December in Review

Hi Kids!

I hope you all had a merry Christmas!  I did.  I got to go home and visit my family for a few days which was nice.  I did lots of sleeping and eating, as well as a few holiday traditions, not the least of which was the Isaacson Family Holiday Table Tennis Tournament.

A Very Canine Christmas

I went to the farm fleet store on Monday to get some dog food.  We buy pretty expensive dog food, because it seems to be the only kind that the dogs can handle really well.  It costs a pretty penny, but when you have 3 dogs in one house, it is worth it to reduce...*ahem*..."dog fumes."

Chicken Bistro

I feel strongly about many, many things.  I will spare you the full list (for now) and only mention one belief I hold to strongly.

Miracle Whip is from the devil.

That "tangy zip" is one of the most offensive tastes attached to something that is allegedly edible.

A few things I would like to mention

• Tim has the day off today.  I also have the day off.  It is nice to have a random day off together.  We are gettin' stuffs done.
• Last week we were visiting Tim's family in Pennsylvania.  For a whole week.  And it was wonderful.  
• I have the best in-laws in the whole world.

while he's away

Tim just got back from two weeks in London.  I will write a longer post a little later about how I "survive" while he's gone, but one of my tactics this time around was to set some goals for myself to give me something to focus on.  Here were my goals and how I did on each one:

Baby Proof

This weekend I offered to watch my friends' 4 kids one evening so they could go out on a date.  Since all four of the children are not even school-age, and he's a farmer that works another full-time job, they don't get a lot of one-on-one time together.

And no, I haven't lost my mind... I enlisted Katie to help out.

before Hilton Head

The week(s) leading up to our departure for Hilton Head were slightly hectic.  I had lots to do at work with the end of a month and the end of a quarter.  At home, there were lots of "before the ground freezes" project that may or may not have been completed before we left.  For all we knew, we would come back to a blanket of snow!

I'm REALLY thankful that...

111.
 "...no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ.  And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20


112.
"...my God will meet all your need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

I'm thankful that...

91. my husband is not deployed
92. my husband is not in the military and I don't have to worry about him being deployed
93. my husband is not a cop
94. my husband is not a fireman

More Hilton Head

Since I know that not everyone in the world has had the opportunity to go to Hilton Head, I wanted to attempt to give you a taste of what Hilton Head is "like."  So here are a few pictures to illustrate.

Scavenger Hunt

Whenever my friend, Mindy, goes on roadtrips with her friends, they make a scavenger hunt to do.  Mindy made one for Katie and me when we went on our Excellent Adventure which you can read about here, here, here and here.

since we've been gone

I can understand if you didn't notice I was gone, because I'm not super-regular at keeping up with this blog-thing.  

But we've been gone.  For a week, in fact.  

Walking Tico

Walking Tico is derived from Walking Taco.  Because Tico's in a bag.  Just like a Walking Taco.  Get it?


Last night we refilled the dog food container (we do this much more frequently since we have the boys now), and of course the dogs watch intently as Tim poured the food into the tub.

A Peck of Pickled Peppers

As the gardening season winds down, I periodically feel waves of panic that I need to be preserving what I can from the garden.   The only thing that really produced a preservable amount this year was my peppers.  I went out a couple of weeks ago and picked what was ready.

Happy Christmas Spirit Day!

What?  Christmas Spirit Day?  On a Tuesday? Are you kidding me, Steph?

Nope.  For reals.  For 10 years Christmas Spirit Days have been on Thursdays, and now we're changing it up.  

Last Weekend

I mentioned a few weeks ago that it was cold outside and we had built a fire in our fireplace.  We were really on a kick because we have built 4 fires so far this season.

This summer, a large windstorm hit our area.  Very few people were hurt, and I don't even know that many buildings were destroyed, but there was a lot of damage and a really big mess.  The city compost is burgeoning with trees, so last Sunday Tim borrowed a chainsaw, and went and picked up this load of "firewood."

Apple Week: The Finale

There is one more recipe that I feel I need to share with you.  I first had it when my coworker, Char brought it in to work.  Pioneer Woman posted it, so I will just direct you over to her versions.

Apple Week: Apple Fritters and Donuts

"Some people say football is a matter of life and death.  I assure them its much more serious than that." - Bill Shankly*

When my family moved to a smaller school district the summer before I was in 4th grade, my parents started taking us to the high school football games.  Before this, I didn't even know that there were such things as weekly high school games, much less that we could go to them.  

Apple Week: Apple Panekooken

I am so, so excited to have my second guest post here on Dinkin' Around.  Anne is such a good friend, and she really understands me.  At least most of the time :)  For example, she saw a big eraser in a purple case at the store and thought of me, so she got it.  And she knew I would be super-excited, even though it is just a little thing.  And then she knew I wanted to give her a hug when she gave it to me.  And she wrapped it in sparkly red wrapping paper, just like Christmas! 

Apple Week: Apple Cake

This recipe is from my one, true mommy.  I haven't made this one in awhile, but boy is it delicious!

Apple Week: Dutch Apple Pie

One of the bestest wedding shower gifts I received was given to me by our family's "go-to" pie friend.  Mary Ellen Martin makes some of the best pies I have ever tasted!  Her gift was a beautiful pie plate, a rolling pin, this apple pie recipe, and a pie baking lesson.  Having a pie baking lesson was the perfect "just for fun" activity to give me a break the week before my wedding.

Apple Week: Apple Crisp

This recipe is from a cookbook I have called More With Less.  The premise of the cookbook is that we should be good stewards of ALL the resources God has given us, and that we should take that into account when cooking.  The recipes are healthy, nutritious, and filling, as well as very tasty.  It is a great cookbook for people heading overseas because the recipes are flexible so you can use whatever grains and cereals are available.  It is also a great book for frugal cooks that appreciate making foods from scratch (I'm looking at YOU, Rachel).  A few times a year I resolve to use the concepts and recipes in the cookbook more.  I can't say I have made significant progress, but I have made small steps toward eating less processed foods and make a few more things from scratch.  And we eat more beans.  Check out the cookbook for WAY more info on balanced meals and nutrition.

Apple Week!

I don't know about you all, but I had a lot of fun doing raspberry fortnight this summer, so I'm bringing it back this week!  Only its not raspberries, its apples, since its apple season.  Get excited! (and there was much rejoicing...yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay)

Wild Rice Soup

Let me tell you what's been happening around here.

• Wednesday I went to Walgreens and purchased kleenex, cough drops, and NyQuil.  Because we needed those things.

• I covered the garden this week.

how to change your tires

Tim recently got some new "toys" from his grandfather this summer, and the back tires on the focus were COMPLETELY bald-- as in, threads showing--so we gave the equipment a test drive.

For those of you who have never done this, I am about to explain how to put new tires on your car.  Get excited!

Growing Dogs God's Way

In case you haven't heard, we have 3 dogs.

everyday life

It feels like we have had a lot going on lately, but nothing in particular.  When people ask how things are going, I say we are busy, but can't really explain why.  I feel like I can't keep up with my house, but I'm not sure what I am doing instead.

Have you ever had one of those seasons in life?

scene from my kitchen...floor

Sponsored by Tico-Nut.

Hope you had a great weekend!

workday thankfullness

71. I don't have to write board reports
72. I don't have to supervise anybody
73. I have an office with windows
74. I have a newer computer with a nice monitor

Guest Post: Kelly on Lands End

I am very excited to share with you my first "guest post" today.  I am not really sure the purpose of guest posting other than the fact that you don't have to write it, but I wanted this one  so Kelly could share her perspective on the Lands End Experience...and talk you all into joining us next year. :)  

a thankful nose

"But thanks be to God, who always lead us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  For we are  to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?" 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

2011 Garden Tour

I figured that since the summer is mostly over, it was about time I gave you a tour of my garden this year!  Well, to be honest, this is the first time that all parts of it have been presentable enough to show off.  So here we go!

Crash Hot Potatoes

I have been a little bit obsessed with this recipe this summer, and rightfully so.  It is tasty AND healthy...ish.  And who else would I get it from than Pioneer Woman?  Yes, she has one or two recipes that could be considered "healthy."

Raspberry Fortnight: Raspberry Sauce

Well kids, here it is.  The grand finale!  Of the three recipes I brought into work (individual raspberry cobblers by PW, raspberry buckle by BHG, and this one), my coworkers said this was their favorite. 

Raspberry Fortnight: Raspberry Buckle

I wanted a raspberry coffeecake recipe, and this raspberry buckle by Better Homes and Gardens sounded like a good (and easy) candidate.  What is a buckle?  Based on some quick internet searching, here is a stripped-down description of fruit recipes.

Cobbler: Fruit filling with biscuit topping

Brown Betty: Fruit with buttered bread cubes

Buckle: A coffee cake with fruit and streusel topping

Raspberry Week: Raspberry Cobbler

Add "Raspberry Week" to the list of things in my life that did not go as planned.  I had all of my recipes made by the time I went to bed on Monday night, with the best intentions of posting one each day.  We all know about the best intentions...

photo challenge day 30: self-portrait

So this might not exactly be finishing strong, but its what I've got.  Done is better than perfect... at least that's what they tell me.  I'm not sure I believe 'em, but I need to finish up with this.

Lands End Roundup

Today was a big day... one I have been looking forward to all year, in fact!  My sister, Kelly, flew in for a family wedding this weekend, then today we drove 3 hours to the Lands End Warehouse Clearance Event, an event that I first attended last year and that has forever changed my life.

Raspberry Week: Individual Raspberry Cobblers

I was looking through PW's recipes to find ways to use my raspberries, and I came across this cute-looking and delicious-sounding recipe.  I thought they would transport well to work, so I whipped up a batch.

Raspberry Week: Smoothies

Sometimes I want a milkshake, but I know I should make a healthier choice.

I have been making the healthier choice a lot the past week.  And guzzling it all down myself :)

thoughtful things I'm thankful for

21.  My dad always remembers to leave the cheese off of one or two burgers for me.
22. Tim gave me the chapstick that he got for free from a vendor because he knew I would love it

photo challenge day 29: black and white

This is our fireplace.  My limited creativity is running out of inspiration...

Raspberry Week: Raspberry Crisp

As I mentioned in one of my posts yesterday, my mother gave me an extremely generous gift of 2 gallons of raspberries when we stopped by my folks' house a couple of weeks ago.  She work for an agricultural research institution, so they grow raspberries, pick them, weigh them to see what thier yield is, and then are done with them.  My mom helps pick them so that she can get them for free. 

photo challenge day 28: flowers

photo challenge day 27: from a distance

No, I have not given up yet!  At long last, here is my shot "from a distance."

Saturday Thankfulness

"Ingratitude, we find in scripture is one of those especially noxious sins to God, as He will reveal His wrath against those who choose not to give thanks to Him and to honor Him...If God had His list of noxious sins, that you as a believer, or me as a believer could be written up for if we chose to put up with one in our life, ingratitude would be on His list.  Its noxious."~Pastor Bob Kosbau

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Blogger has not been working on my home computer, so I am going to try this at work.  I sincerely apologize for posting a delicious picture and no recipe.  This will now be the 4th time I type it all out.

photo challenge day 26: close-up

photo challenge day 25: something pink

photo challenge day 24: animal

You all thought I was going to post a picture of a dog for an animal.  Ha!  Have you got another thing coming!

Don't look now...but...there's a bear.  In a dog bed.

every day im shufflin

Tim is sort of obsessed with this song. 





And its pretty dang catchy.  So it gets stuck in our head a lot, so we listen to it a lot to get it out of our heads.

photo challenge day 23: sunflare

Everybody can just take a deep breath and relax now, because I am back :)  

After a journey out east to see some family and get Dan and Ashley married and off to Disney World, we came home to tree branches down and no interwebz.  The power had been out, but we were one of the first ones in town to get it back.  It is a huge Praise God that we had no damage after a big huge storm on Sunday night while we were still out of town.

photo challenge day 22: hands

We are visiting Mandy tonight.  Its been good times.

Faceless Self Portrait

Steph said something about a faceless self portrait for the 30 day photo challenge.  Challenge accepted.  So I did my little magic trick that no one knows about and made my head disappear.  I can only do it for a split second, but lucky for me I also have a hairline camera trigger finger.  BAM!  Count it.

photo challenge day 20: bokeh

Again, for those of you just joining us, I am participating in a 30 day photo challenge.

I blame it on Kim and Chelsea.

photo challenge day 19: something orange

Before we get to the picture, I would like to point out that things have gone to the next level here on Dinkin' Around.  I now have 10 official followers. Two digits...oh yeah! (said in the voice of Vector from Despicable Me...who, I might point out, counts as "something orange").

Fruit Dip & Grape Salad

We had a church baptism service today, followed by a potluck picnic.  This is the dish that I brought to share.  It is great for a picnic because it can sit out for awhile without spoiling, makes a large batch, and is even rather kid-friendly.  And delicious.  Did I mention delicious?

photo challenge day 18: your shoes

Scenes from the living room... continued

photo challenge day 17: technology

Technology?  Are you kidding me?  I so have got this one covered.  I married technology!

Disclaimer: I know that part of this photo challenge is being creative and learning to take good pictures.  I know that none of these are really good pictures.  Partly due to the fact that I think my camera is still set for long exposure (but I'm not sure because The Expert is at work), and partly because I can't manage my flash.  I probably could if I tried, but I don't feel like trying.  It's too hot outside.

photo challenge day 16: long exposure

I may or may not have had way too much fun with this particular "assignment."  I started off the evening thinking it probably wouldn't even get done, much less posted.  I was going to do the overnight awake shift in the cottage, because the overnight staff was sick.  Lo and behold, she just had heat exhaustion, because when her husband got the AC working again she felt better. Praise the Lord!  I know that I should be praising the Lord that Linda is feeling better (and I really am glad that she is) but I'm more grateful that I don't have to stay up all night.  It kind of feels like the first good thing that has happened this week.  I know that it's not, but it feels like it.  And suddenly I am realizing that I love life again.  Yay for getting out of a funk.

photo challenge day 15: silhouette

photo challenge day 14: eyes

Why...

...do they do this to me?

photo challenge day 13: me with 13 things

Yesterday I was supposed to post pictures of a sunset, but it was cloudly so there wasn't much of a sunset.  It just went from gray to grayer.  And it rained.


I should probably do the sunset today, but I'm not gonna.  No apologies.  No excuses.  No Explanations.  That's my motto for the week... so watch out.

Myself with 13 things.

photo challenge day 11: something blue

A brief re-cap for those just joining us: I am participating in this 30 day photo challenge.  I blame it on Kim and Chelsea.

Today's "assignment" is "something blue."

photo challenge day 10: childhood memories

Freeze Pops in the summer time...

photo challenge day 9: someone I love

Katie and I were just Gleeking out and watching season one extras, so I have the song Somebody to Love stuck in my head.

photo challenge day 8: a bad habit

How does one take a picture of a bad habit?  It can be a hard thing to capture, because a habit is usually not something concrete, its something you do.  But I supposed that's where creativity is supposed to come in.

This is me, trying to be creative.

photo challenge day 7: fruit

The fruit selection at our house is limited at the moment.  Here's to working with what you've got.

photo challenge day 6: from a low angle

Once again I procrastinated and found myself taking pictures after dark.  Which means in my house.  "From a low angle" is hard anyway, but with limited lighting--and subjects-- it really requires creativity.

Luckily I have a creative husband who jumped in to save the day.

photo challenge day 5: from a high angle

As soon as I saw today's photo assignment, I knew just where to take a photo from a high angle-- the kitchen sink!  Isn't that where you usually go to get a good view?  Ok, maybe not.  The roof would be a better choice and that's what I was going to do, but it's stinking hot outside and shingles wouldn't exactly cool me down.  So I hopped up onto the sink.

Photo Challenge Day 4: Something Green

I was shopping all day today, and I bought this just so I could have something green to take a picture of.

the lake

clouds

Today my photo assignment was "clouds."  Here's how things looked around noon today:

Toby

A major life change occurred at the Taylor house this week.  We have doubled the canine population!  Allow me to introduce you to Toby.

what I wore today (30 day photo challenge)

The photo challenge for today is "what I wore today."

This is what I wore today.

me & my pie

I got home from work today and was making my usual blog-stalking rounds.  Kim and Chelsea are doing this 30 day photo challenge.  It seemed interesting, and it might help get me out of my blogging funk, so I will give it a whirl.

Since I decided this late tonight (as in a half an hour ago), the lighting for today's photo (a self- portrait) was extremely limited.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Aaagh!!  I said I would try harder to keep up with blogging and that a new recipe was coming soon, and that was a week ago!  Once again... its been a busy week.  Two sets of company (one overnight, the other just for dinner) and a last-minute trip to the lake.  It's been fun.

Snapshots of my life right now

It's been a while since I've blogged.  Life has been kinda busy lately, and to be honest-- I would rather be in the garden than on the computer.

Another Near-Death Mum Experience

I am doing some in-depth scientific research to see how hardy mums really are.  I really put 'em through the ringer and see if they can take it.  It's totally on purpose. (Sarcasm)

Sprained

I sprained my ankle last week.  Easter Sunday evening.  Luckily I had pretty much already done everything I had to do for the day (breakfast at church, teach Sunday School, attend service, have people over for dinner, take a nap, go to Menards, do yard work).  I had just put some popcorn in the microwave and we were going to watch some episodes of Big Bang Theory.

Frog Eye Salad

This is a Grandma recipe.  And a family favorite.  Enjoy!

Building a Raised Bed

I wouldn't call myself a "tree-hugger," but I do like to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Wasting anything just kills me.  If I can use it for something, I try to.

Birthday Rhymes

Yesterday was my birthday, so my sister Mandy called me. She apologized for not sending me a card, but I told her it was all right because I kept the one she sent me 3 years ago because it made me laugh so hard.

Cracker Dip

I know that is an extremely creative name for a recipe, but I was lucky to even get the recipe, so give me a break, ok?

Hebrews 11:32-40

  And what more shall I say?  I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.  Women received back their dead, raised to life again.  Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.  Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.  They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword.  They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- the world was not worthy of them.  They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.  
  These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.


God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him. -John Piper

Seedlings!!

I started some seeds a few weeks ago.  I did my cool season veggies, since they can be ready to face the elements before some of the more high-maintenance foods.

Legacy

This week marks 30 years since my maternal Grandma passed away.  For those of you that know my age, it's not too hard to figure out that I never knew her.  But my mother and aunts have told me so much about her, and I love her so much even though I never met her.  She loved and served her family and others by cooking and teaching, and even just calming crying babies (she had a way with babies). She loved Jesus so much, and wanted others to know Him as well.  She is most certainly at the top of the list of people I look forward to meeting when I get to heaven.

Genesis 15:1

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

" Do no be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield,

your very great reward."

Wallpaper Project I (Part 2)

I wanted to share with you all my process for cleaning the wallpaper glue off of our walls in the hallway.  I wasted time (and some money) taking unnecessary steps, so I will share with you my "process of elimination."  

Wallpaper Project I (Part 1)

A week or two ago I hinted at a project Tim and I were working on involving wallpaper.  Doing this project has been my highest priority since we moved in, but it seemed so daunting that we didn't start until now.

Sausage Rice Casserole

This is probably my favorite casserole in the world, and it's also what we're having for dinner tonight.

Corn Dip

I am bringing this to small group tonight because Amy loves it and she's pregnant so we try to keep her happy (jk).  I thought I would share it with you all.  Caution: very addictive!  Once you start eating it, you just can't stop.  Unless you're Tim, who doesn't like it.  But then you probably wouldn't start eating it in the first place...

Garden Plans

Holy jam!  Its the middle of February already!  Where did the time go?  It's seed starting season, and I need to get busy.

The Kitchen Is Green

Both of our moms heard about the project we tackled last weekend and are waiting for pictures so here they are.

Steph & Katie's Excellent Adventure: The Stats

To celebrate 30 years of Katie's life 65 days late, we left 2 weeks ago to drive 2343.6 miles through 9 states and 9 major cities.  Along the way we saw license plates for 40 US states, 2 Canadian provinces, and 1 "consulate" plate.  

Steph & Katie's Excellent Adventure: Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Memphis

These three cities were not really the bulk of our trip, but they had good food so I figured they were worth mentioning :)

Steph & Katie's Excellent Adventure: N'Awlins

After driving through (and around) Birmingham on Friday morning, Katie and I went on to New Orleans.  We had to cross Lake Pontchartrain to get there, so I drove across (what I hope is) The Biggest Bridge of My Life. 

Steph & Katie's Excellent Adventure

My friend Katie turned 30 back in November, and I told her 30 was a pretty big deal so we need to do something to celebrate.  She decided on a road trip to New Orleans.  And St. Louis. And Nashville and Birmingham and Baton Rouge and Memphis.  In January.

100

Well, kids... this is it.  My 100th post.  To commemorate this milestone, I will share 100 things that make me happy (in no particular order).

3 things

1. For the past couple of years, I have been trying to simplify my life, especially the amount of stuff we have.  Recently, I have been on a mission to get stuff out of our house.  Like trash.  

Santa Fe Cheese Soup

I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe with y'all yet!  Its one of our favorites.  Easy and tasty.

What DO you eat?

As I have discussed my diet with several people, I explain that for two weeks I am to have no carbs:  no sugar, no starches (bread, rice, anything containing flour), and no fruit.  The question that usually follows is "Then what can you eat?"  To put it simply: meat, beans, nuts, vegetables, and minimal dairy products.  Supposedly I am supposed to avoid saturated fats, but I find carbs challenging enough, so I don't really worry about fats.

Nine Bean Soup

Even though this recipe is called Nine Bean Soup, there are usually more than 9 types of beans in it.  I just buy bean soup mix.

1 Kings 19:9-13

⁹ There he went into a cave and spent the night.

The LORD Appears to Elijah

    And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

 ¹⁰ He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

 ¹¹ The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”

   Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

   Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Insulation Installation

Since our beloved house is 100 years old, it has a few "imperfections."  While several of these contribute to the character of our home, some are annoying, inconvenient, and even costly.

Day 3

I am now 3 days in to my two weeks of no carbs.  It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be, and I am a lot hungrier that the diet promised.  I am supposed to be able to eat whenever I am hungry, but I need to keep my cheese and nuts consumption to a moderate amount and supposedly supplement with veggies. The problem is, veggies don't fill me up at all.

A List

• I hope that everyone had a great time over the holidays.  I did!  We had a great time with Tim's family in Michigan and spent New Year's Eve with some families from church.
• I love my in-laws.
• I love my church.