Last Thursday, Erin came over to show me her rash. "Mom, I think I have chicken pox."
Now, that's not a normal thing to hear from your 30-year-old child. Even if she is the oldest of our seven children AND NONE OF THEM EVER HAD CHICKEN POX!
Yes, they all were exposed plenty of times. And when the immunization came out later in the 1990's, the three youngest had the immunization.
Here's the hard part....Erin is 12-13 weeks pregnant. She gets her blood results back today telling us for sure whether or not she has chicken pox. Her doctor was honest and clinical about the risks to the baby from the virus. And Web MD isn't favorable at all.
It has my mother-heart wondering, why now?
But, Erin shared with me yesterday that she took a long walk and cried and prayed. The only prayer she could pray was "God, You know, You know."
And she rests in that.
Her hope and faith is not in what the doctor says or doesn't say, and it certainly isn't in Web MD.
Her hope is in God alone. He knows.
Whatever you are facing, no matter what anyone says.....God knows. Take a lesson from Erin's faith today......I am. ~Robin
She sent me this post this evening:
You know those times when you are going through something super hard and you just don't know what to do? Your mind won't settle down, you know you should be in the Word and praying like crazy, but frankly you can hardly make yourself function. What do you do at times like this?
I had moments like this over the weekend as I was faced with hard and bizarre circumstances. I kept thinking where's that book that tells me step-by-step how to act and what to do when you possibly have the chicken pox (at 30 years old, pregnant with my third child, of all things), and the chance that my unborn child may come into this world scarred, handicapped, or with mental retardation. Where in the heck am I supposed to get answers?
Well, for me, when my mind won't settle down I need to get my endorphins going and this means some sort of exercise for me. I went on a 4-mile power/prayer walk and even though I tried hard to pray, about all I could get to was, "God . . . you know." And really I kept repeating that phrase over and over for the 45 minutes that I walked.
I came home and sat down with my Bible and just chose a Proverb. I really wasn't getting anything out of it until I read Proverbs 16:20b "Things work out when you trust in God". (The Message) I closed my Bible. That is all I need to know. I prayed that God would keep that verse in my head all day, and He did.
He was able to calm my mind by me just praying, "God . . . you know." And He would answer, "Things work out when you trust in Me." And that's all I needed. I truly believe this.
What do you do when things seem out of control?
Erin
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Asparagus Tips and Tomato Time
We're just beginning to get a bit of asparagus each day. And asparagus is one of the ManyMeadows' favorites.
Whether you grow it, or buy it, the very best way to store fresh asparagus is upright, in a glass with a few inches of water, in the refrigerator.
If you purchase it, look for the bunch with the least shriveled ends. When you get home, trim the ends, and place the bunch immediately in the glass of water.
It will keep for several days this way!
For us, asparagus goes in salad, pizza, and stir-fry, even omelets. Or we steam it in the microwave with a tablespoon of water until tender-crisp and bright green. Or drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt, and put it on the grill. Yum!
Do you like asparagus?
---------------------------------
Time to get those tomatoes into the soil (or containers, if you plan to have a patio garden.) Just be ready to protect them from the brutal winds until they are more acclimated. I plant mine next to a fence and grow them vertically, weaving the vines between the wire fence. You can also use a large cage for support.
Today, I planted some squash seeds and some kohlrabi, hoping to take advantage of our expected rain this weekend.
It's also time to get the green beans and cucumbers in. Peppers prefer a little warmer nights than we're having.
Flowers can go in now too.
Do you plan on growing some vegetables? Have you already planted flowers?
Robin
Whether you grow it, or buy it, the very best way to store fresh asparagus is upright, in a glass with a few inches of water, in the refrigerator.
If you purchase it, look for the bunch with the least shriveled ends. When you get home, trim the ends, and place the bunch immediately in the glass of water.
It will keep for several days this way!
For us, asparagus goes in salad, pizza, and stir-fry, even omelets. Or we steam it in the microwave with a tablespoon of water until tender-crisp and bright green. Or drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt, and put it on the grill. Yum!
Do you like asparagus?
---------------------------------
Time to get those tomatoes into the soil (or containers, if you plan to have a patio garden.) Just be ready to protect them from the brutal winds until they are more acclimated. I plant mine next to a fence and grow them vertically, weaving the vines between the wire fence. You can also use a large cage for support.
Today, I planted some squash seeds and some kohlrabi, hoping to take advantage of our expected rain this weekend.
It's also time to get the green beans and cucumbers in. Peppers prefer a little warmer nights than we're having.
Flowers can go in now too.
Do you plan on growing some vegetables? Have you already planted flowers?
Robin
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Give it Up!
If you know anything about my story, you know I am SUPER frugal. Read here to get the full scoop.
There are a lot of things I have been willing to give up in order to meet our goals of building a dream house. As Dave Ramsey says, "Live like no one else now, so you can really live like no one else later."
Maybe with this current economy you have had to let some things go as well.
Here's some things I gave up during our last 5 years of extreme savings:
A big house
Cable TV
Gourmet coffee
Ready-made and packaged foods
The latest fashions
Brand name products
Here's some things that I consider splurges that I'm just not willing to let go of (unless I really had to):
Coffee creamer
Brand name dishwasher soap (I hate spots!)
Healthy foods (lean meats, LOTS of fruits and vegetables, nuts and occasionally fish)
What have you given up (or thought of recently that you should give up) for helping you get in a better financial situation?
What are some splurges you just can't live without that you allow for in the budget?
Erin
There are a lot of things I have been willing to give up in order to meet our goals of building a dream house. As Dave Ramsey says, "Live like no one else now, so you can really live like no one else later."
Maybe with this current economy you have had to let some things go as well.
Here's some things I gave up during our last 5 years of extreme savings:
A big house
Cable TV
Gourmet coffee
Ready-made and packaged foods
The latest fashions
Brand name products
Here's some things that I consider splurges that I'm just not willing to let go of (unless I really had to):
Coffee creamer
Brand name dishwasher soap (I hate spots!)
Healthy foods (lean meats, LOTS of fruits and vegetables, nuts and occasionally fish)
What have you given up (or thought of recently that you should give up) for helping you get in a better financial situation?
What are some splurges you just can't live without that you allow for in the budget?
Erin
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sell Something!
Recently, Dave Ramsey spoke at Lifechurch.tv on getting out of debt. He suggested one strategy for a quick start is to sell something. We'd like to increase our cash-flow around here and we have a few things to sell:
*a nice beginner drum set (Pacific) $550
*a US Kids youth golf club set (really nice) w bag $125
*2005 Ford Ranger pickup (57K) $9900
*1989 Ford F-250 pickup (117K) $3000
*AND GET THIS! Dirk is selling his 2006 Honda VTX-1300 motorcycle with LOTS of extras!! ($7750)
So? What do you have to sell? List it with a contact e-mail. Who knows? One of our readers might see it and drop you a line!
Robin
*a nice beginner drum set (Pacific) $550
*a US Kids youth golf club set (really nice) w bag $125
*2005 Ford Ranger pickup (57K) $9900
*1989 Ford F-250 pickup (117K) $3000
*AND GET THIS! Dirk is selling his 2006 Honda VTX-1300 motorcycle with LOTS of extras!! ($7750)
So? What do you have to sell? List it with a contact e-mail. Who knows? One of our readers might see it and drop you a line!
Robin
Mommy Break
Last week Erin's Mother-In-Law kept her two boys (ages 5 & 3) for two hours so she could have a Mommy break.
Guess what she did?
She worked out at the gym . . .
For two hours!
What would you do with a two hour Mommy break?
Robin
Guess what she did?
She worked out at the gym . . .
For two hours!
What would you do with a two hour Mommy break?
Robin
Friday, April 10, 2009
Seedlings, Blooms, Plants
The recent cold snap was brutal to a lot of plants. Our azaleas, which normally have heavy pink blooms are looking pretty measly this year. A few hostas received some damage, as did the potatoes and lettuce, and a few asparagus spears.
I fully expect these plants will make a comeback. I’ll let you know.
Have you planted any tomato seeds or do you have plants ready for the garden? It looks like we’ll be able to get those planted out soon.
If you have seedlings coming up in milk jugs or small containers, repot them to something larger. Those roots need room to grow! Be sure to protect them from all the wind we’ve been having.
What’s blooming in your yard? I still have some tulips blooming and the creeping phlox is popping out. And one of my favorites...Star of Bethlehem which is sprinkled everywhere.
It’s still not too late to start some lettuce, or other greens. Are you trying it this year? It’s really easy.
And we’ll be at church on Saturday night. Why not attend a less populated church service than your normal one this weekend and leave your seat for someone who only comes at Easter?
What are your Easter plans? We have family coming over Sunday afternoon and will have an egg hunt with all 6 grands. (may be indoors if it rains!) (a pic of the grands from last year)
May my heart be filled with the overwhelming Love of a Father who would sacrifice his only son....for me.
Robin
I fully expect these plants will make a comeback. I’ll let you know.
Have you planted any tomato seeds or do you have plants ready for the garden? It looks like we’ll be able to get those planted out soon.
If you have seedlings coming up in milk jugs or small containers, repot them to something larger. Those roots need room to grow! Be sure to protect them from all the wind we’ve been having.
What’s blooming in your yard? I still have some tulips blooming and the creeping phlox is popping out. And one of my favorites...Star of Bethlehem which is sprinkled everywhere.
It’s still not too late to start some lettuce, or other greens. Are you trying it this year? It’s really easy.
And we’ll be at church on Saturday night. Why not attend a less populated church service than your normal one this weekend and leave your seat for someone who only comes at Easter?
What are your Easter plans? We have family coming over Sunday afternoon and will have an egg hunt with all 6 grands. (may be indoors if it rains!) (a pic of the grands from last year)
May my heart be filled with the overwhelming Love of a Father who would sacrifice his only son....for me.
Robin
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Beans, Glorious Beans!
White Bean Hummus
1 pkg cooked (or can) white beans
2 cloves garlic
one sprig fresh rosemary (about 1 T.)
2 t. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
a few shakes hot sauce
Place all ingredients into food processor and whirl until smooth. Add a couple teaspoons water, if necessary, to make smooth.
Serve with vegetable stick or pita chips (pita bread quartered and baked in oven until crisp)
Mexican Black Bean Dip
1 pkg cooked and thawed (or 1 can) black beans, rinsed
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup cilantro leaves ( or more, I love cilantro)
1 Tbs. lime juice
l clove garlic
Drain and rinse the black beans. Combine the black beans, salsa, cilantro leaves, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Bean Flautas (1 pkg beans makes about 5-6 flautas)
1-2 pkgs cooked and thawed (or 1-2 cans) pinto beans
2 t. chili powder (or to taste)
1 t. cumin (or to taste)
salt, hot sauce to taste
tortillas
non-stick spray
Place beans in skillet and mash with potato masher until mostly blended. Heat through.
Place 2-3 Tbs. beans on softened corn or flour tortillas. Roll tortilla. Place on baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Spray flauta with non-stick spray.
Bake at 350 degrees until flautas are lightly browned and crisp
Serve with salsa (or salsa mixed with Ranch dressing, as my boys do). This is one of my teen sons' favorite lunches.
Find a few other favorite beans recipes here.
Hope you enjoy trying these good-for-you, low-fat, high fiber recipes.
Robin
1 pkg cooked (or can) white beans
2 cloves garlic
one sprig fresh rosemary (about 1 T.)
2 t. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
a few shakes hot sauce
Place all ingredients into food processor and whirl until smooth. Add a couple teaspoons water, if necessary, to make smooth.
Serve with vegetable stick or pita chips (pita bread quartered and baked in oven until crisp)
Mexican Black Bean Dip
1 pkg cooked and thawed (or 1 can) black beans, rinsed
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup cilantro leaves ( or more, I love cilantro)
1 Tbs. lime juice
l clove garlic
Drain and rinse the black beans. Combine the black beans, salsa, cilantro leaves, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Bean Flautas (1 pkg beans makes about 5-6 flautas)
1-2 pkgs cooked and thawed (or 1-2 cans) pinto beans
2 t. chili powder (or to taste)
1 t. cumin (or to taste)
salt, hot sauce to taste
tortillas
non-stick spray
Place beans in skillet and mash with potato masher until mostly blended. Heat through.
Place 2-3 Tbs. beans on softened corn or flour tortillas. Roll tortilla. Place on baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Spray flauta with non-stick spray.
Bake at 350 degrees until flautas are lightly browned and crisp
Serve with salsa (or salsa mixed with Ranch dressing, as my boys do). This is one of my teen sons' favorite lunches.
Find a few other favorite beans recipes here.
Hope you enjoy trying these good-for-you, low-fat, high fiber recipes.
Robin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)