My two older boys are really young men now. These are strange times for this mom. In my heart they are still my children, yet they are more than just toying around with the idea of manhood, they are at it's threshold.
Driving with Anthony next to me, he opened a magazine and commented that he loves the smell. It reminds him of basketball cards. "It brings back memories", he said. He went on in some detail, especially for a 16 year old boy, of the days when we'd go to swimming lessons and I'd stop "for special" on the way home and buy them basketball cards. Through his words I was again standing there as they took turns opening their packets to see who they got and if there were any special cards. I can see the look of anticipation on their faces and even the sudden burst of excitement at a rookie card or another card they were hoping for. Those were the days.
There is something reassuring about knowing that a smell brings back pleasant memories he associates with me, with moments I provided him.
He remembers.
Isn't it amazing how we can smell something and it triggers a memory in us that we didn't know we had? It can be a great association or a bad one. If it is a pleasant memory though, chances are it is a smell we love.
This week I noticed that my 18 year old wrote in a profile about himself that his favorite perfume scent is vanilla.
I wear vanilla perfume.
I don't know anyone else who does.
It makes me wish those days of holding him close were not past. It makes me think he's always known I treasure him.
He remembers.
Go ahead my precious young men, keep growing, as you must. Grow in stature and in faith. Grow into the life God has for you. I must release you to that, I am not given a choice. I must release you to go -- and to grow away from me. I'll wait and I'll be here whenever you make an appearance...
May you take with you and hold in your hearts those love-filled days of basketball cards and vanilla perfume.
Are there any scents that take you back to a certain time or place in your life? Is it a good association?
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Product Review Update:Back to Coconut Oil
A follow up to this post.
The Bio-Oil is going back to Walgreens.It's not that there is anything wrong with it. It's just that it doesn't do anything my trusty coconut oil doesn't do. I like the feel of coconut oil better, and certainly I like the smell better -- the smell of vacationing on a beach in Hawaii. It's cheaper and multi-purpose. And I often get compliments on my skin when I am using it. What's not to like? (I order my coconut oil in bulk through Azure Standard)
Oil Of Olay Cleanser: Works fine. Somewhat drying. I like the exfoliating beads in it. Mostly I am keeping it because I trust Consumer Reports. So I am trying it for the long term and believing it will really help me look like my forehead is not pushing down so hard on my eyelids.
FanciFul Hair Color Stick: I have discovered it is not only for gray hairs. When you apply a red colored rinse in between permanent coloring, and your gray hairs at the root turn more pink than red, you can touch that up too. It is a little sticky - but so is mascara, and this is easier to apply in larger amounts. Mascara works better for the temples though as you have more control over getting it on your skin and looking like a little girl who colored out of the lines.
The Bio-Oil is going back to Walgreens.It's not that there is anything wrong with it. It's just that it doesn't do anything my trusty coconut oil doesn't do. I like the feel of coconut oil better, and certainly I like the smell better -- the smell of vacationing on a beach in Hawaii. It's cheaper and multi-purpose. And I often get compliments on my skin when I am using it. What's not to like? (I order my coconut oil in bulk through Azure Standard)
Oil Of Olay Cleanser: Works fine. Somewhat drying. I like the exfoliating beads in it. Mostly I am keeping it because I trust Consumer Reports. So I am trying it for the long term and believing it will really help me look like my forehead is not pushing down so hard on my eyelids.
FanciFul Hair Color Stick: I have discovered it is not only for gray hairs. When you apply a red colored rinse in between permanent coloring, and your gray hairs at the root turn more pink than red, you can touch that up too. It is a little sticky - but so is mascara, and this is easier to apply in larger amounts. Mascara works better for the temples though as you have more control over getting it on your skin and looking like a little girl who colored out of the lines.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Before Even One Of Them Came To Be
My baby has been sick since Saturday. Really probably Friday night. He has hardly eaten. He had a low grade temp for two days. Then Monday and Tuesday he was uncharacteristically cranky. I mean, he is an all-or-nothing kind of boy. When he is being cute and sweet, there is nothing cuter or sweeter. When he is being a poo, well, there is not much question about what kind of mood he is in. And it ain't been pretty... though I must admit I love the clingy part of it, him probably being my last and all (forget that last part. I admit, I've enjoyed clingy mommy and baby moments all along).
Today he woke up with a weird skin something. I don't know if it is a rash. It is more under the skin. Kind of marbley. Looks like what I'd think of Fifth's Disease. But the doc's office says no because the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands are not bright red. And, because of the rash he has had since he was about 5 months old, it is hard to tell. That's another thing. Plus he is sometimes puffy. And crankier than my other babies. The doctor isn't worried, but sometimes I wonder.
Ethan's back today. Anyone recognize this rash?
I am spoiled. I came to the realization this winter. My oldest, Andrew, who was 17 then, got sick. One late night he was feverish and sweaty and really of out of it. I was really, really scared. Me, mother of six, experienced mom, knower of fevers and sicknesses and rashes and symptoms and home cures and such. I was pretty sure he was sick unto death. I applied cool cloths and kept watching to see if there was anything at all I could see that could warrant a trip to the ER. But then I didn't want him in ER either if his immune system was already whacked. He just laid there and sweated. I don't think he even knew I was there.
I did the whole self talk thing. It was just the flu. Lots of people get it. But not MY kids. It must be something else. I thought of all God has put on his heart to do with his life and how it had not yet been fulfilled. But then I thought of the saying about the good dying young. Yep, I walked down that road in my mind. Weak of me, but I did it.That was a long wet night. His sickly sweat, my nervous sweat and frightened tears. (Okay Mrs. Common Sense Mom. I see you rolling your eyes. It COULD happen to you ya know. I thought I was cool as a cuke about sick kids until then.)
The next day he was much better. And I was too relieved to feel foolish. But I did realize that lots of moms see their kids like that often. Just not me. Like I said, I am spoiled.
My sister-in-law, who by the way is probably the strongest lady I know, has watched four of her five kids live with a rare disease. She has lost several babies, one at full term. She has the same rare disease as her kids and also has Bell's Palsy and once went through an episode of having multiple little strokes. In her 40's. She lives her life all of the time the way I felt that one night.
These feelings always take me back to the time I really took to heart that all of our days are planned out already. It was after we lost our baby boy. My three boys at that time just looked so temporary to me and I was afraid of them. They seemed too delicate. The only way I could find any peace, or to sleep or laugh again, was to really understand the sovereignty of God. But apparently it's not a one-time realization.
As a mom, I need to revisit that scripture in my mind several times per day. Otherwise, the joy of being a mom just turns into fear at every moment.
What do you do to bring your thoughts captive when you are afraid for your kids?
Today he woke up with a weird skin something. I don't know if it is a rash. It is more under the skin. Kind of marbley. Looks like what I'd think of Fifth's Disease. But the doc's office says no because the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands are not bright red. And, because of the rash he has had since he was about 5 months old, it is hard to tell. That's another thing. Plus he is sometimes puffy. And crankier than my other babies. The doctor isn't worried, but sometimes I wonder.
Ethan's back today. Anyone recognize this rash?I am spoiled. I came to the realization this winter. My oldest, Andrew, who was 17 then, got sick. One late night he was feverish and sweaty and really of out of it. I was really, really scared. Me, mother of six, experienced mom, knower of fevers and sicknesses and rashes and symptoms and home cures and such. I was pretty sure he was sick unto death. I applied cool cloths and kept watching to see if there was anything at all I could see that could warrant a trip to the ER. But then I didn't want him in ER either if his immune system was already whacked. He just laid there and sweated. I don't think he even knew I was there.
I did the whole self talk thing. It was just the flu. Lots of people get it. But not MY kids. It must be something else. I thought of all God has put on his heart to do with his life and how it had not yet been fulfilled. But then I thought of the saying about the good dying young. Yep, I walked down that road in my mind. Weak of me, but I did it.That was a long wet night. His sickly sweat, my nervous sweat and frightened tears. (Okay Mrs. Common Sense Mom. I see you rolling your eyes. It COULD happen to you ya know. I thought I was cool as a cuke about sick kids until then.)
The next day he was much better. And I was too relieved to feel foolish. But I did realize that lots of moms see their kids like that often. Just not me. Like I said, I am spoiled.
My sister-in-law, who by the way is probably the strongest lady I know, has watched four of her five kids live with a rare disease. She has lost several babies, one at full term. She has the same rare disease as her kids and also has Bell's Palsy and once went through an episode of having multiple little strokes. In her 40's. She lives her life all of the time the way I felt that one night.
These feelings always take me back to the time I really took to heart that all of our days are planned out already. It was after we lost our baby boy. My three boys at that time just looked so temporary to me and I was afraid of them. They seemed too delicate. The only way I could find any peace, or to sleep or laugh again, was to really understand the sovereignty of God. But apparently it's not a one-time realization.
As a mom, I need to revisit that scripture in my mind several times per day. Otherwise, the joy of being a mom just turns into fear at every moment.
What do you do to bring your thoughts captive when you are afraid for your kids?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Melon+Collie=
This is how I feel today.
Get it?
When I am melancholy, it is time to apply the "mantra" I heard from Gregg Harris at a homeschool conference and brought home about 5 years ago. As a family "we" have adopted it as a way worth living our lives. I have repeated it to countless friends and I am about to read the book his sons wrote on the topic for teens (really, I am. It is on my reading list and my virtual shelf, right?).
Do Hard Things? Today? I don't wanna.
When I am feeling low and just want to crawl back into bed, I usually analyze myself for hours at a time. Why am I feeling like this? At "my" age, I suppose it could be hormones, being low in iron, wakeful night-times catching up to me, something's unsettled in my spirit or with a relationship... The possibilities are endless.
I really don't feel like getting the house ready for company. I REALLY don't feel like "riding herd" on the kids to do work. I am tired.
I really don't feel like doing reading with my daughter out of the same reading book I've used for the four before her, saying it slow and saying it fast, sounding out the words and hearing the same silly stories I've been hearing for the past 13 years. I really don't. I don't want to hear her read the word hunting just fine then get stuck on the word at.
Or listen to my sweet 8 year old trying so hard to do it right so he overemphasizes emotion in his voice that is reflective of the punctuation of the story he is reading. So when it says "We better hurry!", he reads it like the whole town is afire by inflection and volume. WE BETTER HURRY!!!! I appreciate his heart in this and see how precious it is that he tries so hard. And I want to want to sit with him. But today I don't.
Let's not even talk about junior high and high school math that needs my attention. I will definitely raise the Star Trek wall and there will be no putting it back down today. Subject closed.
I don't want to unearth the buffet, recently having become a dumping ground (why, after 7 years of no dumping, I do not know). Nor do I want to face the pile of mail or spot clean the carpet. This is just the visible-to-company stuff. Not to mention all of the other projects that nag at me continually that I can't seem to make a dent in.
Here I can launch into all of the "I'm a Holy Wife and Mother" reasons why all of this will be a blessing to my family and how encouraging that should be to me. Or how I am sure that by tonight I will be so glad I did. Or I can spend some more time analyzing why I am feeling this way.
But what it all boils down to is... when I say the words "do hard things", it isn't just for those days when I purposely take on an extra challenge like walking to the blinking light and back with a baby on my back or in a stroller (3 miles of hills), or those hard things forced upon us by necessity like tracking down a cow and calf over the countryside and trying to get them a mile back up the road and into a stall.
For ladies like you and me, it is just as much, if not more, about these day to day "I don't feel like it" moments and days. !!!
So here I go. I am sticking my chin out and letting my strong stubborn side prevail for good.
Here I go to DO HARD THINGS. 1....2....3....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Fab Summer Blackened Chicken Salad
Meal Plan Monday is happening over at Organizing Junkie. It's fun to see what others feed their families. And it sure helps keep a person accountable when you know others could be reading your menu. Check it out!
My entire dinner menu plan is at the bottom, after the recipe.
Since some of my friends and I have been chatting about summer meals (here and here), I thought I would post an actual recipe instead of just the link.
Mostly it reminded me of my friend's blog so had to post it, even if just for her. She is wanting more recipes anyway and it is called "Fab" just like her AbFab blog.
I will be making this for dinner for my AbFab family on Wednesday night. But I will substitute dried sundried tomatoes (that I will reconstitute in warm water for 10 minutes) for the ones packed in oil that they call for. And I will be blending them in with the dressing rather than sprinkled on the salad. It makes the taste of those expensive sundried tomatoes go further.
I hope it is sunny again by then...
Fab Summer Blackened Chicken Salad
You'll need:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
* 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
* 2 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 cups mixed salad greens
* 1 cup arugula
* 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
* 12 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
* 1/2 cup sliced black olives
DIRECTIONS
1. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of chicken with Cajun seasoning, and place in hot oil. Stir in crushed garlic. Cook chicken 5 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove chicken from skillet, drain on paper towels, cool slightly, and dice; discard oil and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, mix remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, gently toss the dressing with the mixed salad greens, arugula, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Top with diced chicken to serve.
My dinner menu for the rest of the week:
Monday: Birthday Breakfast: Anthony's request Baked Oatmeal and Bacon
Dinner: BBQ Burgers (it's fun to put unexpected things on the fixin's plate like basil, blue cheese, ham or fried eggs), Doritos, Grilled Asparagus, watermelon, homemade Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Tuesday: Out to dinner for Anthony's bday dinner (he is going to a BBQ for Sen. Smith Monday on his actual bday). Also making Peanut Butter Pie to drop off as a surprise for my little brother Josh's birthday.
Wednesday: Fab Summer Blackened Chicken X3
Thursday: Sausage Skillet Supper X3 for my family, except I use brown rice and cook it before I add it to the skillet. Serve with baby carrots. Quick meal as we have "House Church" tonight.
Friday: Bourbon Chicken
Napa Cabbage Salad
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Chalupa
Serve with tortillas, avocado, sour cream, tomato, cilantro, green onions, cheese, etc.
One of our favorite meals (our family version is slightly different than this one, but close). Crockpot meal to have for Sunday dinner so it is ready after church with little to no effort.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Photoshoot
Andrew's senior pictures haven't been done yet, so I had to go out and take a bunch myself so we'd have one for his announcements. We had a fun time coming up with cool and also extra dorky poses. Some we thought would be cool but turned out dorky and vice versa.
It was pretty funny when his friend called to see when he'd be at the movie and he said (tongue-in-cheek) he was running a little late because he was doing a photoshoot.
As if him climbing that tree at the library wasn't scary enough for Mrs.Rule-Follower-Me (both because it was high and because I was sure the librarian would come out and scold us), a squirrel apparently was quite disturbed that Andrew had invaded her space, so she popped out and started growling. I am assuming she had a nest of little ones close by. She must have thought we were Jed and Ellie May or Granny Clampett and might eat them.
I didn't know squirrels could growl. Here is Andrew telling me that squirrels growl. He also mentioned that she might be about to bite him. Notice Mrs.Squirrel on left.
And here is my handsome son in a more relaxed pose.
It was pretty funny when his friend called to see when he'd be at the movie and he said (tongue-in-cheek) he was running a little late because he was doing a photoshoot.
As if him climbing that tree at the library wasn't scary enough for Mrs.Rule-Follower-Me (both because it was high and because I was sure the librarian would come out and scold us), a squirrel apparently was quite disturbed that Andrew had invaded her space, so she popped out and started growling. I am assuming she had a nest of little ones close by. She must have thought we were Jed and Ellie May or Granny Clampett and might eat them.
I didn't know squirrels could growl. Here is Andrew telling me that squirrels growl. He also mentioned that she might be about to bite him. Notice Mrs.Squirrel on left.
And here is my handsome son in a more relaxed pose.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Total Forgiveness Talk
Did you get all excited when you read the title of this post, thinking I was going to share something really juicy that I need to forgive someone for? Oh well, this is better. Not more fun, but BETTER:)
My friend K told me the author of one of my current favorite books, Total Forgiveness, has been on Focus on the family several times this week, drawing from parts of his book for discussion.I am going to listen to it. Here's the link if you want to listen to it too.
If you do, please leave a comment and tell me what you think, what parts struck you particularly, etc. I'd love to discuss it so it sticks in my brain.
My friend K told me the author of one of my current favorite books, Total Forgiveness, has been on Focus on the family several times this week, drawing from parts of his book for discussion.I am going to listen to it. Here's the link if you want to listen to it too.
If you do, please leave a comment and tell me what you think, what parts struck you particularly, etc. I'd love to discuss it so it sticks in my brain.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Heartbreaking
Send up prayers for breaking hearts.
The Steven Curtis Chapman family just lost their youngest daughter, Maria.
Stevencurtischapman.com
News Story
Express condolences here (and see same video as below)
The Steven Curtis Chapman family just lost their youngest daughter, Maria.
Stevencurtischapman.com
News Story
Express condolences here (and see same video as below)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Works For Me Wednesday
Click above to check out "Works For Me Wednesday" at Rocks In My Dryer. I can't think of any original, helpful tips that "worked for me" so haven't registered anything (yet). But I sure have gathered great tips over the last few weeks. Go and check it out!
Here are just a few of the helpful and wonderful things I found there that also worked for me or I found interesting. Let me know if any of them work for you:
~ You can register all of the blogs you read here at Bloglines and they will let you know when there is a new post on any of them. That way you don't waste too much time checking multiple times per day! This has been extremely helpful to me and more for every new blog I start reading regularly.
~ Stain Remover recipe. I haven't tried this one yet, but it looks promising. Not sure if it can beat out Oxiclean though...
~ At Large Family Logistics you can sign up to get cleaning and routine reminders. Like Flylady but much more applicable for large and/or homeschooling families. I am still learning alot of this and have tweaked it to work better for me. You receive alot of emails. I just delete the ones I don't do and save some they send on a certain day to use on the day it works for me. I also don't do everything at the same time they suggest if it doesn't work with our schedule (for example, we have Bible time when dad is still home, first thing in the morning). When I get it mastered I will be perfect;)
~ Home Remedies website
~ Menu Plan Monday
~ If you want to Twitter.(I don't want to, but it looks fun for those who have umlimited text messaging plans.) You can also help get rid of Twitter Spam.
~ Use Your Razor Longer.
Do-Over!
Immunizations: We waited until last week, when baby was almost 19 months old, to start immunizations. Partly intentionally and partly because when we were going to get them started at 9 months he had a cold and a rash and they wanted to give him some new shots I didn't know anything about. We finally took the plunge and he got DTaP and HIB. This felt risky after a family friend lost baby Michael after shots at 19 months. But we feel it is a good compromise.
So yesterday I get this call from my doctor's office. The shots got left out or became too warm or something. I'm not sure if it's the doctor's office or the manufacturer who did whatever it was. But the doc's office has checked with the manufacturer and it won't hurt my baby that the shots are bad, they just can't guarantee the efficacy and want to do them again! What if they ARE still effective? HUH? This sounds dangerous to me.
Adenoids: Elisabeth had her tonsils and adenoids out when she was three. Shouldn't that be the end of that? I guess not. Adenoids can grow back. Elisabeth's are big. She's going to stay on some medicine and we will hope they shrink. In the meantime, she snores like a big guy and sounds like her nose is plugged.
She talks in some kind of girly talk anyway. Now she sounds like a cartoon character. Is she the only 7 year old who does this? Or have you noticed that it is almost like a secret pact between girls around this age?
YOU? What have you had to repeat lately?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Don't Shine Red
Oregon is known for it's lush forests and for having lots of greenery, scenic hiking trails and other outdoorsy stuff. Oregon=Rain. Rain is practically synonymous with Oregon. There are all of the jokes about Oregonians having webbed feet and rusting rather than tanning. We understand rain and wet. We know how to handle it, to cope with it throughout most of the seasons. We don't do well with sun.
We have had a wet winter. We had unseasonably cold weather in April, even snow - which is not at all common for us. In fact, I have lived here all of my life and I don't ever remember an April snow. Now, suddenly, we find ourselves in a heat wave. We had a couple days over 90 degrees in the middle of May! Also uncommon. Wasn't it just snowing a few weeks ago?
There is something about us, apparently, that makes us not quite believe it really is sun. We probably assume there is always enough cloud cover to protect us. Or maybe we believe that, because of all of the rain, and the many days of dashing from protected buildings and diving into our cars, touting around umbrellas (or forgetting them), tolerating wet or frizzy hair, mud and puddles wherever we go and the cooooonstaaaaant drizzle, somehow it is owed to us to not have any worries associated with sun? Maybe we use sunscreen so rarely that we let it expire and it loses it's effectiveness?
Why else would there be SO MANY sunburned Oregonians already, when we have only had 4 days of sunshine? Everywhere I look, there are burned shoulders, chests and faces. Maybe we just want to be able to prove we got some sun.
Rise and shine Oregon. The sun has. Just don't shine red.
(Oh, and I may as well tell you that my husband has had skin cancer multiple times. Don't be fooled by this tricky Oregon sun. Lather sunscreen on.)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
What's The Deal?
First of all, let me say I think it is hilarious that my boys WANT to wear plaid shorts. Cracks me up, it really does. The whole preppy look is just so different than the pants-halfway-down- boxers-hanging-out style (my boys never did get into that) and the holes in jeans thing. For this I am grateful, though I kind of like the distressed clothing look.
I looked at shirts for my teens today. Almost every tee shirt had a skull. Some were planted in a garden or surrounded by roses or guitars or other (otherwise) pretty things. Why is it cute and in style to wear skulls? It's a human head with no flesh -- as in a decaying body!
Other selections included a vulture, swords stuck through things and/or around dragons, outlines of naked women and naked women with strategic parts covered by the banner of the manufacturer, surrounded by guns, skulls, swords or dragons. Alot of these were Hurley or Quicksilver. The gray one above is a skull framed in pistols, the blue shirt is a skull framed in roses and the white one is a guitar made of a skull.I don't mean to sound old or prudish, but doesn't this celebrate a culture of death? The one below is a skull amongst branches of a tree with ravens in it.
I wasn't sure of some of the brands and designs either. My boys heard that Element has ties to witchcraft. I hate to buy into gossip and penalize the company, but I also don't want to support that kind of thing if it is true.
There was a shirt with a picture of Uncle Sam and a bunch of words I didn't get. I hated to buy it if it was sarcastic and bashing America, as seems to be edgy right now.
What are the brands Lost and Ezekiel? And where have I been? I knew skulls were big, but there were literally about 30 different skull pattern shirts and about 3-4 without skulls or other sick things.
I guess Old Navy is the only place to find graphic tees that don't smack of all of this. Of course, I am sure someone has a story about Old Navy too...
What's a family to do?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Iced Tea and Salad Weather
I agree with Sarah, it is too hot to cook. When it gets hot I love to eat grilled veggies, fresh veggies, luscious salads and sushi, and drink lots of iced drinks. I like iced tea, iced coffee, fruited water, Mojitos For All (recipe another day) and any other icy invention I can come up with.
My specialty in summer is salad. I love to make them. I love to invent them, quirk up a recipe or concoct. I rarely make one the exact same way twice because I like to play around with the ingredients. And I LOVE to eat them!
One yummy hint is to use lettuce, one kind of cheese, one kind of nut and one kind of fruit with a vinaigrette or fruit vinaigrette dressing. This is always yummy and gets rave reviews. And you can add chicken to make it a meal (think Hawaiian and use pineapple, cashews, grated swiss and some grilled chicken).
I have several favorite salad recipes and I thought I'd share one with you since I have BB anyway. I think I might have a picture somewhere. If I find it I will post it. Let me know if you like it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Do you have any recipes that don't heat up the house?
Luscious Salad
Put about 1 cup - 1 and 1/2 cups of slivered almonds in frying pan to toast (I don't really measure). When they begin turning light brown, add about 1/4-1/2 cup sugar and stir until sugar starts to melt. Be careful, it can start to burn really quickly. Turn out onto tin foil or waxed paper to cool.
While almonds are cooling, mix up a batch of dressing by adding about 1 cup olive oil (if it is warm enough for coconut oil to be runny not solid, I sub a tablespoon or so for same amount of olive oil) 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 4 T sugar. This usually makes enough for a pretty big salad. My family is fairly large:)
Concoct:I play around with pure maple syrup or honey too and it adds a nice flavor and often is sweet enough that I don't need any sugar. If you have berries that are still good but not very firm, you can blend them with the dressing to add even more fruity taste throughout the entire salad. Also, if you use any canned fruit, substitute some of the juice for some of the sugar and vinegar.
Put desired amount of lettuce varieties in large bowl, in bite sized pieces.
Throw in some thinly sliced celery and about a cup of dried berries. I have used cranberries and blueberries, but any dried berry - or even raisins would work fine.
Stir in dressing, just enough to coat what's in your bowl.
You'll want as many types of fruit as you can get for the rest, preferably fresh and local when possible. I like to cut up some of it and mix it in (do those that are more difficult to keep pretty when you cut, like mango), then I layer the others so it looks pretty. I love fresh peaches with mango, blueberries and strawberries best. But I throw in tangerines, bananas, pears, canned mandarin oranges -- whatever I have around and looks good.
Pour more dressing over top.
Break apart cooled sugared almonds and sprinkle evenly over top.
Sprinkle with about 3-4 Tablespoons chives.
For a twist, add some feta, grated swiss or other cheese. Or add some chicken chunks or a grilled breast of chicken on top. Depending on which fruits you use, grilled fish could be great too.
My specialty in summer is salad. I love to make them. I love to invent them, quirk up a recipe or concoct. I rarely make one the exact same way twice because I like to play around with the ingredients. And I LOVE to eat them!
One yummy hint is to use lettuce, one kind of cheese, one kind of nut and one kind of fruit with a vinaigrette or fruit vinaigrette dressing. This is always yummy and gets rave reviews. And you can add chicken to make it a meal (think Hawaiian and use pineapple, cashews, grated swiss and some grilled chicken).
I have several favorite salad recipes and I thought I'd share one with you since I have BB anyway. I think I might have a picture somewhere. If I find it I will post it. Let me know if you like it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Do you have any recipes that don't heat up the house?
Luscious Salad
Put about 1 cup - 1 and 1/2 cups of slivered almonds in frying pan to toast (I don't really measure). When they begin turning light brown, add about 1/4-1/2 cup sugar and stir until sugar starts to melt. Be careful, it can start to burn really quickly. Turn out onto tin foil or waxed paper to cool.
While almonds are cooling, mix up a batch of dressing by adding about 1 cup olive oil (if it is warm enough for coconut oil to be runny not solid, I sub a tablespoon or so for same amount of olive oil) 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 4 T sugar. This usually makes enough for a pretty big salad. My family is fairly large:)
Concoct:I play around with pure maple syrup or honey too and it adds a nice flavor and often is sweet enough that I don't need any sugar. If you have berries that are still good but not very firm, you can blend them with the dressing to add even more fruity taste throughout the entire salad. Also, if you use any canned fruit, substitute some of the juice for some of the sugar and vinegar.
Put desired amount of lettuce varieties in large bowl, in bite sized pieces.
Throw in some thinly sliced celery and about a cup of dried berries. I have used cranberries and blueberries, but any dried berry - or even raisins would work fine.
Stir in dressing, just enough to coat what's in your bowl.
You'll want as many types of fruit as you can get for the rest, preferably fresh and local when possible. I like to cut up some of it and mix it in (do those that are more difficult to keep pretty when you cut, like mango), then I layer the others so it looks pretty. I love fresh peaches with mango, blueberries and strawberries best. But I throw in tangerines, bananas, pears, canned mandarin oranges -- whatever I have around and looks good.
Pour more dressing over top.
Break apart cooled sugared almonds and sprinkle evenly over top.
Sprinkle with about 3-4 Tablespoons chives.
For a twist, add some feta, grated swiss or other cheese. Or add some chicken chunks or a grilled breast of chicken on top. Depending on which fruits you use, grilled fish could be great too.
Blogger's Block
As usual, I have lots of thoughts and stuff to say. But I have Blogger's Block. For me, I guess that means I can't take enough time or concentrate enough to isolate them into organized posts. Partly because I am now using a laptop and can't type much at all without accidentally hitting the touch pad and messing it all up. Partly because I am preoccupied with thoughts about how much work I have to do around here -- inside and out, bills I need to pay, Andrew's graduation coming up and how I need to get pictures done, party planned, announcements out -- how much weight I still need to lose since having our littlest boy, if I am going to need to homeschool all through the summer ... blah, blah, blah.
Since I enjoy blogging I am not going to allow it to be a chore:) So I'll catch you in the middle of the night, the middle of next week or whenever I am past BB.
Since I enjoy blogging I am not going to allow it to be a chore:) So I'll catch you in the middle of the night, the middle of next week or whenever I am past BB.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Product Reviews: Three New Items For The "Over 30" Set
I have purchased such a ridiculous array of lotions, creams, soaps etc. over the years for both my own use and for my family, that I am now weary of all of the enticing packaging, lofty promises and cabinets full of reminders of my foolish spending. I do try to use inexpensive, natural, sustainable products as much as possible. But sometimes, I do make exceptions if I am really, really hopeful. My main rule is that I will not any longer move on to try the next best thing unless I am out of it's predecessor. That said, here are three items I am trying out. I thought I'd post about them, so I can remember (it's that over 30 thing) and also so you can benefit from my dollars. I will post back in about a month to tell you what I think.
Bio-Oil: I just started using this. I am planning on using it only at night as it is rather oily. My forehead especially is starting to show signs that I am over 30. I have a few scars, wrinkles and skin discolorations. I like the ingredients and the price of this product. Walgreens has a 30 day return policy if you try something and don't like it. Bio-Oil recommends 3 months, but I figure I should see some kind of progress within 30 days. I'll let you know what I decide.
A Review I Found:
http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=77822
FanciFull Touch Up Stick: If you are a brunette and you've ever had grow out, especially if you are over 30 like me and starting to get some gray, then you will appreciate this product. I can't tell you how many times my hair has grown too fast, I don't want to recolor too soon and damage it, and I resort to touching up with my old mascara. I remember my step-mom using Fancifull rinse when I was a kid. Now they have a temporary touch up stick. So far I LOVE IT! One source calls it a "hair crayon". I agree.
Olay Regenerist: My Almay Facial Cleanser broke on my road trip last week so I had to toss it. With my now over 30 skin, my gumption to use only natural products has come and gone - one age spot too many on my forehead. So, while I held to my "don't buy it unless you need it " policy and refrained from buying every product they offer, I did buy the Regenerist Cleanser. It took all of my resolve because their spf moisturizer 15 also has a Touch Of Sun product. But I set my stubborn streak to "function" and used it to my benefit for once.
Consumer Reports tested several popular skin care lines last month. One they tested was La Prairie, which you can buy at Nordstrom for prices up to, and maybe exceeding, $550.00, for just one product (including "skin caviar"). Apparently famous faces such as Angelina have given it their approval. The name Angelina=Red Flag it is going to be spendy. I don't remember all Consumer Reports tested, but Olay Regenerist came out on top for results. Today I paid $18.99 at Walgreens...again, just for the cleanser. Not the cheapest, but comparatively, I guess I won't complain. If I don't like what I see during 30 days, I will return it. I am from a family who has used Olay products quite effectively for years. I used to use it myself, but I became allergic to it. I am excited to give this new generation "not my grandma's Olay" a try.
Bio-Oil: I just started using this. I am planning on using it only at night as it is rather oily. My forehead especially is starting to show signs that I am over 30. I have a few scars, wrinkles and skin discolorations. I like the ingredients and the price of this product. Walgreens has a 30 day return policy if you try something and don't like it. Bio-Oil recommends 3 months, but I figure I should see some kind of progress within 30 days. I'll let you know what I decide.
A Review I Found:
http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=77822
FanciFull Touch Up Stick: If you are a brunette and you've ever had grow out, especially if you are over 30 like me and starting to get some gray, then you will appreciate this product. I can't tell you how many times my hair has grown too fast, I don't want to recolor too soon and damage it, and I resort to touching up with my old mascara. I remember my step-mom using Fancifull rinse when I was a kid. Now they have a temporary touch up stick. So far I LOVE IT! One source calls it a "hair crayon". I agree.
Olay Regenerist: My Almay Facial Cleanser broke on my road trip last week so I had to toss it. With my now over 30 skin, my gumption to use only natural products has come and gone - one age spot too many on my forehead. So, while I held to my "don't buy it unless you need it " policy and refrained from buying every product they offer, I did buy the Regenerist Cleanser. It took all of my resolve because their spf moisturizer 15 also has a Touch Of Sun product. But I set my stubborn streak to "function" and used it to my benefit for once.
Consumer Reports tested several popular skin care lines last month. One they tested was La Prairie, which you can buy at Nordstrom for prices up to, and maybe exceeding, $550.00, for just one product (including "skin caviar"). Apparently famous faces such as Angelina have given it their approval. The name Angelina=Red Flag it is going to be spendy. I don't remember all Consumer Reports tested, but Olay Regenerist came out on top for results. Today I paid $18.99 at Walgreens...again, just for the cleanser. Not the cheapest, but comparatively, I guess I won't complain. If I don't like what I see during 30 days, I will return it. I am from a family who has used Olay products quite effectively for years. I used to use it myself, but I became allergic to it. I am excited to give this new generation "not my grandma's Olay" a try.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
I pray God blesses you with lots of love and peace on this special day. Be honored for all you do and all that you are. Rejoice in God's gifts.
My wishes are especially sent to those who are remembering their moms, other special women or children who are no longer here to share in the day. My love and prayers are with you and I pray that God's Grace is your constant companion.
My wishes are especially sent to those who are remembering their moms, other special women or children who are no longer here to share in the day. My love and prayers are with you and I pray that God's Grace is your constant companion.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Show And Tell Friday: Rose Bowls
Kelli has Show and Tell each Friday. Click on the square for more info and to see a list of many more participants blogs.
This is definitely switching gears for me. If you want to read about that, click here (for a memorial posting I'd love for you to read) and here. But I want to do Show and Tell this week anyway, so here goes:
I thought some of you might enjoy seeing some of my rose bowls. I started collecting them many years ago. Though I don't remember exactly when, I do know which house we lived in when I began. And we lived in that house from 1992-1996. So it is somewhere in that range, probably 1993 or 1994.
These bowls are designed specifically to support the stems of old fashioned roses with many buds on each stem. They were also used for potpourri. Mostly made in factories, the painted ones were sometimes decorated there by hand, each one individually painted by an artist, and some were painted in cottages by people who wanted to earn money at home. Some have decals placed on them, others have the design formed into their shape. Different tecniques were used for different types of effects. Some of these bowls went through so much during their creation that it is amazing they made it through!
I have thinned out my collection quite a bit. I am becoming less and less desirous of having "stuff". But I do enjoy each of these sweet bowls, especially in summer when they hold the stems of roses cut from bushes given to me by my children on various occassions. The smell of a rose wafting through the house is unmistakable! My favorite bowls are the decorated ones so I have very few plain ones left. I also like the old pressed glass bowls. I love thinking about who each one may have been purchased for and the history that carries!Here is a favorite. The lady is sitting in a garden, having something refreshing to drink.
This is the back side of the same bowl. I love these little cherubs going about their work of making something beautiful.
This one is Lismore Waterford Crystal.My husband bought it for me at the factory in Ireland.
I have no idea who this man is. I call him The Statesman. But he could be a traitor. Do any of you recognize him?
This one was a souvenir from Niagara Falls. I wonder if a young man bought it for his new bride on their honeymoon? I have been told it was sold in about 1898. There are many different souvenir rose bowls. One I'd like to have was from the World's Fair, also in the late 1800's.
Not all rose bowls are orb shaped. But they are all characterized by their small opening and most have a crimped top (but not all, as you can see by some of the pressed glass pieces). I love this one that is pineapple or artichoke shaped. On the third shelf down you can also see a tall blue one with butterflies on it.
This one is definitely a "cottage" piece. The paint is not sealed so I have to wash it carefully. I love lilacs so this is also a favorite.It is also a reminder to me that God cares about the details. One year I was missing the lilac bush we had in our old yard. I prayed specifically for lilacs. What do you know but I was driving down the street and there were cut lilacs all over the side of the road like they'd blown off of someone's truck after they had pruned theirs. This was within 24 hours of my prayer and I had way more lilacs than I could use. So lots of other people got lilacs too!
I hope you enjoyed learning a little something about rose bowls. I enjoy looking at all of the other postings for Show and Tell Friday. I am learning so much. I do view each of them, even if I can only leave a handful of comments! Feel free to visit my blog anytime and please leave a comment so I know you've been by.
Don't Let Her Slip Away Without Taking Notice...
There is nothing to say, no way to assuage the pain, no way to even touch it. A child has gone. A baby. My friend's baby. A sweet and content child, with smiles and laughter, innocently and unreservedly given in abundance. A little sister to a doting and helpful big sister. A beautiful treasure, much loved and cherished. Not taken for granted, but much appreciated all of her short life. All who met her were charmed by her smiles and sweet spirit.
Yes, the questions come. The whys and the hows. The pain and the missing of her, the somehow living life without that presence for a mommy who gathered every moment into her heart, savored them, and thought there would be so many more. And for a proud papa who will never again know the warmth of her tiny form curled up in the protection of his arms. And for big sister, still a baby herself, knowing her life has changed, yet not able to fully comprehend why that little sister isn't there.
Mercy Lord. Grace. Be that Ever Present Help. Incline your ear.
Be near to the brokenhearted.
STERLING AMARIAH
Yes, the questions come. The whys and the hows. The pain and the missing of her, the somehow living life without that presence for a mommy who gathered every moment into her heart, savored them, and thought there would be so many more. And for a proud papa who will never again know the warmth of her tiny form curled up in the protection of his arms. And for big sister, still a baby herself, knowing her life has changed, yet not able to fully comprehend why that little sister isn't there.
Mercy Lord. Grace. Be that Ever Present Help. Incline your ear.
Be near to the brokenhearted.
STERLING AMARIAH
Born the morning of June 5th, 2007
Slipped away the evening of February 29th, 2008
Sterling: Genuine, Valued
Amariah: Promise of God, Given by God, Said by God
We give them back to you, O Lord, who first gave them to us;
yet as You did not lose them by giving, so we do not lose them by their return,
for what is Yours is ours also if we belong to You.
Love is undying, and life is unending,
and the boundary of this mortal life is but a horizon,
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further.
Cleanse our eyes that we may see clearly...
and while You prepare a place for us,
prepare us also for that happy place,
that we may be with You , and with those we love
forevermore.
Amen
~Bede Jarrett
SURRENDER: My heart is full; My heart is heavy
Saturday evening was the women's event at church. The way the church prepared such a beautiful atmosphere touched me. Being with new church friends, my high school friend and my mom to share it was so sweet.
Christina's chat touched me, filled my heart, gave me hope and conviction and made me feel motivated and wistful and sad, all at the same time.
Seeing and connecting with family friends who moved out of town, to Eastern Oregon, filled my heart with that joyful sense of welcome and belonging.
David , Steph,McKenna, Samuel and Isaac
Christina's chat touched me, filled my heart, gave me hope and conviction and made me feel motivated and wistful and sad, all at the same time.
Seeing and connecting with family friends who moved out of town, to Eastern Oregon, filled my heart with that joyful sense of welcome and belonging.
David , Steph,McKenna, Samuel and Isaac
Driving through beautiful Idaho countryside, where yellow flowers magnified the illumination of sun on the grassy slopes, being flanked by snow capped mountains rising up behind them, overwhelmed me at how magnificent our Creator is. 
Seeing the face of a friend after 8 years of geographical distance, being washed with grief at her loss, sharing prayer and praise and tears and worship together is bittersweet in each extreme.
Ruth and I
Viewing God's raw beauty in nature; Glimpsing death before it's time.
I am grateful, I am joyful; I am mystified.
I am motivated; I am frozen.
Experiencing heights of happiness and joy; Experiencing depths of despair.
My brain cannot compose the words for what is in my heart.
Today is not for me to figure out or to diagnose or to classify.
Today is to allow myself to breathe in, to Be Still, to Surrender...
I Surrender All
All to Jesus, I surrender;All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,In His presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender; Humbly at His feet I bow,Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender; Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;Let me feel the Holy Spirit,Truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender; Lord, I give myself to Thee;Fill me with Thy love and power;Let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender; Now I feel the sacred flame.O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to His Name!
Refrain
Monday, May 5, 2008
Follow Up Post
I am traveling to meet up with a friend up in Idaho for a couple days, so I am probably not going to have time to write more about Christina and our women's event at church for several days.But you can view her website here www.christinaahmann.com. Also, please listen to the beautiful story of how she has surrendered her life and her diagnosis to God here. When I get back, many of you who are my friends will be getting a CD of it in the mail:)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Peace That Passes All Understanding
Wow! What a night. Conviction washed over me at every turn. Here sat a very young woman in her 20's, talking about the brain tumor that invaded her body as if it was the best thing ever.
I knew someone named Christina was going to talk about her journey of cancer. But I was not prepared for the impact she would have on my own journey. I will be writing much more about last night, but I wanted to at least "set the stage", so to speak, until I have time to really get my thoughts collected enough to share. I will complete this post later so please check back this week. I really want you all to hear what Christina had to share about Peace that passes all understanding. And I will post the link when it is online. Again I say -- WOW.
Our church is great at doing whatever they can to make you feel at home amongst hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people. Last night was no exception. Just walking in and being handed a "foo-foo" drink complete with a tiny umbrella, made me feel special to begin with. Then the lobby had several bohemian looking tents, each with a different part of dinner in it. There was the appetizer tent and the dessert tent. Then we each got a chinese take out box of pad thai.
When I walked into the "Garage" as they call it (the church is housed in a warehouse) it was as if it was decorated just for me. There were paper lanterns of red, orange and yellow in varying sizes hung from the ceiling. The ceiling had been "lowered" by draping fabric of yellow and orange then hanging lights below it.
The back tables were high up bistro tables, then medium tables and the very front tables were actually for people sitting on the floor on pillows. Each table had several bottles with candles in them (think 1970's with a modern feel) and at least one lantern with a candle burning in it. The mood was definiely set for an intimate evening of womanly chat and sharing.
I knew someone named Christina was going to talk about her journey of cancer. But I was not prepared for the impact she would have on my own journey. I will be writing much more about last night, but I wanted to at least "set the stage", so to speak, until I have time to really get my thoughts collected enough to share. I will complete this post later so please check back this week. I really want you all to hear what Christina had to share about Peace that passes all understanding. And I will post the link when it is online. Again I say -- WOW.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Show and Tell Friday: Great Grandma and Me
Kelli is hosting Show and Tell Friday and I decided to participate again.
This time is shorter than last week. I promise.
This is a picture of my Great Grandma and myself, celebrating our birthdays together when I turned four and she turned 68. I was born on her 64th birthday. Notice that I have a cupcake of my very own and she has a cake too. I still have a birthday card she sent me once. The front says "Today is your birthday and on my calendar this day is circled twice." When you open it, it says "Once because it's your birthday and once because you're so nice.". My Great Grandma wrote in, "And once because it's your birthday and once because it's mine!".
That concludes my Show and Tell.
But if you'd like to read on, I will continue...
I also know that my great grandparents initially built their log house close to the river, as most people did. But when electricity came through, they moved it closer to the road so they could hook up to it. Of course I wasn't born anywhere near that time, but I do remember spending time in that log house. I remember GG making fresh green beans cooked with bacon, my great uncle (her son) encouraging her along and adding his own suggestions. When I returned years later, many years after the log house and property had been sold and many changes made, the current owner dug up some irises which had originally been planted by my Great Grandmother, probably before I was even born. When they are blooming I will share those on a Show and Tell Friday.
My Great Grandma was a woman of faith and family values. She was a hard worker, and very capable. She raised up four children, including one of the greatest influences in my life, my Gran. I will most definitely write of her another time.
Through my Great Grandma, my Gran and then my own mother, now with me to my children, a sense of family has been instilled and our faith inspired from one generation to the next.
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