Crazy Ideas

We woke up to snow today and I don't like it!! Thankfully it will warm up in a day or two and it will all be gone. Winter just needs to be done, over, gone!
So by now most of you know I enjoy cooking and baking. I haven't had a lot of time for it lately with working but I can't stay away from it for long. The natives get restless and hungry and eventually tire of cereal at every meal. They haven't actually tired of cereal yet, that would indeed be a small miracle, lol! It's probably because we have thrown pizza into the mix a couple of times. I subscribe to the Taste of Home magazine and visit recipe sites on-line so there is no shortage of inspiring, mouthwatering recipes to try. I have a confession to make...I get fixated on strange things once in awhile. I will see an idea and no matter how strange or odd it may be, I want to try it. Last year it was making homemade vanilla. That has proven to be a great experiment and I have joyfully used it and given it away. I have gone through 2 full quart jars and better get started on a second batch before the last 2 quarts get used up! I know, THAT is a lot of vanilla!
Though I can no longer find the original source of my latest fixation, this new idea has stayed with me for several weeks, begging me to see it through. Are you intrigued yet?? The latest and greatest thing to come out of my kitchen is.......homemade marshmallows!! Get out, I know!! Who ever even had the thought that such a thing could be done?? I only use/eat marshmallow on rare occasion in Rice Krispy treats or when camping so why this idea held on so strong I have no idea. Greg thought I was out of my mind. I loved my brother Chris' response, "What?! Are store bought ones too expensive for you??" Smartie pants, lol!!! Though I often try to make my own version of things to save money, this time it wasn't about saving money. And I should add it was probably more expensive. But it had to be tried to see if fresher/homemade indeed equalled better in this case. And, like I said, I can become fixated and the only solution is to see it through and be done with it. After securing a few ingredients, I set out to make marshmallows last Saturday. Mix a bit of this, cook a bit of that, whip it all together. The KitchenAid stand mixer that Jon bought us as a wedding gift (almost 15 years ago!!) purred like a kitten on the counter that day. Oh the smell of sugar and vanilla was so incredible!!!! The only bummer was that after pouring the gooey bliss into a pan, it needed to sit for 10-12 hours before cutting and eating! Oh the torture of it all. At least it looked like marshmallows and I dearly hoped they would taste like marshmallows. Actually, I was hoping they tasted better! Check out the final result...

Incredible isn't it??? The recipe I chose filled a 9x13 pan and a loaf pan. In the end I couldn't wait to cut into the smaller batch. I took the cut up samples to church with me that afternoon. I walked up and down the aisle (before church started) handing out samples to folks. I caused a bit of a stir. It was pretty unanimous...they are awesome! I got lots of, "You MADE these??" Yep, in my magic kitchen! I was a hero and the kids kept coming back for more until every last bit was gone. I think all that sugar hyped people up for an even livelier worship time!!
I could share the recipe with you but then you would figure out I am not all that my husband hypes me up to be, lol!
Have a great day!

Sing It...

One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong... Do you remember that Sesame Street tune? Can you guess what is different in the picture below?

If you guessed that Kaleb is the only one without glasses, you are correct! Kaleb wants you all to know he DOES belong though and we definitely agree!

Back in January I noticed that Greg was sometimes singing different words than what was projected on the screen. Not good when you are the worship leader, lol!! He was also straining when using his computer. I finally called and made us both appointments to see the eye doctor. It had been 3 years since my last exam so it was time. Well, my wonderful husband went straight to bi-focals!! He has had a bit of an adjustment but glasses have certainly helped his reading enjoyment.

Josh came home from school in February with a note from the nurse that he should see an eye doctor. After our trip to Myrtle Beach, we took him, and sure enough, he needed glasses. Actually, he only needed one glass but seventh graders aren't really into monocles these days! He never told us he was having trouble seeing at school, but now he says things are definitely better. He mostly wears them at school so around the house I forget he even owns glasses.

I apologize for being such a lax blogger. We are in a bit of a speed warp these days. I was working full time while my co-worker was away on vacation. All the while continuing to seek full time employment. It really puts a strain on the family and house! I have worked at various things to various degrees for many years but none of it has been consistent, full time work. Honestly, I don't like it! I don't like that it means I don't cook meals much anymore and that
the family is often scrounging for food because there isn't enough time to get to the grocery store. The kids are constantly asking where the clean cloths are. Plenty of families do it everyday and I hope to eventually adjust. For now, I am glad that Cindy is back from Florida!

Greg and Josh are very busy preparing for the mission trip to Mississippi. Greg is coordinating a team of about 25 from church to go to Pass Christian to help rebuild Katrina damaged homes. He took teens from Pearce there several years ago and this trip will be a mix of adults and kids. They depart on Easter Sunday afternoon and will return the following Sunday. Two weeks ago we held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and this morning is a garage sale. Of course the whole week leading up to today has been consumed with preparations. Some of you may find a letter in your mailbox this week asking to help out. We are still a bit shy of the fundraising goal but I know God will provide for all their needs. Did you know there are still thousands of people living in FEMA trailers more than 3 1/2 years later?? Every year there seem to be new disasters and issues so for most people I am sure Katrina is not even on their minds anymore. But down there it continues to be a daily issue. This will be Josh's first trip of this kind. Kaleb and I will stay behind on this one. His birthday is that week so we have plans!

In other news, the snow is all melted! We have moved into spring and spring storms. Last night I heard a dripping noise in the kitchen and it wasn't coming from the sink! We have a leak up on the roof somewhere. Thankfully we caught it before any damage happened to our new kitchen ceiling! On the next fine day, Greg will have to get up onto the roof and do some repairs.

That is enough for today! Hopefully my next post won't take a month.
Blessings and love to you!!