Freezer Pickles

We are a pickle-loving family.  My hubby, and children enjoy them both as a snack or as a side to a meal.

During the winter we first tried these tasty pickles at a friends house.  My husband LOVED them.  He kept exclaiming how good they were.

That's usually a pretty good hint that I need to get the recipe.

I'm happy to say they are as easy to make as they are to consume!

Mix together

8 cups thinly sliced cucumbers

2 cups thinly sliced onions

2 Tablespoons salt

Let this mixture stand for thirty minutes, and then drain off the excess liquid.

In the meantime mix together

2 cups of sugar

3/4 cup of vinegar

Stir until sugar is dissolved.

After you drain your cucumbers, pour the sugar and vinegar brine over them and stir.

Fill freezer boxes and press down to make sure the liquid covers the cucumbers.

Thaw for several hours in the refrigerator before serving.

This recipe yields approximately 3 pints of pickles.

Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my mom's birthday.  I won't tell her age because I'm pretty sure she doesn't want all of blog world knowing that.

When my mom was..... er, over 40, she found out that somewhat unexpectedly she was pregnant.  I'm pretty certain she thought her days of babies were over, and then I came along.

I am her only daughter, and perhaps the source of quite a few grey hairs on her head.

Funny thing is. I never heard her complain about starting over with a baby in her 40's, but then again I haven't heard her complain about much of anything over the years.  She is one of the most patient people I know.

Sometime in my early teens my relationship with my mom changed to more of a friendship.  The older I get the more that is true.

Almost every day I talk to her on the phone as I finish my morning coffee.

We talk about the weather, how well we slept the night before, and what we need to accomplish that day.

Simple things, and yet so important.

We laugh about the funny things my children have said or done.

Our relationship is comfortable---like a broken-in chair.

I hope that I am as good a mother to my children as she has been to me.

Happy Birthday Mom--hope your day was special!

Interview

Many of the blogs that I enjoy are written by people that I have never met.  However, Joyful Maiden is an exception.  I grew up with Esther's mom, and my husband worked with her dad for a couple of years.  Several years ago her family moved to New Zealand, and we now keep up with one another's lives via blogs, and the occasional email.  She is doing an interview on her blog, and I thought it would be fun to join.


Question 1: Give us your name (not last name for safety reasons), age (optional), location, hobbies, interests, etc. Basically, introduce yourself! :)

My name is Rebecca, I'm 33 years old, and I live in midwestern Michigan.  I am a mom to two adopted sons--9 & 7, and 2 foster sons--2 & 1 (whom we are currently adopting), and one foster daughter--1 month old.  I enjoy taking care of my family, reading, blogging, sewing, and gardening.

Question 2: How did you become born again?

I was in a church service where the pastor was preaching about Jesus' death and crucifixion.  I realized that my sins were a part of the pain He endured, and I responded to the invitation that was given at the end of the service.  I was ten years old. 

Question 3: What is your current walk with the Lord like?

He is my reason for living!  I wouldn't make it through one day without Him!


Question 4: How do you help and serve your family?
Well, I am a teacher, bus driver, foster mom, chef, housekeeper, conflict resolver, cheerleader, counselor, etc.................


Question 5: How do you serve others?
I try to be an encourager through my blog.


Question 6: What are some of your favourite things?
My family, reading, and chocolate. :)


Question 7: What are some of your struggles?
I struggle daily with patience, and with finding a balance between my schedule, and real life.

Question 8: What encouragement do you have to give?
My grandma once told me "now is the best time of your life--enjoy it"  I think this could apply to any age or stage in life.  

Lullaby

I've been singing to babies for almost nine years now.

There's something soothing to both momma and baby about a soft song.

I sometimes just hum a never-ending medley of tunes, but there are a few songs that I have sung to every one of my children.

"Follow the Path of Jesus" --this is a hymn, but it is also my prayer for my children.

"That Little Boy of Mine"--I'm told that my Grandma sang this song to her children.  You can use the link below to listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8o-9wjVHIo&feature=related

"Jesus Loves Me"--one of the first songs our children learn to sing themselves.

What are your favorite lullabies?

Family

Having a place to go - is a home.  Having someone to love - is a family.  Having both - is a blessing.  ~Donna Hedges

Update

"Sweet Pea" is sleeping four hours at a time at night---bliss for mamma. :)

Some foster placements feel seamless, and this is one of those.

I will blog post more as we get into a better routine.

I've taken up baby wearing as a new hobby. :)

Don't babies smell so good?--even my older boys think so. :)

The intense heat this summer has made me start using my crockpot almost more than my stove.

Pink

Now you know when I post a picture of marbles it usually indicates that something exciting is going on with us as a foster family.

This post is no exception. :)

On Wednesday of this past week I got a phone call from our case worker.

She was almost giddy sounding which struck me as a little uncharacteristic.

She told me that the birth mom of our two younger boys just had a baby girl.

She wondered if we would be interested in fostering her.

I had to think about it for a long while...........NOT.

I nearly shouted YES!!!

So after a five week break we are back in the saddle with a teeny five pound baby girl.