Depression Dinner and the Patient

So ya know how we all have our favorite blogs we follow? I was not going to be one of those people.  I was sure I did not have time, and secretly I was afraid to get drawn into reading hundreds or so. So I entered the blogging world s-l-o-w-l-y!

BUT, I have found several particular sites that I admit I love. For example, Blissfully Content.  It's a beautiful site, and Julia is so sweet. You can just tell! I think we could become great friends if we lived closer...she inspires me. As a bonus, the music on her site is heaven sent. I told her I was going to start going to her site to have my quiet time.

Anyway, I digress. A few weeks ago she did a fun series on the Depression Era and recipes from that time.  (scroll down her sidebar, you will see the recipes listed under Depression Recipes)  They sounded yummy and her pictures drew me in. I decided to try one. Here's how it went... I told the kids we were having mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy for dinner.

One child rejoiced...her idea of a perfect meal!

The rejoicing child!  And helper for the evening.

The oldest boy said, "Hamburgers?". "Nope, hamburger gravy."   Him, "We are having gravy for dinner?" "Yes, with potatoes!".  Him, "WHY?". So, while I had just planned on making a fun dinner, all the questions led to the announcement, "This is what we are having for dinner, and do not come to the table without a fact about the Depression Era!" (preschooler exempt)

BLANK STARES!

As it turned out, it was a great dinner...the food AND the learning. The confused boy came with the most facts, notes included, and the girls remembered things they had learned several years ago...one with the aid of American Girl books. Even the hubby got in on the act. Did you know that the story the three little pigs was written during that time and represents the government versus the people banding together to work against the government? So says Wikipedia. ;). Plus, I camped out on Julia's blog and read everyone all the neat facts she had posted...cheating, I know, but I fixed the dinner. All and all, a successful night. Good food, good learning and good family time! The perfect way to spend an evening with my favorite people. Thank you, Julia, for the inspiration and the recipes! (plus, all my cheat facts!)

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As an update, hubby's surgery went well, arm is feeling good and cast came off yesterday, a week early. Huge praise! A peek at the patient...one of the first days after surgery and still on pain meds, mind you!

Menus and mother in laws...

Our first week of our monthly shopping has gone very well, ie. I did not forget too many things we needed when we shopped. But...we are taking at least two days off our schedule starting today.

My beloved is having arm surgery this morning, and because my health has not been up to par lately, the Calvary has been called in! Yipeeeeeeee! My in laws are coming to help and we are so thankful! Since we are not sure how long we will be gone even though he is scheduled for an "out-patient" procedure, we will feel better that they kiddos are not alone. 

PLUS...

My mother in law is a great southern cook! She's just a great cook. So the kids are so excited to be fed by Grandmama for a few days...to be pampered and spoiled, to make homemade treats and play games. ALP is excited to have help from her grandfather in the garden (we will post pictures next week) since dad is going to be out of commission with his arm for 4-6 weeks we are told. That's where she gets her green thumb, Grandfather, not dad....here's a picture of the area they will be working on.

So no recipes today, I am off to the hospital with CP, but I would ask that you join us in prayer for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Daddy and his boys