Turkey Tales

Having some personal laughs this afternoon.  With no one around to share them with, I am doing the chuckling inwardly.  Last night we realized that we had still had a turkey that we needed to cook, so I called my mom and asked her what to do, since Betty Crocker only told the timing by pounds...no seasoning suggestions...that I saw...

She called my dad over as he has been the turkey baker lately.  As he was arriving to the phone, I said I needed the short version.  So, he started with garlic and onion.  We had the garlic, but not the onion.  Ok, what next.  Salt and pepper, then a list of seasonings that we mostly didn't have, so he suggested others.  We sprinkled them here and there and everywhere.  Oh, and don't forget to take out the ___  (can't remember what...something soft inside the turkey).  Kevin was the one touching the turkey.  He so he took some things out that we had put in and check around.  Couldn't find it.

Anyways, we did all that seasoning and Kevin placed the turkey in the roaster the "right" direction.  That is a joke because I have never (can't think of one time) put a poultry item in the crockpot or pan the right direction.  He said that was easy, this is the right direction.  Then we placed it in the roaster and put it in the fridge for the night.  On to this morning.

As we were running out the door to Bible study, I remembered that I needed to put it in the oven.  Turned the oven on, put it in, took it back out to dust the cover, put it back in, set the timer and headed out the door.

We arrived back home with an hour and a half to spare and I took the turkey out when the timer rang.  I had no way to test it because there was to my knowledge no little red popper thing and I do not have a meat thermometer.  (I used to, but I never figured out how to use it so, I got rid of it!  I also have not figured out my children's thermometer either, but I feel like I should actually keep that.)  Since, I was planning on using this turkey in soups and casseroles, I figured it wasn't a big deal what temperature it got to.

A while later, while carving the turkey (my girls were laughing at that because they were simultaneously carving soup), I found three things to laugh about:  I found that the turkey was upside down.  I found the little paper bag of stuff.  And I found the red little popper thing.  I also found that I like the meat around the neck...is there a reason (besides lots of bones) that it usually is not eaten? 

Kj's "Excitement"

I'm a bit emotional tonight...  Here's the story...  Kevin said I should start writing it down, this is an especially good idea since I forget many details.  For instance...  Wait, let me back up. 

Kj has a lump on her leg.  It bulges when she flexes her foot and lays down when she relaxes.  It took me about a month after finding it to finally get her to the doctor.  We'd often forget about it because it didn't hurt and if she was wearing pants of any kind it wasn't seen. 

So, we went to the doctor, she ordered an ultrasound.  We got an ultrasound, they ordered an MRI.  The MRI was denied because Kj didn't also get an x-ray.  We waited.  We were referred to a surgeon.  We saw the surgeon, she reordered the MRI (a different way), the order was accepted.  The next day we had an MRI.  Two days later we waited for a call.  We waited by the wrong phone.  We arrived home two days after that to find two messages from that surgeon.  She referred us to an orthopedic surgeon, so we'll make an appointment for that meeting tomorrow (Monday). 

So, about my lack of detailed remembering...  The doctor comes into the room and asks when we first saw the lump.  First of all, it was a weekend with Nana at which it was discovered, but then a couple weeks went by before deciding that we should probably get this check out.  So, I tell the doctor, "Umm, a couple months ago, I suppose."  Then, I look at Kj.  She nods and says, "Yeah, probably two months or one."  Haha... 

Well, I'm ready for bed...maybe another post soon.  

Repeat paragraph with dates:

So, we went to the doctor (10/10), she ordered an ultrasound.  We got an ultrasound (10/13), they ordered an MRI.  The MRI was denied because Kj didn't also get an x-ray.  We waited.  We were referred to a surgeon.  We saw the surgeon (11/23), she reordered the MRI (a different way), the order was accepted (11/23).  The next day we had an MRI (11/24).  Two days later we waited for a call (11/26).  We waited by the wrong phone.  We arrived home two days after that to find two messages from that surgeon (11/28).  She referred us to an orthopedic surgeon, so we'll make an appointment for that meeting tomorrow (Monday 11/29). 

We Were Blessed

As Nana watched out the window last night, 

Upon our empty streets, 

She saw a mob of people coming, 

To which we could give some treats.

We all rushed to the window because we had yet to pass out any of our carefully decorated "love bags".  I looked down the street and at the next corner I saw a large group, adult height, standing very still, appearing to wear lots of black with a bit of red and white.  Oh, no, Kevin will be answering the door for them.  But still they didn't move.  Then after many long moments of all of us squinting out at them, they started to cross the street.  Wheelchairs!  Over a dozen children in wheelchairs coming down the street being pushed by their "friends".

They were heading down the other side of the street past our house.  "Quick girls, get on your shoes and coats, we'll bring some to them!"  But they were passing us by...  Then, Nana calls out, "Are you coming over here?"  "Yes," was the reply.  Ok, back in and wait a moment.

A few minutes later, we had the dozen plus wheelchairs in our driveway and we were able to bring out our treat bags to them!  I got a little emotional while they were here, thinking of how wrong I was, seeing them from a distance.  They were no scary crew, these were beautiful, sweet, wheelchair bound children!  Then, I remembered to talk to them, not just observe my girls and their aunt passing out their bags.  I talked with the leader of the crew and touched her hand, asked her where she was headed next.  Next a serene-faced ladybug, who's name was E, and I commented that one of the girls had her name as a middle name. 

My heart overflows (into my eyes most of the time) and I am so glad we made the decision to light up our house and share of our bounty!  Usually we turn off the lights, go somewhere else, or just ignore that Halloween even exists.  Here are some others' thoughts that we considered this year:

The Evolution of Halloween in Our Home

Our Pets Don’t Need a Halloween Costume and Other Important Truths

The Light Shines on All Hallows’ Eve

The LORD is good and His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations!  Psalm 100:5  (On one of the bags Kj wrote the whole of Psalm 100!  She opened up her Bible and started copying it.)

Apple Pie Filling

Have you ever tried canning apple pie filling?  Do you have ideas or recipes on how to do it?  I tried this one:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Canned-Apple-Pie-Filling/

I did add more cinnamon, and skipped the peeling part, and haven't tried it.  I guess I'll have to make a pie soon!  It does seem to be counter productive to use one of your canned items so soon though.  Let me know if you have a better recipe or a tested recipe!

A Productive Kitchen (and Progress)

Well, I think I alleviate stress in the kitchen...in a few different ways:

~ I recently loaded my plastic-ware in my dishwasher and put away all the random dishes that our family needed to make it to a full load.  I have been doing dishes after each meal.  The girls often help.  I'll fill up the sink with soapy water, then load it up and have one girl wash those, then the next girl gets the next load and I finish up with all the large or sharp items.  After supper, I usually just do them.  It has given me a chance to get away (but not too far) from all the kids and the clatter that they make.  And also gives Kevin some time with them, with me just a room away.  

~ The destressing doesn't always come in cleaning though...but with other little extras.  We have gotten a couple coop loads of fruits and vegetables.  I spend a lot of time prepping that for meals and snacks, so that I can quickly fill a plate with these at snacks or lunch.

~ Tonight, I canned spaghetti sauce for the first time (technically pizza sauce).  It was easy, and I could read books to L in between each step, but I did.  Another day, I canned applesauce. 

There has also been other happenings in our kitchen.  Kevin and our dads came on my birthday and installed the first section of new cabinets.  I am about ready to order the island cabinets too.  I just have to decide whether I want drawers or shelves, or one of each.  Then I have to haul 4 kids to the store to drop off the check for half price.  That is the challenge that I am stuck at.  Maybe I can call ahead and have them meet me at the door so I can just pass the check through the door.  Hehe...

Bent Out of Shape

My life has been a little hectic lately.  In the middle of one Friday night, we accepted the call to take 2 foster kids for the weekend.  Well, that weekend turned into a week and that week turned into two.  Baby gates were needed, extra hands were needed, another pack and play, and three sizes of diapers.  My response has been roller-coaster-ish.  There has been laughter and tears.  I have tried to plan, but don't know the plan to plan around.  I am living in the moment.  Most afternoons are filled with two crying boys (one child that we took in moved on after a few days, so we are down to 2 sizes of diapers), and most evenings have been filled with less than loving responses to my husband's attempts to help.  I have had many broken moments, just crying out to God.  I can't do this!  Is that my selfish response or a right/normal/good response?  After the tears does come a peace though!!  Amazing how God works.  I broke, I told Him, He can fill me!  He can help me moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.  My attitude and outlook is being adjusted (slowly).  After a impromptu fall break from homeschool, we are getting our school schedule adjusted and fitting it all in.  I still don't know the plan and what I do know makes me think that the weekend might run into yet another week.  I have had little encouraging things come at just the right moment: 

~At church on Sunday a verse was read in Second Corinthians 6 that mentioned "sleepless nights"...my response - God knows what I'm going through!!
~The sermon talked about all things giving God the glory, and are we doing any of this for our glory or for God's...my response - praying that this all is for the right reasons.
~A friend setting up meals for us (our family and another foster family)...my response - extreme gratitude!  It is getting easier, but it is amazing how little you can get done with 2 under 2.  
~This sweet face of our Mn:

 

So, after all that (hopefully it made sense), if I seem a little bent out of shape, forgive me!  I'm getting refined!  And hopefully my ring will be get the kink out soon too.  If you see that I'm not wearing it, don't assume that something is wrong between Kevin and I...I just felt securely claustrophobic!  He knows and he is very understanding!  Pray for us, would you!?  There are many scenarios that could play out and some of them require us to make a decision about the care of sweet boy (not pictured). 

Zucchini Galore

**I didn't finish this post, but wanted to get the links out anyway.

Zucchini Bread:

Zucchini Cookies

Make in to bars - double batch makes 9x13 pan!  Yum

Seedless Raspberry Jam

Oops, only put 3 oz, could do 5 c instead of 6 c sugar for double batch

Zucchini Lime Jam

Dehydrated Zucchini

Zucchini Cake

Zucchini Tots

Heed advice to dry out zuc. a bit on cloth...I did but not enough...

Oatmeal Cinnamon Pancakes (in a jar)

In the wide mouth 1-quart jar - packing down each layer before adding another:

2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup dry milk
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Making 10 servings combine:

1 jar
2/3 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups water

Cook pancakes and enjoy!

Recipe found in "Gifts in a Jar - One Dish Meals" ISBN 1-56383-136-8

Our Mysterious New Yard

Last fall we moved into our current home and knew only of the sea of ferns in our backyard that would eventually have to go.  This spring we found that there are many more varieties of green things growing.  Many creeping, many spreading and all unknown to us.  Please help us if you can to identify the following.  We'd like to know what they are, if they spread, are they weeds...

(parentheses for updated id or possible id) 

1.  (lily)

2. (mystery lily ?md)

 
3. This I think turns into a bush...

4.

5.  This is a bit furry.

6. (columbine)

7.  May be the same as #3.  

 

8.  (ninebark ?pa)

10. The fern!

11.  Mossy something...

12.

13.  Flowering bush... (flowering almond/rose tree of China)

14. (Iris)

15. (viola ?md)

16. (choelus?)

17. (iris)

18. (snow on the mountain, bishop's weed)

19. (day lilies)

Nursing Shawl in 5 Minutes or Less

I had the idea to make a nursing shawl because a friend of mine had one.  I kept forgetting to ask her where she got it, and then finally, figuring it would be more than $10, I decided to check Pinterest to see if they had any ideas for dimensions or other DIY versions.  I found this idea and another.  So easy! 

Now, the issue was finding the fabric.  I have 3 little ones at home and am very pregnant, so thought I would check my stash and my scarf collection (which isn't too many, but more than I regularly use). 

After folding the scarf in half, I pinned from the fringe up to about 15 inches from the fold.  Then, I sewed with a similar color of thread, tied it off and tried it on.  Done.

 One of the instruction links showed that you could use it for a pregnancy shawl, nursing cover, or infinity scarf.  I didn't try it as a scarf yet.  Maybe another day.  And below is my nearly 37 week pregnant belly. 

Kitchen Progress 3

Above is the picture of my kitchen earlier this week.  The gas stove had been hooked up but the upper cupboard came down over half the stove.  Our plumber said that this was not ok, and asked that we make the necessary changes before using the left side of the stove.  

Kevin's parents and our niece came Friday night.  They started right in after supper.  It seemed as though the project would be finished by bedtime.  It nearly was!!  They make a great team.  

Here they were working on making the cut off cupboard look nice.  Planning what to use on the side...here I was just thinking they were going to make it usable, but they were planning on making it pretty!  

Above, from the front, below, from the side.  Looks great!  Yeah, the "backsplash" area could use a little work, but progress is progress!!  We found a cheap area rug to place over the area where the old island was.  That area didn't have any carpet and also had holes that went into the laundry room.  

After supper I vacuumed and added a bit of "padding" under the rug so you couldn't see the outline of the island as well anymore.  Used a little of the old backsplash, cardboard, and packing tape!  :)  

Green Eggs

Our family was given a nice big box of fresh fruits and veggies this weekend.  A program called Bountiful Baskets.  When I went to check their blog, I found that they had recipes that went along with some of the goodies in the box.  The recipe I followed (a bit), was for Green Eggs.  I didn't have a zucchini, so decided to make it a bit more colorful.

 
Then we made them into "breakfast" burritos using their serving suggestions as toppings.  Worked out pretty well.  L didn't care for it, but Kj had seconds, thirds and maybe even fourths. 

Kitchen Progress 2

We decided to work on the removal of our kitchen island last weekend.  Thursday the plumber was expected to come and finally hook up our gas stove.  It has been sitting unused since November when we moved into our house.  And our electrician friend had worked hard putting in ceiling lights and fans in our bedrooms earning our electric stove in December and we were finally going to be paying him with it!  

So, again over the weekend our kitchen looked quite messy!  But it has definitely been worth it!  

Ta-da!  Our gas stove hooked up, the island removed, the kitchen vacuumed!  Wow!  What a transformation.  Yes, there is much progress to come and many messes to keep cleaning up, but I am enjoying my gas stove again!  We were told not to use the left burners until the upper cupboard was removed/shortened.  So, that will be the weekend project, I expect.  :)