Missy Goes Swimming

A kind reader asked about Missy and wanted me to give an update.  Missy is doing well these days.  She is now 6 1/2 years old, and she is slowing down a bit these days.  During the spring, Missy sheds an enormous amount of dog hair.  It is everywhere.  I brush, vacuum, and brush again.  This is a daily adventure in our house, and we are still afraid to wear dark colors.  This is the very reason that Missy will be our first and last English Mastiff.  I can handle everything about her except the mounds of dog hair in the spring and fall.  What is a frustrated pet owner to do?  This frustrated pet owner took her to the pond and encouraged her to swim.  I was thinking that maybe some of the hair would wash away.

We have avoided introducing Missy to the pond.  What is worse than dog hair?  The answer...a 220 pound wet dog with wet dog hair!  I overcame my fear of a large wet beast frolicking in my house and took her for a swim.  She was unsure at first.  She wanted to make sure we were watching her.  After all, if she needed to be rescued she wanted to know that we were available.

She eventually worked up the courage to actually swim.  She also realized that she could have a good time without over exerting herself, which was a positive from her perspective.  Now all I have to do is figure out a way to have her use a bar of soap!  By the way, the battle of the dog hair is still being fought on a daily basis in our home.  My advice to you...if you come to visit me don't wear black!

grace and peace,
julie

Back Again

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind for the York household.  Between baseball games and basketball practice, I haven't figured out if I am coming or going.  Our computer also got damaged by lightening so that was another reason that I have been so quiet. 

What have you missed?  Well, Spring Break has come and gone.  We enjoyed a week of being at home without all the responsibilities of school.  However, Jacob still played baseball throughout the week.  Easter has also come and gone.  I served Easter dinner on our front porch this year.  The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the company of our neighbors for the day.  I have also discovered several new recipes that I want to share when time is more abundant.  Oh, we have added our first "critters" to the farm.  (If you have read my blog for any length of time, these are the same critters that I really don't like.  However, I do enjoy what they produce so we have given them a home).  We have also planted part of our garden, but we have a lot left to do! 

I hope to post more often.  Until then...

grace and peace,
julie

A Spring Smile

The first thing I noticed this afternoon when I drove up the driveway was my tulips were starting to bloom.  I promised myself I would let them grow this year instead of using them for cut flowers.  As you can see, that promise didn't last long!  Michael said that it was going to rain tomorrow, so I decided to cut them.  I didn't have enough blooms to make a pretty arrangement.  Therefore, I used them in votive candle holders.  I wanted to add another touch of spring so I included some pretty Meyer Lemons.  I love the feel of spring I brought to my house in a matter of 5 minutes.  I am glad I broke the promise to myself  because I smile every time I look at the tulips!

grace and peace,
julie

Looking for Answers

I know it is Sunday morning and we are supposed to be getting ready for church, but there is a stomach virus in the house so we will be staying home today.  With a bit of free time on my hands, I started thinking about our landscaping, which is pretty much nonexistent.  Last year, Michael added my bell and Jacob built a pretty border out of stones around the bell.  I planted a plethora of seeds, and I fully expected a flower bed like they show in the magazines.  My flowers were beautiful, but there were also a lot of weeds as well.  I overlooked the weeds and chose to enjoy the flowers. This year I would like to solve the weed problem so I can really enjoy the flowers.  I am just not sure how to prevent the weeds from growing with my seeds.  We tilled the area well before planting the seeds.  I did my best to weed by hand, but obviously that wasn't very effective.
I have considered putting plastic down in the area and just buying plants, but I like the look of a cottage garden full of different flowers.  The cheapest way to get the look I desire is to plant seeds, but then I still will have weeds.  Do you have any suggestions to help me?  How do y'all handle these types of flower gardens?  Do the magazines all lie to us?  Can you really have a flower garden planted from seeds without all the weeds?  I don't know, but I sure would like to find out!

grace and peace,
julie

Spring Eye Candy

Michael and I were invited the other day to view a greenhouse FULL of orchids.  The beauty of the flowers took my breath away, and it was a cherished break in the dull weather of winter.  I had no idea there were so many types/varieties of orchids.

I thought I would give you a bit of spring eye candy to enjoy!  I don't know about where you live, but we are experiencing the beauty of spring in our corner of the world.  The Bradford Pear trees are in bloom along with the daffodils.  I am hoping to go for a long walk this weekend to enjoy some more of the Lord's handiwork!

grace and peace,
julie

Spring Fever

Spring Fever has taken over my mind as of late.  I am ready to be outside and enjoy the beauty that the Lord has provided for us to enjoy.  Missy and I have ventured out for some walks.  I didn't intend to take her with me, but she didn't intend to be left behind.  I was afraid that a 2 mile jaunt may be more than she could handle, but she was willing and able.

I also have been stealing out to our front porch at any available opportunity.  I am ready to make it my sanctuary once again.  I have missed my quiet time listening to the birds and relaxing.  I am well aware of the fact that March seems to always provide a bit of uncertainty with the weather, but I am holding good thoughts for a beautiful spring to quickly come our way!

grace and peace,
julie

Dinner Made Easy

Perhaps my biggest challenge with my new job is dinner.  I still want to provide a good dinner, but I no longer have the time to spend the day in the kitchen.  (Instead, I am spending my day in the classroom)!  My kids will tell you I never cook anymore.  Don't believe them...they are lying.  Let me qualify...I don't make homemade bread or desserts unless it is on the weekends anymore.  However, I still make a evening meal almost every night.  Those kids don't consider it a meal unless it comes complete with homemade bread, dessert, and sweet tea!  I on the other hand don't consider it a meal unless there is something green on my plate.  I like vegetables so I expect to see them at every meal.   Lucky for me I am the cook, so what I say goes!

Tonight I am in a bit of a hurry so I turned to a quick meal that my kids and I both like.  My husband, not so much, because he doesn't really like chicken.  Oh well, you can't make everybody happy!

Baked Chicken Breasts

I take a bag of chicken breasts.  Thaw until they are easy to slice.  I slice down the middle like a butterfly cut.  This makes each breast thinner.  It is also easier if they are still a bit on the frozen side.  I put them on my broiler pan.  I drizzle with olive oil and then add spices.  Some nights I might choose a Mrs. Dash flavor or Cavender's. Other nights I will choose Montreal Chicken Seasoning. When my herb garden is in full swing, I might just grab some fresh herbs and use those sprinkled with some Kosher Salt.  It isn't rocket science..just use the herbs that your family likes.  I then bake it at 375 until done.  It takes less than 30 minutes in my oven. I serve it was a large green salad.  If it were on a weekend, I would make some homemade bread and a dessert to dress it up a bit...oh wait, I wouldn't serve this dish on a weekend.  This is just my go to weekday meal plan!

grace and peace,
julie

Still Alive and Busy

Just so you didn't think that maybe I dropped off the face of the earth or that an entire room full of dirty laundry swallowed me up, I thought I would write a quick note.   All is well here in our "one wild and precious life."  Things keep coming at me that consume my good intentions.  You know those things known as the logistics of living.  I will try and do better about writing, but I also tell myself that about cleaning the house too!  The difference is that I miss writing, but I can live without cleaning.

grace and peace,
julie

Just so you know, the "one wild and precious life" is taken from a poem by Mary Oliver.  I don't want to be accused of plagiarism!

One Less Worry

When we moved to Rhea County a little over a year and a half ago, I spent many hours bemoaning the fact that my children would not have close relationships with other adults in their lives.  I especially felt sad about Josh because he was caught in between.  He had those people in Greene County...  the ones that could love on him and scold him in the same breath.  I never expected him to find those kind of adults here in our new home.  I didn't think Josh would allow himself to develop those kinds of relationships, and I was even more concerned that the people in Rhea County wouldn't take the time to build those kind of relationships with my kids. 

I am happy to report that I was wrong.  People have not only learned our names, but they have developed relationships with our kids.  Good relationships that allow them to love on our children and to scold them when necessary.  I was reminded of this last night as we helped with a large baseball fundraiser.  I had the opportunity to talk with several people that my kids know better than I do.  These people know my kids at their best, but they have also seen them making mistakes.  In other words, they know the good and the bad!  I am so thankful for the people that have poured into my kids' lives.  Michael and I pour everything we have to give, but then other people come in and add more, which adds something special to the mix.

As we listened last night to Cory Gearrin, a native of Rhea County who plays baseball for the Atlanta Braves, I realized just how much others have an input into our children.  Cory took the time to honor his own parents, but he also took the time to share just how much the other people of Rhea County had influenced him.  The teachers, coaches, parents of his friends, as well as others helped grow him into the man that he is today.

The above picture says it all for my son. She is a mom to one of Joshua's friends.  She took the time to get to know Josh.  She has fed him, laughed with him, cared about him, and yes, scolded him when needed.  She has poured into him good things as well as good memories.  By the way, she is just one of many that have done the same thing for him.

I wish I had known the outcome a year and a half ago when we left on this journey.  I wouldn't have shed so many tears about moving, and I wouldn't have made such a long list of things  that concerned me.

 I am thankful that I have one less thing to worry about...

grace and peace,
julie

2011 York Family Year In Review

Our children got to enjoy snow the first winter that we were in our new home.  They even had their first ever horse drawn ride with our neighbor and his dog.

The brothers found a new place to call home and shoot guns.

Spring came and Josh went to the prom.  No, his date wasn't this cutie pie, but it was her sister.  By the way, this little girl still refers to Josh as hers.

Spring also brought us our first garden here in our new home.  By the way, it was probably the best garden that we have ever had.

The end of May brought Jacob graduating from middle school and heading into high school. 

Summer brought Missy posting herself on guard on the front porch.  She enjoyed watching the birds and the kids play.  She doesn't like the heat very much so she has become more of a porch dog as she gets older.

Summer also brought about a bad eye report for our youngest son.  This required us to patch his good eye.  We bought him a sword and a hook, and called him Captain Fatbaby.

Summer gave way to a new school year.  This school year rocked our world with me getting a job at our local high school as a teacher.  By the way, I am loving it!

The garden kept producing and I kept canning even though I was now working full time.  Michael also took his spot in the kitchen as the garden kept gifting us with beautiful treasures.

We celebrated our daughter's 13th birthday.  She also has been wearing braces for over a year now.

We watched our boys play football and our daughter play basketball.  We celebrated Joshua's football season as well as his 18th birthday.  With his birthday came the signing of papers for him to become a Marine. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with family this year.  We then came together to celebrate Christmas with just the 7 of us on Christmas day here in our home.  The end of the year has seen us resting, relaxing, traveling, studying, cleaning, hunting, and cooking. 

I hope you stick around to see what the new year brings for our family.  I fully expect animals to come to our property this year.  The only two things Jacob asked for this year for Christmas were sheep and a German Shepherd puppy.  He didn't get either this year, but I have a sneaky feeling that next year he will have some animals to enjoy.

 Happy New Year!!!!!

grace and peace,
julie

Christmas 2011 and Some News

Christmas came and went once again this year.  Here is a short recap of how our family celebrated the Christmas season.

Hope and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen fixing all the goodies. 

There was a lot of laughing and eating this year.

Our Christmas tree was decorated right after Thanksgiving while our college son was home.

We then loaded up the suburban with all 7 of us plus our son's girlfriend and headed to Kentucky to celebrate with our family there.  Missy stayed home alone this year.  Our neighbor came and checked on her while we were gone.



We had Christmas with Michael's side of the family.  The next day we celebrated with my side of the family.

Hope enjoyed her second cousin a lot.  I enjoyed him too!  I also got to spend time with my niece and nephew.

My brother and I even took time out for a photo.

We traveled back home and waited another week to celebrate our family Christmas here in our home.  Matthew came home again.

This was about the best I could do with our family Christmas photo.  These kids just aren't very cooperative first thing in the morning! 

 I enjoyed the last few weeks so much.  This Christmas was extra special to me this year.  First, it has been 7 years since all of our kids have been in Kentucky together to celebrate Christmas there.  This Christmas has the potential to be the last Christmas for awhile that all 5 of my kids will be home to celebrate.  Joshua enlisted in the Marines, and only the Lord knows where he will be next year.  I tried to savor each and every laugh, conversation, hug, and memory that was made this year.  While I am very proud of our son, the reality of him leaving home soon hits this mamma's heart hard.

Josh wanted a guitar and lessons this year for Christmas.  We were happy to comply with that request.  It has been awhile since he took piano lessons.  I look forward to hearing him learn to play guitar!  I don't look forward to August when he leaves for boot camp!

grace and peace,
julie

A Bean Bag Chair and an English Mastiff



Seth and Missy have been enjoying a lazy afternoon.  Somebody left Hope's bean bag chair in the living room.  I guess Missy thought it was a large pillow so she helped herself.  Then along came Seth with a video game and decided to use both the bean bag chair and Missy.  They spent all afternoon in this position! 

grace and peace,

julie

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! 

grace and peace,
julie

Crock Pot Peanut Clusters Recipe

I would have never tried this recipe if I hadn't eaten the peanut clusters first.  With one bite, I knew I had to have the recipe.  My sister-in-law was more than happy to share.  She is good like that.  This maybe the easiest candy recipe out there.  I know it is a bit on the expensive side to make, but it does make a lot of clusters.  My cake plate is almost empty, but there were a lot more on there just a few days before.  Hope you enjoy this one!

Peanut Clusters

12 oz can unsalted peanuts, dry roasted
12 oz can salted peanuts, dry roasted
1 bar German chocolate (green box found in the baking aisle)
1/3 bag of peanut butter chips  (found in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips)
1 bag chocolate chips
1 and a half block of white chocolate (this is the candy quick found in the baking aisle or almond bark)

Layer in crock pot as listed.  Cook on warm for 2 1/2 hours.  Stir together, then drop on wax paper in clusters and cool. 

grace and peace,
julie

The Simple Joy of a Gracious Southern Christmas

I saw a quote in a magazine the other day, and it touched my heart enough to share it with you. 

"May you enjoy the simple joy of a gracious southern Christmas." 

When I first read it, I was struck by two different thoughts.  The first thought was about the SIMPLE joy.  Too often, Christmas becomes crazy and anything but simple.  I like a simple Christmas.  Actually, I like a simple holiday season.   Your definition of simple and mine may be quite different.  I find it pleasurable and simple to putter in the kitchen making holiday candy with my daughter.  You may find that task deplorable and stressful.  You may enjoy knitting or sewing.  I would rather go to the dentist than to sew anything!  It is up to each of us to find the balance between a simple Christmas and the responsibilities that come with the holiday season. 

The second thing that caught my attention with the above quote was the "gracious southern Christmas."  I know what that looks like in the magazines.  I also know what that looks like on t.v.  But what does that look like for me in real life?  First, I want my house in order.  It doesn't have to be spotless, but it does have to be clean.  I enjoy burning candles in the evening and watching the Christmas lights twinkle.  I enjoy gathering with my kids and watching Christmas shows on t.v.  I enjoy cooking big meals and baking goodies.  I enjoy spending time with my kids and their friends around the dinner table.  I enjoy being with my husband.  A gracious southern Christmas isn't one of perfectionism, but one that enjoys each and every moment of the holiday season. 

grace and peace,
julie

Christmas Broccoli

This has been the first year that I have harvested fall vegetables during the Christmas season.  Our broccoli is glorious this year.  We have enjoyed broccoli soup along with plenty of broccoli and cheese as a side dish.  I also harvested lots of romaine lettuce and buttercrunch lettuce.  Our collard greens have produced in abundance as well.  Our cabbage is the only thing that hasn't grown to completion yet. 

When you walk past our fall garden, it looks kind of sorry at this point.  However, it is still producing and we are still enjoying the goodies.  My rosemary, oregano, and mint are also still hanging in there from this summer's garden.  Next year I would like to add green peas to the fall garden. 

I know that Christmas isn't even here yet, but I am already thinking about my spring and summer garden.  In just a few short weeks, I will be planting my seeds for the beginning of the spring garden. 

grace and peace,
julie

Hot Cocoa Mix

Winter time in our home brings traditions for our family.  While I love the summer time and all the business of the garden and outside fun, I also treasure the slower winter months.  You might find me curled up on the couch reading a good book or our family huddled together on the couch watching a good movie.  Whatever the case may be, you can be certain to find hot cocoa mix sitting on our counter waiting to be enjoyed by one of the kids.  I LOVE this mix stirred into a cup of warm milk.  It is truly a decadent treat.  My children stir it into a mug of warm water, and my husband has been known to add it to his coffee for a mocha type treat.  If my hips would allow, I would partake of this cup of goodness every day.   I hope you enjoy!

Hot Cocoa Mix

1 Box Powder Milk
1 Regular size Coffee Mate Creamer
1 Regular size Nestle Quick Powder Mix
1 1/2 cups Powder Sugar

Mix all together and store in an airtight container.  To make a cup of cocoa, mix 1 mug of warm water or warm milk to 1/2 cup of mix.

grace and peace,
julie

Help with Header Image, Please

Has anyone else had any problem with their header image?  One day everything was fine, and then the next day my picture had shrunk without me changing anything.  Now every time I try to add an image to my header it shrinks. Any help with this would be appreciated!

grace and peace,
julie

Husband Comes to My Rescue

I love my husband's Droid phone. He uses it to surf the web while he deer hunts.   Apparently he just found my latest post, which happened about 15 minutes ago, and decided to offer his help for my meal list.  I guess he panicked at the thought of eating fast food/pizza again this upcoming week.  Here are his ideas:

1.  Broccoli Soup and Sandwiches  (apparently broccoli soup by itself is an incomplete meal)
2.  Grilled Mushroom Swiss Burgers
3.  Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with a good tomato (Where in the world does one find a good tomato in December)?
4.  Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies 
5  Ravioli Casserole, Salad
6.  Chili Dogs
7.  Meatball Subs  (I am going to change that to Sausage and Peppers.  I just need a good bottle of wine to make this dish).
8. Grilled Pork Chops and Veggie Side Dishes
9. Chicken and Dumplings

Notice Michael's meal list.  What does almost every meal contain?  MEAT... He doesn't even take the time to spell out what veggies sound good to him!  My men are truly carnivores!  I am just thankful for the ideas.  Any ideas that you may want to contribute, please feel free.  I still have several slots left for dinner for two weeks!

grace and peace,
julie

Help! I Need Meal Ideas

Our house is all decked out in its Christmas attire.  I am so thankful that we accomplished this task the Saturday/Sunday after Thanksgiving.  I ended up getting sick this past week, and I haven't been much good for anything.  I haven't cooked the last three days.  I think this is a personal record for me, but I just haven't felt up to making a meal.  Pizza Hut has come to our rescue as well as a few fast food joints.  I am hoping to put a list together today so my husband and I can go shopping.  I don't think I have enough energy to do it by myself.  This bug has really gotten me down.  I am even having a hard time coming up with something yummy to cook for the upcoming meals.  The only thing that sounds really good to me is broccoli soup.  Lucky for me, I cut our garden broccoli the other day before I got sick so I have plenty of fresh broccoli for my soup. 

As I have been curled up under a blanket on the couch, I have so enjoyed the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.  I can focus on the huge tree instead of all the mess that is piling up around me.  I did hear my husband and son up early this morning.  They were doing dishes and laundry before heading out to deer hunt this morning.  I bet Jacob needed underwear and Michael needed a cup for his coffee! Whatever the reason, it was music to my ears. 

What are you feeding your family this week?  I might just be a copycat since I can't come up with any of my own ideas!

grace and peace,
julie