Hmmmmmm...........

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks.  I haven't weighed myself and don't plan on it.  Been trying to figure out some way to check my weight loss (if any).  My clothes don't feel as tight and I'm sticking to the "diet" fairly close.  I'm not watching my carbs, but my sugars.  I try and eat only a things that have 3-4 grams of sugar per serving (or less).  I have learned doing this that I need to watch how many nuts I eat because even tho they have no sugars, they are extremely high in fat.  Now, it's "good" fat, not "bad fat", but it's still fat and I don't want to add anymore of that to my body.  I have had no bread in three weeks, no flour tortillas, only a few chips (I'm a sucker for chips and salsa), 2 pieces of chocolate cake (my daughter's birthday - but the 2 pieces were spread days apart).  Anyway, when I do eat something with lots of sugars, I'm controlling how much I eat.  This has changed a lot from what I used to do before.  I am become more aware of what I put in my mouth.  I use Splenda for my tea (which I drink almost all the time) and I've noticed I am using less of it.  I am realizing that my "sweet tooth" is shrinking.  I am not craving sugar or sweets like I used to. 

I have found a couple of recipes that really appeal to me.  Breakfast is a really hard thing for me.  I've never been a breakfast eater, but in January, I started cooking breakfast for my daughter before school.  I finally found an spinach omelette recipe that I liked.  Lunch is much easier as is dinner.  I made red chile meat this morning.  It should be really good tomrrow for breakfast. 

Lunch has been chicken salad (recipe on my blog), salads, hamburger patties and beans. 

Dinner has consisted of broccoli, salmon, shrimp, anything that doesn't have any flour products or sugar. 

It's been an interesting journey so far.  I have come to realize that I am not as tired as I was.  My body feels so much better.  I feel like I have a lot more energy.

So, what am I going to use as a way to judge my progress.  I'm thinking I'll use my wedding band to see if I can get it to fit my figure eventually. 

March on.....

A New Journey - losing weight one Sugar gm at a time

17 Years ago I gave birth to our daughter.  Since that time, I have yet to get rid of the excess weight I gained.  It's now time to try and get rid of it.  My first concern is the possibility of having diabetes.  No, I haven't been tested, but if you looked at my dad's side of the family, it's rampant.  My Mom's side, none.  I know that most things run from the Mom's side, but I just don't want to take that chance.  So, I decided 2 weeks ago to try and lose some weight. 

I think the biggest problem for me has been "hitting the wall".  You (or at least I) have to finally reach a point where enough is enough.  You are miserable in your clothes, refuse to buy a bigger size, don't want to look in the mirror and don't want anyone (especially your hubby) looking at you because you feel like you're bigger than your house.  The last one I know is not true, but at a certain time of the month, it sure can feel that way :-)

I have tried diet centers, weight loss clubs, gyms, walking, the Wii, the treadmill, my exercise machine, all to no avail.  I tried last October to lose weight.  I actually did it.  I tried eating 1500 calories a day.  I counted EVERYTHING that went into my mouth.  Do you know how tiring that is?  How frustrating it is to keep it at 1500 and not go over?  I hate living by my weight.  I want to go out and buy a size 8 pair of pants again.  I want to buy a Lg. shirt instead of an XL (which won't ever happen because I have really broad shoulders, but it's nice to dream).  I want to be able to wear my wedding bad.  I haven't worn it since I had my daughter all those years ago.  It sits in my drawer, very sad. 

In October I lost about 20 pounds, but then the holidays came and that counting calories went right out the window.  I welcomed all those lovely carbs into my life with open arms and an open mouth. 

Now, I'm not obsessed with food, but I do like it.  I love to cook and bake and share my goodies with my friends and family.  Thankfully, regretably, my husband only likes white cake with white icing, Snickers and peanut M&M's.  Oh, and cinnamon rolls, but I don't make them too often - they're a lot of work.  So, there normally isn't baked goods laying around my house.  There are however, chips and salsa and candy, lots of candy.

I don't own a scale -  I haven't in years.  I threw the thing out because I went to a diet place that had you weigh in EVERY DAY!!  Do you know how much your life ends up revovling around that darn thing?  I decided enough was enough and tossed it.  I now gauge by the size clothes I wear and in the scheme of things, I'm not doing bad.  I still wear the same size and have for the past 17 years or so.  The problem is, that is not where I want to be. 

So, where to begin.  Well, I have two dear friends who both have diabetes.  One of them lost a lot of weight by watching her sugars (not sugar, sugars).  She has been an encouragement to me and my other friend to finally jump in with both feet and get started to what I hope will be a successful endeavor.  This is a record of my journey.  It may be a short journey and total car wreck, but I'm going to give this my best shot and I'm bringing you along for the ride.  Hold on, it'll probably get bumpy.

Shawl We Knit?

 I am a new knitter by most standards (going on 4 years) and I'm pretty much self taught.  I took a few classes at our LYS until it went out of business, so I got most of my basics, but the rest comes from trial and error, YouTube, friends, websites and magazines. I recently learned that I am a "thrower" when it comes to knitting.  I never knew how I knit has a name to it.  What's really funny is I learned to crochet when I was very young.  My Nona taught me "by copy".  She had a 2nd grade education (via Italy) and couldn't read or write.  So, when she taught me, she crocheted a block and then I would tear it apart and crochet it back.   I still have my many samples to refer back to.  But I digress.  When I crochet, I hold my yarn in my left hand and the hook in my right (not correctly either.  My mom used to say you hold it like a pencil.  I hold mine with almost a death grip, but not nearly as tight).  When I knit, I hold my yarn in my right hand and "throw" the yarn around the needle.  When I decided to take up kntting (right after my mom passed), I decided to do it right and take classes, thus the few that I took at our local store.  Since then, I've ventured out and tried socks (too big but I'm not giving up - they're on my "to do" list), hats and scarves (TONS of both), shrugs, dischlothes, and now..........shawls.  I am fascinated by knitted shawls.  And not just any knitted shawls, but lacy ones.  I'm not up to the "super fancy" shawls, but lacy ones, nonetheless. 

These past few months I have paired up with a friend of mine (Hi Rachael!) to knit a couple of shawls.  We are quickly realizing that there are more shawls that we want to knit than time.  I guess if I had to narrow what I like down about certain shawls, it would have to be easy to follow directions, stunning yet simple designs, the size of the needles and how quickly I can accomplish or finish them.  That being said, here is a list of what I am working on, have worked on and what I want to work on.  Maybe you might enjoy a few of them as well.  I am constantly on the lookout for patterns and I'm sure my list will continue to grow, but at least I can keep my wish list all in one spot.  Now, if I could only decide on the yarn to use for each one of them.....but that's a whole 'nother post.

http://knittingasfastasican.com/forest-canopy-shoulder-shawl/     (This was my very first one and I've made it at least 3 more times)

http://www.tuecherrausch.de/download/Die-WollLust-Wabenschal.pdf  (Ok, this isn't officially a shawl, but it's still lacey and I loved making it - I've made it at least two times)

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTannis.php  (I just got done with this one and have yet to block it - I learned a lot with this pattern - especially how to CAST ON 363, YES, 363 stitches).  I plan on doing it again very soon. 
http://feministy.com/saroyan/  (Love this pattern so much I've made it 4 times)

My future plans:

http://stickfrossa.blogspot.com/2008/09/sjalmnster-annas-shawl.html

http://www.loopknitlounge.com/2010/05/loving-my-old-maiden-aunt/

http://www.zenyarngarden.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=938

http://stickchicky.blogspot.com/2008/06/waltz.html

http://www.missbabs.com/store-detail.php?cat=89&ID=8

There are more, but this is a start.  Maybe you'll enjoy a few of the ones I listed.  Now, any yarn suggestions? 

So, life has been crazy at our home lately.  Can't believe Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year has passed us by.  Tomorrow is my mom's birthday, so I think I"ll go and celebrate it in her memory.  Miss you mom!

Lately, I've been surfing the web for cowls and infinity scarves to knit.  I don't know what it is about them, but there is such an appeal to them. Then I started looking for "neckwarmers" and came across scarflettes.  I like them, however many of them or most of them require buttons.   My problem has always been buttons on anything I make.  I don't like to add buttons.  If I can find a way around them, I'll do it.  So, that being said, I just finished off the "Autumn Leaves" Scarflette (http://florriemarie.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/autumn-leaves.pdf) and Candy Wrapper Scarflette.  Both turned out beautiful, but I wanted that something "special" to finish them off so I thought "Why not vintage??"  So, what do you think?

I decided to use vintage pins!  That makes the scarflettes adjustable for me or anyone I give one to.  So, if you hate to make buttonholes or don't know where to sew the buttons on, consider going vintage!  Vintage pins, that is!  Have a blessed day.

Balancing Golf Balls

OK, so we had a Sunday School fellowship and some of our friends wanted to play minute to win it.  ( I can honestly say I have no idea what this is).  Anyway, they were playing on a folding table and couldn't get the golf balls to stack.  So, my husband came home, rummaged thru the garage and found himself three golf balls.  No, they are not glued together.  He just sat at the counter and 30 seconds later.............

Oh gosh!  Has it been 2 months since I last posted???  Hard to believe.  Time flies.  I've been busy Christmas shopping the past few weeks and I think I can honestly say that I am pretty much done.  I have my husband left.  My niece and nephew on my side of the family has chosen to get either gift cards or money.  What's the fun in that?  I remember the "good old days" when we could hardly wait to open up packages to see what we were getting.  It may not have always been to our liking, but it was fun ripping open the packages.  What's the fun in opening up an envelope?  Where's the joy for the giver?  I love to take the time and pick out what I think is the "perfect gift" for someone.  Oh well, what do I know????  So, they'll get money or gift cards.  Personally, I think they would have gotten more bang for the buck if they had chosen to receive gifts.  Just sayin.....

So, other than voicing  opposition to how I give gifts for a special season, what else can I write about???  How about a few recipes??  Sounds good.  So let's begin:

Grandma's Casserole

I grew up with my grandmother making this.  I don't know how old it is, but I do like it.  One of those "comfort foods"

Mix well:  2 pkgs. frozen, cooked broccoli
                  1 pkg. frozen, cooked cauliflower
                  1 can Cream of mushroom soup
                  1 can chopped green chile
                  2 c. grated cheddar
                  1 c. sour cream

Bake in 13x9x2 pan (greased) at 350 deg. for 25 minutes

Horehound Candy

I got this recipe from a lady when I was about 12 years old.  Her name was Mrs. Howard.  You can probably find the horehound at natural food markets.  This was my grandpa's favorite candy and I hate to admit it, but I like it too!

Make a strong tea of 1/2 c. dried horehound steeped in 2 cups boiling water in a covered pan.   After 10 minutes strain into a 6 qt.  saucepan.  Add 3 cups sugar and 1/2 tsp. cream of tarter.  Boil to hard crack stage or 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Pour quickly into a buttered rectangular pan.  Mark off in squares before the candy is entirely hard.  Break into pieces as soon as it can be handled.  Put about 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar in a paperbag and shake candy gently to coat.  This helps prevent the pieces of candy from sticking together when stored. 

Pesto Sauce

I've tried several different recipes and I like this one.  I don't remember if I altered it or not, but I do like it.

1/4 c. pine nuts
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 c. basil
1/2 c. olive oil (3/4 c. if recipe is doubled)
pinch of nutmeg
sald and pepper to taste

Mix and puree.  IF, IF, you are planning on freezing this here's a trick.  Leave out just a couple of tablespoons of the oil from the recipe.  Pour the pesto into your container and then pour the oil on top.  It will seal the top and prevent freezer burn.  If you didn't save enough oil aside, go ahead and add a little bit more to cover the top.  It won't hurt it.  Enjoy!

A Lesson I Learned From My Daughter

This past week has been such an eye opener for me. Not only a a mom, but as a Christian.


Conner and Tyler have been dating since May and sometime in late June, early July he and his band decided to move. Conner wasn't happy, but she kept on trucking along. Spending as much time with him as she could. Throughout their relationship they faced many obstacles, the least of which was people upset because they were dating (too old, too young, nothing in common, etc.). They fought for the chance to find out more about each other. What impressed me most was Tyler writing me asking to date my daughter. By agreeing, I lost a friend, but then again, maybe she wasn't a friend. She never took the time to find out what my rules were for dating. But that's ok, I survived.

This past weekend Conner and Tyler saw each other for the last time. I got a call late Sunday night to come pick up my very distraught daughter. I cried on the way. As a mom we never want to see our children hurt. But, as a mom we also know it's coming. How to prepare ourselves, how to find the right words, how to get them to see that their world and life is not over. It's sad and hard.

I asked for prayer for Conner. It's not easy being a teenager today and being a Christian one is even harder. So, I thought prayer was definitely in order.

Upon talking to Conner she told me that she has always encouraged Tyler to follow his dreams, even if it meant giving up her dreams.

Monday I went to knitting and was telling one of the ladies about what happened and how Tyler was leaving to start a new life, but that Conner was left behind.

Upon listening to me talk about Conner, Sharon (my knitting buddy), turned to me and said "She's the perfect example of Christian love"! I had to stop and think about that.

Upon reflection, I have to agree. It's amazing that my 16 year old can teach me such an important lesson and I can't recognize it for what it is. We have tried to instill strong Christian values in Conner, but as a parent, you never know if what you are trying to teach your kids will stick. Well, it does.

Conner has taught me that 1 Corinthians 13 is alive and well.

13:4 - 8a Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

How many of us can readily put someone else before ourselves? Encouranging them to follow their dream, even tho it is killing us inside. Honestly, how many of us?

How many of us would recognize such an unselfish act if we saw it or were recepient of it?

How many of us would praise the unselfish act for what it is? Putting into practice what Jesus taught us.

It doesn't mean that life doesn't hurt and that our hearts don't break, but it does show God and Jesus work thru us without us even knowing it.

So, thank you Conner. I know your hurting and your heart is broken, but I want to thank you for teaching your mom and for being the perfect example of Christian love.

Sausage Muffins - Mini or Regular

I got this recipe, which is awesome, by the way, from my friend Cheri. 

They are very addictive, so make enough :)

The picture to the left is of the miniature muffins.  I prefer them because they are just a bite or two and they are easier to handle at potlucks or for Sunday School snacks, plus, just a few are really filling.

Recipe:

3 C Pioneer Biscuit Mix (Cheri recommended this brand over any of the others because she says it bakes up lighter and fluffier - I'll taker her word for it - she loves to cook as much as I do)

3/4 c. milk
1 can Cheddar Soup
1 pound bulk sausage (I prefer hot), cooked up and crumbled
12 oz. cheese (either cheddar, co-jack or pepper jack work really well)

Mix all together and spoon into a GREASED muffin tin.  Bake 25-40 minutes (depending on size of muffins) till done.  Watch for the tops to turn slightly brown.  Remove from oven, cool and remove from tin.  Regrease before using for the 2nd batch.

A single recipe will make about 50 mini muffins and they freeze really well.  To reheat them, grab a few, put them on plate and "nuke 'em" for about 35-40 seconds.

Enjoy

Star or Openweave DishCloth Pattern

Love this pattern - fast, easy for an advanced beginner and neat design! 

Some people call this a star pattern and others call it an open weave pattern.  Whichever it is, it's neat!

Materials:

Size 8 needles

Cotton Yarn (1 ball)

Tapestry needle

Pattern is a three stitch repeat

CO 36 stitches

For the border:  knit 4 rows

For the body:

Row 1:  K3, K2, *yo, K3, bring first of the three stitches over the other two.  Repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4

Row 2 and Row 4:  K3, P30, K3

Row 3:  K3, K1, *K3,  bring first of the three stitches over the other two, yo, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, K5

If you don't want to add the border, then remove 3 stitches from each side and CO only 30 stitches. 

Then your rows would read as follows: 

Row 1:  K2, *yo, K3, bring first of the three stitches over the other two.  Repeat from * to the last stitch, K1

Row 2 and Row 4:  P30

Row 3:  K1, *K3, bring first of the three stitches over the other two, yo, repeat from * to the last 2 stitches, K2

Shut-In Project at my church - mission project

Three years ago (almost 4) my mom died of multiple myeloma.  It absolutely devastated me.  I was very lost and looking for some way to help people.  Well, I figured out what I could do, and then I went to my Pastor and told him my idea.  He liked it and gave me the go ahead.  So, after two years, I am hoping I have a better idea of what I'm doing.  All I know is that the shut-ins love it and I feel like God is filling a big hole in my heart.  So, without further ado....

One of the most forgotten group of people in the church are the home bound, or shut-ins.  They dedicated their lives to their church.  They used to attend regularly, be involved in everything and gave freely and lovingly.  Now that they are not able to attend or be involved, people forget that they are still here, just not filling up pew space.  Many of these people are either in a care facility or living alone with minimal contact with people.  They struggle from day to day to make ends meet or just to do something that used to come easily.   The biggest thing to remember in all of this is ---- one day it will be you!

My favorite time of year is Christmas, so what better way and time to remember our shut-ins than at Christmas??!!

This is not a quick project, but rather a long drawn out one.  It takes almost a year to make items and to collect items or purchase them.

Step 1:  Gather names - lots of names.  Your church secretary will probably have a good starting list, but go even further.  Talk to your senior pastor (not your head pastor, but the one who oversee the senior adults in your church).  Ask him for the names of people who no longer are able to attend for whatever reasons: age, physicial disabilities, illness, etc.  Then after you talk to him, talk to the seniors in the church.  They have been there for a long time and they know who is no longer around.  After you have gathered up all the names (and yes, you will miss a few), hit the newspapers and look up the obituaries.  Some of those people on your list will have passed on.  The church will not always be aware of this.  OR, they have moved to another city.  Many times, the church will not be aware of that either. 

Step 2:  Check and verify.  Call the assisted living centers and the care units.  Verify the person you are looking for is at that location, definitely.  Get room numbers, mailing addresses and phone numbers.  Verify, verify, verify.

Step 3:  Make a list.  (Actually, more than one).  First list:  Physical limitations, requirements.  This may not seem important, but if you are collecting items or making items for someone, you need to know if they are wheelchair bound, or diabetic, or have some other physical disability. 

Your first list should include:  Name, address, phone number, b-day (this can be used for birthday cards later in the year), male or female, where they reside (home, assisted living) and any special needs. On our list we also have "bib".  This is so that we know this person needs a special bib to eat.  They have a physical disability that makes it difficult to eat and they spill food a lot while eating.  These bibs are nothing special, other than they are adult size and long.  But, they are only for certain individuals, so we added it to our list.  Also on your list make a note if this is an individual or a couple.  Many times both individuals are homebound for any number of reasons.  Don't overlook the spouse or caregiver!

Step 4:  Make your 2nd list:  Your wish list. 

The past 2 years I made a list up and gave it to my church.  They then printed it up in their weekly and monthly bulletin.  It tells people about our project and what we are aiming to provide.  It also tells people how they can help in this mission project.  We usually put a number needed (ie - 60 people, so we need 60 blankets), along with a contact number and where the items can be dropped off at.

Items:  Small bottles of lotion (try and get unscented, if possible); non-skid slipper socks (make sure they have a lot of stretch in them to prevent swelling of their ankles); weekly pill organizers, wide tooth combs/brushes, work search books, sudoku books, crossword puzzles, 5x7 notepads with pens, decks of cards (new and unopened), chapstick (unflavored), coffee mugs, individual packts of cocoa or tea, blankets, bibs (these you either have to order or make on your own), nail files, fresh fruit, candy (make sure you get some sugar free for the diabetics in the group), knitted shawls for the women (I made a pattern we use that is quick and easy and only takes one skein - it's on this blog under "The Rainy Day Scarf".  Perfect for the ladies and quick for you), packaged crackers, soap on a rope, washcloth to go with the soap, candy tins, homemade cookies, laundry baskets, jar lid grippers (perfect for them trying to open up difficult jars), stationary, stuffed animals (everyone loves these), Christmas cards, and money.

Step 5:  The money does several things.  It helps buy what was not fully donated by the church members and it purchases extras like ribbon (we weave it thru the baskets to make them cheery).  The other thing we do is buy the shut-ins a gift card to Luby's or Furr's.  Many of them cannot afford to go out and eat without relying on someone to take them.  By providing them a gift card, they can buy a senior meal and buy a meal for the person who is taking them.  This has been one of the most loved items.    We also pick up anything else we might have missed that would go well in the baskets. 

Step 6:  Advertise in the church bulletins when you will be filling the baskets - get the youth involved!  Get couples involved. Get everyone involved.  Make sure you include a Christmas card (with the enclosed gift card) with an address on it.  This helps your deliverer know where they are going and it is another bit of cheer for the shut-in.

Step 7:  Set up the deliveries.  Have one person contact everyone on your list that you will be delivering a basket to.  Some shut-ins won't open their doors to just anyone.  So, let them know who you are and that you are with your church and that "so and so" will be delivering a basket to them on "this date".  Make sure someone will be there for delivery.  This is a good project for the youth dept.  I firmly believe our youth should be in contact and get invovled with our shut-ins.  It's a win-win for both of them.

Step 8:  Delivery.  Make sure you have everyone lined up and place the baskets in your fellowship hall or somewhere that is easily accessible. 

Step 9:  Feedback.  You'll get thank you cards, you'll get suggestions on how to improve it, you'll get lots of feedback.  That's a good thing.  You can always improve.

I hope this gives you a few ideas on how to help your church shut-ins.  I really love this mission project.  I hope you do as well.