present but not giftwrapped...

Just wanted to check in. I have been otherwise occupied lately and haven't had the chance to post. I plan on doing so more frequently, especially since things are calming down around here and the longer nights will soon be upon us.

What have I been up to you ask (or not, but I'll tell you anyway). I have been getting a crash course in homeschooling. My dd15 is officially being homeschooled as of this week. It was very much her own decision, with lots of parental input of course. We live in an area where there is an amazing amount of resources for the homeschooling family. Our very own parish has an abundance of well seasoned homeschoolers, for which I am so grateful to for the guidance and support they have given us these last few weeks.

We have several good reasons for making this somewhat bold move at this time. I won't be getting into the details here. I will say however, that we do this not because we feel she couldn't succeed in school, because she has! This is not a consolation prize because things didn't work out at school, but rather an exciting and better suited opportunity for her at this particular moment in time.

We have gotten through the first week and it has been a good one!

If you told me we would ever be doing this a few years back, I would never have believed you. Once again, God's ways prove to be strange and wonderful!

peace,
amy

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

The little one and I got together with some friends yesterday and went to local Natural History and Science Museum. The kids had a blast (not to mention the moms). They got to see and touch a turtle, a snake, a skink. They checked out lots of lots of birds, bugs, rocks and minerals as well as lots of other things.

Then we headed over to the park for a picnic. It was a great day. I wish I had taken some pictures. I brought along some soup and all the moms seemed to enjoy it.

I'm not a huge cauliflower fan, but this tastes more like mashed potatoes. I rarely follow recipes exactly, except when baking. I used a huge head of cauliflower, way more than 1 1/2 pds. and a little extra half and half, adjusted the salt and pepper and still it came out quite good. In other words , I don't think you can screw this one up.

This is from Betty Crocker

1 1/2 pds. cauliflower
2 cups water
1 large stalk of celery chopped (3/4) cup
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 T butter
2 T flour
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 t salt
1/8 t pepper
dash nutmeg
1/2 heavy whipping cream (I use half and half)
shredded cheese

remove florets, set aside. Heat water to boiling. Add cauliflower, celery and onion. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer about 10 minutes until tender.
Place cauliflower mixture in blender , blend until smooth.
Melt butter, stir in flour until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Stir in Cauliflower mixture, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Heat just to boiling. Stir in whipping cream. Heat just until hot (do not boil or soup may curdle). Serve with cheese.

Enjoy!

my prince...

This little fella showed up in our yard last week. It was love at first sight.

Don't worry mom, I didn't actually let her kiss him.

Last week was the West Lampeter Fair. What a great event that is each year. It's a real country, family oriented, fun time for everyone. This year I had 4 entries. Zucchini bread, that did not fair well. I will try that again next year, I think I over mixed. I also entered 3 items, 2 pillows and a child's apron into various sewing categories, I won 2nd place for each one. I was thrilled!

The big winner was hubby. He won 15 ribbons!
He entered a whole bunch of his produce and flowers from the garden and did quite well. I was so happy for him. As you know by now, He is quite the passionate gardener. It was lots of fun and he was pleased.

Oh where, oh where has September gone?..... Every year at this time I look back and September seems to be just a blur.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!