Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Knitted Poncho

It's finished!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Mexican Pizza

My children loved this! :-)

Mexican Pizza
8 servings

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, diced finely
1 cup salsa
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 can mexican style refried beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
crushed tortilla chips
additional salsa and tortilla chips

Add first six ingredients to bread machine and choose dough cycle. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and onion. Add salsa, salt, pepper, and cumin to beef and mix thoroughly. When dough is ready, spread onto a 14 inch pizza pan. Spread beans on top of dough and beef mixture on top of beans. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake pizza at 400° for 20 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and a sprinkling of crushed tortilla chips. Serve with additional salsa and tortilla chips.

~for today~July 28, 2008

Outside my window...there's lots of sunshine, lots of heat, and lots of summer. :-)

I am thinking...about how I want to organize our home school for the coming year.

I am thankful for...
the Bible.

From the kitchen...mexican pizza for supper.

I am wearing...a white eyelet baby doll top, army green capris, and brown beaded flip flops.

I am creating...a knitted camouflage hunting scarf for my son.

I am going...
to a dentist appointment this morning and to a home school co-op meeting this evening.

I am reading...
Escape from the Kitchen by Deniece Schofield.

I am hoping...to put the finished knitted pieces of my poncho together soon.

I am hearing...the children watching the Brady Bunch on television.

Around the house...
I'm sorting through old home school supplies and curriculum to make room for the new and helping my daughter with her first cross stitching project.

One of my favorite things...daisies.

A few plans for the rest of the week...accomplish as much as I can!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...a rose on my kitchen windowsill.




Please visit The Simple Woman to read more daybooks.
"Your whole life is a series of effects, having their cause in thought-in your own thought. All conduct is made and molded by thought; all deeds, good or bad, are thoughts made visible."

~from Right Beginnings by James Allen

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Mid-Summer's Garden" by Heidi Coutu

Knitting Help for Beginners


A website -
knitting help

A book -
The Knit Stitch by Sally Meville

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 28

1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.
17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.
18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"—he is partner to him who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Lawrence of Arabia






Supper Menus
July 28th-August 2nd

Monday
mexican pizza, salsa, tortilla chips
Tuesday
take out pizza
Wednesday
jalapeno cheese venison sausage, ranch style beans, spicy potato wedges, lettuce and tomato salad
Thursday
bar-b-q beef on buns, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans
Friday
fajitas, spanish rice, refried beans, pico di gallo, guacamole, tortilla chips
Saturday
manicotti, tossed salad, french bread, tiramisu toffee tort

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 27

1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.
17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.
18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"—he is partner to him who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
8 servings

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whipped topping
1 15 ounce container strawberry glaze
1 graham cracker crust
2 cups thinly sliced strawberries
additional whole strawberries

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in sour cream and vanilla until blended. Fold in whipped topping. Spread half of the glaze over bottom of crust; layer with strawberries. Top with remaining glaze. Spread cream cheese mixture over the top. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or until set. Garnish with additional berries and enjoy.

Morning Beauty

I just love my Phaltzgraff Yorktowne dishes! I thought they looked so pretty sitting in the sunlight as I was unloading the dishwasher this morning. When I picked out these dishes as a young bride, I didn't realize how much something so simple would mean to me over the years. I have to thank my mom for guiding me in choosing a practical, timeless pattern. I just hope one day, years down the road, that my children and my children's children can sit down to a meal in my kitchen and just the sight of these dishes will say "home" to them :-)

A Saturday Morning Treat

Monkey Bread
10 servings

3 tubes refrigerator biscuits
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cut each biscuit into four pieces.
Using kitchen scissors is a quick way to do this.
Melt butter.
Mix together sugars and cinnamon.
Dip each biscuit in butter, then in sugar mixture.
Fill a bundt pan with coated biscuits.
Bake at 400° for 25 minutes.
Let cool for about 5 minutes.
Place a plate on top of the bundt pan and, using oven mits, carefully invert.
Pull apart to serve and enjoy!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 26

1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7 Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows
19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.
25 Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Friday, July 25, 2008

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 25

More Proverbs of Solomon
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith;
5 remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,
10 or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—too much of you, and he will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Oven Baked Country Ribs

Ribs
4 servings

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 1/2 - 2 pounds pork ribs


Combine ketchup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Heat a large lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add ribs and sear until browned. Place ribs in a single layer in a baking pan or casserole dish. Pour half of the sauce over the ribs, reserve remainder. Bake ribs at 350° for 2-3 hours. Turn and baste meat every 30 minutes with remaining sauce.

Linked to Down Home Cookin' Recipe Linkup.
I just love mid-week Bible class during the summer...
we seldom come home empty handed!
Last night's haul was a bunch of peppers
and a *huge* bag of fresh picked okra. :-)

Scottish Oat Scones

Scottish Oat Scones
8 servings

1½ cups flour
2 cups oats
¼ cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
½ cup butter, melted
1/3 cup milk
extra milk
extra sugar

Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat egg and combine with butter and milk. Add to flour mixture and blend. Form two circles and place on greased baking sheet. Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Separate wedges. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Serve warm with coffee or hot tea!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 24

1 Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
5 A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;
6 for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.
8 He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.
10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place;
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
19 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.
26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.
29 Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Chicken with Lemon Sauce











Chicken with Lemon Sauce
4 servings

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour, divided
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon parsley

Flatten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat egg. Dip chicken into egg, then coat with flour mixture. In a large skillet, cook chicken in 1 tablespoon butter and oil over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine the remaining flour, salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup water to the skillet, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Add seasoned flour to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in lemon juice, parsley and remaining butter; cook and stir until butter is melted. Serve over chicken.

Oh this is yummy! The chicken is so moist! It was really good with the green beans and new potatoes because the sauce that ran off the chicken seasoned the veggies, too.