Heartwarming Chili

This recipe, from allrecipes.com, is loaded with both beef and pork, and prep time and clean-up are minimal. Perfect for these brisk autumn days, and one of my favorite recipes to freeze for an easy meal.

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
2 c. water
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package chili seasoning mix
1/4 tsp. garlic salt

1. Brown meat, onion, and green pepper together in a large pot until meat is no longer pink, then drain fat.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

*Serve with shredded cheddar cheese
**I like to make a loaf of Garlic Herb Bread in my breadmachine to toast and serve buttered with this chili.

Future Teacher?

Yesterday evening Natalia began reciting a line over and over, and I finally understood what she was doing.

She'd hold up one of her picture books and ask me, "Do you 'member the words?" She'd have the book opened towards me and swing it back and forth as if she was showing a group of people. Then she'd point to a page and say, "The name of the ward (Lord) is a strong T-O-W-E-R!" very enthusiastically! On "tower" she'd throw her arms, book and all, straight up in the air.

(She was mimicking her Sunday school teachers and reciting their memory verse for the month--Proverbs 18:10.)

It was SOOOO CUTE, even though she proceeded to do this over and over and OVER again for the next half hour!

It sure warmed the hearts of her teacher parents...

I Love My Handyman!

He's tall, dark and handsome...

I'm speaking of my hubby of course.

I love him for many more profound reasons of course, but let me just shout it from the rooftops--he sure is handy to have around! :o)

Friday morning I had yet another doctor's appointment and when I hopped in the car...nothing but clicks. In the last few weeks, Pete had performed all kinds of "tests" to determine that our starter was probably on it's way out, so when this happened on Friday it was no mystery. So, though it wiped out his plans for Friday after a long week of work, he picked up a new one and spent the evening fighting grime and stubborn bolts. I am just so thankful for his resourcefulness and knowledge of automotive things, especially in times like these.

That was Friday.

On Saturday morning he headed out bright and early for a required recap day on a class he had taken this past summer. (Those lovely, ongoing teaching certification requirements!) Natalia woke up earlier than usual so I was scrambling to get a shower before it was too late.

When I turned on the shower I was immediately concerned about the sound it was making. It literally was like a freight train was trying to force it's way through the pipes! I shut it off and just let the water drain out of the lower spout for a minute, then tried again. Hello freight train!

Well, I didn't have time to mess around so I decided to proceed anyway. Within 30 seconds I had a disconnected showerhead hose whipping around my head, spraying water E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E ! It's a wonder I still have my head! :oP

Natalia came running into the bathroom all concerned, saying, "MOM! WHAT HAPPEN?!?!?" Of course, that meant that she had to tell everyone we saw throughout the weekend (eyebrows furrowed) that "some-ping happen!" and "the shower broke!" as if it were monumental to our life and wellbeing. (Hee Hee! Gotta' love her.) I was just thankful that no one could see me practically standing on my head, attempting to wash my long hair in the sink! Try doing that with a basketball strapped to your stomach!

So, my wonderful hubby got another handyman call...and now the shower is as good as new.

He's a keeper folks!

Peanut Butter Tandy Cake--Need I Say More?

Okay, so apparently I haven't gained anything in the last 2 weeks! Don't know HOW that's possible given that I've been majorly craving sweets...and steak (but that's another post). I made the apple cake I posted a few days ago AND this chocolately peanut butter goodness this very week. Granted, half of each is being shared elsewhere, but still!

You gotta' try this:

4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

1. Beat eggs until thick and lemony. Add sugar, milk and vanilla and mix well.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and salt separately, then add to egg mixture.
3. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, or until middle is set.
4. Let cool for a few minutes, then add dabs of peanut butter over top and spread when they soften a bit over the warm cake. (If you try to spread the PB right away, you'll tear up the top of the cake.)
5. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over top of the PB in an even layer. (You could use chocolate frosting instead, but should wait until the cake is completely cool before spreading.)


CHOCOLATE...PEANUT BUTTER...WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?!

In This Day and Age...

You know it's getting close to Election Day when your toddler picks up a mail flyer and asks,

"Mom, is dis Bock Oh Bana?"

:oP

(Incidentally, it was John McCain.)

Malgosia's Apple Cake

This cake is a favorite in our household. It does take some time, but it's oh so yummy!
It comes from my father-in-law's wife, who is an excellent cook and baker. ENJOY! :o)

DOUGH:
2 sticks butter, softened
1 egg + 3 additional yokes
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sour cream
3 ½ - 4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla

FILLING:
4 Granny Smith apples
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

GLAZE:
1 tbsp. lemon peel, grated
half a lemon, squeezed
1 c. powdered sugar

1. Mix dough ingredients and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap for 15 mins. in freezer.
2. Preheat oven to 375.
3. Peel, core, and grate apples, then mix with other filling ingredients.
4. Divide dough in half, roll or pat one portion into greased 9 x 13, layer with filling, then roll out remaining dough on floured surface to fit rectangular dish; lay on top.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes until dough is lightly browned, then cool completely.
6. Grate lemon for zest, then cut and squeeze juice; mix with sugar before spreading on cake.

Hands On House

This morning Natalia and I met our good friends for a few hours of fun at the Hands On House. It's located next to the Landis Valley Museum, just a few miles north of Lancaster.



When we arrived there was a large group there on a field trip, but thankfully they were finished and out of there within 15 minutes and that made all the difference in the world.



At first Natalia was simply overwhelmed--stimulation overload--that she just wandered around, not being able to focus on anything for more than a second or two. It probably was compounded by the fact that the field-trippers were at least 6 or 7 years old and there were simply too many of them to leave anything available to play with.


When we did get our chance though, boy did we have fun! It was a bit of a challenge getting any pictures of her that weren't blurred...in spite of learning to only use the sports/action shot setting on my camera when she's involved!



The Corner Grocery was what I deemed her favorite thing--I think she could have spent the day in there!








There was an agricultural section, complete with this "milk the cow"! Natalia and Kaleb both really liked sorting and stacking the eggs. I forgot to take a shot of the wall where you could pick corn--really cute.





Then there was the dress-up room with a pirate ship.




They really are best buds, even though Kaleb finally had enough of the hugs.

When we got home I asked her what her favorite part was. She said, "Ever-thing!!!" :o)

My Little Shadow

So the other morning, I was working at my desk in the kitchen, and Natalia was unloading my pantry shelves. Since I often get my baking ingredients, snacks, beans, pasta, etc. from small family-run stores that buy bulk and repackage in bags, I've got quite an assortment. This past week, these bags have fascinated her completely.

This particular morning she loaded up her grocery cart, shut the pantry door, and then just stood there for awhile. ("Awhile" as defined by a toddler anyway.) This struck me as odd.

Our conversation went something like this:

Me: "What are you doing sweetpea?"

Natalia: "I waiting in line."

(With a chuckle) Me: "Are there alot of people at the market today?"

(With a sigh) Natalia: "Yeah...I being patient."

Rest

This afternoon as I was getting Natalia ready for her nap, I was making up a silly little song about REST.

Rest is good for our bodies...rest is good for our brains...rest gives us energy we need...

We covered all the bases. Rest was good for our bellies, our arms and legs, our eyes, etc.

Suddenly she pipes up, "My eyebrows?"

YES silly girl...even your eyebrows!

Our Little Boy

I had another ECHO/3-D ultrasound last week, and everything looks good. Adam's heart and vital organs continue to appear normal. (We actually got to see he's all boy--up close) :oP

And, at one point the doc even caught this little smirk (reflex? gas? who knows?)


From the measurements they took they determined he's about 3 lbs. now, which is within the normal range.

The only thing the specialist mentioned, which I asked him to clarify, was that I had a few placental lakes.


OB HEALTH LESSON 101: Placental lakes are enlarged spaces in the placenta filled with maternal blood. These spaces are also called intervillous spaces because they are found between the placental villi (the finger-like projections of the placenta that contain fetal blood vessels). The placental villi float in the intervillous spaces and absorb oxygen and nutrients from the maternal blood.


Most docs don't even mention these because more likely than not, they pose no problems to the mother or the baby, but they can result in slight prematurity and/or low birth weight. And, with the way ultrasounds and imaging are constantly improving, they're discovering that most women develop these in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. So the mere presence of placental lakes is quite normal.


My doctor isn't concerned, but they do want to see me again in 6 weeks to take Baby Adam's measurements. It still befuddles my mind what they can do these days!


On a personal note, I'm pretty much the same. Sleeping is becoming more and more of an issue, but thanks to more pillows, my leg numbness hasn't been too bad, just alot of flipping from side to side. (more like rolling)


My appetite has been in a bit of a slump. I eat when I'm hungry (which is every 2-3 hours) but I find things just taste differently again. I'm hoping the nausea that some women get again in the last trimester will pass me by. Other than that, my belly just feels really heavy (like a bowling ball) and my ribs are starting to feel smooshed and sore. No kicks to the ribs yet--just everywhere else! :o)


I've said it before I think, but this little boy is giving every indication that he is going to be one-on-the-move! Hmmmm...that sounds familiar. :o)

Mountaintops and Valleys

I've alluded to a particularly difficult situation that Pete and I have been in since mid-July, and while we feel the details aren't appropriate to broadcast to the whole world, I wanted to give an update because I hope it encourages you to trust FULLY in the Lord for whatever you are going through at this very moment.

I was just telling a good friend that the last time I felt this desperate for God to provide and grant us peace was when Natalia was first born, and her health (her life) was completely out of our hands. Let me just say too, that that place is GRACE in disguise. Grace defined as "unmerited favor", and God's kindness to us.

How can I say this? Because I am convinced that God allows trials and challenges to come our way, not in an arbitrary way or because He doesn't care, but because He loves us, desires to grow us, teach us about who He is and who we are; to remind us that He provides for our very breath, wants to bless us, and desires to be our Lord.

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Look at the "titles" I encountered this past week in my quiet time with God, leading up to our big day on Friday. (They come from Charles Spurgeon's, MORNING AND EVENING devotional.)

"Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?" (Numbers 11:11)

"On whom are you depending?" (Isaiah 36:5)

"I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel." (Jeremiah 15:21)

"Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven" (Lamentations 3:41)(speaking of prayer)

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Hmmm...I don't count THAT as merely coincidence.


You see, Pete and I were thrust into a situation in which our integrity was called into question.

False claims were made by complete strangers.

We felt under attack.

The possible financial outcomes seemed daunting (and that word doesn't quite capture it!)

We felt a degree of obligation to speak the truth and defend ourselves...but recognized that it might not be enough, and we might have to "compensate" our accusers and trust that God would somehow and in some way provide for us to do so.

AND, in all of this, we felt that God wanted to increase our faith and trust in Him.



Would our reaction/attitude (when we met in person to try to resolve the matter) reflect our faith and trust in Christ to them?

Though we felt completely justified in our stance, would we be faithful to pray for those who were causing our hardship? To pray for their ultimate good?

Despite the blow to our pride, would we focus on how our accusers were defining us, or find rest in our Savior's definition of who we are?


Well, the outcome of Friday's meeting was extremely hard to swallow. We had NO IDEA how we were going to come up with that kind of cash within a month's time. (Especially with what we could sell, cut from our tight budget, and the interest rates banks are offering on loans these days!) ANYWAY, as we were faithful to pray for wisdom and provision (and even when we weren't) God was bringing about a solution. He was blessing our meager and imperfect efforts at faith and trust, and the end result was exponential!

God used a single source we weren't expecting to cover the full amount!
(THANK YOU! You know who you are!)

The significance of this is not lost on us...isn't God good? :o)

Farm Fair Fun

One of the things I can instantly recall each fall just through the sense of smell is the local Farm Show. When the temperatures take a dip and the evenings grow dark earlier and earlier, the air around this area smells different. There's the smell of harvest first of all, the drying corn is cut down and used for silage, the soil is tilled one final time before the first frost. But it's the combination of all of that and...well, the smell of tractor fumes or someone smoking a pipe to bring it all together.


It's Farm Show time folks!


Last night was the annual parade, and it happened to land exactly on my brother Joe's birthday. My cousin Laura and her husband live along the parade route through town and she invited the relatives to camp out on her section of sidewalk.


My family joined the gang after fighting the crowds for some Fair Food. Let me tell you, the milkshakes and french fries are simply divine and worth the wait in line. :o) Then we settled down for the parade...along with homemade cupcakes for the birthday boy. My mom made her favorite white cupcakes with frosting and sprinkles (YUM), and I took the kind that have many names: "black bottom", "yum yum"--whatever you call them they are chocolate with cream cheese and mini chocolate chips inside.

Natalia wasn't too sure about the fire truck sirens at first. There were some tears. But after Mommy persuaded her that they were just saying hello and that they weren't trying to be scary she decided they weren't so bad. She snuggled with me for most of the parade (I was eating it up because she just doesn't sit with me like that anymore!) and had fun waving to everyone who went by. The bands had her clapping and so did the candy being tossed. :o)


Just at the conclusion it started to sprinkle...but since we were at the beginning of the route we were home by 9pm! Laura, you may be seeing us on your front lawn every year!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


This morning I took Natalia in again to see the animals. She got to pet some piglets which had her absolutely fascinated.

Here are a few shots of our morning:

I could barely pry her off of the tractors! Yep, there's a little bit of country in that gal!

Look at me Mom! :o)

The Yummiest Carrot Cake Recipe

This recipe comes out of the BLACK ROCK RETREAT COOKBOOK--so moist and delicious! :o)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together:
½ c. applesauce
½ c. oil
2 c. sugar

Then add to mixture and stir:
4 eggs
3 c. grated carrots

Sift together, then add to mixture and stir:
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon

Pour into a 9x13 pan and bake for 30 minutes. (Or 325 degrees for 45 mins.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream together and spread on cooled cake:
1 (8 oz.) box cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
2 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. butter

Mom's Pumpkin Bread

Beat together:
1 c. veg. oil
3 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

Add:
1 c. cooked pumpkin
2 tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. warm water
3 c. flour


Put into 2 greased and floured loaf pans and bake at 350 for 50 minutes.


***A family favorite served sliced and plain or with a bit of whipped cream cheese spread on top.

Quotable Kiddo, Take 2

Of course I thought of more post-worthy Natalia sayings later on...thus a second post devoted to Our Little Stinker. :o)

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The other day she was about to drive me bonkers with this sweet saying (over and over and OVER again!). "Take your time, Mommy. Take your time." (Huh??? It was so random!)

When Daddy's about to take her for an evening walk to the playground, "No Mommy, you stay here."

When noticing any new person around, "What's that?", and "What are doing?"

Carrying around her baby doll, patting its head and snuggling with it, she's crooning, "You're okay baby, you're okay."

After gathering her purse, cell phone, and her shopping cart, she waves to me and says, "See ya later Mom, I going shopping."

When the 3 of us are sitting down to dinner, "Help yourself." (I guess she's heard me say that when we've had people over for a meal!)

At dinnertime, we've been instructing her on the respectful way to interrupt our conversation. Yesterday, as she and I were sitting upstairs, she was stringing together random phrases and pure babble when suddenly she turned to her baby doll laying beside her, and put her hand out to say, "Just a minute baby, I talking to Mommy." And without skipping a beat, launched right back into her "discussion" with me.

When she sees us getting a cup of coffee or tea, "I want coffee." (To which I respond, "when you're old enough to drive.")

As we're getting ready to leave the house and are sitting down to put on our shoes, "I wanna' go naked." I ask, "you mean barefoot?" She says, "Yeah, I wanna' go boo-foot!" (She'd actually go naked too if that were allowed! :oP)

When driving home from a family get-together or playdate, "I had fun! You have fun, Mom?"

Upon running to greet Pete when he comes home from work, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! You work hard? I helper you your yunch box."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Such a sweetpea! :o)

Quotable Kiddo

Natalia's newest sayings to date:

(When wrestling with Daddy on the floor) "I stuck! I stuck!"

"No, I'm the mommy and you're the little girl." (Hmmm, gotta' love those endless discipline moments!)

(When we're driving in the car) "Slow down Daddy, slow down."

(To her baby) "Come here baby, I need to change your poopy bapper (diaper). Hold still baby."

(When asked if she needs something) "Ah, no--I okay. I fine."


(When in the car and we've barely left our street) "Are we there yet?" (Good grief! Wasn't it yesterday that I was saying that?!)


(Faithfully between 6:30 and 7am I open my eyes to her little face inches from mine) "Mommy, I all done seeping!"


(Obviously because she's seen me struggling to brush my teeth and avoiding the urge to gag) "Mommy, your belly hurt? You going to fro up? You need to sit for a bit? Take some brefs?"


(The other morning at the crack of dawn our next door neighbor accidently hits the alarm button on her keychain and 2 horn blasts jolt me from my snooze--our windows were open--Natalia runs to our window and yells...) "You scare me! You scare me!" (...to which poor Shannon sheepishly calls out, "Sorry."


(And because our evening entertainment lately has included watching Mommy's belly bounce) "My baby's kicking me."

What a girl! :o)

Sightings

Look what we discovered hanging out on our front porch window yesterday morning!