Lazy Halupsie

There are some comfort foods that I suppose you have to grow up with to appreciate, like pigs in a blanket.  And I'm not talking about hot dogs wrapped in bread--those are delicious to ANYBODY.  I'm talking hamburger and rice wrapped in cabbage and topped with ketchup.  My German people call it Halupsie.  It's not for everyone, but it's comfort food to me!

As our family has grown, I have resorted to the Lazy version, which tastes the same and is easier for the kids to eat, too.  I have started all of them out on this early on (for David, early on in our marriage), so by now they appreciate it, too.

I was going to post a picture, but it really isn't a pretty dish. . . and then I was too lazy to get my camera.  It still tastes good, though!  Trust me. :)

I split this up into two batches.  I cook both and then freeze one to heat up later.

Lazy Halupsie

2 lbs hamburger, browned with onion
1 cup rice
1 small-medium head cabbage, shredded

Layer in a greased roaster or split between two greased casseroles. 

1 can tomato soup
1 can water
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Mix and pour over the top.

Bake at 350 for one hour.  You may also make it in a Crockpot on high for 4-5 hours.  In my opinion, it has to be eaten with ketchup.

Oh, so good and so comforting as we hunker down for ANOTHER winter storm!!  The boys are hoping to squeak out just one more snow day!

A little victory is always sweet

This past Friday and Saturday, our family went to our first YMCA basketball tournament to watch Landen's 3rd grade team play. 

They played one game Friday evening and three on Saturday.  It was the second game on Saturday that ended up being the team's first victory for the year.  21-20! 

Since this was these boys' first introduction to basketball, we didn't expect them to be great this first year.  In fact, to keep them working hard in the future, it was better that they weren't. 

 

Something happened at this tournament, though.  The usually timid boys came to play! 

 

Although Landen was disappointed that they didn't place high enough to receive medals, he was still pretty excited about that win.  We look forward to watching these boys play through their years together.  This is just the beginning!

Grow.

 

Soon, it will be time for the farmers to begin the growing season.  Most years, it has begun already, but not this year.

 

For us, our growing season is constant, as shown by my "Teresa toes."  This past week, she took her kindergarten physical and immunizations like a little rock star.  So much better than either of her brothers.  Now nothing but time is in her way to start kindergarten in the fall.

 

This morning Landen was lamenting that he has to work at the things he isn't good at doing.  It's a tough thing to teach . . . or, maybe, we just have to grow and realize that working on difficult things is hardly ever enjoyable, but the accomplishment in the end is worth the effort. 

 

As a parent, sometimes the future can be overwhelming.  How will we raise these four totally different children to be the best they can be?  How will we confront each difficulty, large and small, as it comes?  How will we celebrate achievements in their varied talents?  It can be exhausting to think about!

 

It's a good thing the growth comes gradually, like our little seedlings. 

 

One day at a time.

 

 

 

WalkMS is May 4!

The 2013 WalkMS:  Aberdeen is coming up soon!  This year's walk is May 4, starting at Plymouth Congregational Church (on the west end of Melgaard Road) at 10am.  Registration begins at 9am.  

We would love for you to join our team, Many Steps to Fight MS, again or for the first time!  The event is casual with pizza and bars after the walk.  Even the route is however long you want it to be! 
(There is no minimum $$ amount required to walk, but a $125 donation is required to receive the official 2013 t-shirt.) 

All donations benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in providing support for those affected by MS, and ultimately, finding a cure for people like my mom who live with MS every day.

You may join our team or donate at www.mymswalk.org.  The website is not the most user-friendly, so ask me if you have problems with it. :)  You may also mail any donations to me and I promise to get them to the right place!

Thank you for all of your past and present support!  We couldn't make the difference we make every year without you!

Easter and Easter Monday

Here's what I've got for the Melius kids' Easter morning photo.  A whole lotta chaos!  Nathan and Teresa were up before 5am to check out their Easter baskets.

After dad did chores and Easter Morning mass, we drove down to Brandon to celebrate Easter and Isaiah Luke's baptism day.

Isn't he sweet? 

 

After that, the big three got to come back home to vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  David, Rachel, and I ventured to Rochester on Monday morning for her post-surgery check up.  Our little girl, who was still a baby on her last visit, this time walked from the parking ramp to her doctor's 12th floor office and met new people all along the way.  (We did allow her to use the elevator.) :)

She had a great check up with Dr. Bite and we will return in a year for a Craniofacial Clinic where they will make sure her jaw, teeth, cranial bones, etc. are growing correctly and check for a bunch of other things concerning her development. 

She is now saying "Dad" and "dog." (Her favorite word is still "snack.")

Nothing slows her down . . . except for getting stuck in her toy box!