Landen's Peach Cobbler

Several years ago, I dropped in on my twinsie. As we sipped on tea and chatted, my nephew offered to make a peach cobbler for our family. I was so very excited. I don't know of many pre-teen boys that would offer to do something so sweet for their Auntie! Anyway, needless to say, it was THE BEST peach cobbler I had EVER had. No kidding. It was devoured by my family that night. So, I asked him if he would send me the recipe so that I could share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as our family enjoyed it!

PEACH COBBLER {IN A BAG}
Adapted from Betty Crocker


PEACH MIXTURE:

1/2 cup sugar
1 tbs. cornstarch {I used Clear Jel and skipped the cooking part}
one 29 oz. can of peaches {I used four cups of fresh peaches…about 6 large}
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract or pure almond extract

BREAD MIXTURE:

3 tbs. shortening
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tbs. sugar
1/2 cup 2% milk


Heat oven to 400'. mix 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the cornstarch in a 2-quart saucepan. stir in peaches and vanilla. cook stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. boil and stir 1 minute. pour into ungreased 8x8 square pan; keep peach mixture hot in the oven.

Cut shortening into flour and 1 tablespoon sugar until mixture resembles fine crumbs. stir in milk. drop dough by six spoonfuls onto hot peach mixture.
bake 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
I hope you all enjoy this!


MY VARIATIONS:

When I pick peaches, I like to pick enough to enjoy a few cobblers throughout the year, so I put all of the peach mixture ingredients into a Ziploc bag and label it with what I need to add for the topping and baking instructions. All you have to do is to REMEMBER to get it out of the freezer and whip up the topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon and coarse sugar.

FAVORITE VARIATION: I HAD TO ADD THE 1/4 cup PEACH SCHNAPPS TO THE MIXTURE. NO WAY AROUND IT. It just puts it over the top!

SECOND FAVORITE VARIATION: Add 1/4 cup pure Orange Juice to Peach mixture. Seriously, just try it. You would not believe how it brings out the flavor of the peaches.

Now, every time I make a peach cobbler I remember the hospitality extended to our family through my nephew. It inspires me to want to share a freshly baked peach cobbler with someone I love!!  Another reason to teach your boys how to bake!!

Thank you, LANDEN! I LOVE YOU!

Who has nurtured you? Who can you think of who might need to be nurtured?

Ezekiel 34:26 "I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing."

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And Now You Know Why...

...you will never be the same.  

Not a single day will go by that you will look at your life a you did before.

Once your eyes caught a glimpse of your tiny baby making her way into the joy-filled hospital room...you would not, could not be the same.

Yes, your body is different...but now you know why it is simply okay.  

And now you know why God chose her first nine months to be home nestled right beneath your heart.

And why He chose the perfect spot to be cradled by your arms long before you even met.

And why her tiny ears formed early to hear your soft voice comfort her.

And now you know why and how your heart IS indeed capable of more love, more joy, more compassion and more wonder than you ever thought possible.

And now you know why your somewhat quiet world has been replaced with baby cries, late night feedings, more laundry, and the fact that you are on call now and needed 24/7 without exception and you wouldn't have it any other way!

And now you know why sometimes tears flow for no reason at all while you look down at her delicate, long fingers as they grasp your finger while rocking  her to sleep.

And now you know why mommas hear everything.  Your ears are tuned to her every whimper and move...every sneeze and hiccup and every coo and yawn.

And now you know why baby kisses were never meant to be portioned out.  They were meant to be given out in large doses...just because.

And now you know why I always said that sometimes God uses children to teach us what His heart is really like...and how He loves us unconditionally and shepherds our heart.

And now you know why...

we have prayed for this child.

Welcome Baby Adalynn

Photo credit:  Jessica Lyons Photography

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Use Your "Pretties"

How many of you remember going to a friend's house when you were younger and feeling like someone had just died? You went over to play and the "good" couches were covered with sheets, the lamps were still shrink wrapped in plastic(MAJOR FIRE HAZARD! :) ), the drapes were drawn to save the covered couch??? You had to play in the basement so nothing would get broken...except an arm from slipping on the cement...and about half-way through your play date... in solitary confinement, you mentioned you were a bit hungry...so you went up to the off-limits kitchen to get a snack and were given a bathroom Dixie cup with KOOL AID and a paper plate with stale chips...okay, not REALLY, but who are you saving your BEST for? Pretty sure none of us are expecting any dignitaries anytime soon...

So,give your best to those around you TODAY. Set the table with a tablecloth and your favorite dishes...that may not have even ever been used...get dressed up when your loved ones come home and smile when they ask you where you are going...blow off the dust on the candles and light them even if you are having leftovers...show them that they are more dear to you than anybody else in the world...treat them like they are Gold!

Last year my mom showed me the sweetest picture. I think it was taken on our first birthday. It was a homemade cake on a beautiful GLASS cake stand that was given to my parents as a wedding gift. She used her "PRETTIES" all of the time. It made us feel even more special in knowing that we were worth it. We learned to appreciate the little things and we also learned that the celebrating happens everyday with those around you.

If the plate does get chipped{another good reason to buy plain white dishes at TARGET!} or the tablecloth happens to get stained, just think... you will always have the memory of your special evening...loving and showing your dear ones that they are well worth the effort... annnnnddd, don't forget your bright red lipstick and pearls!

One more itty bitty thing...be sure to include the family pet!!! Remember, every day is a celebration!!

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The Night Before Thanksgiving: Charlie Brown Style

{Sorry about the pic...I took it awhile ago before I was planning on using it for the blog, you know, at night!}

This is going to be a short, sweet and to-the-point post! No blah, blah,blah, today!

My hubby is a complete Charlie Brown fanatic. All I can say is that it has been a good thing that our children have had him as a Daddy, because while I like culture...he is all about FUN! AND I mean lots and lots of fun. Jammie walks, adventures through Bear Country and the Scarry Forest.

Every Veggie Tale, the Little Rascals and The whole Charlie Brown Collection has been a must for his babes.

I have loved his thoughts on different traditions we could start for our children. He has had the best ideas. Another reason we wives should listen to our hubby's! :)

It always seemed that the evening before Thanksgiving was crazy busy in the kitchen! You know, making final touches before the big day to keep stress at bay on Thanksgiving.

Very seldom did we eat in front of the T.V, but it was nights like this that were "special". I would buy fish sticks and tator tots. Yep, the children are still alive, too! They loved it because I never bought junk food.

Their Daddy would put A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving into the video machine and they would get so excited. Like squirming excited! It gave me just enough time to kinda get things cleaned up and prepped for the next day.

Several years ago, we implemented Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving menu to our traditional fish stick and tater tot menu. WHAT A FUN IDEA! {not mine}

Even though we have one child in college now, I can guarantee our grown children and grandchildren will be coming home for The Night Before Thanksgiving. It is a silly tradition, but the memories and no clean-up make this a definite keeper!

Happy Memory Making!


Menu:
Buttered toast...mom's...no wheat bread allowed. You may get away with potato bread, but you will score BIG points if you buy WONDER BREAD!

pretzels

Jelly beans...BIG ones...no Jelly Belly's allowed, either.

popcorn

PINK Sherbet with whipped cream and DO NOT forget the cherries for the top! Trust me, your children will notice!

Fish sticks and tator tots

I serve everything in DISPOSABLE paper trays. That way there is no clean up. :)

Your children will think you hung the moon and your hubby will nominate you AGAIN for MOMMA and WIFE of the YEAR! :)


On a side note, it has been really fun to have family friends join us in our tradition. It seems to be a favorite...and especially interresting to see how others do add their own twist to it!













Shared with: WLW, comfy in the kitchen, stonegable

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Happy 20th Birthday, Laurissa!

It is almost 4 in the morning and I have just given you your birthday kiss. Twenty years ago today, I gave you the first of many many kisses, I whispered the first of many many "I love You's" and I held you close to my heart where you will always be treasured.

As you are now on the road to being a young woman, I wanted to give you something that you could hold dear as you grow more and more dependant on God for His wisdom and direction for your life. No matter how much advice and comfort I offer you, it is God's Word that will forever be full of perfect direction and comfort!

The words of Horatio Spafford have always been a favorite of mine...and it is a story you LOVED listening to on ODYSSEY as a little girl!

Lauriss, know that no matter what God has in store for your life. It is He who gave you life here on this earth and who has given you eternal life. No matter where you are and no matter what the circumstances may be...you, sweet child, will always be able to say without any hesitation..."it is well with my soul."



It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford



May you continue to grow in God's grace and know His peace that surpasses all understanding!

I love you, little miss Lauriss!

*Pictures taken by my ever-talented bff, Kim Harris! Thank you, bunny!
















sHARED WITH: RAISING HOMEMAKERS

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Autumn Chopped Salad

One of our very favorite wedding gifts was a "YOU ARE LOVED" plate. Needless to say, like most wedding gifts that are used, it broke in the olden days when our wall phone cord stretched across the kitchen desk and pulled the much-loved and used plate right off the counter. It was my hubby who had answered my phone call. I heard the plate fall and then I heard the silence as my hubby quickly tried to figure out how to tell me what had broken. We searched high and low for another plate, but couldn't find the same one anywhere. A few weeks later my hubby made dinner for me with the help of our children and set the table with our new "You are special today" plate at my place setting. Our children were so excited to show me THE PLATE! It was a new memory and a new plate to be used to mark many new celebrations!

We use this plate when a family member or friend is to be honored in some way. It has even been used to celebrate a good report for the achievement of a difficult task having been accomplished. Yes, it was a "D" on a report card...but, one of the Pearson offspring passed a certain language class by the hair of their chinny chin chin!



For those of you who only cook with specific measurements, you aren't going to like this, but I promise you that YOU CAN do it. You will feel like a domestic diva when it is done. There is no messing up this salad. REALLY. And when your mother-in-law asks you for the recipe she will be so impressed because all you have to remember is what you put in it...no measurements required.

This salad is really versatile!

Ingredients:

Chopped Romaine and/or Red Leaf lettuce

Corn or shoepeg corn

Tomatoes, diced

Apples {soaked in salt water to keep from turning yucky brown} I like Granny Smith

Red onion, diced

Avocado, diced

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Craisins {I like to soak mine in boiling water for a minute or two and drain...they are plump and soft and not quite as sweet!}

Hazelnuts, chopped a bit

*don't forget the bacon if you aren't a vegetarian!



{Balsamic Vinaigrette}


1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar

2/3 cup olive oil

2-3 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste



An Autumn Lunch

Sparkling juice

Autumn chopped salad

Pumpkin biscuits or cornbread





Shared with: comfy in the kitchen

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Orchard Yogurt

My momma and I met up for peach picking in the orchards on Wednesday morning and had so much fun. {I would have pictures to show you, but I had a blank memory card in the camera!}

I love picking peaches with her because we have so much fun talking and I always leave feeling completely inspired by her old fashioned tips on parenting, housekeeping, loving people and her zest for life is truly contagious.

As soon as we were done picking, we drove to another farm and had a picnic lunch in a gazebo. She packed our lunch and I felt completely spoiled! She made fresh tuna sandwiches, green olives, celery sticks, cheese slices, grapes, berries, and melon with toothpicks...and my favorite...placemats for lapmats. The "ARMY NURSE" thinks of everything.

SOOO, that really has nothing to do with yogurt, but since this is a journal as well, I get to document special memories!

About the yogurt: I love Nancy's Yogurt, because it does NOT have gelatin in it...which I can NOT stand the thought of eating. My children love Tillamook yogurt, but it still has gelatin in it...BUT when we pick berries and peaches from the orchards, I love chopping up fresh fruit and adding it to the PLAIN yogurt and putting it into little straight-sided jars. It is so good and good for you. Even organic yogurts have quite a bit of sugar. I would rather have my sugar in ice cream, cobblers and cookies.

*What is one of your favorite things to do with fresh fruit?

*post from the good ol' archives

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Stork Bundles {Hot Basil Cheese Sandwiches}

We are all smack dab in the middle of summer and if you are like me...wishing the days were a bit longer to get everything done.

It is easy to find ourselves having no time to do special things for other people when we can't even get laundry done for our own family!

There have been so many weddings, memorial services and baby showers this summer that I can honestly not even keep up with them all, so I thought maybe you may be in the same boat!

OKAY, take a deep breath for just a second. GOOD JOB!
You all know we love taking dinners etc. but as mentioned many times before, it is not always do-able. So, here is a great alternative. How about taking lunch to the new momma? It can easily be taken while you are out on your errands...and although it has been years since I had babies...I remember how hard it was to scramble to make lunch for myself. It was usually devoured within seconds because there were things to do while babycakes was "napping" which in our case was always only about a 15 minute cat nap!

Anyhoo...your family dinner can be whipped up at the same time you are prepping lunch for your friend. Not only will you be ahead of the game for the day, but you will be so filled with joy that you were able to do something nice for somebody else! What a great lesson for your little ones to observe during the summer months! It is easy to just have fun during the summer with our children, but what a great opportunity to share with your children the value of caring for others.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impresss them on your children. Talk about them when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7


NOTE: If you were unable to make it to the baby shower, you could include a wooden monogram from your local craft store for baby's nursery! Just tie a piece of fabric around the letter for a custom look. Children love picking out gifts and wrapping them. Just an idea!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Stork Bundles {Hot Basil Sandwiches}

Ingredients:

1 small jar Kalamata olives, drained and sliced

2 cups tomatoes, diced

1 small red onion, chopped

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup Parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic, pressed

1-2 tsp. sea salt…taste it and see how much you want.

Pepper to taste

6 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

½ cup red wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

{10 hard Sarah Lee Italian Sourdough Rolls}

Directions:

*Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

*Take each roll and cut out a large “plug” from the bottom.

*Remove extra bread

*Stuff 1/3 cup into each roll

*Replace “plug”

*Wrap each roll with foil.

*Bake @ 350* for 20 to 25 minutes

Wrap foil packages into white linen napkins…about 15”X15”...this will give it "the special delivery" stork look. You could use a burp cloth, too.

You are ready to deliver your little stork bundles! Aren't they so cute?

new momma lunch menu:

lemonade

basil cheese sandwiches...great enjoyed cold, also...just in case!

fresh canned peaches

homemade oatmeal cookies {my little homemakers made these up in advance!}




"OUR DEEDS, OUR PRIORITIES, OUR VALUES WILL COME HOME TO REST IN OUR FRONT YARDS THROUGH THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN"

{I wrote this down long ago and have no idea whose quote it is}


Shared with: women living well, raising homemakers, frugalicious me, full plate thursday, freckled laundry

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Dad's Handkerchief

{written by Laura...my twinsie}

Don’t you just love it when out of the blue you are absolutely reminded of God’s undeniable blessings in your life? We all face difficult seasons in our lives when all we can do is trust God to be faithful, and yet our hearts are spilling over with pain and unanswered questions. There have been many such times in my, but I am truly grateful when God allows me a glimpse back into those times to show me the painful paths that He has lovingly paved with His protection and never-ending faithfulness.


Not long ago, I was going through my suitcases and bags. I had just pulled out some old brochures, a couple of shampoo bottles, and a stray sock. I was ready to put the bag back way when I realized I needed to clean out another inside pocket I had forgotten about. I reached down and found some old gum wrappers when I felt something stuffed way down in the corner. I pulled it out and was instantly taken back to a different time in my life. I had found one of my father’s handkerchief’s that he had given to me years ago. As I held that handkerchief, I was so moved with emotion, I had to sit down as the tears started flooding down my face. What I held in my hand was OH.SO.MUCH.MORE than a handkerchief!! It was what it represented that made it PRICELESS to me!!


I had been raised in Germany as a missionary kid, along with my twin sister and brother. We had been in German schools until fifth grade. After a year-long furlough in the States, our family had decided that my Lisa and I would attend boarding school instead of returning to the German schools. The day arrived for school to begin, and we had to say good bye to our parents and brother. Up until that time, it was me who would be the first to cry. This time it was Lisa. I am sure that my dad pulled out his hanky to wipe away Lisa’s tears as he reassured us of his love for us, and that we would talk soon.


GOD WAS GOOD and carried us through those difficult years of separation, and dad always had comforting words and strong hugs when we were going through difficult times. To be sure, if there were tears to be wiped, he would pull out his handkerchief to wipe way our tears.
The more I thought about that handkerchief, I tried to remember how I ended up with it!! Then, it dawned on me that it was when I was still in college. I had traveled back to Germany to visit my parents. My time there had come to an end, and we were once again saying the all too familiar good-byes. He once again reached up to wipe away the tears, and then most likely gave me the handkerchief to take along on that flight.


How thankful I am for my father that God has given to me. I am even more thankful for my Heavenly Father who loves me and cares for me as only a loving Father can.
At the point my father GAVE me that handkerchief, he was offering me a tangible object of his love for me. So, too, does our Heavenly Father gift us with tangible portions of His love. It can come in varying forms. It may come through the timely words of a loving friend, a sense of peace in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation, or in a passage of His written Word.


God is creative in His unlimited touches of GRACE! Just as God knew that the perfect extension of my father’s love for me, was through a humble piece of woven cloth, God knows the measure and degree of tangible love that you need to touch your life. It may not be immediate, and it may not be in the shape of a handkerchief, but it definitely will present itself - often when you are least expecting it.
Thank you dad for your lifelong legacy of love, serving others, sacrifice, HUMOR, and TIME!! You are a continual reminder of God’s love for me and to SO MANY OTHERS.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Always love...

Laura




shared with: women living well

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A Selah Sunday

In making more of an effort to live each day with PURPOSE...my hubby and I decided to make Sundays our Selah Sundays.

As parents, we feel as though every day is inventory day. What needs to change? What can we do to live our lives for Christ? How is is that we are influencing our children? Most evenings I think about what I need to do differently the next day. Days get hectic and it can become easy to fill our days with things that really don't have any eternal weight whatsoever. It is sooo easy to get buried by things we consider to be "urgent" that we don't take the time to be silent and to really worship GOD!

"King David proclaimed: 'The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory' {Psalm24:10} The word SELAH was later added to the end of this psalm and many others. Some believe it refers to an instrumental interlude because the psalms were often set to music. Biblical scholars also suggest other possible meanings, including {silence}, {pause}, {interruption}, {accentuate}, {exalt}, or {end}."

We decided that Sundays are going to be our SELAH SUNDAYS...a day to actively take time together as a family...on as many Sundays as possible...whether we are just the four of us, with friends or with family to pause from our "schedules" and be refreshed in spirit {Psalm 42:1-2}

"Accentuate the joy of God's provision through Thanksgiving {Psalm 65:9-13}"

"Exalt the name of God for answered prayer in spite of disappointment {Psalm 40:1-3}"

"End the day reflecting on the Lord's faithfulness {Psalm119:148}"

*Adapted from and quotes from Our Daily Bread


Today we:

Celebrated my two nieces getting baptized...

Celebrated the graduation of a dear student I taught many years ago...

Celebrated the job promotion of my hubby's close friend who is moving to Colorado with his family...

Celebrated being together as a family minus one very barky, naughty little dappled dachsund doggie!




Our time in the car today was sweet...just being together as a family and having the priviledge of fun stories, memories, talks about the summer...seeing God's handiwork as we drove through the country...taking in the old barns, the fields of flowers and cows, the vineyards and the distant hills...knowing all the while that it is our Heavenly Father who has blessed us abundantly.

Tonight, we will be reflecting on God's faithfulness as we kiss our Lauriss goodnight knowing she leaves tomorrow for KAZAKHSTAN to teach English in an orphanage...oh.how.we.will.MISS HER!

Thank you, Lord for our Selah Sunday!

Shared with: a holy experience, our simple country life

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Let's Picnic!

 

 

 

 

{part 1}

With Spring comes the anticipation of picnics. Lots of them. Wheather it be dining on the bleachers at a ball game or a Sunday afternoon picnic with friends at a park. Packing a picnic can be a great alternative to purchasing pricey, un-healthy food at your favorite local drive-through.

My friend Penny asked me if I had any ideas for easy "pack up and go meals" to eat at the ball park. I thought that since I had been talking about taking meals this week, this would be the perfect time to "chat" about portable lunches/dinners. I am sure you have way more ideas than me , so...be sure to add your ideas and thoughts that work for you.

As mentioned before, I keep a stash of basic containers on hand because the LAST thing I want to do when I get home is to clean a bunch of containers-with the exception of a few glass containers and occasional utensils that can be loaded into the dishwasher.

I keep a stash of basic containers on hand just for picnics.

Depending on what we are having to eat, I pack everything into an oil cloth bag with dividers or a portable cooler on wheels {COSTCO usually carries these every spring} or both. The cooler on wheels is one of my favorites when space is NOT an issue. :)

A caady is perfect for keeping all silverware, plates, napkins etc. ready to go so that it can easily be put into your bag to go at a moments notice. If you have a hard time purchasing one...they are perfect for little kids to take carry around the table when it comes to setting the table for meals. Our children LOVED this!

Everything is packed so it doesn't spill or stain. Be sure to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

Everybody gets their own container with their "main dish" or their sandwich, unless it is potluck-style where there is a picnic table to put out a large container for everyone to help themselves.

Sometimes I label the containers with the individuals name. This is helpful for those who are picky. Instead of specifying no mayo, no pickles, no meat etc. :)

I used to have such a hard time not having dinner all together at home @ 5:00 sharp every evening. It just threw me for a loop! Once I stopped pouting and decided I could make it fun, it has just been THAT...lots of exciting meals away from home and lots of memories with friends and family.

Here are some menu ideas:

drink

Caesar salad with leftover BBQ chicken-box container

dressing-condiment container

rolls with butter-cookie bag

brownie-cookie bag

drink

tortilla soup in mini Mason jars

cornbread muffin-cookie bag

tortilla chips-cookie bag

applesauce with cinnamon sugar-glass container

drink

chopped salad-box container

dressing-condiment container

focaccia bread-cookie bag

drink

tunafish sandwiches-cookie bag

pita chips-cookie bag

monster cookies-cookie bag

ginger ale

Asian rice/noodle bowl-large Chinese take-out box

molasses cookies

drink

pasta salad-large Chinese take-out box

mini focaccia loaves-cookie bag

mini cupcakes-mini Chinese take-out box

Italian Sodas-disposable cup with lid and straw in drink carrier

Turkey wraps in Lovash-wrapped in wax paper and put in box container

chips-cookie bag

apple slices-cookie bag

BBQ beef sandwiches-wrapped in wax paper and put into box container

potato salad-mini Chinese take out

carrot/celery sticks-small cup with lid

ranch dressing-condiment container

oatmeal cookies-cookie bag

strawberry lemonade-disposable cup with lid and straw

taco salad-box container

salsa and sour cream-condiment container

pineapple slices

{Individual drinks should be packed for ball games as it is NOT convenient to be passing a thermos around with cups etc. Sun tea, lemonade and water are much healthier and more cost effective than soda pop with high fructose corn syrup.}

This was originally posted 4.15.10

{part 2}

Since I got more than one e-mail wondering who else carries the containers I had mentioned in the picnic post, I decided to follow up with a second post.

RESTAURANT SUPPLY STORES ARE THE PERFECT PLACE TO PURCHASE PICNIC ESSENTIALS. Cash and Carry is my #1 choice. You can’t beat their prices. If you are limited on storage space, you may consider splitting your goods with a friend. Think about only purchasing one or two different kinds that be used for a variety of uses: leftovers, gift boxes, kids’ lunches, etc.

If you live in the middle of nowhere...Garnish carries a large selection of containers that you will LOVE! You wont even have to leave the comfort of your own home at o-dark-thirty to head out to Cash and Carry hoping the whole drive over that all of the solid white containers are not gone {AGAIN!} and to be left with the containers that still have their original "SWOOSHY" design that was all the rage in the 70's. Who knows?! I personally am in love with white, because even if you don't embellish it, it still looks classy!

If you don't purchase the products, I can guarantee you will be on the lookout for produce etc. that comes in these fancy little packages! You will become a Treasure Hunter in your own right! Just don't drive to the GOLDEN ARCHES and park your little self by the trash bin and ask people for their drink carriers, leftover napkins, ketchup packages and straws...oh and the adorable condiment containers. I'm just saying.

However, there is NOTHING wrong with asking your family and friends to save their packaging for you, though.

Now that business is taken care of here are some things I love to use:

COOKIE BAGS: great for cookies, bars, chips, some veggies etc.

DELI CONTAINER: Great for extra soup, apple slices, veggie slices, BBQ beef, ice cream

CONDIMENT CONTAINER: So nice for Ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing, salsa, sour cream

SOUP CONTAINER: Can be used for packing soup, ice cream, cobbler, pasta salad, trifle etc.

PRODUCE CONTAINER: Fun to package a sandwich lunch in. Think of it as a lunchbox. {No time? Go buy a bag of french fries, bake 'em. Line the container with wax paper or a paper towel, put the fries in it along with a condiment container with ketchup and let your little athlete have a snack on the way to the game!}

BOX CONTAINER: This is awesome for everything! I even take gifts in these boxes!

P.S. These containers are amazing for picnics, but I use them for taking meals to people as well. The recipient of a delivered meal will not only be grateful for a night of no dishes, but I am pretty sure the happy dance will be taking place when it comes to having one less 9x13 in the back of the car to return!

All paper container pictures are from GARNISH

Mason Jars: Amazing portable containers that can be purchased at thrift stores, garage sales, or sometimes given away by those who are no longer canning. Ask around before you buy! You never know. These are great because there are so many different sizes. Think about toting soups, trifles, berries and cream, crisps, cobblers and pies that are hot from the oven. Just bake as you would in a ramekin, let cool a bit and screw the lid on…these can be placed in a drink carrier and they will not budge…plus they are a bit insulated.

{A pie picnic is a fun thing to do on a summer evening...pack ice cold milk, hot pies from the oven and fresh whipped cream!}

IKEA’S SLOM Bottle with Stopper: A bargain for $2.99. These may be used as an alternative to purchasing plastic water bottles. Keep them filled with filtered water ready to grab-n-go. No need to worry about a leaky thermos. The smaller ones are a great choice for de-cantering soy sauce, syrups for a breakfast picnic or other dressings for potluck-style picnics. The glass keeps things extra cold or hot! And they are so charming!

Starbucks Frappucino Mocha bottles: great for individual drinks, sauces, and flowers!

Our family favorite: Table in a bag from Crate and Barrel. We take it everywhere. It is perfect for places that don't have tables and we love it for outdoor concerts, the beach, the lake, forest picnics etc. We have even taken it to homes for little kiddos to sit around! It is on sale right now for less than $35.00!

Shared with: at the picket fence, stuff and nonsense, tidy mom, pink saturday, raising homemakers, women living well

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Grandma's Prayer Board

 

According to Sir Merriam-Webster, heirloom is defined as "something of special value handed on from one generation to another." That is EXACTLY what my Grandma's Prayer Board is. It is a treasured heirloom, but more than that, it is the memories that go along with it.

Have you ever been given a family heirloom that is extra special, simply because of the memories that go along with it? It could be something that is plain as plain can be, but when you take into consideration the sentimental value, it becomes priceless~ {I think maybe I have watched one too many VISA commercials and/or Antiques Road Show episodes!}.

When we were little, my Grandma came to live with us. Every night, she would climb into bed with her long flannel nightgown and cold cream on her face and would read to us for hours at a time. She read us books like Little House on the Prairie, The Five Little Peppers, and literary textbooks from when she was a teacher. We would always end the evening by saying the 23rd Psalm out loud and praying.

Since my bedroom was next to hers, it was not unusual for me to fall asleep listening to my Grandma praying out loud. If she thought about somebody or something that needed prayer, she would pray.

As I was thinking about the word heirloom, I instantly thought, “What am I passing down to my children? What are they are going to have that is left of me when I am gone?” Is it going to be my Christmas dishes, Old photographs, Grandma’s bright-colored linens, my vintage German sled with the frayed rope? While I hope they appreciate those things and don't haul them off to Goodwill, I want them to know that we have a very rich heritage in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want them to know that God has been faithful to their Grandparents, to us and to them. Nothing...and I mean NOTHING is impossible with God.

"The story of the parting of the Red Sea was a memory that every Israelite would recall and cherish because it reminded them of God's power, protection and love for them as a nation. Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness often sustained Israel through their difficulties, reminding them that God was capable and trustworthy." (One Year Through the Bible)

All this to say if I had one heirloom to choose it would have to be the one that has no worth to most people. It is an old piece of cardboard from who knows where. It has some brittle tape on it along with names. (Lots of names!) It is my Grandma C.'s Prayer Board. It is not a fancy prayer journal...it doesn't even have lines. It certainly is not of archival quality, either. However, it’s a reminder that we were taught at a very young age that God is faithful and that we can come to Him for anything and everything. It spurs me on to pray all the time...no matter how insignificant the request may seem, because if it matters to me, it matters to Him. I want my children to know that God is trustworthy. I am thankful for that old piece of cardboard that was stuffed between the wall and my Grandma's bed and that all these years later we have something tangible to look at and to see God's miracles and faithfulness even when things are difficult... and that is why, above all other heirlooms, my Grandma’s Prayer Board is so dear to my heart.



Shared with: titus 2sday, women living well

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HOME IS...pictures on walls

Hope you are comfy and have a little time on your hands because this is going to be a bit longer than usual.

No matter what art or trinkets one may collect, I think it is the photos that hang on the walls in our homes that make any house a home.

With as many times as I have moved in my life, it never really feels quite like "HOME" until after the nails are hammered into the studs {or NOT!} and the pictures are hung.

Our homes are a very real place. It is the place where trust is learned and where we have our first glimpse of how life is. It is in our homes where our families are nurtured and grown.

I am pretty sure every new mom has been offered their share of advice. There are times you love advice and there are times you just want to go home, tuck the baby into bed, tip-toe to your bedroom, gently!!!!cloooose the door, gather all the bed pillows AND the rocking chair pad, stack 'em all on top of each other, bury your face and SCREAM!

Well, not in this case. This was advice that was soothing to my ears and most welcome. "PUT THINGS IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES TO REMIND THEIR HEARTS THE MEANING OF WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT TO TEACH THEM." Isn't that great advice?

Back to pictures. I am not talking about a Pottery Barn Catalog Ad with shelves and shelves of B.U.TIFUL pictures...with perfectly groomed children who have supposedly been playing at the beach ALL day long, model parents who look like they have spent the day at the spa, pictures of afternoon walks where the wild hair has been cropped and where yellowing teeth have been whitened...I am talking about Real Pictures of Real Events and Real memories. Old pictures that link us to our past and pictures of our babies when they were still babies. Pictures of our grandparents with their children. Pictures of family friends. Framed pictures of fun family vacations etc.

One of my favorite pictures in our home is framed in a black frame {my only one from Pottery Barn!} Inside each of the beveled windows is a black and white wedding picture. My in-laws on one end, Scott and I in the center and my parent's wedding picture on the other end.

We pass by the picture every day. So do our children.

It is a great example of putting things in front of our children's eyes {and ours for that sake!} to remind their hearts {and ours} of what commitment means. Commitment in this day and age is rare. When things get tough, it is so easy and tempting at times to quit and walk away.

{I am NOT suggesting that we are perfect and have everything figured out-and for those of you who know us-you KNOW!}

As a result of our parents commitment to one another and to keep their vows, we have been challenged to love each other despite our differences, despite broken dreams, despite lost hope, and despite fear of the unknown.

The wedding vows we took on different years, in different churches and in different cities were not only a commitment to our spouses, but most importantly to God.

We have always had a wedding picture hung where our children could see it, because not only is it comforting, but it is also good for them to see how we have changed in many ways. Our hair is different {THANK GOODNESS!}, styles have changed, we now have lines on our faces, and with time there is no arguing that we have AGED...but our JOY has not withered away {Joel 1:12}

When our children look at our wedding pictures along with those of their grandparents when they have their own families, I want their hearts to be reminded of what commitment means and how with God's grace and mercy...their joy will also abound.

*This post is re-posted
*This post is shared with: Women Living Well

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"I'll Carry You"

I think most families have at least one child that challenges its family members...in one way or another. Ours is no exception.

When our son was in preschool, I remember having to sit down behind him and having to wrap my legs around him in order to get him to sit still long enough to listen to a story.

My friends would talk about their blissful Saturday mornings when their kids would "pop" in a video and sit for hours while they would lounge. Not in our home. Caleb would be up by 7:00 at the latest...ready to do or work on a project or have his boots on to go outside and explore. I really was TOTALLY jealous and tried to be happy for them, but it just did not seem fair.




Fast forward 14 years and he still has energy to spare. In January, Caleb and I took a winter's walk along the path in the wetlands. It is something we enjoy because the air is always extra crisp and fresh along the creek.

As we were walking, Caleb spotted the tree that had fallen due to the beavers. He knew, because he had already checked it out on an earlier excursion. He wanted me to see the beaver's teeth marks at the base of the large tree. I was completely happy with him telling me ALLLL about it, but it it was so important for him to not only tell me about it but to SHOW me.

I was so focused with staying on task to get our walk "in" and to get back home to make dinner that I had to be convinced.

All I could see was the muddy, soggy ground, lots of shrubbs and branches that had to be moved to get down to the creek. After a couple of minutes, Caleb walked back toward me and said,"Mom, I'll help you up on my back and I'll carry you!".

Not only did he carry me, but he cleared the branches as we forged through the wetlands. He set me up on the slippery trunk and took my hand as we balanced ourselves down to where the trunk had been gnawed away by the beavers. How thrilling! It was yet another reminder of why God blessed us with our son.





Time and time again I have learned so much about my Savior through the children he has entrusted us with. Sometimes I wonder if they have been put in our care to give us just that much more of an understanding of how He cares and takes care of us.

How many times am I happy with the comfortable? Are there times He wants me to EXPERIENCE life beyond the dry familiar path? Is He asking me to go through the mud? If He is, I can be assured that it is worth the extra time, worth the sight and best of all He promises to carry me, clear the branches, set me up on a safe spot, take my hand and show me THE THRILLING and AMAZING!

Do you view challenges as an opportunity to grow or just as another frustration in your life?

Psalm 27:5
" For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."


*Reposted

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