Hello out there!
Through all things, through all times, through all seasons - God is with us! He loves us! He wants us to lean on Him. He is our rock, our salvation, our strength.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!
Jim and I will be married 42 years in June. The summer we got married the oilfield boom was quickly diving into a bust. He had worked for the same oil company, as a welder, for almost eight years. He made it past the first two layoffs, but he and several others were let go during the third layoff. It was December, I was pregnant, and it was hard. The company had arranged for the men who were laid off to be hired by another company beginning that Monday. The wages were quite a bit less, and all of his benefits, including health insurance, were gone. We were thankful he at least had a job until we could figure out another plan. For the next six years, we dealt with temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and lay offs. We decided, after much prayer, to take a leap of faith, and Jim became a contract welder. He had a single cab truck and a welding machine on a trailer. I ordered business cards, we purchased a general liability insurance policy for our business and we've been self-employed ever since. We're a team! Jim does all the welding and I keep the books. We've had ups and downs through our 35 years of being self-employed, but definitely more positive years! Working together has been a huge blessing for our marriage. We're thankful for all the work God has blessed us with and that through it all, He has been with us!
The most important ingredient is LOVE!:
When we first got married, I had to learn how to budget, make out a grocery list, buy groceries, etc. Coupons were a big deal back then. I remember going through the newspaper and looking through the adds, cutting out coupons for items that matched my list. I would proudly show Jim how much money I had saved at the grocery store that week. My cooking skills were limited and some of our first meals together are memorable because they were so awful! I looked through my mom's old recipe files, and a cookbook my great aunt had bought for me as a wedding present. I would call Jim's mom, my aunt, and a couple of friends who were older than me and ask their advice on how to cook this or that. My determination paid off! I have become a really good cook, baker, and meal prep, throw something together in a dash kind of homemaker! I truly believe that love is the most important ingredient in every single recipe and for every single meal, large or small!
Kitchen windows and washing dishes:
We don't have a dishwasher. Jim will tell you that he is the dish washer! I'll just say that we've both washed a lot of dishes in the past 42 years. Growing up, I remember my mom teaching me how to load the dishwasher. Scrape the plates, rinse the dishes off, and then stack them this way and that way, and NOT that way, etc.! When Jim and I got married, our first home did not have a dish washer. And 42 years later...we still don't!.
We've lived in this house, our home, for almost 34 years. There is a window right above the kitchen sink that looks out into our front yard. I've watched our children and now, grandchildren, play basketball through that window. I've banged on that window when the rough housing, wrestling matches, etc. were getting too rough! And also when sidewalk chalk was not being used on the sidewalk! I've seen beautiful sunsets, blessings of rain and even snow fall to the ground. We have a couple of oak trees, three assorted bird baths, and an array of birds, squirrels, deer, and dogs on the loose, that come and visit! One year we had a porcupine that was a regular visitor for a couple of months. I look out the window as I wash dishes. Sometimes I listen to music, other times I just sing songs that come to mind. Jim has walked in and heard a wide range of songs such as: "Que sera, sera" Whatever will be, will be - by Doris Day. And then he's also heard me belt out, "There's a tear in my beer" cuz I'm crying for you dear - by Hank Williams. My Texas twang really comes through in that song!
I've prayed many prayers while washing dishes. Some prayers have been those of praise and then there have been times I've poured out my heart and a torrent of tears have mingled with my dishwater. Lately, I've been listening to the "Salve Regina" and Gregorian Chants/ Litanies. Listening to those always bring a sense of peace and calm.
Coffee at home vs coffee on the go: (A saving money tip)
Jim and I have a coffee pot. We buy a large can of Folgers Coffee and I usually have a back up can also, just in case, so we don't run out! We both drink coffee every morning. I enjoy the smell of coffee brewing in the morning and having time to drink a couple of cups as I begin my day. One of my sweet friends bought me "Coffee Themed" birthday gifts:
A sign for my kitchen that says, "This house runs on Love, Coffee, and Jesus!"
A coffee mug that says, "Be calm and Catholic on" and some yummy flavored coffee from a local Catholic store!
There is no way Jim and I could afford to stop and buy coffee every morning from one of the many coffee places we have in town. Yes, on a rare occasion, and I mean rare, I will purchase a cup of coffee from one of the locally owned coffee shops. If you are looking for ways to save money - here are some options.
The following is an example of how much you can save weekly/monthly by brewing your own coffee: If you spend - $5 - $7 daily (5 times a week)
Weekly total for coffee is $25 -$35 and Monthly total is $100.00 - $140.00 (Per person)
I just bought a canister of coffee last week and it cost $16.00. This usually lasts us about 6 weeks. I drink two large mugs most mornings, sometimes more. Jim drinks one large mug every morning. I also keep a carton of half n half in the fridge to add to my coffee.
Do the math! You can save a lot of money if you buy a simple coffee machine. I think ours cost about $30. It's a 12 cup Mr. Coffee. Percolators make great coffee also! There are many choices of coffee to choose from; different brands, breakfast blends, Columbian, etc. And there are several flavors of cream you can pick from. You can also purchase a more expensive coffee maker and you will still save money!
It's cheaper and healthier to eat at home. I bought a package of two large roasts for $24 last week. I put one in the freezer and cooked the other one. Add whatever kinds of vegetables you like to cook with your roast and you will have leftovers unless you have a large family! Compare that to take out fast food and you've saved money and eaten a much better meal.
Traditional Roast Vegetables: potatoes, onions, carrots
My Roast Vegetables: any and or all of the following combinations: traditional, add Jalapenos' and mini bell peppers. Or add squash, zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers. Customize and use whatever vegetables your family likes. Season the meat well with salt, pepper, garlic powder and add enough water to cover the bottom and a couple of inches high. Cover tightly with foil and bake in 325 -350 degree oven for about 3 1/2 - 4 hours.
Another shopping tip - If you like mushrooms, buy them when they look really fresh and then put them in a freezer bag and put in the freezer. Shake out the amount you want to add to whatever you're cooking!
Another option - This is my, "In a hurry and feeding grandkids option"
Place roast in 9 x 13" baking dish, season well, pour a can of Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies on top, add water, cover tightly with foil, and bake same as above. Let roast cool a little bit, shred, and make roast and refried bean burritos. I cook a pot beans every week. I buy the large 10 lb. bag of dry casserole pinto beans. That size bag will usually last 6-8 weeks.
Refried Beans at Nana and Pa's Hacienda = Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Iron skillet - spoon fresh beans in hot skillet and use a potato/bean smasher until you get the right consistency. Grate Sharp Cheddar Cheese. (or use already grated - fresh tastes way better) Spread some butter on one side of tortilla (I always use real butter and keep at least one stick at room temp). Place tortilla on warm comal or skillet - butter side down - and sprinkle with cheese. Add a large spoonful of beans on top of cheese and fold in half with a spatula. Flip on both sides til nice and toasty. Place on paper plate and cut in half. Add a dollop of sour cream or not! Chips and or fruit and everyone is happy!
Hug your kids, hug your spouse, let your kids help you in the kitchen. Side by side - team work! Give them jobs to do depending on their age; set the table, put ice in the glasses, peel carrots, take out the trash, measure ingredients, put away groceries, etc.
Pray together and remember that God Loves You! Lean on Him and He will guide you and be with you through all the ups and downs, good times and bad times, happy times and sad times.
Peace and blessings to you and yours,
near and far, wherever you are!
Bye for now, Sharla
