chainranchlady
21st century ranch woman
For Misty
Misty, you asked for it!! I'm not an expert but I'm going to share what I've learned about being a mom from my experiences... and share tips I've learned from other moms... with you and other moms.
First thing I'd like for moms to know: your kids won't change. That little personality that popped out of one end while obscenities were popping out the other during labor, is pretty much what you are going to get twenty or thirty years from now. They are unique and you will be instrumental in enhancing those personalities.
"THERE IS NO BETTER THAN HERE"
Things may look greener on the other side, but they aren't...just enjoy your life, your family, & every moment
A Quick Supper
Keep some Maggi Bouillon on hand (in the Mexican section, its the best)
Keep some canned chicken on hand
Keep some fast cooking kluski type noodles on hand
To water add enough bouillon to taste good and the chicken, bring to boil, then add noodles
Serve with mashed potatoes, and some type of vegetable
TRICK POTATOES: I always keep instant potatoes on hand and sometimes add several baked potatoes (pop them in the microwave) cooked and diced, into the instant along with some real cream and real butter. Nobody knows the difference if you add enough cream and butter.
For dessert serve Fruit Cups: chop your favorite fruit ( we like an orange, apple, banana and frozen strawberries) drizzle with lemon juice and add a little sugar. Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans. Serve with a sugar cookie on the side
How About Making Friendship Bracelets With Your
PreSchooler?
click for directions
A Prayer for Moms
I've read somewhere to pray for mentors for your children and for opportunities for them to be placed in the presence of Christians. I've been doing that...My kids are grown but another thing I've learned, you never stop being concerned about them. I continually pray for their safety, wisdom, and guidance.
My four year old grandson shared this website with me today. Starfall (click here) As he sat on my lap assisting me in typing and repeating slowly as I tried to decipher what he was saying..."staffal?" "NO!" "stawfil?" "NO!" "Staarrrfalll Drama!" "Oh, Starfall?" "Yes," he answered, exasperated. We found it, and he guided me all the way through it.
One of my favorite sayings or mantras "You can't eat an elephant whole" This little phrase has helped me get through stacks of laundry, stacks of dirty dishes, a filthy house etc,etc. When I'm overwhelmed, it has helped me to tackle one little area, then move to the next. Before long I'm on the down hill and the chore that once seemed impossible is almost finished.
Combined With One of My Favorite Bible Verses...
" I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13
NOTHING Is IMPOSSIBLE
Quick Little Snacks
click here
Another Quick Lunch or Supper
Hamburger Gravy
Brown ground beef, add enough flour to make a gravy, brown this, then add either a can of evaporated milk with a can of water added or regular milk-enough to make a nice smooth gravy. Stir till thickened. Add a little Worcestershire sauce and stir in. You can add mushrooms or onions if you like. I always served this on toast or with the "trick" mashed potatoes, a vegetable and/or salad and fried apples.
Fried Apples
In a heavy pan melt butter, add diced apples skin and all. Add some brown sugar to taste, a little vanilla and walnuts or pecans. Fry on low til soft. This taste exactly like apple pie.
Here's Another Quick Main Dish
Company Casserole
I lb ground beef 1 medium pkg noodles 1/2 pkg cream cheese
1/2 onion 1 can corn 1/2 carton sour cream
1/2 green pepper 1 cup cottage cheese salt/pepper to taste
1/2 large can tomato juice 1/2 cup chopped/sliced green olives (optional/but delicious)
I used to follow this recipe to the tee, making sure everything was layered just so and the noodles were cooked, but you know what? You don't even have to cook the noodles before hand. Just make sure you use plenty of juice and bake it at a lower temp. Brown your meat with onions and peppers (optional) Then start layering the mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and bake low making sure noodles are saturated with some liquid. Serve with a salad, bread, and you've got a meal. Serve Strawberry Fluff for dessert.
Strawberry Fluff
This is a shortcut recipe. The original longer version will be published with the regular recipes at a later time. This one's for busy moms with hungry kids and husbands.
In a pretty glass bowl cover the bottom with cubed pieces of angel food cake. Next layer with sliced strawberries/sugar mixture (these can be fresh or frozen (thawed). Next layer with a Cool Whip/Sour Cream mixture; mixed 1/2 and 1/2. Repeat layering the ingredients. End with Cool Whip mixture. Garnish with extra strawberries and toasted slivered almonds if you have them.
You can change this up and replace the strawberries with chocolate pudding, crushed Heath Bars, raspberries, etc. Use your imagination. It's pretty, easy, and delicious.
I just finished fixing supper...in record time. That is pretty much how I cook anymore-fast and furious. I've turned many long drawn out recipes into quick "get it on the table" dishes that taste just as good. Here are some more of those short cut recipes.
Cole Slaw
(this took me about 5 minutes to make)
purple cabbage about 1/8 of head 1 carrot 2-3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
green cabbage " " 1 stalk celery Large squirt of Blue Cheese Dressing
1/4-1/2 cup dill pickle juice small handful of sugar
Chop your vegetables, or better yet buy a bag premixed. Add remaining ingredients.
Easy Chicken Fry
This easy way to chicken fried steak came from a friend of mine who got it from her grandmother who raised 6 kids. I used it a lot when my kids were at home
In a heavy skillet pour enough oil to cover the bottom- about 1 inch. When heated add enough flour to the oil to cover the bottom completely. When sizzling add your steaks. Cook well then flip and let brown. The flour will stick to the steaks and you don't even have to get your hands sticky. Save drippings add more flour, brown it and add milk and/or left- over vegetable juices (from canned carrots, green beans, peas, etc-don't use spinach juice) stir til thick and you've got your gravy. Serve with "trick potatoes"
Better For Them Soda
This is a good recipe to cut down on sodas, less sugar but the same fizz.
1 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
1 cup grape juice
2 tsp lime juice
1 1/2 cup lemon lime soda, or ginger ale
First thing I'd like for moms to know: your kids won't change. That little personality that popped out of one end while obscenities were popping out the other during labor, is pretty much what you are going to get twenty or thirty years from now. They are unique and you will be instrumental in enhancing those personalities.
"THERE IS NO BETTER THAN HERE"
Things may look greener on the other side, but they aren't...just enjoy your life, your family, & every moment
The hand that rocks the cradle
Bewildered Moms Might Love
turnitupmom
or
Mom's 30 minute blog
I remember the days being excruciatingly long. Current events and concerns were pushed aside while Fred and Barney, feeding hungry mouths and changing dirty diapers dominated my world. It would be years before I could carry on conversations with an adult. Little did I know that I was eating dessert first during those long days. That doesn't help does it? To hear a grandma say, "enjoy them they're only little once." But just try to remember it is a noble cause. - Blessings on the hand of women!
- Angels guard its strength and grace,
- In the palace, cottage, hovel,
- Oh, no matter where the place;
- Would that never storms assailed it,
- Rainbows ever gently curled;
- For the hand that rocks the cradle
- Is the hand that rules the world.
- Infancy's the tender fountain,
- Power may with beauty flow,
- Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
- From them souls unresting grow—
- Grow on for the good or evil,
- Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
- For the hand that rocks the cradle
- Is the hand that rules the world.
- Woman, how divine your mission
- Here upon our natal sod!
- Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
- Always to the breath of God!
- All true trophies of the ages
- Are from mother-love impearled;
- For the hand that rocks the cradle
- Is the hand that rules the world.
-
Blessings on the hand of women!
-
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
-
And the sacred song is mingled
-
With the worship in the sky—
-
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
-
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
-
For the hand that rocks the cradle
-
Is the hand that rules the world.
Bewildered Moms Might Love
turnitupmom
or
Mom's 30 minute blog
Our gang 25 years ago donning their
"Depression Style"
Halloween costumes
"Depression Style"
Halloween costumes
A Quick Supper
Keep some Maggi Bouillon on hand (in the Mexican section, its the best)
Keep some canned chicken on hand
Keep some fast cooking kluski type noodles on hand
To water add enough bouillon to taste good and the chicken, bring to boil, then add noodles
Serve with mashed potatoes, and some type of vegetable
TRICK POTATOES: I always keep instant potatoes on hand and sometimes add several baked potatoes (pop them in the microwave) cooked and diced, into the instant along with some real cream and real butter. Nobody knows the difference if you add enough cream and butter.
For dessert serve Fruit Cups: chop your favorite fruit ( we like an orange, apple, banana and frozen strawberries) drizzle with lemon juice and add a little sugar. Sprinkle with walnuts or pecans. Serve with a sugar cookie on the side
How About Making Friendship Bracelets With Your
PreSchooler?
click for directions
A Prayer for Moms
I've read somewhere to pray for mentors for your children and for opportunities for them to be placed in the presence of Christians. I've been doing that...My kids are grown but another thing I've learned, you never stop being concerned about them. I continually pray for their safety, wisdom, and guidance.
My four year old grandson shared this website with me today. Starfall (click here) As he sat on my lap assisting me in typing and repeating slowly as I tried to decipher what he was saying..."staffal?" "NO!" "stawfil?" "NO!" "Staarrrfalll Drama!" "Oh, Starfall?" "Yes," he answered, exasperated. We found it, and he guided me all the way through it.
One of my favorite sayings or mantras "You can't eat an elephant whole" This little phrase has helped me get through stacks of laundry, stacks of dirty dishes, a filthy house etc,etc. When I'm overwhelmed, it has helped me to tackle one little area, then move to the next. Before long I'm on the down hill and the chore that once seemed impossible is almost finished.
Combined With One of My Favorite Bible Verses...
" I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13
NOTHING Is IMPOSSIBLE
Quick Little Snacks
click here
Another Quick Lunch or Supper
Hamburger Gravy
Brown ground beef, add enough flour to make a gravy, brown this, then add either a can of evaporated milk with a can of water added or regular milk-enough to make a nice smooth gravy. Stir till thickened. Add a little Worcestershire sauce and stir in. You can add mushrooms or onions if you like. I always served this on toast or with the "trick" mashed potatoes, a vegetable and/or salad and fried apples.
Fried Apples
In a heavy pan melt butter, add diced apples skin and all. Add some brown sugar to taste, a little vanilla and walnuts or pecans. Fry on low til soft. This taste exactly like apple pie.
Here's Another Quick Main Dish
Company Casserole
I lb ground beef 1 medium pkg noodles 1/2 pkg cream cheese
1/2 onion 1 can corn 1/2 carton sour cream
1/2 green pepper 1 cup cottage cheese salt/pepper to taste
1/2 large can tomato juice 1/2 cup chopped/sliced green olives (optional/but delicious)
I used to follow this recipe to the tee, making sure everything was layered just so and the noodles were cooked, but you know what? You don't even have to cook the noodles before hand. Just make sure you use plenty of juice and bake it at a lower temp. Brown your meat with onions and peppers (optional) Then start layering the mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and bake low making sure noodles are saturated with some liquid. Serve with a salad, bread, and you've got a meal. Serve Strawberry Fluff for dessert.
Strawberry Fluff
This is a shortcut recipe. The original longer version will be published with the regular recipes at a later time. This one's for busy moms with hungry kids and husbands.
In a pretty glass bowl cover the bottom with cubed pieces of angel food cake. Next layer with sliced strawberries/sugar mixture (these can be fresh or frozen (thawed). Next layer with a Cool Whip/Sour Cream mixture; mixed 1/2 and 1/2. Repeat layering the ingredients. End with Cool Whip mixture. Garnish with extra strawberries and toasted slivered almonds if you have them.
You can change this up and replace the strawberries with chocolate pudding, crushed Heath Bars, raspberries, etc. Use your imagination. It's pretty, easy, and delicious.
I just finished fixing supper...in record time. That is pretty much how I cook anymore-fast and furious. I've turned many long drawn out recipes into quick "get it on the table" dishes that taste just as good. Here are some more of those short cut recipes.
Cole Slaw
(this took me about 5 minutes to make)
purple cabbage about 1/8 of head 1 carrot 2-3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
green cabbage " " 1 stalk celery Large squirt of Blue Cheese Dressing
1/4-1/2 cup dill pickle juice small handful of sugar
Chop your vegetables, or better yet buy a bag premixed. Add remaining ingredients.
Easy Chicken Fry
This easy way to chicken fried steak came from a friend of mine who got it from her grandmother who raised 6 kids. I used it a lot when my kids were at home
In a heavy skillet pour enough oil to cover the bottom- about 1 inch. When heated add enough flour to the oil to cover the bottom completely. When sizzling add your steaks. Cook well then flip and let brown. The flour will stick to the steaks and you don't even have to get your hands sticky. Save drippings add more flour, brown it and add milk and/or left- over vegetable juices (from canned carrots, green beans, peas, etc-don't use spinach juice) stir til thick and you've got your gravy. Serve with "trick potatoes"
Better For Them Soda
This is a good recipe to cut down on sodas, less sugar but the same fizz.
1 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
1 cup grape juice
2 tsp lime juice
1 1/2 cup lemon lime soda, or ginger ale
