Vim and Vigor

This Moment

 

:: This Moment ::

A moment I'd like to reflect on from the week

Inspired by Soulemama

5 new things I've learned in my real food kitchen this week:

 

1. That freezing our yummy and nourishing staple of chicken broth, can easily be done in glass jars.  Just make sure to leave enough room for expansion of the liquid in the freezer, and the jars won't break.  I do like to use glass over plastic as much as is possible.

2. Did you know you can freeze avocado? I purchase avocado frequently. I don't bother with organic, although I do buy mostly organic foods. Why not?  Well, first off...it's on the "Clean 15" side of "The dirty dozen and the Clean 15" list.  This list is a handy chart to get to know what are the dirtiest and cleanest foods to purchase in the produce department, so you know which are more important to buy organically.  Since avocado makes the clean 15 list, and since organic avocado are upwards of $1.50 per piece....I choose to just buy regular on this one. 

It does make a convenient baby food, so me and my little guy share them. Also, we throw them into our smoothies a lot, for a good dose of healthy, natural fats---and, it doesn't change the taste at all, yet makes them much creamier.

To freeze, just remove the outer skin and pit...and place into snack size plastic baggie.  Flatten and let air out, close bag.  Place this into a gallon size freezer bag.  Ready for making guacomole, throwing in smoothies, or whatever! No lemon juice needed.

3. To not beat myself up when I don't make perfect food choices. I teach Healthy Family classes at our local homeschool co-op.  My five children and I spend every Tuesday there for a day full of classes and friends.  On this particular Tuesday, I had been up late the night before, and not done my weekly meal plan.  I was out of ideas and energy. So, do you know what I did?  We stopped on the way to classes, and purchased lunchables for everyone to have for lunch. 

I felt a lot of guilt at first.  I mean, I am teaching healthy family classes.  And, I am supposed to set an example for the other families there, right?  Well, yes.  However, as I drove to classes with my lunchables in the backseat, I realized something.  I want to be an example of how to help our families' eat real food. Teaching that real life happens, and legalism is boring, is also important.  Sometimes mama needs a bit of a break, and that's okay!

4. The fact that soaking old-fashioned oats overnight, turns them into quick-cooking oats.  I had learned this a long time ago, yet forgotten to put it into practice with a few of my recipes.  Making the oats much digestable, and much more nutritious.

 5. In my research and studying for my classes, I have come to agreement with this conclusion found in In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. That the reason for so much sickness in America today is due to one thing.  The fact that we neglect to eat food.  Most of what is in the grocery store is not real  food!

Happy learning,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of Works for me Wednesday at We are that family, as well as Real Food Wednesday, Pennywise Platter , Simple Lives Thursday,  Homestead Barn Hop and Modest Mondays}

Might I suggest....

 

 

You know how when you read a book or a blog....and, I don't mean a one time read.  I mean enough reading to truly get a sense of who the person is, and where they are aiming to go with what they are writing?

Well, every so often, I read the words of someone, and a thought comes to my mind. This person is truly living out God's plan in their life.  They are truly gifted and passionate about their subject matter....and it permeates everything that they do and say.

Well, I have a book for you, The Money Saving Mom's Budget, by Crystal Paine. Written by someone who I feel is living to glorify her savior, and doing so by helping people to get control of their money, and not let it control them. 

Do you see how this can not only help you financially, but in so many other facets of life?

• A stronger marriage occurs, when both partners are on the same page with finances.
• A happier family life in general--the less stress that is happening in my home the better.  When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
• Feel the freedom of a more organized life....Crystal encourages you to get your home life in order first.  When you are drowning in clutter, it makes it hard to even think about other areas of your life!
• The encouragement and words of her book, have truly helped me in EVERY area of my life.  Her approach to "doable"  goal setting...and chewing off little bites at a time every week....can be applied to everything from our exercise regimen, healthy eating, to homeschooling our children, and date nights with our husbands.

Starting to apply some of the principles (eventually I would like to apply them all!) in this book, has been some of the most freeing things I have ever done.  My husband and I have had one "budget date" so far this year, with this month's date coming next week.  It's like we gave ourselves a raise, though we have no more income than before. Keeping myself in check by using cash for groceries, caused my husband's jaw to drop, when he saw how much money was left in the bank at the end of the month.

The beauty in this book, is not in all the things listed above...though they can happen in your home as well, if you follow through with all that you will learn from Crystal.  The beauty is in the point of not just saving money for saving's sake.....it is for the glory of God! As Crystal says...save more, so you can give more!  Imagine having enough over at the end of the month to pray over, and see how God has you bless another family.  Could you do this as a family, and see where God takes you? What a lesson for our children to learn...for Christianity is truly caught, and not taught.

And, why did my eyes fill with tears at the turning of the last page?  Not because I was through reading her book, although I enjoyed it thoroughly,...but because I read these words.  All of the money from the proceeds of this book will be given to Compassion International.  Yes, that's what it's about.  Organizing your life and finances....saving more to give more.

"Our greatest fear shouldn't be fear of failure, but rather a fear of succeeding at things that don't really matter." Jeremy Wike quoting Francis Chan

Blessings,

Joy~

 

Serving together...

 

Our 4 year old is the same as many others, I have a feeling.  She loves to play dress-up, pretend she's a professional ballerina, and she's pretty sure she wants to be a mermaid when she grows up.  As my 4th child to hit the age of 4, I have learned to enjoy this intense age.

Some of my young children have  seen a need someone has, and are quick to help.  Others of mine, have not even noticed when someone else has a need, for they are in their own little world.  However, no matter the age, we all are somewhat selfish, aren't we? 

However, the age of 4 seems to be an age when their little world revolves around themselves.  They are feeling out this big world, and how they fit into it.  When they see something they like, they want it to be their own. When they are hungry they want to eat.....now!  And, make it something they like! 

When my daughter had been showing me this type of behavior recently, it broke my heart.  Impatience, not being thankful when given things, and some other behaviors I was not happy to see displayed.

As I was having my morning quiet time the other day, I poured out my heart to the Lord, asking for His wisdom regarding my daughter's heart. "What can I do, Lord, to show her the joy of serving others?"  During that prayer time, a thought came to my mind, and I feel it was directly from God.  He told me to come alongside her daily.  Take her under my wing, and serve others together.

Where has this taken us?  We've "suprised" her biggest sister while she was in the shower, by making her bed up quickly. She's also made our bed with me, to show daddy as well.  Also, we've prayed together for different people.  One night in particular, we were praying together for daddy, and the most beautiful words came out of her mouth.  It truly brought tears to my eyes.

Our latest way to serve others, has been for us to buddy up and make lunch for everyone together.  There are six of us here at lunchtime, and if daddy is home, that is seven (7!) lunches for hands to put together. 

She places her little chefs hat on her head, and I set up a little station for her to work at.  Yesterday was egg salad sandwiches, which was very messy, but lots of fun to put together with her. We laughed and laughed together as we served her brothers and sisters. 

In the last month, since implementing this, I have seen profound changes in my little girls heart and attitude.  God is changing her heart through her actions.  She accepts taking turns without throwing fits as before, she apologizes quickly when having done wrong (which did NOT happen before without much prompting on my part), and she things of others on her own much more now.

Tonight, as she had a friend over to play, I watched her gladly share a special treat that she had received.  She was quick to share all that she had, and played what her friend wanted to play (unlike before when she was always the boss of what to play!) I don't say any of this to brag on my child, (who still has a long way to grow....like her mama does as well.)  But, I say this to encourage you to bring to the Lord any problem you see with your child. 

Lay them at His feet, and watch what He does.  It's amazing to watch God at work in our children.

Blessings,

Joy~

{I am linked up over at The Modest Mom}

This Moment

;: This Moment ::

God's bounty :: Opening up our children's world to new foods

 :: Kale ::

It's been fun in the last year, to try out new foods with our family we had never before.  In our western world, I think the cheesy-doodles and their fun commercialized friends such as sugar pop, get much more attention then what me might call the "lowly" veggie hanging out with all his cruciferous buddies.

Come on, I mean, who wants to eat something that's (whisper now so the kids won't hear you)....green. 

With 5 kids in the house ranging in age from 1 to almost 16...believe me.  I know rejection at the table. 

Like a few months ago. 

I thought the kids might enjoy being enlightened in the area of clams.  After all, I had only recently read One Morning in Maine to the little ones. (And, please, if you have little ones,  read all the Robert McCloskey books you can get in your hands.  You won't regret it. ) The characters in the story are digging up clams in lovely seaside Maine, and are thrilled about the fact that they are going to have clam chowder for lunch! 

Wouldn't that be fun, I thought...to suprise my kids and make them clam chowder as well? 

Ummmmm.....no.

They didn't find it fun at all.

In fact, when I lovingly brought a large bubbling pot of chowder to the table, and my six loved ones who were hungry and looking at me so lovingly found out what was in it---well, let's just say they were making plans under their breath to each other about the fastest way to escape the table, grab their coats, and drive to the local pizza hut.

Thankfully they love me enough, that they took some painful looking bites. Along with some words about clams and how they are not fit for human consumption.

All that to say, my family doesn't just shovel food mindlessly into their little mouths, and thank me at the end of each meal.

So, onto my little project of trying new foods---in tasty ways that the whole family can enjoy.

 

Kale is something that was not even gracing our refrigerator shelves until a few months ago.  Now, I purchase it almost every time I walk the lanes of our local grocery store.

Why is it so good for you?  Kale is high in beta carotene, vitamin C and K, lutein and also reasonably high in calcium.    

Here is an excerpt on kale from Nourishing Traditions:

Kale is one of several dark green leafy vegetables of the cabbage family, related to collards and mustard greens.  All of these greens provide calcium, iron, and carotenoids in abundance, as well as many anticancer factors. Kale and related greens should always be eaten cooked--but not overcooked-- so that the oxalic acid they contain is neutralized.

Now, how to get your family to enjoy kale? We are in love with this Zuppa Tuscana soup recipe.  The first time I made it, my teen girls hugged and kissed me they loved it so much.  After the clam chowder recipe...well, let's just say I'm glad they enjoy it!

I made a few changes to it for our family....

1 pound of bacon (prefer nitrate free...when it's on sale we stock up.)

1 pound of ground turkey

7-8 red potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

8-9 cups chicken stock (homemade, or use natural bouillon...or part water/part stock)
3+ cups whole milk or raw cream--(we have omitted this without any problem)
1 head of kale (5-6 leaves, as desired), chopped

Spike seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese

In a small pan, cook the bacon. Save bacon grease, if desired. Cool and finely chop. In a large pot, cook the ground turkey (sprinkled liberally with spike seasoning, onions, and garlic (in bacon grease, if desired) until the turkey has browned. Crumble turkey as you cook it. Add the potatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, turn it down to low and simmer for 20 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are tender. Add the milk, kale, and bacon and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste. Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor! Enjoy! Makes 6-8 servings. Freezes well.

Here is another tasty way that we love to eat more kale:

 

--Another way we enjoy kale is in smoothies!  However, how do we get around the fact that they it should be cooked when you eat it?  I purchase some kale....lightly wilt it with a bit of water in a pan, then blend it in the blender, and stick the blended concoction into my ice cube tray and freeze. 

It only takes a few minutes to do, and anytime I want to add kale to a smoothie....I just grab a little cube or two, and plop it in.

I hope you enjoy discovering some new foods with your family, and send me a note or a shout out, if this was helpful for you.  I love hearing from you all.

Keep checking the God's bounty :: Opening up our children's world to new foods category to the right, for more additions.

Have you tried any new foods or recipes with your family lately? Leave a comment or leave a link for us all to discover what you've done in your home....

Blessings,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter and Fight Back Friday}

This Moment

 

 

:: This Moment ::

:: Fun with my eldest daughter ::

:: All natural-henna-hair coloring ::

 

Thank goodness for do-overs.

 I did it. I did it. I did it. 

For those of you, that knitting came quite easily....I am a bit envious.  It takes a bit more work for me.  This not-your-average washcloth, was frogged 5 times.  You know.....I "ribbit" ripped it out that many times for a do-over. 

The last time I decided to start over was on our long drive to Minnesota for the holidays.  I looked up at my husband who was driving, and told him I had majorly messed this knitting up.  He looked at me and said "Don't rip it out....you've come so far." I was over halfway done.  However, I was trying not to swear I was so mad at the yarn, and I frogged it quickly. 

Then, I didn't want to think or talk about yarn for a while.  After I cooled down for a few days, muttering under my breath at the poor little ball of yarn every time I walked by it...I decided to give it another go.

Thank goodness for do-overs.  Sometimes that just what you need.

A brand new year is ahead, and I've heard from many how they cannot wait to begin 2012, and leave 2011 behind.  I've had years that I've thought the same thing.  It's like we get a do-over, and start again fresh and new.

I've been thinking a lot this past week, about areas I would like to see growth in this year.  And also, how was God working in me this past year? Do you have areas in your spiritual life that need a do-over....I know I do.

I would encourage you to take some time to write down some spiritual goals for yourself. Whether it be more time in the word, getting into and finishing a great bible study, or learning how to depend on Him more. Also, remember to get those goals into bite-size chunks, so they are manageable.  Get specific such as----which bible study, how much time each day will you devote to it, and so forth. 

This week I'll be posting some of my specific goals for the year, and I hope they encourage you to grow as well.  I know so many awesome women have encouraged me to not be complacent where I am, or to get frustrated when I fail.  Thank heaven for do-overs!

His mercies are new every morning Lamentations 3: 22-24

For those of you interested: The pattern for the Not-Your-Average Washcloth can be found in the book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders by Elizabeth Prusiewicz .  I just used a simple cotton yarn, purchased at Wal-mart. Easy to throw in the wash...and fun to use.

Blessings,

Joy~

(My youngest of 5, with a smile for you all....)

{This post will remain at the top for a few days....I will continue with new posts added below this one.}

 

Hello, moneysavingmom readers and all my other readers from far and wide, as well!  I'm so glad you decided to stop by today, and hope you'll find encouragement in your walk along the way here at Vim and Vigor.  You'll find all sorts of variety here, from healthy, real food (and yummy!, don't forget that) recipes, to raising our children to be strong in the Lord, to crafting with the kids (or on our own), you'll find a lot here.  I hope you'll pour a cup of tea and stay awhile.....I'm so glad you came!

Coming up this week after a wonderful break for a Minnesota holiday vacation:

My goals for the coming year....spiritually, financially, book lists to read, and so on......

New blog projects....52 new foods for your table, and how to get your family to love them! I'll be featuring a new food that may not be on your table on a regular basis, and a yummy recipe, and pictures to go with it. Featuring one new food each week.

Beauty foods....look good on the outside, and feel great inside, too! A series featuring foods that are wonderful for the complexion, acne and /or wrinkles, and foods that boost the metabolism.....without sparing on taste.

My latest knitting project.....one that's great for beginning knitters, but is unique and special.

A special photography project I'm working on this year with my children....you may want to do this in your home as well....even if you are lacking in photography skills, as I can be at times ;).

Hope to find you here again....

Blessings in the journey,

Joy~

If you'd like to read my featured post on momeysavingmom.com, click here.

Decorating your holiday home, and serving others with a budget in mind.

We have opened our door to quite a few people over the past few days, and with the holidays coming I wanted to make our home carry the spirit of that, and be welcoming at the same time.  Also, my goal was to use what I had on hand as much as possible, so as to have guests in our home without using money we need for gifts and such.

In the photograph above, I used a hand-me-down quilt my hubby's grandmother made to lay over a vintage sewing machine table. On top of the quilt I placed a vintage church, (you know the ones with the little light bulb in them), that was used in my childhood home, as well as a little empty jar.  The tree was given to me by a friend as a surprise gift last year, after we had their family over for dinner.  It was left on my porch, and I have loved it ever since.

On the tree, to make it look snowy, I just took a couple of cotton balls, and spread them thin around the tree.  Also, I found a piece of white fabric that was wrinkled and had frayed sides.  I folded the edges in around the tree as a skirt, and noone will ever know it's not perfect.

These little trees were so fun to make, and were just cut from old sweaters I had on hand, and felted.  (Washed in hot water, and put into hot dryer.)  The pattern for the circles can be found here. They made some inexpensive, and simple to make centerpieces for the table.

I went tramping out in the cold on a hike with my little guy to pick up some sticks for these stars.  The weather was a bit wet, so I left them to dry for a half-day in our mudroom.  Then, I broke them into similar sized pieces, before having my eldest daughter lay them in a star shape, while I did the hot gluing.  We then looped a ribbon, (some wide some skinny) around the middle and actually taped with a small piece of clear packing tape to the inside of the window frames. 

This cute little hanging "Merry Christmas" banner was found and printed from here.  Quick and simple, and not much work.  Just a bit of cutting, and your done! They also have one that says "Believe", but I needed to take up space on our large wall.

Our home was one of the stops in a teen girl's birthday progressive dinner...we provided this wonerful tasting soup, and an activity.  We had a spa themed activity and did epsom salt/essential oil foot soaks, bentonite clay masks, and of course....nail painting. 

Also, today, the men and children of our church gathered here for lunch and fellowship, while us ladies and teen girls went out to lunch.  What a refreshing time to be without the little ones for a bit.  I love being a mother, and miss them when I'm away, but it was nice to sit in a restaurant and not have to cut up anyone's food....or get up and walk a fussy baby around!

I hope you have come away with a sense that you can decorate your home, and make it welcoming to others, without having to spend a pretty penny.  I encourage you to take the time, to love others and show your children the joy of serving others in your home.  It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive, but it seems that when we do give....we are given an abundance of joy. 

Blessings on you and your family,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of The great holiday barn hop and Works for me Wednesday}

::A year in pictures; Our babe turns one ::

 

 



 













You turn one today, my son.

What a gift God has given to us, in you.

In the wee hours of the morning, I prayed Psalm 33 over your life.

We all love you dearly, our little man.