Fresh Market

One of the perks to moving to Montgomery is having a Fresh Market locally. Walking into the store is like going on vacation. The music, the scents of Fall in the air, the fine wines and cheeses. It just makes you feel like going out and hugging a tree:) I find myself wishing I was back at my macelleria (butcher shop) in Greve in Chianti. I loved preparing a meal with the perfect ripe peach, or a pork roast with rosemary from the butcher's planter by the back door. Tonight I found some pecorino cheese to go with our Bartlett pears, to be drizzled with honey from our local beekeeper. Yum! And just for the fun of it I came home with a little treat for Terry and the boys. The absolute cutest little Fall cookie cutters filled with chocolate. One squirrel and one acorn for Terry and I. Two packs of pumpkin pop rocks for the boys. A perfect Fall dinner--pecorino, pears and poprocks!

Brandon's Surprise Dinner

Yesterday afternoon we headed up to Birmingham to surprise Brandon. We were celebrating 28 years together as a family. What a special time in our lives it was when he was born. There were six little girls awaiting his arrival. He was one spoiled child! He was a week old when we took him out to the soccer fields (located in our backyard) wearing his first pair of soccer shoes:) Many years later , he is a husband and father, and most importantly, a servant of God. His older sister, Katie, wanted to cook a surprise dinner for him, with a tribute to his passion for fast food:) She baked cupcakes that looked like hamburgers, and made McD fry containers with paper and markers. Absolutely adorable. Of course, she did all this while 6 months pregnant and watching her three ages 4 and under, and babysitting her niece for the afternoon. Superwoman! As we were leaving to drive home (soccer games in the morning) we had two chatting in my car window, and Brandon talking to his Dad in the other. We never have enough time together to say all we want to say. Good thing we'll be back next weekend to celebrate Miss Charlotte's 2nd birthday ( and Justin's 29th). Time to head out to do some mowing. I don't think we're going to be needing to do this for much longer...and praying for some rain to arrive shortly.

The Tree Fort

Today was a SSLLLOOOWWW day for me. I'm not sure what the problem was. I think it has been my poor diet. I know how to eat healthier, and even enjoy  it when I do, but unfortunately "healthy" choices are not what I tend to make when I'm tired. The boys did their math on the computer, read their assignments, and I read from "Moccasin Trail" and "William Wilburforce". They only did one page of handwriting, and said their  Psalm 103 memory work..and by then I was TOTALLY dragging. They asked if they could go outside for a little bit and I reluctantly said yes. I was feeling like a bit of a failure. There had been no great discussions on Wilburforce and the ending of the slave trade--or on the impact that had on their ancestors. There was no written report turned in on contrasting life with the Indians and life as a settler. Instead they spent the afternoon in the tree out front. Their friend, Sarah, joined them for most of the afternoon. They debated adding one board a day versus many. They made kits of hammers and nails. They hung a flag. And best of all, they laughed all afternoon. They are happy and they have had a great childhood. I think if you asked them, they'd say that they'd rather be right where they are right now than back at a small resort town on the Aegean Sea or in a farmhouse in Tuscany. It is true what they say... a Mama is only as happy as her most unhappy child.

Charlotte Kimberly

Last night Brandon, Kristin and Charlotte came for the evening. Brandon, Terry and I were going to a fundraiser dinner for Compassion 21, and Kristin offered to babysit for us. The dinner was a good reminder of how blessed we are and how much need there is in this hurting world. I am excited about the opportunity to work with this ministry here in Montgomery. An extra blessing came whn Kristin and Charlotte decided to stay with us for the weekend while Brandon took his youth group to RUSH at FHU . Kristin and I went to the fabric store and bought everything we needed to make two pairs of pajamas, four jumpers and two dresses for Charlotte. Tonight we finished one of the little nightgowns in time for bed. She looked so sweet in her linen nightdress with pink feather stitching and a hemstitch. Getting her to sit still for a picture was a bit of a challenge...but nothing that a piece of candy corn couldn't handle.

E-Mealz and Homemaker Notebooks

Admittedly, I really enjoy my role as a homemaker, but that has not always been true. I remember years where being home was just plain hard work. It seemed that all I did was get the children fed, clothes washed, bathed and in bed...just to begin again the following morning. Those years were challenging. Part of the reason was that I was in a foreign country with a very small support network, along with the challenges of living in a 16th century villa. But the main reason was my lack of knowledge as to how to organize my day. Some things just have to be done. Beds made, dishes washed, laundry, etc. But I soon discovered that once those things were out of the way, the fun began! Creating little areas of beauty throughout my home, sewing cute outfits for my children, baking a special treat for my husband to eat at the end of a busy day--those were moments where I felt real joy. Time to spend immersed in God's word, uninterrupted. That is what makes our days sing. For several years now I have used a Homemaker's Journal. It keeps me from having to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.There are several online that you can customize to your own needs (http://www.alittlegraceandcharm.com/ and http://www.organizedhome.com/) Just recently I found a service that is really helpful . It is called http://www.e-mealz.com/.  For $5 a month you can choose menus to fit your families size and preference of foods (in our case, they offer gluten-free) and you choose the grocery store you prefer to shop at. They then send you 7 days of menus, including the recipes, and your shopping list--all chosen based on the sale prices that week. I am printing them off each week and placing them in plastic page sleeves and adding them to my notebook.I make an extra copy of the grocery list so I can feel free to mark all over it and add my extras for that week. On a different note, I have included a pic from an e-book "Watermelon and Fireflies" from http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/. Her blog always is a cheerful spot in my day!

The Cutest Windchimes in the Entire World

Thank you, Katie, for the cutest windchime I have ever seen. It makes me smile every time I look out my kitchen window. I moved it from the playhouse porch because I am selfish. I couldn't see it as well. I promise when the little girls are here to play that I will move it back:) You have always been such a great "giftgiver". You have the gift of giving what you know the receiver would love, rather than what you would like yourself. So I hereby acknowledge that you are not a "teapot" type of girl--and I STILL think you are an absolute treasure!

Science Loving Boys

There must be something about genetics after all:) As my four older children can attest, I am LOUSY at Science. I just don't have the interest in it that I do in about anything else. I have tried over the years, but have always failed dismally at experiments. Unfortunately, my two youngest are little scientists in the making. Well, apparently there were a few other parents out there just like me, and Sonlight came up with a solution. Discover and Do DVD's. They are fantastic. They use a regular guy, in a regular kitchen (no granite tops...) and perform the experiments for you in short segments. Then, because they have cleverly sold kits containing ALL the supplies you will need, we copy the experiment ourselves. Volia! It works!! For roughly $200 you can also light up a lightbulb with a D battery and a piece of foil:) It was seriously worth every penny. The boys were SO excited. They have cotinued gathering various batteries of their own, various lightbulbs, gone in the darkened room and compared the brightness, etc. Christian keeps repeating, "This is seriously amazing and awesome!" I love these lightbulb moments. Pun intended.

Soccer in Wetumpka

The boys began soccer practice last week. They are playing with an under 14 team. It's their first time with a co-ed team (2 girls). Christian is not so sure about that, though the girls seem to be very good players. Their coach is from Ecuador, and though never having coached before, knows the game well from years of playing. Terry is the Asst. coach. The weather has been beautiful, and the fields are close by. This afternoon Terry had a speaking engagement so I took them. It's a beautiful drive over the bridge in Wetumpka. The church at the end of the bridge was built in 1838. Really lovely.We drove right past the Wetumpka Church of Christ where our homeschool group will meet on Friday for the first time. After dropping the boys at their field I went and spent some time at the library wandering through the stacks, before returning in time to do some reading in the car. A very pleasant afternoon.

Farm Chicks

I'm an official Farm Chick:) My necklace arrived in the mail today. I just loved it from the first time I saw it. Terry was not quite as impressed...he's more of a gold necklance from Egypt kind of guy:) But he's at least happy that I'm happy. For me it's not the necklace as much as what it represents. Home, baking, puttering around my kitchen in an apron. Good days.

A Great Read

I just finished this book last night. What a nice surprise to discover a new author who can tell a good story with interesting characters. "Mr. Pettigrew's Last Stand". My only disappointment is that there are no other books to try by the same author. Today while the boys were at their soccer practice I went to the library in Wetumpka and found some new books. I'm really enjoying "My Brother's Farm- Reflections on life, farming and the pleasures of food" by Doug Jones. He is one funny guy.

" And I was poor. Not the good, free,the world is my oyster" poor that I was used to from my stint as an aspiring actor in New York City. That was a sort of privileged poor--a young, interesting, happy poverty. That was, "Well, I can't make the rent yet for the month, but I just found thirty dollars in my jeans, so let's go catch the Yankee's game."
 Time to get the dishes done so I can read guilt free for a while.

Velma's Sweet Corn Pudding

I love the Fall of the year. Once the leaves begin falling I want to spend more time in the kitchen and sewing room. I spent this morning wandering in the Wetumpka area. I discovered a blackberry and blueberry farm right next to the Granary. I wandered in the flea market and found a great source for used books. I paid a visit to the Winn Dixie and was pleasantly surprised. I believe it will be my store of choice. Having an entire Saturday afternoon ahead of me with nothing I HAD to do, boys riding the horse in the front yard, and Terry comfortably enjoying a relaxing day, I headed to the kitchen and started on one of my new recipes.This was so easy and tasted exactly like a comfort food should. This dish makes 12 servings as a side dish, but for a family of four is just right with a side dish of cheese and apples for supper. This recipe was also from Paula Deen's Sept/Oct issue.

2 large Eggland's Best Eggs
1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
6 Tbl butter, melted
3/4 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbl all-purpose flour
1 1/2 (20 ounce) packages frozen cream style corn ( I use one white and one yellow), thawed

1.Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add evaporated milk, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and vanilla stirring to combine. Stir in flour and corn
2. Pour into prepared dish. Bake for 45 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean.

Now I need to go make a second one for tomorrow's church dinner:) Husbands just don't understand the pressure:) Tomorrow is the first time I will bring food to the church potluck. What I bring could determine my "standing" for years to come. Do I make life easier on myself and bring warmed up chicken wings and storebought cookies served on one of my nicest plates? Because these folks have been so warm and welcoming I really want to offer my best. Corny, huh? So I'm making Sweet Corn Pudding, New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce and Chili-Lime Southwest Wraps. Yes, Jessica, I believe you're right. We need to make sure the church lady traditions are carried on by the women in our family. It does make a difference.

Paula's Shrimp and Creamy Cheddar Grits

I had such a lovely visit with my sister, Kathi, last night. After a GPS mishap, we finally made it to Zoe's where we ate dinner and then made a short trip over to the bookstore. Surrounded by magazines with Fall recipes and Autumn leaves on the cover I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I settled on Cooking with Paula Deen Sept/October 2010 because a brief glance through confirmed I could pronounce all of her ingredients:) For dinner I made these amazing grits. Not a "quick" meal, but well worth the extra effort. Side note for those living in the Montgomery area, I buy my stone ground grits at Oakview Farms off of Rifle Range Road.

6 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
1/2 c each of diced red and yellow bell peppers
2 cloves minced garlic
1 Tbl Creole Seasoning
1/2 c. dry white wine
1 pound fresh shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
1 Tbl fresh lemon juice
2 Tbl fresh minced chives
Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and cook peppers, garlic and seasoning in drippings for 2 minutes. Add wine and cook 2 more minutes. Stir frequently. Increas heatto med-high and add shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are pink and firm. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and minced chives.
 Serve over creamy cheddar grits.

Creamy Cheddar Grits
1 32 oz. carton chicken broth
1 c water
1 c. stone ground white grits
1 c half and half
1 1/2 c shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese (I found it at Winn-Dixie)
3 Tbl butter
1/4 tsp ground white pepper

In a med. saucepan, combine chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Add grits, stirring until combined. Return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently until the consistency you like. Stir in half and half and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Everyone in the family LOVED it!

Pears a plenty...

I found this picture on one of my favorite blogs http://www.brocantehome.blogspot.com/ and it captured my feelings exactly. I have made pear bread. I have made pear sauce and pear jam. And I STILL have a huge sack of pears. I'd so much rather sew this afternoon than make pear sauce, but it would feel so wasteful. Thank you, God, for your bountiful harvest, and please grant me many new friends by next September who I can share my bounty with!

The Sewing Room

After the guests left this weekend I got to work on a project I have been dying to get to. My sewing room. I moved everything out of the loft area of the cabin except for one twin bed. I then set up all my sewing cabinets on one side along with my machine. On the other side I set up a table and shelves with all my scrapbooking materials. I've done some sewing recently, but scrapbooking has been on hold for a long time. No one comes up in the loft (the stairs are killers) except for me, so I can leave my messes spread out everywhere and pick back up with my projects even when I have just a few minutes to work. The best part is I can even watch Top Chef on the tv down below while I work:) I have several projects ready to start- an apron for Mona Lee, several dresses for granddaughters, a braided rug, and a quilt. I should be busy for a while!

Family Weekend

Family Times

This past month has been a busy one and has involved a lot of physical work. Moving into a new home has involved painting, stripping wallpaper, hanging curtains, and unpacking many, many boxes. We are now settled and everything has its place. It is the best feeling to know where the flashlight, matches and tape can be found. This Labor Day weekend we celebrated our new home, along with Christian's 11th birthday. All six children, their spouses and grandchildren were here ( along with soon-to-be family members:)We had 26 in all on Saturday. The weather was ideal. The family played flag football, soccer with the new goals, basketball, and golf. There were folks playing guitar and singing, some shucking corn for that nights roasted corn chowder (and brisket that was to die for). Children played with their new playhouse and with the dollhouse on the back porch. On Monday morning, when the last guest drove down the driveway, I stopped and reflected on what made this weekend so wonderful. It is because it was like a small microcosm of the church. Each individual so unique with their special gifts and talents. So many different opinions and ways of doing things. But unified in their love for Him. There have been tears over loved ones no longer with us, and joy over the new additions to the family. We cheer each other on in the challenges that lie ahead. I know that just as I sit back and am filled with joy at the blessing of this big, crazy family-that God looks down on his church --with all its faults amd imperfections-- and is filled with love and joy at His children.