Saturday, October 31, 2009
Welcoming my newest NEPHEW!!
My sister, Shawny, and her husband, Brent, Welcomed their first baby into the family this week!! Lucas Stephan... 6 lbs, 6 oz.... Totally CUTE and adorable!!!! So much fun to have a little one in the family again!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Using my SECRET WEAPON!!
Here is a good recipe that we enjoyed today!
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup |
Crock Pot or Stove Top |
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite size pieces 3 cans chicken broth or 4 ½ cups water and chicken bouillon 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ¾ cup wild rice ½- 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp ground sage Salt and pepper to taste Optional Ingredients: 1-2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms, ¾ cup sliced celery, ½ cup baby carrots cut into coin size pieces |
Crock Pot Directions: 1) Combine all ingredients into crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW 6-9 hours or on HIGH 4-6 hours. Stove Top Directions: 1) Combine all ingredients in large soup pan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to LOW and simmer 20-30 minutes. |
Side suggestions: Dinner rolls, salad |
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
It's a new season... some BIG changes
The past few weeks we have been facing some BIG issues, some affecting the entire family and others individually. I have really appreciated your prayers.
One of the big stresses we have been dealing with is with our daughter's struggles in school. Her frustrations with school have spilled into every aspect of our life. Being a 10 year old girl is hard... anyone with a middle school age daughter understands. After MUCH, much, much prayer we have chosen to Home School. We started this week and the PEACE in our home is incredible!!! I want what is best for my daughter, but I had to be willing to sacrifice on my part.... I wish I could say that I didn't struggle with selfishness in making this decision, but I can't. I struggled 'giving up' things to make home schooling possible. God gave me grace and has filled me with joy in this choice!!
Life is a constant ebb and flow. Not getting too attached to a certain way is important... God likes to get us out of our comfort zone because getting out of our comfort zone draws us to HIM! When life is EASY and smooth I am often guilty of relying on my own strength rather than holding on tight to the hand of my Savior. Turbulent times force me to get my eyes OFF of ME and on to the face of my Lord!!
CHOOSING SIMPLICITY means sometimes making HARD choices that go against the desires of the flesh. My flesh does not like being denied, but life with a spoiled brat (my flesh) is really no fun at all! Life really is so much more simple when FOLLOWING the ways of the Word and living a life of obedience!! I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Weekend Wanderings...link love
Attention LADIES: I read an excellent post reminding me of the importance of certain exercise... kegals to be specific. This is a very well done post and has made me remember the value to doing this kind of strength training.
Laughter is MEDICINE!! My husband LOVES jokes... I mean LOVES jokes! Now that he has texting on his phone he passes jokes around with his friends and then I get to hear them, too. This post by Hillbilly Mama does an excellent job of explaining WHY laughter and jokes are so GOOD for you!! No wonder my husband is such a healthy guy!!
Homemade yogurt: I have been making yogurt in my yogurt maker for a few years now. Today I came across this post that shares how to make it in your crock pot. It is also a sweet vanilla version with unflavored gelatin to make it thicker more like store bought. I am going to give it a try after my next grocery shopping day. Making yogurt at home is an excellent way to stretch the grocery budget and yogurt is so good for you!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Friday, October 23, 2009
Its fall BREAK and praise time!
Life has been a little bumpy for us this month, but I praise God that HE is always faithful. The storms of life are never fun, but they do cause us to cling to Jesus even more. God has been so good to speak to me throughout the many issues we have been facing. Every time I open my Bible, turn on the Christian radio or Christian TV there has been a message that I NEEDED to hear. God uses the challenges of life to grow us and develop us. He is always faithful, providing for all of our needs!! Now I am ready to MOVE on.... at least that is what my FLESH wants... enough challenges!! LOL!!
This song has been a HUGE blessing to me (once again) and I am so thankful that God speaks to me and encourages me with song!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October Menu
Complete Suppertime ORGANIZATION!!
It's the middle of October, but you can jump in anytime (no dates, just weeks)! The October Menu Plan is chock full of EASY to prepare healthy and delicious food that your family will LOVE. Complete organization: The four weeks of menu plans, the EASY to prepare recipes and detailed weekly shopping lists.
Know what you are having and know that you have everything you need!
Enjoy supper with your family without the daily "What is for supper?" stress!!
October Simple Family Supper Menu Kit
Menu Includes:
Vegetable Beef Stew
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches
Chili
Santa Fe Chicken
Speedy Good for you Chicken Nuggets
Cheesy Sausage Pie
Teriyaki Chicken over Rice
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Texas Corn Chip Chili Pie
Fajita Enchiladas
Pizza Macaroni
Simple Meat Loaf
Giant Sandwich
Country Chicken
South of the Border Rice Bake
Beefy Tomato Pasta Soup
Chicken and Potato Dijon Bake
Tomato meat Balls
Ultimate Grilled Cheese and Soup
Mountain County Four Bean Bake
Only $7.95 (less than $2/week) for COMPLETE organization!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
EASY Chicken Pot Pie ... Fast Track!
Efficient Cooking: Life is busy! I have utilized what I call “Efficient Cooking” to save my sanity! I will do extra of something one night so that another night I don’t have to do it. For instance, the biggest way to utilize “Efficient Cooking” is when preparing meats. Browning hamburger is time consuming and messy. My solution is to brown a lot of hamburger one night and then freeze it in meal size quantities in freezer bags to use later. I can throw tacos on the table in no time using meat that is already browned from the freezer!
Fast Track Cooking: This is when I use what I prepared during “Efficient Cooking”. “Fast Track” cooking saves me tons of time and I can get supper on the table extra fast! Yeah!! Simply using what I prepared earlier to save me time now. I plan on using these meals on nights I need to get food on the table with even less cooking time.
EASY Chicken Pot Pie |
Oven |
Ingredients: Fast Track shredded chicken (or 2 cups cooked chicken) 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed veggies or soup veggies that have potatoes in them, thawed and drained 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 cup all purpose baking mix 1 tsp onion powder ½ cup milk 1 egg 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) |
Directions: 1) Thaw fast track chicken 2) Place frozen veggies in microwave safe bowl with some water and cook till defrosted and warm (but do not have to be completely cooked). DRAIN. 3) Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 2 qt baking dish with non stick cooking spray. 4) Mix together the chicken, veggies and soup and pour into baking dish. Sprinkle on shredded cheese (optional) 5) Whisk together the remaining ingredients till smooth. Pour over chicken mixture. 6) Bake about 30 minutes till crust is golden brown. |
Side Suggestions: salad, steamed veggies |
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Monday, October 19, 2009
Become my friend on FACEBOOK!
I would like to extend an invitation to become a friend of my page. I will be posting recipes, tips, product, give aways and encouragement. I have a passion for bringing the family together for supper! Reduce stress and enjoy the family... now that is my idea of a good evening!!
Simple Family Supper
Promote Your Page Too
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Fresh Pumpkin!! Pumpkin Cobbler
This week I cooked up my FIRST ever fresh pie pumpkin. I had always thought it would be so hard... wrong!! EASY!! I have now done two. First one yielded 5 cups of mashed pumpkin and the second gave me 8 cups. With the first pumpkin I made a yummy new to us Pumpkin Cobbler recipe. My husband gave it 5 stars and made my day by saying it was the BEST thing I have ever made!! I froze the second batch for future use. I compared cost and it is cheaper to make the fresh. I purchased my pumpkins for $2 each. We liked it so much that we are planning on adding it to our garden crop next year. Does anyone want me to post instructions on cooking fresh pumpkin?
This weekend I also canned up 7 pints and 8 quarts of cubed butternut squash to use over the winter in anyway I would normally use pumpkin. We do love our pumpkin, but FREE butternut squash is too good to turn down!! I have been having a great time canning new things in my new caner.... ahh the simple things that make me so happy!
If you like pumpkin you will have to give this recipe a try... I got it from Chocolate in my Cranium. (Congratulations to her... she just had her EIGHTH baby last week!!) We will be making this cobbler several times over the winter!! This cobbler does bake for a long time but doesn't take long to mix it up... definitely worth it!!
Super Moist Pumpkin Cobbler
Ingredients:
6 eggs, beaten
3 cups cooked pumpkin (or use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
2 1/4 cups sugar (I used 2 cups of brown sugar and it was PLENTY sweet.. could reduce)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cloves (I did not use this much and I also added a few dashes of nutmeg)
1 spice cake mix (I used a yellow cake mix and just sprinkled on some cinnamon and cloves)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
Directions:
Mix eggs, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices. Pour into a greased 9x13 cake pan. Sprinkle cake mix over the top. Pour melted butter all over the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts on top. DO NOT MIX. Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 40 minutes.
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thank you for your prayers!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Friday, October 16, 2009
Choosing Simplicity... Choosing to SMILE!
It is so easy to blame a sour disposition on all the challenges we face.
However, CHOOSING to smile really does make the world a better place!!! I can DECIDE to put that smile on and ACT cheerfully even though inside I want to scowl..... I have the power to CHOOSE!!
So often we say we can't change the way we feel... but we can CHANGE the way we THINK and we can CHANGE the way we ACT. An amazing thing happens when we do this... our feelings often change, too!! Feelings are so fickle and yet we listen to them like they are all knowing!
Smiles and scowls are both contagious.... which one would I rather spread... which one would I rather catch??
Today I am CHOOSING simplicity... I am CHOOSING to SMILE!!!! I am TELLING myself how to think and how to act... my feelings will get lined up.
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Keeping my eyes on Jesus....
Sometimes I shift my eyes to MYSELF and my challenges and I get overwhelmed... quick!
I start looking at all the mess and don't keep my eyes up on Jesus and I loose all focus and fall apart.
I am so glad that I have people in my life that encourage me by getting my focus back where it needs to be.
Life is HARD, but with Jesus all things are possible!!!!!
God wants to use challenges and situations to bring me closer to HIM and more like HIM! Why do I fight it so much?? Why do I hold on to my own pride and selfishness rather than relinquish control immediately??
Are you facing a difficult situation in your life?? Is life just plain hard?? Do you need to do something you don't want to do?? I can answer YES to all of those questions.... stand with me today... our eyes focused on JESUS... and let us WALK down this path to victory!!!!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
No "POO" experiement update
I just read a post from Simple Mom that shares her ditching of the shampoo. Good read. Also, 'Chocolate in my Cranium" told me about this excellent post. I HIGHLY recommend reading this post if you are at all interested in going 'no poo'!
Day 3... washed my hair with the baking soda water (2 tbl baking soda dissolved into 2 cups of water). It takes very little of this rinse.... I will be able to get many washes with this batch. I used apple cider/water rinse for conditioner. This time I used a SMALL amount of coconut oil (rubbed in to my hair after towel drying) but NO other hair products. Result: My hair was VERY soft, but frizzier than I am used to and my curls were not as tight.
Day 4.... I washed my hair again (same as day 3) only used my normal hair styling products as usual. (I would normally not wash my hair on this day, but I just HAD to use styling products to eliminate the frizz... I probably could have just wet my hair down)!! My hair was GREAT today... very soft and managable, not frizzy. I am going to try to wean my hair off as many hair products as possible. I currently use a smoothing cream, curl gel all over, a spray gell on the top and hair spray..... YIKES that is a lot of product. My smoothing cream is almost gone so I am going to replace that with the coconut oil. I will see where this leads.
Tomorrow I will not be washing it...... I have always skipped a day so this will not be unusual. I am going to try skipping 2 days of hair washing this time (in case you are wondering... I will still shower!!)
So far I haven't had any major change in oilyness or dryness.... just trying to figure out how to deal with the curly hair part... I HATE frizz!!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Burning the Wood Stove and eating Pumkin Pie Bars
Well, denial is over.
The inside temperature hit 58 degrees on Sunday so we started a fire in the wood stove. It is such a dandy of a wood stove, well worth the $50 we paid for it 6 years ago! In no time flat the house was nice and toasty!
Starting up the wood stove proves to be what it takes for me to usher in the 'fall' season. I CLING to summer with every thing I have before I finally succumb to the season's change. Now I know that many of you love fall and I do enjoy the beauty of it, but it just means that winter is on its way!! I find winter to be SO long and so confining! Long days in the house and so many hours of darkness...... Maybe I am just a summer gal since my birthday happens to fall on summer's official first day?
Since it is fall it is time for PUMPKIN PIE bars.... all the yumminess of pumpkin pie, but in an easy to prepare and easy to eat bar. My daughter, Robyn, and I went out for a 'girl's night' on Saturday and stopped at Aldis... hey, we can have fun and get the grocery shopping done! Aldis has the best price on pumkin, but they only have it in the fall. I bought 2 cases (24 cans) that will hopefully last us until next fall. Now we are ready to enjoy some of these delicious bars! I found the recipe last fall and since then it has become a standby treat for both our family and my sister's.
ENJOY these frugal and yummy treats!
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
(I'm sure you could just use 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 Grease a 12x8 pan OR a pie pan (I used the pie pan because I don't have a 12x8 pan)
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs.
Stir in sugar, oil and pumpkin mix well.
Stir in flour and spices.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (until set in the middle)
Cool (or eat warm like we did).
They will hold their shape very well and are easy to eat! We ate them with cool whip on top! YUMMY!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Sunday, October 11, 2009
No "poo" experiment, Day 1
Today is Day 1... I washed my hair with baking soda (baking soda mixed with water to make a paste) and gave it a conditioning rinse of 2 tbl apple cider vinegar mixed into 1.5 cups of water. It will take me a while for this to feel 'right'. I am so used to the sudsing bubbles created by commercial shampoo. I have heard that it takes a while for hair to balance out and find the non-poo normal. Everything I have read says that there is often a period of wackiness followed by wonderful hair.
My hair today: I did use my normal hair styling products after my 'no poo' hair wash. I have THICK and CURLEY hair that gets FRIZZY very easily. Today my hair has been VERY soft, but a bit more frizzy. My hair seems clean and does not smell like apple cider vinegar. I have never washed my hair every day.... it just isn't oily enough to need it. I have been concerned about not using conditioner... my hair gets dry. However, I am going to try using a LITTLE bit of coconut oil on the ends if I find it getting dry.
I will keep posting updates... I am going to give this experiement a month and then re-evaluate.
Anyone else 'no poo'??
Some do this to save money, others to avoid chemicals... Me?? I just love the idea of being FREE from another commercially produced product. Ok, I do BUY baking soda and the Apple cider vinegar, but I just love being able to make this at home... using BASIC ingredients!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Weekend Wanderings...link love
This picture was taken about a month ago at the local small town parade the children and I attended. So glad to see that patriotism is alive and well in our neck of the woods (or more appropriately, our neck of the corn field)!
These rain gutter book shelves are BRILLIANT. Both Chasing Cheerios and Passionate Homemaking did a GREAT job! I see a project in our future! I love that they are narrow so they can be used behind doors.....
We heat our home with a wood stove. I use dryer lint as a fire starter all the time but hadn't thought about sharing it until I read this post.... She has some good tips.
When I grow up I want to be this woman, too!! Thank you Tammi for sharing this .... so powerful!!
Here is a great snippet I read... read the rest of the quotes here... I think that this would apply to my children as well as my husband. It makes me think about 'ma' on Little House: she was such a smiling person!!
“On another note, this weekend, I made it my practice to smile (or at least have a pleasant expression on my face) whenever my husband looked at me. We spent more time together this weekend than last weekend, and I think that’s the reason why. Who wants to spend time with a sad or angry person? I wasn’t really angry before, but I didn’t look happy, and therefore, was not attracting my husband like I wanted. I guess I was expecting him to think, “She doesn’t look happy; how can I make her happy?” instead of, “She doesn’t look happy; I’d better stay away from her until she gets over it.” Ah! Behold the power of smile!” (Kathy at 701)
If you haven't found Homemakers Homestead I would like to introduce you to my FAVORITE web forum!!! They are such a great group of wise ladies!! They aren't taking any new members right now, but Crystal opens it up for new members a couple of times a year. Until then you can read all the wonderful information.
Pinwheel hair clips are ADORABLE!! I found the link to this tutorial on Down-To-Earth, a favorite blog of mine. I think I might be able to make them and I think that I have a niece that would love them....
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My new TOY!! Well, really it is work , but FUN work!
Last Thursday this All-American pressure caner was delivered to my door. I am in canning HEAVEN!!! This baby holds 14 quarts at one time!!! LOVE it. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! (no this is not a paid endorsement! :) I just LOVE it!! )
I waited TWO years to take the plunge... finally dove in and ordered what I know will last me a lifetime. Spending large chunks of money has never been my thing, but I am very pleased with my decision.
So far I have canned apple sauce and venison with this baby. Canning meat is NEW to me, but I just have to say that we really like it. We have decided to can some of the meat with every deer we get. Talk about EASY meals.... fast soups, stews, meat and gravy, beef and noodles, pot pie..... I'm all for SIMPLE!!!! When I canned the meat I added onion powder, garlic powder, salt and white wine vinegar. The vinegar takes away all 'game' flavor. This canned meat tastes just like beef.
She will be busy again tomorrow as I can up the last bushel of apples I have to process. Do you can?? What is your favorite thing to 'put up'?? For some reason seeing the beautiful jars lined up on the basement shelves brings me such incredible satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Monday, October 5, 2009
Soup Season and Successful Weekend
The "Harvest of Blessings" women's retreat on Friday night was wonderful! The food was fantastic and the speaker line up gave insightful and encouraging messages. I shared on the blessings of the family meal. Thank you, Leanne, for inviting me!!
Saturday was my BABY'S 5th birthday!!! FIVE!! He shares his birthday with Chris' grandfather. Grandpa turned 91 this year and the family got together to have a fish fry in his honor. I made a big crock pot of Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup. Chris' aunt made Grandpa a cake and made Nate a cake.... very FUN!! I have to say that Nate wasn't quite sure what to think of 50+ people all singing happy birthday to him... He LOVED his cake and couldn't wait to play with the construction equipment! Chris took Nate out deer hunting on Sunday afternoon as part of his birthday weekend. Nate had a good time, but was evidently worn out from the weekend festivities because he FELL ASLEEP!!! He got in a nap up in a tree! Precious memories..... How did he grow up so fast??
Regular BOW deer season started on October 1st. Right now I have TWO deer hanging in the barn to be processed tonight. Chris got a doe and a 9 point buck! Chris LOVES bow season.... He would rather take up the extra challenge of the bow any day... He likes a good challenge. Meat for the winter! We are going to try something new this year: Canning some of the meat... anyone ever done that?? I have been researching it and am ready to give it a try!
FAll means SOUP season!! My crock pot stays busy this time of year. My Simple Family Supper Fall/Winter and Money Wise Menu E-books are on SALE right now!! You can get each of them separately for only $5 or bundled together for only $7.50!! Hop on over now to grab your copy before the sale is done!
Here is a yummy soup recipe from the Money Wise Menu:
Smoked Sausage Chowder |
Crock pot or stove top |
Ingredients: 1 (12-16 oz) package kielbasa sausage, diced 4 ½ cups water 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, un-drained 1 envelope onion soup mix 1 package (9 oz) frozen cut green beans 3 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 ½ cups peeled and diced potatoes ( or frozen shredded hash brown potatoes) Salt and pepper to taste ½ tsp dried oregano ¼-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) |
Crock Pot Directions: 1) Dice the sausage and put in crock pot 2) Peel and thinly slice the carrots 3) Add remaining ingredients 4) Cover and cook on LOW 8+ hours or on HIGH 4-6 hours till carrots are tender Stove Top directions: Same as above except simmer in large soup pot for 30 minutes till carrots are tender. |
Side suggestions: Warm rolls, cheese cubes, fresh fruit
|
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather
Friday, October 2, 2009
Today is the day!!
As a special thank you I am offering a sale (for ONE week) on two of my most popular menus. My main Simple Family Supper website is still under its "Re-model" and will be back up and running soon so I am setting them up here. Just follow the links below to take advantage of this big savings. It really is my heart's desire to reduce stress and bring families together.
Fall/Winter Menu E-Book
Comfort meals for cold weather days
Includes:
- 4 Weekly menus
- 4 Budget friendly weekly shopping lists
- Easy recipes with cooking tips
- Complete Organization!
Regular Price $7.95 SALE $5.00
Money Wise Menu E-Book
Regular Price $7.95 SALE $5.00
Includes:
- 4 Weekly menus
- 4 extra Budget friendly weekly shopping lists
- Easy recipes with cooking tips
- Complete Organization!
Bundle them together for BIG savings!!
Get BOTH the Fall/Winter and Money Wise Menu E-books
Buy separately for $5.oo each
or get BOTH together for only SALE $7.50
Thank you!!
Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather