Floating In Winter Creek

To Blog or Not To Blog?

2012-01-02T12:59:00.001-08:00

Not all that interested in blogging right now ... but don't want to delete mine either.

Layers of Lies

2011-07-27T21:05:00.001-07:00

While it seems wrong to complain about losing four pounds, that’s sort of what I’m about to do. You may already know that last week our family finished the 10 Day Pledge from 100DaysOfRealFood. In short, it’s a commitment to eat and prepare dishes/snacks made from whole foods – only whole grains (no white or partial-white flours) and no refined sweeteners (choose honey or real maple syrup instead). There are more details, if interested, and I’ve posted all about them previously.

We did successfully complete the pledge, and I’ve decided to continue. My family will still make their own “out & about” choices, but the whole foods offerings at home are here to stay. Here’s why - - - the results are disturbing. We are eating LESS food and are hungry LESS often, because whole foods take longer for your body to breakdown and utilize than processed/packaged foods. Our energy levels are more constant and my sleep seems more restorative. I’ve lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks without concern for portion size, without exercise (that WILL come), and without being hungry. We’re eating butter on our homemade whole-grain bread, pouring half & half on our oatmeal, and making Alfredo sauce with heavy whipping cream for our brown rice pasta. Of course, we’re eating lots of fruits & vegetables too.

Isn’t another decade of greater obesity, higher cancer rates, more heart disease, etc. enough to convince people that something’s NOT right? Isn’t it obvious that there are layers and layers of lies regarding nutrition in our American culture? I suppose truths have always been out there, but - for me - they sure have been hard to find.

Here are a few blogs/websites that have helped me sort through the mess of information.

Wanting to be equipped with more knowledge, and not just my own opinions, today I started reading “Fateful Fork” (here’s a review) – (here’s the table of contents). It’s been helpful and revealing – timeless nutrition facts that sort through fads, and expose motives of corporate profitability.

There IS a small and growing national movement (backlash?!) towards and demand for simple whole foods, and I’m glad to finally be part of it! My depth of understanding is still slight, but I’m confident we’ve finally found the correct path – REAL WHOLE FOODS.

10 Day Wrap Up

2011-07-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Our family just completed the 10 Day Pledge from Lisa at 100 Days Of Real Food. We only have good things to report.

Staying full longer - So less snacking

Nutrient & fiber rich foods take longer to digest

More energy (Cassie & Tami)
Less stomach issues (Cassie)
Lost 2.5 pounds during our pledge (Tami)

Since there was absolutely NO exercise, it must be the diet change

Had fun cooking healthy recipes, having people rave over them, and then telling them what they're eating is HEALTHY! (Jaycie)

As stated in an earlier post, we've decided to continue our commitment to "whole food" eating. Though I thought we were preparing & eating fairly healthy foods before, I didn't realize how often we turn to processed foods for snacks and packing lunches. I cleaned our our pantry this week and donated multiple bags of 'convenience' and canned foods to our local food bank. That left me with plenty of room to store my bulk whole grain purchases - which I've been shuffling from here to there, all around the other packaged foods.

It's easy to be skeptical, but surely you've got 10 days to try it for yourself, so go ahead!! I'll be looking forward to hearing your evaluations, and if you need any recipe recommendations, be sure to scroll down through my blog pages -- all ten days worth of menus are there.

Day 10 of 10

2011-07-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

As our 10 Days are coming to an official end, we're looking forward to continuing it with a little wiggle room here & there for homemade junk food!

I've found that most of our favorite recipes can be easily adapted to keep out refined sugars, fats and flours. Laura, at Heavenly Homemakers has put together a marvelous post with lots & lots of informative links about adapting your recipes for healthy living! And she created this handy print out to keep in your kitchen!

Tomorrow I'll post an evaluation and wrap up of our pledge.

Wednesday's Menu
Breakfast:

Homemade Granola
Homemade Yogurt

Lunch:

Leftover Salad
Bean and/or Fish Tacos

Both proteins are leftovers

Snacks:

Cherries
Pudding Popsicles

Dinner:

Breakfast Skillet

Ours will have a couple less ingredients

Day 9 of 10

2011-07-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

These arrived yesterday and we had the YUMMIEST banana, almond butter and half & half popsicles for dessert - actually, Mark had two! Yes, they're a bit indulgent, but based on reviews, they'll last a long time and the "push up" design is brillant!! No more messes, or popsicle sticks that come out WITHOUT the popsicle." Today I'm filling up our empties with orange juice concentrate, homemade yogurt & vanilla extract - creamsicles!

Breakfast:

Breakfast Cookies

Leftover from Jaycie's double batch on Saturday.

Lunch:

Leftovers

A bonus that comes from cooking a great dinner every night!

Snacks:

To Be Determined

Dinner:

Steak Salad

Soy Ginger Marinade
Homemade Dressing (not sure which recipe yet)

Day 8 of 10

2011-07-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

We lost sleep last night due to a runaway cat. We've got a house full of guests coming tomorrow night. My kitchen is ripped apart because I'm cleaning cupboards - sorting through what's good to keep and what just contributes to poor choices for our family. All that being the case, our menu today is easy, and I'm not feeling much writing creativity.

Monday's Menu:
Breakfast:

Homemade Plain Yogurt

Lunch:

Leftovers from Saturday & Sunday

Snacks:

To Be Determined

Dinner:

Chicken & Wild Rice Bake
Broccoli

Day 7 of 10

2011-07-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

Last night, while Jaycie was mixing our breakfast cookies for this morning, she asked about when we were going to be done with "this." I assumed her between-the-lines point was "I'm tired of this whole food thing and want some 'real' cookies", so I answered accordingly. However, Jaycie corrected me and said, "No mom - I don't think we should stop. I like it." Woo hoo!

Our plan IS to continue. I'm seeing just how MUCH we've relied on processed food, and emptied out a cupboard last night in preparation for doing it a whole lot LESS. This pledge has definitely inspired some excellent creativity from our ladies ~ Avila & Jaycie made frozen banana sticks - 1.5" sections of ripe bananas on a popsicle stick, dipped in our CRAZY GOOD chocolate sauce (reduced cocoa to 3/4 c.), rolled in pecans and shredded coconut. This "whole food" philosophy may not be so hard after all!!

Sunday's Menu:
Breakfast:

Lunch:

Panini Cheese Sandwiches
Tomatos

Snacks:

Leftovers from Saturday
Apples

Dinner:

Brown Rice
Pinto Beans
Homemade Salsa
Sharp White Chedder Cheese

Day 6 of 10

2011-07-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

This week we sprouted alfalfa seeds!! I can't believe how ULTRA easy this is!

The GARLIC TWIST is my absolute favorite kitchen gadget right now! Soooo LOVE it!

Saturday's Menu:Breakfast:

Pina Colada Smoothies

We added a banana for a little more sweetness

Lunch:

Tuna Lettuce Wraps w/ sprouts, of course!

Snacks:

To Be Determined

Dinner:

Baked Fish
Roasted Red Potatoes
Green Bean Salad

Day 5 of 10

2011-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

Our pledge is going along much more smoothly than anticipated. There hasn't been a single "blah" meal, and many have been ultra delicious, so it's hard to complain about that. Menu planning, I'm sure, has been the key to success. One thing I "think" I'm noticing is that we're all snacking less between meals. The whole grains / whole foods definitely seem to "stick with you" longer!

Here's a super helpful and ultra easy way to determine whether your grocery store produce is organic, genetically modified, or conventional. Unlike the tomato stickers below, that begins with the number eight, you won't always see the "Grown From Genetically Modified Seeds" statement.

For Example:
A conventionally grown banana would be: 4011

A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011

An organic banana would be: 94011

Friday's Menu
Breakfast:

Two loaves Whole-Wheat Banana Bread

One with walnuts, one without

Milk

Lunch:

Apples
Almond Butter
Triscuits

Snacks:

Hard-boiled Eggs
Fresh Raspberries
Cooked Brown Rice

Dinner:

Cornmeal-Yogurt Biscuits

Using freshly ground wheat berries and corn to make the flour and meal, thanks to the Christmas present Mark got me.

Chili

No recipe, but the pinto beans are soaking and I'll throw it together when we get there!

Day 4 of 10

2011-07-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to whole food eating. I'm recording our journey here.

There's a ton to learn about whole grain - and supposedly whole grain - products. Especially, how MANY products will say "whole grain" on the package, and while there are SOME whole grains in the product, the list of other ingredients often includes products that are NOT whole grain. For example, check out this "Whole Grain Barilla Pasta." 51% of the pasta is made of whole wheat -- the other 49% isn't. Yes, it's "better" than usual pasta, but it's still not the WHOLE GRAIN product that it seems to represent..

Thankfully, Lisa, at 100daysofrealfood.com has compiled a marvelous & informative post that I'm using as a "cheat sheet."

It's a good thing we're doing this over the summer -- my kitchen is pretty messy and/or full right now. Alfala seeds are sprouting, yogurt is making, almonds are waiting to be "buttered", extra dirty dishes due to more homemade options, and a bit of extra clutter, too.

Thursday's Menu:
Breakfast:

Homemade yogurt & frozen berry smoothies

Lunch:

Egg salad

Homemade mayonnaise (couldn't find recipe online that used 'on hand' ingredients, so I adapted and it turned out all right!)

1 egg
1/3 t. dry mustard
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 t. minced garlic
3/4 c. grapeseed oil

Triscuits (Actually meets the 10 Day Pledge Rules - 100% whole grain and less than 5 ingredients!)

Snacks:

Fresh strawberries
Homemade chocolate syrup - decrease the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup. So YUM!!

Dinner:

Stuffed Zuchinni
Green salad w/ leftover homemade dressing

Day 3 of 10

2011-07-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

Avila was over at a friend's home yesterday and when it came to snack time she shared about our eating pledge. They worked with her and came up with some good choices! What completely surprises me is that I haven't instructed the girls about what they HAVE to do, but rather shared with them what I'm doing. Turns out they just WANT to do the pledge, too!

So far, our pledge has been pretty easy to keep. Of course, it's summer and we've got more time than usual for food shopping, preparation, cooking and eating. Once school starts back up, that could be our downfall. However, I'm hoping that the next month of "practice" will help prepare us gain some skills and ideas that will make healthy eating a bit more "natural" for us! Ha!!

Wednesday's Menu

Breakfast:

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
Homemade Yogurt
Berry Sauce (Leftover from yesterday)

Lunch:

Tomato, Cucumber, Feta, Onion Salad
Leftover Chicken
Leftover oranges
Leftover whole wheat crepes w/ almond butter

Snacks:

Raspberries
Fresh Coconut

Dinner:

100% Whole Grain Brown Rice Pasta
Alfredo Sauce
Asparagus
Salad

Day 2 of 10

2011-07-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

You've found our family in the middle of a 10 Day Pledge to "whole food" eating. I'm recording our journey here.

Yesterday, Michelle and I drove to Ramona Family Naturals. It was smaller than I'd hoped for, but the man who owns it is REALLY nice and they were playing Third Day music, so I'd like to give them some of my business. Nevertheless, the 30 minute one-way drive can hardly be justified on that alone. Which is exactly why I'm ULTRA excited that Michelle spotted a meat/butcher store that we decided to check out --- WINNER!! Bisher's Quality Meats. The personal help was great, since I'm a bit "meat challenged." We asked lots of questions - to Daniel, the butcher, & people waiting in line! Good prices (rivaling Costoc on some items) & high quality (exceeding Costco on some items) have compelled me to plan a monthly trip with my menu ... and stop by Family Naturals, at the same time!

Tuesday's Menu:
Breakfast @ 4:00 a.m.:

Rolled oats
Honey
Pecans
Banana
Whole Milk

Breakfast with Family:

Greek Eggs
Fresh Cherries
Raw Skim Milk

Lunch:

Whole wheat crepes
Berry Sauce
Fresh Strawberries

Snacks:

Fresh Cherries
Fresh Strawberries

Dinner:

Apple-Chedder Salad w/ Sweet Cream Vinaigrette

(Using honey instead of sugar to toast pecans)

Cassie threw together a fantastic 'whole foods' omelette for her afternoon snack. Also, when a friend brought chocolate muffins to summer school, she declined! I'm not forcing her, honestly - That's why it's post worthy!

Day 1 of 10

2011-07-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today our family begins the 10 Day Pledge - a mini version of 100 Day of Real Food. I've worked hard over the weekend to create our menu and stock up on appropriate groceries. That being the case, our first couple of days should be a breeze! Of note, we will be eating less meat than normal simply because I haven't found any great deals on organic options. While shopping at Costco, I purchased

Two whole fresh organic chickens - $22.63
Three pounds fresh organic ground beef - $13.99
3.5 pounds fresh organic chicken breasts - $21.50
Ouch!

Those won't all be consumed during these 10 days, but it's easy to see how meat could break our budget. While there's plenty of assurance this healthy eating can be done on a tight budget, I'm handicapped by being a newbie and not yet knowing all the best resources.
Monday Menu:
Breakfast:

Homemade plain yogurt
Maple syrup (for sweetener)
Homemade granola (without the brown sugar)
Frozen blueberries

Lunch:

Apple
Almond Butter

Snacks: (I'm used to eating lots of small meals, so my list can get long!)

Banana
String Cheese
Almonds
Milk

Dinner:

Best Whole Chicken - Crock Pot
Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pepitas
Fresh Oranges

10 Day Pledge

2011-07-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I begin a 10 Day Pledge. It's the beginner's version of the 100 Days of Real Food Challenge. In short, I'm making a personal commitment to eat and serve our family meals that are only whole/non-processed foods. Everyone else will still be making their own snack (there's plenty of processed stuff in our pantry, unfortunately) and outside-the-home food choices, but they're all mostly on board. Cassie, especially, has some semi-chronic stomach problems, so we're eager to determine whether this change will provide a simple cure for her.

Here are the rules ~
What you CAN eat:

Whole foods that are more a product of nature than a product of industry
Lots of fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, unsweetened yogurt, eggs, and cheese
100% whole-wheat and whole-grains
Seafood (wild caught is the optimal choice over farm-raised)
Only locally raised meats such as pork, beef, and chicken (preferably in moderation)
Beverages limited to water, milk, all natural juices, naturally sweetened coffee & tea, and, to help the adults keep their sanity, wine and beer!
Snacks like dried fruit, seeds, nuts and popcorn
All natural sweeteners including honey, 100% maple syrup, and fruit juice concentrates are acceptable in moderation

What you CANNOT eat:

No refined grains such as white flour or white rice
No refined sweeteners such as sugar, any form of corn syrup, cane juice, or the artificial stuff like Splenda
Nothing out of a box, can, bag, bottle or package that has more than 5 ingredients listed on the label
No deep fried foods
No “fast foods”

The only rule I think will be a problem is the locally raised meats. Until I'm able to determine what local options there are or are not, I'm going to include organic meats (even if not local). Costco and Henry's have some offerings - Costco having the more economical, but less varied ones. Tomorrow a friend and I are taking a field trip to Ramona Family Naturals to check out their store and raw milk products.

For the next 10 days, you can track with me on my blog. There will be a daily list of foods consumed/prepared, along with possible struggles and/or complaints therein. Afterwards, I'll wrap up the pledge with a personal evaluation and any differences worth noting.

Keeping Rest Without Legalism

2011-07-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Today, Saturday, is my "sabbath" day. A day of resting and letting the Lord tend to what must be done in the world. A day for extra long Bible reading. A day with lots of space to stop (whatever it is you're not doing) and pray. A day to play. A day for creativity -- knitting, of course! A day for unhurried conversation.

I don't claim to know the mind of God, and I've often been proved wrong when trying to interrupt what I do 'know.' Nevertheless, I believe God's commands are still best -- all 10 of them, even the Sabbath. For some reasons, that I do not clearly understand, most Christians either forsake it or don't think it's still relevant. God has written His law upon my heart, and although I might be interpreting it incorrectly, my heart convicts me that resting is STILL in God's best requirement for me ... on a set aside day. Sabbath, as given to the Israelites, was from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Emperor Constantine decided the Christian Sabbath should be on Sunday, so that's the most immediate heritage we have. Whatever the details, some of which I've decided are legalistic arguments, resting for 20 minutes here or there over the week and going to church on Sunday, for me, are different than a day of resting.

How have you reconciled the Scripture with your living? I'm interested in knowing. In understanding.

(Oh, I want to thank MorgueFile.com for free photos to use on my blog. Check them out!)

Benefit Shared & Multiplied

2011-07-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

My lovely and oldest daughters, Cassie & Jaycie, worked ultra hard this week to get AHEAD of their summer school schedule, thus earning today OFF. Of course, since they don't have to go to school, that means I don't have to drive them there. The benefit of their extra work is a blessing to me, as well! Thank you, ladies, for earning me a day off, too!!

Wouldn't it have been great if my body had slept in a little longer (7:15 a.m. just doesn't seem late enough)? Nevertheless, at 9:13 a.m. (as I type this) the house is still fairly quiet, and I like that!

Since I get to stay home today, my list of "around the house" tasks today include

Cleaning our master bathroom. I still can't figure out WHAT happened to my favorite product - Shower Power. We used to be able to purchase it in stores - lots of them! - but now it's only available online, for a much higher price.

Making homemade yogurt - I've done this quite successfully for some time overnight in the oven, but recently purchased the EuroCuisine Digital Yogurt Maker. My first couple of batches have been much too tart, so I'm making some adjustments and trying again. Once the quirks of your unique ingredient (starter, milk fat content, thickener) and method (heat, hours) combination are worked out, then you're set ... but I'm not quite there yet with this new machine.

Study session with my Investigation: Jesus teaching partner, Sue.
Knitting on a secret project (here's a super tiny sample photo)

Undoubtedly, the girls will continue their "Harry Potter Marathon" which was begun last night. I'll definitely sit down here and there to join them, in preparation for the last release next week.
A spaghetti dinner - youth fundraiser - at the church takes care of our dinner plans.
Oh, I've already got my Bible reading done!
Of course, exercising is nowhere on my list. Just can't ever seem to get everything right!

Tomorrow is my Sabbath day, and as was the case way back when, preparation the day before (today) is still key to ensuring and protecting its successfulness!

No New Knitting?

2011-06-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

As a New Year's inspiration, I decided NOT to buy any yarn or knitting books for all of 2011 ... UNLESS (ha!) it was for a specific gift that had a deadline. I've made two such purchases, and otherwise the goal is very on track. However, the unspoken part of that "inspiration" included the idea that I'd be finishing up existing knitting projects, using up some stash, etc. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. In fact, I've hardly been knitting at all. Even worse, last week I chose to "unlead" the knitting group that was created four years ago by me. Somehow, knitting has gotten squeezed out of my days, weeks and months. Of course, there are seasons of change, and life must make room for them, but I suspect this is mostly an indication of imbalance.

These two skeins of Fame Trend by Marks & Kattens mark the return of some quiet & creative hours. Yes, they're fresh 2011 purchases (bought on the last "Knitting Spree" event with my group), but they ARE for a gift, and that gift DOES have a deadline. And afterwards? Let the unspoken aspect of my "inspiration" decision come to life!! Maybe something inside me will, too, at the same time!

New Beginnings All Around

2011-06-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

God, in His faithful grace, offers us a new beginning in His Son. I accepted that grace over 28 years ago. Strangely -- WONDERFULLY -- it isn't a one time offer. Over and over again, I've turned to Messiah to confess my independant waywardness and longing for the "new" beginning that only He can give. That's the FRESHEST kind of beginning there is! Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Today, I'm celebrating a different new beginning. The beginning of Summer Vacation! It's my first week. While there will still be fun, Cassie & Jaycie have enrolled in a Spanish II summer school course, so these are not our typical "freestyle" lazy & wild days. Nevertheless, not setting the alarm clock this morning was marvelous! The Engineer was actually the first one up and out the door (usually he's the last).

We said good-bye to Victoria Rose last weekend. After spending 11 months with our family, she flew home to Germany. We had a marvelous year being a family of 6 (five girls!!), but new adventures await us all, and that helped temper our sadness. This blog has been focused primarily on Victoria's time here so her mom & dad could be more involved in the details from afar, but today even my blog gets a new beginning.

The girls' "godfather", La Mesa's Fire Captain, our neighbor & friend, Howard treated us and some friends to a hands on, private VIP tour of the La Mesa Fire Department last week.

There didn't seem a particularly fitting way to introduce my WinterCreek blog to summer. Then again, cleaning two ceiling fans didn't seem a particularly fitting way to spend my first morning of summer either, but we've now officially begun! Happy vacationing to you ALL!

Talent Show

2011-06-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

Wow – for being such a small Charter High School, we’ve got a TON of talent!! What a truly impressive night. Of course, our girls contributed to the fun!

Victoria, Angie & Lauren - Hoe Down!

Jaycie, Olivia & Briana–Disturbia!

Belmont Park

2011-06-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

It’s been years since we’ve been to the old-fashioned styled boardwalk at Mission Bay, but it was high on our “Places to take Victoria” list! As of today, we only have two weeks left with Vicky. We’ve all had a WONDERFUL year!

Easter Break Underway!

2011-04-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Easter Break began today and we started it off RIGHT!! The day at Coronado beach and the night at Corvette Diner! Be sure to check out the video at the end -- much too FUN!

Our German Sweetie

2011-02-14T21:22:00.001-08:00

Miss Victoria turned 16 today! We know her Dad & Mum are missing her and this celebration horribly, but we’re pretty sure we lavished Vicky enough to satisfy them, too. It was a wonderful day and we’re privileged to have shared it with her!!

Unwrapping presents in the morning!

Dinner at Cheesecake Factory with Lauren & Marion!

Celebrating at school!

Birthday Cheesecake!

Silka’s friend, Teresa, surprised Victoria with
a homemade German chocolate cake!

These little red & white mushroom candles are SO cute!

Making her wish!

Teresa also brought the biggest & best balloon!!

We Have A Cow!!

2011-02-04T08:08:00.001-08:00

I’m SUPER impressed with Pathways Community Church's fundraising effort to feed the hungry and expose youth to suffering world wide. This adorable orange cow, one of six that travel our city, appeared in Wintercreek today, with instructions about donating and how to send it to a new yard. February will be a month long effort, culminating with World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine on the 25th & 26th. Excellent creativity and beautiful heart!

Winter Formal

2011-01-23T08:15:00.001-08:00

Absolutely Beautiful!!

Domestic Discoveries

2011-01-21T16:22:00.001-08:00

A couple of exciting things have happened to my kitchen recently. No, we’re not remodeling. For Christmas (as posted previously), Mark crossed my electric grain mill of choice, the Nutrimill, off my wishlist! Since then I’ve been making lots of bread! Some is for giving to neighbors & friends, but with six us of in the house, quite a bit stays here! I’ve had the Wonder Junior for a while now and love its versatility (you’ve just GOT to come over for some fresh, nothing added, almond butter!), but for frequent bread making, the electric is much more suitable.

Since I’ve been making more bread, that prompted me to start looking for the best prices on whole wheat berries. The red ones are easy to find, but the white ones (and ‘they’ say the white are best!) have completely alluded me here in SoCal. After several disappointments, I finally found Azure Standard! A 2,000 acre farm in Oregon, committed to organic production. You might be thinking, “How does that help you in SoCal?” They have “drop points” or buying clubs in 21 states, including one right here in my area! Not only do I get organic food in California at Oregon prices, but there’s NO shipping charge!! Their catalog is huge (272 pages!) with a w-i-d-e variety of products. Frozen chicken, fresh dairy, bulk grains, body care, books, kitchen equipment and lots more! Here’s a list of my first order – $124 total.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azure Farm Hard White Wheat Berries, Organic	50 lbs.	24.85
Reed's Crystallized Baby Ginger Root	3.5 oz.	2.00
Azure Farm Barley, Hulled, Organic	5 lbs.	4.35
Bulk Amaranth, Organic	5 lbs.	10.35
Fresh Produce Apples, Granny Smith, Organic	20 lbs.	20.40
Earth Science Almond-Aloe Moisturizer	5 oz.	7.25
Azure Farm Buttermilk Powder, Organic	1 lb.	7.45
Organic Valley Buttermilk, Cultured	32 oz.	3.40
Frontier Cinnamon Flavor Extract	2 oz.	2.80
Azure Farm Pinto Beans, Organic	5 lbs.	7.45
Mary's Gone Crackers Original Crackers	6.5 oz.	3.75
Wholesome Blue Agave Cinnamon, Organic	11.75 oz.	4.70
Azure Farm Wheat Berries, Soft White, Organic	5 lbs.	2.90
Azure Farm Popcorn, Multicolored, Organic	40 oz.	4.40
Montana Milling Millet, Organic	5 lbs.	4.05
Earth Science Aloe Vera Complexion	8 oz.	6.30
Azure Farm Wheat, Hard, Red, Organic	5 lbs.	2.90
Organic Valley Half and Half, Organic	16 oz.	1.95
Bulk Vital Wheat Gluten Flour	1 lb.	2.75
Delivered to me in California!	107 lbs.	FREE

As you can tell, I’m super excited. If you’re even remotely interested, check them out right now!! I don’t know what food prices are like where you’re located, but compared to SoCal, those above prices are FANTASTIC!

Not sure what we’re having for dinner tonight, but it’ll be something to go with these Simple Flaky Biscuits. Doesn’t that seem like the perfect thing to build a meal around?!

Gondola For Two

2011-01-19T20:15:00.001-08:00

Taking advantage of a local Groupon offer, Cassie & Vicky had their own private sunset Gondola cruise in Coronado Bay. I’d originally purchased the certificate with Mark & I in mind, but when it came time to make reservations, sending these two just seemed best! Hope they made some good memories together!

Adding to the ‘romance’, chocolate dipped strawberries were included!

Gifts With Broad Appreciation

2011-01-13T22:44:00.001-08:00

Cassie received a Keurig coffee maker for Christmas. We’re ALL so happy about it! Even though most of us, including myself, don’t drink coffee, the instant hot water for tea & cocoa is impressive. Tonight I made myself a cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate – so cinnamony good! In the mornings, Cassie will sometimes mix hot chocolate with a little coffee to take on her trolley ride to school. Apparently, her friends are raving about this combo and have said they’ll pay her $2 a cup if she brings them some. Too funny!

Mark gifted me with a Nutrimill Grain Mill. Since we traveled to Oregon for the holidays, we opted to order it upon our return …. and it arrived yesterday! I’ve been reading and watching videos, but haven’t turned its speediness on yet. We love fresh baked bread here, and whole grain is the ultra best, so it’ll be grinding soon. I’m especially happy about being able to share the warm soft goodness more frequently with our neighbors!

With Love For Germany

2011-01-10T10:20:00.001-08:00

There were several items knitted up for Christmas, but I wanted to spotlight two of them here. Vicky helped me pick out colors for both – knowing what her mom and dad prefer.

First is Silka’s beaded Northampton Neckerchief. It turned out SUPER beautifully! I was very happy with the results. What I didn’t know when I ordered the yarn, was that there’s enough for TWO projects. If you’d like to make one of these for yourself, just let me know and I’ll send you my ‘extra’ supplies!

Zsolt’s massive socks!! Mix-and-Match Rib Sock Recipe (I chose Bamboo Rib). Sizing from afar can be a little tricky, but Silka was able to sneak me his shoe size, and – so I hear – we did pretty well! The color was a little boring for my liking, but that’s what Vicky was sure her dad liked in socks --- BORING.

The Oregon Trail

2011-01-09T20:04:00.001-08:00

We headed “home” to Oregon for Christmas, spending time in Coos Bay with my mom, and then up to Creswell to be with Mark’s family. There was LOTS of fun along the way – and the way back!

San Francisco - Lombard Street
Cassie drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, but I think that photo is on someone else’s camera. I gotta get those!

Elk Viewing Area – Oregon
Seeing the elk in-between Coos Bay and Creswell is always a delight. They only very rarely disappoint (by hiding somewhere else, I guess.) We were so happy they were out grazing for Vicky to see!

Christmas Eve
Our whole family read the Christmas story from our Advent Calendar and then I read “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” to everyone, but especially Vicky, since she’d never heard it before.

Christmas Morning
Thirteen of us were together on Christmas morning!! Nana, Papa Ken, Grandma Lissa, Uncle Matt, Aunt Sandie, Kayla, Nicholas, and the six of us. It was WONDERFUL!! Nana made her famous and yummy homemade cinnamon rolls.

This last photo was taken at The Rocket Inn in Creswell. We’d gotten up early and were heading out of town.

Before that though ….. there was the
University of Oregon DUCKS football team practice!!! They ended the season completely UNdefeated and play for the National Championship came tomorrow, January 10th. We’ll be rooting like CRAZY!!

Love My Ducks!!

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MacArthur Court – Ducks Basketball
Well, the basketball team is a whole different LOSING story, but Mark wanted to see a game for old time’s sake. Vicky and I decided to tag along!

Our trip to Oregon was GREAT!! Vicky’s parents had sent a package from Germany for her to open on Christmas Eve, but it got stuck in customs for over a month. Gratefully, we were all SO HAPPY, the package arrived at Nana’s house the Monday after Christmas. It was VERY SPECIAL to Vicky – she opened it in private to savor all its “from home” goodness. Zsolt & Silka were very generous to us all … I especially liked my leather bracelet!

Delightfully Sweet

2011-01-09T19:03:00.001-08:00

Cassie turned 16! I can’t believe it and love it all at the same time. We’re so proud of the lovely woman she’s grown into.

For Someone Else

2011-01-09T18:51:00.001-08:00

Ever year we choose to support some efforts that meet the practical needs of people who have less than we do. For the first time, we added Samaritan’s Purse to our list. Each of the girls filled a “Christmas Box” with basics like pencils, washcloths, toothbrushes and some fun things like candy & small toys, and then prayed over their boxes – child, really. We got an e-mail back from Samaritan’s Purse saying our boxes had been delivered to Indonesia!!

So our efforts would not fall quickly from mind and heart, we also ordered (and received) the free 2011 Weekly Prayer Calendar from Samaritan’s Purse that focuses on their humanitarian efforts all over the world. I just tried to link over there so you could get one too, but it looks like they’re no longer available. Hope that means LOTS of families are praying!!

(Jaycie filled a box, as well, but her photo turned out poorly, so we included a different one in her box.)

Disneyland

2011-01-09T18:06:00.001-08:00

This was Vicky’s first time to Disneyland, so we had LOTS of fun showing her everything!! Nana's arrival was a surprise for the all the girls! We got a NICE Christmas photo while there, too – that was a bonus!! (Be sure to click on one of the photos, and then that will take you to a full-size viewer for them all.)

Disneyland Nov. 2010

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Early Thanksgiving

2011-01-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

Our family was heading to Disneyland for the ‘technically’ real Thanksgiving, so we invited friends and family to celebrate with us two weeks early! So thrilled Auntie Melody, Uncle Bruce, Marian & Fred were willing to accept our ‘relationally’ more real invitation!! There was lots of yummy food, with everyone bringing and making something … or several things!! It was truly a SHARED feast!

Sharing Democracy

2010-11-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday, November 2nd America voted!! Vicky came with me to our polling location -- I let her fill in the circles (with my choices, of course) and wear my sticker!!

Not So Scary

2010-11-14T19:06:00.001-08:00

Waffles From Afar

2010-11-14T18:35:00.001-08:00

Two of the extravagant gifts Vicky brought us from Germany are a heart-shaped waffle iron & cookbook! After doing extensive research online and talking to salespersons on the phone, we determined that the waffle iron needed a step-down power converter which, unfortunately, cost $59.95, plus $30 shipping and weighed 16 pounds. This led to a simple math lesson – pay $90 for a ‘bowling ball’', or order the (almost) same waffle iron from Amazon for $29 and be bowling ball free. Together we opted for the latter. THEN we were able to do some sweet breakfast cooking!

Of course, we used the waffle recipe in her cookbook! In comparison, the German waffles are more thin & sweet than our American wintercreek version. We LOVED them!

Hungarian Gulyas

2010-09-29T21:45:00.001-07:00

Vicky treated our family to a WONDERFUL dish from home! Vicky’s father is Hungarian and does a lot of cooking at home, so it’s no surprise that our amazing exchange daughter from Germany would choose to make authentic Hungarian Gulyas (Goulash) for us!! She worked ultra hard and long on it, with Cassie joining in the chopping, chopping, and more chopping. There were a few translation issues, including one spice we never figured out, but as the hours of simmering passed, Vicky would come up to the kitchen and say, “It smells like home, so it must be right.”

Just when I thought it was ready to be served, Vicky said, “Next, I make the noodles.” Since we don’t have a Nokedli Maker, she had to improvise, and did an excellent job. The huge pot of Gulyas was delicious and there was plenty for snacking on throughout the week. Her Dad & Mum would’ve been proud!!

Thanks Everybody!!

2010-09-24T18:12:00.001-07:00

This week I turned 41. More importantly, my family remembered that I did. Even better than that –> They expended THOUGHTFUL effort on my behalf! That’s my favorite!!!! Admittedly, the gifts are sort of fun, too!

Mark went into work late and took me to breakfast!
Avila made homemade fruit tarts for my celebration!
Cassie gave me some nail polish and TEN - 10!! – certificates for “at home” pedicures!
Vicky gave me Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods lotion!
Jaycie & Avila arranged for my new Miche bags (Hope and Grace)!! Mark took over at the payment part.
Many “Happy Day” wishes from facebook friends!
Nana & Papa each sent a check for my shopping pleasure!
Mom sent some cash for more shopping indulgence!
Auntie & Uncle B. sent a Starbucks gift card!
Lots of cards in the mail from friends at church!
Someone gave me a very nice square black & muted white platter from Japan … but I don’t know who yet. I’m checking around!!
Karin left a fall bouquet on my front porch – she always likes to surprise in sneaky ways!
Michelle took me out today for breakfast, gifted me with Amazing Grace windchimes (be sure LISTEN to them at the link!), and then took me to a local knitting shop, where I spent the money mom sent!

I’m sure I’ll keep updating the list as I remember something I forgot, but it’s already clear that I’m utterly spoiled!! It’s been a very sweet week and using my blog to tell everybody THANK YOU seemed the perfect way to end it!

Pick One For Class

2010-09-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

In order to celebrate the first week of school’s end, our family & some friends went to D.I.Y Yogurt! Once our yummy yogurt was devoured, we played over at Santee Lakes – vast, beautiful & peaceful … especially when the girls wander off to find scenes for their photography class and leave mom on her blanket!

After studying their work in class, Cassie and Vicky each had to pick one photo to submit for their class. I like them both!

The dimensions in Vicky’s photo - fall leaves in front, old wooden posts in focus and reflecting ripples farthest away – invite a visual journey for those who want to linger.

The action and color in Cassie’s photo is striking. Brilliant blues and scattering heron.

First Day!

2010-09-07T08:03:00.001-07:00

We have THREE ladies in High School this year! Miss Avila doesn’t mind having the Jr. Academy all to herself, though!

Uniforms don’t make for super exciting photos, but these girls have been giggling and squealing about school starting for days.

Lake Day

2010-08-29T19:48:00.001-07:00

Every summer since the Shechets came into our lives, our family has received an invitation to join them at “their” lake (HOA) in Alpine. Every year, we accept!! Wouldn’t you?! Thank you, Kathy & Co., for the fun – and sweet friendship we cherish.

Kissing Jack

2010-08-21T20:49:00.001-07:00

Vicky’s first visit to Jack In The Box.

These girls have fun no matter where they go!!

Sands Of Time

2010-08-13T19:49:00.001-07:00

Look who joined the fun at the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition last Sunday! Over 350,000 people were expected to attend – proving, of course, more than a little hectic - but I’ve wanted to go for years, so we did!

I think the Wizard’s Castle won 1st place, but a few of us thought the rat was pretty good too! The rat was created by a pest control company and they’d placed “sand traps” to catch this one. Pretty ingenious advertising.

Don’t even ask me what that guy on the left is brushing!! You won’t get me to say “Chicken B--bs” in a billion years!!

I LOVED this photo of Avila under the pier.

There was also this cute surfer dude!

More Than Paint

2010-08-04T22:42:00.001-07:00

Cassie, Victoria & I went to Lowe’s today to get pick out paint for their bedroom. Not only did we come home with two PINK samples, but we found lots of other things to do there too!!

Bread In A Can – Who Knew?

2010-08-03T17:35:00.001-07:00

We had special bread with dinner last night. Bread from Germany. Bread in a can! I have seen such things online, but not in real life. I don’t know how they do it. Every method I can think of would result in soggy bread, but not this! It was dense, rich and flavorful.

We had a little trouble opening it …. but that was mostly my fault. I handed Vicky our can opener so she could serve it to us, but it’s one of those “no sharp edges” openers and didn’t work at all on this imported tin! So, we just turned the can over and Vicky opened it from the bottom with our traditional “go ahead a cut yourself on the sharp edges” opener!

Vicky is cutting it into portions for us, and Avila is tasting it! Spread the dark bread with some soft butter and FEAST!!
Guten Appetit!

WonderFULL Family

2010-08-01T21:57:00.001-07:00

In April, our family made the decision to be a host family for a student exchange program. We looked through many profiles, had lots of conversations, prayed together, and then told our AYUSA representative “We want Victoria.” Three months later, Victoria is HERE!!! During those months of preparation, we got to send many e-mails back and forth with this wonderFULL German family, getting to know each other, and coming to feel very comfortable as two families together. The eight of us were also able to have conversations on Skype, which helped us to know each other even more.

I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for Dad & Mum to say “Good-bye” to their daughter, send her off to live with a family for an entire school year, but they have done it, and we feel immensely privileged by this special opportunity. Over the next year, I will be using this blog to keep Victoria’s parents updated on the many adventures we are having!

This was our first look at Victoria (in white sweatshirt) – straight off the airplane after 12 l-o-n-g hours of travel. Mark (in white and to the left) received a special pass to go up to the gate to meet her, but the rest of us had to wait on the other side of security ... with balloons and a big “Welcome VICKY!” sign, of course!

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It is only our first full day together, and already we are feeling so much a part of each other. Tonight Vicky gave gifts to our family that she’d brought from Germany, Dad & Mum. It was all too much – and made me cry. Not that we need a reminder, but it is touching to our hearts to read the letter from Dad & Mum telling how much they treasure this opportunity for her daughter, and they are entrusting her to our care for the year. There were candies & cookies, bread in a can, a heart waffle maker, sports jerseys from the World Cup (Germany placed 3rd!!), a coffee mug from Cologne, a traditional game, jewelry for the girls --- and all so much. THANK YOU, Dad & Mum for all your sweetness to us – we are overwhelmed by your generosity. You have been most gracious to allow us this blessing of bringing your daughter into our home and our hearts. Though our time together is so new, we are already falling in love, and it makes us sad to think of having to say ‘Good-Bye’ when Vicky returns to her home in Germany.

There are MANY adventures just now beginning, and we want to share them from us to Germany right here on our little Wintercreek blog. To Dad & Mum in Germany we say, “Lassen wir das Abenteuer beginnen! Alle zusammen als eine grosse Familie!”

Jelly Bums Cow

2010-07-21T21:30:00.001-07:00

Miss Bridgette’s been wanting me to knit her a cow, so I set her free on Ravelry.com and we decided on the Jelly Bums pattern. You can’t see his cute little tail in the photo, but it was definitely an EASY & FUN one-day project! Now we’ve got three other Jelly Bum animals to make … because he needs friends, of course! I’ll put some weighted beads in the next ones, because our cow has a bit of trouble standing up straight.

Only three days old and he’s already on vacation! You can find out where here. It’s not too bad for a 40 something either!! Thank you to my mother-in-law, Charlotte, for pampering our whole family.

Frosting Certificates

2010-07-15T21:11:00.001-07:00

Kricket and Bridgette graduated from Beginning Cake Decorating class today. Our family from Oregon arrives tonight and now we’ve got two great looking cakes to greet them! The girls LOVED the classes and are eager to add their new skills to our family celebrations! Do you have a favorite cake decorating frosting recipe – one that can be piped for flowers, borders, etc.? The class required them to make the Wilton recipe – loaded with Crisco, which was darn close to painful for me. I’ve found a couple of alternate recipes online, but we’d be thrilled to make your tried & true favorites our new favorites!!

Cakes Everywhere

2010-07-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

Miss Bridgette and Kricket have been taking Cake Decorating classes. I was a bit skeptical at first, but they’ve been LOVING it! Bridgette & cooking have always been great together, and Kricket’s creativity is finding a new place for expression. Their blossoming skills are going to come in very handy, I’m sure!!

Ordained by the Lord and the Church

2010-07-07T11:06:00.001-07:00

Last night, after seven years of preparation and training, I was ordained. With the grace of the Lord, the steadfastness of my husband, the confirmation of the church and the support of family & friends we have travelled this journey together. Miraculously, nothing is finished, and only beginning. How delightful it is to walk with our Lord into His vision.

Here's the biography I wrote for the occasion.

Tami’s life began in September 1969 in Coos Bay, Oregon. She has great respect and admiration for her mother, Melissa, who persisted under difficult circumstances to provide for their family. In 1983, after the death of her uncle, many people in Tami’s family discovered & accepted Jesus’ love and salvation. They were blessed to begin this fantastic journey of knowing Him together!

The church quickly became a sanctuary of hope for Tami and she’s been involved ever since. It was at church in Corvallis, Oregon where Mark & Tami first met during their college years. After graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Health she moved to Portland, Oregon to begin work with the County Health Department and Mark moved to San Diego to begin civil service work with the Department of Defense. During that long-distance season Mark & Tami’s relationship matured, deepened and led to a marriage that’s lasted 17 years, brought along three gorgeous daughters – Cassie, Jaycie & Avila – and still has only just begun!

In 2003, while under the spiritual direction of Pastor Frank Robinson, the Lord Jesus brought to Tami a very clear vision and call – “Set My People Free.” Seven years later, Tami is overwhelmed with the GRACE of God that has brought her to this day. Ordination. Tami has been deeply privileged with the opportunity to serve as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at New Heights Community Church in Santee, California, under the entrusting leadership of Pastor Brian Craig. There is not a more wonderfully wild, wholly transforming and freedom finding journey than following Jesus and that’s exactly what Tami has yielded her life to – wherever He leads.

She Knows How To Celebrate

2010-06-30T17:36:00.001-07:00

My ever-sweet and generous Auntie gifted me with a Nook!! The two of us have been looking at eReaders for a long time, trying to determine which was best (Nook or Kindle?) and also had our eyes on a couple that were advertised at the 2010 Computer Electronics Show. Nevertheless, last week – in anticipation of celebrating my ordination on July 6th – Auntie said she wanted to gift me with whichever one I wanted, so decision time had arrived.

The Nook won me over for a few reasons (though I’m pretty sure I’d love a Kindle too) -

It’s lower color & touch screen is great!
Nook’s ability to LEND books to friends – they DON’T need a Nook, just the Barnes & Noble eReader app on their computer, handheld device, etc.).
A battery I can replace myself (as opposed to shipping the Kindle back to Amazon and being charged an outrageous bill).
Almost more than those features, I simply prefer to have the local store support that Barnes & Noble offers. Got a problem? Walk into the store and talk face-to-face with employees at Barnes & Noble about it! Not everyone has a location close to them, I know, but we have one only three minutes away.
Also, while in the store, you can read ANY eBook for free – no need to purchase. That’s a benefit I’d only rarely use, but it’s just another one of those “perks” from #4.
Memory expansion capability – microSD slot.

THANK YOU, Auntie for always encouraging, affirming, supporting and believing in me! I can’t imagine my life without you. And I can’t wait for you to get a Nook too! You’re going to LOVE it. I should know!! =)

What We Have In Common

2010-06-13T14:29:00.001-07:00

Counting Sheep

2010-06-11T09:10:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend, Karin, doesn’t know I made this bag for her birthday! She doesn’t read my blog, so the surprise is safe. Felting is SO MUCH FUN – not to mention knitting along the way! I still need to add the purse handles, but couldn’t wait to show it off. Do you know what the most AMAZING thing is??? Her birthday isn’t until July!!! JULY! I’m early … wonders never cease.

About half-way knitted.

Before felting.

After Felting!

The pattern is Grazing Sheep Bag by Kathleen Taylor – published in I Heart Felt.

Looks Like Summer

2010-06-07T07:10:00.001-07:00

Ice cream cones with candy coating.
Homemade by our smallest munchkin!

Pedicures – perfect for sandals!

Only two more weeks of school until this kind of stuff
becomes our full-time “job”!!

Aqua Chiffon Laundry

2010-05-08T13:08:00.001-07:00

I had a little dungeon in our garage. Not for punishment, but for LAUNDRY.
(They’re NOT the same thing, right?)

While the Engineer was on travel, Miss Bridgette and I gave it an "Aqua Chiffon" makeover!!

Our goal was to make it a brighter and more organized place – easy to keep clean and easy to enjoy. We weren’t going for “showroom” – having neither money nor patience for that. One of the little details I’m happiest with is having painted the gas line pole white (now to the left of the washing machine – was dark brown and in front of the washing machine in first photo). I haven’t actually painted a WORD in the frame above our dressers (school / office supplies and crafts) YET. I’m still trying to think of the perfect one. Family, Delight, Welcome, Relax, Together and several others are under consideration. What do you recommend?

We didn’t paint our whole garage – just the most front & visible space – but it makes a HUGE difference and we’re quite happy with that! To the left is our “pantry” area.

To the right are our bikes, tools, lawnmower, etc.

We’re definitely in “project mode” around here. Yesterday I installed a new garbage disposal in our kitchen and today I replaced the dishwasher flow gap thingy. Next, Kricket & Bridgette get a bedroom makeover! And after that --- well, there’s a lot to do around here. Before and after photos make it even MORE rewarding! Do you have a summer project planned?

One Can Of Red

2010-04-28T10:26:00.001-07:00

I forgot to take a “before” photo, but this one is pretty close.

One can of red spray paint later, and now we have two “new” kitchen stools!
Soon I’ll have before & after photos of our laundry area in the garage (which WAS very dungeon like). That project’s still underway, but getting close to DONE!

Winning Afternoon

2010-04-26T21:41:00.001-07:00

Miss Bridgette and I attended the Women’s Tea at church on Saturday. Her older sisters have gone before, but this was her first time … proving herself quite the little lady!

Ready to go home with our big Silent Auction win!!

It’s FRIDAY!!

2010-04-16T14:54:00.001-07:00

Do-It-Yourself frozen yogurt after school with friends!!

SWEET in more ways than one!

Reading For Nothing But FUN

2010-04-07T19:12:00.001-07:00

About two years ago I purchased The Mysterious Benedict Society to read aloud to Miss Bridgette at night. Being already immersed in a different series, she wasn’t all that interested, so – after getting hooked on the first couple of chapters – I decided to read it myself! Great twisting & turning, with puzzles that invoke the reader’s creativity. I highly recommend it …. for ages 7 and up – even WAY UP like myself!!

Sometime thereafter, I found out that Miss Bridgette’s best friend was reading the sequel. After finishing it, she allowed me to borrow it, and it’s been sitting beside my bed for m-o-n-t-h-s. Admittedly, my completely frivolous reading time – such as this requires – is at a minimum, but while packing for our vacation, I hopefully tossed it in. Once again, I’ve found twists, turns, puzzles and creativity!

There’s a third book, as well … which I’ll be quite happy to read by myself on some frivolous weekend in the future!

What frivolity have YOU been enjoying / anticipating???

Quick Notes From Zion

2010-04-06T18:55:00.001-07:00

Our family “escaped” Southern California just hours before the big earthquake hit for our Spring Break adventure! Here are a few photos from our days at Zion National Park – soooooo SPECTACULAR!!

Note the SMILE on The Engineer’s face! It’s a rare thing. Not the smile, but the capturing of it in a photo!!

Our ultimate destination is New Mexico – where we’ll be visiting Mark’s sweet family, but we’re taking “the scenic” route and enjoying some new places!

I lost my voice on the first day of our trip – and I still haven’t found it. Mark couldn’t be happier! *smile*

Horribly Good

2010-04-02T16:31:00.001-07:00

Only God could make something so GOOD out of something so HORRIBLE.

Not only do I owe Him everything, He is my EVERYTHING!! I have been counted righteous because of His anguish. Praise to the Lord – Loud, Bold, Clear, Unrestrained.

“But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him
      and cause Him grief.
   Yet when His life is made an offering for sin,
      He will have many descendants.
   He will enjoy a long life,
      and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His hands.
When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish,
      He will be satisfied.
   And because of His experience,
      my righteous servant will make it possible
   for many to be counted righteous,
      for He will bear all their sins.” (Isaiah 53:10-11)

Sharing Simply

2010-03-31T21:26:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend, Michelle, doubled up on fruit salad.

I doubled up on Shredded BBQ Pork Sandwiches.

We made a swap and both went home with simply wonderful dinners for our families.

Sharing is so delightful!

Failure To Comply?

2010-03-28T17:23:00.001-07:00

Part 1 ~ Our homeowner’s association rules prohibit hanging clothes lines. Honestly, there aren’t that many things I’ve wanted to line dry anyhow, but for delicate unmentionables or jeans that are too tight if they go through the dryer, I have an accordion drying rack in the garage/laundry room.

Part 2 ~ Our dryer is 16 years old and nearing the end of it’s life – you can tell by the clunking sounds and slowing rate of effectiveness. We’ve had it repaired once before for the same exact problem (something to do with a belt that rotates the drum around??), but replacing it with a more energy efficient model seems best at this point.

Part 3 ~ We live in San Diego where the sun is almost always happy to shine!

Part 4 ~ I’ve decided to abide by the “intention” of our HOA rules rather than the “letter.” UGLY is what they’re purposing to avoid and although my drying racks (bought another one at Costco) aren’t exactly ‘not ugly’, I’ve positioned them in such a way that our only neighbor can’t really see them (photo #2 is taken from their viewing angle).

Part 5 ~ This simple measure has REDUCED our clothes dryer’s work by 50 – 80%!! In fact, MORE laundry gets done this way because we’re not waiting around for the dryer to finish before starting a new load in the washer. Even our teenager is on board and hangs her laundry too.

Part 6 ~ My “wrinkle” secret is to put ALL the clothes in our machine dryer for 5 minutes, and pull items out warm – hang shirts directly on hangers and drape jeans, towels, etc. over the drying racks. Almost NO wrinkles!

Part 7 ~ The way I figure it, we’re

Extending the life of our current dryer
Extending the life of our next dryer
Saving energy
Reducing costs
Increasing laundry capacity
Getting outside more often

Part 8 ~ All of this should work out quite nicely as long as

It really isn’t an eye sore for our sweet neighbors, Cindy & Family
We don’t get a fine in the mail
The black & brown widow spiders (which are plentiful here) keep their distance.

What do you think? Have I abided by the rule or should I be expecting a “failure to comply” notice??!!

Fake Anniversary

2010-03-27T16:17:00.001-07:00

For a few reasons (too tedious and boring to recite here!), Mark & I celebrated our 17th anniversary this weekend --- four months earlier than our ‘real’ anniversary. We drove to La Jolla and stayed at La Valencia Hotel – incredibly beautiful. The view from our room was even more so.

Huge spa tub, ocean breezes, fluffy king-size bed, long walk to dinner, crisp apple empanadas, turn down service, uninterrupted privacy, sleeping in, loving my husband and being loved by him. Seventeen years is such a privilege and just a beginning. Praise the Lord’s grace.

Breaking Fast

2010-03-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

Time away can be marvelous – especially when orchestrated in the Heavens for eternal purposes. Returning with a new perspective is made all the sweeter because of being away.

Today is my time to return. To blogging. To passion. And my perspective is different. More simple. More narrow. What I’m to do and be – they are the same.

Pulled out from soul, practically creating itself, this came today.

His GLORY is our salvation. His GLORY brings us into Christ’s accomplishment. Have we seen enough of it? Have our neighbors? Has this world? Or is there a famine? Not of His glory, of course, but of our SEEING.

If Christ is in us, then WE are His display. Let our inadequacy be known and His sufficiency be shouted. They go TOGETHER --- for His GLORY! How beautiful. How redeeming.

~ My passion ~ My ministry ~ My challenge ~

See the GLORY of the Lord for myself every day. Remind others that they can do the same. We’ll all be changed. That’s His plan.

A Convenient Excuse

2010-02-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

Today, Ash Wednesday, begins Lent – a time of repentance & turning. Traditionally, it’s also when people choose to “give something up” as a way of identifying with Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Not because of Lent, but because God has put the desire in my heart (maybe He’s intentionally timing it with Lent?), I am “giving up” most electronic endeavors (facebook, blogging, games, etc.). I'm feeling very "thin" - too spread out – and have decided to go into hibernation until my spirit is warmed and strengthened. While I love peeking in on your blogs, and keeping up with long-distance friends, there is something more “real” right here at home, and that is what I want to refocus on.

I'm looking forward to the adventures my Lord has prepared for me, and I don’t know when this particular one will be over. Maybe Easter / Resurrection Sunday? Until then, live well!!

Tahitian Pearl For Gretchen!

2010-02-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

My sweet and local - though not seen nearly often enough - friend, Gretchen, is the winner of some new hand-knit fingerless gloves!

Won't these two look GREAT together?!

Thanks for playing everybody!

When Lamenting Ends A Giveaway Begins!

2010-02-07T14:12:00.001-08:00

Since this post isn’t over at Trees & Thorns, I’m sure you won’t be surprised NOT to read about the bleeding of my soul today. Nope. This lamenting – though going on for two years - is more material than internal.

As you may remember, Fetching Fingerless Gloves are my absolute favorite on-going knitting project. It’s been delightful to give away pair after pair to family, friends and even a couple of blogging acquaintances! Nevertheless, two years ago, Knitpicks STOPPED producing my favorite yarn for them – MAINLINE. Since their stopping was announced well ahead of time, I was able to stock up … but that hasn’t kept me from living in fear of never find another yarn to love so much for this specific passion.

Last week my lamenting came to an end. City Tweed DK has come to my rescue! What a wonderfully soft and textured yarn – in so many great colors!! As an extra bonus, only one skein is needed to make a pair of gloves, as opposed to two skeins of Mainline. $3.99 never looked so good!!! The FIRST pair – in “Romance” - is almost complete. They’re for my sweet friend, Kathy, who will be gifting them to her sweet daughter, Miriam ~ who just so happens to be a friend of my sweet daughter, Shealyn … so it’s almost like keeping them in the family!

But the SECOND pair is for SENDING AWAY --- to YOU, hopefully!! To enter your name in this giveaway, just look over these swatches and leave a comment saying which color you’d want! The winner’s name will be randomly drawn on February 14th.

Happy hoping!

As The Classes Go

2010-02-05T20:12:00.001-08:00

Cooking Classes with Bridgette are going very well!

This is her homemade Apple Crisp with homemade Caramel Sauce … oh, so yummy good. The crisp is long gone, but there’s still some sauce left over! I’m thinking waffles topped with bananas, pecans & caramel for breakfast.

However, Sewing Classes with Kricket aren’t going so well. It’s not that they’re going poorly, it’s just that they’re hardly going at all. We’re still working on our original project – the fronts are done, but the backs have been waiting for weeks.

I took a Photography Composition Class last Saturday. Even though a beginner, even I could totally tell that it was pretty much a waste of time. It can’t be a good sign – and WASN’T - when your class is supposed to last for three hours and barely after the first one your instructor says, “That’s pretty much it …”

Even though some classes are better than others, we still like learning around here! What’ve you been learning lately?

Family Day … And Night

2010-01-30T09:36:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday our family ran into a scheduling complication, so we made the best of it and had FUN anyhow!!

The Engineer and Kricket had tickets to Joyful Noise at Lamb’s Players in Coronado – 4:00 p.m. Problem was, The Engineer and his friends also had tickets to a Gonzaga vs. USD Basketball game - 6:00 p.m. So, all five of us drove down to Coronado early enough for some Moo Time ice cream together before making a split.

After all that yummy goodness, the play go-ers went. Then Bridgette, Shealyn & I walked over to Starbucks and planned to hang out for 2.5 hours reading, playing on the computer or DS, drinking lattes, etc. It was marvelously kick-back and even the teenager among us had fun!

Then at 6:00 p.m. we walked over to the Burger Lounge and ordered some outrageously expensive & delicious take-out. The Engineer & Kricket came rushing out of the theatre around 6:30 p.m. and chowed their burgers & fries en route to the stadium, where we said, “Have fun” and dropped The Engineer off about an hour after “game time.”

Back home, we all agreed, it was a FUN day – even more so than expected!

Irenic ~ Where Have You Been All My Life?

2010-01-25T13:31:00.001-08:00

Admittedly, I seem to have a narrow vocabulary. Nevertheless, or maybe BECAUSE of it, I love hearing, reading and learning new words! That’s exactly what I did today.

IRENIC. It’s new to me. What about you?

ire·nic : \ī-ˈre-nik\

Etymology: Greek eirēnikos, from eirēnē peace

Date: circa 1864

: favoring, conducive to, or operating toward peace, moderation, or conciliation

What a WONDERFUL word!! What a needed word!

Let’s apply it here, why don’t we …

Does the Holy Spirit distribute His gifts according to gender? This is really what the “Women in Ministry” issue comes down to, for me. More importantly than what we think though, is – of course - the truth of His Word. If, in fact, neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female matter in Christ, is it even possible that they could matter to the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 3:28) The time has NOW come when the Holy Spirit has been poured out on sons and daughters (Joel 2 & Acts 2)! We are accountable to God for the stewardship of these gifts and lives He’s given us, so living in the freedom (purchased for us!) of Christ and the fullness of the Spirit, for His glory, is my CALLING. It’s your CALLING. Yes, the details are different, but IN HIM remains! Generations and societies and cultures all change, but the preeminence of Christ is secure forever!!

He is the image ofthe invisible God,the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created,in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones ordominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all thingshold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He isthe beginning,the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, andthrough Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven,making peaceby the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

Maybe the “come down to” point is different for you, but whatever your stance, let’s talk about it in an IRENIC manner!!

Twin Bees

2010-01-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

"Twin Day" at school was especially fun for these little bees!!

From Live Writer

2010-01-20T21:26:00.001-08:00

So, here’s ANOTHER test! I’m posting this from Windows Live Writer, which I hear so many of you boasting about. I had trouble the first time I downloaded it months ago and gave up, but after getting some help from Tishrei this evening, I tried again and think I’m going to be VERY happy! (Turns out MY computer was the culprit and not the program.)

Isn’t this little photo album of some knitting projects a great ability?!

View Full Album

And what about this table? Have you felt any of these today? I have – ALL of them, in fact!

Happy	Concerned	Giddy
Mournful	Relaxed	Energetic

Well, like I said, this is only a test. Did I pass? Did you?

At The End of Your Rope?

2010-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

In November, I was privileged to bring a message from the Word (John 5:1-14) to our congregation. Many still continue to talk with me about it now and are finding practical blessings therein. If you'd like to listen to the sermon you can do so here, and you can download the notes here.

New To Me

2010-01-17T20:44:00.001-08:00

Yep - I'm still playing with the settings on my blog and this is a TEST post ... sent via e-mail. I didn't know you could do that! Did you? Learn how here. Since I don't have messaging or internet on my phone, but do have it on my ipod touch (for free!) this will make posting "on-the-go" a lot easier. Now I can finally put my envy of all the rest of you to bed!

Playing Again

2010-01-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I'm playing with my blog design and layout again ... because it's FUN and I like change! Please be patient with some of my links -- they'll be fully operative soon!

Morning Glimpses

2010-01-13T16:55:00.001-08:00

Packing lunches is my least favorite thing to do on school mornings. I'd much rather make them a wonderful "double-stuff" breakfast to last all day. Since that doesn't actually work, a munchkin is usually assigned the chore of packing them the night before. Not this week, though. I've turned their chore focus in a deep-cleaning direction, so I'm packing the lunches.

This morning most of the family had Quinoa Pudding for breakfast. A WONDERFUL pudding recipe that we'll definitely be making again. Everyone agreed that it's w-a-y better than rice pudding -- and the nutritional difference is huge. I only thought to take a photo when all that was left had to be scraped from the sides of the container, so it looks a little lacking ... but it's soooo good!

Callie was cuddled up in one of the school bags and LOVED being toted around all morning like a baby. At one point we just hung her on the banister for 20 minutes and she never even peeked out! Tight spaces are her favorite.

But this isn't the first time she's "asked" to go to school.

Saving My Money ... At Least Until Spring

2010-01-08T23:13:00.000-08:00

Oregon Nana and New Mexico Grandpa prefer to give money for Christmas. I don't know about your family, but it turns out that most of us here in Winter Creek like receiving money. This year, I'm saving mine ... at least until spring. You see, I've got my eyes on an eReader. Of course, Amazon's Kindle is leading the pack in many ways, but the Computer Electronics Show 2010 - happening this week, right now - is saturated with lots of new offerings.

So far - and I've done PLENTY of research - I'm most intrigued with Copia's line of six new eReaders being released this spring/summer. Prices are projected at $199 for the smallest/basic to $299 for the biggest/fancy. They are currently taking requests for private beta testing, so I added my name to their list - of course! - and am hopeful for a chance to play with, I mean "TEST", their product for them!

What about you? Do you think you could ever exchange your favorite hard copy book for a digital version?

A Tasteful Investment

2010-01-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

Bridgette requested a "real" cookbook for Christmas (not one of those "kid" ones) and that's exactly what she got! She put it right to work by preparing our family and a guest dinner on New Year's Eve.

Blackberry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Twice Baked Potatoes
Individual Fruit Tartlets

Bridgette's super great about reading instructions and asking questions - which is a bit more enjoyable to me than the "I KNOW, mom" attitude some kids have ... not to mention any names and not to implicate anyone in Winter Creek, of course! At one point - when we were researching "Herbs de Provence" - Bridgette beamed and said, "It looks like we'll BOTH be learning new things at cooking school." After all, it is so much more fun to learn together! "Cooking School" is our own personal every-other Wednesday night event here at home. The every-other every-other Wednesday (that's not a typo) is "Sewing School" with Kricket ~ which I'll post photos of soon.

When you think about it, this Christmas present of Bridgette's is likely to turn into one of my best investments. Obviously, we're already getting a pretty good return!!

A Defining Year?

2010-01-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Guess I missed it last year, but apparently everybody with a blog is picking a word for themselves to define this new year. This word, it appears, represents their main hope & goal for 2010. After all, having focus and purpose can be very empowering .... so I've decided to take this to the next level - or maybe a few levels up.

My hope for 2010 is ~
Renewal.
Awakening.
Revival.

Not just for myself, but for the whole world.

God has, of course, deposited this desire in my heart, because He - more than any of us - longs for His people to be devoted to Him, living fully in His blessings and telling the whole world of His goodness --- it's always been His plan for evangelism!! "I will bless you ... and you will be a blessing." (Gen. 12) First through the Jews and now also the Gentiles. In Christ, we are His chosen people and all these blessings in our lives are for the glory of His name.

If you've got the blessings -- sing His song from the mountain tops and everywhere you go.
If you don't have the blessings -- return to Him. Wake back up to the truth of His presence.

"Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to [His] presence." - Sarah Young That's my prayer for the Church, so that many more would be drawn into Christ. After all, the stakes are eternal, but determined by the choices we make in the temporal ... or maybe there's no real difference. Eternity starts now! Will you live it with me?

Jesus Calling

2009-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

January's free audiobook book download is JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young ~ A daily devotional. You can read an excerpt here and a review here. Sounds like a great way to start 2010!

Pep Rally

2009-12-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful Engineer has taken the whole week off from work and is spending lots of time playing with us! He took Kricket out to dinner and Avatar, Bridgette to the Science Museum and on Friday he's taking Shealyn to the Rose Bowl. Today he loaded us all in the van and headed up to the Santa Monica Pier where the Oregon Ducks were having their official Rose Bowl Pep Rally. Unfortunately, it was raining the whole time (more of a steady drizzle, but it adds up to almost the same thing when you stand in it for two hours), so we didn't hang around to do the roller coaster rides, etc.

Did I mention that The Engineer and I are from Oregon? We are. Even though our daughters were born in SoCal, all of our family's still in Oregon so we get their regularly and they love it, too!

The rally highlight was Supwitchugirl's performance of their creative masterpiece I LOVE MY DUCKS!

Before getting back on the road, we warmed ourselves up at Starbucks. If you click on the photo, you can see ALL of their faces in the window reflection ... which is pretty much the only way I can ever get a picture of The Engineer. We love him, but cameras he does not.

From Blog To Book

2009-12-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

If you're thinking about transforming your blog into a memory book, definitely check out Blurb.com! I looked into a couple of other sites, but Blurb has the best formatting & editing program - by far! Right now it's automatically uploading my 329 photos from 2008 ... okay, so I'm a year behind, but not for long!! Thinkin' it'll end up costing about $70 for a hardcover book, which is way cheaper than scrapbooking ever was!

Night Time Sneaking

2009-12-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

The girls and I went for a late night walk -- taking pictures in our neighborhood with my new camera. The night time setting seems to work extremely well!*

Needless to say, we're enjoying the extra free time our vacation is providing. Hope you are, too!

No Gift To Bring

2009-12-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

I don't care whether he was at the manger or not.

He still sings my song.

"I have no gift to bring

that's fit to give the King."

So I live my life for Him. I live my best for Him.

Of the increase of His government and peace

in my life, there will be no end.

*
Oh, Beautiful and Holy Lord, thank you for Your gift.

WITH US. EVERMORE.

I want to know You more.

After The Weekend

2009-12-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

We Wintercreek ladies baked over 20 dozen cookies on Friday & Saturday!! Our new favorite "cookie" is Chocolate Pomegranate Tassies. Oh my! A triple layer of brownie bite shaped delicacy! They're all gone (to cookie exchanges and plates for neighbors) but our family keeps asking for more more more. Definitely a REPEAT! Our two recipe alterations were

Pomegranate flavoring instead of raspberry
Pomegranate frosting instead of chocolate - that little tufted of pink on top is much more visually inviting!

We also attended two Christmas parties this weekend. MUCH fun with friends and neighbors!!

In-between all that, I've been taking Nyquil and/or Alka-Seltzer Cold Plus for three days now -- congestion and headache. I'm well enough to keep going, but am moving at a slower pace. That being said, the house is a mess. I don't want to look at it, much less take a picture of it. But - it'll all come together.

For now, we're enjoying the quiet and stillness of our first official morning of vacation! Hope you are, as well.

Free Song Each Day!

2009-12-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

Get yourself on over to Amazon! For each of the "25 Days of Christmas" there's a free song. #1 is Joy To The World by Casting Crowns! There's a wide variety - classical, christian, country, rock, some I've never heard of ... but I'm about too!!

Happy listening!

Your Opinion, Please

2009-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

I made this little video greeting on Smilebox. as well as the previous post's card (which, when printed, became our official "Christmas Photo Card"). They have a lot of great premade templates, but Picnik offers additional features and a more professional look. Do you have experience and preference?? If so, I'd like to hear it.

Joy To Your World

2009-12-13T23:50:00.000-08:00

Just in case you're not on our mailing list ...
Merriest Christmas to you ALL!!

Arrival From South Africa

2009-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jen, her husband Jeremy and their two children live & minister in South Africa ~ bringing HOPE and HOMES to orphans and vulnerable children. Though I've never "really" met Jen, she's invited me (and you!) to share her world via their I Believe In Love blog.

In September - on my birthday in fact! - I won these hand-knitted, by Jen, washcloths during a give-away at her blog. Though I am delayed in posting about the package's generous contents, it's not by as much as you might think. It took two months to get here!! THANK YOU, Jen, for making my time at the kitchen sink a sparkle more delightful ... if that were even possible (tongue in cheek, of course)!

Jen is incredibly creative and even has a storefront where you can not only find some handmade and local treasures, but also support their ministry at the same time!! Be sure to check it out ~ looking especially at her "Creativity Calendar" because you probably need one. You can thank me later! Oh, Jen says the coupon code: HOHOHO will get you 20% off if you order soon!

Full Disclosure

2009-12-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

For many years the Engineer and I have worked to surprise each other with a Christmas gift. This year we've decide not to. Well, we're still exchanging gifts ~ they just won't be a surprise.

FOR HIM ~

Tickets to the Rose Bowl - January 1, 2010 - to see "his" Ducks play! Even more fun is the fact that he's taking our oldest daughter. It's a FIRST for both of them and she seems even more excited than he is!

FOR ME ~
Casio EX-FH20

I'm trying really hard not to be excited ... because it's already here ... and I'm not allowed to open it until you know when.

I'm thinking this full disclosure thing won't be so bad after all, and it sure does make getting the "right" thing a LOT easier!!

We've Got A BIG Thursday Coming

2009-12-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Our family is super giddy about Thursday!!

That beautiful young woman there in the middle is turning 15 on Thursday. We are MOST PROUD of the person she's already proved herself to be and is still becoming.

Also on Thursday, Oregon State University and University Of Oregon are playing each other for the Rose Bowl! The Engineer and I both graduated from OSU, but his hometown is UofO, so we can comfortably root for both - it's a "win win" game for us ... which just might result in our own road trip to the Rose Bowl, since it's so close by. All that being said, at the moment we are a tiny bit preferencial about the Ducks (UofO) and are loving this video!

To Say THANK YOU Again

2009-11-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

To the God who reigns completely

and met with me on the road today ~

Your words were more than I knew to hope for ...

and exactly what I needed to be made new again.

THANK YOU.

Again and again.

Thank you.

Butter Bell

2009-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

An old idea made WONDERFULLY new!

Before refrigeration as we know it, french chefs used a technique that enabled them to keep their butter safely at room temperature ... and now I do too!! Meet my Butter Bell. It "keeps butter fresh, delicious and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration." Believe it! LOVE it!!!

Saturday Underway

2009-11-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

With the flu bug taking down a couple of our own, I've had "extra" time at home these days. Though nothing terribly exciting, it does feel good to sort through piles, organize the garage, behold the u-shaped horizontal surface where two computers sit (one for The Engineer & one for the Munchkins) that's been been hiding for a couple of months, and even catalog every pair/type of knitting needle I have ... which was inspired by not being able to find a size 4 for this adorable reversible project ... but it turns out I don't own any size fours (how can that be?!!) ... which inspired me to alert our Knitting Group that I was placing an order with knitpicks and they were welcome to add to it ... which inspired some of them to do so!

Today I'm going to finish working on the garage! But first, I'm going to walk over to a new gym that's opening and join. It's $10 month-to-month with no commitment. Hoping my friend, Michelle, will join too. Anybody else up for it??

5 Out Of 5

2009-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

We had these mini-meatloaves for dinner last night. 5 out of 5 people LIKED them ... so maybe your "people" will like them too!!