Category Archives: M’m M’m Monday

M’m! M’m! Monday 7/4/16

Leave a reply
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

Last week we were just thinking about the Fourth of July and now here we are!  My weekend didn’t turn out quite as we had planned.  It’s disappointing how easily I get out of whack when MY plans don’t work out the way I’d hoped.  (Cue the sad violin music) I sigh, (loudly) I boo hoo, (pitifully), I grumble about how it’s not fair, and… I. Feel. Sorry. For. Myself!  I am such an Israelite!

 The Israelite people were living a life in slavery. Through Moses, God saved them. To do this, they’d walked across the dry bed of the Red Sea, followed a light at night and a cloud in the day to guide them to safety, manna fell from Heaven to satisfy their hunger, and water poured from a rock to quench their thirst. They’d witnessed miracle after miracle, grace after grace, and what did they do in return? Felt. Sorry. For. Themselves. And just like me, they grumbled!

“Moses also said, “you will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we?  You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” Exodus 16:8 (NIV)

“Grumbling against the Lord”…..Yikes!  It’s so easy for me to invite myself to that pity party, dance with my disappointment, and never once think that I’m grumbling against the One who saved ME!  The Israelites pity-partied on for way too long and it didn’t turn out so great for them. Pretty sure there’s a lesson here for me! Please tell me, I’m not alone!

It’s time for me to establish a no grumble zone and instead look at all my blessings! So, our weekend didn’t go according to plan…. we still got some jobs done that we’ve been avoiding, had an unexpected visit with our son, daughter-in-love, and granddogs, and have had some much needed down time, too. Manna from Heaven for sure! 

Our weather didn’t really cooperate today for our traditional Fourth of July grilled hot dogs either. No worries though, I pulled out my Fancy Hot Dog recipe, instead. Super quick, easy, and the best part? No grumbling! Enjoy!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:19]

 

M’m M’m Monday! 6/27/16

5 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

Can you believe that June is almost over and Independence Day is a week away? It’s been a busy month here!  Our grandson turned one. I went on a mountain retreat to celebrate a dear friend’s retirement. We enjoyed the wedding of my daughter’s best friend on our 33rd anniversary. We’ve pretty much celebrated the month away!

I’m going to make this short and sweet tonight because as busy as my June has been I’m sure yours was full, too and you don’t have time to read the wandering words of this chaotic mind. So, let’s think Fourth of July for a minute.  It’s a weekend full of parades, picnics, and fireworks.  There’ll be hotdogs on the grill, cool watermelon slices, and ice cream churned by hand.  Flags will be flying, horseshoes tossed, and “I’m Proud to Be an American” will play on the radio.  We’ll laugh, light sparklers, and hug family members. We’ll celebrate the holiday away!

In the midst of all our fun, let’s not forget that there are service men and women who instead of celebrating are putting their lives on the line, fighting for the freedom we so often take for granted.  Let’s take time to gather together and say a prayer for those brave soldiers and for their families who try to carry on even though there’s a person missing at their picnic table. And at days end as we gaze into the night sky watching the trails of light dance between the stars; may the music fill our souls, singing: “Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God Bless the U.S.A.!”

Need an idea what to take to the picnic?  Here’s an old standby all decked out for the Fourth!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:18]

 

M’m! M’m! Monday 6/20/16 (Please Pretend it’s Monday)

2 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

I’d like to talk about toilet paper…..well actually, the lack there of! I don’t know why it is, but it seems every time I’m in need of some, the roll is empty. Upstairs in the middle of the night; two squares barely covering the cardboard roll. Downstairs  when I first wake up; one lone sheet dangles precariously. And Sunday? Out to lunch after church, waiting in line for the ladies room. One occupant emerges, another goes in. She emerges, I go in. WHAT??? Another empty roll! Can’t anyone but me fill the toilet paper dispenser?

As usual, this got me to thinking….that’s right people, toilet paper…. about being empty and getting filled. I hate to admit this but my faith often wears thin and I feel I can barely cover all that I’m facing. At other times I worry, am fearful, or discouraged and feel as if I’m left to dangle on my own. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve looked to others to do something I’m obviously suppossed to do but am low on confidence and afraid I’ll fail. In each situation a change is in order.  Trying to do everything; face everything on my own just leaves me empty, spinning, and unable to get the job done. I need to be filled!

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that surpasses all knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

Being unwound and empty is a human condition. One I’m all too familiar with! Have you been there?  “Strengthen, power, love……fullness.” “Dwell, rooted, grasp…..filled“. How amazing it is that we don’t have to stay that way! God is waiting for our invitation to have Him fill our empty places with that wide, long, high, and deep love and not just fill but give until we’re overflowing!

So the next time I’m face to face with a cardboard tube instead of a full roll, (and I’m sure there’ll  be a next time), I’m going to try and whine less and remember Who it is that I can count on to fill me up as many times as needed!

Now, speaking of being filled; if you remember last Monday I vowed to try some healthy recipes. I usually associate “healthy” with leaving me hungry and needing more to fill me up. Not so with this healthy, (even though bacon is involved) easy, chicken skillet meal. I think I’m on a “roll”! Get it?

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:17]

 

M’m! M’m! Monday 6/13/16

3 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

Things here are on the rise…..my blood pressure, the number on the scale, and my pants size!  Arghhhhh! You know what that means……visiting those two evil twins…….diet and exercise! I would much rather stay home with the more pleasant and comfortable ones…..cooking and eating!

Counting calories, sweating, and feeling hungry are not my favorite things.  In fact, I’ve obviously tried to avoid them; that is, until now. Being a “MiMi’ has started me thinking.  I want to be able to jump in the ocean, hike in the woods, and a million other things with my grandson.  I want to see him graduate, even marry, and be around to cherish him for as long as I can.  To do that, I have to be healthy!

Being healthy is a good thing, so why do I dread it so?  I’m pretty sure it comes back to my age old problem of self. I want to be comfortable, satisfied, and in control. Those aren’t words I associate with losing weight and getting into shape.

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Whoa!  I haven’t ever really thought about it in that way, have you? These words challenge me and to be honest, make me feel a little uncomfortable (just like the waist band on my jeans). I guess it’s time for an attitude adjustment; focusing less on the what (what I’m giving up, what I have to do) and more on Who.

Tomorrow I go and pick up my new increased dosage blood pressure medicine. I’ll also continue to clean and sort through my closet where I’ve found way too many clothes that no longer fit. Now that I think about it,  a visit to diet and exercise may not be a bad idea after all; and maybe they shouldn’t just visit, they should move right in, so this ole temple will be around for a long time to come; keeping up with grandchildren and honoring the One who bought it with the highest price of all.

I know and you know that this won’t be easy, especially for a gal who loves to cook.  Here’s where I’m going to challenge myself.  In addition to losing weight and lowering my BP, I’m going to begin to search for recipes that still are easy and comforting, but healthy, too!  No better time to start than now!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:16]

I have to tell you, I was skeptical at first about this recipe but I LOVED it! If you have healthy recipes that you love, share them with me in the comments section.

P.S.  I’ll keep you up to date on how the “evil twins” and I are getting along as we learn to live together!

 

 

M’m! M’m! Monday! 6/6/16

8 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

It’s my grand baby’s birthday today!  One year old!  Just imagine all he’s experienced in those twelve months!  Some good, some bad, and all the in-between! He’s learned so many new things! Walking, chattering, picking up small objects; just to name a few, and he’s becoming more independent by the minute. I’m still waiting to hear his sweet voice say “MiMi”, but when his little hand reaches out to me, my heart melts.

Of course, we had a big celebration over the weekend with balloons, streamers, presents, lots of food, and cake, can’t forget the cake!

Carson vs. cake. Carson wins!

Carson vs. cake. Carson wins!

Summer is just around the corner so our party food was typical summer fare:  hot dogs, hamburgs, potato salad, and baked beans.  Everything was delicious but I must tell you the baked bean dish was clean when the party was over.  They were mighty fine if I may say so myself!  So, somewhere in the midst of the good, the bad, and all the in-between of life celebrate by taking a little time to enjoy a picnic meal with family and friends. Reach out your hand to let someone know they’re appreciated by inviting them for a summer feast or if you need a dish to take along to a poolside get together try this easy recipe for baked beans! And DON’T forget the cake!  Enjoy!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:15]

 

 

 

 

Maybe…..Tasty Tuesday?

2 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

Well, it happened again…..twice!  I’m so sorry I missed Mm! Mm! Monday two weeks in a row! A week ago Monday, I was sick, sick, sick and you don’t want to hear about that!  And then there was yesterday….

I had all intentions of posting on schedule and then the unexpected happened. My better half, while working in his wood shop cut his finger with a newly sharpened knife, right through his glove.  As it turned out we ended up in the ER and waited FIVE HOURS for him to get five stitches and a giant bandage! After getting discharged we ate an McDonald’s hamburger at 10:30 p.m. (not highly recommended) and drove the thirty-five minutes home.  Needless to say, writing my blog post never happened.

So, here I am today to remind you to always expect the unexpected!  We never know what life’s going to throw our way but we DO know Things. Will. Come.  I never expected to move to West Virginia, to retire at 55, or even to be writing my own blog; and those are all GOOD things!  But then there are those circumstances that come out of nowhere and blindside us.  We all have them, whether it’s a health issue (or a knife issue), a difficult stage in our marriage, a loss of someone we love, or a challenging job.  The list is different for each of us and somehow we have to be prepared to be unprepared for them to come. I think I’m safe when I say that none of us long for times of trouble, I know I’d like it to stay as far away from me and those I love as possible. Unfortunately, there’s evil in the world and it touches us all.  Isn’t it reassuring to know:

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

Expecting the unexpected is only half the story. The more important half is that We. Are. Not. Alone. God, who is NEVER surprised provides for us even through our darkest times AND uses those times to help us become more of who He intends us to be!  I don’t know about you, but that’s an “unexpected” comfort to me!

Now to the business at hand…..Here’s an unexpected flavor combination that tickles your tongue and this is perfect timing too, because the rhubarb is ready to pick! I hope you are pleasantly surprised by this dish!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:14]

M’m! M’m! Monday 5/16/16

6 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

Is it Monday again already?  Time passes so quickly these days it seems! I’m sorry I missed last Monday.  I was lucky enough to be babysitting my little grand.  He’s mobile now so needless to say my attention was on him ( and his keen interest in the dog’s water) and not on my keyboard.

Being in church on Mother’s Day with my daughter, son-in-love, and grandson brought me such joy.  As part of the service they recognized the oldest mother present in the congregation.  (She was eighty-eight.)  Then they asked for the youngest mom and it turned out to be MY daughter!  Boy, talk about overwhelmed with feelings!!! I can’t tell you how proud it makes me to see my baby girl taking care of her own baby!  It’s a feeling so amazing that I find it hard to put into words (and you know I love my words)!

Having Hannah standing beside me as the congregation applauded her took me back to being a young mother myself. I remember being so tired that I didn’t think I could do one more thing; but I did.  I can remember feeling afraid I would make mistakes; of course I did. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with love that I thought I might cry; and yes, I did that too.  Pulled in every direction: home, school, church, community; there were times I didn’t think I could handle it all…..and some days I didn’t, but some days I did!

Being a mom and now MiMi is my greatest blessing!  It isn’t easy. And for those of you just starting out like Hannah, I’d love to tell you it gets easier….but it doesn’t, just different.  I think back now and wish I’d lingered in the everyday just a little longer.  I wish I’d soaked in the tiny hand hugs and sticky kisses just a little more deeply. I wish I’d prayed more, read more nursery rhymes, and said fewer words out of anger.

My grandparents used to tell me that the older you get, the faster time seems to go.  I didn’t understand back when I was a young mom and wife, but I’m living it now! Whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, or friend I remind you to cherish each moment you’re given! Good, bad, ups, downs, happy, sad….life happens so quickly and all too soon you’re looking back and wondering where that young person went and how the person in the mirror could possibly be you!

I remember one thing about being a young mom very clearly and that was suppertime!  By the time I’d worked all day and picked the kids up from the sitter, making dinner felt like slaying Goliath!  Those were the days of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Hamburger Helper. Spending time now with my kids, I know the challenges for young families are the same today, if not greater, and I must admit I still like a quick meal too! So for those of you feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like me; just like easy, I thought I’d share another easy chicken recipe that takes about as much prep time as Kraft Mac & Cheese and the clean up is easy, too!

Well, now that I’m the grandparent I’ll tell you to sit down with your family or friends around your table, say a prayer, enjoy some good, easy food, talk, laugh, and hold tight because you’ll find out that time passes in a blink of an eye, like I did!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:13]

M’m! M’m! Monday 4/25/16

4 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

The last week of April! Can you believe it?  Where does time go? It’s easy for me to lose track of time these days now that I’m not on a regular schedule. (Sorry to those of you who still are)  I never thought I would need a schedule again but I’m finding that I waste a lot of time and maybe, just maybe it’s time for me to put myself on a “retirement schedule”. I can’t believe I just typed those words. The blessing is; I’ll be in control of the schedule and I can ignore it whenever I want to! Oh boy, I’m thinking it may not be easy to get this gal going!

These spring days tend to quickly become full of to-do’s and can be overwhelming! It’s testing time at school (speaking from experience, it’s always stressful and exhausting), there are ballgames to attend, gardens to plant, lawns to mow, on top of all the normal things that fill your days. Dinner?  Who has time to cook?  With this new recipe, you do!  Talk about easy! It got rave reviews around my dinner table so hope you enjoy it too!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:11]

Now, I’m the kind of eater that isn’t too fond of combining things so I ate my Cole Slaw on the side.  I also LOVE the flavor of dill so added some dill relish to my sandwich. Yummmmm! My dinner companions found the Cole Slaw and meat combo delightful. I did chose to use Hoagie Rolls which are a little more substantial and able to handle both the slaw and meat.   Serve these tangy sandwiches with some potato wedges and WAALAA dinner is served.  You can even eat on paper plates for an easy cleanup, out the door, on with life kind of night.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

P.S. For easy potato wedges this is my go to:

IMG_2417

 

M’m! M’m! Monday 4/18/16

2 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

My windows are open bringing in sweet air and bird song.  The sky is the kind of blue that makes you smile no matter what kind of day you’ve had.  The sun reaches down and warms what was once frozen.  I’m in short sleeves! It feels like spring! A time for renewal and growth. Birth and blooming. Sowing and hatching. My favorite time of year! A day like today makes me ready to cook something fun and fresh like this Taco French Bread Pizza! It’s quick, easy, and delicious!  So go ahead…..sit on the porch, dig in the garden, enjoy the day…. just a little longer. With this recipe, dinner’s a breeze!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:10]

 

M’m! M’m! Monday…..OK, Tuesday!

2 Replies
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook--try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun.
~Julia Child

As you can tell I’m off-schedule. Side-tracked. Late. I do have a good excuse though! For the last few days I’ve been a Michigander, back in my home state with the best kind of company….my mom and sisters! I covet time with them and wish we could be together a lot more often! We had some laughs, shared meals and memories, and had a few difficult discussions. The freedom to be ourselves, share our fears and joys, and be surrounded by love are gifts of our relationship. I treasure each day, hour, minute I am with them and it literally feels like my heart is breaking as we say our goodbyes. The wonderful thing is; we may be separated by miles but in reality, we’re as close as a thought or prayer everyday. I am SO blessed!

Now, as I type this I am babysitting my grandson…..another HUGE BLESSING in my life. My accountant daughter is knee-deep in tax returns as the 15th approaches quickly so what better time for “MiMi” to come to help out!  The sun is shining outside and it’s smelling pretty good inside. (If I do say so myself) Sweet and Sour BBQ Meatballs are bubbling away in the crockpot. I’m going to serve them with rice and some corn for an easy dinner. Thought I’d just go ahead and share the recipe with you on this M’m M’m Tuesday…..I hope you are sharing your days and meals with those you love!

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:9]