Two Fall Favorites

Well, it hasn't felt much like fall around here, with temperatures in the 70's most days. I took this picture of our rose bush yesterday; lots of buds and flowers.    

Even with the warmer weather we've still been enjoying some of our favorite fall recipes. Since we have one kiddo allergic to anything apple, I have to make sure there's an option for her whenever I bake something apple; so these two recipes tend to get made on the same day.   I'm horrible at labeling blog posts so I may have shared these recipes before but here they are again.  

Pumpkin Pie Squares: 
(adapted from this recipe)

3/4 C all-purpose flour
3/4 C rolled oats
1/4 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C butter, softened
2 C pumpkin puree
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
2 Eggs
1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/3 C packed brown sugar
2 TB butter, softened
1/2 C oats

Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray or Grease a 9x13 pan.

Mix together the flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and butter. Press into pan, bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

In large bowl or blender, blend together pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt and spices.  Pour custard over baked crust; bake for 30 minutes or until firm.

While custard is baking, mix together the chopped nuts, brown sugar, butter and oats.  Sprinkle topping on custard and bake additional 15 minutes.  Cool and cut into squares.  To serve, top with whipped cream if desired.  

Straight from the Orchard Apple Cake:
(adapted from this recipe)

2 eggs
2 C sugar
1/2 C oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
4 cups apples, peeled and diced
1 C oats

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 9x13 pan.  
Beat the eggs, gradually add sugar, oil and vanilla.  
Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda and spices then add to egg mixture; stirring well.
Stir in apples and oats.
Spread evenly into pan
Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

A couple notes about this recipe.  First, the ingredient proportions will seem way off; like there's not enough batter for that amount of apples but there is.  Second, I recommend mixing this all by hand; it just seems to come out better for me when I do it by hand.  Lastly, the original recipe calls for a frosting but honestly, I think it would mess up the cake, it is already plenty sweet.  When baked this has a crusty top which is our favorite part, it gives a nice contrast to the soft, appley inside.  You can see a bit of what I mean about the topping in this picture, 

Fun & Frugal

 

Pictures taken at a reservation near our house

Good morning!  The pictures above are some I took last week on a walk near our house.  It was a bit cloudy so the colors don't show up well but it was such a pretty walk (and free entertainment & exercise)!

So today I wanted to do a quick post to share a couple tips.  With inflation rising and the cost of items going up and up; especially groceries!  I thought I would share a couple quick tips that we have found helpful to save some money.  Here are a "top 5" of how we save on groceries and clothing:

1) Buy & Freeze - Buying off the discount rack is a great way to stock up on items.  I always check discounted bagels & breads that are too pricey to buy normally.  I throw them in the freezer so they stay as fresh as possible.  Last week I was able to buy 5 loaves of cinnamon swirl french toast bread for $1.68 each!  I also check the dry goods discount rack and often find great deals on pasta and other items there. 

2) Rotisserie Chickens - I have found that these are cheaper than buying a raw whole chicken.  Even cheaper is to look for the cold chickens that didn't sell (at our store these are listed as "cold chicken parts")  I bring them home, debone/skin them, shred and place in quart freezer bags.  These are great for quick meals.  The price on the cold ones used to be just under $3/chicken but last week I noticed they had gone up a bit but still cheaper than buying any other way.  Another meat tip: It's almost always cheaper to buy and cut yourself.  We'll buy a large pork loin roast and cut it into smaller roasts or chops ourselves to save the difference in price. 

3) Make it homemade - If you have time, this is obviously one of the biggest ways to save money.  I make our regular sandwich bread each week.  Muffins, quick breads, etc are all quick easy snacks to make homemade.  I also make a large batch of granola every couple of weeks; since granola is so versatile you can tailor the ingredients to your budget.  

4) Learn to DIY - This is similar to #3 but making something or fixing something yourself is not only frugal but also very rewarding.  There are Youtube videos for pretty much anything you want to learn.  

5) Thrifting - I joke with my oldest daughter that we were into thrifting before it was cool. :D  Whenever my kids need clothes or I'm looking for something for the house the first place I like to check is Savers.  Savers is similar to a Goodwill but I've had better luck at Savers so that is my "go-to" place.  

Bonus: If you have the time and space consider planting a garden. It doesn't have to be big.  Some things that produce a lot in a small space are green beans, tomatoes and hot peppers.  

A few words on Peace

Double rainbow in South Dakota; taken on our 10yr anniversary trip

You slide into a comfy chair with your favorite book, all is quiet, your loved ones are in good places physically, spiritually and mentally and you feel that sense of peace.  But the thing is; it doesn't last long.  You hear your toddler yell "mama" from the other room, your teen comes and shares some tough stuff they are dealing with and you feel the tension rise again.  We all long for peace, yet it can seem so illusive; especially in the times we are living now.  See, lately I've been fighting for some peace.  I'm an introvert who loves routine and not much about our lives lately has been routine.  With two kids working, school schedules, a family member needing a medical procedure (that is looking like it might be delayed for a second time); it all just feels yucky and unsettled. 

I mentioned in my last post that I had gone away for a ladies retreat a few weeks ago.  One of the things God impressed on my heart was that I have been looking around a whole lot more than I have been looking up.  I love to read, I usually have at least two books at a time that I'm reading (as well as my daily Bible reading).  Reading is something that I have always loved.  Usually, my books are a nonfiction memoir and a Christian study book.  There are so many wonderful books, but here's the thing.  Many of those books are testimony books.  They share how God stepped into the life of the author and taught them a lesson.  The author is sharing about a time or mess that God brought them through.  These books are awesome and great to read; however, sometimes we need more.  In these testimonies we are still looking around; around at how God has worked in lives and while we can learn a lot from that, the authority and focus we truly need can only be found by studying Scripture.  I'm always thankful when I find out one of these books come with a study guide that digs into the Scripture; that is where true transformation, growth and peace is found.  

This year in our Mom's Night Out group at church we are reading through the book Jesus Over Everything by Lisa Whittle.  I read this book last summer on my own and it was powerful.  This time I decided to go a bit further since I had already read the book and grabbed the study guide as well (this goes with a DVD series but I'm just using it a bit different without the DVD's).  At the end of each day she has you read a passage of Scripture and dig deeper by looking up a key word in a concordance to learn more about what the passage is saying. (I'm going to digress a bit here to say that my favorite Bible study tool is actually a Lexicon.  I love that you can look at the original Greek and see what the word means there; it often gives a much fuller understanding and that is just what happened the other day.)

One of the passages that Lisa had us look at was Philippians 4:4-9 and in particular the word peace.  In the Greek, the word used for peace in this passage is εἰρήνη (eirēnē); the meanings listed are: "one, peace, quietness, rest".  The definition "one" caught my attention; further down in the definition it fleshes this out a bit more as meaning, "wholeness, when all essential parts are joined together".  You see, we can only have true peace when we are one with Christ, He is the essential part we need to be joined to, in order to be truly whole.  Our focus should be on striving for oneness with Christ no matter what the circumstance.  When we focus on Christ and put Him as our priority (as Lisa says "Jesus Over Everything") then we find peace that will last.  We look up rather than around.  Another verse that uses this same Greek word for peace is Romans 15:13 and it is my prayer for you today "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace [rest, quietness, wholeness] in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." 

Exhausted yet pursuing

 

"And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 
men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing." 
Judges 8:4

This past weekend I was able to attend a women's retreat.  Normally I go every year but 2020 being what it was there was no women's retreat.  I always look forward to the time to spend time with sisters in Christ and also to have some more focused time with God.  So often, these times away have been times when God has worked powerfully in my heart.  

As with so much, this year was different.  Not only was the retreat at a different location but it felt different.  The location was beautiful, quiet and was nice to have time for reflection and yes, God was definitely working;  but there was also a heaviness.  I was chatting with a friend and she described it perfectly; "There is so much pain.  Everyone I talk to is carrying so much pain"  We are all exhausted.  The last 18 months have taken its toll.  We are physically tired, we are emotionally tired, we are tired of the division, we are tired of wondering who we will lose next. Personally, I am tired of Jesus being used as a tool for people's agendas...political and otherwise.  Exhausted.

I had never noticed this phrase from the story of Gideon (Judges 6-8) until the speaker this weekend pointed it out.  Gideon didn't want to be chosen by God, Gideon listened to God's calling but didn't think he could do the task God was asking him to do.  Gideon put out a fleece twice, and twice God graciously agreed to the test and answered Gideon's request.  Then, God reduces the people  helping Gideon to a mere 300 men against an army of 120,000 Midianites.  Gideon and his men were exhausted; they requested help from two different camps and were denied by both.  Gideon was following the path he was given, he was doing what God had asked him to do yet he and his men were exhausted and without earthly help. Gideon stayed faithful to his mission and God gave Gideon and his men the victory.  

There's so much going on in our world; even when we know that we are pursuing the path God has for us it can be exhausting.  It is in these moments we are reminded that we are not to put our trust in others (Psalm 146:3) or in earthly methods and tools (Psalm 20:7) but ONLY in God for our salvation and strength (Psalm 46:1).  We can pour out our hearts to Him (Psalm 62:8) and cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).  May we be faithful to keep pursuing Jesus even when we are exhausted.  Just like Peter on the water we will sink in the storm if we take our eyes off Jesus (Matthew 18:22-33) but if we keep our eyes on Him we will walk on the waves.  May we never stop pursuing Jesus; even when we are exhausted.

A poem and a song

 Can you believe I've been trying to get this simple post up for over a week!  Such is life right now; I feel like the summer just started and it's almost ended already.  Anyways,  last week I attended the funeral for a beloved Great Aunt; she was so very special to our family and will be greatly missed. I'm so thankful that she had trusted Jesus as her Savior and I will someday see her again.  That evening, as I was thinking about her life, the last two lines of this poem by C.T. Studd popped into my mind.  It is so true and such a good reminder to keep focus on what truly will last:

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will it's fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,
And stand before His judgement seat;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I hear the call,
I know I'll say "Twas worth it all";
Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

The song I want to share today is one that a friend shared a few weeks ago on Facebook. It's always a good reminder that we always have a sure and steady anchor as we walk this life.  

Boston on a budget (with kids!)

 A few weeks ago the three older kids were away on a youth group trip so we decided to do some fun things with the three younger kids.  We had a great time checking out a zoo and going to the aquarium in Boston (this was not the "budget friendly" trip ;) ).  If you asked any of the three what their favorite part of that day was they would say the splash pad that we came across and let them play in.  As we sat there watching them splash and play Matt and I commented how we should bring all the kids into Boston to walk the freedom trail; so this past Monday that's what we did...well...sort of, as you'll see.

We had such another great time this past Monday with all the kids and despite having double the kids with us this was a much more budget friendly trip; and no less fun!  There are a hundred (probably more) things you can do in Boston and there are countless blog posts about day trips but I thought I'd share what we did since I had never done some of the things we found to do.

So, how do you get into Boston?  Well, we've done both the T (subway) and driven in and it really depends on what we're doing, and how much time we want to spend getting there.  On this trip we didn't decide until we were on our way which we would do.  The closest T station to our house costs $9/day to park.  Children 11 and under do ride the T for free but it is $2.40 each way and takes about 1/2 hr to ride into Boston.  The T is also old and while they do have elevators it is not the easiest to navigate with a stroller.  We decided to drive in since I found a parking garage that was $22 for the day and we didn't want to spend the extra 1/2 hour in time to ride in.  I would highly recommend the parking garage we chose (be aware that full size vans and large SUV's do not fit in this garage); it is the Nautica Parking Garage in Charlestown, just across the bridge from North Station.  The garage is about a block from the USS Constitution Museum and Ship.  

Things we did:

1) Bunker Hill Monument - this is a short walk from where we parked and is usually the end of the Freedom Trail but we figured we would just walk the trail backwards.  Unfortunately, the monument was closed so we weren't able to climb it. Total cost = $0

2) USS Constitution Museum & Ship - we had never toured the USS Constitution and after being encouraged to do so by a local guy who chatted with us we decided to head over.  The tour of the ship is free and we all really enjoyed it.  We did not go thru the museum since the kids weren't interested; they ask for a suggested donation of $10-$15 per adult and $5-$10 per child if you do decide to check it out.  Maisie needed to use the bathroom and you can use the Museum bathroom but again they do ask for a donation to use the bathroom (the amount is up to you and it's not required; we did make a small donation). Total cost = $5 to use bathroom

3) Water Shuttle/Taxi - This was a favorite for pretty much everyone.  You can catch the water taxi just past the Museum.  It is an 8 minute boat ride across the harbor dropping you at the Aquarium.  The views of the Harbor and skyline are beautiful.  Since it is part of the public transit system children 11 and under ride free, otherwise it's $3.70 per person.  It was well worth the cost.  Total cost = $18.50

4) Quincy Market - Our one splurge for the day was to get lunch at Quincy Market. It's an indoor marketplace with all sorts of different food vendors.  After getting our lunch we found a spot in the square between the Quincy Market building and Fanuel Hall and watched a street performer as we ate.  If you don't want to splurge for entire meals you could grab a pastry from one of the pastry shops and still enjoy a fun show (this is a popular place for street performers).  They also have public bathrooms here that, while busy, are easy to get in and out of so we made use of those a couple times. Total cost = not sure but it was definitely a splurge; I would guess about $10-$15 per person.  

5) Armenian Genocide Memorial Park - As we headed towards the North End to pick up the Freedom Trail again we stopped in this beautiful park.  There is a labyrinth to walk around in and a beautiful sculpture.  The kids had a great time with the maze and it was another great place to sit and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  Total Cost = $0

6) North End/Freedom Trail - You can pay for a guided tour of the Freedom Trail but we always just walk it ourselves and enjoy the sites.  The trail is marked by red bricks so it's easy to follow.  We headed to the North End and walked around a bit.  Matt and I grabbed an iced coffee and we enjoyed the outdoor seating while we discussed which direction we wanted to head next.  The kids chose to continue towards Boston Common so we did that. This path took us back by Fanuel Hall and this time there were other street performers so we stopped and watched their act; it was great and we all enjoyed it.   On our way we saw the Granary Burial grounds where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and other famous people are buried.  We saw the site of the Boston Massacre, Old South Meeting House and even spotted some Revolutionary War reenactors.  We took some time to walk through the Holocaust Memorial; which is a very moving place with glass towers containing the numbers given to many of those killed in the Holocaust. The memorial also contains quotes from those that survived.  It truly is worth taking the time to walk thru and remember.  On our way to the Common we found a cute bookstore tucked in one of the alleyways and Amy found a book on the $1 rack.  Total Cost = $9 

7) Boston Common/Frog Pond/Public Garden - Once we made it to the common we found a shady spot to sit and have a snack (brought from home) while people watching.  After a bit we walked over the the Frog Pond, which is a shallow wading pool that the kids loved!  They played for awhile and then we walked through the public garden that is adjacent to the Common.  Total Cost = $0

8) Riding the T - By this time the younger kids were very tired so we decided to take the T to North Station so we would have a shorter walk back to the car. The kids always enjoy riding the T so it was another "attraction" for them.  Total Cost = $9.60

The Rose Kennedy Greenway runs through the city and has several green spaces with splash pads, benches and nice places to rest.  You could easily pack a lunch and save that amount while enjoying any of these spaces.   It's often hard to find things that all the kids (ages 3-17) will enjoy but this day was a winner.  Total cost for the day (less lunch) was $64.10 and you could certainly cut that down even more by not riding the T and not getting coffee. :)  Even with that it was $8/per person for a full day of fun and adventure.  

Blankets, blankets, everywhere.

 Well...maybe not everywhere.  One of the kids requested a blanket because they didn't have a "mom-made" blanket.  After making that one a few of the other kids put in requests for blankets.  So far, I've made 4 blankets.  The first one I made I used the C2C (corner to corner) method and while I love the look there were so many sections of different colors and ends to weave in.  The next two I used the single crochet mosaic (or grid) method.  This method made for a tighter texture but I like the cleaner look since there aren't as many holes.  I recently found a tip for making a C2C blanket with smaller holes so I may try that at some point.  The last blanket was made using a simple pattern of alternating single and double crochets; we've dubbed it the "Nemo" blanket since it is reminiscent of a clown fish.  I'd love to hear about the craft projects you're working on this year!