Enjoy the randomness of the pictures!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
FamFive Photos
Here are some miscellaneous photos of our trip, pretty much wrapping it up. One of the favorites we visited was St. Nicholas Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral very similar to those in Italy. I am going to post those in a trip section later. As in every week, this week has been extremely busy and I have been working with my Lenten Laundry, as well as a new project I am starting.
Enjoy the randomness of the pictures!
Enjoy the randomness of the pictures!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Charles Bridge, Prague
One of the main tourist attractions is The Charles Bridge. This bridge connects the two sides of the city, and was once known as the "stone bridge" but was reconstructed by a Holy Roman Emperor, King Charles IV in 1357. The bridge previously was erected in 1172 (oh my goodness) and was flooded many times before falling.
An interesting fact, it is said that when this was re-built in 1357, they included egg yolks in the mortar. It must of worked, because it is still standing thru floods, the last being in 2002!
Ok, the cool facts stop there.....I am not a history buff, and really, all of the places we have went in Europe could only tell you maybe a few facts about each place. I usually leave the history up to Zach and Eric, because both of them relish in "facts" and could tell you a million things about Prague.
Anyone else trying to wrap their head around 1357?
There is so much history on this bridge, from the bell tower to the Baroque statues that line the bridge as you walk across it, and the stories they represent. The bridge now is just for pedestrians and is lined with artists and their goods. Also, it is a place where the starving hope to get some coins.
Here are a few pictures, I have tried to include mostly pictures with my family because I really don't enjoy looking at scenery pictures myself, if I have never been there.
An interesting fact, it is said that when this was re-built in 1357, they included egg yolks in the mortar. It must of worked, because it is still standing thru floods, the last being in 2002!
Ok, the cool facts stop there.....I am not a history buff, and really, all of the places we have went in Europe could only tell you maybe a few facts about each place. I usually leave the history up to Zach and Eric, because both of them relish in "facts" and could tell you a million things about Prague.
Anyone else trying to wrap their head around 1357?
There is so much history on this bridge, from the bell tower to the Baroque statues that line the bridge as you walk across it, and the stories they represent. The bridge now is just for pedestrians and is lined with artists and their goods. Also, it is a place where the starving hope to get some coins.
Here are a few pictures, I have tried to include mostly pictures with my family because I really don't enjoy looking at scenery pictures myself, if I have never been there.
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| Street art adorns the bridge, and this guy was very talented. The Bridge and tower in charcoal. |
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| Here is a picture of St. Charles Bridge from the street |
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| It was so hard to get a picture here, but this is the tower prior to walking across. |
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| Still amazed by the architecture in 1357. On the top of the tower, was a small chapel. |
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| This picture doesn't really capture the view, these seagulls where everywhere off the bridge. |
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| Zachary and Avery on the bridge, Zachary carried his backpack this way because the area is known for pocket thieves. |
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| One of the saddest things in Prague was seeing the homeless on the bridge, and none of them would look up, they all stayed down as he is doing. Avery used her coins to drop in his hat, and everyone started giving him some after she did. I guess the site of a little girl giving gets people to give it up. |
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| One of the Baroque statues that replicate actual statues in Prague. A funny note about Nicky, notice in every picture his coat is velcroed wrong, lol. He seriously is such a boy, he could of cared less. |
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| This picture of Zachary reminds me so much of a picture of Eric and Gary when he was this age. If I have it digitally saved, I will put it on here. Eric is smiling the exact same way. |
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| It is said to say a prayer while holding the gold, and your prayer will be granted. |
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| Avery's heart is one of her best qualities, and she prayed for the man with no food. |
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| At the end of the bridge, it is a free full all for street performers and mimes, and I took a picture of this guy because he seriously creeped me out. He looked right at me as I took the picture.
Lenten Laundry - I am currently re-working our laundry system and will post on this soon!
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Prague Eats
We were so happy we asked. We had to walk about five blocks but soon right in front of us was Umedvidko. It is a very old brewery pub, dating back to 1466! Dating before America was even founded, amazing! And even more interesting, the original Budweiser was created here, however, they did not trademark it. It was then taken to America and the rest is history!
We soon realized this was a favorite of the local crowd and it was pretty full for 2:00 in the afternoon. We found the no-smoking section and sat down in a nice little corner of the restaurant.
Come to find out the Prague is really famous for their beer....even more so than Germany. Many restaurants like Umedvidko (and I still don't know what their name means, the closest translation was "teddy bear") brew their own beer on site and are considered a Microbrewry.
Eric and I both tried one of their house beers, and they were actually good. It isn't at all like the beer we have in America, the closest thing I can compare it to would be a strong brewed ice tea. It was more water than alcohol, and Nic and Zachary both tasted it. Neither of them thought it was good, but neither of them like ice tea either without a sweetener in it. No complaints on them not liking it, and we felt it was better they try it with us than with anybody else in the wrong setting!
As you can see, it is the cutest little bottle and the cap pops off with a loud pop. I REALLY wanted one of these bottles, but you couldn't take them. I thought it would be perfect for an oil in my kitchen!
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| Brown bread was brought to the table and was freshly baked Prague is also known for its hearty fare, and really when I was there I could tell why. Almost every dish included some kind of potato and or cabbage. Very rustic, hearty and earthy food. Literally this meal served us well for the rest of the day walking. |
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| Eric and Zachary both had this dish. Traditional goulash. Not at all like American goulash. The dumplings were bacon stuffed and white bread was used for the "gravy". Both loved it and agreed it was a super fall apart piece of roast. |
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| I had the potato dumplings filled with the famous Prague ham. It was smoked and it was very good. White cabbage was slow cooked and slightly acidic, and the red cabbage was cooked the same, only sweeter. I thought from a culinary standpoint it was interesting how they paired the savory and sweet with the potato and ham. |
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| Nicky had the pork schnitzel and devoured it in about five minutes. He didn't care for the potato salad, but Eric and I both thought it was really good. I actually liked it the best out of everything. It was like an American yellow potato salad, but had soft peas and carrots in it. |
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| Avery had a beef schnitzel. I would say that this was the heartiest of all the food and was so big she couldn't eat it. It wasn't thin like the German schnitzel we are used to and it was somewhat tough. The coleslaw was awesome, very spicy and vinegary, but she didn't like that much. |
This was such a fun afternoon and this meal really hit the spot. I can appreciate the area, the earthy flavors of the culinary fare and how different it was. I know that I could not eat like this everyday, and the Czech's are very hearty people, and I see why. This day is one to definitely keep in the memory books!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Prague- Part 1
We returned home last night from our trip to Prague! This trip was an adventure to say the least. We are all exhausted....
To start with, we booked a loft apartment with Prague Residences off of a recommendation of other American travelers vs a hotel for the reasons I discuss below.
The loft was on the 5th floor of this building. There was a very small elevator taking you to the top, but most of the time we took the stairs.
This building was in the old Jewish part of Prague and was situated among little restaurants and bars. It was beautiful inside, the architecture in Prague is amazing.
We found the location was great and easy to get to, and easy to find using the GPS. It was also across the street from the Intercontinental Hotel, which visually was very nice.
We found that this loft gave us pretty much everything we needed in terms of space/functionality for a family of five. The problem we often find is that European rooms are SMALL.
In deciding whether to book in a hotel or a loft, we choose this option based on some reviews of Hotel rooms. Some issues noted were heavy cigarette smell, which none of us can take.... Another issue was how small the family rooms were, but you pay a much bigger price.
Overall, I think this was the best choice for our family, with a few changes that were simply out of our control.
The below pictures are from the rental site, because I did not even think about taking pictures inside.
Many of the hotel recommendations claimed the noise at night in the hallway was a big problem. Prague is a party city, and I would say the nightlife IS NOT family friendly. However, I thought we may be safe at the lofts because of the recent reviews from Americans staying there weeks at a time.
For Lenten Laundry:
To start with, we booked a loft apartment with Prague Residences off of a recommendation of other American travelers vs a hotel for the reasons I discuss below.
This building was in the old Jewish part of Prague and was situated among little restaurants and bars. It was beautiful inside, the architecture in Prague is amazing.
We found the location was great and easy to get to, and easy to find using the GPS. It was also across the street from the Intercontinental Hotel, which visually was very nice.
We found that this loft gave us pretty much everything we needed in terms of space/functionality for a family of five. The problem we often find is that European rooms are SMALL.
In deciding whether to book in a hotel or a loft, we choose this option based on some reviews of Hotel rooms. Some issues noted were heavy cigarette smell, which none of us can take.... Another issue was how small the family rooms were, but you pay a much bigger price.
Overall, I think this was the best choice for our family, with a few changes that were simply out of our control.
The below pictures are from the rental site, because I did not even think about taking pictures inside.
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| Where Nicky slept, and straight across thru the doors is a bathroom and where Zachary slept |
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| This is a view from the top of the loft. It was a fully functional kitchen, with a washer, microwave and dishwasher. The long door to the right is the fridge. |
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| This is where Eric and I slept, on the bottom floor. On the other side of this room, was a small sofa lounge, where Avery ended up sleeping. Off of this room was a bathroom, and the spiral staircase leading to the upstairs. |
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This was staircase to the loft area and you can see just past the staircase is the entry doorway.
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| This is where Zachary slept |
This loft turned out to be quite an adventure for our family, thanks in part to some crazy drinking Chic's from Denmark next door. Lets just say, they contributed to our being exhausted. This was probably the biggest damper on our trip, because in general this loft was so cool and met all of our needs.
Unfortunately for us, and the two other neighbors on this floor, these girls had no clue about co-habituation with others on this floor. This was completely out of our control, and unfortunately, it is something you deal with in Europe.
Unfortunately for us, and the two other neighbors on this floor, these girls had no clue about co-habituation with others on this floor. This was completely out of our control, and unfortunately, it is something you deal with in Europe.
Many of the hotel recommendations claimed the noise at night in the hallway was a big problem. Prague is a party city, and I would say the nightlife IS NOT family friendly. However, I thought we may be safe at the lofts because of the recent reviews from Americans staying there weeks at a time.
Eric and I came to Europe for the first time when we were 22 and 23. We have our share of "good times" to say the least, but never have we ever acted the way these girls did. They slept all day, and starting partying about 10 pm, right about the time we were all getting ready to get sleep for the day ahead. I have never heard Bobby Brown's "That's my Prerogative" and Brittney Spears "OOPS, I did it again" so many times in my life......and I hope never to hear these songs again.
In an odd coincidence, I do think it taught my kids a little about common courtesy and I feel pretty safe in saying I don't think one of my kids will ever be an obnoxious young adult like these girls were, just by how perturbed they were with their behavior.
In an odd coincidence, I do think it taught my kids a little about common courtesy and I feel pretty safe in saying I don't think one of my kids will ever be an obnoxious young adult like these girls were, just by how perturbed they were with their behavior.
However, the management did refund our two night parking fee of $70.00 for the inconvenience of these crazy girls.
Overall, the pro's outweigh the con's.
Overall, the pro's outweigh the con's.
***Pro's***
*Large enough for family of five
*Was able to cook dinner in the crock pot all day both days, had fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher
*Was able to wash laundry on day 2
*2 Bathrooms / 2 showers
*Wireless
*Centrally located in city
***Cons***:
*Beds were bricks, both of our backs are killing us, but kids thought they were fine
*No soap (luckily, I brought liquid soap)
*Sat TV was in Armenian only
*No control over other people staying in the lofts on your floor
*Parking in alternative slots at 25 Euros a night (this is common in Prague, parking is an issue)
I have a ton of pictures to go thru, and will be posting them as a I get them organized.
For Lenten Laundry:
Organized our office drawers and kids school supply drawers, and have Nicky working on organizing/separating his Lego's.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Road Trip
Brownfamfive is going on a road trip for the long Valentine weekend. We are super excited, because we have never been here before, and have lots of walking and site seeing on our itinerary!
Can you tell where this is?
We hope to post pictures each night, as we are staying in a loft apt in an 18th century building with WIFI..... We are beyond excited for this trip!
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Lenten Laundry Day #1
I reorganized our pantry room. I am way past due in explaining the German kitchens and how "small" they are. By small, I mean small everything...small cupboards, small oven, small kitchen sinks ELF SIZE. There is no space for pantry items in the cupboards, so when looking at this house it was one of the highlights we liked, that it had a small room off the kitchen.
The fridge is very small, and all Active Duty are allotted a 220 volt American size fridge, which fit perfectly in this room. However, the shelves we had for pantry items were more like book shelves and it was driving me crazy. I could never tell what was behind something else, and what I actually had in our pantry.
I just re-organized the pantry items with some new IKEA open shelves and sold the other book shelves.
Notice on my two large shelves, the number of OXO pop top containers. I LOVE THESE! They are initially expensive, but they are a long term investment, and enable you to get rid of boxes and packaging.......
Most important, give you a mental picture of your stock, especially feeding a family of five.
Organization and separation is done, now I just need to label my containers. I will eventually paint the raw wood, but for now these wipe down nicely.
Already this organization feels better, I know where I what I have and what I need just by a glance in the room.
Can you tell where this is?
We are going to PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
We hope to post pictures each night, as we are staying in a loft apt in an 18th century building with WIFI..... We are beyond excited for this trip!
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Lenten Laundry Day #1
I reorganized our pantry room. I am way past due in explaining the German kitchens and how "small" they are. By small, I mean small everything...small cupboards, small oven, small kitchen sinks ELF SIZE. There is no space for pantry items in the cupboards, so when looking at this house it was one of the highlights we liked, that it had a small room off the kitchen.
The fridge is very small, and all Active Duty are allotted a 220 volt American size fridge, which fit perfectly in this room. However, the shelves we had for pantry items were more like book shelves and it was driving me crazy. I could never tell what was behind something else, and what I actually had in our pantry.
I just re-organized the pantry items with some new IKEA open shelves and sold the other book shelves.
Notice on my two large shelves, the number of OXO pop top containers. I LOVE THESE! They are initially expensive, but they are a long term investment, and enable you to get rid of boxes and packaging.......
Most important, give you a mental picture of your stock, especially feeding a family of five.
Organization and separation is done, now I just need to label my containers. I will eventually paint the raw wood, but for now these wipe down nicely.
Already this organization feels better, I know where I what I have and what I need just by a glance in the room.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
$*&@ and Lenten Laundry
Today, Ash Wednesday, is the beginning of Lent.
Each year, palms from last years Palm Sunday are burned to ashes, blessed with holy water and placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross on Ash Wednesday.
This signifies our intent to journey the next 40 days with a conscious heart to begin anew.
Traditionally, Lent tends to be confusing to non-Catholics. It really is more than eating fish on Fridays, and "giving" up something simple for 40 days....and then picking the habit back up again on Day41.
More often than not, I think the misconception is that we just give up a food product:)
I really like to think of it as choosing something that I enjoy maybe to much or even struggle with, and sacrificing that for 40 days, making a true effort to acknowledge and try to change the struggle.
No matter what Christian faith you are, we all know this to be true..... Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for all of us. How insignificant giving something up for 40 days truly is in comparison.
Because of this, Ash Wednesday is the start of a personal journey each year, a reflection of something I need to change, appreciate more, or need less of in my life.
I look at this as a time to grow in my faith, learn more about myself and is also a time of reflection for me as a Mother.... enabling me to help the kids see that no one is perfect on Earth....but it's attempting the change for God that creates your perfectness in his eyes.
Think about how often we do simple things everyday, that we know are not projecting God's love into the world. Or as I will confess here, so mindless and stupid.
For instance, I say "SHIT" way to often. I admit it, it is flaw I have and such a petty one! One of those mindless things, a bad habit that I have gotten into day after day. Some may say "what is the big deal, it is a just word?" come one, there are worse things in life I could be doing, right?
I know.... saying SHIT after slamming my finger isn't huge on the "SIN" meter, but it is still something that bothers me that I do.
I guess I think of it this way....Eric and I live our lives for our kids. Sooner than later, they will be out in the real world and not under our protective wings. Each and every day is an oppurtunity to influence them in the best way we know how. I am not being the best example of self control to them, no matter how insignificant a word may be to others.
I KNOW my kids could be listening, and yet I still do it. It shows a serious lack of self control on my part. I am choosing to do this without really trying to stop..... I knowingly make this choice and it is simply out of habit. So, this is one of my personal struggles.
This year, this will be what I "give up".
Funny, it really doesn't seem like I will be on the losing end , if I manage to not say it for 40 days. Isn't that ironic.....or maybe just God's plan for each of our Lenten journeys, we may all find we actually end up winning by "giving it up".
And I don't think God intends this to be faith based either. Anyone should and could have this journey, whether your Catholic or not.
In addition, I am also going to spend 40 days doing something I am calling "Lenten Laundry".
I am going to "launder" brownfamfives lives, and remove things we do not need and enable us to live a simpler, more efficient life.
Each day, for the next 40 days, I am going to clean and organize one area of our house, one pocket that may or may not need cleaned or organized, but I am going to launder it anyways.
Maybe you will join me? By Easter, we can "rise again" as Jesus did and have more peace and simplicity in our lives!
Each year, palms from last years Palm Sunday are burned to ashes, blessed with holy water and placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross on Ash Wednesday.
This signifies our intent to journey the next 40 days with a conscious heart to begin anew.
Traditionally, Lent tends to be confusing to non-Catholics. It really is more than eating fish on Fridays, and "giving" up something simple for 40 days....and then picking the habit back up again on Day41.
More often than not, I think the misconception is that we just give up a food product:)
I really like to think of it as choosing something that I enjoy maybe to much or even struggle with, and sacrificing that for 40 days, making a true effort to acknowledge and try to change the struggle.
No matter what Christian faith you are, we all know this to be true..... Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for all of us. How insignificant giving something up for 40 days truly is in comparison.
Because of this, Ash Wednesday is the start of a personal journey each year, a reflection of something I need to change, appreciate more, or need less of in my life.
I look at this as a time to grow in my faith, learn more about myself and is also a time of reflection for me as a Mother.... enabling me to help the kids see that no one is perfect on Earth....but it's attempting the change for God that creates your perfectness in his eyes.
Think about how often we do simple things everyday, that we know are not projecting God's love into the world. Or as I will confess here, so mindless and stupid.
For instance, I say "SHIT" way to often. I admit it, it is flaw I have and such a petty one! One of those mindless things, a bad habit that I have gotten into day after day. Some may say "what is the big deal, it is a just word?" come one, there are worse things in life I could be doing, right?
I know.... saying SHIT after slamming my finger isn't huge on the "SIN" meter, but it is still something that bothers me that I do.
I guess I think of it this way....Eric and I live our lives for our kids. Sooner than later, they will be out in the real world and not under our protective wings. Each and every day is an oppurtunity to influence them in the best way we know how. I am not being the best example of self control to them, no matter how insignificant a word may be to others.
I KNOW my kids could be listening, and yet I still do it. It shows a serious lack of self control on my part. I am choosing to do this without really trying to stop..... I knowingly make this choice and it is simply out of habit. So, this is one of my personal struggles.
This year, this will be what I "give up".
Funny, it really doesn't seem like I will be on the losing end , if I manage to not say it for 40 days. Isn't that ironic.....or maybe just God's plan for each of our Lenten journeys, we may all find we actually end up winning by "giving it up".
And I don't think God intends this to be faith based either. Anyone should and could have this journey, whether your Catholic or not.
In addition, I am also going to spend 40 days doing something I am calling "Lenten Laundry".
I am going to "launder" brownfamfives lives, and remove things we do not need and enable us to live a simpler, more efficient life.
Each day, for the next 40 days, I am going to clean and organize one area of our house, one pocket that may or may not need cleaned or organized, but I am going to launder it anyways.
Maybe you will join me? By Easter, we can "rise again" as Jesus did and have more peace and simplicity in our lives!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday Best
I love Sundays, lazy slow days, waking up later than usual and just lounging around. Before we moved to Germany, we were always out the door by 8:30 am to catch the 9 am Mass with Father Dan. And we loved that, our days were almost flipped, and the rest of Sundays would be lazy days with afternoon dinners.
But here, our Mass is no longer just down the road, and it takes almost thirty minutes just to get to Mass by the time we factor in the drive, ID checks at the gate, parking at the Chapel and getting a seat big enough for the family in the chapel.
I am ashamed to say that 9 a.m is so hard to do here!
So, since arriving in Germany we tend to go to the Sunday 5pm Mass. It is a great way to end the weekend, and feel blessed for the week. The only problem was getting out of Mass at 6:15, we wouldn't get home until at least 6:45.
More times than not we would find ourselves at the KMCC (community mall) eating pizza on Sunday nights, or cooking and eating at 8:30 on a school night.
And Monday mornings are hard.....so this just wasn't cutting it.
So I started keeping an eye out for easy Crockpot meals I could throw in Sunday mornings, after breakfast and just not mess with until we walked back in the door... ready to eat. It seems to be working and I LOVE IT!
This is one of my favorites, and food photographer I am not! In other words.... this soup taste much better than my picture looks!
I do admit I don't know how often I would make this in Georgia, maybe just a few months out of the year, because it is so cold here, and not so much there. But until then, it is remaining in my rotation!
Italian Wedding Soup (or Meatball Soup) is really just one of the easier soups I make and it taste so good with fresh grated Parmesan.
Italian Wedding Soup
(I throw this together, so my measurements are not as a normal recipe would be. I have a large Crockpot, that I put on High for one hour, and then reduce to Med for 3-4 hours or more)
*In a large Crockpot turned on high, fill 3/4 way with half chicken broth and half beef broth.
I use the broth base that is kept in the fridge, and you add it to boiling water. Boil your water, and make approx 2-3 cups of each. I just mix it all in the Crockpot together, both chicken and beef.
This is your broth.
*Clean and slice 4 large organic carrots into rounds, toss in. Add a handful of organic baby spinach.
*Add a bay leaf, some dried thyme and a pinch of dried herbs de province.
*Make your meatballs in a separate bowl. I make my meatballs by eye, mixing dried onion, Lawry's seasoning salt, Lawry's garlic salt, pepper, seasoned bread crumbs, 95% Healthy Choice ground sirloin, grated Parmesan and half and half. I mix this up with my hands and get it very well combined. It will be wet, but needs to hold its shape.
*From this point, you make small meatballs and toss into the hot broth water. Once your finished with the last meatball, cover and let simmer 1 hour, stirring only occasionally after the initial 15 minutes.
(Note: if you are not making your broth from hot water, you need to heat the broth up initially, because the raw meat needs to enter a hot broth to start cooking)
*At this point, once everything is added, I add 1 cup of Orzo pasta. This pasta swells large and melts in your mouth. Some may want a more chewier pasta, so you could cook and add an hour before serving, but my family likes how big the orzo gets and how soft it is. But what is so great, is that any pasta can be used. I always prefer to cook my pasta in the broth, but some may want to cook first and add later.
*Cook at least 4 hours in the crockpot, reducing the heat to med after an hour. Serve with grated Parmesan.
I hope you give it a try, and enjoy like we do!
But here, our Mass is no longer just down the road, and it takes almost thirty minutes just to get to Mass by the time we factor in the drive, ID checks at the gate, parking at the Chapel and getting a seat big enough for the family in the chapel.
I am ashamed to say that 9 a.m is so hard to do here!
So, since arriving in Germany we tend to go to the Sunday 5pm Mass. It is a great way to end the weekend, and feel blessed for the week. The only problem was getting out of Mass at 6:15, we wouldn't get home until at least 6:45.
More times than not we would find ourselves at the KMCC (community mall) eating pizza on Sunday nights, or cooking and eating at 8:30 on a school night.
And Monday mornings are hard.....so this just wasn't cutting it.
So I started keeping an eye out for easy Crockpot meals I could throw in Sunday mornings, after breakfast and just not mess with until we walked back in the door... ready to eat. It seems to be working and I LOVE IT!
This is one of my favorites, and food photographer I am not! In other words.... this soup taste much better than my picture looks!
I do admit I don't know how often I would make this in Georgia, maybe just a few months out of the year, because it is so cold here, and not so much there. But until then, it is remaining in my rotation!
Italian Wedding Soup (or Meatball Soup) is really just one of the easier soups I make and it taste so good with fresh grated Parmesan.
Italian Wedding Soup
(I throw this together, so my measurements are not as a normal recipe would be. I have a large Crockpot, that I put on High for one hour, and then reduce to Med for 3-4 hours or more)
*In a large Crockpot turned on high, fill 3/4 way with half chicken broth and half beef broth.
I use the broth base that is kept in the fridge, and you add it to boiling water. Boil your water, and make approx 2-3 cups of each. I just mix it all in the Crockpot together, both chicken and beef.
This is your broth.
*Clean and slice 4 large organic carrots into rounds, toss in. Add a handful of organic baby spinach.
*Add a bay leaf, some dried thyme and a pinch of dried herbs de province.
*Make your meatballs in a separate bowl. I make my meatballs by eye, mixing dried onion, Lawry's seasoning salt, Lawry's garlic salt, pepper, seasoned bread crumbs, 95% Healthy Choice ground sirloin, grated Parmesan and half and half. I mix this up with my hands and get it very well combined. It will be wet, but needs to hold its shape.
*From this point, you make small meatballs and toss into the hot broth water. Once your finished with the last meatball, cover and let simmer 1 hour, stirring only occasionally after the initial 15 minutes.
(Note: if you are not making your broth from hot water, you need to heat the broth up initially, because the raw meat needs to enter a hot broth to start cooking)
*At this point, once everything is added, I add 1 cup of Orzo pasta. This pasta swells large and melts in your mouth. Some may want a more chewier pasta, so you could cook and add an hour before serving, but my family likes how big the orzo gets and how soft it is. But what is so great, is that any pasta can be used. I always prefer to cook my pasta in the broth, but some may want to cook first and add later.
*Cook at least 4 hours in the crockpot, reducing the heat to med after an hour. Serve with grated Parmesan.
I hope you give it a try, and enjoy like we do!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Divine Diversions
I recently subscribed to "Our Daily Bread" via email. For those of you who aren't familiar, it is a nice daily devotional usually found at Mass. Now that I can get it on my Iphone, it is even better!
I am the type of person who likes to read something, ponder on it all day, and try to relate it to my life as much as I can.
The message this morning was labeled "Divine Diversions"...
Hmmm, Brownfamfive does know about that subject first hand.....
I was also reading another Army wives blog this week, and she was disheartened that their families Army orders got changed from Colorado to Texas.
I sooo understand! Ft. Hood has always been someplace we had no desire to be stationed. Ironically, we too were put on orders to Ft. Hood in May 2006. After accepting that we were going to Texas ( thru self motivation to suck it up and God knows best), we then got word that we were instead being re-routed to Atlanta, GA.
What....God, COME ON!! What is this crazy plan you are throwing us into? Why on earth are you sending us to inner city Atlanta with three little kids?
I didn't want to go to Ft. Hood, but I REALLY didn't want to go to Ft. Mcpherson.
But......
This is ultimately how we ended up in Newnan, GA. A place where God would become such a prevalent part of our lives, where my entire family would end up making lasting friendships and who would of known, where we will now always call home.
That is Divine Diversion.
Did we see this right away? Oh, no....it took quite awhile for us to realize those diversions, or as I like to see them, directions.
Do we understand everything that has happened in Eric's career and our lives? Not in this lifetime! The "why's" are still there, always will be, and will probably never be answered.
But, maybe that is how it is supposed to be......All I know is that God led us to where we were supposed to be then.... And so when our retirement was denied last year, this was the first thing I thought of and pulled strength from.
How adamantly we were against coming to Atlanta, but how fruitful it really had been in our lives.
Eric and I are completely content with letting God be the chauffeur, and giving us these diversions as needed.
God knows that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original plans.
Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to conform to Yours. You have greater things in store for us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.
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I am the type of person who likes to read something, ponder on it all day, and try to relate it to my life as much as I can.
The message this morning was labeled "Divine Diversions"...
Hmmm, Brownfamfive does know about that subject first hand.....
I was also reading another Army wives blog this week, and she was disheartened that their families Army orders got changed from Colorado to Texas.
I sooo understand! Ft. Hood has always been someplace we had no desire to be stationed. Ironically, we too were put on orders to Ft. Hood in May 2006. After accepting that we were going to Texas ( thru self motivation to suck it up and God knows best), we then got word that we were instead being re-routed to Atlanta, GA.
What....God, COME ON!! What is this crazy plan you are throwing us into? Why on earth are you sending us to inner city Atlanta with three little kids?
I didn't want to go to Ft. Hood, but I REALLY didn't want to go to Ft. Mcpherson.
But......
This is ultimately how we ended up in Newnan, GA. A place where God would become such a prevalent part of our lives, where my entire family would end up making lasting friendships and who would of known, where we will now always call home.
That is Divine Diversion.
Did we see this right away? Oh, no....it took quite awhile for us to realize those diversions, or as I like to see them, directions.
Leaving, coming back, losing loved ones, relationships lost, re-building relationships, friendships, happiness, heartaches, deployments, smiles, good memories, homecomings..... These all could describe the last few years for each of us at one point or another.
Do we understand everything that has happened in Eric's career and our lives? Not in this lifetime! The "why's" are still there, always will be, and will probably never be answered.
But, maybe that is how it is supposed to be......All I know is that God led us to where we were supposed to be then.... And so when our retirement was denied last year, this was the first thing I thought of and pulled strength from.
How adamantly we were against coming to Atlanta, but how fruitful it really had been in our lives.
Eric and I are completely content with letting God be the chauffeur, and giving us these diversions as needed.
God knows that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original plans.
Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to conform to Yours. You have greater things in store for us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.
**Think of Joseph.... God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s chosen people from starvation.
**Or of Moses... who was diverted from the luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in preparation to lead God’s people toward the Promised Land.
**Or of Joseph and Mary... to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called Jesus.
**Or of Joseph and Mary... to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called Jesus.
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Friday, February 8, 2013
OK, we surrender!
Day 7 of this bug, and still not back 100 percent. But, the most important thing is it never took me completely down, however, it has sort of wrecked havoc on my family.....
Zachary- carrier from school, breezed thru and back to normal in 1 1/2 days
(we know this because his friend Riley was really sick with it)
Nicholas - NOT AFFECTED (must be the gallon of milk he drinks a day)
Avery - she was diagnosed with an ear/sinus infection yesterday, but luckily never even got a cough
Eric- Coughing, congestion, need for soup, comforting and as much maid service as possible :)
Ronda- All of the above, and then some. I still have a "whooping cough" barking from chest when I cough, but it is getting better.
Lajja and Sami- completely not affected and still playing in the midnight hours
Ok unwanted virus from hell, we surrender, you won! Now never come back, we are good to go for 2013!! Like I mentioned earlier, I don't do sick well, and not because of why you might think....I really, really don't have time to be sick!
In the past week, quite of few nice things have happened. For instance, Avery had her Honors Assembly before she got sick. She knew, but didn't tell Eric and I that she was getting an award for all A's Honor Roll. This is a step up from her last award, which was Honor roll. She continues to believe in herself, which is most important to us.
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
We are super proud of you, and you are rocking thru 4th grade! She is working seriously close to doubling her Lexile reading score just since school started, and she really has the best teachers this year, LOVE THEM ALL!
Here is sweet picture of her and Ms. Young, her main teacher. Don't you love the look of modesty and puppy dog eyes on Avery's face:) I know, I know, All A's! When inside she is really jumping up and down!
Zachary- carrier from school, breezed thru and back to normal in 1 1/2 days
(we know this because his friend Riley was really sick with it)
Nicholas - NOT AFFECTED (must be the gallon of milk he drinks a day)
Avery - she was diagnosed with an ear/sinus infection yesterday, but luckily never even got a cough
Eric- Coughing, congestion, need for soup, comforting and as much maid service as possible :)
Ronda- All of the above, and then some. I still have a "whooping cough" barking from chest when I cough, but it is getting better.
Lajja and Sami- completely not affected and still playing in the midnight hours
Ok unwanted virus from hell, we surrender, you won! Now never come back, we are good to go for 2013!! Like I mentioned earlier, I don't do sick well, and not because of why you might think....I really, really don't have time to be sick!
In the past week, quite of few nice things have happened. For instance, Avery had her Honors Assembly before she got sick. She knew, but didn't tell Eric and I that she was getting an award for all A's Honor Roll. This is a step up from her last award, which was Honor roll. She continues to believe in herself, which is most important to us.
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
We are super proud of you, and you are rocking thru 4th grade! She is working seriously close to doubling her Lexile reading score just since school started, and she really has the best teachers this year, LOVE THEM ALL!
Here is sweet picture of her and Ms. Young, her main teacher. Don't you love the look of modesty and puppy dog eyes on Avery's face:) I know, I know, All A's! When inside she is really jumping up and down!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Cold and A Cold
It is so COLDDDDDD! How can a person who grew up in cold, be SO NOT USED to cold? I am miserably cold and I have a.......COLD!
Zach came out to the car on Wed, plopped in the front seat and said "I am getting sick". I said "Really, you never get sick?!" So he had some soup, he went to bed early, coughed thru the night and magically seemed to bounce back by Friday after school. He just has the remnants of a cold now.
I wasn't really worried about getting the cold, because I never get sick sick, I usually just push thru it, like EVERY other mother I know!
But......while driving on Friday afternoon I realized I was cold in the car and I had the heat on 90 degrees. What's wrong with me, my cheeks were on fire, but everything else is COLD!
It may have been my self meditation of " you can not get sick, we renew our vows Saturday night at the Army Chapel" or "it is date night Sat at a nice Italian restaurant" that helped me make it thru. I lived on cough drops all night long at Mass and dinner, and thought to my self, just a little cold can't keep me down, I am fine, I will be fine!
Then I opened my eyes on Sunday, and suddenly just thinking hurt. I FEEL AWFUL!!!! It is the type of cold that burrows in your chest, hurts to cough, stuffs up your noise and just makes you feel like your head is a floating balloon with a face on it.
I have actually snapped at the kids, "quit talking it is echoing in my head".....they look at me like an alien has replaced their mother and then they quietly ask "whats for dinner"?
I can barely hear anything from the congestion in my head, but can hear everything magnified, does that make sense? None of my jobs have stopped, so I am working sick. Where is my Workman's comp here?
Go away Mr. Cold, please don't visit anyone else in my family...and please, please, please not Eric because he goes out of commission when he is sick.....go away and let me be WARM, let me breath without it hurting and let me think again without wincing in pain!
When I feel better, I will post how great Saturday was renewing our vows and how thankful we are for such a great night provided by Father Matt, until then send me warming wishes!
Zach came out to the car on Wed, plopped in the front seat and said "I am getting sick". I said "Really, you never get sick?!" So he had some soup, he went to bed early, coughed thru the night and magically seemed to bounce back by Friday after school. He just has the remnants of a cold now.
I wasn't really worried about getting the cold, because I never get sick sick, I usually just push thru it, like EVERY other mother I know!
But......while driving on Friday afternoon I realized I was cold in the car and I had the heat on 90 degrees. What's wrong with me, my cheeks were on fire, but everything else is COLD!
It may have been my self meditation of " you can not get sick, we renew our vows Saturday night at the Army Chapel" or "it is date night Sat at a nice Italian restaurant" that helped me make it thru. I lived on cough drops all night long at Mass and dinner, and thought to my self, just a little cold can't keep me down, I am fine, I will be fine!
Then I opened my eyes on Sunday, and suddenly just thinking hurt. I FEEL AWFUL!!!! It is the type of cold that burrows in your chest, hurts to cough, stuffs up your noise and just makes you feel like your head is a floating balloon with a face on it.
I have actually snapped at the kids, "quit talking it is echoing in my head".....they look at me like an alien has replaced their mother and then they quietly ask "whats for dinner"?
I can barely hear anything from the congestion in my head, but can hear everything magnified, does that make sense? None of my jobs have stopped, so I am working sick. Where is my Workman's comp here?
Go away Mr. Cold, please don't visit anyone else in my family...and please, please, please not Eric because he goes out of commission when he is sick.....go away and let me be WARM, let me breath without it hurting and let me think again without wincing in pain!
When I feel better, I will post how great Saturday was renewing our vows and how thankful we are for such a great night provided by Father Matt, until then send me warming wishes!
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