Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Through the Eyes of a Child
A child's perspective can often be very refreshing and even help me look at things a little differently.
This past weekend my sister and her family made the 3 1/2 hour trip to spend some time with us. Usually, we make the trip north. The last time they were at our house my now 7 year old nephew, Jacob, was pretty young. He doesn't remember seeing the bed Chris and I sleep in. Really, it's nothing special. Actually, it's probably a little retro - a full motion water bed that we bought new for $500.00 when we first got married.
Anyway, when he found out that we slept on a water bed, all of the curiosity that accompanies any normal 7 year old kicked into gear and he had to lay on it. My sister went in there with him and came out laughing. With awestruck eyes he said to her, "Mom, you must have to be RICH to have a bed like that!"
I had to laugh, too. I AM rich. And, sometimes it just takes looking at life through the eyes of a child to remind me of that.
This past weekend my sister and her family made the 3 1/2 hour trip to spend some time with us. Usually, we make the trip north. The last time they were at our house my now 7 year old nephew, Jacob, was pretty young. He doesn't remember seeing the bed Chris and I sleep in. Really, it's nothing special. Actually, it's probably a little retro - a full motion water bed that we bought new for $500.00 when we first got married.
Anyway, when he found out that we slept on a water bed, all of the curiosity that accompanies any normal 7 year old kicked into gear and he had to lay on it. My sister went in there with him and came out laughing. With awestruck eyes he said to her, "Mom, you must have to be RICH to have a bed like that!"
I had to laugh, too. I AM rich. And, sometimes it just takes looking at life through the eyes of a child to remind me of that.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What's on my nightstand?
I have never participated in "What's on Your Nightstand?" before, but I have listed the books I was reading on my blog before. But, my dear friend, Jesse
To participate in this party we're supposed to share about why we chose our books and when we sneak in reading. I currently read in little snippets for the most part when I can snag a few moments during the day. So, here's what I'm reading.
I got a new MacBook and need to learn the nuances between this and my old PC. Nuff said.
Single income household. Want to learn as much as I can about ways to get out of debt and save some major fundage. I really liked this book. It's a great base that made me realize I really need to dig deeper into the world of investing. Nuff said.
I homeschool my 10 year old son and we are currently reading this classic together. We're really enjoying it - only have a few chapters left to go. We went to the library tonight and rented the DVD of it that stars Pierce Brosnan to watch as soon as we finish it because we're enjoying it so much. I opted not to get the video version starring Jackie Chan. Although I like him, the reviews I read said that it barely held to the book. Nuff said.
I like Amish fiction. I figured I'd also like Amish reality. I do. Nuff said.
My husband and I dream of owning acreage with chickens, cows and goats one day - off grid and all. Since we don't live like that at this point, we put out a big garden and I make the most of this time as a learning experience for when we get to live the total dream. Since we've moved to this house with a yard I've learned to can, make our soap and stuff like that. These types of books really help. This seems to be a really good primer in the basics. Nuff said.
This book is similar to the last one, but tends to be more detailed with how to build different sorts of shelter, solar panels, ponds and things like that. It would be good if you're going to do that stuff yourself instead of hire a professional.
Alright, so that's what's on my nightstand at the moment.
Happy Tuesday, y'all!
Pam
Monday, April 18, 2011
How I Save $30 On A Baking Stone
I have been gone from blogging for quite some time due to computer issues. Well, I have a new computer now. The only little glitch I still have is the fact that my new Mac book doesn't have an actual port for my sim card for my camera. So, pictures will still be a bit of an issue for a bit but I should at least be able to blog. :0)
Today I want to share a recent find with you. We eat homemade pizza on a pretty regular basis here at our house. Getting that lovely crust where you can pick up a gooey slice and eat it without the infamous slide-off due to LCD (Limp Crust Disorder) has been a bit of a challenge, though. I started baking our pizza in my cast iron skillets and griddle which helped, but still didn't give me the results I was looking for. I needed a pizza stone.
Today I want to share a recent find with you. We eat homemade pizza on a pretty regular basis here at our house. Getting that lovely crust where you can pick up a gooey slice and eat it without the infamous slide-off due to LCD (Limp Crust Disorder) has been a bit of a challenge, though. I started baking our pizza in my cast iron skillets and griddle which helped, but still didn't give me the results I was looking for. I needed a pizza stone.
I looked into the stones that a certain Pampered home sales company sells. A 15" round pizza stone would cost me $34. Although it would be an investment that would serve me well for many years, I felt that was a little salty. So, here's what I did.
I went to my local big box hardware store and checked out the 16" square floor tiles. The gentleman working there told me that he wasn't for sure about the heat rating of those floor tiles. The stones from the company above are heat rated to withstand higher temperatures. Floor tiles are able to withstand heat because it is so common to run heating underneath the floor these days, but that only gets up to 100 degrees or so. It was a risk. But, at just under $4 it was a risk I was willing to take. I figured the worst thing that could happen is that the tile would bust in half in my oven if it couldn't withstand the temperature, so I did a test run before baking with food on it. It did beautifully at 350 degrees, so I felt confident enough to use it with food next time.
I have used my new baking stone quite a bit since I did that first dry run several weeks ago and am happy to report that I have used it in an oven up to 425 degrees. My pizza crusts are perfect! It baked a lovely chicken and broccoli braid. And I made biscuits on it the other night. Not only could I bake more biscuits at once than on my cookie sheets (I bake a big batch and freeze for future use), but they were the most perfectly baked biscuits I have ever made. The top crusts were able to get nice and golden without the bottoms getting too brown.
I am so pleased with my new baking stone! I only wish I had gotten it sooner. So, if you are in the market for a baking stone, considering saving yourself about $30 and buy a floor tile from your local hardware store. You'll be glad you did! :o)
Have a great Monday!
Pam
I went to my local big box hardware store and checked out the 16" square floor tiles. The gentleman working there told me that he wasn't for sure about the heat rating of those floor tiles. The stones from the company above are heat rated to withstand higher temperatures. Floor tiles are able to withstand heat because it is so common to run heating underneath the floor these days, but that only gets up to 100 degrees or so. It was a risk. But, at just under $4 it was a risk I was willing to take. I figured the worst thing that could happen is that the tile would bust in half in my oven if it couldn't withstand the temperature, so I did a test run before baking with food on it. It did beautifully at 350 degrees, so I felt confident enough to use it with food next time.
I have used my new baking stone quite a bit since I did that first dry run several weeks ago and am happy to report that I have used it in an oven up to 425 degrees. My pizza crusts are perfect! It baked a lovely chicken and broccoli braid. And I made biscuits on it the other night. Not only could I bake more biscuits at once than on my cookie sheets (I bake a big batch and freeze for future use), but they were the most perfectly baked biscuits I have ever made. The top crusts were able to get nice and golden without the bottoms getting too brown.
I am so pleased with my new baking stone! I only wish I had gotten it sooner. So, if you are in the market for a baking stone, considering saving yourself about $30 and buy a floor tile from your local hardware store. You'll be glad you did! :o)
Have a great Monday!
Pam
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Bunch of Random Updates
So, I know I've been MIA for quite some time, but thought it was high time for an update. :0) This one's for you, Becky! :0)
Life has been very busy lately (and not so lately). Back in August my hubby got sent out of state for a week on continued education. Due to the fact that we had not spent more than 1 night apart in the course of the past 15 years, he took me and the boy to stay with my parents in Michigan for that week so at least we wouldn't be as lonely. Thankfully, we survived. :0)
When we arrived, however, my dad was down with his back to the point that he couldn't even get up to come greet us. By the next morning he knew that a trip to the emergency room was in order. The problem was he couldn't even walk. Chris ended up having to carry him like a baby out to the car. He spent most of the week in the hospital having tests done. Dad had a bulging disk that was pressing on the nerves. To make a long story short - nothing was done for him while we were there. He ended up having surgery shortly thereafter though, and me and Isaac made 2 more trips 'home' to be there.
Dad is on the mend now and I have spent more time away from my husband in the past 2 months than the whole time we've been married. I hope we're done with that. Me no likey. I AM glad that at least we're just a one tank car trip away now instead of the plane flight it used to be when we lived in Florida.
A few short weeks after our last trip to Michigan we were expecting some of our dearest friends from the Sunshine State, whom we hadn't seen in four and a half years. I suddenly felt the urge to complete every task on my barely started to-do list from the summer - all in 2 weeks. I don't know why that maniacal urge kicks into gear when company is coming. The good thing was that it hit all three of us. We painted, cleaned windows, washed walls and baseboards, did yard work, cleaned upholstery, carpet and rugs... No corner was safe from the rags and cleansers. And, you'd never know it to look at my house now. :0( I'm thinking about adopting the new philosophy that I won't bother cleaning because you can't tell anyway. I'll have to let you know how that works out.
We did have a WONDERFULLY, FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE time with our friends during their stay, though. We spent a lot of time doing one of my favorite pastimes - laughing. It's good medicine, you know! The kids have grown so much. They are so sweet, well-behaved, and well-spoken - a true joy to have around. The kids got on so well that they were up until the wee hours of the morning all weekend! I was happy that the little Floridians got to see snow for the first time while they were here, as well as elk and bison. My friend, Jessie, has a couple of posts from their visit here and here over at here blog Overflow of a Forgiven Soul, if you're interested. One of them includes a really simple, really yummy recipe. Now you have to go visit, don't you? :0)
Things are getting back to normal now, I think. I'm not sure things ever really are normal. What's normal anyway? All I know is that a) we're still playing catch-up in school from my maniacal cleaning, projecting spree; b) Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away; which means that c) Christmas is directly upon us; d) I am totally not ready for that.
I had all of these sewing projects lined up in my head for making adorable Christmas presents. Pretty sure that's not going to happen. I pulled out my sewing machine a couple of weeks ago to get started and found out my machine isn't working. The needle won't go up or down. Neither me nor Chris could manage to get the machine apart to see if it was something like a belt that had come off. Of course, when I started calling around to see about getting it fixed, it's going to cost more than the machine did in the first place. So, I think I'm just going to get a new machine instead - for Christmas. Which means I won't be able to make sewn presents this year. Any ideas for gifts would be greatly appreciated. :0)
So, that's about it for now. I'm totally out of the blogging mojo. I'm sure you can tell by my complete lack of focus and rambling. :0) I wanted to do a quick update anyway, though. If I don't drop in again before hand, I hope you all have a wonderful and peaceful holiday season!
Hugs to you all!
Pam
Life has been very busy lately (and not so lately). Back in August my hubby got sent out of state for a week on continued education. Due to the fact that we had not spent more than 1 night apart in the course of the past 15 years, he took me and the boy to stay with my parents in Michigan for that week so at least we wouldn't be as lonely. Thankfully, we survived. :0)
When we arrived, however, my dad was down with his back to the point that he couldn't even get up to come greet us. By the next morning he knew that a trip to the emergency room was in order. The problem was he couldn't even walk. Chris ended up having to carry him like a baby out to the car. He spent most of the week in the hospital having tests done. Dad had a bulging disk that was pressing on the nerves. To make a long story short - nothing was done for him while we were there. He ended up having surgery shortly thereafter though, and me and Isaac made 2 more trips 'home' to be there.
Dad is on the mend now and I have spent more time away from my husband in the past 2 months than the whole time we've been married. I hope we're done with that. Me no likey. I AM glad that at least we're just a one tank car trip away now instead of the plane flight it used to be when we lived in Florida.
A few short weeks after our last trip to Michigan we were expecting some of our dearest friends from the Sunshine State, whom we hadn't seen in four and a half years. I suddenly felt the urge to complete every task on my barely started to-do list from the summer - all in 2 weeks. I don't know why that maniacal urge kicks into gear when company is coming. The good thing was that it hit all three of us. We painted, cleaned windows, washed walls and baseboards, did yard work, cleaned upholstery, carpet and rugs... No corner was safe from the rags and cleansers. And, you'd never know it to look at my house now. :0( I'm thinking about adopting the new philosophy that I won't bother cleaning because you can't tell anyway. I'll have to let you know how that works out.
We did have a WONDERFULLY, FANTASTIC, INCREDIBLE time with our friends during their stay, though. We spent a lot of time doing one of my favorite pastimes - laughing. It's good medicine, you know! The kids have grown so much. They are so sweet, well-behaved, and well-spoken - a true joy to have around. The kids got on so well that they were up until the wee hours of the morning all weekend! I was happy that the little Floridians got to see snow for the first time while they were here, as well as elk and bison. My friend, Jessie, has a couple of posts from their visit here and here over at here blog Overflow of a Forgiven Soul, if you're interested. One of them includes a really simple, really yummy recipe. Now you have to go visit, don't you? :0)
Things are getting back to normal now, I think. I'm not sure things ever really are normal. What's normal anyway? All I know is that a) we're still playing catch-up in school from my maniacal cleaning, projecting spree; b) Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away; which means that c) Christmas is directly upon us; d) I am totally not ready for that.
I had all of these sewing projects lined up in my head for making adorable Christmas presents. Pretty sure that's not going to happen. I pulled out my sewing machine a couple of weeks ago to get started and found out my machine isn't working. The needle won't go up or down. Neither me nor Chris could manage to get the machine apart to see if it was something like a belt that had come off. Of course, when I started calling around to see about getting it fixed, it's going to cost more than the machine did in the first place. So, I think I'm just going to get a new machine instead - for Christmas. Which means I won't be able to make sewn presents this year. Any ideas for gifts would be greatly appreciated. :0)
So, that's about it for now. I'm totally out of the blogging mojo. I'm sure you can tell by my complete lack of focus and rambling. :0) I wanted to do a quick update anyway, though. If I don't drop in again before hand, I hope you all have a wonderful and peaceful holiday season!
Hugs to you all!
Pam
Monday, June 21, 2010
I Know I Said I Wouldn't Be Around Much, BUT....
I need to get something off my chest. So, here goes...
Remember how I told y'all I'd had a bunch of tests done lately? Well, almost 2 months ago I had a mammogram and an ultrasound of my breast done because sometimes I could feel a lump and sometimes it hurt. (How's that for a run-on sentence?) Anyway, the doctor told me she felt it could be related to my hormones because they were out of whack, but wanted me to have the tests done just to make sure. I appreciate that. To say that I didn't ever had a mental battle with that little lump would be lying, even though there is no history of breast cancer in my family. Both tests showed absolutely nothing - not even anything to deem suspicious. There simply wasn't anything there. The radiologist told me that as we age, breast tissue can change and become lumpy. Also, a surge of hormones can cause inflammation in a lymph node which could give some discomfort. Given the placement of the lump and the fact that most of my discomfort was during 'that time of the month', he felt that this was probably the case in my situation. Rest in peace, my mind was put to ease. My gynecologist seemed satisfied with the results.
Fast forward to today....
I get a call from a nurse at my gynecologist's office. She said that the doctor wanted to know how that lump was doing. "I haven't been having any issues." Well, she was going to refer me to a surgical group. I'm going out on a limb here and assuming it's the same surgical group that she referred me to that removed my gall bladder. I told her that since both of the tests showed absolutely nothing and the doctor had told me that it was probably hormone related, that made sense to me. She then said, "Well, if you change your mind, let us know." End of phone call.
Now, here's where I want to pick y'alls brains.
Here's what went through my head:
1) Wouldn't a surgical group be used for something invasive, like biopsies?
2) Why would she want to refer me to a surgeon for a non-existent lump? What would there be to biopsy?
3) If it was something she was still truly concerned about, why would she wait almost 2 months to schedule me for an appointment with the surgeon? After all, wouldn't possible cancer take precedence over a gall bladder?
4) If she was concerned enough to refer me to a surgeon, wouldn't she have made a real push to have it investigated further instead of just a, "Well, if you change your mind..."?
5) Could my beloved doctor really be a racketeer in cahoots with the surgical group for kick-backs? Note: I'm not usually a conspiracy theorist, but something just doesn't seem to add up to me at this point.
6) Or, could there really be something she's concerned about and just not telling me? Although, this doesn't make sense in my mind either due to the fact that I had 2 tests done that showed absolutely nothing. And, aren't ultrasounds pretty much the gold standard for finding tumors?
I would like to be rational about this. My mind in leaning towards #5 at this moment - but maybe that really is being illogical. I know I'm not always the sharpest knife in the drawer and I have had no formal medical schooling. So, any thoughts, please? :0)
XO,
Pam
Remember how I told y'all I'd had a bunch of tests done lately? Well, almost 2 months ago I had a mammogram and an ultrasound of my breast done because sometimes I could feel a lump and sometimes it hurt. (How's that for a run-on sentence?) Anyway, the doctor told me she felt it could be related to my hormones because they were out of whack, but wanted me to have the tests done just to make sure. I appreciate that. To say that I didn't ever had a mental battle with that little lump would be lying, even though there is no history of breast cancer in my family. Both tests showed absolutely nothing - not even anything to deem suspicious. There simply wasn't anything there. The radiologist told me that as we age, breast tissue can change and become lumpy. Also, a surge of hormones can cause inflammation in a lymph node which could give some discomfort. Given the placement of the lump and the fact that most of my discomfort was during 'that time of the month', he felt that this was probably the case in my situation. Rest in peace, my mind was put to ease. My gynecologist seemed satisfied with the results.
Fast forward to today....
I get a call from a nurse at my gynecologist's office. She said that the doctor wanted to know how that lump was doing. "I haven't been having any issues." Well, she was going to refer me to a surgical group. I'm going out on a limb here and assuming it's the same surgical group that she referred me to that removed my gall bladder. I told her that since both of the tests showed absolutely nothing and the doctor had told me that it was probably hormone related, that made sense to me. She then said, "Well, if you change your mind, let us know." End of phone call.
Now, here's where I want to pick y'alls brains.
Here's what went through my head:
1) Wouldn't a surgical group be used for something invasive, like biopsies?
2) Why would she want to refer me to a surgeon for a non-existent lump? What would there be to biopsy?
3) If it was something she was still truly concerned about, why would she wait almost 2 months to schedule me for an appointment with the surgeon? After all, wouldn't possible cancer take precedence over a gall bladder?
4) If she was concerned enough to refer me to a surgeon, wouldn't she have made a real push to have it investigated further instead of just a, "Well, if you change your mind..."?
5) Could my beloved doctor really be a racketeer in cahoots with the surgical group for kick-backs? Note: I'm not usually a conspiracy theorist, but something just doesn't seem to add up to me at this point.
6) Or, could there really be something she's concerned about and just not telling me? Although, this doesn't make sense in my mind either due to the fact that I had 2 tests done that showed absolutely nothing. And, aren't ultrasounds pretty much the gold standard for finding tumors?
I would like to be rational about this. My mind in leaning towards #5 at this moment - but maybe that really is being illogical. I know I'm not always the sharpest knife in the drawer and I have had no formal medical schooling. So, any thoughts, please? :0)
XO,
Pam
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Update and a Free DVD Offer
It was a week ago today that I had my gall bladder removed. The surgery went well and I was home to sleep on my own reclining sofa that evening. I have spent the past week recuperating and waiting for my energy and strength to return to pre-surgery status. I thank those of you who took time to comment and encourage me with your stories and your prayers. Hugs to you all.
This past week has given me plenty of time for contemplation and evaluation about how our days go, what we accomplish and whether or not the results are in line with what I want to have happen in our days. The bottom line is; there are priorities that need to be restructured. As I have been feeling a pull towards a more natural/simple life style in the areas of what we eat and how we live in general, I feel that pull more strongly in other areas lately.
I am feeling the need to pull back more from technology. Not that there is anything wrong with it. On the contrary - I find it to be very helpful. Sometimes too helpful. It can tend to be a big time suck for me. Even blogging anything worth reading takes a great deal of time to order the thoughts on the screen, spell check, edit and make it flow properly. Obviously, I haven't written much worth reading in quite a while. :0) But, then that leaves me riddled with guilt. Between blogging, Facebook, and just checking my e-mails - I am spending way more time on this wonderful piece of technology we call the computer than I want to.
I would rather my days be spent on more productive things like gardening, working on my sewing projects, taking walks with my son and just spending more quality one on one time with him in general. Even though we're home together every day, I feel that there are so many things that take my time and attention that we don't spend "quality" time together. He is the only child I have. I only have this season once. There is no way to redeem time once it is gone. I don't want to have regrets one day because I was too busy to give my attention to the things that are most important in my life.
So, I have decided to give blogging and other areas of computer time a new place on my list of priorities. They are being demoted. Actually, this blog has been severely neglected for a while. But, I have decided to let go of the guilt of it. :0) I will check in on occasion - only if there is anything really worth reporting. I truly admire those women that seem to be able to do projects, write beautiful blog posts about them every day and still manage to make quality time with their families. Unfortunately, I don't happen to be one of those women who can do it all. So, I'm coming to terms with that. I'm letting go of some things that hinder and embracing the gifts I have before me. I realize that some goals I have won't be easily reached without giving up quite a bit of 'screen time'.
I dearly appreciate those of you who have stuck around to read my goings on! Some of you have even become what I would consider friends. :0) This isn't an absolute good-bye. It's just an I'll be seeing you a little less often. So, friends...let me share a great freebie with you before I go today.
NASA and The American Museum of Natural History have joined forces to create a free DVD for educators and parents entitled, Journey to the Stars. It's a planetarium show about the amazing variety of stars that dot our cosmos--exploding stars, giant stars, dwarf stars, neutron stars, even our own star! Just go to this link to sign up for your free copy! This is a great offer, especially for you homeschoolers out there!
You'll still be in my thoughts with much love...
Pam
This past week has given me plenty of time for contemplation and evaluation about how our days go, what we accomplish and whether or not the results are in line with what I want to have happen in our days. The bottom line is; there are priorities that need to be restructured. As I have been feeling a pull towards a more natural/simple life style in the areas of what we eat and how we live in general, I feel that pull more strongly in other areas lately.
I am feeling the need to pull back more from technology. Not that there is anything wrong with it. On the contrary - I find it to be very helpful. Sometimes too helpful. It can tend to be a big time suck for me. Even blogging anything worth reading takes a great deal of time to order the thoughts on the screen, spell check, edit and make it flow properly. Obviously, I haven't written much worth reading in quite a while. :0) But, then that leaves me riddled with guilt. Between blogging, Facebook, and just checking my e-mails - I am spending way more time on this wonderful piece of technology we call the computer than I want to.
I would rather my days be spent on more productive things like gardening, working on my sewing projects, taking walks with my son and just spending more quality one on one time with him in general. Even though we're home together every day, I feel that there are so many things that take my time and attention that we don't spend "quality" time together. He is the only child I have. I only have this season once. There is no way to redeem time once it is gone. I don't want to have regrets one day because I was too busy to give my attention to the things that are most important in my life.
So, I have decided to give blogging and other areas of computer time a new place on my list of priorities. They are being demoted. Actually, this blog has been severely neglected for a while. But, I have decided to let go of the guilt of it. :0) I will check in on occasion - only if there is anything really worth reporting. I truly admire those women that seem to be able to do projects, write beautiful blog posts about them every day and still manage to make quality time with their families. Unfortunately, I don't happen to be one of those women who can do it all. So, I'm coming to terms with that. I'm letting go of some things that hinder and embracing the gifts I have before me. I realize that some goals I have won't be easily reached without giving up quite a bit of 'screen time'.
I dearly appreciate those of you who have stuck around to read my goings on! Some of you have even become what I would consider friends. :0) This isn't an absolute good-bye. It's just an I'll be seeing you a little less often. So, friends...let me share a great freebie with you before I go today.
NASA and The American Museum of Natural History have joined forces to create a free DVD for educators and parents entitled, Journey to the Stars. It's a planetarium show about the amazing variety of stars that dot our cosmos--exploding stars, giant stars, dwarf stars, neutron stars, even our own star! Just go to this link to sign up for your free copy! This is a great offer, especially for you homeschoolers out there!
You'll still be in my thoughts with much love...
Pam
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