I’m scanning old pics in to make Taylor some fun stuff for graduation. This is him at age 3, isnt’ he soooo cute? Where does the time go?
My girls would have no chance of learning anything after lunch if it weren’t for this 12 ounce wonder. I’m picky about it too…….must be really cold…..in the can…..with a straw!
After we decoupaged these clipboards, Emme told me I was the best art teacher ever. Denise, you better keep those ideas comin’…..
My storage solution for my costume jewelry, which incidently comprises all my jewelry……a candle holder….
This is how my girls entertain themselves when school is over and I go into a semi-catatonic state for an hour….a girl walking a dog……pretty creative…..so much for learning math with these blocks!
One of my favorite “homeschool” purchases…..these adorable lunch trays from Target. It adds an air of officialness to our school….we have lunch trays…..it’s really school…..
These two both have birthdays coming up this week. Emme will be 8 and Caiti, sweet 16; which explains my next two fav fotos…..
my favorite wine glasses……aren’t these lovely? the color, the pattern, and even better when filled with below beverage…..
My favorite wine……I know what you’re thinking, it’s like $3 per case. But it’s so good. Where did I discover it? At communion. Who did I have to ask to get the exact brand? My pastor. ” Um, I know this seems like a crazy question, and one you get a lot, but exactly what kind of wine is that, pastor?” It was funny. He seemed amused. But it goes well with everything……pasta, beef, chicken, crappy football teams, almost 16 yo’s who think they’re 30, that certain time of month….really almost anything! Happy Friday! Try some Mogen David tonight….with whatever you’re having.
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Why we choose McCain…….
I don’t like politics. I usually find politics at best necessary and only at times, interesting. This happens to be one of those interesting times; no matter what happens from here, it’s destined to be a historic election. Sarah Palin, who I am honestly quite impressed with, has made what was turning out to be bland political soup a spicy flavorful, bring-tears-to-your-eyes gumbo. (I always end up at food, somehow). So, how do you sift through all the rhetoric and political-speak? From the economy to ANWAR to Iraq to health care to the enviroment……..how can you make it all make sense and leave the voting booth justified that you have “loved your neighbor”? That is what we’re called to do isn’t it? Love the Lord with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Loving my neighbor is not always easy….maybe even the hardest part is trying to figure out ‘who’ my neighbor is. I think ultimately I must love and defend those who are the most vulnerable in our society with no obvious way to care for themselves. And that is why I sift through every other issue with a sort of ambivalence that mirrors the murky understanding most of us have about political issues. But, when it comes to life…..now that’s a serious matter. It’s pretty clear to me. God gives life and He alone should take it away. I have some personal experience in this area which only heightens my sensibilities. It’s been my experience in the medical field that women who, usually in the face of poor counseling and external pressure, make the decision to abort, live with a horrific guilt and shame that is impossible to overcome, save the grace of God. This Obama-McCain video from Saddleback Church seals the deal for me. Obama is not sure when a person acquires ‘her’ basic human rights…..and McCain is quite sure…..at conception. I could hibernate till November and go straight to the voting booth without hearing or seeing one more debate or interview. I would plug my ears or something, but I think it’s gonna be way too much fun for that. I’ve learned what I need to learn about the candidates though. John McCain is willing to love the little “neighbors” that get no say and I will be privileged to help him give them a voice.
Okay, there….no more politics.
"My Child is an Honor Student at"…well, at home…….
I’ve been through this before……when I graduated from medical school and felt compelled to demonstrate to people that I could save lives……or after I took a cake decorating class and needed to “show off” my new skills. Well, only now, my new adventure is homeschooling these 2 sweeties….so I feel the need to show you how “educated” they are. I jest….sort of. You do somehow feel this pressure to reassure society that your kids are in good hands. Like when I was at the board of education today turning in my homeschool forms, I kiiinda wanted the girls to recite something, or I don’t know….read the plaque on the wall aloud. Instead , they dismantled her name plate and showed off their most recent abrasions. ( her quick assessment: This woman has destructive kids who get hurt alot). So, humor me, okay? Ooooh and aaaah at how smart they are and how industrious of us to memorize such a swell poem. If nothing else, be entertained……they’re awfully cute. Oh, and in case you wonder, Emme keeps looking down at Scooter who is mauling a small stuffed rabbit.
Beef-Cabbage-Potato Stew, Southern Cornbread, and the World’s Best Chocolate Mocha Cake
This is no place for vegetarians, people from Connecticut, people on the Adkins Diet, or in general people who have forsaken trans-fat. The rest of you stay. I am about to make you very happy. This creation is inspired by my friend Ronni’s recent discovery of “chipotle-cinnamon” seasoning that her mother found at Walmart. I’m very discouraged by trying to post recipes on this blog because I can’t figure out an easy way to do it. If I take the time to type the recipe into “Word” , this program won’t let me copy and paste it directly into the post. I’m not a techie so I’m not sure about a URL address for it. Any experts willing to help? Until then, here’s what I basically did. It’s better to make this soup-stew-chili when you have left over roast meat of some kind. You can do it without it though. Saute an onion and about 1/3 of a head of caggage (chopped coarsely) in some olive oil. When those are starting to carmelize, add about a pound of ground beef, salt to taste, and minced garlic (1-2T). While this is cooking, parboil (boil until almost tender) about a half a bag of baby carrots (whole) and 6-7 red or yellow potatoes, skin on, chopped into quarters. Salt the water liberally. Then add 3 cans of stewed or diced tomatoes, the cooked potatoes and carrots, 1 can of tomato paste, 3T garlic-herb seasoning (I get mine from Sam’s), 2-3T chipotle-cinnamon seasoning (to taste), any left over roast meat you have, hot sauce to taste, and a good amount (~2T. ) of honey. FYI- I add honey to everything I make. Reseason with salt and pepper. Let simmer for a while, the longer the better…an hour or more….then enjoy! This is an AWESOME football/autumn day dish. Wonderful balance of flavors with all the veggies….even the kids ate their carrots without needing ranch dip!
You can’t make a good southern stew without some good southern cornbread. You healthnuts need to skip over this section. It’s rated X (nutritionally speaking). This recipe was handed down from my “mamaw” to my aunt and then to Jamie Knoxville who has coached me through it in person. The reason you need coaching is because of the sheer amount of oil in it. So here goes: 2 cups cornmeal-the highly processed kind–Three Rivers or something like that, 1 c. buttermilk, and a very large amount of oil. When I first made this with Jamie she said, ” add a 1/2 cup then close your eyes and pour some more in. Don’t measure it ’cause then you won’t eat it.” Wait though, I’m not finished with the oil. Pour a’ good amount’ –no I’m not sure what that means either–of oil into an iron skillet and put the skillet into a 450 degree oven until the oil is scorching hot. Then, add the oil-laden mixture into the oil and bake until golden brown, ~15 minutes. Let’s face it, this is more like a pancake or corn cake. But it is fantastic to eat and goes great with above stew. As you can tell from the picture, dirty paws can’t stay out of it.
I saved the best for last, but don’t skip the first two. I have to say that I have fond, vivid memories of the first time I was introduced to this cake. It’s by far the best cake I’ve ever had. I make it 3 or 4 times a year and my family is always curious who it’s being made for….translated “are we going to get any of it”. I love making it, eating it, sharing it….I love everything about it. The recipe was originally given to me by a neighbor who has long since moved. I can’t even remember her last name but the cake legacy lives on. The recipe, which needs to be given precisely, is too long to post, so anyone who wants it, just email me with your address and I’ll mail it to you. That’s how committed I am to this cake, to its’ preservation and propagation! Ya’ll enjoy!
This, my friends, is called "Man-Food"….
Since it’s Labor Day and the kick-off day of the UT football season, I’d thought I’d introduce you to this concept that’s been rampant at our house since the moving in of one 21 year old, who will remain anonymous; place whatever leftovers there are (chili, chicken etouffe, chimichanga filling) over nacho chips, add cheese, a hearty amount of jalapenos and salsa, and voila……new man-food is born. I have nothing personally against this. I even tried it. There is something suspicious about kielbasa on nachos, but otherwise, they were good. There are some places I feel that I have to draw the line, however. Chicken spaghetti nachos? Crab cake nachos? Mashed potato nachos? There seems so be nothing sacred that can’t be at least considered a nacho topping. He thinks he could start a new business at sporting events. “Come get your meatloaf nachos here!” He may be onto something. Now, when I’m making dinner, however, my mind immediately has visions of my latest culinary creation (often which I might consider dainty or refined) being manhandled with cheese and jalapenos and beer. Sun-dried tomato quiche nachos, anyone?
I almost forgot…..
to take a picture of my bookclubbers, but at the last moment with only 8 of us left, I remembered. Sorry for the poor quality photo and sorry to all you bookies who left too soon! We had a marvelous time discussing Pride and Predjudice (which we actually did discuss) and we enjoyed some good food and coffee and fun fellowship. This is phase one of my “Keeping My Sanity” strategy while I’m homeschooling. I am one of those types of people who is energized by the company of others, by cooking and seeing lots of people enter my home. Next months’ read is Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I’m on chapter 3 and love it already. I’ll leave you with this quote from the book about Aunt Chloe that seems to be my mantra in life, “The arrival of company at the house, the arranging of dinners and suppers “in style,” awoke all the energies of her soul; and no sight was more welcome to her than a pile of travelling trunks launched on the verandah, for then she foresaw fresh efforts and fresh triumphs”.