For those of you who don't know what I mean by 'Yooper' it's the nickname for those that live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
This dish is my husband's and his brothers' favorite thing their mom made for them. I tried making it once based on dh's description, but of course it didn't turn out quite the same. Later I learned I'd left out a few things. (big surprise) So while we were visiting I watched her make it and made it yesterday. The good points about this dish: it's cheap; can be healthy depending on how you make it; it makes a lot; everyone likes it; it's easy.
Ingredients:
1 pound package or 4 cups regular old elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
3 or more cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c breadcrumbs, seasoned or plain
1 15oz can diced tomatoes and juice
1/2 to 1 whole stick of butter, preferable cold
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350. Note: the results are much better if you use a deep casserole dish as opposed to a 9x13. The deeper the better- somehow it's cheesier and tastier that way.
Butter the dish you are using and spread a layer of macaroni on top. (approx. 1 cup of macaroni, however I probably did more because I only had room for three layers)
Sprinkle salt and pepper next, then a layer of cheese. Next sprinkle enough breadcrumbs on top for a light coating. Cut the butter into pats, about 1 tsp per piece and layer on top,or you can crumble it all over the top. (works better if the butter is cold) Repeat layers making sure there's plenty of cheese for the top. After putting the butter slices on the last layer, pour the juice from the can of tomatoes all over the top and spread the tomatoes on the very top. I added a bit of salt to them as well. Bake, covered with foil or lid of casserole dish for at least 20 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
If you like lots of tomatoes you could use two cans and layer them with the other ingredients too. I may try this next time. Serve with a green veggie (we did sweet peas) and a fresh apple cake :)
Matt gave his approval of the authenticity of my version of this dish. Glad to know I can make it like his mom did :)
February 29, 2008
February 28, 2008
Questions
Ok, thanks to everyone who has commented on toy organization.
I have more specific questions now. How do you know if you have too many toys? I went and bought two large storage tubs (1 pink and 1 purple) and two smaller ones for markers and stuff. I already have a few somewhere in the house as well.
So, this is what we have:
Massive amounts of dress up stuff- jewelry, shoes, purses, hats...
Barbies-my old ones in a container already
several different types of blocks
Little People Dollhouse and Barn plus the many pieces that I find all over
Lots of books, the nice ones on shelves
kitchen set with dishes and two tea sets
magnadoodles
coloring books, crayons, markers, playdough
DOLLS!!!
Strollers-3
stuffed animals
puzzles and games (board type)
large basket of 'baby' toys
a plastic vanity
a rocking horse
chalkboard and chalk
two doll 'Heads' with hair to play with
various other random bits of stuff
I would say what they like the most is the tea sets, strollers and dolls, blocks, dress up stuff, books and anything arts/crafts. (all playdough, markers etc.) So should I stick with these categories and sort it accordingly?? Store the rest? The love getting the puzzles and games out too...But, I really, REALLY want to end the toy madness. It's everywhere I look and creates brain clutter. So, I am planning to tackle some of it after the girls wake up, which means i gotta go and finish cooking while they're asleep.
Thanks wonderful women of God!!!!
I have more specific questions now. How do you know if you have too many toys? I went and bought two large storage tubs (1 pink and 1 purple) and two smaller ones for markers and stuff. I already have a few somewhere in the house as well.
So, this is what we have:
Massive amounts of dress up stuff- jewelry, shoes, purses, hats...
Barbies-my old ones in a container already
several different types of blocks
Little People Dollhouse and Barn plus the many pieces that I find all over
Lots of books, the nice ones on shelves
kitchen set with dishes and two tea sets
magnadoodles
coloring books, crayons, markers, playdough
DOLLS!!!
Strollers-3
stuffed animals
puzzles and games (board type)
large basket of 'baby' toys
a plastic vanity
a rocking horse
chalkboard and chalk
two doll 'Heads' with hair to play with
various other random bits of stuff
I would say what they like the most is the tea sets, strollers and dolls, blocks, dress up stuff, books and anything arts/crafts. (all playdough, markers etc.) So should I stick with these categories and sort it accordingly?? Store the rest? The love getting the puzzles and games out too...But, I really, REALLY want to end the toy madness. It's everywhere I look and creates brain clutter. So, I am planning to tackle some of it after the girls wake up, which means i gotta go and finish cooking while they're asleep.
Thanks wonderful women of God!!!!
February 27, 2008
TOYS!
I need some help.
This morning as I was desperately trying to get all the laundry folded and put away, I realized my children's toys are out of control. It's not awful, but there are pieces of things all over the place in hidden nooks and crannies. I can't figure out how best to organize. There are some things that need to be tossed out, but most everything else I want to keep.
How do you moms decide what gets to stay out and 'available' for them to play with all the time, and what needs to be kept out of reach? How do you store the toys? What I like to do is rotate them, but lately I've been too busy to keep up with that. I made many things easy to get to, but they don't understand how to stay focused on that toy and before you know it puzzle pieces, potato head pieces, chalk, crayons and playdough are all mixed together on the floor. (yes, the carpeted floor, this happened today) Letting them be able to access those things helps them to play more independently and keep them BUSY!
Yet, it can be quite overwhelming to clean up the mess. Lady Lydia at Homeliving Helper recommends limiting children to only a few toys, such as a tea set and doll, or set of blocks and a truck. In my mind I don't see how that would work.
So what does everyone else do to control the toys??
This morning as I was desperately trying to get all the laundry folded and put away, I realized my children's toys are out of control. It's not awful, but there are pieces of things all over the place in hidden nooks and crannies. I can't figure out how best to organize. There are some things that need to be tossed out, but most everything else I want to keep.
How do you moms decide what gets to stay out and 'available' for them to play with all the time, and what needs to be kept out of reach? How do you store the toys? What I like to do is rotate them, but lately I've been too busy to keep up with that. I made many things easy to get to, but they don't understand how to stay focused on that toy and before you know it puzzle pieces, potato head pieces, chalk, crayons and playdough are all mixed together on the floor. (yes, the carpeted floor, this happened today) Letting them be able to access those things helps them to play more independently and keep them BUSY!
Yet, it can be quite overwhelming to clean up the mess. Lady Lydia at Homeliving Helper recommends limiting children to only a few toys, such as a tea set and doll, or set of blocks and a truck. In my mind I don't see how that would work.
So what does everyone else do to control the toys??
Special Children
I never entertained the idea that I would have a special child. I mean, of course everyone's child is special and unique, but what I mean is a special needs child. I didn't think that scenario was possible because I was 19 when I conceived Leiah and in great health. But, 2/3 of the way through her pregnancy it became evident that something wasn't right. What we didn't know is how much in danger her little life was.
What I believe, is because we were praying so hard long before she was conceived that she would be an instrument of the Lord, sensitive to His spirit, healthy, sweet tempered etc. that the enemy did his best to try to snuff her life out. Others may have their own opinions, but that is what I believe. Now that we know that her 'diagnoses' is something serious and rare, it's amazing to us that she is ALIVE and doing so WELL! She has always been very, very healthy, and hardly ever sick. Her heart murmur closed up (thanks to prayers and standing on God's Word) at 4 months, she grew well and had no digestive issues. She learned very slowly, but always progressed, never reverted back. She can learn well with lots of repetition.
The main reason I am writing all of this is because I am discouraged right now. Imagine a 5 year old little girl who looks totally normal, is happy most all of the time, sweet and obedient, with a stubborn streak towards her sisters. Imagine that she desperately wants to learn and interact with her sisters and friends and parents, but can't. She can say a few words that are hard to understand except for 'Yeah!' and use a few signs but always has to be prompted. She is afraid to go anywhere in the house without me. (I can't say 'Leiah, go put your shoes in your closet.' because she just can't go back there by herself) She knows her letters and numbers and shapes, but she can't say them or write them.
Imagine how you would feel if you put her on a school bus at the age of 3 so she could get some specialized help. And then when she comes home she is tired and goes to bed very early. I felt like I didn't know her. Imagine how you would feel, if, despite your efforts, she isn't receptive to you, the mom, teaching her. She is too emotional around me, so now I have to take her to a therapist.
Then, imagine how you would feel because she needs a lot of attention, yet you have two other little ones that need you, a large home that is always needing cleaning, healthy nutrient dense meals to prepare, weight to lose, a house to pack up etc... I always feel guilty for not giving her enough. I am not enough for her, she needs others who are more skilled. I'm here to love her and show her Christ; God can use others to help her too. And that's the hard part- I want to be the one that 'makes the breakthrough', not other people.
But, God put her in this family, and she isn't neglected or anything. I just want to be able to communicate with my daughter; to have a relationship with her, and to be able to understand what she wants and needs. If I have to learn another language I would!!
What I believe, is because we were praying so hard long before she was conceived that she would be an instrument of the Lord, sensitive to His spirit, healthy, sweet tempered etc. that the enemy did his best to try to snuff her life out. Others may have their own opinions, but that is what I believe. Now that we know that her 'diagnoses' is something serious and rare, it's amazing to us that she is ALIVE and doing so WELL! She has always been very, very healthy, and hardly ever sick. Her heart murmur closed up (thanks to prayers and standing on God's Word) at 4 months, she grew well and had no digestive issues. She learned very slowly, but always progressed, never reverted back. She can learn well with lots of repetition.
The main reason I am writing all of this is because I am discouraged right now. Imagine a 5 year old little girl who looks totally normal, is happy most all of the time, sweet and obedient, with a stubborn streak towards her sisters. Imagine that she desperately wants to learn and interact with her sisters and friends and parents, but can't. She can say a few words that are hard to understand except for 'Yeah!' and use a few signs but always has to be prompted. She is afraid to go anywhere in the house without me. (I can't say 'Leiah, go put your shoes in your closet.' because she just can't go back there by herself) She knows her letters and numbers and shapes, but she can't say them or write them.
Imagine how you would feel if you put her on a school bus at the age of 3 so she could get some specialized help. And then when she comes home she is tired and goes to bed very early. I felt like I didn't know her. Imagine how you would feel, if, despite your efforts, she isn't receptive to you, the mom, teaching her. She is too emotional around me, so now I have to take her to a therapist.
Then, imagine how you would feel because she needs a lot of attention, yet you have two other little ones that need you, a large home that is always needing cleaning, healthy nutrient dense meals to prepare, weight to lose, a house to pack up etc... I always feel guilty for not giving her enough. I am not enough for her, she needs others who are more skilled. I'm here to love her and show her Christ; God can use others to help her too. And that's the hard part- I want to be the one that 'makes the breakthrough', not other people.
But, God put her in this family, and she isn't neglected or anything. I just want to be able to communicate with my daughter; to have a relationship with her, and to be able to understand what she wants and needs. If I have to learn another language I would!!
February 26, 2008
Tuesday
I have nothing great or wonderful to say, really. We're still just trying to recover from living out of suitcases and traveling. I did quite a bit yesterday, however me and dh's suitcases aren't unpacked yet. The weather is so different here! Almost 80 degrees yesterday- today it will be cooler though. Still, it's nice to not have to bundle up before you go out.
Today is Leiah's speech day. I am planning to stop at some resale shops as well because she has outgrown everything for warmer weather, and I don't have time to sew. I'm also planning the church Good Friday Passover meal again and Sarah's birthday party. She didn't have one on her first, and since the other two had a very large shin dig I want to be sure she has one this time. I was planning to do a tea party, but I'm not sure how much time and energy that will take yet :)
We've been steadily looking at houses. There is a lot available, it's just finding what we want, where we want it, for the right price. Then of course you have to make an offer, inspect it, get approved for the loan, closing costs and dates etc....You need at the very least 2 months before you can move in. My husband wants something with a bit of land, and we've found a few that have about 4 acres, so we'll see.
Anyways, that's all the inspiring information I have for now. :)
Today is Leiah's speech day. I am planning to stop at some resale shops as well because she has outgrown everything for warmer weather, and I don't have time to sew. I'm also planning the church Good Friday Passover meal again and Sarah's birthday party. She didn't have one on her first, and since the other two had a very large shin dig I want to be sure she has one this time. I was planning to do a tea party, but I'm not sure how much time and energy that will take yet :)
We've been steadily looking at houses. There is a lot available, it's just finding what we want, where we want it, for the right price. Then of course you have to make an offer, inspect it, get approved for the loan, closing costs and dates etc....You need at the very least 2 months before you can move in. My husband wants something with a bit of land, and we've found a few that have about 4 acres, so we'll see.
Anyways, that's all the inspiring information I have for now. :)
February 25, 2008
I'm here
Well I'm back finally. That trip home was a doozy- got to our house at 11pm Saturday night. Yesterday we didn't make it to church, but dh played some praise songs on his guitar and read from the Bible. We tried to explain to Alexa that we are the church, not just the building :)
Today I will be trying to rescue my house from the awful mess it is in. At least the kitchen is clear and the dishes are being washed. Last night I just bought some groceries with no list- ahhh!!! But i did good- we might make it a whole week with what I got, we'll see. My cultures have been neglected, so I have to revive my sourdough starter, make some yogurt quick, and start kombucha- hope it's not dead!
Big news- we are moving! My inlaws have decided that they won't be moving to Texas after all, and need to sell this house soon. So we are looking around for somewhere else. I do like living in the town we're in, but for Leiah and Matt's sake, something closer to the city would be better. The problem is the cost of living is higher the closer you get to the city. We did find a home in the country that we like- we just need to look inside it and see if we can afford it. Rent around here is crazy- why pay over $800 per month for a house we won't own when we can buy one and only pay $4-500 per month and own it?? Those pesky down payments and loans are the difficult part.... I do NOT want to re-pack all our stuff- it's been less than a year since we moved in here, but, at least we'll be getting rid of a lot, a nice perk to moving.
Anyways, my mother-in-love sent home some organic dried peas, beans and oats, so I'm set for awhile on those.
Menu for the Week
Breakfasts: today was oatmeal and raisin bread; french toast and bacon; baked oatmeal, yogurt and fruit, eggs and homemade bread toasted; pancakes; regular cooked oatmeal
Lunches- don't know yet, tuna sandwiches at some point and leftovers
Dinners: M-baked spanish rice
salad
Tu-crockpot white bean and ham soup, cornbread, salad; W- Farmhouse Chicken casserole, broccoli; Th-Susan's Mac-n-cheese (dh's mom's recipe, will reveal later) and green beans; Fri- Italian chicken and rice bake, salad, garlic bread; Sat-whatever dh wants; Sun- tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
Please excuse the lack of order in this post- things are anything but orderly here!
Today I will be trying to rescue my house from the awful mess it is in. At least the kitchen is clear and the dishes are being washed. Last night I just bought some groceries with no list- ahhh!!! But i did good- we might make it a whole week with what I got, we'll see. My cultures have been neglected, so I have to revive my sourdough starter, make some yogurt quick, and start kombucha- hope it's not dead!
Big news- we are moving! My inlaws have decided that they won't be moving to Texas after all, and need to sell this house soon. So we are looking around for somewhere else. I do like living in the town we're in, but for Leiah and Matt's sake, something closer to the city would be better. The problem is the cost of living is higher the closer you get to the city. We did find a home in the country that we like- we just need to look inside it and see if we can afford it. Rent around here is crazy- why pay over $800 per month for a house we won't own when we can buy one and only pay $4-500 per month and own it?? Those pesky down payments and loans are the difficult part.... I do NOT want to re-pack all our stuff- it's been less than a year since we moved in here, but, at least we'll be getting rid of a lot, a nice perk to moving.
Anyways, my mother-in-love sent home some organic dried peas, beans and oats, so I'm set for awhile on those.
Menu for the Week
Breakfasts: today was oatmeal and raisin bread; french toast and bacon; baked oatmeal, yogurt and fruit, eggs and homemade bread toasted; pancakes; regular cooked oatmeal
Lunches- don't know yet, tuna sandwiches at some point and leftovers
Dinners: M-baked spanish rice
salad
Tu-crockpot white bean and ham soup, cornbread, salad; W- Farmhouse Chicken casserole, broccoli; Th-Susan's Mac-n-cheese (dh's mom's recipe, will reveal later) and green beans; Fri- Italian chicken and rice bake, salad, garlic bread; Sat-whatever dh wants; Sun- tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
Please excuse the lack of order in this post- things are anything but orderly here!
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