Resolutions...

Why do I make resolutions?  Probably because I like perfection...not sure that I am really a perfectionist though because sometimes I am happy with something even though it is not perfect...like my family. However, I have been thinking earnestly about the resolutions I wish to make this new year and the reasons I want to make these changes.

1.  Exercise more! I need to be healthier, and I want to feel better.  When I exercise, I have more energy.  I also know that when I am more active, I am setting a good example for my children. So, this year, I resolve to exercise at least 4 times a week.

2.  Save money for my family! I want us to have more money for vacations and activities that allow us to spend time together and have a great time. While searching online for money saving tips, I came across a website that suggested a "no-spend" month.  I am going to suggest a "no-spend" week for my family.  From Friday to Friday, one week each month, we resolve to not spend any extra money on eating out, clothes, or anything that is extra. (This includes my diet cokes during planning.)

3.  Take more pictures! I want to capture more family moments on film regardless if our hair and make-up are camera ready.

4.  Family time! I resolve that we will participate in at least one planned family activity each month where we learn something together.  Georgia is rich with historical resources, and I want my children to know about their state's and country's history.

5. Date night! At least once a month (or more often), Jamie and I will stick to our date night. Plus, we will carve out time for each other every day.  Whether we ride the golf cart around the yard and talk or stand in the kitchen and share about our day, we resolve to spend as much time with each other as possible.

I think five resolutions are enough to start the year off on the right foot.  I will blog back with an update to let you know how resolved I am in making these resolutions part of my everyday reality.

Teresa’s Super Sour Dill Pickles

 

Ingredients:

2 ¼ pounds of cucumbers (about 36 4” cucumbers)

3 ¾ cups water

3 ¾ cups white vinegar

6 TBSP pickling salt

12 to 18 heads of fresh dill (or 6 to 8 TBSP of Dill Seed; freeze-dried dill can also be used)

1 TBSP mustard seed

Directions: 

1.  Wash and cut cucumbers.
2.  Prepare brine – combine water, vinegar, and salt --- heat until boiling. 
3.  Pack cucumbers loosely in hot, clean pint jars (leaving ½” head space).
4.  For crispy pickles: add 1/8 tsp of Ball Pickle Crisp Granules (available at Walmart and most grocery stores) 
5.  Add 2 to 3 dill heads (or 3 to 4 tsp dill seed) and ½ tsp mustard seed to the top of the cucumbers in the jars. 
6.  Ladle hot brine over the cucumbers and release trapped air bubbles in the jars with a gentle stir --- maintain the ½” head space. 
7. Wipe rim clean and seal. 
8.  Process jars for 10 minutes in boiling water.
9.  As jars cool, they will seal.

Since my family LOVES dill pickles, I put up quart jars. I double everything and used 4 dill heads.  I used fresh dill in my pickles, and I think this may make them more sour than if you were using dill seeds.

Happy pickling! 

Valentine Roses...

Are Valentine roses, or any other flowers for that matter, a waste?  This year my husband sent me a dozen red roses for Valentine's Day.  I was VERY surprised because he does not send flowers very often; I've probably only received flowers in our entire 24 years of courtship and marriage about five times...including the birth of our daughter. Needless to say, when I saw my beautiful red roses, I was surprised.  Not only did the roses make me feel special, but the handwritten card expressed in no uncertain terms what I mean to him.  So were the roses a waste?  I think not! Yet, it amazed me how many people felt the need to tell me that they had rather not receive flowers or that they have told their husbands to not send them flowers.  Really?? Why???  I wonder if these same people also tell their husbands to not take them out to eat...or buy them perfume...or even help out around the house because these things, like the roses, do not last. 

Gestures, words, and yes, flowers make me feel special.  I also like jewelry, perfume, pocketbooks, shoes, and clothing...plus a variety of other things.  I enjoy receiving gifts, and my husband enjoys giving them to me. I am not ashamed of this...I don't think I should be.  I want my husband to be chivalrous and romantic, and I hope my son is paying attention to the example his daddy is setting.  Plus, we hope our daughter also sees the type of man she should look for one day...someone who willingly puts her first in his life. 

So, on our 24th Valentine's Day, my husband asked if I would be his Valentine.  My answer?  Yes, I want to be your one and only Valentine, not just once a year but for the rest of my life.  I hope my Valentine never stops being sweet to me!