There are benefits to the modern world in which we live. Due to technology, we have faster travel and supposedly easier lives. All these conveniences come with price tags attached either in that we must work to earn the money to buy those things or they affect our lives in other ways.
One of those things is that we have a very mobile world. No longer, do families live in one place for long periods but many families move quite often for either jobs or other reasons. This is especially true of our military families. Those moves are often very difficult on the children involved but they are also difficult on some adults. I happen to be one of them.
I have lived in the same general area for 99% of my life. I lived in one home from the time I was 6 months old until I married at 18 and I have lived on the same piece of land for 15 of those 20 married years. You could say that my roots run very deep.
During the last year, our sons have participated in our local homeschool basketball team. In that time, we have grown very close to several of the families. We have recently learned that one of those families will be moving soon and our hearts ache.
There are many reasons why they are choosing to take a new job but most of all it means that "dad" will be able to spend more time at home with his family and when he is home, he will really BE home and not constantly on the phone trying to fix problems at work. I know it will be a blessing for their family and I know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
The problem is that we have grown very attached to them. The "mom" feels like a sister to me and we have shared a lot together. We were even "neighbors" for a week when the team went to nationals and it had me daydreaming of what it would be like to live in a neighborhood with all of our close friends next door. Our children play together and have little fights with each other that they soon got over, like all children.
I have to be honest, I have been praying that the job would fall through...so have our children, at least the ones old enough to understand. It rather makes you wish for a detachable heart. One that you can turn off the emotions and feelings and run on facts only... but would I really want to live in a world like that? Maybe not.
So, to our very close friends, we will miss you more than words can say. We pray God's blessings on your new home. We pray you will find the kind of friends there that you have been to us here. Moreover, we pray we will see you again.
Godspeed, Yarnalls.
Mavis D.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe is super easy even though you wouldn't think it would work. It's great for those who have a wheat allergy and we usually make a double batch!
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Mix together well. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Roll tablespoon sized balls in your hands, place on a cookie sheet and press a fork into them to make the traditional x on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
During baking, the cookie will rise up and then come back down. Our boys always like to watch them. :)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Mix together well. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Roll tablespoon sized balls in your hands, place on a cookie sheet and press a fork into them to make the traditional x on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
During baking, the cookie will rise up and then come back down. Our boys always like to watch them. :)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Book Review - The Dangerous Book for Boys
In "The Dangerous Book for Boys," Hal and Con Iggulden have compiled a wonderful resource for boys. From "how to" lessons and instructions to history of great battles, men of character and even a little advice on "girls" and grammar...they have compiled the ultimate guide for boys.
I have recently purchased this book for one of my sons. When I showed it to his older brother (now 18) he commented that it was very similar to a book he often borrowed from the library. I remember that book; he would read it constantly and always wished he would not have to return it. Unfortunately, it was out of print and I could not find one.
I highly recommend the book although there is a section on role-playing games and it uses the example of Dungeons and Dragons. These games are not for everyone but there is too much great stuff in the book to toss it for that.
Check it out and you will probably end up purchasing one for your adventuresome young man!
I have recently purchased this book for one of my sons. When I showed it to his older brother (now 18) he commented that it was very similar to a book he often borrowed from the library. I remember that book; he would read it constantly and always wished he would not have to return it. Unfortunately, it was out of print and I could not find one.
I highly recommend the book although there is a section on role-playing games and it uses the example of Dungeons and Dragons. These games are not for everyone but there is too much great stuff in the book to toss it for that.
Check it out and you will probably end up purchasing one for your adventuresome young man!
Friday, May 23, 2008
You Are What You Eat?
Have you looked at the amount of food items imported from China lately? I've become an avid label reader and it is near impossible to find fish that isn't a "Product of China."
I have nothing against the Chinese but you have to admit the standards that other countries have for what is grown or manufactured in their countries are not as strict as they are in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration are working to put inspectors in those countries but how many countries will it and will it help?
There are currently 13 inspectors waiting for approval of visas so they can perform inspections in processing plants in China. Only 13 inspectors for all of the facilities in China? So I am wondering...just how many processing plants are there in China that process foods bound for the states?
Think about this; I have checked the shelves at several of our local Walmart stores and even at my favorite store, Aldi's. Every package of fish I found was a "product of China." Now consider the thousands of Walmart stores in the U.S. That is a lot of fish for 13 inspectors to keep a check.
When these inspectors get there...will it help make our food safer? We hear about food recalls every year...food manufactured in the states. Foods recalled for E-Coli or Salmonella.
All this has made an impact on the food I buy for my family. I want to keep them healthy by feeding them nutritious food that is also safe. Here are steps I have taken to protect our family and I hope they will benefit yours as well.
First, buy foods that are products of the USA. Even though our system is not fool-proof, it is better than what's available in many countries.
Second, try to buy your food items from local farmers. Explore farmers markets and buy what is in season...you'll save money and eat healthier. Also, check local butcher shops because many can tell you where the beef comes from. We are lucky as we have a local abattoir who only sells beef they have raised or raised for them.
Third, cook meats thoroughly...especially ground beef. Cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to kill both E-Coli and Salmonella.
Lastly, if it is possible, grow your own. This will not only insure that you know how it was raised but what has happened to it between the garden and the table. Of course, this also saves you money.
I hope you've found this article helpful.
Have a great day!
Mavis D.
I have nothing against the Chinese but you have to admit the standards that other countries have for what is grown or manufactured in their countries are not as strict as they are in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration are working to put inspectors in those countries but how many countries will it and will it help?
There are currently 13 inspectors waiting for approval of visas so they can perform inspections in processing plants in China. Only 13 inspectors for all of the facilities in China? So I am wondering...just how many processing plants are there in China that process foods bound for the states?
Think about this; I have checked the shelves at several of our local Walmart stores and even at my favorite store, Aldi's. Every package of fish I found was a "product of China." Now consider the thousands of Walmart stores in the U.S. That is a lot of fish for 13 inspectors to keep a check.
When these inspectors get there...will it help make our food safer? We hear about food recalls every year...food manufactured in the states. Foods recalled for E-Coli or Salmonella.
All this has made an impact on the food I buy for my family. I want to keep them healthy by feeding them nutritious food that is also safe. Here are steps I have taken to protect our family and I hope they will benefit yours as well.
First, buy foods that are products of the USA. Even though our system is not fool-proof, it is better than what's available in many countries.
Second, try to buy your food items from local farmers. Explore farmers markets and buy what is in season...you'll save money and eat healthier. Also, check local butcher shops because many can tell you where the beef comes from. We are lucky as we have a local abattoir who only sells beef they have raised or raised for them.
Third, cook meats thoroughly...especially ground beef. Cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to kill both E-Coli and Salmonella.
Lastly, if it is possible, grow your own. This will not only insure that you know how it was raised but what has happened to it between the garden and the table. Of course, this also saves you money.
I hope you've found this article helpful.
Have a great day!
Mavis D.
Keeping Your Cool in the Summer Heat
It is starting to heat up in our part of the country. We are expecting temperatures in the 90s this week. Every year about this time, my dear husband starts thinking about the cost of cooling the house and ways we can save electricity.
One thing that has always been troublesome is preparing meals without heating the house. Over the years, we have found ways to cope with that problem and I hope these ideas will bless you as well.
1. Avoid using the oven as much as possible. For people like us, we bake our own bread so instead of baking several times a week I will simply bake a weeks worth of bread in one day. I may throw in a few other treats that the boys like to enjoy like cinnamon rolls too. As soon as the bread cools completely, it goes into the freezer for use later in the week.
2. Use items like indoor grills and crock-pots more often. These heat a smaller space so the kitchen not warmed up as much. I have even put the crock-pot outside in a safe place (away from critters and hungry pups) so that heat was not inside.
3. Use your outside grill as much as possible. Not only does this keep from heating the house, you will also enjoy wonderful summer evenings with your family. Don't forget most of them have burners as well so side dishes can be cooked there too. If you preserve foods by canning them in jars, you can use that burner as well.
4. Think about changing your menu up to include foods that are not cooked. Tuna salads are just right for warm summer evenings and many other foods don't require cooking.
5. Combine cooking chores. If you are having grilled chicken breast tonight for dinner, grill a few extras for tomorrow or later in the week. You can chop them and add them to a garden salad for a nice cool weather meal or using them in recipes like the Teriyaki Chicken with Brown Rice and Veggies.
6. Don't forget your microwave oven. Although not everyone uses a microwave oven, those of you who do can save electricity by use those instead of cooking on stovetops and in ovens.
I hope some of these ideas help you keep the temperatures down in your home.
Have a great day!
Mavis D.
One thing that has always been troublesome is preparing meals without heating the house. Over the years, we have found ways to cope with that problem and I hope these ideas will bless you as well.
1. Avoid using the oven as much as possible. For people like us, we bake our own bread so instead of baking several times a week I will simply bake a weeks worth of bread in one day. I may throw in a few other treats that the boys like to enjoy like cinnamon rolls too. As soon as the bread cools completely, it goes into the freezer for use later in the week.
2. Use items like indoor grills and crock-pots more often. These heat a smaller space so the kitchen not warmed up as much. I have even put the crock-pot outside in a safe place (away from critters and hungry pups) so that heat was not inside.
3. Use your outside grill as much as possible. Not only does this keep from heating the house, you will also enjoy wonderful summer evenings with your family. Don't forget most of them have burners as well so side dishes can be cooked there too. If you preserve foods by canning them in jars, you can use that burner as well.
4. Think about changing your menu up to include foods that are not cooked. Tuna salads are just right for warm summer evenings and many other foods don't require cooking.
5. Combine cooking chores. If you are having grilled chicken breast tonight for dinner, grill a few extras for tomorrow or later in the week. You can chop them and add them to a garden salad for a nice cool weather meal or using them in recipes like the Teriyaki Chicken with Brown Rice and Veggies.
6. Don't forget your microwave oven. Although not everyone uses a microwave oven, those of you who do can save electricity by use those instead of cooking on stovetops and in ovens.
I hope some of these ideas help you keep the temperatures down in your home.
Have a great day!
Mavis D.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Teriyaki Chicken with Brown Rice and Veggies
2 tbs. olive oil
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
3 1/4 cups water
2/3 cups teriyaki sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
4 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots mix
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven type pan or big skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook through. Pour in water, teriyaki sauce, peas/carrot mix and garlic; then bring to a boil. Add the rice and broccoli. Stir to combine well. Cook on low for 5 minutes then remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes. Makes eight servings.
My guys (including hubby) gobbled this up fast! They cleaned their plates in record time and even emptied the pan. I was barely able to save some for dad's lunch. You can make this especially quick and easy by using precooked diced chicken.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
3 1/4 cups water
2/3 cups teriyaki sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
4 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots mix
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven type pan or big skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook through. Pour in water, teriyaki sauce, peas/carrot mix and garlic; then bring to a boil. Add the rice and broccoli. Stir to combine well. Cook on low for 5 minutes then remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes. Makes eight servings.
My guys (including hubby) gobbled this up fast! They cleaned their plates in record time and even emptied the pan. I was barely able to save some for dad's lunch. You can make this especially quick and easy by using precooked diced chicken.
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