“I believe the test of a great man is humility. I do not mean by humility the doubt in one’s own personal power; but really truly great men have the curious feeling that greatness is not in them but through them and they see divine in every other human soul and are foolishly, endlessly, incredibly merciful”
- Anonymous, quoted by Vaughn J. Featherstone, in ‘The Millennial Generation’
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Foto Friday: Week 4
Well this week I wanted to try something different for me. And well.... I did. And the entire time my kids were watching me and kept saying but WHY are you doing this? And finally I just said sometimes creativity just IS. You just try things. So that's what I did. I have no idea what I was trying to say with mine.... I just thought of someone all covered in white. Which apparently so did Mary - although her's seems much more moody than mine. Mine is just goofy. Hahahahaha!
I loooove the DOF in Heathers!! Totally cool!
I loooove the DOF in Heathers!! Totally cool!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Listography: Best Snack Foods
hhhhmmmmmmm food. Did I mention I love food??! Hahahahaha. I love cooking it and I loooove eating it. sooo this list is right up my alley!! I am sitting here trying to think what I eat for snacks.
1. Spinach Dip. LO.V.E. this.
2. Guacamole and chips. mmmm. I love avocados! And as guacamole even better!
3. Muffins. I loooove muffins. Some of my favorites are pumpkin, Chunky Banana Bran Muffins, Banana Crunch . I think muffins are a great choice since you can make healthy ones (and not so healthy ones) and then keep them in the freezer so you can pop them in the microwave when you need a snack.
4. I love baked things as snacks (like pretzels or cinnamon knots or pizza buns, etc)
5. Toasted Tomato Cheese Sandwiches... in fact I just had one before I wrote this post :)
6. I love fresh fruit. Bananas, oranges, apples. I looooooove fresh fruit (with a dip like this.) And fresh veggies. mmmmm especially with a yummy dill dip. (like this one)
And if you are looking for new snack foods there are some lists here and here and here.
Can't wait to see what Mary and Heather are eating!
1. Spinach Dip. LO.V.E. this.
2. Guacamole and chips. mmmm. I love avocados! And as guacamole even better!
3. Muffins. I loooove muffins. Some of my favorites are pumpkin, Chunky Banana Bran Muffins, Banana Crunch . I think muffins are a great choice since you can make healthy ones (and not so healthy ones) and then keep them in the freezer so you can pop them in the microwave when you need a snack.
4. I love baked things as snacks (like pretzels or cinnamon knots or pizza buns, etc)
5. Toasted Tomato Cheese Sandwiches... in fact I just had one before I wrote this post :)
6. I love fresh fruit. Bananas, oranges, apples. I looooooove fresh fruit (with a dip like this.) And fresh veggies. mmmmm especially with a yummy dill dip. (like this one)
And if you are looking for new snack foods there are some lists here and here and here.
Can't wait to see what Mary and Heather are eating!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
10 on Tuesday
1. This past weekend Regan and I had a little mini get away in Calgary. We were not there long, went up Friday evening and came home Saturday. Thanks to our friends the McClung's who watched two of our kids and the Smiths who watched the other!
2. We went out friday night with our good friends the Chutes to this amazing Italian place. Our bill was surprisingly expensive (which often seems to happen when we get together) but that might of had to do with the fact that we had two appys, main courses and dessert. Both Regan and I had stomach aches when we left! It was SO GOOD. GO there if you get the chance. The old Italian chef even came out and talked with us during our meal. It is a family run restaurant and so amazing!
3. On Saturday I laid in bed and got up and ate and then went back to bed while Regan was off doing the RAS interviews (which is why we were there.) It was AWESOME. So sad how much sleep is something I look so forward too! Anyways, for lunch I got to meet up with HeatherM and Mary at the coup which was completely different but so good too! It was so fun and so good to see them both!
4. I got new dishes like a week ago at the thrift store. They are white and have scalloped edges. And every time I open my cupboards and see them they make me excited. Sad but true.
5.Eli is getting ridiculously funny. Listening to him talk (which he is constantly doing lately). I took this little video of him the other day while the two of us were just having a little morning snack. It's so HIM right now.
6. This is my new favorite song. If I had music on my photo blog I'd put it up there. But I don't. It just makes me happy.
7. Today I am shooting head shots at a dentist office for their website. I'm a little nervous. It's a bit out of my regular shooting. Hopefully it all goes good.
8. I am tired of winter. Yep. officially done already and it's not even V-Day yet.
9. I am taking a picture of all of us every month. At the end of the year I'll have 12 family pictures. This one: Everybody in their pus. ISO hiked really high. Holes in dads socks. Alden posing his current favorite book. Lucy with today's craft. Eli trying to escape. Perfectly us.
10. I have been scrapbooking a lot more in the past while. Winter is a slow season for photography which equals time for scrapbooking. Tomorrow I'll share some pages I've made lately!
2. We went out friday night with our good friends the Chutes to this amazing Italian place. Our bill was surprisingly expensive (which often seems to happen when we get together) but that might of had to do with the fact that we had two appys, main courses and dessert. Both Regan and I had stomach aches when we left! It was SO GOOD. GO there if you get the chance. The old Italian chef even came out and talked with us during our meal. It is a family run restaurant and so amazing!
3. On Saturday I laid in bed and got up and ate and then went back to bed while Regan was off doing the RAS interviews (which is why we were there.) It was AWESOME. So sad how much sleep is something I look so forward too! Anyways, for lunch I got to meet up with HeatherM and Mary at the coup which was completely different but so good too! It was so fun and so good to see them both!
4. I got new dishes like a week ago at the thrift store. They are white and have scalloped edges. And every time I open my cupboards and see them they make me excited. Sad but true.
5.Eli is getting ridiculously funny. Listening to him talk (which he is constantly doing lately). I took this little video of him the other day while the two of us were just having a little morning snack. It's so HIM right now.
6. This is my new favorite song. If I had music on my photo blog I'd put it up there. But I don't. It just makes me happy.
7. Today I am shooting head shots at a dentist office for their website. I'm a little nervous. It's a bit out of my regular shooting. Hopefully it all goes good.
8. I am tired of winter. Yep. officially done already and it's not even V-Day yet.
9. I am taking a picture of all of us every month. At the end of the year I'll have 12 family pictures. This one: Everybody in their pus. ISO hiked really high. Holes in dads socks. Alden posing his current favorite book. Lucy with today's craft. Eli trying to escape. Perfectly us.
10. I have been scrapbooking a lot more in the past while. Winter is a slow season for photography which equals time for scrapbooking. Tomorrow I'll share some pages I've made lately!
Monday, January 24, 2011
In the kitchen: Spinach Dip
This is one of my new favorite recipes. It comes from my good friend (and a GREAT cook) Cherisse.
Spinach Dip
2 8 oz packages Cream Cheese softened
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup real grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated ramano cheese
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
1 can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
2 packages frozen spinach thawed, drained and chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350. Mix cream cheese, mayo, cheese (not mozzarella) and spices with a hand mixer till smooth. Chop artichokes really well. Add in along with spinach. Put mixture in greased 8x13 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Then add the mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or bread.
And since spinach dip just did NOT look good in pictures... here are my current favorite crackers to eat it with.... Breton mini cracked pepper and olive oil.
Spinach Dip
2 8 oz packages Cream Cheese softened
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup real grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated ramano cheese
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
1 can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
2 packages frozen spinach thawed, drained and chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350. Mix cream cheese, mayo, cheese (not mozzarella) and spices with a hand mixer till smooth. Chop artichokes really well. Add in along with spinach. Put mixture in greased 8x13 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Then add the mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 5 more minutes. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or bread.
And since spinach dip just did NOT look good in pictures... here are my current favorite crackers to eat it with.... Breton mini cracked pepper and olive oil.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Spiritual Sundays
“We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to participate.”
Henry B. Eyring
Henry B. Eyring
Friday, January 21, 2011
Foto Friday: Week 3
For our (Mary & HeatherM & me) photo this week the theme was signs. (mostly cause last weeks really could have been used for this weeks but I didn't read ahead to plan for that!) And I wanted to do something besides just a sign. Well what I really wanted was to take pictures of someone who was homeless with their sign, but that didn't really happen.
Soooo instead I was thinking about other signs in life. And aging comes with signs (like hairy ears and droopy parts - hahahaha but hands seemed a much nicer thing to take a picture of.)
Mine is of Daisy. She is 92. And she has worked hard her entire life. Right now she is taking care of her daughter (who is 75) and has cancer. She is an amazing woman!
Kinda of funny that I now have taken 2 of the 3 of hands...... well actually hands were in all of them. Next week.... my goal - NO HANDS. HA!
Love both Heather and Mary's again! These girls! Making me try harder!
Soooo instead I was thinking about other signs in life. And aging comes with signs (like hairy ears and droopy parts - hahahaha but hands seemed a much nicer thing to take a picture of.)
Mine is of Daisy. She is 92. And she has worked hard her entire life. Right now she is taking care of her daughter (who is 75) and has cancer. She is an amazing woman!
Kinda of funny that I now have taken 2 of the 3 of hands...... well actually hands were in all of them. Next week.... my goal - NO HANDS. HA!
Love both Heather and Mary's again! These girls! Making me try harder!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
List 3: Quirks about Me
I asked Reg what some of my quirks were. It is kind of hard to think of them about yourself. Cause you do it, and normally you wouldn't do something you thought was quirky. Would you? hhhhmmmmm..... ANYWAYS,
1. I make the bed in the morning while I am still in it. As in I sit at the top of the bed pull the blankets and sheets up around me so they are neat and then slip out of it. Fix the top. Add the decorative pillows and done.
2. I detest people clicking their pens. It drives me batty. Go ahead and scratch the blackboard that won't bother me, but clicking pens. ANNOYING. I've gotten a lot better about this as I get older. But man I just do not like that.
3. I get waaaay more books out the library than I will ever read. Like i love books. And I come home with these piles of books. I do read a lot but it would be physically impossible to read all the books I bring home. Yet I keep doing it. Cause they look great and they are right there!
4. I have trouble throwing away papers. So I keep them in piles. And more piles. Mostly hidden. And then I have one crazy day where I go through and throw them all away (or file). WHY can't I just throw them away when they come in?? who knows!
5. I have a color coded closet. I don't really think that's quirky (I think it's smart) but Reg does. :)
6. I always finish eating first. Even if I started last, I finish first. I'm not trying to eat fast, I just do.
7. I don't know if you've noticed but I always make my blog posts come up at 6am. Why 6am? I have no idea. I think it started cause I thought people I know out east get up earlier then out here so I started doing it then.
8. When I use the microwave I always use straight lines when typing in the numbers. Mostly 123. Even if I think it needs longer I'll just do 123 then when it runs out of time add 123 and run it again. Or stop it in the middle and reset.
9. If I was driving and you told me to turn left or right, I would shake both my hands to see which one I wrote with so I knew which way to turn.
10. I always say thank you out loud to other drivers. Who can't hear me. (and Lucy is always asking me who I am talking too.)
Check out Mary and Heather :)
1. I make the bed in the morning while I am still in it. As in I sit at the top of the bed pull the blankets and sheets up around me so they are neat and then slip out of it. Fix the top. Add the decorative pillows and done.
2. I detest people clicking their pens. It drives me batty. Go ahead and scratch the blackboard that won't bother me, but clicking pens. ANNOYING. I've gotten a lot better about this as I get older. But man I just do not like that.
3. I get waaaay more books out the library than I will ever read. Like i love books. And I come home with these piles of books. I do read a lot but it would be physically impossible to read all the books I bring home. Yet I keep doing it. Cause they look great and they are right there!
4. I have trouble throwing away papers. So I keep them in piles. And more piles. Mostly hidden. And then I have one crazy day where I go through and throw them all away (or file). WHY can't I just throw them away when they come in?? who knows!
5. I have a color coded closet. I don't really think that's quirky (I think it's smart) but Reg does. :)
6. I always finish eating first. Even if I started last, I finish first. I'm not trying to eat fast, I just do.
7. I don't know if you've noticed but I always make my blog posts come up at 6am. Why 6am? I have no idea. I think it started cause I thought people I know out east get up earlier then out here so I started doing it then.
8. When I use the microwave I always use straight lines when typing in the numbers. Mostly 123. Even if I think it needs longer I'll just do 123 then when it runs out of time add 123 and run it again. Or stop it in the middle and reset.
9. If I was driving and you told me to turn left or right, I would shake both my hands to see which one I wrote with so I knew which way to turn.
10. I always say thank you out loud to other drivers. Who can't hear me. (and Lucy is always asking me who I am talking too.)
Check out Mary and Heather :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In the kitchen: Oriental Lettuce Wraps
One of my favorite suppers. So easy and so good.
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 green pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 - 2 cups cooked rice
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2-3 Tbsp chicken broth or water
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3-4 Tbsp chopped peanuts
1 head crisp, cold iceberg lettuce
Spicy Vinegar Dipping Sauce
Heat oil in the large skillet. Add onion, pepper and garlic, saute until barely tender. Add chicken, rice, soy sauce, broth, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until heated through about 5 minutes.
Stir in peanuts. Transfer to serving bowl. Wash lettuce and pull off leaves, keeping them as intact as possible. Put leaves in another bowl.
To serve, have each person spoon some of the hot rice mixture onto a lettuce leaf and wrap like a taco. Wrapped leaves may be dipped in sauce.
Spicy Vinegar Dipping Sauce
In a bowl mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon brown or white sugar and 1 Tablespoon minced green onion tops. Serve with lettuce wraps.
Try it!!!
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 green pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 - 2 cups cooked rice
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2-3 Tbsp chicken broth or water
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3-4 Tbsp chopped peanuts
1 head crisp, cold iceberg lettuce
Spicy Vinegar Dipping Sauce
Heat oil in the large skillet. Add onion, pepper and garlic, saute until barely tender. Add chicken, rice, soy sauce, broth, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until heated through about 5 minutes.
Stir in peanuts. Transfer to serving bowl. Wash lettuce and pull off leaves, keeping them as intact as possible. Put leaves in another bowl.
To serve, have each person spoon some of the hot rice mixture onto a lettuce leaf and wrap like a taco. Wrapped leaves may be dipped in sauce.
Spicy Vinegar Dipping Sauce
In a bowl mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon brown or white sugar and 1 Tablespoon minced green onion tops. Serve with lettuce wraps.
Try it!!!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
In the Craft Room
Starting a new series on my blog. Now this is not going to be every Tuesday or anything like that. But if I am sharing a craft, then it'll be "In the Craft Room" and if I am sharing something from the kitchen then aptly will be called "In the Kitchen" (brilliant names I know! hahahaha)
ANYWAYS, Today's craft I'm going to share...... something is different in these pictures??!! Besides Eli causing trouble!
I made this today.
Super easy - found the board in my board pile in the garage and painted and sanded it. Hung it. Took me about 30 minutes. yippee!
Another recent addition to this ocean themed bathroom....
A really small old painting I found at the thrift store. I just painted the frame white to match.
ANYWAYS, Today's craft I'm going to share...... something is different in these pictures??!! Besides Eli causing trouble!
I made this today.
Super easy - found the board in my board pile in the garage and painted and sanded it. Hung it. Took me about 30 minutes. yippee!
Another recent addition to this ocean themed bathroom....
A really small old painting I found at the thrift store. I just painted the frame white to match.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Ukrainian Christmas & MSBH Update
This past weekend we celebrated Ukrainian Christmas. Yes it was a week late. But we were out of town the actual weekend and ended up celebrating it on the Ukrainian New Years. So that works! This year we had a lot of people (although there were quite a few I would have also liked to invite but we just didn't have the space!).
I looooove celebrating with lots of friends for Ukrainian Christmas! We had 23 people over and it was jam packed in our little house but so fun!!
I made 12 dishes (including cabbage rolls, perogis, etc) 7 meats and 7 desserts. It was a really fun time! I love this tradition and I love inviting different people. It's just so fun!
I also used the opportunity to finish off a whole pile of MSBH Challenge recipes.
Baba Au Rhum
Rum Syrup (I made Apple Syrup instead)
Kouigh Amans
Chocolat Babkas
Streusel Topping
Pissaladiere
Pissaladiere Dough
Plum-Oat Crisp
Dried Peach and Goat Cheese Galette
Corn and Shiitake Tart
Cornmeal Pate Brisee
Lime Glazed Cookies
Lime Glaze
Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies
So I have 10 recipes left.
I am going to make them all before the end of January!
I looooove celebrating with lots of friends for Ukrainian Christmas! We had 23 people over and it was jam packed in our little house but so fun!!
I made 12 dishes (including cabbage rolls, perogis, etc) 7 meats and 7 desserts. It was a really fun time! I love this tradition and I love inviting different people. It's just so fun!
I also used the opportunity to finish off a whole pile of MSBH Challenge recipes.
Baba Au Rhum
Rum Syrup (I made Apple Syrup instead)
Kouigh Amans
Chocolat Babkas
Streusel Topping
Pissaladiere
Pissaladiere Dough
Plum-Oat Crisp
Dried Peach and Goat Cheese Galette
Corn and Shiitake Tart
Cornmeal Pate Brisee
Lime Glazed Cookies
Lime Glaze
Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies
So I have 10 recipes left.
I am going to make them all before the end of January!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Spiritual Sundays
Alden made this video (with help from his mom) for two Cub goals, telling the story of the First Vision.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Foto Friday: Week 2
This week the challenge was self. And that for me was hard. I see the pictures people take of themselves and i love them.... but it seems it is hard for me. Anyways, here are the three pictures. (I LOVE both Heather and Marys again!)
I wanted to say something.... but I came back to this.
If you are new to this, check out last week's and check out my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
I wanted to say something.... but I came back to this.
If you are new to this, check out last week's and check out my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
List 2: 13 Things to Do in 2011
I am joining up with my good friends Heather and Mary on another project, in which we post one list a week in 2011 resulting in 52 lists.
List 2: 10 Things to Do in 2011
1. Sell our house and buy a new one in Raymond
2. Get into shape. Like actual in shape. Running and everything.
3. Go on a trip with Regan and me (sans kids)
4. Sew at least 4 articles of clothing. Not just altering something but sewing it.
5. Take a picture of our family with everyone in it once a month
6. Sew curtains for Eli's room and hang them up
7. Refinish my headboard and actually use it on my bed.
8. I am going to learn to crochet this YEAR. (and maybe even Knit)
9. I am going to build something. Book shelves, a bedside table, I don't know what. But something.
10. Mail out Valentine's day cards (instead of Christmas cards)
11. Potty Train Eli.
12. Purge, purge, purge, My entire house. And Purge again. Too much stuff.
13. Fix the second hand lamp I got that matches the one we already have. (Finish them both!)
List 2: 10 Things to Do in 2011
1. Sell our house and buy a new one in Raymond
2. Get into shape. Like actual in shape. Running and everything.
3. Go on a trip with Regan and me (sans kids)
4. Sew at least 4 articles of clothing. Not just altering something but sewing it.
5. Take a picture of our family with everyone in it once a month
6. Sew curtains for Eli's room and hang them up
7. Refinish my headboard and actually use it on my bed.
8. I am going to learn to crochet this YEAR. (and maybe even Knit)
9. I am going to build something. Book shelves, a bedside table, I don't know what. But something.
10. Mail out Valentine's day cards (instead of Christmas cards)
11. Potty Train Eli.
12. Purge, purge, purge, My entire house. And Purge again. Too much stuff.
13. Fix the second hand lamp I got that matches the one we already have. (Finish them both!)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Independence
This year one of my goals is to teach more life skills to my kids. I am reading a book right now about teaching my kids to work and it really had some things in it that really stuck with me. The point of parenting is to prepare my kids for adulthood. To be capable, able adults. If I am not teaching them things, then I am giving them MORE problems in the future. Yes it can be more work. But is it worth it. Yes.
So this year one of the skills I am going to teach is cooking. Each week they will each help cook one meal. They can pick whatever they want to make but it can't be cheeseburgers every week for Alden and chicken nuggets every week for Lucy. They have to try new things. Alden will be Tuesdays and Lucy will be Wednesdays.
Alden's was last night. He picked stuffed manicotti and garlic toast with fresh veggies. We worked together and he was totally excited. He first wanted stuffed shells but I didn't have shells so I showed him manicotti and how it was the same just a different shape. And he said great. The best part is, he totally ate it and so did Lucy.
After I was thinking, maybe the way I have gone about trying to get my kids to eat has been all wrong. If they are more involved with the picking and making perhaps they'll be more involved in the eating too.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
In the Kitchen: Thai One On
from Eat Shrink and Be Merry
2 tsp butter or olive oil
1 cup each chopped onions and chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup celery
2 tsp minced garlic
4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (about 2 large)
1 Tbsp grated gingerroot
3/4 tsp each ground cumin, ground coriander and curry powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp each chopped fresh cilantro and chopped fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp light peanut butter
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 lb cooked medium shrimp, tails removed (thaw first if using frozen)
Heat butter in a large non stick soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, red pepper, celery and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
Stir in sweet potatoes, gingerroot, cumin, coriander, curry powder and cinnamon. Cook and stir for 30 seconds more. Add broth, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are tender.
Transfer half to blender and puree until smooth. Return to pot with remaining soup. (instead I just put my braun mixer thing right in the pot and pureed it right in the pot.) Stir in cilantro, basil, peanut butter, brown sugar and lime juice. Mix well. Add shrimp and heat for about 2 more minutes, just until the shrimp is hot.
Super easy, super tasty and even low fat :)
2 tsp butter or olive oil
1 cup each chopped onions and chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup celery
2 tsp minced garlic
4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (about 2 large)
1 Tbsp grated gingerroot
3/4 tsp each ground cumin, ground coriander and curry powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp each chopped fresh cilantro and chopped fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp light peanut butter
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 lb cooked medium shrimp, tails removed (thaw first if using frozen)
Heat butter in a large non stick soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, red pepper, celery and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
Stir in sweet potatoes, gingerroot, cumin, coriander, curry powder and cinnamon. Cook and stir for 30 seconds more. Add broth, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are tender.
Transfer half to blender and puree until smooth. Return to pot with remaining soup. (instead I just put my braun mixer thing right in the pot and pureed it right in the pot.) Stir in cilantro, basil, peanut butter, brown sugar and lime juice. Mix well. Add shrimp and heat for about 2 more minutes, just until the shrimp is hot.
Super easy, super tasty and even low fat :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
RAS Retreat
This past weekend we went up to Bragg Creek (well just outside of Bragg Creek) to the RAS (Rural Alberta South) retreat. It was a mix of fun company and activities, horrible sleeping, beautiful scenery, doctors learning, loads of food, lots of kids and a crazy drive home that took us over 4 hours, lots of prayer and driving as slow as 5 km/ hour with Regan watching out his side to see the yellow line and me watching out mine to see the white. I took lots of pictures (I know you are TOTALLY surprised!) Thought I'd share a whole lot of them.
Alden tried for his first time with his dad on our weekend away. He thought it was hard but fun. It was FREEZING cold so I was super proud of him for doing it (he's not a cold kid!)
Lots of sledding!
Our view in the day
Lucy playing in the fort she build.
And Eli outside wandering (what he does best)
Cloe going fast (well not really) but panning is coool (and hard to focus!)
Lots of hockey going on at our retreat
The retreat we went to was for all the residents in our residency program. They spend all of one day learning about outside winter care.
Just out from our camp was this beautiful view. This was at 11 at night so it was pitch black out, but I used my tripod and had a long shutter and got this.
Smores in the freezing cold winter. It was fun (but cold!)
What did YOU do this past weekend?
Alden tried for his first time with his dad on our weekend away. He thought it was hard but fun. It was FREEZING cold so I was super proud of him for doing it (he's not a cold kid!)
Lots of sledding!
Our view in the day
Lucy playing in the fort she build.
And Eli outside wandering (what he does best)
Cloe going fast (well not really) but panning is coool (and hard to focus!)
Lots of hockey going on at our retreat
The retreat we went to was for all the residents in our residency program. They spend all of one day learning about outside winter care.
Just out from our camp was this beautiful view. This was at 11 at night so it was pitch black out, but I used my tripod and had a long shutter and got this.
Smores in the freezing cold winter. It was fun (but cold!)
What did YOU do this past weekend?
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Spiritual Sundays
“Keep all the truth and all the good that you have. Do not abandon any sound or proper principle. Do not forsake any standard of the past which is good, righteous, and true. Every truth found in every church in all the world we believe. But we also say this to all men—Come and take the added light and truth that God has restored in our day. The more truth we have, the greater is our joy here and now; the more truth we receive, the greater is our reward in eternity. This is our invitation to men [and women] of good will everywhere.” - Elder Bruce R. McConkie
“It is morally wrong for any person or group to deny anyone his or her inalienable dignity on the tragic and abhorrent theory of racial or cultural superiority.We call upon all people everywhere to recommit themselves to the time-honored ideals of tolerance and mutual respect. We sincerely believe that as we acknowledge one another with consideration and compassion we will discover that we can all peacefully coexist despite our deepest differences.” - Statement of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, 18 Oct. 1992; as quoted in Church News, 24 Oct. 1992, p. 4.
“It is morally wrong for any person or group to deny anyone his or her inalienable dignity on the tragic and abhorrent theory of racial or cultural superiority.We call upon all people everywhere to recommit themselves to the time-honored ideals of tolerance and mutual respect. We sincerely believe that as we acknowledge one another with consideration and compassion we will discover that we can all peacefully coexist despite our deepest differences.” - Statement of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, 18 Oct. 1992; as quoted in Church News, 24 Oct. 1992, p. 4.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Foto Friday
This week marks the beginning of a weekly photo challenge.
It's a creative challenge with two of my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
I am super excited about doing this and I KNOW they both will be challenging me to do better and think more about what I want to say with my photos and then to DO it!
So the first week, and here are the three photos.
I love them together and how each of our minds work. I love that Mary was so bold and brave to put herself in it. (I find that to be scary). Love Heather's honest and open list of how she wants to improve. I love them all.
I'm already thinking of next weeks!
It's a creative challenge with two of my photographer friends Heather and Mary.
I am super excited about doing this and I KNOW they both will be challenging me to do better and think more about what I want to say with my photos and then to DO it!
So the first week, and here are the three photos.
I love them together and how each of our minds work. I love that Mary was so bold and brave to put herself in it. (I find that to be scary). Love Heather's honest and open list of how she wants to improve. I love them all.
I'm already thinking of next weeks!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
WEll did you make them?
I try to keep some in mind but I don't make myself crazy with them. Instead I kind of have a general I'm trying to do better in these areas kind of mantra.
But I thought I'd share my areas :)
1. Healthy living. We are trying to eat healthier and exercise more around here. Been doing the treadmill (it's even in the unheated garage so it's COLD when I go on it - so I feel extra proud of myself for doing it). Next weekend I will hopefully be all done my MSBH challenge. And then we are doing a whole lot more healthy eating. (Reg says I should cook a whole weight watchers book now to helps us all out. hahahahaha)
2. Religious-ness. Working on studying my scriptures better and for a longer time each day. Working on actually making what I read apply to my life and make a difference. Focusing more on reaching out to people around me in need.
3. Organizing. Reading a book and organizing my life. De junking (any one need a kitchen table or a big chalk board? Both have to go - along with lots of other things)
4. Monthly date night. We are pretty good - but sometimes Reg is busy and that kind of things gets pushed back and set aside.
Did you make any?
And since a post with a picture is more fun....
Alden with his current love.
I try to keep some in mind but I don't make myself crazy with them. Instead I kind of have a general I'm trying to do better in these areas kind of mantra.
But I thought I'd share my areas :)
1. Healthy living. We are trying to eat healthier and exercise more around here. Been doing the treadmill (it's even in the unheated garage so it's COLD when I go on it - so I feel extra proud of myself for doing it). Next weekend I will hopefully be all done my MSBH challenge. And then we are doing a whole lot more healthy eating. (Reg says I should cook a whole weight watchers book now to helps us all out. hahahahaha)
2. Religious-ness. Working on studying my scriptures better and for a longer time each day. Working on actually making what I read apply to my life and make a difference. Focusing more on reaching out to people around me in need.
3. Organizing. Reading a book and organizing my life. De junking (any one need a kitchen table or a big chalk board? Both have to go - along with lots of other things)
4. Monthly date night. We are pretty good - but sometimes Reg is busy and that kind of things gets pushed back and set aside.
Did you make any?
And since a post with a picture is more fun....
Alden with his current love.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Reader
This little girl is reading. She is at the beginning stages but she is doing really well. And all one her own. Lucy is a natural reader. She is half way through kindergarden and already can read quite a bit. I have done nothing and she just knows words. So I've committed to working with her and helping her along to encourage it. I love to read and I want my kids to as well. It sure is nice to have a child WANT to read and WANT to do homework! Refreshing change from fighting to get Alden to do it!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
In the Kitchen: Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
We belong to a dinner club with some friends. It is really fun to try different foods and get together and laugh a lot :) We meet each month and have a theme - like Martha Stewart or French or Moroccan or 30 mile diet, etc. Well New Years' Eve we had a party.
Abby (the hostess) made Cornish Hens, something I've always wanted to make. It was soo good and so was the rice dish she served with it!!!
I had dessert, so I made this.
Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
from Epicurious
Pastry Layers
1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
6 teaspoons sugar
Caramel sauce and mousse
3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 3/4 cups whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
Assembly and final decoration
Powdered sugar
Assorted fresh berries
Make pastry layers:
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Roll out 1 pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 15x12-inch rectangle. Using small sharp knife and long ruler, trim sheet to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, forming two 13x5-inch rectangles. Pierce rectangles all over with fork; transfer to 1 ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, transferring to another ungreased baking sheet. Brush rectangles with melted butter; sprinkle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake pastries 8 minutes. Reverse position of baking sheets and bake until pastries are golden, about 8 minutes longer. Cool pastries on sheets.
Make caramel sauce and mousse:
Pour 3 tablespoons water into ramekin or custard cup. Sprinkle with gelatin; let soften while preparing caramel sauce.
Combine sugar, corn syrup and 3/4 cup water in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, frequently brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Increase heat; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep golden brown, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 3/4 cups cream and butter (caramel will bubble up vigorously). Return to low heat; stir until any bits of caramel dissolve.
Pour 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce into glass measuring cup; set aside pan of caramel sauce. Place ramekin with gelatin mixture in small skillet of simmering water. Stir until gelatin dissolves and mixture is clear, about 1 minute. Mix gelatin into measured 1 1/2 cups hot caramel; cool just to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Beat chilled whipping cream in large bowl to medium-firm peaks (do not overbeat). Gradually pour cooled caramel-gelatin mixture over cream, folding constantly but gently. Chill mousse 15 minutes.
Assembly and final decoration:
Arrange 3 pastry rectangles on large clean baking sheet; drizzle each with 2 tablespoons caramel from pan. Spread 1 cup mousse evenly over each rectangle. Chill until mousse begins to set, about 1 hour. Reserve plain pastry rectangle.
Place 1 pastry layer with mousse on small baking sheet or board. Top with second layer, third layer, then plain pastry, aligning layers. Press assembled pastry lightly so that layers will adhere. Cover; chill at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. Cover and chill remaining caramel sauce in pan.
Using serrated knife, cut pastry crosswise into 6 pieces. Dust napoleons with powdered sugar. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat just until pourable; drizzle sauce onto each plate. Garnish with berries.
Soo good, and not hard! Give it a try!
Abby (the hostess) made Cornish Hens, something I've always wanted to make. It was soo good and so was the rice dish she served with it!!!
I had dessert, so I made this.
Caramel Mousse Napoleon with Caramel Sauce and Berries
from Epicurious
Pastry Layers
1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
6 teaspoons sugar
Caramel sauce and mousse
3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 3/4 cups whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
Assembly and final decoration
Powdered sugar
Assorted fresh berries
Make pastry layers:
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Roll out 1 pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 15x12-inch rectangle. Using small sharp knife and long ruler, trim sheet to 13x10-inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, forming two 13x5-inch rectangles. Pierce rectangles all over with fork; transfer to 1 ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, transferring to another ungreased baking sheet. Brush rectangles with melted butter; sprinkle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.
Bake pastries 8 minutes. Reverse position of baking sheets and bake until pastries are golden, about 8 minutes longer. Cool pastries on sheets.
Make caramel sauce and mousse:
Pour 3 tablespoons water into ramekin or custard cup. Sprinkle with gelatin; let soften while preparing caramel sauce.
Combine sugar, corn syrup and 3/4 cup water in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, frequently brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush. Increase heat; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep golden brown, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1 3/4 cups cream and butter (caramel will bubble up vigorously). Return to low heat; stir until any bits of caramel dissolve.
Pour 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce into glass measuring cup; set aside pan of caramel sauce. Place ramekin with gelatin mixture in small skillet of simmering water. Stir until gelatin dissolves and mixture is clear, about 1 minute. Mix gelatin into measured 1 1/2 cups hot caramel; cool just to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Beat chilled whipping cream in large bowl to medium-firm peaks (do not overbeat). Gradually pour cooled caramel-gelatin mixture over cream, folding constantly but gently. Chill mousse 15 minutes.
Assembly and final decoration:
Arrange 3 pastry rectangles on large clean baking sheet; drizzle each with 2 tablespoons caramel from pan. Spread 1 cup mousse evenly over each rectangle. Chill until mousse begins to set, about 1 hour. Reserve plain pastry rectangle.
Place 1 pastry layer with mousse on small baking sheet or board. Top with second layer, third layer, then plain pastry, aligning layers. Press assembled pastry lightly so that layers will adhere. Cover; chill at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. Cover and chill remaining caramel sauce in pan.
Using serrated knife, cut pastry crosswise into 6 pieces. Dust napoleons with powdered sugar. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat just until pourable; drizzle sauce onto each plate. Garnish with berries.
Soo good, and not hard! Give it a try!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Family Time
One of the things we like to do is go for walks together. It started way back when we lived in Nova Scotia and we would go for Sunday walks by the beach. And Tuesday walks. And whatever day it was. But most weeks especially Sunday walks. Well, if we need out of the house we still go for a walk. It's free. And you get to enjoy beautiful creations of God. Sounds like a win win to me!
Last week we went on a walk and I had fun taking pictures. And so did Alden.
Alden has decided that he wants to learn to take pictures. I still have my old D80 around. I couldn't sell it since some times it works and some times it doesn't. So Regan and Alden have claimed it to be theirs.
While we were out walking, Alden said to me "mom, how about we have like photography classes were you teach me how to take good pictures....but I might need a new camera since this one doesn't always work."
I told him photo classes with us two would be great, but no new cameras would be coming to him any time soon.
My mom makes all of us a new hat every year for Christmas. This was Eli's this year. I love it and so does he. He calls it his Santa Hat.
They just love love love each other. And I love that they do.
I told him to smile and this is what I get. Totally him right now.
Totally a goof!
Cold winter in Southern Alberta. Love the spots of color!
I love to find plants that survive the winter. It gives hope in a lot of ways.
I love the days when the sun is shining and sparkling the snow. Those are the winter days I enjoy!
In my 365 this upcoming year, I am doing one family shot a month. This one was out on our walk. I propped my camera in the snow and timed it. Lucy was goofing around, Alden was shooting it too, Eli was happy to be here. I love this picture!
Last week we went on a walk and I had fun taking pictures. And so did Alden.
Alden has decided that he wants to learn to take pictures. I still have my old D80 around. I couldn't sell it since some times it works and some times it doesn't. So Regan and Alden have claimed it to be theirs.
While we were out walking, Alden said to me "mom, how about we have like photography classes were you teach me how to take good pictures....but I might need a new camera since this one doesn't always work."
I told him photo classes with us two would be great, but no new cameras would be coming to him any time soon.
My mom makes all of us a new hat every year for Christmas. This was Eli's this year. I love it and so does he. He calls it his Santa Hat.
They just love love love each other. And I love that they do.
I told him to smile and this is what I get. Totally him right now.
Totally a goof!
Cold winter in Southern Alberta. Love the spots of color!
I love to find plants that survive the winter. It gives hope in a lot of ways.
I love the days when the sun is shining and sparkling the snow. Those are the winter days I enjoy!
In my 365 this upcoming year, I am doing one family shot a month. This one was out on our walk. I propped my camera in the snow and timed it. Lucy was goofing around, Alden was shooting it too, Eli was happy to be here. I love this picture!
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)