The complicating aspect of today's video is that all the women featured are seriously Wow-ful. I mean, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even be able to stand up on a snowboard, let alone go down that mountain with out crashing face first within the first 1/10th of a second. These women are fantastic!
Mind you, I'm particularly thrilled with our Golden Canadian Gal, Maelle Ricker, and her incredible lead, and her incredibly sweet character in her post race interview.
So sit back, and enjoy this fantastic race! Go Canada! Go Olympics!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Heart Of the Matter Article -- Unqualified
In those exciting pre-Christmas shopping days, my family and I went to the mall. Mind you we were not shopping for others…oh no; we were quite happily, selfishly buying a new bedspread for the lovely bed my husband just built for us (yeah!).
But I digress; the shopping isn’t the point. The shopping is only the reason we happened to be out ‘in the world’ where homeschooling moms get blasted. You know that verse in Proverbs 31–”they will praise her in the city gates” –that must not include the local department store.
After a few beautiful comments on the number and appearance and behavior of my children, one lady decided to give me her opinion on the fact that we homeschool. Now I’m used to many categories of comments and criticisms, as I’m sure you are. Typically it is “Oh I could never do that”, “You must be so patient and organized”, ” What about socialization?” and so on. But for what I think was the first time, I heard “What qualifications do you have to teach your children?”
Oh.
Please read the rest of my latest Heart of the Matter Online article here.
But I digress; the shopping isn’t the point. The shopping is only the reason we happened to be out ‘in the world’ where homeschooling moms get blasted. You know that verse in Proverbs 31–”they will praise her in the city gates” –that must not include the local department store.
After a few beautiful comments on the number and appearance and behavior of my children, one lady decided to give me her opinion on the fact that we homeschool. Now I’m used to many categories of comments and criticisms, as I’m sure you are. Typically it is “Oh I could never do that”, “You must be so patient and organized”, ” What about socialization?” and so on. But for what I think was the first time, I heard “What qualifications do you have to teach your children?”
Oh.
Please read the rest of my latest Heart of the Matter Online article here.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Foodie Fridays
We are going for fast, easy, delicious and three ingredients today. Perfect, yes?
Potatoes are a serious staple in our house. My burst of happy happy on Saturdays comes from my ability to buy 50 pounds of potatoes for $10 at our local farmers' market. One day I scored 100 pounds for $15!!! I quite nearly did a back flip of joy...nearly. Not literally. Inside I was cartwheeling. You just couldn't see my inner gymnast that day.
Did you know, that potatoes are higher in potassium than the world famous potassium hog "bananas"? And did you know that if you ate enough calories to sustain yourself daily in potatoes alone, you would exceed the daily requirements for protein? Don't be fooled into thinking that you can't be healthy and strong by eating a vegetarian diet, or by eating carbs like taters. They are brilliant. Not to mention the most versatile "vegetable" in existence. (I know, it isn't technically a veggie. It is a tuber, but still...)
My daughter and I sat down one day and made a list of all the recipes I make with potatoes, and realized we could eat potatoes in a different form every night for supper for a WHOLE MONTH without repeating! Genius. And for the pennies it costs to buy them, it isn't a bad idea to try out.
Without further ado: Fan Potatoes!
You need:
** a baking dish with sides (I use my 9x13 glass pan...okay, who am I kidding: we use two pans)
** as many potatoes as that pan will hold (assuming you are cooking for several folks)
** Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
** Parmasean Cheese
Holding the potato lengthwise on the cutting board, make several, thin, vertical slices into the potato, but not all the way through the potato. It will still be entact, but looking like a fan (that doesn't really want to open up very much). Place cut side up into your pan.
Repeat for all the remaining potatoes.
Pour Salad dressing over and in between the cuts on the potatoes (I use nearly a whole bottle for the 9x13 pan. I find it helps in flavour, thorough cooking, and lack of 'sticking-to-the-pan-ness' to have the dressing puddle around the base of the potatoes.)
Next, liberally sprinkle the potatoes with parmasean.
Bake in 375F oven for 45min to an hour, or until the potatoes are soft in the middle and crispy on top, and browning beautifully.
I find these are really forgiving potatoes. If you need your oven hotter (or cooler)for some thing else you are cooking, they are happy to cook in even a 350F to 425F oven. Just watch the times and check them often.
We serve these as an entree with a big salad and steamed veggies, but clearly they would be delicious with anything...roast beef, chicken etc. We have even done these on the BBQ come summer time and they work there too.
The best part? If you can make enough to ensure leftovers, they fry up to make the most insanely yummy homefries for breakfast the next day. Just slice them or dice them, fry them up, and YUM! :-)
Here is a link to the original recipe that I don't look at anymore :-)
Potatoes are a serious staple in our house. My burst of happy happy on Saturdays comes from my ability to buy 50 pounds of potatoes for $10 at our local farmers' market. One day I scored 100 pounds for $15!!! I quite nearly did a back flip of joy...nearly. Not literally. Inside I was cartwheeling. You just couldn't see my inner gymnast that day.
Did you know, that potatoes are higher in potassium than the world famous potassium hog "bananas"? And did you know that if you ate enough calories to sustain yourself daily in potatoes alone, you would exceed the daily requirements for protein? Don't be fooled into thinking that you can't be healthy and strong by eating a vegetarian diet, or by eating carbs like taters. They are brilliant. Not to mention the most versatile "vegetable" in existence. (I know, it isn't technically a veggie. It is a tuber, but still...)
My daughter and I sat down one day and made a list of all the recipes I make with potatoes, and realized we could eat potatoes in a different form every night for supper for a WHOLE MONTH without repeating! Genius. And for the pennies it costs to buy them, it isn't a bad idea to try out.
Without further ado: Fan Potatoes!
You need:
** a baking dish with sides (I use my 9x13 glass pan...okay, who am I kidding: we use two pans)
** as many potatoes as that pan will hold (assuming you are cooking for several folks)
** Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
** Parmasean Cheese
Holding the potato lengthwise on the cutting board, make several, thin, vertical slices into the potato, but not all the way through the potato. It will still be entact, but looking like a fan (that doesn't really want to open up very much). Place cut side up into your pan.
Repeat for all the remaining potatoes.
Pour Salad dressing over and in between the cuts on the potatoes (I use nearly a whole bottle for the 9x13 pan. I find it helps in flavour, thorough cooking, and lack of 'sticking-to-the-pan-ness' to have the dressing puddle around the base of the potatoes.)
Next, liberally sprinkle the potatoes with parmasean.
Bake in 375F oven for 45min to an hour, or until the potatoes are soft in the middle and crispy on top, and browning beautifully.
I find these are really forgiving potatoes. If you need your oven hotter (or cooler)for some thing else you are cooking, they are happy to cook in even a 350F to 425F oven. Just watch the times and check them often.
We serve these as an entree with a big salad and steamed veggies, but clearly they would be delicious with anything...roast beef, chicken etc. We have even done these on the BBQ come summer time and they work there too.
The best part? If you can make enough to ensure leftovers, they fry up to make the most insanely yummy homefries for breakfast the next day. Just slice them or dice them, fry them up, and YUM! :-)
Here is a link to the original recipe that I don't look at anymore :-)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wow-ful Women Wednesdays
Every so often, I regret calling this feature Wow-ful Women Wednesdays. It kind of puts the emphasis on the wrong thing some weeks. Okay, so you could watch this video today and notice the brilliant voice and stage presence of this lady, and you would be right and justified in doing so. But this is really another week when you should just listen to the words and let them permeate your very being. Isn't this the Word you need today?
It is Jesus, our God of the Ages who is our life, our healer, our righteousness, our hope, our everything! Any thing good or "wow-ful" in Darlene Zschech, or in you, or in me, or in any other person I've ever highlighted here is only a gift from this God of Ages.
It is Jesus, our God of the Ages who is our life, our healer, our righteousness, our hope, our everything! Any thing good or "wow-ful" in Darlene Zschech, or in you, or in me, or in any other person I've ever highlighted here is only a gift from this God of Ages.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside My Window... Hmm....I have no idea. I suppose I should open the blinds and let the sun in!
I am Thinking... about obedience, and what a complicated thing motives can be.
I am Thankful For... kids who make each other's beds without prompting, just to be kind.
From the Kitchen... millet cooked in apple juice with strawberries and soy milk for breakfast, and a crock pot full of turkey noodle soup for lunch.
I am Wearing... a pair of jeans that I never would have imagined would actually fit, and a cowl neck sweater that I used to think fit when I weighed 20 pounds more than I do now, which is making me realize I must have looked like a sausage when I wore it previously.
I am Creating... a positive character for a Sunday skit.
I am Going... to buy toilet paper today.
I am Reading... Hunchback of Notre Dame....it is taking some serious brain power that I may have lost in my 3rd pregnancy.
I am Hoping... for Spring sooner than later.
I am Hearing... my boy making farm animal sounds.
Around the house... a notable lack of clutter. Yay for productive Saturdays!
One of my favourite things... seeing my 6 year old and 3 year old play an old-fashioned card game of War on the floor with their toes touching.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week... hanging out with some really excellent single ladies!
A Picture thought I'm Sharing...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Thinking Back to the Most Beautiful Blizzard.
Today my baby turns two. It has made me flashback to the details of his birth and the lessons the Lord taught me at that time. I realize that reading birth stories is not everyone's cup of tea, so feel free to skip this link if you want to. Maybe reading someone's birth story would be highly unhelpful and hurtful to you today, and I don't mean to stir up any painful memories for anyone. However, Zachary's birth stirred up a lot of ugliness in my heart too, at the time, and I am grateful today for the reminder of what the Lord showed me through the details of Zach's arrival, and all that led up to it.
So if you are interested, please join me in reliving this day in history.
So if you are interested, please join me in reliving this day in history.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wow-ful Women Wednesdays
Natalie Grant? Again? Oh yes. I really think this woman has the most stunning voice and such a range of styles of music she can pull off really convincingly, which says to me, that she really appreciates the complexities of many styles of music. That, to me, says a lot about a musician. Love it.
However, today's song choice is so much more about message. And truthfully, when I first heard this song on the radio, I understood the message much differently than is presented by the visuals in the video. So maybe listen once with eyes closed ad once with eyes open to see what story you would put to the words.
There are many folks in my life right now who are in very complicated places emotionally. These families and individuals are looking to the Lord for their strength and their hope in seemingly impossible situations. Heartbreak of every kind. And yet in it, they are saying, "Still, I believe God is good. I believe God is in control. I believe we'll get through this."
On the other hand, there are many folks in my life who are on the other side of it. They've come through the fire, shining like Silver, and saying, "See, God is good. God always was in control. He got us through it."
Whichever side of a trial you stand on today, here is the truth you need to hear: in God's hands, in the loving arms of Jesus, is the only rest and hope and strength that will not fail.
However, today's song choice is so much more about message. And truthfully, when I first heard this song on the radio, I understood the message much differently than is presented by the visuals in the video. So maybe listen once with eyes closed ad once with eyes open to see what story you would put to the words.
There are many folks in my life right now who are in very complicated places emotionally. These families and individuals are looking to the Lord for their strength and their hope in seemingly impossible situations. Heartbreak of every kind. And yet in it, they are saying, "Still, I believe God is good. I believe God is in control. I believe we'll get through this."
On the other hand, there are many folks in my life who are on the other side of it. They've come through the fire, shining like Silver, and saying, "See, God is good. God always was in control. He got us through it."
Whichever side of a trial you stand on today, here is the truth you need to hear: in God's hands, in the loving arms of Jesus, is the only rest and hope and strength that will not fail.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Foodie Friday
I really like food. I like cooking it, watching shows about it, reading magazines about it, collecting books about it, and of course eating it. I like watching cooking shows that are cooking foods I know I don't like and will never eat just so I can learn the techniques they use and pick up some great presentation ideas. I love making supper, and wish I had more time to make elaborate meals. I love having people over to eat with us: a full table is a wonderful sight. And so, I figure, it is time for Fuel by Barbara to get on to fuel for the body, on top of fuel for thought. So let's go! Foodie Friday...a recipe (or two) every Friday. Got it? Sound good? Alrighty then.
Just this week I had cooked the most delicious stuffed peppers (a family favourite) but instead of using rice, I used quinoa. Quinoa (do you know how to pronounce that? Not meaning to insult anyone's intelligence here. It is a bit weird...Keen-Wah) is a fantastic grain. It is super easy to cook, highly versatile, and incredibly healthy. Did you know that it is considered a "complete protein" which is a good thing for vegetarians, and it is gluten-free? And it is also high in iron, which is good for all of us tired-out types! Quinoa is *so* healthy and so sustainable that they are considering using it as a crop for NASA's long-term manned space projects. (Thank you, Wikipedia!)
But how do you use it? Well, let me give you two quick and easy recipes, that we love, for quinoa.
First, let me apologize: I cook by the seat of my pants a fair bit. Lots of "a dash of this, a pinch of that, and grab whatever is in the fridge". I'll try hard to be fairly exact with some measurements that really matter, but otherwise you may need to be flexible and try a little experimenting on your own. Besides, if I tell you the quantities I make for my crew, you'll need to invite over your kids' class for supper to eat up the leftovers!
The basic cooking method for Quinoa is very simple. Like rice, take 2 cups water (or broth) for every cup of grain. Bring the water to a boil, add the quinoa, turn down to a simmer, cover and let cook until the grains are soft (20-30 minutes). Quinoa goes kind of translucent when it is cooked and has a little ring around the outside of the swelled grain. Some people say you need to rinse quinoa in water before you cook it to wash off any bitter starch. I'm far too lazy for that. I've never done it, and really never had a problem. Try it both ways and see what works best for you.
Best-Ever Greek Salad
(this makes a big, vegetarian entree salad. Good for potlucks too.)
2-3 cups cooked quinoa (more or less depending on number of servings desired) (and, I should say, you have time to prepare all the rest of this salad while the quinoa cooks, which makes this a super fast supper)
Head of Romaine Lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (or fresh spinach, if you prefer)
2-3 sweet peppers (any colour, but I like to have a green, red, and yellow when possible)
2 cups or so Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (or several diced, fresh, plum tomatoes)
1-2 English cucumbers, sliced
1-2 jars black olives (whole, pitted, sliced...whatever you prefer)
Red Onion, sliced thin (to taste)
Feta cheese, crumbled (to taste...at least 1 cup? Omit if you want a vegan meal.)
For Dressing:
3-4 large cloves garlic, minced (or to taste. I find it really mellows more than you think it will)
Juice of 1-2 lemons
1/2 - 3/4 cup olive oil
pinch of dill
salt and pepper to taste (you may not want any salt because of the olives and feta being fairly salty.)
(and you may need to increase or decrease the amount of dressing depending on size of salad you make)
Place all vegetables and feta in a large bowl. Place the warm quinoa on top. Thoroughly whisk all dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over all and toss slightly. Eat while it is still warm. We'll have this as a meal all on its own sometimes, or sometimes we'll eat it as a side salad. Yum! My kids LOVE this salad.
Next:
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Now this is really not a helpful recipe at all...
Do you have a stuffed pepper recipe you love? Take out the rice, or take out the meat, and use Quinoa instead. Simple! Ours looked like this:
Cooked quinoa
Diced tomatoes
Chopped chives
Guacamole spices (ie. from Epicure, or a similar supermarket blend)
salt and pepper to taste
Toss all that together.
Cut off the top and remove seeds from enough peppers for at least one per person. (Alternately, cut peppers in half from top to bottom, removing seeds and stems, and serve half per person as a side dish).
Fill each pepper with the stuffing mixture.
Sprinkle heavily with grated cheese (I like extra-old cheddar).
Place in a baking dish large enough to snuggly hold them all standing upright. Pour 1/2 inch of water (or so) into the bottom of the pan. (this helps steam cook the peppers). Bake in a 350-375F oven until the cheese is melty and bubbly, the stuffing is hot through, and the peppers are softening and/or browning, approx. 30 minutes. I serve these as an entree with a salad, and/or steamed vegetables.
Voila!
Try it out, and let me know what you think? I'd love to hear how much you enjoy quinoa. How do you cook it? Do you have a recipe to share?
Just this week I had cooked the most delicious stuffed peppers (a family favourite) but instead of using rice, I used quinoa. Quinoa (do you know how to pronounce that? Not meaning to insult anyone's intelligence here. It is a bit weird...Keen-Wah) is a fantastic grain. It is super easy to cook, highly versatile, and incredibly healthy. Did you know that it is considered a "complete protein" which is a good thing for vegetarians, and it is gluten-free? And it is also high in iron, which is good for all of us tired-out types! Quinoa is *so* healthy and so sustainable that they are considering using it as a crop for NASA's long-term manned space projects. (Thank you, Wikipedia!)
But how do you use it? Well, let me give you two quick and easy recipes, that we love, for quinoa.
First, let me apologize: I cook by the seat of my pants a fair bit. Lots of "a dash of this, a pinch of that, and grab whatever is in the fridge". I'll try hard to be fairly exact with some measurements that really matter, but otherwise you may need to be flexible and try a little experimenting on your own. Besides, if I tell you the quantities I make for my crew, you'll need to invite over your kids' class for supper to eat up the leftovers!
The basic cooking method for Quinoa is very simple. Like rice, take 2 cups water (or broth) for every cup of grain. Bring the water to a boil, add the quinoa, turn down to a simmer, cover and let cook until the grains are soft (20-30 minutes). Quinoa goes kind of translucent when it is cooked and has a little ring around the outside of the swelled grain. Some people say you need to rinse quinoa in water before you cook it to wash off any bitter starch. I'm far too lazy for that. I've never done it, and really never had a problem. Try it both ways and see what works best for you.
Best-Ever Greek Salad
(this makes a big, vegetarian entree salad. Good for potlucks too.)
2-3 cups cooked quinoa (more or less depending on number of servings desired) (and, I should say, you have time to prepare all the rest of this salad while the quinoa cooks, which makes this a super fast supper)
Head of Romaine Lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (or fresh spinach, if you prefer)
2-3 sweet peppers (any colour, but I like to have a green, red, and yellow when possible)
2 cups or so Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (or several diced, fresh, plum tomatoes)
1-2 English cucumbers, sliced
1-2 jars black olives (whole, pitted, sliced...whatever you prefer)
Red Onion, sliced thin (to taste)
Feta cheese, crumbled (to taste...at least 1 cup? Omit if you want a vegan meal.)
For Dressing:
3-4 large cloves garlic, minced (or to taste. I find it really mellows more than you think it will)
Juice of 1-2 lemons
1/2 - 3/4 cup olive oil
pinch of dill
salt and pepper to taste (you may not want any salt because of the olives and feta being fairly salty.)
(and you may need to increase or decrease the amount of dressing depending on size of salad you make)
Place all vegetables and feta in a large bowl. Place the warm quinoa on top. Thoroughly whisk all dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over all and toss slightly. Eat while it is still warm. We'll have this as a meal all on its own sometimes, or sometimes we'll eat it as a side salad. Yum! My kids LOVE this salad.
Next:
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Now this is really not a helpful recipe at all...
Do you have a stuffed pepper recipe you love? Take out the rice, or take out the meat, and use Quinoa instead. Simple! Ours looked like this:
Cooked quinoa
Diced tomatoes
Chopped chives
Guacamole spices (ie. from Epicure, or a similar supermarket blend)
salt and pepper to taste
Toss all that together.
Cut off the top and remove seeds from enough peppers for at least one per person. (Alternately, cut peppers in half from top to bottom, removing seeds and stems, and serve half per person as a side dish).
Fill each pepper with the stuffing mixture.
Sprinkle heavily with grated cheese (I like extra-old cheddar).
Place in a baking dish large enough to snuggly hold them all standing upright. Pour 1/2 inch of water (or so) into the bottom of the pan. (this helps steam cook the peppers). Bake in a 350-375F oven until the cheese is melty and bubbly, the stuffing is hot through, and the peppers are softening and/or browning, approx. 30 minutes. I serve these as an entree with a salad, and/or steamed vegetables.
Voila!
Try it out, and let me know what you think? I'd love to hear how much you enjoy quinoa. How do you cook it? Do you have a recipe to share?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Heard At My House
Setting: Dad sitting with 3 year old daughter, reading the Book of Acts while drinking hot chocolate. Lovely.
Dad: "And a voice came from Heaven saying, 'Saul, Saul. Why do you persecute me?'"
3 Year Old Brilliant girl: "God says I'm cute too, right Daddy?"
(That's just funny, right? Clever kiddo, listening hard.)
Dad: "And a voice came from Heaven saying, 'Saul, Saul. Why do you persecute me?'"
3 Year Old Brilliant girl: "God says I'm cute too, right Daddy?"
(That's just funny, right? Clever kiddo, listening hard.)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wow-ful Women Wednesdays -- New Year Edition
Welcome to the first Wednesday in 2010! (Have we decided yet? Is it 2 Thousand 10 or Twenty-Ten? Just wondering.)
Hard to imagine that all the things that happened over the Christmas holidays are only a week and a half behind me, when they already feel like another lifetime. There are several blog-worthy events upon which to report. I will hopefully get to that this week. I have a funny thing, a touching thing, an 'inspirational' thing, a Holy Spirit thing...could be a good week! (assuming I actually find the time to blog. Perhaps you should leave a comment below telling me which story you want to hear first and I'll do them in that order!)
Now, onto WWW. This song came across my laptop many months ago and I was very stirred by it. Yet, somehow it never seemed the "right time" to post it. Today is the day! What better way to set our focus for 2010 than to focus on the holiness and majesty of our beautiful Lord.
My favourite verse in this song is the one that talks about the awestruck wonder that comes at the mere mention of the name that is above all names. Think about that: what reaction do you have at the name of Jesus? Be honest. What do you feel when you come here and read about Jesus, or when you hear the name mentioned. Think about that. What does your reaction to His name say about your heart and your thoughts and your priorities. Fuel for thought, indeed. I'll be checking my heart too.
I love this, and I hope you will as well.
Revelation Song led by Kari Jobe.
Hard to imagine that all the things that happened over the Christmas holidays are only a week and a half behind me, when they already feel like another lifetime. There are several blog-worthy events upon which to report. I will hopefully get to that this week. I have a funny thing, a touching thing, an 'inspirational' thing, a Holy Spirit thing...could be a good week! (assuming I actually find the time to blog. Perhaps you should leave a comment below telling me which story you want to hear first and I'll do them in that order!)
Now, onto WWW. This song came across my laptop many months ago and I was very stirred by it. Yet, somehow it never seemed the "right time" to post it. Today is the day! What better way to set our focus for 2010 than to focus on the holiness and majesty of our beautiful Lord.
My favourite verse in this song is the one that talks about the awestruck wonder that comes at the mere mention of the name that is above all names. Think about that: what reaction do you have at the name of Jesus? Be honest. What do you feel when you come here and read about Jesus, or when you hear the name mentioned. Think about that. What does your reaction to His name say about your heart and your thoughts and your priorities. Fuel for thought, indeed. I'll be checking my heart too.
I love this, and I hope you will as well.
Revelation Song led by Kari Jobe.
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