Mmmm Monday -- Potato Carrot Fritters (pancakes)

This weekend my Mom and I went to Taste of Home along with her cousins and a friend for a "girls day". We had a such nice time together! While shopping at some of the little stores in the area we sampled some potato pancakes which typically I do not like, at least not the ones my Mom makes out of left-over mashed potatoes. These I really enjoyed and they reminded me of zucchini fritters that I make. They were made from a mix and I do NOT like to use a mix. I did buy one for my Grandpa's birthday gift though as he enjoys cooking and I thought that would be nice and simple for him.

Today I was in the mood for potato pancakes and found a recipe that uses shredded hash brown potatoes, which I happened to have in my freezer. I used my zucchini fritter recipe using hash brown potatoes instead and added shredded carrots and they were gobbled up. One of these days maybe I'll actually get a picture of my food. I had leftovers that I planned on taking a picture of but they were eaten up before I got to it.

POTATO CARROT FRITTERS

4 cups frozen shredded hash browns
2 grated carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 garlic glove
2 T milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
oil (I prefer Coconut Oil as it is better for you and expeller pressed does not have a coconut flavor)

Rinse hash browns in a strainer with cold water until thawed. Drain thoroughly; transfer to a large bowl. Add carrot, onion, parsley, garlic, milk, eggs, flour and salt; mix well. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1/4 in. of oil. Drop batter by spoonfuls into hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Show & Tell Friday -- Encouraging Video

A friend passed on this link to watch a very encouraging video and I want to share that with you today. It was exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded of and I am sure it will encourage you as well. As Rachel reminded me, so often as mothers we get caught up in ourselves that we don't take the time for others, especially our children. How often do we say "Not right now, I am busy" rather than doing whatever was asked of us?

This video is rather long so if you have your computer near the kitchen you may want to make a meal, wash dishes, etc. while listening. Here is a brief synopsis:

Rachel's story is not unlike what thousands of women around the world have experienced. A diagnosis that changes a woman's life and inevitably takes from her what we consider to be most precious.

After four and a half years of vigilantly fighting breast cancer, the 37 year old wife and mother of two was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

But for Rachel the essence of life is found in her relationship with God through Jesus. And that's why Rachel is convinced that death is not dying.

 

Click on the following link to view  -- Death is Not Dying: A Faith That Saves


For more Show & Tells visit Mary at Raising 4 Godly Men

Graduation & Visiting Grandparents

Last weekend we had time away to spend with John's parents and seeing as they live only 1/2 hour away from Northland International we were able to attend the graduation of two of the students we have become friends with through their extension program. I enjoyed this so much, although graduations are always emotional events for me. From the moment the graduates began marching in I had to hold myself in check and keep reminding myself that these are not my children so I had no "good reason" to cry. It was a very God-honoring ceremony and throughout the handing out of diplomas there were periodic testimonies either by a student or their parent as to God's faithfulness or in thankfulness to the school, etc. They closed with everyone joined together in a song of praise. It was amazing and I wish I had more words to describe it.

We walked the campus a bit afterwards and the boys enjoyed seeing the pond and waterslide. They thought there was too much walking involved though. :)

Our next desination was to visit with some friends of my in-laws who have a horse farm but along the way we stopped for a bite to eat and I had really yummy Reuben Soup complete with melted swiss cheese and rye bread croutons -- I need to find a recipe for that, although I'd be the only one eating it.

It was a cool day so we did not spend much time at the farm but the children were able to see all of the various animals. They were a bit disappointed not to ride horses, but another time.

The rest of the visit was spent with John's parents briefly celebrating his Mom's birthday (a little late) playing marbles, and just relaxing.

I didn't get any pictures taken at graduation unfortunately but this is from the week before at their "send-off" party. "Jar" is holding Missy and Hanna is attempting to help hold Baby Boy.

Finally I was able to get a picture of all of the kids with Grandpa & Grandma (although still a bit blurry as I am having camera "issues")

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I want to say a very Happy Mother's Day to my Mom!

My Mom is a special lady and I have been reminded of that so much more this past winter. We use their house as a stopping grounds when in town for church, field trips, homeschool classes and the like. She is always so willing to take the children for me at a minutes notice and even though chaos often reigns when we all emerge on their smaller home she doesn't complain. As she was sick a few times this winter so that we needed to make other plans rather than staying at my parents house, I realized anew just how much she helps me out with the children. I am so thankful that we live close and for her willingness to help when I need her.

Almost first thing each morning Mom calls just to check in which is something my Grandma used to do with her. It may be only for a minute or two to say "Hi" but most likely I'll talk to her at least once more in that day. I am also thankful to have my Mom as a friend!

I Love You Mom!

My sister, Mom and me on Thanksgiving -- I didn't like today's picture and this shows my Mom's beautiful eyes. :)

Our 12th Anniversary

On Sunday John and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. I had been at a bridal shower the day before thinking of how things change over the years (and also of how much I could use another shower). I so remember being showered with gifts to begin married life with and all of the excitement leading up to my wedding day. Those little thrills when I felt John's hand in mine and I couldn't wait until we could be together every day! Over the years the thrill tapers off and his hand now feels comfortable. We both have changed and grown more mature and hopefully more like the God who created us.

I am so glad for the change! I would not want to go back to the beginning to figure out all of the quirks and moods that were not quite as obvious during the dating years. I love the comfortable feel of my husband next to me. I love that we have grown and matured and am so thankful for the children we have been blessed with -- have you heard that phrase -- "all because two people fell in love".

Thank You God for the gift of love and marriage to reflect the beautiful relationship between Christ and His church! I pray that we clearly mirror that in our own marriage.

May 3, 1997

Missy's Injury

Missy Blue had a little mishap on our golf cart on Saturday. While George typically drives it around, the other boys had learned to drive it that morning. Later on one of them (not mentioning names as that boy felt horrible and cried buckets over it) took off driving with a few passengers, Missy being one of them. I had been gone that morning and as I pulled into the driveway I saw them driving around and was surprised to see who was now driving. Not long after I hear Missy screaming and as I got in the house my husband was attending to her. Apparently the driver was turning to avoid a tree but as he did so, forgot to brake, hitting a tree. Missy was on the back holding on but hit her head against something and then fell off. She hit it right under the eye and my husband said it must have hit the bone and broke the skin open.

As I saw the blood dripping everywhere and looked at John's face I wondered if this might need stitches, which is exactly what he was thinking. He said there is no way he wanted to go that route if at all possible. He continued to pull the skin together and bandage it until we could get to the drug store for butterfly bandages. He also bought liquid bandage which worked wonderfully and held the skin together. I was so thankful that John was home and I didn't have to deal with it. I know if I have to I can handle it but things like that typically make me feel faint.

Missy wasn't herself for a little while but going bowling later in the day with the Northland students cheered her up considerably. It is healing nicely now and I think she enjoyed the extra attention she received on Sunday as everyone came up to ask what happened to her. Pretty soon she just started pointing to her owie when someone approached.

Hopefully there won't be much of a scar.

I am extremely thankful for husbands who are cool under pressure, for liquid bandages and a fun time with friends to take away the pain.

On Our Best Behavior

I have been taking Baby Boy to the chiropractor for the past three weeks to see if that might help him with his asthma as I have heard it can. I kept putting it off simply because he would get over one episode and I wouldn't think of it again until the next. But this last one lasted far too long and with a week of breathing treatments and then ending up on the oral steroid I knew we had to try another route. I am also trying to be more consistent in giving him fish oil daily which he doesn't mind seeing as it is orange flavored.

We have gone to the chiropractor periodically since Tank was a baby for various issues. We all went in again the other morning and as has happened for the past three weeks Dr. Dan told me that I have the "best behaved children" and that every time we come in we get complimented over and again by the other patients. He said first they ask him if they are really all mine (the same comment I often receive -- no, I stopped to pick up a few more on the way) and they follow it by saying how well-behaved they are. He also says he can never tell there are children in the waiting room when we come because they are so quiet.

I think I may have to go in every week for that boost of encouraging words about our parenting. At home it is another story but unfortunately, isn't that how it is for most of us? We are at our worst at home but in front of others we put on a smile and all is well. But I'll take the compliments when I can and I must say that the children enjoy them as well.