You may have seen Corn Chowder on my menu for a couple of weeks. I finally made it, along with some homemade oatmeal bread, for dinner this past Sunday. All four of us loved it. This recipe is from my friend, Beth, an occasional commenter on this blog. Thanks, Beth, for introducing this to us!!
Corn Chowder
1/2 c. butter (I'm sure you could cut this down but I didn't :))
2 potatoes, peeled and diced (I used three)
2 ribs celery, minced
2 T. chopped green or red sweet pepper
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 T. flour
1 t. salt
1 cup water
2 T. chicken bouillon
20 oz. frozen corn
3 - 4 c. Half-n-half or milk (I used 2 c. fat free half-n-half and 2 c. skim milk)
large can chicken breast (optional - Beth adds this to make it a little heartier... I did too)
Saute first 5 ingredients about 10 minutes or until almost tender. Blend in flour and salt. Cook one minute. Stir in water and bouillon, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Then add corn and milk (this is when I added the chicken too.) Gently heat through.
Tuesday, October 31
Monday, October 30
Crunch
So I backed into our Corolla with our van yesterday. (I thought about posting a picture but I'll spare you the visual.) It was so stupid. I was backing out of the garage as Pete ran into the house to get something quick before we left for church. I should be used to this by now since we've been parking our Corolla in the driveway many nights. But I guess Pete's usually got it at work by the time I leave with the van. Anyway, I should have been paying attention. And I wasn't. At all. I didn't even look into my rear or sideview mirrors. CRUNCH. Dumb.
The damage really isn't all that bad. Some scratches on both vehicles and a loose bumper on the van. The brand new van. The one we are still paying on. Yeah, that one. This is why I've always been more comfortable driving my older, used cars. My hubby handled it well. He said it's nothing a little paint won't fix. Of course he knew how horrible I felt so what could he say?! Really, the worst part is that it was completely avoidable and I just wasn't paying attention. I did something similar to this when I was a young adult home on break from college. I drove our Toyota Camry into the mailbox.... while jamming to John Mellencamp on the radio. That was probably just more irresponsible than anything. But at least it was an old car.
Feel free to share any similar stories... or not. It just might make me feel a little better. :)
The damage really isn't all that bad. Some scratches on both vehicles and a loose bumper on the van. The brand new van. The one we are still paying on. Yeah, that one. This is why I've always been more comfortable driving my older, used cars. My hubby handled it well. He said it's nothing a little paint won't fix. Of course he knew how horrible I felt so what could he say?! Really, the worst part is that it was completely avoidable and I just wasn't paying attention. I did something similar to this when I was a young adult home on break from college. I drove our Toyota Camry into the mailbox.... while jamming to John Mellencamp on the radio. That was probably just more irresponsible than anything. But at least it was an old car.
Feel free to share any similar stories... or not. It just might make me feel a little better. :)
Thursday, October 26
Apple Picking
The kids and I went to an apple orchard with Emma's preschool on Tuesday (I wanted to post this yesterday but my computer was being stubborn.) It was a chilly day, but one of teachers said it felt like Miami Beach compared to the day before. So we were fortunate to have the day with more sunshine. Both children did a wonderful job and had lots of fun as we rode the hayride, picked some Fuji apples, selected a spaghetti squash, and walked through the corn maze.
One of our favorite things to eat for breakfast are apple fritters. Since we have a plethora of apples right now, I made these for Emma and I yesterday. Yum!!
Breakfast Apple Fritters
Mix the following together with a wire whip:
3 eggs
1 c. milk
1 c. flour
pinch of salt
little sugar
2-3 chopped, peeled apples
Fry in a hot skillet. Serve with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Monday, October 23
Meals for the Week
I was a little late planning this week so I'm a little late posting...
Monday - Chicken Tortilla casserole, corn, peaches
Tuesday - Pot Roast with potatoes and carrots
Wednesday- FAB at church
Thursday - Corn Chowder, cheese, homemade bread if I'm ambitious
Friday/Saturday - dinner plans both evenings so less cooking!!
We head to the apple orchard with Emma's preschool class tomorrow so perhaps I'll treat my family to a homemade apple pie this week (okay, so my homemade pie uses a Pillsbury crust... it's worth the less stress for me, but I sure would like to take Sarah's seminar someday!!)
Monday - Chicken Tortilla casserole, corn, peaches
Tuesday - Pot Roast with potatoes and carrots
Wednesday- FAB at church
Thursday - Corn Chowder, cheese, homemade bread if I'm ambitious
Friday/Saturday - dinner plans both evenings so less cooking!!
We head to the apple orchard with Emma's preschool class tomorrow so perhaps I'll treat my family to a homemade apple pie this week (okay, so my homemade pie uses a Pillsbury crust... it's worth the less stress for me, but I sure would like to take Sarah's seminar someday!!)
Sunday, October 22
Good Evening, Lousy Night
One thing about this stage of night is that staying overnight in a new place can be miserable. Our family is not used to sleeping altogether in one room. I realize this individual space is unique to us developed countries. I actually tried the family bed with both children and could not make it work. Our family members just all sleep better in our own cozy little beds.
This weekend was our church retreat at a camp up in Michigan. Pete was in charge of Saturday activities and was set on spending the night. I originally planned to take the baby home, but changed my mind a couple of days ago. Why not go for it? Pete and I could get the kids to bed and hang out with other adults. We wouldn't have to drive to and from the camp twice. It hadn't been very successful when Emma was 18 months old two years ago, but Andrew's a different baby... better sleeper, more content. I tried to be optimistic... or maybe in denial. The evening was great. The meal was quite tasty for camp food. We enjoyed being with friends. The variety show was entertaining and the kids did fabulous. I didn't worry that it was past their bedtimes because they both were doing well and I figured they'd be extra tired then for the night. Then came the dreaded.
Emma settled in rather well -at 9pm and slept all night long. She's a rather restless sleeper we learned. She removed her pants when she got hot (her mom does this all the time!) and flailed around on the bed throughout the night. She'd sit up, get up from bed, turn her body upside down - all while staying in a sleep state. (Perhaps this is why she and I could never sleep together.) Never did she venture to our bed, talk, cry or anything.
It took us a while to get Andrew down. He hasn't slept in a pack-n-play in a while so it was different enough for him. It was too entertaining, I suppose, to stand up and look at big sister laying in her bed. But with some patience and his beloved stuffed elephant, Pete got him down. There he slept for a solid four hours. We came to bed at midnight- still too late for me, and he was awake at 1 AM. I wasn't surprised as he still wakes sometimes at night. It was especially likely being in a hotel room. But he wouldn't settle. Pete and I tried everything we could think of in the room for two entire hours. His eyes wouldn't shut. He'd play or cry if put in his bed or our bed. We feared waking Emma or the neighbors, although Emma slept through it all. Of course, Pete and I were quite grouchy, having only slept an hour - it's always worse when you're awaken from that deep sleep state. We even talked about Pete driving him home but I did not want them on the road for a hour in the middle of the night. Finally after 3AM, he settled in the pack-n-play again. I had moved it to the darkest part of the room, as far from the beds as I could go.
Another four hours and Emma wakes up ready for the day. I'm exhausted. Pete's wiped out. Andrew is blocking the door. Her stirring and talking wakes him up and we are officially screwed. I wasn't convinced he'd sleep at all since the sun was now beginning to shine. It was still over two hours from brunch and Emma was the only one who felt rested. So we packed up and left.
I value my sleep and patience is something I really need more of in these situations so I do not handle these middle-of-the-night situations nearly as well as some of you would. I could sit here and resent the fact that we tried to stay the night or that our baby did so poorly. It is frustrating and I know many of you have been there... Angie just told me a story last evening that sounded worse to me than what we experienced. So I don't feel I can complain too bad. But I do think we made the right decision in taking off. And so far 3 of the 4 of us have been able to nap here (Pete would rather watch the ND game he missed yesterday.) Won't be sleeping over at any camps in the near future though.
This weekend was our church retreat at a camp up in Michigan. Pete was in charge of Saturday activities and was set on spending the night. I originally planned to take the baby home, but changed my mind a couple of days ago. Why not go for it? Pete and I could get the kids to bed and hang out with other adults. We wouldn't have to drive to and from the camp twice. It hadn't been very successful when Emma was 18 months old two years ago, but Andrew's a different baby... better sleeper, more content. I tried to be optimistic... or maybe in denial. The evening was great. The meal was quite tasty for camp food. We enjoyed being with friends. The variety show was entertaining and the kids did fabulous. I didn't worry that it was past their bedtimes because they both were doing well and I figured they'd be extra tired then for the night. Then came the dreaded.
Emma settled in rather well -at 9pm and slept all night long. She's a rather restless sleeper we learned. She removed her pants when she got hot (her mom does this all the time!) and flailed around on the bed throughout the night. She'd sit up, get up from bed, turn her body upside down - all while staying in a sleep state. (Perhaps this is why she and I could never sleep together.) Never did she venture to our bed, talk, cry or anything.
It took us a while to get Andrew down. He hasn't slept in a pack-n-play in a while so it was different enough for him. It was too entertaining, I suppose, to stand up and look at big sister laying in her bed. But with some patience and his beloved stuffed elephant, Pete got him down. There he slept for a solid four hours. We came to bed at midnight- still too late for me, and he was awake at 1 AM. I wasn't surprised as he still wakes sometimes at night. It was especially likely being in a hotel room. But he wouldn't settle. Pete and I tried everything we could think of in the room for two entire hours. His eyes wouldn't shut. He'd play or cry if put in his bed or our bed. We feared waking Emma or the neighbors, although Emma slept through it all. Of course, Pete and I were quite grouchy, having only slept an hour - it's always worse when you're awaken from that deep sleep state. We even talked about Pete driving him home but I did not want them on the road for a hour in the middle of the night. Finally after 3AM, he settled in the pack-n-play again. I had moved it to the darkest part of the room, as far from the beds as I could go.
Another four hours and Emma wakes up ready for the day. I'm exhausted. Pete's wiped out. Andrew is blocking the door. Her stirring and talking wakes him up and we are officially screwed. I wasn't convinced he'd sleep at all since the sun was now beginning to shine. It was still over two hours from brunch and Emma was the only one who felt rested. So we packed up and left.
I value my sleep and patience is something I really need more of in these situations so I do not handle these middle-of-the-night situations nearly as well as some of you would. I could sit here and resent the fact that we tried to stay the night or that our baby did so poorly. It is frustrating and I know many of you have been there... Angie just told me a story last evening that sounded worse to me than what we experienced. So I don't feel I can complain too bad. But I do think we made the right decision in taking off. And so far 3 of the 4 of us have been able to nap here (Pete would rather watch the ND game he missed yesterday.) Won't be sleeping over at any camps in the near future though.
Tuesday, October 17
Wearing My Babies
I have experimented with wearing my kids since Emma was just a few weeks old. I had a tough time at first. By the time I figured the sling out and got her in a comfortable position, she was not happy with me. It just didn't work. By the time she was four months old, though, as shown in the first picture, she loved the sling, especially facing forward. This way she could snuggle with mama and bounce along to the movement while watching the world. That was a great sling, borrowed from a good friend. Then I found one at a consignment shop and returned hers. It was too big and while I attempted to make it work, it just was never comfortable. My friend, Sarah, introduced me to the Moby Wrap shortly before
Andrew was born. It's this huge piece of fabric that ties around and you can put the baby into all sorts of positions, much like a sling. I used it some as he was a baby but then as the weather got warmer, so did the wrap. We started using a borrowed Baby Bjorn (thanks, Lesley) for a long time. Andrew loved it and it was easy for both Pete and I to put on and adjust. Eventually he got heavier and I began looking for another option. That's when I discovered the pocket or pouch sling. Some women I knew had purchased really great ones but then I met a few at my mom's group that had made their own. So I tried it and it worked!! $3 for a sling that just involved sewing a few seams... can't beat that. This one is good for a hip hold for an older baby but still requires hand support. That's fine sometimes but I really have been missing the hands-free benefit of the Bjorn. So I pulled out the Moby Wrap again today and put him in an older baby position. Because of all the fabric, it seems it might distribute the weight a bit better than the Bjorn so there isn't so much pressure on shoulders. But there's an awful lot of fabric to deal with too. You'll see I need to work a little at wrapping it the right way. I want to be sure I don't cut off his circulation anywhere! But it served the purpose of walking down the street and back, and of course he loved it!!Have you ever worn a baby? What did you use and when? Maybe Sarah or other baby-wearing bloggers want to post cute pictures of their little 'roos on their blogs!
McSilly
Newsweek has a little blurb this week about a recent scuffle on the set of Grey's Anatomy. Evidentally Isaiah Washington (Preston Burke) and Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shephard, aka McDreamy) argued about people being late to rehearsal or something. Of course the McMedia first reported it was a "violent brawl" and now it's been toned down quite a bit. I guess disagreements between famous, handsome men on popular TV shows (Grey's is currently the #1 series on TV) is really newsworthy these days. I think it's all McStupid.
P.S. It's still my favorite TV show!!!
P.S. It's still my favorite TV show!!!
Monday, October 16
Maxin' and Relaxin'
I remember reading some teen magazine when I was a teenager myself and it had this whole list of the popular phrases. "Maxin' and relaxin'" was one of them. I think the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) sang it in one of his songs. Anyway, it means to relax. That was difficult to figure out, wasn't it?
I decided to relax this evening. I have been so busy lately trying to take care of my family, my house, my marriage, my church commitments, keep up with family and friends, the list goes on. Then, of course, there's the whole needing to find Halloween costumes for the kids and boots and coats that fit (since we got our first snow last week!!) It's crazy. So tonight I made the decision to stay home when I could have met a bunch of women friends for the evening. It was a difficult choice to make, but I have something every other evening this week! While I missed you all this evening, I know I made a good choice to stay home. When the kids were in bed, I drew a bath and read a magazine. Aaah.
We all deserve to just kick back and relax sometimes. How do you like to relax? Anyone enjoy a cup of tea, a bath, and/or a book or magazine like I do? I also love a good massage but of course I have to drive and pay for those.
I challenge you all to take some time this week to do some maxin' and relax'. And tell me about it if you'd like.
I decided to relax this evening. I have been so busy lately trying to take care of my family, my house, my marriage, my church commitments, keep up with family and friends, the list goes on. Then, of course, there's the whole needing to find Halloween costumes for the kids and boots and coats that fit (since we got our first snow last week!!) It's crazy. So tonight I made the decision to stay home when I could have met a bunch of women friends for the evening. It was a difficult choice to make, but I have something every other evening this week! While I missed you all this evening, I know I made a good choice to stay home. When the kids were in bed, I drew a bath and read a magazine. Aaah.
We all deserve to just kick back and relax sometimes. How do you like to relax? Anyone enjoy a cup of tea, a bath, and/or a book or magazine like I do? I also love a good massage but of course I have to drive and pay for those.
I challenge you all to take some time this week to do some maxin' and relax'. And tell me about it if you'd like.
Sunday, October 15
Meals for the Week
It's a busy week so I won't be doing a lot of cooking. It's a need rest...
Sunday - Grilled steaks, Hash Brown casserole, Cooked Vegetable, Applesauce, Biscuits (we're having our neighbors for dinner)
Monday - Curried Lentils and Rice, Cucumber Salad (yes, this is a postponement from last wk)
Tuesday - Dinner Outing
Wednesday - FAB at church
Thursday - Leftovers or something simple - I have a meeting over the dinner hour
Friday - Corn Chowder or Minestrone (I have ingredients for both), Bread, Cheese
Saturday/Sunday - Church Retreat
Sunday - Grilled steaks, Hash Brown casserole, Cooked Vegetable, Applesauce, Biscuits (we're having our neighbors for dinner)
Monday - Curried Lentils and Rice, Cucumber Salad (yes, this is a postponement from last wk)
Tuesday - Dinner Outing
Wednesday - FAB at church
Thursday - Leftovers or something simple - I have a meeting over the dinner hour
Friday - Corn Chowder or Minestrone (I have ingredients for both), Bread, Cheese
Saturday/Sunday - Church Retreat
Dance Fever
Ever since I can remember, I have loved to dance. Never took lessons. Never was any good. Now my sister, on the other hand, was born a natural. We grew up dancing a lot together. I simply adore music and I like to move. I dance in the car, I dance at home with the kids. You might even find me moving to the beat at church. GASP! :) I think it's an awesome, healthy expression of our bodies. And it's fun!
I have limited opportunities to dance these days. No more school dances. I'm certainly not planning to hit any clubs. Since Pete changed jobs we no longer have work parties with dancing (don't see this changing anytime soon since half of the employees at his current job are Amish.) I suppose someone could have a wedding and invite me... or I could crash one. (See Wedding Crashers anyone?) But seriously, dancing is most fun with people I know. Because I do it for fun and not because I'm any good, I need a safe environment where people aren't judging my every step. When I was still working outside of the home, I went to an aerobics class called "Latin Grooves." It was aerobics mixed with Latin and Carribean style dancing. Que divertido!
So where am I now? I pretty much just dance with my kids. They both love it. A couple of months ago, Andrew started moving his body up and down whenever he heard music. Now he uses a play drumstick and plays the drum. Emma has been gettin' down for a long time now. We put whatever on.... kids music, Latin music, Elton John, whatever gets us in the mood. We call it "Dance USA." Recently she performed the "Naked Booty Dance" for friends of ours. No, we did not teach her that. And yes, she developed the dance and the term on her own. :) Fortunately, our friends are great natured and enjoyed every minute of it.
Yesterday as I was driving alone in the car, I realized I was dancing at a stoplight. As I looked over to the car beside me, a man in probably his 70s was looking back at me - dancing. Yes, it was hilarious! So I smiled and danced back.
If anyone wants to throw a party with dancing, I'm game!!
I have limited opportunities to dance these days. No more school dances. I'm certainly not planning to hit any clubs. Since Pete changed jobs we no longer have work parties with dancing (don't see this changing anytime soon since half of the employees at his current job are Amish.) I suppose someone could have a wedding and invite me... or I could crash one. (See Wedding Crashers anyone?) But seriously, dancing is most fun with people I know. Because I do it for fun and not because I'm any good, I need a safe environment where people aren't judging my every step. When I was still working outside of the home, I went to an aerobics class called "Latin Grooves." It was aerobics mixed with Latin and Carribean style dancing. Que divertido!
So where am I now? I pretty much just dance with my kids. They both love it. A couple of months ago, Andrew started moving his body up and down whenever he heard music. Now he uses a play drumstick and plays the drum. Emma has been gettin' down for a long time now. We put whatever on.... kids music, Latin music, Elton John, whatever gets us in the mood. We call it "Dance USA." Recently she performed the "Naked Booty Dance" for friends of ours. No, we did not teach her that. And yes, she developed the dance and the term on her own. :) Fortunately, our friends are great natured and enjoyed every minute of it.
Yesterday as I was driving alone in the car, I realized I was dancing at a stoplight. As I looked over to the car beside me, a man in probably his 70s was looking back at me - dancing. Yes, it was hilarious! So I smiled and danced back.
If anyone wants to throw a party with dancing, I'm game!!
Friday, October 13
Kitty Litter
This is Elly. She joined our family five years ago when her previous family moved across the country and couldn't take her with them. She is such a sweet cat and has put up with much tormenting from her former brother, Cole (our dog), and various children in our home (including our own, of course.)
Elly is not has a great personality, she is very cute (as you can see here.) I'm not biased or anything. Pete has his complaints when her regurgitated dinner or a hairball is occasionally deposited on our carpet somewhere. But other than that, we are pretty lucky.
I must say, though, that lately I just hate cleaning out her litter box. It never seemed to bother me before and then I got out of it for about 18 months of my life thanks to my two children. But now it's my daily task again and it's just no fun. I think a big part of this is that I am not happy with our cat litter. I've tried several kinds. I really prefer a clumping kind so I can just scoop out the nasty. And I can't handle anything with a scent or dust. I also would really like to find something environmentally friendly. My dad uses something called "Yesterday News" that uses recycled paper, I believe. I'm not sure what it's effect on the environment is once it's used as cat litter.
I suppose what I should really do is my research, but I just don't feel like taking the time. There are many other things that are higher priority right now. So I start here... any cat lovers out there? What's your litter of choice? Do you have any odor/dust-free, environmentally-friendly, preferably clumping recommendations? Oh yeah, and I hate putting it in plastic bags that are also not great sitting in dumpsites somewhere. Does anyone out there do something else with their litter besides throw it in their garbage?
Taco Soup
I made this soup for my family last weekend and my mom requested the recipe. So here is the recipe, Mom, and whoever else might be interested. It is one of our favorites!
Taco Soup
2 lbs. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 (15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed, drained
1 (16 oz.) can lima beans, rinsed, drained
1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
1 (15 oz.) can golden hominy, drained
3 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles, drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
Shredded cheddar
Tortilla or corn chips (I like Fritos!)
Brown meat with onion and drain. Stir in the remainder of ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; reduce heat. At this point you can put it into a crockpot on "high" until boils, then on "low" 4-6 hours OR you can simmer for 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
Taco Soup
2 lbs. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 (15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed, drained
1 (16 oz.) can lima beans, rinsed, drained
1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
1 (15 oz.) can golden hominy, drained
3 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles, drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
Shredded cheddar
Tortilla or corn chips (I like Fritos!)
Brown meat with onion and drain. Stir in the remainder of ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; reduce heat. At this point you can put it into a crockpot on "high" until boils, then on "low" 4-6 hours OR you can simmer for 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
- May add addtional water for desired consistency.
- Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with cheese and chips. You can also top with sour cream.
- May substitue ground turkey for beef and use other beans instead of ones listed. I have not tried this.
Tuesday, October 10
Ragin' Mamas
I admit... sometimes I get really frustrated and angry as a parent. Do I even need to "admit" this? How do parents not get this way sometimes? But yes, I'm one of those moms that always said I would try really hard not to react impulsively when I was upset with my children. And I'm also one of those moms that in only 3 1/2 years, has not been able to follow through. This doesn't make me a horrible parent. It makes me a human parent. But I'm still not happy with myself when I find myself in this situation. One thing I try to do is to ask my daughter's forgiveness when I know I've reacted unfairly toward her. But I still feel bad. I know better.
Some of you may get the magazine, "The Mennonite." I don't have a current subscription, but my mom told me about an article in the most recent issue. It's written by Valerie Weaver Zercher. She is an excellent writer and a mother of three young boys. I've only met her a couple of times (her wedding being one of those) but I've really enjoyed several articles she has written. And between me and well, whoever else reads this blog, I guess, I used to have a big crush on her husband. Now keep in mind, I was 12 and he was the associate pastor at our church, so no worries.
In this article, "One Mean Mennonite Mama," Weaver Zercher writes about reacting in anger to her child and her response to that. She outlines four suggestions for forgiving ourselves and transforming our anger. If you haven't already, I recommend that anyone who has children in their lives read Valerie's article. I plan to print it out as a reminder for myself.
Some of you may get the magazine, "The Mennonite." I don't have a current subscription, but my mom told me about an article in the most recent issue. It's written by Valerie Weaver Zercher. She is an excellent writer and a mother of three young boys. I've only met her a couple of times (her wedding being one of those) but I've really enjoyed several articles she has written. And between me and well, whoever else reads this blog, I guess, I used to have a big crush on her husband. Now keep in mind, I was 12 and he was the associate pastor at our church, so no worries.
In this article, "One Mean Mennonite Mama," Weaver Zercher writes about reacting in anger to her child and her response to that. She outlines four suggestions for forgiving ourselves and transforming our anger. If you haven't already, I recommend that anyone who has children in their lives read Valerie's article. I plan to print it out as a reminder for myself.
Sunday, October 8
Fun Parties
One thing I love is a good party. I don't think I've hosted a really great one since before my children were born. Pete and I threw an '80s party when we moved in to our house. We had a blast planning and throwing it.
Last Thursday evening, I attended a Zag Bag/Silpada party at my friend, Sarah's house. She is a total domestic goddess (her blog link is to the left), so she hosted in style. Her house was immaculate (despite having two young boys), she had beautiful fall decorations and her menu was well-planned and quite delicious. There were probably at least 20 or more women throughout the course of the evening. While I didn't purchase any jewelry, I did design a zag bag. How fun!! I got to pick the style of bag and choose four different fabrics. Every woman needs a purse or a bag or some sort, so what better way to celebrate community with other women?
Well, I just read about another friend's recent party. My friend, Deb, moved to Portland a couple of years ago. I miss her dearly and wish I could see her more often, but it has been fabulous being able to keep up with her via blogs. She threw the coolest party... a Naked Lady Party. Please don't be alarmed, it's not what you may think. It's just a creative and fun way to reuse and recycle clothing. Read about it on her blog, http://debsbeesnest.blogspot.com/.
Last Thursday evening, I attended a Zag Bag/Silpada party at my friend, Sarah's house. She is a total domestic goddess (her blog link is to the left), so she hosted in style. Her house was immaculate (despite having two young boys), she had beautiful fall decorations and her menu was well-planned and quite delicious. There were probably at least 20 or more women throughout the course of the evening. While I didn't purchase any jewelry, I did design a zag bag. How fun!! I got to pick the style of bag and choose four different fabrics. Every woman needs a purse or a bag or some sort, so what better way to celebrate community with other women?
Well, I just read about another friend's recent party. My friend, Deb, moved to Portland a couple of years ago. I miss her dearly and wish I could see her more often, but it has been fabulous being able to keep up with her via blogs. She threw the coolest party... a Naked Lady Party. Please don't be alarmed, it's not what you may think. It's just a creative and fun way to reuse and recycle clothing. Read about it on her blog, http://debsbeesnest.blogspot.com/.
Meals for the Week
Okay, this is pretty sad. I've only had one post between this week's and last week's meals... and that was a recipe. So it may appear that all I do is cook and eat. On the contrare, my friends!! My family has been in town for the week and I simply have not taken the time to do much blogging of my own.
Here is this week's menu for now:
Monday - Chicken Tetrazzini, Green Salad, Acorn Squash
Tuesday - Lentils (probably curried) and rice, anyone have any good side suggestions?
Wednesday - FAB at church
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Stromboli, Green Salad, Peaches
Saturday - Minestrone, Bread, Cheese
Happy meal planning this week!
Here is this week's menu for now:
Monday - Chicken Tetrazzini, Green Salad, Acorn Squash
Tuesday - Lentils (probably curried) and rice, anyone have any good side suggestions?
Wednesday - FAB at church
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Stromboli, Green Salad, Peaches
Saturday - Minestrone, Bread, Cheese
Happy meal planning this week!
Wednesday, October 4
Smokehouse Spaghetti
In my last post, Deb asked about Smokehouse Spaghetti. This dish is one my mom made often when I was growing up. It's now a family favorite of ours. It's a good company dish. I often take it to others when they need a meal. It's a hit with kids and it freezes well too!
Smokehouse Spaghetti
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 lb. bacon
1 medium chopped onion
1 - 15 oz. and 1 - 8 oz. tomato sauce
1 - 4 oz. can mushrooms (with juice)
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 lb. shredded provolone
1/4 lb. shredded cheddar
8 oz. cooked spaghetti
Fry bacon and remove. Brown beef and onion. Add all but cheeses and spaghetti; simmer 15 miutes. Add spaghetti. Layer cheeses and spaghetti/sauce mixture in 9x13 pan. End with cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes (or less) at 375 degrees. If made ahead and stored in fridge, may need 45 minutes.
Notes:
- I play around a lot with cheeses. I rarely use provolone and still like the flavor.
- Instead of tomato sauce and spices, I have used already prepared spaghetti sauce before, but I prefer sticking to the recipe.
- I often add a little more than 8 oz. spaghetti.
Smokehouse Spaghetti
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 lb. bacon
1 medium chopped onion
1 - 15 oz. and 1 - 8 oz. tomato sauce
1 - 4 oz. can mushrooms (with juice)
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 lb. shredded provolone
1/4 lb. shredded cheddar
8 oz. cooked spaghetti
Fry bacon and remove. Brown beef and onion. Add all but cheeses and spaghetti; simmer 15 miutes. Add spaghetti. Layer cheeses and spaghetti/sauce mixture in 9x13 pan. End with cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes (or less) at 375 degrees. If made ahead and stored in fridge, may need 45 minutes.
Notes:
- I play around a lot with cheeses. I rarely use provolone and still like the flavor.
- Instead of tomato sauce and spices, I have used already prepared spaghetti sauce before, but I prefer sticking to the recipe.
- I often add a little more than 8 oz. spaghetti.
Sunday, October 1
Meals for the Week
My friend, Sarah (you'll find her Domestic Goddess blog link on the sidebar) recently did a post on meal planning. She and I both love this domestic activity. She gave some wonderful tips on her blog for meal planning.. perhaps she can cut and paste them into a comment here if she cares to share them again. We both plan our meals at the beginning of each week. Every Sunday she will post her weekly menu. I will attempt to join her in that endeavor... mine might come on Saturdays or Mondays, depending on when I do my planning. This week is a little unique in that my family is visiting and I'll have extra people to feed every evening (my cousins will join us for a meal one evening as well.) So I'll be doing some extra and more involved cooking that usual because I like to and because I can.
Monday - leftovers
Tuesday - Smokehouse Spaghetti, green salad, garlic bread
Wednesday - FAB at our church (meal provided)
Thursday - Maple Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, green salad, applesauce
Friday - Stuffed Acorn Squash, green vegie, homemade bread
Saturday - Taco Soup, Raw Carrots, Cornbread, Cheese
Sunday - Eat Out or Take In
It's always fun for me to hear how others plan their meals. Feel free to share your style, tips, and ideas... it may just give me or another reader a good suggestion for the next week!
Monday - leftovers
Tuesday - Smokehouse Spaghetti, green salad, garlic bread
Wednesday - FAB at our church (meal provided)
Thursday - Maple Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, green salad, applesauce
Friday - Stuffed Acorn Squash, green vegie, homemade bread
Saturday - Taco Soup, Raw Carrots, Cornbread, Cheese
Sunday - Eat Out or Take In
It's always fun for me to hear how others plan their meals. Feel free to share your style, tips, and ideas... it may just give me or another reader a good suggestion for the next week!
White Chili
This recipe is so tasty and easy. You can do it on the stove or in the crockpot. I made it on Friday for us and Pete's parents. I threw it together in 20 minutes tops and stuck it in the crockpot.
White Chili
2 lbs. cooked chicken (Rotisserie)
2 - 15 oz. cans white kidney beans, undrained
1 - 16 oz. jar salsa
8 oz. Monterey jack cheese
2 t. cumin
Comine in 3 qt. Cover and simmer one hour. Stir occasionally and add 1/4 c. water if too thick OR crockpot 3 hours on high.
Notes:
- You can cook your own chicken but I almost always use Rotisserie. It's quick, convenient and adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Use mild or medium salsa depending on your spice preference.
- Vary type of cheese as you'd like.
ENJOY!!
White Chili
2 lbs. cooked chicken (Rotisserie)
2 - 15 oz. cans white kidney beans, undrained
1 - 16 oz. jar salsa
8 oz. Monterey jack cheese
2 t. cumin
Comine in 3 qt. Cover and simmer one hour. Stir occasionally and add 1/4 c. water if too thick OR crockpot 3 hours on high.
Notes:
- You can cook your own chicken but I almost always use Rotisserie. It's quick, convenient and adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Use mild or medium salsa depending on your spice preference.
- Vary type of cheese as you'd like.
ENJOY!!
Weekend
This was one packed weekend. It started Friday evening when Pete and I (and 6 of our friends) went to GC to see Nickel Creek in concert. We've been fans of their bluegrass music for nearly 4 years. I used to listen to their first CD all the time when I was pregnant with Emma. When I read last winter that they were coming to concert on Sept. 29, I immediately put it on my calendar. Tickets to the public went on sale Sept. 1 at 8 am. I think I called at 7:59 am. All 200 were sold out by 8:50 am. It was so worth it! Their music was fabulous and they really put on a good show. Pete and I rarely get out for the evening and this was just the perfect date for us.
Pete's parents are here for the weekend... it's been planned for a couple of months. They came in time to be home with the kids on Friday evening. It's always nice to not have to call around for sitters. I made White Chili for us all before the concert (I'll post the recipe.)
On Saturday AM, I awoke at 5 AM to drive to Orville, Ohio for my Grandma's funeral. I left the kids home with Pete and his parents. What a good decision. Yes, it was a bit difficult to leave my baby for more than 5 hours, but he survived. Actually, he did quite well. And it was nice to be able to spend time with my family and not have to worry about two small children who can't sit through a funeral and a burial. I also really enjoyed driving ALONE in my car for 5 hours. I was operating on 4 1/2 hours of sleep though. Fortunately, my sister drove back with me that evening and shared some of the driving. My parents got here today so we're entertaining both families until the morning. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll catch up on some of this lost sleep.
Pete's parents are here for the weekend... it's been planned for a couple of months. They came in time to be home with the kids on Friday evening. It's always nice to not have to call around for sitters. I made White Chili for us all before the concert (I'll post the recipe.)
On Saturday AM, I awoke at 5 AM to drive to Orville, Ohio for my Grandma's funeral. I left the kids home with Pete and his parents. What a good decision. Yes, it was a bit difficult to leave my baby for more than 5 hours, but he survived. Actually, he did quite well. And it was nice to be able to spend time with my family and not have to worry about two small children who can't sit through a funeral and a burial. I also really enjoyed driving ALONE in my car for 5 hours. I was operating on 4 1/2 hours of sleep though. Fortunately, my sister drove back with me that evening and shared some of the driving. My parents got here today so we're entertaining both families until the morning. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll catch up on some of this lost sleep.
Thursday, September 28
The Avocado
I read recently that October is the season for the Mexican avocado crop (the Haas variety.) This is very exciting for me because I love avocados! Avocados are not only tasty, they are an excellent source of folate, fiber, and vitamin E. Avocados are also sodium- and cholesterol-free and have only five grams of fat per serving, most of it the monounsaturated kind.
I am including some of my favorite uses for avocado:
- Chop or mash up and add to sandwiches or wraps (BLTs, anything with turkey, ham, chicken) My friend, Sarah, once created a wrap with hard boiled egg, spinach, tomato, and avocado. This is one of my favorites to make.
- Add to any Mexican-like dish - on top of tacos or taco salad, burritos, enchiladas, rice and beans, etc.
- Make guacamole (Inspired by my friend, Jen S., I like one with mashed avocado, some salsa (or onions and tomatoes), Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and a little salt and pepper)
- Dice up as a good finger food for babies and toddlers
Here are a few good recipes I’ve tried with avocado:
Avocado/Spinach Salad
Spinach leaves (sorry about all the spinach here – we may need to hold off on these)
Chopped avocado
Toasted walnuts
Feta cheese (can also use bleu cheese)
Note: I just play around with ingredients here depending on size of group and tastes. This dressing is fabulous and needs no dressing!!
Avocado Potato Salad
1/3 fresh lemon juice
2 t. garlic, finely chopped
¾ c. mayo
¼ c. olive oil
36 oz. Red new potatoes, cooked and diced
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. sweet onion, chopped
2 lbs. Avocados, diced
½ c. cilantro, chopped (another good, but sometimes acquired, flavor)
To make dressing, mix lemon juice and garlic; stir in mayo and oil and reserve. Combine potato, celery, and onion and then fold in reserved dressing. Just before serving, gently fold in avocado and cilantro and garnish with cilantro or celery leaves if desired.
Tropical Puree (for the babies in your life)
¼ cup plain yogurt or cottage cheese
½ ripe banana, mashed
½ ripe avocado, mashed
(Okay, so I haven’t actually tasted this one but Andrew liked it)
Any other avocado lovers out there? How do you like to eat it?
I am including some of my favorite uses for avocado:
- Chop or mash up and add to sandwiches or wraps (BLTs, anything with turkey, ham, chicken) My friend, Sarah, once created a wrap with hard boiled egg, spinach, tomato, and avocado. This is one of my favorites to make.
- Add to any Mexican-like dish - on top of tacos or taco salad, burritos, enchiladas, rice and beans, etc.
- Make guacamole (Inspired by my friend, Jen S., I like one with mashed avocado, some salsa (or onions and tomatoes), Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and a little salt and pepper)
- Dice up as a good finger food for babies and toddlers
Here are a few good recipes I’ve tried with avocado:
Avocado/Spinach Salad
Spinach leaves (sorry about all the spinach here – we may need to hold off on these)
Chopped avocado
Toasted walnuts
Feta cheese (can also use bleu cheese)
Note: I just play around with ingredients here depending on size of group and tastes. This dressing is fabulous and needs no dressing!!
Avocado Potato Salad
1/3 fresh lemon juice
2 t. garlic, finely chopped
¾ c. mayo
¼ c. olive oil
36 oz. Red new potatoes, cooked and diced
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. sweet onion, chopped
2 lbs. Avocados, diced
½ c. cilantro, chopped (another good, but sometimes acquired, flavor)
To make dressing, mix lemon juice and garlic; stir in mayo and oil and reserve. Combine potato, celery, and onion and then fold in reserved dressing. Just before serving, gently fold in avocado and cilantro and garnish with cilantro or celery leaves if desired.
Tropical Puree (for the babies in your life)
¼ cup plain yogurt or cottage cheese
½ ripe banana, mashed
½ ripe avocado, mashed
(Okay, so I haven’t actually tasted this one but Andrew liked it)
Any other avocado lovers out there? How do you like to eat it?
