If you shop at Kroger, then there's a good possibility that you have a boneless pork loin in your freezer. Kroger puts them on sale for $1.99 at least once a month it seems. And while I do love a good pork roast (with Aunt Sue's being our very favorite around here - you can find it in the Hilltop cookbook), it's also become necessary to find other ways to serve pork. Especially if you have a pork loin hanging out in your freezer on most days! So please let me introduce you to a good recipe for pulled pork sandwiches. It's easy and my kids clean their plates when we have it!
Ingredients:
2 1/2 T of dark-brown sugar
1 T paprika
1 t chili powder
1 t ground cumin (I love the stuff, so I add more.)
1 t black pepper
1 boneless pork loin, about 2 lbs., trimmed
1 cup chicken broth (or throw a chicken bouillon cube in a cup of water and microwave it)
2 T cider vinegar
2 T ketchup
Stir together 1 T of sugar, the paprika, chili powder, cumin and pepper. Put the spices on a plate and roll the pork around in it. Save the spices that do not "stick."
Pour the chicken stock in a crock pot, put the pork in, and pour the leftover spices in with them.
Cook on low for 8 hrs., or on high for 6 hrs. Remove pork and cut into large chunks. While the pork is cooling, ladle most of the juices into a sm. saucepan. Stir in remaining sugar, ketchup and vinegar. Cook on med. for about 2 minutes. Use your hands to shred the pork, and then mix in the sauce. Use a slotted spoon to place the meat on (sesame) buns.
These sandwiches pair well sweet potato wedges or the Ore Ida sweet potato fries (which are yummy, by the way).
17 August 2011
12 August 2011
Simple picture, simple choice
Sometimes the simplest pictures can have the most impact. Such as chubby little baby feet. Is there a simpler picture of vulnerable, sweet new life? Then there's the image of a long green snake writhing and twisting its way through blades of thick green grass. Is there a better picture of age-old enmity, deception, and danger?
In I John 2:1 and Revelation 12:10, God uses two words that create an illustration of what takes place before Him in Heaven. In Revelation, the Bible calls Satan the "accuser of the brethren." John Phillips points out that in this case, Satan doesn't have to do what comes naturally to him: pervert the truth to spew out lies. Unfortunately, he has only to stand before God and tell the truth about us.
However, I John gives us a very crucial detail of what is taking place on the other side of the throne room. Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father, the Judge of all the universe, presents Himself as our Advocate. He knows the truth about us. He sees our sin. But he has made himself our substitute. He became our Righteousness and is the believer's constant Advocate before God.
Knowing I have an Advocate with the Father, despite my sin and despite my failures, is so very comforting. What a relief to remember that there is One who stands in my stead and defends me against Satan's accusations.
But while this picture brings comfort to me, it also brings conviction. For when I accuse, am critical, or fault-finding with others, I am being like Satan, the Accuser. What a horrid thought! How often have I found myself so quickly seeing someone's faults or assuming I know the motive for their actions?
But there is another way. When I seek to forgive and forget, or choose to overlook a fault ("love covers a multitude of sins"), I am like Christ, my Advocate. In Feminine Faces, Clovis Chappell states "Satan is supreme in his mistrust of men, Jesus is supreme in his faith. Denied, betrayed, crucified, he tumbled the responsibility for his church upon human shoulders and declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against it." How wonderful to know that God extends grace to the humble, using those who are malleable, despite all their deficiencies, flaws, and failures!
The picture of Satan railing for judgment against believers while Christ so graciously advocates for them simply illustrates the choice that I have. Who will I be like? The Accuser or my Advocate? Will I seek judgment or extend grace? It may not be a simple action, but it is a simple choice.
In I John 2:1 and Revelation 12:10, God uses two words that create an illustration of what takes place before Him in Heaven. In Revelation, the Bible calls Satan the "accuser of the brethren." John Phillips points out that in this case, Satan doesn't have to do what comes naturally to him: pervert the truth to spew out lies. Unfortunately, he has only to stand before God and tell the truth about us.
However, I John gives us a very crucial detail of what is taking place on the other side of the throne room. Christ, who sits at the right hand of the Father, the Judge of all the universe, presents Himself as our Advocate. He knows the truth about us. He sees our sin. But he has made himself our substitute. He became our Righteousness and is the believer's constant Advocate before God.
Knowing I have an Advocate with the Father, despite my sin and despite my failures, is so very comforting. What a relief to remember that there is One who stands in my stead and defends me against Satan's accusations.
But while this picture brings comfort to me, it also brings conviction. For when I accuse, am critical, or fault-finding with others, I am being like Satan, the Accuser. What a horrid thought! How often have I found myself so quickly seeing someone's faults or assuming I know the motive for their actions?
But there is another way. When I seek to forgive and forget, or choose to overlook a fault ("love covers a multitude of sins"), I am like Christ, my Advocate. In Feminine Faces, Clovis Chappell states "Satan is supreme in his mistrust of men, Jesus is supreme in his faith. Denied, betrayed, crucified, he tumbled the responsibility for his church upon human shoulders and declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against it." How wonderful to know that God extends grace to the humble, using those who are malleable, despite all their deficiencies, flaws, and failures!
The picture of Satan railing for judgment against believers while Christ so graciously advocates for them simply illustrates the choice that I have. Who will I be like? The Accuser or my Advocate? Will I seek judgment or extend grace? It may not be a simple action, but it is a simple choice.
***This post is linked to Inspired to Action's Motivation Monday
02 August 2011
Cousin Fun
The cousins came to visit from Oklahoma. And according to my kids, summer fun doesn't get much better than this. All the cousins at Grandpa and Grandma's house, trips to Marbles Museum and the beach, ice cream sundaes, and catching lots of bugs. And, of course, a good fight or a good cry here and there just to let off some steam - the method chosen depending on whether the participant catches bugs or wears bows.
So, here's some pictures of our cousin fun.
This picture is rather true to life.
Savannah and the water. This activity ended in two soaked little girls and the end of our day at Marbles!
Addie in the mini-garden at Marbles.
The boys and duck races.
Colton, Daniel, and the Cricket. Daniel longs for the day when he'll have his own pet. So he tries to satisfy his longing with pet bugs. It's really sad! :D
Some cousin love.
More cousin love.
And Addie's had enough.
All in the same evening, from crying to laughing so quickly!
The next few pictures deserve a little more explanation. We went to the beach for a day. And being the spontaneous women that we are (hahaha! if you know me), we took off without checking the weather. The ocean was the roughest I have ever seen it, and we experienced what felt like a mini-sandstorm! But we were not to be deterred! We made those kids have fun! Okay, so not really. The girls weren't so thrilled. But the boys couldn't have cared less! They had fun playing at the very edge of the ocean, while I looked on nervously; playing in the sand; and throwing our belongings at the twenty-odd seagulls that tried to attack us as we ate lunch. On a positive note, we got a kick out of being the lunchtime entertainment for our fellow beach bums. It definitely gave us something to laugh about!
At the end of the day, Thomas tried to get away from the flying sand.
Calling it a day!
So, here's some pictures of our cousin fun.
This picture is rather true to life.
Savannah and the water. This activity ended in two soaked little girls and the end of our day at Marbles!
Addie in the mini-garden at Marbles.
The boys and duck races.
Colton, Daniel, and the Cricket. Daniel longs for the day when he'll have his own pet. So he tries to satisfy his longing with pet bugs. It's really sad! :D
Some cousin love.
More cousin love.
And Addie's had enough.
All in the same evening, from crying to laughing so quickly!The next few pictures deserve a little more explanation. We went to the beach for a day. And being the spontaneous women that we are (hahaha! if you know me), we took off without checking the weather. The ocean was the roughest I have ever seen it, and we experienced what felt like a mini-sandstorm! But we were not to be deterred! We made those kids have fun! Okay, so not really. The girls weren't so thrilled. But the boys couldn't have cared less! They had fun playing at the very edge of the ocean, while I looked on nervously; playing in the sand; and throwing our belongings at the twenty-odd seagulls that tried to attack us as we ate lunch. On a positive note, we got a kick out of being the lunchtime entertainment for our fellow beach bums. It definitely gave us something to laugh about!
At the end of the day, Thomas tried to get away from the flying sand.
Calling it a day!Now, we'll have to start planning our Fall version of Cousin Fun! Suggestions welcome. :)
14 July 2011
The Submarine
When he was a baby, he was called "Tank." He really was quite a solid little thing.
Today he acquired a new nickname: "The Submarine."
On the last day of swimming lessons, Daniel got to show us everything that he has learned. He can jump in, surface, and start swimming. He's also starting to swim on his back a little bit. But we really enjoyed watching him swim freestyle for several yards. Until he ran out of breath. That's when the instructor told him he was a submarine. And apparently Daniel, formerly known as Tank, took that as a compliment. Because when my mom and I told him what a good job he was doing, and that he was just like a little fish, he emphatically told us he was not a fish. He was a submarine. I guess that does sound a little more manly and tough than "a little fish."
Daniel, the Submarine, swimming to his instructor
And, of course, celebrating the Submarine and his success at swimming lessons is always a good excuse to visit Sherry's Bakery. The place that can help us look like a family of submarines.
All in all, Daniel really did love swimming lessons - and improved quite a bit! I love the fact that every day when I peeked through the window to check on him, he was smiling - while he was swimming. I love my happy little submarine!
Today he acquired a new nickname: "The Submarine."
On the last day of swimming lessons, Daniel got to show us everything that he has learned. He can jump in, surface, and start swimming. He's also starting to swim on his back a little bit. But we really enjoyed watching him swim freestyle for several yards. Until he ran out of breath. That's when the instructor told him he was a submarine. And apparently Daniel, formerly known as Tank, took that as a compliment. Because when my mom and I told him what a good job he was doing, and that he was just like a little fish, he emphatically told us he was not a fish. He was a submarine. I guess that does sound a little more manly and tough than "a little fish."
Daniel, the Submarine, swimming to his instructor
And, of course, celebrating the Submarine and his success at swimming lessons is always a good excuse to visit Sherry's Bakery. The place that can help us look like a family of submarines.All in all, Daniel really did love swimming lessons - and improved quite a bit! I love the fact that every day when I peeked through the window to check on him, he was smiling - while he was swimming. I love my happy little submarine!
11 July 2011
The Near-Death Experience of Spotty the Goldfish
Tragedy was narrowly averted in our kitchen today. Hurrying along, so I could be done with the supper dishes, I knocked Thomas's Disney mug against the side of the goldfish bowl.
Spotty, meet Mickey.
I heard a strange "clink," and the next thing I knew, three gallons of goldfish water were pouring across my kitchen counter. Before I could move, Addie started screaming because the water started splashing into the corner where she was playing. Horrified, I watched as Spotty swam through the hole and flopped across the counter.
Yes, I really did take pictures. :)
I won't go into the details of how I had to throw away my kitchen rug, mop, wash dishes that had been in my cabinets, mop, wash towels, mop, and sanitize my counters. Did I mention mop? I'm sure you don't want to hear me whine about those details.
Well, anyways, I'm thrilled to report that Spotty the Goldfish is happily swimming around in his old, original fish bowl. The one that is way too small for the giant goldfish that he has become. But, really. Who ever heard of a three-year-old goldfish -- and one that could survive an accident like that? I fear that in actuality he is one of those Japanese fish that could live to be 90. If that's the case, then maybe, just maybe, I knocked a few years off his life, and we won't end up having to put him in the will. :)
Spotty, meet Mickey.
I heard a strange "clink," and the next thing I knew, three gallons of goldfish water were pouring across my kitchen counter. Before I could move, Addie started screaming because the water started splashing into the corner where she was playing. Horrified, I watched as Spotty swam through the hole and flopped across the counter.
Yes, I really did take pictures. :)For those of you who have met Spotty, you know that he is a three-year-old goldfish (yes, that reads "three-year-old") that Thomas's friend, Christian L., gave to him for his 4th birthday. He is also a fish that I joke (to my friends, not my children) about accidentally killing. But after joking about it for so long, I knew I didn't want THIS event to be the final chapter of his life! So I scooped him up and put him in a cereal bowl.
I won't go into the details of how I had to throw away my kitchen rug, mop, wash dishes that had been in my cabinets, mop, wash towels, mop, and sanitize my counters. Did I mention mop? I'm sure you don't want to hear me whine about those details.
Well, anyways, I'm thrilled to report that Spotty the Goldfish is happily swimming around in his old, original fish bowl. The one that is way too small for the giant goldfish that he has become. But, really. Who ever heard of a three-year-old goldfish -- and one that could survive an accident like that? I fear that in actuality he is one of those Japanese fish that could live to be 90. If that's the case, then maybe, just maybe, I knocked a few years off his life, and we won't end up having to put him in the will. :)
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