Christmas Stress

Christmas Season = Stress

Tis the season to be jolly. At least that is what the song says. But for most people this is the season to be a bit stressed. I know for me it is. It seems Christmas is totally stress-filled.

Don’t get me wrong I love Christmas. I love everything about Christmas. I love the decorations, the lights, the trees, the songs and the movies. I can’t get enough. I have my house totally decorated. We have our Christmas village out. Evening is so pretty with the village and tree blazing with color. It is beautiful. We even went to the local park the other night and drove through and looked at the lights. Last year we even drove over 3 hours to look at a world famous park with decorations and were excited that we actually got to see it, there was a long line just to get in. We would probably go back this year except I am having surgery next week and we just can’t fit it in.

BUT – with all that said, the part I don’t like about Christmas is the stress of presents. It happens every year. Christmas has just gotten very commercial over the years. It tends to be extremely materialistic. As a mom and grandma I stress about making sure everybody has an equal amount of presents and I have spent an equal amount on the presents. DRIVES me crazy! I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if I only had a couple kids but we have 12 kids and 15 grandkids, thrown in son and daughter in laws and a hubby. I don’t ever want anyone to feel slighted. I want everyone to feel they got their fair share. It is HARD!! It really takes a lot of the joy out of the season. And then there is the part about trying to figure out what they “really” want. Crazy making. Do they tell me what they want – not so much. Mom/Grandma should know – right? NOT. I have finally given up on being a mind reader. Not one of the things I am gifted with. Wish I was, it would help. And don’t get me started on the giving of money and gift cards. I, too, have given in and done that way to many times. How personal is that – it just isn’t.

Life used to be so much more simple. When the kids were little it was a lot easier. I knew what they wanted or I just got them what I wanted them to have. It didn’t seem to be as focused on the presents. OK, I do remember being stressed to make sure they all had the same equal amount of presents, and I always bought them way too much. But overall it was just easier.

I just wish we could all go back to a simpler time. A time when the reason for the season was truly Jesus. A time when we all focused on the real meaning of Christmas. We took the time to read the Christmas Story and actually talk about it. A time when we visited with friends. Made cookies by the dozen and delivered them when we went visiting. A time when we took the time to send actual Christmas cards in the mail instead of sending emails and text messages. A time when we could relax and enjoy the season. I really wish we could slow down as a society. I wish we could go back to our roots before it is too late and our kids and grandkids are too warped by the busy hectic world and can’t get back to the things that are really important. The basic things of life.

So when you get so sucked up into the whirlwind of the Christmas Stress. When you find yourself feeling frantic and hectic. Take a moment, sit down, have a glass of eggnog and relax. Listen to some Christmas songs of old. Maybe watch a sappy Christmas movie or 2. How about White Christmas? That one always does the trick. Focus on the fact that if it weren’t for Jesus being born in a manger, we wouldn’t be having the season to begin with.

So, my wish for you is to take the time to unwind and enjoy the Christmas season before it is too late and it’s another one down the drain.

And if you are interested in finding a way to pay off all that Christmas debt when it starts rolling in. Check out DS Domination. It just might be your ticket to getting rid of at least that aspect of the stress of the season.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
Charyl

Thanksgiving/Christmas

The family had an awesome time over Thanksgiving.  Some of the kids were here.  Not all.  We really wished that more could have come.  It was awesome having the 6 of the 15 grandkids here.  They are all growing so fast.  It seemed like the time was over before we even got a chance to visit. 

One of the cool things we did this year is we celebrated Christmas over Thanksgiving.  We did our gift exchange.  It was awesome from my stand point.  Most of my Christmas shopping was finished at that point and most people were just starting.  And as it has turned out - I am going to be needing surgery next week so having the bulk of Christmas done will be a blessing since I will be out of the loop.  The kids all seemed to enjoy it, too.  I think it helps stretch the gifts out for the kids.  This way it isn't as overwhelming on Christmas when they normally have gift over load.  From what I was hearing they suggest we do it again.  The only difference I think I will make next time is I will NOT make turkey and all the fixings.  Since we had our celebration on Friday everyone was pretty much turkeyed out.  Next time I will make pancit and lumpia.  At our house if Mom makes pancit and lumpia the family will show up.  It is one tricky way to make sure they show up again. :-)

Here are a few of the pixs from our time together.

Be sure to check out the new adventure Dennis and I are involved with.

DS Domination

Have a wonderful day,

Charyl

Moroccan Bean Stew with Sweet Potatoes

I finally decided to start a new blog with my vegan journey. I am loving being vegan so far. OK, it has only been about a month and a half but I am ready for this to be a permanent lifestyle change. I had starting sharing about my vegan journey here but since I have used this blog for soooooo many different topics, I decided I needed one just for my going vegan journey.  I tried to post this on the other "new" blog but it just won't post so decided to post it here.

Also, I have been using Mom8isme for years for lots of things. But since Dennis and I got married - I really feel like I have 12 kids instead of just 8 so decided it was time to change from the 8 to just C for Charyl. I sign lots of my cards, etc to kids or their spouses as Mom C so felt that fit.

Lately, I have been adding recipes I have used in the last month from my 21 day vegan challenge from Forks over Knives. Today I am going to share another one.

Moroccan Bean Stew with Sweet Potatoes

1 T water
1 t cumin seed
3/4 t ground cumin
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 t ground coriander
1/2 t turmeric
1/2 t fennel seeds
1 t dried basil
3/4 t sea salt
Few pinches cayenne pepper (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 c onion, diced
3 - 4 medium-large garlic, minced
3 - 3 1/2 c yellow or orange fleshed sweet potato, diced
1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 c dry red lentils, rinsed
3 c vegetable stock
3 1/2 c water
1 1/2 T freshly grated ginger

In a large pot over medium heat, add the tablespoon of water with the spices and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes, and then add the onion, garlic, and sweet potato. Stir through, cover, and cook for about 7 - 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have started to soften. Add all remaining ingredients except ginger, and increase heat to high to bring to boil. Once at a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 - 25 minutes, until lentils are fully dissolved. Add fresh ginger, stir and serve. Serves 6.

Options

- Before serving this soup, you could stir in several cups of baby spinach or chopped chard until just wilted.

- This makes a decent batch. You can portion and freeze some of this soup, as it thaws and reheats well.

Until Next Time,
Charyl

Balsamic Zucchini Sandwiches

I am seriously thinking about just starting a different blog.  I have had so many different topics on here that I am sure people get confused.  I am thinking this blog might just be better as a personal one for family stuff and such.  Then have a different blog for all the vegan recipes and vegan info.  NOT sure but do know I need to start it soon if I plan to. 

Anyways, for today I will put the recipe here. :-)  This is one of the 1st actual vegan recipes I tried.  It was delicious.  It was funny tho.  Dennis has been adamant that he doesn't do squash.  He tried the balsamic zucchini and liked it.  He hung his head as he told me.  He has been doing that a lot lately.  He has tried everything I have made and so far liked it all.

Balsamic Zucchini Sandwiches

2 zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2" thick strips (also works ok to cut it the other way)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 c rinsed white kidney beans (cannellini beans)
1 large roasted red pepper
2 whole wheat sandwich rolls (mini baguettes or bolillo rolls)
6-8 fresh basil leaves
1/2 t freshly cracked black pepper

Over medium-high heat, saute the zucchini strips for about 1 minute (do not overcrowd the pan).  Reduce the heat to medium.  Add the garlic and balsamic vinegar and stir immediately.  Saute this for about 30 seconds and remove from the heat.  Puree the white beans and roasted red pepper.  Toast the buns. Spread the pureed beans on the bottom bun, then add the basil, then the zucchini, and finish off with a garnish of black pepper.  Enjoy!!!

(Option -Instead of making the roasted red pepper and white bean spread, simply use a commercial roasted red pepper hummus.)

Serves 2

Until Next Time,
Charyl

Summer Fruit Compote

This was awesome.  Made it last night for the 2nd time.  Got it from my Forks over Knives 21 day challenge.  I used the grape juice.  Yummy!!!

Summer Fruit Compote

2 c sliced fresh peaches
2 c hulled fresh strawberries sliced
1/2 c white grape juice concentrate or apple juice concentrate

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.  Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until fruit just becomes soft.  Serve warm or cold.

Until Next Time,
Charyl

1+ Month Vegan

It's been a bit over a month since Dennis and I decided to go Vegan.  It has been a fun journey so far.  I am enjoying it alot.  Dennis is struggling just a bit. He says "Old habits are hard to break."  I do have to admit he has been a trooper and eaten everything I have made.  THINGS I never thought I would see him eat. :-) 

 I would say I have had pretty much 100% success while eating at home.  Eating out has been a bit more of a challenge.  I seem to do good eating at buffets, Mexican, Italian or Chinese.  Plenty of choices.  But places that have barbeque or down home cooking - it has been a challenge to find something on the menu to eat.  I have stayed 100% vegetarian but not 100% vegan.  It is going to take some serious thinking to figure that part out.  We do ethic most of the time when it is just Dennis and I but when we go out with others - a bit harder.

I am really enjoying the cooking.  It takes a bit more time and forethought.  Not able to just throw something together at the last moment like I used to.  I have bought spices I had never heard of and made things that I still have no clue about.  But so far I have enjoyed everything.

Last night we went to the NAMI Chili Supper and Silent Auction.  Since I am on the board for NAMI and had to bring chili - I decided to make both turkey and vegetarian/vegan chili.  Needed something for me to eat. :-)  It was yummy.  A few others had the vegetarian.  The turkey one was mostly gone.  I was just glad I had a healthy choice for myself.

I am hoping to start adding some of the recipes I am trying.  So far, everything has been yummy.  Tonight I made fettuccine with green beans and peas.  Not exactly what it called for but knew Dennis was not real hot on asparagus. 

The funny thing was yesterday I was cooking some meat for the "other" chili and it grossed me out.  THAT amazed me.  Going meatless has been way easier than I thought.

Here are a couple more pixs from our latest Route 66 trip.

Totem Pole Park - site of the World's Larges Totem Pole - NE of Foyil, OK.

Dennis at the Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK.

Until Next Time,

Charyl

Going Vegan!!!

Forks over Knives

 Dennis and I recently watched the movie Forks over Knives on Netflix.  The movie makes so much sense.  While we were on our last Route 66 trip from Vinita, OK to Tucumcari, NM last weekend, we talked about making the change to whole food, plant based eating.  It will be a major change for us.  For Dennis much more than for me. 

A couple months ago I tried being a vegetarian for a month and enjoyed it, tho it was a bit challenging when I was on the road or at conferences.  BUT I really did feel good that month.  So, a couple weeks ago even before watching the movie - I told Dennis I was going to be vegetarian.  Consequently, going a bit farther to vegan isn't that much of a push. 

Now for Dennis this is a MAJOR lifestyle change.  He has never been much of a vegetable eater.  When we got married I could of probably counted the number of different vegetables he would eat on my fingers and have plenty of fingers left uncounted.  He has gotten better since then but still not what I would consider a candidate for vegetarian.  So to agree to go vegan is amazing.

I found a  21 day kick start  to vegan eating on line.  We are going to start with those recipes.  Went to the store and bought the 1st 7 days worth of groceries.  OK, it was a bit costly but most of the things I got will last the 3 weeks or longer.  As we were walking out to the car I told Dennis that this is why it is so much cheaper to eat junk food and be overweight.  Sad but true.

I am hoping to blog about our day to day struggles and successes on this new journey.  We are still on the debt free journey and will add that in from time to time. 

So, all I can say is good bye meat, dairy and processed. Hello whole food, plant based.

1st part of our latest Rt 66 trip.

Until next time.  Happy Eating!

Debt Free Plan - Update

Dennis and I started this journey 14 months ago.  We weren't sure how it was going to go.  We were making great progress until January of this year when we added a significant amount of medical bills to the mix.  So, now we are doing Dave Ramsey for both medical and credit card debt.  2 separate snowballs.  We are hoping to have the medical paid off by the end of the year.  The cool thing is we have paid off over $20,000 in debt in the last year.  It is awesome to see it shrinking.  Keeps us motivated. 

Date: 4/21/2012 (Update from February 2011)


Need #1: We have too much debt - medical and; credit card (but getting less and less every month)

Short-term Goal #1: We will be debt free by 6/2014

Action Steps Completed:

1. We will have $1,000 in an emergency fund
a. We will put $150 into the fund every payday until we have $1,000 (We have over $1,000)

2. We will add $150 to minimum payment on CC #1 until paid off (We are on card #3)

3. We will take our lunch to work every day

4. We will only go out to eat on payday and then only drink water with our meal. (Doing pretty good with this one.  Always drink water.  Some months something comes up that causes us to eat out more often tho)

5. We will have a garage sale as soon as the weather is nicer (Had one)

6. We will brainstorm ways to make extra money, and do them  (Dennis is working overtime - what a blessing)

Action Steps to be Completed:

1. I will cook budget meals 2 nights a week and blog about them

2. I will explore ways to save money and blog about them

3. We will use debt snowball for medical as well as credit cards

Additional Action Steps Needed:

1. I will read at least 2 books on ways to save money in the next 6 months.(before 10/20/2012)
2. ___________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________

Until Next Time - Here's to Snowballing,
Charyl

Grandma Hann's Cream Cheese Pie

This is a recipe my mom made all my life.  My kids ate it every holiday we were at her house and most visits.  I have loved it all my life.

Cream – 12 oz cream cheese

Add – 2 slightly beaten eggs  

Mix well

Add – ½ c. sugar

-         1 t vanilla

Mix well

Bake in graham cracker crust – 30 minutes at 375

Cool slightly – 15 min in refrigerator

Mix and spread on top

1 c. sour cream

½ c. sugar

1 t vanilla

Bake 10 minutes at 350

Graham Cracker Crust

Melt ¾ cube margarine

Stir in 8 – 10 crushed graham crackers

Press in pie tin

Happy Eating,
Charyl

Hawaiian Ham Bake

"There is no future in the past, so make the future and live the present."

Author Unknown

Easter is just around the corner.  A lot of people have ham for Easter dinner.  Thought I would give you a good recipe for that left over ham.  I made this recipe last week and Dennis and I both loved it.  Only made a small batch and wished we had made a bigger one.  It was pretty easy to make.  The one thing I thought might of made it better was putting chopped peanuts or almonds on the top.  Enjoy!!!

 

Hawaiian Ham Bake

3 c cooked ham, cubed

1 onion thinly sliced

1 sm green pepper, cut in rings

2/3 c raisins

¾ c pineapple tidbits, drained

¾ c packed brown sugar

3 T cornstarch

3 t ground mustard

¼ t salt

1 ½ c pineapple juice

½ c cider vinegar

4 ½ t soy sauce

Hot cooked rice

In 2 qt greased baking dish, layer ham, onion, green pepper, raisins and pineapple. 

In large sauce pan combine brown sugar, cornstarch, mustard and salt.  Stir in pineapple juice and vinegar until smooth.  Bring to boil, cook and stir for 2 min or until thickened.

Remove from heat, stir in soy sauce.  Pour over pineapple.

Cover and bake at 350 for 30 – 35 min or until heated through.

Serve over rice.

Until Next time. 
Chow

Redbuds in the Spring

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold; but so does a hard-boiled egg.

- Unknown

I really liked that quote.  People hear your words but if your actions don't say the same story - well then the actions will speak for themselves.  I work with a variety of people every day at work.  I try hard for my actions to match my words.  I would hate for it all to be for naught.  Same as when I had kids still at home.  If I had the philosophy "do as I say not as I do" - well that just would not have worked.  Kids are the greatest of copy cats.  You are their parent - they think you are awesome - hence they will copy.  Just the way it is.  If I want anyone to see Jesus in me - I really have to have Godly actions day in and day out.  How else will I have any kind of a testimony.  I want people to know Jesus, not turn away from him because of me!

AND I LOVE redbuds in the Spring.  Never saw one until I lived in the Midwest.  If they had them in CA I sure didn't notice.  But with Spring comes the beautiful redbuds.  I look forward to them every year.  They are beautiful.
 

Campfire Hash

Lately I have been trying new recipes.  This one we had last week.  Definitely loved it and will make it again in the near future.  The recipe originally called for uncooked potatoes and kielbasa.  Well, that just took way to long for me so I changed the recipe to have them already cooked and it went a whole lot quicker.  Just boil the potatoes a head of time and make sure the kielbasa is cooked and ready to eat.  My hubby, Dennis who isn't a fan of corn even like this and asked for it again.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

CAMPFIRE HASH

1 onion chipped

2 T Canola oil

2 cloves garlic minced

4 large potatoes, peeled, cooked and cubed

1 lb smoked kielbasa or polish sausage, cooked, halved & sliced

1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies

1 can (15 ¼ oz) whole corn, drained

Cook onion in oil until tender, add garlic, cook 1 min longer.  Add potatoes.  Cook uncovered until potatoes are warmed up.  Stir occasionally.  Add kielbasa, cook until meat & potatoes are browned about 10 – 15 min.  Stir in chilies & corn.  Heat through.  Serve.  6 servings

Put on the Full Armor of God

Put on the Full Armor of God

Ephesians 6

Eph 6:11: Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

I am involved in a Bible Study at church “Lord, Heal my Hurts” by Kay Arthur. I came to the part about the Armor of God – I know about the armor of God – probably even taught about it at some time in my life. But I really don’t “KNOW” the armor of God. Not deep down where it can really help. So today I have been reading and studying about the Armor of God. Now that I have learned and been reminded – it’s like wow, now I understand how Satan has been using my past to discourage me and keep me down. If I had only put on the full armor of God I would have been in such a better place emotionally. Satan truly does attack us with fiery darts and we never even know until it is too late.

6:14 – Stand firm, having girded your loins with truth…..

Roman soldiers wore a heavy belt over their tunics – it held up the tunic so they could fight plus it was where their sword, dagger and metal apron were attached.

The belt is a reminder that Jesus is the foundation for spiritual battle. He is the truth that stands against the lies and deception of Satan. To win your battle you must be wearing the belt that keeps you anchored to the truth that is found only in Jesus. We must test everything that comes at us by the truth. We find strength and protection in that truth.

6:14b – Having put on the breastplate of righteousness

The breastplate had one simple function – to protect the soldier’s vital organs. In battle the breastplate was essential for survival.

When we are in battle, which is a daily occurrence, we need to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on the cross. Only the cross provides the righteousness that is found in a relationship with Jesus. Our righteousness, effort or good works is useless, and Satan will use it to the max. If our conscience is void of offense toward God and man, the devil has nothing to shoot at.

6:15 – Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

Without his shoes a soldier would not be prepared to fight and could easily be defeated.

The work of Jesus here on earth brought us peace with God. It is only because of what Jesus did on the cross that allows us to fight with boldness, confidence, perseverance and peace. Our preparation for the battle is the good news, the gospel of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. We are to be ready always to go out with the good news of peace, even into the enemy territory.

6:16 – taking up the shield of faith

The shields that the soldiers used were mainly for self protection. The only protection against the flaming arrows that rained down from the sky in ancient times was the shield.

We need to trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We can NOT rely on our own abilities in battle. Faith, here, is the firm confidence in the Lord and in His word. No matter what comes at us as fiery darts, faith looks up and says, “I believe God.”

6:17 – take the helmet of salvation

The helmet was essential for the survival of a soldier in battle. It was the part that protected his head, brain, mind.

We need to protect our thinking. In Jesus, we can find deliverance for any and every situation, spiritual, emotional and physical. Only HE can deliver. We cannot deliver ourselves. No matter how hot and heavy the battle, Christians know that the ultimate victory is sure. Assurance of eventual deliverance protects us from retreat or surrender.

6:17b – and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

Every soldier carried a small dagger and a large double-edged sword used for thrusting. When used at close range by a skilled soldier, the sword was a deadly weapon.

The sword represents the Word of God. God’s Word is a powerful weapon against our enemy when it’s used under the spirit’s power and direction. The word of God here does not mean the whole Bible, but the particular verses that best address the situation. Scripture memory is essential – how else can you pull up the verse you need.

David Watson says:

God gives us all the protection that we need. We must see that there is a “ring of truth” about our walk with the Lord, that our lives are right (“righteous”) with God and with one another, that we seek to make peace wherever we go, that we lift up that shield of faith together to quench the flaming darts of the evil one, that we protect our minds from fears and anxieties that easily assail, and that we use God’s word to good effect in the power of the Spirit. Remember it was by the repeated sword thrusts of God’s word that Jesus overcame his adversary in the wilderness.

A Venture of Passions

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs."

Henry Ford

It has been almost a year since I last posted to this blog.  Every day I think about writing but I never know what I want to write about.  Tried to decide my passion.  Hmmm – grandkids, travel, reading and photography are my passions.  What am I immersed in – the field of mental illness.  But as much as I “could” write about that – just don’t feel that is a right fit for me at the moment.  Maybe later.  So, for the moment I am going to do a hodge podge of posts.  Some grandkids, some food, some spiritual, some travel (if I get to J), and anything else that tickles my fancy.  So if anyone wants to follow a random mixture of posts.  Here it is.

I will start my venture with one of my passions - grandkids.  My granddaughter, Nyesha had her 7th birthday a couple weeks ago.  Her party was loads fun.  It is just hard to believe that she was born 7 years ago.  It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny baby I could hold and snuggle with.  She is turning into such a beautiful young lady.