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 some of the 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 (for those with children in the above twelve category)...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 older 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! :)

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 with 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"**

With love, Camille

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? :)

Kids Devotional Books

All of these books have been a blessing to our family over the years. The boys have each used "A Faith to Grow On" for their own personal quiet times in days gone by. Pastor John MacArthur teaches the basic truths of God's Word faithfully in an easy to understand format...in "bite-sized" chunks. The book pictured above has a different cover than the one you will find at the link provided, but the content is the same.

The "Miller Family Series" of books incorporates Biblical truths into stories that each of our children have enjoyed. We have used these books as read-aloud supplements to the Word of God during quiet times. The Miller family is fictional and the stories are set in an Amish community.

"Leading Little Ones to God" has a more in depth and thorough handling of the Doctrines of Scripture. Do not be afraid to delve into these deeper truths with your children...they are very rich and necessary for their appreciation of the God we serve. This book has chapters that are usually only a couple of pages long; a very manageable amount for family devotional times. You will likely find that the ideas presented here will facilitate wonderful discussions with your children. Once again, the cover is different from the one you will find at the link, but the content largely remains the same.

Seek, with the Lord's help, to set aside time each day to have devotions with your children. We are, after all, to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

**I have noticed that there are those that get reimbursed for their "reviews", which is just fine. But, I am not one of them...this (and all other recommendations that I have made) are completely unsolicited and represent my humbly submitted opinion**

H1N1 Vaccination Controversy

Today I was emailed a link for this you-tube video which features Doctors in the United States who are speaking out against the H1N1 Vaccine. Take the time to watch (6 minutes) and be informed before you go ahead with any interventions. I do not want to stir up fear...only promote awareness.

If you have already been vaccinated against this flu virus, please know that God is ultimately in control of all things and nothing happens to us that is outside of His Sovereign care!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." Psalm 138:8

**See also Psalm 91**

(Nearly) Flourless Chocolate Cake

You will not believe how amazing this is until you try it!!
It really is too good for words and so very simple to make!!

~ (Nearly) Flourless Chocolate Cake ~

What you need:

7 oz. bittersweet chocolate squares

3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp butter (1 and 3/4 sticks butter)

1 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar

5 large eggs

1 Tbsp flour

What you do:

Line an 8" springform pan with parchment paper and butter the sides of the pan 
(9" pan will work too) and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt chocolate and butter over very low heat so as not to burn the chocolate!

(You just barely want this to be melted together and smooth).

Stir in the sugar and mix well. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Add the flour and stir well.

All the above can be done in the pan you melted the chocolate in...

and use a wire whisk to mix it together...it is so incredibly easy!

Pour batter in pan and bake for 25 min. The centre of the cake should be just barely set. 

Take out and set on cooling rack for 15 min. Once the 15 minutes is up, 

remove the sides of the springform pan (loosen sides of cake from pan with a knife) 

and then turn it upside-down on a parchment-lined plate.

Now the cake will be upside-down.
Remove the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake. 

Place the serving plate on the exposed bottom of the cake and turn it over. 

Remove the plate and parchment paper from the top of the cake. 

Voila! You are a master chef. :)

Cool completely before serving. 

Serve with sweetened whipped cream and raspberry sauce.

~ Raspberry Sauce ~

Simmer enough raspberries to get 2 cups of juice when strained through cheesecloth. 

Cool. Mix 1/4 cup of corn starch into the cooled juice in a small pot.

Stir well with a wire whisk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, 
then simmer for two more minutes.

Add in the juice of one lemon (fresh squeezed) and honey to taste...

it should still be a bit tart to compensate for the richness of the chocolate.

This is crazy good!! I served a piece to my husband and children one Sunday recently, 

and we had half the cake left over. I promptly FROZE it so I would not EAT it for breakfast 

(and lunch...and dinner) the next day.  I hope you like it as much as we do. :)

Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers. If you freeze, 

wrap it well and when it comes time to thaw, 

let it sit in the wrapping at room temperature for a full 24 hours.

Many Blessings, Camille

**Quite some time ago I searched the internet for a flourless chocolate cake recipe 
and found this one...but now I cannot find the site it came from. 
I have edited the wording and added in the raspberry sauce...which is my own recipe.
If you know where credit is due, please let me know so I can link back.  **

Elementary Math

What does the title of this post conjure up within your heart? Fear? Dread? Anxiety? PANIC?! :)

We began educating our children at home only a few years ago and I didn't know where to begin with curriculum. It was all so overwhelming. I asked a friend who was homeschooling six children at the time to advise me. Apparently she had tried many different types of math programs and books, but hadn't found what she wanted. She had been looking for a curriculum that would explain and make understandable the "why" behind the math. That's when she told me that Professor B Math had been a blessing to her family. One of her children, who had previously hated math, began to love the subject...now there's a "success story" for you! It definitely influenced me.

When we got the first package in the mail and began working through the course I wanted to hurry my older child through the process thinking that he was beyond the concepts and should begin in the middle somewhere. How foolish! While working with his brother, who was in grade two at the time, the light bulb went on in my head! (I actually got really excited...in a MATH lesson!!) I discovered that it was necessary to begin at the beginning and I was amazed with the results. Austin, who had been struggling in math, was finally "getting it"...and I was so excited. Here we are three years later, and he is still reaping the benefits of having used this excellent program.

**I have noticed that there are those that get reimbursed for their "reviews", which is just fine. But, I am not one of them...this (and all other recommendations that I have made) are completely unsolicited and represent my humbly submitted opinion**

First Fire of the Season

I love a real fireplace with a real fire...even with the potential mess. :) The other night we had the first fire of the season during our evening family devotions. After the Bible time was done the kids sat in front of the fire...all ready for bed. I love it that Emma is resting her head on Calvin's shoulder...so precious!

Haircuts

My three men with their "Mummy Salon" haircuts! No, I am not a hairdresser by trade, but have done lots of haircuts in my day. Unfortunately, I did have to learn by trial and error. In the early days it was quite an adventure and you might say a little "hit and miss". I even "scalped" Howie and he had to put eyeliner on the bald spot which I had created for a week! It's true! If I can do haircuts, anyone can.

How Firm a Foundation

These bookmarks are very precious ~ The pictures are "clickable" so you can see the lovely printing of the sweet little girl who wrote them out for us. The story behind them is precious too...I'm sure you guessed that! I would have to say that I didn't pay much attention to this hymn before Howie and I were given these bookmarks, that is, until our little niece (only eight years old at the time) was so thoughtful to share.

Why? Here is the reason...

When our first born was only six weeks old he was diagnosed with a very large VSD...which in layman's terms is a hole in the heart. It was so large that there was virtually no septum between the lower two chambers of his heart. He was nearly nine pounds at birth, but failed to thrive...he wasn't gaining weight like he should. A series of doctor's appointments led to an x-ray which revealed the potential problem. I was told the news over the phone.

BUT God is so good and He never leaves us...we, as His children, are constantly in His perfect and loving care.

Fast forward nearly one year.

Austin was prayed for, by people we didn't even know (and many that we did), all through that year. We believe he was sustained by the Mighty Hand of God. He "should have" required surgery by about four months old, but it wasn't necessary until the age of one. God is so wonderful and gently leads us along. We live in a sin-cursed world, one with sickness and pain and death, but God is Faithful and is Always in control!

Open heart surgery was scheduled for a week after his first birthday. It was a frightening time, but I can testify that through it all God was there. Not once did He give us more than we could bear...With Him! I could go on and on about every minute detail of those days, but suffice it to say that the Grace of God was there for us When we needed it. All was supplied by our Loving Heavenly Father.

Fears really were assuaged. God carried us through. He also mercifully carried Austin through.

In the days preceeding surgery, our niece was impressed with the fact that this was the hymn we needed for this difficult time. She took it upon herself to make bookmarks for both of us. As you can see they are still treasured and kept safely in our Bibles. Here is the hymn...so precious to my heart!

~ How Firm a Foundation ~

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"In every condition ~ in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home or abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through firey trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

Rippon's "Selection of Hymns", 1787

Wooden Railway Track

I love it when my kids play together nicely (which implies that this isn't always the case)! This wooden railway set has been "in the family" for quite some time now...the boys were "gifted" it in bits and pieces over the years...mostly from Grandpa...thanks Dad! It's a "keeper" kind of play set similar to Lego and it all fits into one big bin which can be hidden away in a closet between uses...perfect! :)

Day by Day

**Taken from our front porch a few mornings ago...click to enlarge**


Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Power.
The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy Holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting;
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land.

Carolina V. Sandell-Berg (1832-1903)

Chicken Pot Pie

My friend Christa posted a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie on her blog the other day. I just made two of these for dinner tonight and they were yummy! How can you tell summer's over and the comfort food cooking has begun?

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

Fall is here! 

 Time to roast some veggies and make a hearty soup. 

 While the ingredients for this yummy soup are roasting,

 your home will smell so wonderful!! 

 FYI...what you see here is a DOUBLE batch!

~ Roasted Root Vegetable Soup ~

What You Need:

Olive Oil (for coating veggies)

1 small Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded and cubed

2 large Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

1 large Parsnip, peeled and cut into chunks

1 small Turnip, peeled and cut into chunks

1 large Onion (yellow), peeled and cut into chunks

1 bulb Garlic, remove loose outer skins and cut off tops...leave whole

1 medium Rutabaga (or Swede), peeled and cut into chunks

1 large Sweet Potato (I used Yams), peeled and cut into chunks

4 small Red Potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks (skin on)

Sea Salt

Freshly ground Black Pepper

3 Bay leaves

Parchment Paper

8 cups Chicken Stock

Several fresh Basil leaves (I omitted ~ might try it in future)

1 cup Cilantro, chopped (I omitted ~ as above...we'll see...not big on cilantro)

1 tsp. crumbled, dried Thyme

1 tsp. chopped fresh Rosemary

What You Do:

Preheat oven to 375 or 400 Farenheit. 

 Prepare all the veggies listed down to the potatoes. 

 Spread on a very large cookie sheet or in a roasting pan. 

 Drizzle olive oil over all (about 3 to 4 Tbsp), 

making sure some gets into the garlic bulb. 

 Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss bay leaves on top.

 Cover with parchment paper and roast for 30 minutes. 

 Remove parchment paper after 30 minutes of cooking time and stir veggies.

 Roast for another 30 minutes and remove from the oven. 

 Discard bay leaves and any black bits...set garlic aside.

 Place the veggies into a stock pot and add the stock. 

Squeeze the garlic out of its skin and add to pot. 

 Puree with a hand blender (if you have one) otherwise, 

puree in batches in a blender or food processor. 

 Be careful not to overload your blender...do it in small batches! 

 Return to the pot and add in the basil, cilantro, thyme, and rosemary. 

 Bring soup to a gentle simmer and adjust seasonings.

 Add more stock if needed to get the consistency you want. Enjoy!

I like to serve this with a dollop of plain yogurt in it...yum, yum! :)

**Recipe adapted from "The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook" by Tosca Reno (2007)

Beach Walk

We live near enough to the beach to make use of the three mile
promenade pathway for our P.E. class.
Because we homeschool, we can be flexible about the time
we do it ~ sometimes it's been after math and sometimes before...
and sometimes not at all.
But when we do go, whenever it is ~
it's a blessing!
We are so thankful that the Lord has blessed us
with this beautiful place to get our exercise!

You may notice that the last few pictures are of the children running
up a steep grassy hill.
This has been a tradition of theirs for some time now...
it is a real accomplishment to make it to the top in one piece!
I even took the challenge not too long ago...
but once is enough for me! :)