Recipe Box: Peach or Cherry Pie

*you can see the original post here and the 2nd recipe here*

 

 I love the project that Calliope has been working on to share some recipes from the rolodex of her lovely grandmother, Millie. With her permission to share something similar, I'm going to open a treasured wooden box and pull out a few family recipes from our household. 

The last family recipe that I will share is in honor of some recent reasons to celebrate: a college graduation, blowing out 31 candles on my cake, my sister's birthday, a few wedding anniversaries, new babies --and goodness knows its nice to celebrate after the dramaz this year!

Peach or Cherry Pie:

Directions:

Melt 1 stick of butter in casserole dish. Then mix to a batter the following: 

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup mil
Pinch of salt
Pour this batter over butter, do not stir
Add can of peaches or cherries or fresh peaches
Bake 30 minutes at 350

Recipe Box: Chow Chow

*you can see my original post here*

I love the project that Calliope has been working on to share some recipes from the rolodex of her lovely grandmother, Millie. With her permission to share something similar, I'm going to open a treasured wooden box and pull out a few family recipes from our household. 

I love that this is such a southern recipe. I have learned to have a taste for Chow Chow--and this is a regular request made by Mook. And he loves nothing more than the way his grandmother made it. 

Chow Chow:

Ingredients:

1 medium cabbage
1 pt. chopped onions
2 green peppers
2 tbs salt
1 quart vinegar
1/2 lb brown sugar
1/4 cup black mustard seed
1/4 cup white mustard seed
1 tsp celery seed
3 large green tomatoes
1 cucumber (optional)

Directions:

Mix together vegetables with salt-let stand 1 hour; then drain for 3 hours. Mix vinegar, brown sugar & seed. Boil mixture for 1 minute-add vegetables and bring mixture again to boiling point. Pour into sterilized jars and seal. 

 

Recipe Box: 7-Minute Frosting

I love the project that Calliope has been working on to share some recipes from the rolodex of her lovely grandmother, Millie. With her permission to share something similar, I'm going to open a treasured wooden box and pull out a few family recipes from our household.

Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity to meet Mook's maternal grandmother, who he was very close to. However, I have been given a very special gift: her small wooden box full of hand-written recipes. This means a lot that Mook's family has passed this along to me, and I have been taking good care of the 3x5 note-cards so that hopefully I can pass them on to the next generation in our family.




Today, I'd like to share this recipe: 7-Minute Frosting

Ingredients:

2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup cold water
Dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Place all ingredients, except vanilla, in double boiler. Beat for 1 minute with electric mixer or rotary beater. Cook over boiling water, beating constantly with mixer or beater, until mixture form peaks (about 7 minutes) Remove from heat. Add vanilla and beat until spreading consistency.

No Name

There are definitions for a lot of things...

Joy: rejoice; feel happiness
Sadness: emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being

But what is the word for the in between emotion that exists between joy and sadness?

Because that's where I have hovered the past few days.

On Saturday, I got to pull of a wonderful surprise...flying across the country to wrap my BFF in a hug as she is preparing for lots of changes in her life. (Ms. Rottenstinker has an active, cute toddler, is 7 1/2 months pregnant, has a rambunctious 6 month old lab, and is moving) Crazy? Yes. But I love her.

On Tuesday, my grandfather passed away.

Even now, I sit and grapple with the roller coaster of emotions. I'm waiting to see what I will do as far as traveling to be with my family while I simultaneously wrap glasses in moving-paper and spend time with someone I care about so much.

Since I suck at adjusting to time change, Im still a bit loopy as it is currently 1am EST, but I am enjoying my 2nd glass of wine, in honor of my grandfather, and trying to formulate sentences that properly explain this in between emotion.

I guess I am also just ready to be in more of a steady pattern of life right now...2011 has not been the kindest to me yet, and I'd like to get off this roller coaster. I am happy to be here with her. Can't fib and say it's not hard to want that cute belly she's sporting.

And when you sit and try and come up with more words, and its been 20 minutes, its time to just hit "Publish Post"...

If anyone can define this emotion for me, Id greatly appreciate it. Until then, I think limbo land is where I will remain.

Heavy Hearts Weigh The Same

My eyes filled with tears.

So did hers.

My soul ached with emptiness.

So did hers.

My belly was empty.

Hers was not.

And both our hearts were heavy.

"A journey that begins with loss can reveal itself later as a precious gift."

I will probably end up memorizing every line of the letter I received today, but that is by far the most precious gathering of words she wrote.

And those words are ones that I'm sure a lot of us in the IF community struggle to believe at the beginning of a journey--but after everything we have been through, I do choose to treat the path we have walked as a gift.

There are many reasons for looking at it as a gift--one that I have mentioned time and time again are the amazing friendships I have formed, another being the incredible support and resources, and now a really incredible opportunity to bond with a family member.

A few weeks ago, when I was at a family gathering, my mom said she wanted to use an opportunity of us all being together to share some family updates. Knowing my mom's tone pretty well, I had a feeling I was in for a doozie--and prepared myself for the "guess who's pregnant?" speech.

It turned out I was right.

But I had to get my feelings of jealousy in check really quick, because the story that followed brought a different set of tears to my eyes.

The family member had been pregnant---years ago. She hadn't told anyone. She went through it alone, and only days before giving birth, called her mom to tell her--and only recently felt comfortable sharing it with our family...and Im so glad she did.

She realized pretty quickly that where she was in her life, she could not provide for the baby the way she wanted--so during the time leading up to the birth, she dove into adoption research and found a couple who, as she told me in her letter, "had lost hope of ever becoming parents."

When Mook and I were driving home that night, I was full of so many emotions: sadness, love,
admiration, pain...and realized I had this overwhelming urge to write her a letter. I took a few days to think about what I would even say...

But I didnt have to over-think it: the words just came. I told her about the tears I cried longing to have a baby, and expressed my sorrow over the tears she cried as she got ready to have a baby alone. I told her about how my soul ached not knowing if I would ever be a mom, and told her how brave I think she is, knowing a part of her soul is forever changed.

And finally, I thanked her for the selfless gift she gave not only her daughter, but to a couple who would now be a family because of her brave decision.

Our hearts were heavy for different reasons, but the weight of both of our journeys gave us a reason to hope.

In the clouds

I'm always looking for shapes/signs/signals...I honestly think it all started when I first noticed shapes in the clouds, like the one above. I don't know about you, but I see something very specific when I look at that picture.

That picture was taken ten minutes before I started bleeding from my hematoma.

My entire family was standing on the mini golf course, and we all stopped and looked at this amazing image of a man who appeared to be praying (even with a little halo above his head). It was quite a moment--all of us there in silence, looking at this beautifully shaped cloud. And it only lasted for seconds, and then they were just clouds...

I had forgotten all about this picture and that moment. When my family was visiting a few weeks ago, my sister pulled out the picture and we all were able to re-live that moment again, and it made me tear up instantly...a reminder that God is with me in every moment. I falter a lot in remembering to rely on faith during this journey, so this picture is now with me every where I go.

I just wanted to share that with you all as we approach Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. To each of you who have lost, I hope you find comfort in knowing a prayer is being said for you and your lost loved ones.

It's also a day of celebration for me tomorrow. Three years of marriage to my best friend...and I'm so incredibly grateful to be looking back on memories-the good and the bad-with the one who's been with me through the worst and best times of my life. It's also going to be a different trip this year, since we will not be traveling with Coco. Remember my buddy Coco?

So I'm off for a few blissful days of relaxing and reminiscing. Wonder what cloud shapes I'll see?

Welcome to the family!

We became parents (for the 2nd time) this weekend:


Our fur-family grew by bringing this precious little boy home. Our 3-year-old chocolate lab has been ready for a chew toy sibling and play mate for a while now. She has grown up around other dogs, as both our respective families have at least 2 dogs.

Mosley is 6 weeks old; we know his momma was a pure-bread beagle, but since she got adventurous one day and wandered through the fence, no one is quite certain who the poppa is.

We had been checking online ads/in the paper since before Christmas-we knew that our next family planning venture would involve adopting another dog-we just weren't sure when and what kind. So yesterday the ad caught our eye--7 beagle mix pups were up for adoption to a good home! We immediately called, left a message and waited patiently for a return call. Minutes ticked by and as we approached an hour, I begged Mook to call again--maybe they were by the phone. He never had to call again, since the phone rang seconds later. There were 3 left, and we were welcome to come by and take a look.

I drove the 40 miles thinking about the pros and cons of brining another dog into our house:

• Puppies are soooooo cute. (they also poop...a lot)
• They want to cuddle all the time! (they want to cuddle all the time)
• We've wanted another dog for a long time (Do we go through puppy training all over again?!)
• Jordan needs a playmate (more teeth to chew through my shoes)
• They sleep a lot (but never when I want to sleep....say around 2am)
  

When we pulled up, there was another couple getting out of their car at the same time. We all walked over to play with the 3 remaining puppies. They seemed nice enough: playing and talking baby-talk, but then she looked right at me and said "We plan on taking 2 home."

This immediately put me on the defensive. We were there to adopt and care for a precious pup just as they were, but what gave her the right to pull rank and put dibs on 2 before I had chance to interact with any of them? As I sat down to play, one wriggled out of her death-grip, tilted his head at me and jumped into my lap. Where he stayed.

She kept glancing over at me, and making comments to her husband "Well, are you sure honeeeeey? That one over there (cutting eyes at me) sure looks cute too." By then, she had made it well known that they had 2 kids at home. Whoop-ee, lady. Of course that leads to the inevitable: "Do you all have kids, because you know that dogs are a lot of work, especially with kids." I put on my southern belle charm and grinned back, "We have another dog, so we know that they are hard work, and since we don't have kids we travel a lot." I made sure to put an emphasis on a lot. Petty, I know--but I had to get a dig in somehow. I didn't waste anymore time chit-chatting, said my thank-you's, and dragged Mook and Mosley back to the car to head home.

The 40 mile trek home didn't seem as long as the one going to get Mo. I wasn't as anxious or fretting about the cons of having another puppy. I was enjoying time with Mook and this precious little pup slumbering in his lap. I looked over to Mook and said, "Hey Poppa." We both gave a strained grin, knowing the double meaning of that statement. So many of the events of yesterday's pet adoption paralleled to the feelings I can imagine going through in another sort of adoption...

Call me crazy, but by adopting another puppy reinforced my belief that if we end up completing our family by adopting the human kind, then we will be one happy family.

Week in Review

What a week. I'm officially back on BC. It hasn't been too bad thank goodness--I guess my body is so used to it. I got my protocol in the mail on Wednesday--and we go for our injections class the DAY we get back from vacation. What a way to welcome us home! I also start Syn.arel the 26th, so it's feeling more real every day. I'm getting nervous...

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

I had dinner with 2 of my girlfriends from college on Monday night--we try to get together at least every 3 months (this time it had been more like 7). One is married, the other still looking for her Mr. Right...the married friend told us last time we got together that she and her husband were getting ready to go through some tests since they had been trying for 2 years. I remember when she told us that many months ago, that I felt so sad that they had to go through that--welp, now she and I are IVF buddies IRL. The look on both our faces was just relief...relief that we could talk openly and have a shoulder to lean on. The other friend was very patient and understanding--asking questions and just listening. I will actually cycle before her--they are aiming for a September start date. It was just a good feeling knowing we can be there for each other...

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

2 difficult things for me this week. 1st was overhearing a person at my place of work complaining how fast she got pregnant--she has 4 beautiful girls. The dialogue was:

"I just didn't have time to breathe! I'd pop one out (yes, she really said this) and then I'd be preggers again. I finally told my husband that we weren't going to have s3x for a year so I wouldn't be fat for at least ONE bathing suit season." (followed by annoying giggle)

I just wanted to cry. She was only a stone throw from my office, and I just had this image of me jumping over my desk in a primate type lunge, thus knocking her to the floor and then I would proceed to whisper in a very angry voice: "Don't you know how LUCKY you are to just POP babies out!?" Of course, I wouldn't do this...I'm not that violent. But I had a smirk on my face as she got up to leave....

2nd was visiting a school for mentally and physically disabled children. It is part of our public school system here, so I am very thankful that this school has the resources they have-and that there are teachers that can work with these wonderful children. But I cannot express the knot that was logged in my throat---I went with a coworker, and when we passed a GYM full of walkers/wheelchairs, I almost lost it. It was just such a reality-reminder--life is so precious. These children will never know a "normal" life...their parents must grieve for "that life" their children will never have....I left there with just an ache in my chest. I finally broke down last night when I told Mook about the visit...I just wanted to reach out to all of these children and make their pain go away...

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

Good things this week:

Just found out today that my cousin is pregnant! I am so happy for her--she is a few years older than me, and has been married 3 (maybe 4?) years this July. They have been trying since their honeymoon. I am just so happy for their good news!

Almost vacation time: I really think life knows when you are getting ready to go on vacation-cause I have worked hard this week! We are headed to the lake this weekend to put our kayaks to good use--I love being on the water--so peaceful. I'll take each moment of peace I can get! My thoughts and prayers are being sent across the miles as some of you are entering your 2ww, or getting ready to start a cycle!

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

And lastly: I began wearing my "Make Aware" bracelet on Wednesday: exactly a month before I start injections. It is my constant reminder of all of you....

Picture Pages, Picture Pages..la la la

Anyone remember the Bill Co.sby show "Pict.ure Pag.es"? I looooved that show...but it wasn't on very long--it's just one of those shows that stuck in my memory among other favorites like: Sesam.e Str.eet (of course) Mr. Rog.ers Neigh.borhood, Pin.wheel (on Nickelod.eon)...but let me get back to PP. I was thinking about the show on the way to work this morning, and it created a thought that I'd like to share my picture page.s.

Let me explain....

I feel that all of us in blog land feel very connected, and for me, when I feel connected to someone or something I like to place a visual with that thought. If you haven't figured it out already, I am a very visual person! I've always learned better by looking at something to memorize it, and I love recalling some of my favorite memories by a "mental picture." When I read a book and then they turn it into a movie, I have a very hard time going to see it since I have already created in my mind exactly what the setting is, what the characters look like and so forth...I love having that creative freedom!

So since we are all connected in the IF journey, whether we have come out on the other side, or are just beginning--for those who are interested, let's share a few visuals of who we are. It will go a little something like this:

• Since many of us are finding refuge in blog land and wish not to share our personal information (picture of our faces/spouses/partners/pets etc) this picture pa.ge does not have to be that personal. But it can be if you wish. You can designate which you prefer when you take on this little project.

• What I am asking to build my Pic Page, is that you comment on this entry and ask me to take a picture of something in my life that you might like to see: examples being my closet, my favorite pair of shoes, my laundry room, inside my fridge, the view from my front door. Then I will have a nice post of pictures from what each person has asked to see. Make sense? They are silly little things, but the little things are what count right?
  
  Feel free to post this in your blog! This won't have to be a 'tag' game--you just simply ask your readers to help you create a Pic Page!
  

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

Thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes! It was a very nice day--Mook and I went to a wine festival with our friends on Saturday--beautiful weather and an all around nice relaxing weekend. It was so neat to get Braces Bunch mail on my b-day too! I have gotten some great notes-thanks ladies! I will be sending more soon!

And speaking of birthdays, today is my little sister's b-day, so happy birthday Lil Bee-I love you! Here is a picture of us (can you tell it was in the 80's!?)

We head out tomorrow for a long weekend at the beach-I have been looking forward to this for months! My family has a beach house in the Ou.tter Bank.s of NC and I have been going there since I was born...it is truly one of the most peaceful places for me to go-I feel so comforted there. We will be taking our lab with us for her first adventure at the beach!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and I can't wait to start snapping shots for my Pic Page!


PS I haven't "removed" all of you from my blog roll--I just moved you all over to my blog.lines notifier--much better for my scatter brain tendencies!