My Dearest found a Potato Soup recipe at Allrecipes and made it his own. I don't remember the original name of the soup, but around our house, it's called 11 Potato Soup... because it goes one higher.
We made the first batch last week for a couple of reasons: it was finally cool enough and it sounded good. We realize now that it was a trial run to warm us up for dun, dun, dun, dun.. dun, dun ... Football Season! (Did you hear the football theme song, even though it isn't Monday night?)
Last year, it became our Sunday-after-church-Football-thing. I should clarify that my Dearest is the one who prepares and cooks it. I usually peel and chop potatoes or onions, but my Dearest is the brain behind the whole operation. I mostly take up space in the kitchen. Tonight, I'm in charge of making the soup. Uh-huh. We'll see how it goes.
Who are your rooting for tonight? The New York Giants are hosting the Washington Redskins. Kick-off is at 7 pm, EDT on NBC.
Game on!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Aunt-hood
We went to visit my sister, brother-in-law and their adorable three month old son this past weekend. Can I tell you how much I LOVE being an Aunt? I enjoyed being an extra set of arms (and legs) for my sister, to make dinner (even though my parents prepared it and sent it with us), set the table, clear and wash dishes, push Caleb in the perambulator, which is one of my favorite words, and of course hold Caleb while she napped or just relaxed a bit.
I really enjoy children, especially young ones, but after I had my own, I was not sure if I'd feel the same toward other children as I do my own. Nephews apparently hold a very special spot in my heart as I feel the same towards Caleb as I do my own.
Now, if we could do something about the distance between our families...
I really enjoy children, especially young ones, but after I had my own, I was not sure if I'd feel the same toward other children as I do my own. Nephews apparently hold a very special spot in my heart as I feel the same towards Caleb as I do my own.
Now, if we could do something about the distance between our families...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Snaps and Clanks
During the last few days before school starts, My Dearest and I are trying to organize our basement and get rid of those items we haven't used in a LONG time. I guess it's our version of Spring Cleaning, but called, "End of Summer Cleaning."
We are also preparing for my sister and her family to visit with a possible stay at our house so we're re-organizing the Classroom, which doubles as a guest room, as well.
Yup, it's a good ol' End of Summer Cleaning session at our house. We are getting quite a bit done, too; the "Donate" pile is growing and the "Toss" pile is... well, let's just say that I'm very thankful that our trash day just passed! We live in a small-ish house and we put a sizable amount of trash by the side of the road this past trash day.
As we're going through boxes of items we've moved from apartment to apartment to house, I realize I'm not nearly as sentimental as I think I've been in the past. When my boys were younger, I felt that I wanted to keep some of their clothes FOREVER, or at least until the grandkids arrive (yes, I realize that I'll be waiting for quite a few years, thank you!). Now, I'm in purge mode. My rationale at this point is that I've probably taken pictures of my boys in the so cute/just darling/cute-as-a-button shirt/pants/sleeper/outfit in an adorable/serious/funny/silly pose so I don't need to keep the actual outfit.
Since my sister has a little boy, I picked items that would probably fit him and put them in the wash so they'll be ready for my sister to look through during their visit this weekend. As I listen to the dryer, I realize it's been a very long time since I've heard the onesie snaps and adorable little boy overall fasteners clanking around in my dryer. When else can you wash nearly an entire wardrobe and perhaps even fit the bedding into one wash load?
What are you doing with these last few days before school starts?
We are also preparing for my sister and her family to visit with a possible stay at our house so we're re-organizing the Classroom, which doubles as a guest room, as well.
Yup, it's a good ol' End of Summer Cleaning session at our house. We are getting quite a bit done, too; the "Donate" pile is growing and the "Toss" pile is... well, let's just say that I'm very thankful that our trash day just passed! We live in a small-ish house and we put a sizable amount of trash by the side of the road this past trash day.
As we're going through boxes of items we've moved from apartment to apartment to house, I realize I'm not nearly as sentimental as I think I've been in the past. When my boys were younger, I felt that I wanted to keep some of their clothes FOREVER, or at least until the grandkids arrive (yes, I realize that I'll be waiting for quite a few years, thank you!). Now, I'm in purge mode. My rationale at this point is that I've probably taken pictures of my boys in the so cute/just darling/cute-as-a-button shirt/pants/sleeper/outfit in an adorable/serious/funny/silly pose so I don't need to keep the actual outfit.
Since my sister has a little boy, I picked items that would probably fit him and put them in the wash so they'll be ready for my sister to look through during their visit this weekend. As I listen to the dryer, I realize it's been a very long time since I've heard the onesie snaps and adorable little boy overall fasteners clanking around in my dryer. When else can you wash nearly an entire wardrobe and perhaps even fit the bedding into one wash load?
What are you doing with these last few days before school starts?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Baby Boy!
I know I forgot to update you on my sister's pregnancy... She had her baby, a boy, in early June! He was a good sized little boy, 8 pounds 8 ounces and 21" long. They are all healthy and doing well.
We are anxious to see them, but because we live in different states, and our schedules don't mesh just yet, we haven't gone to see them. Yet. :-) In the meantime, I've been able to figure out how to Skype and use my webcam in order to see them. I took a screen capture from the video and cropped it down to a picture of my dear sweet nephew.
Isn't he adorable??
Can't wait to see you, dear Sister, Brother-in-Law, and Nephew!!
We are anxious to see them, but because we live in different states, and our schedules don't mesh just yet, we haven't gone to see them. Yet. :-) In the meantime, I've been able to figure out how to Skype and use my webcam in order to see them. I took a screen capture from the video and cropped it down to a picture of my dear sweet nephew.
Isn't he adorable??
Can't wait to see you, dear Sister, Brother-in-Law, and Nephew!!
Sonic!!
I have read about Sonic over the last year and a half or so on various blogs, names and address of which I cannot remember. On those various blogs, I read about these tasty-sounding drinks and afternoon specials that sound so fun. Now, I find that there's one relatively close to us! So, now I ask for your advice... please tell me what you love best at Sonic so I have some idea what to order first! :-)
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
This is from my friend Mary, who makes everything so much FUNN!
Thomas Jefferson, our 3rd President, author of the Declaration of Independence, among other incredible things such as being one of my most favorite Founding Fathers, may have been a scrapbooker - at least of sorts.
Here are some of my reasons.
1. He organized his writings and books, isn't that what we do? Yes, we organize our writings and scrapbooks!
2. He was a prolific writer with 20,000 letters in his lifetime. Just imagine what he would have done with emailing and texting!
3. He doubled the size of the United States! Isn't that what we do? We start with just a small box of craft products and then double and double and double!?!
4. He wrote down every little detail, "I'm making the world a better place by doing this."
5. He kept detailed records of his trips such as to France and Italy and shared with others in Philadelphia when he returned.
6. He enjoyed the arts.
7. He was a designer. OK, so he designed larger items than scrapbooks such as the Virginia Capitol, the University of Virginia, and his home Monticello (which is worth learning about on its own)
8. He even invented a lap desk. Wow, we are still trying to invent the perfect lap scrapbook desk!
9. He invented the coolest bookshelf that swiveled, so he could turn to the book he wanted to - I assume he would turn it toward the light source. See a photo in the link below.
10. Every generation since has relied on his wisdom and every American has enjoyed his "journaling" (and I mean not to trivialize) of the Declaration of Independence.
Some habits I want to adopt that were Thomas Jefferson's include:
1. Working in long stretches of time without interruption.
2. Mix my day with mental exercise, physical exercise, recreation, family and social activities.
3. I want to live to improve myself and so that my life will help others, as well.
4. I want my scrapbooks to be more than records of events (even though that is fine), I want my scrapbooks to be records of discoveries all done up in a pretty package.
So I'm pretty sure Thomas Jefferson.was a scrapbooker in his own wonderful way.
Here are some neat links:
Thomas Jefferson Quotes
Revolving Book Stand
Monticello
The Declaration of Independence
Have a safe and meaningful Independence Day.
Thomas Jefferson, our 3rd President, author of the Declaration of Independence, among other incredible things such as being one of my most favorite Founding Fathers, may have been a scrapbooker - at least of sorts.
Here are some of my reasons.
1. He organized his writings and books, isn't that what we do? Yes, we organize our writings and scrapbooks!
2. He was a prolific writer with 20,000 letters in his lifetime. Just imagine what he would have done with emailing and texting!
3. He doubled the size of the United States! Isn't that what we do? We start with just a small box of craft products and then double and double and double!?!
4. He wrote down every little detail, "I'm making the world a better place by doing this."
5. He kept detailed records of his trips such as to France and Italy and shared with others in Philadelphia when he returned.
6. He enjoyed the arts.
7. He was a designer. OK, so he designed larger items than scrapbooks such as the Virginia Capitol, the University of Virginia, and his home Monticello (which is worth learning about on its own)
8. He even invented a lap desk. Wow, we are still trying to invent the perfect lap scrapbook desk!
9. He invented the coolest bookshelf that swiveled, so he could turn to the book he wanted to - I assume he would turn it toward the light source. See a photo in the link below.
10. Every generation since has relied on his wisdom and every American has enjoyed his "journaling" (and I mean not to trivialize) of the Declaration of Independence.
Some habits I want to adopt that were Thomas Jefferson's include:
1. Working in long stretches of time without interruption.
2. Mix my day with mental exercise, physical exercise, recreation, family and social activities.
3. I want to live to improve myself and so that my life will help others, as well.
4. I want my scrapbooks to be more than records of events (even though that is fine), I want my scrapbooks to be records of discoveries all done up in a pretty package.
So I'm pretty sure Thomas Jefferson.was a scrapbooker in his own wonderful way.
Here are some neat links:
Thomas Jefferson Quotes
Revolving Book Stand
Monticello
The Declaration of Independence
Have a safe and meaningful Independence Day.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Clear It Out! At Least Some of It...
Clearing out clutter is not one of my strong suits. I am proud to say that I am not quite the pack-rat I once was; though, I still have a ways to go.
BUT!! I took some action!!
As you might have read in my "About Me" section, I am a scrapbooking and stamping consultant. When I saw how many retired stamp sets I have, I decided enough was enough... I listed some stamps on eBay and some on Craig's List.
Navigating the step-by-step process to list the first item was something I viewed with a bit of trepidation. The second one was much easier for me to post.
Now, the waiting and watching of the bids! I try to be a patient person, but this is very clearly not happening with my listings. It doesn't help that one of my listings is ending sooner than the others. Of course, a watched pot doesn't boil, neither does a watched listing generate bids; there are no bids on my listing! There is clearly a big goose egg where I would LOVE to see that someone has bid on my item! Then, I notice there is a Watch This Item button; sadly, no one is watching either.
My friend Mandy is a seasoned eBay seller. She advised me that the last day and particularly, the last moments are those that really matter. So, now I patiently wait on pin and needles waiting to see what kind of bids roll in.
BUT!! I took some action!!
As you might have read in my "About Me" section, I am a scrapbooking and stamping consultant. When I saw how many retired stamp sets I have, I decided enough was enough... I listed some stamps on eBay and some on Craig's List.
Navigating the step-by-step process to list the first item was something I viewed with a bit of trepidation. The second one was much easier for me to post.
Now, the waiting and watching of the bids! I try to be a patient person, but this is very clearly not happening with my listings. It doesn't help that one of my listings is ending sooner than the others. Of course, a watched pot doesn't boil, neither does a watched listing generate bids; there are no bids on my listing! There is clearly a big goose egg where I would LOVE to see that someone has bid on my item! Then, I notice there is a Watch This Item button; sadly, no one is watching either.
My friend Mandy is a seasoned eBay seller. She advised me that the last day and particularly, the last moments are those that really matter. So, now I patiently wait on pin and needles waiting to see what kind of bids roll in.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Boys, boys, boys....
I happened to catch Jay Leno last night and saw his videos on-line segment, and how these videos are usually of cute little children or of stupid things older children do. My Dearest and I looked at each other and waited to see just how cute and/or stupid these videos would be.
There was a video of two boys who gave a third boy, who was a willing participant! a wedgie by hanging the back of his boxers from a 6' ladder and laughed as he screamed and swung from the ladder.
Another video featured a boy who stood on a step-stool or chair and fell onto a cacti garden, after which he started screaming for help getting up out of the cacti on which he had landed.
The last video had a young boy, perhaps four or five, sitting on a chair cuddling with his younger brother, who was perhaps two. The younger brother bit his brother's finger and then the older boy put his finger back in his younger brother's mouth! The younger brother bit down harder and harder, then laughed as his brother screamed.
Yup, these were pretty stupid. The thing I noticed right away was that these videos were all of boys doing these crazy things! Now, as a mother of two boys, about 18 months apart, this scares me and has me on my knees praying for their safety almost every moment. And then it got better. My Dearest started telling me stories.
My Dearest works with a guy.... let's call him Chip. Chip has a twin brother, I'll call him Dale (get it? Chip 'n Dale?). When they were young, they were in a dry field near their house, that they were not supposed to be in, launching rockets. As they watched the rocket sail through the air, they heard crackling behind them. A small patch of the field had caught on fire! Chip 'n Dale took their shirts off and started beating at the fire. Chip ran home and got a blanket to try to beat the fire out. A neighbor ran over with a garden hose to wet down the field so that the fire wouldn't spread so much. Chip ran back home to tell his mom about the fire and she brushed him off, preoccupied with her phone call. Then, he heard the fire engine sirens and a neighbor girl said to him in a sing-songy voice, "You're in truh-bull!!"
The next year, Chip 'n Dale were experimenting with short-wave radio and thought that if they raised the antenna, they could get better reception. They had a radio antenna that they raised on a weather balloon up into the sky. Do you recall anyone famous in a story about metal, a balloon and perhaps lightning? Yup, Dale was hit by lightning and rushed to the hospital. He was fine, but had to have some surgery. One of the paramedics saw Chip and said, "Hey, aren't you the ones who set the field on fire last year?"
When my Dearest tells Chip about things our boys are doing, Chip says it reminds him of him and his brother growing up. Of course, if the boys were as mischievous and curious as Chip 'n Dale were, our boys should have set at least one fire, by now... that we know of. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.
As I was thinking about how difficult it is to raise boys, I received an email about the differences between boys and girls, plus a link to a CNN article, Is it Harder to Raise Boys or Girls?
There was a video of two boys who gave a third boy, who was a willing participant! a wedgie by hanging the back of his boxers from a 6' ladder and laughed as he screamed and swung from the ladder.
Another video featured a boy who stood on a step-stool or chair and fell onto a cacti garden, after which he started screaming for help getting up out of the cacti on which he had landed.
The last video had a young boy, perhaps four or five, sitting on a chair cuddling with his younger brother, who was perhaps two. The younger brother bit his brother's finger and then the older boy put his finger back in his younger brother's mouth! The younger brother bit down harder and harder, then laughed as his brother screamed.
Yup, these were pretty stupid. The thing I noticed right away was that these videos were all of boys doing these crazy things! Now, as a mother of two boys, about 18 months apart, this scares me and has me on my knees praying for their safety almost every moment. And then it got better. My Dearest started telling me stories.
My Dearest works with a guy.... let's call him Chip. Chip has a twin brother, I'll call him Dale (get it? Chip 'n Dale?). When they were young, they were in a dry field near their house, that they were not supposed to be in, launching rockets. As they watched the rocket sail through the air, they heard crackling behind them. A small patch of the field had caught on fire! Chip 'n Dale took their shirts off and started beating at the fire. Chip ran home and got a blanket to try to beat the fire out. A neighbor ran over with a garden hose to wet down the field so that the fire wouldn't spread so much. Chip ran back home to tell his mom about the fire and she brushed him off, preoccupied with her phone call. Then, he heard the fire engine sirens and a neighbor girl said to him in a sing-songy voice, "You're in truh-bull!!"
The next year, Chip 'n Dale were experimenting with short-wave radio and thought that if they raised the antenna, they could get better reception. They had a radio antenna that they raised on a weather balloon up into the sky. Do you recall anyone famous in a story about metal, a balloon and perhaps lightning? Yup, Dale was hit by lightning and rushed to the hospital. He was fine, but had to have some surgery. One of the paramedics saw Chip and said, "Hey, aren't you the ones who set the field on fire last year?"
When my Dearest tells Chip about things our boys are doing, Chip says it reminds him of him and his brother growing up. Of course, if the boys were as mischievous and curious as Chip 'n Dale were, our boys should have set at least one fire, by now... that we know of. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.
As I was thinking about how difficult it is to raise boys, I received an email about the differences between boys and girls, plus a link to a CNN article, Is it Harder to Raise Boys or Girls?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
The Patriarch
More noble than the valiant deeds of shining knights of yore,
More powerful than earthly plights that make the rich man poor,
More kingly than a royal throne or a lion with his pride,
Is he whose babes sleep well at night sure Daddy will provide.
There is a spirit in this land and Jezebel's her name.
She's calling you to leave your home for power, fun, and fame.
She wants your wife, your children too — she'll never compromise,
Until your house is torn in two by listening to her lies.
But though a hundred thousand million men may fall prey to her lures,
And wives en masse leave home in search of "more fulfilling" chores,
Though preachers praise, and friends embrace, her pagan plan of death,
Stand strong and quit you like a man with every blessed breath.
Stand strong and rise, O man of God, to meet this noble call,
The battle is not new you see, it's been here since the Fall.
Your wife is your helpmeet, my friend, and not another man's,
So care for her and keep her far from Mistress Jezi's plans.
Protect, provide, and give to her your undivided life,
This is the dear one of your youth, your precious bride, your wife.
And rally to those tiny ones who trust you for their care —
A lifetime spent discipling them's a lifetime pure and rare.
For when they put their hand in yours and know a Daddy's love,
You're showing them a picture of the Father from above.
Look not toward worldly goal or gain, or for your liberty,
Look only into their sweet eyes to find your ministry.
Devote your heart and sacrifice and make your manly mark —
There is none so great as he who finds his call as patriarch.
—Douglas W. Phillips
More noble than the valiant deeds of shining knights of yore,
More powerful than earthly plights that make the rich man poor,
More kingly than a royal throne or a lion with his pride,
Is he whose babes sleep well at night sure Daddy will provide.
There is a spirit in this land and Jezebel's her name.
She's calling you to leave your home for power, fun, and fame.
She wants your wife, your children too — she'll never compromise,
Until your house is torn in two by listening to her lies.
But though a hundred thousand million men may fall prey to her lures,
And wives en masse leave home in search of "more fulfilling" chores,
Though preachers praise, and friends embrace, her pagan plan of death,
Stand strong and quit you like a man with every blessed breath.
Stand strong and rise, O man of God, to meet this noble call,
The battle is not new you see, it's been here since the Fall.
Your wife is your helpmeet, my friend, and not another man's,
So care for her and keep her far from Mistress Jezi's plans.
Protect, provide, and give to her your undivided life,
This is the dear one of your youth, your precious bride, your wife.
And rally to those tiny ones who trust you for their care —
A lifetime spent discipling them's a lifetime pure and rare.
For when they put their hand in yours and know a Daddy's love,
You're showing them a picture of the Father from above.
Look not toward worldly goal or gain, or for your liberty,
Look only into their sweet eyes to find your ministry.
Devote your heart and sacrifice and make your manly mark —
There is none so great as he who finds his call as patriarch.
—Douglas W. Phillips
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Movement
According to Inch-AWeigh.com, four out of five American women say they're dissatisfied with the way they look and on any given day, almost half of the women in the United States are on a diet.
I wouldn't say that I'm on a diet, per se, but I'm definitely not happy about the way I look. I started to blog about "Movement" and sort of tracking what I was doing, but quite frankly, I wasn't doing much! Then, after my sister's baby shower, I saw what I looked like in photos. Not what I pictured in my head! Yeah, the mirror isn't helpful for me - for me, it's in the harsh reality of photographs that I can no longer deny what my physical condition is.
Seeing pictures of myself has motivated me to start moving again. I seem to do this in fits and starts, but never really end up making it a habit or getting into a comfortable groove. I'm happy to say that with Leslie Sansone's DVDs, I've been walking fairly consistently about twice a week for about a month. This week, I've stepped it up - Four Mile Super Challenge! I'm seeing results now so it's motivating me to keep "moving."
I really like that these DVDs aren't boring, annoying, or just laughable to me! She motivates me to walk. She keeps the pace up, says encouraging words right when I''m ready to quit and I can hear her voice in my head when I really don't want to walk. "Muscle burns more calories!" "Do I have time to exercise? Yes, I do! It's over in a snap!"
If you're discouraged by the way you look or just need some fitness in your life, try one of her DVDs! I think you'll really enjoy it and start seeing results.
I just read about her 10 Day Challenge and I signed up. I'm really excited. Since I've started to see some results already, I think this is the next boost I need, plus I think it'll be fun. Did I really type that? I'll see if I can remember to post in 10 days. :-)
Happy "Moving!"
I wouldn't say that I'm on a diet, per se, but I'm definitely not happy about the way I look. I started to blog about "Movement" and sort of tracking what I was doing, but quite frankly, I wasn't doing much! Then, after my sister's baby shower, I saw what I looked like in photos. Not what I pictured in my head! Yeah, the mirror isn't helpful for me - for me, it's in the harsh reality of photographs that I can no longer deny what my physical condition is.
Seeing pictures of myself has motivated me to start moving again. I seem to do this in fits and starts, but never really end up making it a habit or getting into a comfortable groove. I'm happy to say that with Leslie Sansone's DVDs, I've been walking fairly consistently about twice a week for about a month. This week, I've stepped it up - Four Mile Super Challenge! I'm seeing results now so it's motivating me to keep "moving."
I really like that these DVDs aren't boring, annoying, or just laughable to me! She motivates me to walk. She keeps the pace up, says encouraging words right when I''m ready to quit and I can hear her voice in my head when I really don't want to walk. "Muscle burns more calories!" "Do I have time to exercise? Yes, I do! It's over in a snap!"
If you're discouraged by the way you look or just need some fitness in your life, try one of her DVDs! I think you'll really enjoy it and start seeing results.
I just read about her 10 Day Challenge and I signed up. I'm really excited. Since I've started to see some results already, I think this is the next boost I need, plus I think it'll be fun. Did I really type that? I'll see if I can remember to post in 10 days. :-)
Happy "Moving!"
Blogging Hiatus
I'm not quite sure how I got so busy that I stopped blogging. Every few months I realize I haven't posted anything in quite awhile. I think about blogging quite often... it's the execution that I find difficult.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Dry Ice?
Recently, one of my sons asked for ice water. No problem, I can assist him with that, thought I. When I reached into the ice bucket, here's what I found:
At first, I couldn't figure out what had happened. Our freezer wasn't old enough to start malfunctioning; we had just bought our refrigerator last July. The ice cubes were actually not melted; that is, they were whole, but all stuck together and frozen into a single block. When I asked the boys if they knew anything about it, one boy told me that the ice was dry and needed to be wet. He had added water to our ice bucket, then stuck the whole thing back into the freezer so we wouldn't have "dry ice." *sigh. Oh, how I love that boy.
At first, I couldn't figure out what had happened. Our freezer wasn't old enough to start malfunctioning; we had just bought our refrigerator last July. The ice cubes were actually not melted; that is, they were whole, but all stuck together and frozen into a single block. When I asked the boys if they knew anything about it, one boy told me that the ice was dry and needed to be wet. He had added water to our ice bucket, then stuck the whole thing back into the freezer so we wouldn't have "dry ice." *sigh. Oh, how I love that boy.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Status: Nursery and Greenhouse
Steady yourselves... It is open!! It's not very busy because no one knows it's open...at least until I blogged about it! :-) Rows upon rows of greenhouses are open, filled with growing and blooming vegetation.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The One Laptop
Well, it happened! I picked one and am using it as we speak... so to speak.
I ended up with a laptop that has 3 gigs of RAM, a 250 gig hard drive, an AMD Turion 64x2 chip, 2.0 gHz processor, a webcam, a NVIDIA graphics card, 1600 mHz bus and a 17" screen. Woohoo! More power than I need or know what to do with... for now! I'm looking forward to getting over the learning curve of Vista, then look out World!
A friend has asked me to help get her business off the ground but she's moving several states away, so I'm hoping that the web cam will be very handy for us. I just need to figure it out! Aahhh, the learning curve again.
My sister mentioned we could skype as well. So many new gadgets! :-)
Now, I must begin the process of transferring data from the old desktop to the new laptop, along with updating my preferences. Aahhhhh. I could be playing with this new fab toy all day! Oh, I suppose I should make lunch and dinner...and teach my boys... and fold laundry... and play with the boys... and other stuff. I guess I'll have to move in spurts in the Laptop World.
Happily entering the Laptop World after two weeks of researching, test-driving different models and driving sales people nuts by asking them to print up spec sheets for me.
I ended up with a laptop that has 3 gigs of RAM, a 250 gig hard drive, an AMD Turion 64x2 chip, 2.0 gHz processor, a webcam, a NVIDIA graphics card, 1600 mHz bus and a 17" screen. Woohoo! More power than I need or know what to do with... for now! I'm looking forward to getting over the learning curve of Vista, then look out World!
A friend has asked me to help get her business off the ground but she's moving several states away, so I'm hoping that the web cam will be very handy for us. I just need to figure it out! Aahhh, the learning curve again.
My sister mentioned we could skype as well. So many new gadgets! :-)
Now, I must begin the process of transferring data from the old desktop to the new laptop, along with updating my preferences. Aahhhhh. I could be playing with this new fab toy all day! Oh, I suppose I should make lunch and dinner...and teach my boys... and fold laundry... and play with the boys... and other stuff. I guess I'll have to move in spurts in the Laptop World.
Happily entering the Laptop World after two weeks of researching, test-driving different models and driving sales people nuts by asking them to print up spec sheets for me.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Status: Nursery and Greenhouse
Nope, not yet... BUT! All of the construction barrels that were blocking the entrances have been moved. My guess is that they will open tomorrow!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ah, the World of Laptops!
It's crazy out there! Since I posted about beginning my Laptop Adventure, it's been kinda frightening. Thanks to my friend Val, my brother-in-law, and other friends, it's not so scary.
Val works at a company that does IT support for small to mid-sized companies that don't have their own IT departments. Since she talks "Computer" all day to both consumers and IT personnel, she was fab about answering my questions and decoding "Computer." She started with the basic "What do you do on your computer?" question to answering my questions about spec sheet items like frontside bus (FSB), hard drive speed, processor speed, and more. I really liked how she let me explain it back to her, just to make sure I understood it.
My brother-in-law gave me more specific info about models, info on what his friends use, what they like, and we went to look at some laptops. He pointed out what could be better on one model versus other models and helped me compare info.
I also posted my dilemma on my stamping/scrapbooking team board I and got more fab advice.
One of the best pieces of advice I got there was to try out the computer, keyboard, mouse, etc. before purchasing. Candi S. said that if I don't like the keyboard, I'll just end up hating the laptop. I never would have thought about that.. until I got the sucker home and realized I didn't like the keyboard or something.
I had my heart set on a particular model and when I tried it, I really didn't like it one bit. The mouse was centered in the base, but the way the rest of the keyboard was configured, the track pad was under one of my hands so as I typed, the bottom of my thumb/palm kept bumping it and blasting out parts of things I was typing. This particular model didn't have any office software on it, but it was connected to the internet. I was typing "bestbuy.com" in the address window and after I hit enter, I found I was searching for ".com" which happened again after I tried to go to the google page. I looked in the address history and apparently ".com" was a popular page on that model even before I got there! Not a good sign.
Tonight, we went to look again. I thought a different particular model was going to be coming home with me tonight. Nope. The keyboard was fine. It was the texture of the mouse/track pad. It felt a bit like textured plastic. To me, it just didn't feel right or comfortable. Just gritty.
I did test drive one model that I hadn't looked at before. I think this might be a winner. I'll sleep on it and test-drive it again to make sure. I'm a little excited because it has more than I was expecting! A fast processor, lots of RAM, oodles of hard drive space, a webcam (a nice add on I wasn't planning on getting), and a 17" screen.
I also found another one I really liked, though. I think my Dearest just wants me to pick one. I'll get there! Hopefully before the weekend.
Thanks to you everyone who gave me advice!! I appreciate all of your help.
Val works at a company that does IT support for small to mid-sized companies that don't have their own IT departments. Since she talks "Computer" all day to both consumers and IT personnel, she was fab about answering my questions and decoding "Computer." She started with the basic "What do you do on your computer?" question to answering my questions about spec sheet items like frontside bus (FSB), hard drive speed, processor speed, and more. I really liked how she let me explain it back to her, just to make sure I understood it.
My brother-in-law gave me more specific info about models, info on what his friends use, what they like, and we went to look at some laptops. He pointed out what could be better on one model versus other models and helped me compare info.
I also posted my dilemma on my stamping/scrapbooking team board I and got more fab advice.
One of the best pieces of advice I got there was to try out the computer, keyboard, mouse, etc. before purchasing. Candi S. said that if I don't like the keyboard, I'll just end up hating the laptop. I never would have thought about that.. until I got the sucker home and realized I didn't like the keyboard or something.
I had my heart set on a particular model and when I tried it, I really didn't like it one bit. The mouse was centered in the base, but the way the rest of the keyboard was configured, the track pad was under one of my hands so as I typed, the bottom of my thumb/palm kept bumping it and blasting out parts of things I was typing. This particular model didn't have any office software on it, but it was connected to the internet. I was typing "bestbuy.com" in the address window and after I hit enter, I found I was searching for ".com" which happened again after I tried to go to the google page. I looked in the address history and apparently ".com" was a popular page on that model even before I got there! Not a good sign.
Tonight, we went to look again. I thought a different particular model was going to be coming home with me tonight. Nope. The keyboard was fine. It was the texture of the mouse/track pad. It felt a bit like textured plastic. To me, it just didn't feel right or comfortable. Just gritty.
I did test drive one model that I hadn't looked at before. I think this might be a winner. I'll sleep on it and test-drive it again to make sure. I'm a little excited because it has more than I was expecting! A fast processor, lots of RAM, oodles of hard drive space, a webcam (a nice add on I wasn't planning on getting), and a 17" screen.
I also found another one I really liked, though. I think my Dearest just wants me to pick one. I'll get there! Hopefully before the weekend.
Thanks to you everyone who gave me advice!! I appreciate all of your help.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Spring!
Spring is such a fun time of year! Trees are budding, bulbs start to bloom and grow, and everything comes alive again.
The other fun thing about this time of year is that I start getting my annual "Spring phone calls." We live close to a popular nursery/greenhouse that many people expect to be open. I get phone calls from friends who live a bit farther away, "How are you? How're the children?" A bit of a pause, followed by, "Are they open yet?"
This year I have also received emails, along with the phone calls. I should clarify that I don't mind the phone calls or emails at all. In fact, it's amusing for me and I just count on hearing from these people once or twice a year (later in the summer, they have produce and a farmer's market). I just need to pay attention to this nursery when I drive and am running errands.
There was quite a bit of activity this past week: hi-lo's moving stacks of something for the garden, stacks of soil and/or fertilizer bags shrink-wrapped together and waiting for eager gardeners, employees' cars in the parking lot... BUT the barrels blocking the driveway entrances are still there.
Nope, not open yet.
The other fun thing about this time of year is that I start getting my annual "Spring phone calls." We live close to a popular nursery/greenhouse that many people expect to be open. I get phone calls from friends who live a bit farther away, "How are you? How're the children?" A bit of a pause, followed by, "Are they open yet?"
This year I have also received emails, along with the phone calls. I should clarify that I don't mind the phone calls or emails at all. In fact, it's amusing for me and I just count on hearing from these people once or twice a year (later in the summer, they have produce and a farmer's market). I just need to pay attention to this nursery when I drive and am running errands.
There was quite a bit of activity this past week: hi-lo's moving stacks of something for the garden, stacks of soil and/or fertilizer bags shrink-wrapped together and waiting for eager gardeners, employees' cars in the parking lot... BUT the barrels blocking the driveway entrances are still there.
Nope, not open yet.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
ISO Laptop Advice
My Dearest just proclaimed that I could pick out (and purchase!) a laptop... within reason. That MacBook Pro will just have to wait, I guess.
I started doing research and have found that I'm just in over my head! This laptop business is just confusing and a bit intimidating. Apparently, my computer knowledge is current... for 6 years ago! I rarely wade into the computer-buying realm. The last time I was here was about 6 years ago when my computer crashed the night before Thanksgiving. We were hosting Thanksgiving that year. All of my recipes were on that computer. We survived and everything was delish. Oh yeah, nothing like going out in style, baby!
I digress... There are so many things to consider... RAM speed, portability, Intel v. AMD processors, processor speed, hard drive size, DVD burner or just a DVD Rom, built in web cam or not, Vista or XP (since Macs are out of my price range right now *sigh) ... ARGH!!!!!
Here's where I need some advice! What are the pros and cons of your laptop? Any particular brand you recommend over another, Macs excluded? What type do you have?
Any helpful tips or hints would be much appreciated!
I started doing research and have found that I'm just in over my head! This laptop business is just confusing and a bit intimidating. Apparently, my computer knowledge is current... for 6 years ago! I rarely wade into the computer-buying realm. The last time I was here was about 6 years ago when my computer crashed the night before Thanksgiving. We were hosting Thanksgiving that year. All of my recipes were on that computer. We survived and everything was delish. Oh yeah, nothing like going out in style, baby!
I digress... There are so many things to consider... RAM speed, portability, Intel v. AMD processors, processor speed, hard drive size, DVD burner or just a DVD Rom, built in web cam or not, Vista or XP (since Macs are out of my price range right now *sigh) ... ARGH!!!!!
Here's where I need some advice! What are the pros and cons of your laptop? Any particular brand you recommend over another, Macs excluded? What type do you have?
Any helpful tips or hints would be much appreciated!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Is it Spring??
The temperature has climbed into the 50s! It's lovely and sunny. I love all of the fabulous mud pits in my backyard with a small bit of snow clinging to the hope of winter returning. (Did you hear the sarcasm?) I don't like to get my hopes up so I'm waiting for another snowy day or two.
In the meantime, I give you this fabulously fun website (that I found over at Altogether Too Happy) that will help you envision Spring, even if it isn't Spring in your part of the world yet.
The screen will be black and blank; click where you like and create your own Spring picture!
Michael???
Sadly, we missed the first 10 or 15 minutes of the show last night! We got home a bit later than we intended and started taping soon after the first commercial break as we readied our boys for bed. I caught up this morning on the ABC website.
Okay - now I'm caught up... WOW!! I liked this episode better than the Desmond episode last week or was it the week before? Anyhow, I was surprised to see Michael again, but then I remembered from the ads that we were going to see someone we thought we'd never see and then I wasn't surprised, but glad it made sense. How did he get a job on the ship? Obviously, he has an alias as Kevin, but how did he get that? Where is Walt? Who has Walt? Is Walt being held to make sure that Michael keeps Ben informed?
I don't think that Michael will be one of the Oceanic Six.. So far, we have seen Jin, Sun, Jack, Kate, Hurley, and Sayid in the future. That's six! But then, there's Ben, who makes it off the island, as Sayid is working for him. Hmmm... I wonder if Michael gets caught spying or decides to go back to the island.
I'm glad that Sun had her baby and that they're both alive, but what about Jin?? Obviously (or just obvious to me) is that he's in Korea working for Paik Auto, buying a Panda, and then Sun goes to Jin's gravesite. I think I would have thought it was a flash-back, except Jin looks longingly into the delivery room where the Ambassador's child just delivered a baby boy. Did he fake his death?
What's going on with Ben, Charles Widmore, and the plane crash cover-up?? ARGH!! So many questions! I guess we'll just have to see what happens next week!
Okay - now I'm caught up... WOW!! I liked this episode better than the Desmond episode last week or was it the week before? Anyhow, I was surprised to see Michael again, but then I remembered from the ads that we were going to see someone we thought we'd never see and then I wasn't surprised, but glad it made sense. How did he get a job on the ship? Obviously, he has an alias as Kevin, but how did he get that? Where is Walt? Who has Walt? Is Walt being held to make sure that Michael keeps Ben informed?
I don't think that Michael will be one of the Oceanic Six.. So far, we have seen Jin, Sun, Jack, Kate, Hurley, and Sayid in the future. That's six! But then, there's Ben, who makes it off the island, as Sayid is working for him. Hmmm... I wonder if Michael gets caught spying or decides to go back to the island.
I'm glad that Sun had her baby and that they're both alive, but what about Jin?? Obviously (or just obvious to me) is that he's in Korea working for Paik Auto, buying a Panda, and then Sun goes to Jin's gravesite. I think I would have thought it was a flash-back, except Jin looks longingly into the delivery room where the Ambassador's child just delivered a baby boy. Did he fake his death?
What's going on with Ben, Charles Widmore, and the plane crash cover-up?? ARGH!! So many questions! I guess we'll just have to see what happens next week!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Homeschool Ruling in CA
Would you please sign the petition concerning the State of California Homeschooling ruling? You can read more here and here.
This decision could possibly effect my freedom to homeschool my children.
Whether you think homeschooling is a good idea or not, shouldn't it be the parents' decision to choose what is best for their own children?
Please go to HSLDA and sign the petition. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this, not only for me, but for all homeschooling families across this great nation of ours.
This decision could possibly effect my freedom to homeschool my children.
Whether you think homeschooling is a good idea or not, shouldn't it be the parents' decision to choose what is best for their own children?
Please go to HSLDA and sign the petition. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this, not only for me, but for all homeschooling families across this great nation of ours.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Abundantly Blessed
There are some times when my family has seen God's sovereignty so plainly. Like the day I got married and the weather was perfect that morning, then rain just poured from the heavens after I got to the church (with my hair done) and continued to rain the rest of the day. I admit it, I was a little vain about my hair. Dare I admit that I still sometimes am?
Then there was the time that I went into labor with my second child. It was December and we weren't ready. At. All! We went to my Dr's appointment, found out I was at 3 cm and that jarred us into action. We took our oldest and went to the grocery store because whether or not we went into labor soon, we had to have food in the house! We also went Christmas shopping. Our oldest child was a little less than a year and a half old, why not shop right in front of him? I knew it wouldn't last forever. :-)
My Dearest packed our hospital bag that Tuesday evening. If we had to go tonight, what would we need? He packed it all. I had had a discussion with my mother-in-law earlier that week, who mentioned that since we moved and had to take a new route to the hospital, there was no direct exit to our hospital off of the freeway we were planning to take to the hospital. We had to exit either a mile before or after the hospital.
My Dearest had to be at work the following day (Wednesday) at 5 am and when he came to kiss me good-bye, I told him he wasn't going to work. We needed to get to the hospital. As he had slept, I paced the apartment and counted minutes between contractions. Right when he was supposed to be leaving, my contractions were about nine minutes apart. We called my mother-in-law; my Dearest got the car ready, and notified my doctor and hospital that we were on our way.
The weather was not icy nor snowy, just misting rain... in December! Traffic was relatively clear for 6:50 in the morning. We arrived at the hospital safely and I delivered our youngest later that morning.
This past week's events will be another one of these stories. God's providence so clearly seen.
Earlier last week, my Dearest noticed a lump in his mouth. Not really painful, just there. On Tuesday or Wednesday, I noticed that our 'Check Engine' light had come on... again. We have had some difficulties with our EGR valve, which makes our 'Check Engine' light light up.
My Dearest went on Wednesday to the auto parts store he frequents and bought the part just in time. The owner was going on vacation starting on Thursday morning and the shop was going to be closed for 10 days.
Thursday, my Dearest took the van to work so that one of his colleagues could clean and replace the EGR valve that evening as my Dearest worked overtime. I had the car and would run errands that afternoon with the boys. The lump in my Dearest mouth had started to hurt more and swell... to the point that he felt compelled to see our family physician, who had just returned from a 10 day vacation. Sidenote - what is with these 10 day vacations sprouting up everywhere? Anyone??
My Dearest called me about mid-morning and told me about the upcoming appointment and that it was also 'Leave-your-wallet-and-work-keys-at-home day.' Could I bring his wallet and keys (along with a check for his co-pay) either to work or the doctor's office? Well, one of my errands was only a mile or two south of the doctor's so I fit this into my errand list.
The boys finished school lunch and off we went to run errands. I was so organized and together! I had a list of everywhere we needed to go, what things were to be dropped off where, to whom, and at what time. It was a beautiful thing. We left the house and went down the street and the brakes felt quite a bit slow to respond, which I chalked up to getting used to the car's brakes versus the van's. I changed that story as I slid farther into the intersection than I would have had the brakes not felt 'mushy.' We turned the car around and went back home and thankfully so, as the brakes at that point the brakes failed. We stopped just in time and we were all safe.
I phoned the doctor's office and talked to my Dearest, mailed the co-pay check, and phoned everyone I was planning to see.
My Dearest came home after his appointment so he could rest and have his prescription filled. Since he still didn't have his wallet, I took his prescription to be filled and took care of my errands. It turned out my Dearest has a blocked salivary gland and was prescribed antibiotics, along with sour foods to get his salivary gland to produce saliva and help the gland along the way.
On Friday or Saturday, I learned that my one of my parents was going out of town on business for the week and my other parent will be leaving town later this week. They decided we could use their van while our car gets fixed and the second parent will leave their car at the airport. The first parent will pick up the car at the airport and we will pick up the second fly-ee when they return from out of town. Complicated, perhaps, but God has provided a car for us while ours needs repairs this week!
It's amazing to see how God has planned all things for his glory. How has God been working in your life?
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Phil 4:19-20
Then there was the time that I went into labor with my second child. It was December and we weren't ready. At. All! We went to my Dr's appointment, found out I was at 3 cm and that jarred us into action. We took our oldest and went to the grocery store because whether or not we went into labor soon, we had to have food in the house! We also went Christmas shopping. Our oldest child was a little less than a year and a half old, why not shop right in front of him? I knew it wouldn't last forever. :-)
My Dearest packed our hospital bag that Tuesday evening. If we had to go tonight, what would we need? He packed it all. I had had a discussion with my mother-in-law earlier that week, who mentioned that since we moved and had to take a new route to the hospital, there was no direct exit to our hospital off of the freeway we were planning to take to the hospital. We had to exit either a mile before or after the hospital.
My Dearest had to be at work the following day (Wednesday) at 5 am and when he came to kiss me good-bye, I told him he wasn't going to work. We needed to get to the hospital. As he had slept, I paced the apartment and counted minutes between contractions. Right when he was supposed to be leaving, my contractions were about nine minutes apart. We called my mother-in-law; my Dearest got the car ready, and notified my doctor and hospital that we were on our way.
The weather was not icy nor snowy, just misting rain... in December! Traffic was relatively clear for 6:50 in the morning. We arrived at the hospital safely and I delivered our youngest later that morning.
This past week's events will be another one of these stories. God's providence so clearly seen.
Earlier last week, my Dearest noticed a lump in his mouth. Not really painful, just there. On Tuesday or Wednesday, I noticed that our 'Check Engine' light had come on... again. We have had some difficulties with our EGR valve, which makes our 'Check Engine' light light up.
My Dearest went on Wednesday to the auto parts store he frequents and bought the part just in time. The owner was going on vacation starting on Thursday morning and the shop was going to be closed for 10 days.
Thursday, my Dearest took the van to work so that one of his colleagues could clean and replace the EGR valve that evening as my Dearest worked overtime. I had the car and would run errands that afternoon with the boys. The lump in my Dearest mouth had started to hurt more and swell... to the point that he felt compelled to see our family physician, who had just returned from a 10 day vacation. Sidenote - what is with these 10 day vacations sprouting up everywhere? Anyone??
My Dearest called me about mid-morning and told me about the upcoming appointment and that it was also 'Leave-your-wallet-and-work-keys-at-home day.' Could I bring his wallet and keys (along with a check for his co-pay) either to work or the doctor's office? Well, one of my errands was only a mile or two south of the doctor's so I fit this into my errand list.
The boys finished school lunch and off we went to run errands. I was so organized and together! I had a list of everywhere we needed to go, what things were to be dropped off where, to whom, and at what time. It was a beautiful thing. We left the house and went down the street and the brakes felt quite a bit slow to respond, which I chalked up to getting used to the car's brakes versus the van's. I changed that story as I slid farther into the intersection than I would have had the brakes not felt 'mushy.' We turned the car around and went back home and thankfully so, as the brakes at that point the brakes failed. We stopped just in time and we were all safe.
I phoned the doctor's office and talked to my Dearest, mailed the co-pay check, and phoned everyone I was planning to see.
My Dearest came home after his appointment so he could rest and have his prescription filled. Since he still didn't have his wallet, I took his prescription to be filled and took care of my errands. It turned out my Dearest has a blocked salivary gland and was prescribed antibiotics, along with sour foods to get his salivary gland to produce saliva and help the gland along the way.
On Friday or Saturday, I learned that my one of my parents was going out of town on business for the week and my other parent will be leaving town later this week. They decided we could use their van while our car gets fixed and the second parent will leave their car at the airport. The first parent will pick up the car at the airport and we will pick up the second fly-ee when they return from out of town. Complicated, perhaps, but God has provided a car for us while ours needs repairs this week!
It's amazing to see how God has planned all things for his glory. How has God been working in your life?
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Phil 4:19-20
Thursday, February 21, 2008
GiveAway Follow Up.... Thoughts about Lickety Split Meals
After 123 people were interested in the Lickety Split Meals for Health Conscious People on the Go Give Away I had last month, I contacted the people at Zonya Health International (ZHI) and asked if they would be willing to give a discount of sorts to you who wanted the book, but didn't win it.
Here's what I pose to you ... Would you rather have a discount on the book or a Zonya CD freebie with purchase of the book?
Leave me a comment with your preference and I will forward the info to ZHI so they can put together an offer for you!
Here's what I pose to you ... Would you rather have a discount on the book or a Zonya CD freebie with purchase of the book?
Leave me a comment with your preference and I will forward the info to ZHI so they can put together an offer for you!
Monday, February 18, 2008
LOST!
Well, it's taken this long to digest what happened on LOST last week. Sayid is one of the Oceanic 6, apparently. So far, that's Jack, Kate, Hurley, and Sayid.
Does Ben count as one of the Oceanic 6? Obviously, he made it off the island, but he had the ability to do so before Locke blew up the submarine. He wasn't on the plane when it crashed. He does, however, have a secret closet, in which he has a stash of passports, various currencies, a respectable wardrobe and more. Hmmmm..... more questions!
In the future, I cannot believe that Sayid is working with Ben. Sayid says, while they're still on the island, that he would would rather sell his soul than trust Ben. Obviously, something significant happens that would put the two of them in this type of relationship. What happened to Sayid that he's now working for Ben?
Over the last few days, I have talked to more people who watch LOST and they are rather bothered by the fact that the show doesn't seem to answer as many questions as it raises. I think that in this age where plots seems to be so predictable, I find LOST so refreshingly suspenseful.
The show doesn't follow the typical hour long mystery format: The first 5 minutes acquaint you with the characters. The next 5 to 10 minutes show you circumstances of the crime or murder. Then the next 30 minutes deal with chasing clues and finding who dunit and the final minutes deal with explaining how they found out who dunit and everyone marvels at the ability of the solver.
I find this show is so refreshingly atypical. It doesn't bother me that more questions are raised every week. Now, when the series ends and all of the questions aren't answered, then I'll be very peeved, but right now, I look forward to my weekly dose of LOST.
Does Ben count as one of the Oceanic 6? Obviously, he made it off the island, but he had the ability to do so before Locke blew up the submarine. He wasn't on the plane when it crashed. He does, however, have a secret closet, in which he has a stash of passports, various currencies, a respectable wardrobe and more. Hmmmm..... more questions!
In the future, I cannot believe that Sayid is working with Ben. Sayid says, while they're still on the island, that he would would rather sell his soul than trust Ben. Obviously, something significant happens that would put the two of them in this type of relationship. What happened to Sayid that he's now working for Ben?
Over the last few days, I have talked to more people who watch LOST and they are rather bothered by the fact that the show doesn't seem to answer as many questions as it raises. I think that in this age where plots seems to be so predictable, I find LOST so refreshingly suspenseful.
The show doesn't follow the typical hour long mystery format: The first 5 minutes acquaint you with the characters. The next 5 to 10 minutes show you circumstances of the crime or murder. Then the next 30 minutes deal with chasing clues and finding who dunit and the final minutes deal with explaining how they found out who dunit and everyone marvels at the ability of the solver.
I find this show is so refreshingly atypical. It doesn't bother me that more questions are raised every week. Now, when the series ends and all of the questions aren't answered, then I'll be very peeved, but right now, I look forward to my weekly dose of LOST.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Update on "We've Moved!"
Well, apparently I did not articulate our fish's thoughts very well in my post titled, "We've Moved!" It's not that we have moved, but rather that our fish have moved. Instead of writing about our tank leaking from our point of view, I thought it would be more fun to write about it from their point of view. Sorry about the confusion.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
We've moved!
We saw the smallest one come and peek into our room and home very early this morning. He peeked and left quickly.
About two hours later, we saw the biggest one enter our room. We noticed that we couldn't swim as freely as we once did only hours earlier. The biggest one peered into our home and moved our filtration system out of our home. He also cleared off the flat surface that has four sticks that touch the floor where the two smaller ones do something with paper, plain and colored sticks of sorts, and bound paper. This is where he put the things he took out of our home. What's going on?
After the biggest one cleared surfaces and moved things out of our home, the world started shaking and moving and we could see things that we hadn't noticed before. The next thing we knew, we were put upon a slightly squishly surface in a room with squares on the floor, a cabinet, a huge floor to almost ceiling length cloth, and a looming white stool or chair of sorts.
We saw the long-haired one go into our previous room and she used this large barrel-shaped thing on wheels with a long hose, which she moved across the carpet. It was very noisy. The biggest one was no where to be seen. After awhile, the smaller ones looked at us and they seemed confused and groggy. It seemed we were in a room we weren't supposed to be in.
The noise died down and all four of them came into our view. The biggest one lowered a large vessel into our home and tried to catch us. We eluded the vessel and the bigger one by separating and swimming away as best as we could, though our water level was down to 3 inches now. He caught two of us, then the other three and put us into a smaller home with not nearly enough room. As we adapted to our new home, we realized that gravel was raining down into our home! We dodged the gravel as best we could.
Our much smaller house started shaking again and we were set upon a blue surface in a room with a large water source and shiny receptacle; a big surface, out of the top which fire leapt and the front had a large door with shelves inside; and we could see the biggest one and the two smaller ones eating something, but they didn't eat right out of the water like we do. Nor did they eat while they played or chased each other around the room. They ate out of these concave shaped things with shiny things in their fins, but they didn't really look like our fins.
After relaxing most of the day and adapting to our much smaller home, the biggest one took us through a door and boy, was it cold! We went to a building nearby and are now in a house that is much larger and we have more friends here. We hope the furry, barking thing on four legs and the furry, slinking thing that looks at us won't disturb us, but the thing that levitates around the room makes us very nervous.
Please don't send any house-warming gifts. Our home is well stocked. We hope to see the biggest one, the long-haired one, and the two smaller ones soon.
About two hours later, we saw the biggest one enter our room. We noticed that we couldn't swim as freely as we once did only hours earlier. The biggest one peered into our home and moved our filtration system out of our home. He also cleared off the flat surface that has four sticks that touch the floor where the two smaller ones do something with paper, plain and colored sticks of sorts, and bound paper. This is where he put the things he took out of our home. What's going on?
After the biggest one cleared surfaces and moved things out of our home, the world started shaking and moving and we could see things that we hadn't noticed before. The next thing we knew, we were put upon a slightly squishly surface in a room with squares on the floor, a cabinet, a huge floor to almost ceiling length cloth, and a looming white stool or chair of sorts.
We saw the long-haired one go into our previous room and she used this large barrel-shaped thing on wheels with a long hose, which she moved across the carpet. It was very noisy. The biggest one was no where to be seen. After awhile, the smaller ones looked at us and they seemed confused and groggy. It seemed we were in a room we weren't supposed to be in.
The noise died down and all four of them came into our view. The biggest one lowered a large vessel into our home and tried to catch us. We eluded the vessel and the bigger one by separating and swimming away as best as we could, though our water level was down to 3 inches now. He caught two of us, then the other three and put us into a smaller home with not nearly enough room. As we adapted to our new home, we realized that gravel was raining down into our home! We dodged the gravel as best we could.
Our much smaller house started shaking again and we were set upon a blue surface in a room with a large water source and shiny receptacle; a big surface, out of the top which fire leapt and the front had a large door with shelves inside; and we could see the biggest one and the two smaller ones eating something, but they didn't eat right out of the water like we do. Nor did they eat while they played or chased each other around the room. They ate out of these concave shaped things with shiny things in their fins, but they didn't really look like our fins.
After relaxing most of the day and adapting to our much smaller home, the biggest one took us through a door and boy, was it cold! We went to a building nearby and are now in a house that is much larger and we have more friends here. We hope the furry, barking thing on four legs and the furry, slinking thing that looks at us won't disturb us, but the thing that levitates around the room makes us very nervous.
Please don't send any house-warming gifts. Our home is well stocked. We hope to see the biggest one, the long-haired one, and the two smaller ones soon.
Is it a cold or allergies?
It has been a crazy sort of week. I've been fighting a cold for about 4 days and this past Sunday night, it hit me. HARD. Of course, if one stays up until 4 am on two consecutive Friday nights, then gets up at 6:30 am to work an All Day Crop or a Unit Meeting for my scrapbooking and stamping business, then stays up for most of the rest of the weeks until 2 am, the cold that's been hovering is going to hit and it will probably hit hard.
Yup, that is mostly what happened. Throw in a late night watching the first two discs of LOST (Season 3), cutting more paper for a workshop, and taking the whole family on a sleepover to our friends' house for more LOST after we put the boys to sleep.
So Monday comes and I wake up with a full-blown sore throat, coughing, and sinus pressure. I supervised school from my prone position on the couch. After school and lunch, I put in both discs of Pride and Prejudice and intermittently slept and watched both discs. I don't think I made dinner that night, I think we ate something my Dearest whipped up.
On Tuesday, I realize I cannot remember the last time I was sick. Two years ago? Three, or was it four? I almost feel like I'm dying. In addition to the sore throat, coughing and sinus pressure, now I have other symptoms. My nose is alternately running and stuffed. Breathing through my mouth is difficult and drying my throat.
My brother told me about grapefruit seed extract pills* and their ability to cut short the duration of a cold. I also read that cod liver oil* or more specifically the vitamin A & D also help with lessening the duration of a cold. I started popping pills to see if this will help.
By Wednesday, I realize that I'm acting like a typical male who is sick. Oh, you know what I'm talking about. I realized the reason I was acting this way was because I don't normally get sick! Usually, everyone else in the family gets sick and I don't.
Could it be my spring allergies are acting up and it's not a cold? We have had very interesting weather here lately - 40 and 60 degree days, then plummeting into the teens, plus lots of rain, sleet, snow, and every so often we had a dry day.
Something else to ponder as I try to breathe through my mouth until my nose clears and not make my sore throat worse.
*I make no claims about the efficiency of either grapefruit seed extract or cod liver oil capsules to lessen the duration of colds. I am not a doctor nor do I have medical training. Contact your family physician or herbalist for more information.
Yup, that is mostly what happened. Throw in a late night watching the first two discs of LOST (Season 3), cutting more paper for a workshop, and taking the whole family on a sleepover to our friends' house for more LOST after we put the boys to sleep.
So Monday comes and I wake up with a full-blown sore throat, coughing, and sinus pressure. I supervised school from my prone position on the couch. After school and lunch, I put in both discs of Pride and Prejudice and intermittently slept and watched both discs. I don't think I made dinner that night, I think we ate something my Dearest whipped up.
On Tuesday, I realize I cannot remember the last time I was sick. Two years ago? Three, or was it four? I almost feel like I'm dying. In addition to the sore throat, coughing and sinus pressure, now I have other symptoms. My nose is alternately running and stuffed. Breathing through my mouth is difficult and drying my throat.
My brother told me about grapefruit seed extract pills* and their ability to cut short the duration of a cold. I also read that cod liver oil* or more specifically the vitamin A & D also help with lessening the duration of a cold. I started popping pills to see if this will help.
By Wednesday, I realize that I'm acting like a typical male who is sick. Oh, you know what I'm talking about. I realized the reason I was acting this way was because I don't normally get sick! Usually, everyone else in the family gets sick and I don't.
Could it be my spring allergies are acting up and it's not a cold? We have had very interesting weather here lately - 40 and 60 degree days, then plummeting into the teens, plus lots of rain, sleet, snow, and every so often we had a dry day.
Something else to ponder as I try to breathe through my mouth until my nose clears and not make my sore throat worse.
*I make no claims about the efficiency of either grapefruit seed extract or cod liver oil capsules to lessen the duration of colds. I am not a doctor nor do I have medical training. Contact your family physician or herbalist for more information.
Why do they want Ben??
Please don't read any further if you haven't seen LOST yet; there may be questions I pose that spoil the episode for you. If you don't care, read on!
Nobody likes Ben. Why do they want him?? Who does he have on the boat? What kind of information does he have that could be helpful or useful for these people? What is the original pilot of 815 doing piloting a chopper back to the island? What are a physicist, "soil sample analyst" or medium of sorts, pilot, and anthropologist doing together? Not to mention that it sounds like the beginning of a joke.
On the other hand, I'm glad they answered the question of why they're on the island - to get Ben. But why? Questions, questions, questions. Looking forward to next week!
Nobody likes Ben. Why do they want him?? Who does he have on the boat? What kind of information does he have that could be helpful or useful for these people? What is the original pilot of 815 doing piloting a chopper back to the island? What are a physicist, "soil sample analyst" or medium of sorts, pilot, and anthropologist doing together? Not to mention that it sounds like the beginning of a joke.
On the other hand, I'm glad they answered the question of why they're on the island - to get Ben. But why? Questions, questions, questions. Looking forward to next week!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Bloggy Winner Announced!
Thank you to everyone who entered my Giveaway for Zonya Foco's book, Lickety Split Meals for Health Conscious People on the Go!
Congratulations to number 100: Mo! Email me your address so I can have the book shipped to you! If I don't hear from you by 7 am (EST), Saturday morning, I will choose another winner.
Congatulations, again, Mo!
Congratulations to number 100: Mo! Email me your address so I can have the book shipped to you! If I don't hear from you by 7 am (EST), Saturday morning, I will choose another winner.
Congatulations, again, Mo!
LOST Season Premiere
We really enjoy LOST and have been waiting anxiously since the finale last season. But the questions they raise! So many questions! Who are the "rescuers?" Why is the freighter near the island, if not to rescue the survivors of Oceanic 815? If Hurley didn't choose to go with Jack, how does he end up off the island? Who are the other 3 who make it off the island (Hurley yells, "I'm one of the Oceanic 6!" when he's being arrested)? Who chooses to stay on the island?
So many questions and I can't wait to see the rest of the season!
What do you think is going on?
So many questions and I can't wait to see the rest of the season!
What do you think is going on?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bloggy GiveAway!!
Today is the start of Bloggy GiveAways hosted by Rocks in My Dryer!
I'm giving away an autographed copy of Zonya Foco's Lickety Split Meals for Health Conscious People On the Go! This is one of my favorite cookbooks and I know you'll LOVE it!
This cookbook has the following sections in it: breakfast, "Appeteasers," 1 minute mini meals, 5 minute meals, 15 minute meals, 30 minutes meals, oven-exercise-eat, pasta, pizza, stir-fry, soup, slow-cooking, salad and sides and sweet things. All of the recipes are do-able and taste FABULOUS!
Some of my favorite recipes are: Unstuffed Peppers, Cranberry Pork over Noodles, Beef Stroganoff, Beef Barley Soup, Parmesan Turkey Cutlets over Angel Hair, Salmon Burgers, Creamy Chicken Dijon over Noodles, Breakfast in a Cookie, Oatmeal Cookies.... My family, including my 6 and 7 1/2 year old boys, love EVERYTHING I've made out of this cookbook.
This drawing is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. Please make sure you leave me an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner! Please note that you must have a U.S. mailing address to win this prize. I will use a random number generator to choose a winner on Friday, February 1 at 3 pm, EST.
Be sure to click on the button to see what else is being given away this week!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
One Week!
January 31 is only a week away!! That means LOST is premiering in one week! Are you as excited as I am??
Who are the people from the freighter? Who was Naomi working for? Who leaves the Island? Who stays? How do they leave? Why are people coming to the Island, but not coming for the survivors of Oceanic 815? The answers start coming in one week!
Who are the people from the freighter? Who was Naomi working for? Who leaves the Island? Who stays? How do they leave? Why are people coming to the Island, but not coming for the survivors of Oceanic 815? The answers start coming in one week!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Bloggy GiveAways!!
It's that time again! What to give away?? Hmmm..... Hand-made cards? Scrapbook layouts? Other crafty things? Recipes? Hmmmmm..... Stay tuned and check back on January 28th to see what I'm giving away!!
Winter?
Well, apparently 60 degree days in January in one of the Mid-West states isn't meant to last. It has been cold for the last week and I'm really looking forward to Spring, or at least consistent 50 degree weather. It snowed Monday night and Tuesday early afternoon. It's so cold, our snow is all powder, which is fine for all of you snow-sports enthusiasts, but it's not suitable for snowballs or snowmen. We shoveled it the best we could; as it is powder, it just kind of blows all over with any amount of wind.
What have you been doing and how is the weather where you are?
What have you been doing and how is the weather where you are?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Walking Speeds and "Movement"
I have resolved that I need to start moving regularly. Of course I move from one room to the next, but by move, I mean exercise-types of movements. I haven't exercised in a quite some time and it's time to do something about it!
I used to run track in high school and can remember I used to be able to run 5 miles without being very winded and now... let's not even talk about how far I can walk now! Although, I can still walk quickly, I just need to work on walking longer than through the mall or grocery store.
My friend Monica is tall, about 5'9" or so. I am 5' 5" so for me, anyone over 5' 5" is tall! Anyhow, when I was at the Barry Manilow concert last month (I hear some of you people laughing already!) my friend Monica had trouble keeping up with me. She has had people (and her own family) complain that she walks too quickly and could she please walk slower. It was a treat to find someone who can and enjoys walking quickly.
When My Dearest and I were dating, he had a dream he was chasing after an Asian girl through a mall because I walked so quickly when we met.
Now, all of this changed when my children were born. They surely couldn't learn to walk when I was walking so quickly. Now that my youngest is 6, I can start to walk a bit more quickly.
All of this is to say that I need to start exercising, but I'm going to call it "Moving" and "Movement." Quotes included. Do you want to play along? Join me over at ScrappyMom Movement. I'll be moving my Recipes of the week over there, along with my movement progress. Perhaps we can inspire each other along!
I used to run track in high school and can remember I used to be able to run 5 miles without being very winded and now... let's not even talk about how far I can walk now! Although, I can still walk quickly, I just need to work on walking longer than through the mall or grocery store.
My friend Monica is tall, about 5'9" or so. I am 5' 5" so for me, anyone over 5' 5" is tall! Anyhow, when I was at the Barry Manilow concert last month (I hear some of you people laughing already!) my friend Monica had trouble keeping up with me. She has had people (and her own family) complain that she walks too quickly and could she please walk slower. It was a treat to find someone who can and enjoys walking quickly.
When My Dearest and I were dating, he had a dream he was chasing after an Asian girl through a mall because I walked so quickly when we met.
Now, all of this changed when my children were born. They surely couldn't learn to walk when I was walking so quickly. Now that my youngest is 6, I can start to walk a bit more quickly.
All of this is to say that I need to start exercising, but I'm going to call it "Moving" and "Movement." Quotes included. Do you want to play along? Join me over at ScrappyMom Movement. I'll be moving my Recipes of the week over there, along with my movement progress. Perhaps we can inspire each other along!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Coffee-Mate Give-Away
How do you take your coffee? Cream? Sugar? Flavored creamer?
For all of you who like creamer, flavored or otherwise, Coffee-Mate is giving away coupons for free creamer! This campaign is called Stir Up Something New. Enter your info and they will send you a coupon for a free bottle of Coffee-Mate creamer.
Do I need to tell you how to use it? If so, use it to try something new, your trusted standby or pass on to your coffee-drinking friend. :-)
Enjoy your cup of coffee!
For all of you who like creamer, flavored or otherwise, Coffee-Mate is giving away coupons for free creamer! This campaign is called Stir Up Something New. Enter your info and they will send you a coupon for a free bottle of Coffee-Mate creamer.
Do I need to tell you how to use it? If so, use it to try something new, your trusted standby or pass on to your coffee-drinking friend. :-)
Enjoy your cup of coffee!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wouldn't you just know it?
Of course after yesterday's dreary weather post, today is a "yummy, sunny day!" The temperature has dropped back into the "normal" range of 40s, but it's clear and sunny outside!!
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Balmy Weather & Spring Cleaning
Monday and Tuesday were downright balmy here! Now, if you live anywhere in the Mid-West and especially near the Great Lakes, you know that "January" and "balmy" generally do not go together, but I swear, we had fabulous temperatures! It topped 6o on Monday and almost reached 60 today. Now, perhaps you noticed that I wrote "temperatures" and not "sunny." Nope. We had fabulous temperatures.
See, here in the Mid-West, we get dreary winters. Very little sun once January hits. Somehow, November and December don't seem nearly as dreary. We generally have cloudy skies, bone-chilling damp weather, and SNOW. We rarely see the sun, not until March or April at the earliest or so it seems. A dreary, rainy January 60 degree day was most welcome.
This sudden burst of warmer temperatures reminded me of Spring. It sparked my creativity and compelled me to do a bit of pre-mature Spring cleaning!
On Monday, I threw open the windows to air out the house a bit and give us some much needed fresh air. I noticed several of my neighbors did the same. I'm taking full advantage of warm weather while it's here! My creativity ran wild as my boys were playing outside in the mud building forts, fighting some sort of storm trooper or another, and yelling like banshees. I cleaned out all of the newly retired stamp sets in my collection (32!) and then decided that it was time to move furniture in our living room.
I had moved a couch, coffee table and emptied a bookcase to move when I received a phone call from my Dearest who was leaving work. I told him I had a surprise for him and hoped it would be ready when he got home. He paused a moment and said, "I'd like to eat dinner tonight." I started brown rice in the rice cooker, then I scrambled to finish moving the couches, bookcases, and re-shelve the books. I didn't dare move the TV, entertainment cabinet, and various other TV paraphernalia.
He snuck in through the back door, but he liked what I had done. So far. He came up with the idea to keep moving furniture. We rearranged a bit more and are happy with our fresh, new look. Just in time for "Winter" to arrive... again.
By the way, we had salads, seasoned Mahi-mahi, asparagus, and brown rice for dinner, to my Dearest's joy.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1
See, here in the Mid-West, we get dreary winters. Very little sun once January hits. Somehow, November and December don't seem nearly as dreary. We generally have cloudy skies, bone-chilling damp weather, and SNOW. We rarely see the sun, not until March or April at the earliest or so it seems. A dreary, rainy January 60 degree day was most welcome.
This sudden burst of warmer temperatures reminded me of Spring. It sparked my creativity and compelled me to do a bit of pre-mature Spring cleaning!
On Monday, I threw open the windows to air out the house a bit and give us some much needed fresh air. I noticed several of my neighbors did the same. I'm taking full advantage of warm weather while it's here! My creativity ran wild as my boys were playing outside in the mud building forts, fighting some sort of storm trooper or another, and yelling like banshees. I cleaned out all of the newly retired stamp sets in my collection (32!) and then decided that it was time to move furniture in our living room.
I had moved a couch, coffee table and emptied a bookcase to move when I received a phone call from my Dearest who was leaving work. I told him I had a surprise for him and hoped it would be ready when he got home. He paused a moment and said, "I'd like to eat dinner tonight." I started brown rice in the rice cooker, then I scrambled to finish moving the couches, bookcases, and re-shelve the books. I didn't dare move the TV, entertainment cabinet, and various other TV paraphernalia.
He snuck in through the back door, but he liked what I had done. So far. He came up with the idea to keep moving furniture. We rearranged a bit more and are happy with our fresh, new look. Just in time for "Winter" to arrive... again.
By the way, we had salads, seasoned Mahi-mahi, asparagus, and brown rice for dinner, to my Dearest's joy.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Expecting!!
Not ME, you sillies! I had you going, didn't I? :-)
My dearest Sister and Brother-in-Law are expecting their first child. They broke the news over Thanksgiving, but seeing as I've rarely blogged since... well, before Thanksgiving, I thought now would be a good time to share with the world.
No, they're not going to find out before hand what gender their child is.
She's due in early June.
She's feeling well. Not much (morning) sickness at all.
(Yes, I can hear all of your questions now.)
Sadly, I've been bugging, I mean prodding, I mean encouraging my Sister and Brother-in-Law to have offspring for quite some time. Granted, they've been married for about 3 1/2 years. In some circles that's seen as a long time. In others, it is seen as no rush, no fuss. I mention this because my Dearest and I got pregnant on our honeymoon. We are of the view that they were taking a long time, only because of our own circumstances.
Our children are 6 and 7 1/2 so we (okay, I) have been encouraging my Sister and Brother-in-Law to have children, because after all, our children need cousins on this side of the family!
Now that they are expecting and we own a mini-van, the talk has come full circle back to us. Our child will need cousins his or her own age! You could have more children. Don't you need a girl? You have three empty seats in your mini-van, ya know! and every other conceivable reason why we would need more children. No pun intended!
Tonight, at dinner, as talk turned to meatball cannons, Legos, cars, and other boy-ish topics, I felt it again. Acutely female in an almost male-dominated home. This time, instead of just grinning at the "boys will be boys" behaviour, I mentioned it to my Dearest. I laid my head on his shoulder and said, "I feel acutely female."
His way of comforting me was something like this:
"Well, if we were to multiply, there's no way to determine the gender."
I answered, "I know. We could have more of this!" nodding my head at the boys.
"Your Sister and Brother-in-law have no way of knowing either. If we did, we wouldn't know until the birth* anyhow. We don't know if the genders will be compatible or not."
(I think he meant similar. tee hee hee)
He continued with, "Well, it's best not to try."
*We are some of those people who chose not to find out the gender at the ultrasound. We like being surprised at the actual birth. For me, it's remembering my Dearest looking at me with such emotion on his face as he announced that we had a son or another son. Memories I'll cherish in my heart forever.
Anyhow, those of you who know my Dearest know that he's always said that whatever God has planned for us will be and who are we to stay God's hand? If it happens, we'll love that child as much as we love the ones we have now. If not, then not.
My dearest Sister and Brother-in-Law are expecting their first child. They broke the news over Thanksgiving, but seeing as I've rarely blogged since... well, before Thanksgiving, I thought now would be a good time to share with the world.
No, they're not going to find out before hand what gender their child is.
She's due in early June.
She's feeling well. Not much (morning) sickness at all.
(Yes, I can hear all of your questions now.)
Sadly, I've been bugging, I mean prodding, I mean encouraging my Sister and Brother-in-Law to have offspring for quite some time. Granted, they've been married for about 3 1/2 years. In some circles that's seen as a long time. In others, it is seen as no rush, no fuss. I mention this because my Dearest and I got pregnant on our honeymoon. We are of the view that they were taking a long time, only because of our own circumstances.
Our children are 6 and 7 1/2 so we (okay, I) have been encouraging my Sister and Brother-in-Law to have children, because after all, our children need cousins on this side of the family!
Now that they are expecting and we own a mini-van, the talk has come full circle back to us. Our child will need cousins his or her own age! You could have more children. Don't you need a girl? You have three empty seats in your mini-van, ya know! and every other conceivable reason why we would need more children. No pun intended!
Tonight, at dinner, as talk turned to meatball cannons, Legos, cars, and other boy-ish topics, I felt it again. Acutely female in an almost male-dominated home. This time, instead of just grinning at the "boys will be boys" behaviour, I mentioned it to my Dearest. I laid my head on his shoulder and said, "I feel acutely female."
His way of comforting me was something like this:
"Well, if we were to multiply, there's no way to determine the gender."
I answered, "I know. We could have more of this!" nodding my head at the boys.
"Your Sister and Brother-in-law have no way of knowing either. If we did, we wouldn't know until the birth* anyhow. We don't know if the genders will be compatible or not."
(I think he meant similar. tee hee hee)
He continued with, "Well, it's best not to try."
*We are some of those people who chose not to find out the gender at the ultrasound. We like being surprised at the actual birth. For me, it's remembering my Dearest looking at me with such emotion on his face as he announced that we had a son or another son. Memories I'll cherish in my heart forever.
Anyhow, those of you who know my Dearest know that he's always said that whatever God has planned for us will be and who are we to stay God's hand? If it happens, we'll love that child as much as we love the ones we have now. If not, then not.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Football Results
The end of the regular football season is over. For the football widows out there, I'm very glad for you. All you must endure now is playoff season. It will officially be over on February 3 ... about 10:30 pm.
Here is how our Pigskin Pick'em team did:
I am so excited to say that I placed first in our group overall. Yay!
Here is how our Pigskin Pick'em team did:
I am so excited to say that I placed first in our group overall. Yay!
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope that 2008 will be a wonderful year for you.
May God lead you even closer to Him and continue to sanctify you.
I hope that 2008 will be a wonderful year for you.
May God lead you even closer to Him and continue to sanctify you.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Multiple Recipes of the Week
Okay, so I've been very lax about posting my recipes of the week. Here, I try to make up for it! Here are some of my very favorite recipes.
Most of them are from Zonya Foco, who is a Registered Dietitian and has a FABULOUS cookbook called Lickety Split Meals: For Health Conscious People on the Go. I highly recommend this cookbook; everything I have made out of this cookbook has been well embraced by myself and my family - even my 6 and 7 1/2 year old boys!
Oven Baked Lentils and Rice - My 6 year old requested this for his birthday meal this past winter.
Beef and Barley Soup - We really enjoy our slow-cooker and love the fact that when we've had a busy day and come home, dinner smells so good that my boys can't wait for dinner time. Hooray!
Beef Stroganoff - My Dearest absolutely loathes Beef Stroganoff, but he really enjoys this recipe!
Salmon Burgers - An easy way to get Omega-3 in our diet.
Salmon fillets a la ScrappyMom
Season your salmon with salt, pepper, and lay sliced lemons over, completely covering it. Bake or broil until done. Enjoy with brown rice and vegetables of your choice.
Bon Appetit!!
Most of them are from Zonya Foco, who is a Registered Dietitian and has a FABULOUS cookbook called Lickety Split Meals: For Health Conscious People on the Go. I highly recommend this cookbook; everything I have made out of this cookbook has been well embraced by myself and my family - even my 6 and 7 1/2 year old boys!
Oven Baked Lentils and Rice - My 6 year old requested this for his birthday meal this past winter.
Beef and Barley Soup - We really enjoy our slow-cooker and love the fact that when we've had a busy day and come home, dinner smells so good that my boys can't wait for dinner time. Hooray!
Beef Stroganoff - My Dearest absolutely loathes Beef Stroganoff, but he really enjoys this recipe!
Salmon Burgers - An easy way to get Omega-3 in our diet.
Salmon fillets a la ScrappyMom
Season your salmon with salt, pepper, and lay sliced lemons over, completely covering it. Bake or broil until done. Enjoy with brown rice and vegetables of your choice.
Bon Appetit!!
Friday, December 28, 2007
So Much Easier!
I was trying to create some .jpg and .pdf items for my scrapbooking website and as I was away from home, I couldn't do my usual multi-process solution: Print, scan, save, and then use it as needed.
My brother-in-law, who is very computer-savvy, suggested an Open Source program for a pdf creator. I googled it, asked if what I found was the correct one, downloaded it, and started creating all sorts of .jpgs and .pdfs. So happy!! It's so easy to use and even better yet is that there is no cost! Want to try it? Go here.
My brother-in-law, who is very computer-savvy, suggested an Open Source program for a pdf creator. I googled it, asked if what I found was the correct one, downloaded it, and started creating all sorts of .jpgs and .pdfs. So happy!! It's so easy to use and even better yet is that there is no cost! Want to try it? Go here.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!!
Shannonn tagged me before I had a chance!
Perhaps it is because I haven't posted in so long, huh? I'll be back to "schedule" soon.
In the mean time...
Merry Christmas!
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called,
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, ESV
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called,
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, ESV
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Homemade Tofu
Here's a unique Recipe of the Week - Homemade Tofu!
When we were at my parent's for Thankgiving, my sister wanted to learn how to make tofu and I sat in on the lesson. Little did I know I was as interested and I ended up helping quite a bit, due to my sister's "delicate condition." Quick side note - yes, my sister is pregnant with their first child and boy, is everyone excited! Our boys have been praying for their cousin, aunt and uncle; it touches my heart so.
This recipe is time consuming, but tastes so much better than what you'd find in the stores. Apparently, tofu in it's natural state is very perishable and commercially available tofu tastes plastic-y, according to my parents. I have also wondered what kind of additives and preservatives are in commercially available tofu to make them last on store shelves.
My parents double this recipe when they make tofu, but I don't think most of us have stock pots large enough to accommodate this recipe doubled.
Ingredients & Necessary supplies:
2 1/2 c. dried soybeans
Water
2 T. Epsom salt
Large cotton bag with a narrow opening
Large muslin or poly piece of fabric
Large stock pot
Ladle
Flat paddle-type spatula
Basket with drainage holes
Soak 2 1/2 c. soybeans overnight in about 10 cups of water. Rinse beans and water until clear.
Blend with two times as much cold water as beans. (1 ladle of beans, 2 ladles of cold water)
Pour bean mixture into a large cotton/poly bag. Repeat with remaining soaked beans.
Close the bag (or hold the opening shut) as you extract as much of the liquid as you can out of the cotton bag by squeezing and rubbing the bag. Remove extracted liquid into a large stock pot
Pour warm water into the bag and continue extracting liquid from the bag, then removing extracted liquid into pot.
When all of the liquid is extracted, the soybean remains should be dry and crumbly.
Bring the soybean liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and turn heat off for 10 - 15 minutes. No peeking!
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 2 cups of water.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Epsom water over the surface of the soybean liquid. Stir once using flat-paddle type of spatula. Cover for 10 minutes. The Epsom water and heat will start to separate the soybean curd from the water. When you stir once, you will start to feel some resistance from the curd.
Repeat with all of the Epsom water. The water and soybean curd will start to separate, the water on top will be straw-colored and clear.
Ladle off as much water as you can. Moisten a large muslin or poly cloth, line your basket (we used an organizing basket with "latticed" sides for the excess moisture to escape) with the moistened cloth. Pour tofu into the "mold," then fold excess cloth over the top. Lay a heavy weight that fits onto the surface to drain out the rest of the water. Let sit overnight.
The next morning, invert tofu onto a cutting board, cut into portion sizes. Place tofu into a container and add enough fresh water so that it just floats. If tofu isn't prepared and eaten right away, drain and add fresh cool water every other day to keep fresh. Tofu will keep fresh with this method for 2 to 3 weeks.
Fresh tofu is hard work, I won't deny it, but the taste is so worth it.
Chal muh-guh-sae yo!
When we were at my parent's for Thankgiving, my sister wanted to learn how to make tofu and I sat in on the lesson. Little did I know I was as interested and I ended up helping quite a bit, due to my sister's "delicate condition." Quick side note - yes, my sister is pregnant with their first child and boy, is everyone excited! Our boys have been praying for their cousin, aunt and uncle; it touches my heart so.
This recipe is time consuming, but tastes so much better than what you'd find in the stores. Apparently, tofu in it's natural state is very perishable and commercially available tofu tastes plastic-y, according to my parents. I have also wondered what kind of additives and preservatives are in commercially available tofu to make them last on store shelves.
My parents double this recipe when they make tofu, but I don't think most of us have stock pots large enough to accommodate this recipe doubled.
Ingredients & Necessary supplies:
2 1/2 c. dried soybeans
Water
2 T. Epsom salt
Large cotton bag with a narrow opening
Large muslin or poly piece of fabric
Large stock pot
Ladle
Flat paddle-type spatula
Basket with drainage holes
Soak 2 1/2 c. soybeans overnight in about 10 cups of water. Rinse beans and water until clear.
Blend with two times as much cold water as beans. (1 ladle of beans, 2 ladles of cold water)
Pour bean mixture into a large cotton/poly bag. Repeat with remaining soaked beans.
Close the bag (or hold the opening shut) as you extract as much of the liquid as you can out of the cotton bag by squeezing and rubbing the bag. Remove extracted liquid into a large stock pot
Pour warm water into the bag and continue extracting liquid from the bag, then removing extracted liquid into pot.
When all of the liquid is extracted, the soybean remains should be dry and crumbly.
Bring the soybean liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and turn heat off for 10 - 15 minutes. No peeking!
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 2 cups of water.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Epsom water over the surface of the soybean liquid. Stir once using flat-paddle type of spatula. Cover for 10 minutes. The Epsom water and heat will start to separate the soybean curd from the water. When you stir once, you will start to feel some resistance from the curd.
Repeat with all of the Epsom water. The water and soybean curd will start to separate, the water on top will be straw-colored and clear.
Ladle off as much water as you can. Moisten a large muslin or poly cloth, line your basket (we used an organizing basket with "latticed" sides for the excess moisture to escape) with the moistened cloth. Pour tofu into the "mold," then fold excess cloth over the top. Lay a heavy weight that fits onto the surface to drain out the rest of the water. Let sit overnight.
The next morning, invert tofu onto a cutting board, cut into portion sizes. Place tofu into a container and add enough fresh water so that it just floats. If tofu isn't prepared and eaten right away, drain and add fresh cool water every other day to keep fresh. Tofu will keep fresh with this method for 2 to 3 weeks.
Fresh tofu is hard work, I won't deny it, but the taste is so worth it.
Chal muh-guh-sae yo!
Christmas Trivia
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? After Isaac's birthday
4. When do you take the tree down? Early January
5. Do you like egg nog? Usually just a cup or two per year
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Nothing comes to mind
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dearest
9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Have you heard of the Cobbler's children?
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I know I've gotten a couple of things but can't think of them off the top of my head.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Charlie Brown Christmas - I think it counts! Plus all of the Home Alone movies.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Early December
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope! I keep everything I get!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Potato Pancakes (latkes) and the cookies!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas hymns are my favorite!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Perhaps if I tried really hard.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shopping for groceries and trying to find a parking spot
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The ones my kids have made
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? No tradition, it varies every year.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmmmm... nothing, really.
Want to play along? Just leave me a post telling me.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? After Isaac's birthday
4. When do you take the tree down? Early January
5. Do you like egg nog? Usually just a cup or two per year
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Nothing comes to mind
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dearest
9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Have you heard of the Cobbler's children?
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I know I've gotten a couple of things but can't think of them off the top of my head.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Charlie Brown Christmas - I think it counts! Plus all of the Home Alone movies.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Early December
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope! I keep everything I get!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Potato Pancakes (latkes) and the cookies!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas hymns are my favorite!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Perhaps if I tried really hard.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shopping for groceries and trying to find a parking spot
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The ones my kids have made
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? No tradition, it varies every year.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmmmm... nothing, really.
Want to play along? Just leave me a post telling me.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Words, words, words...
We are spending Thanksgiving with my family. My sister and brother-in-law are coming into town and I am looking forward to it. We are a loud bunch, fond of playing Scum, Dutch Blitz, Speed Scrabble, and Euchre. We like our numbers and words.
Why not make a difference with a love of words? Here, I scored over 600 grains of rice and have a vocab level of .... well, let's not say. Let's just say I wish my score was higher.
Why not make a difference with a love of words? Here, I scored over 600 grains of rice and have a vocab level of .... well, let's not say. Let's just say I wish my score was higher.
Spinach Salad with Apple, Pomegranate, and Celery
This has become one of my favorite salads! I first had it at one of my customer's homes at her scrapbook class. She insisted I try it and I'm glad I did!
Ingredients:
3 c. chopped apple
1 pomegranate worth of seeds
3 ribs of celery, chopped
9 oz baby spinach leaves
1/4 c toasted nuts (optional)
1/2 to 2/3 c. Honey Dijon Dressing*
Honey Dijon Dressing
3/4 c mayo
3/4 c. plain yogurt
1 T sugar
3 T honey
3 T Dijon mustard
2 T vinegar
1/2 c. oil (I used olive)
1 T dried parsley
Blend all ingredients except for oil and parsley in blender.
With blender running, slowly add oil.
Blend in parsley.
Keeps for about 1 week.
To assemble salad:
Combine apple, pomegranate seeds, and celery with 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey dijon dressing.
Just before serving, toss with the spinach leaves. Sprinkle with toasted nuts.
Bon Appetit!!
Yes, this would be the second Recipe of the Week recipes. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
3 c. chopped apple
1 pomegranate worth of seeds
3 ribs of celery, chopped
9 oz baby spinach leaves
1/4 c toasted nuts (optional)
1/2 to 2/3 c. Honey Dijon Dressing*
Honey Dijon Dressing
3/4 c mayo
3/4 c. plain yogurt
1 T sugar
3 T honey
3 T Dijon mustard
2 T vinegar
1/2 c. oil (I used olive)
1 T dried parsley
Blend all ingredients except for oil and parsley in blender.
With blender running, slowly add oil.
Blend in parsley.
Keeps for about 1 week.
To assemble salad:
Combine apple, pomegranate seeds, and celery with 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey dijon dressing.
Just before serving, toss with the spinach leaves. Sprinkle with toasted nuts.
Bon Appetit!!
Yes, this would be the second Recipe of the Week recipes. Enjoy!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Four Things...
Four Things You May or May Not Know About Me
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Nanny
2. Waitress
3. Receptionist - ICEE
4. Homeschooling Mom :-)
Movies I Would Watch Over and Over:
1. Pride & Prejudice - BBC Version
2. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
3. Bend it Like Beckham
4. The Italian Job
Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Chuck
2. Heroes
3. The Office
4. The Unit
Four Places I have been:
1. Korea
2. California (up and down the coast)
3. Nantucket
4. Martha's Vineyard
Four People who E-mail / Call Me Often:
1. My Dearest
2. Brother
3. Sister
Four of My Favorite Foods
1. Mexican
2. Thai
3. Spinach, Pomegranate, and Apple salad
4. Clementine Tangerines, any fruit really.
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Mackinac Island
2. Chicago
3. A warm beach
4. Anywhere with my family
Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Thanksgiving and Christmas
2. Moving into our brand new church buildling
3. Regency Ball at my church (1800's style English Ball)
4. Watching my children learn
Want to play? Consider yourself tagged and please let me know you decided to play!
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Nanny
2. Waitress
3. Receptionist - ICEE
4. Homeschooling Mom :-)
Movies I Would Watch Over and Over:
1. Pride & Prejudice - BBC Version
2. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
3. Bend it Like Beckham
4. The Italian Job
Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Chuck
2. Heroes
3. The Office
4. The Unit
Four Places I have been:
1. Korea
2. California (up and down the coast)
3. Nantucket
4. Martha's Vineyard
Four People who E-mail / Call Me Often:
1. My Dearest
2. Brother
3. Sister
Four of My Favorite Foods
1. Mexican
2. Thai
3. Spinach, Pomegranate, and Apple salad
4. Clementine Tangerines, any fruit really.
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Mackinac Island
2. Chicago
3. A warm beach
4. Anywhere with my family
Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Thanksgiving and Christmas
2. Moving into our brand new church buildling
3. Regency Ball at my church (1800's style English Ball)
4. Watching my children learn
Want to play? Consider yourself tagged and please let me know you decided to play!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Homeschooling Wish List
I just came across some homeschool humor - a wishlist from homeschoolers to non-homeschoolers. I found this over at Consent for the Governed.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2. Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.
10. We didn't go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
14. Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we're into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don't have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
To see the complete list of 25 wishes, visit here.
Please realize that just because I homeschool doesn't mean that I think that you should. I feel very strongly about every parent's right to educate their child in the matter best suited to that child and family situation. I know that we as parents make decisions based on the best interests of our child(ren). I don't want that right questioned or taken away.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2. Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.
10. We didn't go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
14. Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we're into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don't have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
To see the complete list of 25 wishes, visit here.
Please realize that just because I homeschool doesn't mean that I think that you should. I feel very strongly about every parent's right to educate their child in the matter best suited to that child and family situation. I know that we as parents make decisions based on the best interests of our child(ren). I don't want that right questioned or taken away.
Rear Sensors ... on CARS!
Did you know that if you drive a car with a rear-impact sensor not only will it detect when you are about to hit something or someone, but it will do the complimentary - it also will sound when someone gets too close to you.
I found this out from my neighbor who owns such a car and was sitting at a railroad crossing when the car behind her decided that if they creeped right up to her bumper, the train just might move on the tracks faster and they might be able to cross the tracks quicker. All of a sudden, her sensor starts beeping and she had no idea why! She finally figured it out and scooted forward a bit, but so did the sensor-offending car behind her. Only when the train cleared the tracks and traffic resumed, did it stop.
Okay, since I've been informed I have been on the lookout for these cars - not to harrass them, but only becuase they have a distinguishing characteristic on their bumper. Today, I wasn't paying attention, but my Dearest was.
We were turning off the freeway/expressway/whatever you call the Interstate and into a left turn lane that had quite a few cars in it already. Our van wasn't quite in the lane and had it's right rear end jutting out into the lane next to us. I could clearly see the rear bumper of the car in front of the car in front of us through it's windshield, but they were not inclined to move forward. Since they were not creeping forward, I creeped a bit to get the rest of our van into the lane and not disrupt traffic in the lane next to us. This is when my Dearest noticed that this car in front of us had a rear-sensor. He said, "Hey, they have a sensor in their bumper! If we get closer, they will start beeping and move forward!" We started laughing uproariously at the though and idea. Ethan asked us what we were laughing about and we explained to him about this feature. Isaac then asked, "May we do that, please?"
I found this out from my neighbor who owns such a car and was sitting at a railroad crossing when the car behind her decided that if they creeped right up to her bumper, the train just might move on the tracks faster and they might be able to cross the tracks quicker. All of a sudden, her sensor starts beeping and she had no idea why! She finally figured it out and scooted forward a bit, but so did the sensor-offending car behind her. Only when the train cleared the tracks and traffic resumed, did it stop.
Okay, since I've been informed I have been on the lookout for these cars - not to harrass them, but only becuase they have a distinguishing characteristic on their bumper. Today, I wasn't paying attention, but my Dearest was.
We were turning off the freeway/expressway/whatever you call the Interstate and into a left turn lane that had quite a few cars in it already. Our van wasn't quite in the lane and had it's right rear end jutting out into the lane next to us. I could clearly see the rear bumper of the car in front of the car in front of us through it's windshield, but they were not inclined to move forward. Since they were not creeping forward, I creeped a bit to get the rest of our van into the lane and not disrupt traffic in the lane next to us. This is when my Dearest noticed that this car in front of us had a rear-sensor. He said, "Hey, they have a sensor in their bumper! If we get closer, they will start beeping and move forward!" We started laughing uproariously at the though and idea. Ethan asked us what we were laughing about and we explained to him about this feature. Isaac then asked, "May we do that, please?"
Recipe of the Week
Okay, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming! It seems that everyone has something that works for them - ordering Chinese, preparing a prized recipe handed down through the generations or experimenting every year with something different. How about some awesome breakfast recipes?? Dinner is not the only meal, people! These are my absolutely favorite and easy breakfast recipes, unless my Dearest is making his pancakes. That recipe to come next week!
½ c each brown and white sugar
½ cup oil
3 c Rice Dream
4 c oatmeal
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 chopped apples
dried cranberries
cinnamon
Directions:
Baked Oatmeal, non-Vegan and non-Vegetarian Style
Ingredients:
~1 c sugar (brown, white or a mix)
2 – 3 eggs
½ cup oil
3 c milk
4 – 5 c oatmeal
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
raisins
cinnamon
a finely chopped apple
Directions
Ingredients:
potato patties or hash brown potatoes
8 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1 lb breakfast meat, cooked
shredded cheese
Directions:
Ingredients:
1 c. brown sugar
1 stick butter
2 T light corn syrup
12 slices bread
6 eggs, beaten
1 ½ c. milk
1 t. vanilla
¼ t. salt
Directions:
These recipes was originally posted on Jan 1, 2007.
Bon Appetit!
Baked Oatmeal Vegan Style
We are not vegans, but Dearest's sister is and his brother and sis-in-law are vegetarians.
Ingredients:We are not vegans, but Dearest's sister is and his brother and sis-in-law are vegetarians.
½ c each brown and white sugar
½ cup oil
3 c Rice Dream
4 c oatmeal
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 chopped apples
dried cranberries
cinnamon
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Preheat oven 350*. Grease 9x13 pan. Pour in the oatmeal. Bake for 30 minutes.
- If you sprinkle cinnamon on top before baking, run the spatula over it so it gets a little wet & won’t burn.
Baked Oatmeal, non-Vegan and non-Vegetarian Style
Ingredients:
~1 c sugar (brown, white or a mix)
2 – 3 eggs
½ cup oil
3 c milk
4 – 5 c oatmeal
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
raisins
cinnamon
a finely chopped apple
Directions
- Mix sugar and eggs.
- Add oil and milk. Mix thoroughly.
- Add oatmeal, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Preheat oven 350*. Grease 9x13 pan. Pour in the oatmeal. Bake for 30 minutes.
Egg Casserole
Ingredients:
potato patties or hash brown potatoes
8 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1 lb breakfast meat, cooked
shredded cheese
Directions:
- Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. Layer the potatoes in the bottom of the pan (if using patties, a single layer, if using shredded potatoes, about 3/4 inches deep)
- Mix eggs and milk. Pour over potatoes.
- Scatter breakfast meat and cheese over eggs. Refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350* and bake about 45 minutes until eggs are set.
Overnight Caramel French Toast
Ingredients:
1 c. brown sugar
1 stick butter
2 T light corn syrup
12 slices bread
6 eggs, beaten
1 ½ c. milk
1 t. vanilla
¼ t. salt
Directions:
- Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in saucepan and bring to a light boil, just until sugar melts and mixture looks like caramel.
- Spread mixture evenly into bottom of 9x13 pan.
- Place 6 slices of bread on top of syrup. Cover with remaining 6 slices. – You should have 2 layers of bread, each layer with 6 slices.
- Blend remaining ingredients and pour over the bread slices evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours)
- Place in pre-heated 350* oven for 45 minutes
These recipes was originally posted on Jan 1, 2007.
Bon Appetit!
Monday, November 12, 2007
While We Were Out
My Dearest and I went out this past weekend and spent some time with friends from church, as we do monthly, to play Euchre. Participants bring a snack to share and an "entrance fee," a small gift with our favorite Bible verse taped to it.
This past time, everyone brought some Christmas gift-wrapping supply item (wrapping paper, gift bags, Christmas cards, etc.). We play tournament-style, changing partners after each game. After we finish playing, we tally out points and pick our prize from the entrance fees that were brought. We had a fun time and I even placed 2nd out of 8 players; I usually place in the bottom half. YAY me!
When we got home, we had a fun recap of the evening from my m-i-l. I learn so much about our children every time someone else watches them!
Isaac picked up Gram-Gram's water bottle and proclaimed, "Gram-Gram! You need to stop drinking this water right now! It has total carbs!"
I'm trying to be a better steward of my family's health and improving our eating habits. I have always been a foodie, and have been reading labels and apparently, my boys have picked up on my habit. I have tried to tell them that it's not just the words, but the number accompanying the words. That part hasn't stuck yet.
We rarely eat fast-food, but if we do, our fast-food of choice is Wendy's. Another funny moment was Ethan asking Gram-Gram, "Will you take my to McDonald's?" She responds that there is too much fat in their food. He responds with, "But, Gram-Gram, I need you to drive me there so I can put up my sign in their window that says, 'Stop the Fat!'" The funny thing is that he hasn't been exposed to low-fat food, low-carb diets, or protests. He's a one boy protest.
This past time, everyone brought some Christmas gift-wrapping supply item (wrapping paper, gift bags, Christmas cards, etc.). We play tournament-style, changing partners after each game. After we finish playing, we tally out points and pick our prize from the entrance fees that were brought. We had a fun time and I even placed 2nd out of 8 players; I usually place in the bottom half. YAY me!
When we got home, we had a fun recap of the evening from my m-i-l. I learn so much about our children every time someone else watches them!
Isaac picked up Gram-Gram's water bottle and proclaimed, "Gram-Gram! You need to stop drinking this water right now! It has total carbs!"
I'm trying to be a better steward of my family's health and improving our eating habits. I have always been a foodie, and have been reading labels and apparently, my boys have picked up on my habit. I have tried to tell them that it's not just the words, but the number accompanying the words. That part hasn't stuck yet.
We rarely eat fast-food, but if we do, our fast-food of choice is Wendy's. Another funny moment was Ethan asking Gram-Gram, "Will you take my to McDonald's?" She responds that there is too much fat in their food. He responds with, "But, Gram-Gram, I need you to drive me there so I can put up my sign in their window that says, 'Stop the Fat!'" The funny thing is that he hasn't been exposed to low-fat food, low-carb diets, or protests. He's a one boy protest.
Recipe of the Week
With the thought of hosting family over the holidays, I thought I'd repost one of my favorite recipes. According to my friend Nikki, this has become one of her friend's favorite recipes as well. This recipe was originally posted on Sept 2, 2006.
From my friend Mary:
Mary's Awesome Pork Dish
Combine:
1/3 c flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Use flour mixture to dredge:
2 lbs pork loin, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Sear pork in skillet, place into ungreased 9x13 pan.
Saute:
2 T. butter
1 c chopped celery or onion (if you don't like onions, celery works well instead)
Add and boil:
1 garlic clove, minced
2 c applesauce
¼ c brown sugar
¼ c soy sauce
¼ c apple juice
½ tsp ground ginger
Pour mixture over pork into 9x13 pan. Bake @ 350* for 1 hour. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or rice and your choice of veggie.
From my friend Mary:
Mary's Awesome Pork Dish
Combine:
1/3 c flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Use flour mixture to dredge:
2 lbs pork loin, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Sear pork in skillet, place into ungreased 9x13 pan.
Saute:
2 T. butter
1 c chopped celery or onion (if you don't like onions, celery works well instead)
Add and boil:
1 garlic clove, minced
2 c applesauce
¼ c brown sugar
¼ c soy sauce
¼ c apple juice
½ tsp ground ginger
Pour mixture over pork into 9x13 pan. Bake @ 350* for 1 hour. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or rice and your choice of veggie.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Drumroll, please!!
Thanks to my random number generator, the winner of my Fall Ya'll Giveaway is Entrant # 39 - Shannon! If I don't hear from her by Tuesday, November 6, I'll choose another winner.
Congratulations, Shannon!!
Congratulations, Shannon!!
It's Fall Ya'll!!
***Sticky Post!***
All other posts will appear below this one until the winner has been chosen for my drawing!
All other posts will appear below this one until the winner has been chosen for my drawing!
The weather is crisp, leaves are gorgeous and Rocks in My Dryer is hosting her Fall Ya'll Giveaway! Her last one was so much fun! I think my counter just recently recovered from my last giveaway. It needs a workout every now and again, don't you think? :-)
Here's what I'm giving away this time:
The winner will receive 2 each of 4 card designs, 8 envelopes, a card holder, and a matching pen!
Fine Print:
To enter my drawing, please leave a comment!
You do not have to have a blog to enter.
Please be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!
Unfortunately, I can ship to U.S. addresses only.
I will close the comments on Friday, Nov. 2 at 4 pm Eastern and draw a winner using a random number generator.
These cards and holder are made using Close To My Heart products (stamps, inks, and papers) and are copyright by Close To My Heart.
You might be my winner!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Not a Perfect Week
It's Tuesday. The morning after. After Monday Night Football, that is. I picked the wrong team to win last night's game. It seems Favre's arm does work well in the cold. He does play for GB, after all. That's a pretty cold city. Plus they play outdoors, not in a dome. He is also the most experienced QB in the league, as well. I guess I should have taken that into consideration before I picked Denver over GB. I assumed that the altitude would be more of an issue than it was. I guess the game day temp being in the high 60s made up for whatever altitude issues they might have encountered.
Nevertheless, I am in the lead for the week, and I have tied scores and rankings with My Dearest. I still say, Game On!
Nevertheless, I am in the lead for the week, and I have tied scores and rankings with My Dearest. I still say, Game On!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Go see her!
I met Karen at my moms group last Spring. (The group was previously affiliated with MOPS, but decided to branch out on their own, creating their own independent group.)Karen is an awesome speaker. She has lots of wisdom and encouragement for mothers, as we are in the trenches on Planet Motherhood. By the way, she is not my Mrs. H, although the initial fits, lol!
She is giving away a copy of her book, "Confessions of an Irritable Mother." Click on the book image to enter for your own copy and tell her you came from my blog!
Forgive me, I don't know how to underline book titles in blogger!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Recipe of the Week: Chicken, Artichoke, and Rice Bake
I think Fall is actually here! We're supposed to dip below the freezing point tonight. That means slow-cookers, casseroles, and comfort-food recipes to come! I tweaked a classic Campbell's soup and rice recipe for this much-loved recipe in our house.
Chicken, Artichoke, and Rice Bake
Combine and turn into a lightly oiled 9x13 pan:
1 - 10 3/4 oz. cream of mushroom soup
1 1/3 c. water
3/4 c. uncooked rice
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 - jar artichokes, drained and chopped
Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts on top of rice mixture. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 375* for 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Guten Appetit!
Chicken, Artichoke, and Rice Bake
Combine and turn into a lightly oiled 9x13 pan:
1 - 10 3/4 oz. cream of mushroom soup
1 1/3 c. water
3/4 c. uncooked rice
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 - jar artichokes, drained and chopped
Place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts on top of rice mixture. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 375* for 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Guten Appetit!
Week 8 Wins!
I don't normally blog about football, but I'm SO. EXCITED. ABOUT. THIS! You know I like football. You know I do picks. THIS. IS. THE. FIRST. TIME. EVER. that I've picked correctly for the whole day, let alone perhaps an entire week's picks. In the last 3 years I've picked, I don't think I've ever picked anywhere near 100%.
I'm not as confident about Monday Night Football. I've picked Denver over Green Bay. I know Brett Favre has been really unstoppable this season, but I think the altitude is going to be an issue for him and the rest of the GB team, although not too much of one as I've picked a fairly low-scoring game with a ten point difference between the two teams. Yes, I call 27-17 a fairly low-scoring game. Have you seen New England's scores this season? They've been averaging over 40 points for each game. Okay, perhaps not an ordinary example. How about Indianapolis? They average over 30 points scored per game. Okay, maybe another extraordinary example. Okay, I've called a moderately exciting football game based on my predicted score. We'll see how it goes.
Fall Ya'll!
Well, I've been pondering this give away thing for a couple of weeks. Do I give something away? Do I just sit this one out? What to do??
Well, I've decided to join the fun again! My giveaway will be posted sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Well, I've decided to join the fun again! My giveaway will be posted sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Gym and Ice
The boys have been taking gym classes at our local sports/recreation complex. They have a fun program for children which meets weekly, and we decided it would be a sanity saver to put our children in an organized physical education program. Plus, I thought I'd take the time to ice skate while they were in class. 2 uninterrupted hours of cool, ice skating bliss. After the previous ice skating incident, I was a bit hesitant to get back on the ice, but the uninterrupted time was calling my name!
The first week, I had to prep a scrapbooking workshop so I spent my time cutting paper. The second week I had a dermatologists appointment for a spot of what turned out to be eczema, which I need to treat with a topical cream.
This past week, I did it! I started out finishing some cards, adhering card fronts to card bases that have just been begging me to make them into complete cards. After I finished, Jessica and Lydia, 2 high school aged gals from my homeschool group, compelled me to join them skating. After getting my rental skates and starting to lace them, Andy, the employee who filled out my accident report before, saw me and asked, "Is this such a good idea?" I could see that he just had visions of filling out another report, collecting statements from witnesses, and I could just see him heading back to the office to get the clipboard at the ready, just in case.
I was undaunted and we had a blast. These two gals were so much fun and encouraging about me getting back on the ice. I noticed that Andy was standing out by one of the windows talking to another employee as we were skating. The girls and I had a fun time imagining their conversation and poking fun at my previous ice skating incident.
The first week, I had to prep a scrapbooking workshop so I spent my time cutting paper. The second week I had a dermatologists appointment for a spot of what turned out to be eczema, which I need to treat with a topical cream.
This past week, I did it! I started out finishing some cards, adhering card fronts to card bases that have just been begging me to make them into complete cards. After I finished, Jessica and Lydia, 2 high school aged gals from my homeschool group, compelled me to join them skating. After getting my rental skates and starting to lace them, Andy, the employee who filled out my accident report before, saw me and asked, "Is this such a good idea?" I could see that he just had visions of filling out another report, collecting statements from witnesses, and I could just see him heading back to the office to get the clipboard at the ready, just in case.
I was undaunted and we had a blast. These two gals were so much fun and encouraging about me getting back on the ice. I noticed that Andy was standing out by one of the windows talking to another employee as we were skating. The girls and I had a fun time imagining their conversation and poking fun at my previous ice skating incident.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Car Update
Well, it's been a few months since our car issues started. It has been resolved, I just haven't updated ya'll. Here's the update!
We remembered that one family was selling their Honda Odyssey and we decided that it would be great to have more cargo room, especially since we seem to like this camping thing and we're planning on making it a yearly event. No more Big Mac box on top of the car! :-) Do you know what I'm talking about? Are you too young to remember Big Mac boxes made out of Styrofoam?
Anyhow, we are the owners of a mini-van. It's a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX with a hauling package of some sort. We have had it since sometime in August. The boys love the automatic doors; I admit, I do too, especially when it's raining! I'm not even ashamed to admit I like driving it. :-)
We remembered that one family was selling their Honda Odyssey and we decided that it would be great to have more cargo room, especially since we seem to like this camping thing and we're planning on making it a yearly event. No more Big Mac box on top of the car! :-) Do you know what I'm talking about? Are you too young to remember Big Mac boxes made out of Styrofoam?
Anyhow, we are the owners of a mini-van. It's a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX with a hauling package of some sort. We have had it since sometime in August. The boys love the automatic doors; I admit, I do too, especially when it's raining! I'm not even ashamed to admit I like driving it. :-)
Recipe of the Week: Crab Dip
Nikki replied to my Foodie post and I had forgotten about my Crab Dip recipe! It's time to revive it as the holidays are coming (yikes!!) and this dip is great to take to your holiday gatherings.
Crab Dip
Mix thoroughly:
2 - 8 oz Neufchatel cheese, softened*
1 - 6 oz can crab meat
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
5 dashes Worchestershire sauce
3/4 c. cocktail sauce (or until creamy or to taste)
*Feel free to use regular cream cheese, if you prefer.
Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with textured crackers.
Guten Appetit!
Crab Dip
Mix thoroughly:
2 - 8 oz Neufchatel cheese, softened*
1 - 6 oz can crab meat
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
5 dashes Worchestershire sauce
3/4 c. cocktail sauce (or until creamy or to taste)
*Feel free to use regular cream cheese, if you prefer.
Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with textured crackers.
Guten Appetit!
Last Week's Recipe of the Week: Turkey Barley Chili
We have one eater in our family who is particular about certain foods. Actually, I don't think it's the food, it may be the texture of the food. Anyhow, this is one recipe that my particular eater has requested and is enthusiastic to eat! For those with cholesterol issues - did you know that barley is better at lowering cholesterol than oat?
Turkey Barley Chili - modified from Quaker (Chicken Barley Chili)
Brown 20 oz ground, lean turkey in a large pot.
Add:
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomato, undrained
1 - 16 oz can tomato sauce
1 - 14.5 oz chicken stock
1 1/2 c. pearled barley
4 c. water
1 T chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 - 20 minutes.
Add:
1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz can whole kernel corn, undrained
Simmer until barley is tender and beans and corn are warmed through.
Bon Appetit!
Turkey Barley Chili - modified from Quaker (Chicken Barley Chili)
Brown 20 oz ground, lean turkey in a large pot.
Add:
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomato, undrained
1 - 16 oz can tomato sauce
1 - 14.5 oz chicken stock
1 1/2 c. pearled barley
4 c. water
1 T chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 - 20 minutes.
Add:
1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz can whole kernel corn, undrained
Simmer until barley is tender and beans and corn are warmed through.
Bon Appetit!
A Breath of Fresh Air
Forgive me for not posting this week. Today is my day to post last week's and this week's recipe of the week, along with some tidbits of wisdom I've gathered.
Earlier this week at my Moms group, I dropped my boys off in their classrooms and feigned casual-ness as I asked their teacher how they had been behaving and acting, as they have had days where I'm ready to tear my hair out and send them to the moon. Hopefully, they would act better than they were at home.
Mrs. H stated that she has no problems with the boys and they were kind, patient, well-spoken, and got along with the others in the classroom. I paused a moment and asked if she knew which boys were mine. I told her some of the difficulties I'd encountered during the week and some of the frustrations I've had. She laughed and said, "Look at it this way, your home is like the classroom. That is where your children learn about how to behave in the world and test their limits. If they are testing you at home, but are behaving out in the world, you are doing your job. You just need to stay the course." I felt so encouraged!
Sometimes, when asking for advice from other people because I felt that I was at the end of my rope and I was feeling so discouraged, hopeless, and as if I was all alone on planet Motherhood, I'd receive the trite and usually worse-than-useless, "Oh, honey, just enjoy them because they grow so fast!" I know these people mean well. And looking at how quickly the younger years went, I can appreciate it somewhat. However, when you are in the Motherhood tunnel and you cannot see any glimpse of sunlight, I was in desperate need of some real encouragement.
Mrs. H is a wonderful, godly encourager. May all of you find or have someone in your life like Mrs. H.
Earlier this week at my Moms group, I dropped my boys off in their classrooms and feigned casual-ness as I asked their teacher how they had been behaving and acting, as they have had days where I'm ready to tear my hair out and send them to the moon. Hopefully, they would act better than they were at home.
Mrs. H stated that she has no problems with the boys and they were kind, patient, well-spoken, and got along with the others in the classroom. I paused a moment and asked if she knew which boys were mine. I told her some of the difficulties I'd encountered during the week and some of the frustrations I've had. She laughed and said, "Look at it this way, your home is like the classroom. That is where your children learn about how to behave in the world and test their limits. If they are testing you at home, but are behaving out in the world, you are doing your job. You just need to stay the course." I felt so encouraged!
Sometimes, when asking for advice from other people because I felt that I was at the end of my rope and I was feeling so discouraged, hopeless, and as if I was all alone on planet Motherhood, I'd receive the trite and usually worse-than-useless, "Oh, honey, just enjoy them because they grow so fast!" I know these people mean well. And looking at how quickly the younger years went, I can appreciate it somewhat. However, when you are in the Motherhood tunnel and you cannot see any glimpse of sunlight, I was in desperate need of some real encouragement.
Mrs. H is a wonderful, godly encourager. May all of you find or have someone in your life like Mrs. H.
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