The Rock Spot

Star Wars A Cappella

2011-05-08T11:08:00.001-07:00

Europe and Muslams

2011-03-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

I can't get my blackberry working!

2011-01-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

2010-11-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

I just love the color red!

Obama is suing the State of Arizona - the craziness continues

2010-08-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Camp Cristero

2010-08-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in awhile but I thought someone might want to see this awesome YouTube video that shows some of the great fun Joe had this summer at Camp Cristero!

Two Lovely Bloggie Awards from Jingle

2010-08-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

One of my new bloggy friends - Jingle has given me not just ONE but TWO lovely awards!
She is an amazing poet and you will love visiting her blog.

Two for Tuesdays

2010-07-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, over on my other blog - Frugality and Crunchiness with Christy, I am going to be part of an amazing group of women bloggers who are hosting a blog hop! Two for Tuesdays. Six blogs, six times the exposure and most important six times the fun!!
This Blog Hop is all about Real Food - you know, food your grandmother (or great-grandmother) would have made. Not all posts are recipes, some are about Real Food and Real Nutrition. Really any post that has anything to do Real Food is welcome.
What is a little different is that we hope you will link up 2 posts or one post with 2 recipes, or 2 ways to use an ingredient or anyway you want to use Two!
Here is the button if you want it for your blog. And stop by on Tuesday and post your links!

Saturday Centus # 7

2010-06-20T19:54:00.001-07:00

Hello fellow Saturday Centusers. I have been posting in the past on my frugalcrunchychristy blog but I am going to move this here as the posts are more random than even I usually post over there.
How does this work? Mr. Jenny comes up with a prompt and then in 100 words or less we come up with a story. Fun fun fun! (Prompt in italics)
It was Fathers Day, 1984, when I heard that voice in the hallway.
I had just gotten home from graduation. I was changing out of my cap and gown when I heard it. That voice, from somewhere in my past, at first I couldn’t place it. Then I realized it was my brother who had left when I was young. He had been in all sorts of trouble and tough love was employed. I heard him tell my dad “I wanted to be here, to tell her how proud I am of her.” I heard my dad reply, “Son, you know we love you but that can never happen.” Then we all cried.

Buttercream Frosting

2010-05-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I found this recipe I went right into the kitchen and made it. No I didn't have a cake baked. Who needs cake? Frosting is like raw cookie dough - it can stand alone as a treat. Don't worry, I baked one the next day.

I really don't use a recipe I just use butter, about 1 1/2 cups, a bit of vanilla and then I add powdered sugar until it's stiff and milk to thin it out a little.

Here's a butter-cream recipe from Wilton:
1/2 cup vegetable shortening (I use coconut oil instead if I don't want to use all my butter)
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons milk

Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla, gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. This icing can be stored for 2 weeks and for months in the freezer. Makes 3 cups.

Can we eat to end cancer?

2010-05-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Testing 123, Testing 123

2010-05-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

Please don’t mind me, I am just trying out Windows Live Writer. It is a way for me to write my blog posts without using Blogger. OOOEEEEE!!! It is definitely easier. But it is all new to me. Evidentially I can make my posts without being online and send later.
Hey, let’s try a picture.

Say Hi to Josh – here he is at the March for Life in Washington, DC this year. Hmm, I can’t figure out how to change the size of these words. oh, wait this is one way ….this is heading #6. Not exactly what I was looking for but it does change it some.

Hey looky here, it is a map. Oh, sadly it is supposed to be an aerial pic of my house. Hmm, maybe when it posts? Nope that didn't work, you have to click on the black and it takes you to Bing Maps. And then you can see my house.

OK, enough fun. Oh, no wait I want to add a youtube video for fun let’s see how that works.

Oh that was cool BTW this is a great inspirational video!

Oh look I can make a table	One that looks great
oops, I discovered the undo	and undid some stuff.

Technorati Tags: life

I learned about this from The Diaper Diaries WFMW post here. She explains it better.

Another interesting thing I learned is I can still edit this from Blogger. I do have to go here to label this.

Fun fun fun! Well at least it was for me!

Tea Time - or how I clean my kitchen and do my laundry!

2010-03-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

I love tea. I drink lots of tea. I boil water in a kettle for each and every cup. It takes about 7 minutes from pouring the water into the kettle until my tea has steeped to the correct flavor. I clean as fast as I can in those 7 minutes. I can fold a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, clean out a cupboard, sweep the floor, wash the kitchen windows, clean out the fridge, start dinner. Oh the things I can accomplish are many! These little bites of time are perfect, they help to keep my house in order and I don't mind working for my tea!

What about you? What can you do in seven minutes?

This totally Works for Me!

Feeling like this? I am!

2010-03-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Evidentally I am getting political these days.

2010-03-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

A very interesting show on what we have to answer on the census and what we don't constitutionally. And what to say when the census worker is standing in our door.

Crusher Pictures

2010-03-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

Pelosi - are you serious????

2010-03-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

Is this woman serious???? GRRRRRR!!!!

Regnum Christi

2010-03-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

This is an old letter dated 9/1/09 but I in light of the new allegations perhaps we need to read it again. I love the Legion and Regnum Christi, I believe in its vision and its works. I am unbelievably saddened and disgusted by what we have learned about Fr. Maciel's life but that doesn't mean that I must throw all the good away, because there is good. Many many people have dedicated their lives to further Christ's Kingdom and they have done and continue to do so much good. I know that my life and my family have benefited and been changed for the better because of the Legionaries, Consecrated Women and Regnum Christi and the Apostolates that we have been involved in.

Please know, that the absolute moment that the Holy Father tells me that the Legion and Regnum Christi and its Apostolates should be dissolved, or abandoned I will walk away. But until then I remain. This is not for everyone. But it is for me. If you choose to comment, please be charitable. I will delete ugliness.

Letter Sent to Regnum Christi in US

"We Extend a Special Apology on Behalf of the Legion"

NEW YORK, SEPT. 4, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the letter sent Sept. 1 to the members and friends of Regnum Christi in the New York and Atlanta territories. The letter was signed by Legionary of Christ fathers Julio Martí and Scott Reilly, the respective directors of the New York and Atlanta territories.
A similar letter was sent today to the members and friends of Regnum Christi in Germany, signed by the respective territorial director, Father Sylvester Heereman.
* * *
To Regnum Christi Members and Friends
Atlanta and New York Territories

Dear friends in Christ,

In Atlanta, we recently enjoyed a visit from our General Director, Father Alvaro Corcuera. He celebrated Mass for Regnum Christi members and friends at the Pinecrest Academy chapel. During his homily he touched on important points in reference to the difficulties we have all experienced during these past months, shedding light upon them from the Gospel. He invited us to discover God’s mysterious design also within the realities we are living, which we never would have expected to experience. It was an intense moment of prayer and unity, gathered around Christ.

He has also traveled to Cheshire, Connecticut, to preside over the ceremony of the profession of vows of a group of novices and religious on August 29. With this important step, these brothers continue their path to the priesthood in the Legion of Christ, at the service of the Church, by dedicating themselves to a mission that “is of fundamental importance and is worth devoting oneself to with broadmindedness and an unsullied heart…” (Letter of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Father Alvaro Corcuera, March 10, 2009).

We are grateful to God for the gift of his leadership, full of Christian prudence and charity. We are confident that the Lord assists him with his grace in the difficult task he has at this time.

With this letter we would like to share with you some of the thoughts and recommendations that he has been offering to members of the Legion of Christ and consecrated members of Regnum Christi through his talks, homilies and letters over these past months. We are sure they can also be of help to you.

We also hope to remedy some of our shortcomings in communication -- for which we are sorry -- so that together we can continue walking what will surely be a long path of healing and reconciliation with those who have been hurt by the misdeeds of Father Maciel.

As priests, our hearts go out to all those who have been harmed or scandalized by his actions. To all we extend a special apology on behalf of the Legion and our General Director, Father Alvaro Corcuera, who has, in fact, begun to reach out personally and in private to those he knows may have suffered most, offering his heartfelt apology and consolation, and will continue to do so. As he wrote in his March 29 letter: “We are deeply saddened and sorry, and we sincerely ask for forgiveness from God and from those who have been hurt through this.” We also regret that our inability to detect, and thus accept and remedy, Father Maciel’s failings has caused even more suffering.

In the recent past, after Father Marcial Maciel had retired, we came to know that he had had a relationship with a woman and fathered a child. Even more recently, there have been allegations of other relationships and other children. Given the partial nature of the information available and the impossibility to evaluate immediately and in a definitive manner these complex allegations, the Legion of Christ cannot, at this time, make a statement regarding them.

All this leads us to value even more the wisdom and pastoral approach of the Holy See concerning the allegations of past sexual abuse against Father Maciel that had surfaced. As it was stated in the communiqué published on May 19, 2006, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith investigated these issues and invited him to a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry.

As an institution, as a family and as individuals, this unexpected turn of events has been traumatic. Being weak humans, even if reacting with Christian virtue, many of us have gone through experiences of shock, anger, disbelief, denial and fear, both humanly and spiritually.

These emotions, the vast tangle of information, supposition, speculation and opinion, the different cultural sensitivities, and the Christian duty not to publicize the sins of others, have made it difficult to publish the sort of direct statement that many expected of us.

Added to this, is the fact that we did not know the whole truth, we may not know it yet, and new information may well continue to come to light. What we do learn, we will address, respecting the privacy of those who request it of us.

As Legionaries, consecrated members of Regnum Christi and Regnum Christi members of all walks of life, we too have been experiencing a deep struggle. We are all wounded by this news, and need the comfort and support of each other. We want to thank all those who have understood the depth of our suffering, and offered their understanding and kindness. As we have just mentioned, we wish to be close to anyone who has suffered in any way, and at the same time ask them to live the Christian virtue of pardon from the depth of their hearts.

1. This brings us to a key point in relation to you, our friends. It is clear that all these facts lead us to think about the past, the present and the future. Many of you have rightly asked if the Legion has made or will make changes in its life. Yes…we have, we are and we will. Some examples:

a. One of the questions that come to mind refers to the “safe environment and child protection” measures in our communities and apostolates. Our Constitutions, other norms and many elements of our discipline have always helped us to be particularly careful in the dealing with minors. More recently we are in the process of accreditation by Praesidium, a risk management organization now helping a great number of religious institutions in North America. Praesidium is conducting a full review of our internal rules and policies, as well as our training of all those who deal with minors. They will shortly be conducting on-site visitation of several of our institutions to verify that what is on paper is being applied. There are twenty-five accreditation standards to meet, covering the areas of prevention, response and supervision. Here in the U.S. we have also set up an external review board so that in the event of allegations of sexual abuse, we have the advantage of “outside eyes” to weigh the evidence, issues and provide us with recommendations. Praesidium accreditation is being promoted by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, which links all the male religious orders in this country.

We also fully comply with all diocesan standards, which vary from place to place.

b. On the financial side, for a long time now we have had yearly audits done by outside accounting firms. We could not have acquired the loans we needed to purchase our seminaries and found the many works of apostolate undertaken during these years without systems in place of strict accountability and responsible financial management.
In recent years, due to the growth of our operations, we have put in place a still more professional system of business management through the services of Integer Group.

Staffed by lay professionals, Integer has further improved our operating and management processes to ensure the integrity of all our operations.

c. A further area of adjustment which has begun and continues in process is the way we refer to Father Maciel in the Legion and Regnum Christi. While we cannot deny that Father Maciel was our founder and did much good, neither can we deny the reality of what has recently come to light and his grave human failings. We have taken progressive steps to make sure that there is no inappropriate reference to Father Maciel (we have, for example, removed pictures of him from our center; we have extensively edited our websites; we are in the process of reviewing new editions of other writings, brochures, etc.). All this has led us to what is most essential: to center our life, even more, in Jesus Christ.

This is an ongoing and difficult process given the need to discern his person from the solid Catholic doctrine that he transmitted and the legitimate institutional aspects of the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christ. This discernment is not something that can be done lightly or overnight. Father Alvaro has and will seek the advice and guidance of learned and prudent men of the Church to enlighten this difficult question seeking not to lose God’s gifts to the Legion and Regnum Christi.

2. We are also receiving enormous help from the Church, especially from the Holy Father, Pope
Benedict XVI, to whom we are truly grateful.

a. You know that he has mandated an Apostolic Visitation of the Legion. Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput of Denver has been appointed as Visitor for the Legion in the United States and Canada. Archbishop Chaput will visit our seminaries and religious houses, see our life up close and interview whomever he wants. His mandate will be to question, probe and assess with depth and objectivity. Legionaries are free to speak and write to him with all their comments and questions. He sets his own timetable and the points he wishes to probe, and he will present his findings and recommendations directly to the Holy See. For the moment, the Legion cannot make any specific statements regarding the content or development of the Visitation, since this would interfere with the work of the Visitors.

b. Questions and comments have also been raised regarding the “private vow of charity” that was professed in the Legion. The rationale of this vow was to ensure that the grievances one could have with his superior were brought to those who could resolve them and thus avoid irresponsible criticism or internal factions that degrade unity. This vow had been in place since 1957 and was approved by the Church. Pope Benedict XVI, who has the power to bind and loose, asked the Legion to remove it, which we did two years ago.

c. In the past two years, also following the indications we received from the Holy Father, we changed our general practice of superiors being the spiritual directors of their subjects. This practice was based on one of the century-old monastic traditions that view the superior as Spiritual Father and Mentor of his community. We are seeing positive fruits from this change of practice.

d. There also have been changes in the Legion regarding sacramental confession. In the past, members were free to go to the Ordinary or Extraordinary confessors (assigned by the General Director for each community). They were also free to go to any other Catholic priest with faculties for confession. Members often asked to go to confession with their own superiors.

Following the instructions of the Holy See, today superiors are no longer habitual confessors for those under their authority.

e. We would finally like to mention that our general director is in frequent contact with our superiors in the Holy See and also with the Apostolic Visitors to speak about these and other complex issues.

These are some of the significant steps the Legion of Christ has taken. And as we said, we expect more will come in time, with judgment and prudence.

Understandably, in the midst of the present circumstances there have been a few of our members who have felt that they can serve God better by separating themselves from the Legion and Regnum Christi; others have opted temporarily to step aside to see and evaluate, waiting also to see the outcome of the Visitation. The vast majority has opted to continue doing as much good as they can from where they are, knowing that our time here on earth is limited, and trusting that with the guidance of the Church whatever needs to be corrected in time, and whatever is good will be confirmed. Each one has made his or her choice before God, moved by their love for him and their desire to serve him to the best of their ability, and for no other consideration. Let us have great Christian understanding and respect for all. Each of us must presume the best and purest intention in the other, pray for each other, and recognize that each one of us suffers and recovers in different ways and at different times.

As Father Álvaro told us in his homily, in Cheshire, St. John Chrysostom teaches us fives ways to reach reconciliation: asking for pardon, forgiving others, prayer, almsgiving and humility (cf. ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Homilies, PG 49, 263-264). Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace to walk this path, inasmuch as each one of us needs it, for his greater glory.

Loving, serving, and building together –that has been our life in the Legion and Regnum Christi. As tragic as the failings of our founder are, they should not cause us to diminish our efforts to bring souls to Christ, and to serve him and the Church selflessly in all our brothers and sisters.

You have worked so hard to create apostolates, build schools, run youth clubs, form people in the Catholic faith – and those efforts are good and real. Let nothing distract you from loving and serving God in your neighbor. We enter now into a new chapter of our history which must be focused on the pursuit of holiness and love for souls.

May we take inspiration from our Blessed Mother who “meditated all these things in her heart” (cf. Lk 2:51). She will lead us along the path of God’s will and help us to respond as she did: “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).

May Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians inspire us during these challenging times:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

You remain in our prayers, and we depend on yours.

Yours in Christ our Lord,

Fr Julio Martí, LC
Territorial director
New York Territory

Fr Scott Reilly, LC
Territorial director
Atlanta Territory

Small Successes vol. 1

2009-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is my first time "playing along" at Small Successes at Faith and Family Live.

1st Success:
I need to exercise more, read blogs less. I realized I could put my laptop on my treadmill and be able to walk and read blogs - double dipping and I love it.

2nd Success:
Two of my sisters have come the last several years and decorated my house for Christmas - they have a gift and do a fabulous job. This year they came but didn't do as much as usual - and so I finished it ON MY OWN!!! It looks very Christmasy around here and I love it!

3rd Success:
I have a Program of Life that I had misplaced for several months - I never realized how much I used it until it was gone. I was cleaning today and found it!! Hurray and thank you dear Jesus. I feel like I can get back on track.

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

2009-12-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

cookies:
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup raspberry jam

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
11/2 tsp almond extract
2-3 tsp water.

1. Heat oven to 350degrees. In mixing bowl combine sugar, butter and almond extract. Beat at medium until creamy. Reduce speed to low and add flour. Beat until well mixed.

2. Shape dough into 1" balls. Put 2" apart on cookie sheets. With thumb, make a dent in center of each cookie (edges may crack slightly) Fill indentation with a tiny amount of jam.

3. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Let stand for 1 minute.; remove from cookie sheet. Cool 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together powdered sugar, 11/2tsp almond extract and enough water to make a thin glaze. Drizzle over cookies. Cool completely.

Kara @ Kara's Kitchen Creation is having a cookie swap and I have joined. There are lots of yummy cookies - go check them out.

Adoro Te Devote

2009-11-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

2 minute Motivational Speech

2009-11-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am giving a talk on motivation - I really liked this.

Save Your Marriage

2009-11-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Mothers

2009-10-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

"All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my Mother."

Abraham Lincoln

11 year old sings for Life

2009-10-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

The girl in the video is only 11. She wrote the song and the music and performed it at the Allen County Right to Life Banquet before 700 people - it is AMAZING!!!!! I know her parents are very proud of her.

Dinner with Dougie, and the Best Ribs Ever

2009-10-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had "pig" ribs. They were fantastic - the only problem is I used Pepsi instead of Coke to cook them. Yes, pop is my secret ingredient and WHO KNEW that it wouldn't be fall off the bone scrumptious with the competition???? So, if you make these, believe me when I say COKE is what you need and NEVER EVER EVER NEVER USE DIET!!! (Recipe at the end)

My son lives 2 houses away and works for his dad - they see each other ALL the time. He however rarely just comes over. I don't blame him, when I moved out at his age I lived 4 miles from home and didn't come home for like 3 months. I loved my parents, my little brothers and sisters - there were no hard feelings, I just had too much going on. And I started dating my husband to be and we spent all our time together.

HOWEVER now that the shoe is on the other foot I feel desperately lonely and neglected. "Stop in -I'll make you whatever your heart desires for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner." Part of the problem is I am a "luck of the draw" kinda cook. The last time I cooked for him and his fiance I dang near gave them salmonella (I followed the instructions but still undercooked the chicken by a LOT) So, I don't think she is willing to eat here anymore. Sigh. It makes me sad - but I totally understand - I have chicken issues myself.

TONIGHT I made The Best Ribs Ever and called and invited them over. I am confident in my ribs turning out. Unfortunately She had class but Dougie came, brought my sweet grandbaby and his roommate....YEA! I love me a full table! I love feeding my grandbaby. I love having guests and I especially love having all my children in the same room!!! I know these opportunities will become fewer and farther between and I am so glad I was able to see the gift it was and is.

Here is the recipe that made it all happen!

Best Ribs Ever

1-2 slabs of pig ribs
Steak seasoning
2 litre of COKE
BBQ Sauce

Put the ribs in a foil lined pan (for ease of clean up)
Sprinkle liberally with steak seasoning or just use salt, pepper and garlic
Pour COKE over - cover tightly with foil.
Cook at 270 degrees for 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Fire up the grill, put cooked ribs on grill, baste in BBQ sauce and cook for about 15 minutes - until the sauce gets all yummy!
That's it! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

I linked this to Chatting at the Sky's Tuesday's Unwrapped and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday. and Heavenly Homemakers Gratituesday.

Crisp Cinnamon Cookies

2009-10-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I thought someone in my house loved "corn flakes" for breakfast, and evidentally I went on a corn flake buying bonanza! It has taken us a lllloooooonnnnngggg time to get to the end of the boxes. On the side of the box of generic Meijer Corn Flakes was a recipe for crisp cinnamon cookies and so I gave them a try. They were very good! I am posting the recipe in case someone else has some end of the box cereal they want to use up. (and so I don't lose it, we really liked the cookies.)

Crisp Cinnamon Cookies
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon (OOOPS I put 2 TBS in - I think it is fabulous with the extra )
1tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups corn flakes, crushed to 1 1/4 cups.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Beat in sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt (if desired and I didn't). Beat well. Stir in cereal, mix well. Drop by TBS onto ungreased cookie sheet about 2" apart. Bake 9-11 minutes. Let stand 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool.

I used 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1 1/4 cup regular
I only used 1 1/4 cup sugar (next time try with only 1 cup)
I used 2 TBS cinnamon

I have some other "healthy cereal" that my kids hate, I think I will try this with them. Waste not, Want Not!

Queuing Up at the Grocery Store by Eddie Izzared

2009-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

this is hysterical - There is some BAD LANGUAGE so beware!

I wanna win some Ugg Boots!

2009-09-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I have 5 daughters and we only have generic uggs around here- we would love a pair to share or even better I can give it for Christmas!

Bang Bang Chicken

2009-09-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought this was going to be a recipe. Nope. It is a method, a method for getting shredded chicken without using 2 forks, or a knife or even your hands. "What?! Impossible!" you say. No it is super dee dooper easy.

Cook chicken. Let cool, debone if necessary. Put in a ziploc bag be sure to let the extra air out. (Important step or your chicken will fly all over the kitchen, trust me) Get out your rolling pin. Now beat the tar out of your chicken in a bag. This flattens it, and shreds it nicely. You can now use it in any sort of recipe that calls for shredded chicken. I have not tried it but I bet it would work for pork or beef also.

You will want to use this to shred your chicken for Chicken Enchillada Lasagna.

I got the idea from a recipe for bang bang chicken.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

This totally Works for Me!
And because I think this is a great frugal idea - I have linked this to my other blog -Frugality and Crunchiness with Christy.

Au Gratin Potatoes

2009-09-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

These are soooo yummy. Definitely worth the work and time.

Au Gratin Potatoes
6-7 potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1lb Colby jack cheese - grated
1lb provolone - grated
1 white onion sliced into rings

Soak the potatoes in salt water for 15 minutes. Drain.

Spray (or grease) a pan. Layer potatoes and onions then cheese - repeat at least one more time. Cook at 450 degrees for one hour.

Quote on Forgiveness

2009-07-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

“We ought to pity and love our enemies rather than hate and detest them, for they heap up evils on themselves but deserve well of us; they provoke God’s anger against themselves, but adorn us with the crown of eternal glory. We ought to pray for them; we should not be overcome by evil.”
- St Antony Mary Zaccaria

Biblical Art

2009-07-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

The Pope and Harry Potter

2009-07-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Pope gives Harry Potter movie his blessing.

I am so glad. I have taken my kids to see the previous Harry Potter movies - and we enjoyed them all. Years ago when all the hoopla over the HP books began I read the first 4 books so I could decide for myself. What I didn't like about the books was that Harry kept getting away with things. And not being punished. "If you ride on a broomstick you will be kicked out - Harry is fabulous on the stick and so instead of being punished they put him on the Quiditch team -" stuff like that happened all the time. And I didn't like story where they had to kill a baby plant - that looked and screamed like a baby - in order to save someone. Abortion undertones it seemed like.

I have not read this book - don't really have the time. I am greatful that I don't need to.

Rice Pudding

2009-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

What another Rice Pudding Recipe?? Well I had never made it or eaten it before and just had to try.

This recipe has peaches in it - however my kids didn't care for the peaches - I did!

Grease a rectangular cake pan with coconut oil (or butter - just don't use that nasty Pam)
Cut up 1-2 peaches and layer on bottom. You can put nuts in this.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Mix together 1 cup whole raw milk (if you can get it), 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup cooked rice and 2 beaten eggs. Pour over peaches. Cook in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes. I am not sure - I might be over cooking but I like it a little dry.

Cucumber Salad

2009-07-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

While I realize this is turning into a food blog - I can't help it. This is the best way for me to preserve recipes that I like. Since I have no readers - I can do that if I want to!

Cuke Salad
Peel and slice 2 cukes
Slice 1/2 sweet onion
layer in bowl - salt pepper and sugar each layer.
Mix together about a cup of sour cream, 2TBS sugar, splash of apple cider vinegar and a TBS or so of EVOO. Stir into bowl mixing well. Allow to marinade for at least an hour - the longer the better.

I have been making this for years but I just discovered how much better I like it with a little EVOO and extra sugar in it.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

Yummy Meatloaf

2009-07-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

I made a yummy meatloaf tonight. What I love about meatloaf is everytime it is a little different or a lot different. I was nervous as my kids had company and not everyone likes meatloaf. They asked me to send the recipe to their mom - I take that as a HUGE compliment. This is what I used:

1lb ground turkey
1 Italian Sausage Link - casing removed
1 egg
garlic powder
onion powder
ketchup
chipoltle sauce (just a tad) (I have used BBQ sauce in the past)
bread 4 slices ripped up small
1/2 each shredded small zucchini and yellow squash
cheese - mozzarella (any cheese is good) shredded - about a cup.

mix, cook at 375 degrees in a small greased cake pan for 35 minutes. Check and see if done. (170 degrees internal is what I use as a guide) Drain the grease. Cut and serve.

Serve with ketchup to dunk into. Mashed potatoes would also be great with this.
I wish I had taken a picture - it wasn't as appetizing looking as it tasted.

For Joe, I made it in a single serving dish and used rice cheese. His was yummy also - If I didn't have cheese it would have been ok.

A blogaversary party over at "Like a warm cup of coffee"

2009-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

On my birthday this fun blog turns one - and boy oh boy does she have lots of stuff to give away! You need to go check it out!

Like a Warm Cup of Coffee this will take you straight to the fun.

Fiat Commercial Catholic Parody

2009-05-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Pork Chops - How to use up the leftovers!

2009-05-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Over at my other blog I posted how I made soup, fried rice and BBQ pork all from 5 leftover pork chops.
Very yummy, very frugal, very green and very cheap. Does it get much better than that? I don't think so!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Imagine Spot 2

2009-05-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful video by CatholicVote.org

Fr. Corapi speaks on the Notre Dame Scandal

2009-05-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Granola - Homemade Yummy-ness!

2009-05-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by a recipe I found in Bob Greene's "Get with the Program! Guide to Good Eating" Let me tell you I Y Granola!

I tweeked it some, taking into account that I didn't want to buy anything - my plan was to use up some things I had on hand.

Here is the original with my tweeks highlighted.

Homemade Granola

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup oat bran (I omitted)
1/2 cup whole raw almonds ( I used some raw mixed nuts I had instead)
1/2 cup apple juice concentrate (I used OJ concentrate)
1/2 cup honey (local and organic)
1 tsp cinnamon (I used more)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins or currants (I used golden raisins)

Preheat oven to 350F Spread oats on a large nonstick baking pan and toast, stirring often for 30 minutes. Cool. Reduce the oven heat to 275F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, oat bran if you are using it, nuts, juice concentrate, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the sugar and beat 1 minute more. Combine the oat mixture with the egg whites and spread evenly on a nonstick baking sheet. Toast for 30 minutes, stirring often, until evenly browned. When cool, add raisins. Store in an airtight container.

This is so good! I eat it straight, or my favorite way is with yogurt and fresh fruit. Scrumptious!!

easy peasy lemon squeezy!

When You Know the Notes to Sing.....

2009-05-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderfully happy Youtube video. I think it was filmed in Amsterdam. It will make you want to smile, dance and sing along!

Flies Flies Everywhere

2009-05-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

Over at Frugality and Crunchiness with Christy I posted about making your own flystrips. Riveting reading if you ask me. You didn't? Well I promise it is worth a click if you want to get rid of all those pesky flies and don't want to buy the flystrips full of chemicals. I'm just saying!

April Showers bring May flowers

2009-05-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

April was a hard, long month full of sadness and introspection. I mentioned the death of my great nephew - an infant not quite one. My husband's uncle/godfather passed away and so did my uncle. All three happened in a little over a week.

I am still struck by how sad I can be when I think of the loss of Baby Stephen and how his death affected all our lives. But I am also greatful for the time we had with him and would never ever trade that for anything. I feel the same about my own baby Luke.

Lent and then Easter were also a huge part of my April. Those 2 great seasons of the Church Year always bring their own sadness at my sin and personal responsibility in the suffering and death of Jesus. But then I remember that Easter follows Good Friday. Without the cross there can be no Easter. It is the same in my own life. Without the cross that I must pick up each day to follow my Lord and Saviour I will have no Easter, no Resurrection. In order to spend eternity with God I must embrace my cross.

I believe that into every life there will be little "May flowers" that will also happen. I am banking on them.

The Pure Fashion Show is today - Tessa is a model. Her daddy will be walking with her in his tuxedo - be still my beating heart. And my sweet little girl Sylvia is making a guest appearance as a flower girl in the Bridal set. I cannot wait.
Cassie will graduate in the top of her class. She is an amazing girl and I am very proud of her.
Tessa, MollyK, Toria, Patrick and I all celebrate birthdays!
Spring weather!
Planting of my garden.
Sophia will be 6 months - she gets more and more wonderful each day I adore my grandbaby!
Mother's Day. Need I say more?
Flowers, birds, new life everywhere.
The Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo is open.
My brother's wife is having a baby someday soon.

Thank You dear Lord Jesus for the flowers you put into my life!

I was inspired to make this list from the Inspired Room - she posted on 20 little happy things to celebrate in life (including a $100 gift certificate) I am also inspired by Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky.

Makigami

2009-05-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Over on my other blog I wrote a post about Makigami. Makigami is an innovative new way to produce many things that are currently being made from plastic. Makigami is made from recycled paper and water. You don't get much greener than that!
It is worth checking out the link - and be sure to watch the youtube video also!

Baby Stephen

2009-04-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Baby Stephen passed away today. Please pray for his mommy and daddy and his Gigi - my sister. He would have turned 1 at the end of this month.

I know he is out of pain and in heaven. He doesn't suffer anymore. It is those of us left behind who will miss him everyday that suffer. I am certain that Baby Stephen is in heaven with my baby Luke and together they are with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and they are eternally happy.

To see a picture of this sweet baby go here.

Did You Know

2009-04-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

A thought provoking video about the age we live in.

Spicy Potato Soup

2009-04-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

I posted a yummy crockpot soup over on my new site Frugality and Crunchiness with Christy.
Check it out!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!

Holy Week Suggestions

2009-04-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow begins the Holiest of of Days - when we remember and observe Jesus Christ's Passion and Death.

How are you observing these days?

Might I offer some suggestions, many of which we do at our home.

1. One way we can prayerfully live the mystery of the salvation of mankind is by immersing ourselves in the gospels. I suggests reading the Passion of Our Lord during Holy Week in the following manner:

Wednesday of Holy Week- the Passion according to St. Matthew
Holy Thursday- the Passion according to St. Mark
Good Friday- the Passion according to St. John
Holy Saturday – the Passion according to St. Luke

2. Because it can be very challenging to enter into the spirit of the Triduum with the constant noise of our world around us, you may also voluntarily choose to abstain from media ( TV, radio, internet etc… unless the subject matter is related to the mysteries the Church is celebrating) from Holy Thursday until Easter Vigil, and avoid the distraction of social or entertainment engagements, to create a climate of quiet reflection in which it’s easier to hear God’s voice more clearly.

3. Find out when your Church is holding Holy Week services and attend all that you are able, bringing your children with you.

4. Fasting and abstaining from meat on Good Friday, in remembrance of Christ's suffering.

5. Not quitting your Lenten resolutions until Sunday, even though "technically" Lent ends on Wednesday.

6. Offer prayer for those entering the Church this Easter.

I pray that you have a Holy and Blessed week and that on Easter Sunday you will be filled with the joy and hope of our Risen Lord.

God Bless, Christy

Mother-in-law Cake

2009-04-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

While I wonder why it is called this - it doesn't prejudice me from attempting to bake it!

Mother-in-Law Cake

2 cups sugar
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup butter (original calls for margarine - but I never cook with it - gotta love butter)
1/2 cup Crisco (imagine that!)(I use coconut oil)
4 Tbs cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 slightly beaten eggs
1tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon

Combine sugar and flour in bowl. In a saucepan combine butter, shortening, cocoa, and water. Bring to a boil. Add boiled mixture to sugar and flour. Add remaining ingredients. Beat well. Pour into greased 9" cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

And if it doesn't turn out the first time -check here to see why.

It must be called Mother-in-Law cake because it is so stinkin' good and you can butter her up with a piece!! Duh!

From the marvelous little book: Food Wonders Common and Simple, Fort Wayne Christian School

Welcome to the Roman Catholic Church Newt Gingrich

2009-04-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

It seems that while being "tight-lipped" about his conversion story, Newt Gingrich has indeed joined the Catholic Church this Easter season.

In an interview with OneNewsNow he was reluctant to say more than:

"I haven't talked about this much in public, and I'm not going to for at least six months or a year, but I will say that I found myself deeply comforted, and a deep sense of belonging and of finding a peace in my soul
in a way that I just found very, very powerful," he explains.

I think it is wonderful. More than wonderful, it is a powerful Easter Miracle for Newt and his family.

Happy Holy Week Everyone!

It's Birthday Time Did Your Cake Turn Out??

2009-04-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

It is April and April is Birthday Time in my family.

Josh and Sylvia have birthdays along with my Mom, Mother-in-law, 2 sisters, a brother, a niece, a nephew and a a great nephew .

So, the thought of birthday cakes comes to mind! I have always thought that how they came out was something of a crap shoot - NOT SO! In a lovely old church school cookbook, I found some great recipes. Which I am putting in separate posts. But what I thought was the real find was the following list of common problems and the reason why.

What a great find!

I don't bake a lot of cakes but when I do I want them to turn out.

Cake Failure?
What Happened?

Cake too brown
1. Baked too long
2. Oven too hot
3. Too much sugar

Not brown enough
1. Too big a pan
2. Too little baking powder or inactive baking powder
3. Not baked enough
4. Too little sugar

Holes in cake
1. Too little mixing
2. Too little liquid or shortening
3. Too cool in oven

Crumbly texture
1. Too little mixing
2. Too much shortening or sugar

Dry cake
1. Too little shortening or sugar
2. Too much baking powder
3. Over baked

Heavy cake
1. Too much shortening or liquid
2. Wrong proportions of sugar and flour

Cake humped or cracked in the center
1. Too hot an oven
2. Too much flour
3. Or a combination of the above

Sticky (?)
1. Too much sugar or shortening
2. Under baked

Cake falls
1. Under baked
2. Substituting self rising flour and not reducing leavening

Food Wonders Common and Simple, Fort Wayne Christian School

Catholics respond to President Obama and the Notre Dame scandal

2009-04-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Father Jonathan Morris provides an update on how Catholics across the country are responding to the Notre Dame commencement invite to President Obama and the honorary law degree he will be receiving there.

It saddens me to know end the the University of Notre Dame would so blatantly honor the most Pro Death President we have ever had.

I want to go on record as thanking the over 13 Bishops who have come out against it. Especially Bishop D'Arcy of the Fort Wayne South Bend Diocese. It is too bad he can do little more than boycott - unless of course he takes away their Catholic status.

So I was just thinking...

2009-04-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

So I was just thinking - why am I a closet earthy crunchy enviromentalist?? Do I believe in global warming - heck no. Do I think any animal, plant or ecosystem deserves more protection than unborn babies (or live ones for that matter) NO. Do I care about my carbon inprint - a tad.

So why am I an earthy crunchy person?

Because it is right.
Because it is good.
Because it is part of being a good steward of this earth we have been given.
It often supports my local economy -which I care a lot about.
To reduce, reuse and recycle is also using the gifts God has given me wisely.
And I love how often being green and living frugally overlap - which I Really Really like!

I wanna be green, but only after I have acted in accordance to my Christian beliefs.

God Bless,
Christy

President Obama

2009-04-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

It certainly seems that the only promise he has kept is to kill the unborn. Sigh. Our nation, our world is in dire straits. Only the holiness of the Christians and their willingness to speak up, to mobilize, to act for life, and for liberty and for economic stability will save us all. I cannot help but be sucked into the doom and gloom about his "handlers" - we cannot just sit back and do nothing!
I wonder what others are doing?

check out this link: http://www.prisonplanet.com/the-best-way-to-wake-up-the-world-to-the-obama-deception.html

Or if you don't like that version of President Obama's agenda read this article from the Washington Post.

If you want to purchase the sticker above for $4.99 go here.

Baby Wipes Piggy Bank

2009-03-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Empty baby wipes make a great piggy bank. The hole in the middle is perfect for dropping coins into. It is sturdy, it can hold $75.00 worth of coins. One of the best parts is that my kids would never think to look in an old baby wipe container and so my coins are safe from little pilferers!
Thanks to Womens Day for this great tip!

Amazing Grace at the Coliseum

2009-03-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid271552717/bctid1913313052

these guys have beautiful voices, and they are good looking also. Follow the link, I promise it will be worth it!

Christy

(I labelled this youtube, but it really isn't - it is just so I don't loose it in the blog)

Baby Stephen

2009-03-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

His name is baby Stephen. He is 11 months old. He has leukemia. He is not doing well. He needs a miracle. Please please please pray for my great - nephew.

Thank you for your kindness.

Christy

Sunday Loophole

2009-03-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many Catholics use what we refer to in my family as the Sunday Loophole during Lent? You know, you gave up chocolate or coffee or soda or some such thing but because Sunday is a feast day - a day in which many religious communities eat a little better - no fasting or abstaining on feast days - you go ahead and eat a weeks worth of chocolate, a 2 liter of soda, a pot of coffee - all beginning at 12:01am and ending at 11:59pm.
yea it is a loophole
yea we use it
yea it makes giving some things up bearable.
My kids are gonna have a much harder time becoming saints if we keep teaching them the "loopholes!"
So, if you saw I was on facebook and accepted some friend requests you now know why!
Hoping the rest of your lent is blessed.
Christy

Charity, Justice

2009-03-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

When you are dealing with problems, try not to exaggerate justice to the point of forgetting charity.
St. Josemaria Escrva, from his book Furrow # 973

Because this song makes me smile.

2009-03-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Abbey-Roads: Fr. Groeschel consoles the Legion of Christ

2009-03-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Abbey-Roads: Fr. Groeschel consoles the Legion of Christ

Facebook Fever

2009-02-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

Facebook Fasting

2009-02-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

At first I thought I was the only one considering "fasting from facebook", then slowly a FB friend here and there said they would be too - so I didn't feel all alone. Then I was sent the link from a friend about an article the National Catholic Register ran about it. Now I know I am one of many who feel that it will be a sacrifice to give it up. It has only been 20 minutes since Lent began (it is now 12:20am - Ash Wednesday) and I already just want to pop in and respond to a friend request - I hope they don't think I am rude by not replying.

Lent

2009-02-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday - how are you going to live this season?
I often struggle with this. Spending a lot of time discerning how I will spend the Lenten season, what will I give up? what will I add? Some years I do so much better than others. Last year I got to Holy Thursday and thought - " how did it go by so fast? and did I really grow in love and holiness?" I want this year to be different. I need my Lent to make a difference in my life. We all do. We live in such a secular-nonChristian world that we need to take a good look at our Catholic identity. Our Catholic faith and how we live it.

I will probably give up pop and between meal snacks and TV -these are my yearly sacrifices but I need to do more - daily mass, meditations, stop complaining, rid myself of excess in all areas - all things that I need to do anyways but the gift of Lent reminds me of them.

My plan is grand - but what is a plan if it isn't grand!

The Super Bowl Commercial You Didn't See

2009-02-13T22:58:00.000-08:00

Catholic Spiritual Direction: How should I prepare for a meeting with my Spiritual Director?

2009-02-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

Catholic Spiritual Direction: How should I prepare for a meeting with my Spiritual Director?

Catholic Spiritual Direction

2009-01-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

www.rcspiritualdirection.blogspot.com

The blog Catholic Spiritual Direction which is hosted by Fr. Bartunik LC is a wonderful new blog that helps to explain not only Spiritual Direction but he also answer questions you may have about Spiritual Direction. It gives great help to those who are actively pursuing holiness.

What is a Legionary of Christ?

2009-01-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

Facebook, MySpace

2008-07-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged in awhile because I have been learning my way around Facebook and MySpace what serious juvenile fun. I can send stickers, throw Justin Timberlake at people, play games, see how compatable I am with you, right on your wall, design mine just for starters. My teenage daughters think I am a total geek to have both facebook and myspace but I love trolling both of them if for no other reason than to see the look on the teenagers faces when I ask to be their friend!

Do you really need another phone book

2008-07-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it is the wrong time of year but do you really need a NEW phone book each year? With access to the Internet and the online phone directories which are very up to date you could certainly call your phone company and cancel your phone book. Or if you get more than one (why do they do that anyhow?) and still feel the need for one be sure to call and ask for only one. That is my plan. And don't forget to recylce your old ones.
God Bless,
Christy

(saving the world one phone book at a time)

Buy Local and in Season

2008-06-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

One of the frugal and green hints that almost all blogs, lists and books bring out is to buy local and in season. Rarely did they tell me what was in season where I live. I know I *should* know what is in season but I don't. I found this site and now I know! Hurray!

God Bless,
Christy

The 80's had Reagonomics we have Reconomics

2008-06-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Reconomics? Yes, if you have ever bought something used - book, car, or house you are a reconomist.

The Reconomy is good economy. Good for the planet, good for the pocket book. Recycle, resell, reuse, rehab. Buying, selling, donating and sharing "gently used" items rather than always going for the brand spankin' new gizmo or gadget.

The Reconomy also promotes simplicity. By getting rid of the stuff you don't want or need anymore through selling, donating or sharing your life becomes simpler.

Not only does each item that is reused, recycled, rehabbed and or resold help both parties it one less thing that needs energy to be produced, it reduces the size of your personal environmental footprint and one less thing landing in the landfill. I love reconomics!

This week I was a reconomist in the following way:

gave my sister all my leftover diapers for her babies
bought Christmas flannel sheets from the Salvation Army to make into gift bags
purchased a red hat lady book from a rummage sale for a 40th BD gift for a friend
found 3 bags worth of stuff to donate to the Goodwill
bought Ellie a pair of army pants from a rummage sale
refilled and refrigerated numerous water bottles from the tap
took the leftover broth from my mom's beef and noodles home to make soup (there was a half gallon of delicious broth which she was going to pitch.)

How about you?

The reconomy is economically frugal, environmentally friendly and really rather fun!

God Bless,

Christy

Bargains for the Groom and their family

2008-06-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Skip the rental shoes - why? they hurt like the dickens, cost about $10.00 and NO ONE will notice they are wearing their own comfy black dress shoes.

Buy your tux at Mens Warehouse for about $199 if, like my husband you have 5 daughters and 3 sons who may be getting married eventually. Dad doesn't have to match exactly does he? Nope!

God Bless,
Christy

Freecylce Yardsale

2008-06-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

I was meandering around the frugal sites and happened upon a post about having a Freecyle Yardsale. Brilliant I say. I do not have the time, energy or umpf to post often to freecyle but I have tons of stuff to get rid of. This lovely lady suggests posting to all local freecyle groups that you are having a freecyle yardsale and then after having ruthlessly gone through your house haul it out to the driveway and wait and watch as people come. Once you have gotten rid of a lot of your excess it is easier to be frugal when your house isn't cluttered.

God Bless,

Christy

A little here, a little there

2008-06-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

A little here a little there, that is a great mantra for so many things.

Reuse plastic baggies.
Instead of buying video games that your kids will beat in 2 days, borrow from the library.
When shopping, just say no to one item that is frivolous.
Drink water with your meals, at home and out - better for your health and save bundles.
Drive less, take public transportation if possible, bike, walk - better for your health, the environment and your pocket book.
Buy clippers and cut your husband and boys hair, your daughters' too if you dare.
Squeeze every fiber out of clothing that is stained and not donate-able. Cut it up, use it for cleaning cloths or for personal care cloths. When it is nothing more than shreds, compost it.
Unplug things, lots of things, like your microwave when not in use or the lamps in the living room and especially your cell phone charger.
Keep your lights off in the day time.
Buy in bulk - less packaging and usually cheaper.
Bring your own bag to the store. Saves the environment and you get some use out of those bags you have hanging around.
Pack your lunch. Even you - you know the sahm's - you save a fortune, calories, the environment AND if you bought your food locally you are supporting your local economy.
Park in the shade. Not only is it more comfortable to get back into it also decreases the amount of fuel you lose to evaporation AND requires less a/c when you get back in - saving you $$.

I have literally hundreds of these tips. Maybe I will organize them into some sort of useful post. Or I won't. We'll see.

God Bless,

Christy

Frugal Hacker

2008-06-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, I signed up to be on the Frugal Hacker Blogroll. I have never done this before ... I admit I am a little nervous that this site is not frugal looking enough. We shall see. I think that it should be based on the fact that we are a family of 10, living on 1 income and always have. My posts give others a little look into our world. We'll see. I also pledge, ( does that sound good) to post more frugal posts. Pledge, hmm is that too much? How about if I promise real nicely?

Here is my tip for tonight: reuse all your bags. Not just the obvious ziploc kind. I mean your bread bags, pretzel bags, cereal liners - anything that HAD food in it will be safe for short term food storage. I have to admit my kids think I am nuts - I have bags hanging all over the place because I rinse them out and hang them around. This not only save the environment a little but it also saves on purchasing ziploc baggies. What do I put in them you may ask - snacks for the road, leftover tomatoe halves, sandwiches to go, really anything that isn't going to leak.

God Bless,
Christy

Chicken Enchilada Lasagna

2008-06-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

OK, I have to admit this will be a crap shoot. Sometimes when I make dinners up they are really good and sometimes we have to get carryout. I am hoping for really good. I vaguely remember watching Emeril make something similar - but that was a long time ago, it was late at night, and I don't have a bunch of prep cooks.
Anyhoo, this is what I did...

1/2 chicken breast cooked and cut up tiny - looks like more
2 cups shredded mexican cheese, divided
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4-1/2 cup cottage cheese (I used up what I had)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 TBS or so of cumin
salsa - canned mexican tomatoes would have worked better I think but I don't have any
Green Enchilada sauce
flour tortillas (if I would have had corn tortillas this would be g/f)

Spray a smallish rectangular pan with cooking spray. Mix together everything BUT 1/2 cup cheese, 3/4 can sauce, and tortillas. Put in a layer of tortillas - rip to make fit. Then put half of mixture over and then another layer of tortillas then mixture then tortillas finally top with rest of Enchilada Sauce and cheese. Cover with foil cook @ 375 for 20 minutes, remove foil, cook 10 more minutes.

How I adapted it for Joe:
1 egg, beaten
cheese (rice)
chicken
salsa
cumin
enchilada sauce (I forgot to save some for him - will next time if it is good)
crushed tortilla chips
tortilla

spray a single serving corningware thing with canola spray. Put in 1 tortilla like a cup. Mix the rest and dump in. Cook along side main meal.

Why is this frugal? because I fed 5 people with 1/2 a leftover chicken breast, the rest of some odd bags of cheese, my remaining cottage cheese and sour cream, stale tortilla chips and a can of enchilada sauce I had laying around, and some funky fruit salsa leftover from Dougie's graduation party - I bought nothing new to make it. Love it when it turns out!

here's hoping this is edible!
God Bless,
Christy

update: It tasted delicious but I needed to cook it 30 more minutes, I think I will add a 2nd egg next time to hold it together more, oh and definitely let it stand about 10 minutes to what do you call it? um gel? Joe loved his meal also - he has many food allergies among them milk.

Bags from shirts - baggy-shirt.com

2008-06-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

I found the most amazing idea - bags from used shirts. These are super simple looking and if you had even the tiniest amount of sewing ability it would work. Check out Baggy-shirts.com .
According to the website they:

Purchase recycled men's shirts obtained from warehouses of surplus goods collected from charitable organizations - no petroleum-based materials.
Use the entire shirt - absolutely no waste.
Prevent clothing and tens of thousands of paper and plastic bags from going to the landfill each year.
Employ LOCAL artisans to fabricate bags at home, slashing carbon emissions by 80% to 90%. No overseas manufacturing.
Pay our fabricators a livable wage that is above average for the industry.
Operate with the least possible amount of negative environmental impact – we ship Internet orders in recycled and recyclable materials.
Donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that work to stop global warming.

God Bless,
Christy

Sushi - yummy!

2008-06-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the rice seasoning and a sushi rolling mat in case you wanted to see them. I got them at Woo's Oriental Store but I bet you can find them at your local Asian store.

I could live on Japanese food - sushi, sashimi, maki rolls,dons - yum yum yum. My kids also love rolls. (all but Josh and Sylvia but they will eat katsu or teriaki chicken so they love going to sushi) What is a cheap meal for 1 or 2 becomes a little salty for 10 so I taught myself to roll California Rolls - that is right I can make maki rolls but can't hem - hmmm - things that make you say hmmm.

Anyhow, I was thinking a little maki sounded good but didn't have all the ingredients for a california roll but had fresh asparagus, cucumbers and leftover sticky rice. The makings for a delicious roll. I can't explain how to roll but go here and they have good directions.

I will however tell you my ingredients.

1 bowl leftover sticky rice - put a little rice vinegar in - you can add a pinch of sugar but I didn't

Big shake of Wasabi fumi furikake rice seasoning stir into warm rice

1 steamed in the microwave asparagus spear

1/8 cucumber sliver with seeds cut out and skin removed if it is waxy

1 sheet of nori (shiny side down)

oh, and don't forget the wasabi and the soy sauce (g/f of course)

I have always made this with a bamboo sushi rolling mat which you can buy in the oriental section of Walmart by the teriaki sauce.

Lay nori down, top with rice mixture, asparagus, cucumber and roll up. Cut with sharp wet knife, serve with wasabi and soy sauce. Yum!

Happy Eating!

God Bless,

Christy

Sew yourself a morsbag and save the world

2008-06-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

OK that might be exaggerating a bit, but I don't know. Don't all us earthy crunchy types love to do these things? FYI, I cannot sew. I have a lovely machine I got for Christmas 18 years ago and have only made 1 pair of toddler pants. I just don't get it. I have taken lessons 3 - yes 3 times and still cannot hem a pair of pants. Yes, I am 5 foot tall, thankfully clothes are made now for short people. It wasn't so easy in the olden days not to be able to hem. Yes, my name is Christy and I cannot sew.
HOWEVER, I think I could do this. It is just a bunch of straight lines. I am going to try. I will post a picture if it turns out - or if it doesn't you all can see how craft impaired I am. I am hoping to make a bunch to use as Christmas gift bags. Just need to find some material at a garage sale and I am set!
Go here for a tutorial - pdf, or word do or even an animation of how to make a morsbag.
God Bless,
Christy

South Side Farmers Market

2008-06-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

I did it, I ventured forth to a rather scary part of the Fort this morning. Why? Because I wanna be green. And the best way it seems is to buy local, organic food. The Amish don't have much yet and besides I was in the mood for an adventure. What fun! This place has been here since oh I don't know before my dad was born. It seemed like a cross between a farmers market and a flea market. I love flea markets so it was like a double bonus. Did I get any great deals - no. Definatly not unless you count the 2 Valentines plates I bought for my plate collection. Was the selection good - fair not good.,but I think this will improve as the summer moves on. Were the people friendly - absolutely. Will I be going back??? You bet! I wouldn't miss it for the world!

South Side Market is on Warsaw Street between Rudisill and Pontiac. The hours are from 7am -1am on Saturdays in the summer.

There is also several amish places much closer to home, Schmuckers on Doty Rd. (quite large with a great selection. Everything isn't "theirs" but they let you know if it is. As you drive around in the Woodburn, Harlan, Grabill area you will run into many more. I am grateful for the choices. I hadn't thought of these Amish stores as 'farmers markets' but duh! Of course they are! Just not as fun as South Side!

The moral to the story - get out there and hunt for your local stores and markets. It is like I tell my family: I am saving the world one organic strawberry at a time. or reused ziploc baggie, or not using paper plates etc, it is how I am saving the world ONE thing at a time! What next? Public Transportation. I have to drive 6 miles to catch a bus to the other side of the Fort. Is it worth it? I wish I had a reason to go now just to try it out. Wish me luck - I am a total wimp.

God Bless,

Christy

Ham and Cheese Strata

2008-06-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Original Ham and Cheese Strata
12 slices bread, cubed
2 cups shredded cheese2 cups cubed ham
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 9oz pkg. thawed brocolli
1 2oz jar pimento drained
6 eggs
3 cups milk
tsp salt, dry mustard
Grease 13x9 baking dish. Layer bread, cheese, ham, onion, brocolli and pimento. In bowl combine eggs,milk, salt and mustard. Blend well. Pour mixture over bread mix. Refrigerate at least 6 hours. Heat oven to 325, bake 90 min. (check for doneness) Let stand 10 minutes.

How I made it today
1 loaf g/f rice bread cubed
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 lb sausage cooked and drained
1 orange pepper diced
1/4 cup diced onion
1 2oz jar pimento
6 eggs
3 cups milk
(I forgot the mustard and salt)

Both ways are delicious. This is a fabulously forgiving recipe. Any bread products work, I usually use sausage instead of ham. I rarely use the broccoli because I don't keep it on hand but another vegetable works as well like asparagus or peppers or mushrooms. I only use pimento if I have it, I think it is more for color than taste. Any kind of shredded cheese works also.

Spicy Peanut Sauce

2008-06-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

(I usually double this batch)
1 1/2 Tbs. creamy peanut butter
2 Tbs. vegetable oil (I use coconut oil)
2 Tbs. reduced sodium soy sauce (regular makes it too salty according to the original recipe but I always use regular)
2 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. rice vinegar (or distilled white)
1/2 tsp. sesame seed oil - dark if possible to find
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Stir together in small pot and warm until ingredients are well mixed.

We eat this over sticky rice but the recipe can also be used for chicken satay.
My family absolutely loves this. My dear friend Laura gave me the recipe and an authentic Asian Hat looking thing to cook the rice in.

I never got the hang of it but love love love my rice cooker.

Wonderful way to get groceries cheap in these hard times

2008-06-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Angel Food Ministries

I have to admit that I am unsure if I qualify - money is tight but not "that tight" to warrant help. But the website says it is for anyone. For $30 you get a predetermined grocery list that is worth about $60. There is meat, fruit, veggies - a wonderful assortment. Click on the link to see if there is an Angel Food Ministries near you. Let me know what you think!

OK I am so bugged

2008-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

This evening my 2 big kids - 19 and 17 went and bought a couple of dogs. They had only permission to buy 1. 1 for the son who is moving out in August. Not for the daughter who is severly allergic. Now I am the BAD GUY. I won't let them keep the 2nd dog because a. they didn't have permission, b. I am allergic, Cassie is allergic, Joe is allergic (they suggested I get shots so they can keep the dog - I DONT THINK SO!!) c. Sylvia loves loves loves dogs. She will get dog all over her and want to love on me thereby transferring said dog dander. d. did I mention they didn't have permission and were trying to pull one over on me. e. I am afraid of dogs.
gggrrrrr It might take awhile to get over this. I know they are very very angry with me. I wish they could see how they made this situation happen, I didn't. They both knew if they had asked I would have said no. So, they just didn't ask.

Fun Meme, consider yourself tagged!

2008-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

ABC, easy as 123...
(I found this on her blog)

A is for age:42
B is for burger of choice: Lettuce tomato ketchup mustard cheese
C is for what kind of car you drive: Yukon
D is for your dog's name: read K
E is for essential item you use everyday: toothbrush
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Monk
G is for favorite game: Euchre
H is for Hometown: Fort Wayne
I is for instruments you play: none
J is for favorite juice: Blueberry
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: My kids for buying 2 dogs today without permission and now they are mad at me for not letting them keep them both -sheesh, like I did something wrong.
L is for last restaurant you ate at? Lone Star - 2 thumbs down, bad service, bad food
M is for your favorite Muppet: C is for Cookie Monster!!!
N is for Number of Piercing:2 - 1 for each ear although my ears are so sensative I can't wear earrings anymore
O is for overnight hospital stays: hmmm 9 kids, tonsils =10 for me, 4 months with Luke
P is for people you were with today: my sisters
Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Read, browse the www
R is for biggest regret: Not saying sorry enough
S is for status:Not sure what this means, how about married
T is for time you woke up today: 9:00 (it is Sunday)
U is for what you consider unique: my sense of humor
V is for vegetable you love: asparagus - made my way
W is for worst habit: eating when stressed
X is for x-rays you've had: 10 maybe more
Y is for yummy food you ate today: Ham sandwich on organic bread with cranberry mustard, sprouts, spinach, tomatoes and tortilla chips -yum!
Z is for zodiac sign: Taurus

Tag to anyone who wants to play!

Pure Fashion Photo

2008-06-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Looky there I made it bigger! (so what if I used a different pic! LOL)

(I can't seem to make the picture bigger ... any ideas?)

I know this is late, but on May 3rd my daughters Katie andTessa participated in the annual Pure Fashion Show. in Fort Wayne Indiana. This was Katie's 2nd and Tessa's first time. The absolutely fabulously studdly man is my husband. This was his 2nd time. My oldest daughter was a participant for 4 years. It has been a beautiful way to teach modesty not only to my daughters but others as well. If there is one near you, run don't walk to sign your high school aged daughter up!

Pure Fashion is an international faith based program designed for girls 14-18 to help young women re-discover and re-affirm their innate value and authentic femininity.
Pure Fashion is a character formation program that enhances not only a young woman's external appearance, but more importantly, her interior beauty and balanced self confidence.
Our goal is to emphasize a young woman's inherent dignity and therefore create in her a desire to dress and act in accordance with that dignity. We understand that many young women today are losing their sense of innocence at a very young age, and Pure Fashion aims to reverse this trend by offering a fun, exciting and effective virtue formation program that can impress the hearts and minds of young girls at a very critical stage in their lives.

Pure Fashion is an Apostolate of Regnum Christi.

A thoughtful post on the Candidates

2008-06-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Two Ways of Seeing Babies

Wonder who to vote for?

A fabulous article from the National Catholic Register.

Graduation

2008-06-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today was my oldest son's last day of high school. He could conceivably never ever take another class in his life. Sigh, it also means that I have a child out of school. Gasp, the horrors. Am I old enough? I don't feel it. Is he old enough - certainly. He is such a man. A wonderful man who is loving and caring, hard working, honest and an all around great kid --oops I mean man. I know he is itching to move out - we keep a pretty close eye and grip on our kids. He wants some freedom. I don't blame him, it is time. His mommy is just not ready to let go! I hope to get a picture to put here of him all cap and gowned. A milestone in both his and our (dh and I) lives. The time has gone so fast I can hardly believe it. Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat outside the preschool for an hour and listened to him cry when I left? No? Where oh where did the time go??
God Bless,
Christy

This is an even better picture of "What My Husband Does All Day"

2008-06-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a picture of him on the phone - he spends a lot of time fielding calls and putting out "fires".

Wanna See What My Husband Does All Day??

2008-06-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

I was sure I was going to fail - the last question brought me up to a "C"

2008-05-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

last on of these quizzes for awhile ...I promise....they are just so much fun!

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

I love Ginger!!!!

2008-05-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

You Are Ginger

Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter.

You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering.

You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.

What Spice Are You?

Galadriel

2008-05-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Galadriel is a character in the Middle-Earth universe.

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

2008-05-13T19:56:00.001-07:00

...If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern

2008-05-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

We read this today and thoroughly enjoyed learning about life in colonial times. I have posted what Josh, Joe and Ellie wrote about colonial times. I had asked them to write a page and so there are some "filler words" but it is interesting to see what impressed them. We used 2 different publishings and so the pictures in the books were different and it was wonderful to see different artists pictures.

This is what I learned:

That colonial times begins in 1565 with the first Spanish colony in St. Augustine Florida and ends in 1776 when the English colonies become the United States.
That babies wore puddings - pillows around their midsections to keep them from getting hurt.
The colonist' wore colorful clothing - yellow, red, purple, blue. I thought everything was brown and white or maybe gray.
Schoolmasters used more than dunce caps to make children (boys) behave, they would use both punishments that hurt your feelings and made you feel foolish along with the ones that just HURT>
Some of the "medicines" were quite weird and even harmful - bag of the sick person' s fingernails tied around the neck of an eel should bring down a fever when the eel dies. Or bloodletting - ouch and dangerous.
Some of the crazy laws included ones that said it was against the law for a baker to bake bad bread, or a brewer to brew bad beer. Or the one that said a poor man can't have clothes as fancy as a rich one.
Many of the laws were punishable by hanging. Some by whipping, ducking (this one was for wives who talked back to their husbands) being put in the stocks.

We learned many more things but these were my favorites.

We will continue to learn about this time in history and finally finish the year with the American Revolution.

The Stuff I learned about Colonial Times by Josh

2008-05-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

I learned that if you were a boy you would be done with school at the age of twelve years old. I also learned that girls only learned how to read and write while they went to school. This is because most people in that time didn't think it was important for girls to go to school after that. Those people thought girls should know how to cook, clean, and sew more. But some people said that girls should learn to do all the things a twelve year old boy should know. I also learned that there were a bunch of laws. Like it is against the law to swim, and to fall asleep during church, if you do you might get a fine. Boys at school had to stay good or they would have one of these punishments like getting put into the coldest part of the room during the winter, or having to sit in the dunce chair with a dunce cap on. Or wear a thing around you neck that said something stupid like "BITE FINGER BABY".