Tuesday, June 24, 2014

What We Accomplished Wednesday #59

Want to be a pin-up girl? Join the party, and if you are featured, I'll pin your project to my Green Willow Pond Features Board!


I am out at church camp this week, so I will keep this brief.  Here are the features from last weeks linkups. So many wonderful ideas it was really hard to choose, but here goes.

I love this tissue paper garland by Martinel Art.



Patti at Old Things New turned a plain kitchen island into this beauty! 


Cindy from DIY Beautify, stenciled these gorgeous curtains!


Love this tutorial from Mary, at Orphans With Make-up, about repairing broken trim on furniture.  Gorgeous dresser too!


Here's an awesome idea.  Use the top of a sturdy hot tub cover for a lounging area. Check it out at Lovely Livings!


I love broccoli salad!  This version at Crystelle Boutique sounds delicious.


Now it's your turn.  Show us what you've accomplished.  Can't wait to see what you've been up to!

The Simple and Easy Rules

1. Only projects you have made/accomplished pretty please. This means no round up of others projects, give aways etc. Items for sale are okay, as long as they are in tutorial form, and linked to your blog post.  No links to shops or Etsy stores, or round-up posts of others projects please.  Link up to 3 posts - please link posts new to this party.

2. Linking back to the party (text or button) within your post is very much appreciated . You can grab a button from the side bar if you like.

3. By linking up here, you are giving me permission to feature you here, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and/or Pinterest.  I'll only use 1-2 pictures from your post and link back to you. Then people will be flocking to your blog to read all about it!!  Spreadin' the love around baby!
Most importantly, go visit some of the links because otherwise it wouldn't be a party would it? 

I am no longer automatically adding you to my email list to send out reminders about the party. If you want a reminder each week, just use the little sign up form below. You will only be signing up for party notifications. I will not use this list for anything else, nor will I ever share it with anyone. ever. period.

 


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Where's the Party?

I apologize for the lack of party tonight.  I've had several orders in the past 24 hours, have to work tomorrow, daughter is coming home Friday and getting ready to leave for a week of camping.  I thought I could do it...I really did, but the party will have to wait.  I will get it ready to post next week while I'm gone.

I am thinking of having the party every other week as I am getting busier. It would give me more time to visit links and comment, which I love to do.  What do you think?  Would you still come party with me if it was every other week?  Please leave me a comment and let me know. I will be taking a couple weeks off here, but I'll be back (said in a husky Arnold Schwarzenegger voice).Have a great week everyone.

Monday, June 16, 2014

A Meal to Keep and One to Go

Our pastor gave an excellent sermon yesterday.  He talked about our influence on others, and how the way we live is so powerful.  In fact we have the power to lead others toward Jesus or away from him.  That last part should give us pause.  Our actions and words could lead someone away from Jesus...or perhaps even our lack of action!

He talked about how we certainly have a right to many things, but sometimes the right thing is to give up that right.  His example was his father, who worked Saturday nights, and certainly had the right to go home, skip church and go to bed.  Instead, his father went to church with his family, and that action spoke volumes to his son, our Pastor.

I find myself so busy most of the time, that I tell myself that I don't have time to do this other good thing. I have often helped with funeral dinners, made dinners for new mama's or friends who are sick, but there were plenty of times that I was just "too busy."  Sometimes that was a legitimate excuse, but more times than I care to admit, what I was busy with was my stuff...stuff I want to do.  That's okay at times.  I need to do some "stuff" that makes me happy.  But when someone else is hurting and I can't be bothered to take them a meal, or give them a call because I have too much "stuff" to do, well, that is an influence I don't want to leave.

I have a friend who has breast cancer.  She had a double mastectomy and started chemo two weeks ago.  I cannot, nor do I want to imagine what she is going through.  I have another busy week coming, but compared to what she is facing, it means nothing.  So today I fixed her family a meal.  She probably won't feel like eating because she had her second chemo treatment today.  But her family won't have to worry about cooking today.  I don't say this to brag. I just want my influence to point to Jesus, not away.

I decided to share this simple meal with you to.  We are a family who likes simple foods and I love easy recipes.  If it's got arugula, masa harina, or harry carey sauce, forget it.  Sorry to all the wonderful gourmands out there, but if I can't spell it, pronounce it, or find it locally, it just isn't going to happen.  I am definitely not a gourmet chef.

Having said that, I thought some of you might like a simple and quick meal you could whip up for your family, or for a family in need.  The main dish is Chicken Stuffing Bake.  I think the recipe probably originally came on the side of a name brand stuffing box.  Shhh...I use the store brands.  It is so easy to make.  Usually when I make a meal to share, I make a double portion, one to keep and one to share.  It's just as easy to double most recipes, and I'm not spending a whole lot of extra time in the kitchen.


There are only four ingredients in this dish: chicken, stuffing mix, cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, and cheese.  I like to use shredded Colby jack, but you can use straight cheddar if you want.  The original recipe used two cans of soup with 1 box of stuffing mix, but I find it a bit too much soup for my taste.


 You mix your cooked chicken chunks, soup and cheese in a casserole dish.


 Then make the stuffing mix.  I use the broth from cooking the chicken instead of plain water, and eliminate the butter.  I just use extra broth to make up for the butter and the broth gives it a good flavor.


Add the stuffing mix on top and bake for about 30 minutes at 350.  Done.  This can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before heating.  It just needs to heat until it's hot and bubbly.

I like to cut up a fresh fruit salad in the summer when fresh fruit is plentiful.  I just used what I had on hand, which was watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries.  I quartered the strawberries.  I'll just pop this into a Ziploc bag to take to my friend.  I also used a tin foil pan for the casserole and I will put the dessert on a pretty paper plate.  That way she doesn't have to deal with washing my dishes and getting them back to me.


For dessert, I made a Rice Krispie recipe that I got from my niece many years ago.  It is really yummy and not much more work than the original recipe, but much creamier and better tasting.


First you mix up the sugar, corn syrup and butter and heat.  I heat it in the microwave for two minutes. Then add the marshmallows and heat again for one minute.


Stir in the marshmallows until they are all melted.


Next add the peanut butter or hazelnut butter (Nutella) and stir in well.  I used peanut butter for the one I'm giving away, but Nutella for us because our son is allergic to peanut butter.


Then stir in the Rice Krispies.  I used gluten free, although I don't think the original Rice Krispies have much, if any gluten in them.


Press the mixture into a greased 13 x 11 pan. 


I use an old Tupperware hamburger press for this.  I just spray some nonstick spray on it and it works perfectly.


Finally I melted about a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with about a teaspoon of oil (you could also use butter). I poured it into a sandwich bag, then snipped the corner and drizzled it over the bars.  It was enough for two pans as you can see. Here you can see the difference between the peanut butter on the right and the Nutella recipe on the left.


Oops...someone snitched one.  Now who could that be?  Shhh!


I will share the recipes in a couple of days as I am going to be late to work if I don't wrap this up!  I'm off to deliver this meal :)


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

What We Accomplished Wednesday #58

Want to be a pin-up girl? Join the party, and if you are featured, I'll pin your project to my Green Willow Pond Features Board!



Where we are, the weather bypassed spring and went right into summer, and what a beautiful summer we've had so far!  We've been enjoying dinners on the deck, perfect weather and lots of activities that keep me from getting my projects done!  It's all good though.  One of these days I will shock you and show you a finished project!  I have lots of them on the back burner.

During this dry spell though, I am enjoying seeing all your finished projects.  So much talent!  Just look at this garden deck by Kris of Junk Chic Cottage.  I'm practically swooning!


Lynda, from Lynda Bergman Decorative Artisan, turned a plain jane oak island into this beauty.  Just look at the details she added!


You won't believe the difference in the before and after of this gorgeous kitchen. Patti and her hubby, of Old Things New, transformed this formerly dark space.


Card catalog...apothecary chest...whatever you call it, I just love these cabinets full of little drawers. Christine, from Let's Get Crafty, shares how she transformed an orangey apothecary chest into this handsome piece.



Christine, from Little Braggs, turned her potting bench into this sweet beverage station. Love the double use of one piece!



I love lemon poppy seed bread so when I saw these lemon poppy seed sticky rolls, my mouth was watering! Aimee, from Twigg Studios, shares her recipe.


Now it's your turn.  Show us what you've accomplished.  Can't wait to see what you've been up to!

The Simple and Easy Rules

1. Only projects you have made/accomplished pretty please. This means no round up of others projects, give aways etc. Items for sale are okay, as long as they are in tutorial form, and linked to your blog post.  No links to shops or Etsy stores, or round-up posts of others projects please.  Link up to 3 posts - please link posts new to this party.

2. Linking back to the party (text or button) within your post is very much appreciated . You can grab a button from the side bar if you like.

3. By linking up here, you are giving me permission to feature you here, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and/or Pinterest.  I'll only use 1-2 pictures from your post and link back to you. Then people will be flocking to your blog to read all about it!!  Spreadin' the love around baby!
Most importantly, go visit some of the links because otherwise it wouldn't be a party would it? 

I am no longer automatically adding you to my email list to send out reminders about the party. If you want a reminder each week, just use the little sign up form below. You will only be signing up for party notifications. I will not use this list for anything else, nor will I ever share it with anyone. ever. period.

 



Tuesday, June 3, 2014

What We Accomplished Wednesday #57

Want to be a pin-up girl? Join the party, and if you are featured, I'll pin your project to my Green Willow Pond Features Board!


This week has just flown by for me. The weather here has been glorious and it was time to get the garden planted.  Plus all of my flower beds were begging to be cleaned and weeded.  The trees have finally leafed out, the fruit trees are blossoming and it became summer overnight!  Every green growing thing seems to be busting to catch up.

I had to work extra last night and will work the next two nights, so let's get right to the features from last week shall we?

First up is this beautiful kitchen remodel by, Lydia, from Pudel Design.  What a pretty little cottage kitchen!


Patti, from Ivy and Elephants, shared how she created this gorgeous, but easy ruffled slipcover for her bench.


I love old farm tables with that worn gray patina.  Mary, from Orphans With Makeup, shows how she achieved that look on this fantastic table.


Wouldn't you love a cheerful porch like this to greet you when you come home?  Jody, from Southern Seazons, created a beautiful spot to relax.


Gold is making it's way back into style, and what a beautiful way to add a touch of it.  Marty, from A Stroll Thru Life, shows how she painted the base of a plain vase.


Grilling season has started here.  We've grilled out at least three times in the past two weeks.  This Marinated Flank Steak has my mouth watering. Check out the recipe by Nici, at Posed Perfection.


Now it's your turn.  Show us what you've accomplished.  Can't wait to see what you've been up to!

The Simple and Easy Rules

1. Only projects you have made/accomplished pretty please. This means no round up of others projects, give aways etc. Items for sale are okay, as long as they are in tutorial form, and linked to your blog post.  No links to shops or Etsy stores, or round-up posts of others projects please.  Link up to 3 posts - please link posts new to this party.

2. Linking back to the party (text or button) within your post is very much appreciated . You can grab a button from the side bar if you like.

3. By linking up here, you are giving me permission to feature you here, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and/or Pinterest.  I'll only use 1-2 pictures from your post and link back to you. Then people will be flocking to your blog to read all about it!!  Spreadin' the love around baby!
Most importantly, go visit some of the links because otherwise it wouldn't be a party would it? 

I am no longer automatically adding you to my email list to send out reminders about the party. If you want a reminder each week, just use the little sign up form below. You will only be signing up for party notifications. I will not use this list for anything else, nor will I ever share it with anyone. ever. period.

 





Monday, June 2, 2014

Graduation Day: A Homeschooling Mom's Pièce de Résistance

Many of you know I am a homeschooling mom.  My two older children graduated high school several years ago.  I have three more years to go with my youngest.  High school graduation is exciting for us home school families too, but I am talking about college graduation here.

Last year my daughter graduated from Western Michigan University with honors in biology with two minors: math and chemistry.  She is back working with one of her professors on a bird research project. She plans to get her masters in biology and wants to do some type of research involving animals.

This year my son graduated from our local community college with an associates in applied science and a certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD).  He also graduated with magna cum laude honors, as well as the top student in his program. He has been working for the past year for a company in CAD design.  He plans to go on to university this fall to get a bachelor's in Product Design and possibly get an Engineering degree.




Our college is the Home of the Lumberjacks!  Go Lumberjacks!


Of course he can only be serious for so long.  He is our "class clown."


Dad had to work that night, so we drove over to his work place after the ceremony to get a picture with him.
Of course I am always behind the camera and didn't get in any of these.  Never mind that I was his home school teacher for 12 years! :P


We are proud of both of them and their accomplishments  As a home school mom, we were among the first few to start homeschooling in our area.  Although not true pioneers of the movement, it was still a subject that often raised eyebrows and sometimes concerned well meaning family members.  We were blessed in that most of our family was supportive, and those who we "heard" had voiced concerns, did not openly oppose us.  Of course, now we get lots of congratulations from friends and family, and homeschooling is a widely excepted means of education for millions of kids.

I do not say all this to brag. Today my older kids are smarter than I am, especially in math...not my strong suit. My hope is to encourage mom's who are considering or are already homeschooling. Early on, I was terrified that I was not going to do a good job, that my kids would not do well...and on, and on.  Relax mom, your child is an amazing learning machine.  They will learn, sometimes despite you ;)  Use good curriculum for math and science, and I encourage phonics for teaching reading and spelling.  After that, have them read and read and read.  Read to them and let them read themselves.  Read all kinds of books from comics to classics.  Find magazines about subjects that interest them.

Most other people's concern was "socializing."  I won't get into all the argument about how public school "socializing," is not normal social activity in our society, other than to state that as adults we work and mingle with people of all ages.  All the 45 year olds don't sit together apart from the 38 year olds :)  My kids are and have always been as comfortable with most teens and adults as they are with kids their own age.

They had multiple social activities from church on Sundays and Wednesday nights, home school group every week, girl and boy scouts, dance (my daughter), soccer (my boys), and many, many other avenues through the years.

So to all you home school moms out there, my hat is off to you.  It is not always an easy road, but the rewards are so worth it.  My kids are my Pièce de Résistance.  They are worth every sacrifice I have made to stay at home and school them.  Love you Jamie, Tyler and Jared!

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