how I store my Tupperware (R)

    As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Tupperware(R)!!! No, I am not a distributor. Nor have I ever been one. Nor do I wish to become one. (I think that covered all of the bases.)  I just really, really, really, like most of their product line!
    Yes, they are a bit more expensive than some similar product lines. And yes, I actually have done controlled product comparison testing. I have taken a big batch of baked goods, put them into several different brand containers, sealed them up good and hid them from my guys (shhh  ;-p). I left them hid such for a period of two weeks. The hiding spot was in our basement. Did you know that 'picnic' coolers make wonderful controlled environment hiding spots? They do! In-fact, you can do your Christmas baking up the week after Thanksgiving, store it in Tupperware, in a cooler, in your basement and when you take it out the week of Christmas, the product still tastes freshly baked! ( <--- BONUS TIP there)
    Back to my experiment. We (Brian and I) were very surprised with what we found at the end of the time period. The product in one container was so stale and hard, we wrote it off as a loss and tossed it. :-[.  A second famous brand, while not as bad, wasn't good either. It was definitely on the verge of being totaled. And yet the product in the Tupperware container was just barely reduced from the fresh from the oven taste. Amazing!!
    For the record, the experiment was done with round containers of all of the brands. And all of them had been 'burped', like you're suppose to do with Tupperware round lids.
   
    So, as I said, I am a HUGE fan of Tupperware and made a Tupperware lady's month with the order I placed after our house fire, replacing all of my totaled stuff. Items which I had earned via hosting many Tupperware parties. I almost always took it out in regular product line rather than their hostess gifts. I couldn't always buy what I wanted, so I found a way to earn it. ;->
    Well here lately, I have been seeing lots of other bloggers doing postings about organizing different parts of their home. I have also found that lots of pinterest(R) pinners have boards labeled 'organizing'. So I figured I should start sharing some of the ways I organize things.
    I am an oxymoron. (NOT a regular moron!!! o;-p)  I am very creative and can make such messes in that their process. And yet to me, the mess is usually organized. On the other hand, I am a list maker, "detail orientated", when things get put away, it's in organized fashion in closets, or drawers, or even box's type of person. My biggest challenge, is that most of the guys in this house aren't 'organized' individuals. Sigh. I choose to love them anyways.

     As you guessed (the title probably clued you in ;->), today I am going to show you how I store and organize a lot of my Tupperware. It has been arranged like this for ten years now and I know it works good, because some family members get very agitated with other family members when they don't put things back right. (:->!!)

     This is up upper corner cupboard. Rather than getting lazy Susan's and storing other things in it, I chose it as a Tupperware cupboard and have been very happy with that decision.
    The middle of the bottom shelf holds various sized mixing and storing bowls. They can fit inside one another oh so nicely and even stack one set on top of another.   
     Different things are stored around the edges of that shelf. To the left inside the door is where little cups go. (That way they are easy to get to, to fill with Raisins or other goodies for Analyse. ;->) Behind that is an tall square container, on it's side. My box style metal grater slides in there ever so nicely and the Tupperware then protects your fingers when your getting something else off of that shelf. To the right  just inside the door are small oblong like containers. And then other containers. And in the corner in the back, is the stacks of containers which go with the hamburg press.
     The middle of the middle shelf is for the microwaveable Tupperware containers. I was so happy when they started carrying those! Around that shelf's edges are various other styles and shapes of small to med. size containers.
     The front of the top shelf is taken up by three baskets. Each basket holds different types of Tupperware lids. The one on the left is for med. to large size containers. The one in the middle is solely for the microwaveable containers. And the one of the right is for smaller to small container lids. Trust me, it is very easy to pull the middle container out with one hand and then get one of the other two out with your other hand if they are what you need.
     With lids sitting in a flat bottom basket like they do, it is easier to eyeball which sized lid is the one you need for the container you just filled.
     Here is a picture of the baskets sitting on a couch, so that you could better see what I'm talking about.

         Back behind those baskets of lids, is where I store the Tupperware beverage pitchers.  Pull the baskets out, use a pair of tongs, and wa-la! Easy!

      That was one cupboard. There are two more. o;-p
      This is the one underneath the silverware drawer.

 

       Actually, it's only one shelf of that cupboard. The shelf underneath it holds the crock-pots. But the Tupperware shelf holds medium to larger sized square and oblong containers. And there is a basket in there for their lids as well.

     The third cupboard is 'suppose to' have a shelf in it. But I like it better without one.

       Stacked in here, are my big metal and Tupperware mixing bowls, as well as strainers.  A couple of lids for them just sit along the side. Bend down, pull the stack part way out and get what you want out of the stack.

    I also have Tupperware stored in the basement. Like this -

    This particular bag contains a stack of Tupperware pie takers. Man do I like those things! For pies, though I usually wrap a clean dish or hand towel around the pie in the container. For Cupcakes. For cookies, stack them around the outside like your traying them (one overlapping the other) and go all of the way around. Then add more in the middle. For deviled eggs (just put down a couple layers of paper towel first, and do NOT double stack when transporting (don't know why this makes such a difference, but man does it!) For bar cookies. Put in a layer. Top with a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Add another layer.
     As you can see, I have several of them. But yes, I would like more. And yes, there have been many times I have borrowed additional ones from friends.
    Both the pie takers and the old deep style round cake takers (Oh, and the oblong cake takers too), are stored in large plastic bags on the shelf's in the basement.   
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I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
 ~ "the simple things", are hosted by Rebecca, at 'simple as that' (http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/).
 ~ "Creative Monday's", are hosted by Clair Justine, at 'Clairejustineoxox' (http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.com/), and Judy, at 'Judy-H-JS Thoughts' (http://judyh-jsthoughts.blogspot.com/) 
  ~ "Amaze Me Monday('s)", are hosted by Carrie, at 'Dittle Dattle' (http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/). 
  ~ Show Me What Ya Got" (Tuesday's), hosted by Stacey, at 'Not JUST A Housewife' (http://www.notjustahousewife.net/)
  ~ "Trash To Treasure Tuesday('s)", hosted by Kammy, at 'Kammy's Korner' (http://www.kammyskorner.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Anything Goes" (Tuesday's), hosted by Tammy, at 'Type A Decorating' (http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
  ~ "Transformation Thursday('s)", hosted by Gina, at 'The Shabby Creek Cottage' (http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com)
 ~ "Hookin Up With The Hepworths Every Thursday", hosted by Allison, at 'House of Hepworths' (http://www.houseofhepworths.com)
 ~ "Inspiration Friday('s)", hosted by Vanessa and Heather (sisters), at 'At The Picket Fence' (http://www.atthepicketfence.com)
  ~ "Feathered Nest Friday('s)", held at 'French Country Cottage' (http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com)   

What do you have on hand?

    As those of you whom visit our blog often know, I frequently go through what's in our fridge and pantry and make something up for dinner, dubbing it a "Tonight's Special". Some of you have commented that you wish you had the ability to 'think beyond the box or can' like that. ;-p
     Well, as I just learned via something our friend Angela Gladden pinned onto one of her Pinterest(R) boards, there is a web site which will come up with something for you! Anglea's comment on her pin read, "You click on the ingredients you have in your fridge, and it comes up with a recipe for you! ".
    I remembered what some of you had told me, and knew you too would benefit from knowing about such a site. So here it is -

                                                My Fridge Food 
                                 (http://www.myfridgefood.com/index.php)

                                            (found picture on line HERE)


    PLEASE, let me know if you use it, what you think of the site, and what you ended up making!!

    And yes, I think I shall add this info. along our side bar too, just in case you forget the web address, it will make it easier for you to re-find. Your Welcome. o;->

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I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
  ~ "Simply Delish Sunday('s)", are hosted by KB and Whitesnakes, at 'KB and Whitesnakes Home' (http://kbandwhitesnakeshome.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Creative Monday's", are hosted by Clair Justine, at 'Clairejustineoxox' (http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.com/), and Judy, at 'Judy-H-JS Thoughts' (http://judyh-jsthoughts.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/). 
 ~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies / Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
 ~ "Totally Tasty Tuesdays", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace'  (http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/).
     (taste wonderful served as a pie!)
  ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
   ~ "These Chicks Cooked Link Party", hosted by Katie L, at 'This Chick Cooks' (http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com)
  ~ "What's Cooking Wednesday('s)" (shall we say # 1 ?), are hosted by Cristi, at 'The King's Court IV' (http://www.thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/), and by  Diane, at 'Turning The Clock Back' ("one eco friendly step at a time") (http://turning-the-clock-back.blogspot.com/)).   ~ "Full Plate Thursday('s)", are hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/).     
  ~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)   
  

When should you plant what?

    Way back when (or so it seems), we had a small garden. Brian dreams of having his own large size vegetable garden. 'Someday'. It always seems to fall into the 'maybe next year' category. Sometimes due to schedules being worked. Sometimes due to other things needing to take higher priority. And sometimes it's been, because by the time we're finally able to start one, it's past the date when we should have started the plants we wanted the most.
    A few minutes ago, while browsing over what friends of mine had pinned on Pinterest, I came upon a site which helps you know when your suppose to plant what, based on where you live. Laurie Miller had pinned the site onto one of her boards. It caught my interest. So I right clicked (like Byron just taught me to do the other day :-D) and opened the 'pin' in a new tab.

    The name of the site is 'SproutRobot(R)'. Here is their web address - http://sproutrobot.com/  You enter your zip code and then click on the 'get started' button. For where we live, it says that we should start bell peppers and tomatoes indoors this week. But then, then, it not only tells you that, it offers you information on how to do so! :->  If you click on the word 'instructions' next to a plant's name (such as next to where it said tomatoes), the screen then changes to an instruction sheet, complete with drawings, showing you step by step instructions on how to get your plants started. Cool!
     Seeings how we have the directory on where to buy fresh produce (as well as Christmas trees, and find local corn mazes, etc.) in your particular area, listed down our side bar, I thought I should add this information there too ;-] .

how to keep things from boiling over

  [ At least on the stove top. Yesterday was proof that I haven't yet conquered it in the oven 8-/ ]

   Recently, as a pot of potatoes was just reaching the boiling point

   I remembered a tip I had read real recently on Tammy's blog. In THIS posting, Tammy had written, "To keep potatoes from boiling over when cooking, put a streak of butter around the pot on the inside, at the top. "
   "Hummm... I wonder if I can still add butter around the top and still have it be effective?" ... "Worth a try!"  I got a paper napkin and rubbed it on the butter sitting in the butter dish, then smeared it all the way around the top bit of the pan (just below the rim).
    My 'plan' had been to stand there and watch, to see what happened. But you know how often 'plans' go awry in my life. I ended up being called out of the room, and not returning for ten (10) minutes.
   As I reentered the kitchen, I was expecting to see quite the mess. But  I  Didn't!!! :-) This is what the boiling pan of potatoes looked like.

   Nothing had risen above that line of smeared on butter! :-D And for the record, it had not been smeared on thick enough to even see. I had just started smearing by one handle and went around the pot till I was back to where I had started, leaving no easily visible evidence that I had even been there.
    There was no mess! I was so-o-o thrilled!

    A few days later, as I was boiling up a really big batch of wide egg noodles, the potato incident came to mind and I wondered if the butter trick would work for noodles as well. "Worth a try!!"
    So using the exact same methods, I tried. I even left the burner set on high, seeings how I was trying to speed up the completion of this meal.
     And it worked!!! :-D

   I tell you folks, I am ever so grateful that Tammy shared this wonderful tip with us!!! From now on, every time I'm cooking something on top of the stove, which has the possibility of boiling over, it's going to have the inner top of it's pan buttered!!! I'm serious! I find buttering the inner top of a pan, far more enjoyable than cleaning up the over flow later!!!

    As for over flows in the oven -
    Next time I will put what I baked yesterday in a larger pan!!!   But thankfully, the mess WAS easy to clean up. I remembered Brian saying that his mom always put sheets of foil down in the bottom of her oven, before baking up a big meal. So I had tried it. Let the oven cool off. Remove the foil. Wa-la!!!

     To help keep any smoking down while the item which over flowed is still baking, HEAVILY sprinkle salt on the spill. Cuts the smoke in no time. And, if you'd forgotten to put in the foil, it crystallizes the spill, which makes it easy to scrape/scoop out later with a solid bottom, metal pancake type spatula. ;->
      

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:

  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/).
 ~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies / Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
 ~ "Totally Tasty Tuesdays", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace'  (http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/).
   ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
   ~ "These Chicks Cooked Link Party", hosted by Katie L, at 'This Chick Cooks' (http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Full Plate Thursday('s)", are hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/).  
  ~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)  
 ~ "Simply Delish Sunday('s)", are hosted by KB and Whitesnakes, at 'KB and Whitesnakes Home' (http://kbandwhitesnakeshome.blogspot.com)

hopefully Helpful tips o;-p

Seeings how I REALLY need to get to the checkbook and bills today, but yet I did promise to be more faithful about posting regularly, I decided to share this email I got from my Aunt Carol this morning. I hope it brings smiles to you as well ;-p

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES:

1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES, BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

2. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT, BY USING THE SINK. 

3. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

4. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

5. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

6. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.  While using this methodology on children is not recommended, I've 'heard' it's highly effective. o;-p

7. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.  Or, you could try Brian's dad's method of getting a bigger hammer. ;-p

Be Still and Know ...

    Today's subject matter is something which I have been thinking about / mulling over for a whole lot of years. The irony is, that the more years pass, the more the subject comes to mind. Why?  I'll get to that.
    The Bible instructs us to 'Be Still and KNOW that I am God". Yes, it is referring to how we humans have such great tendencies to get ourselves all worked up (often known as worried) over situations. We are suppose to be calm and rest in the assurance that God (not us) IS in control.
     But it is also referring to how we don't take time to communicate with God. Or more correctly, we don't bother to listen to his side of the conversation. We're real good at 'letting our requests and supplications be known' (otherwise known as praying), but we often stink at listening to his side, of seeking out His voice.
    Like I said, this is something which I have been very aware of for years. It's just that as time passes, the evidence of it is becoming more and more apparent.

     I have always liked this old hymn:
     "In The Garden"   by C. Austin Miles
     (First verse -) o/~ "I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses."
     (Chorus - ) o/~ "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there ...."  o/~

    God wants to have a relationship with us. A day by day, inter-active relationship!
    Us humans are wired such, that we really function much better, if on a regular basis, we get some 'down time'. People use to sit on their porch and relax come evening time. They sat, they relaxed, they chatted with others around them, and they took deep breathes and listened to the quiet as night settled in with it's own sounds. And often in the process of watching the stars come out, their thoughts turned to God. And in their minds and hearts, they communicated with him.
    You hear older folks talk about how they were all wired up, so they took a walk to clear their mind. In other words, while they were walking, they thought everything through again, and most often, they would start communicating with God during the process. It would be just them and God, walking and talking.

     I live near a long park where lots of people go to walk. The majority go either to walk their dogs, or for the exercise of walking (or they combine both). But seldom does it appear as though they are going to just think things over. Or, to be be still and communicate with God. How can I tell? Because of the ear phones stuck in their ears. In our high tech society, we seem to have the idea that we must always be plugged into something. Whether we be driving our vehicles, or doing our dishes, or taking a walk in the park, somehow or another, we are tuned in or plugged in to something.
    I bet that those who are walking for their health's blood pressure issues, would see a vast improvement in their blood pressure meter readings, if they unplugged while walking. Likewise, I bet couples who power walk together, would see mass improvement in their relationships, if they unplugged and slowed their pace down just a tish.
    And for what it's worth - listening to a sermon on your iPod, is NOT the same as 'walking and talking with God'!!! While it probably is better than some of the other things you could be listening to, you'd still be much better off (all the way around) if you weren't 'plugged in' at all.

(I found this pic. on line, forgot to copy the address, now can't re-find it... 8-/)

   Last Friday, my friend Sue Sch. posted something on her Face-book page, which so fits in with all of this. Sue had written, "This was from my devotions this morning." "Sit quietly in my presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in my sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me, as we walk through this day together."

    On August 2nd, on the blog 'A Holy Experience', Ann had written this near the beginning of the posting titled 'When Your Waiting for a Message from God', "A friend sends me words, says she’s been sitting outside just listening to things… bees droning over flowers…. the wind in the trees… birds up high. She’s setting her brain in a quiet place away from the link and click and whirl of the world wide web that catches everything trying to soar, and she’s just letting her “brain rewire itself to something slower, more contemplative.”  She wonders if a contemplative life suffers if we have a cyberspace life? She writes the words and I read them again and again, trying to read His answer. Is it possible for the inner ear to hear when the outer ear’s pressed up to the internet? I don’t know…  "

     Most of us don't let our kids bring iPods, to the dinner table. And we tell them to either leave their cell phones elsewhere, or to turn them off. "No phone calls or texting while at the table, and no-o, you can't leave the table to go talk to so and so".  Our reasoning? We want them to join in the conversation. We don't want them distracted by all of that other stuff.
    We get frustrated with our spouse when we're trying to talk to them and they are (or at least seem to be) paying more attention to the TV. We like their undivided attention.
    So why then don't we extend the same courtesy to God?

    "One on one with God", involves more than just taking ten minutes every morning to read a bit of scripture and offer up our prayers. That's Good. That IS important. But...

     Building a relationship with God takes time. Yes, "time" is a 'precious commodity'. But there is nothing more precious than a close relationship with God. Nope, not even holding a new born grand child. Close. ( o;-p ) But NOT as precious.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
~ "Not "Baaad" Sundays", are hosted by Danni and Derek (aka: "Sexy Nerd"), at 'Lamb Around' (http://lambaround.blogspot.com/).
~ "Soli Deo Gloria" (Latin = "For the Glory of God Alone"), is hosted by Jen, at 'Finding Heaven One Step At A Time' (http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
~ "Making A Home", hosted by Linda, at 'Linda's Lunacy' (http://lindaslunacy.blogspot.com/).
~ "Unwasted Homemaking Party('s)", are hosted by Marcie, at 'Don't Waste Your Homemaking' (http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com/).
   ~ "walk with Him Wednesdays", are hosted by Ann, at 'A Holy Experience' (http://www.aholyexperience.com/).
~  "Coffee Talk Friday('s)", hosted by Vic, at 'For The Love Of Blogs' (http://forblogs.blogspot.com).
  ~ "Inspiration Friday('s)", are hosted by Vanessa and Heather, 'At The Picket Fence' (http://www.atthepicketfence.com/).

Miscarriages = Emotional Roller-coasters

    Here recently, I have come across a whole slew of postings written by blog owners whom were currently having, or had just gone through having, a miscarriage. My heart cried for every single one of them! I know all to well what they are going through. If you too have gone through one, you do too. If you haven't, then you can (and should!) love us, try to encourage us, and keep tissues handy, but you can not fully understand. Nor would any of us whom have experienced one, ever honestly want for you to fully understand. Our vote would be that nobody ever go through such a thing again. Period.

    I tell people that I had six pregnancies in six and a half years time, out of which we were able to keep four sons (or something very similar in wording). "I had two, lost two, then had two more".
    But the truth of the matter is, I 'lost' more than two. For those two, I was three months into the pregnancies when I miscarried. The second one resulting in a D+C. Both were in a year's time span.
     But there were s-e-v-e-r-a-l other times that I also had miscarriages. Times when I missed a monthly, was experiencing all of the early stage side effects of pregnancy (that my body never seemed to realize could be 'optional') and KNEW that I was again pregnant. Each time I had called the Dr's office to set up a first check-up for that particular pregnancy, only to then start bleeding before the appointment date came around. HEAVY bleeding, with certain other symptoms, which my doctor confirmed were signs of a miscarriage. Instead of my appointment being the first pregnancy appointment, it would end up being another "yearly" type appointment, so that he could make sure everything was okay.

     But my reasoning behind writing this particular posting, is NOT to generate sympathy for myself. Honest!  My reasoning is to try and help others who themselves are experiencing one. And I would also love to be able to shed some light to the rest of you, about what it is we are going through. Why we don't seem to respond to your kind words the way you think we should. And about the depression that can follow such an experience.

    While our heart try to reassure us that it's not our own fault that we are experiencing what we are, our mind questions everything anyways. And re-questions. And casts great shadows of doubt. "How could our body do such a thing?" "What is wrong with me?" "Which activity was it that I did that I shouldn't have?!" "Is this punishment for that thing I did back when?" "So and so is trying so-o hard to get pregnant and yet my body rejects a pregnancy?!!!" And on it goes....

    People, usually with hearts in the right place, and meaning ever so well, say things that just heighten the inner turmoil.
    Things such as, "It's probably for the best, maybe the baby wasn't formed right". And our mind silently questions, "What?! You don't think I'm cape-able of loving or caring for a special needs baby?!!!"
    Or, "At least you have the other ones". And we think, "So you think I'm wrong for mourning this one?!"
    Or, "Just be thankful for the ones you have." And inside we question, "I AM!!! But does that have to mean I can't also mourn the loss of this one?!?"
    Or, "God has a reason you know." And silently we scream at them, "I KNOW THAT! But that doesn't make this easy to swallow/accept right now. It's not like you just gave me the magic cure pill you know!"
    And the list goes on.
    Almost ANY and EVERY thing, that ever so well meaning people say, our minds twist on us. Why? Because our emotions are running on overload. And whether others like to accept this as truth or not, there is actually very little that we can do to turn them off.
    "Just pray about it dear." Or, "Tis best to leave it in God's hands."
    Oh, we pray alright. Sometimes pleadingly. Sometimes angerly. Sometimes while curled into a tight wad on the floor or our bed, sobbing our eyes and hearts out. Other times while pacing the floor with our fists clamped tight. We pray. And in our inner self, we know both that God listens, and that healing takes time. We just want the magic wand thank-you very much. And NO, we are not being unrealistic! ()

    And then there is the terminology behind all of it. They claim you "lost" a baby. "No I didn't!!!" (with the "I" underlined. Several times.) " "I" didn't just sit it down someplace and forget where that was!" (And do NOT laugh at us should we say that out loud. Laughter IS good. However, after such a statement is NOT the time!)

                                                     empty cradle
                                  (I found this picture on line HERE)

    So what then should well meaning people say?  "I LOVE You! and I'm praying for you!!" Period. And then put some actions behind those words. Drop a meal, any meal, off in a cooler on their porch. Something that just needs baked in their oven or re-heated in their microwave. The rest of their family needs to eat, whether they feel like fixing something or not. And we need to eat too. And we're more likely to do so, if you made it for us. Or at the least, brought it to us. Part of that silent guilt trip stuff our mother's in-grained into us (;-p).
    Loan a good (FUNNY and romantic, not "perfect life") chick flick (that does NOT have any babies in it!), as well as sending something wondrously chocolate (at least for most of us, this helps).
    Send cards. Not necessarily the super sweet dripping from them types. Nor even necessarily the heavily verse laden type. Our hearts already know all of that. What our hearts are having challenges with, is being able to smile. Or laugh. And sometimes (to be bluntly honest), even to care (about anything else that is). Help us smile.

    Laughter really truly is the best medicine. And the old saying about "actions speaking louder than words"  is true too. So use both!
    No, I AM NOT meaning be insensitive! ! ! Don't be!!! Your grandmother has no interest in having to come back to shake her rolling pin at you!
    Just SHOW you care. Instead of stopping them at the store, or in church, or at school, or where-ever, to try and console them; rub your hand across their back and again state that you love them and are praying for them. Plain. Simple. But oh so meaningful. And really hard for our emotional mind to twist on us!

                                                   lead balloon
                                        (found this picture on line HERE)

    Another huge aspect of our emotional roller-coaster at the time, is how out of the blue, things can instantaneously hit us like lead balloons.
    Things such as: the cry of somebody else's baby. Even in a movie. Or at the store. Or in the next car over.
    Or, the sight of a multiple kid family at the park.
    Or "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments several months later at the store.
    Or certain songs. Songs such as, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus" ("I do love you Lord, and I want to see you, but are you sure?!") Or, "Cats in the cradle", amongst others.
    And no, we ourselves don't always know the "whys" behind why something "set us off". We just know it did. And we are sorry. But that doesn't mean we can switch some switch and turn the tears back off either.  If only.

    And yes, you might find us in the rocking chair, cuddling empty receiving blankets, fantasizing and crying. Your right, emotional women sometimes do weird things. (Shrug) Come sit on the floor near us and wait. Just your presence can be strengthening. And lend silent support. And show proof that you care. And love us.

    And husbands, we KNOW that lots of you handle things inwardly and don't always like to talk out your emotions. But our minds often take that silence and twist it to be that you are keeping silent, so that we don't hear your inner condemning of us for "loosing" your child. We NEED to hear that you too are hurting inside. And that all of this DOES matter to you. That as a team we WILL make it through this.
    Oh, and don't suggest trying again. Not yet. Not for awhile. If we question it, gently reassure us that there is plenty of time to think about all of that later. Down the road of life a bit.

                                           discouraged women
                                    (found this picture on line HERE)
    
    Almost all women, after a miscarriage, are challenged with discouragement. Often, others label it as "depression". But in actuality, it is just serious discouragement.  However, discouragement can grow into depression. The process there is a down ward spiral moving through anger, bitterness, the making up of excuses, and the feeling like it's "too hard on me/more than I can bear."
    Husbands, friends, do not vocalize the word depression to the grieving women. It will only feed the inner turmoil and aid the inner guilt feelings. Sometimes just hearing others say that they think you are, makes you think you are too.
    Now true, there are varying levels of discouragement. The more a women hears people saying their "well meaning comments", the more she spirals into a deeper level of it.
    Women whom have already had previous miscarriages, are far more likely to spiral faster. Especially if the events are relatively close together. 
    The longer the husband stays silent about the subject and/or distant, the quicker she spirals. That may not be "fair". But it's the way it is.

    What things then would I suggest for you TO do? 
    I mentioned sending cards. More than one. Weekly for a month would be good. Maybe even longer. Things like "I'm so lucky to have you as a friend". Or, "Thinking of you today and sending you a smile." Etc..
    I mentioned taking a meal. Not your "thing"? It's not theirs either right now. This is one of the times when a pan of pre-made frozen lasagna is actually more than "o-kay". As is pre-made frozen Mac. + Cheese. Your actions are what's most important here!
    Make sure we eat. On a daily basis. Multiple times a day. And not just "junk food". (No, this is not the same as taking us a meal.) A miscarriage can zap our physical strength as well as our emotional strength. Our emotional condition worsens if our physical condition does not start to rebound quickly. Therefore, make sure we are actually eating. Seems basic? Trust me, it's an easy thing for women to avoid doing while experiencing emotional duress. 
    I mentioned loaning movies and sending chocolate. Or take us out for a movie and chocolate dessert afterwords. However, avoid sitting to home watching TV shows, where in the end it looks like everybody lives "perfect lives" and all problems always get settled with acceptable explanations. Those only makes our life even harder to accept right now.
    While we do need to cry and "let it all out", there comes a point when the crying stops helping and instead starts hurting. It then helps the despair to grow. How do you get us to stop? Do NOT tell us to, "knock it off with the caterwauling women!" Remember, there is a good chance we might end up facing a women judge, who herself has been through a miscarriage. o;-p.
    Instead, show us your hope and let us live on that for awhile. See, all of ours seems to have vanished. Hope that after a bit, we will start feeling better. Physically. And emotionally. Hope that together we will pull through this, like we have other challenges before this. Hope that just maybe, 'the sun will come out tomorrow'.  Right now, it is like we are trying to look at life through dark shadowy glass. We KNOW that "God has his reasons", what we don't know, is how we're going to hold on till we feel that trust blossoming again.
    Get us up and moving. The longer we sit, the worse we get. If the doctor has ordered that we not be up and about for awhile, then get others moving around us. Where we can see them. And interact with them.
    If we can be up and moving, encourage us to do so. In kind, gentle, loving ways. We already KNOW, thank-you very much, that the dishes need done, and the clothes need washed, etc.. What we're unsure of is, do you still want to spend time with us? As a friend? As a husband? As a still loved family member? Take us out for ice cream. Or for a short relaxing walk (a power walk will only remind us that we have "baby fat" to lose. Whether we really do or not). Or for a drive looking at cute houses. Or what ever type of thing really hits your women's "fancy".
   Sit down with us and help us make up a "list". A "fun" or "pleasure" list. Include even the simplest of things. Then encourage us and help us to do at least two of the items off of the list, every  single  day.

                                               Daisies (hope)
                                      (found this picture on line HERE)

    My true desire is, that reading this has helped you in some way. May what I myself experienced and what I have helped others through, be found beneficial to you and others.
    If you are one of the women whom has recently (or currently) experienced a miscarriage, perhaps this gave you insight into yourself.
    Or, perhaps it is a resource you can refer others to, to help them understand you and what your going through better.
    If you are her spouse, hopefully this gave you insight into how all of this is affecting her, as well as ways you can help this women you love so deeply.  And for the record, you too have our sympathy. HONEST!!! It's just that for awhile, we need you to be our knight in shining armor like never before. In the end, we'll grow even closer to you because of it! ;->
    For the rest of you - If a friend or relative of yours goes through this, my prayer is that all of this will come to mind and that you will find the information contained herein helpful, as you help her cope. And hope.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I 'plan' on linking this posting up to:
 ~ "Saturday Sampling('s)", are hosted by Barb, at 'Half Past Kissin Time ... time to kiss again!' (http://www.halfpastkissintime.com).
 ~ "Not "Baaad" Sundays", are hosted by Danni and Derek (aka: "Sexy Nerd"), at 'Lamb Around' (http://lambaround.blogspot.com/).
~ "Soli Deo Gloria" (Latin = "For the Glory of God Alone"), is hosted by Jen, at 'Finding Heaven One Step At A Time' (http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
~ "Making A Home", hosted by Linda, at 'Linda's Lunacy' (http://lindaslunacy.blogspot.com/).
~ "Unwasted Homemaking Party('s)", are hosted by Marcie, at 'Don't Waste Your Homemaking' (http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com/).
 ~ "Gold Star Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Kristen, at 'From My Tiny Kitchen' (http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Inspired By YOU Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Ashley, at 'Eisy Morgan' (http://eisymorgan.blogspot.com/).
   ~ "walk with Him Wednesdays", are hosted by Ann, at 'A Holy Experience' (http://www.aholyexperience.com/).
~  "Coffee Talk Friday('s)", hosted by Vic, at 'For The Love Of Blogs' (http://forblogs.blogspot.com).
  ~ "Inspiration Friday('s)", are hosted by Vanessa and Heather, 'At The Picket Fence' (http://www.atthepicketfence.com/).

Our 'sign' worked! :->

   In THIS posting, I had mentioned how our neighbors had workmen working at their house. Very early Monday morning of last week, the neighbors had left. Very shortly thereafter, workmen started arriving. I'm talking arriving before 7 a.m. And they started right in pounding and talking loudly. Grumble, grumble, but tolerable.
    The neighbors were gone all week, and the workmen were there every single day. From 6:30 a.m. till usually 10p.m. or later. One day they installed all new windows. They kept working on the inside of the house by their driveway side door. And on their garage. Not sure what all they were doing.
   They had roped off the front yard and put hand made signs up, warning about lead. Yet we never saw any workers wearing masks, let alone the white suits and all which usually accompany lead pain removal. So we're curious about all of that. Especially since everything came down Saturday evening and the neighbors came home on Sunday. But then after they (the neighbors) left Monday morning, the workers again arrived, put the ribbons, etc.up, and went back to work. Before they left that afternoon, everything came down. And then went back up when they returned the next morning. In the in between time, the neighbors had been home for the evening and night. And thus it has continued on this week. I tell you, it's quite perplexing!
     During all of the work over there, the workers put new siding on the garage. We think that might be where all of our mice came from. A couple of weeks ago they had had the garage roofed. Now it's sided. In the mean time, we think it's occupants (mice) left there and moved in here. I'll be telling you more about all of that soon. (I showed our trapping technique HERE)
    But back to all of the work men.
    The first two days they were there, the temp's were in HIGH numbers, and so were the humidity levels. (So glad that both dropped!). We had windows open, appreciating any cross ventilation we could get. The problem became, that either a lot of the workers smoked, or a couple of them chain smoked. There was constantly cigarette smoke wafting into our home. :-{
     As many of you know, I have allergy induced asthma. And cigarette smoke is a definite inducer for me! :-/.  Benson has a different type of challenges with his lungs. And cigarette smoke sets his off too :-/. I did NOT want to be rude, nor aggravate the workers.... but there had to be some way to get the situation changed ....
      I thought and thought about it, and then came up with a 'plan'. Don't moan! IT worked!!! :-)
      I picked a bright yellow/goldish colored piece of paper and wrote my note on it. I stuck the note inside a page protector sheet. Then using twistie ties (like come on bags of bread) I hung the note from the railing at their the end of our porch, only two feet (if that) from their driveway.
    Here's a picture:

    Like I said, it worked!! :-D !!! :->
    Even though the temps dropped and it wouldn't have been as miserable to close our windows, we didn't have to. We never smelled cigarette smoke inside the house again.
     And we must not have ticked anybody off, because the guys were very friendly when they came and asked for access to our back yard so they could do this side of the neighbors garage. And even when we would call out that we needed to let Boo out. They'd chuckle, thank us, and request that we let them know when we take him back in.
    Once the workers stop showing up every day, I'll take the sign down. But in the mean time, I'm ever so thankful that it worked!!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Next week, I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
~ "the simple things", are hosted by Rebecca, at 'simple as that' (http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/). 
~ "True Story Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Rachel, at 'Once Upon A Miracle'  (http://tris-adventures.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Wordful Wednesday('s)" (the picture variety), are hosted by Angie, at 'Seven Clown Circus'  (http://sevenclowncircus.com)
  ~ "What I Whipped Up Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Kimmie, at 'Sugar and Dots' (http://www.sugaranddots.com). 

More Smiles and a baiting tip -

     What I posted yesterday, was titled 'Smile producers this morning'. Sometimes, it's the simplest, most basic things which can produce smiles. Yesterday afternoon and this morning held a couple more.
     One afternoon about two weeks ago, Benson and I were sitting in the living room watching something, when we spotted something shoot past under one living room window, and disappear behind the old radio. All my vertigo eyes saw, was a gray blur. Benson's eyes saw that it was a mouse. "Oh Great!" Been there, had those before. Thankfully, not very often in this house, but extremely frequently in one of our previous homes.
     I had told Brian about it, so last week Friday night, we had stopped in at Menard's(R) hoping to pick up mouse traps, amongst a couple of other items. Mouse traps are a basic kind of thing that you should be able to pick up at any 'ole hardware type of store, right? That's what we had thought. Man were we surprised to learn that they don't currently carry the good 'ole wood based, metal spring type of mouse traps, pictured below.

       Don't get me wrong, they did carry mouse killing products. They had a couple of different type of non-reusable enclosed traps, at $3 something each. And they carried a variety of what some deem the 'more humane' glue strips. As well as a large variety of mouse poison pellets. But they had not a single old wood based, metal spring style mouse trap. Nor did they have a space for them on the large end cap, where the rest of the products were available. Weird!
    My 'two cents worth' is, that I don't want to spend over $3 dollars just to kill a mouse. That if a mouse is dumb enough to enter my home, I want it killed, not making a racket due to being stuck to a glue strip. And I would rather find the mouse dead, connected to the wooden base, than randomly laying keeled over someplace, once the poison pellets it ate took effect.
     By the way, what is 'humane' about trapping a live mouse on a glue strip?!? Are you really suppose to somehow pick the live mouse with the attached glue strip up, take it out side, peel it free from the strip, wash it's feet off, and then let it go free? Really?!?!?!!! With out getting bit? And once free, can you also get the mouse to sign a contract to not again enter your home (or your neighbors), once it again starts the cold rains? I mean come on. It had the audacity to enter my home, thereby signing away it's right to life in my book. Mice are only cute in Disney type movies people!
     And a quick story (HONEST! o;-p) about the poison pellets. This story took place one of the times that we were doing food at our church's lodge over the course of a weekend, for some retreat. We had been in the lodge the night before, cooking and serving food. When I got there the next morning, there was the mouse we had had glimpses of a couple of times, laying dead on the floor, a few inches in front of the stove. It looked like it had been sniffing along and then just keeled over. Oh my goodness! "Ummm Brian... did you hear any complaints about what we served yesterday?"  "No-o, why?" "Come take a look at this...." He got rid of the carcass, and we silently kept our ears peeled to see if any one talked about having gotten sick. . . . .
     At church the NEXT weekend, the guy who is overseer for the lodge came up to Brian, questioning if we had seen many mice. He had gone in the week before and put out some poison.... He found Brian's tale HILARIOUS!!!! But then apologized profusely to me....  I did find the coinsidence yet another sign of God's sense of humorus timing.

    Any-ways, back to the mouse currently in our house.
    I think it was very early Thursday morning, I had gotten up to use the bathroom. As I started back through the dining room, I glanced over at Boo's water and food bowls. This is a normal thing for me to do. He often empties his bowl late at night, and I have found it best to just check it periodically. There, sitting behind the bowls, was a mouse. I had startled it as much as it startled me. Just wasn't planning on seeing a mouse sitting there. I didn't scream. Don't know that I ever have over mice. Not even the time that one ran up the length of my sleeping bag with me inside of it, at camp that one year... didn't want to wake my campers!!!
    The mouse behind Boo's bowl, took off behind the hutch and I made a mental note that we HAD to get traps, and to set them behind the radio and the hutch.
     Yesterday afternoon we went to Meijer's(R). Sure enough, they had the right kind of traps. :-) (Thank-you Benson for finding them!)
      After my nap, I set them. Not two hours later, I heard the one in the dining room go off. Boo's head snapped up! Daisy headed in to investigate. Sure enough. We had caught one. :-D (Brent, thank-you for emptying it for me. ;->)
      Later, I reset it. Immediately after getting up this morning, I checked both. Both are full :-D. Our arrangement is, that I set them and Brian empties them. So tonight we shall both due our respective duties and try again. I sent out the party invite to all spiders and bugs - guess I should have listed mice as well. ;-p

      Thought some of you might be interested in my highly efficient, even if left sitting for months, trap baiting tip.
      Good 'ole Nestle(R) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Honest!

                          (click on the picture if you need to, to see it clearer)

     Just wedge a chip in under the teeth part of the trap. The mouse gets confident nibbling on the top, wants more, then BANG! S-e-l-d-o-m are they able to eat the whole thing with out the trap nailing them. ;->  And unlike cheese, the chocolate chip is still enticing a couple of months down the road, should it turn out you've caught all the ones currently in your home and you leave it set 'just in case'.  And unlike peanut butter, the chips don't leave a mess on the board, so unless the mouse does, you can keep reusing the traps. :->

    Yup, you NEVER know what I'll come up with to post about, huh?  o;-p
 

STRAWBERRY Muffins :->

    Last week Monday, Kate came over and we did some baking. This time*, one of the things we chose to try, was these Strawberry Cupcakes I had stumbled across the recipe to on-line. As I just went back to the site that I found them on, so as I could give proper credit where credit is due, I also discovered that this recipe has been hopping around the internet via quite a trail of people whom have posted it. Each one tweaking it to their own style in some manner.
    Annie, of 'Annie's Home' had posted it HERE on June 13th. Annie's is where I had found it. She had found the recipe at Mags, 'The Other Side of Fifty', when she had posted it HERE.  Mags had stated, that she had found the recipe at Cathy's 'Noble Pig' blog, when Cathy had posted it HERE. Cathy shared that she had found the recipe on the blog 'Culinary Wannabe', when it's owner had posted it HERE. 'Culinary Wannabe' shared that she had found the recipe on the side of her yogurt container. She had also shared that she had skeptically tried them, thinking they would be very healthy due to being made with both whole wheat and yogurt.
    By the time I found the recipe, it no longer contained yogurt. And by the time we finished with them, they no longer contained whole wheat. Nor were the ingredients used in them, the 'low fat' variety that most of the earlier blogs had stated they used. But you know what, whether we should have been or not, we were okay with that. o;-p The only other thing that I'm going to say is, they were/are such moist yumminess!!!!

    About the "*" by the "this time" in the first paragraph. Kate is leaving this area near the end of July. She is headed to a medical college east of here, to become a doctor.  In the mean time, we are going to do some fun cooking/baking times together. :-D
    I have so GOT to get over this 'Ms. Vertigo' period of my life. First Amanda had headed off to and then stayed in part of Indiana. Then Byron had headed off to and ended up staying in part of Illinois. And now Kate is headed off, yet another direction. ALL of them at least 3 1/2 hours from here!! Mercy! I need to stop being 'Ms. Vertigo' and get o/~ "On the road again ... "baking goodies with my friends" (o;-p)" o/~

    Per Reva's request, it's pictures first and then the recipe. :->  And for what it's worth Reva, Kate says she is VERY glad that you have requested I do it this style. ;->

    Measure the amount of sugar you are using (as in, if you are making a single recipe, or tripling it like we did) into your mixing bowl, set the required amount of butter on top, and microwave it to melt the butter.

    Blend the sugar and butter together thourally. Add the vanilla, eggs (remembering to break the yolks with the side of the shell, so they are ever so much easier to blend in), and then the sour cream. Mix/blend everything thourally.

     Dump half of your required amount of flour onto the mixture in the bowl. Add ALL of the baking soda, placing it on top of the not yet mixed in flour, in approximately the middle of the flour. Gently sort of blend the flour and baking soda together first, before then blending them in with the rest of the already mixed together ingredients.

    Add the rest of the flour and blend well.
    It's time to cut up your fresh strawberries (although this winter I will most likely be trying this recipe using frozen strawberries).  First thing you do is cut off the stems.
     Secondly, you thinly slice them one direction.

      Then, as though your starting all over, thinly slice them the other direction, thus creating nice little chunks.

       Dump the chopped up strawberries on top of the mixture in the mixing bowl.

       Have Kate start blending it all together ;->

       She did a good job - doesn't this look yummy?  It was, we h-a-d to try a spoon (or two o;-p) full.

       Lots of people use papers to bake their muffins in. I use them for cupcakes, but not for muffins.  Instead, I just spray the muffin pans extra heavily... Look closely (you might need to click on the picture to see it better), see how the six cups on the right have a white coating on them, but the ones on the left don't? Just trying to show you what I mean by 'spray your muffin cups heavily'. ( <-- Bonus tip there ;->)

       Yes, I did spray the rest of the cups before we put batter in them.

       After they have been out of the oven for about five minutes, ever - so -gently - with either your finger tips of a super thin knife, pop the muffins up out of the pans, then put them back in on their sides, to cool completely. Or, you could set them on wire racks.

        We 'sacrificed' and tried them rather fresh from the oven, topped with butter, that melted right down into them. Our vote? Yummy!   We tried them a couple hours later, after they had cooled. Still Yummy!!  And I have just tried some, straight out of Tupperware(R), which had been in the refrigerator.... Still Yummy!!! :-D

     And now, with out further ado, our version of the
             Strawberry Muffins
                     recipe adapted by Cheryl B. and Kate F.
        This is a tripe batch recipe - it made 1 shy of 3 and 1/2 dozen muffins.

    1 1/2 cups White Sugar
     2 cups Butter*
     3 teaspoons Vanilla
     6 Large Eggs
     3 cups Sour Cream
     6 cups Regular White Flour
     4 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
     3 to 5 cups small chunks of Fresh Strawberries
               (depending on whether you like LOTS of fruit in your muffins or not. We do!)

    *Butter = turned out there was a slight miscalculation in figuring out how much butter to add - a stick equals HOW much?  For the record, one stick of margarine or butter equals 1/2 cup. So one solid block of butter from GFS = 2 cups.  Tripling the recipe should have meant we would add 3/4 cups, or one and one half sticks. Two whole sticks were added. In the end, it turned out to be a good thing though, because the batter itself was very thick and sticky... and would have been all the more so with less butter.

       Mix your ingredients together in this order - sugar and butter; then add your vanilla; then your eggs and sour cream; then half of your flour and the baking soda; then the rest of the flour; then add the strawberries; making sure you mix/blend in every addition thourally.

     HEAVILY spray your muffin cups with pan coating spray, before filling them 3/4ths of the way full.
      Bake in a preheated 375 degrees oven for 18 to 20 minutes -
                   until tops are golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

      Five minutes after removing them from the oven, pop them out of their cups.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
  I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to: 
~ "Recipe Swap Sunday('s)" are hosted by Cassity, at 'Remodelacholic' (http://www.remodelaholic.com)
~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven' (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/).
~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies - Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/) 
~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace' (http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com).
~ "Recipe Swap Thursday('s)", hosted by Alison, at 'Prairie Story' (http://prairiestory.blogspot.com/) 
~ "Full Plate Thursday('s)", hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/)
 ~  "Foodie Friday('s)" (# 1),  hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum'  (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)
~ "Foodie Friday('s)" (#2), are hosted by Bianca, at 'Little Brick Ranch' (http://www.littlebrickranch.com/)

Late addition('s):
~ "These Chicks Cooked", hosted by Katie, at 'This Chick Cooks' (http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com/)
~ "Fresh Food Friday and Seasonal Saturday('s)", are hosted by Roz, at 'la bella vita' ( http://bellavita-bellasblog.blogspot.com/)