The Needle in a Haystack

What a Memorial

  so, along with working at the shoppe for the weekend I had several things I wanted to do for some soldiers and then dinner with the inlaws on Monday.... none of that happened..

Friday morning I woke up tired and not feeling 100%.. Christopher and Chris both said the same thing ( thankfully Cadence was home and she seems fine)..

  By Saturday Chris was "OK" sort of .. Christopher was feeling yucky, and I was spiking a fever of 102 with headaches, back aches and tummy aches...

  Chris recouped fastest .. of course when I asked how he got rid of the really bad headache he confessed to 10 ibprophen before he went to bed which I do NOT encourage anyone to do..

 Christopher and I hung on the longest...but I am happy to report today we have no fevers, chills, aches or pains.... a bit tired....

  So the post of the awesomeness of spinach/ strawberry salads and grilled sliders will just have to wait for another time..

  I will tell you if you have a tummy ache then raspberry leaf tea and a spot of honey does just the trick... and the warm liquid is comfort when you have the chills... might want to keep a stock in your medicine cabinet...

  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:18

..Be safe if you and Beryl are dancing... and have a fine day...all day long

 

Happy Birthday Josh

 Busting in 2 1/2 weeks past his due date at a big 10lbs. 1 oz.  My 3rd son hasn't stopped since...

Happy Birthday to the best L.E.O. on the planet.  Love you Sweetie!

Feb 14, 2012

We had an awesome Valentines Day... busy , but great.

Along with planting 100 onion sets, gracoery shopping, delivering a computer, laundry, general sweeping, and animal care....

  our Valentines present to each other...was this

.. an outdoor pizza oven.   Our goal was to not spend more then 20.00 on the whole project and after a scavenge hunt around the property  we came in right at the 20.00.

We had originally found the plans at Garden Fork TV. This guy has so many great ideas and this one was at the top of our list.

we used the top to an old stand that was behind the shed

 We built an insulated well house with our pump enclosed so the old well enclosure worked wonders as a stand.... it was a two man job..

...and now a picture of where I crawled to retrieve the bricks left over from the old pony barn that was on the property when we moved here.. I braved spiders, dirt, and  a gaggle of slugs...not to mention there was some sort of unidentified scat under there... racoon? skunk? velocoraptor?

 Anyhow.. we then began layering brick

We did not have an old bedframe and could not find one at the local dump or resale store so we ended up at Tractor Supply and bought some angle iron...

some of our bricks had holes in them so we had to turn them sides ways on top to hold in the heat..

and there you have it...! We are christening it tomorrow with a pizzapaloza... I can't wait!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1Corinthians 13:4

Have a fine day......all day long

 

 

Taylor's 7th Birthday

 Taylor's actual birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we celebrated tonight . He requested Thai food ( I asked if he had ever had it and he said no....) so I sort of made my own Thai sort of food and we rolled with it.

   Chris and I had stopped by the Asian Market in Raleigh for a few things, including chopstix... these fancy ones were just a 7yo size!

 We had a type fo LoMein with Thai spices.

 ..a chicken/ wun sen  dish... and spring rolls

  These are so good I have to share the recipe... they also freeze well ( uncooked)

 

2 pkgs spring roll wrappers ( not egg roll)

3 boneless skinless chicken breast cooked and shredded

5 large carrots shredded

1 large onion diced

2 eggs

3T oyster sauce

Mix the last ingredients and put a large tablespoon of mixture in to a spring rolla nd wrap.

Either freeze or deep fry until golden brown... serve with a variety of sauces.

 

For dessert we had brownies topped with ice cream, chocolate syrupa nd whip cream

...and the birthday boys drink of choice

  We had a great time ...

HAPPY BIRTDAY TAYLOR

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

...Have a fine day............all day long!

Jan 2,2012

 One of the treats for the holidays was to have dinner hosted by my brother in law and his wife.  The food was delicious!  To make it easy all the way around Laura decided on breakfast for dinner.

 

  I HAD to have her recipe for the coffee cakes she made. Chris and I made this today for our afternoon "coffee/tea" time.

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 ½ c. sugar
½ butter or margarine, softened
2 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
¾ c. milk
1 tsp. almond extract
1 c. mini-semisweet chocolate morsels
Powdered sugar

Directions:
Combine 1st 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; mix on low speed of electric mixer until mixture resembles fine.  Remove about ½ cup crumb mixture and set aside.
Add eggs, milk, and almond extract to remaining crumb mixture; mix until well blended.  Stir in chocolate morsels.  Pour batter into a greased 11x13 baking dish; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until cake tests done.  Cool slightly; dust top with powdered sugar.

Note:
    This is also good made with blueberries in place of the chocolate chips. 

 

It was Day 2 of the Crazy January Challenge and todays project was the January Owl from Oakhaven. He really is sweet but I do believe tomorrow's start will HAVE to be on large count material.

 

Today's Bible reading was Genisis  4-6 and Matthew Chapter 2

Almost finished with My Debbie Macomber book and read more on Mourning Gloria while I was on the recumbant bike.

I also made our laundry detergent for the next 6 months.  We have an He front loader and I was tired of paying the exensive prices for the special detergent. This recipe works fine on about a 1/4 cup in a front loader...

Laundry Detergent

• 1 measuring cup of Borax
• 1 measuring cup of Super washing soda
• 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap OR 1 bar of Ivory soap
• If desired 1 small bottle of fabric softener

I use 1 measuring cup of Borax 1 Cup of Super washing soda and 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap or you can use 1 bar of Ivory soap.  You can find the Fels-Naptha soap at Kroger and also Walmart but it is not in the isle where all the soap is in the laundry detergent isle.

Shred bar of soap with cheese shredder put into sauce pan covering the soap with just enough hot tap water to stir. Cook on top of stove on medium continue stirring soap until soap melts.

Fill 5 gallon bucket with hot tap water add all ingredients stir put lid on  Bucket let stand over night take off lid stir again ready to use I usually fill up one of my tide bottles using the tide lid full for each load washed shake well before each use  . You can also add 1 small bottle of fabric softener if desired .

This will make 5-7 Five gallon buckets minus the bar of soap.

 

  Today a dear sister went to be witht he Lord. I have known her since I was a baby. She and her husband were a part of my life when I was growing up. They were in a car accident and June was killed instantly.  Fred is in intensive care in Morgantown , WV.  June wa sin her 80's as is Fred.  I know June is rejoicing witht he saints, but my heart aches for Fred at the loss of his bride of 60 years.

 Chris chose this Bible verse for us today....... it was a good fit..

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:44

  Have a fine day....all day long

Jan 1, 2012

 We just finished up the dishes from our annual New Years Day feast of pork roast, sauerkraut, collards and blackeyed peas. Usually we have several folks for dinner but this year it was just Chris, Christopher, Daniel and I.  We have had such a great holiday but boy are we tired!

  Chris spent the day doing inventory for the business and besides doing a bit of laundry and cooking this is what I did most of the day...

  Each year I decide on a reading plan or study guide for my Bible time.  This year I will read the Bible through again using Bible Gateway Reading Plan . This will come to my kindle to read everyday.

 so today was Genesis 1-3 and Matthew Chapter 1.

No secret I am a HUGE China Bayles fan. I am finishing up another one in the series this week. I have a few copies signed by the author and am looking forward to the new one coming out in April.

   So for some crazy reason I decided to join the cross stitch Crazy January Challenge 2012 (a yahoo group). The concept is to start 15 new projects for each of the first 15 days of Jan. Then stitch at will until they are finished. Some ladies are going for 31... but I am at least a semi realist... It is fun to see what others are doing and share stitching stories from lovely ladies from all over the world.

 I decided on Bernard a Wee One: from Heart in Hand  stitched on linen

    I think if I continue to work on linen I will need a stitching magnifier....but I love the look!

and finally, I couldn't go the day with out a little crochet.  Chris and I decided to keep the tree up at the shoppe and just change out the decoration according to the season.  We are going with snowmen and snowflakes for Jan.  I thought a herd ( gaggle) of these little fellas were in order.

 

This is a free pattern from DapperToad

 we decided to keep our tree up just a few more days... its so pretty and we all enjoy it.

 Chris and I want to pray a most blessed New Year for each of you..

There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 ² a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecc 3 1-8

..have a fine year...all year long!

Nighttime Web BROLL Vignette 2008-XMAS 2008-Vidego-1

Nighttime Web BROLL Vignette 2008-XMAS 2008-Vidego-1.


We've been celebrating the Christ season with family, friends, and a bit of travel....If you have never been to Biltmore in Asheville , NC I suggest you had it to the bucket list.  The candlelight was breath taking!


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

...and have a fine day ..all day long

Rustic Cabbage Soup

I do believe my body is in sugar overload!  Chris and I both decided we needed something healthy and hardy  for dinner . 

 Scrounging the fridge today we had a kielbasa, cabbage, carrots.... int eh pantry was chicken stock...

We decided a nice Rustic Cabbage Soup would hit the spot.....and that it did!

RUSTIC CABBAGE SOUP

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
a big pinch of salt
1/2 pound potatoes, skin on, cut 1/4-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
5 cups stock (see head notes)
1 1/2 cups white beans, precooked or canned (drained & rinsed well)
1/2 medium cabbage, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch ribbons

1 keilbasa

soften potatoes and onions in olive oil, add chicken stock,garlic & keilbasa , beans and cabbage... allow to simmer until cabbage is cooked... grated parmesan is good on top!

....and how about a few Christmas pics....

our family played Bingo for White elephant gifts this year... we had a blast...

Jamie and Emily hosted the family Christmas this year and did a great job with food and fun!

Emily made this cute little tree cheese ball... Delicious!

Chris gave the family Christmas sermon  on families.... not just our earthly family... but our spiritual family

For rwhoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50

  have a fine day......all day long!

 

 

Dec. 22nd Christmas

.. So tonight was the night we celebrated Christmas with Taylor and Kristy.. We had so much fun

  Normally I would have attempted a big meal with tons of goodies, but I knew that after working all day at the shoppe I wouldn't feel like coming home to cook.

  Chris and I decided a menu of take out pizza, cookies ( made by Kristy), popcorn and IBC root beer out of the bottle would be a special treat... and it was. Taylor LOVED the fact that his soda came in a bottle and the pizza and popcorn were just right for snuggling on the sofa to watch   A Claymation Christmas and How the Grinch Stoled Christmas

  I am so glad we decided to keep things simple and just enjoy our time together.

I got an awesome Vera Bradley Kindle Fire case ( What?????? I didn't mention Josh bought me a KIndle Fire for Christmas.... well, yes indeedy he did!!), Daddy Chris got Chuck Norris appreal  and his own Chuck Norris id card ( a running joke in our family), Taylor used his own money and bought a nice fleecey throw for me

 I made both Kristy and Taylor  afchans this year... and yes, Taylors was the infamous spiderman ROund Ripple

 Taylor also recieved a flying helicopter,  some legos ( that Uncle Chris promptly helped him with), and guitar lessons in 2012 from Daddy Chris.

 Kristy recieved an LED headlamp from us for her exploring meetups.. and a pair of fingerless gloves.  She was more then surprised at the jewlery set she had been eyeing  for quite some time .

 Kristana ( Christopher's girlfriend from Washington State) and Christopher bot recieved jammies... pictures to follow.

    Josh popped in to pick up his Christmas cookies... and a bit of time was spent getting him out of the ditch, but besides some ruts that might require a bit of attention the evening was perfect,

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6   

   and of course we spent time remembering the greatest of Gifts.....................Jesus..

and have a fine day... all day long!

Tamale Traditions

In a corner of our market there is a wonderful Hispanic family that sells fruits, vegetables and other products for the local Hispanic community.  I love shopping there! Many times I will try new fruits and veggies and am in awe of preparations and products.

...This past weekend as we enjoyed the holiday festivites at the market they graciously shared their Christmas tradition with us........... handmade tamales!  I have ordered tamales at the local Mexican resturant but let me tell you, they barely compare to these handmade treats made for us.

  Each bundle contained cheese, pork or chicken with a VERY hot pepper contained in a corn meal pouch... There were red and green ones... with a salsa or a mole sauce.   Delicious! 

  The second traditions they shared with us was roasted corn on the cob spread with mayo, sprinkled with chese & chili powder.....

  I must confess I prefered the tamales... but what a blessing to be able to experience first hand a tradition from another culture... Thank you so much!

  I read up on the tradition of the tamales HERE .

and here is an article on how to make tamales.

 

Tomorrow begins our 7 days of festivites. Except for a tad bit of cooking and wrapping I do believe we have nothing to do but enjoy.....

               what traditions do you have for the holidays?