Keep Me Sweet

Amid the duties of today, In all I think or do or say,

Whether I work or rest or pray – Lord, keep me sweet at home.

When pressing duties claim my care,

And I seem needed everywhere, Then tune my heart to praise and prayer

And keep me sweet at home.

No matter what the day may bring, Or night, I pray in everything My life may glorify my King

Especially at home! - Mrs. Fletcher Ford

Mother

to

Mother July 2011

Page 2

Hello, friends… He Answered Prayer!

He answered prayer!

Not in the way I sought: Not in the way I had thought He ought,

But in His own good way; and I could see He answered in the fashion best for me: And I was glad that I had such a share In His parental love and gracious care,

That thus He answered prayer.

He answered prayer!

But not in my brief hour: I looked to see the fruit ere yet the flower

Had shed its gales of sweetness o’er my path!

But I have learned that the slowest blossoms yield The choicest fruit; and so I leave them there

Upon the boughs, assured that they will bear In time my answered prayer.

He answered prayer! So sweetly that I stand

Amid the blessing of His wondrous Hand, And marvel at the miracle I see,

The fashion that His love has wrought for me.

Pray on for the impossible and dare, Upon thy banner this brave motto bear:

“My Father answers prayer!” - Author Unknown

This poem came to mind as I pondered the disappointments and grief that

have come to some of our family and acquaintances recently – the loss of a second

premature baby, the serious illnesses of several children, the loss of a husband and

daddy… and others. And probably some of you are facing disappointments and trials

of your own. Though we do not understand, it is reassuring to remember that God is

in control and will answer our cries for help in His own perfect time and way.

Thank-you for your response again this month. God bless and keep you!

Glenn & Mary Beth Martin

595 Skyline Trail

Chester, MA 01011

Phone & Fax: (413) 354-7860

Email: richlyblest@live.com

Page 3

You Ask, You Answer…

I’ve found that a daily dose of Vitamin B6 helps me. It is not a cure-all,

but seems to keep things a little more manageable. What may work for

you might be something else, though, because it seems there’s no one-

size-fits-all when dealing with morning (or all day!) sickness.

A help for your mental attitude (which I found to really help me) is

having a really cute picture of a baby to look at often. I found myself

frequently gazing at a birth announcement we received and it was the

reminder I needed that this unpleasantness is worth it in the end!

Would someone be willing to fry several pounds of hamburger for

you and then you can use it in casseroles, etc. as you need it? Don’t try

to do all the laundry in one day unless you have plenty of help. And rest

all you can – you have a good reason to! - Ohio

Morning sickness! And it seems like it will never go away when you’re

right in it! I’m a grandma now, but the memory of those days is vivid.

We were pioneer missionaries with responsibility to cook, not only for our

family but for other single youth. The first five pregnancies I struggled

through, often needing to visit the little house in the yard four or five

times during meal preparation and serving. During the weeks when

morning sickness was the worst I’d try to begin meal preparation early in

the day so I could have time to take a mid-morning nap. I was thankful

that my mother had advised me that only two things are necessary:

food and clean clothes.

Then at the beginning of my sixth pregnancy my midwife, also a

pioneer missionary, suggested that I eat some protein food every hour.

She said our bodies produce more blood during the early months so we

need more protein. I tried it and what a big difference it made. No, the

nausea didn’t completely leave me but for the last three pregnancies I

seldom visited the little house. I kept boiled eggs on hand, lunch meat,

cheese, etc. I found it important to eat every hour to keep me on top

of the nausea. I hope this will be a little help to you, but realize too that

what works for one person isn’t always the answer for another. - Belize

Question : I would like to hear what other mothers have found

helpful in dealing with morning sickness. What kind of schedule helps

get the basics done when you are tired and don't feel well, and food

still needs to be made? Also any tips on dealing with nausea and

tiredness would be helpful.

Page 4

Keep on keeping on! Count your “blessings” of enjoying this part of

motherhood! We have it so easy with so many things handy. Make the

best of it – this too shall pass.

Make double batches of food when you feel up to it. Your family

will have something to eat even if you don’t enjoy it the second time

around! Rest when the little ones do. Six small meals a day may work

better than the normal three – remembering you need protein, not

sugar. Wheat crackers with peanut butter and chocolate milk or yogurt

with granola sprinkles worked well for the mini meals.

Staying on schedule with cleaning and wash days is important.

Thinking “I’ll feel better tomorrow” and then having work doubling

made it worse! - Pennsylvania

If your husband is agreed, pack his lunch the night before so you can

use that extra half hour in the morning for sleeping. Keeping crackers by

your bedside to munch on before you get up and get going helps. Use

simple recipes that can go into the crock pot, then set the crock pot in

the garage for the cooking time. Don’t feel guilty using your dryer or

napping while the children nap. Don’t feel guilty when you come to the

end of the day and feel you have nothing to show for. Sometimes when

you least feel like doing it, getting out of your house and thinking about

something different (and smelling something different too!) does have

a way of revitalizing you! - Texas

I have found for myself, it seems in the morning before we ate breakfast

was when I was feeling the worst. When I got up, one of the first things I

did was drink a glass of Fiberwise (Melaleuca product). It would be

similar to Metamucil or Benefiber. Fiberwise has a lot more herbs,

vitamins and antioxidants than the others, though. It seemed to help a

lot with constipation and kept me going whenever I was really hungry. - Ohio

My mother had 13 children and she often told me not to drink too much

in the first 3 months, as that adds to the sickness. Eat cheese, cottage

cheese, crackers, etc. and avoid the sweet stuff. I’ve had 6 children

myself and it works. Just don’t try to outdo everyone else; only do the

basics and rest a lot. When I had a good day or part of one, I’d fry up 6

lbs. or so of ground beef and freeze it. If your children are old enough,

let them do it. Try not to make food when you’re at your hungriest. In

other words, make supper as soon as you’re up from your nap. Eat an

apple first, then cook. Hope you can find some help as it can be very

miserable. Keep your chin up! - Kentucky

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You are not alone; I too struggle to enjoy this time of motherhood. Do

you have a friend who is perhaps in the same shoes you are?

Sometimes just talking about it helps. During the worst of it, my mother

would call almost every day just to say hi. Even if it was only 5 minutes,

that phone call brightened my morning and helped me think about

something else for awhile.

I also found some relief from nausea by taking capsuled ginger.

Ask your doctor first if it’s safe for you.

As for meals, I am blessed to have a husband who enjoys grilling

or fixing something easy like ramen noodles and cheese sandwiches.

Or make large casseroles and freeze extras for days when it’s extra

bad. My husband also did his best to help out when and where he

could in the neglected housework.

As for being tired and exhausted, any nap helps, even if it’s only a

10 minute nap. Sometimes you need to lie down and rest even if you

“don’t have time.” - Georgia

During my times of morning sickness, I have found it helpful to have

prepared meals in the freezer. I like to have several pounds of fried

meat in the freezer all the time, ready for quick meals. And during those

days/weeks when you have only a few minutes in a day of “feeling

good enough to think about food,” it's nice to quickly stir something

together, then forget about it (or at least try to!)

Another thing that I highly recommend, if you can get up enough

to get out of the house, is going for a walk. It can do wonders for the

body and mind! - Texas

With my first pregnancy, I battled morning sickness for most of the

pregnancy, it seemed. I felt worse in the evenings and “not real well” all

day. Of course, the first time is the easiest to be sick, since there are no

other little ones to tend!

One of the things I tried was taking ginger pills in the morning, right

when I got up, along with eating a few crackers. It worked for a bit! Try

eating something rich in protein before going to bed. Another thing I

learned from a friend recently, but didn’t try yet, is to take 50 mg. of

Vitamin B6 before bed. Also try drinking tea with chamomile in it. It’s

soothing. I liked the herbal Sleepytime tea. Packing my husband’s lunch

and opening the fridge door was quite difficult for awhile. When you

feel well enough to stand it, make a bunch of sandwiches and freeze

them. That’s a big help. Or when you can, make extra of a simple

casserole to put in the freezer. At the worst of it, I was only too glad to

let my mother-in-law supply a few meals.

It feels like a long time when you’re sick, but at least it will pass – if

not in several weeks, at least by nine months! - Ohio

Page 6

So you’re looking for an addition? Best wishes as you combat tiredness

and nausea! Have you used tips in What to Expect When You’re

Expecting? Perhaps this can refresh your mind or give you some

suggestions….

1. Alleviate/minimize stress.

2. Try to keep a cool house.

3. Try Sea-Bands, available at drug or health food stores. Even a

tight watch band may work (it did for me) or try a 1-inch wide piece of

elastic sewn into a tight band to fit around the wrist.

4. Alfalfa tablets may help.

5. Eating and snacking frequently enough on the right kind of

foods.

6. Could someone else bring in a few meals? Maybe you could

get hired help to do it.

If canning smells get the best of you, do it in your garage or

outside, if possible. Remember to set timers and check the canner

often. If house smells are bothering you, do you have another oven in

your garage or basement? Or an outside outlet where you could use a

slow cooker or electric roaster? Covering frying burger with a lid and

adding a bit of water has helped me, too.

I like to make large batches of several kinds of meatballs, poor

man’s steak, cabbage rolls, extra casseroles (spaghetti, ham tetrazzini,

chickenetti, tater tot) and soups (tomato, hearty hamburger, etc.) well

before if possible. It’s handy to have rope sausage, ham and roasts that

can go into the oven with little or no prep. - Ohio

It takes time, but you can help by taking them by the hand,

sitting in the dark outdoors, snuggling, and showing them stars. Tell

them about Orion or the dippers. Show them how the kitten's eyes glow

and tell how they can see in the dark. As far as animals looking in, we

still work with that in a nine-year-old. It helps most to keep the shade

drawn at night. - Colorado

I would suggest using a good liquid calcium. It sounds like your 4-year-

old is having a hard time relaxing and calcium is a natural relaxant. It

might help him sleep deeper, and not dream so much. - Wyoming

Question : How do you help a 4-year-old overcome fear? For

example, he won’t enter dark rooms alone, or if the light is on won’t

go in because an animal could be looking in the window. He also

wakes up with bad dreams of animals or ugly men, etc. We avoid

scary and ugly stories and pictures.

Page 7

I am quite experienced with these fears. They are real! I grew up with

them and now have a five year old with them. I think that these fears

are natural even if they are untaught.

There are times that we require them to “get over it.” They will stay

in their own bedroom at night. Sometimes discipline may be necessary

to enforce obedience to “staying” or “being quiet.”

We then talk of these fears when we talk about God to them in

family devotions. We remind them that God is with us even in the dark.

Hopefully, they will outgrow them, but maybe when they are older, they

may just have to learn to overcome them as I still have to do! - State withheld

Have you gone in the dark room yourself and showed him there is

nothing to be scared of? Have you told him no animal will get him

because the doors and windows are locked and Daddy and Mommy

will make sure nothing gets him? Pray audibly in his room. This made a

big difference with our precious jewels. - Kentucky

Overcoming fear in a child is a process, and a lot of reassurance will

need to be offered often. Reality checks (“did you ever see an animal

looking in the window?”) may help. A little flashlight of his own to shine

in the dark can be comforting. And it’s not a negative thing to pull the

blinds at times – he won’t always be four and afraid! Could bad dreams

be lessened by filling his mind with good stories, songs, and prayer at

bedtime? God bless you with wisdom and patience. - New Jersey

Sometimes traveling with the family has been hectic and I’ve been

glad for the opportunity to rest when the little ones do. It gives the

hostess a break and I usually feel refreshed when I come back – or

sometimes it’s relaxing to help with the work. Join in the challenge at

hand and make yourself useful and a channel of blessing.

A warm, simple meal with a relaxed hostess is so much better than

a feast with a lady too worn out to visit! My mom always said,

“Something simple and hot for travelers; they’ve likely had sandwiches

and snacks for previous meals.” - Pennsylvania

Question : Being at a new outreach congregation, we’re blessed

with a lot of visitors, especially over summer. Does anyone have

suggestions on how to take shortcuts in preparing for guests, while still

making them feel welcome? For example, there are times when

peaches need to be canned, but the house could use a major

tidying to seem inviting. How is a young mother to prioritize? Have

you been in my shoes? Or in the shoes of my guests?

Page 8

We've been there! Keep meals simple. I liked to have a staple soup for

Saturday evening like taco soup, and it doesn't need to have sour

cream and chips to be delicious and filling. Sometimes guests may help

with the canning. If you are gracious, unapologetic, and welcoming,

they will not feel they are in the way. Their girls can make floor beds

and pick up toys with your children. A warm welcome is important!

I always could relax better if the house was somewhat tidy, and

then they could help with the larger jobs like ironing or canning.

If they call and offer to bring baked goods, gratefully accept it.

Pray about each set of company, and about how you should

order your work, and God gives grace and wisdom. - Colorado

How about tidying up the house before your guests arrive and then

letting them help with canning the peaches? Or folding wash, or other

jobs that you can do and visit at the same time? This probably wouldn't

work in every situation, but maybe there are times when your guests

would be glad for something to do. - Virginia

I am looking forward to hearing other answers to this question too, but

I’ll share a few ideas that work for me. I have five little ones with the

oldest being five… and it gets harder every day to keep the house

clean once it is cleaned!

I enjoy every moment of my company. When I hear someone is

coming, the first thing I do is plan menus, get meals ready, and put

them into the freezer. There are some delicious but simple casseroles

that freeze well such as lasagna, chicken lasagna, wet burritos, chicken

enchiladas, etc. Homemade French bread goes well with the lasagnas.

It freezes well and toasting it in the oven makes it taste fresh.

After your meals are planned, prioritize the work that needs to be

done before your company arrives. If my bathroom, kitchen, and the

company's bedrooms are clean and tidy, it goes a long way in making

the house seem clean, even if there are dirty corners elsewhere.

Wash up your kitchen floor the day before and spot wash after

each meal until company arrives. An hour or so before my company

arrives, I tell the children to sit on the couch and read stories, while I

pick up the last minute clutter. If I misjudge the time, I have a dear

husband who sees that look of panic in my eyes – he isn’t afraid to pick

up a dust rag and have the children help with last minute tidying.

I find that most people are very glad to relax and peel peaches

for you after they arrive. I had peaches and corn to do last year within

the same week. When our third set of company called that week to

come overnight, I just laughed. I had supper all ready to go. We were

off picking corn when our friends arrived. We arrived minutes later and

after supper my husband invited them to join him in finishing the corn

picking job. I enjoy helping others especially if it is not my mess! - Indiana

Page 9

I feel more at home at a place where the wife isn't all in a tizzy or

apologizing for the mess. The best welcome is to be sincerely glad to

see your friends. Make them feel at home and provide for their needs.

Keeping the house in reasonable order on a regular basis is very

helpful. If you find out at the last minute that guests are coming, grab a

garbage bag and run around throwing those stray items in. Little

children can help make a place look more appealing by organizing.

The clutter is the biggest detractor from a welcoming house. The guests

probably would be glad to help with your work, like canning peaches.

They won't mind putting clean sheets on their bed. And they will be

happier with soup or sandwiches than a lot of fuss in preparing a meal. - Texas

I have been in both situations. It's amazing what picking up clutter can

do for your house. Get your children to help you. Even a 2-year-old can

do a wonderful job with a little guidance – count the toys as you put

them in the toy box, name the colors of toys, etc.

Do you walk into someone’s house and run your finger along the

furniture or look at the window ledges to see how clean it is? I don't. If I

happen to see a cobweb I think, “This mom is as busy as I am!” It's

actually kind of comforting. I think the warm hospitality is what really

counts. We have friends who had their children fast and close. They are

always open to “drop-ins” and I have seen their house quite a zoo but it

doesn't lessen my desire to go see them because they always are so

happy to have us. I try to remember that when I am getting ready for

company and pressed on all sides! Don't apologize about the food or

the house – that only draws attention to things that may not have been

noticed otherwise! - Wyoming

Speaking from the side of a guest – there is something very nice and

inviting about walking into a room that you know has been prepared

for you and you don’t need to make the bed yourself! It’s also relaxing

to not have to respond to lots of apologies from your host.

And I have been on the hostess side plenty of times too – just be

yourself! Most people know what normal family living is like. And if they

chose not to notify you of their arrival time, then you don’t need to

apologize that they get to see you as you are. Most guests do not mind

helping with peaches or sweeping the kitchen floor. In fact, visiting

often comes easiest while busy! Above all else, focus on making your

guests feel welcome and taking an interest in their lives, rather than

worrying over the food. Keep the food simple – soup and salad is fine. - Texas

Page 10

My mother taught us to work ahead as much as possible and as a

young mother I’ve found it helpful. Make food ahead and keep it in the

freezer – most casseroles can be frozen, as well as meatballs, mashed

potatoes, rolls, breakfast buns, etc.

Prioritize with the cleaning. At our house, cleaning the bathrooms

is usually first on the list, followed by sweeping the floors. There’s no

need to apologize for finger-printed windows or dusty living room

furniture.

Your guests have arrived and the peaches aren’t canned, the

beds need made and there’s a stack of dirty dishes? Most guests will be

happy to help after a day of sitting around traveling or visiting. Relax

while you work – this is sometimes easier said than done. - Missouri

We too live in at an outreach congregation where we receive quite a

few overnight guests. And what a tremendous blessing, as it gives the

opportunity for fellowship in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise. But yes,

it can be a real challenge to prioritize and not allow the extra work that

goes along with hosting to become stressful. Just a few tips:

If I know there are a number of different guests coming in the next

weeks, I stock my freezer. It’s not too hard to put 3 or 4 TaterTot

casseroles or burrito meals in the freezer. If prepared foods like that are

not possible, have some simple rice meals in mind; canned soup can

save the day. Simple meals give you more time for visiting and will help

your guests feel more at home.

Don’t be apologetic if your guests see your house looking “lived

in.” When we’ve been the visitors and we’ve gotten to our friend’s

house and there are toys and dirt scattered about, it gives me a warm

feeling that we are not alone in this busy stage of life.

There are little things that don’t take much time that can make

your guests feel welcome, such as a basket of extra toothpaste, Tylenol,

lotion, etc. in their bedroom in case they have forgotten something.

Just keep it in the closet ready to go and set it on the dresser before

guests arrive.

Let your guests help with your work. When I’m the guest, I enjoy

that and feel like less of a burden if I can lift the load in some way. - Washington

Page 11

When our children were all small we also were blessed with lots of

visitors – many times during the day and through the week. Personalities

vary, but here are some things I enjoyed:

As the hostess:

1. Consider your guests a blessing - not a bother. Your attitude will

make a world of difference for you and them.

2. Keep your menu simple - and keep the ingredients of your

family’s favorite quick and easy recipes on hand and a container of

cookies in the freezer.

3. A fresh bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table looks inviting.

4. Concentrate on the areas your guests will be in most and shut

the doors of other bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Not every guest needs a

complete tour of your home.

5. Try to do the jobs only you can do before the guests arrive, and

let jobs they can help with until last in case you run out of time. They

might be more comfortable washing your dishes and sweeping the

kitchen floor than picking up the toys or cleaning your bathroom.

6. Let them help can the peaches, or pick and clean the beans.

Working together is an excellent opportunity to learn to know each

other and to learn methods of doing things from others.

7. Don’t apologize that the windows are unwashed and the work

isn’t complete. You’ll only draw attention to the dirt and make them

feel unwelcome.

As the guest:

1. Communicate with your hosts ahead of time and make sure it

suits them for you to come, instead of saying “We’re coming. Can we

stay at your house this weekend?” Don't unexpectedly “surprise” them!

2. Find out if your host would be glad if you brought your own

pillows or some sleeping bags, or if there’s something you can bring

along for them.

3. Call an hour before arrival to let them know exactly when you

will arrive.

4. Remember these people often have company and they can’t

just drop everything every time someone stops in, especially during the

week. Maybe you are on vacation, but they aren’t!

5. Offer to help with the work – or better yet say, “May I wash up

the dishes?” Or if you see a basket of peaches sitting there say, “I’d be

glad to help you peel these peaches. With both of us, they’ll be done

twice as fast!”

6. Be sure to bring a hostess gift. Remember, people in outlying

areas are often living on a lower budget and they often put up guests

and feed company. You don’t necessarily have to pay full motel price,

but a token of appreciation is certainly in order.

What makes fond memories of time spent with others is not the

gourmet food or spotless house, but the warm Christian fellowship. - Virginia

Page 12

I remember this problem when I was the teacher. I finally started taking

time to sing with each (boy in this case) for five minutes a day, alone,

and that was during their play time. They soon decided they could sing

just fine. We have a daughter who had seen a “droner” mocked at

school and so was afraid to sing. We didn't really hear her voice again

until she became a Christian. And she can sing now. - Colorado

My husband’s comment as he read this was “Where did you lose their

hearts?” Often we hurt our children, and in our busy schedules we don't

recognize it. This can take time to surface, but when we see these

symptoms we need to take time with each individually, and identify the

problem, and focus on measures to correct it. This takes prayer with

them, asking God to show where and when it happened. Apologize

and humble yourself before them and God. Rebuild the lost relationship

through personal interest and prayer for each child.

Obviously their peers' opinions mean much to them, but this is

often because of our failure as parents to take a personal interest in

their lives. This is especially a challenge as they get older and start to

form their own opinions. We must be there to guide their decisions. - Wyoming

Some ideas for encouraging singing participation: When singing as a

family, sing a verse with everyone singing the melody before singing the

harmony. Sing a verse of a familiar song before each meal. Give gentle

encouragement. Be an example, and sing while you work. Remember

that preteens and teens are self-conscious… hopefully time will change

some of that fear of being heard. Discuss this problem with the teacher;

is your teacher an enthusiastic singer? Does he/she also notice a

problem in the classroom, and could he/she encourage better

participation in school? Usually a teacher who loves to sing will inspire

students to do the same – sooner or later. - New Jersey

Encourage your children to sing out even if no one else does; others

may need a leader to do what is right. Others may laugh at them at

first, but it may be the encouragement they need to also do better.

Keep trying and don’t give in to the snare of negative peer pressure! - Kentucky

Question ④: How can we encourage our 10-14-year-olds to partici-

pate well in singing? They had beautiful voices in 1st and 2nd grades,

but now hardly open their mouths. It has been a struggle in our

school for many years – a peer pressure problem where each

student is afraid someone will hear their voice above the rest. We

sing together in family devotions and the volume is less now than it

was when our children were younger. It’s discouraging; can you

help us?

Page 13

My grandma always told me to store jar rings in a paper bag to absorb

any moisture. If you use a plastic container, put newspaper in the

bottom. I always wash mine too when they are sticky, and dry them. - Michigan

Don’t wash your jar lids unless you absolutely need to. I stack mine on a

tea towel and let them air dry. I feel like they don’t rust much.

Depending where you live, the humidity may be against you. - Kentucky

New Questions… 1. We’re expecting to get a boarder in the near future. She’s not a school

teacher so she won’t have evening work. What kinds of “house rules”

should I make? What about obedience issues between her and our

children? Is it okay to occasionally ask her to babysit so I can spend an

evening alone with my husband? I want her to feel at home and would

like suggestions on how to keep things going smoothly.

2. What are your suggestions for those active three and four-year-olds

who really want to help but in reality slow down the process? What

have you discovered works well for their little hands?

3. How do other mothers handle the question at church, “May I hold your

baby?” I worry when Baby gets jostled from one to another by

inexperienced arms. I wish to be the one holding my newborn when

people come to peek at her. Am I selfish? Where do you draw the line?

4. Does anyone have problems with underarm deodorant leaving a white

film on the armpits of their dresses? If so, what do you use to make the

film come off? I use a roll-on deodorant from Avon, since the ones

available at Wal-Mart were making me sore. I wash my dresses in warm

water; could that be causing it?

5. What is a good way to keep soft bodied, hard-headed, hard-limbed

dolls clean? Can they be put in the washer or will they get water inside

the head/limbs that wouldn't dry out and might cause mold?

Please respond with answers by August 15, 2011.

Question ⑤: My jar rings rust so quickly. Do you know how to prevent

this? I try to wash them after canning something sticky and often lay

them in a warm oven for quick drying.

Page 14

Across My Kitchen

Table…

M-m-m-m….fresh from the garden or

orchard – what could be better?

Use some of your fresh goodies to try

the following recipes. For next time….

Many of you mentioned putting food

in the freezer in anticipation of

upcoming visitors (question #3).

Share recipes you have found to

freeze well for future use. Send them

by August 15, 2011.

Beef-Stuffed Zucchini 4 medium zucchini

1 lb. ground beef

½ cup chopped onion

1 egg

¾ cup spaghetti sauce

¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1 cup shredded cheese,

divided

Additional spaghetti sauce

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each

to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving ¼ inch shells. Place

in microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes till crisp-

tender. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cook beef and onion. Add

egg, spaghetti sauce, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and ½ cup cheese.

Spoon about ¼ cup of this mixture into each zucchini shell. Sprinkle with

remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes or until zucchini are tender.

(Or bake or steam until tender, if you prefer.) Serve with additional

spaghetti sauce.

Rosemary Hess, MA

Little Cheese Puffs 2 cups shredded cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tsp. mustard

Mix together. Spread on bun halves or slices of bread. Sprinkle with

oregano. Bake at 350° till cheese is melted. Yummy topped with a

thick slice of fresh tomato – fresh from the garden!

Mary Jane Miller, KY

Page 15

Zucchini Pie

4 cups shredded zucchini

1 cup chopped onion

¼ - ½ cup margarine

2 Tbsp. parsley flakes

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. basil

¼ tsp. oregano

Melt margarine and add zucchini and onion. Cook and stir for 10 minutes.

Stir in the remaining ingredients. Combine 2 beaten eggs and 8 oz.

shredded cheese. Add to zucchini mixture. Make a pie shell with the

following ingredients:

1 cup flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

1½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. shortening

½ cup milk

Mix dry ingredients and then cut in the shortening. Add milk and mix to

make a soft dough. Roll out and put in a pie pan. Spread crust with 2 tsp.

mustard. Pour zucchini mixture into crust and bake at 375° for 18-20

minutes.

Jenny Good, OH

Broiled Zucchini Small zucchinis or yellow squash

Olive oil or melted butter

Lawry's seasoned salt

Black pepper

Assorted herbs - oregano, dill

weed, basil, parsley flakes,

summer savory, garlic powder,

or salt

Slice zucchini lengthwise ¼ - ½ inch thick. Place on a cookie sheet with

sides, drizzle with oil, sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt and pepper and

herbs of your choice. Place under broiler a few minutes (watch closely)

until browned and the texture has changed to a soft appearance. Serve

while piping hot. Use your imagination for herb and spice choices - I just

pull out whatever is handy in my cupboard.

Melody Siegrist, WA

Cantaloupe Milk Shake1 cup sugar

1 cup water or milk

4 cups cubed cantaloupe

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Vanilla

Freeze slices or cubes of cantaloupe to make this refreshing milk shake.

Combine all in blender until smooth.

Carolyn Martin, PA

Page 16

Zucchini Casserole 1 quart zucchini, cooked and

diced

1 quart potatoes, cooked and

diced

1 lb. hamburger/sausage, fried

1½ cups shredded cheese

Stir together and pour in baking dish. Mix 1 can mushroom soup with 1 can

milk and pour over top. Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over all and bake

at 350° for 40 minutes.

Ruth Elaine Wenger, TX

Variation: Brown meat with onion in skillet. Add raw chopped vegetables,

salt, pepper, and enough water to cook until veggies are soft. Then add

cream of mushroom soup. Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese. I like

to do this in my electric skillet because then I don’t need to dirty several

kettles in cooking things separately.

Karen Weaver, OH

Zucchini Quesadillas 1 large onion, chopped

½ cup sweet red pepper,

chopped (opt.)

1 tsp. butter

2 cups shredded zucchini

2 Tbsp. taco seasoning

Tortillas

Shredded cheese

Softened butter

In a skillet, sauté first three ingredients for 3-4 minutes. Add

zucchini and taco seasoning; sauté 3-4 minutes longer until tender.

Sprinkle about ¼ - 1/3 cup zucchini mixture and ¼ cup cheese

over half of a tortilla. Fold in half and place in a well-buttered skillet.

Spread a little softened butter on top. Fry on medium heat until both sides

are a golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

This is hands-down our favorite way to eat zucchini – and we eat

LOTS of zucchini! Even people that don’t really like zucchini ask for

seconds of this.

Conita Derstine, NM

Instant Refrigerator Salad Place a tea towel in a large bowl. Then layer your vegetables on

top of that - lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, cilantro,

cucumbers, peppers, a sprinkling of raisins, bacon bits, sunflower seeds

and cheese.

Put a tight lid on it and refrigerate. You will have "instant" salad

all week long with no need to mix it up every day. This is very helpful for

busy mothers and for unexpected company.

A 2 gallon bowl lasts our family of 6 for a week.

Miriam Detwiler, CA

Page 17

Marinated Tomatoes

1/3 cup oil

¼ cup vinegar

1 tsp. salt

½ clove garlic

2 Tbsp. onion

1 Tbsp. parsley

1 tsp. basil

½ tsp. oregano

¼ tsp. black pepper

Mix together. Pour over thickly sliced tomatoes. Refrigerate and marinate

till ready to serve. I like to use mixed colors of tomatoes arranged in a

clear glass dish. You may also add strips of fresh green pepper.

Arlene Sweigart, PA

Creamy Cole Slaw ½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. mustard

½ tsp. celery seed

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

4 cups cabbage, shredded or

thinly sliced

½ cup carrot, shredded

¼ cup onion, chopped

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except cabbage, carrot and onion.

Add remaining ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Refrigerate one

hour before serving. Serves 8.

Jolene Eby, PA

Spinach Strawberry Salad 1 bag spinach

½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped & toasted in butter

Sliced strawberries

Dressing:

1/3 cup red raspberry (or plain)

vinegar

¼ tsp. dry mustard

½ cup sugar

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1 Tbsp. minced onion

¾ cup oil

Mix the dressing and add to the salad. A few variations: I use a mixture of

fresh spinach and garden lettuce. I also add some sunflower seeds. I think

this salad is tops!

Angela Burkholder, IL

Page 18

Creamy Cucumber Salad ½ cup plain yogurt, mayo, or

salad dressing

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. dried dill weed

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 medium cucumbers, thinly

sliced

1 small onion, thinly sliced and

separated into rings

Mix all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Crystal Steiner, TX

Macaroni Salad 1 quart Miracle Whip

2 scant cups sugar

2 Tbsp. vinegar

1 lb. spiral pasta, cooked

1 head cauliflower

1 head broccoli

1 medium onion

8 slices bacon, fried & crumbled

Mix Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar. Let set for 2 hours. Add milk if it’s too

thick. Prepare vegetables and pasta and mix all together. This is best if

eaten the day it’s made.

Angela Burkholder, IL Tomato Salad 4 cups chopped tomatoes

2-3 diced, hard-cooked eggs

Celery, chopped fine

Onion, chopped fine

½ cup sugar

¼ - 1/3 cup vinegar; add water

to fill cup measure

Combine sugar, vinegar and water and pour over remaining ingredients.

Sometimes I use salad dressing plus a bit of sugar, thinned with a very

small amount of milk instead of the vinegar dressing. Simple, yet very tasty.

Miriam Weaver, NJ

Heavenly Pie 5 Tbsp. butter 1½ cups powdered sugar

Cream together; add 1 egg and beat till thick. Spread in bottom of

prepared graham cracker crust.

Fold together:

1 cup crushed pineapples,

drained

1 cup chopped fresh

strawberries

1 cup Cool Whip

Spread over butter/sugar mixture. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Ruth Elaine Wenger, TX

Page 19

Peaches and Cream Gelatin Dessert Mix together and press into a 9x13 pan:

1 1/3 cups graham cracker

crumbs

¼ cup sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

Cream together:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup milk

Fold in:

12 oz. cool whip

Spread over graham cracker crust. Slice fresh peach halves lengthwise

and arrange on top of cream cheese layer to cover.

Mix together:

¾ cup boiling water

3 oz. peach (or orange) gelatin

1¼ cups cold water

Chill until partially set. Spoon over peaches.

Delores Heatwole, TX

Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble 6 cups blueberries

4 cups chopped rhubarb

1 cup sugar

¼ cup flour

Combine and put in a greased 9x13-inch pan.

Topping:

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup margarine

½ cup flour

½ tsp. each nutmeg and

cinnamon

Mix topping and sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes. A

unique but very tasty combination of fruits.

Miriam Weaver, NJ

What Did I Do Today?

Today I left some dishes dirty, The bed got made around 3:30.

The diapers soaked a little longer, The odor grew a little stronger.

The crumbs I spilled the day before Are staring at me from the floor. The fingerprints there on the wall Will likely still be there next fall.

The dirty streaks on windowpanes Will still be there next time it rains.

Shame on you, you sit and say, Just what did you do today?

I held a baby till she slept,

I held a toddler while he wept. I played a game of hide and seek,

I squeezed a toy so it would squeak. I pulled a wagon, sang a song,

Taught a child right from wrong. What did I do this whole day through?

Not much that shows, I guess that's true. Unless you think that what I've done,

Might be important to someone With deep green eyes and soft brown hair,

If that is true... I've done my share. - Author Unknown