Recipes: Pickled Green Beans
Making Pickled Green Beans
Our family loves green beans. Fresh garden green beans are so tasty too! We always planted a lot of green beans whenever we had a garden. We typically had several varieties of beans from foot long beans to different types of green beans to purple beans and more.
Whenever we had extra green beans we would look for a variety of ways to store, eat, and enjoy them. I recently came across our Pickled Green Bean recipe. Since it is Spring I thought it would be a good time to share it. These pickled green beans are crunchy and tasty!
Pickled Green Beans Recipe:
- 2 pounds fresh Green Beans (rinsed)
- 2 1/2 cups White Distilled Vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Salt
- 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
- 1 large bunch fresh Dill Weed
- 2 teaspoons Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 6 Jars (1/2 pint each) with Rings and Lids
1. Locate your jars and sterilize them.
2. Trim both ends off the rinsed fresh green beans. Make sure the green beans fit into your jars if not cut them in half.
3. In a large saucepan put the vinegar, water, and salt. Bring the mixture into a rolling boil over high heat.
4. In each jar place 1 garlic clove, 1 sprig of dill, 1/8 teaspoon of Red Pepper Flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of Mustard Seeds.
5. Pack the green beans into the jars, standing them up vertically.
6. Ladle boiling mixture into the jars until it is 1/4 inch from the top.
7. Put the lids on the jars and allow the jars and contents to cool to room temperature before placing them into the refrigerator. Let the pickles ferment for 2 to 3 weeks before eating the pickled green beans.
Makes 6 pint sized jars of Pickled Green Beans.
Green Beans being pickled
Everything added now need to put on the lids!
Jars ready to be stored for later treats!
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
It’s another packed full week, but we are looking forward to a three day weekend. This is the first Memorial Holiday weekend that we have not traveled in quite awhile. We are hoping to have some fun family time at home plus get some projects done that have been on our list for awhile. The kids have their last full week of school (and 2 more partial weeks) which is full of homework, tests, and quizzes. I want to keep the menu simple so we can get a lot done during the week and be prepare for this weekend. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Hamburgers, French Fries
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Garlic Bread
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegatables
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was a whirlwind of activity. The girls now only have three more weeks of school. I am looking forward to spending some extra time with them this summer. We are getting closer to finalizing our summer plans. It will be fun to catch up with family and friends over the summer break. I had great intentions last week, but somehow little things took priority over some of the items on my list. Part of the problem is that we haven’t had a full weekend at home to get stuff done in several weeks. I love this time of year with all the celebrations and fun activities, but it does effect productivity. Hoping that I will get some of these ones tackled soon before our upcoming 3 day Memorial Holiday Weekend! Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Boxcar Children’s Blue Bay Mystery (Boxcar Children Series #6) by Gertrude Chandler Warner to the kids – were getting closer to the end, we had a bunch of library books we were trying to finish reading first
Plan one special activity with the family– we went to Hollywild (more on that later this week)Play a Game with the KidsPrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break – getting closer to getting the details worked out
- Ride Bikes with the Kids – we didn’t get this done with everything going on
Work on special projects with the kidsAttend Cousins Baby ShowerKids glasses fixed– finally fixed after 4 trips to the eye doctorKids orthodontist appointment
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)– I am doing it every day, but for some reason it won’t update it anymore- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – I was a little short this week, hoping to do better this week!
Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic) – have a little more to do
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Laundry Room) – I got started….
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Deck Cleaned & Prepped) – hoping to get this completed this weekend
- Pet Care (Focus – Mix Extra Vitamins in Goat Food) – some are done, but need Jake’s help on the other vitamin
Repairs – (Focus – Pick Up Replacement Lightbulbs)– few have been replaced, but need to pick up a few more
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – I have 2 more projects to wrap up this week
Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Boxcar Children’s Blue Bay Mystery (Boxcar Children Series #6) by Gertrude Chandler Warner to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- Spend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Attend Science Fair Project Presentations
- Annual Pest / Termite Inspection Completed
- Kids orthodontist appointment
- STEM Club Meeting
- Spend extra time with the Family over the Memorial Holiday Weekend
- Finish sending out the remaining Graduation Cards
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Laundry Room)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Deck Cleaned & Prepped)
- Pet Care (Focus – Mix Extra Vitamins in Goat Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Take Slide Off Jungle Gym)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Trust-in His Timing…
Flashback Friday: Playing Around the House
Karlie talking to Daddy!
This Flashback Friday took place about 10 years ago. The girls loved having fun around the house (well at least we did). It was nice when we had time to relax as a family. Jake is always great with the kids. The girls were still little, but were starting to move around more on their own.
Hanging out on Tigger!
Karlie is unsure about this Tigger animal.
Karlie on the move while Brina rests peacefully on the floor.
Organized Chaos: Yard Clean Up & Bonfire
Family yard clean up day
I typically focus my “Organized Chaos” posts on items that have been done inside the house. Sometimes being organized means going outside and getting stuff done too. We don’t always keep up with everything going on both inside and outside the house, but it feels good when we have a chance to pull together and have a productive day.
Recently we had a family yard clean up day. The girls and I spent the some time in the morning picking up fallen sticks from all the trees around our property while Jake changed the oil in our vehicles. After he was done with the cars Jake mowed the yard. We had a bonfire and got rid of a bunch of the sticks. The yard looks better, at least until the grass grows with all the rain we’ve been getting. The girls always enjoy cleaning up the yard and especially getting a chance to have a bonfire.
Burning some dead tree branches we picked up in the yard.
The girls were pretty good about helping feed the fire with dry sticks.
Song: All I Need Is You by Hillsong
So often we try to do it all on our own. We have the false sense that we are in control. Sometimes God allows us to go through some tough stuff in order to get our attention. Praying that we all chose to realign our focus to put Him in the center of our life. All we really need is him. We’ll fail, others will fail too, however, He remains constant throughout all of time. Spend some time in prayer today focusing on the one holds tenderly holds our lives in His hands.
Left my fear by the side of the road
Hear You speak
Won’t let go
Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to prayGot every reason to be here again
Father’s love that draws me in
And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of YouAll I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is You LordOne more day and it’s not the same
Your Spirit calls my heart to sing
Drawn to the voice of my Saviour once again
Where would my soul be without Your Son
Gave His life to save the earth
Rest in the thought that You’re watching over meAll I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is You LordYou hold the universe
You hold everyone on earth
You hold the universe
You holdTravel & Vacation: Federal Reserve Bank, Atlanta Monetary Museum, & Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (Atlanta, GA)
On the steps of Atlanta’s Federal Reserve bank & Monetary Museum (white building on the right side of the picture)
We had a lot of fun exploring Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum on one of our recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia. The kids didn’t believe us at first when we told them that we were going to a bank to learn about money. Although the more we talked about it the more interested they became.
In order to go into Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum all adults must present a valid ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You cannot carry any electronics, phones, cameras, purses, or other devices into the museum. They do have lockers next to the restrooms to put your items into if you need them. We just put my id in Jake’s wallet and that is the only thing we brought into the museum so he could carry everything we needed. The admission and self guided tour is completely free. The only thing we had to pay for was parking since it is near downtown Atlanta and there was not any free parking available at the time (it was just a couple of dollars for parking so it wasn’t too bad).
It would have been really neat to be able to get some pictures of the museum and some of the items we saw while there, but no photography is allowed. The employees were really nice and helpful. The kids learned some cool history about money.
Probably the kids favorite part was the robots toting the containers of money back and forth between the various rooms. It was fascinating to watch them carry the bins full or partially filled with money from one place to another. In some of the bins there may have been a million dollar or more in cash! Did you know that they shred about 10 million dollars of cash every day? These are bills that have been crumpled, destroyed, or otherwise deemed as unusable. You could see people physically counting the bundles of money as they came in as well which was interesting to watch.
The kids had a little “quiz” or worksheet they filled out as we explored. It was a neat learning activity and the kids loved it. At the end we picked up a bag of shredded money to take home (which the kids thought was awesome)!
We did get some pictures on the outside of the Federal Reserve Bank though to help us remember our adventure that windy day in Atlanta. You can locate the Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum at 1000 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309. If you are already at the Federal Reserve Bank you should check out the rock spinner is directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank.
Across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank was the Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (pictures below) which fascinated the kids as well. As we were waiting for the stoplight to turn so we could walk across the street I happened to read the description on the rock spinner and mentioned for the kids to come over to see if they could move the huge boulder. They of course thought it was so cool they could spin such a massive rock!
Large Federal Reserve Building in Atlanta
Where’s Waldo…I mean Karlie, Brina, and I outside the building? If you look for the specks in front of the statue that looks like spots of “Red, White, and Blue” that’s us!
Our family visiting the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner! Once the girls starting spinning the rock other kids stopped to try it out too!
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner – is a kinetic sculpture that helps you understand about the transformation of one’s relationship to mass. This particular boulder weighs 22,000 pounds and would normally be considered immovable, however, with a little art and engineering this huge boulder becomes something fun to move and play with (both for kids and adults). There is a plague next to it saying “Take it for a spin!” YES, you can spin it, stop it from moving, and switch directions, but no climbing is allowed on the boulder (for obvious reasons).
Making is move…
Brina and Karlie trying to see how fast they can get it to move
Who knew that a spinning boulder could provide so much entertainment!? If you are already in the area it is something neat to check out – Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner The kids thought it was neat!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
A lot of extra items were going on last week with Jake traveling for work, the new HVAC getting installed, the girls State testing, and so much more. Hopefully, this week will be a little quieter and we will be able to be more productive as well as relax a little bit too. We did have a relaxing Sunday celebrating Mother’s Day even with Jake being on call over the weekend. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for an opportunity to run errands and go out to dinner with the girls. It was nice sitting around the table of the restaurant relaxing and chatting with the kids.
Tuesday – Thankful for technology and the ability to stay connected with Jake even when he is traveling.
Wednesday – Thankful for doctors who are quick to respond, assist with questions, and willing to work around our schedule.
Thursday – Thankful for my family and friends who stay in touch. It would be nice to beam ourselves back and forth to see family and friends so far away, but thankful for moments to catch up and connect.
Friday – Thankful that the girls were able to finish another round of State Testing. Also, our HVAC is almost completed. It is working they had to come by for a little bit on Saturday to wrap things up.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
It looks like it is going to be another busy week for us. The kids still have another round of State testing, Jake will be busy at work, and I have a lot that needs to get done and caught up. Going to try to make it a simple menu simple this week so we can stay on top of everything else that is going on with the family. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Blueberry Pancakes, Bacon
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Mustard Glazed Chicken, Steamed Vegetables
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Cube Pork Steak, Fresh Salad
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
