A cherished book

This cook book belonged to my mother. I don't remember where she got it. (Mom you can comments and tell us.) As a child I remember her using it often. It must have gotten wet in some accident in the kitchen at some point because the pages are wrinkled in places. This just makes me love it more. My mom often used the biscuit recipe on page 13. It's the only one I use now. The book naturally opens to the page. When I married a Mennonite and he told me about these little cookie his mom made, of course I wanted to make them for him and on page 279 I found, "Pfeffernusse". This young bride had a happy husband.

Recently, in an attempt to make cheap, healthy food for my family I decided to try the very affordable cut of pork, 'the ham hock.' What's a girl to do with ham hock? I opened my cookbook and there I found a wonderful recipe for Split Pea Soup (pg 41) Because I love this recipe so much I thought I would share it with you.

1 ham hock

2 1/2 quarts water

2 1/2 cups split peas

1 large onion

3 medium carrots

Salt and pepper

Cook ham hock and peas together slowly for about 3 hours. Dice onions and carrots and add 30 minutes before severing. Season.

It's that easy! I added celery and cooked it longer that 3 hours because I started with a frozen ham hock. I also added the meat off the bone (its not that much) back into the soup. Mine is really thick after cooling and I like it like that. But if you didn't want it really thick just don't cook it till it gets to that point. And if you do just add water when you are reheating the leftovers! Yummy, easy, healthy, affordable soup. What more could you ask for.

At the end of the book the author has included a little jewel.

"Food for a Barn Raising" This list was found in an olds handwritten recipe book.

115 lemon pie

500 fat cakes (doughnuts)

15 large cakes

3 gallons applesauce

3 gallons rice pudding

16 chickens

3 hams

50 pounds roast beef

300 light rolls

16 loaves bread

Red beet pickles, pickles eggs, cucumber pickles

6 pounds dried prunes, stewed

1 large crock stewed raisins

5 gallon stone jar white potatoes and the same amount of sweet potatoes

Enough for 175 men.

Wow!!!! That must have taken quite the cook force. Talk about team work.

So there you have it- my favorite cookbook. Maybe one day I'll have the privilege of giving it to Grace...if she wants it...if not...I'll keep it!!!!

blessings

The Jungle Book

I was putting some books away today. I picked up "The Jungle Book" and flipped through it. The book opened to the story " Toomai of the Elephants". This is the poem the story begins with.

I will remember what I was. I am sick of ropes and chains.
I will remember my old strength and all my forest affairs.
I will not sell my back to man for a bundle of sugar-cane,
I will go out to my own kind, and the wood-folk in their lairs.

I will go out until the day, until the morning break,
Out to the winds' untainted kiss, the waters' clean caress:
I will forget my ankle-ring and snap my picket-stake.
I will revisit my lost loves, and playmates masterless!

I was moved by this short poem. I was a nice moment in my day, amid all the folding, cooking, disciplining, bum wiping, nursing and so on.

Shake Hands With the Devil

I am currently reading L.Gen. Romeo Dallaire's account of the genocide in Rawanda. I had read a book earlier this year which was a personal account of the genocide. I of course was moved by the story and became interested in learning more about what could have caused and allowed such a massacre to occur.
Dallaire's account is lengthy. There are times that I skim pages as he details all the politics and work that went into even getting a small force of Peacekeepers into Rawanda. I have to admit I love a story, so when the book become more detailed history I getting a little bored. The endless names and ranks are confusing. Not to say that this is unneeded. I'm sure there are lots of people who understand and I feel as though this book is Dallaire's account to the nation and the world for his actions and the events that unfolded.
Having a family member in the Armed Forces, I am very interested in the way his mind works as a soldier, the affects his work had on his family, his honesty about his failings to the job and his family, and the affects the genocide had on his mental health. He is very candied about his pride and ignorance going into the mission. It was his first mission overseas and he was still quite young.
In the introduction he describes a scene in which he and his patrol meet a lone boy standing in the road. The stop the truck look for his parents in the forest surrounding them and can not locate anyone who is caring for this child. (This is well into the genocide.) The boy runs into a house near by and they follow him. Inside the boy sits down beside his dead mother. The rest of his family is lies dead there too. Dallaire takes the child out of the house and he clings to him. I quote, " I made up my mind: this boy would be the fourth child in the Dallaire family. I couldn't save Rwanda, but I could save this child." I think this situation is a good example of his compassion and utter need to do something about all the destruction and death he sees around him. Who would not want to take this child to safety and give them a home? His humanity compels him to save this child. O fcourse the story ends with the child running off into the forest never to be seen again.
I"m not quite done the book yet. I'm sure once I'm into the account of the genocide I'll have more to write about.
blessings

Blueberry blue

Today Grace wanted frozen blueberries after lunch for dessert. The result...blue (purply-blue) face and hands. What a kid.


This is my kitchen almost any time during the day. Morning till night. Elijah especially really loves drawing, cutting, gluing, stringing beads, sticking fun foam on paper, etc... I'm really happy that he can entertain himself like that, and that he's getting really creative, but my house is so small and my kitchen therefore is small and he rarely remembers to put away the mess (being a 5 year old this comes naturally). I'm trying really hard to love him through this. I guess I just got to keep reminding him..."honey, can you put it away now?" Ah, the life of a mother!

I had to add this one. Elijah and Ian are smiling so nicely. And then there is Grace. She looks like she's half monkey. This photo is reflective of her diverse colourful character. What's not to love? This picture sums up my kids so beautifully!
blessings
Amie

Betsie ten Boon

In the final year of the first world war, when food was scares and hope thin corrie remembers Bestie saying to the family,
" It is going to be a harder winter than we have ever had before. We must show through our joy the worth of being a Christian. We should already be doing this, because seeing the dark clouds approaching is often harder than being covered by them."
In the second world war, the the sisters had been taken as prisoners for hiding Jews. At the concentration camp before she went to be with Christ, in that dark place, she knew the love of Christ, and not only that but wanted others to know it as well.
"We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still"

Oh that my faith would rest so in Christ.

Blessings

Currently reading...

Jonathan gave me a read through the bible in the year Bible. It is divided into daily readings which include Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament. It is very easy and enjoyable. I like how my reading for the day is right there and no flipping around is necessary. I have been excited each day to come to the Word. I am hopeful that I will be able to read the whole bible this year.

I am also reading "Life Lessons from the Hiding Place. Discovering the Heart of Corrie Ten Boom." I stole this one from my parents book shelf when we were there visiting this Christmas. Besides the wisdom and beauty of Corrie that is so inspiring, I am finding all the information on Holland very interesting. My Grandfather immagrated to Canada from Holland. I have always been disappointed not to learn more from him about this place from which our family comes. It sounds like a beautiful country with strong, resourceful people.
I'll leave you with a quote that caught my attention last night. " We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answers. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God's work on behalf of the people for whom we pray." Pg. 38
Blessings

Sick

Not feeling really well today. The kids and I didn't go to church today. Jon had to go because he was leading the service. I thought about it but as the time grow closer and I still needed a shower I decided I wasn't going to make it. I feel achy and tired. Jon let me have a nap this afternoon. I slept for two hours. I felt a bit better after that. It's a little after 9:00pm and I'm wasted. I'm heading to bed. Ian hasn't been sleeping well, so who knows how much I'll be awake tonight. I can't figure out what's wrong with him. Teething, growth spurt, the tea I'm drinking. I guess I'll never know.
Off to bed.

In Jesus Name.

The other day I was emailing Jon about an email that we needed to send to a friend. I wrote, "would you like me to write the email in your name?"
It reminded me that of the classic closing to our prayers, "In Jesus name, Amen." It struck me that when I say this phrase I am saying, "God, I say all this through Christ." or " Hear my words as if it were Jesus talking to you." The whole concept of Jesus interceding at the throne has become personal and more dear to me with this insight.
Its amazing how we do and say things without realizing that they are a part of our theology. Or we do and say things out of habit even when it doesn't line up with our theology.
Food for thought.

artist at etsy

One day I'm going to spend my days looking for fabrics and then sitting at a sewing machine creating new wonderful things!
Hope you can apperciate this little video like I did

a day in the life

I'm a mother of three with what always seem to be full days, and yet when I sit down in the evening to write a blog I have a terrible time thinking of something to write.
My Moms and Tots group is doing at cookie exchange tomorrow. So today I did my best to make something for the exchange. I don't know why I had to try something new. I made Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies. All three of the kids were either crying, begging , or complaining during the mixing process. I was about to throw in the towel, but I sent to two older one's to their rooms and put the youngest down for a nap. Problem solved! The blondies didn't turn out the way I thought they would. Oh well. I'm supposed to have the recipe typed out for whoever takes my cookies...but that's not going to happen the way the day has gone.
It is so cold outside today. It seems like the past week I've either been in my house or in my van. Walking somewhere is not going to happen. This is not a particularly good thing seeing I've just had a baby, its Christmas and there are always more sweet things to eat, and when it gets cold I always want to eat things with either or both flour and sugar. What's with that? It is as predictable as the canada goose going south for the winter. The temp. starts dropping and I start baking. Hey it just hit me, that would be the good thing about living in the Kenyan heat...I wouldn't ever feel like baking. Who wants to turn on the oven when it's plus 30? Not me!
Well, wish me luck with my blondies at Moms and Tots tomorrow. Hope someone wants them.
Off to bed I go.

Christmas excitment.

The tree is up and cookies are made. Its christmas time at the Chalmers house. I'm so happy we are going to Ontario to celebrate with my family. Only 7 more sleeps until we go! Very exciting. We will be at Josh and Becky's house for 11 days and then in Hamilton for 5 days. It has been too long since Josh and I have celebrated Christmas together.
Last Christmas I was submitting to Christ as I was unable to see my family. Its amazing to me how when we give our lives completely to Christ, even what may seem like small things He often remembers us and our trust in Him. How many times have I longed for something and given it to God and He has in His own time blessed me. I want to trust my Father in heaven. He is so good. Even when I was crying last Christmas because I was not with my family, He was good then.
See you in seven sleeps

Food inc.

Official+Food%2C+Inc.+Movie+Site+-+Hungry+For+Change%3F

This was a really interesting movie. We definitely shopped a little differently today. Jon was really into reading all the labels. It really is unbelievable how many things that corn is in. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in what they eat.

Soup, a night out and my growing boy

So this is a mix-mash of the last week.
I made some amazing soup on Monday. Cream of Pea and Spinach. I love the beautiful green color and texture was so smooth and velvety. Here's the recipie
1 small onion chopped small
5 tbsp of butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1-2 cups water
2 cup frozen/fresh peas
1 bag of spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream. I use coffee cream

1.melt butter in larger pot
2. add onion and cook unto translucent don't brown them
3.add flour stirring let it start bubbling
4.add broth slowly stirring all the time
5.add water
6.bring to boil and turn down to simmer stirring ferquently. let it thicken to consistency of cream. let it simmer for 10 mins to get rid of flour taste.
7.add peas and spinach. simmer until wilted and mushy.
8.puree in blender in batches. Don't fill blender too much with each batch
9.put back in pot add cream and heat. Don't boil or you may ruin your cream.
Enjoy!!!! Try using broccoli that's good too!

On Wednesday night Jon and I were able to go the Agrobition. We had a lot of fun together. Blayne and Penny Banting offered to look after Elijah and Grace. What a blessing that was. We felt so served and loved by them. We bought tickets for the rodeo. We saw some bucking broncos, cattle roping, calf wrestling, sheep herding dogs, mutten bustin' and lots more. Its a nice crowd, its not too loud and Jon and I were able to watch and have a conversation.

I thought I throw and picture of Ian in the jolly jumper for the first time. He just loved it. I think he was in there for a half hour or more. What a cutie. He's getting so big so fast. Always smiling expect when he's hungry or tired.

I've been given so many good gifts. Thank you Lord.

my last day alone...kinda

Jon had been out of the house for the last three days in a row. I'm tired of parenting by myself. Today he went with his Dad to the Riders game. They had a blast. I'm really glad they enjoyed themselves. Jon has been wanting to do that for so long.
When I'm alone at home without another adult I end up on the internet all day. Today I became a member on www.lionbrand.com Its a yarn company. I don't know if its Canadian but they definitely had a canadian site with canadian prices. They have lots of free patterns. Some nice ones too. I hate it when free patterns are aweful looking.
The kids have watched the third Ice Age movie atleast 5 times over the past three days. They are still laughing. We borrowed from our neighbour. I think we'll give it back tomorrow so I don't have to say no to watching it for the sixth time.
Elijah was eating Cheerios this afternoon as a snack. I said to him, "I don't know if there are Cheerios in Africa" He said, "What will we eat for breakfast?" I said, "maybe eggs." He said, "you don't eat eggs at breakfast." I realize I maybe haven't given a lot of variety at breakfast for my family. :)
I'm praying Ian sleeps well tonight. I can't handle being woke after only sleeping for an hour.

I love these sites

I really wanted to share these sites with everyone. I you love beautiful things that are made by people who love their art form you love love these sites too.
www.etsy.com
This site is a host to thousands or artists and crafters. The amount of incredible treasures here is unbelievable. I'm on this site at least once a day being inspired.
www.sarahandabraham.com Sarah & Abraham is a site for those who love paper and stationary. Being a paper fanatic I feel in love with their stuff right away.
There is tunes of beautiful paper and stationary on Etsy too.
Enjoy browsing these amazing sites.

Amie

A new Chalmers

Yes, there is a new Chalmers coming. We are excited and scared and happy and nervous all at the same time. Adding another member to our family was something we really wanted to do but it being our third we were not innocent of the resposbilities and the drastic changes that a baby brings. So I've been hesitant to jump up and down for joy, not to say that I'm not very excited to meet the next member of our family and can't wait to hold him/her in my arms. Isn't life like that, so many things are hard and yet joyful all at once. I'm enjoying every minute of life right now, with out a new born. With the other two I could not wait for the day they came and all the days in between were just days waiting. This time, I'm savouring every full night sleep, every time we go out and the kids play and I can talk with my friends and I don't have a baby to feed or change or sooth. Yes, life is going to look a whole lot different...not bad different, but different. Its like the months before I got married and I was so wanting the day to come I couldn't think of anything else. Everyone said, "Amie enjoy your last days of being single." Not that they didn't want me to get married, but they knew what I didn't, that life looks very different once you are married and there's no going back.
I've been really sick this first trimester. Pretty much useless. Jon has been so patient and helpful. Its hard to explain to the kids that I'm sick because of the baby.
Anyways, for anyone who wanted to know, We're having Number 3.
blessings
AMIE

God has been so good to me. Jon has been away from us so much in the last four months (maybe five). God has been so faithful to keep my spirit up, to give me the encouragement I need just in time, to give me patience (most of the time). I look back and think, how did I get through that. I would have never imagined myself capable of being alone with the kids so much and still being sane. And not just sane but the most joyful and hopeful I've felt in a long time. As I contemplate this seemingly unnatural peace and joy I can only see God's hand. 1Peter 2.9 came to my mind last night. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." For you this might not seem to fit with what I'm talking about but for me it totally does. It says to me that, I'm God's for the purpose of His praise. All the good, all the trials and peace in them make me remember I am God's and I praise him for it. All I have, physical and spiritual, all I am, is because of Him who has call me.
Thank you Father.

A clean house

Lately my pleasure has been in keeping my house clean. In the past this joy has come and gone and so I don't know if this is just a phase or the beginning of something new for me. I just seem to have to motivation and organization to stay on top of most of the house. I am enjoying keeping things in order. I have to admit to myself that I have always loved order. Not just in my surrounding but in a perdictable day and so on. (something I inherited from my mother)
I can't believe the way it has helped me be a better mother and wife. I think its more my adittude. In the sense that if I am willing to serve my family by keeping the house clean I will be more likely to serve them in other ways. Looking at the people around me and their needs instead of being stuck on myself and my needs. Giving feels so much better than taking. I have felt so much love from my husband the last few days.(he's only been home a few days).
My moto is "No excuses" Just get up and do it. I don't know how long this motivation will last but I'm going to cease this God given blessing now and maybe I'll be able to make something of it.
Lord, I want all I do and say to point those around me, back to You. Maybe my service to my family will show my children what it means to love as Christ did. Laying down his life me.

Off to bed now.

God's blessings

Just sitting here on a windy Monday afternoon. Both the kids are sleeping and I have nothing to do. Well there is always something to do I guess. Nothing I want to do.
Jon is gone again for the week. God is so good to keep me going. Keep him going too. Its just as hard for Jon as it is for me. He really dislikes being away from home. I wish there was a way for me to make money magicly appear so that he wouldn't have to be gone all week for the whole summer. God is providing for us. I just have to trust that he knows the best for us, even when it doesn't look like the best at the time.
I found a nice wading pool and some toys for the kids at a garage sale the other day. There was a really nice bunk bed set there too, but I didn't have the money to get it. So I left it. It was actally my girlfriend's garage sale and she phoned me and suggested that I have the beds in exchange for teaching her kids guitar. I assured her that I was not a professional and had limited knowledge, but she was confindent that a little would go a long way, so I agreed. So now I have bunk bed! Elijah was not very happy that they would go in Grace's room. Now I have to get them together some how. It might be a bit before that gets done. Anyways, see God provided again. Even things we don't exactly need but just want. Wow how blessed are we!
So that's all I have to say. Really nothing else going on. Going camping this week with the kids and Cheri. Jack, Joelle and Jon are hopefully joining us on the weekend. So that will be fun for everyone. It will be nice to get away from the house for a little break.
Ta Ta For Now.

Don't waste your life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKNFbZa9cH4

I hope this can be as much of an encouragment to you as it was to me.
Blessings