On the move.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Kelly

Well, I’m here. And oh-so-tired. As much as I am trying to keep things organized and relaxed during this Christmas season, I find myself completely worn out. And December doesn’t even begin until tomorrow.

My alarm clock’s snooze button has never experienced as much action as it has seen over the last several days. Every morning for the last week, I have hit the snooze button incessantly and repeatedly, eating away my precious mornings… seven minutes at a time. I am just plain tired.

I ran into an acquaintance while out running errands a few days ago and she remarked, “You look tired.” How kind. Did she not realize I had just spent the better part of half an hour applying my makeup, styling my hair and selecting the perfect outfit that day? I am not sure that it is ever appropriate to tell someone they “look tired.” (Unless, perhaps they have just finished a marathon or are running around in their pajama pants at Walmart. Two scenarios that will never happen for me.)

Everyone knows I am a planner. And I have all those lists. Gifts to make. Goodies to bake. Cards to write. And on and on and on. You might be thinking… “But you have nearly a month until Christmas.”

That is certainly true, however, there is one little thing that came up rather quickly and unexpectedly. We are moving. Soon. Before Christmas.

Not like cross-country moving, just across town, but moving none-the-less. Our family is pretty well-versed when it comes to this. I’d say we have it down to an art. Because of the nature of hubby’s job, we have done a whole lot of it. However, being good at moving doesn’t make it any less work. Especially with three kids in tow.

I am happy (Yay. New house. And more bathrooms.), but I find myself delaying the days as long possible (hence the alarm clock incident), because I know how much work each day holds for me right now. Purging is hard, but necessary and a bit exciting. (I already have piles of clothes, toys, and shoes for Good Will.) The idea of a fresh start is always a thrill.

The Great Christmas Plan of 2011 is still in place, albeit consequently altered and already off-schedule. So forgive me if my Christmas cards are late and my goodies are less plentiful. (Seriously, it’s just killing me to not have one single Christmas decoration up yet!)

Let’s just say, I’m glad that no matter where my family will be or what we are doing, we will all be together… and there will be coffee.

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
   or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
   He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
   He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
   And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
   gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
   young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
   They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
   they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40.27-31 (MSG)

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Holiday Rhythm.

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Kelly

It’s Tuesday.

After Thanksgiving.

I am vigorously downing my coffee and still trying to get back into the swing of things. It’s that time of year when things begin to race at me at a startling pace, but I am determined to remain calm and just enjoy every moment. I am determined not to burn the candle at both ends this year. I have a pretty good plan.

Recently my friend commented that I seem amazingly calm considering all that has been heaped onto my plate this year. I am learning that most of the things I tend to get worked up over, really are not that important (especially when it comes to Christmas). Influence the things you have control over and let God handle the rest. It’s all anyone can do… and it works.

My little Lovey will only be 2 at Christmas time once. And I want to savor it. Peanut and Ladybug are old enough that they will remember the magic of this Christmas well so fostering lasting traditions is high on my priority list.

Mostly, its about time. People will make time for what’s most important to them. And making memories with my sweet family is just that. Very important.

I am having an Intentional Christmas.

And it will be orchestrated to the tune of music. Some of my best Christmas memories are eternally tied to the songs which seemed to be only background music at the time. I have fond memories of decorating our tree, stringing lights and baking sugar cookies to the the rhythms of my father’s classic Christmas records. Yeah, that’s right… vinyl. (Sad to think that my children have no earthly what idea I am talking about.)

I am a sucker for good music. Especially Christmas music. And it’s pretty cool when you can get it free. Not too long ago I posted about Amazon.com‘s free monthly mp3 list. (You can read about it here: Music To My Ears.) As Christmas approaches, they are rolling out even more free holiday tunes.

My iPod is going to love me.

Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs available at Amazon.com right now:

The Bell Medley (Nice children’s choir version.)

Christmas Time Is Here (Awesome piano.)

Jingle Bells (Nice and jazzy.)

O Holy Night (Pretty version of the classic song.)

O Little Town Of Bethelehem (A sassy saxophone rendition.)

I fully expect that as December approaches, Amazon will be spreading even more Christmas music love…

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This post is a part of Frugal Tip Tuesday and Simple Lives Thursday.

Dear Grandma.

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Kelly

It is the one time a year I purchase processed cheese, (usually in the form of Velveeta), in a vain attempt to replicate your famous homemade mac & cheese.

I am pretty organic and whole-grainey these days. It goes against nearly all I believe in when it comes to food, yet Thanksgiving dinner isn’t quite the same without the creamy, indulgent richness of my favorite childhood dish.

My attempt has ended in utter failure yet again. It has been 2 1/2 years since you passed and even longer since I’ve tasted such decadence. (The dementia took you far too early…)

I have followed your recipe with diligence and I have tweaked your recipe thinking something might be wrong and I just can’t get it right. I admit, I don’t add all the food coloring you used to, but certainly that can’t be it. I am inclined to believe there were secrets in your head that you never bothered to write down. How I wish I had the chance to glean more kitchen wisdom from you before you went home.

Perhaps it’s just as well. Maybe it’s time the macaroni and cheese becomes shelved as a beloved childhood memory. Sometimes new traditions are worth establishing…

Rest assured, however, Grandma… I have definitely mastered your yeast rolls and in that fact, I rejoice.

Love you forever and always.

Many Thanks.

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Kelly

Tomorrow’s goodies are prepped and I am tired in a good way. The aroma of pumpkin spice and hot yeast rolls wafts throughout the house. My kitchen is a wreck, but that’s okay for now.

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I find myself taking a break, sipping a cozy cup of hot peppermint tea and counting the multitude of blessings in my life (none of which I deserve).

There are far too many to list, but in particular, here are a few things I am thankful for:

1. Restoration. Nothing is ever truly set in stone. Situations that at one time seemed impossible can irrevocably be changed. I am blessed to see broken relationships mended and to experience true peace. Stories are still being written…

2. Good health. After two major health scares in our little family this past spring, all seems to be well. I could never put a price on the peace of mind that comes with health.

3. Family. Immediate and extended. Cliche, but pertinent. I could not have asked for a more loving husband or sweeter daughters. I am blessed to have two incredible parents who love and support me. I have two beloved sisters whom I count as my dearest of friends. I can’t imagine it to be any better (except that maybe we all lived just a little bit closer to each other).

And tomorrow we will all gather around a large, roasted bird, delighting in sweet fellowship, and carrying on as if hardly any time had passed since we last chanced to meet.

And it will be beautiful.
And inevitably too short.
But good.
Very.
Very.
Good.

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm

^1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
      sing yourselves into his presence.
³ Know this: God is God, and God, God.
      He made us; we didn’t make him.
      We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.
⁴ Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
      Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
      Thank him. Worship him.
⁵ For God is sheer beauty,
      all-generous in love,
      loyal always and ever.

This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday.

Talking Turkey.

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Kelly

2 days and counting. I am entirely giddy for the impending holiday. The menu is set and grocery lists are made. This is one of my top two favorite grocery shopping trips of the year (the other being Christmas, of course).

Normally, I would have my Thanksgiving goody shopping done by now, but planning my little Ladybug’s birthday party so late in November really threw me for a loop this year.

(You can read more about the shindig here: Pinkalicious.)

I did manage to purchase a turkey and presently the 22-pound bird is already thawing in my refrigerator. (I know. BIG bird.) I don’t know why I don’t make roast turkey all year long… it’s entirely delectable, everyone in the family will actually eat it, and it’s usually quite economical. Our family can feast for days, turkey freezes well, and I can make a load of turkey stock from the bones.

I don’t think anyone really sets out to be wasteful and squandering the deliciousness of a Thanksgiving turkey should be completely criminal. Thus… the list.

My Top Ten Ways to Use Leftover Turkey:

1. Turkey Sandwiches. Need I say more? There is hardly anything better than a sandwich piled high with savory roast turkey.

2. Salad. A lettuce salad loaded with fresh veggies (and turkey!) is a light (and delicious) way to atone for Thanksgiving gluttony the next day.

3. Turkey & Noodles. Use turkey stock (I like to thicken mine with cornstarch), season and add egg noodles. Serve over leftover mashed potatoes. Comfort food at it’s finest.

4. Turkey Glop. A friend told me about this idea a few years ago and it’s perfect! Take all the leftovers: stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkeys, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, etc and layer it in a casserole dish. Heat in the oven and voila! Turkey Glop.

5. Turkey Enchiladas. Turkey is a good alternative to almost any chicken recipe.

6. Sloppy Joes. Shred leftover turkey and add your favorite sloppy joe sauce.

7. Turkey Pot Pie. One of my favorite comfort foods on a cold day. Here is my favorite recipe: Turkey Pot Pie.

8. Turkey Tetrazzini. Another of our family favorites. This recipe from Martha Stewart is incredible and makes enough to freeze some for later: Turkey Tetrazzini. (I swap the chicken for turkey.)

9. Freeze. I purchased a 22-pound turkey. There will be leftovers. And some cold day in January, I will be thrilled to be feasting on roast turkey that I didn’t have to cook.

And my favorite way to use leftover turkey…

10. Bill & Tutu. Bill is my 80-something-year-old, next-door neighbor. He lives alone. And he has a teensy, puff ball dog named Tutu. Come Thanksgiving day (and well into Christmas), he will be showered with our kitchen concoctions. Always gracious and well-deserving. We love you, Bill.

One more coffee, and off to the market I go…

Our oak tree hanging on to the last of it’s leaves…

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This post is a part of Frugal Tip Tuesday.

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Pinkalicious.

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Kelly

That was the theme for my Ladybug’s 5th birthday party over the weekend.

I just can’t help myself. I love any excuse to throw a party. And I like to party big. And I love themes. And my girlies’ birthdays are no exception.

If you are not already familiar with the story, Pinkalicous is a book about a girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and acquires a serious case of Pinkititis, meaning she turns pink. The cure is to eat green food. Anything. As long as it is green.

All my girlies are wild about Pinklalicous. They have Pinkalicious dolls and we’ve read all the books about 187,000 times (roughly).

The party was perfectly pinkariffic and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Mental note for next year: Plan this party much earlier in November (her real birthday is November 9). Much too close to Thanksgiving, but our schedule simply didn’t permit it any sooner…

A few highlights:

Setting up.

Green food goodie bags.

Ladybug guarding her pink cupcakes.

Lola. An unexpected guest, thanks to my sister and her family.

Birthday girl working on her Pinkalicious crown.

Getting ready for “Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake.”

(Which seems to be a staple at our parties. In recent years we have also played “Pin the Nose on Larry the Cucumber” and “Pin the Heart on the Tinman.” My girls really love this game…)

My sweet hubby is such a good sport about all the pink…

Party time. Putting my game face on.

And now that the party is over…

Grabbing a coffee, working on my grocery list and making a mental shift to turkey and pumpkin pie.

Happy Monday, Friends.

Purging.

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Kelly

National Clean-Your-What Day???

I saw it on CNN. This past Tuesday (2 days ago) was National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. Have you ever heard of such a thing? I suppose it’s a great effort. Way to go, People-who-think-of-these-rather-obscure-things.

What I find especially disturbing is that we are encouraged to perform this task… once a year. Maybe some people need this sort of yearly reminder, but I am pretty vigilant about thoroughly cleaning out the fridge very week or two, right before I make my big grocery trip. (Can’t stand the thought of putting fresh food that just cost me an arm and a leg into a grimy fridge).

I am not saying my fridge is always pristine (believe me, a week or two is all some things need to cause trouble in there). And there is occasionally the thing that falls down behind the other thing that I completely forget about until it has gone all “science experiment” on me.

I guess I’ll embrace this occasion to think about food safety.

Hubby and I are entirely obsessive about food safety… especially leftovers. (When in doubt, throw it out!) I also really can’t stand being wasteful, so there has to be a healthy balance. When it comes to leftovers, I never make more than what we will eat in the next two days. Any prepared food older than two days gets tossed. (Most experts say 3-4 days, but I use the two-day rule to play it safe.) Generally, I am pretty good about making sure our leftovers get eaten so we don’t waste anything. If I make a big batch of something, I freeze a portion of it right away to save for another time. (Really, most everything can be frozen.)

I have a couple of trusty friends that help me out: “Masking Tape” and “Sharpie.” Everything in my fridge gets a dated label. Everything. Ketchup. Mayo. Leftovers. Nothing is exempt from the treatment. I used to think I could remember when I prepared everything, but when life gets busy (which is pretty much always), time rolls by like a steam locomotive and before I know it, I have no earthly idea if I hard-boiled those eggs yesterday or last week.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I can’t help but think of all that food coming my way. More than probably any of us can handle.

Freeze what you can. Be safe. And happy eating to all.

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This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday.

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Socks.

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Kelly

Heaping. Mountainous. Overflowing.

These are just a few words to describe my ever-growing pile of things to be mended, sewed, or patched. I actually don’t mind grabbing a pile of such work and planting myself in front of the tv for a couple of hours to catch up. It’s just that I’ve really let it go this time.

And then there are the socks.

I am pretty good about using a small, mesh laundry bag (like the ones intended for lingerie) to corral the family socks (especially the little ones!), but no matter how hard I try… there are stragglers.

The ones that don’t match. The ones that are missing. The ones that are entirely too worn out, but have a perfectly good mate. What’s a girl to do?

(Read more on laundry shenanigans here: Laundry Quandry.)

If the sock is not too worn, it makes perfect sense to stitch it up. It takes about 10 seconds and it’s good as new. I am careful to make the seam on the outside of the sock or my girls will complain of discomfort.

In the old days, women would mend holes in the toes of socks indefinitely. Consequently, the sock would become shorter and shorter and continually be handed down to the next child in line! I do this, too. They also did something similar with sheets. When bed sheets became worn in the middle, they would cut them down the center and sew the outsides of the sheets together to make a new “middle.” Ingenious.

Eventually a good sock gets so worn out that it is impossible to mend and seems of no use at all. Nonsense. This is when our socks get a second life in the rag drawer. I love using old socks to clean with. Turn the sock inside out to use the warm, fuzzy side for maximum scrubbing power. You can even wear the sock like a glove. (Great for those really disgusting jobs that you will inevitably encounter when you have kids!)

Back to the kitchen for coffee round 2. Perhaps I will get to my sewing today. Perhaps not. Either way, there will be coffee.

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This post is a part of the Frugal Tuesday Tip.

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The Best I Ever…

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Kelly

Hey, Coffee Lovers!

This cozy little blog is featured today over at Tales of a Trophy Wife. So grab a steamy cup of joe, go check it out here, and leave some comment love.

Happy Monday!

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Oops.

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Kelly

It was Monday.

Peanut would be away most of the day for a school activity. We were to leave at 8:45 am. I was sipping my coffee at 7:00 am when it suddenly occurred to me: I was supposed to send a snack with her.

Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but my life has been in a bit of top spin and grocery day was still a day away.

I. Had. Nothing.

Raisins? (Yeah, right, Mom.)
Pickle spear? (No thanks.)
Leftover spaghetti? (This received that sort of a menacing glare that my 7-year-old is notorious for.)

Ay yi yi.

Then, I remembered this recipe for homemade graham crackers I had been dying to try. At first, I was skeptical, but judging from the way my kids gobbled them up, I would say they were a success. They were super simple and done just in time for my daughter to walk out the door. Tossed in an apple as a side and she had a snack for mama to be proud of.

Honey Graham Crackers

1/3 c. honey
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. water or milk
3 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
(1 tsp. cinnamon)

1. Cream together honey and butter. Add vanilla and milk. Add dry ingredients.

2. Knead gently into a ball. Roll thin on greased baking sheets. Prick with a fork. (If using cinnamon, sprinkle on top before baking.)

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes. The cooking length will depend on how thin the crackers are.

NOTES: In hindsight, I would have rolled them thinner. My baking sheets have sides, so that was difficult. I think they would do better on the sheets that are flat with no lip around the edge. I made some plain and some with a sprinkling of cinnamon (and a smidge of organic sugar) on top. My girls preferred the cinnamon crackers, but they ate all of them anyway. Either way, these were a simple, healthful snack. I’ll be making these again!

Check out my Recipes page for a downloadable copy of this and many more recipes.

As always… a perfect compliment to an afternoon coffee.