Sunday, January 30, 2011

And he signed his name with a rainbow!

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while.

I had Lasik eye surgery last week and then with it being so sunny out I've been gardening and working outside!

Enough with the excuses though. Our weather finally decided that it was winter and started to rain today. I woke up to this view.

I love seeing rainbows. When I was in 5th grade, my house was flooded, and every time I see a rainbow, I'm reminded of what God promised us, there will never be a world flood again. And my mom always sang us a Sunday school song that said "God signed his name with a rainbow". Clear as mud?

All I'm saying is that when I see one I feel peace. Enough rambling! I'm headed to church!

The Farmer's Wife

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Fried Chicken

It was inevitable. We suddenly had 3 roosters after hatching out 5 chicks- but now we're down to 2. And that fried chicken on Tom's plate? Yes, that WAS the teenage rooster.

I judged poultry in high school and processed chickens weekly. It's grotesque, but it's the way it is. I don't think I could have watched Tom, with the ordained chicken hatchet, (handed down from my grandma in law) send our teenage rooster to chicken heaven.

After plucking and gutting, here he is, on our plate. It's a reality and reminder that back in the old days this was the norm. You raised animals to eat them. This was my first encounter and won't be my last (our next Sunday dinner=fried chicken, one more to go), but boy did Tom love it!

To spoil him more, and since I get kinda queasy looking at that fried chicken and remembering where it came from, I make buttermilk biscuits with honey butter.

Now I know why I feed my chickies so well, Tom said he tasted delicious! (Still not sure if that settles my stomach.....)

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Simple Reminder

My good friend Jocelyn came out to take pictures of some cattle work, and we decided to go on a horse back ride.

Looking back on this picture is a simple reminder that at times when I get overwhelmed, this is what it's all about: peace, beauty, and time with loved ones and friends.

Off to church!

The Farmer's Wife

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Red Velvet Cake

I got a wild hair today and decided that since it's Saturday and so gorgeous outside, it was time to make a cake (and plus I love my cake pedestal but hardly ever use it).

Yes, it is Pioneer Woman, go figure, and yes, Tom and the gang will be my official taste testers tonight at dinner. I"ll let you know how it goes!

If you're feeling adventurous, visit her website and look around, you might find something else you want to try!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Anger Management

I guess having a dog is a great learning experience. They're just like kids, when it gets too quiet, you know something is up.

Today I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and I noticed Ginger was missing. Well I found her. She had found both of her stuffed chew toys and ripped out all their stuffing along with their squeakers. Darn dog! I was pretty mad at first, but then she looked at me with those brown eyes, and I couldn't stay angry!

I guess this will get me ready for kids of my own right?

The Farmer's Wife

Monday, January 3, 2011

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

My childhood church put together a cookbook back in '92. Moving to college and now married, I'd always ask my mom to email me recipes from this book. There were no more copies left at church, but this Christmas (hence the candy canes in the background) my mom found a spare copy! It's been almost 11 years.

With my spirits lifted, I delved into this cookbook only to find one of my favorite recipes-chocolate peanut butter bars. The original maker of this recipe? My mother! Ha, I didn't even know.

So today, since it's snowing, and since I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, I decided to make it and share the treasured recipe with you, hope you enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars made with love by Patti Shelton (my mama)
1 c. butter/margarine
1 1/3 c. peanut butter
3 c. powdered sugar
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
12 oz. chocolate chips (1 1/2 c.)

Melt butter. Add peanut butter. Mix in powdered sugar. Mix in graham cracker crumbs.
Spread into a 9x13" pan. Melt chocolate chips and spread over peanut butter mixture.
Freeze 15 minutes.
Let stand at room temperature before cutting.

Enjoy! These are so easy, and if you crave chocolate and peanut butter (like I always do) these will definitely satisfy that sweet tooth.

The Farmer's Wife

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Let it Snow!

We totally missed a White Christmas, but boy did we get a White New Years!

Yesterday, my nephew Gage was able to see snow for the first time! We made a mini snowman, threw snowballs at each other, and even taste-tested the white stuff (Gage says it tasted like the sky).

Even our pooch Ginger enjoyed licking it all up. It's even snowing as I write this. I guess it's time for me to man the fireplace and hunker down. Hey, I might even make some hot chocolate!

The Farmer's Wife