happy Holy Thursday, everyone. I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful Easter season for you and your family!
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