Update

Sorry about the lack of pictures.
I have not been doing much around here...I am recuperating from, get ready now: high velocity trauma pubic symphysis diastasis. Say that three times fast. It means, mostly, that my baby ripped through the birth canal at a high speed with a fat little body and a not-so-small head. And he tore some ligaments on his way.
So, I am having some trouble getting around.
So, I am not going to get up and get the camera, wherever it is.
Remember that this is hunting season and deer pictures seem to out-rank the newborn baby. LOL.
XOXO
Joce

Finally, baby...

Jessup Ivan Rebisz
November 25th, 2009.
7:06 p.m.
9 pounds, 4 ounces; 22 inches.

More to follow, of course.

XOXO
Joce

And for today...

Thought of the day; "Castor oil, shmastor oil."

Plan for the day; ~Go to scheduled PREnatal appointment.

Prayer for the day; "Dear Lord, I have learned my lesson. You have made it clear that I need to learn some humility. I will do so. Now please, oh, please let me have a baby. Amen."

XOXO,
Joce

Baby update

There is no baby yet.
I mean, not one you can see and hold and dress in cute clothes.
So, unless the baby comes tonight or tomorrow (which would really be hilarious because of how much Joe has worried that that might happen) (because Saturday is Opening Day of Shotgun Season, that's why) I think I will pull a Pamela and have a few shots of the baby-producing Castor Oil on Sunday before church.
Shots before church sounds fun to a 41 week pregnant lady, ok?
Ok. So I plan to miss the dinner afterward. And the dedication of the new blue chairs with padded seats for the fellowship hall. Which, is too bad because I appreciate a good padded folding chair.
But anyway, my doctor has been acting all concerned that I am overdue, or "postdates" as they like to say. (I am not concerned, in case you don't know that about me. I do not allow myself to become concerned until 42 weeks, or the baby gets distressed, or HUGE, not me, the baby- I have obviously come to terms with me being huge.) Anyway.
So I was at my pain-in-the-butt (but necessary, for once, because the baby hadn't moved for like 10 hours, and I was starting to feel the worry) Non-Stress Test and the nurse/midwife let it slip that my dear doctor is going on vacation next week. Ah. "Now I see," said the blind man, as he picked up his hammer and saw. My doctor is concerned because she wants me to have the baby before she arrives in a tropical climate, or goes to see family for Thanksgiving, whichever.
So anyway. I am getting sick of the over-concern about my postdates status and the constant NST's. They scheduled me for another one on Monday, because I would not agree to being given the pitosin on Monday. So they punish me by tying me to a machine for a half an hour. And that is the appropriate time-out for an almost thirty year old. So I know that's what it is- time out.
So, I will give myself the Castor Oil and try to avoid the drug-pushers' dose of pitosin and then the resulting epidural, because I am a wimp and pitosin hurts. I know because my friends told me.
My plan is to not get to the hospital until I am past the point getting the epidural so I will be sure to skip it this time.
Anyway, my mother-in-law is babysitting my kids today, so that's why my post is so long. But, I really need to sleep since I didn't get much last night, because my baby WASN'T kicking me hard and keeping me awake. So I stayed up to worry instead. And pee. I stayed up to pee.
XOXO
Joce

Vote over there on the right...

Please take a moment to guess the gender and date of birth for Baby Rebisz.
XOXO
Joce

Movie recommendations, and other things.

My librarian recommends good movies.
Twice, anyway. (She's two for two.)
1. August Rush
2. The Ultimate Gift
Now, I have passed these recommendations on to you. Enjoy.
Here is an un-recommendation:
Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium. The movie is fine until the last 5 minutes. Talk about anti-climactic. Joe and I looked at each other and said in unison- "That's it?"


And now, I must also recommend a book.
I am reading it in the morning like a devotional even though it's not really written as one.
"A Simple Christmas: A Faith-filled Guide to a Meaningful and Stress-free Christmas"
by Sharon Hanby-Robie.
So far I have been inspired to focus on making Christmas holy, and I also like her reference to Buy Nothing Christmas a Mennonite thing from Canada.


Well, I have enjoyed this brief sit-down with you, but now I must clean the playroom before SuperWHY ends.

XOXO
Joce

I guess I'm considered famous....

http://thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2009/11/08/lifestyles/6089758.txt

I am so psyched to be in the paper. Giddy even. I think it's really really really fun to be in the paper. Let me be more specific- I really like being in the lifestyles section of the paper, there are other sections that would not be as fun. Pamela is famous too.

So, because I need to, I have been sitting down a lot lately. And, while I sit, I crochet. I have made 4 hats and 2 scarves. Now, I am going to try some stuffed animals. Brilyn loves the things filled with corn that you can put in microwave and snuggle for warmth, do you know what things I mean? Anyway, we have a grey fleecey one that she calls "Kitty." I am going to make her a crochet kitty and fill it with corn.

And then I'm going to make Cade a doggy in a like manner.

And then? Who knows. I may be done sitting by then. Oh wait, I will be doing a lot of sitting as I nurse a newborn. We'll see if I can crochet and feed a baby at the same time. Who knows?

XOXO
Joce

And, while you are reading articles, you may want to check this one out over at Kara's.

And also, check out this link on the swine flu.

Okay, now I'm done, and that's because I have nothing more to say, and also because my applesauce is done taking its hot water bath. Sheesh. I need a hot water bath. Do I really treat my applesauce better than I treat myself? LOL

New Family Member

It's a.....barn cat!

(Sorry I couldn't resist that title. It is my 200th post, so I wanted it to seem momentus.)

We have been adopted by a small gray wild cat.
He/she let us know we are her people today by leaving a decapitated, disemboweled mole on the floor in Clara's stall. This is a happy time, really, because we have had some trouble with the rodents chewing holes in our feed bags. That is a pain in the boot-ay.
I don't like cats, but wild ones that kill rodents in my barn are okay. I will be happy to reward such good behavior with some milk. But I won't like cats. I just wanted to make that clear. Because one time we had some cats that somebody gave us (as a gift, even, and I gave them away. And that's because I don't like cats. I don't like cat food, it is weird and stinks. I don't like kitty litter, it is weird and stinks. I don't like cat hair, it is itchy and stinks.

Anyway, my people are home, and my heartburn is reduced, so I am going to go lie down and maybe sleep?

XOXO
Joce

Pregnant lady craving...

complete with recipe.

I decided on Sunday that I wanted some Orange Julius. Really wanted some. So I found a recipe in a  Hannah Swenson murder mystery novel (Peach Cobbler Murder) by Joanne Fluke, found the Dream Whip (I had never heard of this stuff before, it's by the pudding) in Super Wal*Mart and voila-

Fake Orange Julius

3 C Orange Juice
1 envelope Dream Whip (the kind that makes 2 cups)
1 package vanilla pudding (the kind that makes 2 cups)
3 more C O.J.

Blend 3 C o.j. with Dream Whip and pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Stir in 3 more C o.j. Yield: 2 quarts.
Serve over ice, or do like I do and blend the ice right in.

Update: August 2010
3 C OJ
8 ice cubes
1/4 C instant vamilla pudding
2 T instant whipped topping


We used to get Orange Julius at the Amsterdam Mall on Sunday afternoons. They were yummy then and they are yummy now. And, look at that- a serving of fruit. LOL. They must be good for you.
XOXO
Joce

PS This just in from field correspondent Brilyn- "SLURRRRRRRRP. This stuff is soooooo good."

Things to do with milk...

Because I own a cow, I have a lot of milk to deal with on a regular basis.
And I get tired of mozzarella and ricotta. So here is a brainstormed list of some of the other relatively useful and easy things I sometimes remember to do with the milk.
Lemon cheese
Cheddar cheese curds
Yogurt
Kefir
Cream cheese
Evaporated milk
Pudding
Hot chocolate in large quantities
Ice cream

I would like to share a new chocolate pudding recipe I developed yesterday.

Rich Chocolate-Almond Pudding
In a medium saucepan, combine:
1 C raw sugar
1 C dutch cocoa
1/4 C corn starch
Add 5 cups milk, turn heat on medium/low.
Add 2 beaten eggs by whisking in a steady stream.
Heat till bubbly and thickened, stirring almost constantly, until you can feel the spoon dragging on the bottom. Maybe 5 minutes?
Remove from heat, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon almond extract. Pour into serving bowl to set, and serve warm or cold with fluffywhip (aka real whipped cream).

Kids will eat it, but I really made
XOXO
Joce
it for me.

Cream Cheese Recipe

I believe I have perfected my cream cheese recipe:

Recipe works with up to 2 gallons of milk.

In a stainless steel pan, bring milk (nice fatty milk- add a little extra cream if you have it) to 70 F.

Mix in 1/8 t mesophilic A and 1/8 t mesophilic M culture powder, thoroughly, stirring for about 2 minutes.

Add 1/4 rennet tablet dissolved in 1/4 C cool tap water, stirring in a plunging motion for about 15 seconds.

Let it set at 70 degrees for 24 hours. I keep it in my living room on top of my entertainment center- my woodstove keeps it at about 70 degrees there.

Cut curds into 1 inch cubes, pour into fine cheesecloth (butter muslin)-lined colander. Make a bag by tying the corners of the cheesecloth together, and let the cheese hang until it stops dripping, about 6 hours.

Salt to taste, mix well, and store in fridge for up to a week.

This is a cultured, raw milk cheese. Very good for you.
Yum.

XOXO
Joce

Time marches on...

Sister cries out, from her baby bed. Brother runs in with feathers on his head. Mama's in her room learnin how to sew. Daddy's drinkin beer listenen to the radio. Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John. Time marches on, time marches on.

Sister's using rouge and clear complection soap. Brother's wearin beads and he smokes alot of dope. Mama is depressed barely makes a sound. Daddy's got a girlfriend in another town. Bob Dylan sings like a Rolling Stone. Time marches on, time marches on.

South moves north, North moves south. A star is born, a star burns out. The only thing that stays the same is everything changes, everything changes.

Sister calls herself a sexy grandma. Brother's on a diet for high cholesterol. Mama's out of touch with reality. Daddy's in the ground beneath the maple tree. As the Angles sing an old Hank Williams song. Time marches on, time marches on. Time marches on, time marches on. Time marches on. Time marches on.

You need some of this pumpkin bread.

It'll cure what ails you.

Jocelyn's Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

Mix together:
2 C sourdough starter
1/2 C sugar
1 t vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 C milk
1/2 C oil
16 oz. pumpkin puree
Sift together:
2 C flour
1 C vanilla pudding mix
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t ginger
1/2 t allspice
1/2 t cloves

Mix sifted dry ingredients into the sourdough mixture until well blended, but not smooth.
Pour into two greased loaf pans and bake at 325 for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Enjoy the pumpkin-y goodness as the bread bakes and also when you get to finally eat it.

XOXO
Joce

What I've been up to....

These are not necessarily in chronological order.

1. I am proud to announce that my white bread took 1st place, my strawberry preserves took 2nd place, and my molasses cookies took 3rd at the Genesee Country Village Agricultural Society Fair.

2. We butchered pig on Columbus Day- it was a successful endeavor.

3. Our party was great. Hanna won the apple recipe with her apple cake recipe which she should post in her comments here, and Kara came in second with a caramel apple pie, the recipe for which she should post on her blog and linky up here. They both received prize bags with a loaf of the aforementioned prizewinning white bread, a jar of the preserves, and a bottle each of strawberry and peach wine.

4. We bought a new-to-us mini van. A 2005 Toyota Sienna. This is a nice little story about trusting God and waiting on the Lord, so I will share it. Last year, we wanted a mini van. So we tried to sell our Jeep. No one wanted to buy the Jeep. We found a nice little Honda Odyssey in our price range- still no one wanted to buy our Jeep. Now, we could have erred on the side of excess and bought the van anyway. But, instead, we took it as God saying, "wait." And so we did. A couple of weeks ago, we thought that it might be time for us to have a van now that our family is about to expand. We put our Jeep on craigslist, sold it almost immediately, and found a mini on craigslist that we were able to buy the same day! And- they that wait upon Lord shall have power doors, leather interior, and heated seats.

5. MOPS convention. It was great, but I was grumpy from sitting on my butt for long periods of time and then walking like four miles to get from place to place INSIDE the resort. Yes, resort. That was cool. It was the Gaylord Opryland, and I would recommend it. Highly.
And, God had things to say to me even through my airplane induced swollenlegandfeet grump I had on.

6. Hats. I have crocheted two super cute earflap hats for my kids. Check out the links section here and go to the earflap hat pattern link and see the hat pattern I used. I will post pics of my own at a later date.

7. We started using our woodstove in the last week. I really love our woodstove. Oh! And remember all the smoke troubles we had last year? Well, we added about 8 feet of pipe to the roof and so far, so good. We ordered 7 cords of wood, and have seven more on the way.

8. Our first was this week- October 11th. I pulled all the onions and peppers and pumpkins that were left in the garden, and still have beets, parsnips, carrots, broccoli, and brussel sprouts out there. I'll let you know how those fair.

9. And last night, I did a cheesemaking workshop at the LeRoy Library- and it was awesome! We made lemon cheese and mozz.

10. I forgot my best friend's birthday- twice. How do you even do that? Well, her birthday was on Monday and I forgot that, so she said if it would make me feel better I could pretend that Friday was her birthday. Well, today's Thursday and I so have not sent out a card or gift yet. S0 I suck. So.....sorry Kara that I suck as a BFF.

Well, that's all I can think of for now, I may add to this post as I think of things of interest.

XOXO
Joce

PS I am looking for two things: local sweet potatoes, and a cast iron tea kettle to put on my woodstove to humidify my home.

Winds-day, or a rather blustery day today.

I need to have a pity party, so consider yourself warned. There is no pep here today. Not being able to drink these last 7 months has really sucked. There have just been too many days when I really c ould use a drink or 7, and I can have what...2 ounces of red wine? It's not cutting it folks. Not that I need alcohol to drown out my sorrow, but it sure would be helpful today.
It's my mom's birthday. I am just sad today. Tears are just behind my eyeballs every second. It's giving me a headache.
I have a plan though- we are having a birthday party today. With from-a-box Funfetti cake complete with from-a-can pink vanilla Funfetti frosting along with some from-a-carton peanut butter swirl vanilla ice cream. Brilyn helped me shop yesterday. My kids have a great attitude about celebrating Gramma Janet's birthday even though she can't come because she's in heaven. Their joy at celebrating her birthday is helpful in keeping me from wallowing in tears all day.
But my eyes are still sad and want to cry.
I also have a sucky job today.
My brother gave me my mom's cell phone (that's a super secret, don't ask for the number, I don't like cell phones ( I think they're the devil), but since I could have a baby at any second, I thought it was a good idea, also, my brother and dad and sister can call me from their cell phones for free, so I took the cell phone.) to use and guess what? Her voice is still in there. She says, "You have reached Janet's cell phone," or something like that. And so I have the responsibility of changing that message. And I don't want to. So I said I would do it the night of her birthday, just in case anyone wanted to call it one last time and hear her voice during the day.
I need a few shots to be able to do that I think. And The Maker's Mark is off limits to me.

Even Solomon knows:
Proverbs 31:4-6
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts."

So, I will make a cake and eat some ice cream and make my morning coffee like this:
4 ice cubes
1 cup half and half
2 t instant coffee
2 t dutch cocoa
2 t raw sugar
1 t vanilla
generous amount of Irish Cream
Blended till smooth.

Talk about a slightly different take on becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. LOL. Ooops- that's a joke and I am supposed to be having a pity party. Well, a bit of humor is probably a good thing today, even if it doesn't fit the theme.

Well, I feel a bit better after having taken the time to give full awareness to just how sad I am.

XOXO
Joce

Cheeses loves me

Here's a glimpse into the way my mind works.
Joe was reading a bedtime Bible story to our dear sweet babies.
As he read, this is what I heard, "We know God loves us because He gave us cheeses."
Amen.
I am all about the cheeses. Especially sharp cheddar, that's how we know He loves us a LOT.

And one more mildly entertaining story. Last night was open house at Jackson School where Joe works as a fourth grade teacher on the third floor.
One of the parents came up to Joe and told him this story:
The Boy Scouts meet at the school at night in the art room in the basement. The scout leader was talking about some serious topic and mentioned the "big guy upstairs." One of the second graders thought a moment, raised his hand, and asked, "Do you mean Mr. Rebisz?"

For clarification, Joe is 6'6'', so he really does qualify for the position of big guy upstairs if you are in the art room at Jackson. LOL.

Well, I just entered the Agricultural Fair at the Genesee Country Museum. I will enter my white bread and some strawberry jam. I will let you know how I do. I hope to get first with my bread this year, I took second last year.

My kids really would like to have my attention now, so I should go.
XOXO
Joce

Pumpkin pie and my kids like yogurt

Pumpkin Pie:

I cannot remember if I posted this recipe before, if not- here goes.

1 C sugar

1/2 t salt

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1/2 t ginger

1/2 t allspice

1/2 t cloves

1 1/2 C pumpkin puree

1 2/3 C evaporated milk

1/2 t vanilla

2 eggs

1 unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Combine all ingredients, pour into pie shell. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 350 F. Continue to bake for another 40 minutes, until pie is firm.

This is the best pumpkin pie I have ever had.

Yogurt, the easy way:

In a pint jar, put a glop of store-bought yogurt, then fill the jar with fresh milk (about 88 degrees). Keep it in your oven with the light on, and turn your oven a couple times if you need to, in order to keep the yogurt at around 90 degrees. Keep it in there for 12 hours.

Tillaboro Orchard
2nd Annual
Apple Festival

You are cordially invited to attend our
2nd Annual Apple Festival
on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at @ 5:00 p.m.

Things to do:
· Hay rides
· Camping
· Cider Pressing
· Bobbing for apples
· Apple Recipe Judging
· Bonfire
· Pumpkin Painting
· Wiffle Ball
· Yard games of all kinds

What to bring:
· Snack to pass
· Your best apple confection for Apple Recipe Judging
· Tent or camper
· BYOB
· Your favorite yard game
· Warm comfy clothing
· An extra shirt (and a towel?) if you plan to win at bobbing for apples

Apple cider, mulled cider, mulled cider as an adult beverage, wine, hot coffee and cocoa, and AWESOME contest prizes will be provided.
R.S.V.P. right here.

Egg Souffle

I made this for my mom a while back, and I have had a hard time finding the recipe again. It was in the D and C and they make you pay cash money to read their archives. But today I got lucky and found it at it's owner's site.
This is good food:

Egg SouffléFrom Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
9 large eggs½ cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Put butter in the bottom of an 8-inch-round soufflé dish that is at least 4 inches tall. Place dish in preheating oven for a few minutes, until butter is melted. Remove from oven. In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat eggs, sour cream, milk and salt together until eggs are light in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour egg mixture into dish. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until the soufflé is full, high and fluffy. Serve immediate.Makes 4 servings.

Today I will use kefir instead of sour cream because that is my only cultured milk in the house at this time.
Go to this site for the original article.
xoxo
Joce

Shehadababyit'saboy!

Clara delivered her calf last night at right around 10:00.

Joe took about four hundred pictures, hugged me, and said, "We're parents!" And I thought, "Hmmm, was he this excited when I pushed Brilyn and Cade out?"

I'd like to think that he must have been. LOL.

The kids were in bed when the calf was born, so I sent them out to see it right after breakfast this morning.

Brilyn came running back to the house to let me know that, "Cade is in the pasture! Isn't the fence on? He's hugging the baby!"

So, I hurry (not run, exactly) out to see what's going on, and there is Cade all spooned up to the baby, and Clara, calmly chewing her cud next to them. I am sad to say that I forgot my camera, and I did not feel comfortable "hurrying" back to the house to get it while Cade snuggled the newborn next to it's thousand pound mama.

I told my boy, "Cade, it's dangerous to go in the pasture with Clara when mommy is not outside to watch you."

And he told me, "Nuggle baby dangerish?"

I love that boy.

So, here are some pics:

Last night

This morning
Oh, and, apparently, Brilyn got ahold of the camera the other day. Here are the first fruits of her photographic career:

Here comes the baby...

We are holding a late-night vigil waiting for Clara's baby to arrive. (Yes, quarter after nine is late-night for us).
So far, we have a first bag of waters and front feet.
See this article for more info. If you want, feel free to come over to watch.
XOXO
Joce

Eat your zucchini... part 3

Okay. Here is the final installment of the zucchini trilogy.

And, I believe I saved the best for last.

Zucchini pickles:

Ingredients
16 cups fresh zucchini, sliced
4 cups onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup canning or pickling salt
4 cups white vinegar (5%)
2 cups sugar
4 tbsp mustard seed
2 tbsp celery seed
2 tsp ground turmeric ( I used curry powder, because I don't have any turmeric)
Directions
Step 1 - Brining
Cover zucchini and onion slices with 1 inch of water and salt. Let it stand 2 hours.
Step 2 - Drain
Drain (and discard) the liquids from the zucchini and onions.
Step 3 - Mix the spices, vinegar and heat
Combine the
4 cups white vinegar (5%)
2 cups sugar
4 tbsp mustard seed
2 tbsp celery seed
2 tsp ground turmeric
in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 4 - Add the zucchini and onions
Add the zucchini and onions. Simmer 5 minutes.
Step 5 - Fill the canning jars
Fill the jars with zucchini/onion mixture and pickling solution, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace.
Adjust lids and rings snugly.
Step 6 - Process in a water bath canner 15 minutes.

Yummy.

So, my friend Hanna let me borrow a book called Birthing from Within. It is weird. But interesting and I am learning from it.

Anyway, she (the author) recommends doing some birth art to get your psyche ready for pregnancy and birth. I liked the idea and did some last night. I picked the exercise where you are supposed to draw an animal that you think exemplifies excellent pregnancy/birthing/mothering/etc. I chose a Clara, because she is so sweet and calm and her body has expanded easily to accomodate baby, and she has a lovely mammary system, etc. My cow was okay. It didn't have a lot of oomph. The proportions weren't quite right. You could tell that somehow, my heart wasn't in it.

And then, today, I drew the right picture. It is not of a cow, but it is of a farm animal with which I am even more familiar. The game hen. (Game chickens are the kind traditionally raised for cockfighting.) And not just any game hen, but a broody one. Which is the chicken equivalent of pregnant woman. And this picture? Has OOOMPH. It's me, baby. I don't have a scanner, so I can't show you my drawing. But I did find a pic online of the animal of my inspiration.

I don't think I can say much more about how I feel about being pregnant. It's all right there, in full color.

For those of you who really cannot interpret animal thoughts and feelings just by looking- I'll add a quote. "Vacate the premises immediately. Failure to do so will result in your immediate annihilation."

I don't feel murderous all the time, but I do get me hackles up pretty quickly if someone doesn't respect my physical, emotional, or spiritual space.

And then, this evening I did some more birth art. Because I like it. I put a big piece of paper on the floor and had some fun with my kids' crayons.

I think it is good for me. I should keep doing it.

But anyway.

I am going to go eat some ice cream. And read the book about birthing from within. (I can't help but think to myself, where the heck else are you going to birth from? But I guess the author's point is that a lot of women allow others to dictate their pregnancy and birth, and so that is kind of like Birthing from Elsewhere. But the title still makes me smirk.)

XOXO

Joce

Battling zucchini... Round 2

Now let's take some zucchini and make it think it is eggplant, because that is good.
Zucchini Parmesan:
Thinly slice enough zucchini to fill your favorite big frying pan.
In olive oil, saute the zucchini, one onion cut the way you like it (I food processed it along with the garlic) and one clove of garlic until zucchini is tender.
Spoon, dump, or shake the contents of the pan into a 9X13 pan, add some nice thick tomato sauce, and smother with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 until the cheese is lightly browned.
I like this dish served with grilled Italian sausage. I especially like it the next day, it warmed up really well.
I am proud of this dish because:
I grew the zucchini, I bought the onion from nice kids who grew it in Elba, I bought the garlic from a slightly different-from-me lady who grew it organically in Stafford, the olive oil is not local, sorry, I made the mozzarella from milk from my own sweet cow, and the parmesan is from Cutter's which is near here somewhere. I am happy with my ingredients. And I look forward to making next summer and being able to say that the sausage is made from local Pig. (Which is what we call our fat hog.)
And, now for the interesting stuff- hold on......here it is..... I think Clara will have had her baby by tomorrow night. She seems to be bagging up and has some evidence of the birth canal becoming lubricated for the upcoming event. She's a nice cow, I tried to phrase that delicately.
Well, the supper is cooked, and the natives are restless. Must go now.
One seems to "Need to go PEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!."
XOXO
Joce

Battling the overabundant zucchini...Part I

Zucchini. It's not all that delicious to me, but it is so easy to grow. And the Animal Vegetable Miracle lady made funny jokes about how much zucchini can grow in one person's garden. So I put in a few plants, and by a few, I think I mean five. That's not too many. Or so I thought. Luckily, Pig really enjoys some raw, gargantuan zucchini in the double digit poundage. And, I have also found a few ways to get people (and by that I mean me) to eat it.

No zucchini popover here.

And now for today's first use of zucchini.

This one sounds a little crazy, and I realize this. So, I am placing a rule on comments that you can't say how you think it would taste. If you want to comment on this recipe, you must try it.

Zucchini Crisp

I don't measure much, so keep that in mind.

Peel some zucchini and chop it the way you would chop apples for a crisp. I use 1/2 inch square pieces.

Keep chopping until you have filled your 8X8 Pyrex just over half way full.

Pour a 1/2 cup lemon juice over the zucchini. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg over the zucchini. You have now convinced the zucchini that it is apples.

Now, you can use your favorite crisp topping. I used 1 cup flour, 1 cup oats, 1 cup brown sugar, sifted together, and cut in with 1 stick of butter.

Bake at 375 for a half an hour, and, voila!, you have zucchini-thinks-its-apples crisp.

Here it is:

And for tomorrow...come back to see what kind of identity confusion I can inflict on the poor zucchini as a main dish.

And, while I'm waiting for the pictures to upload...I have included a pic of one, ah, incident that occured while we were painting the floor of the playroom. I will show you pics of that as soon as we get the wall thingys back on. But anyway, this pic? Is a mix of a dad who wasn't thinking about the two year old who wasn't thinking either.

Start now

So we will again be giving only hand-made gifts for Christmas this year. A lucky few will receive a jar of mulberry preserves. The rest will get by on some peach, strawberry, and/or cherry wine. And now, added to the list, is blueberry syrup. My sister gave me some store-bought blueberry syrup a few years ago with some super-de-duper waffle mix. I really enjoyed that gift, so I did my dangedest to recreate the syrup she had given me. (I'll work on the golden waffle mix later). Here's the recipe:
7 cups pureed blueberries
2 cups water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Combine and bring to a boil- hold it for 5 minutes or so.

4 cups water
5 cups sugar
Combine and bring to boil- hold until about 219 degrees.

Combine the two syrups, bring to a boil and hold for 1 minute.

Hot water process for 30 minutes.

We had it on pancakes this morning- it will be equally as delicious on waffles or crepes or your breakfast carb of choice.

XOXO

Joce

I am going to go assist my hubby in the cutting in of the playroom paint job, (don't worry, the window is open) and then go take a nap.

Today we picked 3 1/3 lbs. of blueberries at Pat's, and then it was off to the LeRoy farmer party (aka farmer's market) where we bought 1 fudge nut cookie, 1 head of organic garlic, 1 big sweet onion, 1 quart smaller cooking onions, 3 bars of Charleen's soap, (Egyptian spice w/ clay- good for shaving, Lavender- good for smelling, and cucumber mint w/corn meal-good for scrubbing), and 2 peaches from the Watt's (where we bought the peaches for last year's wine for those of you who know about that).
We had a good time with that.
And, now that I have my bathing suit on, the sunshine has vamoosed.
So Brilyn and I are going to eat cake and play My Little Pony Memory.
See ya.
XOXO
Joce

Try this

So, a friend brought me some chocolate pudding. Which is good. But, I really should be eating yogurt, not pudding. So? I mixed it half chocolate pudding, half plain yogurt, and accidently made up a practically gourmet treat. It is so so good.
So, you should try it.
And, I made mulberry preserves. Mulberries are a LOT of work. But, I think, now that the work is done, that it was worth it. I have never had any jams, jellies, or preserves with such a rich flavor. Basic recipe: 1 cup fruit, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice. And a new trick: how to tell when it's jam- put a teaspoon of fruity stuff in question on a plate, and when cool enough, run your finger through it. If it doesn't run back together, but stays in two blobs, its done!
That trick worked for me. Quite well. Plus, you get to lick some jam (or almost jam) off your finger.
XOXO
Joce

Just in case...

Just in case the baby in my belly is a boy, I am going to need some boys' names.
So I don't end up with a Justin Case, who is a real person in Oppenheim, NY.
Rules: I need boys' names that are cool like Cade, but not trendy like Caden, Braden, or Jaden. Okay?
Go.


Thanks.
XOXO
Joce

Two pictures and two precious gifts

My mom passed into glory one week ago today.
I was very happy to find this picture in my camera. It was taken a few weeks ago, the last time she was able to visit. See previous post- we had a good time.

And here is a pic (as is the new header) of the bouquet my sister and I chose for my mom from our kids. Flowers have never been more meaningful to me.

Thanks for your prayers- I'm doing okay. I can take some comfort in the fact that I held her hand as she was meeting Jesus.

I am also comforted by two gifts straight from heaven:

1. The last time my mom visited here she felt good, and we had fun, and cooked together. And I was aware of the fact that it could be the last time I ever cooked with my mom and I savored every second of it. I'm so glad I took the time to notice. That's a gift.

2. I was able to say a few words and play the piano at mom's funeral. I wanted to say something, but I was unsure what I could do without breaking down. The morning of the funeral, I was playing my mom's piano- "It is Well"- and God just calmed my heart. I knew that playing that song would express two things I have received from my mom- music and faith. That I was able to do that was a gift to me and to those who were there. That's the second gift.

XOXO
Joce

Rambling me

So, my kids are both asleep. I had a chance to check my email and my blog, and I want to write something here...but I also want to go out to my garden and weed a bit. The planted plants and the weeds are all QUITE big enough to pull weeds without hurting the planted plants or my fingers. (Pulling baby weeds hurts my cuticles, call me a wimp, I don't really care.)
So, my onions are really begging to weeded.
We ate our first fruits (vegetables) of our labors for supper yesterday- Lettuce and baby beet greens. What a salad. My mom and dad were visiting (yes, my mom is well enough to travel, the oxygen lets her do more than she was before, and that is a praise report right there. And the swelling in her arm due to a tumor she has went down while she was here, Amen!) and I cooked up one mean meal for them and Joe. It was in honor of Father's Day. Here's the menu:
Green salad from the garden, pickled beets from last year's garden, yummy steaks from a grass fed cow I never met, but have enjoyed eating, creamed potatoes (which I made and were really really good), and scalloped onions (which my mom made and were out of this world). It was fun to do a bit of cooking with my mom (read as: I spied on her and found out how to make scalloped onions) Everything was delicious and I had seconds on everything except the salad, of which I really took two helpings the first time.
No dessert- my mom had requested cookies, so we had already eaten those before supper. Because we eat dessert first if we want to. The cookies were quite yummy, too- oatmeal three ways. Oatmeal with semi-sweet chocolate chunks (Pamela I need more bulk chocolate), oatmeal with walnuts, and oatmeal with big glops of chunky Pamela-made peanut butter (Pamela, I need more peanut butter too. And so does my dad, so my order is for 1 quart creamy, amd 2 quarts crunchy. My dad said, with a look of mild elation, "It comes in quarts?" And that is funny to any LOTR fans who can picture a certain hobbit saying, "It comes in pints?" But that is not about peanut butter, it's about beer.)

Okay, if that isn't enough rambling for you, you'll never get enough, so I might as well go weed my onions. And my peppers, because I am looking forward to kabobs.
XOXO
Joce

Easy community service

Okay, so this is easy.
Go to twitter, create an account, and then follow @Mom_17.
I have two very strong reasons.
1. Pamela (the classy gal you would be following) is funny beyond reason. Go read her for proof.
2. She is in a contest, that has really cool baby-related prizes. And, if she wins, Pamela will donate everything but the camera (which she will give to her mom, because I guess she really needs it) to Teen MOPS of Batavia. Which is a great ministry that helps teen moms gain skills for parenting and stuff.
So, go ahead and do that. Go to twitter. And follow.
XOXO
Joce

Strawberries

I had a little outfit when I was about 8 years old- a pair of shorts and a tank top with three strawberries across the chest. I called it- My Strawberry Outfit. And, I had big plans for this outfit. On my first day of summer vacation, I was going to wear it strawberry picking. Ah...poor ALP Farms had no idea that my 40 pound self could eat so many strawberries. Honestly, they should have weighed me coming in and going out and charged my mother accordingly.

Anyway, I took my own dear children strawberry picking last Saturday, over to Duysson's in LeRoy. I must recommend it. The farm, not the taking of children. However, I now appreciate that mom took me strawberry picking. It is not as joyous for the mommy as it is for the little strawberry party animals. I take it that Cade enjoys strawberries as much as his mommy, because, as Hanna put it, "He looks like a crazed little strawberry murderer." His red mouth and hands, and the red juices dripping from his chin and finger tips really were a little disturbing.
Since then, I can't recall how many times I have had to say, "No more strawberries!" I feel like a mom in a bedtime story for pre-readers, the amount of times I have repeated myself word for word. He's a naughty little pilferer of strawberries. He's sneaky. He's persistant. Everytime I prepare a strawberry recipe, he's there. Lurking.

Anyway.
Here are the recipes.

Number one, Strawberry Jam, go here: http://cincinnatilocavore.blogspot.com/2008/06/strawberry-preserves-no-pectin-recipe.html
I pretty much followed those directions.

Number two, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:

INGREDIENTS
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 pound fresh rhubarb, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
12 oz. fresh strawberries, halved
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

TOPPING:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup quick-cooking or rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ stick cold butter

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg. Add the sugar, flour, corn starch and vanilla; mix well. Gently fold in rhubarb and strawberries. Pour into pastry shell.
2. For topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack.

Yum.

XOXO
Joce

Oh, yeah, you probably want my pie crust recipe, too. Fine. Here it is.
2 cups flour
2 teaspooons sugar
pinch salt
2/3 cup oil
3 Tablespoons milk
Mix it up in the pie plate and shape into crust. No rolling. Easy Squeezy.

And, some updated photos of the fam:

A recipe, a request, and a moment of silence

Recipe:

Asparagus thingys

1 package cresent rolls

cheese

asparagus

In the little triangles that the cresent roll people make, place some cheese (I used sliced mozz, shredded cheddar, and shredded swiss- that's what was in my fridge) and about four 4-inch spears of asparagus. Roll it up like the cresent roll people say on the package, and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. Wow. That's all I'll say. (I do apologize for posting this now that asparagus is done for the year.) (And, sorry that the picture is blurry. I did my best, but my camera just wasn't feeling cooperative.)

Request:

Please identify this plant-

And this one, too-

And a moment of silence: (for my baby's hair)

Due to a very unfortunate miscommunication (on my husband's part, I won't mince words there)my dear sweet baby accidently received a Big Boy Hair Cut while I was Out of Town.

Sweet Baby-

Big Boy-

That's all for now, my little people are in need of food.

XOXO

Joce

Quote of the moment...

God is great.

Beer is good.

And people are crazy.

And a picture:

"Princess Brilyn of the long hair"

In the merry merry month of May...

Birthdays!

Brilyn:

2005

20062007

2008

2009

Cade:

2007

2008

2009

Happy Birthday!

A - N

Hey! I hit th 12 week mark on Monday. That means I am feeling better. Just hungry. So, I should be able to post....just as soon as I catch up on, oh, about 5 weeks worth of work around here. Indoors and out, my duties are totally in arrears. Even the laundry. Who knew we had that many pairs of underwear? Good thing we do, that's all I'll say about that.
Quick updates and then I gotta go lie down. Lay down? No that's what I have to do with my kids..."Lay down the law." So, when speaking of flopping my tired butt down on the couch, I think I should say "I must lie down."
Anyway.
Asparagus is up! Yum.
Berry bushes are growing.
Cow is mangy, but soon to be treated with Pour-on Ivomec.
Daffodils are on their way out.
Eggplant is on my list of things to grow in my garden.
Frogs are all over the place in the back.
Garden is rototilled.
Hog is ordered, ready for pick-up May 19th.
Igloo-building is out for oh, the next 4 months or so. YAY!
Joe went to the doctor today because he keeps coughing and coughing. Honestly, we (I) just want to get some sleep.
Kara is huge. www.bugro2.blogspot.com
Lilacs!
Making some dandelion jelly, I'll let you know if it's edible.
Not able to think of anything here...must be time to quit for the day. I'll finish the list soon.

XOXO
Joce

Ramps

We went on a walk in the woods yesterday, and what did we find? Ramps are up!
So, in the next week or so, my family will be enjoying one of these delicious-sounding recipes from this really helpful site.
Seasonalchef.com
I'm thinking the first spaghetti recipe (not the pesto, I don't have pine nuts, nor do I really like them very much) and the grilled ramp soup. (ramps? check. oodles of heavy cream? check. Emeril's Essence (aka Baby BAM!)? check.)
I'll take pictures if/when I make supper from ramps.
I did make a macaroni salad the other night with wild chives instead of onions. It was really good, and the green chopped chives looked really nice.
XOXO
Joce

Here I am. Just grumpy.

So, I keep checking in on my blog, and it is not posting on its own. So, I guess I will post here, now.
The only trouble is that I can't think of anything to write. Why? Because I am so so so so tired. Exhausted. Really really sleepy. And sick to my stomach. And lacking in energy. And nauseated. Alright. That's enough of that.
Hmmm.
Oh! It's because there's a baby in my belly. FYI.
Just in case the baby growing in the top right hand corner of my blog didn't give it away. I am very excited about it, I just can't work up the appropriate affect through the nausea-haze.
Hmmm.
Oh! Here's some news. We planted some trees. One each pear, peach, nectarine.
And raspberry bushes.
I got a tan today. Reading a book on the deck, and also transplanting some hyacinths and grape hyacinths today to make room for the raspberry bushes.
My cow is great, we bought a stake so we can tie her out on the lush grass on our lawn. She seems to really like that.
We bought some meat chicks at Tractor Supply. 12. They are eating/pooping machines. Luckily Joe just finished the chicken tractor, so we won't have to shovel their refuse. Which is good. Because shoveling chicken poop, just the thought, really, is making me sicker. More sick. Yeah, sicker.
Well, Brilyn is ready for bed, and really? So am I.
So.
XOXO
Joce

OH! I went to my parents' house on Monday and Tuesday, and I took these pics in their driveway on Tuesday morning. I was glad I brought my camera. It was invigorating. :)

Contentment

Contentment is truly one of God's best blessings. Like many of God's gifts, the hardest part is learning how to open it. It has a lot to do with trusting that God has your best interest in mind, and that your circumstances are exactly perfect. No need to obsess about improving your lot in life, just rest assured God will continue to provide your every need. I am truly thankful that through the Holy Spirit's gentle urging, Joe and I have learned to be content.
All that to say, I have been finding that the more areas of my life that I entrust to God, the more content and peace-filled I become. I will elaborate more on that in a later post.
And now for the point of this post. I had an amazingly peace-filled moment yesterday. God's presence in my life was so tangible and my heart just overflowed with His goodness. What was I doing, you may ask? Walking in the woods, meditating on His mercies? Reading my Bible quietly at my kitchen table? Praying in the quiet sanctuary of my bedroom? Nope. I was walking out to the mailbox with a chubby and sticky little hand in each of mine. I mention the stickiness to make it clear that this was by no means an idyllic scene. Brilyn was wearing dirty red size 3T (too small by about 4 inches) sweat pants with candy canes appliqued on them OVER her PJ's, complete with purple snow boots with no socks. Cade was wearing a mismatched outfit because of a diaper explosion earlier in the day that had obliterated his pants that matched the shirt he was wearing. Both their hands were sticky from eating some fresh sourdough cinnamon buns earlier, and then coated with a fresh layer of dirt (or was it chicken poop on Cade's hands?). And me? I was looking hot in a Winnie the Pooh sweatshirt, jeans, glasses, and workboots. I can't even think of a way to describe the atrocity of my hair.
I think sometimes that when people talk about contentment, they paint a rosy picture of clean kids, clean house, attractive mom, etc. (There is nothing wrong with any of those things, and they are good to work toward.) But I think that gives us the idea that we will only experience contentment when we have our ducks in a row. Paul talks about learning to be content in WHATEVER state he is in. That means in the sitcky hand state. And the weird outfit state. And the too-tired-to-put-my-contacts-in state. I think that is a stumbling block for some moms to feel content and fulfilled in their vocation (root word Latin 'vocare', or "call") as a fulltime wife and mother. If we are not keeing a picturesque home with adorable smart children with size 6 jeans and a cute haircut, we are not 'doing it right.' So we don't feel a sense of accomplishment the way we did when we worked outside of the home. I believe that is why some women "have to go back to work." Not for the money per se, but for the feeling of respectability, productivity, and accomplishment.
I'd like the point of this post to be, find contentment and joy in the small pleasures of holding chubby hands while walking to the mailbox, despite the fact that nobody would want to take your picture for a parenting magazine. God himself thinks that walk to the mailbox is worth joining you. That's right, God thinks your job as mom is so cool, he makes time to walk to the mailbox with you. And wash hands with you. And wipe baby booties with you. Think that is stretching it a bit? Think back to the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. That's pretty much grosser than wiping a toddler's heiny. (Stinky dirty man-feet are worse in my opinion.) Anyway. Each of our tasks, no matter how menial, can be done to the glory of God if only we remember that He is right there with us. You can find contentment in those tasks if you take the time invite God to come with you. And then? You find that you are right where God wants you. In your home. With your children. And you will find peace under the couch with the Cheerios. And contentment on your trip to the mailbox.

XOXO
Joce

Who loves chocolate syrup? I do! I do!

Yeah. So I've been wanting me some chocolate milk. And I don't have any Hershey's. Why? Because it's got like 5 different forms of corn syrup in it, that's why. But I still want chocolate milk. And by want, I mean, give it to me now or I'm going to d.i.e.
So, I decided to make my own chocolate syrup. Corn syrup free, special dark syrup.
And? It's super easy. If anyone reading this ever buys Hershey's again, well, then I'll have to consider you s.t.u.p.i.d. Because, this recipe? Is easy. And cheap. And doesn't take very long. And doesn't contain the corn syrup. And is the most wonderfully delicious syrup you'll ever eat by the spoonful taste.
In a deep saucepan (it bubbles and grows while cooking) mix together 1 C cocoa powder 1 1/2 C sugar, and 1/4 t salt. Add 3/4 C water and stir that in till smooth. Then, turn your burner on medium and stir like crazy when it starts to boil. Boil for a while, till it seems like it will be thick when it cools down. (yeah, pretty much guess). Add a tablespoon of vanilla when it cools down.
Store it in the fridge, probably for a long time since it is made of things that don't really spoil.

Yummy yummy.

XOXO
Joce

PS Watch this video.

I got me an Ergo

I spent money today, and since that is so extremely rare, I thought I would share my excitement about my purchase.

I bought an Ergo baby carrier. For Cade. Because he says "Up Up! Mama! Up Up! Ride! PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE! Mama! Up Up Ride! Me See! Peeese! UP! RIDE! PEESE!!!!!! PEESEPEESEPEEESE! MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA! UPUPUPUPUPUPUP!"

And, Hanna, my dear sweet partner in cream, and also my friend, let me borrow her Ergo one day when Cade asked for a ride. Cade is very persuasive.

So, today, I bought one. A NEW one. Because it doesn't pay to buy them used, they are like Corolla's. They don't depreciate much. Because they're good, that's why. And they last a long time. So.

And I got some new diaper inserts. And I asked specifically for two of each: female snaps, male snaps. Because last time, they sent me like 30 male snaps and 6 female snaps. That means I can only make 6 snapped pairs. And I like to snap them. So.

And, I bought vitamins today, but that is not as interesting. But, it does mean that I spent a lot of money in total today. Because, I bought vitamins for the rest of the year (yes, 2009), and diaper inserts and an Ergo, which is not cheap. But COOL AS HECK. Yep.

And, I bought the Ergo and diaper inserts at Cotton Babies. And they are nice there. And the Ergo was cheaper there than at the Ergo official online store.

One more thing- when I ordered, I used my already existing account and my address was my LeRoy address. Which means I haven't spent any money since 2006. That's pretty good, eh?

(And by 'spent money,' I really mean just very much at a time, on something specifically for my use- mostly).

XOXO

Joce

Do it NOW!

From http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/page.cfm/cid/39/ :

"USDA COMMENT PERIOD ENDS MARCH 16

In January, the USDA proposed a rule to require farms and other properties where animals are raised to be registered in the federal NAIS database for existing federal disease control programs. The rule also sets the stage for future mandatory animal identification. If you haven't already submitted comments on this proposed rule, please be sure to do so before March 16! An easy way to comment online is through the Organic Consumers Association's automated system, at
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26665

SUBMIT COMMENTS TO THE USDA BEFORE MARCH 16The USDA has proposed a rule to require all farms and ranches where animals are raised to be registered in a federal database under the NAIS for existing disease control programs. The draft rule covers programs for cattle, goats, sheep, and swine. It also sets the stage for mandatory NAIS animal identification in the future. It is CRITICAL that the USDA and Congress hear from the hundreds of thousands of people who will be adversely affected by the NAIS program. This includes not only animal owners, but also consumers who care about local and sustainable foods, taxpayers who object to wasteful government programs, and advocates for a safer food system. TAKE ACTION: Submit comments to USDA online or by mail. The comments must be received by USDA by Monday, March 16, 2009. You can submit comments online at the USDA's official site:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0096

Please be sure to personalize the letter! It can be as easy as a couple of sentences at the beginning stating who you are (for example, a farmer, consumer, property rights proponent) and why you care about NAIS. "

So, here's what I did.
I wrote my letter:

Dear soandso,
I am writing concerning the USDA proposal of a rule to require farms and other properties where animals are raised to be registered in the federal NAIS database for existing federal disease control programs. As the owner of a small farm with 10 chickens and 1 Jersey cow, I am concerned that this law would infringe on my rights. I am also concerned as a consumer. I prefer to buy locally and from small scale, sustainable farms. I am concerned that this type of law would interfere with my ability to do so. Thank you for your consideration of my perspective in this matter.
Sincerely,
~Jocelyn Rebisz

Please go to the USDA, http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?edeployment_action=changenav&navid=FEEDBACK_FORM
and email the secretary of agriculture.

Write to Gillibrand, kirsten_gillibrand@gillibrand.senate.gov
And to Schumer, http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/webformdeplist.cfm

Okay.

So I made really really easy for you. So do it. Really. If you care about this even a little, do it. For more info: www.FarmAndRanchFreedom.org

XOXO
Joce

A bit of fun on this Wednesday morning

"Take a picture of this, mom."

My practically famous mozzarella.

Hanna tagged me on Facebook to have my kids answer these questions.

Brilyn odds, Cade evens:

1. What is something mom always says to you? Be patient.

2. What makes mom happy? Daddy.

3. What makes mom sad? When you hurt something, you cry.

4. How does your mom make you laugh? Daddy.

5. What was your mom like as a child? A donkey.

6. How old is your mom? Eleven.

7. How tall is your mom? This big (holds hands about 12 inches apart).

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Cheese.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Type on the computer.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Daddy.

11. What is your mom really good at? Playing games.

12. What is your mom not very good at? "docky" (Brilyn says that means hockey).

13. What does your mom do for a job? Wash dishes.

14. What is your mom's favorite food? "Beyato, eat eat" Anyone wish to interpret that one?

15. What makes you proud of your mom? When you go out to milk, you have to look both ways to make sure the light's on.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Mousie.

17. What do you and your mom do together? Play games.

18. How are you and your mom the same? "Jour hubby-up." (Brilyn adds, your hair is the same, too. Apparently, she knows what Cade meant by jour hubby-up).

19. How are you and your mom different? Because we don't have the same hair, and I have darker hair and you have lighter hair.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? "Oooh deek shan." (Any takers?)

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? When he goes to work and looks both ways at a red or a green light, and he go left or straight or that way.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Milk cow.

XOXO

Joce

Happy March.
So Here's a story for ya. And, it's gotta be quick because I want to make ice cream. So.

Ah, let's see...it was 3:30 Wednesday morning. Joe, who was awake from severe abdominal pain, heard a car pull into our driveway. He figured they must be turning around. About 5 minutes later, our phone rings. He runs downstairs to answer it, and there is car sitting in our driveway with the lights on. So Joe runs back upstairs to tell me (really, to put pants on) and then goes back downstairs, where someone is knocking on our door. It's a Genesee County Sheriff guy.

"Do you guys have a cow?" (Shines huge flashlight over near the barn.) "Is that it right there?"

Turns out that this poor deputy sheriff had been tracking our cow all over the county for about four hours. Or, at least, he had gotten a few reports of a cow spotted near our home. Yeah, Clara's Big Adventure. Good times, good times. We keep finding cow pies in the strangest places. "She went over here, too? Really?"
How many times can a cow poop in a few short midnight hours? The answer is a lot a lot.

That's my story. And now, for a commercial I keep hearing about from people who watch TV. They say, hey, there's a little girl on TV who reminds me of Brilyn. So I went to youtube to watch the commercial. And so, now, you can too.



XOXO
Joce

A few of my favorite things

So, I was reading this book- Plain and Simple- written by a lady who went to live with the Amish a couple of times and then wrote about what she learned.
One thing she learned is to get rid of any possessions that aren't (a) useful or (b) your favorite.
I decided to apply that principle to my dining room and I am oh-so-happy with the results.
She went on to say that when all of the things in your home are things you use or things that are your favorite, you feel more comfortable in your surroundings because your home becomes a very clear representation of you. That's cool in itself.
Then, she makes the claim that when all you own are things that you need or things that are your favorite, you will LIKE cleaning them. Huh. Well, I tried that out today, and I will say this. I didn't HATE cleaning my dining room. I felt kind of satisfied. It was a fulfilling experience instead of job to get done.
And that brings me to second thing I (re)learned from what she learned. Be here now. Don't look at tasks as something to be quickly completed so that you can get on to something more important or interesting. All tasks in your life are part of what makes your life your own. Embrace them all and don't count some as more important than others. This even applies to brushing my retainers which, up until I read that, was something of a hateful task keeping me from my warm bed and good book. Now, as I carefully brush the little buggers, I think to myself, "Isn't it nice to have straight teeth?" or at least, "Isn't it nice to have teeth?"

So anyway, here's a few pics to enjoy.

Cade sleeps

Sleeping babes

Waiting for spring

Watching the chickens peck

Dining room

Dining room

XOXO

Joce

PS One thing I forgot to tell you about is that yesterday when my kids were wrapped up in blankets out on the deck watching the chickens, they decided to make a little trip down to see them up close. Which would be great, except that as you can see from the pic 'Waiting for spring' Cade was wearing his jammies (mammies, as he would say) and not so much wearing the shoes. Yeah. :)