{HANDMADE} BERRY PIE ...and little bit of this and that

M was once a mini-pie,
Pidy,
Widy,
Tidy,
Pidy,
YUMMY insidy, mini-pie!

This time, I used Trader Joe's pie dough and freezer jam! I used a 4 inch round, fluted DEMARLE cookie cutter for the dough and put about 1 tsp. of jam in the center. Use fork tines to seal the half-moon pie and brush with a silicone pastry brush dipped in one beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Put the pies on Silpat{if you don't have one you NEED one} or on parchment paper and bake at 425* for about 15 minutes. Aren't they sweet? Just small enough to enjoy with a cup of hot peppermint tea. That's right. HOT TEA!

Little rhyme adapted from Edward Lear...thank you Mr. Lear!

Post adapted from the archives!


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...a little bit of this and that...


Our son is in Alaska on a missions trip. A LONG WAY FROM HOME.

We are in OREGON...A LONG WAY AWAY FROM OUR CALEB...

He had an accident while dirt-biking yesterday and is a lot of pain. His wrist is broken in three spots and since he slid 40 feet on gravel with a tumble in there along the way, he is one sore boy!

Please pray that he will not need surgery and that God will heal his body. It is going to be a LONG haul.

I spent most of the night up just praying as we have so many friends right now who are really hurting...and who are much worse off than our Caleb. How very wonderful to know that God has things in His control...although it seems very out.of.control.

I was reminded of this: " REMEMBER THIS, HAD ANY OTHER CONDITION BEEN BETTER FOR YOU THAN THE ONE IN WHICH YOU ARE, DIVINE LOVE WOULD HAVE PUT YOU THERE. BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE, SINCE THE LORD HAS ORDERED ALL THINGS FOR YOUR GOOD."
Charles Spurgeon

There are so many things I would love to write to encourage you...in what you may be facing, but honestly, nothing I have to say or write is more comforting than going right to the THE GREAT PHYSICIAN! Taking all your worries and fears right to Him and trusting in Him for all the comfort you need and MORE! How difficult it is to watch our loved ones go through pain...and at the same time, how amazing to be able to go to the Bible for words that are as soothing as balm!

How thankful I am for each of YOU and for the friendships I have made through blogging. I am not sure what the next few months are going to look like {NOT that we ever know what the next day holds!}, but Lord willing, I will be able to continue to blog...but I am sure things are going to be quite different once our Caleb arrives home. I am going to need to be in full-time Momma/nurse/counselor/friend/taxi/advocate/mentor/cheerleader/mode!

Thank you for your prayers and understanding!

"YOU WILL KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU"

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Happy Bastille Day {and a French Sandwich}

Happy Bastille DAY!



I thought we might enjoy a tiny history lesson...

Bastille Day is a National holiday in France. It is very much like Independence Day in the United States because it is a celebration of the beginning of a new form of government.



At one time in France, kings and queens ruled. Many people were very angry with the decisions made by the kings and queens.



The Bastille was a prison in France that the kings and queens often used to lock up the people that did not agree with their decisions. To many, it was a symbol of all the bad things done by the kings and queens. So, on July 14, 1789, a large number of French citizens gathered together and stormed the Bastille.



Just as the people in the United States celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence as the beginning of the American Revolution, so the people in France celebrate the storming of the Bastille as the beginning of the French Revolution. Both Revolutions brought great changes. Kings and queens no longer rule. The people rule themselves and make their own decisions. {info from Wikipedia}

So, in honor of Bastille Day, I hope you will enjoy something FRENCH...even if it means French Fries from the GOLDEN ARCHES drive-thru!


Herbs De Provence Focaccia Sandwich {with Roasted Veggies}

¼ of an eggplant

Sea salt

Olive oil

Unsalted butter

1 9 inch round loaf of focaccia {store bought or homemade}

*If you are using storebought, after sandwich is assembled, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with Herbes de Provence

¼ cup Best Food Mayonnaise

1 clove of garlic

¼ cup basil pesto {Trader Joe's}

4 slices of Provolone cheese

¼ cup of roasted red peppers {Trader Joe's}

¼ lb. deli garlic turkey


*If making your own focaccia bread, bake two batches and use one half for the top of your sandwich and the other half for the bottom.

*Store bought focaccia may be sliced in half horizontally.

*Slice eggplant into half horizontally. Cut into half. Make ½ inch half moon slices and salt them. Let salt absorb into the eggplant for about 30 minutes. This will give added flavor and draw extra water out.

*Cook in a bit of unsalted butter and olive oil. Make sure to use a good pan so they don’t stick. They will brown. Set aside.

*Make your garlic mayonnaise by adding 1 minced clove of garlic to the mayonnaise. Set aside in your fridge until you are ready to assemble your sandwich.

*Spread bottom half with garlic mayonnaise.

*Spread top half with pesto{I use Trader Joe's Genova pesto}

*Add deli turkey on top of mayonnaise and place slices of Provolone cheese to top.

*Add cut up slices of roasted red pepper to top of pesto and place roasted eggplant on top of that.{I use Trader Joe's Fire Roasted Yellow and Red Peppers}

*Place top and bottom together and wrap sandwich with tin foil. Bake at 350* for about 10 minutes until warmed through and cheese starts to melt.

*Slice into wedges! Serve and enjoy!

Have a very Happy Thursday!

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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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Burlap Baby Growth Chart

Well, hello girlies! Hope you all are doing just peachy!

I know...I have been doing lotsa blog archiving lately...because it is summer time and there is fun to be had!!!

Not sure if it is just here in Oregon, but everybody {ALMOST!} is either pregnant or have just had a baby. We know of nine as I type!

SOOOO, I wanted to do something a bit different because I am getting bored with the same ol' projects and that is NOT good. Baby showers are so much fun to go to and making gifts...if you have the time...can be really fun, too!

I saw the cutest baby gift in a boutique, but I felt like it was outrageously priced, considering the materials it used. SO, I decided I could make a very similar one for pennies! And, YES! I used change to purchase the burlap! :}

So, with my craft store coupon {yay for the 50% off ones!!!} and what I had on hand...each gift will cost me about $2! I love it!

Here is what you will need to make it yourself {MIY}:

Burlap...I bought what was left on the bolt...about one yard and 2/3, I think
Just make sure you have enough for 4 foot lengths.

a bit of decorative ribbon

1 wooden dowel

glue gun

20 safety pins

cardstock paper and a decorative punch

embellishments and gift box or bag

Directions:

*Cut burlap as staight as possible...4 feet in length by 6 inches in width

*iron fabric so it looks a bit more chic than shabby {only if you like!}

*fold burlap over wooden dowel and glue gun it.

*for a boy you may want a knot out of your decorative ribbon on each side of the dowel...and a bow if it is a baby girl.



*print "name" "age" and "date" on cardstock. I did mine on the computer and then cut each tag out with a punch. Make 20 so there sre plenty for the new baby.

*punch small holes with a hole punch into each tag, so that they can be pinned to the growth chart. I wanted to make things more complicated, so I used metal reinforcers for the holes!!! No need to do this! {I broke my own rule of keeping things SIMPLE!}



*the safety pins can be gathered and placed into a small envelope or spice bag with a drawstring. TAA DAA!



I will be using a growth chart tag for the outside of the gift...just for fun...since babycakes is not born yet, I will be putting down the due daye and age will be how many weeks momma is at the time of her baby shower.

Directions that will be included in with the gift:

Place growth chart 1 foot or more from the floor...Enjoy documenting the growth of your child. Simply roll it up and keep it safe when your child is done growing!

I think this will be a special gift!

Shared with: at the picket fence, crafty scrappy happy, overflowing, talent tuesday

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Homemade GINGER ALE...and a bit of this and that

Okay, ladies...and maybe a few gentlemen...this blog is NOT all about food. REALLY. It just so happens that the few regular posts I have been working on are taking me forever. I can NOT seem to get it all on paper or in draft form without getting weapy. Life is changing so fast {I know. I know. Welcome to the real world!} and there are sooo many things I want to share with you that testify to an ALMIGHTY GOD. My heart is bursting to the brim with such gratitude that I just need to figure out how to put it into words. Imagine that! I do know this, as I have been writing, I have been reminded that even in the wost of circumstances, our Lord's hand WILL MOST DEFINITELY hold us securely. What a relief to know that all we have to do is trust Him and let Him worry about it.

I have been camped out in Romans lately and it has been so convicting. I think I need to read Romans 12 every day for the rest of my life, because, for some reason, I am not GETTING.IT. Like not just reading about it, but actually BEING sincere, hating evil, clinging to what is good...etc. Really does no good to not act on it.

Here is a small portion for you to read:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Hebrews 12:9-14

What do you think? Plenty of homework, huh?
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Back to Ginger Ale.

The ginger root is very healthy for you and is used to help treat nausea. It is also very inexpensive!

You could make the syrup, put it in a bag along with cups, straws, mineral water, a few baby limes, a sleeve of saltines and maybe a magazine...a thoughtful "get well soon" gift.

OOOOR, you could make up a batch, have a friend over for a ginger ale instead of sweet tea ...and practice hospitality!

Happy Wednesday!



Homemade Ginger Ale

While most Ginger Ale brands are made with high fructose corn syrup, this one is not. It is super easy to make and is so refreshing and nice to keep on hand for things that ale ya!



Ginger Syrup:

2 cups organic sugar
2 cups filtered water
1 cup ginger, washed, peeled and sliced, don't be a perfectionist. :)
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, water and ginger to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Let cool.
Let sit in fridge overnight.
Strain and pour into glass container.
Keeps in a glass container for about 1 week.
Reserve sugared ginger for smoothies, stir fry, peanut sauce etc.



For Drink:

Ice

About ¼ cup ginger syrup to taste

Sparkling Lime Mineral Water {Trader Joes}

Lime wedge

A straw…very important…fun and works great to stir in the syrup!

Just put ice in cup and pour Sparkling Water to about ¾ of the way up. Top off with ginger syrup and don’t forget your little slice of lime! AND your straw!

from the good ol' archives!

Shared with: titus 2sday, women living well, comfy in the kitchen

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LIVING {without perfectionism}

We ALL know who Martha Stewart is. I love her and I love how she does things. However, I have to remind myself that she has a lot of help and even whole teams working on the simplest of projects. She has a complete warehouse of props...the list goes on. Whether you know who she is, aspire to be like her, or just get discouraged watching her show {I don't even watch it anymore}there is something I want to "chat" about.

As I have been getting e-mails and reading a few blogs, I get the general idea that we are all trying to be perfect. Me included. I love a clean house and I adore clean sheet Monday {hate doing laundry, love clean sheets!} I look forward to making meals for my family and enjoy taking meals to friends. An organized fridge puts a smile on my face, and the feeling of a weed-free lawn and power-washed deck are almost too good to be true!

As I was getting our home ready for our daughter's graduation Open House, I decided there were a few things I wanted to be PERFECT, but I wanted to do an experiment and just let some things go {to see if I would actually still be alive and well to document how shock therapy went!} Obviously, it DID NOT kill me to let some things slide on by! Here is my list of things that did not get done {for those who are still reading} siding and paint on the house, landscaping, power-washing {hubby started and ended up having to take our graduate to the DR}, heaps of laundry, party favors, mini banana cream puddings, fresh whipped cream, homemade brownies, lemon ice rings for the punch etc. etc.

I know my list was long, but we were seriously going to have it all done. Life happens and priorities change and I am glad. It was waaay more important to enjoy our time with our family and friends and to not be a complete control freak. I delegated, let friends help, let my son do a whole lot...the way he wanted to help without micro-managing and it was memorable and sweet!

I am not saying to get all sloppy and totally care-free, but it is so important to set limits and to have realistic expectations and goals! Is is so freeing. It IS LIVING.

I thought I would challenge each one of you to let ONE thing go this week. If your child is asking you to join in puddle jumping... or a water fight...do it! Maybe a friend needs to drop by for a few minutes when it isn't convenient, maybe that fancy dinner needs to wait and quesadillas need to be had, maybe you are already practicing this and you can give me advice!! I am going to post my imperfect pictures and the pretty ones, too. The table,decorations and food were kept relatively simple. Things were all able to be made up ahead of time. It was the little details and our amazing family and friends that made this day a special day we will always remember.

I am so thankful that the God's word is packed with examples of how dear friends blessed one another. How great that the Lord has given us friendships to share in times of sorrow and in times of JOY...and best of all...they do not expect PERFECTION!

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17


{re-posted from the archives}

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Orange Blueberry Strawberry Smoothie

This morning was so beautiful...and it is going to be about 90* which is HOT for us. So this morning it was smoothies and pancakes for breakfast.

It is worth every bit of berry picking when you can whip up one of these nutritious drinks...for those of you who really don't care to pick the berries! :}


Orange Blueberry Strawberry Smoothies
Lisa Pearson

Ingredients:

2 cups orange juice {I like Florida's Natural}

2 cups frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen strawberrries {I freeze these sliced}

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice or ITALIAN VOLCANO LEMON JUICE...my new obsession.

Directions:

*Pour juice to 2 cup mark in blender.

*Add frozen fruit and lemon juice and blend away until your smoothie is thick and frothy looking.

*Makes two large smoothies or 4 small ones.

Pour into pretty glasses and enjoy...or pour into to-go cups and sip away as you do your yard work, run your errands, carpool the kiddies around or put your feet up while babies nap!



Happy Thursday, friends!

Shared with: titus 2sday, comfy in the kitchen

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