Macaroni and Cheese

Make this in a pot and don't drain...turns out like a "from scratch" version of Kraft Dinner...without the guilt! AND...it is SO EASY!! :)

~ Macaroni and Cheese ~

2 cups water
2 cups macaroni noodles
1 cup milk (I use skim)
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup minced onion

Melt butter in medium sized pot and fry onions until turning translucent. Add in remaining ingredients turn heat to medium. Stir frequently until the liquid is absorbed and the noodles are softened. (Approximately 15 minutes)

Add in 2 cups grated cheddar cheese and a few shakes of parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and serve. This makes about 3 adult-sized portions.

**Adapted from the Kraft Kitchens**

Multitude Monday

The Thankfulness Journal and its beginnings...you will find the reason for the numbering here. I begin another week with consciously giving thanks to the Giver of all gifts. Might you consider joining in?

16. Spontaneous reading by my newest bookworm...

17. Children enjoying "Google Earth"


18. Little hands that willingly and joyfully help


19. Two finding pleasure in one another's company


20. Thankful that we were home when this happened!
~ Hot Water Heater leaking


21. Homemade mac and cheese...yum!

22. Husband who faithfully leads Family Worship

23. Children with open Bibles before the fire

24. Sibling friendship

25. Crinkly yumminess!

26. Medical miracles ~ Austin's yearly heart monitoring

27. Sharing a favourite story

28. Sunlight after the storm

29. Morning muffins...freshly baked!

In Sickness and In Health...

While we walked the beach one morning with the children I saw something that provoked a thought or two on this subject. A married couple walked past ~ slowly traveling in the opposite direction.

Both appeared to be in their early sixties.

He walked straight and tall, strong and sure. She, on the other hand, was visibly marred ~ possibly the victim of a stroke. It was such a beautiful picture to me of his love for her...she leaned on him and held his arm. He remained steadfast in his commitment ~ immovable in his devotion.

Where had they come from? What had they gone through in their lives together?

Who were they both leaning on for strength?

Our hope is in God and His all-sustaining power.
What do people do who don't have the Lord to lean on in such times?

I thought of the vows we made on our wedding day. Did we realize the deep things we were committing to? Vowing to do? We were young and idealistic...did we really believe we would we ever have difficulties and challenges? On that day it seemed unlikely ~ but what would our future hold?

What a blessing to know WHO holds the future...we do not need to fear what lies ahead. As long as we are walking with the ONE Who has it all in HIS Sovereign and complete control. As long as we are children of THE KING of kings! Day by day and moment by moment, we have discovered that HE gives the strength and grace to face even the unthinkable.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13

Hamburger Soup

This was a staple soup in my growing up years, so naturally I took it with me into marriage. In the early years I would make just one recipe which filled my "big" pot to the brim and yielded enough leftovers to freeze for many days after!

Now that I have four children who ALL have very HEALTHY appetites that "big" pot no longer fits the bill...I use it for "leftovers" and reheating what will be devoured through the course of one meal! What you see here is a 16 quart stock pot with a double batch simmering inside it. At supper we polished off about 1/3 of it!! Here is the recipe...hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

**One request...if any of you know of a way to make your own condensed tomato soup, would you mind sharing the recipe? I am trying to get away from using the mass produced stuff. Thanks!

**Update ~ My friend Terri posted the answer to my question...here is her post on homemade condensed soup...thanks Terri! I hope to try her recipes soon. :)

Hamburger Soup

2 lb lean ground beef

2 medium onions, chopped

2 ~ 28 oz tin tomatoes, diced

4 cups water

6 cups beef broth

2 ~ 10 oz tins condensed tomato soup

8 carrots, chopped

8 celery sticks, chopped

1 bunch parsley, chopped

2 bay leaves

2 tsp. dried thyme

1 cup pearl barley ~ rinsed before adding

pepper to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Brown beef and onions ~ drain fat.

Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.

Reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 2 hours ~ Stirring often.

Check for seasoning...may need more salt.

ENJOY!

**This soup freezes very well**

Tea Cozy Giveaway!

My friend Linda at "Prairie Flower Farm" is having a giveaway. The tea cozy in the above picture is what is to be given to one blessed lady. Hop on over to her blog (just click the picture above ~ unfortunately it turns out blurry on my blog...don't know how to fix that...anyone know how??) to find out how to get your name on the list! Look out...I'm signed up too! ;-)

The Art of Sewing

My friend Christa has dedicated an entire post to the art of sewing on her blog ~ Country Hearts at Home. Her article is full of comments from many ladies who have been blessed with the ability to sew. Their stories often include the mention of a gift of time invested in their lives by someone older and wiser who patiently taught them this dying art form. I agree with Christa ~ We must never let it die! Hop on over and enjoy an encouraging journey through the stories recounted...you will be blessed. The heirloom quilt you see pictured above is there along with its story ~ ENJOY!

Thankfulness Journal

Ann Voskamp over at "Holy Experience" has initiated what she has referred to as a "Gratitude Community". Ann exhorts each of us to join in with giving thanks for specific things...numbering them as we go along. The challenge is to find 1000 "gifts" to thank God for. I have decided to jump in...here is the first installment of my list ~ I hope to add many more items as the days go by. Everything may not be photographed and the list may end up simply being recorded and numbered...we will see how it all takes shape!

One thing I have found is that as I consciously give thanks, funny enough, I am more thankful! Amazing, isn't it? Might you want to join in? If you don't have a blog, a spiral bound notebook is a wonderful place to record your "1000 things". May this exercise bring Glory to God, which is our ultimate purpose in this life.

It says in the Bible the following: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

1. God's Word ~ The Bible

2. Our wedding rings ~ Our marriage

3. Finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross ~ John 3:16

4. Handwritten note from Emma

5. Diligent grade nine student

6. Calvin's vacuuming!

7. Warm and dry house on a rainy day

8. Fraser's piano fingers

9. Little girl that still loves a bath with toys!

10. Filtered water "on tap"...a new feature of our home

11. Four wet children...just back from a blustery "beach walk"

12. Makings of a welcome hot honey and lemon drink for a cold

13. Greetings from dear ones both near and far

14. "Home"...such a precious word!

15. Faded flowers from the hand of a child

16. Display of God's handiwork...

It Is Well With My Soul

**Photo by Camille ~ Ferry trip between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia**

This hymn was born out of deep grief. Its composer had received word that his four daughters were tragically drowned at sea while his wife alone was saved. While travelling to join her he penned this wonderful hymn. Such an amazing testimony of the Grace of God in the life of His child! Under such circumstances would I have had such a faith? How awesome our Great God is ~ He is able to do exceedingly above what we ask or think!

It is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

"It is well, it is well with my soul."

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

My sin ~ oh, the bliss of this glorious thought ~

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend!

Even so ~ it is well with my soul!

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888)

Rooibos Tea ~ Red Bush Tea

Our dear Auntie from England introduced us to this wonderful tea! Rooibos or Red Bush Tea (as it is also known) is unlike "regular" tea in many ways, yet it tastes so yummy and has many health benefits. Check out the abundant information on it and you may just be inspired to pick some up the next time you are shopping. There are a variety of brands available and it can easily be found in "regular" grocery stores right alongside the many other teas. My children all love it and even my husband, who doesn't like tea, will enjoy a cup! It's naturally sweet ~ serve with or without a spash of milk...and ENJOY!

Lest We Forget...

This music video was inspired by a true event. A Pittance of Time is one man's plea for us all to remember those that have fought for the freedoms we enjoy. Take a moment to reflect and thank God for those who have fallen. November 11th...May We Remember Them!

**Disclaimer ~ I am not familiar with this artist's work other than this piece...I am not "endorsing" him or his music, but I do feel that the message he portrays in this song is particularly appropriate for each one of us on this day.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Hot steaming bowl of nourishing soup...yummy goodness!

The pot of soup ready for the noodles to be added in...


Last step...noodles!



Recently my friend from Bible School days shared this recipe with me ~ thanks Heather! Specific measurements weren't provided ~ just the "secret" ingredients...below you will see what I did with that info! Since she shared it with me I have made it...over and over again! One last thing...be sure to have homemade stock on hand...it makes all the difference!!

Chicken Noodle Soup

12 cups Homemade chicken stock
2 tsp. Garlic powder (or use fresh cloves ~ finely minced)
2 tsp. Italian seasoning (secret ingredient)
1 Tbsp Sea Salt (less if you use bouillon cubes)
3 large Carrots ~ finely chopped
3 stalks Celery ~ finely chopped
1 Onion ~ minced
2 to 3 cups diced Chicken Meat (cooked) ~ Approximately half the meat from a four pound chicken.

Fry onions and celery in a small amount of oil (I use olive oil) in the bottom of your stock pot. When the onions are turning translucent add in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes (until vegetables are tender). Add in half a package of fine egg noodles (375 gram size...that would be about 2 cups of noodles) and simmer for 5 minutes longer.

Enjoy!

~This is as easy as it can get and yet it gets rave reviews...at least that's the story around here!~

Meal Planning 101

I recently came across some meal planning articles on Mary Grace's blog...Books and Bairns. She has inspired me to take my scheduling of meals to the next level. I am so pleased!

I would encourage you to take a look at this article on her blog and see if it might be something you will want to do too. This is the last of three articles in this series and Mary Grace kindly links to the others to streamline things. If you do venture over, you will be led through the entire process painlessly...or as near to painless as one can get in this pursuit! Happy planning! :)

The Old Rugged Cross

This is a favourite hymn from long ago. When I was only about 5 years old my Dad was a pastor and we went once a month to the senior's home in the area to conduct a service. It was my job to hand out the hymn books. I remember dearly loving to sing this hymn in that place. I suppose that is where my fondness for it began.

Since having babies of my own it has become more precious as I shared it with them while tucking them into bed for the night. It focuses our attention on the One that really matters...why we live!

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so Divine,

A wonderful beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

George Bennard (1873-1960)

Holocaust Movie ~ For Families

Normally you won't find me recommending movies. It isn't something I typically do. BUT, this movie did make a significant impression on us and on our boys. As with anything, you must use discretion as to what you will let your children watch and at what ages. My husband and I previewed it prior to letting our children see it. We felt that it was very appropriate for our 12 and 14 year old boys...I would highly recommend it for others in a similar age group (and for those that are older, of course).

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas really is a must see for all those who wish to remember and never repeat these mistakes of the past. This movie portrays the holocaust in WWII Germany through the eyes of two eight year old boys. One is a German Commandant's son and the other is a Jewish boy within the confines of a concentration camp. It is an amazingly touching and realistic story which will move you and your family. Our 14 year old son told me that he has never been so affected by a story as he was by this one. It leaves a lasting impression.

It is a clean and family friendly movie...there is not one swear word or misuse of God's name. Please do bear in mind that it deals honestly with the horrors of the end result of the extermination camps of Hitler's regime. I hope it will be something you can use to educate your children on this disturbing event in history. May we never forget.

Vancouver 2010

We had the privilege of going to the headquarters of the Vancouver Olympic Committee today. It was a wonderful field trip! The children were treated to a variety of experiences...they even got to hold one of the actual Olympic torches used for the torch relay taking place across Canada right now. (Notice that the torch has burn marks on it...that's because it was used). Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in only 98 more days. Go Canada! :)

Crazy Quilt Pie

Crazy Quilt Pie is not something I had ever heard of before my friend Sharon over at "A Merry Heart Journal" shared the recipe with us. It intrigued me and I just had to try it. It certainly did not disappoint! I have never made such a "no fuss" dessert...you literally throw everything (even COLD butter) into your blender and pour into your Ungreased glass dish (I don't have a pie dish deep enough, so my pie is square)...and BAKE!! This is so incredibly easy and really yummy too. Sharon likes it best cold but we actually enjoy it warm...either way it is scrumptious! Thanks for sharing Sharon! :)

Woods Walk

We began our "woods walk" today at my brother's house (at the beach...where we can park for free) and then went UP!!


.............AND UP!!! If you click on this picture (below) you will see who is WAY out in front...gotta keep up with those boys! :)


And from "UP"...looking DOWN...WAY DOWN...to where we had begun!


Emma found some flowers (at the edge of someone's driveway) and picked them for me...I was too far away to keep her from doing it...they were NOT of the wild variety! But SO sweet!!



DOWN into the ravine where the woods are...





Out of the woods back onto the street where my brother lives...sea level once again! Look at Emma and Fraser...I actually caught them IN THE AIR!! That was a surprise as I just "clicked" while they were running to catch up to the others.


Homeward bound! It's on days like this that we really appreciate the milder climate of the Pacific Northwest...blessings upon blessings. Soon we will be in the wet days of winter...we will enjoy this while it lasts!


**All the pictures are "clickable"...**

Oregano Oil ~ Natural Antibiotic

**These pictures are of the oregano oil we currently have "on hand", but there are many good brands available**

Touted as a natural antibiotic and antiviral, oregano oil is a popular alternative to conventional medications for minor illnesses. In our experience it seems to have assisted us in recovering from illnesses much more quickly than we would have without it. Some would debate this, but we firmly believe in its beneficial properties.

I am not a medical professional and do not pretend to have all the answers. Obviously you will want to do some research before using it yourself or for your family...and that is only right. Disclaimer...I am only recommending that you look into it and decide for yourself what to do with the information you uncover. As with any medication you need to be informed about your options and the pros and cons of taking it. My motivation for sharing is to get the news out that there are alternatives to "conventional" ways of treating minor illnesses. I am not a supplier or advertiser for any particular product...I do not personally benefit in any way from providing this information.

Here is a link to a "fact sheet" for the uses of Oregano Oil. Here is another link to answer questions you may have about possible side-effects and dosage amounts.

How do we take our oregano oil? We take it under our tongue and hold as long as is comfortable. Then we swallow it down with a glass of orange juice which kills both the taste and the "hot" sensation. We do not take it continually. But it is the first thing we take when we feel like we are coming down with something, and then we only take it for the duration of that particular illness. Feel free to ask questions, I will do my best to answer them!

Blessings,
Camille

Sideline Business?

**You can click on the picture for a larger view...that is, if you want to! (If you don't, you will miss seeing the date on that magazine...too funny!)**

One of my three boys (who shall remain nameless) seems to be a budding entrepreneur. He rigged up this box full of "goodies" as a self-serve store on the counter behind the toilet in the "boys" bathroom downstairs. He strategically placed it there for hopeful sales. There is even a cup provided for the payment! It made me chuckle...how about you?

The Yummiest Pumpkin Dessert

Just in time for American Thanksgiving! You will NOT be disappointed if you make this your feature dessert for the holidays...It is so incredibly yummy AND easy!! Let me know what you think! :)

Batter is poured directly into greased 9 x 13 inch pan...


Crumble topping is made from a dry cake mix and butter...


Sprinkle topping onto the unbaked "filling"...and bake!



Pumpkin Dessert

Mix the following ingredients together well. (I use my Kitchenaid stand mixer)

Filling:

4 beaten eggs
1 ½ cup granulated sugar
1 – 385 ml tin evaporated milk
1 – 796 ml (28 oz) tin plain pumpkin
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Ground ginger
½ tsp. Ground cloves
Pinch salt

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

Cover the above with the following crumble topping.

Crumble topping:

One golden cake mix (dry) ~ I use Betty Crocker brand
¾ cup butter (do not use margarine)
Cut the butter into the cake mix to make a crumble topping. Sprinkle this topping onto the wet (unbaked) filling.

Bake at 350 F for a total of 60 minutes.

After 30 minutes of baking, sprinkle ½ cup of pre-toasted chopped pecans on top of the half-baked dessert. Return to the oven to bake for 30 minutes longer. I omit the nuts due to allergies in our home...so I just leave it in the oven for the full 60 minutes until set and browning on top.

Allow to cool and serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. You won't believe how good this is! :)

It can be frozen and thawed at room temperature if by chance you have any leftovers!

**Years ago I was introduced to this amazing recipe by my sister-in-law...it is a big hit every time I serve it. In fact, we had new friends over last Sunday and the lady (who is a Grandma) said she wanted the recipe so she could make it for her family on Thanksgiving...now how's that for an advertisement? :)