of a stay-at-home mom
While I am not a full-time SAHM, I only work part time - and today was one of my days home. So I embraced the day!
Woke up early (I choose NOT to allow myself to sleep in. I keep a schedule, getting up around 5:45 am every morning.) to a very cool fall morning - with temperatures in the upper 40s. I opened all the blinds and opened the windows to let the fresh, crisp air in. Oh, to fill your lungs with that beautiful cool fresh air... it's so good.
Made a pot of coffee and sat down to enjoy the morning news. Started a new crocheting project while I had my coffee and checked in with the world. I always cherish my quiet mornings, before my son and/or husband get up to start the day. Today was no different.
The morning was spent catching up from the weekend! By noon I had made breakfast oat bars for the week as well as a loaf of wheat bread. Two loads of laundry are hanging in the cool air outside. The dishes were unloaded, those from my baking washed, and the kitchen picked up.
I also took a walk of the gardens this morning, harvesting some tomatoes, zucchini, and summer squash. I will have to work them into the week's menus!
It is so nice to have a morning to catch up. Hoping to finish up laundry this afternoon and maybe get the floors all done. Before the football game tonight. NOTHING gets in the way of watching my boy play ball.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
When it's ok to play with your food!
I played with my food today.
but I think it's ok.
because I was playing with veggies - and different ways to serve them to my family!
I've amassed quite a bit of produce this week, as well as a bowl of bluegill fillets from my son's fishing trip yesterday, and some thawed pork chops my dear husband pulled out yesterday (thinking he was helping.)
So today's mission was to design meals that used up as much as possible.
And I chose to accept, and embrace the challenge with gusto!
Lunch - I knew I wanted to fry up the bluegill. Protein - done. I had one small eggplant, and several small zucchini on the counter, so I sliced them up, and made a veggie parmesan with them to accompany the fish. A gift of a bag of pears was waiting to become a pear crisp for dessert. FOUR items on my list used!
On to dinner. The port went in the crock pot early in the day (it IS Packer Sunday!), so that was taken care of. On to veggies. I had a cabbage in the fridge, grabbed a few potatoes - and wedged both, tossed with olive oil and seasonings, and roasted them. A super simple dinner in the books!
So the family got four different veggies today - five if you count the tomatoes in the sauce - and a wonderful day of homemade food. And not a single recipe used, just my instinct, which is a victory for me.
but I think it's ok.
because I was playing with veggies - and different ways to serve them to my family!
I've amassed quite a bit of produce this week, as well as a bowl of bluegill fillets from my son's fishing trip yesterday, and some thawed pork chops my dear husband pulled out yesterday (thinking he was helping.)
So today's mission was to design meals that used up as much as possible.
And I chose to accept, and embrace the challenge with gusto!
Lunch - I knew I wanted to fry up the bluegill. Protein - done. I had one small eggplant, and several small zucchini on the counter, so I sliced them up, and made a veggie parmesan with them to accompany the fish. A gift of a bag of pears was waiting to become a pear crisp for dessert. FOUR items on my list used!
On to dinner. The port went in the crock pot early in the day (it IS Packer Sunday!), so that was taken care of. On to veggies. I had a cabbage in the fridge, grabbed a few potatoes - and wedged both, tossed with olive oil and seasonings, and roasted them. A super simple dinner in the books!
So the family got four different veggies today - five if you count the tomatoes in the sauce - and a wonderful day of homemade food. And not a single recipe used, just my instinct, which is a victory for me.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Living our lives on autopilot....
Something from Sunday's sermon is still on my mind this morning (great job Pastor Schneider!)... He talked about living life, and not living life on autopilot. Not becoming desensitized to our surroundings....
How often do we do that? Keep pushing forward on autopilot, day to day, all of a sudden realizing that weeks, months, even years have gone by? I have applauded myself over these last two years of my "second chapter" of life for NOT doing this. For taking time to enjoy life, the God moments, etc.. But Sunday as I sat and listened to Pastor, I realized that I too am STILL guilty of this.
Summer lasts for most of three months. And it flew by in a flash. I didn't do any of the "relaxing" I had planned on. And I'm so frustrated with myself. I ended up over committing (the peril of people knowing you have the summer "off" from teaching) for MONTHS. This first week of school has been the first time I've been able to really sit back and breathe.
how sad...
While we had a wonderful summer - visiting friends - having company here, etc., I am very frustrated that I've lived the 3 months on autopilot, not stopping each day to give thanks, to realize all that we are Blessed with, to hear the silence that is so important to hear.
Lucky for me, it was only a summer. And Pastor's message has hit me in the core. I need to remember to thank him for that next week, let him know how much it meant to me.
So here's to getting back on track - to learning to say no - to taking time to hear God's plan for us. I'm taking back the controls - no more autopilot for this chick!
How often do we do that? Keep pushing forward on autopilot, day to day, all of a sudden realizing that weeks, months, even years have gone by? I have applauded myself over these last two years of my "second chapter" of life for NOT doing this. For taking time to enjoy life, the God moments, etc.. But Sunday as I sat and listened to Pastor, I realized that I too am STILL guilty of this.
Summer lasts for most of three months. And it flew by in a flash. I didn't do any of the "relaxing" I had planned on. And I'm so frustrated with myself. I ended up over committing (the peril of people knowing you have the summer "off" from teaching) for MONTHS. This first week of school has been the first time I've been able to really sit back and breathe.
how sad...
While we had a wonderful summer - visiting friends - having company here, etc., I am very frustrated that I've lived the 3 months on autopilot, not stopping each day to give thanks, to realize all that we are Blessed with, to hear the silence that is so important to hear.
Lucky for me, it was only a summer. And Pastor's message has hit me in the core. I need to remember to thank him for that next week, let him know how much it meant to me.
So here's to getting back on track - to learning to say no - to taking time to hear God's plan for us. I'm taking back the controls - no more autopilot for this chick!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Managing our family meals.....the joy of a stocked freezer!
I know that I only work part time now. But for almost 20 years, I was a busy working mom. So I've been there. And some of the tricks I did back then, to ensure my family had good meals at a reasonable cost, are still what keep me going today.
I know you've heard me talk about my "freezer cooking" before. It is one of my weapons, to be sure. Once a month, I prepare meals for the freezer - some that are fully cooked, just to be thawed and heated, some that need to be baked, and yet others that are prepped for a crock pot. I don't use them every day. Now that I'm working part time, I don't have to. I can spend time cooking. But when they are needed, they make my life SO much easier.
Today - we had a garage sale. My mother-in-law was over to help, and I found myself out of time to prepare anything for lunch. I headed to the freezer, found frozen chicken tenders and twice baked potatoes - both fully cooked, just needing to be heated. In ten minutes, I had a wonderful lunch for us - one that I think even earned me some brownie points!
But that isn't the only way I utilize my freezer. Sometimes when I cook for my family, I make double, and freeze the second - chicken enchiladas, lasagna, soups, etc. You name it - if it can freeze - I do it. Why not make ONE mess, and two meals? I make the second, wrap it up, and pop it in the freezer. Voila - a frozen meal ready for me!
One of my favorite things to freeze is soup. At times I will freeze in containers ready for our lunches - they go into the lunch bags frozen, thaw during the morning, and then just need to be reheated at lunch time. Tonight when I got in from the sale, I was famished... I remembered the minestrone I froze the last time I made it, pulled it up and warmed it for dinner. Just like that I had from scratch good-for-me minestrone, full of veggies from my garden - made a couple of weeks ago.
Doubling a recipe does not have to be a time-consuming beast. I only do it when I have time to do so - typically on the weekends - and these little meals make my life so much more manageable. It is WONDERFUL to be able to react - to have a "go-to" meal for me, or my family, when time is tight.
These two tools have helped me tremendously. They help when I'm too busy to cook, when our family schedules are off and people are eating at different times, and for our lunches. And it's just about getting into the habit! Start small. Next time you make lasagna, make two. You'll be happy you did the next time dinner is needed!
I know you've heard me talk about my "freezer cooking" before. It is one of my weapons, to be sure. Once a month, I prepare meals for the freezer - some that are fully cooked, just to be thawed and heated, some that need to be baked, and yet others that are prepped for a crock pot. I don't use them every day. Now that I'm working part time, I don't have to. I can spend time cooking. But when they are needed, they make my life SO much easier.
Today - we had a garage sale. My mother-in-law was over to help, and I found myself out of time to prepare anything for lunch. I headed to the freezer, found frozen chicken tenders and twice baked potatoes - both fully cooked, just needing to be heated. In ten minutes, I had a wonderful lunch for us - one that I think even earned me some brownie points!
But that isn't the only way I utilize my freezer. Sometimes when I cook for my family, I make double, and freeze the second - chicken enchiladas, lasagna, soups, etc. You name it - if it can freeze - I do it. Why not make ONE mess, and two meals? I make the second, wrap it up, and pop it in the freezer. Voila - a frozen meal ready for me!
One of my favorite things to freeze is soup. At times I will freeze in containers ready for our lunches - they go into the lunch bags frozen, thaw during the morning, and then just need to be reheated at lunch time. Tonight when I got in from the sale, I was famished... I remembered the minestrone I froze the last time I made it, pulled it up and warmed it for dinner. Just like that I had from scratch good-for-me minestrone, full of veggies from my garden - made a couple of weeks ago.
Doubling a recipe does not have to be a time-consuming beast. I only do it when I have time to do so - typically on the weekends - and these little meals make my life so much more manageable. It is WONDERFUL to be able to react - to have a "go-to" meal for me, or my family, when time is tight.
These two tools have helped me tremendously. They help when I'm too busy to cook, when our family schedules are off and people are eating at different times, and for our lunches. And it's just about getting into the habit! Start small. Next time you make lasagna, make two. You'll be happy you did the next time dinner is needed!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
A mom's first day of school -
The first day of school means so much. Pictures flooded facebook these last few days with pictures of all the kids ready for that first day, the new adventures, seeing their friends again after a long summer...
I wonder what a mom's first day of school picture would look like? Why didn't I post mine? What would they look like? Pink fuzzy slippers and robes? Hair in curlers?
In my case, it includes a pot of coffee. A full pot of hot, strong coffee. In my favorite mug. Lounging in my favorite sweats. Morning news was on - NO SPORT CENTER! And the house was quiet. Just me, my coffee, my laptop, and the news. And it was bliss.
As the morning wore on, I received a phone call from a friend - also enjoying the quiet - and we chatted for a half hour about the new school year, etc. Later in the morning, another SAHM stopped by to chat. And in the late morning, yet another phone chat with another SAHM who for the first year, has no one at home (after 12 years of home schooling!) It was wonderful to talk with the other moms, about our plans - of deep cleaning, purging, and getting our homes back in order after the kids havoc of summer.
My son made it home around 6 from school and football, having had a great day. Immediately, the dynamic of the house changed, with his chatter of classes, friends, assemblies, and new teachers. And it was a welcome change.
While I love the quiet of the days - I love even more the return of his energy to the house when he comes home to tell me of his day.
I wonder what a mom's first day of school picture would look like? Why didn't I post mine? What would they look like? Pink fuzzy slippers and robes? Hair in curlers?
In my case, it includes a pot of coffee. A full pot of hot, strong coffee. In my favorite mug. Lounging in my favorite sweats. Morning news was on - NO SPORT CENTER! And the house was quiet. Just me, my coffee, my laptop, and the news. And it was bliss.
As the morning wore on, I received a phone call from a friend - also enjoying the quiet - and we chatted for a half hour about the new school year, etc. Later in the morning, another SAHM stopped by to chat. And in the late morning, yet another phone chat with another SAHM who for the first year, has no one at home (after 12 years of home schooling!) It was wonderful to talk with the other moms, about our plans - of deep cleaning, purging, and getting our homes back in order after the kids havoc of summer.
My son made it home around 6 from school and football, having had a great day. Immediately, the dynamic of the house changed, with his chatter of classes, friends, assemblies, and new teachers. And it was a welcome change.
While I love the quiet of the days - I love even more the return of his energy to the house when he comes home to tell me of his day.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Ending the weekend on the wild side....
I know that most of my posts are pretty tame, very domestic, and kind of sappy at times. (That's kind of who I am...)
So I thought I better let you in on how I ended our long weekend. Not in your typical "domestic missy" way... but on my motorcycle!
For any of you who are new, or only seldom readers, it's not often I blog about riding my motorcycle, simply for the fact that I don't take enough time to ride it! I love riding, but seem to very rarely get the chance! So when we got the call to go riding with friends on Labor day, we jumped at the chance.
We met up with another couple, and another lady at 11, on an overcast cool day - and headed north to meet up with the missing husband, who had been working at their cabin all weekend. While cool and overcast, honestly, it's perfect weather to me. I don't mind the chill of riding... not at all.
I love riding my motorcycle. Which, for those of you who know me, is somewhat of a surprise. I did not grow up in a family with toys. No motorcycles, four-wheelers, boats, etc. But I married a man who is toy crazy - with all of the above. For many years, I was happy riding on the back of his Harley, but several years ago decided to get my own license and my own bike. And I've never looked back.
I love the feel of the wind, the smells as we pass the different fields.... it's an amazing feeling. Add to that a day with good friends - and it makes for a great day! A great way to end the long weekend!
So I thought I better let you in on how I ended our long weekend. Not in your typical "domestic missy" way... but on my motorcycle!
For any of you who are new, or only seldom readers, it's not often I blog about riding my motorcycle, simply for the fact that I don't take enough time to ride it! I love riding, but seem to very rarely get the chance! So when we got the call to go riding with friends on Labor day, we jumped at the chance.
We met up with another couple, and another lady at 11, on an overcast cool day - and headed north to meet up with the missing husband, who had been working at their cabin all weekend. While cool and overcast, honestly, it's perfect weather to me. I don't mind the chill of riding... not at all.
I love riding my motorcycle. Which, for those of you who know me, is somewhat of a surprise. I did not grow up in a family with toys. No motorcycles, four-wheelers, boats, etc. But I married a man who is toy crazy - with all of the above. For many years, I was happy riding on the back of his Harley, but several years ago decided to get my own license and my own bike. And I've never looked back.
I love the feel of the wind, the smells as we pass the different fields.... it's an amazing feeling. Add to that a day with good friends - and it makes for a great day! A great way to end the long weekend!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Enjoying the spoils of summer.
The summer harvest is in full swing, and we have been BUSY!
I was able to make 7 jars of plum jelly, a first for me, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend with a LOADED plum tree. I brought the sugar and pectin, and together we made 13 jars of jelly. Jelly that is the most beautiful hue of pink, and tastes so yummy.
This morning we headed to town for hair cuts, and I had the boys drop me off at the big farmer's market. It was so nice to walk and browse the entire thing... knowing what I either didn't grow, or wasn't having luck with this year. I found some beautiful green peppers, cucumbers, kale, and a new variety of apple - zestra. Looking forward to trying that one. Quite the charismatic salesman selling them... told me I'd be sorry I only bought a small bag. :)
When we got home, I headed out to play in the gardens a bit, enjoying the cooler temperature today and the disappearing humidity. I weeded the herb garden, watered the flowers, and then headed out for the daily harvest. I found a beautiful eggplant, some zucchinis, and a tomato to bring in and enjoy. Walking back to the house, I passed the raspberries and the grapes - which are LOADED this year - and will soon be ready for a juice day. I just love seeing everything producing, getting ready to harvest. There is great satisfaction in nurturing the gardens....
Tonight I tried kale chips for the first time. And they're not too bad. A good way to introduce a different vegetable into our diets. The boys didn't like them too much though, so I have a bit of kale to eat!
Dinner was eggplant parmesan. And oh, it was wonderful. Nothing like vegetables fresh picked and turned into dinner within hours. And thinking of the grapes, I opened one of the last quarts of juice from 2012 to enjoy with dinner. Sitting there enjoying my dinner, I was so proud - of the vegetables and fruits I'd grown and/or canned for my family. It's so satisfying knowing that I am providing for us.
I was able to make 7 jars of plum jelly, a first for me, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend with a LOADED plum tree. I brought the sugar and pectin, and together we made 13 jars of jelly. Jelly that is the most beautiful hue of pink, and tastes so yummy.
This morning we headed to town for hair cuts, and I had the boys drop me off at the big farmer's market. It was so nice to walk and browse the entire thing... knowing what I either didn't grow, or wasn't having luck with this year. I found some beautiful green peppers, cucumbers, kale, and a new variety of apple - zestra. Looking forward to trying that one. Quite the charismatic salesman selling them... told me I'd be sorry I only bought a small bag. :)
When we got home, I headed out to play in the gardens a bit, enjoying the cooler temperature today and the disappearing humidity. I weeded the herb garden, watered the flowers, and then headed out for the daily harvest. I found a beautiful eggplant, some zucchinis, and a tomato to bring in and enjoy. Walking back to the house, I passed the raspberries and the grapes - which are LOADED this year - and will soon be ready for a juice day. I just love seeing everything producing, getting ready to harvest. There is great satisfaction in nurturing the gardens....
Tonight I tried kale chips for the first time. And they're not too bad. A good way to introduce a different vegetable into our diets. The boys didn't like them too much though, so I have a bit of kale to eat!
Dinner was eggplant parmesan. And oh, it was wonderful. Nothing like vegetables fresh picked and turned into dinner within hours. And thinking of the grapes, I opened one of the last quarts of juice from 2012 to enjoy with dinner. Sitting there enjoying my dinner, I was so proud - of the vegetables and fruits I'd grown and/or canned for my family. It's so satisfying knowing that I am providing for us.
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