for those who have given their all...

On this Memorial Day may we all stop for a moment and say a prayer for those who have fallen in battle and given their very life for our freedom. I thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice.

This wonderful song just speaks to my heart. I hope it speaks to yours as well.

Mother Mary be with us and protect us!

Blessings,

Mary

Til The Last Shot'S Fired Lyrics
Sung by Trace Adkins

Songwriters: Crosby, Rob; Johnson, Doug;

I was there in the winter of '64
When we camped in the ice
at Nashville's doors
Three hundred miles our trail had led
We barely had time to bury our dead
When the Yankees charged and the colors fell
Overton hill was a living hell
When we called retreat it was almost dark
I died with a grapeshot in my heart

Say a prayer for peace
For every fallen son
Set my spirit free
Let me lay down my gun
Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired
But I can't come home 'til
the last shot's fired

In June of 1944
I waited in the blood of Omaha's shores
Twenty-one and scared to death
My heart poundin' in my chest
I almost made the first seawall
When my friends turned and saw me fall
I still smell the smoke, I can taste the mud
As I lay there dying from a loss of blood

Say a prayer for peace
For every fallen son
Set my spirit free
Let me lay down my gun
Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired
But I can't come home 'til
the last shot's fired

I'm in the fields of Vietnam,
The mountains of Afghanistan
And I'm still hopin', waitin', prayin'
I did not die in vain

Say a prayer for peace
For every fallen son
Set our spirits free
Let us lay down our guns
Sweet mother Mary we're so tired
But we can't come home 'til
the last shot's fired
'Til the last shot's fired

[Choir:]
Say a prayer for peace (for peace)
For our daughters and our sons
Set our spirits free (set us free)
Let us lay down our guns

[Trace:]
Sweet mother Mary, we're so tired
But we can't come home (No
we can't come home)

[Choir:]
'Til the last shot's fired

i heart cooking clubs ~ mushrooms w/garlic

When I saw that this weeks I Heart Cooking Clubs challenge was all about garlic, I did a little happy dance in my kitchen. For an Irish woman I have an uncanny obsession with garlic. I don't just love it, I L..O..V..E.. it! It makes me so happy when I am chopping, mincing and sauteing this fabulous wonderful little root vegetable. It just permeates the air, so sweet and ahhh...can't you just smell it now?

I thoroughly enjoyed looking through one Mark Bittman cookbook after another trying to find something simple and packed with garlic dreaminess. When I came across Mushrooms with Garlic in Bittman's How to Cook Everything I knew I had a winner. So simple and just jam packed with garlicky wonderfulness. I truly think that a little piece of soul much be Italian. This recipe was just divine with the beef tenderloin I served it with but I can just imagine it with a lovely baked chicken breast.

YUMMMM!!!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Bittman's Pan Mushrooms

from How to Cook Everything

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil

1 pound assorted mushrooms

1/4 cup white wine

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add mushrooms and a pinch or two of salt to coax out the moisture. Cook 10-15 minutes, or until tender.

2. Add the wine and let it bubble away, about 1 minute.

3. Turn heat to low, add parsley and garlic, and cook for one minute longer. Remove from heat, transfer to a plate or shallow bowl, and allow to cool about 1 hour.

sweet sundays ~ berry smoothie

This recipe is an oldie but goodie. I have no idea where it came from I have been making it for so long. It's as simple as it gets. We love them for breakfast, snacks or a healthy sweet treat after dinner. I sometimes add flax oil or a teaspoon of wheat germ to increase the health benefits. Get creative and just enjoy the bounty of the season.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Berry Smoothie

1 1/2 cup frozen berries

1 cup yogurt (you can use flavored or vanilla yogurt)

1 cup milk

Blend and enjoy!

a novena for Courtney...

This Memorial Day weekend, my family will begin a nine day novena (A nine days' private or public devotion in the Catholic Church to obtain special graces) for Courtney asking for healing through the intercession of the Servant of God, Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM. Day one will be Sunday, May 30, 2010.

We realized that Father Capodanno served in Vietnam at the same time my father did although they did not know each other. He was an amazing man. You can learn more about him here.

We pray that God's healing hands embrace our daughter and she is able to withstand the ferocity of her increasing seizures. We pray that the docs find out a reason behind the weight loss and that we are able to keep the weight on her. We pray for acceptance of whatever will come and the grace to go with it.

Please join us:

May God, who has offered healing and strength through the hands of His only Son, Our Lord, and through Christ’s many servants grant me the favor of His healing hand through the intercession of His servant, Fr. Vincent Capodanno, priest, missionary, and chaplain, who always sought to heal and comfort the wounded and dying on the field of battle. May I be granted this request on my own field of battle I pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you in advance for all of your prayers.

Blessings,

Mary and Jerry

just put it in the garage...

We have lived in our little 1100 square foot Cape Cod home for eleven years. Since space is at a premium, I have had to be very creative about storage over the years. Courtney's medical equipment is not small by any means and there needs to be a place for it all to be when it's not in use. We also have many, many books so storing them has always been a challenge. Then there is my sewing machine and fabric stash and of course my cookbooks.

Last year I realized that the time had come to take a hard look at how we were utilizing this space especially as Courtney's needs have changed and a hospital bed was now required as well as a different wheelchair. If I was going to reorganize one room, I was going to go through them all. It has been quite the undertaking.

As I have gone through each and every room in our home over the past seven months clearing things out, I have been amazed at how much stuff one can fit into 1100 square feet. After spending one weekend a month going through each room, deep cleaning, de-cluttering and re- organizing, I have been in awe of how much room you actually have to work with when things are all neatly organized and everything is in it's place.

The second to the last "room" on the list was the garage. I was dreading this. It was what my husband calls a "marriage building exercise". Over the last seven months when I came across something that I didn't know what to do with I would tell Jerry or Jman "Just put it in the garage." Well, you can only imagine what the garage looked like when we began yesterday. Something like this:

No, Jonathan's room never quite looked that bad, but pretty darn close. No we are not hoarders, just extremely disorganized people who had to deal with piles of stuff. Ugh, this is so embarrassing...ahhhh...here's another one just in case you aren't shocked enough...

So, we had our work cut out for us. The first step was to remove EVERYTHING from the garage. We had sectioned off the yard into three sections: trash, give away and put back. This first stage took about two hours. We almost felt like Christmas as we made discovery after discovery-"So THAT's where that went!" and "WOW, I didn't know we had one of those." It was hot and sweaty work. Once it was done the boys took off to the dump with the first two loads of trash such as leftover wood from eleven years of home improvement projects, paint, and broken things. I attacked the floor with gusto and when they returned we used some of the wood we kept for shelving.

Six hours later we were finally done. I was sweaty and stinky. My legs and back were killing me. I swear even my toes were aching but I was more in love with my hubby by the end of the day because of all the hard work he had done. Service is his love language and boy did he serve!

So without further adieu...taaadaaaa...

I never thought a garage could look so purdy *sigh*. Now I can walk out to my freezer without wondering what sort of creature may come at me from a nondescript pile of junk. I have informed the two men living with me that if they so much as breath wrong in this space there will be death and destruction of monumental proportions.

So what did you do this weekend?

Blessings,

Mary

small successes (vol.37)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

I got Courtney on video laughing!! This young lady is 17 years old and I have never been able to get her on video laughing. This is not just a success but a flippin miracle!!

2.

The family has gotten back to saying the rosary after dinner every night this past week save one. Mamma Mary we need you!

3.

I was able to get through the aerobic program on the exercise bike three more times this week. Someone told me that it would get easier in time.

LIAR! LIAR Pants on fire!

It's not any easier than it was last week. It is still sweaty, gasping drudgery!

BUT...

...it will apparently make my butt smaller.

So...

...I will keep sweating and gasping.

Yippee!

nope...not so much...

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

Wordless Wednesday...

Really...there are no words only pure joy.

Ladies and gentlemen...Miss Courtney!

(please forgive the laundry hanging in the background)

tasty tuesday...mb's classic lasagne, bolognese-style

Tasty Tuesday has arrived once again. Join me over at City Wife, Country Life for some fabulous recipes.

This weeks entry is doing double duty once more. It's my Potluck entry over at I Heart Cooking Clubs. It's the first time I have made this traditional dish using bechemel sauce. My recipe has always called for ricotta and Parmesan cheese. So I was interested to see how they compared to one another.

Mark Bittman's version was much lighter without the ricotta cheese layer. I really enjoyed it. It was creamy and robust without the heaviness that is usually associated with this dish. My guys were happy and left the table quite satisfied. I will be adding this one to my permanent files.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Bittman's Classic Lasagne, Bolognese-Style

from How to Cook Everything: the Basics

Step 1. Make Bolognese Sauce. I added extra veggies and omitted the pancetta.

Bolognese Sauce (Meat Sauce)

Makes about 1 quart

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, minced

1 carrot, peeled and minced

1/4 cup minced bacon or pancetta

1/2 pound lean ground pork (or use all beef)

1/2 pound lean ground beef

3/4 cup dry white wine (or juice from the tomatoes)

1 (28- or 35-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes, drained (reserve juice, if needed instead of wine)

1 cup beef or chicken stock, preferably homemade

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup cream, half-and-half, or milk

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Put the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-low and, a minute later, add the onion, carrot, celery, and bacon or pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the ground meat and cook, stirring and breaking up any clumps, until all traces of red are gone, about 5 minutes. Add the wine or tomato juice, raise the heat a bit, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Crush the tomatoes wit a fork or your hands and add them to the pot; stir, then add the stock. Turn the heat to low and cook at a slow simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes and any clumps of meat that remain. After an hour or so, add salt and pepper. Cook for at least another hour, until much of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is very thick. (This sauce may be covered and refrigerated for a day or two, or put in a closed container and frozen for several weeks. Reheat before completing.)

Add the cream, half-and-half or milk and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; taste and add more salt and/or pepper as needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Classic Lasagne, Bolognese Style

Time: 45 minutes (with premade sauce)

At least 5 quarts water

1 recipe Spinach Pasta or other fresh pasta or 12 dried lasagne noodles

1 recipe Béchamel Sauce, about 1 1/2 cups

3 cups, more or less, Meat Sauce, Bolognese-Style (Ragu)

2 tablespoons softened butter (preferred) or extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salt, if needed

Set at least 5 quarts water in a large pot over high heat. When it comes to a boil, salt it.

Meanwhile, if you are using fresh pasta, roll it out. Cut to fit the dish. (Note that since I used purchased fresh sheets of pasta, and assembled the lasagne in advance, I did not cook my pasta.)

Cook the noodles a few at a time; keep them underdone (if they are fresh, this means little more than a minute in cooking time). Drain carefully in a colander, then allow to rest on towels while you prepare the béchamel sauce (see recipe that follows). Preheat oven to 400F

Smear the bottom of your baking pan with the butter or oil, then place a layer of noodles, touching but not overlapping. Trim any overhanging edges. Cover the noodles with about one-quarter each of the béchamel, meat sauce, and Parmesan, then with a light sprinkling of black pepper (between the meat sauce and the Parmesan there should be enough salt, but if you feel it is underseasoned, add a little salt to each layer also). Make four layers, ending with a sprinkling of Parmesan. (The dish can be prepared in advance up to this point, then well wrapped and refrigerated for a day or frozen for a month; defrost in the refrigerator for a day before cooking if possible.)

Bake for about 20-30 minutes, until the lasagne is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Or let cool completely, cover well, and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Béchamel Sauce:

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat. When the foam begins to subside, stir in the flour. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring with a wire whisk almost constantly, until the flour-butter mixture darkens, at least 3 minutes. You can cook it longer if ou would like a darker color and slightly more complex flavor.

Stir in the liquid, a little bit at a time, still using the whisk. When about a cup of the liquid has been stirred in, the mixture will be fairly thick. Add more liquid, a little at a time, until the consistence is just about a little thinner than you like, then cook, still over low heat until the mixture is the thickness you want.

Season to task and serve immediately or keep warm over gently simmering water for up to an hour, stirring occasionally.

no tears, just joy and lots of laughter...

Mom & Dad 1966

My father LOVED to laugh. His laugh would ricochet around the room like a sonic BOOM leaving you with no choice but to join in. He always had a joke at the ready usually beginning with "There was a priest, a minister and a rabbi..." I think he had a 1001 of those lovely little diddy's.

Oh how I wish he was here to tell me one today.

This day, May 24, 2010 marks the ninth anniversary of my Dad's death. It's a day that evokes deep emotion for me, his eldest daughter. But I must admit that not all of it is sad. As time works it's magic on my heart, I remember him with more joy now than sorrow. I remember how his smile would take over his whole face and how he loved to tell a good story about some of his hijinks's growing up.

My Dad had a penchant for crazy antics. One time, when he was a kid while living in Minnesota, he wanted to see what it would be like to race down a ski jump. So he and a few of his buddies fashioned homemade skies out of wooden planks tied to their boots with twine and went down a jump at a local college. Let's just say, he did not score well for his landing.

When he was a freshman in college, he was on the front page of the local paper, photographed with a bucket full of ladies undergarments taking part in a fraternity row "panty raid". Needless to say when he was ratted out by one of his younger brothers, my Grandpa brought him home and the next year he was going to school a little closer to the family instead of across the country.

Daddy, Chris & me - 1968

Many people say that not only do I look like my Dad but my personality and his were very similar. We are stubborn, obstinate people with a funny streak. I don't dispute that, given my track record for practical jokes in my own past.

When I was in the eighth grade my friend Suzanne and I hatched a diabolical plan that could not fail, or so we thought. We put clear toothpaste over the light switches in the boys bathroom and Vaseline on the toilet seats and then covered the bowls with saran wrap so if someone sat down or stood up...well...it would be interesting. We waited to see what would happen NOT anticipating that the first person to use the facilities would be Brother William, the schools principal.

I will never forget the image of that man (God rest his soul) running out of the bathroom with toilet paper trailing behind him, his face as red as a beet, looking down the hall trying to see who perpetrated this awful deed all the while trying to wipe the goo off his hands with paper towels.

We had tried to be quiet as Miss Jordan made the rounds trying to find the culprits but alas we were not successful. The torrents of laughter coming from the girls bathroom gave us away. Like my father before me, I was never very good at hiding.

Grandpa & Courtney - 1995

I received three days of after school detention and a visit to Father Madigan's (the pastor) office for my troubles. When my mother came to get me, she shook her head and informed me that my father would be dolling out my punishment when I got home.

In dread I waited in my room for what seemed like hours, my heart pounding, my armpits sweating wondering how many privileges I was going to lose and how many extra chores I would have to do.

Finally my father arrived home and I heard his ominous footsteps coming down the hall to my bedroom. I stood when he came into my room and a rush of explanation poured forth before I could stop myself.

He simply held out his hand and told me to sit down.

"But Dad..." I said begging his understanding.

"Be quiet Mary Beth."

He meant business. Life as I knew it, was over. I dropped my head and began to cry. He sat down next to me on my bed, put his arm around my shoulder...

...and started...

...to laugh!

He was laughing???

How could this be???

Then he told me the "panty raid" story for the first time and how much trouble he got into. We laughed for at least 20 minutes and I thought I was home free.

After all we pranksters had just bonded hadn't we?

Yea...not so much.

He was my Dad after all and there was detention involved, a visit to the pastor's office and the whole "embarrassing your mother factor" to take into consideration.

It was NOT my finest moment.

On the day of my father's wake do you know what story I found Fr. Madigan telling?

Yep, you guessed it. Mary Beth Green and the Vaseline!

He was laughing so hard he had tears rolling down his face. My twelve year old son was ALL ears!

My parents 30th Wedding Anniversary - 1995

Payback is hell isn't it?

So on this day, I will laugh when I think of him. I will tell a few great stories and I will raise a pint to my Dad.

He wouldn't want it any other way.

So...to you Daddy with love and lots of laughter!

Cheers!

Mary Beth

small successes (vol.36)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

My first success this week is that I made it through an ENTIRE aerobic program on the exercise bike without actually passing out, falling off or giving up. Thirty minutes of varying speeds and resistance taking me to the third ring of hell and back all the while huffing and puffing and sweating like a large barnyard animal. It was NOT pretty people but I did it!! Now to have the courage to do it again and again and again.

2.

I had spiritual direction this week and although it was difficult, I learned so much. It's time to get back to basics in all aspects of my life, especially in with my daily prayer life and formation. I am reminded of when I was in grade school and we had to write scripture passages over and over again so that we would remember them. Well it's no different now.

Pray, read, listen for that still small voice and pray again.

It's Bible Boot Camp baby and I am all in.

3.

I went out last evening to water and found this:

...my very first rose of the season! This is a huge success because I usually kill things. When I begged my husband to let me try again and plant a few rose bushes I prayed, read everything I could about roses and then prayed some more so they would make it. I am so excited!

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

barefoot bloggers ~ jam thumbprint cookies...

Cassandra@Foodie with Little Thyme chose this Barefoot Blogger recipe a few weeks ago. Since I have been trying to use more whole grains in my baking, I saw this as an opportunity to try out my new bag of King Arthur Flour Whole Wheat White Flour. I simply swapped one for the other and then used orange marmalade instead of jam.

I was successful for the most part. It tasted very much like a shortbread cookie with jam filling. I really loved the coconut on the outside. Such a flavor booster especially since using a whole grain flour can sometimes overwhelm the taste buds.

The biggest difference was in the "weight" of the cookie. This baby was one thick chunk of jam laden confection. I think next time I will make them with half whole wheat and half regular flour to avoid that heaviness. Thank goodness for hungry boys who don't notice these things and enjoyed every bite.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa Family Style

Ingredients:

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups regular unbleached flour

1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut

Raspberry and/or apricot jam

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until they are just combined and then add the vanilla. Separately, sift together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Dump on a floured board and roll together into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. (If you have a scale they should each weigh 1 ounce.) Dip each ball into the egg wash and then roll it in coconut. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. Drop 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coconut is a golden brown. Cool and serve.

wordless wednesday...

hold fast...

Things are hoppin this week here in Lenaburgland so posting will be lighter. I have so much to share with you though I knew I needed to post a HUGE PRAISE! God is so good and He continues to work his healing magic in our home. Miss Courtney gained one and a half pounds this week and is now 105 pounds! WOOHOO! Her BMI is now almost 14%. Such welcome news to this very tired and often frustrated Mamma.

The docs still don't know what the underlying issues were that caused Court's weight loss but at this point no news is good news so we will take it. She still has five more pounds to go to make the Gastro team happy and we continue to covet your prayers for her. God sustains our girl helping Jerry and I work through each medical challenge as it presents itself. Life with this child is a grand adventure and sometimes there are moments when the floor drops beneath me and I am grasping at any surface to save myself from impending doom.

As is always the case, the only thing I can do is hold fast to My Savior and cling to Him relying solely on his wisdom and strength to persevere in whatever situation I find myself in with Courtney. He continues to slowly reveal the wonder of this child that sadly the world does not see. Her momma does though. I see it in her strength to breathe through a seizure. I see it in her ability to smile while another vile of blood is taken. I see it when a friends two little girls, ages three and five, argue over who gets to help push Courtney down the path while Courtney giggles. They see her wonder.

I praise God for the privilege of being her Momma through the good, bad and really stinkin awful. I hold fast because baby its one bumpy ride!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hold Fast"
Mercy Me

To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast

Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is Your grasp
So hold fast

You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is Your grasp
So hold fast

i heart cooking clubs ~ strawberries with swedish cream

Last weeks I Heart Cooking Clubs theme was a Movie Night. We were challenged to come up with unique snacks for a family movie night. When I saw the price of some lovely locally grown strawberries at the store I knew I had my main ingredient. Now, what to do with them? I turned to Mark Bittman's Quick and Easy Recipes from the New York Times and after rummaging through for a bit hit the jackpot. Strawberries and Cream Baby! Oh what a combination.

This particular recipe tastes a bit like creme fraiche, a little tart, a little sweet and oh so good. It came together in about 3 minutes flat. That quick! My guys loved them. What a lovely light snack for our Movie Night. It fit perfectly with the evening's selection, "Young Victoria". If you haven't seen it, Netlix it! It was wonderful!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Strawberries with Swedish Cream

from Mark Bittman's Quick and Easy Recipes from the NYTimes

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup sour cream

1 quart strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced

sugar or honey to taste

1. Whip the sweet cream until it holds soft peaks, then fold it into the sour cream; add strawberries to taste or top a bowl of fresh strawberries with it.

sweet sundays ~ barefoot contessa's raisin oatmeal pecan cookies...

I am still catching up with last months Barefoot Bloggers recipes. I know one day I'll get there. Todays entry is Ina's Raisin Oatmeal Pecan Cookies, was chosen by Leslie@Lethally Delicious. Now just to be upfront, I am a devoted chocolate chip cookie girl so this was a real stretch for me to go over to the other side into oatmeal cookie land. It was wrought with challenges and peril.

First, I had no raisins! My family are not raisin eaters so what should I use? Dried blueberries came to my rescue. Then as I was scooping the cookies onto the baking sheets, I realized that I had not put in the pecans. Argh! I made a bold choice in that moment and just kept going. That's right, I made a cookie without nuts. I know, I know...that's just...well...NUTS! But I did it anyway and I have to say, it was the BEST decision I have made in awhile. Other than serving the cookies with vanilla ice cream that is!

I am still a chocolate chip cookie girl but these cookies were quite a delicious surprise I must say. These crispy sweet bites are perfect for the lunch pail. I love the versatility of the dough. You could really used any dried fruit you like so experiment and have fun with it!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pecans

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

1 1/2 cups raisins or dried apricots, blueberries or cherries.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the pecans on a sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes, until crisp. Set aside to cool. Chop very coarsely.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla.

Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together into a medium bowl. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Add the oats, raisins, and pecans and mix just until combined.

Using a small ice-cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop 2-inch mounds of dough onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with a damp hand. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to a baking rack and cool completely.

small successes (vol.35)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

Courtney's weight battle continues. There have been many lessons learned throughout this ordeal the biggest one is all about control. As in, I have none and GOD has it all. My job is to keep my nose to the grindstone and keep the lines of communication open. Daily prayer is crucial! It's the only way He can get my attention through all the noise of life.

2.

Speaking of noise, I have done a lot of reading about different diets that would help with my current medical issues. It's lead to some serious self-examination about my relationship with food. It's been difficult and enlightening at the same time.

My success? That I am putting myself back on the list. If I don't do it, no one else will.

3.

I am going to be taking advantage of an offer my mother and husband made on Mother's Day. I will be taking my laptop and heading north tomorrow for 48 hours, to do nothing but write. I will be ALONE without any distractions!

My success? I have prepared all of Courtney's formula, there are dinners prepped in the freezer and the house is all clean so that all my hubby has to do is enjoy the company of his daughter. This way there is no stress for either of us. I am just so grateful for the opportunity.

Thanks honey!

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! and be inspired by other small successes.

Let's encourage each other!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

where are we now?

LOVE this smile!

Well, Miss Courtney continues to challenge the finest medical minds. We began this weight gain journey in March and continue to climb the mountain one pound at a time. In the past eight weeks she has gained a total of 4 1/2 pounds and lost 1 pound leaving us with a 3 1/2 pound total gain. We continue to adjust her g-tube formula and overall diet plan to maximize the calorie profile of each feeding. Her seizure's have returned giving us, on average, two per day. They are rough ones with about 10 seconds where she turns blue. There is nothing that can be done except to pray for God's continued protection during those seizures.

The docs continue to monitor her blood work for some indication of an absorption problem and have begun further testing specifically looking at her intestines and how they function. In between feedings and seizures, Courtney is enjoying life. She is alert and happy. She loves her books on tape and will listen to Steven Curtis Chapman for hours. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to hear her laugh. Such joy fills my heart each and every time!

Biggest lesson learned? Accepting the isolation and emotional suffering that has come with this particular medical challenge has lead to some beautiful moments with My Redeemer. His GRACE is enough, always and forever!

Jerry and I continue to rely on your prayers and God's providence in Courtney's life. This is going to be a long haul and we are so grateful to not be walking alone.

Blessings and Grace,
Mary 

tasty tuesday...pepper jelly pork loin

Tasty Tuesday has arrived once again. Join me over at City Wife, Country Life for some fabulous recipes.

This was a new one for me. It's from one of my favorite bulk cooking cookbooks Fix, Freeze, Feast. I really like this cookbook. The title says it all. The simplicity of once a month cooking comes alive in it's pages and the marinades have not disappointed me yet. This particular recipe can be used with pork chops or a pork loin roast. I have done both with equally good results. It's a fabulous recipe for the grill as well. Next time I may even try it with chicken.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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Pepper Jelly Pork Chops

from Fix, Freeze, Feast

This is a bulk cooking recipe. I have not changed the amounts.

Ingredients:

1 tray (6-8 pounds or 12 chops) pork loin or chops, boneless or bone-in

1 cup jalapeno pepper jelly, such as Tabasco brand

2 tablespoons brown mustard

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

3 one-gallon freezer bags, labeled

Directions:

Rinse and divide chops evenly among the freezer bags.

Whisk together pepper jelly, mustard, vinegar, oil, and thyme. Divide marinade evenly over the chops.

Seal and Freeze

To Make:

Completely thaw.

Grill or broil until thickest part of the pork is 160 degrees, about 15 to 18 minutes for chops, 23-25 minutes for pork loin.

God and mothers...

“A Christian mother cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body. The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. . . . God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation. What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this—to be a mother?”

Cardinal Mindzenty

five reasons why my momma loves me...

Me and my favorite Mom!

Here are five reasons why my momma loves me:

1...because God said so! Well He did! It's like written in this wonderful book called the BIBLE, it's like a COMMANDMENT from the omnipotent, all-powerful GOD! Of course I have to gently remind her of this every once in awhile when I have done something particularly annoying to irritate the baloney out of her. She just bows her head and says "Fine. God wins!" Yea God!

2...because  I can't find my way out of a paper bag without expert navigational advice. Let me explain. When my mother and I go ANYWHERE we get lost. I am not kidding. We have in the past gotten lost driving back to my house, where I have lived for eleven years! We will miss an exit and end up two counties away. It's like we have this special super power that says "Hey let's go into D.C. for the day" and we end up in West Virginia. So she has to love me because,I mean really, she would have never seen the ENTIRE state of West Virginia without me!

3...because out of her eight children, I am her favorite. I mean come on, let's just acknowledge the facts shall we. I am witty and pretty and gay (the "happy" gay that is). Yes, I know I just quoted Maria from West Side Story but it's true! Wait one minute. Maria means Mary. SEE even Hollywood agrees with me! I am also the best daughter a woman could ask for. Let's just say we forget everything I did from ages 12 to 17. I don't remember a thing. Do you Mom? Don't answer that, these people actually LIKE me!

4...because we share a common history. We both stuffed our bras in middle school to impress a boy and it was an utter humiliating disaster for each of us. We bra stuffers need to stick together. It's like a secret society. Of course, I am still in therapy but that's a story for another time.

5...because she taught me everything I know about baking. When I was in the seventh grade I wanted to bring a cake to school for my birthday. My Mom handed me her recipe file and said "You can figure it out. I have faith in you." I chose to make a Martha Washington Cake. I was so proud...until I cut into at school and the middle was RAW! Amazingly some of the boys actually ate it. They ARE boys after all. Three cases of food poisoning later, she agreed that maybe I wasn't quite as ready as she first thought. I am proud to say I am much better now (not counting the burnt toast for breakfast this morning. Hey, I was distracted by this cute boy in my kitchen. Hi honey!)

I love you Mom and I am honored to be your daughter. I hope one day my children feel about me the way I feel about you (that would be how I feel NOW and NOT how I felt in the sixth grade!)

Your loving and slightly insane daughter,
Mary Beth

sweet sundays ~ pineapple upside down cake

Happy Mother's Day Y'all!

I have a sweet little friend named Hannah that on a really bad day would trade her little brother for a piece of my pineapple upside down cake. It is quite the sweet treat and reminds me of baking with my Mom. I remember her making this cake quite a few times while growing up. The sweet crusty corners of cake soaked with pineapple and brown sugar...so good.

My favorite recipe for this cake comes from The American Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. I really like it because I can easily adapt the cake portion using white whole wheat flour. It makes me feel a little less guilty eating this wonderful delight.

If your looking for a quick dessert to celebrate Mother's Day, this may fit the bill. Don't have any fresh pineapple, than use two cans of pineapple chunks, drained.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

adapted from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Ingredients:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 pineapple (4 cups), peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks

or

2 (15oz) cans of pineapple chunks, drained

about 12 maraschino cherries

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 large egg white, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature

*(don't substitute skim here, it won't come out right)

Directions:

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and hear the oven to 350 degrees. Place 4 tablespoons of the butter in a 9-inch round cake pan with 3-inch sides and place in the oven until the butter melts, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Remove the pan from the oven. Stir the brown sugar into the melted butter, then pat the mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Arrange the pineapple pieces and cherries over the sugar in a single layer and set aside. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.

3. Beat the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3-6 minutes. Beat in the eggs and egg white, one at a time, until incorporated, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed. Beat in the vanilla.

4. Reduce the speed to low and beat in one third of the flour mixture. Beat in half of the milk. Repeat with half the remaining flour mixture, then with the remaining milk, and finally the remaining flour mixture-the batter will be thick.

5. Give the batter a final stir using a rubber spatula to make sure it is thoroughly combined. Drop mounds of batter over the pineapple, smooth the top, then rap the pan several times on the counter to settle the batter. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs attached, about 45-50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

6. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a paring knife around the edge of the cake to loosen the pan. Place an inverted serving platter over the cake pan. Flip the cake out onto the platter. Let the cake cool completely before serving, about 2 hours.

mary's book basket ~ author wendy mass

Recently I have had several friends ask me for book recommendations for their 4th through 7th graders. They were looking for books "besides the classics" that would be appropriate for an impressionable young lady or gentleman.

It's been a bit of time since I have had a pre-teen in the house but I love a challenge. I needed to find books that were "clean" and would be encouraging to their young readers. They had to be entertaining with a solid plot structure that would hold the young readers attention. So off to the library I went and after a lovely conversation with my wonderful librarian, I dove into the stacks to check to her recommendations. I was not disappointed.

I stumbled upon the gifted children's author Wendy Mass. What a treat!

First in my basket was 11 Birthday's.

From Booklist:

"Amanda and Leo, born on the same day, have celebrated their birthdays together for 10 years. Still feeling hurt from an unkind remark Leo made at last year’s party, Amanda spends her eleventh birthday without her now-estranged friend to share the fun. In the days that follow, both Amanda and Leo discover that they are caught in a time loop, waking up each morning to find themselves repeating their eleventh birthdays. They soon renew their friendship and begin to experiment by making different choices throughout the day, partly for the thrill of acting without long-term consequences and partly from their fear of never escaping this mysterious time trap."

This was a wonderful book. The mystery of the time trap is a creative plot device that assists in slowly revealing the theme of the book. Attitude is everything. Amanda Ellerby thinks she's losing her mind when she "repeats" her 11th birthday. She discovers that even the smallest act of kindness can have a huge impact on someones day, especially hers. She realizes she can do anything she sets her mind to and be successful. Mind over matter wins the day.

Ms. Mass writes in the first person which helps the reader identify with Amanda revealing her inner struggles with self doubt and fear of failure. As she's given chance after chance to relive the same day, Amanda begins to make different choices that profoundly affect those around her in a positive way. She learns to forgive and encourage. What a wonderful uplifting read for any pre-teen.

Next in my basket was Finally Ms. Mass writes about Rory Swenson who cannot wait to turn 12.

From Booklist:

"Rory has a list of things she longs to do when she turns 12: stay home alone, shave her legs, babysit, wear makeup, drink coffee . . . So overprotected that she has never ridden in the front seat of a car, Rory can’t wait for her birthday. But those long-anticipated experiences bring some disconcerting surprises. In this sequel to 11 Birthdays, Amanda and Leo play minor roles and wise woman Angelina works her magic again. Rory’s lively first-person narrative clearly expresses her emotions as she seesaws between longing and fear, confidence and insecurity."

Rory Swenson reminded me of a pre-teen Lucille Ball. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Mass pulls out all the stops with the physical comedy, showcasing her brilliant pacing and comedic timing. There was one scene where Rory is trying to shave her legs for the first time that had me right back in my parents bathroom reliving the same moment. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count.

The real treasure however is the continued positive themes of self-sacrifice, generosity and kindness. "You won't get what you want until you see what you need" appears over and over again throughout the book as Rory struggles to discover that everything she thinks is so important may turn out to be no big deal afterward. Things are not always what they appear to be is the central theme. Mass weaves a modern moral tale which is a delight to read.

Another positive point in BOTH books was the portrayal of the parents. Mass shows their struggle to recognize their children are growing up. I particularly appreciate Rory's mom who is trying to let go and allow her little girl to spread her wings. Well done Ms. Mass. I look forward to reading some of your other work. I hope it's as positive as these two books. If so, your welcome on my bookshelf at anytime.

Happy Reading,

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**The FCC now requires book reviewers to disclose the following. Book reviews appear regularly on this website. There are books I review on this site that I purchase myself or get from the library. However, occasionally I do receive books, at no cost, in exchange for a fair and balanced review with no other compensation provided.

for mother...

This post first appeared on my blog in April of 2008 as a birthday tribute to my mother, Marianne. She is an inspiration to me on a daily basis. I go to her for advice and a shoulder to cry on. She is my best friend and I am blessed for it.

So this weekend as we celebrate Mother's Day I thought I would re-post as a thank you. I have another post written for Sunday, but I wanted a chance to re-introduce you to my Mom.

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For Mother...

(originally posted April 13, 2008)

On Easter Sunday, April 13, 1941 in a little house in Detroit, Michigan, the Easter Bunny brought a special gift to a young immagrant amily. A little "bunny" named Marianne Therese. This beautiful bundle of joy grew up to me my mother. She is the second daughter of German Immigrants who fled Germany between the First and Second World Wars. She was a precocious youngster who loved to watch Roy Rogers movies and listen to "The Green Hornet" and "The Shadow" on the radio. She was an excellent student, something I definately did not inherit from her.

After 12 years of Catholic schooling, she went on to graduate from College and pursue a unique choice of career at the time, Naval Officer. My Mom tells the tale that she was going to be the First Female Admiral. She never felt called to marry or have children. She was going to see the world and have great adventures. Little did she know just what those adventures would be. Oh, the plans God has for us!. She was stationed in Japan in 1965 when she met a dashing young Naval Officer who when he first saw her, was speechless. Knowing my Dad, that was a BIG deal. He was at Sunday Mass and knew that he had to get to know this "beautiful Catholic woman". They married several months later. He wanted to have a large family and she said yes.

Together they raised eight children, six boys and two girls. Believe me when I say, I grew up in a lively household! I was not an easy child. Very high energy and full of "spunk" as mother would tell you. I gave my parents a run for their money in junior high and high school. I spent many an hour in the principals office or in detention. I just didn't like to follow the rules, when my way was so much better. God Bless my mother, who through every humiliation only a child can provide, loved me and never gave up. She was and is a constant source of love and support in my life.

I remember in high school going to dinner, just the two of us. This was such a treat, and I felt privileged to have her all to myself. She just wanted to make sure things were going well for me. She was "checking in". She told me that she never wanted me to feel like I couldn't talk to her, no matter what was going on in life. I should always know the "nothing I did or said would ever make her stop loving me". I will never forget that day, because I knew that I was loved no matter what. For an impressionable 17 year old who was just trying to find her way, that was HUGE!

I watched over the years as my parents devoted their lives to raising and educating the eight of us. Their love for each other was intense and wonderful to watch. They were silly and serious. They would argue then gross us out as the made up. My father was the "passionate' one, but mother was my constant. Always there with a word of comfort or encouragement, a stern look or a new creative punishment when she ran out of the standards. She was and is the backbone of our family. She is the Admiral of our Navy.

Seven years ago I watched as my mother pray her beloved into the arms of Christ. There are no words that will ever give justice to the image of my mother on her knees kissing my father for the last time as God carried him home. She immediately began to pray the rosary for his soul and her children knelt and prayed it with her. It is a moment I will never forget as long as I live. What a witness to love and commitment they were to me that day. "Til death do us part" took on new meaning for me. What's interesting though, is that they may not be together here on earth, but they are still linked by heart and soul.

My mother has held me in her arms as I wept when Courtney's diagnosis was made. She has taught me everything I know about how to be a good Catholic wife and mother. She welcomed Jerry into the family 20 years ago and has treated him as one of her "sons" since that day. She has held her granddaughter and rocked her through a seizure. She has played T-ball with Jonathan and taught him how to play "Clue".

She has laughed with me.

She has cried with me.

She has always been my biggest cheerleader and my toughest critic. She is a women of honesty and integrity. She is my best girlfriend and I am honored that God chose me to be her daughter.

Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you!
Mary Beth

ellie krieger's egg salad...

I have eaten my fair share of egg salad over the years, most of it completely forgettable. What makes this dish different?

It tastes like deviled eggs.

I LOVE deviled eggs and so do my guys. Between the tangy Dijon dressing and the sweet crunch of the red pepper I am taken back to my mothers summer table filled with cold fried chicken and deviled eggs. The recipe only contains 4 teaspoons of mayo so the fat content is considerably lower than traditional egg salad. Bonus!

Miss Ellie...You rock sista friend!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Egg Salad

recipe adapted from Ellie Krieger's

L.O.V.E. Wrap Sandwich (Lettuce, Onion, Vegetable, Egg Salad)

Ingredients:

8 hard boiled eggs

4 teaspoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Salt and pepper

4 pieces whole-wheat bread

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

8 leaves romaine lettuce (or fresh spinach)

Directions:

Dice 4 whole eggs and 4 egg whites and put into a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mustard and stir with a fork, mashing somewhat for desired consistency. Stir in chives, peppers, onion and season with salt and pepper. Place bread on a plate and spread the egg salad in the middle. Top with the slices and the lettuce or spinach.

Enjoy!

small successes (vol.34)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

In my continual battle with delinquent library fines ( Can one claim pregnancy brain when their youngest child is almost 18?) I have once again made a monthly donation to the county library system. I know, I know, pathetic doesn't even come close. I mollify myself with the fact that with the recent budget cuts, the library system really needs my money.

Really!

2.

I have gone through the TiVo and deleted several shows. I have realized that I need to spend more time in quiet, reading and writing, in order to achieve some of my long term goals. Self-discipline is the name of the game. I just wish I was better at it.

Never too late to start...again.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

3.

I met one of my blogging hero's. Now I know that this may not seem very important, but I have to say what I appreciate about The Pioneer Woman most is that when she started blogging she didn't know a lot about photography, cooking or blogging for that matter. That didn't stop her. She jumped in and figured it out as she went along and wrote about her very imperfect journey along the way.

I hope I can do the same.

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! and be inspired by other small successes.

Let's encourage each other!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary