Use your fabric scraps without sewing a stitch!

If you sew you probably have fabric scraps lying around.  Fabric isn't always cheap, and, if you are like me, you think you just might find a project that you will use them for someday.  But, what do you do with them in the meantime?  Well, I am going to show you what I have been doing with my scraps. 

No, I didn't piece scraps together to make pillows. 

I stuffed pillows with my scraps!

The zippered pillows are mostly filled with fleece scraps and some flannel scraps.  If I ever need to use the scraps they will be waiting for me, but, in the meantime, they are serving a useful purpose.  And, I didn't have to sew a stitch.

The two floral pillows were purchased at a dollar store for, you guessed it, $1.  The larger pillow was made by my grandma years ago.

I am linking this post to Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family.

Use your fabric scraps without sewing a stitch!

Menu Plan for the Week of March 28th.

Here is our menu plan for the week. 

Sunday-Leftovers

Monday-Zucchini Casserole, Corn, Pears, Bread & Butter

Tuesday-Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Peaches, Biscuits

Wednesday-Tacos or Taco Salad, Chips & Salsa, Apple Slices, Carrot & Celery Sticks

Thursday-Crockpot Chicken and Rice (a new recipe for us), Butternut Squash, Mandarin Oranges, Bread & Butter

Friday-Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Cornbread

Saturday-Homemade Pizza, Salad, Applesauce, Breadsticks

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of March 28th.

We are home.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and sweet comments.  I am happy to say that my son made it through the surgery and is really doing well right now.

I am very thankful that the nursing staff knew just how to treat him and made him feel at ease before the surgery.  Although he was quite upset when he woke up, he is eating and drinking.  His color is returning and to look at him you might not realize he was under general anesthesia this morning having an adeniodectomy. 

I am praying that the benefits of this surgery will outweigh any discomfort he has had.  Have a great weekend everyone.

We are home.

My son is having surgery today.

I will be taking my five year old son Joshua to have his adenoids removed this morning.  His surgery is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.  I know it is a pretty standard procedure, but it isn't standard for me to have my son under anesthesia and undergo surgical procedures.  If you would remember us and say a prayer that all goes well I would appreciate it.  I will update when we get home.  Thanks!

My son is having surgery today.

Super Simple Scrubbie Crochet Pattern

Have you seen the cute little crocheted scrubbies at places like Etsy?  Do you have some cotton yarn scraps in your stash?  Well, have I got the crochet pattern for you!

I created this crochet pattern to be simple enough for a beginner.  It is also a very quick pattern.  I can make a scrubbie in about 15 minutes, less if I work fast.

Scrubbies are great for removing makeup, cleaning and exfoliating the skin.  They are also great for washing dishes.  To wash your scrubbies just put them in a zippered lingerie bag and throw them in the wash.  They can be reused over and over which is great for the environment.

If you choose to sell scrubbies made from this pattern you are free to do so.  All I ask is a link back to this post or my blog in general.  However, you must not sell this pattern or list it on your site.  Thanks and enjoy making scrubbies.

       Super Simple Scrubbie

A Crochet Pattern by Jackie of Blessings Overflowing.

Materials to make a 3 inch scrubbie:
H hook
Approximately 8 yards of cotton worsted weight yarn.
Blunt tip tapestry needle to weave in ends.

HDC=Half Double Crochet
SC=Single Crochet

Chain 10

Row 1:  HDC in 2nd chain from hook.  HDC in remaining 8 stitches of beginning chain.  Chain 1.  Turn.  (9 HDC)

Row 2:  HDC in each stitch of row 1.  Chain 1.  Turn.  (9 HDC)

Row 3-6:  HDC in each stitch of row 1.  Chain 1.  Turn.  (9 HDC)

Row 7:   SC in each stitch around the entire scrubbie.  Enclose the original tail as you crochet around.  (30 SC)  Join with a slip stitch in 1st stitch of round.  Finish off and weave in ends.

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.  This post is also being linked to Favorite Things Friday at A Few of My Favorite Things.

Super Simple Scrubbie Crochet Pattern

Personal Pizzas with Whole Wheat Crusts

I have a pizza dough recipe that I have used for quite a few years that we really love.  It is easy and makes me feel good that I am making something from scratch that my family enjoys eating.  Plus, it has saved us so much money because we are eating homemade instead of ordering a pizza or heating up a frozen store-bought pizza.

Over the past year I have been trying to make the switch to using 100% whole wheat flour.  At first it was quite a switch to use all whole wheat flour for our pizzas, but everyone is used to it now.  My two older children even understand how much healthier whole grains are for us.    

Now, after we made our whole wheat pizza dough last Saturday night we decided to do something a little different.  We made individual personal pizzas.  My kids like to help make pizza, but they were absolutely thrilled to make their own.  James, my 7 year old, even said that it was the best pizza he had ever eaten and he wants to make pizza like that every time.  :-)

And, I think we just might.

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
2 Cups Very Warm Water
1 Tbsp. Yeast
1 Tbsp. Sugar
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4 ½ - 5 Cups 100% Whole Wheat Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. White Vinegar

Mix water, yeast, sugar and olive oil and let stand until bubbles form on top. Mix flour, salt, vinegar and wet ingredients together. I like to use my Kitchen Aid mixer because it does the work of kneading for me. Mix the dough until it forms a ball in the mixer. Let rise, or you can use the dough immediately. (Letting the dough rise results in a better dough.)

Divide the dough into two sections. Use a little flour to help roll out the dough. Press into two pizza pans.  Pre-bake the crusts in a preheated 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and add pizza sauce, toppings of choice, and shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Whole wheat personal pizzas work for us so I am linking this post to Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family.

Personal Pizzas with Whole Wheat Crusts

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 17 & 18

Today I am posting about chapters 17 and 18 from the book Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. If you have missed the previous chapter recaps, and are interested, here are the links.

Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3 & 4
Chapters 5 & 6 
Chapters 7 & 8
Chapters 9 & 10
Chapters 11 & 12
Chapters 13 & 14
Chapters 15 & 16

As always, anything in quotation marks has been taken directly from the book.  I am doing these chapter highlights so that I might be able to better understand what I have read.  If you have comments or insight I would love for you to leave me a comment.   

Chapter 17-To Love Their Children

• "A wise woman never expects anyone to serve her, and is therefore never disappointed.  She is ready to help, always the giver.  By her example her children learn to cheerfully and energetically serve."
• "Parents train up their children by dedicating themselves, their time, and their children to that which God desires for them to become as an adult."
• Each time "train up" is listed in the Bible it is translated as "dedicate".
• "The woman who invests herself in a child's life will be the one whom the child loves and the one with whom he will bond with when he is older."
• "They (children) are worth every minute of time and trouble to every 'dedicated' mother."
• "God directs us to train our children and, when necessary, to direct their path with correction."
• "A good help meet soberly considers the needs of her children."
• "She invests time in training them to know and do many things."
• "She schools herself in diet and medicine to be better equipped to keep them safe."
• Proverbs 13:14; 22:6, 15; 29:15
• Isaiah 28:9-10
• 3 John 1:4

Chapter 18-To Be Discreet

• "To be discreet:  Prudent; wise in avoiding error and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; courteous, polite, honest dealings."
• "Discretion, therefore is, having good tastes...good judgment...useful...to be of good understanding."
• "When you are discreet, wise, and kind in your dealings with other people, you will reap the benefits throughout life."
• "A wise woman doesn't attempt to instruct her husband through feigned questions.  Her questions will become sincere inquiries concerning his will."
• "A wise woman knows how her words can color her husband's perspective.  She can subtly move him to the negative or the positive."
• "A good help meet grows in grace and knowledge."
• "She is gracious and honest."
• "She is without guile toward her husband."
• Genesis 41:33, 39
• Job 5:2
• Proverbs 11:16, 22; 14:1
• 1 Corinthians 10:24
• Galatians 5:22-23
• 1 Peter 3:4, 8

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 17 & 18

Menu Plan for the Week of March 21st.

We are on spring break this week, and I am already loving having everyone home.  We don't have a busy week planned, but may take a day trip somewhere this week.   On Friday, Joshua is going to have his adenoids removed, so I am not sure how that day will go as far as meals.

I did try the bread recipe from Urban Homemaker thanks to the suggestion of my husband's cousin.  We tried it and loved it.  It is definitely a keeper.  I didn't have any dough enhancer, but used white vinegar in an equal amount to the yeast and it worked wonderfully.  (Thanks, Lynn!)

Sunday-Leftovers

Monday-Beefy Noodles, Cheesy Broccoli, Peaches

Tuesday-Grilled Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Potato Packets (Diced Potatoes, Carrots and Onions in Foil Packets on the Grill), Sliced Apples

Wednesday-This may be the day we take a little day trip, so we will probably eat out.  (This is a real treat as we don't often eat out.)

Thursday-Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cooked Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Cornbread

Friday- Crockpot Applesauce Chicken, Baked Butternut Squash, Brown Rice, Salad

Saturday-Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad, Breadsticks, Pears

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of March 21st.

One Piece of Paper

When I met my husband he was getting a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts (Printing) Management.  He was also working full-time at a local golf course as the head assistant professional. 

He had been working through the PGA program to become a golf professional.  After completing the program he would have been able to run a golf course anywhere in the US.  He fully intended to make a living in the golf industry until he retired.  He was only getting his bachelor's degree so that he would have something to fall back on.  Little did he know just how much that degree would mean through the years.

My husband had passed a playing test and various other tasks on his way to becoming a professional.  After taking the final test he needed to become a PGA professional, he found out he failed.  None of us like to fail, but my husband absolutely cannot stand to fail.  A few months later he took the test again.  He raised his score only to find out that the PGA raised the number needed to pass.  When he took the test for the third time he was able to raise his score yet again.  However, he found out that the PGA had once again raised the number needed to pass.  He was not allowed to take the test again without starting the program over.

Why would the PGA raise the score needed to pass their test twice in six months?  I truly believe it was because God had other plans for my husband than to manage a golf course.  Sometimes God answers with a "yes", other times with a "wait", and sometimes, as in this case, He answers with an emphatic "NO!"

By this time my husband had no idea what was going to happen with the rest of his life.

Less than a month after he got the news about his test our phone rang.  I will never forget that morning.  You see, I had just graduated from college and was hoping to find a teaching job.  A local high school principal was on the other end of that phone call and I thought maybe I was going to be interviewed for a position.  When he asked for my husband I was a little confused. 

I ran out to our garage, in my nightgown, to hand the phone to my husband.  When the conversation had ended my husband told me that the principal wanted to interview him for a graphic arts teaching position.

My husband was offered the job and got a teaching license for people who have a degree in a content area but do not have a teaching degree.  He worked at that school for four years and loved every minute of it.  He took many college classes during those four years to enhance his degree.  However, when the school had to cut back their industrial arts programs my husband was let go.

He took a position at a local prison as a teacher to the inmates who were completing a special program.  He went through training, but after three months the phone rang again.  This time it was a high school principal from a different county who was in desperate need of a printing teacher well into the first semester of the school year.

My husband took the position and is still teaching printing at that school to this day. 

Nearly four years ago my husband decided to get his master's degree.  He finished the program in the early summer of 2007.  He decided to then go through a graduate program that would allow him to become a school administrator.  I was so proud of him.  He was able to get straight "A's" in both programs even though he was teaching full-time and we had three children, and added a fourth, during that time. 

Two years ago he was close to finishing the program when he found out he would have to jump through some hoops before he could get his principal's license.  You see the state decided that his vocational teaching license wasn't good enough.  They wanted him to wait two years, do some extra paperwork, and then they would give him a standard teaching license.  After that he would be able to apply for his principal's license.

Can I just say that, even though I am a positive person, it was so hard to watch my husband feel like he was going to have another dream crushed.

My husband is a wonderful teacher and I truly believed that he would be a great principal.  I kept telling myself that this wasn't one of those "no" times, but a "wait" time.

Well, those two years have gone by fairly quickly, even though my husband might disagree. 

Last week my husband found out that all of his hard work was going to pay off.  When I opened the mailbox on Tuesday and found a large envelope I knew that God was finally saying "YES".

Who knew that one piece of paper could mean so much?  I have no idea what will happen next.  My husband is filling out applications and getting his resume up-to-date.  I am not sure where God will lead us, but I can't wait to see what He has in store for my husband next.

I am linking this post to Finer Things Friday at The Finer Things in Life because being there for my husband through the highs and lows has truly been a finer thing.

One Piece of Paper

Bunny Finger Puppet Tutorial

When I was a little girl my mom made some bunny finger puppets.  I wanted to make some that were similar, but I didn't want to take apart her work.  So, I fiddled around with my own pattern until I got it to work.  I have decided to share the results with you.

I think they turned out pretty cute.  I whipped up ten of these really quickly yesterday.  They take a very small amount of fake fur and felt.  A yard of fake fur would probably make 50 or more of these little bunnies.  That is just a guesstimate, but they really do only require a small amount of fake fur.

I have made the pattern to be nice and snug on an adult finger.  The bunnies fit nicely on a child's finger as well.  My five year old son has it on his finger in the picture above. 

If you would like to make a bunny finger puppet of your own simply click the link below to download and print my tutorial.  Be careful, though.  These bunnies are so easy to make they might multiply pretty quickly.  ;-)
Bunny Finger Puppet Tutorial

This was my first time to try to draw a pattern piece on the computer.  I scanned my original template and then traced it in a program.  I checked after printing and it is the same size as my original.  Just make sure you have your printer set to "no scaling" and for it to be printed "actual size".  Otherwise, your bunny will not turn out properly.  To check if you printed it correctly the body piece should be 6 3/8 inches long and 2 inches wide.  If it is then you know you have printed it at the right size.

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.  Also, if you want to sell items made from this tutorial that is fine.  This only goes for the home sewer and not for mass production.  If you do sell from this tutorial please leave a link back to my site in your listing.  Also, do not sell this tutorial.  Thank you.

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.  I am also linking to Favorite Things Friday at A Few of My Favorite Things, and to Friday Fun Finds at KoJo Designs.
 

Bunny Finger Puppet Tutorial

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 15 & 16

Today I am going to start sharing from part two of Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. I have really enjoyed going back over this book and posting key scripture and text.  It has really been a great way to make sure I didn't miss anything when I read the book the first time. 

Part two is called "8 Practical Rules".  These rules come from Titus 2:3-5.

³The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; ⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Wouldn't it be great if all wives would do the things in this passage?  Unfortunately, this isn't the case.  I wanted to share a few things that have been told to me over the years by women who should have taken their roles as mentors seriously.

One older woman told me, on more than one occasion, that "the kids have moved out and the dog has died.  My life has begun."  I really found that to be sad because I feel like I am already living my life.  I am not waiting for my kids to move out to have a life.  God has given me a clear cut task in those verses above and I am sure not going to miss the opportunity to follow His Word.  I didn't have the guts to say anything to this woman at the time, but if it is said to me again I need to be bold enough to share God's Word with her.

The other scenario happened when I just had one child.  An older Christian woman told me that if a couple never fights it means that someone isn't happy and is just not letting the other person know.  This woman made it seem like fighting was a part of marriage.  I told her that my husband and I didn't fight, but would sometimes disagree. 

After reading this book I am more aware that happiness is a choice.  My husband may not always make decisions that make me happy, but I am sure I have made decisions that didn't make him happy either.  If I had taken the advice of this twice divorced woman I would hate to see what shambles my marriage would be in.  I am married to a man who has flaws.  However, I am choosing to be happy.  I am choosing to not point out all of his flaws.  I am choosing to pray for him.  I am choosing to love him just the way he is.  (By the way, I think he is pretty wonderful.)

Does this make me a door mat?  I don't think so.  It takes more "guts" to follow the guidelines in this book and the Bible than to live the way the rest of the world does.  I used to be known as quite the feminist.  I am not sure anyone would think that now, especially after reading all of the posts on this topic.  However, I believe that women can be empowered more by following God's word than by following the "world".

Chapter 15-To Be Sober

• "When a woman soberly considers the needs, time schedule, and resources of her home, then she will be a more efficient help meet."
• "It is not a grouchy old husband or bad days that cause the problems of cooking or cleaning for young wives.  It is the lack of simple planning."
• "A wise woman doesn't ever allow herself to be a liability, but strives to always b an asset to the marriage.  She looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely.  Her husband nows he is a richer man because she is his wife."
• "A good help meet establishes a haven of rest."
• "She will adjust to her husband's time schedule and eating habits."
• "She will relax and enjoy her family, instead of worrying and fretting."
• "Most wives reading this book were trained not to honor their husbands.  You were most likely trained by a mother's example to disrespect and resent your dad.  You were trained by watching your mom show displeasure at your father's bad habits, and nothing has changed in the way you relate to your husband.  It seems natural to be angry rather than to seek change for the better.  It is not easy to break a well-established tradition, but it will certainly be worth the effort."
• Proverbs 12:4
• Isaiah 33:6

Chapter 16-To Love Their Husbands 

• "We were, and are, created to be help meets.  Every day and every night we need to be ready to minister to his (our husbands) needs."
• "God's ultimate goal is for you to meet your man's needs."
• "God's original intention was that a woman would spend her life helping her husband fulfill his dreams and ambitions."
• "From the beginning, God meant for us to be a comfort, a blessing, a reward, a friend, an encouragement, and a right-hand woman."
• "A good help meet glories in answering her husband's needs."
• "She learns to know his needs even before he is aware of them."
• "She empties her mind of the cares of the world so her body can respond to him with eagerness."
• Ephesians 5:21-33
• James 4:17
• 1 Corinthians 7:2-5; 11:9
• Genesis 18:2; 24:67
• Proverbs 30:18-19
• Song of Solomon 3:4; 22
• Romans 1:20-28
• Luke 17:2

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 15 & 16

Just a Name?

Back in January I posted about starting the Bible in 90 Days Challenge.  I have a confession to make.  I am 20 days behind in my reading.  I am only ready for day 44 when I should be on day 63.  I am only ready for Psalm 109 when I should be ready for Ezekiel 47.

I was starting to feel bad about letting "life" get in the way of this challenge.  But, then I started wondering why I was feeling guilty because there have been some really good things that have happened as a result of starting this challenge.

I have been reading the Bible more than I ever have in my life.  I am almost halfway through the Bible in just a little over two months.  I have been blessed by reading God's Word more than ever before.  I have learned so much that I either have forgotten or never really knew.

I think that in light of those positives I am not going to beat myself up over not being where I am supposed to be in this challenge.  I will do my best, but even if I don't finish reading the Bible in 90 days I will finish it. 

Now, if you will indulge me for just a little bit longer I wanted to share why I chose the title of this post.  You see, some parts of the Bible have long lists of names.  Names that are hard to pronounce.  Names of people that lived so long ago.  It is easy to want to just skim over their names.

However, those names must have been listed in the Bible for a reason.  Did those people ever dream that someday I would read their name in the Bible and wonder what their life was like?  I don't know the answer to that, but I do know one thing for sure.  My name will never be in the Bible. 

So, if those people, whose names I wanted to skim over, were important enough to be listed in the Bible what will my name mean centuries from now?  Will my life have had any meaning or will my name be skimmed over some day, if it is even remembered at all?

I really have no idea and quite frankly the thought is a little scary to me.  However, I am not going to spend time worrying about it. 

What I am going to do is keep reading my Bible because I know that God has a plan laid out for me within its pages.  I want to follow His Word so that my children, who are my legacy, will know this.  Even though someday I will just be another name of someone who lived on this earth, that I was someone who loved the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and taught them to do the same. 

I am linking this post to Motivate Me Monday at the Fifth Street Palace.

Just a Name?

Menu Plan for the Week of March 14th.

Our menu plans aren't super exciting I realize, but it is helpful for me to type them out here each week.  It keeps me accountable and helps this new habit of menu planning stick. 

I am hoping to try a couple of new bread recipes this week.  My husband's cousin sent me the link to a whole wheat bread recipe from The Urban Homemaker that I would like to try.  The only thing is that I don't have dough enhancer.  I looked around the web and found some recipes to make dough enhancer.  However, I would love to find a single ingredient or two to do the job instead of the multiple ingredients those recipes call for.  Anyone have any ideas?

Sunday-Leftovers
Monday-Zucchini Casserole, Corn, Pears, Bread & Butter
Tuesday-Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cooked Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Cornbread
Wednesday-Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Cooked Cauliflower, Peaches, Biscuits
Thursday-Baked Chicken Breasts, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Pineapple, Bread & Butter
Friday-Movie Night at Church (I need to figure out what to take.)
Saturday-Homemade Pizza, Salad, Applesauce, Breadsticks


I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of March 14th.

I just listed my first pattern on Etsy.

I have been mulling around the idea of selling a few of my patterns on Etsy for a while now.  I have just never been brave enough to give it a go.  However, with the encouragement of my blogging buddy Sarah (more on her later) I did it.  Today I listed my Tic-Tac-Toe On-the-Go Pattern on Etsy.

I made my first tic-tac-toe bags for Christmas gifts a few years ago.  My five year old has been enjoying his lately, so I decided to type up my pattern.

The 9 page printable PDF pattern includes 13 color photographs, complete and detailed step-by-step instructions, and 14 additional options to make a customizable and unique Tic-Tac-Toe On-the-Go Bag for only $2.50.  So, if you love to sew then check out my pattern. 

Before I go I want to give a little plug for Sarah's new Etsy shop.  She was so kind to post about my pattern on her blog, and I wanted to return the favor.   I think her handmade dolls and dinosaur are just too cute.  If you are in the market for a cute baby gift check out Sarah's shop.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

I just listed my first pattern on Etsy.

Sunny Days

As I am sitting here on this rainy and dreary Friday I can't help but think about all of the fun we have had this past week.  We had several days of sunshine and warmer temperatures that made us long for spring even more.  Getting out of the house and "blowing the stink off of us" was a great feeling.

The golf pictures were from last Saturday and the other pictures were taken Monday at our house.

James teeing up the ball.

Julia watches where her ball went.

Joshua trying to hit the ball right-handed.

I tried to help Joseph hit the ball.

James and Joshua decided to push their bikes up the hill.

Julia and Joseph played at the well.

Joseph loved riding the tractor.

James had fun riding his bike.

Joshua fell as soon as he started riding, but he got right back on.

My pretty girl Julia.

Joshua and his Daddy played a little baseball.

I am linking this post to Finer Things Friday at The Finer Things in Life because spending time with my family, whether it be in sunshine or in rain, truly is a finer thing.

Sunny Days

Grandma's Easter Eggs

I inherited a small collection of Easter eggs from my grandma.  My mom has quite a few more of her eggs that I will have to get pictures of them sometime.  Anyway, she would blow the yolks and whites out of eggs and then rinse them out.  Then she, and sometimes my grandpa, would decorate them.  She was involved in many clubs, so I think that some of them were displayed somewhere.  (Mom, you might have to help me out on some details.)

Here are a few of the eggs my grandma decorated over the years.

That last guy is a little scary.  :-)  I like the guy in the top hat, and I think my grandpa drew the face.  I also think the hot air balloon is cool.  Like I said, I will have to take pictures of the eggs and egg tree my mom has and post them soon.

Easter eggs are definitely not the focus for us at Easter, but they are fun to decorate. 

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.  

Grandma's Easter Eggs

Spring Has Sprung

With temperatures in the 60's today and the sun shining brightly it feels like spring has arrived.

Days like today make me think of the song "Pass It On" that I learned as a girl.  There is a verse in that song about spring that I just love.

"What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the trees are budding.
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on."

Today, and every day, I want to make sure I am passing on God's love.

Spring Has Sprung

Menu Plan for the Week of March 7th.

Last week I mentioned that I wanted to try this bread recipe as well as this pork chop recipe.  I thought I would share my thoughts on the two recipes.

 

The Peking Pork Chops were a hit, so I will be making these again.

  

I tried the Easy Artisan Bread recipe using all whole wheat flour.  I put it on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and placed a pan of water on the top rack of the oven since I didn't have an enameled dutch oven.  Well, 450 degrees and parchment paper don't mix.  It crumbled, but thankfully didn't burn.  The crust was too hard to eat, but the warm bread did taste good.

 

I tried making the rest of the dough that was in the fridge a few days later only this time kept the oven at 400 degrees.  I didn't add the pan of water, but spritzed the loaf with water before baking.  This time we were able to eat the crust without breaking a tooth.  :-) 

I liked the ease of this recipe and that there were so few ingredients.  However, I am not sure whether I will make it again. 

Now, on with the menu planning because if I don't get this figured out soon it will be supper time.

Sunday-Leftovers
Monday-Grilled Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Cooked Corn, Orange Slices
Tuesday-Baked Salmon, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Cornbread
Wednesday-Roast Beef, Potatoes, Onions & Carrots (in crock pot), Salad, Fruit Cocktail
Thursday-Baked Chicken Breasts, Butternut Squash, Cheesy Broccoli, Applesauce
Friday- Tacos or Taco Salad, Chips & Salsa, Apple Slices, Carrot & Celery Sticks
Saturday-Beefy Noodles, Pears, Cooked Cauliflower, Biscuits

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of March 7th.