Routinous Interruptus

Routinous Interruptus

Routinous Interruptus(Routine Interupted) is a boat that my husband and my brother in law bought from my dad last year. We haven’t taken it out yet- just mowed around it. I was raised fishing several times a month in all seasons, so the water is something that I love. The interruption that this boat would cause in my routine would be greatly appreciated :)
But what about those interruptions that aren’t so greatly appreciated? Such as sitting down to your quiet time and being attacked by hungry toddlers- or clingy spouse that wants to spend every moment of his time off from work with you- or an elderly parent that needs attention.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 
32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 
35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 
37But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” 
They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wagese ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 
38“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” 
When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 
39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

These people that interrupted the disciples solitude ruined their routine of resting and refilling before serving others again. To the selfish part of me, this would make me very upset- however it was turned into a great blessing and miracle and five thousand people were fed. They were able after the five thousand were fed to withdraw and to get their rest- God did provide that to them and He will provide you with rest too; but what sort of blessing are we missing out on because we are angry because our routine is interrupted by others?
We could use that time with hungry toddlers showing them about how Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew or some other food related conversation about our Lord; we could be having a couple’s Bible study with that clingy spouse, having a sword drill competition with our teens, and having our elderly reminisce about the miracles that they have seen in their lives. Ask the Lord to bless the time that you are interrupted and to feed you and the others that are involved. Notice the joy and delight on your loved ones’ faces as you spend time with them and teach them or learn with them about our Lord and you will be fed as well. You will get your quiet time back again someday- enjoy the interruption.

John 21:17
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” 
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” 
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Things We've Learned Our First Year of Fostering

So we began this journey almost a year ago..  We have had tears and stress, laughing and happiness, sleepless nights and sunny accomplishments.  Some days are SO hard- the hardest we've gone through and then you have a break through and it is one of the most fulfilling feelings that you can experience.

In just short of a year- we have had almost twenty beautiful children come through our house.  Most for respite (usually a weekend break for current foster parents, but sometimes a week or two as well).  We LOVE respite.  This is usually a great time to get to know new kids and do something really nice for them- like a big party weekend!  We usually take respite kids to a zoo, neighborhood farm, have a family game night or do something else fun with them. 
We have also had long term placements, some of those that we still have, and some that we just weren't the best home for.  The ones that we didn't have the best home for or were unsafe for our own children- those were stressful times, and we wish that we could have provided what those children needed- but God has provided homes that are better equipped for their specific needs.

Some of the things that we have learned our first year of fostering:

Here are some glorious moments:
1.  When a child does accomplish a certain goal and without being told to. This includes eating with utensils, potty training, speaking, sleeping through the night, taking their dish to the sink, praying at mealtime, washing their hands after using the restroom, saying sorry.. the list can go on and on.
2. When you can have a great relationship with bio parents.  This is definitely not the norm- but is so wonderful when it happens.  I am close with a certain mom right now and we have open communication about the kids- this is going to be SO important as we are transitioning kids back home.  This also helps because you know what kind of a home the kids are going back to, and can trust that the parent/s are doing the best they can for their child/ren.  I have had more instances where the parents don't like me at all, and pick out every flaw in my care for their child/ren; so it is really special when you do get a good working relationship.
3. When you work with people that you can trust and are easy to work with. This includes trusting caseworkers, your drivers, teachers, therapists, doctors, and Bair specialists.  You all make a team that are out to do the best for the child/ren in your care- and when you can trust most/everybody on that team- it is reassuring.
4. When a child opens up to you- and trusts you.  This is what takes work and diligence.  These children have been ripped from all that they know and are put in a home that is totally foreign to them.  A common thing for them is to close you off and to act out- to reject you once you start to get close to them.  They may seem well behaved or drawn to you in the beginning, but many have what is called a "honeymoon period" where after they get to know you and they feel safe in your environment- they show you a side of them you have never seen before by acting out and pushing you away, as they expect you to reject them just as they feel their parents did. Some children open up and trust sooner than others.  Be there and make sure to listen, it is amazing the things that these children will tell you.

Here are some of my pet peeves:
1. People thinking that foster care parents don't work..  There is an extreme amount of work that is involved with taking care of foster children.  Sleepless nights, appointments, having all of the agencies through your house on a constant basis, as well as learning about how to care for the child's special needs and then doing the actual care for them!
2. People thinking that you are fostering for the money..  My husband and I have a saying- "if you are a good foster parent, you are at 0 at the end of the month- so we must be great foster parents!"
We are given a stipend each month for each child.  This is to help with food, clothing (new clothing each month), diapers, supplies like bottles, toothbrushes, gas to take children back and forth to their many appointments, bedding, more hot water for baths and endless laundry..  We try to make this a great experience for the kids- we let them pick out new clothes, take them to zoos, take them out to eat once a week, and make sure that their needs are met and treated just like our own.
3. Caseworkers that don't always disclose things that are important or are hard to work with.. This is the biggest reason that I enjoy working with the Bair Foundation- a group that acts as the middle man for us in many situations.  (bairfoundation.org)  Our Bair specialist is to us like family- and not only does she support us when we need a shoulder to cry on or help with a certain situation, but talks to the caseworkers and gets the answers that we need when we need her to.  We have had times when we were lied to or that we suspected certain things about a child that were not disclosed and our specialist was always quick to act for us for the best interest of the child.
We all look forward to her visits and when she is here every one is treated special.  She holds and feeds the babies, brushes my child's hair and paints her toes, and listens to all the funny and sad things from the week.
4. People saying that they couldn't foster because they would get too attached to the child in their care and wouldn't want them to leave..  And this is what would make you a GREAT foster parent- that you care and love the child as you are supposed to.  Being attached to a child is a very GOOD thing- and what the kids need- loving attention and care.  Investing in a child all that you can- and knowing that you did your best with the child while they were in your care is what fostering is about. 
Every child is special and worthy of love- no matter the circumstances.  They almost all are victims of abuse or neglect and as any "normal" child deserve a loving family and to be taught about God's love.  He loves these children as much as He loves you and I. 
SO-why not you?

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

Stuffed Mushrooms- THM S Meal

These are so good that the family fights over them.  One day, I was craving something a little special, and so started mixing some things together and these are the product.  The only tweak that I have made to the first time I made them is a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the top.

 

1 package of large stuffing mushrooms, washed

5 Tablespoons of finely chopped ham

2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil Mayo (it is best to make your own, but I do use store bought in a pinch)

Smoked paprika

3 Tablespoons butter

 

 

 

Rinse off your mushrooms and pull stem out of cap.  Chop the stems and add to a bowl with cheese, ham, and mayo.  Mix well and divide the stuffing into the caps.  Place in a small frying pan and add the butter (can still be solid) to the pan.  Sprinkle the tops of the mushrooms with smoked paprika.

 

 Cover the frying pan with lid, and set on medium low. I usually cook them for about 20 minutes.  This is enough time for me to get things on and off the grill, and get the table set- and we like to eat the mushrooms hot and the butter at the bottom spooned over the top of each one.  I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Morning Coffee THM style (S or FP)

My morning coffee- something that you don't feel complete until you have a cup or two!! 

 

16 oz of any kind of coffee (flavored or not)

1/4-1/2 cup almond milk (I use Silk unsweetened vanilla flavor)

sweetener of choice (I use a liquid stevia from Swanson's that was only $5 a bottle)

1/2 scoop Swanson's Ultra Whey Protein powder any flavor

1 teaspoon coconut oil (S)

 

 

Brew your coffee any flavor as you normally would.  I use different flavors at different times- right now I am using hazelnut, but I enjoy the chocolate mint, English toffee, and even plain.  I pour my coffee in my ninja cup and then add my almond milk first (so that it doesn't over cook the protein powder), sweetener- I use 8 drops of stevia liquid, and 1/2 scoop of protein powder (on days I know I can't grab anything else to eat I will use a whole scoop).  I use chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry protein powder according to my tastes that morning.  Sometimes I add some raspberry flavor or butterscotch- it is all up to what you want to try.  Add some coconut oil for extra fat burning- but be aware that this makes this an S, so pair it with an S breakfast.  Pulse in the blender- and you are done.  Whipped cream is super yummy on this also!

Egg Roll in a Bowl- My Take (S meal for THM)

Egg Roll in a Bowl- something I crave; sweet, sour, tangy- who wouldn't love it?  I know that several people have different takes on this wonderful dish.  Here is our family's.  We love the taste of the orange oil, apple cider vinegar, and the sweetness to make it seem like sweet and sour sauce.

3-5 links of sweet Italian sausage

package of coleslaw mix(without dressing)

1 1/2 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1 packet of truvia, or sweetener of your choice

1/2 teaspoon ground or minced ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic

3-4 drops of orange oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon turmeric

We have tried different sausages, and varying amounts..  I like to use a sweet Italian raw sausage link (brat size).  My husband likes less sausage (3 links) and I like more (5 links).  I take the scissors and cut the casing off of them.  Of course you can use sausage that are not in links also- we just like a certain brand :)  Put the meat into a skillet that is on medium and just make sure that the meat is broken up into smaller pieces and then add a package of coleslaw mix.  Stir together while adding rest of ingredients. Continue to stir and cook until meat is cooked through.  Enjoy!  This feeds 2 adults and 2 children in our home.

The Whole Sappy Story

Here is a story line of photos that will tell the story of how God's provision of the maple tree is utilized into syrup that is not only yummy but good for you as well.  

First, you choose the trees that are able to be tapped.  Maple trees have a variety of different textures to their bark; it seems like they are like snowflakes being no two exactly alike.

Some trees grow by themselves, and others grow in clumps; such as this one with 6 different trees growing together.  Each tree is tapped (rule of thumb is if it is over 6 inches in diameter) and can be tapped more than once IF you can't touch your fingers while hugging the tree.  (Yes, we are tree huggers!)

Each tree is drilled into (when you know that you have about six weeks of good sapping weather left of the year), and then a plastic spout is placed in the hole.  

This spout is sanitary and attached to a tubed pipeline that runs into the sugar shack during weather that is above freezing.  Many put the taps on the south side where the sun will warm the spout so that it will run better.

This is a picture of the releaser.  Using a vacuum pump on the pipeline, the sap runs into here.

This is a closeup shot of the sap running into the releaser.  From here, it gets dumped into a large stainless steel storage tank. The sugar content at this point is usually 2%.

From this tank, it runs through a reverse osmosis machine, which pulls out about 40% of the water, bringing the sugar content close to 4%.  This will also aid by saving some boiling time.  The water that is taken out of the sap is saved and used to clean the reverse osmosis machine and the different equipment. After coming out of the reverse osmosis, the sap is then shot into another stainless steel tank.

Looking through the steam- you can see the tubes- the sap is taken from the stainless steel tank through this pipe and into the top of the evaporator.

This is a photo of the evaporator.  The sap comes into the evaporator at the top in the back; this area is called a steam away.  Much of the steam from the front of the pan is being used in the steam away to start to bring the incoming sap up to temperature.  After going through the steam away, the sap drops down into the pan below it in the back, called the flue pans, and then finally makes it's way to the front of the evaporator which is called the finish pan.  This is where you see the steam coming up.  The sap moves through the evaporator by float systems or by manual valves.  This evaporator has a float system, but the floats have a hard time keeping up with how much sap moves through, so we use mainly manual valves.

Here is a shot of the firebox that is front of the evaporator.  It is wood fueled and has to be replenished every ten minutes.  The evaporator is VERY hot, and will burn you very easily.  There is also a blower that is attached to make a hotter fire.  

Here is a photo of the sap boiling in the front pan, close to making syrup.  Some people can tell from the bubble formation when the syrup is ready..

We test the sap at the end of the finish pan to find out at what temperature it is syrup.  The temperature can be different every night- and can vary slightly throughout the same night, so we check with each drawing off of the sap.  The sap that we want tested is poured into a hydrometer cup, and a clean and dry hydrometer is placed in to read the sugar content of the hot liquid.  This sample above is slightly heavy- meaning a little bit thicker than syrup(because you can see the red line above the liquid- right at the red line is right at syrup consistency  and if the red line is below your liquid level you don't have syrup yet).

We then set the automatic draw-off to the temperature reading that we decided that syrup was made at that night.  When the temperature of the sap comes to our temperature (which on this night it happened to be 219.3) the valve will automatically open and release the syrup in the finish pan that is at that temp.  Each draw is tested to make sure that it is indeed syrup or if the numbers have to be adjusted.

From the bucket that the sap draws off into, this is then poured through a filter press to filter out any impurities so that you have beautifully crystal clear syrup.

The sap is run through the filter press on the right which has several filtering papers into the canner on the left.    

The syrup in the canner is kept around 185 degrees and then poured into bottles.

The lids are put on tightly.

 The finished bottle is stored upside down for sealing purposes.

Foil is added on the top to make it look more attractive, and is ready for consumption :)

I am so glad that you have listened to my sappy story- it is a very sticky one, and has a lot of labor; however when doing any labor with loving family- it helps us stick together :)

Radiance

Radiance is a free 6 inch crochet square pattern and devotional about shining our light. I love the radiance that you can visibly see on a person’s face that loves the Lord with their whole being. I want that radiance- and so I wanted to study radiance and where it comes from.

Ecc. 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.

A huge thank you to my fabulous testers and sisters in Christ; Linda Nelson, Kelly Youngblood, Joanne Jones, Bekah Doughty, and Carmen Carpenter.

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Hook: I

Abbreviations:

beg- beginning

ch-chain

dc-double crochet

hk-hook

hdc-half double crochet

lp or lps-loop or loops

rnd- round

sc-single crochet

sl st- slip stitch

sp or sps- space or spaces

st or sts- stitch or stitches

tr- triple/treble crochet

yo- yarn over

Special stitches:

Dtr- Is a double triple/treble.  Working as a tr, wrap your hook with yarn 3 times rather than just 2, and pull through 2 loops 4 times rather than just 3.

Begin ♥

Rnd 1-Starting with Color A,  ch 4, sl st to first st to create ring.  Ch 3, (hdc, ch 1) 7 times and join with sl st to 2^nd ch from beginning ch3. (8 hdc, 8 ch1 sp)

Rnd 2- Sl st into first ch1 sp.  (Ch3, 2 dc) in same sp.  (Sk next hdc, 3 dc in each ch1 sp) 7 times and join with sl st to top of beginning ch3. (24 dc)

Rnd 3-  (Ch3, sk1, sl st to next st) 12 times. (12 ch3 sp)

Rnd 4- Sl st into ch3 sp. (Sc, dtr, sc) in each ch3 sp.(When doing the dtr- push the stitch which will project outward into a loop to the front before making the sc after it) Join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc, 12 dtr) Finish off with color A if using more than one color.

Rnd 5- Change to Color B if desired and make 2 sc in between the 2 sc stitches from the previous row, and 2 sc in the st that you see behind the dtr (this is actually the top of the dtr- but is behind because the sc pushes the stitch down into a nupp) shown in photo below, continue around, and join to beg sc with sl st. (48 sc)

Rnd 6- Ch 3 and dc in same st.*  Dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st, 2 dc in next sts, ch 3,** 2 dc in next st. * Repeat(from *)  3 more times ending at the ** on the final rnd.  Join with a sl st to top of beg ch3. (24 dc, 4 ch3, 16 hdc, 16 sc)

Rnd 7- Dc in each st and (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner ch2 sp. Join with a sl st to beg sc. (72 dc and 4 ch2sp)

© Copyright February 2013 by Cynthia Boylan, all rights reserved. This pattern, in whole or part, may not be reproduced – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying -- without the written permission of Cynthia Boylan. Projects made from this pattern may be gifted, swapped or sold. If you use this pattern to sell items on the internet, kindly credit Cynthia Boylan as the designer.

Psalm 34:5 Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Radiance

Have you ever had a solar garden light that you put along a pathway either to the garden- or to the house? I had a set of them leading from front porch to the driveway so that our path would be lit when we had to either leave or return home in the evenings. The solar light charges from the sunlight in order to glow that night- giving off a radiance of light.  When not charged that day, or if the day is overcast and the solar panel cannot be in the sunlight then the light wanes if it shines at all. It needs to be recharged each and every day to be at peak brightness when darkness comes. It is hard to walk in the darkness without our path lit- we end up fumbling around and tripping, bumping into things that are in the way; but when the light shines, we can easily see obstacles, go around them, and be a help to others.

John 8:12b “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We too have that same radiance- when we spend time with our Light Source, God.  Every time that Moses spent time with the Lord in Exodus, his face shone visibly. We have all seen people who have a glow about them no matter the circumstances.  Their faces light up when they talk of their First Love, their Light Source; their King - undeniably they spend time with the Lord on a regular basis. This is something that we can experience- we charge up by spending time with God, and then shine in the darkness of all that is in the world.  We must continue to charge ourselves up or become a dim bulb and blend into the darkness.  We cannot shine on our own.  We need to be refilled each day with His light, or we won’t have the light to see things clearly and will be fumbling around in the darkness and may even stray from our path.

Charge up! Spend some time with Him today. Start a habit on spending time with Him daily- and you and others will notice a difference not only on your face but in your life.

 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Lord, we just love You so very much- and want to seek You.  Charge us each day so that we can live our lives for Your glory.  We know that “Thy Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”, and we want this light to see our pathway to You.  We thank You for what You are doing in our lives and for Your love, in Jesus Name we pray.

Is 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Some ideas of spending time with Him are reading and studying His Word, praying, and listening to or singing praise songs.  Share some ways that you spend time with Him.

Numbers 6:25  The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.

For those that would like to download the pdf- here is the link to my ravelry page.