Baptism Video

For our friends and family that couldn't be with us on July 15 for Sawyer's Baptism, here is the video our church shot:

Adventures in baby-food Making: Peas

Did you know that a cup of peas has more protein than a tablespoon of peanut butter? I discovered this fun fact while researching howto make baby food peas (check out more info here). I eat a lot of peas and never knew how much protein I was taking in. Sawyer has made his way through most of the green veggies and peas are his next stop, so far he has liked everything!

I opted for store bought frozen peas since the thought ofde-poding my own peas seemed like too much work. I compared the nutritionalingredients on the packaging and the off-brand's stats came in better. They don't add salt and had zero grams of sodium. Their ingredients were just peas & a little water.

Steps

1. Pour bags of frozen peas into large pot filled half waywith water.

2. Cook covered on medium to medium/high for 15-20 minutesor until you see steam

3. Drain water from peas

4. Put Peas in blender and mix until pureed (add a littlewater if needed)

5. Put in storage containers, freeze or refrigeratordepending on when you plan to use them.

12 Days worth of Peas!

The Math

With the amount 2 bags made I could feed a smallvillage…this was definitely a WIN for making your own. What impressed me themost was that the peas in their bags totaled 64 ounces and after processing it intobaby food, it really didn’t shrink much. We got a total of 56 OUNCES!!! That isthe most yet.

HOME-MADE

2 – 32 oz. bags of frozen sweet peas ($1.98 each) made 56 oz.of baby food = $3.96

Total cost per ounce = 7 cents

STORE BOUGHT

Gerber 1st Foods SmartNourish Organic baby food (peas) comesin 2 – 2.5 containers for $1.59 each, so 56 ounces = $17.92

Total cost per ounce = 32 cents

TOTAL SAVINGS PER OUNCE = 25 cents

1 day of Gerber’s Peas (2 containers or 5 ounces per day) =$1.59

1 day of Home-made Peas (5 ounces per day) =  $.35

Total Savings per day = $1.24

Total Savings per week (7 days) = $8.68

Total Savings per month (30 day month) = $37.20

Total Savings per year (365 days) = $452.60

Basically we were able to make 56 ounces for a mere $3.96where buying store bought baby food in that same amount would be approximately$17.92. 

Baby food making is exhausting! I'll just snuggle with Papa!

wiped out!

Dierks Bentley

Trina & Darlene scored us some front row tickets to Dierks Bentley at the Ozark Empire Fair. Yes, I'm not a country fan but I do love concerts so I went and I have to admit he puts on one heck of a show! We had a blast. Here are some up close pics I snapped.

Adventures in baby-food Making: Spinach

Sawyer the Sailor Man

When I think of spinach, I think of Popeye.  If you have met my son you have probably noticed his massive forearms that resemble Popeye’s, so it only seemed fitting to go with Spinach for his next veggie. And I'll admit, while making it we even sang “He’s Sawyer the Sailor Man” a few times. He seems to like them so far, however, I will probably stick to store bought organics just because of cost. Spinach is a shrinking veggie when you cook it and you have to buy tons just to get a small amount.

3 large bunches from the Farmer's Market

Steps

1. Separate leaves from roots and stems, discard the roots & stems

2. Clean and scrub leaves, wash several times in lukewarm water. Toss into large skillet

3. Cook covered without water except the droplets left from cleaning the leaves.

4. Reduce heat when steam forms and turn leaves with forks frequently for 3-5 minutes

5. Put in blender and mix until pureed.

6. Put in storage containers, freeze or refrigerator depending on when you plan to use them.

Yummy!

Sawyer & Grandpa played while Grandma and I cooked

The Math

You win some you lose some, and compared to Green Beans this is definitely a loss. It turns out great but there isn’t any cost savings for making your own baby food spinach.

HOME-MADE

3 large bunches of Asian spinach at Farmer’s Market ($1 each) made 7.5 oz. of baby food = $3.00

Total cost per ounce = 40 cents

STORE BOUGHT

Gerber 1st Foods SmartNourish Organic baby food (spinach) comes in 2 – 2.5 containers for $1.59 each, so 22 ounces = $6.99

Total cost per ounce = 32 cents

TOTAL SAVINGS PER OUNCE =  - 8 cents 

James Taylor

We had the pleasure of joining John's Grandparents to the James Taylor concert on Tuesday at JQH Arena. I grew up listening to his music, John wasn't as familiar but still enjoyed it. He played for a solid 2 hours and 45 minutes and sounded excellent. I was able to get a couple videos at the show. Enjoy!

Carolina In Mind


Sweet Baby James


Handy Man