Violet is here!

We were blessed with a new grandchild on February 16. Violet Gail Burgess was born at 11:52 p.m. on her big sister Harlee's birthday. Happy Birthday to both my girls. Love from grandma and grandpa.

A Birthday for Lucas

Lucas turned 1 on February 12. We set his cake out for him to have the first taste but he wasn't too interested.

Meals on a Tight Budget.....

that don't taste like you're on a budget.

I have always liked a challenge and cooking on a budget is one of those things that can keep you awake at night, worrying if your family is going to blame you for not performing miracles. Actually, if you are able to be a full time homemaker, you can make some very delicious meals with just a little extra effort.

Last night we had beef stew and scones for dinner. I had picked up some round steak at the market and cut it up into my own stew meat saving a lot of money. I weighed it on my kitchen scale ( a good investment) and measured out 2 pounds for the stew and put the rest of the beef cubes in a plastic sandwich bag and popped them into the freezer to add to another meal. This recipe made 6 large servings.

BEEF STEW

2 lbs boneless beef cubes 2 tsp. Onera brand seasoning (if you can't

find, then season with salt and pepper)

Put the seasoning and beef cubes in a bowl or plastic bag and mix together. Then coat the meat with 1/2 cup flour. Brown the meat in a hot skillet about 1/4 at a time in a little olive oil. Put the browned meat into a large stew pot (or you could use a slow cooker). To the browned beef, add 1 chopped onion , 3 celery ribs, chopped, 1 carrot chopped, 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of beef bullion powder. Bring mixture to a boil and then turn down to simmer, covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.. Next add 4 large potatoes, cubed, 4 carrots, sliced and 1 cup frozen peas. Stir and let continue to cook for 45 - 60 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.

New PJ's

I spent a wonderful day today making dinosaur pajamas. Here is Porter in his new PJ's. It took nearly all day from start to finish. I think it was my getting used to my sewing machines again that slowed the progress down. I was able to cut out a pair for Lucas also but I will have to sew them tomorrow. I plan on making them both a lot of clothes. I always loved making kids clothes. I have a baby shower on Saturday that I need to finish a few things for too. It's going to be another busy week.

Here We Go Again!

For years I have been saying, " I loved being a mom and having my little children around me. I only wish I could do it again and I would do it better." Funny how God can step in when he needs to and give you a second chance. I am not saying the circumstances are great. I wish that my son and his wife were raising the children. Divorce is an ugly thing, but what can you do when your spouse tells you she is done being a wife and mother because its just not fun anymore. My son is doing his best to be a good father and has brought the children into our home with him. I am the one who is blessed to be the mother figure in their life. I pray that when he is ready, my son will fall in love again with a wonderful woman who will be a loving mother to his two little boys. I am writing this blog to share my experience with those of you who are also raising grandchildren. I know I am not alone in this calling.

My days are pretty crazy now, just like they were more than 30 years ago. They are filled with diapers, bottles, teething, crawling, tantrums, hugs, kisses, and homemade cookies. I am tired but happy. We are back to living on one income (son does help with the groceries) and getting by on what we have and what we can provide ourselves. My two grandsons fill my days and nights but I also have 12 other grandchildren to give my attention and love to. I also have eight grown children, 2 son in laws and 2 daughter in laws. I always said I wanted a big family and to never have to worry about being lonely. See how good God has been to me. He does hear and answer our prayers.