Cottonpickinfarm

Whoooo Hoooo! They're giving away coupons for Butterball Turkeys over at Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms!

2011-11-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard (well read, anyway) that right! Over at Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms they're having a giveaway for two people to win a Butterball turkey.

Better hurry up and go over there for your chance(s) to win!

http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/butterball-turkey-giveaway/#comment-36143

Enter for a chance to win a NutriMill Grain Mill

2011-09-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Laura, over at Heavenly Homemaker, is in kahoots with Paula's Bread. They're giving away a NutriMill Grain Mill and you really need to hit this button so that you might win one.

Grocery Store WARS! Coming to a Grocery Store near YOU!

2011-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

You've just gotta watch this. It's too hokey not too, (and you know I love hokey things.) I'll never be able to look at a stalk of broccoli in quite the same way.

Now I am not so much in to "Organic" as I am a believer in an (UN)common sense when it comes to gardening. NO herbicides and NO pesticides. This is how we grew our food for generations. Connect with your local (Un)common sense farmer.

'Nuf said.

Philippians 2:8-11

2011-04-19T09:26:00.001-07:00

^5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

^9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11, The Message)

Fruit Trees!!!! I've got Fruit Trees!!!!!

2011-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

This has been a long time coming...

I've wanted to plant fruit trees since we moved to this property 10 years ago. We tried to go the less expensive way and buy bare root trees. We brought them home and immediately placed them into water for 12-24 hours, as was suggested by the producer. Then we planted them.

They Died.

The next year we tried again. Again we followed the producers instructions, even check marking off at each step. AND!

They Died.

I gave up. Well obviously not entirely, cause fast forward to this year - 2011. I was driving past the farmer style store (obviously not fast enough - I'll have to work on that.) on my way home about a month ago, and there was a sign calling out my name: "Fruit and Shade Trees." I stopped and talked to the man in the greenhouse area. They were NOT bare root. They were three years old. They looked healthy. They were budding out appropriately for the time of season. They were outside, and had been outside for several weeks. I left.

I obsessed about them for two more weeks. I went back to the farmers style store. I bought six trees.

1 Sweet Sixteen Apple
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 Lapin Cherry
1 Rainier Cherry
1 Bartlett Pear
1 Sungold Apricot

We planted them yesterday.

Quincy helped.

Oh, and this time we used a Miracle Grow product to "fix" the roots system and help them establish easier.

I still need to buy and plant:

1 more Apricot - for cross pollination. They didn't have another type, so I didn't buy a second.
1 more Pear - for cross pollination. Same deal.
2 plums - I want one Italian and one Red type.

I'll be watching, and watering and worrying about them for quite awhile. Sure hope this works.

Oh, and we also decided to plant a couple children to see if they would grow more:

1 Boy Tree
1 Girl Tree

Yeah, cause that's what we need. More children.

Planting in the Yellow Greenhouse

2011-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here we go... Planting in the Yellow Greenhouse this past weekend is FUN!

I started 40 Super Beefsteak tomatoes and 40 Roma's.

I would have done more, except that I ran out of paper pots.

I could have sworn that I made more, so back inside to collect more of my dear husbands read newspapers... It's important that he's already read them. Take note!

I bought this wonderful little tool at: www.underwoodgardens.com

PotMaker

I tried to use a drinking glass one year, but this little guy (gal?) is just easier to use. It was created for this purpose, after all!

This is a super important step in my "Plan to Can" everything that grows in our garden, for our family.

But perhaps the best part of the day still remains that I got the first flower of Spring 2011 from my sweet baby girl!

Our Yellow Greenhouse

2011-04-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

I should have posted this earlier, as we were making it. I publicly and officially apologize for my lack of foresight on your behalf. PLEASE forgive me. But as life goes on the farm sometimes, I NEEDED to just get it done! Especially because it's Spring and planting season is just around the corner.

So enough apologies, I'm telling you about it NOW!

You see we wanted a greenhouse. For years we've wanted a greenhouse. I can't really say that it was a need, because obviously we've survived without one, although every year we address the fact that we want one. And for years we've said we'd buy one with "our next income tax return." But for some reason the income tax return would always cover our immediate needs, but never our wants. (God IS Good to us!)

We own a yellow school bus (long, boring story) that we've been using for storage. We NEVER have enough storage buildings. Okay, we only have ONE storage building; and it's full! Envision sides bulging out.

So I've been (obsessively) thinking about what we could do (cheaply and affordably) to "create" a greenhouse out of things we already have. Or at least mostly have (I did have to buy some things... like duct tape and plastic.)

Our Yellow Greenhouse!

Our bus is parked with the rear door facing south so that it gets sunshine all day.

We lined most of the inside of the bus with heavyweight plastic, held up with duct tape.

A LOT of duct tape!

We bought the heavyweight plastic (weatherproofing that was on sale for half-price!) at WallyWorld. The only time we had to cut plastic was for the front entrance and rear emergency exit.

At the front walkway and at the rear "emergency exit" we overlapped the plastic so that we can get out easily.

In the hotter part of the summer, we'll remove (and store) all the plastic to reuse in the fall and winter.

Our heat source is a cheap little ceramic heater that we already owned. We brought power to the greenhouse with a long extension cord through the driver's side window and duct-tapped it shut.

This will work until it starts warming up, and then it's easily removed so that the window can still be used for air circulation. I'm am thinking about putting a small fan that we already own in that window later on in the spring/summer.

Held in place with duct tape, of course! In the really hot summer, we may have to abandon the greenhouse, but we'll see... I might come up with something yet!

Perhaps an air-conditioner????

"Husband? Can I buy an air-conditioner for the greenhouse?" (Yeah, right!)

Soaked and Poached Oatmeal for Breakfast!

2011-03-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

First the why...
I am trying out a more nutrient dense diet, trying to improve my health and that of our family.

I have been searching the internet, and reading books like "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon; which I highly recommend, although I have this one caviat. I do not subscribe to everything that is in the book (I rarely do.) Most of it seems sound.

So, on to the recipe...
I was looking for a soaked oatmeal that we could put together the night before and wake up to a nutritious, hot, breakfast for our family of six. Our experiences with crockpot oatmeal were not good. Apparently our crockpot cooks to quickly, even on low, for this type of recipe. It always turned out too dry, and when I tried to compensate, it was too wet. Never just right. This time our experiment turned out "Just Right!" (you get the Three Little Bears analogy, right? I'm sooooooo clever ;-) We poached it instead!

Here is our recipe:

Step 1: Soaking the day before
3 cups old fashioned or scottish oats
Water to cover by 1 inch
1 Tbl. Lime Juice (because we were out of both lemons and whey)
Combine in a large bowl, and soak for at least 12 hours. Longer is fine, up to 24 hours. Cover bowl with a tea towl (to keep out any teansie weinsie fruit flies) and let sit on your counter.

Step 2: Night before eating
Drain the oatmeal. Place in a greased (coconut oil is preferred) crockpot. Cover with fresh water to cover by one inch. Place on WARM setting, and let cook overnight. 12 - 14 hours is great. We just started it about 8:00 at night, cause we were thinking about it, and didn't want to forget to start it.

Next morning dish it up with whatever fixin's you want, or have on hand. We like 100% Maple Syrup and cinnamon. Say it with me now: "EASY!" Sometime I'm gonna try some soaked raisins (in rum!) just for the fun of it. NO I don't plan on serving it to the kids. I might be a lunatic, but I'm not crazy!

Part 2 - "Dangerous Dog" Quincy, the Growing Up Years.

2011-01-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

AKA: How to REALLY Tick Off Your Neighbors!
(Guaranteed to work, every time! or your money back! – pretty safe bet, since reading this blog is FREE!)

So we brought this cute, scared, sweet little white (Akbash) Anatolian Shepherd puppy home to our property. And we lived happily ever after. Right?… WRONG!!!
Now anyone who has ever gotten a small puppy knows that they go through difficult times. We brought her home and tied her up, in order to not overwhelm her. She had a nice warm dog house, with fresh cedar shavings, under it and then inside it, and lots of food and water. We started to pay attention to her on a a regular and consistent basis, and she got used to us. Even started to look forward to our love and attention.

All that was fine, except that we are not people who believe that dogs should be tied up. In most cases, that is no life to live for the dog. So it was never the intent to keep her tied up permanently. Just long enough that she would learn her new home. To give her some sense of permanency. A place of her own.

When we first started to let her off her leash, after about a two week timeframe, she seemed to understand that this was home. She would go sniffing around our 1 to 1 1/2 acres of five foot tall, chain-link enclosure; never testing the boundaries. Happy to be there, establishing her territory!

That was fine. No problems… until we decided to let her loose permanently! What you have here folks, is a 35-50 lb. 5 or 6 year old mentality, highly intelligent, giant breed dog! And what she really wanted to do was to see what was beyond the fence! So she looked and she looked, and she looked and she looked for a place to escape. And, of course, she found one. It was not through digging or jumping. It was not through an open gate. It was though the one and only spot in the fence that had been compromised. Then patched, two years previously and forgotten about, part where the pump man had to put his truck through the fence, in order pull our dead pump out of the well, and drop the new pump in.

Well of course, she went exploring on our property, and came back in. No problem? Right? Wrong!

We'd see her outside the fence, but on our property. And we'd yell: "Quincy's out!" And we'd all scramble and get her back inside the fence, and we were fine. Right? Wrong!
When she was about five months old, we received a call from one of our neighbors: "Your white dog just killed one of our cats, and our renters are distraught over it."

The problem? Our white dog was inside our fence when we got the call.

So I asked questions: "When did this happen?"
Neighbors: Well, we didn't see it, we were just told about it by our renters who were having a party. So a couple days ago.
Oh, O.K. What did your renters see?
Neighbors: Well, they just saw a white dog carrying around a dead cat.
Oh?
Neighbors: We were gone, and they were having a party, and they saw YOUR white dog with a dead cat in it's mouth. And this was a cat they had started feeding and it traumatized them.
Did anyone actually see our dog with a cat in its mouth?
Neighbors: No one of their friends saw it, and told them about it. They all went looking for it, but they never found the dead cats body, and they never found the dog. It must have gone back in your fence.
Are you sure it was our white dog?
Neighbors: Yes. It must have been your white dog.
Oh? O.K.?!?!? Well, we haven't found any dead cat bodies, and all our cats are accounted for. So I really don't think it was our dog. Are you sure it wasn't your white dog?
Neighbors: No! It wasn't our white dog!

My husband walked our fence line, and found the trouble spot, and fixed it. No more Quincy roaming, and she settled in to a nice routine of patroling the enclosed/fenced area. She would sleep during much of the day, and patrol during the night, barking/warning us whenever the coyotes where roaming.

We used to watch the coyotes walk in broad daylight, across our property, across the paved county road, and onto the neighbors property. Quincy was telling the coyotes, "You are not welcome here! Go away!" We had no issues with our farm animals during this time, lost no chickens to weasels, and settled into a nice farm routine. And we lived happily ever after, right? WRONG!

A couple months later we got a phone call (on my cell phone) from the exact same neighbor: Your white dog is out running loose in our field, and we're afraid of it.
Uhhh, are you sure????
Neighbor: Yes! I'm sure, I can see it.
I don't think it's our dog, because im inside the house and I can see her through our front door, and she's asleep on our deck.
Neighbor: Oh, you're home? I didn't see your mini-van. (you can see our mini-van from way over there?) Yes, I'm home.
Neighbor: Well I can see your white dog running around on our land.
O.K. (insert neighbors name) I just walked out my front door, and I have my hand on my dogs head. She's right here. Quincy is not running around your field.
Neighbor: Well, who's white dog is that?
I don't know. But I know that it is not our white dog. Are you sure that your white dog isn't running out in your field?
Neighbor: No, our white dog is up at our house (more than a 1/3 mile away.) I'm down at the shop. It's not our white dog. (Are you getting the picture?)
Well, I'm afraid it's not our white dog, either.

End of conversation and again, we settled into a nice rural/farm routine.

September 2010:
My smaller children were out in our front yard playing. Our daughter ran into the house and yelled: "There's a puppy in our front yard!"
I yelled at the two older kids: "Try to get it out before Quincy see's it, cause I don't know what she'll do!" (She was here to protect our farm animals after all.)

Well as it turns out, the "puppy" was a full-grown Dachshund running loose, belonging to the adult grand-daughter of the same neighbors. She was visiting and the dog was not being watched, got loose, and had wandered down the road (after wandering down a rather long driveway) and squeezed it's way under our man-gate.

From Drop Box

Once Quincy actually saw it (after it bit her on the hind leg.) She chased it, and flipped it over with her front paw, and then pinned it to the ground with her mouth. She then let it loose and it ran towards the gate. By that time our neighbor showed up, and opened the gate (The one with the "Do Not Trespass" sign posted on it.) and scooped up the Dachshund. She started yelling at the dog, and spanking it and tossed it through the open window of her truck. She turned to us, and said that the dog had run off, and she was glad to have found it. Then she left. It all happened very quickly and no one was hurt. And that was the end of story? Right? WRONG!

Stay tuned for Part 3: That fateful day!

Arizona farmers, Humane Society at odds over animal rights

2011-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Arizona farmers, Humane Society at odds over animal rights

I'm so glad to see the Arizona Farmers Bureau fighting back against the Humane Society of America. I love the quote:

"No right-thinking person abuses animals, but we (farmers) haven't kept pace with people who have an agenda," said Joe Sigg, director of government relations for the Arizona Farm Bureau. "Cows and pigs are not our pets; we eat them."

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2011/01/27/20110127arizona-farmers-animal-rights-fight-with-humane-society.html#ixzz1CGlhN2nm

Budget Friendly Tip: Pickle Jars for Bulk Purchases

2011-01-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

First of all I have a family of six. Not super large, but super small, either. For my family; it JUST RIGHT!

I've always been interested in cost savings of bulk purchasing, but I couldn't justify the additional purchase for the storage containers. It would take too much longer to depreciate their cost. So for years I've been on the lookout for FREE storage containers that would also appeal to my "use and reuse" mentality (THANK YOU to my mother and my grandmother!)

Anyway, I've finally found it! Jars that are glass, so easily cleaned for reuse, and large enough for my bulk purchases, hence the "use and reuse" mentality.

Pickle Jars!

I know! I'm brilliant!

Now before I loose you completely with the whole "duh factor" let me tell you that these are not the normal mildly large pickle jars. These are the rooten tootenest, "dang they're perfect" pickle jars. Whoot, Whoot for pickle jars! Have I got ya?

I am not a commercial writer for this brand of pickles. And I don't even advocate this particular brand. Quite simply put, I love their jars, they are glass, inexpensive, and my kids will eat the pickles. They're you have it. Did I mention that one of my children actually eats pickles a lot? If I put the suggestion into his head (and why would I?) he'd eat them with breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks. I don't want him to have that much sodium, but he would, if I let him.

So back to the Pickle JAR. It is large (2 quarts + 8 oz.) and here is a picture of it...

From Drop Box

You eat the pickles, soak it in hot water to remove the label, and wash and dry it thoroughly. LABEL it with the contents you will have in it. And, viola! You have this marvelous storage container for your bulk items. Easy Peasy, and FREE! Plus you save even more money because you won't be disposing of it in your garbage.

Hampton Creek Inn Giveaway!

2011-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

First of all, you need to know that this is one of my favorite blogs to follow: Frugal Granola. You just have to fall in love with anyone who will refer to themselves as a Granola. I believe this was the first natural food type blog that I subscribed to. Who can resist: "Living a Simple and Sustainable Life of Passion for God, Family, Organic Food & Bargain Shopping." I just fell in love with her writing style, their traditional and spiritually rich beliefs; and the recipes were helpful, healthful and tasty, too!

Well now, try to control yourselves, they are giving away a TWO NIGHT VACATION! at the Hampton Creek Inn!

"Imagine sinking into a deep bath, savoring the natural light fragrance of an herbal soap, and allowing God to speak to your heart in quietness or cherishing a special moment with your husband….

Sipping a cup of flavorful organic tea, hand-blended with local ingredients, and a freshly-baked cinnamon muffin, served on your breakfast-in-bed tray…

Snuggling into warm blankets and fluffy pillows, gazing at the moonlight over wooded treetops…

A lazy afternoon, with a book and a picnic under blossoming fruit trees, hearing the wind in the trees and the bubble of the creek…

Come experience our family’s passion for sustainable & simple living and joyful hospitality with a stay at our bed & breakfast in the Pacific Northwest, Hampton Creek Inn!"

I'm gonna do everything I can to win this giveaway for my wonderful husband and I. I hope you'll try to win it too. And yes, I do understand that if you win it, then I won't. TRUST me, I'll be able to live with that, and even truly enjoy the fact that you won! But please come back and tell me how wonderful it was... PLEASE!!!

I just did another order from the Bulk Herb Store

2011-01-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling a little tired lately. All right I've been downright fatigued all of last summer, fall and most of this winter. Enough is enough already! I am too young to feel this *&^#* old! I started doing research right before Christmas (2010) and it's lead me to believe that what I am experiencing is "Adrenal Fatigue." Hmmm, the symptoms sound right, so we'll see.

Being the weird/funky granola that I am, (Embrace my funkiness) I started looking towards healthy, herbal remedies first, and this is what I found. The Bulk Herb Store, and Shohanna's Kitchen (YouTube). O.K. so I've just fallen in love with this gal, she makes it all sound so easy, and she doesn't overdo it with the whole "selling issue." I placed my first order and it came super fast.

Starting out this New Year (yeah for 2011! - GOODBYE, so-long 2010!) I'm going to do a whole body cleanse (all ready started and I feel somewhat better - may have to do with having a good plan), followed by a liver cleanse. What then? Making sure that what we as a family eat, is actually being digested and assimilated into our bodies! I bought the book:

Started drinking Kefir (I bought my own grains, and I'm making it myself. It's soooo much less expensive, and I'm jes' so proud!)

I made my first, official, tincture (Bulk Herb Store Liver Cleanser) and it's finally done! I finally had a reason to go to the liquor store... to find the cheapest bottle of vodka I could find, in order to make it. Starting today, I've strained it (added "used" herbs to the compost pile) and bottled it, and am taking my first doses. 1 squirt - 3X/day either with or without water. And let me tell you, It's nasty tasting, but if it works????? (I'll let you know how that turns out.)

From Drop Box

So what was my newest order?????
I bought:

Dr. Cinnamon
Green Salve (Gonna made my first salve! I'm soooooo excited!)
Black Spice Chai Tea (I love a good strong chai tea... makes me think of coffee!)
Daily Boost Herba-Smoothie

What's my next order? I'm already thinking of some of their preblended herbal teas, and...

Our “Dangerous Dog” Part 1

2010-12-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, here’s the story from our perspective:

About twelve years ago, before our big move to the country, my dear husband came home with a printed article regarding Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. ASD’s are a form of Livestock Protection Dog, so you can imaging my response: “Uh, dear? Why would we get one? We live inside the city limits. We don’t have any sheep. This dog breed of dog would be miserable in our back yard. Dear husband, what are you thinking?

But of course, being the highly intelligent man that he is; he said: “I know, but I find them fascinating. And we (that’s his way of saying you) should really learn more about them. He knows me so well! Can’t ignore an opportunity to learn more! So onto the internet (O.K. so this is an updated article, October 2010) and to the library I went, two very young children in tow. (They were so towable then; and towheads, too! Or is that toe-heads? Which would take me in a whole other direction.)

Fast forward ten years (yes, I did say ten! It took us that long!) Add two children. (Another great two stories, which I will tell you about another time.) And the beginnings of an idea of what we wanted to do with this property.

We finally saw an ad in the newspaper that read something like: Pure-bred Anatolian Shepherds, Quincy, WA $200. and the phone number. WOW! This was the least expensive we’d EVER seen them in the twelve years we had researched them!

Simple and sweet (and cheap!) We called, talked for about an hour, to make sure that we asked all the right questions. The pedigree; the age of the sire and dam. Were the sire and dam on-site? The animals that were kept on-site?

The breeder asked us a ton of questions about our property, where the puppy would live/sleep/eat, what we intended to do with the puppy.

We made arrangements to drive the hour and a half to Quincy, WA. It was a lightly snowy day, March 6, 2009.

When we arrived, we found a rural piece of property fully fenced, with handmade signs that read: “No Trespassing” “Stop and call or honk and we’ll come let you in.” and their phone number. We went, “Whoa, that’s interesting!” But we followed their instructions, after all, we were on their property... when in Rome!

They let us onto their property, and told us that the adult dogs that we saw were “Walnut” and “Peanut.” Truthfully, I can’t remember which was which, but one was a beautiful classic looking female Anatolian (Kengal) who was obviously recovering from birth, and the other was an equally handsome classic looking male Anatolian (Kengal).

Imagine our surprise when they showed us this huge litter (12-14) of pure white puppies (Akbash: O.K. they looked like big round white snowballs with black eye liner and lips; and I instantly wondered how we were going to choose between them.) So being the incredibly wise woman that I am; I advised my dear husband that he would have to choose for our family.

The location that the puppies were in, was a completely enclosed/fenced area with a small herd of goats in it. Well isn’t that interesting? Just like the information we had researched suggested was appropriate!

Anatolian Shepherds are livestock protection animals. Their purpose is to guard and protect livestock from predators such as coyotes, fox, weasels, wolves, bear, etc. You keep them with the goats/sheep/chickens, etc. from birth on, to help them learn to bond with the animals they are to protect.

The idea is to start them out as “guardians-in-training” of any one or more type of animal, and they learn from their early experiences to easily transition to any type of animal (even the humans who feed and interact with them.) They are not “guard dogs” in the sense of a trained German Shepherd or Pit-Bull or Doberman Pinscher. They are a highly intelligent animal capable of assessing the danger level of the perceived predator.

Long story short, my dear husband chose one of the female puppies that day.

Here is the interesting part of the day: The puppy literally ran away and screamed in terror when she was picked up by the breeder to leave with us. My immediate thought was: OMGosh! What happened to that puppy to make it so scared of humans? Well, the short answer is: It is unwise to treat Anatolian Shepherds as that intimate family pet. Especially the younger they are.

She hid her head in terror THE ENTIRE one and a half hour trip home! We would pet her, and try to talk to her, and she never growled or tried to bite us. Trust me, we would turned the car right around in a heart beat, and given her back to the breeder, if she had! The Mama-bear in me, wouldn’t have stood for that EVER! And I was watching, let me tell you!

We named her: Quincy. Because we are that clever!

Stay tuned for Part 2: Our “Dangerous Dog” – AKA: Quincy’s Growing Up Years. Could also be named: “How to tick off your Neighbor’s”, but I thought that might not be as good of title. (In the famous words of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, of NCIS: “Ya think?”)

Technorati Tags: Anatolian Shepherd,Livestock Protection Dog,Guardian Protection Dog,Dangerous Dog,Potentially Dangerous Dog,Goats,Family

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

16 Years Ago Today: I was enjoying a day at the beach at Porcupine Bay, and decided to go into labor two weeks early. I gave birth to a healthy, beautiful, wonderful baby girl. So today we celebrate her birth. Happy Birthday Oldest Sweetheart! You are one of the greatest experiences God has ever given me. And I am VERY proud of the woman you are becoming.

2010-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sweet & Hot Pickles - Canned

2010-07-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

I really want to make some of these this year, but I want to can them for during the winter. This is the only recipe, with pictures and instructions that I found. Maybe there are more, but once discovered, why go on?

Sweet & Hot Pickles from "Mommy's Kitchen."

Carla's Breakfast Sandwiches

2010-07-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Carla's Breakfast Sandwiches

My husband leaves for work early, and I don't like him stopping at the grocery store for donuts every day. He's not fat, but it doesn't seem very caring of me to let him go off without something thought out for him. So I make these and keep them in the freezer. Then I just have to get up, and microwave one. Hand it to him, with a paper towel to wipe his hands and mouth. Add a kiss, a look, and an "I love you." And he gets the idea that I appreciate him for his hard work. I like that, and that's why I make these. Laugh at me all you want for being sappy, but I do love that man!

English Muffins
pre-cooked sausage patties
Scrambled eggs **
Sharp Cheddar cheese slices

Directions
1. Scramble eggs **
2. Lightly pre-toast English muffins

Assembly:
Layer sausage patty, egg, and cheese on a English muffin half. Top with remaining English muffin half. Wrap in foil. Freeze inside freezer bag.

Serving Day:
Thaw. Because they are already pre-cooked, you just need to warm them up.

Option 1: Keep in foil and put on a cookie sheet and warm in oven.

Option 2: Remove foil and warm up in microwave. It doesn't take long, maybe 20-30 sec. depending on your microwave.

** We make our own scrambled eggs: Break a dozen eggs into a greased 13X9 pan. Scramble and place in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 - 12 minutes. Let stand until cooled. Cut into 12 squares. Ready for assembly. You could buy the pre-cooked ones at the store, but they are more expensive.

~ I'll post pictures when we find the cord to the battery charger :-)

ConsignmentMommies

2010-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

21 Things You Should Never Buy New - ConsignmentMommies edition

Easy Peasant Bread

2010-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

So I was looking through the internet one day (today) and found a new blog that I just LOVE! So I'm gonna feature it on mine! It's from: Real Mom Kitchen, and you now get a linky thingy on the sidebar of Cottonpickinfarm, so it's easier to find. Cause, you know, it's all about YOU!

Here is my first re-post of one of their recipes. I hope you like it!

Easy Peasant Bread

I didn't ask her permission to use her pictures, and I don't want to use bad manners, so...

I think this is gonna be on our menu tonight, with some semi-homemade beans and wennies, and a salad!

companion planting gardening plants

2010-03-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

companion planting gardening plants

Tomato companion plants corn beans carrots lettuce peppers

2010-03-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

tomato companion plants corn beans carrots lettuce peppers

Facebook | Veggie Gardening Tips: A Chicken Tractor in Every Backyard Garden

2010-02-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

This is a really good website for gardening. Giving credit where credit is due:
Veggie Gardening Tips. All links go to them.

Facebook Veggie Gardening Tips: A Chicken Tractor in Every Backyard Garden

Ice Cream Before Dinner: Individual Mini Coffee Cakes

2010-01-28T12:59:00.001-08:00

I am on the look out for individual and “not the norm” breakfast ideas. Glenn gets up at 4:55 am and leaves the house before 5:30 am to catch the bus at the park and ride and travel across town to work. I want him to have some good food to “break his fast,” but I’m afraid I’m not in love with cooking breakfast at that time of morning. I haven’t had enough coffee, yet. I’d rather prepare ahead of time. Pulling it out of the freezer the night before and putting it in the frig… yeah, that sounds about right. Anyway, here is an idea from another blog… drum roll… “Ice Cream Before Dinner.”

Technorati Tags: Breakfast,Freezer

Is it Spring, yet:

2010-01-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hanging Rack Upscale Family Consignment Sale is now accepting consignors for the upcoming 2010 Spring/Summer sale. March 25 - 27 (open to the public.) Don't miss this sale! It's a great way to bring in extra money and save as you shop. http://www.HangingRackSale.com/

We are a new, locally owned consignment event company, and we want you to consign with us! Register early to secure your spot, and start tagging! We have a new consignor incentive program, so check it out and earn more!

Spring
Summer
Prom
Wedding
Easter

Need to fundraise? We can help out with that too! (See our website)

Our consignors earn 70% (or more!) To encourage more shoppers: Admission is FREE!

Hanging Rack Upscale Family Consignment Sale has a wonderful location. We’ll be in a brand new event facility:

Le Monet Event Facility

6425 North Lidgerwood Street

Spokane, WA 99208

509-487-1645

(independently owned and operated)

We think this will be a perfect place to hold our sale; very tasteful, with plenty of paved parking.

Tell your friends! Tell your family! Tell a stranger! Shopping at Hanging Rack Upscale Family Consignment Sale is going to be a pleasure!

"Nordy Buns"

2010-01-23T17:26:00.001-08:00

Look at what my favorite food blog: Mennonite Girls Can Cook posted. I think they might be “Nordy Buns” from the book series: DragonKeepers, by Donita K. Paul. Oh, I can’t wait to try this recipe and share them with my kids. The two older ones have read these books, and I'm just starting to read them aloud to the two younger ones.

Honey Bran Buns

Technorati Tags: Bread,Recipes

Quincy, the dog, at one year old

2010-01-08T13:22:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post a picture of our Anatolian Shepherd at one year old.

Hanging Rack Family Consignment Sale, a huge family consignment sale debuts in Spokane County

2009-08-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

Hanging Rack Family Consignment Sale, a huge family consignment sale debuts in Spokane County

Shared via AddThis

One of the most amazing days, ever!

2009-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we had the pleasure of joining some friends at their lake property on Priest Lake. OMGoodness!

It was one of the most perfect days we've had in SOOOOOOOO long! Words can't express the pleasure we had, just swimming in moderately cold water and sitting on the edge of the water in adorondack chairs with beach umbrellas shading us. Sipping water. Nothing was high paced. The kids were busy having their own brand of fun in the water. Every one of them is fairly self-sufficient, so we didn't need to "help" them all the time, which left us to enjoy our day. Gosh I can't remember the last time we didn't have to stop to change a diaper, or give an over-needed nap.

My friends are such easy going people too. Pleasant to talk to, and share a day with. Wonderful! Extra, extra special Thank you to my friends for sharing their special place with us.

We shared dinner and came home sunburned, but we all said it was worth it. O.K. now I need to explain that each of us were sprayed thoroughly with a high factor sunscreen at least twice, but it really did no good for my oldest son. But it was not without trying. He is crispy. Poor guy.

We stopped at a little drive-in in the town of Priest Lake called, "Burger Express" and drank milkshakes on the way home.

Anyway, I just really wanted to share our most amazing day in a long time with all of you.

2009-06-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

I know! It's been a long time since I've posted anything. Summer finally hit, and I have been non-stop! O.K. it's only been officially summer for one day, but I always need to get a head start.

We just volunteered to help tear down another "Just Between Friends" Sale. We got our largest donation, ever! It took three mini vans, an SUV, a Toyota pickup, and a flat bed truck we rented from Home Depot, to pick it all up. We didn't get home until after midnight last night. Thank you to all the wonderful people who donated their unsold items! And thank you to Tyona at "Just Between Friends," for continuously inviting our non-profit, "A Hope and A Future" to receive the donated items.

VBS started at 8:00 a.m. today. Plus, I've got my own "Secret Project" going on (... are you listening Ty?)I'll tell you more about it, as soon as I can. My husband has me on a "gag order" for right now.

My friend over at Triple the Blessings blogged about wanting a bike. She's got a link to an incredible bike from Madsen Cylces and they are having a contest in July! So stay tuned. I'll put a link on in July on how to possibly win one of their bikes! Heck, I'd like to win!

Parker Made This!

2009-05-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Go to YouTube and leave a comment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8zLzz8l-4g

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Season 7

2009-05-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

New episodes return this fall on ABC!
Sundays 8/7c

“GOOD MORNING, MCFARLAND FAMILY!”

2009-05-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Two Hour Season (6) Finale
McFarland Family
Indianapolis, Indiana

I can sum this episode up in one statement! OMGoodness!

Bernard McFarland became a single dad of three boys, when he was just 23 years old. He is involved both as a father, and as a mentor for disadvantaged children.

He is very well read and despite his circumstances, he thinks BIG! His motto is: “Knowledge, Discipline, Books” and with that motto he started “Packhouse 2000” to mentor the kids in his neighborhood.

The thing that really stands out is that Bernard is willing to sacrifice for his kids and his neighborhood. He is amazing to listen to. He said he’d had a teacher in school, that when she read you were transported to that place. He grew up to become a history teacher. I was listening to Bernard, and I got a little caught up in his eloquence of speech.

He is devoted to his neighborhood. He lives in the same neighborhood that he grew up in. But while he has advanced, the neighborhood has declined.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition sent the McFarland Family on a trip to Paris, France! They visited the Louvre Museum.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition came in and helped out not only him, but his neighbors as well. They did an “Extreme Makeover Community Edition!” They tore down several houses that had been condemned by the city. They planted 1000 trees for beautification and cleaner air quality.

They helped out Miss Evan’s (an 87 year old neighbor) with repairing and replacing her sidewalk, and building a new ramp for her house.

They repainted and landscaped neighbor, Mark Smith’s house.

They repaired and repainted, neighbor Dorian Malone’s house where hail had severely damaged it.

They built a new basketball court in the McFarland’s back yard, both for the family and the neighborhood kids. They installed a wind turbine in the backyard. On a windy day, it could provide for up to half of the power for the family. Pretty cool!

In addition to the house that was built for the McFarland Family, EMHE built them a library on site, for the neighborhood. It also serves as the new headquarters for Packhouse 2000. Previously, Bernard operated Packhouse 2000 out of the McFarland home.

The Indiana Pacers donated 50 basketball’s and 4 season tickets (presumably for the McFarland Family themselves); they also provided some autographed personal items for the auction.

Butler University provided all three of the McFarland boy’s full ride scholarships (if they meet grade and entrance requirements.) I have a lot of confidence they will just fine, considering their father is right there to support and encourage them. That was very generous of Butler University!
Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s partner, Sears, paid off the McFarland Families mortgage!

Their other partner, Ford Motor Company, provided a brand new 2010 Ford Taurus to the family and a brand new 2010 E350 Passenger Van for Packhouse 2000, complete with detailing.

EMHE held a fundraiser for Packhouse 2000 at Lucas Oil Stadium. They held an auction to raise funds and awareness for this organization.

Family and Interests:
Bernard McFarland, Dad
Dominic (15 yrs): Wants to go into Video Broadcasting
Courtney (14 yrs): Golfing and Business.
Curtis: Drums and Piano

Design Team:
Ty Pennington – Team Leader
Michael Maloney – Interior Design
Paige Hemmis
Paul DeMeo
Ed Saunders

Our Anatolian Shepherd - Quincy, and mourning

2009-05-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today we are mourning the loss of our beautiful, sweet, mixed breed puppy, Pepper.

This past Wednesday, Pepper was involved in an accident that broke her leg. We took her to the vet hospital, and on Thursday had to make a very hard decision. To have her broken leg amputated. The vet thought that it would be the best choice under the circumstances. We left very sad, but convinced. We decided to have her spade at the same time.

This evening, we received a phone call that devistated us. While undergoing surgery, a routine shot was administered, and it caused our otherwise healthy puppy to pass away. The doctor assured us there was nothing we could have done differently, but it still feels like we did something wrong. Anyway, our lives were forever changed by the addition of this sweet life in ours. And we will miss her terribly for a long, long time. Goodbye, sweet baby.

This past February we completed a dream. Or started one. I'm not sure how to quantify that.

We were finally able to find an affordable Anatolian Shepherd for our property. Anatolian Shepherd's are relatively new to the United States and AKC has just recently acknowledged them as a registerable breed. Our's is not papered.

We've started the process of gathering cinder blocks off of craigslist to attempt to build a nice, warm, dry kennel.

Now this is for our peace of mind, because the Anatolian Shepherd could care less if it is nasty outside. They are a rugged dog, bred to protect their "flock," whatever that flock is (sheep, horses, cows, chickens, children, other dogs.) You have to take a lot of extra time with them in order to socialize them properly if you want them to be around other people. We do.

From AKC:
"Temperament
Alert and intelligent, calm and observant. Instinctively protective, he is courageous and highly adaptable. He is very loyal and responsive. Highly territorial, he is a natural guard. Reserve around strangers and off its territory is acceptable. Responsiveness with animation is not characteristic of the breed. Overhandling would be discouraged."

Anyway, here is a picture of our Anatolian Shepherd, Quincy. She is only six months old.

HAPPY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY!

2009-05-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, in addition to being my birthday, May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Day! So to celebrate I am going to post a really yummy Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Brownie Recipe that my daughter is making me for my birthday! Well I think you should make these at your house. And, sing Happy Birthday to me! Remember the candles! And hats... and streamers! Oh, and a banner!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP BROWNIES

1 c. butter, melted
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 c. all-purpose flour
2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Chocolate Chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts (opt.)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease square pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. In large mixing bowl blend melted butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, using spoon, beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually blend into egg mixture. Stir in Chocolate Chips and nuts, if desired. Spread into prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool.

About 32 brownies.

EMHE: Two Hour Season Finale!!

2009-05-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

McFarland Family
Ty and the gang travel to Indianapolis, IN, to help a single father of three who started a program that empowered his community's children with books and knowledge.

Aphids and homemade insecticidal soap

2009-05-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful article on Aphid and homemade insecticidal soap on one of my favorite blogs: TennZen: Enlightenment Southern Style.

Now she is several months along in her gardening since she is blogging from Tennessee, however, that's all right with me, since it gives me advanced insight. (I do better with non-emergencies, how about you?) Anyway, be sure to read her second posting about how well her homemade insecticidal soap worked. You can find it at: Results of using homemade insecticidal soap and price comparison.

Old Pictures

2009-05-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I've been away the past day or so scanning old pictures at my grand-mother's apartment. This seemed like a good time to do it since she is away on a trip to the Grand Canyon. We started with the "wall" pictures, cause we had to take them out of the frames, and it would take the longest. My son, Parker, my uncle, and my sister and I worked like crazy, yesterday. We should complete the "wall" pictures today. They include some of my grandfather when he was a child. I am so glad to be getting at this project. It's been a long time coming. I may bring home some of the older albums to scan some of the pictures in at home. Parker and I can handle them by ourselves, cause there is no frame to replace them into. The picture above is of my mom and dad's wedding, February 19, 1959. The other one is of Glenn and my wedding, May 2, 1992.

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mother's (and Grandmother's) out there. Without you, we wouldn't be the children, and grandchildren we are. We will remember to sit up straight, keep our elbow's off the table and smile at every new person we meet.

SPECIAL REQUEST FROM KELLEE

2009-05-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Kellee Spangenberg, and I serve on the board of A Hope and A Future. I just completed and mailed to ABC TV the Application for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" for The Glenn and Carla Grytdal Family! Wouldn’t it be great to have a Spokane area person win an Extreme Makeover? How about one that was a foster parent, is an adoptive parent (x2), and started a non-profit organization for foster and adoptive families?

Thousands of applications for Extreme Makeover Home Edition are received each month, with only a handful selected. Want to help us get noticed by the producers??

How about sending a follow-up letter to the application stating why you think The Grytdal family deserves this - or what the Donation Station has meant to you. Or you may want to send a postcard simply stating something like this on the back: "Please Consider The Grytdal Family for a Home Makeover!" Or just send an empty envelope with these same words written large and at an angle to the left of the address you see below. (Don’t forget the stamp!) Hopefully if they hear from enough of us, they will give The Grytdal Family and A Hope and A Future serious consideration!

Please share this idea with others who know them - the more letters they receive the better chance we have of being noticed!

The address for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is:

Lock & Key Productions
c/o Family Casting
P.O. Box 38670
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Cerda Family - May 10, Sun 8/7c

2009-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ty and the gang travel to Las Vegas, NV to rebuild the Cerda's home which is threatening the lives of their two daughters.

2009-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

May Donation Station
Friday, May 1, 2009
11 am – 1:30 pm

We will hold Donation Station at: Five Mile Prairie Grange 3024 West Strong Road Spokane.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO FIVE MILE PRAIRIE GRANGE
Start out going WEST on WA-291/ W FRANCIS AVE. Turn RIGHT onto N MAPLE ST. Turn LEFT onto W FIVE MILE RD. Drive approximately 1.9 miles. Turn LEFT onto W STRONG RD. Five Mile Prairie Grange is the first bright yellow building on the right.
The Address is: Five Mile Prairie Grange, 3024 W Strong Rd, Spokane, WA 99208-4983 just in case you need to Mapquest it from your specific address.

We have our donations from the Just Between Friends sale in Spokane, and all I can say is – WOW! We received some really great items! And we have something very special planned for our May Donation Station. At the end of the sale, we were the lucky recipients of several larger items, and we have decided to make those our door prize items. Each family that attends Donation Station will receive one raffle ticket. You can then choose which item you want to try and take home. Put your ticket in that bucket, and at 1:30 we will draw our winners. You don’t need to be present to win – you’ll put your name and phone number on your ticket. We have a double stroller system, baby swing, Leap Frog Train, Crib w/mattress, changing table, bike and a few others in the raffle. So be sure to attend our May Donation Station! Every family that attends has a chance to win!

Just Between Friends is having another one of their great sales in North Idaho at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on May 30-31. We will need volunteers to help us at the end of that event (tear down). We are the very lucky recipients of the donated clothing and children’s items that do not sell at the event. Please help us thank Just Between Friends by volunteering to work at the event. You can check them out and sign up to volunteer (make sure you note that you are volunteering on behalf of AHAF/Donation Station) by clicking on this link: http://nidaho.jbfsale.com/

Of course, we will also have our Gift in Kind items, and we have added a few more stores to our list, so we hope to have some really great items for you.

THANK YOU to all who volunteer to make Donation Station such a success!! Thank you so much for such great volunteers! We truly appreciate you.

We are always in need of volunteers to help us put out items and pack up at the end. We especially need volunteers from the 1 pm to 2:30 pm time frame. If you can come early to help set-up (between 9:30 and 10:45 am) or stay late to help tear down (between 1:30 and 2:30) it would be greatly appreciated. Please RSVP for volunteering to Dru Powers at dru.powers@juno.com. We certainly love and appreciate all our volunteers!! Remember, we have a potluck lunch for all our volunteers, and we also provide childcare to our volunteers. And we found out that the oven in the kitchen is not working, so please don’t bring anything for the potluck that would require oven use.

A Hope and a Future now has a blog! This will be a great place for you to get updates about what is going on with us – please come visit us and bookmark us! www.ahaf.blogspot.com

For security reasons and to uphold confidentially, The Donation Station is available solely to Foster and Adoptive families. Please only take items which may be used in your immediate family.

A Hope and A Future is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We operate solely on donations and in-kind gifts from individuals, businesses, churches, & the surrounding communities. Donations are tax-deductible.

If you no longer wish to receive this e-mail, please respond to carla@ahopeandafuture.net.

We look forward to seeing you next Friday!

Donation Station Committee

Cooper Family

2009-04-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Cooper Family
May 3, Sun 8/7c
Ty and the gang travel to Martin County, NC, to honor a decorated disabled Veteran who has worked with congress to improve Veterans' benefits.

The Jordan Family – Aired April 24, 2009

2009-04-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Jordan Family
Montgomery, AL

Brady Jordan, Dad

Monica Jordan, Mom

Brittany (Age 23) – Daughter. Wants to be a pediatrician

Miles (Age 15) – Son/Grandson. Wants to be a professional basketball player, but has a backup plan to become an engineer. Miles’ mother was killed by her fiancée, during domestic violence. He then turned the gun on himself.

Shaun (Age 14) Daughter/Granddaughter. She is interested in poetry.

Tay Tay (Age 11) Son/Grandson. He is interested in Earth Science. Tay Tay was only 5-yrs old when his father, William, was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Shaun and Tay Tay are brother and sister.

Brady and Monica Jordan had three children. They had raised them, and each were becoming successful in their own right.

Their oldest daughter joined the military in order to afford college, and was going off to boot camp shortly. She wanted to become a lawyer, and practice law with her mother as a partner. Then tragedy struck. No one knows exactly why, but her fiancé took her off to “talk” to her, and shot and killed her instead. He then called the police to confess, and shot and killed himself. This left a small child, Miles, without his mother.

The Jordan’s also had an older son, named William. William had two children: Shaun and Tay Tay. One night, William was killed in a car crash, caused by a drunk driver.

Instead of just letting someone else be responsible for their grandchildren, Monica and Brady welcomed them into their lives, and gave them a healthy and stable home. These children will grow up with values that they might not otherwise have because of the influences of their grandparents. They are growing up calling their grandparents “mom and dad.” Under these circumstances, that is such a healthy thing. I thought this was such a special family, because they were so committed to each other. They remind me of my own family.

My father died, at age 34, from lung cancer. I was only 9 years old. My grandparents took us into their home for a whole year. We lived with them, while my mother settled things. Then, they continued to help out for the rest of our childhood, young adult and adult lives. It’s interesting: They were retired. They were on a fixed income. They had their retirement years planned. And yet, they were there to help us within hours of my father’s death, even though they lived on the other side of the state. They put aside their "plans" and made our lives part of theirs. I’ve asked my grandmother about this, and her answer was, “We never thought about it. It was just the only thing to do. We are a family.”

I believe the Jordan Family is that kind of family. It was the only option. They are a family. I love that Extreme Makeover Home Edition helped out this family.

Design Team:
Ty Pennington – Brady and Monica’s Master Bedroom. Special Project: Unique “Helping Hands” Photos all around the room, inspired by Monica grasping Ty’s hand when she first met him, and not letting go.
Paul DiMeo – Miles “Basketball” room and Tay Tay’s “Earth Science” room
Tracy Hutson – Brittany’s “Study and Medical” room and Shaun’s “Poetry” Room
Eduardo Xol – House and Landscape Design.

Monica speaks out against domestic violence and drunk driving. She is very active with speaking engagements at churches and schools. She makes a difference in her community.

M.A.D.D. (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) and Tracy Hutson did an exhibit of crashed cars in front of Biscuit (Riverwalk) Stadium for William.

Paul DiMeo helped with an exhibit of cut out portraits of victims of domestic violence at the campus of Auburn University, Montgomery, AL.

Auburn University, gave Monica and each of her children a full scholarship to get her law degree, and for them to go on to college.

The Home Builders paid off the Jordan family’s mortgage, so that they would not have to worry about that. (Pretty cool!)

This all helps ensure that this family will have a hopeful future.

“When you choose to get into a car and drive, after you drink. That is an act of violence. When you choose to take the life of another, in any fashion. That is an act of violence.
I will continue to speak out against acts of violence.” Monica Jordan

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

2009-04-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is about all we accomplished today. That's good enough for me!

Pinto's and Salsa Cassarole

2009-04-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is my kinda cookin! Just by guess and by golly!

I took a whole lotta dried pinto beans and put them in a crockpot with about three times the water. (Just remember that the beans will more than double in size, so don't overfill.) I started them in the morning, without pre-soaking, on high and they were done in time to make this for dinner.

Once they were done, I put a bunch of them into an 9 X 9 inch pan, added a large jar of salsa (Black Beans and Corn, but that doesn't matter much.) Added about 1/4 lb. (by sight) of cooked hamburger with onion, and stirred it all up.

Put it into the microwave to heat it through, and served it with Tortilla shells. Some wanted it rolled up like a burrito, some wanted the tortillas on the side.

Served it with leftover potato salad from the night before.

I am pretty sure that tomatoes, lettuce, avacado, and extra onions would be good too, but we were super hungry and in a hurry, so we ate our plain.

North Idaho Spring Sales Event

2009-04-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

North Idaho Spring Sales Event

May 30,31 2009

Kootenai County Fairgrounds

Sale Hours
Saturday 8am-4pm $2 admission
Sunday 8am-2pm FREE admission and
HALF PRICE SALE

Consignor and volunteer sign ups are
NOW OPEN!

Click here to upload our spring sales flyer

Click here to watch our feature story on
Good Morning America!

Once you discover Just Between Friends, it will be an event you will never miss again! Idaho's best place to find the area's top quality clothing, cribs, strollers, swings, toys & more! Everything you need from maternity, babies and kids! Prices are 50%-90% off retail! What a great way to clean out your closets and earn money. One gigantic place to buy and sell --twice a year!

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
TO THE KOOTENAI COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Spokane Just Between Friends Spring 2009 Sale!

2009-04-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

1Spokane's Largest Semi-Annual Children's Consignment Sales Event

Just Between Friends

Spokane Spring Sales Event

April 17,18,19 2009

Spokane Fair & Expo Center

Sale Hours

Friday 9am-8pm $3 admission

Saturday 9am-4pm $3 admission

Sunday 8am-2pm FREE admission and HALF PRICE SALE

Consignor and Volunteer

sign ups are NOW OPEN!

For complete information, go to their website: http://spokane.jbfsale.com/

Meatballs-70s Style

2009-04-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

This recipe (just click on the title) comes from Retro-Food.com. I've used this same recipe for many years. Well O.K. now that I think about it... since sometime in the later part of the 70's! I Usually make about 144 meatballs at a time. Why 144? Because it seems that when you use 5 lbs of hamburger and adjust the other ingredients accordingly, you get 144 meatballs, almost every time! Huh! Who'd have guessed it?

Freeze them in ziplock bags, and they are the greatest for my DH, who only likes hamburger. He just wants them heated up, with some kind of sauce with them. Or, you can pull them out, heat em up, and put in sandwiches, or (here's a thought) Spaghetti! I am brilliant, don't you think?

Another tip is that you can just pat these out onto the jelly roll pan, and cut em with your pizza cutter, and bake the same way. I suppose you get "meatsquares" that way, but they are just a little bit quicker. (Mostly I make meatballs, cause I'm a traditionalist when it comes to my meatballs.)

2009-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

EMHE The Kadzis Family - Aired Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009

2009-04-16T12:53:00.001-07:00

I’ve got to get this posted. I can hardly think straight. I can hardly see through the tears! I am not all right. It’s taken me so long to post this because I can’t stop crying. Every time I begin to write, I start crying again. Ben had to be on my lap during the whole two hour show. It impacted us in such a strong way.

I think this one touched me so deeply because of the death of both of my parents to cancer. Dad in 1970 of Lung cancer, and mom in 1987 from complications from breast cancer. I don’t think you ever “get over” something like that. I think you just “get through” it. It impacts you for the rest of your life, hopefully not as severely as in the beginning. (Crying... need to stop for a minute.)

Dr. George Kadzis (Dentist) fought and won the battle with brain tumors in 2005. He now has stage 4 brain cancer and he is not going to get better. He knew his family would be fine because they have each other, but their house was too small for the family of 9! (I can relate!) One of the children (Martin) slept on the couch in the living room.

George wanted his family to have a safe secure home. That would give him peace, knowing that he would be leaving Barbara to raise the children. (Crying again. I can’t seem to get through this.)

The night before the ABC EMHE Design Team came, George was hospitalized. The swelling in his brain was just too much. He was experiencing (hopefully temporary) blindness, plus additional symptoms that were not really discussed.

The Kadzis family adopted six children from Chinese orphanages, five of them with special needs. Most of these children are considered “unadoptable” due to their special conditions. I have been told that in China, these children are considered “Unlucky” and Chinese people will not (I have to put in: in most cases.) adopt them. When they go home to be with their new family’s, then they are considered “Lucky.” The Kadzis family sought after these children, to give them a home and a family. What a special heart for children!

How the design team treated each of these children is especially noteworthy. Michael Maloney took the time to guide Melody’s hand down the length of the stretch limo, while he described it, so she could really know and experience what the family was leaving for vacation in.

Paige Hemmis tried learning some sign language as she was getting to know Aileen and Julia. Paige took pictures in the sand outside their vacation home, for their ocean/stars room. These girls had the cutest bumper sticker: "Made in China, Loved in the USA"

ABC and Extreme Makeover Home Edition Design Team gave this unique family a distinctive local vacation so that Barbara could be close to George in the hospital. EMHE rented them a beautiful beach vacation home right there in Tallahassee, FL.

Kadzis Family:

George (Dad). Loving, Devoted husband and father.

Barbara (Mom). A very strong wife and mother. You know this family will be all right, but you just want, so much, for her long-time friend, confidant and husband to be all right too. For Barbara's sake.

Chris (Age 16) Boy. Very understated, intuitive son. Music themed room

Aileen (Age 15) Girl. Beautifully articulate and helps her sister speak via sign language. Beach room shared with sister Julia.

Melody (Age 14) Girl. Blind at birth. Definitley understated. She was adopted at an older age, and had never lived in a family before. George and Barbara felt that she had the most difficult time with the old house. We all got the impression that this teenaged child had a lot to say. She just wanted a bookshelf to hold her partial Braille Holy Bible, which looked to be home-bound.

Julia (Age 13). Girl. Deaf. In China, she could not receive the education she needed to learn to talk. Here she is learning, and thriving. Her sister Aileen helps her out a lot. She wanted a room with stars.

Martin (Age 10) Boy. Missing several bones in his arms at birth. Ever since he came to the U.S. he has been obsessed with American Trains. Received a specially designed Caboose bed with a trundle that held a model train.

Phoenix (Age 9) Girl. She was the first Kadzis family adoption. She was born with a cleft palate, and required several surgeries, first in China, then in the U.S. Phoenix begged her mom and dad for a little sister, and they adopted Celeste!

Celeste (Age 6) Girl. She was also born with a cleft palate, and required several surgeries. Phoenix and Celeste both want to be teachers. Celeste wants to be an art teacher. The Design Team gave them a school bedroom.

The Tallahassee, FL community came together and made “Welcome Home” and “Get Well” cards for George and Barbara. Barbara took the “Get Well” cards to the hospital for George to enjoy. (Crying, again!) The love and mutual respect of these two was so apparent.

They are a very musically talented family. Barbara and George said that when the children would initially come home from China, they couldn’t communicate except that music was a universal language. Michael designed a music room with a baby grand piano, and made a unique art piece out of retired musical instruments above it.

I really think Ty Pennington connected with this family; offering hugs and stability at the appropriate times to Barbara. He was so respectful to especially when it came to George. The camera’s were not invited into the hospital room, and Ty was very reverent of that. (Crying yet again. I told you, I am a mess!) You kind of saw everything through a haze. I am so glad for that, because in the future, these children may want to watch the video of this episode, and they won’t have to be reminded of George’s last few days.

The family signed “Bus driver, move that bus!” together. That was so beautiful! Visually, practically and sentimentally.

So let me tell you, that Melody, the understated teenage girl that was blind since birth, was so much fun to watch when she got to “see” her room! The designers of the Kadzis home gave her a 3/16’ scale model of their new 3600 square foot, single level home, in order to help her make a “mind map” of it. This should help her to be independent much quicker, because it is so hard for people who are blind to function in new surroundings. Her room came with a new specialized computer system with a scanner, and a braille reader so she can “read” books that are not available in braille yet.

Melody received the Complete Hard Bound Edition of The Holy Bible, written in Braille. How absolutely fabulous, because this meant so much to Melody! I love that part of EMHE... they try so hard to make everything so individually special.

The EMHE Design Team gave her a scanner system in the kitchen that reads bar coded labels. This helps her be more independent in the kitchen. She will be able to choose her own snacks, and I would imagine be able to eventually help out with the cooking.

The Design Team for this episode:

Ty Pennington - George and Barbara’s master bedroom, and bathroom (I think it was handicapped accessible, but you couldn’t really tell that.) Designed to help with George’s recovery.

Paige Hemmis - matched with Aileen, Julia, Phoenix, and Celeste. She took all the girls!

Michael Maloney - Interior design of the house, and Chris’ musical bedroom.

John Littleton - matched with Martin, designed the Caboose bed, and train trundle, with an amazing Train mural, and individualized work/study desk.

And finally, as a special gift to the Kadzis Family; EMHE brought in Stevie Wonder. Mr. Wonder sang a specially adjusted version of “I Just Called To Say I Love You.” Specially adjusted to reflect the Kadzis Family. It was so touching. He is such an amazing musician, and an positive representation for special needs people. (Crying, yes again.)

George Kadzis did not get to come home to his new home. He passed away three days after the Family moved in to the new home.

My deepest sympathy to Barbara Kadzis. Your love for George is a testament to all of us. I am so happy that ABC and EMHE came to help you, and that George was able to know that prior to his passing.

George Kadzis (1952 - 2009)

Southwestern Coleslaw

2009-04-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't made this, but it looks like something that I'd like, and it would go great with the Pinto and Beans Dinner. Think I'm gonna have to try this.

Plus, with summertime coming up there is less chance of getting "the gift that keeps on giving" because there is no mayonnaise in the recipe.

Well we'll go swimmin' every day

No time to work just time to play

If your folks complain just say,

"It's summertime"

And every night we'll have a dance

Cause what's a vacation without romance

Oh man this jive gets me in a trance

Because it's summertime

Easy Mexican Rice

2009-04-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Easy Mexican Rice

1 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil 
1 1/2 cup long grain rice 
3 3/4 cups cold water 
3 teaspoons salt 
3 teaspoons garlic powder 
1 cup of tomato sauce
2 strong shakes of hot sauce

In a skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add rice and cook until lightly browned. Add water and remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until rice is tender.
Serves 6

Pinto’s and Cheese

2009-04-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Pinto’s and Cheese
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can refried beans
1 Tbl. Taco Seasoning (or whatever mexican seasoning you have)
1 can mild enchilada sauce
2 cups Cheese, shredded, divided

Take can of Pinto Beans, put into a 2 quart casserole. Mash with a potato masher. Add about 2/3 can of Enchilada Sauce. Sprinkle on Taco Seasoning and mix well. Add Pinto Beans and 1 cup cheese. Mix well and smooth out Bake in 350 oven for about 25 minutes. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over top, then top with the rest of the cheese. Put back into oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese melts completely. Serve with Tortilla’s.

Yield: 6 servings

Optional: Riverwalk Guacamole, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Fresh Onions, Shredded Lettuce, Sour Cream, Avocado Slices, Tortilla Chips, Mexican Rice

Can also be heated in microwave instead of the oven.

WARNING: Riverwalk Guacamole is from over at "Mennonite girls can cook blog." These ladys can really cook up a storm. RSS Feed worthy stuff. I've gotta tell you that this guacamole is fabulous, and it doesn't need anything else with it. (No, I'm not kidding.) Just get out your spoon, sit down with a nice glass of limeade and scoop it up! (Well, if you must you can use Tortilla chips.)

Menu Plan Monday 4/13 - 4/19, 2009

2009-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Menu Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie. I have been so bad about planning lately, but we have put ourselves on a budget and I need to get back on board making sure we stick to it!

Monday
Breakfast - Toast, Homemade Applesauce, Milk
Lunch - Ramen Noodles,
Dinner - Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches

Tuesday
Breakfast - Banana Bread, Milk, Apple Slices
Lunch - Egg Salad Sandwiches (or crackers),
Dinner - Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes, Peas

Wednesday
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, Toast
Lunch - Cheese Quesadillas,
Dinner - Burritos, Green Beans

Thursday
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/Maple and Brown Sugar, Toast
Lunch - PB&J Sandwiches,
Dinner - Chili over spaghetti noodles with Cheese, Cornbread Muffins, Home Canned Cherries

Friday
Breakfast - Swiss Muesli
Lunch - Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks
Dinner - Hearty Tater Tot Casserole, Home-canned Cherries

Saturday
Breakfast - French Toast,
Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Homemade Tomato   soup with Crackers,
Dinner - Mexican Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza,

Sunday
Breakfast - Fried Eggs, Toast, Applesauce
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner- Leftovers

HE is Risen!

2009-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

HE is Risen Indeed!

The Nickless Family (Re-aired)

2009-04-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Tim Nickless was a nurse working in Critical Intensive Care Unit of a Lansing, MI. He also taught Advanced Cardiac Life Support at Lansing Community College. Tim contracted Hepatitis C, which he battled for seven years. Tim passed away January 18, 2008 leaving a wife, Arlene and three sons: Aaron (age 11), Noah (age 9), Andrew (age 7).

Arlene and Tim lived in a 148 year old home that Tim was restoring, but it was in really bad condition. Tim told Arlene that if anything happened to him, “Let go of the house, it’ll take you down.” But they were stuck. Arlene Nickless couldn’t sell the house for what they had invested in it.

Tim had a workshop in the basement of the house, and he made beautiful hand-turned bowls, and worked on the house. He was teaching his sons to make things with the tools, and they were continuing on after his death.

There is a place that the boys could go, called “Ellie’s Place” that helps the boys with their grief. Michael and Paige went there and asked the kids to help them out on Noah’s room.

I could have used a place like Ellie’s Place when my dad died. I was 9 years old, like Noah, when my dad passed away from lung cancer. I had a really hard time working through the grief. It would have nice to have had other kids to talk to who had gone through something similar. I remember the time another child asked me: “What’s it like not to have a dad?” I responded: “What’s it like to have one?”

Design Team

- Ty Pennington created a unique master bedroom for Arlene Nickless (mom) that included a headboard with vases of yellow roses (very special to Arlene because Tim used to give her rose bushes) and a special master bed with hand-turned legs.

- Paige Hemmis created an electronics room with a “secret” room for Aaron Nickless (age 11)

- Michael Maloney- created building blocks room with a star-ship bed for Noah Nickless (age 9.) It was based on an idea from Noah himself.

- Rib Hillis created an Airplane room for Andrew Nickless (age 7) which had a handcrafted bed made to look like a propeller airplane.

Ed Sanders - Finished the clubhouse that Tim Nickless had started. He included a piece of wood that Tim had written on: “Aaron, Noah, Andrew I love you, Dad” Ed made it into a plaque for the clubhouse. The really neat thing was that it was a complete surprise to the boys. They had never seen it before.

The Nickless family was sent on a vacation to DisneyWorld. Pretty cool!

Lansing Community College and University of Michigan gave the Nickless boys a grant for a total of four years of college.

They were given a brand new 2009 Ford Flex seven passenger vehicle that had a special detailing of airplanes on the roof.
Their brand new garage was a mixture of old and new. Old tools from Tim, and brand new Craftsman tools from Sears

The grand finale was the airplane that flew overhead and read: “Welcome Home Nickless Family!” That was so cool.

This episode originally aired in November of 2008.

Next week is the Kadzis Family (a 2-hour special!)

April 2009 Families Served

2009-04-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am having problems with the battery for my old MAC Powerbook, so I can't make this look right for a little while (until the new one comes.)

April 3, 2009 Donation Station
# Families Served: 37 (not too bad for Spring Break week)
# in Family's: 177
#Female Children: 55
# Male Children: 52

We also culled out all the older clothes and donated them to another non-profit organzation. We will receive new donations from the Just Between Friends Sale, held April 16, 17, 18th!
Great job everyone!

The Almquist Family - "Forever Wild"

2009-03-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last night EMHE was about a family in Phelan, CA that helps out a lot of abandoned and abused exotic animals through their exotic animal sanctuary, "Forever Wild." Kind of like our local "Cat Tales." These are animals that someone decided was a cute and cuddly baby, but then didn't want any more when that baby grew up to be an unpredictable wild animal. Some of the large cats had been de-clawed, and it sounds like that is not very successful in big cats, because it seems that many of them had to have surgeries to correct serious problems from the original de-clawing. So sad. My heart goes out to any animal that is placed in a home and then abandoned. These animals can never be introduced into the wild, because they've been taken care of all their lives. The only thing that will happen is that they will go looking for someone to take care of them.

In addition to large cats, there were tortoises, horses, dogs, pigs, goats, a deer, a parrot of some kind, and many varieties of (poisonous) snakes.

The Almquist Family was running this learning facility to care for the animals, but their house was falling apart, and infested with mice. They were spending their own money to provide meat for the animals, and preparing it in their own kitchen. The Dad (Joel) had been recently laid off from his job.

EMHE built them a new home plus a really impressive new learning center, with a specialty kitchen for the animal food preparation, and housing for the animals, complete with play yard. They provided solar panels to offset 70% of the electricity needed to operate the facility. They were given 4-year college educations for their four children. A brand new Ford F150 truck that had a computer and printer built into it (That's so cool!)

EMHE sent them to Costa Rica on vacation (glorious warmth!), and the family was given the opportunity to work at another facility there helping build a bridge so that monkeys wouldn't get electrocuted on power lines or ran over by cars crossing the busy streets.

What an interesting family, and what an impressive build. It held my attention for two hours!

Number of Families served 2008/2009... so far!

2009-03-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

I just got through crunching numbers from "A Hope and A Future's Donation Station." Guess what? We've had the opportunity to serve 1835 people involved in foster and adoptive care since our season began September 2008!

Whoo Hoo! No wonder we're tired!

UPDATE: The EMHE application has been sent!

2009-03-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (March 10, 2009), I sent our application package off to ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It should arrive around 12:00 Noon today (originally, March 11, 209.)

I sent them:
- 4 mini DVD's full:
- Of our home
- A Hope and A Future's "Donation Station"
- Interview's with wonderful people that help support Donation Station
- Interview's with wonderful people that use Donation Station
- Interview with my beautiful 93-year old grandmother
- My interview

In addition I sent:
- Approximately 100 pictures
- The nearly 20 pages of application
- Oh, and a nice copy of our property via Google Earth (their newest was from 2003).

Boy I hope I got everything! I have fretted and fussed for over 4 weeks trying to coordinate everything. Gather the information. Wake up in the middle of the night, thinking of things I'd like to include, without telling them what to do. I have such complete confidence in this process. They are fully capable of asking us, if they need the information. The past 1-1/2 weeks was pretty intense!

It was hard work, but I am happy to do it. I was even happier to have it done. Now, I have to let it go. I still find myself, thinking of stuff I could have given them to make them want to PICK ME!

If we are chosen, at some point I won't be allowed to update this. It's against the rules, and makes it impossible to surprise you all. So don't expect that we can tell you "insider" information. If chosen, I'll be as quiet as a mouse.

What you can expect, if you know us, is that if we are chosen... just as soon as we are approved to, you'll be invited over to fully enjoy the blessing we will have been given.

Update From US Post Office:
Label/Receipt Number: EB99 5241 560U S
Associated Label/Receipt:
Detailed Results:

Delivered, March 11, 2009, 3:23 pm, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038
Notice Left, March 11, 2009, 10:29 am, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038
Arrival at Pick-Up-Point, March 11, 2009, 10:25 am, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038
Arrival at Pick-Up-Point, March 11, 2009, 10:12 am, LOS ANGELES, CA 90038
Arrival at Unit, March 11, 2009, 7:18 am, LOS ANGELES, CA 90009
Processed, March 10, 2009, 5:10 pm, SPOKANE, WA 99224
Acceptance, March 10, 2009, 4:00 pm, SPOKANE, WA 99205

Extreme Makeover Home Edition!

2009-03-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

I can't help thinking: Wouldn't it be awesome to have Ty Pennington, and The Design Team show up at my house yelling through a megaphone: “Good Morning, Grytdal Family! Glenn, Carla, Kolina, Parker, Ben and Molly! Wake up and come out here!” I can see myself and my family running out the front door, laughing, and crying. I’d hug each one of them. So glad to see them, so thankful they were here!

Every Sunday, for the past four years we’ve made sure we are ready precisely at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Pacific Time) I sit in my chair, lately with a quilt on cause it’s so cold outside. Sometimes with a six year old on my lap, because he can sense that mom might need to snuggle one of her children before the show’s done.

I can remember the stage, where Ben wanted me to make his hair “spicey, just like Ty’s!” I can’t tell you how many time’s I’ve cried pools of tears because the families were so wonderful, and so deserving. I have cried because the house was so perfect for the site and so perfect for the family. I’ve cried because some child would have a better life, because if it.

I can envision us showing our 1067 square foot home to Ty. Telling him the problems with our house, and why it doesn’t work for us, any more. I’d tell him why my fourteen year old daughter has no place to go to read at night, because her three year old sister will wake up if she goes in their bedroom to read. They share a 10'X10' room. The same situation is true of my thirteen and six year old sons. The older two have both been known to go outside to our mini van to read in peace. That's a lot more comfortable in the summer than it is right now!

I’d show him our small kitchen, which isn't big enough for a dinner table. There isn't a dining room. I'd explain that I love to invite people over, but I haven't had a place to put them for many years. I'd explain that my youngest son has a food allergy, and that I cook most of our food at home, because it is healthier for all of us, and much better for him. I love to provide locally grown food for my family.

I’d show him the mold on the bathroom ceiling, because the fan can’t keep up with six people showering/bathing. I'd show him the second bath tub, which we can't use because it has a crack in the bottom, and we can't afford to remove and replace it. The bathroom is so small, we'd have to replace the tub/shower with a shower stall, only. It's been storage for our extra stuff for at least four years.

I’d show him the places in our kitchen and our living room where the decorative molding is separating from the wall/ceiling due to settling of our house. I'd show him the sink in the kitchen, and how the facing is separating from the wall. And I’d show him how the house is set up on cinder blocks for a foundation.

How there are no sidewalks and no mud room, and why that is a bad thing with four children.

I would tell him why we had to give up our Washington State Foster Care license last September after six years, because there wasn’t any more bedrooms to put foster children in. How two of our four children were adopted from the Child Welfare System, and why I am so proud of them.

The Design Team would each choose one of my children to “get to know them” so they can design the perfect room for them. How do they do that? They get it right every time!

I’d love to tell them about the non-profit organization: “A Hope and A Future” which I am the (volunteer) Executive Director of, and which helps foster and adoptive families. I am one of three founders of this organization.

Foster and Adoptive families are some of the most giving people in our society. They give their time. They give their money. They give their homes, wisdom, and families. And they give their hearts.

A Hope and A Future is the only service organization in our area, available to encourage and help retain the entire foster and adoptive family in a tangible way. We provide new and gently-used clothing and household goods. We serve an average of between 55 and 75 families each month (over 300 people.) And we serve the entire family (biological, adoptive and foster.)

Right now we don’t have a building, or office of our own. My living room and bedroom are the office and file room. A well-used laptop (Mac PowerBook G4) was donated to us, and it has been an magnificent help for the past two years. An incredible donation of a brand new printer last year, was so helpful. The Five-Mile Prairie Grange is very generously allowing us the use of their facilities. At this time, and for the past five years, we have needed to transport all of our donated goods by U-Haul; set up; host “Donation Station;” and then tear down; and transport back to our rented storage unit; and store. All within approximately six hours. It takes about 25-30 volunteers to host "Donation Station" each month, and we are getting tired.

We could set up our free “store” permanently. Organizing the clothing by size, on hanging racks. We've gathered hanging racks, over the past several years and they are on the North side of our shop. The household goods could be organized on display racks and tables. We'd love to be able to serve foster and adoptive families better and more often. We could help out on an emergency basis, when a child shows up at a foster home at 2:00 a.m. without any clothes. When the police close down the meth house they live in, all their clothes and toys have to be destroyed. Some times all they have is the blanket they were given after the hazardous incident “shower.” D.C.F.S. simply does not have the storage available to provide the necessary clothing for all the children they help. We could provide pajamas, a clean stuffed animal, a few toys, and clothing for the next day. And then they could come back and we could provide them with more! We can always use new and gently-used pajamas, diapers, and clothing of all sizes, for all ages.

We could add so many additional services to area foster and adoptive families, if we could just have a place where we can set up permanently. I envision a lounge area for foster and adoptive parents to enjoy while waiting for children to finish visitations, physical therapies, psychological therapies, etc. “Coffee, Tea, or Soda?” A safe comfortable place, with a play room, and reading room to enjoy with their other children, not participating in court ordered services. I have a dream of a professional choir made up of foster children. One that tours to places they can only dream of, in order to raise awareness of America’s invisible children, of all races/ethnicities. Also office space.

Sunday night is the only night that Ben is allowed to stay up past bedtime. He loves the show so much, how could we prevent him from seeing people gathering together from all over America, giving of their time. Giving of their money; giving because it is the right thing to do for others; giving because it is truly better than receiving. Brought together by the awesome personalities of Ty Pennington, Michael Maloney, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders, Paul DiMeo, Tracy Hutson, Tanya McQueen, Rib Hillis, John Littlefield, Didiayer Snyder, and Eduardo Xol.

Remember the episode where Ed Sanders got his hand severely injured by a saw while building a unique (and extremely beautiful) piece of furniture for the bedroom he was working on? It was miserable weather, and they were way behind. Everyone was so tired, and he made a mistake, and it hurt him, badly. I was truly worried about him, and was so glad when he recovered and was able to return to the show! I love his british accent, and how he pesters “Pauli” (Paul DeMeo.) And Pauli... he’s such a hoot! I love Paige Hemmis. She is so intelligent and talented, and is such an incredible role model for women. I would love it if my daughter’s would use their intelligence and learn to be handy, like that! And Michael Maloney... how can you not just fall in love with his perpetually cheery personality, and phenomenal smile?

We are always impressed with the "Green" builds. We love the idea of solar and wind power. My husband is particularly interested in that part of the show, since he is a Stationary Engineer and an HVAC Technician by trade.

He has the illustrious distinction of being Spokane County's budget cut, not just once... but twice! You know the drill. Last one hired; first one laid off. Now the wonderful news is that he has always been employed. We are a single income family, and I think he would work for a fast food restaurant, if he had too, in order to provide. But we have lost a lot of our personal income, to their budget cuts. 'Nuf said!

So what am I doing? Why, I’ll tell you! I am gathering together the information to send in to ABC. I am completing my application package (I'm making a list, and checking it twice!) And if you know my family, and you feel inspired to do so, I am providing you all the links to nominate our family. But only if you want to.

I long to hear the words: “Bus driver, move that bus!" and “Welcome home, Grytdal family, Welcome home!”

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Applications - Click here if you or someone you know can be helped by the Extreme Makeover Home Edition team. (Off KXLY’s website)

Today’s “Home Brew”- Secret to great iced coffee without great expense

2009-03-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you Southern Plate! I got some of this on my counter "brewing" for tomorrow, right now!

Create Seed Starting Pots From Newspaper

2009-03-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here's another Seed Starting Newspaper Pot idea! Thanks Grocery Cart Challenge!

How to Create Seed-Starting Pots From Newspapers Powered by eHow.

Make Your Own Cleaners

2009-03-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is a great article for Spring Cleaning time!

2009-03-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

Go Green Upside Down Hanging Planters - More DIY How To Projects

Topsy-turvy Tomatoes

2009-03-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Topsy-turvy Tomatoes

Tomato plants love the sun, so even if you plant them upside down, they'll find their way to the light. For a fun family project, give it a try and see for yourself. You can buy hanging planters from garden suppliers (such as gardeners.com) or make your own. Here's how.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Sturdy bucket with a metal handle and cover
Drill with large bit
Sphagnum moss
Tomato seedling
Dirt and compost

Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours
1. Thoroughly clean out the bucket. Drill and cut a hole about 2 to 3 inches in diameter in the bottom of the bucket (a parent's job). Put some moss in the bottom of the bucket all around the hole to keep the tomato plant from falling out when you first hang the bucket.

2. Gently thread the upper 2 to 3 inches of the seedling through the hole, keeping the roots inside the bucket. While you hold the plant in place, have your child loosely pack dirt around the stem up to the root-ball. Then you can let go and add enough soil to cover the roots by about 2 inches.

3. Add a couple of cups of compost and more soil so the bucket is filled to just an inch or two below the rim.

4. Hang the bucket by its handle and water the plant thoroughly, until water starts running out of the hole. Water the tomato plant regularly, adding more soil and fertilizer if the level in the bucket falls. Keeping the bucket covered will help retain some moisture. As the plant grows out of the bottom of the bucket, its leaves will curl up toward the sun in search of the light until the tomato fruit appears and weighs them down.

Carla's Notes: There are some great buckets to use at Home Depot for about $2.38 each (in our area.) A serious savings over the original of this product. Also, remember that these are significantly heavier than a normal hanging planter, especially with water in it. Make sure you hang it in a VERY sturdy spot.

Lend a Hand

2009-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Lend a hand to one another,
In the daily toils of life;
When we meet a weaker brother,
Let us help him in the strife.
There is none so rich but may,
In his turn, be forced to borrow;
And the poor man’s lot to-day
May become our own to-morrow.

Lend a hand to one another:
When malicious tongues have thrown;
Dark suspicion on your brother,
Be not prompt to cast a stone.
There is none so good that may,
Run adrift in shame and sorrow,
And the good man of to-day.
May become the bad to-morrow.

Lend a hand to one another;
In the race for Honor’s crown;
Should it fall upon your brother,
Let not envy tear it down.
Lend a hand to all, we pray,
In their sunshine or their sorrow:
And the prize they’ve won to-day
May become our own to-morrow.

Out of the McGuffey Readers

EMHE - The Bell Family

2009-03-22T20:38:00.001-07:00

14 year old Lizzie Bell, from Tuscon, AZ, has a rare blood decease that requires her to receive blood transfusions. There are only about 750 people in the whole world who have this decease. She is dedicated to inspire people to give blood. What a noble cause! This story will help so many people.

Although I am unable to give blood, do to a childhood illness, Glenn is a member of the "Gallon Club" at our local blood bank. He is one of only 7% of all people that have O negative blood. This is the type of blood that is the most universal in the ability to give to others. It means that in a pinch, if there is not enough blood of a specific type, they can transfuse O negative blood. Unfortunately, that also means that he is only able to receive O negative blood. But thankfully, he has never needed a blood transfusion.

The design team gave the Bell Family a beautiful "green" home, complete with solar power, and tube skylighting. There was a wonderful outdoor kitchen for entertaining in the Arizona outdoors.

Ty made Lizzies room his "special project." She loves the color yellow and designing clothes. Ty made her room an incredible and bright shade of yellow, and took one of her designs and had it make up into the first of her own line of clothing "A Positive" How special is that? It was really cute, by the way... I think she has talent!

One of the things that Lizzie said is: "If you give blood only one time a year, you are saving a persons life. It might be an accident victim, or it might be someone, like me." WOW! Make's it worth it, that little pin prick. It sure makes it worth it.

Good job, Lizzie.

Cinnamon Apple Rice

2009-03-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

4 Eggs + 1 Egg's Egg Whites
2 Cups Of Apples Chopped Well
1 1/2 Cups Cooked White Rice
1/2 Cup Dates
1/4 Cups Granulated Sugar
3/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tablespoon Butter Or Margarine
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg [optional]

In a large mixing bowl combine 4 eggs, apples, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, rice, dates and sugar, blend together gently. In another small mixing bowl add the egg whites and whisk until you create stiff peaks. Fold egg whites into the other mixing bowl. Add all into a large baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon on top the dish. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and bake the dish in a water bath for 1 hour. Garnish with apple wedges. Serve hot or cold. Refrigerate left overs. For water bath just place baking dish into another baking pan that has 1 inch of water in it.

Spanish Rice

2009-03-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Spanish Rice

6 Bacon Slices
1 Medium Onion Chopped Well
1 Small Green Pepper Finally Chopped
1 Can Cut Tomato's, 28oz
1 Cup Cold Water
3/4 Cup Long Grain Rice
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Teaspoon Salt + 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 Pinch Fresh Ground Pepper
5 Drops Hot Sauce

In a large skillet cook bacon to a crisp. Lay bacon on paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon and set aside for later use. Save 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings and add finally chopped onion and finally chopped green pepper until tender but still crispy. Stir in can of tomatoes will juice, cold water, long grain rice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, chili powder, pepper and drops of hot sauce, cover and simmer 30 minutes until rice is done. Top with bacon.

Cajun Fried Rice

2009-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Cajun Fried Rice

1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Cooking Sherry
1 Teaspoon Sugar Water
2 Medium Garlic Clove Minced + 1 Teaspoon Gingerroot Minced
2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce
3 Large Eggs
1 Teaspoon Table Salt
2 Tablespoon Pure Peanut Oil + 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1 Medium Onion Chopped + 1/2 Cup Bean Sprouts
3 Cups Cold Cooked Rice

In small mixing bowl, add soy sauce, half sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce blend well and set aside. In another small mixing bowl, mix 1/2 table salt, the rest of the sesame oil and hot sauce and mix well. set aside. In a large Wok or skillet add 1 Tablespoons peanut oil, once hot add onions and stir try till tender but still crisp and set aside. Heat the rest of the peanut oil, once hot add egg mix and stir fry till cooked. Add cooked cold rice to the stir fry for 3 minutes, add onions sprouts and salt cook 2 more minutes.

IT'S SPRING!

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

2009 Garden Plan

2009-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

It's the day before Spring arrives! And our garden plan is finished! Well, not likely! But that's the beauty of a "plan." You don't have to follow it! I am always tweaking, and changing, and adding and subtracting. This is for our 2009 garden, and I had so much fun using my children's paint, colored pencils, and markers.

It is based on the sad fact that we still do not have one greenhouse, much less the two I'm plotting for. So I am limited to what I can't pre-start, again. Most of the garden will not need pre-starting, I will direct sow. I am thinking of moving my living room around to try to squeeze in a rack to start tomatoes. We'll see what we come up with in the creativity area for our too small living room. I would really like to pre-start enough veggies and flowers, that we can have enough for our own use, and I could sell starts from our property.

Are you planting a vegetable garden this year?

Needing? A Greenhouse

2009-03-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

It happens to me every year. I get to this point in the season, and I wish, desire, NEED a greenhouse (or two.) But we also have too many things working against us. Too many "needs." Now I put the word need in parenthesis because I truly do not have any needs. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and clothing to wear. I AM thankful for what I have. God IS taking care of me. So is it truly a need? Well, no. And, I understand that.

But I keep thinking about what I could do with a greenhouse that would really be a blessing to others, as well as myself and my family:

- Have enough starts to grow extra food and flowers on our property, for needy families to gleen. (Beautiful flowers are important to the needy, too!)
- Have enough starts to sell extras to local families at reasonable prices.
- Have enough starts that our garden is more affordable.
- Each year the greenhouse would help pay for itself (amortization.)

Anyway, that is some of the ways I can justify my desire (not need) of a greenhouse (or two.)

I desire the biggest that Ziggy's can deliver on-site (8' X 16'). We need the extra stability because of the spring winds.

"Car Picnics"-How to Eat on the Go: The GOOD

2009-03-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great article from Big Red Kitchen Blog. A great reminder for the coming months.

"Car Picnics"-How to Eat on the Go: The Plea

2009-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

This series from Big Red Kitchen is a great reminder for this time of year. Be sure to read the comments after. I learn so much from them as well. I love the one about hot brats in a thermos. I've done that before, but it's been a long time, so it was stuck in the cob webby part of my brain.

Ice Cream Trough

2009-03-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

What a unique idea! This might be Kolina's birthday treat in July! Or Molly's in May (I'm not sure I want to wait until July!)

Here's another idea for an Ice Cream Gutter:

Potatoes - Home Canned

2009-03-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is a great article for Home Canning Potatoes, plus ideas for using them.

Garden Update: 'maters and 'taters'

2009-03-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

I know it's early... but these people are in Tennessee, and their planting right now. She's posted a great article on planting potatoes in tires. I won't be able to find it if I wait, I'll forget who it was and where it was, so we're getting it now!

Farm Chicks Giveaway!

2009-03-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

If you go to the Farm Chicks webpage, you'll find they are having a giveaway! In true Farm Chick style, I'm confident it'll be wonderful, and I'm confident you'll (or I'll) absolutely love it! You can always put them on RSS feed. (Hey, you could do that with my blog as well! That's a great idea! Glad you thought of it!)

Avocados In Winter!

2009-02-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I’ve really missed about living in this house is plants. I mean, we have two small Aloe Vera plants that I just recently bought, but other than that, nothing. Really, where would we put them? The only window that faces south, is in our girls room. Our east facing windows are in the boys room, living room and kitchen (where the aloe vera lives.) One window to the north, also in the kitchen. And two windows to the west, in our master bedroom (again no room.)

I miss plants in my house!

A couple years ago, I decided to grow a Avocado plant from seed. They are easy, fun and inexpensive to grow. I started it shortly after the first part of January, when the snow was deep. I decided that it would be the positive thought that would keep us going through the rest of the winter and spring, and lead us to getting our addition project under way. Ah! The power of positive thinking! Well, it really didn’t work out that way. We just couldn’t swing the addition that year.

Since it got to big and gangly to live indoors, due to a serious lack of daylight, I had to move it outside during the summer. And it was getting into the fall, and I couldn’t find anyone who wanted to babysit my Avocado plant during the winter. It died. I decided that I wouldn’t do that again. It kind of turned into one of those “not such a good idea” things.

I have a friend from California who told me about how incredible the smell of orange blossoms are in the Spring. I’ve never experienced that myself, but her description was wonderful. Ever since then I’ve wondered if I could grow a couple of those miniature orange trees (a lemon, and a lime too) so that we could experience that smell in Spring in Washington. I know that I would enjoy their look, and just watching them grow. It would add interest to our dreary winter days.

I hope that we can do the addition this year. We so badly need the room, and the encouragement, too. I really can’t wait to grow some more avocado plants for our bigger, improved home. I think it would be so wonderful to see them grow taller and fuller. And, maybe... just maybe, we can grow avocados in Winter.

Garbanzo, Tomato and Pesto Salad

2009-02-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Garbanzo, Tomato and Pesto Salad

4 Tomatoes
1 heaping Tablespoons Basil Pesto
3 can Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed
Parmesan or Romano Cheese (or anything you have)

Toss a pile of chopped tomatoes with some pesto, stir in 3 cans of garbanzo beans (rinse them first), sprinkle on some freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano, and in less than two minutes you'll be digging into a scrumptious and healthy salad.

I've decided to put this on my blog, because we make this so often. I think it is like heaven in a dish. I love each of the ingredients separately or together. I'd make a terrible vegetarian, but I definitely could eat this several times a week. I'm going to experiment with garbanzo beans in my garden this year. It is one of my favorite beans.

From Farmgirl Fare's Blog.

DIY Seed Tape

2009-02-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

A homemade seed tape is a sheet of paper towel, cut to size, that your flower or vegetable seeds are “glued” to. This allows you to plant perfect straight lines in your garden and they are also perfect for containers and borders. Seed tapes allow you to maximize your growing area and get the spacing right on your plants every time. They make growing almost anything easier especially carrots, chives and flowers. Small seeds are easier to see against the background of the “glue” or paper towel, than against the dirt, so you can space them better, thus lessening the need to “thin out” later.

You can also use single sheets of newspaper, but we don't have any newspapers right now, because we have two new puppies!

This is a great activity to help combat January/February cabin fever that hits some people at this time of year. (Yep, that would be me! There's not a brown blade of grass or dirt in sight!)

Step One: Lay out a sheet of paper towel on your work table.

Step Two: In a (freezer strength) zip-lock bag, make a paste out of flour and water. Do not ever use glue. Mix together until it forms the consistency of a thin glue. Snip a very tiny corner off the zip-lock bag.

Step Three: Place your seeds in a bowl and get some tweezers if they are too small and hard to pick up.

Step Four: Lay out one paper towel in front of you. Use a tape measure and mark dots where you want to place your seeds. Also mark where you want to cut, if making more than one tape out of the same paper towel. You will most likely be able to get several strips from one paper towel depending on the size and shape of your garden space and how intensive you intend to plant. Look at the seed packet for recommendations on spacing. Dot some paste onto your spacing marks, using the zip-lock bag of “glue.”

Step Five: Place a seed on top of the glue using the tweezers, if necessary. The paste acts as a glue holding the seeds in place. Do not use regular glue. If the seeds won't stick then make your paste thicker by adding more flour.

Step Six: Repeat step 5 until all your seeds have been glued in place. Let the seed tapes dry completely and then store in a dry place, such as a shoe box with a lid. You can place a book on top to keep the tapes from curling. I cut the strips apart later, around planting time, rather than at this point.

Step Seven: When its time to plant your garden, cut your seed tapes into your pre-designated strips. Lay out the seed tape where you want your flowers or vegetables to grow. Then cover with a thin top layer of soil. Look at your seed packet for the specific amount your seeds need to germinate. They can be printed directly onto the tapes as they are being made, if desired. This is how I do it.

Step Eight: Water according to your plants preference and grow as you normally would. The seeds will come up in perfectly straight lines exactly where you placed the seed tape. The paper towel will be kept in place as it deteriorates becoming mulch which is good for your garden.

If you want to be creative try mixing different seeds onto one seed tape or when planting your garden alternate strips of different kinds of flowers. Under supervision this is also a great project for children to help make.

Seed tapes can be taylor made to the size and shape of the container you are planting in. Round, Rectangular, or strips, of any size.

Oh NO! I'm late!

2009-02-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's not what you think! But I have to admit, that'd be a nightmare right now.

I meant that I'm late getting my Menu Plan Monday onto my site. It has been a crazy busy week for me.

Monday
Breakfast - Toast, Bananas, Milk
Lunch - Ramen Noodles
Dinner - Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches

Tuesday
Breakfast - Banana Bread, Apples
Lunch - Garlic Bread Pizza,
Dinner - Baked Potatoes, Fresh Fennel,

Wednesday
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, Toast
Lunch - Cheese Quesadillas,
Dinner - Burritos, Green Beans

Thursday
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/Maple and Brown Sugar, Toast
Lunch - PB&J Sandwiches,
Dinner - Chili over spaghetti noodles with Cheese, Cornbread Muffins, Home Canned Cherries

Friday (Income Tax Return should arrive!)
Breakfast - Swiss Muesli
Lunch - Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks
Dinner - Hearty Tater Tot Casserole, Chilled Pineapple Chunks

Dessert or Appetizer (to take to a party at a friends house):

Saturday
Breakfast - French Toast,
Lunch - Egg Salad with Crackers,
Dinner - Mexican Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza,
Sunday

Breakfast - Fried Eggs, Toast, Applesauce
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner- Leftovers

The Rose: Medicine and Food

2009-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

The Rose: Medicine and Food

By Sharon Brown (Sharran)
February 15, 2009

There is nothing quite as beautiful as the rose. Throughout its long history it has not only been admired, sniffed, and coveted, but it has also been used as food, as drink, and as medicine. Isn't it interesting how endearing and enduring the rose really is?

"Won't you come into the garden," said Richard Sheridan, "I would like my roses to see you." (1751-1816)

I spent my childhood drifting from one flower to another. My older relatives, the ones who had the greatest influence on my life, believed all plants were used for food or medicine and only rarely were they appreciated for their beauty. I was caught between my mother's love for their beauty and my Granny Ninna and great Aunt Bett's appreciation for the food and medicine they provided. I spent my childhood in a quandary!

I loved to decorate, to create things, to color my world, so I picked flowers for their beauty, and I used their petals and leaves for dyes. I wove flowers into my hair, and dressed in clothes that were painted with dyes. And of course we must never forget the streaks of color that ran through my hair. The rose was different. In my world, we used the rose only for its beauty in a bouquet, as a corsage, or blooming merrily in my mother's front yard. No one ever thought to use it for anything else.

It is a good thing that Aunt Bett didn't know about the ancient uses of roses for food and medicine. In those ancient days rose petals, which have tannin, were used as an astringent to control bleeding. They were also made into an infusion to treat stomach disorders. Rose oil and rose water were used in China for stomach problems. It seems that the Rosa Gallica was the most superior rose for medicinal uses. In liquid form it was used as a tonic, in powder form it strengthened the stomach and aided digestion. A conserve was considered excellent for treatment of colds.

I remember the first time I ever noticed rose hips. I thought they looked like tiny orange apples and wondered how they tasted. I don't remember if I tried them or not, I probably did, but I do know now that rose hips are indeed edible. They are very high in vitamin C and you will often see them listed as the main source of vitamin C in many commercially available vitamins.

Rose water was used to prepare food and to season dishes. It is mentioned in 14th century French cookbooks, and by the Regency period it was used for perfume, but also to treat infected eyes and eyelids. In Persia they drank rose water, and the Greeks created a drink from the Corinth grape mixed with rose water and spices. The French used enormous quantities of roses in sugar plums, creams, ices, oils, essences and fragrant powders. The petals of the rose when freshly picked can be bruised in a marble mortar until they reach the consistency of a paste, and the paste can be used in confectioneries. In England and France necklaces and bracelets were made by making small pea-sized balls of the paste and letting them dry. Just before they were entirely dry, a needle and silk thread were run through them. Finally after some time they become hard like wood and brown in color, and emitted a beautiful fragrance. The rose scent within the beads will last for many, many years. Some people today make rosary beads from rose petals.

If we travel even further back in time, we find that Pliny the Elder recorded thirty two different medicinal uses of roses in the first century. Roses were grown in Medieval gardens more for medicines and food than for beauty. Rosa rugosa were used for the prevention of scurvy. It also seems that red roses were the choice for medicines of the ancient healers. Among other treatments, rose oil was said to reduce cholesterol, tea made from dried rose petals was used to cure headaches. The petals combined with wine were used warm as eardrops. Women believed that if rubbed on the skin, the petals would eliminate wrinkles and preserve youth. In the 19th century, it was proved that roses contain essential oils, potassium and iron. Wow! That is more information than you really wanted to know, but isn't it interesting?

There are still those who believe the rose balances the heart and governs emotions. Maybe that is why roses have been the ideal gift to express love and forgiveness for thousands of years. My heart lifts when I see the first rose bud in springtime, and I continue to watch it through its every phase of blooming. I count the buds, waiting for the next one to open, knowing that each one will bring another smile. I remember the very first rose bush of my own. I don't remember the details, but I probably had been in trouble for one thing or another, like staying up on the mountain until after dark, or dyeing polka dots on my brother's best Sunday shirt. Or it could have been when I discovered bleach, and played tic tac toe on the knees of my little brother's jeans, with him still inside them. After a week or so of being denied the fun of roaming the mountains (the very worst possible punishment) my parents planted a rose bush just outside my bedroom window. It was the Sterling Silver rose.

Whenever I see a rose in the silvery lavender color that resembles Sterling Silver, I remember the rose blooming outside my bedroom window. Just like the Rose Window in churches, it is a sign of love and forgiveness.

Here is a recipe from the 16th century used to make rose hip tart:

Rose Hip Puree

1 1/2 cup prepared rose hips
3/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspon ginger
1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Simmer the prepared rose hips in water until soft, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in sugar, spices and lemon juice and simmer for 5 minutes. Use puree for tarts, ice cream toppings or to eat as a sauce.

Source for more recipes: http://www.amycorwin.com/regency_rose_receipts.htm

Sources for medical uses of roses through history: http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/roses3.html

http://talewins.com/Treasures/essays/Roses.htm

Gloria Cole has written an excellent article on Native and Naturalized Roses of North America. It is filled with recipes and other valuable information. Please view Gloria's article here.

All photographs of roses in this article were taken by Zuzu, and are of roses in her gardens in California. For more photos visit her on DG's Rose Forum. This series of rose articles is dedicated to Zuzu, with thanks for sharing her love of roses with me.

Happy Birthday, Zuzu!

20 lbs of Bananas!

2009-02-16T10:45:00.001-08:00

I got bananas! .18/lb. at the Grand Opening of our new WinCo store last week. I went twice to get my allowed 10 lb. limit so now I have lots of bananas for eating and...

Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup flax seed, grounded
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1-1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs, beaten
4-2/3 cups mashed very overripe bananas

Preheat oven to 350°.

Lightly grease two 9 x 5 loaf pans.

In large bowl, combine flour, ground flax seed, soda and salt.

In separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.

Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

SERVES 24 , 2 9x5 loaf

Note: The original recipe was found on the internet, but it only made one loaf. I never make one loaf at a time, cause quick breads freeze so well, and it wastes oven heat. I’ve also tweaked this recipe enough that it is now my own.

Makes loaf, mini-loaf, muffins, mini-muffins, or bundt cake.

WALMART and a Giveaway

2009-02-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

You really should check this out!

I am entering this contest! If I win one of two $25 gift cards to Walmart, I'm gonna use it to send a 'care package' to an old high school friend of mine. He is on his second deployment to Iraq in three years. I haven't seen this friend in at least 10 years, possibly 20! I am tremendously proud of all my classmates who serve in order to preserve our liberties, freedoms, and protection. I think that anyone who serves in any branch of the military, deserves our support and our respect!

Wish me Luck!

Baby Shampoo Makes a GREAT Hand Soap

2009-02-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is an idea that I'm gonna try. I don't like to have antibacterial soap in my house. I don't want my children using it. I'll have to come up with a different "smell" than lavender oil though... while I love it and put it on both sides of my pillow almost every night, oldest DD can't stand that scent. Maybe I'll take her, and let her pick out her own favorite essential oil.

Sweet and Sour Hamburgers

2009-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sweet and Sour Hamburgers

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1-1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained, juice saved
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns (Buttery Bread Machine Buns)

Crumble the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, green pepper, and oatmeal; cook and stir until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease, and stir in the vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, drained pineapple, salt and pepper. Mix pineapple juice with cornstarch in a mason jar. Add enough water to make about 1/2 cup, if needed. Shake until smooth. Slowly add to simmering meat mixture while stirring. Continue simmering over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Serve on buns or over rice.

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole

2009-02-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hearty Tater Tot Casserole

1 pound ground beef -- browned and drained 
1 onion -- chopped 
1 can cream of mushroom soup 
1 can cream of chicken soup  (or use two cream of mushroom soups)
2 cans cut green beans
 2 cups sharp cheese, shredded 
1 bag tater tots

Preheat oven to 350F. Place the browned ground beef and onion in a glass 9 X 13 inch casserole dish. Combine the two soups and green beans, and pour over beef. Cover evenly with the shredded cheese and top with tater tots. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until tater tots are cooked through and golden. You can substitute other vegetables, and other types of potatoes (french fries?) if desired.

Easy Chili - Crockpot

2009-02-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Easy Chili - Crockpot

1 pound ground beef round or chuck
1 cup chopped onion
8 cups cooked pinto beans
2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomatoes, drained
1 green pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 to 3 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt, to taste

In a large skillet, brown ground beef with the chopped onion. Put the ground beef, onions, and other ingredients in a 3 1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 11 hours.

Serves 8.

Leftovers freeze well

Swiss Muesli

2009-02-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

I used to make this all the time when I was a single gal. Now I make it for my children. DH still doesn't like it. Just a little too healthy for his tastes.

Swiss Muesli
1-1/2 cups rolled oats
1-1/2 cups water
2 cups shredded unpeeled apples
1-1/2 cups pitted prunes (whole or halved)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
fresh fruits (sliced banana, apple, pineapple, and/or orange segments) chopped almonds or pecans
Plain or Vanilla Yogurt (homemade, sweetened with honey)

Combine oats, water, shredded apples, prunes, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, spoon some of the muesli onto a cereal bowl. Top with your choice of fresh fruits and nuts. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or milk, if desired. Muesli can be stored in covered container in refrigerator for several days.

Banana Pancakes with Butter-Rum Syrup

2009-02-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Banana Pancakes with Butter-Rum Syrup
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cup milk
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 mashed ripe bananas
2 tablespoon butter -- (melted)

Heat oven to lowest setting, or warm. Place a sprayed cookie sheet into oven.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine milk, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is almost smooth. Next, fold the bananas into the batter. Let this set, loosely covered, for about 25 minutes.

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup batter into the pan and cook until small bubbles form on the top, usually about 1 minute. Turn the pancake over and cook an additional 30 to 45 seconds. Place on cookie sheet in warm oven. Proceed with the rest of the batter.

Serve warm with the butter-rum syrup.

Rum Syrup
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
2 cups water
1 tablespoon rum extract
1 stick butter

Combine first three ingredients in a heavy duty saucepan. Bring to a boil. Keep simmering on medium high power for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add Rum extract and butter. Stir and serve hot.
Makes about 12 ounces

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's time for Menu Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie once again. Here's this week's plan:

Monday
Breakfast - Microwave Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Toast, Bananas,
Lunch - PB&J Sandwiches, Raw Carrots
Dinner - Spiral Cut Ham, Buttery Bread Machine Rolls, Roasted Winter Veggies,

To Do: Make Ham Stock for tomorrow

Tuesday
Breakfast - Fried Eggs, Toast, Applesauce, Milk
Lunch - Garbanzo, Tomato and Pesto Salad, Bread or Crackers
Dinner - Jacked-Up Split Pea Soup, Chips or Crackers

Wednesday
Breakfast - Malt-O-Meal, Toast, Milk
Lunch - Cheese & Crackers, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner - Super Easy Crock Pot Sausage & Potatoes, Green Beans

Thursday
Breakfast - Pancakes, Homemade Maple/Vanilla/Cinnamon Syrup,
Lunch - Chicken Salad, Crackers, Roasted Beets
Dinner - Taco Soup, Easy Biscuit Muffins,

Friday
Breakfast - Poached Eggs, Toast, Applesauce
Lunch - PB&J Sandwiches, Raw Carrots
Dinner - All-American Cheeseburgers, Carrots, Chips

Saturday
Breakfast - Dutch Apple Pancakes, Applesauce
Maple Vanilla Cinnamon Buttery Syrup
Lunch - Egg Salad, Toast/Crackers, Bananas
Dinner - Pot Roast, Roasted Potatoes/Carrots/Onions

Sunday
Breakfast - CrockPot Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, Bananas, Milk
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner- Leftovers

Spokane Soup Swap: Why Swap Soup?

2009-01-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

Spokane Soup Swap: Why Swap Soup?

Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

2009-01-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

I make a soup like this "by-guess-and-by-golly." If I used a recipe for it, I'd use this one. Mmmmm, Yummy! If you follow the link, you'll find some more really yummy recipes, too.

Stuffed Cabbage Soup

SND Note: The quantity of chicken stock is dependent on the size of the head of cabbage. Remember, the soup is served over rice, which will soak up the soup. If you want a traditional soup consistency, add more stock.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 lb ground beef, ground turkey or ground pork
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons paprika
6-7 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 head of cabbage, cored and coarsely shredded
4-6 cups of steamed rice

Directions:
1) In a large stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground meat, break into small pieces and partially brown for 2-3 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary. Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, garlic and onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until onions are soft.

2) Add thyme, parsley and paprika to ground meat and cook for 30 seconds. Add 6 cups chicken stock, tomatoes and 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, add cabbage, cover pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cabbage is desired tenderness. Add additional chicken stock if necessary and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve over rice.

Makes 8 servings

Menu Plan Monday - 1/26-2/1 2009

2009-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am trying my hardest to get more organized. Being pretty much a "wing-it" type person, I have always had a pantry full of food. Being a frugal person, I've always purchased on-sale/generic/bulk products. Then I get them home and "wing-it!" O.K. so we live in a VERY small house. We don't have unlimited pantry space. And my pantry is overtaking the kitchen! So... I'm gonna give it a try, hoping beyond all hope that this works for us.

I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at:

Menu Plan Monday (1/26-2/1 2009)

We got a lot of carrots at the last WSU Cooking Class, so you’ll see them being used a lot. Thank goodness most of us like carrots. Baby Princess... not so much!

Monday
Breakfast - Toast, Bananas, Milk (coffee for me!)
Lunch - Tuna/Egg Sandwiches, Raw Carrots,
Dinner - Crock pot Scalloped Potatoes & Smoked Sausage, Green Beans, Home Canned Cherries

Tuesday (We go to WSU Cooking Class today, so we’ll see what we come home with!)
Breakfast - Oatmeal, Crock pot Applesauce, Milk (coffee for me!)
Lunch - Toasted Cheese Sandwiches, Cream of Tomato Soup, Raw Carrots, Apples
Dinner- Crock pot Spaghetti, Oven Roasted Root Veggies

Wednesday
Breakfast - Snickerdoodle Muffins from freezer, Bananas, Milk (coffee for me!)
Lunch - PB&J Sandwiches, Raw Carrots
Dinner- Calico Beans - Crock pot, cornbread

Thursday
Breakfast - Malt-O-Meal, Toast, Bananas, Milk
Lunch - Cheese & Crackers, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner - Ho-Bo’s, Buttery Bread Machine Rolls

Friday
Breakfast - Mom is Great! She Give Us Breakfast Cake w/dried Blueberries in it,
Lunch - Fried Cabbage, Sliced Canned Ham, Raw Carrots, Bread
Dinner- Homemade Pizza (Hawaiian and “Meat Lovers”)

Saturday
Breakfast - Pancakes, Homemade Maple/Vanilla/Cinnamon Syrup,
Lunch - Garbanzo, Tomato and Pesto Salad, Bread or Crackers
Dinner- Lentil Stew in the Crock pot, Easy Biscuit Muffins

Sunday
Breakfast - Cinnamon Toast, Bananas, Milk (coffee for me!)
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner- Leftovers

Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Sausage (Slow Cooker)

2009-01-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Sausage (Slow Cooker)

16 ounces rope Smoked Sausage, sliced
8 to 10 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery or cream of potato soup
paprika -- optional

Layer half of the smoked sausage, potatoes, and onions in slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then the shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ham, potatoes, onions, salt, pepper, and cheese. Pour condensed soup over the top then sprinkle with a little paprika, if desired.

Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Fried Cabbage - Another TNT

2009-01-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Fried Cabbage
The simplest ingredients, and the tastiest dish!

1-2 heads Cabbage, shredded
1-2 TBS. Butter (depends on how much cabbage)
1 onion (OR dried onions)
1-2 Tsp. Garlic Powder (OR fresh crushed garlic)
Salt and Pepper

Put all ingredients into a large skillet, on medium high heat. Stir-fry to hot crisp, cooked stage. Put heaping helpings onto each kids plate. Watch them eat it up and ask for more. (At least that’s what happens in my house, and I’m not kidding!)