Friday, October 29, 2010

Double Thick Potato Cheese Soup

I have a crockpot recipe for double-thick potato cheese soup that Jesse and I love. It's so easy! Totally one of my favorites.

2 pounds of baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 in. cubes
2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups finely chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
black pepper to taste

All you have to do is combine the potatoes, soup, 1 cup green onions, garlic powder, and red pepper into the slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4)

Add cheese, sour cream, and milk; stir until cheese has completely melted. Cover, and cook on high for 10 minutes. Season to taste with black pepper. Garnish with remaining green onions. Makes 7 servings.

Jesse and I love putting this in sourdough bread bowls. The bread just makes it even homier. It's such a yummy chilly evening treat!





*yum*yum*yum*

Midnight Randomness

Jesse and I are old fogeys these days.  We're rarely up past midnight.  We got home from the church's Harvest Festival around 11pm, though, and I'm still hopped up on sugar.  My handsome man crashed on the couch about half an hour ago.

I was researching rib fractures when he fell asleep.  I have no idea how I may have done it, but I think I cracked a rib.  Maybe it's just bruised (although, there's no black and blue!) I don't know...it just hurts.  It's been hurting all day.  I don't know what I did to it.  I'm a klutz, and I run into things so often that I don't even notice anymore.  But this is a pain I haven't had before.  Not sure what's up!  But there's really nothing a doctor can do (besides charge me for an xray and then say, "Yup, you sure did!")so I'm not really worrying about it.  We'll see what happens!

The Harvest Festival was a lot of fun tonight.  I got to meet Jesse and Matt beforehand for dinner at Baja Fresh (yay! love that place!) and then at the Harvest Festival, I got to help man the cake walk with some good friends, and Jesse got to be in the dunk tank.  It was a great night (minus my pain...not sure what to do about that!)  I wish I had pictures from Jesse in the dunk tank.  It was so much fun to watch him!  He is so lighthearted and jovial; it was clear that he had a great time.  And his youth group kids loved getting to dunk him! 

I thought of something funny that happened on Tuesday that I forgot to tell you.  We had Matt and Emily over while we were housesitting, and as they were preparing to leave late that evening, we were commenting on all of the Halloween decorations around the house.  Seriously!  That house has soooo many Halloween decorations.  I don't think I've seen a house so decked out before.  Now I want to see their house during Christmas!

Anyway, we were enjoying their decorations, and I pointed to a green foam jack-o-lantern.  "I've never seen a green one like this," I said as I tapped the green pumpkin.  It must have had a touch-sensor in it, because as soon as my fingers tapped it, the jack-o-lantern's eyes glowed red and it bellowed in a deep voice, "Mwa ha ha ha ha ha hah!"  I just about jumped out of my skin and screamed like the girliest girl around.  Ha!  My heart was pounding for a good ten minutes afterward.  Oh well, maybe that scare helped me burn some calories :-)

Blech, I hate being startled!

I'm Back!

Sorry that you didn't hear from me much this week!
We were house sitting Monday-Thursday for some good friends of ours.  They have a gorgeously luxurious home, and we enjoy being there.  But there's nothing like home sweet HOME!

I'm so happy to be back.  Back to my little yellow kitchen, and my winding staircase herb garden, the den with its cozy wooden vaulted ceilings and warm little red rug, and our own little bed.  Isn't it funny how little and lost you can feel when going from a queen size bed to a california king?

Anyway, I'm back.  And this weekend is going to be a busy one!  It's the Harvest Festival at church tonight, then tomorrow we're having a pumpkin carving contest with our high school youth group, and on Sunday, Jesse and I are hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner for our small group friends for after church.  That will be so much fun!

It's going to be a great weekend!

What will you be up to?

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Far Away

If you've known me long, you know one thing:

I love the sea.


(these photos were all taken by my friend Julia...at the beach where I grew up and Jesse proposed to me in 2007)



A little bit of me dies realizing that I'm so far from my beloved coastline these days...that I don't live in my upstairs bedroom with the island view in my parents' house...that I can't just walk to the beach to collect sea glass whenever the whim hits me.  Sunsets just aren't the same when they have smog as a backdrop.

I miss my ocean.



But I love my husband, and he is the only reason I am here!  I love him enough to trade coastal breezes for sweltering inland heat (even in October--how ridiculous is that?!?); I love him enough to deal with smog instead of fog, and I love that my handsome inland man loves me enough to take me back to my ocean whenever we have the opportunity.



But every once in a while, when I'm sticky from the heat and itching from dry skin, I play "Far Away" by Ingrid Michaelson and slip back to the coast.







One hot day this past summer, Jesse came in while I was brushing my hair and singing along "...on our island in the blue bay."

Jesse smiled and wrapped his arms around me.  "Aren't you glad I'm not a lobster man?"

"If you were, we'd live by the ocean," I teased.

"But... I'd smell like fish," He faltered, surprised by my counter.

"You'd smell like the ocean, and I could breathe that in every day for the rest of my life!"

Not sure if a lobster man is going to be Jesse's future career choice.
But Ocean, have faith.  If it can't happen until we retire, so be it.
But we will live near you again.


I'm counting on it.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Bonus Fries and Lots of Smiles

On Saturday night, we picked up my college-student sister, Kate, on the way home from Jesse's softball game.  Kate needed to use me for a photo shoot she's doing for her senior gallery show, and we haven't seen her in a while, so we took her home with us for the night.

On the way home, we treated Kate to her favorite donut shop.  Jesse and Kate got scrumptious looking donuts, but I was super hungry and knew that sugar would only give me a headache right then.  Dinner was waiting for us at home, but it was a 30 minute drive and I was hungry right then!  So we popped by McDonald's to get some fries. 

While we were on the freeway, Jesse asked if I had won anything from the little Monopoly pieces they put on the french fry containers.  I hadn't even thought to look.  I peeled them off, and, SURPRISE!  I won free medium fries!  Jesse and Kate were both so excited that Jesse pulled off at the next exit with a McDonald's.  It felt so silly to go to two McD's in 10 minutes when I try to be so good about us eating out at all in the first place, but we were all so surprised and excited that we did it anyway!

I'm sure we looked ridiculous to the lady at the drive-thru when she saw the McDonald's bag and the container of fries in my hand.  Jesse and Kate happily shared the free fries while I finished off the first container.  We bought three ice cream cones, too, and made a fun treat out of it.

Don't you love that McDonald's has 69 cent cones?  And aren't they scrumptious?  And don't fries taste so great mixed with the sweetness of ice cream? (don't call me crazy til you've tried it...)

Anyway, that's what put a smile on our faces that night.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

I'll Be Seeing You

We're nearing the end of our year of "firsts" after saying goodbye to Papa Chuck last Christmas, but the first birthday without him is a pang in my heart.    He would have been 86 today.  The first year without him is so hard, because every memory of last year has him in it.  There's a Papa-shaped hole in our family now. 

My life is full happy of memories of him, and for that, I am thankful.  I'm always seeing something that reminds me of him, finding something he fixed for me at one time or another, thinking of something that would make him laugh.  I'm so thankful that he was my grandfather, and that I have so many wonderful ways to remember him.  I love him and miss him so much!

I don't know what the songwriter was thinking of when he penned these lyrics, and I've never seen the musical it premiered in, but whenever I hear Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby singing these words, I think of my Papa Chuck, and all of the memories I hold close in my heart.


I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through.



In that small cafe;
The park across the way;
The children's carousel;
The chestnut trees;
The wishin' well.



I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.


 


I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.




I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.

 


I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.



Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
Luke 23:43





An Old Picture


I love this picture my dad took so many years ago.  I love how Jon, Kate, and I are fresh out of the bath, wearing our favorite pjs, sharing a book so happily and enjoying being together...while our baby sister rolls off under the bed with a string in her mouth.

I don't know what it is about this picture, but it makes me smile and laugh every time.

I loved our childhood!

Just thought I'd share a peak into my life as a little girl with you :-)

Hope you've enjoyed a lovely Saturday!

Friday, October 22, 2010

A Stay in Bed Day...er...Week...


It's been such a perfect week.

Each morning, I've awakened to the sound of rain, felt the cold bite that lingers outside of the blankets, and drawn closer to Jesse's warmth.

"It's such a perfect day to stay in bed," I whispered to Jesse after hitting "Snooze" for the 4th time this morning.

"I know, Cutie, but you have to get up for work." He snuggled into my hair and pulled me closer.

"I don't want to go to work! I want to stay in bed. Let's cancel today. We can make it a National Stay in Bed Day and everyone can just stay home in their favorite pjs and curl up in blankets and drink tea. Isn't that a good idea?"

"It's a great idea," He whispered sleepily, "Except...that's been your great idea every day this week. Now, go get ready for work!"

And with that, I'm out in the cold.




But wouldn't that be such a great idea?!?


Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Perfect Day for Stew

Oh, little dutch oven, so bright and cherry red...I was thinking about you all day!


It was so cold and drizzly today...I didn't even want to leave the house this morning.
Afternoon inspiration told me just what I wanted to do with you...


Something yummy!
Something perfect for a cold, rainy night!



Stew!
♥ 3 lbs. chuck or rump, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes

♥ 1 cup of sliced onion

♥ 2 beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water

♥1 tbsp. parsley flakes or fresh, cut up

♥1 clove garlic, minced

♥ 1/2 teaspoon salt

♥ 1/2 teaspoon pepper

♥ 1/4 teaspoon thyme

♥ 1 bay leaf

♥1 cup of corn

♥ 6 potatoes (quartered)

♥ 6 carrots, peeled and sliced

♥ 2 tbsp. flour

♥ 2 cups of Bisquick

♥2/3 cup of milk



In a hot dutch oven, brown beef cubes well on all sides. Remove and set aside. Add onion and saute until tender. Return beef to pan. Add parsley, garlic, salt & pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and bouillon cube mixture.  Add a little bit of red wine, if you want to!

Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 1/2 hours. Add vegetables and simmer covered for about 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat, skim off fat. Mix flour with about 1/4 cup of the broth from the stew. Stir into beef mixture. Simmer about 10 more minutes until slightly thickened.

To mix the dumplings, pour 2 cups of Bisquick into a small bowl.  Add 2/3 cup of milk, and stir until well mixed. Spoon by the tablespoon all over the top of stew and let cook about 10 more minutes until dumplings are cooked.

The perfect rainy night dinner!

Can't wait for leftovers for lunch tomorrow :-)



Happy Homemaking!

♥ Beth




The Perfect Day for Stew

Oh, little dutch oven, so bright and cherry red...I was thinking about you all day!


It was so cold and drizzly today...I didn't even want to leave the house this morning.
Afternoon inspiration told me just what I wanted to do with you...


Something yummy!
Something perfect for a cold, rainy night!



Stew!
♥ 3 lbs. chuck or rump, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes

♥ 1 cup of sliced onion

♥ 2 beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water

♥1 tbsp. parsley flakes or fresh, cut up

♥1 clove garlic, minced

♥ 1/2 teaspoon salt

♥ 1/2 teaspoon pepper

♥ 1/4 teaspoon thyme

♥ 1 bay leaf

♥1 cup of corn

♥ 6 potatoes (quartered)

♥ 6 carrots, peeled and sliced

♥ 2 tbsp. flour

♥ 2 cups of Bisquick

♥2/3 cup of milk



In a hot dutch oven, brown beef cubes well on all sides. Remove and set aside. Add onion and saute until tender. Return beef to pan. Add parsley, garlic, salt & pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and bouillon cube mixture.  Add a little bit of red wine, if you want to!

Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 1/2 hours. Add vegetables and simmer covered for about 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat, skim off fat. Mix flour with about 1/4 cup of the broth from the stew. Stir into beef mixture. Simmer about 10 more minutes until slightly thickened.

To mix the dumplings, pour 2 cups of Bisquick into a small bowl.  Add 2/3 cup of milk, and stir until well mixed. Spoon by the tablespoon all over the top of stew and let cook about 10 more minutes until dumplings are cooked.

The perfect rainy night dinner!

Can't wait for leftovers for lunch tomorrow :-)



Happy Homemaking!

♥ Beth




Sunday, October 17, 2010

Socks!

I'm excited.

Tomorrow is the beginning of Red Ribbon Week at school.

I'm not excited about Red Ribbon Week (how can one maintain one's pride when it comes out "Red Wibbon Week" or "Wed Wibbon Reek" nearly every single time?!?)  I don't have an impediment.  You try saying it 5 times fast.

I'm excited because the kick off to Red Ribbon Week is Crazy Sock Day.

!!!  I love SOCKS  !!!

I don't know what it is about socks...they just make me so happy.

I think it stems from the fact that I hate wearing shoes.  At least if I have to wear shoes, I can wear some fun socks to go with them.

I have socks for every occassion.  Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Spring, Summer, Christmas, you name it.  I love them.

So...the question is, which ones should I wear tomorrow?


My polka dots...

Cute valentine hearts...

Funky monkey socks...

Pink, black and grey argyle...

Knee-high shamrock socks...

Froggy socks!

I couldn't find the partner to either of these socks (which is extremely ironic, considering a story about the pink one that I need to write down someday!)

Daisy socks...

More preppy argyle...

Handsome, pink-and-fluffy photograher waiting patiently while I put on a new pair of socks...

More knee-highs...

and more!

Choices, choices!

What do you think?

Friday, October 15, 2010

Hairpins

I usually put a couple of pins in my hair to keep it out of my face.  It's funny how a supply of about 80 hairpins at the beginning of the summer can dwindle down to a meager four or five. I often forget to take them out before I fall asleep, and then when I wake up, they're gone. I don't know where they go. They just seem to disappear.

I was sweeping our bedroom floor tonight (a chore that has been done few and far between these days) and was surprised when I swept under Jesse's side of the bed. Out came a million hairpins! At first I was confused: were they really falling out of my hair in my sleep and landing on his side? But reason and a warm tingly feeling of love swept over me at once as I realized that there was a pile of hairpins on his side because my Handsome Man takes them out at night after I fall asleep on his chest.

I've always hated being the last person awake...even back as far as my little elementary sleep over days. It feels like as soon as I realize that I'm the only person awake, that thought keeps me awake. I feel sorry for myself as I look around the room at everyone else sleeping peacefully.

Jesse has never laughed at my silly quirk, or acted as if it were an inconvenience at all. He simply cradles my head on his chest, wraps his arm around me, and reads to me until he knows I'm asleep.
Knowing he does that has always made me feel loved, but tonight, after seeing all of the hairpins he has lovingly and carefully taken out of my hair so that I would be more comfortable, I just love him even more.



What a guy ♥

Thursday, October 14, 2010

My Laugh for the Day

Today, I was writing a word problem on the board in preparation for the two third graders I was expecting in a few minutes.

Three students walked six blocks to the craft store...

As I copied the problem from the teacher edition, the SDC teacher walked in, read what I had written, and laughed.

"Oh, Bethany, only you would write a 3rd grade math problem about a craft store!"

I had to show her the textbook before she believed me.

Isn't it funny that I don't have to be somewhere for more than a few weeks before my reputation as a craftaholic comes out?  :-)

Whispers

God has sent little whispers to my heart.

By the time I got to church yesterday, I was feeling overwhelmed.  I locked myself in Jesse's office when he took the jr. high kids for youth group time, and just sat in his chair and cried. 

Aside from my love for Jesse and my desire to care for him and make a happy home for him, I feel unfulfilled in life.  I miss the feeling of belonging somewhere.  I belong at Jesse's side, I belong in our home--and I'm truly happy there--but I don't feel like I belong anywhere else.  It's been over two years since I had a job that I loved--where I felt called to be and where people were happy to have me.  It's lonely floating around from one thing to another...and as relieved as I am to have a position right now, I know that it's not what I want for my life.  I don't feel needed, and I don't feel fulfilled.  I didn't need to go to college for five years to get this job, and when I look at all of my studet loans and realize I'm not making enough right now to be able to take care of it, I get stressed. 

Being a substitute teacher for the past two years has just torn at my soul.  It's such a lonely thing to fill in for someone else but to be a "nobody" at the same time.  I started to feel transparent--like I didn't expect anyone to pay attention to me because...why should they?  I find myself acting like that where I am now, too, and I hate it.

I feel guilt for not being able to pull my weight for the entirety of our marriage.  I worked full time as a preschool teacher through college, and I looooooved it.  I was so happy there.  But pursuing elementary teaching has been one hopeless thing after another.

Jesse doesn't want me to worry.  We've always agreed that he would be the bread-winner.  We don't want to depend on my earnings so that some day, I can stop and devote my days to being a mommy.  But that's not where we are yet, and I want to be doing everything I can to help us out in the meantime! 

There are so many unknowns these days...and sometimes my fears for the future cloud out my trust in God.  I reeeeeeally need to work on that.  How can I be a loving, supporting wife if I don't trust in God?  There's no way that Jesse and I can do this ourselves!  How can I say that I'm a child of God if I don't hand Him everything as faithfully as I handed my troubles to my parents when I was a little girl?

Last night at our young adult Bible study, Jesse opened the Bible to 1 John 3.  These verses really spoke to me:

1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies Himself, just as He is pure.


I need to remember that I'm a creation that is not yet complete...God is forming me and shaping me everyday.  Someday, I'll probably look back on these days and understand why they were needed.  Until then, I'm just praying for peace, patience, and a whole lot of trust!




This came in my email today from my friend Sarah (who used towork at the preschool with me) It's a simple reminder, too.


ABCs you should always remember:


Although things are not perfect


Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
 

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Shadow Day

I hate feeling weak...I hate feeling helpless...I hate being discouraged.  There's nothing earth-shattering going on in our lives right now (don't worry!).  It's just one of those days.  I wish I could pull the covers over my head and curl up with Jesse and stay safe in our own fluffy, vanilla-scented, little world.

Maybe only people who are church workers know how I feel today; maybe anyone who works closely with hundreds of people would.  I don't know.  All I know is, somedays, it sure would be nice to get a hug from God.


Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for Heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
A constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches over me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me (He watches me)
He watches me (I know he watches me)

"Let not your heart be troubled,"

His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,

Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me.




Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Oh, Yum...

Why, hello, new challenge!!!



I finally got to get my craft store fix yesterday.  Hooray for being finished with my challenge in time to enjoy the Columbus Day Sale!

Don't you love saving as much as you spend?

Mhmmmmm :-)

These will whip up into some pretty scarf/hat sets for the November sale...and some cute little ornaments and doilies and things.  So much fun!

What's your newest project?

Happy Homemaking!
♥ Bethany

Monday, October 11, 2010

I Conquered My Challenge!

Last month, after looking around my house and realizing that I had more than enough craft odds and ends to keep me busy for a long time, I challenged myself to make 25 things out of what I already have before I allowed myself to walk into a craft store again.

It was a pretty difficult thing to do, considering how Michael's AND JoAnn's went on huge sales the week after I made the challenge.  That was painful!

I stuck to it, though, and after counting my things up yesterday, realized that I had surpassed my required 25 things!  I had a few projects stashed in one room, a few in another, some in this closet, some in that bag...story of my life!

But here I am, with about 30 beautiful newly created items that I can put on the table on Noveber 13th when Momma B and I do the craft fair together.  So exciting!

I'm not going to post pictures of all 25+ things that I made, but here are some of my highlights!



I made lots of bracelet/earrings sets...and this is one of my favorites!  I love the whimsical dragonfly clasps and matching earring dangles, and the way they compliment the pretty blue and green glass beads from my collection.

I found this cute dog button and pawprint ribbon on the same day and was determined to have some fun with it :-)


I love these yarns together!  My first ear-flaps baby hat.


I love these little flowers and had fun finding lots of ways to use them!

I put a small button on this one and added a bobby pin--such a sweet and easy accessory!


Super soft hooded sweater

I was sooo excited to be able to find these adorable little mother of pearl heart-shaped buttons to match the pink flecks in this litle sweater.  I love accessorizing :-)

That's a snippet of what's been keeping my busy for the last few weeks...

I'm excited for new things now!

Happy Homemaking!
♥ Bethany



Gee Whiz, Cheese Whiz!

I had the most ridiculous experience on Friday.

I  was rushing down to Laguna Beach for a women's retreat straight from work and knew that traffic was going to be horrible.  On my way there, I stopped at a grocery store to pick up some snacks for the weekend and splurged on some "Easy Cheese" and Triscuits.  Cheese spread and crackers was always a special treat between my mom and me...it's kind of expensive, so we rarely ever bought it.  Whenever we did, it was something to relish and enjoy!

Since Jesse doesn't like Easy Cheese, (and thinks it smells gross), I decided to get some while I wouldn't be around him.  That's a loving thing to do, rightt?  :0)

 It was a great snack for the drive.  I kept the cheese bottle in one of the cup holders, and held the box of crackers in my lap.  Whenever I got to a red light, I'd squirt some cheese on a Triscuit and munch happily away as I coasted through the beautiful ocean town of Laguna Beach.  MAN, I MISS LIVING NEAR THE OCEAN!!!

Annnnnnyway, when I finally arrived at the resort, I pulled into a parking space and shifted into "Park."  Something landed on my hand, and I realized that the shift stick had hit the nozzle of the cheese container (which was still in the cup holder) and sent cheese spraying everywhere!  A second later, I realized that it hadn't just pressed the nozzle, it was still pressing the nozzle, and now cheese spread was squirting over the shift stick, all over the cup holder, and spilling over the sides of the center console down to the floor.  That was one high-pressure nozzle! 

The most ridiculous part was that when I had shifted to Park, it wedged the nozzle between the shift stick and the cupholder so that as hard as I tried, I couldn't pull the cheese bottle out of that crazy situation withoiut shifting to Reverse to give the cheese bottle more space and get it out of there!

By the time I had done that, nearly the entire bottle had emptied, and Jesse's car (yes, I was driving HIS!) was covered in one of his least favorite food items! 

Wow...what a way to begin a "relaxing" women's retreat!

Just thought you'd enjoy a laugh with me...who would've ever expected that to happen?!?

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Jalapeño Jelly

One of the ladies at work today brought in the yummiest treat!  She made jalapeño jelly at home and brought it in with stone ground wheat crackers and cream cheese spread.  It wasn't the healthiest thing in the world, but it tasted just wonderful!

I haven't gotten to try the recipe myself, but I wanted to save it so that I don't forget it (and I figured I'd share it with you!)

♥ 1 large green bell pepper
♥12 jalapeno peppers

♥1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar

♥1 pinch salt

♥4 1/4 cups granulated sugar

♥4 ounces liquid pectin

♥4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
 
1.Combine the green bell pepper and 12 jalapeno peppers in the container of a food processor or blender. Process until finely chopped. This can be done in batches, if the peppers do not fit.


2.Transfer the peppers to a large saucepan, and stir in the cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through at least 2 layers of cheesecloth, and discard pulp. You should have about 1 cup of liquid.

3.Return the liquid to the saucepan, and stir in the salt and sugar until dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When the mixture comes to a rolling boil (one that cannot be stirred down), boil for one minute, then stir in the liquid pectin.

4.Stir in the remaining jalapeno peppers, and ladle into sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal jars in a hot water bath. Refrigerate jelly after seal is broken.





If you get to try it before I do, make sure you tell me about it!
 
 
 
 
P.S. Along with the jalapeno jelly, she also set out a platter of tomato slices soaked in balsamic vinegar.  Balsamic tomatoes on top of cream cheese crackers?  Who know that would be so tasty?!?
Give that one a try, too!

Happy Homemaking!
♥ Bethany

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

One Lovely Blog Award



A huge smile broke out across my face when I got home today.  I've been awarded my very first blog award!

My sweet friend Paris over at Bless My Nest nominated me for the One Lovely Blog award and said this about me:


Bethany is the craftiest gal I know, and I mean that in a wonderful way! She blogs about newlywed life with her husband, inspiring crafting endeavors, yummy recipes and her entertaining recollections of various experiences as a teacher.
I've been blessed to know Paris and truly look up to her as an inspiration for wholesome, Christian family living.  Paris, her husband David, and their adorable son James are such a wonderful, happy little family! 


The rules in receiving the award are:

1. Accept the award and acknowledge the person who bestowed it upon me.

2. Pay it forward to 15 newly discovered blogs you enjoy.

I'm going to play the rules a bit differently, because I don't expect everyone I award to turn around and find 15 other blogs.  It takes a lot of time, and I know that many of you are very, very busy!  But I wanted to recognize you as bloggers whom I love, let you know that I appreciate you, and send some happy blogger hopefuls your way!


Laura's blog is a collage of favorite song lyrics, funny memories, inspiring quotes,  poetry, and the day-to-day thoughts on life as a 17 year old.  Her blog is the first one I check each day [and it's not only because she's my baby sister!]  Also, don't forget to check out her music playlist in the sidebar.  It's played 24/7 over here :-)

♥  Posie Gets Cozy
I love escaping to the beautiful little world of Alicia Paulson.  Her blog depicts her day-to-day life of working in her home studio creating beautiul quilts, sweet crocheted projects, and lovely embroidered pieces.  It's refreshing, soothing, and brings me back to the coast I miss so much.

I found Jenny's blog through her Etsy shop.  Oringinally, I simply fell in love with the sweet little shoes and baby things she creates, but now I love reading about her three beautiful children and her experiences as a first year homeschool mom.

I discovered this little beauty a bit too late.  Disney, the gorgeous mom/pastor's wife/crafter of this blog is no longer regularly blogging.  This blog is chockful of beautiful little ideas for sweet and dainty crafts, and even though new posts won't be showing up very often, you'll still get some wonderful ideas from what she has already written!

Katie is a spunky young woman  bringing Jesus' love to Africa.  She is two months into her second year of teaching in Malawi, and always has interesting stories to tell.  Her blog wll inspire you, remind you of how blessed we are with everything we have, and refresh you with God's Word. 

The Pretty Bitty Blog
Bonnie is a sweet young wife and mother who delights in making beautiful little outfits for her adorable baby girl, Elora.  I love picking up her  money-saving techniques and filing them away for my own kids someday. 

Ashley and Brittany have teamed up to create this wonderful blog full of gorgeous photos and step-by-step tutorials to help you do everything from sewing a tutu for your little girl to decorating a cake pretty enough for The Cake Boss.  Check it out, have fun making one of their projects, and then post your pictures in their "You Made It/Love It" section of the blog :-)

Lori's blog makes me drool.  The quilts that she designs and creates are a mystery to me--they don't seem humanly possible!  Her attention to detail, her lovely applique, and the way that she brings stories to life through fabric makes me envious (in as christianly a way as possible!)  See what I mean?

Mollie's photos of her two beautiful children will bring a smile to your face.  She's a young, energetic mom who delights in finding healthy recipes for her husband and kids, decorating her home, and sharing tips on happy, healthy, frugal living. 

Sunny Bug
Oh my, I've actually found someone else who loves Martha as much as I do!  Aside from that (which I only discovered yesterday, anyway!), Elizabeth's blog is truly a treat.  It is full of al
l sorts of creative projects to sew, bake, or make.  And who can resist her cute site?

My Ramblings
Candace is new to the blogging scene and has great ideas and recipes!  She shares insight on newlywed life, thoughts on Scripture, and fun, creative ideas.  Don't miss the blog she shares with her husband, Matt :-)  A Couple of "Ott"ers

Heatherlydee
Heather is a gorgeous girl who is honest, down to earth, has a flair for fashion, and a heart for God.  I love her picture posts, her frugal fashion tips, and entries that make my heart sing.

You Go Girl!
Cassie has so many beautiful handmade things on her blog that I could be happy reading it for hours.  I love her crocheted lace pillow cases, her cute handbags, sweet aprons, and adorable outfits.  For those of you who don't know how to crochet, she has great tutorials to teach you!

Jenn blogs from the heart.  Her thoughts on daiy life, cute stories about her family, and pictures of their adventures are always fun to follow. 

There's no way I'm telling Pastor Ryan that I'm giving him the "One Lovely Blog" award, but I just wanted to mention him here so that you can check out his blog!  Pastor Ryan's blog is not simply theological; he captures moments with his wife and two adorable little ones, shares step-by-step recipes, and the inspiring photos he takes.



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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Flower Girl Baskets

My childhood friend, Emily, got married recently.  There are so many pictures to post and so many things to tell!  But I thought I would share a tutorial on how to make the satin-lined flower girls baskets I made for her wedding.

Originally, the idea was to just buy some pretty little white flower girl baskets, but after several of us searching all of the shops in our hometowns, the search was in vain and we knew we would need to make our own. 

I took on the challenge, and was surprised that I couldn't even find white baskets!  All I could find at local craft store was natural wood baskets.  So, I added another step to the process and bought some white spray paint.


After sanding the baskets down lightly to make sure there were no splintery parts (very important when your flower girls are 2 and 5 years old!), I took them outside for the next step.

I used a large lid from a cardboard box (or one of the cartons they put your purchases in at Costco would work) to keep the paint from spraying everywhere.  Even though I did it outside, I didn't want white grass!


Painted up and pretty!

Let the baskets dry for a few hours before working on the next steps (2-3 hours should do it).



Next, I took the baskets inside and pinned a circle of satin to the perimeter of the basket.  I measured the diameter of the circle and then added about 8 inches to it when I cut the circle out.  Adding the satin lining to the basket gives it a touch of elegance and looks so pretty!

I used regular old straight pins from my sewing basket.  The wood in the basket I used was soft enough to push the pins right into it.  If the basket you're using is too dense to do this, try using clamps, or simple free-hand it when you use your hot glue gun to secure it.  Just make sure you're eying the fabric to make sure you're gathering it evenly!


When you're finished pinning, it should look like this:
 

If you're wondering why I didn't paint the handle white, don't worry!  It's going to be wrapped in satin ribbon.  :-)


A view of the basket's interior.  The satin will look really bulky while you're pinning it in, but don't worry.  When it's glued down and the decorative ribbon secures it, it looks just beautiful.  Trust me :-)


To decorate the handle, I wanted to finish the satin look.  I added white satin ribbon (1 inch thick).  It really pulled the whole thing together--and made it look so "wedding-ish."  Just remember to tack the ribbon down with glue every few wraps so that it doesn't fall apart in your flower girl's hands!


My favorite touch was using the same pearl/lace ribbon around the basket that I put on the ring bearer pillow I made.  I was really pleased with how the baskets were lined with the same satin I used for the pillow, and the same ribbon!  It made a beautiful set.

The purpose of the ribbon (aside from looking pretty!) is to hide the edges of the satin lining.  Voila!  All gone :-)

Next, it's time to dress your pretty little basket up!

All I used was some lavender ribbon, white ribbon, and little ribbon rosettes. 
There are endless possibilities o
f things that you could add.  The world is yours!

Here are the finished products:



So much fun!  I loved being able to add a handmade touch to Emily's wedding.

Here's a list of things you'll need to make it easier:
♥ wooden baskets
♥ fine sandpaper
♥ white spray paint (if your basket isn't white already)
♥ satin
♥ straight pins
♥ satin ribbon (one inch wide)
♥ hot glue gun
♥ edging ribbon (like the pearl/lace edging ribbon I used)
♥ little satin rosettes in the color of your choice
♥ matching satin ribbon (1/8" or 1/4" thick)

Let your creativity loose and have fun with what you come up with!  If you make one, send me a link of the picture!  I would love to see.

Don't limit yourself to the next wedding...find ways to make pretty satin-lined Christmas baskets or make your own Easter baske for your kids next year.  The possibilities are endless! 

Have fun! ♥