Camping anyone?

One of the things that I was able to bring back from my Dad's house was our family tent. Every year of my childhood, we would set out to the Rockies in our big ol' conversion van for a two week family vacation. I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't always the most enthusiastic camper. I wasn't fond of the bugs... or the blister-inducing hikes... or all that family time! I did like the chocolate pudding in the pop top cans quite a lot though! Does anyone remember these!?! I know my sisters do. They were one of the treats we all looked forward to. I'm sure we did have smores as well, but for some reason the pudding stands out!

Back to the tent... My sister, Heidi, came out to visit us for my birthday a few weeks ago and requested that we go camping. So, after a little research we decided to visit Acadia National Park up by Bar Harbor (a.k.a. Bah Hahbah), Maine. Since the old tent hadn't been used for a good seven or eight years, we decided we ought to set it up to air it out and apply a new coat of weather-proofing. It's amazing how just the smell of the tent brought me right back to those camping trips of my childhood... and by now, all the memories are good. I'm so so thankful that Mom and Dad took the time to do those trips with us.

You can tell from this picture that Ruby was pretty excited to get in that tent. I think our family is going to have a lot of fun times in this tent... and if I can keep up with my folks fastidious care of it, it should last us for a good long time. The night before we set up the tent, we took a trip to Target and splurged on new sleeping bags for the kids, a big cooler, a new LED lantern, a fishing pole for Ruby, and a whole heap of other stuff. I was starting to wonder if all of our stuff, plus three adults and two kids in carseats were going to fit in our little Suburu!

I'll probably spend most of this week putting up pictures from our trip. We really had a great time (even if there wasn't much sleep involved!).

On Friday the kids and I will go on holiday up to Michigan to visit Jared's parents--just in time for National Cherry Festival!! Can't wait!

Quiet Time

My sweet girl has been having a tough time of it lately since she's decided there's no more need for naps. At first I tried to just have her lay on her bed looking at books, but this didn't work. She wanted to be read to or nothing. As much as I do enjoy and value reading together, I can't do that for an hour each day when I need to be catching up on housework or calming frazzled nerves or both. So, in order to insure some level of quiet while Max is napping, we've slipped into the TV/movie trap. Now, I think it's safe to say, she's a total couch potato. She'd love to just sit in front of the boob tube watching TV or playing her Leap Frog ClickStart til the cows come home. Alas, it's just not working for me. The overwhelming guilt over all that screen time squelches my delight at the free time it gives me. Sooo...

I've decided to attempt to make a Quiet Time Basket-- this being a basket with a handful of goodies that can only be played with during Quiet Time. I'm going to try to have a few educational things and crafty things and some silly things in there too. Today, I put in a music CD, a Bible story CD, a new jigsaw puzzle, a few print out coloring sheets with a glue stick, pompom puffs, and markers. I also threw in a set of kid scissors and some cutting practice paper. We'll see what she does. She was really psyched to get into that basket and get playing. My only concern is that there may be lots of calling out for, "Mooooooooo-mmmmmmmmmy" if she gets in a bind.

I guess we'll just see how it goes today. My thought is that we'll do the basket M-W-F, and have a movie on Tu-Th. Now it might be that she goes cuckoo over the basket and I'll be able to cut out movies at quiet time totally and just save them for special times or when I'm really in a bind getting dinner made, etc. I think I'll just have to pray in that direction and see what happens! I'm convinced that God does care about the concerns of a stay-at-home mom and this is definitely one of mine.

Now if only I can get Max to stop waking up at 5:15am...

Old Fashioned Gal

I spotted this quiz over at Mamasphere and thought I'd give it a try. Apparently I'm just an old fashioned gal. I'd be curious to see how I'd rate as a 21st century wife!

78 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Summer Lovin'

A few weeks ago we had some oppressively hot days... okay, I know it's nothing to the 110F in Texas or 140F in Iraq. But, let me tell you 95F in a third floor apartment with no a/c is not exactly fun. To beat the heat, we spent a lot of time visiting pools and staying in the shade outside. Here are a few pictures from out and about...

Wordless Wednesday

This is the Boston Children's Museum edition of nearly wordless Wednesday. We've actually visited the museum twice this month and still haven't visited all of the exhibits. The library discount coupons make this a fun and affordable trip at just $2 each. The museum is right downtown and only about 20 minutes from our house!

Max loves playing trains!

Wet and wild!

The ball room was big fun for both kids.

Playing in Arthur's kitchen. Ruby loves Arthur books and was thrilled with Arthur's world.

Jammin' with Blue Man Group instruments!

Our little All Star.

Thank goodness for waterproof aprons!

Shredded Beef Enchiladas

We've been busy living life here with all of it's ups and downs, which is my explanation for yet another long break! I thought I'd jump back in with a Tasty Tuesday based on a recipe I got off of Allrecipes.com. If you haven't discovered this website yet you've got to try it out. It really is the best thing since sliced bread for busy mommas.

This recipe is closest thing to restaurant quality and tasting enchiladas I've ever made. I did tweak it a bit from the original, so the recipe below is with my changes. Enjoy!!

Shredded Beef Enchiladas

3 pounds beef chuck roast
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 large onion, chopped
2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups sour cream
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 (large) can Mild Enchilada sauce
20 (6 inch) flour tortillas

1. Place roast in a slow cooker on HIGH heat. Pour in water, beef broth, vinegar, chili powder and cumin. Cover and simmer for 4 hours or until the beef falls apart when you try to pick it up. Shred the beef, using 2 forks or your fingers. Place shredded beef back into the slowcooker with all the juices, and let cool to room temperature.
2. In a large skillet, saute the onion until just soft, not browned. Mix in flour and green chilies. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour taste out. Stir in sour cream and 2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cheese is all melted and mixed. Set aside and let cool.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Pour enchilada sauce into pie pan or shallow bowl. Dip tortillas into sauce, then spread 4 tablespoons of sour cream mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with about the same amount of beef. Roll up and place seam side down in one or two greased 8x11 inch baking dish. Repeat for each tortilla. Continue until you are out of the filling. Pour remaining enchilada sauce on top, then sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

This makes a huge number of enchiladas, I divided the recipe into two pans and froze half for one of those days when I just don't feel like cooking. We still had lots of leftovers with a half recipe! Enjoy!!

Curious...

A few weeks ago we saw a sign up at a neighboring town's library-- "Meet Curious George!". It was a no brainer, we were going. So, in the hours leading up to the big event Ruby and I talked about what it might be like. She said that Curious George would definitely be small and his "Daddy" (the man in the yellow hat) would have to be there too to take care of George.




When we arrived along with a couple hundred other parents and preschoolers, we were met with this George. Ruby's first words... "His head is HUGE!!" Neither of them could peel their eyes off of the big cuddly guy.

So, it didn't turn out quite like we had imagined, but all in all it was a nice time. We even got to hear two librarians attempt to read over two hundred people whispering without the aid of a microphone. Then, there was the crushing push to get a picture with George. The kids had had enough at that point (thankfully) so we skipped the picture. Maybe we'll get one next time when the man in the yellow hat shows up too!

p.s. Next time I'm nabbing one of the chairs! Sitting on a tile floor for 45 minutes with two kids on my lap is for the birds!

GREAT Grandparents!

Here are a few pictures from our visit out to Arizona. I really didn't take as many pictures as I should have. We stayed pretty close to home as Grandma is still recovering from breaking her leg a few months ago. We still had a great time and Ruby just can't understand why it is that we don't have a swimming pool!

We had Memorial Day BBQ out at cousin Colleen's home. It was a balmy 80-something and just gorgeous.

Ruby loved Colleen's house with the pet dog, pygmy goat, and cow! She also loved picking the grapefruit in the backyard.

Max cuddling with Grandma in his PJs.

Grandma and Grandpa spoiled Ruby with a few presents. She loves her Minnie Mouse!

Grandpa and Jared took the 4-wheelers out one day for a ride in the desert. Max helped get them all gassed up before they left.

Ruby loved the swimming pool and we managed to go twice every day. I think the reason she liked it so much was that it was as warm as bath water!

Ruby and Grandma reading her new books.

New Words!

I just had to call Jared at work yesterday to announce that Max had started using a new word...


Me: "Hey honey, you're going to be so proud to hear that your 13 month old son has mastered another word!"
J: "Oh yeah, what is it?"
Me: "Barbie!"
J: "Oh, great."

His enthusiasm for the word choice wasn't that high!

Ever since Ruby got all those Barbies for her birthday, Max has been enjoying them too. He isn't really big on dressing them up or pretending with them, but he does enjoy pushing the limits of just how far Barbie's limbs can be yanked before they pop off. He also enjoys trying to eat a dozen Barbie shoes before breakfast.

Fun stuff.

S'mores with Oats

I know I just complained last week about my "ripe pear" physique. Recipes like the one below are to blame for my condition. That, and I really could use some self-control! I got this recipe from my mother-in-law who just loves to send these waistline thickening beauties my way. (Thanks, Kay!)



S'mores with Oats


1 c. oats
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)
2 c. mini marshmallows


1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Combine oats to butter. Press into an 8"x8" pan.

3. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.

4. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Bake 10 minutes or until marshmallows are golden.

5. Cool pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars and devour!


p.s. These are just too good to be true. If you have a family of any size, double the recipe and make it in a 9"x13" pan!

The Puppet Man

If you've been wondering where the world I've been lately... we've been busy! We went down to Phoenix last week to visit my grandparents and had a great time. An added bonus was getting to see Jared's best friend, Jeremy, who's working as a puppeteer in Phoenix. Ruby was thrilled to have a private show. Here's a little bit of the action... enjoy!

Beloved

I have been reading a lot of Francine Rivers books lately (which you already know if you ever look at my Shelfari shelf on the sidebar. Anyway, I really love how Rivers constantly uses the word, "Beloved" when the Holy Spirit is prompting people to remember or do things. Each of us is truly the Lord's "beloved"--a concept that blows me away every time I consider it.

I've been feeling a bit "beaten down" lately and just really not liking my reactions to various situations. It has been a battle for me not to sit up at night analyzing all of the things I just don't like about this sinful me.

This song we sang at church just hit home in a big way for me today. It's an oldie but goodie by Charitie L. Bancroft (1863), though the tune we used is a bit more jazzed up than the original...

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect Plea;
a great High Priest whose Name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands no tongue can bid my thence depart...
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see Him there Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free,
for God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me...
to look on Him and pardon me.

Before Him there the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless Righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace.
One with Himself I cannot die. My soul is purchased with His blood,
my life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God...
with Christ my Savior and my God.

That second verse resonated with me so much-- "SATAN tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within"! Why can't we leave these things at the foot of the cross as God wants? It sure is hard to change without that first critical step. I don't have anything really inspirational to say about some huge victory over sin, but for those that are in the trenches with me, I hope that this song touches you and encourages you to move forward as it has for me. We are His Beloved, it's time we start acting like it.