Mom’s Musings

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…August 13, 2010

Outside my Window…nighttime, summer, cooling down to 68 degrees, sweet blackberry dreams.

I am thinking…of our three youngest children who are on a train to California to visit Grampa and Gramma. It’s a 23-hour trip. Hope they’re not too saddle-sore from so much sitting. They told me this morning that the train is a double-decker, and they are sitting on top.

From the learning rooms…I finished reading Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina. One of the rules that has me worried is: The brain doesn’t pay attention to boring things. Does that mean that poor students who are mainly interested in watching TV and playing games are doomed to mediocrity? School work certainly doesn’t interest them. I’ll have to cogitate on this.

I am thankful for…the guidance of God’s Word. I’m thinking especially of attitudes here, and being genuine from the inside-out. Still plenty of learning and growing needed here.

From the kitchen…Eskimo Blueberry Upside-down Cake

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

5 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups plus 2 Tablespoons flour

2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 quart blueberries (or, try other berry varieties!)

1 cup sugar

Whipping cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one egg at a time, then add the salt, flour baking powder, milk and vanilla, mixing with mixer until creamy. Pour into greased (extra large) sheet cake pan.

Distribute berries over batter, and sprinkle remaining one cup sugar over all. Bake for one hour. Cool and serve with whipping cream.

I am wearing…clothing that was too warm for this hot day, but I was too lazy to change into something cooler once the morning warmed up. No problem. It’s pajama time.

I am reading…Barren Corn by Georgette Heyer. I just checked the book out today, so have nothing to report yet. I do enjoy this author very much, though.

I am hoping…for good weather for the Northwest Washington Fair, which begins on Monday.

I am creating…Well, I actually sewed something, a rare occurrence. Daughter Rebecca found a pattern from my teen years and requested that I make it for her. The picture follows. It’s one of those tent dresses from the 1960s!

I am hearing…a quiet house. I miss our traveling children, including daughter Kayla who is due home from her summer in Europe soon.

Around the house…The little veggie garden has been doing well. Latest offerings have been green beans and zucchini. The cauliflower was excellent, but the broccoli looks sparse.

One of my favorite things…is playing word games such as Lexulous on Facebook instead of blogging. Maybe since it’s so terribly quiet here tonight, I’m finally settling down to writing a blog post.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I hope to help on the clean-up crew for the food booth our school Music Booster’s has at the NW WA Fair.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Cell phone pic. Pixels. But cute dress, no?

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

This traditional Southern pastry is cheesy and spicy. Yum!

Cheese Straws (from The Gift of Southern Cooking by Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock)

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dry mustard

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sift together the flour, salt, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.

Put the butter and grated cheese in a mixing bowl, and mix for several minutes, until thoroughly blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and cheese, and mix until completely incorporated. Add the water, and mix for one minute longer.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead five or six times. Roll the dough out ¼ inch thick, and cut into strips ¼ inch wide and 4 to 6 inches in length. Place the strips on ungreased cookie sheets ½ inch apart, and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Cool completely, and store in airtight containers. “Cheese straws improve as the flavors mellow, so make them a day before serving, if possible,” state the cookbook authors.

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…July 6, 2010

Outside my Window…a temperate summer evening, after one of the first warm days of the season. It’s only about 62 degrees outside, but feels balmy compared to the cool, damp weather we’ve been experiencing.

I am thinking…summer school session begins next week already! How quickly these vacation days are flying by.

From the learning rooms…I ordered the book Brain Rules by John Medina, but have not yet started reading it.

I am thankful for…an enjoyable visit recently with our two oldest sons. We belatedly celebrated Mitch’s 24^th, since we were in California visiting my husband’s folks on the actual date. Fun times!

From the kitchen…What better way to enjoy warm weather than with a barbeque? My new favorite marinade for steak is this easy recipe from Betty Crocker:

½ cup soy sauce

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon chopped ginger root

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon sugar

I am wearing…short sleeved floral print top, jeans and flip-flops.

I am reading…Emma by Jane Austen. Emma is not such a likeable girl for much of the book, and I find myself growing quite tired of her matchmaking schemes. Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma is more likeable than the Emma of the book, I think. I’m trying to be patient, though, and give the original Emma a chance to speak for herself.

I am hoping…the blogging friend Rick, Debra and I visited on our way to see Grampa and Gramma will take us up on our offer of hospitality and come to visit.

I am creating…my first blog post in a long time.

I am hearing…owls hooting outside. Love that lonely sound.

Around the house…the vibrant green of Pacific Northwest foliage was almost electric today as SUN was shining through the leaves. Ah, beautiful summer!

One of my favorite things…is being useful and happy right here and now.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I want to go to the farmers’ market in Bellingham tomorrow when Deb and I go into town for an appointment. I’m after rhubarb and strawberries. You can just imagine what I want them for.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Daughter Rebecca before her high school graduation ceremony!

It’s been two-and-a-half months since I’ve posted on the old blog-ola. I simply must break the ice and start posting again, even if it’s only a list of mama-bragging:

• Dear daughter Kayla and her best friend Emmy Lou left today for the Mediterranean, to spend three months traveling in Europe. Kayla has taken her watercolors, paper and pens and hopes to keep an artistic diary of the trip. Have a memorable adventure, Dearie, but keep your wits about you at all times.
  
• Son Seth graduates from 8^th grade this evening and will be singing an original song during the ceremony. Congratulations, Seth!
  
• Daughter Rebecca graduates from high school tomorrow evening. Additionally, she has already completed one year of studies at the community college, medical tech prep, and Certified Nursing Assistant studies. Way to go, Sweetie!
  
• Daughter Lydia has been accepted as a Running Start student, so as an 11^th grader she will begin her full-time college studies in the fall. She tested in at English 101.
  
• Daughter Debra has decided to attend the community college on a part-time basis in the fall, having tested in at English 100 level. She plans to continue with her volunteer work at our local library.
  

Don’t let me get started talking about the grandchildren, or telling you about the adventures of my rascally old mom who recently moved to a full-care nursing facility. This wee post may suffice for now.

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…April 23, 2010

Outside my Window…I see a typical Pacific Northwest evening. It’s generally overcast, and a slight breeze is trembling the fresh, spring leaves. It’s only 50 degrees this evening, with rain every so often.

I am thinking…it’s unusual to be at home all alone, except for the company of the doggy and the kitties. Rick and Seth are off to a basketball game, and the girls are having a movie night. I’m still recovering from a cough, so am enjoying the quiet evening.

From the learning rooms…I learned in 6^th grade science that cancer cells are our own cells that don’t die when they should. They just keep replicating, so they are “immortal” in a way, but good for nothing, since they no longer do the work they used to do. Sort of zombie cells. Yuck!

I am thankful for…a quiet life, removed from the violence of crime. I’ve been helping 8^th grade students research social issues such as child abuse and gang violence, so have been learning more (than I want to know) about all the ill effects of sin in this world.

From the kitchen…Since everyone is out tonight, I’ll just snack for dinner. Last night I baked bread, though, and I plan to bake an almond paste dessert tomorrow.

I am wearing…blue jeans and cozy knit top. It’s not warm here yet.

I am reading…(going to read) a book I just selected off my girls’ bookshelf: Switched by Jessica Wollman, a sort of Prince and the Pauper-type story. Sounds like a fun read! I recently finished Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. She writes so well, and the book gave me a lot to think about, but I don’t enjoy meditating upon human depravity. Switched sounds like the light read I’m looking for.

I am hoping…the girls have a great time together tonight.

I am creating…this blog post in my quiet house.

I am hearing…the dog panting, and the computer humming. That’s about it.

Around the house…Tomorrow I plan to weed flower beds and buy a few more bedding plants. Hope it doesn’t rain!

One of my favorite things…is quiet time to read.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Saturday is our deep-cleaning day, so that’s what’s on the agenda for tomorrow. I hope to prepare a nice meal for tomorrow and bake a dessert.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Yours truly, at the computer

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8

In this verse I find such assurance that our God is a good God. The way that He expects us to treat others says so much about Him.

• We are not to take advantage of others. Rather we are to do what is just and fair.
  
• We are to love mercy. Wow! This is contrary to the human tendency to pay back and retaliate. Rather, the Lord wants us to show kindness to those who don’t deserve it. This is what He does for us.
  

Also, the Lord says that we are to walk humbly with Him. I take this to mean that He wants me to:

• Take Him at His Word; believe Him!
  
• Believe that He means what He says; obey Him!
  

May the Lord enable us, with the eyes of faith, to know, love and appreciate Him more.

How about you, dear blogging friends? Would you like to participate in Spiritual Sundays, too? Just read about it and link up at Charlotte and Ginger’s Spiritual Sundays site.

My friend Susan of A Life of Grace did a blog post about a blogging theme called Spiritual Sundays. I need all the help I can get to draw nearer to the Lord and keep my mind on Him, so joining in a special Sunday meme is a great opportunity.

One verse that has often helped to quiet my heart in difficult times is found in Psalm 37:1, “(A Psalm of David.) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Verse 3 directs further, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”

The thoughts I take from this verse are:

1. Nothing good will come from focusing on all the bad things that happen in this life. It’s OK to be aware of evil and to fight against it using godly means, but to fret about it will be hurtful.
   
2. As I trust the Lord for my spiritual welfare, it is His will that I trust Him also for guidance and protection when evildoers trouble me or others.
   
3. By God’s grace, I will ask Him for wisdom in difficult situations.
   
4. By God’s grace, I will focus on Him, not on circumstances.
   

How about you, dear blogging friends? Would you like to participate in Spiritual Sundays, too? Just read about it and link up at Charlotte and Ginger’s Spiritual Sundays site.

Thanks to Linda from 2nd cup of coffee for this meme

1. Define a great relationship.

For a relationship to be truly great, there has to be an underlying unity – in spirituality, in morality, in interests, in goals. It’s possible to be kind and loving towards many different kinds of people, but to have mutual give-and-take of love and friendship, there must be a foundation of unity.

2. Why is it called a “drive-through” if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)

I’m partial to the taco salad at Taco Bell, but after watching Food, Inc. recently, I may swear off all fast food (especially the meat).

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs … what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)

We had a wonderful dog years ago which was a Newfoundland/German Shepherd mix. That’s my favorite “breed” so far.

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

Sometimes my husband and I say that “someday” we’ll live in a camper van and just travel the entire U.S. Who knows?

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

I am from a dysfunctional family, but I like the person I am now. Though life was scary, it helped to make me the person I am today. However, I wish my younger sister and brothers had been safer from harm.

6. Who’s the funniest person you know?

My children can really get me laughing. Hmm. Difficult to narrow it down to one person.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

I’m blessed to be able to fall asleep easily, and fall back to sleep easily. I think it’s due to all the practice I had caring for our children when they were babies. I do enjoy staying up too late, so I probably didn’t get an optimal amount of sleep last night, but it was enough.

8. What’s the first thing you thought about this morning?

Making the coffee!!!

9. Grilled or Fried? –HONESTLY

Definitely grilled, especially if my husband is the one doing the grilling.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Yes. We live far enough out in the country that on rare occasions mountain lions and/or bears wander around. I don’t want to be out in the dark with a possibly mean critter sneaking up on me.

11. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a mommy, and I’m so thankful that I got my wish! I gave parenting my all, and am happy with the results so far.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would you choose?

LOVE: I am loved, and I love.

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 30, 2010

Outside my Window…evening dews and damps: a typical Pacific Northwest spring night.

I am thinking…that maybe I haven’t been blogging because I’ve been tired of hearing myself talk. Well, I feel selfish just reading others’ blogs and not blogging for such a long time, so here is a post!

From the learning rooms…Daughter Rebecca successfully presented her senior project paper this evening to a panel of judges from the community. It was based upon research she did for her medical tech prep class at the hospital.

I am thankful for…another birthday for daughter Debra on Monday. Happy 20^th, Deb! We had a quiet celebration here at home, which brings me to the next entry.

From the kitchen…It’s our custom to have the birthday person choose a favorite meal and cake. Debra chose lentil soup for dinner, and then German Chocolate Cake for dessert. Here’s the soup recipe:

Lentil Soup
(modified from Lentil and Sausage Soup Recipe found at www.supervalu-ourownbrands.com)

1 pound lentils, washed and drained

12 cups vegetable broth

4 cups sliced leeks

3 cups chopped carrots

3 cups chopped celery

14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

2 Tablespoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Early in the day, or the day before you wish to serve the soup:

Place washed lentils in the broth and bring to a boil. After boiling for a few minutes, turn off the heat, cover the pan and let sit for an hour.

Later in the day:

Cook the lentils about an hour until tender. Add all the remaining ingredients, and simmer until the lentils are as done as you like them.

We like this soup with shredded cheddar cheese and saltine crackers.

I am wearing…still need to wear a sweater and warm leggings, but warmer days will come.

I am reading…just finished reading a favorite Georgette Heyer historical novel, Devil’s Cub. She excels in her character studies, and fills her books with such characters!

I am hoping…to work out in the garden again soon. Weeding of the flower beds has been done a couple of times, but now Rebecca and I want to plant a few things, such as some lavender and something daisy-ish.

I am creating…or plan to ‘create’ a large batch of cinnamon rolls to take to church Sunday morning for our church breakfast.

I am hearing…my husband on the phone to one of our oldest sons. It’s a blessing that they stay in touch.

Around the house…The lawn has been mowed once already this spring. Things are looking greener every day.

One of my favorite things…is being with my family at home.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow evening I serve as a judge of Senior Project presentations at the high school. April 1^st is my birthday (no joke!) and daughters Rebecca and Lydia have plans to help me with extra housecleaning as a present. I love it! Friday we have a church service, and the Lord’s Supper.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This is daughter Laura and her husband Darren with their three little ones, Diederick, Carly and Koen. Deeder was being a little grump, but, oh, well!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 16, 2010

Outside my Window…nighttime, breezy and a brisk 46 degrees.

I am thinking…it’s too late to be blogging, but I’m doing it anyhow, after playing all my ‘Scrabble’ moves on Facebook, and reading everyone else’s news.

From the learning rooms…I owe sweet rolls to some of the students with whom I work for earning perfect scores on their math work. This is quite an accomplishment for kids who have trouble learning.

I am thankful for…my daughters doing the dishes tonight, even though they are busy, too.

From the kitchen…I made homemade whole wheat bread tonight, and Lydia made some delicious no bake cookies for dessert.

I am wearing…jeans and a cozy sweater top.

I am reading…recently finished reading The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer. I learned a lot about William the Conqueror who became King of England in 1066. I had to move out of my ‘comfort zone’ to read a book so full of bloodshed and human suffering. Perhaps the fact that one of my favorite authors wrote the book helped me to stick with it.

I am hoping…to feel better tomorrow, as I’m finally sick with the cold and sore throat that’s making the rounds of our family.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the jingle of a kitty’s bell as she runs around upstairs.

Around the house…a forsythia bush is planted, and two box bushes. My friend who has a small nursery business will have lavender for sale soon, which I want to purchase and plant as well.

One of my favorite things…is relaxing at the end of the day by playing word games such as Scrabble online.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow I’m going to an awards ceremony for two of our high school girls. On Thursday our youngest son has AAU basketball practice, and on Friday his choir travels to be judged on their performance.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This family portrait is about three years old now. Guess it’s time to get another one done!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!