Pickles Made Dinner!



Our beautiful dinner cooked by Pickles...even though I had to settle for brown gravy.

 Last night, Pickles and I enjoyed some one on one time and caught up on a new TV show.  Together we watched the new Pioneer Woman I TiVo'ed on Saturday.  She was game to watch anything since we have a no TV rule during the week.

As we watched, she day dreamed about what it would be like to live on a ranch like that.  All things dealing with Oklahoma are like a fantasy to her.  It is a magical place we visit and enjoy family and all things are happy and fun.  Not that that is out of the norm, but it holds a very special place in her tender, young heart.  After the introduction to the show, she was hooked.

We watched as she shook vinaigrette in a mason jar. Pickles quickly asked me if they are really country, or just don't know about the shaker we recently purchased at Williams Sonoma.  I suddenly realized I am creating a kitchen snob!  I reassured her that she was using a practical approach so that everyone would have the equipment necessary to try this at home.  She then asked if they have Williams Sonoma in Oklahoma?  I guess I should give up before we get really deep.

Ree then made her chicken fried steak, and Pickles thought it looked really good, but who would eat gravy on steak?  Oh, my poor sheltered child.  It then dawned on me that Scott has never liked chicken fried steak, because he talks about the way his Mother made it.  I don't think I would eat her version of it either.  Anyway, I decided we were going to have an indoctrination into the foods of Oklahoma.  Chicken fried steak would have to be at the very top.  Followed by Indian tacos and maybe a sopapilla.  I guess milk gravy will have to wait...

After watching the show, Pickles was full of questions.  She asked what it was like growing up in Oklahoma.  Was it like the Little House on the Prairie books?  I hate to burst her bubble, but I am not quite that old!  She also thought that the older Drummond boy was pretty cute. She said that she would need to learn to make chicken fried steak if she ever had a chance to date him!  Oh, me oh my, where does she come up with the stuff? 

I decided I would let Pickles try her hand at making dinner. She is old enough to learn to cook and take a little responsibility around here.  I am also working to try and be more patient and let her make messes so that she will learn.  She usually is too consumed by her electronic world to even be interested in the remainder of the house.  However, now that the TV is off, she is game for anything. 

She had a ball as she scooped out the flour, whisked the egg and milk, and seasoned the steak and flour. Once her fingers were good and gooey, she was really having fun.  She thought it was great, and used her best acting skills to pretend she was on her own cooking show!  It was priceless, and I just regret that I didnt' get any pictures.  She stopped just shy of dropping the steaks in the hot oil.  She was afraid she would burn herself.

She tasted her first bite, and I knew immediately she was my daughter.  She loved it!  Who wouldn't?  What is there not to love?  As soon as her Daddy walked in the door, she proudly announced to him what was for dinner, and that she made it.  She also said it was not like he experience in the past, and that her version was much better, and he would ask for it again!  What a little sales person.  She definitely knew this one was going to be a tough sell.  Scott tries nothing new! 

Well, let's just say she won her Daddy over, and he too said it was the best chicken fried steak he has ever eaten.  He then told her that she can make that same exact meal for him once a week!  You would have thought she was in love.  She gave him a big hug, and said she will make it for him anytime!  Let's just see how long that lasts!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

A Give-away

A few weeks ago, I posted a give-away, and only after the contest ended did I have interest.  The winner of the contest already had this wonderful canning starter kit, and suggested that I try again.

So, besides this wonderful kit, you also get my help.  The winner will also get a sample of my favorite recipes, and maybe a sample jar of pickles! 

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog and tell me what you would like to try and can.  Or, if you are an experienced canner, what is your favorite food to can.  Even if you have all the fancy canning equipment, I promise you will be glad to add this to your stash.  I will take entries through this Friday, September 2.

Tell your friends, and maybe if they win, they will share some of their goodies with you!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Down on the Farm

There is exciting news to tell you about! We are building a pond on our farm!  For the last few afternoons and evenings, we have been out at the farm watching the dozer as it pushes down big, firmly planted trees and makes way for a pond.  Even our Little Man is mesmerized by the power and strength of the dozer as it knocks down the trees and then as they push them into a pile.  As much as I hate we are removing trees, we really need a pond.

The location of this pond is in a naturally low lying area that usually has water standing.  Let's just say there is no water today, and not even a bit of mud.  I guess we picked the correct time to build this little pond. Regardless, hopefully we will have a little fishing hole after a few good rains.

I envision this pond as a place that our children can claim as their own and just enjoy being a kid.  Maybe a place to chase frogs, or if they are lucky, catch a fish or two. Some of my favorite childhood memories are fishing in Grandpa Mark's pond. I can remember a time that we were at the pond and we watched a water moccasin, and there were thousand of little babies with her.  I hate snakes just as much as anyone else, but my Mom caught a few of the little guys and put them in a mason jar.  I don't remember anything about fishing that day, but I do remember the baby snakes!

After finishing for the evening, it is fun to watch the cattle.  They are curious by nature, and want to see what we are doing. They won't come up when the dozer is running, but once the engine is shut off, they can't wait to see what is going on!  They run through the fresh dirt and butt at the trees that are down. I think that they are excited too.  They can't wait to have a cool place to spend a sultry afternoon!

Since our friends are helping us with this project, it has been great enjoying their friendship.  The children built a fort yesterday out of sticks and used baling twine.  They didn't realize at the time that their hunt for baling twine was helping us out.  They then hung beach towels on the twine and made their own little place.  All was good until the Little Man decided that he wanted to be part of the action too, and tried to help the tear it down, so that they could rebuild it together.

The best part of this entire story is the dirt!  It is dry, and it seems if dirt is growing everywhere.  When you take your socks off, a cloud of dust engulfs you.  I keep trying to contain the dirt, but I think it is a futile attempt.  And for the record...Aunt CeCe, my babies LOVE to play in the dirt and get dirty!

Not too sure about getting our hands dirty...

After a few trees were removed on day 1.

There were still some trees standing...



The Little Man finally convinced Mr. Cary he needed to ride too!  He loved it!




After the weekend.  We are almost ready to dig the pond!




I see a bonfire in the near future. Anyone game for a s'more?



Pickles on a mission to find sticks to build a fort.



The Little Man wanted in on the action too!



What is left of the fort.  At the the dirt toys are safe!



The Little Man and his friend Jules... trying to see what they can find...

What a great time we have had this weekend playing in the dirt!  I can't wait to share with you the completed project.

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Life...A Precious Gift

We all know that life is precious.  That it is a gift that we often take for granted.  Today, I have a very heavy heart, tears in my eyes and a renewed passion for the life we are given.  I read yesterday about a fellow OSU alumni whose child is transitioning from a life on earth, to a life in heaven.  I can't even imagine what it must be like to say goodbye to your precious infant son. As I prayed for this little angel, his Mom and Dad, his big brother and all of his family, I was comforted knowing that he will soon spend eternity in Heaven with our loving Father.

I guess this struck me especially hard, because my precious Little Man has a heart condition too, and we could have been in this very same situation.  When he was four days old, we learned that he has VSD, and that the backwash between the two ventricles was significant.  Due to his tiny size, the cardiologist wanted to monitor him closely and see what the next few months brought.  Praise to the Lord, his little heart started healing on his own, and he didn't require surgery.  We are very fortunate that he has continued to thrive and grow, even though his little heart must work harder than others.

I find it ironic, that since we learned of our Little Man's heart condition, I have learned of many other friends who's children are born with heart issues. I wonder if it is something environmental, or just a coincidence.

Today, I ask you to please pray for the Moore family, as they are facing these extremely difficult times.  When you hug your babies, remember to tell them you Love them, as we are never promised tomorrow.  I know that even as challenging as my Little Man can be, I wouldn't change a moment of the excitement, and I know one day I will be able to smile when I reflect on the times I once thought were challenging.

Until next time, remember life is precious and we must find joy in the small details!

Sarah

I'm Headed to Juilliard...

This week has been a whirl wind, and I apologize for not posting.  The Little Man started pre-school/daycare last week, and let's just say we caught everything in the first week.  We had pink eye and a runny nose, fever and cough.  Now that he is on the mend, maybe things will return to our constant state of normal craziness.

Last week, my daughter told one of my friends that she had her life planned.  She wasn't going to Ole Miss, or even OSU, but that she had her heart set on Juilliard and she was going to major in theatrical performance and then try and work a few years on Broadway before relocating to L.A.

Try to swallow that one as a Mommy!  Nothing like shooting for the stars!  She loves all things theater, and I know that my Mom is smiling down on her from Heaven just wishing she could share this experience with her.  You see, that was my Mother's love!  She loved everything from singing and dancing to designing costumes! 

I just think that my little baby girl is growing up. She is in the third grade and already has her mind made up about college!  I guess it is good that she is setting lofty goals for herself.  Quite frankly, as her Mommy, I am so very proud that she has discovered a true love and passion. I you know our little Pickle, you know that she is a loving, caring and super sweet child.  She is also very outgoing and loves the stage!  I don't think the child has a bashful bone in her body.  We have never had to bribe her to perform, it truly is natural!

Thanks to the wonderful Panola Playhouse for nurturing her, encouraging her and loving her at such a tender, young age!  She can't wait until her next show! She keeps asking me if we can audition for Disney, and I am not ready for that one!

The show that started it all! Dressed as an orphan in Annie Jr. the camp last summer.



Ready to get onstage in Oklahoma the musical!





During the performance of Oklahoma the musical.  What a great time she had!

 


And this year at camp...As the Emperor in Mulan Jr.



And again in Mulan Jr.  I have created a monster!!!

 Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Inspiration Please...

I have about had my fill of canning, and I have a counter full of things I need to decide what to do with.

White pickling cucumbers...

English cucumbers...

I have already made a boat load of pickles.  I have exhausted my inspiration. I have 38 jars of pickles and they include:

 Cinnamon pickles...

Old fashioned sweet pickles...

 Kosher dill spears...

and Hamburger chips.  Not too sure what else to make, and the only thing I can think of is pickle relish.  Please help me with some ideas of what to make with these pickles. 

I am always glad when my garden starts to come in, and I am always glad to see frost!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Finally...

Last week, I found a rare gem in our supermarket.  Velveeta has finally produced a Queso Blanco product.  You see, my children love the white cheese dip you get at the Mexican restaurant.  It is quite tasty, and up to this point, it is only available as a dip.  That is until now.  I promise you I took this photo myself so that you can see that I really did buy this product and that we have it in our house...

This has the same creamy texture you would expect from Velveeta, but has the taste of white cheese.  I must say, I made some dip with this last weekend, and there was not enough left to scoop with a chip!  It was delicious and easy, and the beautiful part is, you can adjust the level of spice to fit your family. 

So, here is the super easy cheese dip that is just like the one you order at the Mexican restaurant.

Queso Blanco Dip

1 pound of Velveeta Queso Blanco (1/2 of the block), cubed
1/2 to 1 cup of milk, depending on how thin you like your dip
1 to 2 jalapenos seeded and finely diced

Place all ingredients into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 3 minutes on 50% power. Stir well.  Return to microwave and cook on 50% power for 3 more minutes.  Stir and if the cheese is still not melted, repeat for another minute or two. Serve with tortilla chips.  Enjoy your own fiesta!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

A Night Cap

I have once again I have recharged my willpower bank and am back on the straight and narrow of dieting.  Not that I won't fall off the perpetual wagon, but I am much more stable than before.  For me, it is more of options than cravings.  If there is only junk around, I tend to eat junk.  If I have a selection, I will chose the healthier option.

I must make a confession.  My downfall is dessert. I love all things sweet.  I have learned that I must fore go the sweet treats and only have those on occasion.  I must however satisfy that sweet tooth that is always  trying to persuade me to fall off the wagon.  I have tried not to bake sweets, and if I do, they must go and live somewhere else.  I find it therapeutic to bake, but need to find another hobby to channel that relaxing feeling.  Maybe I can talk myself into painting and get the inside of my home repainted!

I burned myself out on yogurt a few years ago. I can hardly bring myself to eat the "light" versions of American yogurt.  They are just lacking something.  I have found that I love Greek yogurt.  The thicker texture is less like slime and seems to have a better flavor.  Right now my favorite is vanilla with a little of my failed plum preserves drizzled on top.  I knew I could do something with those few jars that never set-up.  See, even I have days when things aren't perfect!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Baba Ghanoush

I recently had my first run in with this delightful eggplant dish a few weeks ago.  We have a wonderful little restaurant in Sardis named Tribecca Allie. I you are ever in town, I encourage you to visit.  I promise you won't be disappointed. When Scott picked up our to-go order, Becca the owner had put a few little tastes of different spreads in my container.  One was hummus and the other was Baba Ghanoush.  I couldn't read the name, but after tasting one bite, I knew I was smitten.

While we were on vacation, I made us up a batch.  We ate it with mini pita bread, and everyone loved it.  In fact we loved it so much that I made another batch the next day. 

Baba Ghanoush is a spread made from roasted eggplant.  It is then mixed with garlic, olive oil, tahini paste, cumin, parsley and of course salt and pepper.  It is a super simple and amazingly good!  I must confess I am not a huge eggplant fan. I have only had it as eggplant Parmesan, that is until I tried baba ghanoush!  I am sold.  Since you are roasting the eggplant, I like to use the big one, but the little ones might be good as well.

Here comes the confession... While on vacation we didn't have all the ingredients, namely cumin and tahini paste, or for that matter parsley. I substituted basil for the parsley, and it was delicious.  The second batch I purchased cumin, but everyone seemed to like it better without.  The beauty of cooking is that you can make things to your taste. If you are not a cumin fan, don't add it.  Don't like tahini, leave it out.  I promise you this is a great dip that your family will love as much as mine.  Roasting the eggplant is the hardest part!

Baba Ghanoush

1 large eggplant
1 clove of garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
if you like cumin 1/2 teaspoon
1/4 cup tahini paste, or if you don't have, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, or omit all together

Important: Using a fork, poke eggplant liberally to allow steam to escape.  Rub eggplant with olive oil. Roast eggplant in a 400 degree oven about one hour.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  Scoop out pulp and either place in a large bowl, or food processor or blender.  If using a large bowl, mash well with a fork or potato masher until desired texture.  Add remainder of the ingredients and mix well. 

If using food processor or blender, place all ingredients into the appliance and mix until smooth. 

Place in a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper.  Serve with pita chips or pita bread.

Enjoy!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Child's Play

Thank you Lord for the morning showers and cooler temperatures we enjoyed today!  Amen.

There are so many things I am thankful for, but at the top of my list during the dog days of summer are rain and a break from the heat. Today was a beautiful example of both. This morning when we woke up and got ready for school, a fine rain was falling from the sky. As we went out this afternoon, it was cool and there was very little humidity.  It was awesome!

So, tonight after dinner, we went out to play.  Pickles chose the chalk and we all proceeded to make our driveway a masterpiece. 

Pickles working on her masterpiece.



The Little Man can't miss out on the chalk fun! Don't you love his outfit? He dressed himself!



Pickles schooling her brother for coloring on her picture...

Rrrrrrribbbbit...



Trying to find his inner Piccaso.



Bored with the chalk...can't we do something else?

My picture...it was so much fun to channel my inner child and draw on the driveway!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

An Adventure for the Palate

Have you ever read a menu and thought that after reading the description of the dish that there is no way this would be good?  I can remember a few years ago reading the description of a salad and it had strawberries mixed in.  How in the world could that be good?  It also had chicken, candied pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette.  Spring forward five years, and this is one of my favorite flavor combinations.  I love the sweet of fruit with the savory of the salad!  I love all kinds of fruit on salad from apples to cranberries or even peaches.

While we were on vacation, our friend went to the fish market and picked up a huge chunk 'ol tuna.  I mean, it was several pounds of fresh tuna roast.  We had a ton of cantaloupe and I decided I was going to make a salsa for us to eat with our tuna.  After hitting an app on my phone, I discovered this was a fairly popular salsa with several variations.  Upon tasting, it is much better than any mango salsa I have tried, and so sweet and fresh that I think it would be good on any fish or even chicken. For that matter, it would be great with pork as well.

So, if you are into broadening your palate, make up a batch. It is such a good flavor combination, I think I might just eat it with a spoon!

Cantaloupe Salsa

3/4 cup of cantaloupe, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion
2 tablespoons cilantro
1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
the juice of 1 lime

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and allow to sit for about 30 minutes.  You can serve this chilled or as we did at room temperature.  Enjoy!

The First Day of School

Just yesterday we held a tiny little bundle of joy, and I thought that she would never grow up.  Every season passes, and you don't realize it at the time, but time is truly flying! Many days that I wish my children were old enough to care for themselves. That they could fix their own drink, or find a snack, but I guess I will cherish those moments too.  Today I was reminded that these tender young years are passing way too quickly.  I can't believe my little Pickle is eight and in the third grade! Where has the time gone? 

Over the summer I was amazed at the things she was reading. We are no longer on the little thin books, but she is now reading chapter books and breezing through them. I am thankful she will entertain herself with a good book, but when did she learn to read? She should still be the same size as our Little Man. 

OK, enough of the sappy Mommy.  Pickles was so ready for school to start so that she could be with her friends.  My little social butterfly.  I don't know where she gets that from at all!  Anyway, we are ready to embrace the challenges that third grade will present, and she will once again mature as a student and learn vast amounts of knowledge.  Let's just pray that this Mommy can keep up the the homework!



My sweet little Pickle.  She was such a trooper considering she felt awful and her eyes were nearly swollen shut.



Pickles trying to muster up a smile...

Pickles and her teacher Ms. Hayes.  She had a real smile, but was mad her Mommy made her take another picture!

Until next time, I hope you keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Back to Reality

Vacation was wonderful, but tomorrow school officially starts and the routine begins.  I have bittersweet thoughts about the new school year.  I am excited for Pickles because she is ready to be with all her friends.  I am ready for us to be back in our routine. I am ready for the excitment in Pickle's eyes as she tells me all about her day. I am ready for the children to once again embrace an early bed time.

I am not ready for the nights of homework and the daily struggle to get everything completed.  I am not ready for the rushed, early mornings.  I am not ready for the challenge of what to pack for lunch, or maybe on second thought, I am. 

Anyway, whether I am ready or not, school is upon us and the daily delima of what to pack for lunch will start with their first full day on Thursday.  I have been reading up on ideas, and I can't wait to share them with you.  I know that as Mom's and Dad's, we all struggle with this issue. It is hard to pack a healthy lunch that needs no preparation.  And if you do find one, it seems that we wear it out at my house and that item is permanatly off the list.  Let's just say PB&J fits into this catagory. 

I asked Pickles for a few suggestions, and she thought that Mexican rice, beans and meat layered in her Thermos would be great and just have the tortillas and cheese on the side. I will be trying this and letting you know.  She is pretty creative and thougt of this one all by herself!

So, as the backpack sits packed by the door, her uniform is laid out, and the coffee is in the pot with the timer is set,  I will embrace that she is back to school and we will once again adjust to the routine! 

Pickles on her first day of school last year.  Oh, how she has changed!  I can't wait to post a picture from tomorrow!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Vacation...A Day at the Beach!

What a wonderful vacation we enjoyed at the beach!  It was long overdue, and we needed one last get-a-way before school starts this week. 

We left on Tuesday and drove to Biloxi, Mississippi and spent a night right on the water.  It was so awesome to see dolphins jumping right out of our window in the bay. The Little Man was fascinated with the fishing boats that were docked right outside our window. It was a nice little night before we drove down to Orange Beach, Alabama.

On our way through Mobile, we took the opportunity to soak up some history and took the tour of the USS Alabama.  It is a World War II battle ship that is open to the public.

 Pickles and a round that was shot out of the main turret of the ship. Each shell could be projected up to 24 miles! 

 Scott and Pickles trying to man one of the guns.  Let's just say she has to grow a little.

Pickles thinks that her bed is better...she didn't like the idea of the beds hanging from the ceiling and moving whenever someone breathes!

On the deck with the big chains!  She loved the tour and to see history first hand.

What a fun morning we had touring the battleship.  The little man was confined to his stroller and became hot and cranky.  I knew it was a lost cause to take him out for a picture and try and wrangle him back into the stroller. 

After our tour, we met up with our friends for lunch and then headed on to Orange Beach.
The children loved the beach and the sand.  We only ventured into the water one morning because I was not brave enough to fight with the jellyfish.  I have never in my life seen so many jellyfish!  One minute there were none, the next, they were everywhere and washing up on the beach!

 A giant jellyfish!  They were about the size of a flattened beach ball!

Another jellyfish!  It washed up on the shore as we were trying to take some photos...

 The Little Man was free!  Off in the sand he went.  So thankful he loved the beach!

 Our friend Gracie... a supermodel in training!

 ...And our friend Jules...he is tired of Miss Sarah and the camera!

Scott was ready for the pool.  I took this picture because he looks like an old man who dresses himself!  Pink and green plaid with orange floral shorts??? Go figure!

Our photos were not quite what I hoped for. Everyone was tired from a day at the pool, but there are some sweet shots. 

I hope you enjoyed our beach adventure with us!  Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah