Harvest Stew...

This is a recipe my sister made up, based on a dish she *tasted* at a restaurant... and began craving [during her pregnancy]. It's a creamy beef soup, made up of a variety of Fall squash, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, & veggies... all pulled together with a spicy hint of nutmeg. It's a fairly simple, but very delicious recipe.... one that has quickly become a family favorite! (and for good reasons, too!!

Harvest Stew

1. In a stock pot, cook some Beef or Venison roast ** in oil (I use olive oil or coconut oil) with a Medium onion (chopped), salt & pepper
   
   ** (I usually get just under a pound of meat. Last time, I used boneless shoulder roast - basically one of the cheapest roasts the store had.... this time I used something else, that I already had in my freezer.)
   
   
2. Once meat is cooked through, add to the pot:
   
   • celery ribs - sliced (I have used dried celery flakes when I didn't have fresh, and it works fine.)
   • 2 medium carrots - diced
   • 1 med. Sweet potato - peeled & cubed
   
   • 1 lrg or 2 small potatoes - peeled & cubed
   • 1 -2 cups of Butternut squash - peeled & cubed (I use half a medium sized squash)
   

   And I have even been known to put zucchini in mine... and contemplate how some chopped up pumpkin would work... ??

   • 4 cups of beef broth (beef bullion cubes + water)
   • Seasonings - Rosemary, Thyme, parsley, nutmeg - Season to taste!
     
   • Garlic
     
   
3. Let simmer for 25 - 30 minutes.
   
   
4. Meanwhile combine together:
   • 1/3 cup water
   • 1/3 cup of cream
   • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
   • 1 Tbsp of ketchup
   
   
5. Add to pot, once done simmering.
   
   
6. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer
   
   
7. Cook (covered) for 10-15 minutes.

Fall Equinox...

Last Tuesday, September 22nd (at 5:19 am ET, to be exact)... my favorite season officially began... FALL! However, I am a beginning to think that maybe our small, southern-part of the northern hemisphere, somehow missed the equinoctial memo.... ? With temps ranging the upper 90's... this sweltering heat is certainly not feeling like the Fall I remember from our visits up north! ~ Thankfully, I have come to learn over the years, that Fall is about much more than glorious, crisp, cool weather, the change of outdoor color or the bonfires I adore.... with all the beautiful sights/colors (there are hints, everywhere you turn), smells, tastes (pumpkin!), and delights of the season... it's all around... Fall is here!!

:: A few of my favorite things ::

• :: my fall themed wallpaper of crisp, colorful fall leaves...
  
  
  
• :: my sisters *delicious* Harvest stew - a creamy beef soup, with a blend of a variety of Fall squash, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, & veggies... all pulled together with a spicy hint of nutmeg... Mmm!
  
  
• :: the idea of the weather turning cooler (eventually...)
  
  
• :: the treat of Pumpkin Spice creamer in my morning coffee...
  
  
  
• :: the beautiful colors of Fall harvest, in the grocery's produce department
  
  
• :: the smell of cinnamon brooms & other yummy, spicy autumn scents
  
  
• :: the gorgeous, sweet apples!
  
  
• :: the apple pie I want to make ...
  
  
• :: date nights - sharing the first sips of one my favorite seasonal drinks....
  
  
• :: Starbucks - the true Pumpkin Spice Latte...
  
  
  
• :: the chicken pot pie we're having for dinner....

• :: the pumpkin pie I am contemplating making for dessert tonight...
  
  
• :: the smell of the spicy warmth of autumn leaves, cinnamon, apples, and vanilla in these wonderful Fall scented candles...
  
  • Cachet's Cinnamon Vanilla...
    
    
    
  • 
    
    
    
  • Yankee's Autumn Wreath™ candle!
    
  
  
• :: the upcoming Fire Department open house (tradition!)
  
  
• :: knowing Thanksgiving is around the corner - when I'll get to see my family again!

:: I Love Fall! ::

Free Museum day!!!

http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

I just became aware, that this Saturday (Sept 26, 2009) is national, Free Museum day!! ~ Click the link above to discover which our your local museums will be participating... and then print your card to get up to two free museum admissions**

I was personally surprised at how fairly extensive the list was, for our sunny state.... G-wiz, Spanish point, Great Explorations, Cracker Country, Florida Air Museum, Bok Towers, and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates are all included... among many , many others!! ~ PLUS, most museums don't charge admission until a child is three... so mostly likely it will be completely free for our family to go!! ~ Now, the tricky part is, choosing which one we want to visit most... :-)

Thanx MoneySavingMom for the heads up!!

**Admission Card is good for general admission for you plus one guest. One Admission Card per household. Not for use with any other offer.

So Small....

What you got if you ain't got love?
The kind that you just wanna give away
It's okay to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through

I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone
But don't run out on your faith

'Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole

While you're sitting around thinking 'bout what you can't change
And worrying about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count 'cause you can't get it back

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

Oh, and when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small!

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And then you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh, it sure makes everything else
Seem so small

~Carrie Underwood

Isn't it amazing how God seems to bring certain things across your path, just when you need them most....? One of our teens just shared a link to the music video with me (even more powerful than the lyrics alone!)... and after a really a rough week last week... the message of the song, genuinely hit close to home. ~ Thank you, Lord for the gentle reminder....

Sleeping through the night?

While standing with and talking to two ladies after church tonight... I heard one (an older gentlewoman) ask the other (a mom of a 1.5 month old baby) the age-old question "is he sleeping through the night yet?" At first I bit my tongue, curious to to hear the new-mama's (NM) responses.  But after a few moments of watching her fumble through her wording, embarrassingly trying to figure out the best way to say no ~ without sounding like a "bad mom" for admitting her baby, is in reality.... normal ~ the NM finally confesses that none of her other children (this is baby #4) started sleeping through the night until they were over a year old... and this little guy was proving to not be any different. ~ This, was my cue to speak up.

Embracing Imperfection

A sweet story a friend of mine recently shared with me....

Embracing Imperfection

"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don 't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!

When I got Up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!' You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship."

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket but into your own."

Oats & your skin...

As you may know, the key to having good skin, is based on these principles: hydration - to flush toxins out of your body (8 -8oz glasses of water s the recommended daily intake)... Exercise - increases blood flow, which also assists your body in getting rid of toxins... Healthy eating - lots of raw fruits & veggies!..., Proper amount of sleep... proper sun protection... keeping stress low... using natural skin products... and of course, cleanliness.

Our busy Sunday...

Our day...

:: KB's first day in her Sunday School class!!

:: Seeing her learn more about "God" and [the] "Bible"


:: Church welcome for our new assistant pastor, Ben

:: My second Sunday on the piano

:: Grandparents Day!


:: Lunch with B's family, at a favorite restaurant

:: Music, music & more music

:: Nursery

:: Wedding reception for Pastor Ben & Melody!!!

:: Held baby Jackson (5½ weeks) for the first time!

A Woman's Worth

A friend shared this on her Facebook this evening... and I thought it was way too good to not share...

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question:

'What kind of man are you looking for?'

She sat quietly for a moment before looking at him in the eye & asking, 'Do you really want to know?'

Reluctantly, he said, 'Yes.

She began to expound, 'As a woman in this day & age, I am in a position to ask a man what can you do for me that I can't do for myself?

I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...
or woman for that matter..

I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought & stated, 'I am not referring to money. I need something more.

I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, & asked her to explain.

She said, 'I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation & mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for excellence financially because I don't need a financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships. Lies and game-playing are not my idea of a strong man.

I need a man who is family-oriented. One who can be the leader, priest and provider to the lives entrusted to him by God.

I need someone whom I can respect.. In order to be submissive, I must respect him.

I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him...He will find me. He will recognize himself in me. He may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me. God made woman to be a help-mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.

When she finished her spill, she looked at him.

He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said, 'You are asking a lot.

She replied, "I'm worth a lot".

Happy Birthday Kate!!

One photo project down... at least one more (our family beach pix) to go!
Tonight's project... our friend Katelynn's 1st birthday ~ Aug. 29, 2009

of Label Nazi's and MSG...

I was thinking today of how we've come - no only when it comes to foods we eat, but also the substances we use to clean - in both our house, as well as ourselves. Like, I have known for a long time, that things like MSG, nitrates & nitrites, High-fructose corn syrup, & hydrogentaed oils were bad... but honestly, never paid close attention. And who would ever know that even ingredients in the soaps we use - like: parabens, lauryl & layreth sulfates, scents, dyes, etc - can have such ill effects on our health & well being... as well as the place the Lord has entrusted into our care. Even plastic is proving to have more harm than good in long term effects. And because of it all, it seems I am becoming a regular bona-fide Label Nazi! -- my what having a baby does to a person. :-)

Something interesting I learned today (thanx to the awesome site: Food Renegade!)....

Did you know MSG has over 40 different legal names that the FDA permits food manufacturers to use in their labeling?

From TruthInLabeling.Org:

There are over 40 food ingredients besides “mono-sodium glutamate” that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Each, according to the FDA, must be called by its own, unique, “common or usual name.” “Autolyzed yeast,” “maltodextrin,” “sodium caseinate,” and “soy sauce” are the common or usual names of some ingredients that contain MSG. Unlike the ingredient called “mono-sodium glutamate,” they give the consumer no clue that there is MSG in the ingredient.

The Truth in Labeling Campaign has asked the FDA to require manufacturers to identify ingredients that contain MSG by listing MSG on a product’s label. In response, we have been told that FDA regulations require that all food ingredients be called by their “common or usual names,” but there is no requirement that a constituent of an ingredient be identified. Processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is considered to be a constituent of a hydrolyzed protein or fermentation product because the MSG is created during the hydrolyzation or fermentation process. To autolyze yeast, for example, yeast is subject to processing; and during that processing, protein is broken down, and glutamic acid is freed. The finished autolyzed yeast product will, therefore, always contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) as a constituent of the autolyzed yeast. The MSG will not have been poured into the autolyzed yeast. Rather, the MSG will have been processed into the autolyzed yeast.

The distinction between having MSG poured into an ingredient and processed into an ingredient is important because the glutamate industry plays on this distinction in their efforts to hide the presence of MSG. One of their favorite ways of hiding MSG is to claim that there is “no added MSG” in a product. If MSG is processed into a product instead of being poured into a product, they declare that there is “no MSG added” or “no added MSG,” in the product, even though they know full well that the product contains MSG.

In other words... don’t trust packaged foods — any packaged foods. Even the organic kind can be deceptive! - So, in a nutshell... Take charge... read labels... and don't assume anything is safe! ;)

Klean Kanteens!

In my attempts to rid our lives of all plastics (esp when it comes to eating/drinking!)... I have been wanting to get at least KB and myself Klean Kanteen [stainless steel] water bottles. Though we drink mostly from glass when we're at home... they would be wonderful to have for when we are out & about. The funny thing is... as sold as I was, on getting them... for some odd reason, I never actually took the steps, and bought them. Well, whatever reason my psyche had for holding me back.... it paid off!

The site, Backcountry Edge is running a sale on their 12oz and 40 oz bottles!! The 12 oz sippies are only $10.95 (instead of 19.95)... and the 40 oz bottles (with loop top) are only $16.95 (instead of 27.95)! Though I originally had my eye on the 27 oz bottle - mainly because of it's size, and probable ease sliding into the diaperbag - for $3 less, I can definitely deal with the bigger bottle!! :-) -- PLUS, because I ordered with my mom & sister, and it was over $50, we got free shipping! yay!! -- I ordered KB's in the color "moss green", and mine in "tree bark". I am so excited! Stay tuned for a review!!

------------------------------------------------------

Edit (10/14): The 40oz are no longer on sale... but the 12oz bottles** are now on sale for $9.95./each!! ~ PLUS if you you enter in the coupon code: CTF4 you get an additional 10% off. While I know that only equates to a 50¢/bottle savings.... every little bit helps! ;)

** comes with Loop Cap, not a sippy - colors: pink, brown, black & green (sadly, orange & blue are sold out).

The coolest part is, I could get two more bottles, w/ sippy adapters (@ $2.25/each), shipped for less than what one would normally cost! :-)

Review: Charlies Soap

So I will admit, I was slightly skeptical at first. - Ok fine, I was very skeptical. I remember at the beginning of my cloth-diapering journey, having people tell me how wonderful it was -- *the best* thing, ever. But, in my mind... it was soap. What could be so "special" about it? ~How in the world could just one simple tablespoon wash a whole load of clothes? ~ Esp if it has no smell? Eww. ~ AND, why in the world would I want spend "extra" for it when the store stuff is just fine? (shows how much I really knew! lol). Now, I look back and giggle at myself - what a long way we've come on this journey, indeed.

Of course it didn't help matters, that my sister had to go off, get married, have a baby, and also go crunchy... therefore fueling my already "crazy" desire to want to go natural. - LoL!

One day she called me up all excited. - After reading so many great reviews, she had finally bit the bullet, bought a case (several bags) of Charlies Soap. ~ And turns out... she LOVED it! Still kinda skeptical, she offered to send me some, to try. Hmm, a free sample? Sure, why not! After several loads in, I was sold. My diapers have never looked and smelled so clean.... (yeah, even with no added scents, the laundry acttally didn't stink after all! hee, hee)... my clothes didn't seem any worse for the wear (duh, lol)... and [best of all], there were no yucky chemicals to worry about! (yes, I've learned a bit since those beginning days...) It was awesome!

Unfortunately, with potty-training a toddler, that "sample" my sister sent me (albeit generous) went all too quickly! Leaving me - in desperation/determination not to have to switch back to the old (now deemed:"yucky") stuff - scrambling to find a source, before I was totally out. Thankfully, we have an awesome community around us, and I was able to buy an 80-load bag off another mama... which bought me plenty of time to search out the best price, and get ours ordered. Turns out, at approx 15¢/load (closer to 10¢, when bought by the 5-gal).... it's not only cheaper than traditional detergents, but it also lasts forever! ~ After over a month of use (including nine house-guests, WITH an additional fluffy-butt)... and we are still only three-fifths of the way through that afore mentioned bag!!

Charlies Soap site
(though I have found it's not the most cost effective, to buy directly from them)

Happy Birthday Becca-boo!!

About this time, 12 years ago.... I was meeting Rebecca Joy - my brand-new baby sister - for the first time....♥ It's hard to believe such time has flown by, already!

Happy happy b-day, Boo. You are growing into such a beautiful young lady, and I am SO proud of you. You are a joy to have in my life, and I am so glad God gave you to our family! I really wish I could be there to celebrate your special day with you... but know you are in my thoughts... and always in my prayers! Have a wonderfully & marvelously fantastic day!! I love & miss you so, So, SO much!!!! I love you the purplest!!!

♥ always, ~ T

P.s - I will be updating this post with a few pix etc... but the server is down at the moment. stand by!

Sexiest Man!

Everyday People Cartoons

Beauty...

Everyone has beauty. some of us just don't see it all the time.
maybe we're looking in the wrong places, or through the wrong lenses?

People for Change

This *excellent* article was written by my 16 year old brother-in-law, for our local Young Conservatives Blog. ~ Good job, Dave! I'm SO proud of you!!!

(courtesy of)