Archive for October, 2009
October Ellie-isms and Zach Attacks
Me: “What is this fuzz? Are you growing something between your toes?”
Zach: “Um … yeah. It sounded like a good idea.”
Ellie: “Daniella has this same shirt! She wore it on Monday.”
Me: “Today is Monday.”
Ellie: “Yeah! That means me and Daniella are the same and that makes us dental twins!”
Ellie: “Um, Mom? What exactly is the point of apple-picking if we don’t actually pick any apples?”
Zach: “I’m pretending my underpants are an elevator.” (I’m sure you can imagine what that looked like!)
Ellie: “Boys have penises, but I have a ah-jine-ya.”
Me: “Vagina.”
Ellie: “Right. Vagina. Just like China. VAGINA CHINA!” (It was quite a victorious shout, kind of like a battle cry.)
Ellie: “T-Rexes eat meat. We are meat.”
Ellie: “What?! Mom, did you know that elephants have over 100 puzzles in their trunk?!”
Me: “You are not being nice. You keep kicking and hitting and kicking and hitting. You need to stop or we won’t play any more.”
Ellie: “Hey! That’s a pattern!”
2 comments October 31, 2009
Bacon’s Revenge
I would love to say I’ve been blog-less all week because I’ve been obsessively making book purses or because I’ve hammered the final three chapters to the next NYT bestseller. Neither would be remotely true. While I did have a dream about editing those chapters (yet to actually be written, plotted or even outlined), I have sewn very little this week. No, my time has been voraciously swallowed … kind of the way my son devours a pound of bacon in a single morning.
How appropriate, I thought, when Dale sent me this piece of flare.
Yup. It’s hit.
Zach tested positive yesterday morning and, as is his MO, immediately showed signs of improvement.
(I wonder if we really need medicine around here. I just threaten them with going to the doctor’s office and my kids instantly feel better.)
Until visiting the doctor, things were quite wretched. My rough and tumble four-year-old did nothing but lie on the couch in a semi-comatose state — his eyes glossy, his voice raspy, his energy depleted. This morning, though, he’s singing and playing trains and about 60% back to his normal self.
Everyone wants to know what it’s like. Since I’ve had first-hand experience with the H1N1 virus, I’d like to make a couple things clear.
1: If you catch it early, it’s not as bad as everyone thinks. Zach has had a high fever (103-104 the whole time), a headache and low energy. That’s it. We took him to the doctor on his second day of high fever, they tested him and gave us a prescription for Tamiflu, some signs to watch for and a couple Cars stickers for good measure.
The things to watch for: unusually high fever, sustained high fever, returning fever (it subsides at night but comes back in the morning), excessive vomiting (We’ve had none.), sore throat (This just started yesterday after they took a throat culture to rule out strep.), and acting “weird.” (That’s the official medical term they gave me.)
2: Treatment is the same as the regular flu: lots of fluids, lots of rest, chicken noodle soup and Tylenol, if you want it. The virus should work itself out within a week.
Now that I’ve quelled some fears and a little hysteria, does anybody remember Pox Parties?
I was so disappointed when I found out there was a vaccination for chicken pox! I had already planned to have a fun pox party with games and a pinata and all my friends. We could all infect each other’s kids together! Then no one would have shots, and we’d all feel better and have a good time doing it.
Anybody up for a Bacon’s Revenge Party? We could eat ham sandwiches, baby back ribs, and spinach salad with big hunks of bacon. I could even make piggy cupcakes. It would be so fun! Maybe we could even have tee-shirts made. Anybody game?
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.”
– Psalm 103:1-4 (NASB)
6 comments October 30, 2009
You gotta click.
Rick is very worried about me. He’s working from home today because he was up so late last night with the Yankees. (GO YANKEES!!!) He actually had tickets to the game, so that was super cool — PARTY BOX SEATS, thanks to some generous fella he knows through work. And, of course, I was up late kind of watching, but mostly debating if it’s okay to pray that your team wins when you know there are way more important things to pray about … like our country, our president, the starving children in Africa … Anyway, Rick has not worked from home on a Monday since the kids started school.
Mondays are different now. I know I have about three hours of uninterrupted, potentially productive time in which to accomplish everything in the world. This puts me in a mood Rick has never seen before. He’s a little scared.
Since I am in this mood, I’m not going to blog much, but I do have three things to tell you.
First, you have to see Kimberly Stuart’s blog post. (Have I mentioned how much I love this woman?) I cried! First from laughing so hard and then from sincerest compassion. You gotta click. C’mon, you know you want to.
Second, have you noticed the Candle in the Corner button in my sidebar? Starting TOMORROW Heidi at Moms, Ministry and More will be hosting the best giveaway EVER!! She, a missionary herself, is helping to raise money for under-supported missionaries around the world. By donating money, you’ll be entered to win various gifts from the countries where these missionaries serve. It’s kind of like a raffle except that all the money goes to help spread the Gospel! She has some really cool stuff, too — from Spain, Portugal, Russia, Indonesia, South Africa, just to name a few. Click HERE or on the button to learn more. You gotta check it out.
And last, at the begging pleading threatened torture if I don’t encouragement of friends, I have opened an etsy shop! It doesn’t have much yet, just two listings and my fun logo — Isn’t it cute? — but more is coming. I have six book purses and one quilted tote waiting to be listed. I hope to get them all up this week, so click on over when you get a chance. At the rate I’m making these, 
I’ll probably have at least two new listings each week after that. Who knows? You might find the perfect gift for that special book lover in your life. You can find me at www.Zaties.etsy.com.
3 comments October 26, 2009
Recipe Swap Sunday: Soup in a Jar
I got the original form of this recipe at a MOPS meeting a few years ago. This was our craft for the day. We filled the jars layer by layer then topped them with decorative fabric. As always, I adjusted the recipe just a touch to our liking, and it has been a fall family favorite ever since. Bonus: it makes a great gift!
Soup in a Jar
1 lb Italian sausage- 12 c water
- 1/3 c beef bouillon granules
- 1/4 c dehydrated onion flakes
- 1/2 c split peas
- 1/2 c small pasta
- 1/4 c barley
- 1/2 c lentils
- 1/3 c non-instant rice
- 1 c tricolor pasta
To make a gift jar (or to stock your pantry):
Omit sausage and water. Layer remaining ingredients in jar in the order listed. Label with the instructions below.
Instructions:
In a large kettle, brown one pound of Italian sausage in a little olive oil. Add water and all ingredients except the tricolor pasta. Heat to boiling and simmer for 45 minutes. Add tricolor pasta and simmer 15 minutes more. ENJOY!
Additional notes:
You may want to play with the sodium levels of this just a bit, depending on the type of bouillon you use. Most brands of “low-sodium” bouillon create a less-then-savory soup, but regular bouillon could cause an instant heart attack for some. I find a suitable balance by using a mixture of the two and substituting a little fresh chicken broth for part of the water.
2 comments October 25, 2009
I didn’t (totally) forget!
I said I would announce the winner of Stretch Marks on Saturday, but then I got distracted making more of these:
I didn’t remember the post until late last night when I was all cozy in my bed watching re-runs of 30 Rock. I decided to stay cozy and challenge you to be patient until this morning. Did it work?
The winner of Kimberly Stuart’s Stretch Marks is …
Lauralin!
Congratulations! Contact me and I’ll get the book right to you. Thanks, everyone, for entering. If you didn’t win, you can still get your hands on this book through Amazon (currently selling it 31% off the cover price) or your local bookstore. And remember the publishers “Good Read” money back guarantee!
Add comment October 25, 2009
Evidence of Intelligent Design
As photographed in the newest mall near my house:
7 comments October 22, 2009
Stretch Marks
I haven’t officially done Mama Loves in a couple weeks, so today (Yes, I know it’s Wednesday and not Tuesday.) you’re getting a double — no, TRIPLE dose!
Mama loves good books.
Mama loves giveaways.
Mama loves Kimberly Stuart.
I am giving away a great book by Kimberly Stuart! Aren’t you excited? If you’ve not yet been introduced to the terrific KS, let me do the honors.
She’s funny, witty, intelligent and … well, there’s nothing not to love about her! She’s a write-at-home mom who loves her life and the God who gave it to her. Her blog is hysterical, and her books are Christian-infused without being preachy. In one word: she’s AUTHENTIC.
I mean, c’mon. How many other authors honesty write about mucous plugs in dialog or leaky boobs in the grocery store? Okay, so maybe there are thousands of pregnancy and parenting books. But how many write about those things in inspirational novels with a healthy sense of humor? I know of one: Kimberly Stuart.
Her latest book is called Stretch Marks.
Mia and her mother, Babs, could not differ more. Mia dresses retro, cares about the energy crisis, goes to yoga religiously and lives a pure vegetarian lifestyle in Chicago. Her mother, while morally conservative, sports plastic surgery, works as a social director on a Caribbean cruise ship and is passionate about steak. They drive each other crazy!
But when Mia gets pregnant, her live-in freeloader boyfriend jumps ship. Actually, he kinda slithers off into the night. Babs to the rescue. She drops everything and moves into Mia’s apartment building to “help.” Can anything can bring these opposites together? The promise of a new baby, one they both already adore, may be their only hope.
Delightful characters fill this book! From Frankie, the librarian with technicolor hair (Mia’s best friend), to Silas, the mysterious gentleman who lives downstairs, and Adam, the hottie who runs the local grocery store. Each contributes their own charm to the story. You’ll love it — I promise.
And so does the publisher. If you don’t like the book, you can send it to them under their “Good Read Guarantee!” But you won’t do that, because you’ll love the story so much you’ll want to share it with all your friends.
Leave a comment on this post and I’ll enter your name in the drawing. A winner will be announced on Saturday!
If you can’t wait that long, head over to Amazon to purchase the book today.
Or visit Kim’s blog to get to know her a little better.
8 comments October 21, 2009
Special Because
How do you know you’re special? How do you know God loves you?
Too often I hear or people who claim confidence in God’s love because of their material blessings. They think God loves them more than the next person because they have good jobs and a happy life. They had sunshine on their wedding while others (like me) get a blizzard.
Even worse, I hear some claim God doesn’t love them, because if He did, then they would have more: more obedient kids, more vacation time, more clothes, more options. They would have better health, a better-looking spouse, better neighbors and a better house.
Is conviction of God’s love contingent upon what we see? What we have or don’t have? Where do you find confidence in His affections for you?
This weekend Rick brought home flowers, a gorgeous bouquet for me and a smaller, color-coordinated one for Ellie. I, of course, was touched, but Ellie’s reaction was priceless. She jumped up and down and yelled and hugged everyone. She simply couldn’t believe how much her daddy loved her. I mean, he brought her pink and purple flowers! Her favorite things in her favorite colors.
What caught my attention, though, was not her adoration of the flowers, but rather her focus on him. After making him a “thank you” picture, she bounced around the house, excitedly proclaiming this:
“I’m super special because I have my daddy!
I’m special because I love him!
I’m special because I made him this picture!
I’m special because he gave me FOUR kisses!”
We are special not because of what God gives us (even though He gives us A LOT!! Hello, people? Remember when He gave us His Son to die for our sins?) or who we are. Rather, it’s about who He is. We are special because we have Him. He has us and we have Him. That’s what makes us special.
We are super special because He loves us and gives Himself to us every day! Are we accepting Him?
We are special because we have the opportunity to love Him back! Are we?
We are special because we can do things that make Him happy! Are we painting “thank you” pictures with our lives? How are we giving back to Him?
Ellie’s heart overflowed with pride at the four kisses she received from her daddy. How many kisses has God given you today?
Anyone watch Ni Hao, Kai Lan? It’s a show for preschoolers on NickJr., kind of like Dora except with Mandarin Chinese instead of Spanish. At the beginning of each show, Kai Lan wakes the sun with a tickle. The sun then burst into a thousand little sun bubbles that go bouncing all around Kai Lan and her friends. That’s how I see God’s love. It’s there first thing in the morning, tickling and bouncing and flooding over us in a thousand delightful kisses.
So, tell me: what makes you special?
3 comments October 19, 2009
Recipe Swap Sunday: Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
‘Tis the season for apples! Lately all my friends and family have gone apple picking. We plan to, but it’s just not cold enough for us. You know our tradition with Forced Family Fun. (I wrote about it here and here.) Apple picking falls in that category. We always chose a day that is closer to snow than sun, and we always forget that our favorite orchard, a lovely 40-minute drive north of here, boasts temperatures at least fifteen degrees cooler. Sometimes you need a little pain (or a few frozen toes) to make lasting family memories.
Back to the point: everyone has gone apple picking, come home with loads of apples, then posted on facebook or called me with a panicked “What do I do with all of these?!” The one recipe no one seems to have is this: Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash. Everyone makes apple pies, apple crisps, apple dumplings, applesauce, and apple cakes. No one makes this. But once you do, you’ll make it again and again.
Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
2 acorn squash
3-4 T maple syrup
3-4 T heavy cream (optional)
1 T butter, melted
1 large red apple, diced
2 T chopped nuts
2 T brown sugar
4 T crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)
Preheat oven to 350′F.
Cut the squashes in half and remove all seeds and inside gunk. Place squash halves cut-side up on a lipped cookie sheet or in a large baking dish. Add about 1 T each of maple syrup and heavy cream to each half of squash. Swirl it around to coat the inside cavity.
Bake squash for 30 minutes.
While the squash cooks, combine melted butter, diced apple, chopped nuts and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well. Fill the squash halves with equal portions of apple stuffing, then bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until you can easily slide a fork into the sides of squash.
Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. ENJOY!
2 comments October 18, 2009
And the winner is …
… Beverly!!
Congratulations! Please email me at tanyasue (at) gmail (dot) com with your snail mail address, and I’ll get your free copy of O2: Breathing New Life into Faith right to you.
Special thanks to Amy Lathrop of Litfuse Publicity Group for donating this book!
If you didn’t win, you can still get more …
Read the first chapter: http://www.conversantlife.com/files/resource_downloads/O2.pdf
Add comment October 17, 2009
