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Macaroni and Chicken Casserole

22 May 2013, 9:54 am

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Ok, well, I’ve started a new routine by adding a fun FUN fun activity to our regular schedule.

Ha, did you see that?  I implied we operate on a schedule.  Cute, huh?

Anyway, we have started having  a twice monthly fellowship with one of our favorite families.  One time at their house, the next time at ours.  So we only host once a month.  Awesome planning, right?  Anyway, they live really far from us, about an hour each way.  Because of the travel time involved and the fact that we really wanna spend most of the day together, these get togethers involve lunch.  And because we both have a zillion kids (she actually has two zillion) and neither of us is actually MADE of money, we need to cook lunch for the teeming horde.  And I found out yesterday (our turn to host) there needs to be a big after-swim snack. Next time I’ll bake brownies and buy the giant tub of ice cream.  Yesterday the poor pitiful kids had to eat carrots and celery sticks with homemade ranch dip, bananas, raisins, and peanuts.  Sad, right?  But, today’s post is about cooking lunch.

The cooking of this lunch needs to be done before the company arrives so that we don’t impinge on the visiting (read: talking our faces off trying not to be so enthusiastic as to become rude) time. So, because of that the cooking should be done ahead of time, and really, all that visiting (if you’re a kid, read: swimming, jumping on the trampoline, riding the zip line, playing basketball, and talking your faces off with no regard for rudeness [in a fun way]) will tire us out so completely that lunch needs to be prepared in such volume as to be enough to feed the horde AND be supper for the host family, because NOBODY will have any energy left once company leaves.  Isn’t my friend a genius, this part of the planning was her idea, I jumped right on board!

Last time, at her house, she prepared Stone Soup.  See?  She’s a genius.  Not only was it a delicious lunch that fed the horde AND was enough for her family’s supper, it was a great reminder for her littles of the book they’d read and all the other fun they had doing their Five-in-a-Row-esque activities during the previous week(?) month(?) whenever.

Our turn was yesterday.  And because I have canned-cream-of-whatever-soup issues, I have to make my own casserole recipes.  Here’s what I made.

Macaroni and Chicken Casserole

  • 2 lbs elbow macaroni
  • 4 or 5 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed ( I had a bag of chicken that John had grilled on Saturday.)
  • 4 cups frozen peas (Toss them in the pot with the pasta near the end of the boil time.)
  • 4 oz. diced pimentos
  • 1 batch white sauce with 1 lb grated cheddar cheese added (cheese optional)

Topping

You’ll need these amounts for each casserole pan.

  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 1/2 cups topping (I used cornbread stuffing mix because that’s what I had.  You could use cracker crumbs, corn flakes, bread crumbs or whatever.  Or you could skip the butter and just top it with cheese.)

Make the white sauce and melt the cheese into it.  You can season the sauce however you like.  I used chicken bouillon, garlic, herbs de Provence, and parsley.  Cook the macaroni, drain.  Add everything else, up to the white sauce.  Stir in the sauce, plop it into 2 – 9×13 pans and cover with foil.  Refrigerate until an hour before lunch (or supper).  Preheat the oven to 375.  Bake, covered for 30 minutes.  Take the foil off, melt the butter, stir the stuffing mix into the butter, and sprinkle it over the casserole . Pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes.

Simple, easy, delicious!

Filed under Casseroles, Easy Home Cooking, Lunch, Sauce, Supper, Vittles.
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Master Tonic

3 May 2013, 9:36 am

Instructions for Master Tonic are all over the web, here are two.

http://www.happy-mothering.com/04/household/recipes/natural-remedies-master-tonic-recipe/

http://recipestonourish.blogspot.com/2011/10/master-tonic.html

Each recipe is a little different than the next, and instructions vary a bit, but the big picture is easy to discern.

I made some of it.  I think it’s a 1 gallon jar.  My photos are in my tablet and I don’t yet know how to make the magic that transfers them to the desktop.  Sorry, I’m NOT really a teenager, although I usually play one at Whataburger.

What was I saying?

Right, I made the Master Tonic and posted a photo of it on Facebook, thinking that when 2 weeks had passed I could just look back and be reminded of the date and all would be well with the world.

HA!

NOT AT ALL!

That’s not the way Facebook works for me.  Facebook hides pertinent information and only recalls trivia like photos of that grumpy cat.  Ok, well, I have a blog, duh!  I just need to start posting (ahem, re-start), and keep track of stuff here.

So, here I am, blogging again, and do you know what?  I looked at my StatCounter account this morning and it showed me that on Wednesday, the first time I’d posted anything in a goodly while, I had over 100 hits that day!  I’ve been absent and neglectful and y’all have been very patient!  You make me happy!  You girls are the greatest!

The Master Tonic I made (I had to hunt and hunt, and finally found the photos on my tablet, with the date) was made on April 8th (pretty sure).  So it should be good to go.  And I have a sick kid to try it out on.

I had Andrew take a dose of it yesterday, and today he’s back at work after being out all week with a icky cold.  Impressed?  I don’t know either, but it’s a nice way to start the experimenting!  So I had him take another dose of it this morning before heading out to work.  He was reluctant this time, having tasted it yesterday and all.  It’s strong!  I took a dose of it yesterday and thought it was delicious!  But I put horseradish sauce on everything, so I have different taste buds.  Grown-up taste buds. Taste buds that appreciate the KICK that the Master Tonic delivers.  IN SPADES!

I’d read that some folks use the fermented veggies to marinate meat in, I can totally see that.  I think that would be marvelous and I think I’ll just put my strained, fermented veggies in the freezer, 1 or 2 cups to the baggie, and use it for that very thing.  Or toss it in the crockpot with the chicken.  Wouldn’t that be glorious!

So, what is your experience with Master Tonic?  Have you made it?  Have you used it on sick people?  Have you eaten the veggies on your chicken?

Filed under Crock Pot, Homemade Stuff, Natural Stuff, Vittles.
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The Perfect Me

1 May 2013, 10:21 am

Well, I know I’m not perfect, so you can stop giggling now.  But don’t we all have this “ideal us” in our minds.  The one who does all the good.  Never does the bad.  Isn’t that how we roll.  We know what to do, and we stress over the fact that we fall so short of the ideal.   Even a little of this thinking?  Just a little every day?

If this doesn’t describe you then you probably have no interest in reading the rest of this post.

Anyway, in no particular order, here are the things I beat myself up over, almost daily.

I ought to:

  • Read my Bible more.
  • Exercise.
  • Spend more time teaching my kids everything, including math!
  • Train these dogs.
  • Read aloud more.
  • Read more.
  • Keep a cleaner house.
  • Smile.
  • Be pleasant to be around.

And here is the flip side, stuff I ought not to do:

  • Over-eat.
  • Eat empty carbs.
  • Worry.
  • Read thrillers and zombie apocalypse garbage. (keepin’ it real here)
  • Sit around doing nothing (yes, I mean facebook).
  • Think mean thoughts. (again with the reality)
  • Watch tv.

Yeah, well, OUCH! And this is just off the top of my head.

I have a reason for telling you this.  I need a written record of what progress I make/fail to make.

I was looking around in my DailyMile account this morning, and there is a record there.  Not a lengthy one, but still, it’s very motivating to look at, and try to make it look good, and the only way to do that is to exercise and eat right and blah, blah, blah,  or else lie about it, but that isn’t an option.  Anyway, it’s nice, good, helpful to have a record of what I’m up to.  Now, I’m off to create some new categories for this post, and hit publish, then get off my do nuthin’ and go teach some math!  Leave me many encouraging comments, please.  (See? See me ask nice?  Like a good girl.) (I try.)

Filed under Bible, Books, Dogs, Fitness, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Math, My Health, Rant, Read Aloud, Use Your Head, Ventilation, Weight Loss.
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My Tongue, Homeschool, & etc.

31 January 2013, 11:14 am

I know, I know, I’m never here anymore.  That might be about to change and it might not.  And here’s why:

We’re using the ever popular, brand new, free for all comers,

Easy Peasy – All in One Homeschool

And we love it!  Without reservation!  It’s for me, and I hope it always will be!

I’m using it for Caleb and Rachel who are both about to have their birthdays and will be, respectively (*more on that later), 13 (seriously?), and 10 (going on 30).

Why, Lord, why did you let my baby grow up so quickly?

Jacob will start using Easy Peasy soon.  He’s been busy with other pursuits.

Today we’re on Day 7.  This is the first time in YEARS that we’ve followed a plan that I didn’t construct and let me tell you, I LOVE THE FREEDOM! Sorry to shout like that, but y’all, this is so cool.  I don’t have to do anything except utter the following words, “Kid, go do school.”  And the kid goes to the computer and commences to learn important things.

If you don’t call your child “Kid” then your mileage may vary, and you probably don’t listen to Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie often enough.  I’m listening to it right now, while blogging, with my headphones on, while the kid is in the next room, on the computer, learning important things.  (Hmmm, listening to Alice’s Restaurant, and admiring it so much, like I do, is making me wonder right now, if maybe this could explain my appreciation of r.u.n. o.n. s.e.n.t.e.n.c.e.s.?)

The other kid is in the kitchen emptying the dishwasher.  The rest of the kids are at work with their dad (what a guy!)

So, what was I saying?

Respect, that’s what I was getting to.  Remember the * earlier.  Respectively, being a form of the word RESPECT.  This is the whole reason I sat down to talk to y’all here today.

This morning I was reading all of the 4 blogs included in the whole 4 Blogs, 35 Kids conglomeration of blogs, and I came across this previous post on Smockity Frocks.  And it spoke to me.  It spoke to me loud and clear.  Actually, to be precise, the scripture she noted spoke to my heart, revealing my sin that I have been trying to pawn off on my children, who, make no mistake, are heinous sinners, just like me, but, I know that I’m not the example I COULD BE, and therefore… well, y’all probably already know what God has to say about leading children down the path of destruction.

Convicted.  I am.

So, here we go.  Ephesians 4:29.  I went straight to my computer to print it out and decided to add an image of a cactus as a visual reminder for me, of my natural ways.  I’ll post the first one on my bathroom mirror, and the rest will be placed in likely spots, like the fridge and maybe all the other bathroom mirrors.

Anyway, go read what Connie has to say, and leave her a comment.  Join in if ya wanna.  I know I surely do need it!

 

Filed under Free Stuff, Homeschooling.
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I LIVE TO CROCHET, I CROCHET TO LIVE…almost.

21 November 2012, 10:38 am

I read this on Crochet Cabana’s Facebook page and loved it so much I had to repost!  No source was given so if you know who wrote it, do share.
Pattern: A set of written instructions that may
or may not result in creating the object in the
picture. Most patterns include a list of
supplies, but this is for your amusement only.

After all, Amazonian Rhesus yarn in smoky
turquoise does not exist, and cannot be
obtained. Patterns also have fun-to-do math
problems, such as 1 dc in next 7 dc (34 dc
made)?!

Yo: Yarn Over, meaning you need to wrap your
yarn over your hook. Of course, this assumes the
yarn doesn’t split, fray or tangle. If this
happens, yo then stands for, Yell Outrageously.

Dtrtrc: Double-treble-treble-crochet. This is a
stitch where you yo four zillion times, insert
hook in stitch and pull through the next two
loops, repeating until all loops are off the
hook, or until the end of time, whichever comes
first.

Reverse sc: This stitch is the lefty’s revenge
on all of us righties. For once we have to work
backwards, too!

Catalog: A dangerous device that hypnotizes
crocheters. It lulls them into a catatonic
state, causing them to spend the family’s
grocery money on patterns and yarn. It may also
be an evil plot to cause the downfall of the
American economy.

Hook: A device permanently attached to a
crocheter’s hand. It is also connected to her
blood supply, and if for some reason it becomes
dislodged from her hand, she breaks into a sweat
and starts to feel faint. If the hook cannot be
immediately replaced, the only valid substitute
is a catalog (see above).

Yarn: The only reason sheep farms still exist!
It’s also what crocheters buy when they have
money. If there’s any cash left over, they buy
food and clothes.

Doily: This seemingly innocent item looks like a
table protector, but if someone actually tries
to put a wet glass or an ashtray on it, the
creator will instantly turn into a snarling
Doberman. Use doilies at your own peril.

Cat: A non-mechanical device used for unraveling
afghans, unwinding skeins and keeping one’s lap
warm. A cat requires daily maintenance in the
form of light stroking.

Dog: Another non-mechanical device that is used
for chasing down balls of yarn and putting
tooth-mark engravings in wooden hooks. It’s a
high-maintenance item that does not store easily.

Baby: A valid excuse to crochet something.

Housework: An ancient rite that was performed by
some B.C. women (Before Crochet). Historians
believe it may have had something to do with a
device called a vacuum cleaner, which was kept
in closets now occupied by yarn.

Filed under Yarn!.
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Pet Drama

19 November 2012, 11:50 am

Oh, how very stressful last week was.  I’m so glad to have it behind me.

Last Saturday (November 10th, 2012) Blaze woke from a nap on the couch, with a whimper and a limp.  She began carrying her right rear leg, and was obviously in pain.  We did what most sensible folks would do, and just kind of ignored it.  Hoping it would resolve on it’s own.

Sunday morning she was worse, not eating, not drinking, even when I put the dish of water right under her nose.  She would only walk if she was on leash and we made her, the rest of the time she just laid in her crate looking miserable.  I offered her ice cubes, she loves ice cubes.  No deal.  Wouldn’t even lick ‘em.

We continued to act natural, doing the normal things.  People go to church.  Dogs rest in crates until we return.  When we got home I was glad to hear Blaze barking at us from her crate as soon as we hit the door.  She seemed more active, even used the poor, sad, hurting leg a bit.  After her walk, I took her on my lap and offered her some ice, which she was happy to see.  She still wouldn’t eat anything, until I got the peanut butter out, then she decided that was worth the effort.

I was so happy to see her eating and drinking, even if it was only ice and peanut butter.

Monday morning was another disappointment.  She was listless, and obviously in pain, she wouldn’t look at food or water.  So I called the animal clinic and got an early appointment.

It took Dr. Green about 2 seconds to find the problem.  Luxating patella.  Or as us rednecks say, a wonky kneecap.

Seven days of doggie Heroin and doggie Motrin, and tiny doses of people Pepcid (because of the tummy upset that Motrin can cause) and lots of rest and restricted activity, and we have our old dog back.  She’s back to her old self.  Same activity level, same everything.

However, while I was at the animal clinic AND while I was on the phone with Dr. Green a few days into treatment, there was talk of a doggie orthopedic surgeon, and pins being required, and a surgery that may cost $1,500.

Now, lets all take a minute and a few deep breaths while we ponder the concept of not really having pet medical insurance, and surgeries that cost serious money, for a DOG.  Yes, this is MY DOG, and I love her dearly.  BUT, that’s some real money.  And we really aren’t the kind of people who spend THAT kind of money on a pet.  BUT, here’s the stinker, I have that kind of dog.  For me it’s a dilemma, not so much for my hubs.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to have that actual discussion.  Not for real.  We talked a bit, but it was speculative, because the dog got better without the surgery.  I realize this is the type of thing that will likely happen again, but we aren’t that far down the road yet, and that gives me time to start setting aside money to make Blaze into a bionic doggie.

Anyway, for now, that part of our lives is done.  Last week is history.  Hallelujah!

Now let’s talk about cats.

Our first country cat, Patsy, disappeared under mysterious circumstances.  The local coyotes might have been involved, but we just don’t know.

Our second country cat, Lucy, died of extreme old age.  She was >15 years old.  She was old when we got her, but she had a happy retirement here with us.

Our third country cat, George, has now been missing for 2 weeks.  I suspect the coyotes.  George was our favorite, by far.  He was a sweet kitty, a good hunter, and playful with our dogs.  Sad to see him go.

We’ve decided that we’ll just not have a cat for the time being.  We reserve the right to change our minds in the Springtime when everyone we know will have kittens to get rid of.  We’ll see.

Anywho, pet-wise, I’ve had more than my share of stress lately.  So, I did what I do best.  Had a nightmare about it.

My dream life is usually very entertaining, and this time is no different.  I’ll get right to the bad part.

We lived elsewhere, in town, and were getting ready to move, again.  Blaze had gone missing and we expected foul play.  You have no idea how sad this part was for me.  I was extremely relieved when I drifted into wakefulness, realizing it was a dream.

I really have no sense of what order the events took place in the dream, and I don’t think it matters, but there were cats.

In dreamland we still had a cat we’d had years and years ago, her name was Muffin.  We also had another mystery cat, who was a tabby.  Then, we got a kitten, an orange tabby, about 7 weeks old.  So, while I’m sitting there petting the new kitty, I realized that our old tabby was not much bigger that the new kitten, seriously small for an adult cat, baby kitten sized.  It was weird.  So I called our vet.  Now, let me tell you right now, in real life Dr. Green has NEVER EVER said anything weird to me, EVER.  But in the dream, when I asked her about this adult cat who was still the size of a 2 month old kitten her response was, and I quote, “Yes, this happens sometimes, but usually the cats turn out to be DEMON-POSSESSED.”  (me: !!!!????!!!!)

But then I woke up, and my Blaze is still here, and still walking on all four legs, and we still have no cat.  I’ll take it!

Filed under Blaze, Cats, Pets.
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Where did my life go?

21 June 2012, 10:26 am

I’m grumpy.  Fair warning.  If you hate reading rants you are dismissed.  See you next time.

Exercise has been difficult this week.  Monday was a typical Monday, meaning, exercise would be a bummer on any Monday.  Then on Tuesday I had a doctor appointment.  Got there to find out that I’d left home most of what I was supposed to bring.  My Kindle, my blood pressure records that I FAITHFULLY write down twice/day, can’t remember what else right now.  Anyhoo, my doctor had to take maternity leave due to complications.  I should be concerned for her, but no, it’s ALL ABOUT ME AND MY INCONVENIENCES.

I liked the interim doc ok.  The whole reason for the appointment was to see how the Singulair has been working for me.  The verdict on that deal is NOT AT ALL.  My sinuses are awful.

New doc wanted to prescribe Zyrtec, but I know from past experience that Zyrtec makes me take a nap everyday.  And since I already am taking a nap everyday because I can’t get a decent night’s sleep (due to my sleep apnea) there’s no need to try the Zytec.

So he prescribed Allegra.  I’ve never tried Allegra before.  The doc said the only next step, if the Allegra isn’t the answer, is to get allergy shots.  Can you say “NO WAY”?  Drive in to town every other day for who knows how long?  Not happening.  So, I’m giving the Allegra the old college try, even though I dropped out of college, but that’s beside the point.

Now, Allegra is making me so tired I don’t even feel up to checking my email, much less exercising, or eating, or showering, or going anywhere, or watching tv, or reading a book, or pushing the easy chair back enough to kick out the foot rest.  EXTREMELY TIRED.

I’m forcing myself.  I feel like my adrenal glands are on vacation.

I did my exercise yesterday and today.  2 miles each day.  That’s 4 miles of walking with NO ENERGY.  Think how good I’ll feel if I quit taking the Allegra that’s supposed to make me feel good.  Too tired to think that thru.  Or type the whole word “through”.  (forcing myself)

I think I’ll have to start keeping bees so I can have some SERIOUSLY LOCAL honey.  That would do my allergies a world of good.

While I’ve been typing this I’ve been pondering my pitiful predicament (sorry, we watched Mr. Popper’s Penguins yesterday), and pondering is the kinder, gentler method of thinking, isn’t it?  Anyway, I’m just gonna ditch the Allegra and start using the neti pot, and then I’ll have the energy to research bee keeping.  It’s something John and I have long wanted to do.

Ok, that’s all the grumpy I got for now.  Hasta la vista, baby!

Filed under Bee keeping, Fitness, Homemade Stuff, Illness, My Health, Natural Stuff, Rant, Ventilation.
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3 MILES, BABY!

12 June 2012, 1:13 pm

Wow, today was the first time I’ve EVER walked the 3 MILE WALK with Leslie Sansone.  It was so difficult and I’m SO sweaty right now.  I cannot believe I did it!  I’m so happy!

Now, back to earth, I’m not gonna do that every day just yet.  However, I’m supremely pumped, I know I can do it now.  For the time being I’m gonna stick with the 2 mile walk on most days, and maybe sneak in a 3 mile once or twice a week, if I’m feeling strong.  So, let me do the math for this week (assuming I actually follow this plan).

  • Monday – 2
  • Tuesday – 3
  • Wednesday – 2
  • Thursday – 2
  • Friday – 2
  • Saturday – 2
  • Total – 13 miles

I’ll let you know how that goes.  Considering that last week I only logged 8 miles, that’s a pretty big increase.

I had a comment from Lois about keeping a cumulative total of your miles.  It’s an intriguing idea.  I just need to find a way to do it.  Maybe there’s a widget for it or something.  (I recently switched from my dying SmartPhone to a regular, old-timey cell phone, so no apps.)  Any ideas, folks?

 

Filed under Fitness, Weight Loss.
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So much more than walking…

12 June 2012, 1:11 pm

What a crappy week I had.  Sorry, but crappy is the word for it.

We’re buying a house.  We’re trying to get it financed.  The lender backed out of the deal just days before we were due to close.  So I had to jump through a bunch of hoops to find us a new lender and supply her with all our info.  Stressed hard all day and night last Thursday, MAKING it happen.  Then Friday and Saturday I had the digestive system of a stressed out person.  Sunday I had heat exhaustion and a migraine.

  • I get complex migraines involving visual stuff; flashing lights, blindness.  It’s a real party.

Had a decent night’s sleep last night.  And this morning a guy from the electric company came to the door and told me they were fixing to turn off the electricity for an hour and a half.  This is Texas!  I need my a/c or I cannot exercise.  They turned it back on after only 50 minutes.  I gave the house 30 more minutes to cool off some.

And so today I exercised for the first time in 4 days.

It was horrible.  It was hard.  I hated it.

The lesson that I hope sticks with me from all this is I must exercise 6 days a week, no matter what.

Oh, and I should mention the M&Ms, and the chips and queso that I gave myself permission to devour because of the massive stress.  Can’t afford that.

 

Filed under Fitness, Weight Loss.
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The Bad Voices

12 June 2012, 1:08 pm

I have found out a secret.  If I distract myself during exercise I don’t have time to listen to the bad voices in my head.  Don’t leave, I’m not crazy. It’s that thing we all do during difficult situations, you know, thinking things like this…

“Oh, this is so hard, I should take it easier on myself.”

Or this…

“This hurts, I’m only gonna do 2/3 of the reps.”

Or this…

“No, this REALLY hurts!  I’m only gonna do 1/2 of them.”

Or this…

“If I do the whole entire exercise routine, including all the reps, maybe later I can eat some peanut-butter M&Ms”

You know… the bad voices.

So, I am working at doing my exercise routine a little bit earlier in the day when I’m normally cracking the whip about the chores and the kids who are supposed to be doing them.  That-a-way I have to talk to the kids.  That-a-way I’m distracted during the workout.  That-a-way I don’t have time to be or hear the bad voices.

 

Filed under Fitness, Weight Loss.
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