Dry Spell

Well, I realize I haven't really blogged for awhile.  I take some pictures and think to myself, "This will be a good blog post."  but then I don't get the photos loaded, or the topic loses my interest, or I think what does it matter, or I think of something else only to abandon the idea later.  There are many times I just look at the empty text box and wonder what I should write.  It isn't necessarily for a lack of something rattling around in my mind, although maybe there is an issue with my mind and the things rattling around in it.  I just get into these processing modes and find it difficult to share, write, post, or whatever.  I love reading The Pioneer Woman!  Have you ever read her or checked out any of her delicious recipes?  OH MY GOODNESS!  Head over there right now because I can assure you she is by far much more interesting than I ever could be.  She is so witty and I greatly appreciate her ability to communicate and articulate her wittiness!  I am far from witty!  I don't know, other than to acknowledge it is a true gift, how she does it all...sharing her life so openly for all of us to experience, take pictures along with editing and posting, writing, cooking, homeschooling, etc.  Maybe I am a little envious of how it appears she does everything with ease, beauty, ...  Do you think she has a staff?  It would make me feel a little better.  I know I am not suppose to compare so really, the lesson I should learn from this entry is to possibly QUIT READING HER BLOG!!  Hahahaha!  Isn't it funny, or unfortunate might be more like it, how we continually substitute and fill up our time with things that we enjoy but realize it will still leave us feeling empty?  Are you catching my drift?  I love my hobbys, reading blogs, reading books (BTW...I am reading the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers....WOW!), cooking, etc...but even admist all those things can still feel empty and as though something is off.  If I want to be really open and transparent, I have been filling my time with these things, which aren't bad whatsoever, but have neglected in filling myself up with the Word of the Lord.  Ahhhh....now I remember one of the ideas I had for a blog post.  DISTRACTIONS!!  I am filling my time with too many distractions!  Distractions are everywhere!!  Ugh...and I am such a sucker!  Facebook, blogs, this, that, more of this, more of that.....   I remember this song from when I was in high school.  I loved it when I was in high school but now I actually understand it - HA!


So all that to say this...
- Don't go read The Pioneer Woman if she will distract you.
- Go read The Pioneer Woman if you want to laugh or find a good recipe.
- Don't go read The Pioneer Woman if you think it will discourage you because she is so stinking amazing.
- Be sure you are filling up on Jesus!
- Watch out for those distractions!
- Be sure you are filling up on Jesus!
- Slow down and don't be in a hurry!
- You don't really have to just live or die...make both count! 

Okay...I am going to shut up.  This just keeps getting weirder!

Out of this World Sammy!

Making sandwiches isn't something I usually tend to think about as dinner options.  Occasionally I make hamburgers, sloppy joes, or BLTs.  Usually sandwiches for dinner occur in the summer or spring.  However my friend encouraged me to try her recipe.  I loved it when she started it this way..."Well, I don't really have the recipe anymore but it goes something like this..."  HILARIOUS!  I can soooo relate!  Anyhow, you start by carmelizing some onions (about 2 onions) with some olive oil.  Once they are close to carmelizing add some garlic but be sure not to burn it.  Burnt garlic is HORRIBLE!!  So, put these carmelized onions and garlic in the bottom of your crockpot.  Then sear your roast in the same pan.  I used a shoulder roast and cut it in half to make it easier to work with.  Put the seared roast on top of the onions.  Next in a 2 cup measuring cup pour in 1/4 c. of soy sauce and then 1/4 c. of water or beef broth.  Dump one package of dry mushroom-onion soup mix and mix with the soy sauce/broth.  Pour this mixture over the roast.  (Idea:  Before adding the broth/water to the soy sauce, pour it first into the pan you were using to carmelize the onions and sear your meat for added flavor!)  Next, put your crockpot on low or high (you know your crockpot better than I do) and cook the heck out of that roast!!  You know it is finished when it will shred very easily.  Be sure you have yummy crusty bread!  Well, actually I bought discounted, almost stale bread at Walmart and it turned out great because....

I topped the bottom of the bun with the roast, onions, and juice and provolone cheese.  I brushed the top with some olive oil and then stuck it all under the broiler.  Let.me.say...I wish you could have been here!

I am now going to more seriously consider sammys for dinner!!!

To top off our meal, I made homemade potato & sweet potato chips.  Although these do take more time then I would want to spend normally, they are yummy and fun!  First, thinly slice your potatoes on a mandolin. 

Place them in a single layer (this is what makes it time consuming, yet it is important based on what I learned from my first try) on a baking sheet.  I baked them at 350 for about 8-10 minutes then flipped them. 

Our final addition was opening up some of our homemade applesauce.

One of my favorite dinners (I have made) in a long time!!

Welcome to Our Beauty Shop!!

It is wonderful that we are to the point in our "schooling at home" routine that I can run errands in the morning if need be and the girls are able to work independently on their studies.  Because I had to get to the doctor this morning, I left the girls with a "To Do" list and went about my errands.  When I returned I was welcomed by very excited little girls who asked if I needed to go to the Beauty Shop.  Of course!  What girl doesn't like a trip to the beauty shop!  So, they also finnagled their daddy in to coming to the Beauty Shop as well.  Daddy and I were instructed to wait in the waiting area and 'sign in'.  In order to 'sign in' we had to provide the time of arrival, our name...including first, middle, and last, our age, and where (not sure what this was about).  Anyhow, I was then greeted by the beauticians.  They were real beauties!  So, I was taken to the "chair". 

As "Elizabeth (aka Anna)" was trimming my hair the other beautician asked if she was actually cutting my hair.  In my mind I am thinking:  Hmmmm...wait, those ARE plastic, FAKE scissors....right????)  "Elizabeth" replied she was just pretending.  Now coming out of my mouth:  Hmmmm...wait, those ARE plastic, FAKE scissors....right????  "Elizabeth" then demonstrates that these plastic, FAKE scissors actually are REAL plastic scissors that cut...FOLDED CONSTRUCTION PAPER no less!!!  Oh my goodness!  I just about DIED!!  Anyhow, with all of my hair still securely attached I was then asked if I would like some makeup and jewelry.  I almost died again when I realized as "blush" was being applied to my face that it was actually sidewalk chalk!  I really couldn't tell until it was on my face.  Hilarious!!  I just laughed and laughed and tried to relish each moment!  I was also privileged with a necklace and lip gloss.  Even though my hair had already been cut, I then got a rinse and then began the process of getting my hair "dialed"  (aka dyed).  I was asked by "Elizabeth" what color I wanted.  I chose to go blonde.  (PS:  I HATE this picture but about died again at the creativity of my girls!) 

Yes....yellow sticky notes were the foils 'dialing' my hair blonde.  The ONLY reason I allowed this picture to be taken and now posted was so I can remember these sticky notes in my hair as it was getting 'dialed.'  Now, with my hair all 'dialed' blonde, I was escorted to another area with curtains.  As I sat down I had to take my shoes off.  I honestly had no idea what was coming up next.  "Cara" (aka Kate) then pulled out a little bucket and began to paint my toenails.  Hilarious!!

As I was getting my pedicure, Daddy was called to get his hair washed...

Finally, Daddy and I were all gussied up, looking beautiful and handsome!  Thank you "Elizabeth" and "Cara"!!

Apple Dumplings

Boo on me for not taking a picture but trust me...check out this recipe from the ever-so-famous Pioneer Woman!  If you need a good laugh, be sure to read some more of her blog because she is a realist who is hysterically funny about life!  She was a fancy, city big-wig who married a cowboy and has adjusted to the "ranching" lifestyle!  Really great website, chock full of laughs, recipes, ideas, stories, etc. 

So, back to the Apple Dumplings...these are amazingly yummy and even more amazingly SIMPLE!!  SIMPLE I tell ya!  My grandma made incredible pies and after my grandfather passed I spent an entire day with her and she taught me how to make pie crust!  I was a perfectionist (still am) and oh...I struggled and struggled and struggled.  She was so patient with me though.  Anyhow, these dumplings are no where near the goodness of an old-fashioned apple dumpling with homemade pie crust...however, for the time, money, and stresses they are definitely worth you checking in to the recipe for yourself! 

My Cowgirls +

Being these two girls' mom is such a privilege.

Unfortunately, at times I have complained.

I have been selfish.

I have been harsh.

I have been more than imperfect.

But look at these precious faces...

I don't doubt they love me.

And despite my flaws,

I know they don't doubt my love for them.

They have taught me so much...

about myself.

about my marriage.

about my relationship with Christ.

These precious girls are the apple of my eye.

They inspire me to be better

at everything I try to do.

I am humbled at the thought

the Lord entrusted them to me.

Father...I pray I don't let you down.

May Your grace and mercy

cover all my human errors

as I try to raise them to love You

worship You.

serve You.

Gettin' the Itch...

Goodwill finds
New can of spray paint
Upcoming visit to Joann's

**I know I still need to post pictures of the completed banner from Isaac's birthday but we have been having technical difficulties.**