tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26988517974632343822024-03-12T22:23:50.301-07:00intentionally memy life and the things and people i love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-20575817414077021692013-10-12T19:53:00.002-07:002013-10-12T20:02:51.206-07:00I wasn't sure I was ever going to use this blog again, but tonight I was reading it and it brought back some great memories of raising my kids. It was also fun to read about my personal and spiritual growth, especially during a time in my life when some not-good things were happening to me. I realize how strong I was then and how the Lord was blessing and sustaining me.<br />
<br />
So much has happened since my last entry. Life is good, actually better in many, many ways. Funny how something that seems so horrible can become a blessing and can wake you up. Reminds me of the country/western song "Thank God for unanswered prayers." Now, years later... I am a stronger, wiser, and happier woman. I am still going to school and will graduate in May. I have an internship that I love- working in Social Work, specifically the field of mental health. It is hard to believe that I will have my Masters in approximately 18 months and can begin supervision to be a counselor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdedTEkiqWvFvAmMrVFImR40Yzfyv00EYWX0bxmfSqMt5LPASj5IfHdLBb5GKROFSYDgS9RnqlbXVu3naMbN5n9Ob2J_5BbgPdeqGF1YWK8BXhr1rgzH6XEby5AyA33cdnzZDQHbW4Nc/s1600/DSC_0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdedTEkiqWvFvAmMrVFImR40Yzfyv00EYWX0bxmfSqMt5LPASj5IfHdLBb5GKROFSYDgS9RnqlbXVu3naMbN5n9Ob2J_5BbgPdeqGF1YWK8BXhr1rgzH6XEby5AyA33cdnzZDQHbW4Nc/s640/DSC_0342.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My kids have grown so much and they are still the most important part of my life. They are great kids, so resilient and fun to be with! My parents and siblings have been such a blessing to us. They have stepped in to help me whenever I have asked for it, their love and support does not go unnoticed. I am also grateful for my friends. God has put so many strong and loving women in my life to support and strengthen me when I need the extra encouragement. Life is good!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-15785845803466805602011-08-20T21:15:00.000-07:002011-08-20T22:18:54.695-07:00My most helpful summer read...Not quite a year ago I was diagnosed with ADD. I'm not ashamed of this disorder. I wish I didn't have it, but I wish a lot of things and that wouldn't be at the very top of my list. I can tell you that being diagnosed and starting medication has changed my life for the better, however, it doesn't just make the ADD go away entirely. I still struggle with certain things, but I'm learning to manage my symptoms by changing how I do things that haven't been working all these years. What medication has helped me do is be able to focus on lectures (I returned to school full-time at BSU). It is easier to concentrate when I study, and eliminate distractions. I can also sit still for longer than 30 minutes. I know that ADD is a controversial subject, and medication is a personal choice. Whether you take medication or not, an individual with ADD will have to learn additional skills to help them meet society's expectations.
<br />
<br />I've read several books on the subject of ADD/ADHD. My favorite by far is this one:
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX2PThLPPyrPkH1dN7FZBLav66A15j4PPlfLw5D-81hWR8KYA_PvOz1BEePDfFayje-Dz_FurcVbs6Pkb2MTUZ6s6on7ZADsB_cJ1BfbjbnI0Durb6t7yP2vaWCOC8xVIRn11_v9Qri0/s1600/ADD"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX2PThLPPyrPkH1dN7FZBLav66A15j4PPlfLw5D-81hWR8KYA_PvOz1BEePDfFayje-Dz_FurcVbs6Pkb2MTUZ6s6on7ZADsB_cJ1BfbjbnI0Durb6t7yP2vaWCOC8xVIRn11_v9Qri0/s400/ADD" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643173867050203154" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life</span> by Judith Kolberg & Kathleen Nadeau.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The reason I LOVE this book is because it understands my challenges and gives me ideas tailored specifically for them.
<br />
<br />So, why don't traditional planning/organizing ideas help me?
<br />
<br />Well, one example is I have a problem with "prospective memory", that is the type of memory for tasks that need to be completed in the future. The problem is that when I file "return library books today" away in my brain, it doesn't get retrieved unless I have a visual reminder. So, I may remember the library books are due when I'm at home eating breakfast, but will not remember again until I see a book or get a notice in my email account. So, the idea shared in the book is to create a "Take Me With You" basket, which is simply a basket by the door. When I'm eating cereal and think, "I need to return the library books today" then I need to get up and place them in that basket immediately. It is an established daily habit to take things out of that basket each time I leave. The items would then go into a clear plastic bin on the passenger seat of my car (my errand box), where they will be visual reminders to run the errand.
<br />
<br />Another example: I don't do well with calendars on the computer or my iphone. Even setting an alarm for reminders doesn't help. If I have a doctor appointment on Thursday at noon, I can't set a reminder for anytime other than an hour before the appointment or I may forget it. Out of sight, out of mind. The 60 minute warning works for me most of the time, even though at times it creates a bit of chaos making sure I get there on time because I wasn't really planning for the appointment until I got the reminder. So, I've learned that I MUST use a paper day planner. It is once again a visual tool that helps me to know what I have that day. I use one that shows all seven days on a two page spread and each day runs from 8am-9pm. It's a little old-fashioned and it's a bulky, big item to haul around, but it is what works!
<br />
<br />So, yes, I can be forgetful. It can be very embarrassing at times and it can make others frustrated or angry. I don't like that and I'm encouraged in reading this book. I am loving all the ideas I've implemented so far! I'll be sharing a few of them in the near future. I've got my "command center" about done and I'm working on other things. It is a relief reading a book that seems tailor-made for me. I love that the authors understand my challenges and share ideas to help me better adapt. Even those without the challenge of ADD could benefit from it's simple ideas to get organized.
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-1892117419314721952011-08-19T22:49:00.000-07:002011-08-19T23:08:38.360-07:00Self-Reliance and Money<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy8pb1okEgpuSoxlsLBChFdTcDU15-vY-Xl-2RuIKUeoAwbZYPboqyhXSCT5f8HjHwC_EtBCg85l_pmykKYJCopOPvT1mYP4aVGmRwM7uzl-JSp4bCcRfDkxVFhg3qQ8fhWvDtZwHHKY/s1600/40432212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy8pb1okEgpuSoxlsLBChFdTcDU15-vY-Xl-2RuIKUeoAwbZYPboqyhXSCT5f8HjHwC_EtBCg85l_pmykKYJCopOPvT1mYP4aVGmRwM7uzl-JSp4bCcRfDkxVFhg3qQ8fhWvDtZwHHKY/s400/40432212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642814782221715314" border="0" /></a>
<br />I just finished this book... an interesting read. I learned quite a bit about investing. Not enough to be an expert, but enough to understand how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Roths</span> work, the different types, the limits and requirements. I learned about the basics of the Stock Market, banking, life insurance options, etc...
<br />
<br />If you are a woman wanting to get more familiar with your money or how to grow your money, then this book can help. One of my favorite chapters was that about wills and trusts. I didn't know that trusts protect what you leave behind so the beneficiaries actually get what you leave without hassles and without paying a lot of money. Good stuff!
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-88159490299495947842011-07-14T20:11:00.000-07:002011-07-14T21:01:48.843-07:00Chicken Pillows with GravyI'm trying out some new recipes... desperate to be able to create a rotating menu for this fall. Preferably meals that the kids will eat (insert rolling eyes here).<br /><br />I found a winner tonight. It's based off a recipe in the Girlfriends On The Go! Cookbook, called Chicken Pockets.<br /><br />I've re-named them Chicken Pillows (so that my son will not associate them with Hot Pockets). This recipe includes the additional changes I made to the filling. I was in a hurry, so I used my Quick Pizza Crust as a substitute for the dough.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">CHICKEN PILLOWS with GRAVY</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dough (2 hour French bread):</span><br />1/2 cup warm water<br />1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. yeast<br />3 Tbsp. sugar<br />1 Tbsp. salt<br />1/3 c. oil<br />2 cups very hot tap water<br />6 cups flour<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Filling:</span><br />8 oz. cream cheese<br />4 Tbsp. melted butter<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/4 tsp. pepper<br />2 Tbsp. chopped green onions<br />2 cups cooked and cubed chicken<br />1/2-3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese<br />5-6 slices of Canadian bacon, chopped<br />1/4 tsp. onion powder with parsley<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Gravy:</span><br />1 can cream of chicken soup<br />3/4 cup milk<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crust:</span><br />3 Tbsp. milk<br />1 - 2 cups Italian bread crumbs<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions for the Dough:</span> dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup water. In a large bowl, combine salt, oil, and 2 cups hot water. Mix in 3 cups flour. Add the yeast mixture. Mix in remaining 3 cups of flour. Punch down every 10 minutes for 50 minutes. If making Chicken Pockets, continue on to the next part of the recipe. If making French Bread, shape, and let rise until double. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions for the Chicken Pillows:</span> Blend cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Add the remaining filling ingredients. Roll out bread dough and cut into 3" squares. Place 1/2 cup of chicken mixture in the center of each square. Pull up the corners and seal the edges. Roll in the melt and then in bread crumbs. Let rise until double in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with the chicken gravy (heated soup and milk).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-10122641723059676352011-06-15T22:36:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:36:10.773-07:00Storytime FunJared and I have read two books together recently. I LOVE that special time of reading out loud to him. Even though he's plenty big enough to read on his own, I enjoy sharing the adventures and spending the quiet moments with him.<br /><br />I love Jared's sense of humor and that he dislikes cliff-hangers. It usually takes some convincing to begin a particular book, but once a few chapters in he is hooked and is often begging for longer reading sessions.<br /><br />Caitlin is my bookworm. She has loved books from the beginning. She used to stack them so high in her doll buggy that they toppled over. She'd push them from room to room. Her prized possessions. She'd also line them up in rows, filling the family room floor with books. When it was reading time (an all day, off and on again event), I would tell her to pick a book and she'd pick ten.<br /><br />Jared, is fussy. He judges books by their covers and nothing ever sounds worthy of his time. Usually I insist on a particular book, and he doesn't get excited about it until we are several pages in. SIGH.<br /><br />Wednesday I took him to the library and he selected non-fiction books about animals. He taught me everything I'd want to know about penguins, LOL! I browsed the children's section of the library... looking at the picture books and remembering the fun I had reading those to the kids. I miss reading them their favorite stories. Caitlin's favorite was Dr. Seuss' ABC's. In fact she wore out her first copy and I had to buy another one because her book would fall apart when you opened it. I would read that book in a fun sing-song voice. She learned he letters before age 2 and she could read at age 3- 1/2. Jared, liked Brown Bear, Brown Bear (What do you see?). I had my favorites too. I'll have to make a separate post about them, there are too many.<br /><br />Although Jared is plenty big enough and capable of reading on his own, I'm so glad I can still share this special time with him. Last night I was looking at his long big feet and thinking how much longer can it last? I'm totally going to take advantage of this summer and read lots more with him.<br /><br />Our latest reads include:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ranger's Apprentice</span></span> by John Flanagan<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVgn6zJgV2j6C1DnepAuZN4pOGyzgm_JmGQSsJojR5_xBkPeaWSqoPhNC1McXSvyDabvLOpnDG3aiL22q5M8x3RyOWS7t-y3navZE5f9LfXoz0KFmD9PdvQufqZTFjTIwcXXTaj4ZyAo/s1600/photo%252820%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVgn6zJgV2j6C1DnepAuZN4pOGyzgm_JmGQSsJojR5_xBkPeaWSqoPhNC1McXSvyDabvLOpnDG3aiL22q5M8x3RyOWS7t-y3navZE5f9LfXoz0KFmD9PdvQufqZTFjTIwcXXTaj4ZyAo/s400/photo%252820%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618834263736467426" border="0" /></a>Ranger's Apprentice is a fun filled adventure with action, humor, and mystery. It has cliff-hanging moments and characters that are realistically imperfect, but lovable. We are planning to start book 2 of this series tonight. (I believe that there are nine books in the series).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Room One</span> by Andrew Clements<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm3eQMfK3FGJrQJ8NsCbcagJ2ei3Rj-W4Hgm-X6jRrxhZy6V_WDD6ODBTxMLdQ2CXvRjjuwGErUx526xg5gnfIyV0kVxyWQiK7YWMi5nzqfnxlVh41FZUl3F_KJOy6vW0rayyeDYN9BM/s1600/photo%252821%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm3eQMfK3FGJrQJ8NsCbcagJ2ei3Rj-W4Hgm-X6jRrxhZy6V_WDD6ODBTxMLdQ2CXvRjjuwGErUx526xg5gnfIyV0kVxyWQiK7YWMi5nzqfnxlVh41FZUl3F_KJOy6vW0rayyeDYN9BM/s400/photo%252821%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618834068095497810" border="0" /></a>Room One is an entertaining read about a boy who loves playing detective. It is a great story that supports the importance of the character traits of honesty, trustworthy, compassion, kindness and responsibility. Good stuff.<br /><br />Happy Reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-8586863824696809932011-06-13T21:09:00.000-07:002011-06-13T21:18:54.617-07:00Quick & easy pizza crust<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSnm4ykQmdp1UhwdinLpN2zB-gBWR1iuM9yRMGw8JOYIokCaIxUtPfs7Fd_eP8fiMQ0e_O3j2E8NvgDuVkNNiYEJvXNZPLkUivxu1R2hxNJUIMTIN9cZOtgUQCVV3pZx-UqrtAKGRh_U/s1600/pizza"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSnm4ykQmdp1UhwdinLpN2zB-gBWR1iuM9yRMGw8JOYIokCaIxUtPfs7Fd_eP8fiMQ0e_O3j2E8NvgDuVkNNiYEJvXNZPLkUivxu1R2hxNJUIMTIN9cZOtgUQCVV3pZx-UqrtAKGRh_U/s400/pizza" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617923081651413698" border="0" /></a><br />I've been looking for a pizza crust that I can mix together and use right away without waiting for the dough to rise.<br /><br />I found this recipe on <a href="www.allrecipes.com">allrecipes.com</a> it's called Valentino's Pizza Crust. It was quick, easy, and yummy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Quick & Easy Pizza Crust</span></span><br /><br />1 c. warm water (110 degrees F)<br />1 Tbsp. white sugar<br />2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast<br />3 Tbsp. olive oil<br />1 tsp. salt<br />2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour<br /><br />Stir water, sugar, and yeast together until dissolved. Add the olive oil and the salt. Stir in the flour until well blended. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.<br /><br />Pat dough into pan or on to a pizza stone using fingers dipped in olive oil. If desired sprinkle basil, thyme, or other seasonings on crust. Top with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated 425 degree oven.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-55809417939805565132011-06-12T07:45:00.000-07:002011-06-12T08:05:11.420-07:00Vegetable Curry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFmyOl6I3BraqMJTlGF6NiTOssRiHny83kGlEof342uNaTVLd1E5_Lxs75Ihiy9W7iuqtQOYrKduSn31LCR8FIa1AaoIBWuGbXqevT8uOKCq_jaZCYf7D2t0CCkIXwwILbnImQUNHJw8/s1600/vegetable+curry"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFmyOl6I3BraqMJTlGF6NiTOssRiHny83kGlEof342uNaTVLd1E5_Lxs75Ihiy9W7iuqtQOYrKduSn31LCR8FIa1AaoIBWuGbXqevT8uOKCq_jaZCYf7D2t0CCkIXwwILbnImQUNHJw8/s400/vegetable+curry" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617344707318121170" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a tasty vegetarian dish. I thought it had just the perfect amount of spice (heat), but adjust to your own liking. I usually order mild-medium when I eat out, and often just mild.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Vegetable Curry</span></span> (Serve over rice)<br /><br />4 medium carrots, sliced<br />3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes<br />1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained<br />8 oz. fresh green beans, cut into 1" pieces (**Next time I will replace these with cauliflower)<br />1 c. coarsely chopped yellow onion<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />2 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca<br />2 tsp. curry powder<br />1 tsp. ground coriander<br />1/4 - 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/8 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 14 oz. can vegetable broth or chicken broth (I make mine using <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bullion</span> cubes)<br />1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">undrained</span><br />Hot cooked rice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stove Top Method:</span> (What I did) - Combine carrots, potatoes, garbanzo beans, green beans, onion and garlic into a medium to large saucepan. Add the curry powder, coriander, crushed red pepper, salt and cinnamon, mix well. Stir in broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let simmer until the vegetables are tender. Add diced tomatoes and tapioca. Return to a simmer, stirring often as it thickens. Serve over hot cooked rice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Slow-cooker Method:</span> In a 3 1/2-5 quart slow cooker, combine carrots, potatoes, garbanzo beans, green beans, onion, garlic, tapioca, curry powder, coriander, crushed red pepper, salt, and cinnamon. Pour broth over all of it. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7-9 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours. Stir in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">undrained</span> tomatoes. Cover; let stand for 5 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-81909608278467019442011-06-10T19:58:00.000-07:002011-06-10T20:15:12.222-07:00Red, White and Blue -PART I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetdfR_NdaRbbKXnTnZEQP8X_MPdP-OFPcPVlgfq7wVC_HCooyzLMuIqm5__I9nhfpmLytBafkm9yYsUndwR1YIgCPfIg_dvWgdDNuiqZ07M0YvUPLiTGnYWJcynT1CahMOtDaAE7qi-Y/s1600/4th+end+table"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetdfR_NdaRbbKXnTnZEQP8X_MPdP-OFPcPVlgfq7wVC_HCooyzLMuIqm5__I9nhfpmLytBafkm9yYsUndwR1YIgCPfIg_dvWgdDNuiqZ07M0YvUPLiTGnYWJcynT1CahMOtDaAE7qi-Y/s400/4th+end+table" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792041301369618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I spent some time this week putting up my <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" >4th of July</span> decorations! I had a few crafts to finish, so I had to get a bit crafty this season to get out the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RED</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span>, <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHITE</span></span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >BLUE</span> ... I cut a small flag off its' stick and framed it. I love this blue and white mug I've been using upstairs for pencils. It goes well with the flag and "fireworks".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BFjfr1Szc5_P52hDhbuOeVRu0T1Vhau_GrTs-U-vrBYVKGvZmgHx6rZJASKxg7Gpxi6Enny4pjn2oyiIf214jOgVtABxo-aUzpJwofVKi879Y7GJ1snyoVyJlNPwwaDd0T5tG6iGSuU/s1600/4th+sofa+table"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BFjfr1Szc5_P52hDhbuOeVRu0T1Vhau_GrTs-U-vrBYVKGvZmgHx6rZJASKxg7Gpxi6Enny4pjn2oyiIf214jOgVtABxo-aUzpJwofVKi879Y7GJ1snyoVyJlNPwwaDd0T5tG6iGSuU/s400/4th+sofa+table" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792542230195234" border="0" /></a><br />To dress up simple <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">red candles</span></span>, I cut lengths of red and white striped ribbon, securing them to the candles using small brass brads. Then I painted some small wooden stars blue and used hot glue to attach. I love the simplicity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2WrbdjXChY41fdnobRE4WnmXmzXkVu-IDSa-Y_pQ6pbvvd72-C2R4g4OAuHja8rUtI33bK1MJgT0oemKcv4fsjrsThA8RB63-9gZYD-LgP-GXLObuj7ZJLmCuTbeMiznN8GxwiOSDCU/s1600/america+sign"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2WrbdjXChY41fdnobRE4WnmXmzXkVu-IDSa-Y_pQ6pbvvd72-C2R4g4OAuHja8rUtI33bK1MJgT0oemKcv4fsjrsThA8RB63-9gZYD-LgP-GXLObuj7ZJLmCuTbeMiznN8GxwiOSDCU/s400/america+sign" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616793649301787746" border="0" /></a><br />This is an older decoration... a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">board</span></span> painted white with vinyl lettering. I thought it was a bit plain though, so I painted the edges red.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-2338571187259210682011-06-07T18:17:00.000-07:002011-06-07T18:26:45.962-07:00Peach-Pecan Muffins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qp0sfvK3lElf0bQtPzAv8Y0xVJ6vvf48RgWzAWx1lGppmSpLY6Q7FrOTBYsn-J0OUGyD-_fYnIKR62ULhOPugc93Iu_zs7xRKZH9gOmfSuD5LYYD60vcnCoTuC7r9sdZjfc-3ebuW4g/s1600/muffin+stack"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qp0sfvK3lElf0bQtPzAv8Y0xVJ6vvf48RgWzAWx1lGppmSpLY6Q7FrOTBYsn-J0OUGyD-_fYnIKR62ULhOPugc93Iu_zs7xRKZH9gOmfSuD5LYYD60vcnCoTuC7r9sdZjfc-3ebuW4g/s400/muffin+stack" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615654174159247858" border="0" /></a><br />YUMMY! Another new recipe!<br /><br />These muffins aren't too sweet. They are a perfect breakfast muffin, but I made them for snacking. I suppose if you wanted a sweeter muffin you could add some extra sugar to the thawed and diced peaches. Either way... they are great as is too!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peach-Pecan Muffins</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pecan Streusel:</span><br />1/2 cup chopped pecans (I used walnuts)<br />1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br />1/4 cup flour<br />2 Tbsp. melted butter<br />1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Muffins:</span><br />1 + 1/2 cups flour<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />2 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1/2 cup butter, melted<br />1/4 cup milk<br />1 large egg<br />1 cup frozen sliced peaches, thawed and diced<br />12 paper baking cups<br />vegetable cooking spray (I use foil baking cups and don't need to use the spray)<br /><br />1. Prepare Streusel: stir together pecans and next 4 ingredients until crumbly.<br /><br />2. Prepare Muffins: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in the center of mixture. Stir together the butter, milk, and egg; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Gently stir in peaches.<br /><br />3. Place paper baking cups in a 12-cup muffin pan, and coat with cooking spray; spoon batter into cups, filling two-thirds full. Sprinkle with pecan streusel.<br /><br />4. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes (check after 15) or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; remove from pan, and serve warm or at room temperature.<br /><br />ENJOY!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-78378922063271835332011-06-06T16:29:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:10:52.145-07:00Grilled Black Bean and Sweet Potato QuesadillasI tried a new recipe tonight. It was a winner! I didn't just like it... it was SO VERY GOOD!! I wish I knew what magazine I clipped it from. Like most recipes I use, I made some minor adjustments. If you try it out let me know what you think!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRckKTZjo1owGjPhAbErpYX8PpjBgmTIcT5TochiS_pjoDzaa4IBoGViPHtbEUg7isfuvV9E_q5rNSwLW4w1WiJ_6rioNAqi0kXo4qshX52hFLszHc9nbdQO6ZEUUBHDoudlYWtilllc/s1600/photo%252818%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRckKTZjo1owGjPhAbErpYX8PpjBgmTIcT5TochiS_pjoDzaa4IBoGViPHtbEUg7isfuvV9E_q5rNSwLW4w1WiJ_6rioNAqi0kXo4qshX52hFLszHc9nbdQO6ZEUUBHDoudlYWtilllc/s400/photo%252818%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615292617979714930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHJjmPxcZqsyqQcipG-mDXx5pkmY5Jmhle76sx5V6Y82x2PkrpXnSZlwoS_U0W-dC96ry6vLB2hoJ3GWgK8UsnzDDABB6K7PJgrUghcWwvNHcJpeUypNnU9JtibkaHBhHkLgFHN1LX7o/s1600/photo%252819%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHJjmPxcZqsyqQcipG-mDXx5pkmY5Jmhle76sx5V6Y82x2PkrpXnSZlwoS_U0W-dC96ry6vLB2hoJ3GWgK8UsnzDDABB6K7PJgrUghcWwvNHcJpeUypNnU9JtibkaHBhHkLgFHN1LX7o/s400/photo%252819%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615293095004785954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grilled Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas</span></span><br /><br />1/2 c. chopped yellow onion<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 Tbsp. olive oil<br />1 (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained<br />1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice<br />1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed<br />1 tsp. ground cumin<br />4 10-inch flour tortillas (* I used 8)<br />1 large sweet potato (*I used a yam)<br />2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 ounces) (* or more)<br />1 1/2 cups tightly packed fresh baby spinach<br />1 cup salsa<br />1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed<br />guacamole (optional)<br />sour cream (optional)<br /><br />1. Peel and chop the sweet potato into 1/2-inch pieces. Cover with water and boil until fork-tender.<br /><br />2. In a large skillet, saute' onion and garlic in the olive oil until tender. Stir in black beans, corn, lime juice, oregano, and cumin; heat through. Add spinach and 2 Tbsp. water. Saute' another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.<br /><br />3. Butter one side of a tortilla and place on a grill or a grill pan. Sprinkle with cheese, place approximately 1/2 cup of the sweet potato mixture onto one half of the tortilla. When cheese begins to melt fold over the tortilla. Grill until the tortilla is a nice golden brown and crispy.<br /><br />4. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-72648802554860319502011-05-28T13:41:00.000-07:002011-05-28T13:50:45.325-07:00My favorite cookie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaI26SjtnSzlkw0i1Xw2dndvHelV8YRZHDhTuGvYYlRCD_HprK9mYxzjvX1zCFbioR_0KPYJ_AH4QUkLrvp9fg8vsS_tUNqJvDzS1ftnOmJTHkZzMek0Z3nyqEaREhT4nRrI4b0HI4uA/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaI26SjtnSzlkw0i1Xw2dndvHelV8YRZHDhTuGvYYlRCD_HprK9mYxzjvX1zCFbioR_0KPYJ_AH4QUkLrvp9fg8vsS_tUNqJvDzS1ftnOmJTHkZzMek0Z3nyqEaREhT4nRrI4b0HI4uA/s400/photo%25285%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611870269600464994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqVtPVI_XZ_9tIjCUStDLJRH3VgFWpLkgC4EXe9DK10W8Xms2f7T5Cpn1R9zbMkBKmRooTbU8hGWJQnOkdFQ71EtAAVwqUeuhhfR5ci0_dgpbG5bYtrK3bdPX6U-ZIMumxQu9BX03eNY/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqVtPVI_XZ_9tIjCUStDLJRH3VgFWpLkgC4EXe9DK10W8Xms2f7T5Cpn1R9zbMkBKmRooTbU8hGWJQnOkdFQ71EtAAVwqUeuhhfR5ci0_dgpbG5bYtrK3bdPX6U-ZIMumxQu9BX03eNY/s400/photo%25284%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611870565125072962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peanut Butter Star Cookies</span></span><br /><br />1/2 c. shortening<br />1/2 c. peanut butter<br />1/2 c. sugar<br />1/2 c. brown sugar, packed<br /><br />Mix together. Then add:<br /><br />1 egg<br />2 Tbsp. milk<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1 1/3 c. flour<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br /><br />Chill dough for an hour. Roll the dough into 1" balls. Roll the balls into sugar and then place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven. Place a chocolate star in the center of each cookie and return to the oven for one minute. Let sit for a few minutes before moving the cookies with a spatula to a cooling rack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-55716995061571554082011-03-26T17:06:00.000-07:002013-10-12T19:04:17.563-07:00Made my day!So, yesterday my English professor returned my second essay. I was anxious to hear how I did on it, after all it was my first article analysis. I'm beginning a research paper and looked forward to hear feedback that may help improve my writing.<br />
<br />
When she placed my essay face down in front of me and whispered in my ear "please stay after class to talk with me", my heart sank. Did I really do that poorly? UGH! I turned my assignment over and found the typical rubric with the score 15++/15.<br />
<br />
She went over the scoring in class and it slowly sank in that I had received an excellent grade. WOW!<br />
<br />
After class, the professor told me it was one of the best student essays she had ever received and encouraged me to fix something on the citation page and then submit it to the Presidents Awards (which was due by 5pm that day). She told me I am a good contender for first place. Yes, me!<br />
<br />
That's all I needed to hear! I mean, it doesn't even matter IF I win. It was only a month ago that I told Michelle, a friend on campus, that I have never thought of myself as a good writer. So, to hear that I have something a professor deems as "publish worthy" is just drop-jaw-amazingly-great NEWS! Of course, now I probably need to stop being careless on my blog... or you won't believe it!<br />
<br />
What a boost! It just makes me wonder: What else can I do?!?!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to find out!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-67677359432598698802011-03-21T16:37:00.000-07:002011-03-21T17:06:53.575-07:00A day in the trenchesWhat a day! My tongue is still numb from the too hot herbal lemon "tea" I drank this morning. It was suppose to numb my sore throat, but my tongue got in the way. I'm drinking Vitamin Water Zero's like my tongue is actually on fire. Trying to drown the germs; I'm going to pretend it's working.<br /><br />English class was a bit better than normal. The thing I hate about that class is that all the kids (my classmates) do not talk. They are as unsocial with one another as I have ever seen a class be. 30 kids (counting myself, haha) and silence. So, I'm sniffling and blowing my nose into wads of stiff cheap toilet paper, the type that public restrooms stock, and nobody in my group of 8 will read the Journal. We are discussing peer-reviewed articles and how scholarly journals are composed. The assignment is to pick one of the articles inside. My group hands the Journal "Criminology" to me. I cough into the inside of my elbow and blow my nose. "Really?" I asked in a croak. Silence. Yes, really. So, I flip open to the first article. In a congested nasal voice I read. Cough, read, sneeze, read, blow nose, read, and the kids look on as I read about a link found between the homicides of strangers and capitol punishment and media attention. I hope none of these kids are in my literature class next semester. SIGH.<br /><br />I study all morning to re-take my math test. It's the first test I've had to re-take, I got a 77% the first time around. I am really good at forgetting the negative sign or copying the problem down wrong. It's very frustrating. So, I study and I feel ready. I'm going to get a hundred and that will put my overall class score back to 99%. Nope, I got an 84%. That is such a bummer! It's not a horrible score, I suppose, except to me. I'm still at a 92% overall, but that is just too close to a B (89%). I really need to learn to give myself an occasional break, you know? So, I'm working hard at holding my head up, which now feels like a bowling ball. My muscles ache, and I wish I could climb into a deep tub filled with hot water and bubbles. I need soothing music and some pretty smelling candles, even though I don't think my nose is working right now. <br /><br />So, as soon as I do a research assignment, drop Scotty off at Jiu Jitsu, pick up Caitlin from volleyball practice, pick up Scotty from Jiu Jitsu, fix the family dinner, and study for my government quiz I'm going to treat myself to that tub soak. I hope I can stay awake long enough, LOL!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-63364528516746532342011-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:002013-10-12T19:06:23.627-07:00Worm Guts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwQNPcsuj4AcuhpX_Q6c9y_YGoyYocZ60uyZn1WoKdUkl3L3EMlsai8irsjTGrjdYD9jJYZdBF1Mv9jvBu7j4MJnhM0oAdmkVJAf_M0YtmCBgfHyf8yCJV8jFojGlHmrm_gs5xENxg4A/s1600/Worm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584727887705525986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwQNPcsuj4AcuhpX_Q6c9y_YGoyYocZ60uyZn1WoKdUkl3L3EMlsai8irsjTGrjdYD9jJYZdBF1Mv9jvBu7j4MJnhM0oAdmkVJAf_M0YtmCBgfHyf8yCJV8jFojGlHmrm_gs5xENxg4A/s400/Worm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 47px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
So, I'm enjoying the fresh air the rain brings. It is invigorating, especially in the cool morning temperatures! I love how much good the rain brings. It brings freshness, bathes the earth, waters the grass, plants and beautiful flowers. It provides us with a very needed resource: water.<br />
<br />
Of course there are some not so pleasant things about rain... the frizzy hair, the wetness, the big puddles, umbrellas, mud and... the worm guts all over the sidewalks here at BSU, from being trampled among thousands of feet. It felt a little bit like navigating through a mine field (with less consequences, of course, for the miss step). At some points I chose to carry my rolling bag, thankfully it is lighter today.<br />
<br />
Thinking about these poor worms and the ugliness of the worm guts, I thought it was too bad rain brings them out to the surface. How like real life that is. Real life brings so much joy and good into life and... "worm guts" too. We have to navigate around them; sometimes we can't avoid them and cringe our way through every step.<br />
<br />
We all have our share of "worm guts" don't we?<br />
<br />
A nice lady opened the door for me here in the Liberal Arts Building. She and I got into what Caitlin would call an "inappropriate conversation with a stranger". (Caitlin is of the opinion that I talk to strangers too much. I enjoy striking up conversation with people I don't know and find it friendly; it embarrasses her.) Anyhow, we talked about the worm guts and she observed, "I walked through the park to get to campus this morning and the birds are having a great time!"<br />
<br />
That made me smile. How very optimistic those birds are and what full tummies they must have! I think I need to concentrate on seeing the good in "worm guts." Although, that's not an announcement that I'm going to enjoy "eating them".<br />
<br />
I'm sure if we look at the "worm guts" in our lives, those things we don't like and try to side step, we can find something good from the bad. It's not easy; "worm guts" are unsightly. But, carefully we can walk through life and avoid most of them and be sure to clean up the rest. The big key is smiling through every step!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-90651899425804601982011-03-07T08:35:00.000-08:002011-06-06T19:27:34.750-07:00Be Kind to YourselfI read something today that reminded me of something I wanted to start doing on my blog. I am reading an incredible book by Toni Sorenson called "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Defined by Christ</span>".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOryNbMWcoELrjIFKmBgXpaZNO9_X07Ib2qYisK8SHMT9GQlICivuctcl8tUQZn4ax7f5Hbtxe3uJkFnIof-xYDnZSqHHJF-qt_bUQR3ZXfSX7uyp7Oi1ozbU8IothWc3CDWQPty1GYK8/s1600/Defined_By_Christ.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOryNbMWcoELrjIFKmBgXpaZNO9_X07Ib2qYisK8SHMT9GQlICivuctcl8tUQZn4ax7f5Hbtxe3uJkFnIof-xYDnZSqHHJF-qt_bUQR3ZXfSX7uyp7Oi1ozbU8IothWc3CDWQPty1GYK8/s400/Defined_By_Christ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581382938030555442" border="0" /></a>I cannot say enough great things about this book, it has nourished me from page one. She says:<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">"The adversary loves to remind us who we are not. Not pretty. Not smart. Not strong. And his destructive voice might not be the only voice we hear. Satan is skilled at recruiting other people to reinforce his cruelties and those who supposedly care more about us - and they are the ones who inflict the deepest wounds. I wonder how often we say unkind words to people without realizing the damage we are doing to their spirits. I wonder how often our tongues are on the errand of evil without even realizing it... The most destructive thing we can possibly do in life is to make another person doubt his worth and identity as a child of God. The very most productive thing we can do is to help ourselves and others realize that as children of God, our worth is infinite." (page 52)</blockquote><br /><br />A few weeks ago I decided that I was going to start treating myself better. I was going to change the negative self-talk I sometimes experience into positive self-talk. I was going to be better at ignoring the whisperings of Satan and those he has influenced to criticize me. I know I am worthy of love and kindness. I am going to treat myself as I deserve to be treated and learn to see myself as my Savior sees me.<br /><br />So every day I plan to do at least one thing kind for myself AND give myself one compliment.<br /><br />I'm not sure I will post them all here, I'll have to think about that, but I will post today's...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Today I am being kind to myself by NOT allowing myself to be negative about writing an English paper. I doubt my abilities to write papers but, I am going to challenge that thought by reminding myself that I have scored 100% on all 7 papers I have turned in since going back to college this fall.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-9853992378759136932011-03-05T15:48:00.000-08:002011-03-05T16:15:47.861-08:00Mr. Darcy takes second place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGnvVRlaw7YKirGmuIHXki1uGEES5oFfOOr6hsj30VjyvzJnTwRvjeBBSEOopipofXFYDJ3-zv1T3SOwqnMHmRh6jx1YEno2K9G84baPXG3lvTskxf_cjLbBv6JRbt1GWpfQkPzR4tO8/s1600/TheseIsMyWords"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGnvVRlaw7YKirGmuIHXki1uGEES5oFfOOr6hsj30VjyvzJnTwRvjeBBSEOopipofXFYDJ3-zv1T3SOwqnMHmRh6jx1YEno2K9G84baPXG3lvTskxf_cjLbBv6JRbt1GWpfQkPzR4tO8/s400/TheseIsMyWords" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580747542982660290" border="0" /></a><br />So, I wasn't going to read this book for Book Club next week, but my friend Lisa told me it was one of her favorites!<br /><br />I am so glad I read it because it is now one of my favorites too! It is very rare to find someone as endearing as Mr. Darcy, however, Captain Elliot beats Mr. Darcy hands down. What a rare find. Do men like this actually exist? I'm not sure.<br /><br />Read this book if you like humor and clean romance. You will not regret it. It's also full of heartache and sadly, I relate to much more of Sarah's struggles than I wish to be.<br /><br />Time to return the book to the Library, but this one I'm going to have to buy before too long!<br /><br />Wish they would make it a movie!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-6483380646599942932011-01-26T23:38:00.000-08:002011-01-26T23:57:13.749-08:00An experience worth having, although painfulOne of my English textbooks is called The Best American Magazine Writing 2009. I just finished a reading assignment and have to share this essay. It is a very touching story of a fallen soldier's final trip home. Emotional, yes. Painful to hear at times, yes. But it's also life changing and will remind you of a soft side of humanity. It will probably stir feelings of respect, honor, and gratitude.<br /><br />The essay won the 2009 award for Feature Writing. It is called "The Things That Carried Him: The True Story of a Soldier's Last Trip Home" and it was written by Chris Jones for the Esquire magazine. (Not the most wholesome magazine, I know, I googled it.)<br /><br />I found a .pdf file doing a google search. Unfortunately, because it's copyrighted, I cannot load it up here. So, Google the article by name and author and you should find a .pdf file. Enjoy the reading! :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-19762369238283567612010-12-25T16:37:00.000-08:002010-12-25T17:11:53.947-08:00Merry Christmas Family and Friends!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUbczmppC60UhurPwdXJsCitjtdMveE3zy4aNoxXrX3gzpFQbPlmbDUknb1_Vt3uoO8XzeurTIKr7oqUW4igDAc4uT8B4nMhd__C_NqrZVdrCWYwmlMrZsJQAMDFo6X7jc2hfP9Cwks/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUbczmppC60UhurPwdXJsCitjtdMveE3zy4aNoxXrX3gzpFQbPlmbDUknb1_Vt3uoO8XzeurTIKr7oqUW4igDAc4uT8B4nMhd__C_NqrZVdrCWYwmlMrZsJQAMDFo6X7jc2hfP9Cwks/s400/IMG_2827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554783724944594098" border="0" /></a><br />A few weeks ago this beautiful painting was decorating the foyer of our church for our Stake Christmas Fireside. What amazing talent we have in our stake and especially our ward! Amazing! <br /><br />This painting touched me deeply, the beauty, the simplicity, and the bow! I love the bow! It reminds me of the precious gift the birth of a tiny infant brought to us all, the hope it gave to all mankind and the perfect example this baby grew to be.<br /><br />Last night we watched the movie The Nativity and I was deeply moved by the way it portrayed the birth of our Savior. I love how in the movie pregnant Mary asked Joseph if he ever wondered when it would happen that Jesus wouldn't be just any baby, that it would be apparent to others that he was the Savior for all mankind. How great that their speculation was answered even before His birth. It shouldn't be surprising to those who have felt the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost that some were given this powerful revelation. What a gift! The Nativity is a beautiful movie. Very thought provoking, spiritual and a perfect way to spend part of Christmas!<br /><br />The other message that touched me in a personal way was that of love. Loving others, it's not always easy is it? Sometimes it's not at all like we expected it to be, or perhaps it takes extra effort. In the movie The Nativity, Joseph loves Mary. Mary was young and was taken by surprise when she was betrothed to Joseph. She did not love Joseph; she did not know him. She wasn't the happiest of brides; you could tell it wasn't her plan for herself. In the movie, it shows Joseph, loving Joseph, making so many sacrifices for Mary and the child she was carrying. It was moving to watch the change in Mary. She learned to love Joseph, and couldn't be happier with any other man she may have chosen for herself. You know, sometimes God knows more. God can change hearts, heal hearts, help us love others and learn from others. One thing Mary's character in the movie portrayed was deep faith. Faith in following God's plan even though it was the scariest thing ever. I love Joseph and Mary more after seeing this movie. Yes, I know it's not THE EXACT way things happened, but my heart tells me that much of it is. I am so grateful for Joseph and Mary and their commitment to God that led them to do His will of bringing His Only Begotten Son to earth! I am so grateful for that sweet baby, Jesus, and the man he grew to become. Grateful for His sacrifices and his love for us!<br /><br />Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!! May our Savior's love be in your homes and his loving guidance watch over you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-77350172308827769482010-12-18T15:45:00.000-08:002010-12-18T19:46:00.384-08:00Happy for No Reason<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zkpQ4B37oxbgQK6tXyPA2DLZqyONAAUKw83J0T0P2wefZuz8C56Bv282S6G5_G1p86fx3yHSEBhHDEXJb1YWttE6Gvk_Y8h7BQoTDrRzFHRWwwIs_78wfJP1c1ykBBv3rJMIw2zIfBY/s1600/happyfornoreason.grid-4x2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zkpQ4B37oxbgQK6tXyPA2DLZqyONAAUKw83J0T0P2wefZuz8C56Bv282S6G5_G1p86fx3yHSEBhHDEXJb1YWttE6Gvk_Y8h7BQoTDrRzFHRWwwIs_78wfJP1c1ykBBv3rJMIw2zIfBY/s400/happyfornoreason.grid-4x2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552234118505450226" border="0" /></a><br />So, I walked by this book at the public library and was drawn to it. My recent enrollment in Psychology and my study of Personality, Emotion and Learning has created a sort of passion for those subjects. Mix it with the past year of my life and my personal growth and attempts of growing into the woman I want to be... well, I couldn't pass it up. I checked it out and have been frustrated that it sat there unread because I had finals to study for.<br /><br />Now, I can't put it down! There is so much good stuff in there!<br /><br />Here are a few of my favorite treasures found inside this book:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >1. </span>"You <span style="font-weight: bold;">BRING</span> happiness to your outer experiences rather than trying to extract happiness from them. You don't need to manipulate the world around you to try to make yourself happy. You live <span style="font-weight: bold;">FROM</span> happiness, rather than <span style="font-weight: bold;">FOR</span> happiness." She explains that most of us strive to sting together happy experiences like beads on a necklace to create a happy life. She says, "Being Happy for No Reason, in our necklace analogy, is like having a happy string. No matter what beads we put on our necklace- good, bad, or indifferent - our inner experience, which is the string that runs through them all, is happy, creating a happy life."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.</span></span> "When you are Happy for No Reason you're <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNCONDITIONALLY</span> happy. It's not that your life always looks perfect - it's just that however it looks, you'll still be happy."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3.</span></span> "Some people enjoy their lives no matter what happens, while others can't find happiness no matter how hard they try."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >4.</span> An <span style="font-weight: bold;">INTERESTING</span> tidbit on Thomas Jefferson's famous line from the Declaration of Independence... "the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"... In 1776, the common usage of the word "pursue" was not "to chase after". To pursue something meant to PRACTICE that activity, to do it regularly, to make a habit of it. SO: Let's stop pursuing happiness and start practicing it. We do that by practicing new habits.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >5. </span>Chasing happiness is a bit like a hamster on a wheel. We often believe we "will be happy when.... (fill in the blank here) " OR we believe that when we acquire something IT will make us happy. "With each one, you experience either fleeting satisfaction or out right disappointment. But how long will it last?"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6.</span></span> When you are not able to change the events in your life that you don't like, change your response to them.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">OH! There is so much more inside this book!! She talks about habits to develop and practice. Changing responses to real life. Taking responsibility for your own happiness. GOOD STUFF!!</span><br /><br />Another GREAT quote, different book:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Man's Search for Meaning by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Viktor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Frankl</span></span><br /><br />Now, I have to say that I am 80x happier today than I was a year ago. I have also had the toughest year of my life. It is strange but, I believe that I had figured a bit of this out on my own!<br /><br />One of the habits <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shimoff</span> talks about is gratitude. Gratitude has really helped me appreciate all of the awesome things I have in my life! I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">SO MUCH</span> more than I don't have. Yes, there are a few things I really desire to have in my life right now. The things I want most though, I cannot put on a Christmas Wish List.<br /><br />Another habit is believing that the world is not out to get you, but to help you. Sometimes bad things happen but, looking at them as if they may be avenues for greater blessings helps. Your attitude improves! Your happiness is greater!<br /><br /><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" align="CENTER"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Good Luck Bad Luck!</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" align="JUSTIFY"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> There is a Chinese story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills and when the farmer's neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?" A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?"</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?"</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer's son with his broken leg, they let him off. Now was that good luck or bad luck?</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Who knows?</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil. So we are wise when we leave it to God to decide what is good fortune and what misfortune, and thank him that all things turn out for good with those who love him.</span></span></b></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <i>Author Unknown</i></span></span></b></p>*Check out Marci <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shimoff's</span> website<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.happyfornoreason.com/Products/HappyBook">HERE</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-18246759280165849902010-12-18T15:10:00.001-08:002010-12-18T15:39:46.092-08:00On Motherhood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWyHoTOD1TCNq7lrzjW0pDMt-xKOjeqlCzWMAk1l5K_a4seBwgeLa2Ea-crdQMBKdoa0FxauGYiqlAepS53slvlJZ98esRn-5p8DGrv6PJFPGzBHdrxE9zbCdJCqDolZoe3y-M866NbY/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWyHoTOD1TCNq7lrzjW0pDMt-xKOjeqlCzWMAk1l5K_a4seBwgeLa2Ea-crdQMBKdoa0FxauGYiqlAepS53slvlJZ98esRn-5p8DGrv6PJFPGzBHdrxE9zbCdJCqDolZoe3y-M866NbY/s400/IMG_0284.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552168778554803170" border="0" /></a>I'm very grateful for the opportunity God has given me to be a mother. I take this responsibility seriously. I think it's the most important thing I could do in my lifetime. Raising these two, to not only be responsible citizens, but to have great character and morals, to LOVE God and follow His plan, to honor themselves and their family, to achieve greatness. It's a big job; trust me I've felt the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders!! I believe I am a great mom! My kids make me proud; they're making me look like a success! That said, I'm always looking for ways to be better and the challenges of motherhood are constantly shifting with the children's growth.<br /><br />I have a friend that I've always thought was the best mother to her boys. In my younger motherhood years I used to believe it was her gift, her talent, and that she was just a better mom than most others.<br /><br />I'm a little wiser now and although I recognize that she has a gift and talent in her abilities as a mother and I still believe she IS a fabulous mom role-model, I finally see WHAT she does differently that sets her apart from other great mothers. She lives the advice that <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/stay-on-the-path?lang=eng">Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wixam</span> gives in this conference address</a>:<br /><br /><object id="flashObj" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="412" width="486"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=623468372001&playerID=66819209001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAD5C7cik~,NkEKrBzbuXL1RD1uYGY2x0Vcg3Yr-Utp&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=623468372001&playerID=66819209001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAD5C7cik~,NkEKrBzbuXL1RD1uYGY2x0Vcg3Yr-Utp&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" height="412" width="486"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />She teaches her kids in everyday moments. She bears her testimony often in simple yet powerful ways and with enthusiasm. She creates spiritual opportunities like a scrapbook about her testimony, visiting temple grounds around the country, service, researching her son's priesthood lineage, and supporting her kids spiritual needs. She lives as an intentional mother, with clear focus of her end goal that keeps her perspective as it should be.<br /><br />I <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-size:180%;" >LOVED</span> this talk by Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wixam</span>. These things stood out to me:<br /><br />1. Reach out to "hold" onto our children... anchor them on the path of faith<br />2. Hold TIGHT to the rod ourselves. Set an example for our children<br />3. Read scriptures together - the Spirit will increase in our homes<br />4. The world will teach our children if we do not<br />5. Teach what we want them to know 5 years from now<br />6. Teach in everyday momentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-37501643736505971272010-12-08T10:37:00.000-08:002010-12-08T10:55:54.559-08:00A hot soup for a cold dayI don't mind the cold weather too much, unless it's windy. Today is windy. It feels about 20 degrees colder than yesterday! I put on my Smart Wool base layer and REI wool socks.<br /><br />I've been wanting to try some new soup recipes; today seemed like the perfect day! I'm home studying for a final and even though it's toasty warm inside it's a <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">soup day</span></span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6NJ9aVKQ-OmWFiTkRZZ3VsUfSFL03oXeJ5lsDbyx_6AtI87hv0lRXIeMliLP6XrbCPFU_Wx1nWWKCnIY324iicv1k6lTC-czi5oNCdDMRdHpXFR1cBYJ-JKwVx0S9O1dIoE_H_HYm3Q/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6NJ9aVKQ-OmWFiTkRZZ3VsUfSFL03oXeJ5lsDbyx_6AtI87hv0lRXIeMliLP6XrbCPFU_Wx1nWWKCnIY324iicv1k6lTC-czi5oNCdDMRdHpXFR1cBYJ-JKwVx0S9O1dIoE_H_HYm3Q/s400/IMG_2763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548386353375999314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">This one is perfect: yummy, cheap, and simple to make!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tomato-Tortellini Soup</span></span> (feeds 8)<br /><br />48 oz. water<br />4 Knorr chicken bouillon cubes<br />1 lb. package refrigerated cheese filled tortellini<br />8 oz. tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion<br />2 cans low-sodium condensed tomato soup<br /><br />Bring the water and bouillon cubes to a boil; break up the bouillon as it softens. Add tortellini; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Put the cream cheese into a medium bowl and add 1/2 cup of the hot broth, stir until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and the tomato soup to the tortellini and broth. Stir until smooth and heated through.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Options:</span> I topped with diced tomato and sliced green onion. You could use 48 oz. of canned chicken broth instead of the water and bouillon. You could also replace the cheese filled tortellini with cheese and chicken filled tortellini.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cost: </span>(My cost at Winco) - $8.88 ($1.11 per serving)<br />Knorr bouillon cubes (use 1/2 the box): $1.56 for the box<br />1 lb. package cheese tortellini: $ 3.98 (this is super cheap! I usually spend around $6 for it)<br />cream cheese spread with chives and onion: $1.98<br />tomato soup (2): $1.36Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-67733699687982970282010-12-01T21:17:00.000-08:002010-12-01T21:30:12.788-08:00For the Love of Limes.... (for Jen)This was dinner tonight and the kids LOVED it!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garlic Lime Chicken </span></span><br />(recipe from McCormick & Co)<br /><br />1 tsp. McCormick minced garlic<br />1 tsp. McCormick minced onion<br />3/4 tsp. McCormick Ground Cumin<br />3/4 tsp. McCormick Oregano Leaves<br />1/2 tsp. McCormick Cilantro Leaves<br />1/2 tsp. McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper<br />1/4 c. lime juice<br />1/4 c. orange juice<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />2 Tbsp. olive oil<br />1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts<br /><br />Combine all ingredients except for the chicken in a large plastic bag. Shake or knead to mix well; add chicken and refrigerate 30 minutes or longer to marinade.<br /><br />I baked the chicken in a 350 degree oven for about 20 -25 minutes. (? - probably depends on the size of the breast halves)<br /><br />The original recipe is actually for fajitas. It calls for you to cut up the chicken into strips and cook on the stove top with bell pepper and onion. Serve in tortillas. Instead I baked three large breast halves.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lime Cilantro Rice</span></span><br /><br />2 cups water<br />1 Tbsp. butter<br />1 cup long grain white rice<br />1 teaspoon lime zest<br />2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice<br />1/2 cup chopped cilantro<br /><br />Bring the water to a boil; stir the butter and rice into the water. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.<br /><br />Stir the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro into the cooked rice just before serving.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-39793119241099145802010-11-21T21:56:00.000-08:002010-11-22T13:07:11.721-08:00My daughter is pretty talented. I need to show off a few of her creations...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxSSXHQcAtmkE1qIjFX0di9EMi0HpoBMyUC0tH_awBESx5OeH8OZksGnYkAXv3yySyEkvqHV9jW38GwYChGgC7z9GSNMrBSKLFDRoWnZc-IJ-JWrUyDonGHm4d13gQICf8b3PfEmF8NQ/s1600/Fall+Icon.Madison.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxSSXHQcAtmkE1qIjFX0di9EMi0HpoBMyUC0tH_awBESx5OeH8OZksGnYkAXv3yySyEkvqHV9jW38GwYChGgC7z9GSNMrBSKLFDRoWnZc-IJ-JWrUyDonGHm4d13gQICf8b3PfEmF8NQ/s400/Fall+Icon.Madison.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542249622196517874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2oZqQ6SpgLd_xTk2gDuokEhaXbT92EpqmGrR9WXbvNkJNr6b97vqZY-JRKbIt4jxpHfBtMgiGL_CkyVMjnS36geGVLjp7ASanSxzIQ8a6FGEEkoevrJ-8n9OHehtk2_QW2y_FopEuBo/s1600/Katelyn.Icon.%25232.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2oZqQ6SpgLd_xTk2gDuokEhaXbT92EpqmGrR9WXbvNkJNr6b97vqZY-JRKbIt4jxpHfBtMgiGL_CkyVMjnS36geGVLjp7ASanSxzIQ8a6FGEEkoevrJ-8n9OHehtk2_QW2y_FopEuBo/s400/Katelyn.Icon.%25232.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542249632031950914" border="0" /></a><br />I'm thinking I'll just hand her the stack of baby photos and let her make her own scrapbook. :-) She is interested in learning photography right now too. She has a great eye for design and fashion!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-87812433110206548262010-10-05T21:40:00.000-07:002010-10-05T22:03:02.944-07:00Today, it's about me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEmBQRptbQgs8MnvxsNuSvkwL3GKzdE6s0mo84Rioap84mIFdu050lXKCsJm3u0gAoa6zWT6DxhM7LHGNWN5mlciyaFXW367Mar5ZSUKHqsa18poKsOIDGUEAyYQVq2oBkR7whfvhCl8/s1600/IMG_1501.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEmBQRptbQgs8MnvxsNuSvkwL3GKzdE6s0mo84Rioap84mIFdu050lXKCsJm3u0gAoa6zWT6DxhM7LHGNWN5mlciyaFXW367Mar5ZSUKHqsa18poKsOIDGUEAyYQVq2oBkR7whfvhCl8/s400/IMG_1501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524788573738770114" border="0" /></a><br />This post is about me. It seems so egocentric, which is not me at all. In fact, I've historically had a tough time putting myself first at times, and I hate to be the center of attention. <br /><br />It's been a long time coming but, I really like me right now. I'm proud of myself for accomplishing certain things, living through painful things, and not just surviving, but thriving!<br /><br />I feel strong. I've learned strength is an endowed characteristic. It is not holding in the tears, it is crying and allowing yourself to feel the pain, then moving forward. Strength is not insisting on doing things alone, it is letting people in and relying on others compassion and love. It is also allowing God to lead and recognizing that you don't always know best.<br /><br />For me, it is like finding the path you've been searching for. Your very own path, that runs along side the path the whole family or marriage walks on. It's a path that goes on, even if the path next to it stops abruptly or takes a wrong turn. It feels good to be on the path, to move forward and gain strength with each new step.<br /><br />So, I'll share a few of my "steps" with you, to give you an idea where I'm headed...<br /><br />1. I recently started to run with my son. We started out a half mile and my goal is to run a half marathon in October 2011 with my cousin Carie and friend Amy.<br /><br />2. Continue to go to BSU next semester. To approach the learning process with a good attitude and lots of hard work.<br /><br />3. To continue to get healthier by biking, eating well and taking care of my spiritual/emotional well-being.<br /><br />4. Continue to make new friends by taking advantages of opportunities to get to know others and creating opportunities as well.<br /><br />5. Start a "bucket list"<br /><br />6. To nurture my relationships to the best of my abilityUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698851797463234382.post-77621343259005665282010-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:002010-08-11T18:50:34.645-07:00Homemade Pesto<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt2fgoCeCt-VBUscM_sVU3hCzqyVsRLFKi1ZJODORtbomVgC4EPVgzlupSNHg5zSHHqvwotLdxuOYGmO1u8cLRkzX92r8VhtyWg7EqXzN69gK5ApSof8luTqSB3n5g9kMLCKkFKyyYJM/s1600/IMG_9063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt2fgoCeCt-VBUscM_sVU3hCzqyVsRLFKi1ZJODORtbomVgC4EPVgzlupSNHg5zSHHqvwotLdxuOYGmO1u8cLRkzX92r8VhtyWg7EqXzN69gK5ApSof8luTqSB3n5g9kMLCKkFKyyYJM/s400/IMG_9063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504334303724481122" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I made Pesto two days in a row (extra basil). It's how I get on my daughter's good side. Hahaha! It is her all time favorite food. She likes it on pasta, cheese tortellini, pizza, sandwiches, etc... I've caught her leaning over the food processor eating it by the spoonful... like frosting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I was the hostess for the Bunco group I joined around our neighborhood. It has been a lot of fun gathering with them and making new friends. There are a lot of very cool ladies in our neighborhood! So, I hallowed out some cherry tomatoes and stuffed them with the leftover pesto from our dinner last night. Delicious and a cute little appetizer. Sorry, I didn't get a photo of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you've ever wondered... Pesto is very simple to make. SUPER easy!! Here is my favorite recipe...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;">Pesto</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>2 1/2 cups packed basil leaves</div><div>3 Tbsp. pine nuts</div><div>3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil</div><div>2 garlic cloves, crushed</div><div>1/4 tsp. salt</div><div>1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree' until smooth. Add more olive oil if you desire a thinner pesto.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1