The Candid Housewife

The End of Week Four

2011-04-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe that we have actually made it to the end of week 4!! This really has been an incredible journey. The beginning was so tough but we all pushed through and are feeling better today and are looking forward to more healing in the future. Hadassah and Kate have both moved on to the full GAPS diet. This means they are able to eat a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, coconut and some fruits. They are so happy. Hadassah is doing great. She has such a wonderful appetite and eats each meal with joy and excitement. You should see her eat her veggies and ferments, never a complaint. She is having 1-2 BM a day consistently, she is joyful and always willing to help. Kate loves her soup. We are having a bit of trouble getting the ferments down but with a little encouragement I have been able to get a tbs or so down her with each meal. She is noticeable less clumsy and her speech is improving. Adelaide has a hardy appetite. We are still at the beginning stages with her because she continues to have loose stool. Still working on getting high fat, gelatinous foods into her. I have also been giving her raw coconut water kefir to aid in healing her gut. I have seen a steady improvement in my digestion. I have more mental clarity as well as more energy through out the day. It's amazing when we fuel our bodies with good, healthy fat, instead of carbohydrates how much better we feel. I began this diet to heal my gut and my children, as well as teaching them the importance of eating REAL food and what effect good eating habits can have on our health. BUT the 16lbs I have lost has not gone unnoticed. We'll just call it a side benefit. What we ate today Breakfast~ cup bone broth 1 egg + 2 yokes sauerkraut coconut flour pancakes w/ ghee and honey Lunch~Chicken soup cucumber sauerkraut Snack (H&K) Apple and soak and dehydrated walnuts Dinner~Butternut squash soup Asparagus sauerkraut Chicken legs w/ skin Dessert~Frozen blueberries

One week down...

2011-03-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I can't get this to format correctly. Please enjoy. Wow, we made it a whole seven days. I will admit it was a bit hellish at times but we pressed on and today we, yes we, are all feeling better. A~ is eating like crazy and having better bm. K~eats at least 2 bowls of soup at each meal and is learning to like her veggies. I have even noticed that her speech is more clear. H~The mopey, lethargic attitude has disappeared!! She ate a bowl of soup at dinner all by herself (up to this point I have had to feed it to her). Today my ferments were done so everyone had a tea spoon of kraut juice. They all seemed to tolerate it well. However, this did trigger some die off in me. About 45min after I took it I started to feel nauseous. I put the girls in front of a movie and took a detox bath and that seemed to help. We will continue to increase the amount of juice and then move on to the actual veggies. Oh, when I opened the first jar K was very excited and asked if she could try some so I gave her a small bite of the veggies and she said, "yummy." Good sign. My dear friend Maureen came over on Friday and we made young coconut kefir. It should be ready but I did not want to introduce two different ferments in one day so we will wait until tomorrow. I have heard and read amazing things about this fermented drink and I am super excited to try it out. My probiotics arrived on Friday, yippee!! However we had company over the weekend so I didn't introduce them. We will start tomorrow with just a small amount. It may be a rough day tomorrow. What we ate today Breakfast~ Hamburger soup cup of broth 2 egg yokes each (H & K only) butternut squash and bone broth (A) Lunch~ Left over chicken broccoli and cauliflower cup of bone broth tea spoon kraut juice Dinner~ Left over pork roast Chicken soup cauliflower carrots I am hoping to add egg yokes for A and I sometime this week and ghee for the other girls. If you would like to read some incredible success stories with GAPS, check this out... http://gapsguide.com/about/gaps-results/

GAPS day 4

2011-03-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well we are over half way through our first week!!

I still have not received my probiotics (yes, I called the company because they were shipped over a week ago-waiting to hear back). I decided to start taking another probiotic I have on hand that my naturopath gave me. I took half a dose to start and did not feel any symptoms of die off. Thank goodness. Since I am still nursing several times a day I would like to keep the die off to a minimum for A sake.

I added egg yoke for H and K today. Soft scrambles. They were so happy and asked for more. I thought for today 2 yokes each was enough. No reaction from either so we will try again tomorrow. If all is well this weekend we will add the whites as well.

H is still struggling with agreeing to the diet. When I call her for each meal she says she isn't hungry. I give her a small amount and it is all I can do to get her to eat it. Every meal takes almost an hour. She was the most agreeable before we started. I am a bit concerned that she isn't eating enough so I gave her some coconut oil today. That brought a smile to her face.

A and K are each eating well.

A is having regular BM but they are still loose. I had put an onion in the last soup I made, wondering if that is the problems. Finished that soup up today so we will see. H and K are not having regular BM, not good. Did I say I was looking forward to getting my probiotic!!

Off to a detox bath and bed. Blessings~

What we ate:

Breakfast~
egg yokes (H & K)
Chicken soup
Carrots
Butternut squash
Lunch~
Chicken soup
Broccoli
Dinner~
Veggie soup w/ chicken bone broth
Green beans

GAPS day 3

2011-03-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

I feel like we are making head way. K is eating very well and asking for seconds on the soup. H is having a tough time adjusting and keeps asking when we are going back to our old diet. I adjusted their chore chart today to include eating each meal with a happy heart, very helpful. Of course A eats more than the other two girls and loves her veggie. Especially if she can feed them to herself.

I don't know how I missed it after reading the GAPS Guide several times but as I looked it over again today it says to only have boiled meats, veggies and bone broth for the first seven days. Well I am going to take a cue from Donna Gates 7 Principles of Health from The Body Ecology Diet. Everyone is unique. Yes, tomorrow I am going to add egg yoke for K and H. A and I will wait the seven days and then add it in. I think they need a little something more.

Today I made a list, to put on the fridge, telling us the order by which we will be introducing foods. I think it will help H understand a little more how this is going to work. When she asked about bread tonight I was able to show her when we will be adding it in (of course it is nut flour bread so GAPS legal but she will just be happy to have some with a little ghee). After I showed her she lit up and said, "that's not all that long". A welcome sign of optimism from my greatest skeptic.

H and K both took good afternoon naps. Did I tell you that H hasn't taken a nap in over six month. Something must be going on. A took two very good naps. All had detox baths with epsom salts and are sound asleep. I don't know what it is about the detox baths but the last three night H and K have fallen asleep very quickly which is not normal.

I am having a bit of trouble sleep. Not sure what is causing this. I have NEVER had a problem sleeping so the 2-3 hours I am awake in the middle of the night is tough.

What we ate:

Breakfast~
Carrots
Chicken soup
Lunch~
Hamburger soup
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Dinner~
Chicken soup
Butternut squash

The girls seem to prefer the broth in soups as opposed to drinking it alone. Whatever it takes to get it down. I'll do it.

Off to take my detox bath and go to bed.

Day 2

2011-03-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well if I thought day one was difficult, day two was even worse. Last night H and K both woke up and vomited several times. I thought this a strange die-off reaction since we haven't started with the probiotic foods or supplements. I now believe it was simply a poor timed tummy bug.

Both woke with stomach pains and refused to eat breakfast or lunch. K took a morning and afternoon nap and H took an afternoon nap. I desperately needed to go to the grocery. Around 4 they seemed well enough to travel. I also promised them some kombucha (not technically legal on the intro but full of live cultures AND they were willing to drink it). They both ate a small bowl of chicken soup for dinner, took detox baths (this time with apple cider vinegar) and are now sound asleep.

A ate well with a good attitude all day. She had one good BM (finally) and took two great naps.

I felt fine all day. Had a burst of energy late morning/early afternoon!!! No cravings!!

What we ate:

Breakfast~
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Chicken
Bone broth
Lunch~
Hamburger soup
Dinner~
Chicken soup-Chicken bone stock, shredded carrot, zucchini, red pepper, onion w/ chx pieces.

Still patiently waiting for my probiotics to arrive. I think I may add in some egg yoke tomorrow. The girls keep asking when they will be able to eat apples again (2-3 weeks, maybe).

Day 1

2011-03-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Man am I glad today is over...almost. Seemingly poor attitudes about food today. Lots of crying by H and wining from K. A was perfecty happy with all the food set in front of her. H felt sick after going to the park so her and K layed on the couch while I nursed A. Both were asleep within five minutes (this was before noon). H hasn't taken an afternoon nap for months. H cried several times today when I wouldn't let her have an apples. K complained about leg cramps after dinner so we did detox baths and that seem to relieve the pain.

I felt fine through out the day a little nausea here and there. My probiotic foods won't be done until the end of the week and my probiotic order has not arrived so dye off is minimal. However I am ready to get the show on the road.

What we ate:

Breakfast~
Chicken
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Bone broth
Lunch~
Hamburger stew made with grated carrots, red peper and zuccini, beef bone broth (yummy!)
Dinner~
Bone broth
Tenderloin
Butternut squah
Bed time snack (didn't plan this but the older two said they were very hungery)
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Off to take my detox bath and go to bed. I am beat. Looking up, as tomorrow is a new day.

GAPS and why...

2011-03-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow the girls and I are embarking on a new adventure. We are all going on the GAPS diet. What is GAPS? you may ask...GAPS stands for Gut & Psychology Syndrome. I have prayerfully decided to move forward with this diet after a year of research. The program focuses on diet, supplementation and detoxification. We will be doing all these things in an effort to heal our gut in order to heal the rest of our body.

Why start now? I believe (and it has been confirmed my our pediatrician) that A may have some food sensitivities. I started feeding her grains when she turn one and since that time she has not had a solid BM and there is often evidence of undigested food in her stool. I suspect that she may be sensitive to grains, dairy and some fruits. Seeing these things in A encouraged me to look at the other girls to see if they may be suffering from food sensitivities as well.
Concerns are as follows...H: inconsistent BM, teeth grinding, night waking, dark circles under her eyes, little bumps on her skin. K: lack of concentration, stomach aches, leg cramps, night waking, little bumps on her skin. Momma: digestion issues, a general fogginess, a constant sense of disorganization, lack of energy,over weight, constantly feeling run down, little bumps on my skin. Disorders like these often can be linked to food sensitivities and digestive disorders.

We will begin with the Intro diet which includes 8 stages. This is basically an elimination diet that is based on the Spacific Carbohydrate Diet. We will cut out foods, especially those foods that are known allergens (grains, dairy, soy, sugars, etc), in order to add foods back slowly, one at a time to find out what we are sensitive to. On the beginning stage we will eat; homemade meat/bone broth, boiled meats and boiled vegetables, fermented veggies and enjoy ginger tea. If after a few days everyone is feeling good and no one is struggling with diarrhea or constipation we will move into stage two. Because our symptoms are not incredibly severe I hope to move swiftly through the intro and start on the full GAPS diet.

The intro diet as well as the full diet is incredibly nourishing and healing as it allows the digestive system to rest and heal. I am SO exited to see what strides we will make by implimenting these changes. Here's to a healthy life~

I am hoping to update a few times a week to let you know what we are eating and how everyone is responding. So stay tuned...

Some resources if your are interested in researching GAPS

Dr. Natash Campbell-Mcbride on Gut health~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLRqxGGq9IY&feature=autoplay&list=UL3CsPBIlm45A&index=21&playnext=24

A list of symptoms that GAPS addresses and more~
http://www.doctor-natasha.com/index.php

The author of the GAPS guide rights a blog~
http://gapsguide.com/

There is also a GAPS yahoo group which is very helpful and informative.

Am I Back...

2010-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

well probably not.

As I was talking with my friend Tiffany the other day she says "I sure wish you would post on your blog". My response, "you mean after I train and homeschool my children, tend to my husband, clean the kitchen and weed the garden". Of course when I returned home I thought of all the other things I had to do...move furniture and nick-nacks so our new windows can be install this week (the week I start school at home), vacuum and mop all the floors, prepare the garden and flower beds for winter, start and finish decorating/painting the girl's room, so on and so on...

But as I was driving to and from Seattle yesterday (taking my little brother to the airport so he can fly to Europe) I realized it may be some what therapeutic to get my thoughts down on 'paper'. So here I am. Do I expect to stay? Well, time and time again I have had good intentions to post daily, I mean weekly, I mean monthly...on this blog and it has never happened. Nevertheless, I will try again.

So my first day back I thought I would tell you all once again how much I LOVE FALL!! It brings with it so much joy, along with comfort food, cool days, candles burning and beautiful colors.

This morning when I awoke I thought it a wonderful day to play fall. So I lit a candle, brewed a cup of Stumptown Coffee and whipped up a batch of Zucchini Blueberry Bread. You should try them. They are super yummy and a great way to use up all the zucchini that you have in your pantry.

Zucchini Blueberry Bread

3 eggs

2 c. vegetable oil (I recommend coconut oil or grape seed oil)

3 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/4 c. sugar

2 c. grated zucchini

3 c. flour (I used all purpose gluten free flour)

1 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

1 T. cinnamon

1 pint of blueberries

Mix together wet ingredients. In separate bowl mix together try ingredients. Then fold them together along with blueberries.

Back at 350 for 50 min.

*This morning I made this recipe into muffins. I have also used a mini loaf pan and a regular loaf pan. All come out beautifully. Enjoy~

Corn Casserole

2009-11-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite holiday side dish. It is very easy and so yummy. I get asked for the recipe all the time so here it is...

Shoepeg Corn Casserole
2 cans white corn (I have used yellow corn and it works just fine)
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use Tillamook sharp cheddar)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup green peper
3/4 cup crushed butter flavored crackers
2 tbsp. butter, melted

Combine first 7 ingredients in a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with crackers and drizzle with butter. Bake @ 350 or 20-25 min.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

One Thousand Gifts

2009-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by 'Multitude Monday' One Thousand Gifts at A Holy Experience (dot) com.
Starting today and each Monday to follow I plan to tell you of all the gifts I have been given. I was hoping to have pictures but today I do not but hope to in the future. Blessings on each of you this day.

#1 My Savior...

#2 I have been saved, I am being saved and I will be saved.

#3 My husband, my lover and my friend.

#4 My little kiddos, ever the one who we haven't met. God has formed you in my womb and I am ever so grateful.

#5 My home

#6 Laughter over dinner of new finn potatoes and fresh salmon.

#7 A family that stands strong.

#8 A best friend.

#9 Authentic and true worship of God's people

#10 God's word and the power it has in my life.

Week 14: Baby Update

2009-08-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, we have made it to week 14. We have passed the incredibly nauseous, can't do anything state and into the I have an tons of energy and now I will crash (this happens about every four hours or so).

Nothing special about week 14 so I thought I would tell you about some of the food cravings I have been having. At the beginning of my pregnancy I was craving cherries. Thank God they were in season and I could find beautiful, delicious, organic cherries to fulfill my desires. Around week 9 I started craving bagels and cream cheese. I love the sprouted wheat bagels and used yummy Organic Valley cream cheese. Last week I started craving tomatoes, which I added to my bagel as well. Now yesterday I thought I would add a little turkey (needing more protein). It was wonderful. For now that is what sounds good but I am sure as time goes on I will experience other craving.

Hope you are all having a great week.

2009-08-04T07:24:00.001-07:00

As many of you have commented it has been a very long time since I have post on my blog. I have missed this writing outlet. However time seems to have gotten away from me. Maybe it has something to do with having two active kids, a loving husband, few sibling house guest, a house and a yard to keep up with? You moms know what I mean?

All that being said I have a little announcement to make and then hopefully I will be posting a bit more often. We are excited to tell you that we are expecting baby Maher #3. I am 12 1/2 weeks along, making me due Feb. 10, 2010. If you are wondering how I am feeling?? Much, much better. Week 5-11 were really rough. Bad moods, nausea, exhaustion, just and overall feeling of yuck. But last week I believe I turned a corner and now I am feeling a bit more like myself.

I know, I should have announced earlier but we were waiting to see Dr. Jen our wonderful midwife. We had our first appointment last week and were able to hear the baby's heart beat. It took several minutes for her to find it. She tried a few different dopplers and after 4-5 min I was getting really nervous. She took a little break and talked to the baby and when she tried again we heard that sweet sound. What a relief.

Oh, by the way Hadassah is very excited to be having another baby around the house. She always asks if she can pray for the 'new baby' in my tummy. She knows what it takes for a healthy pregnancy. She is convinced it is another girl and we should name her Fancy Nancy. I hope it doens't break her heart if baby #3 comes out a little boy.

I am hoping to post pregnancy updates as things progress. So check back and hopefully you will enjoy tracking this fun time along with me. Blessings!

Our Holiday Journey

2009-01-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from our home. Looking out into our back yard through one of my favorite decorations.

We were very blessed this year to have a white Christmas. However this spread our Christmas get togethers out over a few weeks. Here you will find a quick synopsis of our holiday season.

My girls helping me decorate for Christmas.

Hadassah putting our classic Christmas star atop our tree.

Using the tree skirt as a cape.

My girls and I in front of our tree.

Since Daddy was away Uncle Brenton and Uncle Derek helped us put up our tree.

Hadassah helping out with frosting cookies.

Or eating the frosting.

And Daddy saves the day. We had a bit of a Charlie Brown tree so when daddy came home he fixed it for us. We love you!

Christmas Eve with my Dad's family. Kate and Elijah.

Uncle Brenton, Uncle Lukas, Uncle Derek and Jenni all came to celebrate with us on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day the boys and Shane's sister all came out for dinner. It snowed Christmas Day. Oh, a beautiful white Christmas.

Pappa and Haddie.

Hadassah smiling at her fun, wooden birthday cake.

Opening gifts on Christmas morning.

Daddy helping Kate open her gifts.

The weekend after Christmas we celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa Maher. All was great fun. Shane and I even got a night away by ourselves.

New Years Even we celebrated with Uncle Meyer. Lots of fun.

Go LSU!!

The weekend after New Years we celebrated with the Dykstra family. It was a great time, fun gifts and yummy food. Sophia and Hadassah opening one of many wonderful gifts.

Sophie and Haddie with Aunt Barb.

Sopie and Haddie with Aunt Jan.

Uncle Brenton with Baby Kate.

Christmas is quite possibly one of my favorite times of the year. Add a little snow and I am a happy camper. We were so blessed to spend time with each of our family members. Most importantly was the time we spent, as a family, reflecting on how we have been blessed this past year. God has been good and we are so thankful that he is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord. May this New Year bring you joy and peace.

Holiday Baking

2008-12-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

I was just wondering who said it was good for the soul to bake in an organized kitchen??

Happy Anniversary

2008-12-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

Today I honor you, my love. Thank you for loving Jesus then loving me. You are so special. God truly knew what he was doing when he brought us together. I look forward to a many more years by your side.

Katie Kate, my sweet girl

2008-12-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

Today is my sweet little Kate's 1st birthday. I cannot believe it has been one year since I gave birth. It has been a blessed year filled with sleepless nights, poopy diapers and snotty noses. But as my friend Tiffany says "all because I have a little baby".
What stands out more than the trying times are the wonderful moments. I remember going into labor at 5am that Monday morning. Around 6 Shane called our midwife and we were at the birthing center by 7. I was anxious to know my little one. We had no ultra sound to find out the sex of the baby. But if you would have asked me I would have guessed a little boy. Much to my surprise at 10:52 a little girl was delivered. The first thing she did as they sat her on my chest was sneeze. It was the most precious sneeze I had ever heard. That was the moment I fell in love with my sweet little Kate.
I loved the name Kate from the first talk of names. However, we decided to name her Katherine and call her Kate for short. Her middle name is Margaret after Shane paternal grandmother. I am so blessed to have my little precious Katherine Margaret.
Kate is not yet walking on her own but walks along the furniture and stands up and down in the squat position. She loves dolls and stuffed animals. If you hand her one she will hold it tight to her chest and rock it back and forth while humming (strangely, with perfect pitch). She has two bottom teeth and up until today only had one top fang. She looked a little silly but I did notice that today her top middle two had finally broken through.
Kate loves Hadassah. Her face lightens up every time she sees her. I look forward to watching their relationship flourish in years to come.
Today I honor you my sweet Katie Kate. You are my joy. I love you.

Banana Bread

2008-12-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

What to do with rotten bananas?? Sometimes I can't keep bananas in the house and other times they sit and rot. Because I love this recipe so much sometimes I just hope they will go bad so I can bake up a batch.
This recipe does have a bit of a story. Several years ago, before I was a wife and mother, my best friend and I decided to take a summer off and go work up at West Glacier Park in Montana. We waited tables at a family owned restaurant called Eddies.
I had a day off during the week and headed into town. I decided to stop at a roadside market. I purchased some fruit and a loaf of banana bread. When I returned to my dorm I dug into the bread. It was the most incredibly moist and yummy banana bread I had ever had. I began to crave it.
When our summer was over and we were driving out of town, I decided to stop at the market to get one last loaf. I was so disappointed when they did not have any. I asked the lady at the register and she said the baker was out of town so they had sold out a day ago. I asked if she could tell me what the ingredients were so that I could attempt to replicate it. That is when she offered me the recipe. She said since the baker was out of town no one would ever know so long as I didn't sell the recipe, which I agreed to.
So this recipe is not up for sale...but I would like to share it with you. Actually the recipe has changed over time to incorporate healthier ingredients.

3/4 c. butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 c. rapadura
1 1/2 c. mashed bananas (since I have reduced the amount of sugar, make sure they are black)
2 eggs beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 c. buttermilk (or sour milk)
3/4 cup walnuts (or your favorite nut)

The night before soak the whole wheat flour in buttermilk. The following morning cream butter and rapadura. Blend in bananas eggs and vanilla. Add baking soda and salt to flour mixture then add the banana mixture and blend together. Add nuts. I bake my banana bread in the mini loaf stoneware from Pampered Chef (best kitchen investment for me. I use it all the time). You can also bake in a regular loaf pan but you will need to adjust baking time. Bake on 325 for 45ish minutes. When toothpick comes out clean it's good to go. Serve warm with lots of healthy butter.

FYI
*The only ingredients I substituted were ww flour for white and rapadura for white sugar.
*I have also uses minimally processed organic sugar and it comes out the same.
*I also up the amount of buttermilk form 1/2c. to 3/4 c. when using ww flour, makes it more moist.
*My dad is gluten free and I have made this for him with an all purpose gluten free flour. I have tried several and with this recipe Bob's Red Mill works best.

This post is part of The Nourishing Gourmet Sweets and treats carnival

Butternut Squash Soup

2008-12-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

I love soup!! Especially when it is below freezing outside. My favorites include 13 bean soup (from Bob's Red Mill-get their seasoning), broccoli w/ a touch (or a ton) of cheddar and my all time favorite is butternut squash.
Several weeks ago I was making baby food for Kate. I roasted two butternut squashes. When I realized I had more than would fit in my freezer I decided to make some soup. I looked up several recipes on the internet and improvised to make a wonderful winter soup.
So here goes:

1 large butternut squash, roasted
(I roast mine cut in half, inside up, 350 till tender)
1 onion
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups+ chicken stock (for those of you who do not make your own this is one box)
2-3 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup or so of cream or whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Dice onion and saute in butter on medium heat for a few minutes till onion is translucent and fragrant. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add minced garlic. Peel squash, cut up and add to stock. Return to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Use an emulsifier to puree soup or transfer to a blender and puree. Return to pot and add cream, salt and pepper. Enjoy with fresh bread with lots of healthy butter.

*This recipe is so versatile. Make a bit of creme fraiche or sour cream, dab on top, sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts, pecan, etc. Over Thanksgiving I made delicata squash and had a bit left over. I just added what was left over to the recipe. If you like your soup a bit sweeter add a touch of real maple syrup. Have fun and enjoy.

**If you love soup as I do you can find many tried and true recipes on my friend Tiffany's blog. She has a Soups on Saturday post each week. Yummy!

Thanksgiving Meal Plan

2008-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

I know it has been several weeks since I have posted a meal plan. With Shane gone I am not as active in the kitchen. We still have family dinner with my brothers and friends once a week but the rest of the week the girls and I usually go for soup, salad, cereal, yogurt or apple sauce. Since this is such a big food week I thought I would let you in on some of my plans.

I was just about to say that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday but that is not really true. If it was Easter I would probably say the same thing. The truth is I just love holidays in general. I love getting together with friends and family. I love the food that accompanies holidays. I just love everything about all holidays.

This year, as we do most years we are going to spend Thanksgiving day with my Uncle Harold and Aunt Rita's family. This has been a tradition in our family for many years. I can only remember one or two Thanksgiving dinners that we were not together. Aunt Rita make a fabulous, traditional dinner. This years I will be adding to the dinner with corn casserole and green jello salad. I may also put together a little appetizer of artichoke cheese dip, mmm! I just can't wait for our Thanksgiving together. Plus Shane is coming home for a few days which is a bonus for us.

Another tradition that I started last years is, what we call, Thanksgiving Re-Run. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving I prepare a Thanksgiving dinner at our home. We invite family and friends (especaily those who do not have a family to celebrate Thanksgiving with) to our home and just enjoy food, fellowship and more food. This is what I will be preparing.

Dinner
Brine Turkey
Real Mashed Potatoes
Corn Casserole
Rolls
Cranberry sauce - I am trying a new recipe this year Cranberry sauce with honey and rosemary
Orange Jello salad - just for Derek
Stuffing - I have never made this before but am going to attempt
Delicata squash - Roasted, smothered in butter, a bit of real maple syrup and toasted pecans.
Dessert
Pumpkin pie
Apple pie
Pumpkin Cheese Cake - for Jenni

I hope and pray as you prepare for your Thanksgiving Holiday that you will be reminded of all we have to be thankful for. We have been blessed beyond belief.

Comfort Food

2008-11-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have been so thankful for the chilly weather we have had the last few weeks. I love fall, the colors, the temperature and most of all the comfort food that comes along with this time of year. When I talked to Shane the other day he was saying how much he enjoys the comforts of food (being a foodaholic myself, I can relate). Since he is eating cafeteria food right now he especailly misses my cooking. He said that he had to go to the PX to buy some junk food just to feel it's comfort. Guess he misses home. In honor of comfort food I thought I would post my favorite meat loaf recipe. My uncle Jack gave this recipe to me years ago and I use it often.

Italian Meat Loaf
1 1/5 lbs ground beef (or mixture of ground beef and sausage)
1 1/2 c. finely chopped onions
1 c. quick-cooking rolled oats or bread crumbs
2/3 c. ketchup
2/3 c. finely chopped fresh parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 c. shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
1 c. grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
*Kneed the mixture with your hands until everything is well blended. Do not overmix.
Fill the loaf pan with the meat mixture, mounding the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake until the meat is firm to the touch and has shrunk from the sides of the pan or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the load reads 160 F, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Pour off the excess fat and let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes.

I need to catch up

2008-11-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a little crazy around these parts...I have neglected to post these last few weeks. So, here is an update. Recent pictures and happenings at the Maher home.

Hadassah with her Great Grandma Dykstra. Recoving from surgery is much sweeter with a little 3 year old.

The girls with GG

My smiley girl

Hadssah's hair cut. I love the little bob.

Angle Kelsea and Princess Hadassah on the saddle at the Harvest Party.

First time trick-or-treating...so cute!

Our little Pumpkin

My cute girls in the leaves

Hadassah not quit sure about the dirty leaves.

An almost toothless grin

Hadassah on the train going out to the Pumpkin Patch

Me and my sweet little girl

It's all about the Pumpkins

Hmmm...precious little girls

Our family...

I hope that in some sense you feel caught up on our lives. God continues to bless our family as we look to him to direct our path.

2008-11-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent this over to me on Facebook and I found it so convicting and thought I would share it with you.

Pray for Our President and Our Nation

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

And the new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world—challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.

How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved?

I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. “I recall,” he said, “hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.”

Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.

We have also forgotten that American democracy—indeed Western Civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.

The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.

Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God’s judgment upon us. I don’t know.

As I’ve re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.

Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We’re responsible. Because instead of worshiping God, we’ve worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We’ve put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.

So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It’s a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.

This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.

So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.

Charles Colson on Politics and Christian Faith

Simple Women's Daybook

2008-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

For Today...October 20th

Outside my Window...Beautiful fall leaves. The sun is shinning through after a rainy morning.

I am thinking...I love Fall!!!

From the learning rooms...Colors for Hadassah and "no" for Kate.

I am thankful for...Fall (see a theme?)

From the kitchen...Salmon for dinner tonight, yum!

I am wearing...Dark blue jeans, blue striped sweater and a black hoodie over that (would hate to spend money on heat).

I am reading...The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer

I am hoping...the next two weeks goes slowly.

I am creating...fleece blanket, Christmas card and scrapbook pages...

I am hearing...nothing (my kids are napping)

Around the house...need to organize the garage and get the rest of the boxes that need to be unpack, unpacked.

One of my favorite things...FALL

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Coffee with friends, book club and a date with my husband this weekend, yahoo!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...Haddie on her 3rd Birthday.

To read more day books go to www.thesimplewomen.blogspot.com

The Maher Weekly Menu

2008-10-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

I love Fall

Yes, I love fall. I love being able to cook and bake in my kitchen at any time of day. I love fall vegetables like squash, corn and potatoes. It's comfort food season and I am so thankful for that.

Monday: Salmon, boiled new potatoes w/ butter and onions, broccoli
Tuesday: Pasta Primavera, green salad
Wednesday: Family dinner night. *Shephard's Pie, green salad.
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Date night, yahoo!!
Sunday: Beef roast, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob.

*For those of you who need a simple, yummy recipe this Shephard's Pie is very good.
Combine:
1lb ground beef (cooked)
1 sm. onion
1 can tomatoes sauce
1 can corn
1 can green beens
seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic, pepper flakes etc.)
place in a 9X13 in dishing and top with REAL mashed potatoes and a little cheese.
Bake on 350 degrees till warm and ready to serve
ENJOY!!
(if you don't know how to make REAL mashed potatoes email me and I will send you a message telling you how. No one should have to suffer with boxed mashed potatoes)

My Girls

2008-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is Miss Haddie girl on her 3rd birthday. My dad, Brenton, Derek and Meyer came over for dinner that night. Hadassah and I made dirt cake (a recipe my Aunt Barb gave me). It was so much fun. The dirt is Oreo cookies and then we put in gummy worms and frosted with chocolate pudding and topped with gummie flowers.

My precious Katie-Kate. The blanket she is sitting on is one my grandma made when I was a little girl. I remember using it when I went to her house to stay the night, go on a picnic or lay out my the swimming pool.

This picture was taken at Hadassah birthday party. Doesn't Kate have the most incredible smile? I just love the joy that radiates from her.

OK, so my kids have blankies and this is Hadassah's. She is very attached and when she is nervouse or shy this is what you will see. Brenton capture this precious little one.

My brother Brenton is the most incredible photographer. If you haven't checked out his blog you should. These photos were all taken by him. Hope you enjoyed.

The Maher Weekly Menu

2008-10-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

Wow...we are finally moved and most of the boxes are unpacked so now I have a few extra moments to get myself organized. I thought it best to go back to meal planning because it just helps me keep things on track for the week.
This week and probably next I am going to attempt to use as much of the food we have on hand and not go to the grocery store. I will have to make one short trip to pick up fresh produce to make green salads and baby food.
Tonight I am going to soak beans to make a Bob's Red Mill 13 bean soup. This is my favorite. However, Shane thinks soups are appetizers so I rarely make them as a main course for dinner. During the fall and winter I try to make one pot of soup a week. This is what Hadassah and I have for lunch during the week with homemade bread.

Monday: Leftover beef roast over brown rice with gravy and green beans.
Tuesday: Ground beef, black bean taco dish with tortillas and cheese.
Wednesday: Family dinner!! Chicken Pesto Pasta w/ pine nuts and green salad.
Thursday: Homemade pizza...
Friday: Leftovers from the week (Shane has drill so he will be away).
Saturday: Snack food for the road. Heading to Astoria to attend my dad's wedding. Quick trip down and back but the girls and I will need a little munch food along the way.
Sunday: Steak, mashed potatoes, corn and green salad.

Also this week I am going to try to use up as much of the extra zucchini I have by making bread and possibly zucchini cookies.

to read more meal plans so to Organized Junkie

Tozer Book Club

2008-09-23T23:18:00.001-07:00

As I read through chapter two this week, entitled The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing, I saw in myself a great need to let go of all that I have and give it all to God. Maybe not literally, maybe so. But to fully allow Christ to reign as King and Saviour of my life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

There is within the human heart a tough, fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to posses, always to posses. it covets things with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns my and mine look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant...Things have become necessary to us, a development never originally intended. God's gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution.
I am so thankful for all of God's gifts to me. My children, husband, brothers, friendships, creation, food and the list goes on but to focus on the gifts he has given me above God himself is really taking away from why we were created in the first place.

Tozer paints a picture to show us how this works out in everyday life. He relates the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament. How God asked Abraham to give him everything, even his first born son Isaac. Abraham was willing even to the point of sacrificing him on an alter to God. At that point God sees that Abraham is willing to give everything up for his sake and he spares Isaac. Abraham was willing to give everything up to God and in doing so gain everything.
"It's all right, Abraham. I never intended that you should actually slay the lad. I only wanted to remove him from the temple of your heart that I might reign unchallenged there."

We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord out of fear for their safety. This is especially true when those treasures are loved relatives and friends. But we need have no such fears. Our Lord came not to destroy but to save. Everything is safe which we commit to Him, and nothing is really safe which is not so committed.
I pray daily to committ all that I have to God. My controlling nature fights to keep it all to myself. I find it a constant laying down.

At the end of each chapter Tozer writes a prayer.

Father, I want to know Thee, but my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a riveal. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."
Matthew 5:3-5 (The Message)

Our Move

2008-09-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

We are moving this week so most likely no blogging. We are moving to Hillsboro to a beautiful, big house. It has a wonderful back yard with lots of room for a vegetable garden, a petite plum tree and blueberry bushes. We are so EXCITED!!! Can't wait for you all to come visit...Have a good week.

Tozer Book Club

2008-09-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

I just started reading, in a book club through our church, The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer. I have attempted to read this book several time in my life and now I am determined to get through it. The language is older, which can make it a bit difficult to read, so I find myself reading each paragraph two or three + times just to understand what he is saying. The first chapter was really incredible.

"My soul followeth hard after Thee; Thy right hand
upholdeth me." Psalm 63:8 KJV

The impulse to pursue God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our following hard after Him. All the time we are pursuing Him we are already in His hand: "Thy right hand upholdeth me."
I want to follow hard after God. In some ways having been a Christian since yearly childhood I have lost that desire to follow hard after God. At times my faith has become just something I did instead of a burning passion to know my Saviour more.

Being made in His image we have within us the capacity to know Him. In our sins we lack only the power.

We have been snared in the coils of a spurious logic which insists that if we have found Him, we need no more seek Him.

If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity...We must simplify our approach to him...We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond.
When I put Hadassah to bed at night we spend time praying and talking about God. I know what he is saying when he talks of the candor of childhood. Hadassah has that childlike faith that God wants to see in us 'adults'. What a blessing it is to have a child to show me the simplicity of seeking hard after our God.

...that in prayer we practice a further stripping down of everything, even of our theology.
To set aside theology that has been taught to me in church, at home and in Bible school and just seek after God at times can be difficult. I think we as humans cling to parameters that we set up because that is what we can control. I looked up the definition of theology "the study of God." That in itself is not bad but to seek theological beliefs before seeking to know God should be avoided.

...must see then go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever.
The word legitimately strikes me. We can know God legitimately. Legitimate can also mean authentic or genuine. I want to experience God through authentic, genuine and legitimate worship.

"Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post." Psalm 63 The Message

Please join me each Wednesday as I share with you what God is teaching me as I read through The Puruit of God. Hopefully on Thursday or Friday, after our get together, I will share what God has taught me through other Chrisitan women.

Praying for Politics

2008-09-15T07:27:00.001-07:00

I Received a letter from a friend last week. It is a challenge to all of us. I am taking it on and hope and pray you will do the same.

Hello! I am sending this letter to every Christian woman, mother and mother-in-waiting that I know. As everyone knows, John McCain has chosen Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate, Governor Palin is a fantastic Christian woman who, according to the columnist Effie Caldarola, is "a politician who lives her truth." How refreshing!

There is no better way to test a person's values then to see how they react when tough times hit. This April, the Palin family gave birth to Trig Palin. Before he was born, the Palin's knew that he was going to have Down syndrome. The stark reality is that 90% of women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome chose to abort the child! Sarah had just become governor of Alsaska, she already has four children, her star is rising politically, and she has a 12 year old nephew who is a special needs child. She knew how hard raising this baby would be. She could have chosen to abort the baby, instead, she and her husband not only had the baby, they issued a statement that said they felt, "privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives."

If you are like me, you are horrified by the fact that abortion is legal in this country. I stand in awe of this woman who is willing to do the right thing in her own life, no matter the cost, and is standig up for unborn children in our country. I am also frightened for her. The past week has shown the kind of attacks the Palins' are going to be facing as they finish the last weeks of this presidential campaign. I believe that this is more than a political battle. This is a spiritual war. As Christians, as women, as mothers, we can't let her stand alone. If we expect her to survive and be victorious in this election, we must wrap her in the arms of our prayer.

Before Queen Ester of the Old Testament took her life in her hands to talk to the king about saving her people, she had all the people fast and pray for her for three days, We can't expect to do battle without preparation. I feel a great burden for Sarah Palin and I am committed to fasting and praying for her evey Monday until the election on November 4th. That is nine weeks away. The Bible says, "The fervent prayers of the righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). Please join me in praying for Sarah herself, for protection for her family, for wisdom and stamina for both her and her husband, for victory in this election and ultimately for the abolishment of abortion in this country.

As I said, I will be fasting and praying for Sarah Palin on Mondays until Election Day. If you will join me, please fill out the included card and send it back to me. I want us all to know how many will be lifting her up together each week. Please ask every person that you know (including your husband) to join us. I have included several commitment cards in each of these letters. I hope that you will give these to your friends and family so that they will join us also. If you can't fast with us, then I ask that you at least join us in a special time of specific prayer for Governor Palin and The United State's of America on Mondays. Remember, "Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). We may not be together geographically, but we can join our hearts together as we pray God's blessing and protection on Sarah Palin and her family.

Thank you for praying with me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Alicia Marks
aliciamarks@hotmail.com

If you are interested in praying and/or fasting together with us please shoot me an email or comment and I will pass it along to Alicia. This is such an incredible opportunity. I hope that you will consider taking the challenge. I obviously will not be fasting completely but have chose to do a partial fast. If you are in the same position (pregnant, nursing, special diet needs etc.) and are not familiar with a partial fast just let me know and I can help you.

The Maher Weekly Menu

2008-09-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the beginning of another week and time to map out a plan for eating. We are moving in two weeks so I will be trying to make meals with food I have on hand so that we don't have to transport it on moving day.

Monday
Breakfast: Fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup.
Lunch: Tuna sandwiches with cheese and fresh tomatoes
Dinner: Left over baked spaghetti, garlic bread and green salad

Tuesday
Breakfast: Apple muffins, yogurt
Lunch: Play date will bring apples and cheese
Dinner: Green salad, grill chicken and coos coos
*My cousin and his wife just had # two arrive last week. So I will be making Shephard's Pie, salad and boysenberry pie (Mitch's favorite) and taking it over to them on Wednesday)

Wednesday
Breakfast: Apples and oatmeal
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Family dinner night, Taco soup, tortilla chips, sour cream, guacamole and cheese

Thurday
Breakfast: Yogurt and blueberries
Lunch: Egg salad, cheese and fresh tomatoes
Dinner: Homemade pizza and green salad

Friday
Breakfast: Toast with homemade jam and hard boiled eggs
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Will be in Knappa

Saturday:
Will be in Knappa to move my stuff out of my dad's house (guess it's time to grow up and stop storing stuff at my dad's house :)

Sunday
Breakfast: Oatmeal and apples
Lunch: Toasted tuna w/ cheese and tomatoes
Dinner: Steak, black bean, corn wraps...

I must say, I am very ready for cooking in cool weather. I am ready for roast on Sunday, baking bread and making cookies when ever I feel like it and not having to look at the weather report to anticipate a good day for baking. I am not complaining about the warm weather (OK, those who know me, know I do not like hot weather) I am just looking forward to getting back into the kitchen to cook and bake.

For meal plan ideas do to Organized Junkie

2008-09-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Monday, September 8, 2008

Outside my Window...The sun is going down.

I am thinking...I should work on packing.

From the learning rooms...working on site reading with Hadassah by labeling items around the house.

I am thankful for...the warm fall days.

From the kitchen...tuna casserole for dinner with diced tomatoes. Will be making banana bread later tonight.

I am wearing...jeans and a mustard colored tank top (just received from Down East Basic).

I am reading...Mothering Magazine.

I am hoping... for a good night sleep.

I am creating...some Christmas presents.

I am hearing...Shane reading to Hadassah. I am so thankful for an engaged husband and father.

Around the house...packing boxes to be filled and laundry to be put away.

One of my favorite things...a good sauna.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...pick blueberries tomorrow. Wednesday play date. Thursday first book club meeting then out to our new home to plant some bulbs so we can enjoy beautiful tulips next spring. Friday, hopefully taking Grandma Dykstra out for lunch. Pack, pack, pack.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The joy of a Child

For more Simple Day Books

Our Lives Touched

2008-08-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke at 2:30am. Yes, it was Kate once again wanting a little bit to eat to get her through the night. I fed her and crawled back into bed. I couldn't fall back to sleep. All week long I have been up for 1-2 hours every night. Why? I think God wants to talk. Not my favorite time but if that is when he can get my attention then so be it. I laid in bed praying for our future, career possibilities, asking God to lead our family so that we can follow. I prayed for my brothers, my dad's trip to Russia and our girls. I lifted several friends up before the Lord, asking God to protect and lead.

Finally at 4:30am I got out of bed to check my email. The first email I read was from my friend Andy. Her son Greg and his wife were married less than a year ago. She became pregnant but because of complications she lost the baby. For the last 5 1/2 months she has been in the hospital. They ran test after test but could find nothing. This last week she was transfered to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Within days she was diagnosed with rectal cancer at age 25. They did exploratory surgery and found that the cancer has spread considerably and there is no treatment. She will be going home this Saturday to spend the remaining time with her family. She also has a 3 year old daughter Emma.

After reading that devastating email I went on to my next email from my dear friend Erin who lives in Texas. We attended Capernwray Bible School in England together several years ago. When her and her husband Layne first married almost eight years ago he had a seizure and they discovered brain cancer. He had surgery to remove most of the tumor and radiation to remove the rest. They have been going in every six months for check-ups and up to this point everything has been in good shape. Until yesterday. He went in for his check-up and they found a walnut size cancerous tumor again on his brain. They will be doing a biopsy next week to find exactly what the best course of action will be. The doctors told them that this tumor is not operable because it is located where memory and consciousness are. If they operate they run the risk of loosing both memory and consciousness. Layne and Erin have 2 young boys Paxson is 3 and Preston 18mon.

I tell you these stories to remind you that life is short. My prayer is that God would reach down with his healing hand and touch each one of these lives and those around them with his healing power. If it is not God's will for them to be healed, my prayer is that we as humans would see just a glimpse of what God's plan is. I know that with God all things are possible so I pray for my friends that his peace would overwhelm their lives and that they would lean completely on him.

Most of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another. My mom lost her life to cancer just over a year ago and it has been devastating to say the least. But with the support and love of my family and friend and the healing work of Christ I can say that I know God has his hand in all things. Saying that I ask you to take some time and read my brother's blog. This is a cancer support blog and the beginning of a cancer support foundation focusing on teenagers and adults. You can read Derek's story there and soon will be able to read Brenton and Lukas' story there as well as mine. This is a place to seek refuge and encouragement. To hear that it sucks and truly know that someone else understands. If you have a story to tell and would like to share it please let me know and I will get you in contact with Derek to have your story published on the blog.

"For I will turn their mourning into joy
and will comfort them and give
them joy for their sorrows."
Jeremiah 31:13

"Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

2008-08-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

For Today...
August 18th, 2008

Outside my Window...Hadassah's new bike with training wheel. Great garage sale find.

I am thinking...what are we going to do for Hadassah's 3rd birthday?

I am thankful for...my kid's laughter.

From the kitchen...all the dishes are clean. Whole wheat flour is soaking in buttermilk to make fresh blueberry pancakes tomorrow morning.

I am wearing...black gaucho pants and a black tank top.

I am reading...my Mothering Magazine.

I am hoping...Hadassah has fun at the zoo tomorrow with Uncle Lukas and Jenni.

I am hearing...the neighbors dog barking.

I am creating...a recipe box for a dear friend.

Around the house...Quiet. The kids are in bed the toys are put away. It seems so peaceful.

One of my favorite things...My children laughing in my arms.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Blueberry picking, Louis Palau Festival, Dew Tour, just enjoying my husband and kids as the summer is coming to an end.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

This is a picture taken Thanksgiving 2006. My mom kissing Hadassah. I miss her. She was a great mom and a wonderful Mummu (grandma in Finnish). I know she is watching and smiling as our little girls grow.

to read more Day Books

The Maher Weekly Menu

2008-08-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

I must start by telling you that two weeks ago I did a week long food menu and it worked out great. I felt so prepared all week long. Last week I got lazy and didn't do the menu and I was back to fretting about dinner every afternoon around three. My advice to myself...just take the time to do the menu. Things are always much smoother when you know what is happening in the kitchen.
This week is suppose to be a bit cooler. It is really difficult to cook when it is in the 100's. I don't mind grilling but heating up the kitchen with the oven is just to much. So I am going to try to bake cookies for Shane's lunches and fresh blueberry muffins to put in the freezer for up coming hot weather. Also, this weekend is the Louis Palau festival and the Dew Tour so we are going to be really flexible with the weekend menu.

Monday
Breakfast: Yogurt w/ bananas and fresh blue berries.
Lunch: Cheese quesadillas w/ salsa and sour cream.
Dinner: Shephard's Pie and green salad.

Tuesday
Breakfast: WW fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup.
Lunch: Play dates so...PB&J etc.
Dinner: Homemade pizza and green salad.

Wednesday
Breakfast: WW fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup.
Lunch: Left over pizza and sliced veggies with dip.
Dinner: Out to dinner with family.

Thursday
Breakfast: Eggs and toast w/ fresh peaches.
Lunch: Tuna on rye crackers w/ cheese and tomatoes.
Dinner: Steak, bean and corn taco dish.

Friday
Breakfast: Fresh blueberry french toast.
Lunch: Toasted cheese sandwiches w/ cucumber slices.
Dinner: Grilled Chicken, green salad and rice.

Saturday
Breakfast: Fresh fruit and toast or muffins.
Lunch: Green salad and left overs.
Dinner:Left overs...

Sunday
Breakfast: Cinnamon rolls and fruit.
Lunch: Burger Thing @ church
Dinner: New potatoes w/ fresh butter and chives, green salad.

Like to Scrapbook, Me too

2008-08-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like me you love to preserve the memories of your family and your life's journey. However, it can get very expensive. I know, I know! I have a solutions. Starting tomorrow August 5th on my website www.niina.myctmh.com you will find an incredible clearance sale. I just looked at all the products and all items are listed between $1 and $8. My Acrylix Stamp sets, paper sets, accessories, etc. Shop early!! Once they're gone, they're gone. Happy shopping.

The Maher Weekly Menu

2008-08-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I have never been very good with menu planning. For some reason I like to wait until the last minute and then decide what I will make for dinner. For breakfast and lunch I usually let Hadassah decide what she wants and then I will eat the same. I'm sure you have noticed as I have that the cost of groceries has sky rocketed. I am not complaining. However, we are trying to skim down our budget as a whole and this include the grocery budget. So, I am going to start doing a weekly (or monthly) menu. This does not mean I can't change things around if I have a hankering for something a little different. But for the most past I will be following this menu when grocery shopping in order to save money and not purchase unnecessary items.

Monday
Breakfast: Rice pudding with honey and cinnamon, bananas
Lunch: Cheese quesadilla w/ ww tortillas, salsa, sour cream and avacado
Dinner: Left overs, spaghetti casserole, grilled chicken, coos coos and green salad

Tuesday
Breakfast: Pancakes with real maple syrup and fresh berries
Lunch: Tuna sandwiches w/ pickles, carrot slices
Dinner: Family Dinner Night, Sausage Bake, green salad

Wednesday
Breakfast: Eggs and Toast, fresh berries
Lunch: bean soup, ww sourdough bread
Dinner: Church Picnic

Thursday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh berries
Lunch: bean soup, ww sourdough bread
Dinner:Grilled chicken and ceasar salad

Friday (leaving for Knappa)
Breakfast: French Toast with fresh berries
Lunch: Pizza sandwich melt, carrot stickes
Dinner: Steak, black bean, corn, taco seasoning dish with fresh salsa, sour cream and avacados

Saturday
Breakfast: French Toast, yogurt and fresh berries
Lunch: Lunch with friends
Dinner: Hamburgers, potato salad, chips
Dessert: Berry Pie with homemade vanilla ice cream

Sunday
Breakfast: Yogurt and fresh berries
Lunch: Potluck at Camp Rilea (family day)
Dinner: Church BBQ

Grocery shopping List

Avacados (Whole Foods)
Inn Keepers Bread (Costco)
Chicken (Costco)
Romain Lettuce (Whole Foods)
Cucumber (Whole Foods)
Red or green leaf lettuce (Whole Foods)
Soy Sauce (Whole Foods)
Yogurt (Whole Foods) note to self, start making your own yogurt.
Mozzarella Cheese (Costco)
Making baby food sweet potatoes, aparagus, green beans, broccoli (Whole Foods)
Bananas (Whole Foods)
Pomona's Pectin (Whole Foods) planning to go berry picking tomorrow

*I am hoping to make it to the Farmers Market this week to purchase fresh fruit and veggies so that I do not have to go to Whole Foods. Also, the Fred Meyers by our house has a really good selections of organic produce and a decent health food section.

For more menu planning ideas go to The Organized Junkie

My Mom

2008-07-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 30 & 31

As I look over this past year it amazes me to think of all that has happened. Small things or rather common things like, Christmas, rearranging the furniture in my house, baking a pie and big things or once in a life time things like, Hadassah's 2nd birthday, the birth of our second daughter Kate and the moment my mom passed away just one year ago today. The memories, the changes and the growth that have occurred over this last year are tremendous.

There are so many specific times I remember. The Saturday before my mom past away Hadassah and I were down in Knappa visiting her and my dad. Mom wasn't feeling all that well but thought it best to just relax. I remember every hour or so she would get up and come out to the living room to play with Hadassah. She adored her. Hadassah was her first grandchild and she was elated to have a beautiful little girl running around the house. Two weeks after we were married, Shane and I became pregnant. I remember feeling sad that we wouldn't have much time to 'be married' before starting our family. As I look back today I believe God new exactly what he was doing. He wanted my mom to experience, on earth, the joy of having a grandchild. Hadassah brought her so much joy. I do believe today she is looking down from heaven and is experiencing perfect joy as she watches both Hadassah and Kate grow.

That Saturday night my dad took my mom into the emergency room. 3am Sunday morning we found out she had stomach cancer. I remember laying in bed crying, thinking, how was I going to clean out the basement, paint the house and get the pool up and running. How would all this get done with mom sick and at that moment, very distinctly God spoke into my life "be still and know that I am God." I almost jumped at the sound of His voice. God had spoken to me in the midst of my pain and grief. This would not be the last time God would speak to me over the coming months.

The next morning we drove in to see mom. I remember walking into her room and melting into tears as I saw my strong, rock of a mother lay there. She grabbed my hand and said "this is where our faith comes in." Mom always spoke wisdom into the lives of others. Over the next day she, with little strength would remind me how she loved me, that she was proud of me and that God was going to work all things together. She was transported to St. V's in Portland. That Sunday night they prepared her for surgery, we had a chance to talk with her again. I can so vividly see Hadassah jumping up on the hospital bed and mom saying "I love you Hadassah" looking to Shane to tell him she loved him and was proud of him and then hugging me and telling me she loved me. Had I have known that would be the last time I would be in my mom's arms or that I would hear her voice I am not sure I would have let go.

Monday morning at 7:15 my mom went to be with her heavenly father. The pain, fear and loneliness that I felt all at that moment still, at times, overwhelm me. But along with those feelings are the feelings of peace, joy and the reassurance the one day we will walk together on streets of gold.

Several hours after my mom passed away, my aunt Rita's mother also passed away. Aunt Rita tells me of a vision she had. My mom was standing there, in heaven saying "welcome Addy". That would have been my mom. I find so much joy in thinking of my mom in heaven with my grandma Salo, with Addy and so many others. I believe they are preparing that feast that is talked about in God's word. They are helping Christ prepare a place for us.

My mom taught me so much about life and a relationship with Christ. She was the ultimate host. She loved having people into her home. She welcomed anyone with opens arms. Every holiday was open to anyone we knew who may not have a family or a home to go to. She taught me the importance of being a help mate and the privilege of being a parent. I remember over the 30 years seeing my mom on her knees lifting her children and her husband up before the Lord. She loved her children and to her last breath she was selflessly thinking and caring for them.

As I think of what I have learned or how I have grown over this past year two things stand out in my mind. The peace that Christ brings and the importance of family. Moment by moment, through grief, pain, fear, joy, sadness, happiness and every other emotion I feel I also feel Christ right by my side. His word has spoken into my life over this year. Sunday night my mom was in surgery and Pastor Scott Gilchrist was sitting with us at the hospital, I remember the blanket of peace that lay over me as he read these words from the book of Psalms;

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such Knowledge is to wonderful for me,
to lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become the night around me,
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day.
for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the
depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them
they would out number the gains of sand
when I awake, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-18

Over this last year I have grown to love my family more everyday. Shane has been a refuge and a comfort to me as I grieve my mom's death. As my husband he encourages me daily, loves me and lifts me up before the Lord. He has been a rock and a leader in our home. God truly new what he was doing when he brought Shane and I together.

I am so blessed to have two little girls with spunk and a joy for life. On days when I feel overwhelmed by sadness I look at Kate or Hadassah and see the pure joy that radiates in a child. They comfort me with there laughter and their tears. Just a weeks after my mom passed away Hadassah looked at me and said "I love you" for the first time. God knew I would need those words to sooth my hurting heart.

Since my mom's death Brenton, Lukas and Derek have become such good friends of mine. It sounds silly in a way to speak of my brothers as friends. But they have encouraged me, comforted me and shared grief with me. Each week we have 'family dinner' in order to continue being a close knit family. It's what my mom would have wanted. I believe she smiles each time she sees us together as a family.

As I sit here sipping my coffee, in my red cup (my mom loved the color red) I have such good memories of a loving mother, a devoted wife and a caring Mummu (grandmother). I will honor her by loving Christ, by nurturing my family and by putting others before myself. One day when we walk hand in hand I will tell her of the impact she made on my life and that of so many others. When I tell her these things she will point to Christ and Christ alone. For he was her rock.

I miss you, mom and I love you.

2008-07-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY
July 22, 2008

Outside My Window...chairs and toys on the deck from company on Sunday night and company coming for dinner tonight.

I am thinking...it is so nice my kids are both still sleeping and it's past 8am. Yah!

I am thankful for...my husband who daily encourages me to be a better mom, wife, sister, daughter and child of the King.

From the kitchen...peaches canned yesterday are still on the counter, a few dishes, the ice cream maker needs to be put away from making fresh peach ice cream, making peach cobbler and peach muffins today (did I tell you I bought a huge box of peaches)

I am wearing...my robe. I just got out of the shower. I can't figure out why I am never dressed nice when I sit down to my computer. One of these days I will tell you I am wearing a lovely flowered dress with my hair pinned in a bun with the light summer breeze blowing over me. (I know that would make my friend Tiffany happy:)

I am creating...a home, a sanctuary (of course this is a never ending story)

I am going...to stay home all day.

I am reading...the book of Proverbs.

I am hoping...that my pizza turns out tonight.

I am hearing...the fan blowing and Hadassah eating her yogurt (yes, she is up now. I think I hear Kate too)

Around the house...wisteria flowers all over my floor, a few toys to be put away and more peaches to deal with.

One of my favorite things...a love story.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Wed Mom's in the Park and my brothers are coming for dinner, Thurs more berry picking, Friday we head to Knappa for Shane's drill, the weekend I will spend cleaning the rumpus room at my dad's and visiting my best friend Michelle.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing: The love of my life.

~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To read more Daybooks go to The Simple Woman

A word about Pectin

2008-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Hadassah and I went berry picking. I went for raspberries but after I got there they informed me that their raspberry crop was almost finished and it would be difficult to get enough to make jam, so I decided to pick marionberries (which are my favorite). Hadassah and I picked for about an hour. Well, I picked and she ate. We finished with 17 lbs. Just enough to make some jam, a pie and to freeze some for pies this winter. They were beautiful and we were both so excited.
When we arrived home I realized I had no pectin to make jam so I made a pie, froze 4 bags of 4 cups each and saved the rest to make jam in the coming days. Busyness caught up with us and I didn't get the jam made. Saturday night I realized that I better do something with the berries or they were going to go to waste. However, I still had no pectin so I went to Safeway. All Safeway had was Sure-Jell . I have always used Pomona's Universal Pectin and have been very, very satisfied because I don't have to use tons of sugar to make already sweet berries into jam. Well, I didn't have time to run to Whole Foods so I just purchased the Sure-Jell. What a mistake!!
When I got home I prepared the berries and took out the instructions. I looked down to the raspberry/blackberry recipe for freezer jam. This is the outrageous part. 3 cups of smashed berries and 5 1/4 c. of sugar. Yes, you read that correctly almost double the sugar to berries. And the instructions read if you do not use the proper amount of sugar your jam will not turn out. So I made jam with more sugar than anyone should consume in an entire year. It is way to sweet. But my berries did not go to waste. I guess I will be gifting really sweet jam for Christmas this year.
I have decided to go marionberry picking again this week and also blueberry picking. We will take those berries down to Knappa make jam and freeze the rest for winter. Do note that I will never run out of pectin again.
So, my advice on making jam. Just take the time to go get Pomona's Pectin. It is great stuff.

Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Rhubarb

2008-07-17T13:32:00.001-07:00

As I said I have or had rhubarb coming out of my ears. I love rhubarb. When I was a kid my grandma use to make a rhubarb dessert soup that we would put fresh cream over. It was wonderful served on a hot day. She also made rhubarb pie, not strawberry rhubarb just rhubarb. Mmm, so good! I have not attempted a rhubarb pie but hope to this week. Yesterday was family dinner night (will explain in a later post) so I made rhubarb cake. This is a very tasty, wonderfully moist cake. I would like to give some credit for this recipe but all I know is that my mom made it and passed it on to me. Here is the recipe.

Rhubarb Cake

1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg beaten
2 c. Flour
1 tea. baking soda
2 c. rhubarb (I add more just because I love the taste)
1 c. sour milk (2 tbls vinegar, finish cup with milk, let stand until it starts to curdle, 1 min. or so)
1 tsp. vanilla
Topping
1/4 c. butter
1 tea. cinnamon
1/4 c. sugar
crumble with pastry blender or fork

Mix all ingredients together, pour into a 9x13in pan, add topping and put in a 350 degree oven for 45 min. Or double the recipe and put in a 11x15in pan for the same amount of time.

disclaimer:
I truly believe and try to live by the principles of Nourishing Traditions (by Sally Fallon). As you can see this recipe does not follow any of those principles (except the butter). I am going to work with the recipe next week to make it more healthy. These are the things I am thinking. I will replace the white flour with whole wheat flour and soak the flour in the sour milk for 12-24 hours. I am also thinking I may try to use buttermilk instead of the sour milk for soaking. The other major issue is the sugar. I have not worked much with sugar replacement. I use honey in several recipes but I have never replaced honey for sugar. I could try stevia, rapadura or some other natural sweetener. If you have any ideas send them my way. I will re-post the recipe with the healthy changes.

2008-07-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 (Happy Birthday Meyer)

Outside My Window...The sun is shinning, hot and the wisteria is growing out of control.

I am thinking...I should take a short power nap.

I am thankful for...My children. They bless me each and every day.

From the kitchen...Some dishes but later today I will begin a sourdough starter, soak flour for rhubarb cake (I have rhubarb coming out of my ears) and making pasta and salad for dinner with mango ice cream for desert (homemade, of course).

I am wearing...A light cotton tank top (which is soothing to my massive sun burn) and my pajama pants (late start today) embarrassing, I know.

I am creating...my home management binder and monthly schedule.

I am going...to stay home all day.

I am reading...The Good Book and The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot.

I am hoping...the temperature stays down so I don't have to turn on the AC.

I am hearing...the fan blowing.

Around the house...it is quiet. Everyone is napping. There are toys to be picked up after nap time and garage sale piles to be priced and sorted.

One of my favorite things...a full night of sleep.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Raspberry picking on Thurs, Mom's in the Park on Wed, visit Grandma Dykstra on Friday, making whey and saurkraut throughout the week and spending the weekend enjoying my husband and kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...My first pie. Yes, my mother and my grandma Salo were the master pie makers but sadly I never had the chance to learn from them. So, I have been taking their recipes and working to perfect them. My brothers say, I am second best. That will do, for now. Making pies has also been a great way to share memories about my mom and grandmother with my kids.

To view more Daybooks, visit The Simple Woman