Leftovertopia

We've got leftovers.  And leftovers of leftovers.  First the remnants of two turkeys -- one an eighteen pounder, another twenty-five pounds.  Then about half the mashed potatoes from thirty pounds of 'taters, which we purposely saved for the traditional Thanksgiving Friday potato cheese soup.  And the rest of the stuffin' and four or five pies.  Then the turkey soup I made with half the turkey.  And the rest of the potato cheese soup....

And the big boys are all at school (or off in their own little corners leading their semi-starved lives).  And us girls left at home...  We don't eat that much.  And there's no more room in the freezers -- either one of them.  What's a mom to do? 

Maybe it's time to raise piggies again...

The curly-tailed variety.

Laundry

There has always been something deeply satisfying to me about doing laundry. Though I may tease about it, I don't really mind that it's such an unending chore. The rhythm and repetition of it are more meditative to me than dull.

I love folding, for instance. When I was a teenager, I worked in a card shop that had a whole wall of t-shirts. I was more than a tad worried when, being the newby, I was assigned that quarter of the store on my very first day. (Wasn't that nice of them?) But, not to worry, a sweet Korean co-worker taught me how to fold those shirts in one, fluid, coordinated motion, ending in perfect, smooth, uniform rectangles every time. That wall-o-shirts was never out of order on my watch once I learned. I loved the action of the folding and the satisfaction of the order.

Still do.

And ironing. Call me crazy, but I love ironing. I love to take a basket of my husband's crinkled, twisted work shirts and my daughters' tangled church dresses and transform them to smooth perfection. I love the sound of the steamer on my iron with its helpful little kapuff of moisure. I love watching the point of my iron nosing away the wrinkles. And spray starch. Don't even get me started on the wonders of spray starch. If I could only take the wrinkles out of my life as easily as I can get them out of clothes, it'd be a perfect world!

Then there's wash-hanging time, when the world is almost perfect for me: Spring is here, the sun is warm, the breeze is light, the meadowlarks are singing... I have a basket (or two, or three) of wet clothes, a beautiful afternoon, and a cute little helper (or two, or three) to take care of it all.

One of my earliest memories is of helping my grandmother hang out her wash. She had a long, long line, like the one in the Dixie Selden painting (left), complete with the tall stick propping up the sagging middle. It was my job to hand her clothes from the basket and pick up clothespins that had fallen on the ground. It was an honor to be asked to help, and I can remember as clearly as if it were yesterday, my grandmother meticulously folding and pressing the creases into my grandfather's pants with her hands and carefully hanging them so the pins wouldn't leave marks. She hung all the cotton shirts upside down, placing the pins on the seams, again, to avoid leaving pin marks. All the towels were hung together; all the washcloths were hung together. Whites together, colors together. It made it easier to gather, fold and put away that way. I would stand holding the next item to be hung, waiting for my grandmother to take it, watching her concentration. She lived in that moment to do that task as well as she could, and she didn't mind a bit. It was her job and her joy to serve her family.

Like my grandmother, I fold most of my clothes as I take them from the line (barring an emergency rainstorm clothing evacuation), saving only socks, underthings, and an ironing pile for later. I let the little girls take turns helping just like my grandmother let her granddaughters, teaching them, bit by bit, how to hang the wash, from the easiest washcloths up to the most complicated knit shirts. (You have to be careful with them, as the pins will stretch them oddly.) I leave my clothespins to bleach to grey on the lines just as my grandmother did. I watch the sky for rain clouds, ready to run, but I'm never very sorry when the wash occasionally gets a finishing rinse from God before a final prairie wind drying. Everything smells so good, just like when I was a little girl at my grandmother's house. Fresh and clean. And I always feel a little fresher and cleaner for the airing out, too.

Laundry is a job, one of many, heaven knows. But, it's one I don't mind, maybe because it has so many happy associations. And it has to be done, regardless. My family might rather I were a gourmet cook or a better math teacher, but my heart's in the laundry basket.

Lisa's Laundry List

of "Secrets"

• Mrs. Stewart's Blueing for dingey whites.


• Be very careful about using bleach, as it can damage the integrity of your clothes if too much is used or if not rinsed thoroughly. (This is an elegant way of saying: Look out! Too much bleach can eat out the toes of your socks!)


• Go here for very useful washing tips, including cold vs. warm vs. hot water use.


• For very wrinkled clothes (that a tumble in the drier can't fix), dampen the entire article of clothing with a spray bottle before ironing.


• Iron button-down shirts on the square end of your ironing board, placing the whole inside shoulder on the right angle. Much quicker and easier. Use the pointy end of the board for the top of pants and the inside of upper sleeves and collars.


• To iron tablecloths: Spread a blanket over your dining room table, dampen the tablecloth and iron on the table. Alternatively, you can often just dampen the tablecloth and smooth it with your hands to dry on the table (Of course only if it's a table whose finish will not be ruined by doing this...).


• Never underestimate how careful you have to be with the iron and ironing board (a personal worry of mine...). My little sister pulled an iron down, right over her poor little nose when she was just a toddler ~ and in just the space of time it took my mom to turn around and pick up something. I only iron in my room with the door closed and put the hot iron up on the top of my closet shelf to cool off after I unplug it.(See the following You-Tube post for more reasons to be careful...) * Can you see, btw, how this really, really good reason to shut myself up alone in my room might cause me to appreciate ironing??


• My all purpose stain removal trick is a dab of stain stick (pretty much any variety) or liquid detergent and a bit of Oxiclean rubbed in before washing (Hate to be a commercial, but it really does work!). But, if the stain's too tough for this product, or you want a ton of options, go here.


• Knit shirts (and even sweaters that are not too "stretchy") can be hung on the clothesline by hanging them in half, longways, over the line. I try to avoid putting pins in them at all, so don't do it on a windy day. And I don't try it with my husband's best shirts, but it works especially well with the Littles' polo shirts and cardigans that can't be hung by the bottom seams.


• It takes a little longer to dry, but I hang my big towels in half over the line to keep them "square." Hand towels and washcloths work fine being hung by their ends.


• Matching socks as they are hung saves a lot of trouble later.


• We throw our "odd socks" in an old pillow case hung by the washing machine and every so often have a sock matching party, with all the children spread out in front of a movie, matching socks. It's fun to put a basket at the far end of the room for them to try to pitch the matches in as they make them. We serve cheese and popcorn. It's an event. &:o)


• Save the hopelessly unmatched orphan socks to make some of these... Or one of these... Or if that doesn't appeal, go here for lots of ideas!

Now, quick, grab your laundry basket and run over to Footprints on the Fridge for lots of laundry wisdom and know-how at the Simply Lovely Fair. Starting Friday Colleen will be hosting the latest installment ~ the Splendor of Spring Fair: Simply Lovely Laundry.

Tidying Up Before Easter

A Housecleaning Retreat


This is what I'm going to do:

* Start off by saying the Prayer to St. Anne, Patroness of Homemakers

Dear Saint Anne, we know so little about you except for your name. But you gave us the Mother of God who called herself the handmaiden of the Lord. In your home you raised the Queen of Heaven and are rightly the model of homemakers. In your womb came to dwell the new Eve, uniquely conceived without sin. Intercede for us the we too may remain free from sin and from the temptations of sin.

Guide and help us in our daily tasks. Help us to find satisfaction and gain grace in our vocations as homemakers.

* Then, I'm going to put on my apron, roll up my sleeves and have at the list, praying before I begin each project and trying my best to meditate while I work.

Here's my list:

Deep Clean the Kitchen

* Get down on my knees, really clean the floor; scrub the baseboards under the cabinets.

Dear Lord, when you knelt to wash the feet of your disciples, you taught us that much of humility is learning joy in service to others ~ and so serving You. Help me to remember that even the lowliest task I do for my family, if done out of love, is a task done for You.

* Clean the refrigerator, inside and out; likewise the pantry and cupboards.

Help me to be grateful, Lord, for the blessings I take for granted, the roof over over our heads, the food on our table, the bounty of the country we live in. Please help me always to remember those who are less fortunate ~ in my prayers, but also by any practical works of charity I can do for them.

* Clean the oven and stovetop.

The debris that collects in this oven over time is like the debris left in my soul from sin. Help me, Divine Paraclete, to be faithful about the Sacrament of Confession. Help me to be diligent every evening about my examination of conscience and sincere Act of Contrition.



Clean the Living Room and Dining Room

* Dust all the wooden surfaces; use oil soap to really scrub the dining room table and chairs.

At the Last Supper, Dear Lord, You gathered your twelve disciples around You at a dinner table where you offered the first Mass, an example and a foreshadowing of the most important event of human history, your sacrifice and death on Calvary. Whenever I prepare and serve a meal at our family table, help me to remember, Lord, that Holy Thursday. Help me to unite the sacrifices I have to make in my daily life with your Great Sacrifice.

* Sweep, mop, vacuum.

Dear Mother of Jesus' home in Nazareth, I offer the mundane chores of my day to you toward the needs you see most fit. Please use my poor prayers to sweep away someone's pain, to wash away apathy in some hardened heart, to clean away hatred or despair from some suffering soul.



Deep Clean the Bathrooms

* Scrub, scour, disinfect.

To the dear Immaculate Heart of Mary I offer this unpleasant but necessary task for an increase in the love of purity in our world. Please, most especially, save the innocence of our young.



Clean the Bedrooms

* Pick up all the toys, dirty clothes, flotsam and jetsam from the children's rooms.

Help me, St. Anne, Grandmother of Jesus, to show my children the patience I want Our Heavenly Father to show me for my own faults of carelessness, laziness, and lack of consideration. Help me to be instructed as I instruct my children.

* Organize and declutter the master bedroom.

Dear Lord, who taught us at the Wedding at Cana how You value the married state, help me to keep uppermost in my mind the true meaning of my marriage vows. Teach me how to best help my spouse reach your side, where together we can lead our family.

Laundry

* Wash all sheets, blankets, etc. Get entirely caught up. Iron what is needed to be ironed.

I offer up to You, Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament, this service to my home and family, remembering the linens in which You were wrapped at your death. Help me to remember that last service the Holy Women helped your Mother perform and to offer all my duties as if You were here sharing their fruits with my family.

Tidy up Outside

* Park all the bikes, pick up trash, rake, arrange the lawn furniture neatly.

Dear St. Joseph, model of responsibility, show me how to be truly grateful for my husband's sacrifice and hard work for our family. Help me never to take for granted this home that he has provided, and for the many things he makes possible for us. I beg you to intercede for graces on my husband's behalf, that he always be blessed with your strength, perserverance and wisdom.

** My Friend, Diane, and her mom mark their rubber gloves with "JMJ" or with the names of saints to help keep them focused during their cleaning duties. Isn't that a great idea?

**Make sure to visit Under Her Starry Mantle for Tuesdays with Saint Anne

Loveliness Fairs 2008

Footprints on the Fridge has been sponsoring a series of fairs where we can share with one another our ideas and inspirations for filling our homes and lives with simple loveliness, in the simplicity and loveliness of our Faith.

The theme I get to host here is:

Simply Lovely

Sacred Spaces

The question is:

"Where do you go in your home when you need to think, pray, reflect? How can we create Sacred Spaces in our homes arranging areas and things to reflect the presence of God? Let's use what we already have to beautify a space for prayer and reflection and then share those ideas."

The concept of the "domestic church" is one that's always been near and dear to my heart, so I jumped at the chance to provide the space for this fair. Picture it a soft spring morning here at the AWTY fairgrounds. Empty booths range around the grassy fields, banners and penants flutter in the breeze. The crowd is beginning to trickle in... Will you help me fill up the booths with your ideas?

What things have you already done to beautify your home in the spirit of the Catholic Faith? What would you like to do? How does your family honor the Holy Family, the saints, the liturgical year through little reminders in your home? Do you have a quiet spot where you can slip away to pray? Do you have special decorations you use for the holidays, most especially for Easter, since this is our iminent celebration? Do you use color or music in a special way? How do you help to make your home a visual prayer for your family? Old or new posts, all are welcome! Please share the wealth of your ideas!

Leave me a note any time this week and I'll add your link to my Simply Lovely Events Calendar. Or just leave your inspirations in the comments box! I'll be posting everything a week from Wednesday, March 12th.

I'll also be taking pictures of our "domestic church" here at the old farmhouse and posting on what those words mean to us. I'm so looking forward to wandering through the booths with you!

A Place for Everything...

Hoping that everything stays in its place!

I was going to post the "before" picture of this cupboard, but it was just too embarassing... This old cupboard we inherited from an outbuilding in a former house. We think it started its life in an old general store or somesuch, probably around the turn of the 20th century, but I'm afraid its antique pedigree has received little respect. After its many years storing tools in an antique dealer's shed, we brought it out to the farm and used it to store dairy supplies in our milking barn.

It's only taken ten or fifteen years for us to realize that the solution to our school supply organization problem has been right under our noses all the time. We've only just been able to eradicate the smell of iodine from it (from our kidding supplies), and we still need to finish painting and repairing it. The whole top of it needs to be replaced, as one corner has been broken off. But, I want to do that right and am waiting until I can get a good thick piece of hardwood to stain for it. I couldn't wait to put it into use, though, finished or not...

And here everything is, organized and labeled. The left side is for general use, the right side is my stuff.

=sigh= Storage. I dream of storage space. I live for storage space.

This is what happens...

...when you put kettle on for tay,

and forget about it.

Poor ivy teapot.

Good riddance to the old burner.

Perhaps now maybe I can get my good old stove (which is sadly languishing in the cold, cold barn) hooked up and running again, dear, dear husband??

See what happened over at Julie's house when she burned up her stove?

I can now add "firefighter" to my resume, just like Julie.

Maybe now I can add my gas range with the lovely griddle back into my kitchen?

The Wall, the Cake, The Cake, the Wall

Or

"What We Did December 27th,

After We Cleaned Up All

the Wrapping Paper and Bows

Off the Floor"

The Cake








The Wall























Engineering of the arch construction courtesy of our oldest son, Paul, the man who can do anything. Muscle work on the wall, proudly accomplished by Kevin, Paul, and Dominic, who can do anything resembling grunt work.* Electrical work, all by Daddy, the only one brave enough to mess with electrical.
Engineering on the cake, courtesy of Grandpa, the other man who can do anything. Muscle work on the cake happily accomplished by Michelle and Jonathan, who can do anything that enables them to lick frosting.*
Enchilada dinner after all the work was over, courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa, who do way too much!
And I had a very important job: I swept and chased little ones out of the construction zone all day.
Pictures and slideshow courtesy of son #5, Dominic, the man who aspires to ... Well, he says to say he just aspires.

It is unbelievable how this project (the carpentry, not the cake) opened up our little house.
Visually it added an enormous amount of square footage! But, now that we've removed the wall, I need to replace the kitchen floor, and if I replace the kitchen floor, I need to replace the dining room floor adjoining it, and if I replace both floors, well, I'm gonna have to have some new coordinating counters. And, then, of course I'll need to get new cabinets because the old ones will look awful up against all the new stuff... And, a new refrigerator, too, just because we need one anyway. And, oh! I've always wanted a trash compactor! I bet we could fit one in if we fill in that old doorway and extend the counter all the way to the wall...
And, I'm stopping now, because my husband is looking over my shoulder and making grunting noises...

Really, I'll be happy with the archway trimmed out. And a new kitchen floor. And it wouldn't cost that much to extend the counter down, would it? Alright, alright, alright. I'm stopping. Really. I don't covet anything else at all. Honest. Cross my heart.

Didn't the cat cake turn out cute? Did you see how it matches the painting Grandpa made for Theresa's birthday? We don't do anything the easy way around here, but it always turns out interesting!
Also, enquiring minds want to know: Do you think it would have made for a better slideshow if it had been made to Pink Floyd's The Wall?
*I'm kidding; they really are all amazingly multitalented.

Things We Love to Use...

Rocks in My Dryer hosts a wonderful fair (carnival, whatever) every Wednesday called Works For Me Wednesday. It's a great place, if you're not already familiar with it, to find tips on just about every topic under the sun. I could spend all day following the leads from there every week! This is my first attempt to add my two cents to the fun.

You'll find me there under "Lisa ~momof11," or something like that. I messed up my link information (I'm a real genius at these things!), and then I couldn't figure out how to go back and fix it...

Anyway, if you're starting from here, pop over and see what you can learn. If you started there and found me here, Welcome! And it's a miracle you clicked on me, considering... &:o)

Following is a short list of some of the things we really appreciate. I'm concentrating on appliances (big and small) this time. Admittedly, none of these products is absolutely perfect and completely without drawback of some kind. But, we find they function well for us, which is saying a lot, considering everything we use... well, it gets used A LOT!

On weekends, our coffee pot is cycled through at least 2 to 3 times a day (If they made as good coffee as the maker we have, I'd consider getting one of those industrial, large-gathering percolators like they have at church, just to handle the sheer volume)

Our washer and dryer are in constant use, Monday through Thursday (As a rule, I don't do laundry on weekends...). When the boys are home on holidays, I run at least four loads a day. Big loads.

Our stove has to be able to handle large pots and skillets, and have at least enough space for four jelly roll pans in the oven ~ or one 24 pound turkey, and then some. Not that we use up all that space on our range at all times, but we do upon occasion, especially during the holidays.

Anyway, here's a shortlist. I'm sure I'll think of more, but here's a start:

We love our programmable Cuisinart grinder/coffee maker. It makes good stuff and is easy to use, if a little awkward to clean up.
You can set it up for morning coffee the night before if you have a techno-person available who remembers how to program the silly thing. The carafe on this model is awesome; it keeps coffee hot for an eon. We wish it held more, but you can't have everything. We love the quality of the coffee this maker produces, though. Coffee flavor is a very personal thing, I know, but, one thing we've discovered ~ you can't beat freshly ground beans!


We've also been very pleased with our front-loading Maytag washing machine. It really has saved on water, and also has a "max extract" setting that wrings things amazingly dry, thus saving on drying time, as well. Ours is very large capacity, too, so works well for comforters or 20 pairs of dirty jeans during camping season. Ideal for large families all the way around. Economical, efficient.

As is our dryer, though I couldn't get a picture of it to print on here, but I love it, too, as it's humongous, and does an excellent job. It's not a twin to our washer, as that's just not something that's important to me. Nobody sees my laundry room but me, and I'm more interested in performance than having a matched pair. Anyway, we have a large capacity Whirlpool "accudry," that has settings for jeans and towels. It's so big, I keep a raquetball raquet next to the drier to reach into the back to pull clothes out!


After about a year of trying to cook on an apartment size stove when we first moved into this house (I'm talking itty-bitty stove!) , this range with the wonderful griddle in the middle (Though this pic doesn't actually show one), was like a gift from Heaven. I like having the broiler in the bottom, separate from the stove, so I can brown garlic bread, while I bake lasagna, for instance. Or broil fish, while I bake bread. We use the griddle practically every day. It cleans up easily and comes in handy for tons of stuff. And the large oval burner underneath the griddle is ideal for large canning pots, or vats of mashed potatoes.

There are larger, industrial ranges and double ovens that I dream about, but for the money, this GE range has fit the bill very nicely.


Coming Soon: Our favorite foods to feed a crowd.