Kindred Spirits

"Miss Patty and Miss Maria are hardly such stuff as dreams are made of," laughed Anne. "Can you fancy them 'globe-trotting' - especially in those shawls and caps?"

"I suppose they'll take them off when they really begin to trot," said Priscilla, "but I know they'll take their knitting with them everywhere. They simply couldn't be parted from it. They will walk about Westminster Abbey and knit, I feel sure."

~Anne of the Island

Slow Cookin'

In response to some requests for good slow cooker recipes, here are a few of my family's favorites:

Slow Cooked Chili - cheap to make and is hands-down my favorite chili.

Crock Pot Enchiladas - wonderful recipe, used so many times, from a wonderful blog!

Wanda's Chicken and Rice Casserole - great for using up leftovers:

Combine 1 cup of uncooked rice, 3 cups water, 2 tsp chicken stock granules, one can cream of chicken soup, 1 lb bag of frozen broccoli or other veg, 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, 1/4tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion salt and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese. Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Serves 4-6 people.

Savory Chicken and Vegetables - soooo good.

Put 8 chicken thighs in slow cooker. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 8 oz pearl onions (or dice one regular onion), 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, 2 cloves chopped garlic, one bouquet garni (or 1 tbsp italian seasoning) and a bag of baby carrots.

Cook it on low for 8-10 hours.

Before serving, remove the bouquet garni (if using) and skim any visible fat. Stir in 1 lb button mushrooms. Mis 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp cold water and stir into chicken. Turn to high and cook for another 30 min.

Of course, I have been known to forget to add anything after the inital cooking and served it up as is - so you know you have options...

Let me know if anyone gets around to trying any of these and how they turn out!

Boys...

...they love to wrestle......in their new pair of Quick Change Trousers!

Overwhelmed

Due to some recent schedule changes, extra outside commitments, the need for greater organizing in my world and the ever-present broken nights' sleep, I've been finding myself feeling overwhelmed. My husband counsels me that this sensation is often indicitive of trying to meet needs and conquer challenges in my own strength, and he's right, of course (as usual).

So what do I do? These are real challenges that need real solutions. But it doesn't take long for God, in His kindness, to remind me of what has become one of my favorite passages in all Scripture. 2 Chronicles 20 is a record of King Jehoshaphat’s prayer when faced with an approaching army bent on destruction; the whole thing is amazing, but it's verse 12 that really gets me:

For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

What can they do? Nothing, on their own. But coming to God, they trust Him, praise and worship Him, and have the privledge of watching His deliverance. It's a marvel to me - when I am totally out of my depth and feeling completely powerless, I can look to Christ, and knowing that He has already met my greatest need on Calvary, I am comforted that He knows and provides for any need that I might face. And all I need to do is keep my eyes on Him.

Bread...mmmm...

I'll tell you right now, you need to beg, borrow or buy Artisan Breads in Five Minutes a Day.

Not long ago, I posted about some of the yummy things I've made from this book:

couronne,

stromboli,

ciabatta and sticky breakfast rolls. I can now add pizza to that list.

It takes maybe 5-10 minutes to set up the starter batch, which makes enough for four 1 lb loaves, and then it truly is a matter of shaping the loaves and whipping them into the over whenever the fancy for fresh bread strikes you.

Check out their website for events, ideas, and inspiration. I gotta say, though - I'm not too sure about the Valentine's Day bread. Kinda looks like someones innards...

Quick Change Trousers

From Handmade Beginnings, I bring you, the Quick Change Trousers.

Not only quick to change, but quick to sew, with the added benefit of being reversible. Of course, there is no recovering the kind of mess he made in them on their first wearing. Ahem.

Nevertheless, it's a great project, excellent for using up larger sections of scrap. I love the effect of the rear panel off-setting the rest of the trousers, as well as reflecting the reverse side. You don't need to do that, of course, but it's so cute, why not?

I definitely see more pairs in our future. Not only do I have plenty of scrap to work with, but they fit my need to occasionally have a project that is straightforward and quick, which makes me feel so accomplished.

One note, though - the sizes run a little big. Dan's in a 12months size, which is normal for him, and I had to roll the pant legs twice. Ellie actually fit into them without the rolled up legs. I think this is a good thing, though - they've a better chance of fitting a little longer!