Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This is the epitome of comfort food, folks.  :)

Don't let the long list of ingredients fool ya...it isn't hard to make!  I just itemized them into an easier format.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLING SOUP
Makes 8 servings

(3 c. pre-cooked, cubed chicken breast, OR...)
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. flour
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 c. water
4 c. chicken broth (I use Better Than Bouillon, Vegetable Base)
1/2 c. half-and-half
1 tsp. poultry seasoning (onion pwd., garlic pwd., thyme, rosemary, sage and paprika)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

For dumplings, dump into a quart freezer ziplock:
3/4 c. half-and-half
1 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS:
1. Over medium heat, melt butter in a large skillet, dredge chicken breasts in flour, and brown on each side 6-7 minutes.  Set aside to cool, then cube.
2.  In a large soup pot, melt butter and saute onion, carrot, celery and minced garlic over medium until tender, about 4-5 mins. 
3.  Mix cornstarch into the water, then add to soup pot with broth, half-and-half, seasonings and chicken.  Bring to a low boil/simmer.
4.  Knead dumpling ingredients inside the ziplock until incorporated.  After soup has simmered for 5 minutes, snip off a tiny (1/4") corner of ziplock and using a kitchen scissors, cut 1/2" pieces of dough into simmering broth.  (The dough is really sticky, so make quick cuts with the scissors.  If needed, dip scissor into hot soup to loosen dough.)  Simmer for 10 minutes more.

Enjoy!

 

Weekend Getaway

Crisp cold air, scents of earth and moss and pine, quiet rustling leaves and the creaking of tree trunks as they gently sway...

 

  

...the warmth of sunlight as it crests the ridge and illuminates the colorful edges of the trees...

 

 

                            ...the sound of my children's happy voices as they explore and play.

 







 

It's a humble little place, with just enough "conveniences" to be easier than camping, but that's fine with me. The woods is one of my favorite places to unwind and recharge.
 

 

We had perfect weather to enjoy the cabin's woodstove and outdoor fire pit.  Brisk enough for layering up, but also plenty of sunshine to make you want to be outdoors all day.

 





 

Anything turns into a horse with this girl...LOL.  Adam is such a good sport.

 



I had brought along a book and so in between meal duties I sat out by the fire and kept it going.  That was all I had on my agenda for the day--mission accomplished. :)



 

The kids had fun "helping" Pete, Great Grandpa, and my Uncle Jim move some wood across the creek to the shed.

 

 

True to form, they made the work fun by giving the kiddos rides on the zipline.

 





And Uncle Jim gave them a demonstration on how he uses his tree stand to hunt.

 



 

Now we're back home and I'm working on the laundry, but I feel rejuvenated.  I personally need those doses of solice and quiet--away from my normal routine.  It fuels me to come back to my day-to-day, ready to dive in.

Family Updates

We've now been in full-swing school mode for 2 months.

Natalia is in 2nd grade, LOVES her teacher, is making new friends and enjoying continuing friendships from previous years.  The social aspects of the school day continue to be her favorite part, but she is a real worker bee and is striving to do her best despite the challenges that learning poses.  On that front we are making some progress in figuring out the balance that will help her, and it is a process that is stretching and growing us all in valuable ways.  My hope and prayer for this year was that not only would Natalia start to experience some success to keep her going, but also that her teacher and anyone else that works with her would get a good pulse on Natalia; that they would understand what motivates and works for her.  Already I've seen that prayer answered in numerous ways. 

Adam is in a 3-morning Preschool program at our district's high school.  I have been so impressed by the head teacher, the high school "teachers", and just the content that they pack into the morning.  Adam has a good grip on the alphabet, can write, and is starting to read some words, but his foundation will only solidify with this program, not to mention the classroom disciplines he's learning.  Every morning he wakes up and asks if he has school.  :)

My days have been more busy than I anticipated simply with the kids varying schedules--and the fact that we have now been re-zoned as walkers.  It's a good hike up the hill (1 mile round trip) and we make it twice a day when the weather allows.  (Que the familiar, "when I was your age I walked 2 miles to school, in the snow, uphill boths ways...")  Next year when Adam starts Kindergarten I'll make the trip 3 times!!!  To think that after letting my gym membership expire for financial reasons this winter, I was praying for God to open up a scheduled time for me to exercise...  :)

We've been wrapping up our pastured poultry operation for the year.  In alittle more than a week we will finish with the last batch for a grand total of 450 birds for 2013.  Hard to believe we've been doing this for 4 years...an exciting, provisional adventure.  We continue to keep our eyes open for a single family property in our area with 1 1/2 acres.  Our dream is to keep raising chickens, add a handful of egg layers and maybe a goat.  So far it seems an impossible dream on a teacher's salary, but who knows!  God has provided in many big ways in the past.  If it's to be, it will be.  I've learned a lot about contentment through this process, and it's always a challenge, but just what I need.

 

With autumn's onset, we've been enjoying campfires with friends, as well as a trip to the Science Factory in Lancaster and Strasburg Railroad courtesy of the library's free passes/reading program.  Other highlights have been our local farm show, numerous extended family weddings, and the father/son campout at church.  Pete and I will take the kids to the mountains for a weekend soon.  It's become one of our favorite yearly traditions, and it thrills me to carry on the memories of my childhood romps in the woods. 

On the homefront I was able to make applesauce again this year as well as freezer corn and canned peaches.  Those are my staples and all I tackled this year.  Our small garden did okay, but not great.  I was hoping for zucchini, cucumbers, and meadow tea but something got to those plants.  The tomatoes however are still producing!  I have grand visions of having a garden in our own backyard someday...gonna' have to grow a green thumb though first.  That is definitely not my strength. 

Last, but not least, there is book club.  Oh, how I love it, let me count the ways... 
I haven't been reading nearly as many books as in the past, but I'm definitely being stretched to read new things, and the fellowship we have over our meal together with the book discussion afterward has been a highlight for me every month.  Look for my reviews and ratings soon.  :)

Multitude Monday #9

It's been awhile since I've posted a Multitude Monday...a recounting of God's faithfulness and blessings in this season.  I am so thankful that though I desire to honor Christ, his love for me is an unchanging love, and not dependent on my performance.  He is faithful, even when I'm not.  THIS is true mercy and grace, and it makes me want to please him even more.

Things have been hoppin' in our household.  School is well underway, but some of us are still adjusting.

Picking up where I left off...

123.  Physical health.  It is so easy to take for granted a body that functions properly.

124.  Group exercise class at the local rec center.  I've been going twice or more a week for Body Pump.  It's weight training set to music, and it works each muscle group.  I definately feel stronger, especially in my legs and lower back.

125.  25 lbs. gone!  It took 5 months but slow and steady wins the race, right?  I'm aiming for 15 more by the end of the year. 

126.  Discounted clothing for my kiddos and turning a profit through the Weeusables Consignment Sale this week.  Just in time too because they both had outgrown nearly everything in their closet!!!

127.  Spiritual encouragment through the men and women in our Care Group and church.

128.  A dinner date with longtime friends--sans kiddos!  We figured out that we hadn't done that since starting our families 7 years ago. 

129.  Spontaneous squeezes and sweet whispers from my kiddos.

130.  Input for how to better steer my child's strong (STRONG!!!) will through H. Clay Trumbull's book "Hints on Child Training".  Though originally published in 1890 it is remarkably current--some things just don't change!

131.  Cool mornings!

132.  New people joining the Mom's prayer group for our elementary school.

133.  Our new church building!  We've officially been meeting there since the beginning of August.  After 30 years of paying rent, we now have the space for greater ministry and service.

134.  Patched drywall!  Seems silly, but after a year of having a hole in our living room ceiling (due to a mysterious roof leak) it is now fixed and awaiting a coat of paint.  Hurray!

135.  A benign test result.

136.  Adam doing an awesome job during his first trip to the dentist! 

137.  A steaming cup of coffee and a few minutes of quiet solitude.

138.  Book Club.  I just love it!  It challenges me, refreshes me, and is a once-a-month repose in this season of my life.

139.  Upcoming fall festivities--my favorite season.

140.  Homemade applesauce.

141.  Marigolds still in bloom.

142.  A great year of pastured poultry production!  Favorable weather for the most part, better equipment, and plentiful customers.  Our last batch is finished in a week.

143.  A prayer that reorients my heart when I'm foolishly self-reliant..."Jesus, please help me.  Because otherwise I can't be helped."

144.  My mom.  :-)  A trusted confidant, friend, source of wisdom, helper...I could go on and on but the screen is already blurry from the tears welling up!

145.  My hard-working husband.  I am particularly thankful that he has a job that allows him to be at home with us early in the evening, that he's willing to help Natalia with her homework despite the grading and lesson plans awaiting him each evening, and that he is a "hands on" daddy.  Love you, hon!

This Season...

...has been busier than I anticipated. Guess I thought life would settle down after we got into the swing of the school year. But life rarely adheres to my expectations. (I know, surprise, surprise.) How comforting it is to know that there is One who is infinitely wise and powerful orchestrating our lives.

Is it just me, or does this time of year seem to be extra "charged"? You can almost feel it in the air. Maybe it's the tension and stress in the people around you that seems more tangible. The holidays are just around the corner, the consumer-driven frenzy seems to have started even earlier (what is up with THAT?!), and to quote the Berenstain Bears, the "galloping greedy gimmies" are on full display. There are days and nights where I just want to stay home and completely shut out the world.

But the world does not go away.

And I am called to be in the world, but not of it.

I am charged to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around me. And if my eyes are open, the needs go on and on and on.

This season has been one in which numerous people in our circle of relationships have had pressing needs...so many are heavy in nature. My heart has been overwhelmed and burdened with the load I see them carrying. I aim to be bold but find myself hesitating because I want the assurance that it'll be the perfect "gift" at the perfect time. I vacillate between wanting to do something to alleviate their suffering, and worrying that I'll over commit myself (and our finances) during this season of already feeling the strain.

Then I remember who my Provider is, and who is the Giver of all wisdom, and I pray.

I pray for the discernment to know what I am to be about, each and every day.
To be lavish in my love towards others, not holding back out of fear or worry or selfishness.
To be wise, and full of faith.
To preserve family time together, and enjoy simple pleasures.
To point to Jesus in all situations, and to teach my children to be looking for Him too.

Lord, help us to be about You and your purposes in this season.

Wintry Weekend

What a snowy surprise we got this past weekend! Our family of four had already planned to spend some time at the cabin, and once I heard the weather forecast I threw our snowgear onto the pile to pack into the car. Just the drop in temperature was startling, but in my opinion it should be cold when at the cabin.

I love the smell of a woodstove, and though the cabin is definately a hunting cabin (or what I lovingly refer to as a "shabin"), not a vacation home in the mountains, it is perfectly suited for what we use it for. Time away. A place to enjoy our family and God's creation. An interruption and schedule-free zone. I haven't been to the cabin in probably a decade, but as a kid I spent at least one weekend there every year if not more. Pete and I went once after we were married, before we had the kids, and I was excited to finally share a piece of my childhood with them now that they're old enough to enjoy it. Till the storm was past we had received quite a bit of rain and 6 inches of snow. Losing power from noon until 6pm meant our inside activity was quite limited too, but we dug out the oil lamp, used the natural light from the windows, and cooked our supper in and on the woodstove. Beef stew and potatoes never tasted so good!

We took a walk on Saturday morning after we had received about 2 inches. The colorful autumn leaves were beautiful against the white snow.

We had no traveling issues due to the snow. My dad remarked that once we got to the cabin we'd be okay...everything is literally downhill from there. :-)

Natalia was the only one to see a deer. She was standing by the table looking out the window and saw one (she said she saw antlers) crossing the driveway. We were sure to wear some bright colors and make plenty of noise during our walk...it's archery season.

I was hoping to spend more time outside, letting the kids play in the woods, built a teepee, and collect some pretty leaves, but having snow was very memorable and the kids were so sad to leave.

I devoured a book, Pete caught up on his Reader's Digest reading from the last 20 years, and the kids had a great time being monkeys on the bunk beds and playing "house".

A wonderful family memory to file away.

Horses, Horses, Horses...

...and a few cows. But really, this post is about the horses.

Since spring, my daughter has been anticipating a visit to the farm where my Mom's friend's friend boards her horses. (follow that?)

Sunday afternoon the time finally came. My younger brother's family was there, my mom, and Natalia and I, and the kids were soooooo excited. Even little Eli had been saying "pony? pony?" all morning. My mom's friend Teresa kindly gave each of the children a pony cart ride, let them lead Moakey around and brush her. Then the oldest 3 got a ride on a wonderfully gentle 12 yr. old "real-sized" horse named Max.

It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, the air brisk, the leaves bright red and orange and yellow.

Grandpa even stopped by on his way home from his bike ride.

My girlie was in horse heaven.

And I was excited to learn that you can be an owner-less 4H equestrian participant once you turn 8. A much cheaper alternative to riding lessons, especially for a beginner. I'm definately filing away that tidbit for the future!

Farm Show

I just love our local Farm Show...and that it is still all about farming.

I appreciate that each food stand sells a different thing, and that they and the carnival rides haven't taken over the feel of the place.

I enjoy being able to pick out familiar faces in the crowded streets, though it's been 16 years.

I take delight in the friendly but competitive fine arts contest...clearly I need to kick it into high gear though. My high school rival bested me!This was the first time I entered something in 16 years...you'd think he'd show some mercy. :-)

And I'm thrilled to see my kids enjoying the parade and the animals as much as I remember doing so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This year, since Natalia had school, Adam and I met up with Melanie and her two youngest to enjoy a morning at the Farm Show. Melanie and I became friends way back in the first grade and it was a treat to spend time with her again.

A favorite every year is this table of corn and tractor toys.And of course there are lots of real tractors and things to climb on...till Mommy noticed the new sign that was up this year. :-(

The lawnmowers didn't have a sign on them. Yay!

Shepherd's Pie

Really it's not Shepherd's Pie unless you use ground lamb, but since I have beef in my freezer that's what I used. So call it Cottage Pie if you want to get technical.

I found Gordon Ramsay's recipe online, and (dare I say it) I tweeked it...but just slightly. I wasn't crazy about putting egg yolks and heavy cream in my mashed potatoes when sour cream was much simpler. I also added some freezer corn to up the veggie count. Ramsay's recipe states that the meat mixture should have a mash consistency--so chunks of meat or veg are a no-no. We pick our sweet corn young and I think the tiny kernels added a nice element to this dish that remained in keeping with Gordon's version.

Perfect for the cooler weather we've been having, and an easy meal to serve guests, give it a try this week.

Shepherd's Pie
Makes a 2 qt. dish (about 6 servings)

POTATO MASH:
4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. sour cream
salt and pepper, to taste

MEAT FILLING:
1 lb. ground beef (or lamb)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced (almost minced)
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. rosemary
1/8 tsp. thyme
1/4 c. worchestershire
1/4 c. red wine
1/4 c. water or stock
1/2 small can of tomato paste (about 2 Tbsp.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 pint freezer corn

1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
dash of paprika (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Boil potatoes in salt water (about 15 mins.), then drain and mash with other potato mash ingredients.
2. Preheat oven to 400.
3. In a large frying pan, brown meat, breaking it up into fine pieces. Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat oil (medium heat) then add onion, carrot and garlic and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Drain meat, then add to veggie mixture along with remaining ingredients (except for parmesan cheese and paprika) and simmer for at least 5 minutes.
***You could put the meat and veggies in the same pot, but I like to cook them separately to ensure the onions and carrots are well-cooked and to eliminate any excess grease from the meat.
5. Layer in greased 2 qt. oven-safe dish, gently spread potatoes over top, then top with cheese. Take a fork and stab the top a couple times to create little peaks that will lightly brown. Dash with paprika for some color (optional) and bake for 20 minutes.

Wooly Bears

There is a nip in the air. I love it!

Aside from all the other things I love about autumn, there are these WOOLY BEARS to snuggle with.

Awwww...see?! They DO love each other! They DON'T always fight like alleycats!

Retreat

Time with other women. WONDERFUL.

Uninterrupted conversation, gales of laughter, delicious food, shared tears...family. PRICELESS.

It was a first.

The first that I've been part of anyway. With my mom's oldest sister and her adult children spread across the U.S., and many of my cousins and I being in the young family season of life, it is downright rare that we are together without children.

A few weren't able to make our getaway...and we sorely felt their absence. In the end there were 8 of us, ranging in age from early 20's to upper 50's. Sisters, in-laws, cousins, mothers, daughters.


It's been a year of joys, challenges, celebrations, and loss since my grandfather passed away last October. This retreat was oh, so timely for all of us. It surely did wonders for my heart and soul.

I hope we can make it an annual thing.

Lastly, I only took one picture! I can't believe it...ONE! Guess I was too busy flappin' my gums and gigglin'.

Bugger!

The view out the back window is usually so nice...

Lately, however, the view has been obstructed.

If you look real close, you can see some of the 13 "obstructions" that were perched on the right window alone!

It seems whenever I catch one that has managed to sneak indoors, I let another one in as I fling the previous intruder out! I don't want to squish them. I'm sure they're called stink bugs for a reason.

Anyone know why they are suddenly showing up in hordes?

School Time!

I have had a VERY excited little girl in my household this week.

Tuesday was the first day of Pre-school!

Natalia is enrolled in a program offered at Pete's old school and after I visited last fall I was thrilled to have found a great program that fit our budget. There is a supervising teacher, around 12 student teachers (juniors and seniors), and around 12 pre-schoolers. It runs 3 days a week for 2 hours each morning, yet is early enough that we still have a nice amount of down-time together before lunch. (I was a bit nervous about getting out of the door with 2 kiddos by 7:45, but it hasn't been bad! Ask me in mid-January though and I may say differently.)

Mrs. B has been doing this for over 20 years, her program is one finely-tuned machine, and I love how she is giving her student teachers a real taste for what it takes to be an educator. Her love for what she does just oozes out of her, and I love her sense of humor.

Natalia's first words to me after I picked her up after her first day were, "I just LOVE pre-school and Mrs. B!" (I just knew she would.)