Meals part two

Thursday meals

Smoothies
Mac n Cheese
Mom's hearty soup (potatoes, carrots, beef etc.)
French bread

I hosted girls night out. I purchased strawberries (stayed in budget). But also managed to serve:

Oatmeal and peanut butter brownies (Ran out of quick oats so I used 9 grain oat mix and crushed it up with my rolling pin, turned out fine and more nutritious)
Triple chocolate cookies
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Apples and fruit dip (dip made of 8 oz cream cheese and 1 cup brown sugar with 1 tsp vanilla)
Smoothies
Except for the fresh strawberries everything else was in the house.

Friday Meals

Cereal and milk
Meat and cheese sandwiches, left over strawberries
Yogurt Parmesan Chicken with rice, green beans, and bottled peaches

Saturday Meals

Smoothies
SPOILER ALERT
I broke the rules for Wiley's b-day party and we served store bought food for lunch once I blog his birthday, you will understand why. But I guess you could count this as our "eating out" meal.
Left over chicken and rice for dinner, with romaine salad

Sunday Meals

Chocolate Waffles
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with bananas
Dinner at in-laws (we are bringing a Waldorf spinach salad to contribute)


Lastly, I wanted to thank all my friends. I would not be surviving this food challenge if it weren't for you. It's almost like I told everyone that I was on a diet and you are all rooting for me to accomplish my weight loss goals. Last night I was in the check-out line at Walmart purchasing stuff for Wiley's party and the bishop and wife saw me and were trying to figure out if they had any of the stuff I was purchasing at home so that I wouldn't have to break the rules. So sweet. Another friend called while she was at the store and asked if I wanted anything, I didn't. Then tonight, just as I was turning out the lights, another friend stop by and gave me two gallons of milk. (I promptly gave her stuff for smoothies and peanut butter, he he)

Friends, thanks for having my back and rooting me on. Just know that you are the perfect friends and neighbors in case of a real crisis. I hope that I will have the chance to help you out when you are in need.

Much love,
S

No big deal

Sunday I called my mom to complain that we had just gotten back into town and there was no way we could do the Food Storage Invitational, (see below for details) but then I went through my cupboards and cook books and picked out recipes for the week that I already had the ingredients for. Easy Peasy.

I got into my long term food storage and was delighted to find everything I thought I might be low on. I refilled all my sugar and flour containers and ground up some whole wheat and promptly made bread. I was feeling so confident in my supplies that I made dinner for friends and invited Aunt Keri to dinner.

Sunday menu
cereal and milk, O.J.
sandwiches and grapes
chicken fajitas (canned black beans, rice, sour cream, bell peppers, fresh mushrooms, flour and corn tortillas and shredded cheese from the freezer)
chocolate chip cookies (Ben made them)
fresh bread with homemade butter and jam (yes we make our butter)

Monday menu
Fruit Shakes and cereal and milk (I have frozen fruit coming out of my ears)
Roman noodles (yes we have to rotate them and it is Rosie's favorite noodle snack)
bottled peaches
Canned soup with homemade bread (we added canned vegetables to beef up the soup)
Ice cream for dessert

Tuesday menu
breakfast in bed for Wiley (yogurt, bananas, favorite cereal, O.J.)
Peanut butter sandwiches, (I have PB coming out of my ears too) and bananas
Chips and Salsa for my cravings
Beef Stroganoff (Sour cream, canned mushrooms, beef, egg noodles, dried onion, cream of mushroom soup)
canned green beans
bread
fruit drink mix
chocolate dipped strawberries (chocolate was in storage, strawberries happened to be an item that carried over from last week)

Wednesday Menu
Instant Oatmeal Packets with fruit and juice
Canned Soup (I have soup coming out of my ears as well)
Mac n cheese for Babysitter and kids. Blue and gold Banquet is feeding us tonight.
a decorated cake for the blue and gold banquet. (yes I have cake and frosting in storage)
Peanut butter bars and Peanut butter cookies need to be made today as well

Admittedly, this has not been hard. I don't feel like we are suffering nor is this very different from our regular meal planning although we almost always eat fresh fruits and veggies. It is just using what you already have. The church's focus on food storage is have a three months supply of the foods you already eat, and we are doing just that. I haven't even had to make powered milk yet. What has been the secret to my success?

Neighbors!!! I have been bartering for the items that I need. I got canned mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup for two jars of PB. I traded my brown rice for clementines and bananas. Then on Monday night my neighbor brought me a lb of ground beef for service that I did for her.

I have more than enough. I have enough to share and really, my feeling is, that if we actually have to use our short term food storage and long term storage I'm sure that we will be asked to share it with others. I feel great that I'm prepared enough that I could do that too. I laugh in the face of this food challenge Moaa hahaaa.

Next week when my butter runs out I may feel differently. (although, I do have powered butter in long term storage, I doubt I will get it out)

Does anyone need peanut butter or canola oil? I'm ready to barter. They need to be used. I have two and a half flats and they expire this summer so they need to be used!! (Because of the oil content in both of those items they can't ever be considered long term storage.) Oil and peanut butter both go rancid, but the smell is never an indicator. So you must rotate them faster than your basic items.

14 day Challenge

Ben and I had just arrived home from a family vacation when we discovered the following e-mail in our in-boxes.

The Dyer Food Storage Invitational

You are invited to participate in a food storage experiment. Should you choose to accept this contest this is the info:

When: Starts Saturday, February 20, 2010 thru Saturday March 6, 2010

What: For the next 14 days, eat only what you have stored in your home

Why: *to determine if we could get along with what we have in our homes if there were a tornado, hurricane or economic crisis

*to assess what items we don’t have that we really need

*to track how much money we save

*to rotate our food storage

*because if we can’t live for 2 weeks on what we have, we are in serious trouble!

(we were going for 3 weeks, but changed our minds!)

Rules:

*May eat out once each week either dinner or lunch (for those who have obligations to fulfill)

*May spend $5.00 each week to help the desperation, medical prescriptions are exempt

*May barter food storage with friends (here’s 4 cups of sugar for 1 can diced green chiles)

*May accept invitation to eat at someone’s home as long as you take something from your home to share.

*Write down what you choose as menus. Share them frequently with everyone to give each other support and ideas.

*Write down what % of your grocery budget you saved each week.

*Diapers are not groceries. I know you all have cloth diapers you could use, but I don’t want the babies to suffer! Other non-food items are to be included as groceries like toothpaste, laundry soap. We want to simulate not knowing when a disaster would strike.

Prizes:

Prizes will be awarded for creativity, resourcefulness, most creative menus, other money saving tips and ideas that you utilize along the way and great recipes using basic items. Prizes will not be food storage!

**Menus and ideas will be judged by Dad, Me, and a third party and results tabulated by the Accounting Firm of Bartig, Bassler and Ray.

**This obviously will take time to plan, organize, and make from scratch so many items, but we think it will be a great learning experiment if only to make us so happy to be able to buy fresh produce when it is over!

Much to Ben's disappointment, I was getting excited for the challenge, he claims, "We know we have good food storage, what is the purpose of this? To prove we can eat canned fruit?" I just laughed at him with my evil laugh, mow-ohhahaa.

I find this challenge interesting. We may be eating the blandest food by the end of two weeks but I'm very interested in trying. I do have four major problems that I'm going to have to figure out. 1) We are taking dinner to friends this week 2) Wiley is supposed to make and decorate a cake with his dad for his first night of Cub Scouts on Wednesday 3) I'm hosting girls night out on Thursday night and 4) Wiley is having his 8th birthday party at our house on Saturday. With those events coming up I'm am feeling very challenged. I can make bread till the cows come home, but really, as I learned in church today, Man cannot live on bread alone. What now?

I want to follow the rules. I was very tempted to go out and buy groceries last night when we got back into town. It felt difficult to just make it through last nights dinner. I'm going to need to get really creative.

I think I shall have to warn all my neighbors that I'm going to be doing some bartering.

Luckily, I quickly assessed the toilet paper situation along with the toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning supplies, etc, and I'm fine in every area, (or so it seems) except the fridge area. I will definitely be using all $5 for the fresh items.

Valentine's Day Leftovers -- Not This Year!

When Wiley and Rosa brought home Valentines from their classmates last year, it was obvious we had not spent enough time on ours. I was genuinely embarrassed. For one thing, we had used leftover Valentines from previous years that I had dug up from storage (some may say I'm cheep, others resourceful). Even worse, we did not provide a treat. Wow, big mistake. As far as a kid is concerned, a Valentine without a treat is like a birthday card with no present attached.

So this year I decided to put some effort into it. This is what we came up with.



In addition to making the nosecone out of a Hershey's Kiss, we made the fuselage (is that what it's called?) from a roll of LifeSavers and the ailerons (can you tell I did some Google-ing?) from little hearts.

I was in Wiley's classroom when he handed the rockets out. Wiley was standing on a chair like an auctioneer from the Wild West, exclaiming, "Who wants my last 'out-of-this-world' rocket?" There was a crowd of kids jumping up trying to get the last one -- sort of like those people on RonCo infomercials trying to get a Flobee or smokeless ashtray.

I'm sure I had an obnoxious smile as I watched him doling out our creations. At least he's not embarrassed this year. Especially when I saw one of the kids flying his Valentine rocket through the air making vroom-vroom noises. (Insert smug grin.)

In addition to the rockets, I also brought a craft for the Valentine's party. I helped the kids make flowers out of tissue paper.



These were a huge hit, and the kids were so proud of themselves. (Isn't it funny that a roomful of seven-year-olds and their adoration for a Valentine's Day craft can launch my ego over the moon?) So, I guess the lesson here is that spending a little extra time on holiday crafts is not only good for the kids but also for my self-esteem.

For the record, the rockets were only 8 cents each, and the flowers were 2 cents each. It turns out I'm resourceful and cheep. Some might even say it's a gift. he he.

Family Favorite - Chocolate Waffles


Sis-in-law Minna found this recipe and introduced it to us two Christmases ago. I finally got the recipe from her in January and we have been making chocolate waffles on any given morning. The recipe is so that you can mix up the power mix ahead of time and then just add the wet ingredients when ready. So easy!

Happy Valentine's Day.

Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

From Country Living
This recipe has been tested by Country Living

With our easy make-ahead dry-mix recipe, you need only add a few wet ingredients to enjoy fluffy homemade waffles and pancakes any time of the day, any day of the week. Keep it fresh: Label mixes — include recipe and date — and store in a cool, dry place in airtight receptacles; they'll stay fresh for four to six months.

INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 cup(s)	flour
1/4 cup(s)	sugar
4 teaspoon(s)	baking powder
2 teaspoon(s)	baking soda
1 teaspoon(s)	salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir, using a whisk, to thoroughly combine. Transfer to a clean, dry canister fitted with an airtight lid. Store for up to 3 months.
2. For pancakes: Heat a griddle over high heat. Place 1 cup mix in a medium mixing bowl. Beat 1 egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla together and stir into the dry mix until just combined. Let the mixture rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Lightly brush the griddle with canola oil or butter. Pour 1/3 cup batter for each pancake, leaving 2 inches between each one. Cook until bubbles form on the pancake surface and the underside is golden, about 5 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook until golden, about 2 more minutes.
   

   Makes six 4-inch pancakes.

3 cup(s)	flour
3/4 cup(s)	cocoa
4 teaspoon(s)	baking powder
1 teaspoon(s)	baking soda
1 1/2 cup(s)	sugar
1 teaspoon(s)	salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir, using a whisk, to thoroughly combine.
2. See Buttermilk Mix steps for yield, storage, and cooking.

Celebrating 1!

The time has come and gone so quickly. Eva is still the most darling child. I have no complaints, every moment has been lovely with her. Even on hard nights, I have never been angry or remorseful to be up with her. She is my little gift.



Unlike most babies, Eva was not shy about getting down and dirty with her cupcake.

It was a red velvet cake but after the way Eva devoured her cupcake you would have thought it was more like roadkill. Just look at that bloody aftermath.


Rare family moment. Regardless of how many events I bring out the ole camera for, I still hardly ever have the chance to get us all together in one shot, with most of us smiling.


It just makes me want to sing that primary song, Happy Family. I just love my little family.


Here are the happy Grandparents.

Rosie Quote of the Day

This morning Rose wanted to know what everyone's job was. I started going through all the family members on both sides of the family. I simplified their jobs so that she could understand better.

"Daddy is going to put criminals in jail, Uncle Jeromy fixes broken bones, Aunt Becca sews up peoples cuts, Aunt Keri helps people feel happy when they are sad, Grandma Chele is a teacher, *Pacha, designs bridges, dams, waterfalls, and ponds.

"What?" Blink Blink. "Pacha, helps Jesus?"

I couldn't help but smile. "I guess in a way, Pacha does help Jesus."

*Pacha is the name Wiley gave Grandpa Dan, he couldn't say Grandpa right and it always came out Pacha- pronounced Pock-a. The name has just stuck.

Light a Torch Ceremony



Holy reference-I think not. I finally dug my pregnancy clothes out of storage and with remorse and glee on my face packed away the items in my closet that will not work for this "larger than life" state that I'm entering. Remorse because there is something in the back of my head that fears I will never wear those sizes again, and glee because, I don't want to see those clothes ever again.

But it was with remorse and delight that I reorganized my closet with the prego clothes. Remorse-because who wants to wear pregnant clothes- especially ones that I've already worn and always lack in style, and delight because prego clothes are so much more comfortable for expanding tummies.

So I asked Ben to come take the storage bin away and light a torch. I can't stand the idea of any of my clothes, prego or not. Jammies are looking good right now. Real Good.

When have you been the happiest?

This discussion keeps coming up in the house. On Sunday morning we were making lists of our top ten happiest moments. Surprisingly, the birth of my children didn't make the top ten. (What??? shock and awe insert here) Not surprisingly, none of my top 10 involved a purchase of an awesome toy or receiving an expensive gift. None of them were from my own accomplishments like graduating from college. What am I thinking? I know. . . just keep reading.

Most of my top ten happiest times in my life do involve my spouse and children though. The same goes for Ben. Interestingly enough, living in Germany, in a one bedroom apartment with no stove (our kitchen was smaller than our bathroom is now) was both number one on our lists. Yes, Ben still had to work every day, and Wiley still had homework packets to finish, but our lives were so simplified. Discovering a new park everyday was charming, the food delightful, and the company couldn't be beat.



Yesterday, I had another "happiest moment". I took Wiley out of school and we headed up to Park City to have ski lessons. (Ski lessons, lift ticket and rental are only $25 if you are a resident of Utah, killer deal, I know.) After our separate lessons I picked him up and he begged me to let him show me his skiing skills and tricks. We took 5-6 more runs together, stopping for a hot chocolate and a treat in the middle of it. Wiley was gleefully happy. I was overjoyed that he was loving this day with his pregnant mom. Just the two of us.



We arrived home to Dad and two happy girls, long after the sun had gone down and he still couldn't stop taking about his day on the slopes. The end of my day was made even better when Ben started taking about his many hours with the girls and he had loved his day as well. Although, this day doesn't bump my current top ten list around it certainly is up there on my list of "happiest moments".

Can you pin point your top ten?

~Gasp~


Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles. Apparently, I am with child again. I've stopped wincing at the news. The shock and awe is starting to wear off. I've stopped thinking of all the ways I've ruined Eva's upcoming toddler years. I'm trying to think positive here. Eva and new baby will be such good friends, especially because they will only be 16 months apart.

I have a CRAZY summer ahead of me (the baby is due the week school gets out), with 4 kids being in the house you can bet I'm looking into summer camps and day camps. I've even solicited a few people for help with nannying (hopefully they can). Yes, I'm that desperate and unequipped to deal with such a number. 4 kids? What were we thinking. . . oh that's right, we weren't thinking, not expecting . . .

Statistically, families with 4 kids have a 75% chance that three of the children will be the same gender. It is not the usual thing to have all one gender or two of each. Very rare. Our family happens to fit the statistic because we found out that we are having another GIRL.

Our beautiful baby girl is going to join us the last week of May. I'm starting to realize that although I may have a lot of girl clothes, I might want to invest in more girl toys and perhaps decorate a room a little more girl-y. I'm already having dreams of dressing three little girls in matching outfits!


The other minor problem is that I have to find yet another girls name. We LOVE Eva Sophia's name, but we very nearly named her Claire or Clara. Which would have been a great next baby's name, but alas, my brother and his wife also loved the name and bestowed their child with such a beautiful name. But where does that leave me? Where do I find another awesome name? One that is not overly popular, or that can't be used against her at a later time in life?

So. . . let the name nominations begin. I'm taking names. We usually consult the genealogy lines but, let's face it, the good names are taken unless I want Ethel (which I don't). So please feel free to submit names for our consideration. What names are on your family tree?

p.s. I'm also taking suggestions of names of all girls 10 and older that will take my kids to the park every couple of days come nursing time.