Life... is tumultuous as times. There have been, and continue to be all sorts of changes the last few weeks. Some good, some just ok. But, it's been fun.
Our Back to School BBQ at church was a hit!
I was glad to get home for a chance to just sit.
I went to the dentist... first time in 2 years
I get to go back (cavities) here's hoping to no tears!
First Husker game is in exactly 9 days
Can't wait to see Cody Green and his great plays!
Tuesday we had our sump pump put in
Now my house needs cleaned... I don't know where to begin.
Best part of all? Fall is in the air
It's the best season of the year... nothing can compare!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Cooking
So this past week I've been on a cooking kick. I LOVE to cook. Sometimes I take the time to actually try new things or to do things the right way... from scratch. This last week was one of those weeks.
I bought some beautiful blueberries and decided I'd make homemade muffins. I found a generic muffin recipe and added a few things that sounded good to me. Then I threw in the suggested amount of fruit. I folded in those berries and it just didn't look like much. So I doubled it. The result? Blueberry explosion muffins! It's like pie in a muffin. They turned out to be Spencer's new favorite breakfast food. I'll be making them again!
Monday I made thepioneerwoman's chicken parmigiana. Oh-my-goodness! To DIE for. The sauce had to reduce for like 30 minutes. I had to keep "sampling" it just to make sure it still tasted as good as it did the first time I tasted it. Spencer ate all of his and what was left of mine. This was insane. I WILL be making it again.
Tuesday night I made red wine braised lamb medallions. I made this one up all on my own and it was .... so good. I LOVE lamb. Must be my Brittish heritage but really it is so good.
Friday I got to make dinner for one of the preschool teachers who just had the most adorable tiny baby, Molly. I made easy, classic things: Spaghetti pie and Texas Sheet Cake and HOMEMADE breadsticks! I forgot how incredible the simple things taste sometimes. I love that cake. Then we got to have a "dinner party" with some new friends from church.
That's the thing about food, it is incredible how versatile it is. You can make crazy good muffins, complex chicken, figure out your own way to do lamb, welcome a baby, and make new friends, all around the dinner table.
Perfect life? The one where I make meals from scratch all day long, my dishes do themselves, and there is an abundance of chocolate cake!
Delish!
I bought some beautiful blueberries and decided I'd make homemade muffins. I found a generic muffin recipe and added a few things that sounded good to me. Then I threw in the suggested amount of fruit. I folded in those berries and it just didn't look like much. So I doubled it. The result? Blueberry explosion muffins! It's like pie in a muffin. They turned out to be Spencer's new favorite breakfast food. I'll be making them again!
Monday I made thepioneerwoman's chicken parmigiana. Oh-my-goodness! To DIE for. The sauce had to reduce for like 30 minutes. I had to keep "sampling" it just to make sure it still tasted as good as it did the first time I tasted it. Spencer ate all of his and what was left of mine. This was insane. I WILL be making it again.
Tuesday night I made red wine braised lamb medallions. I made this one up all on my own and it was .... so good. I LOVE lamb. Must be my Brittish heritage but really it is so good.
Friday I got to make dinner for one of the preschool teachers who just had the most adorable tiny baby, Molly. I made easy, classic things: Spaghetti pie and Texas Sheet Cake and HOMEMADE breadsticks! I forgot how incredible the simple things taste sometimes. I love that cake. Then we got to have a "dinner party" with some new friends from church.
That's the thing about food, it is incredible how versatile it is. You can make crazy good muffins, complex chicken, figure out your own way to do lamb, welcome a baby, and make new friends, all around the dinner table.
Perfect life? The one where I make meals from scratch all day long, my dishes do themselves, and there is an abundance of chocolate cake!
Delish!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
S-U-S-H-I
So last night I went out to Baby Blue with some of the small group ladies for my first Sushi adventure. Sushi is a strange thing. Strange enough to blog about. I learned many things about Sushi and will now educate you all. Note my really awesome acronym below.
S- Sashimi is a slab of raw fish on a plate. It costs the most money I think. I would never EVER eat Sashimi. I like my meat cooked!
U- Uncooked? Not always. Last night I tried sushi that had cooked meat inside. Crab I think. I do love crab!
S- Sweet chili sauce covers the roll that was my favorite... the crunchy LA. Yum!
H- Hot crab and mango rangoon. YUM! I probably could've finished the plate of these myself. H is also for Happy Hour- the time of the evening when you get cheaper food.
I- Ick! Micaela's opinion of each piece of sushi she tried and my opinion of the Cali Roll.... not a fan of that one.
There you have it. My super fancy Sushi acronym. Ask my anything about Sushi.. I probably know the answers. Ok I really don't but it was fun to try new things and I had a great time with those gals!
S- Sashimi is a slab of raw fish on a plate. It costs the most money I think. I would never EVER eat Sashimi. I like my meat cooked!
U- Uncooked? Not always. Last night I tried sushi that had cooked meat inside. Crab I think. I do love crab!
S- Sweet chili sauce covers the roll that was my favorite... the crunchy LA. Yum!
H- Hot crab and mango rangoon. YUM! I probably could've finished the plate of these myself. H is also for Happy Hour- the time of the evening when you get cheaper food.
I- Ick! Micaela's opinion of each piece of sushi she tried and my opinion of the Cali Roll.... not a fan of that one.
There you have it. My super fancy Sushi acronym. Ask my anything about Sushi.. I probably know the answers. Ok I really don't but it was fun to try new things and I had a great time with those gals!
Friday, July 30, 2010
That dog needs a job!
So two weekends ago Spencer went back home to Cheyenne Wells and left me here with only the dog to defend me from robbers, creepers, and the like. Sampson and I spent all weekend together. We really do love each other.
I noticed in all my time with my long-legged beautiful boxer that he was scratching his ears an awful lot. So much to his disdain I started looking into his ears... no really looking INTO them. He hated me right then. But, I knew something was wrong.
So when Spencer returned home I told him he had to call the vet and tell them that Sampson's ears were bothering him. Sampson went into the vet Wednesday of last week. He had a yeast infection. Yes, you heard me correctly, a yeast infection in his ears. Don't ask me how this happens to dogs, it just does.
They had to sedate him and give him medication etc. Spencer brought home a nearly drunk dog. Poor thing couldn't even stand up without leaning on a wall. I'm serious. Look at this picture of him! He couldn't even close his mouth! Precious dog.
I noticed in all my time with my long-legged beautiful boxer that he was scratching his ears an awful lot. So much to his disdain I started looking into his ears... no really looking INTO them. He hated me right then. But, I knew something was wrong.
So when Spencer returned home I told him he had to call the vet and tell them that Sampson's ears were bothering him. Sampson went into the vet Wednesday of last week. He had a yeast infection. Yes, you heard me correctly, a yeast infection in his ears. Don't ask me how this happens to dogs, it just does.
They had to sedate him and give him medication etc. Spencer brought home a nearly drunk dog. Poor thing couldn't even stand up without leaning on a wall. I'm serious. Look at this picture of him! He couldn't even close his mouth! Precious dog.
Today is Friday. Today I went out to run errands and came home to discover that same precious dog and thrown up on the carpet. I wasn't happy. Then he went outside and threw up 2 more times. He had thrown up 3 times in 2 hours. So, being the overprotective "mother" I am, I called his vet. They said to bring him in. I did.
2 shots, 2 prescriptions, and $68.00 later and this precious thing is back home with me again. Sleeping on the floor.
I told that dog that after last week and this week, he's going to have to get a job to pay for his medical bills.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Pumpkins and Apples
My friend Jenny wrote on her FB the other day how much she was looking forward to fall. I am too and have totally been feeling the same way. This Colorado girl wasn't cut out for such high humidity partnered with such high temperatures!
I can feel them coming though, the days of fall. Summer is winding down and soon we'll be in the heart of the best weather, smells, and colors.
I spent all of yesterday writing the curriculum for our preschool fall programming. Talk about leaving your desk feeling accomplished and yet totally exhausted! I'm there... Doing these things helps me to know that fall is indeed on it's way.
I've been making muffins for breakfast in the morning. Nothing like a convenient breakfast I can eat in the car. I used to be better about getting up and eating cereal or toast or something. Summer has gotten the better of me. I'm doing all I can to actually be out of bed by 7:30 in the morning. Anyway... I decided to make my FAVORITE homemade muffins, Pumpkin Apple muffins with streusel topping. These are SO good. Bakery worthy even. The two I had for breakfast have left me wanting more all day. Here's the thing about pumpkin in the summer. Apparently stores are under the assumption that pumpkin can only be purchased and used in the fall and winter. I went to Walmart and got everything I needed for my scrumptious muffins, but they didn't have any canned pumpkin. So I ran across the street to Target. No pumpkin there. You know I was determined because I drove to Hy-Vee looking for it. FINALLY! It was even on sale for $0.89 a can. Yay Hy-Vee.
Also, speaking of apples. My fam is coming to our house for Thanksgiving this year. I'm totally excited. This will be my first time to host a holiday. Here's the deal though. I can't make pie. Well I mean I can if I buy the crust frozen. I've determined to start making apple pies until I get it right. Any guinea pigs? My grandma showed me ONE time how to make a good pie crust. Evidently I'm not a fast learner. How can I host Thanksgiving and not be able to make a good pie? I've gotta get this figured out. Any pie makers out there with great pie crust suggestions?
So Jenny, I agree with you... it's about time fall arrived. Until then, I'll keep eating my muffins and practicing my pies!
I can feel them coming though, the days of fall. Summer is winding down and soon we'll be in the heart of the best weather, smells, and colors.
I spent all of yesterday writing the curriculum for our preschool fall programming. Talk about leaving your desk feeling accomplished and yet totally exhausted! I'm there... Doing these things helps me to know that fall is indeed on it's way.
I've been making muffins for breakfast in the morning. Nothing like a convenient breakfast I can eat in the car. I used to be better about getting up and eating cereal or toast or something. Summer has gotten the better of me. I'm doing all I can to actually be out of bed by 7:30 in the morning. Anyway... I decided to make my FAVORITE homemade muffins, Pumpkin Apple muffins with streusel topping. These are SO good. Bakery worthy even. The two I had for breakfast have left me wanting more all day. Here's the thing about pumpkin in the summer. Apparently stores are under the assumption that pumpkin can only be purchased and used in the fall and winter. I went to Walmart and got everything I needed for my scrumptious muffins, but they didn't have any canned pumpkin. So I ran across the street to Target. No pumpkin there. You know I was determined because I drove to Hy-Vee looking for it. FINALLY! It was even on sale for $0.89 a can. Yay Hy-Vee.
Also, speaking of apples. My fam is coming to our house for Thanksgiving this year. I'm totally excited. This will be my first time to host a holiday. Here's the deal though. I can't make pie. Well I mean I can if I buy the crust frozen. I've determined to start making apple pies until I get it right. Any guinea pigs? My grandma showed me ONE time how to make a good pie crust. Evidently I'm not a fast learner. How can I host Thanksgiving and not be able to make a good pie? I've gotta get this figured out. Any pie makers out there with great pie crust suggestions?
So Jenny, I agree with you... it's about time fall arrived. Until then, I'll keep eating my muffins and practicing my pies!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Travel Aspirations
Spencer and I are taking a weekend (when I say that I mean Friday night and Saturday) "away" to Kansas City next weekend. We're excited to have time away together. We're also excited to have time away from home. As much as I love being home and making my home what I want it to be, I also love traveling to new places.
I grew up taking family vacation every year. Some years it was some place far away (California) other years it was ... Iowa. It didn't matter where we went we always had a great time. Spencer grew up going on vacation like three times. Twice was with his family to Montana and once was with family friends to Hawaii.
We have these huge travel ambitions. We want to go places and see things. I've been more places than he has and want to show him where I've been. He's been to Hawaii and wants go there with me. I doubt we'll ever get to do all the things we want to, but I'd like to visit several places in the next few years.
Some of the places we really want to go are:
-NYC at Christmas time (to do all the things you see in the movies "Rockefeller Center", Macy's, etc
-Chicago (I've been and LOVED it, Spencer's never been)
-Washington State/Oregon (coastline)
- Myrtle Beach (Neither of us have been)
- a cruise (to anywhere tropical)
Hopefully we'll find the time/$ to go soon. Until then, we'll just keep planning these ultimate "dream" vacations from home.
I grew up taking family vacation every year. Some years it was some place far away (California) other years it was ... Iowa. It didn't matter where we went we always had a great time. Spencer grew up going on vacation like three times. Twice was with his family to Montana and once was with family friends to Hawaii.
We have these huge travel ambitions. We want to go places and see things. I've been more places than he has and want to show him where I've been. He's been to Hawaii and wants go there with me. I doubt we'll ever get to do all the things we want to, but I'd like to visit several places in the next few years.
Some of the places we really want to go are:
-NYC at Christmas time (to do all the things you see in the movies "Rockefeller Center", Macy's, etc
-Chicago (I've been and LOVED it, Spencer's never been)
-Washington State/Oregon (coastline)
- Myrtle Beach (Neither of us have been)
- a cruise (to anywhere tropical)
Hopefully we'll find the time/$ to go soon. Until then, we'll just keep planning these ultimate "dream" vacations from home.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Recipe Showdown
So I've been working some interesting hours this summer at the church. We have had 4 different summer camps (all at night and last between 4 and 5 days). These camps are every other week 7 weeks in a row! I've been pooped!
There are two things that have always been great stress-relievers for me: playing piano and baking. When some people encounter stress they freak out, break out in hives, become irritable, or shut down. I bake. So, I got this new "Best of desserts" magazine. It's full of cakes, cheesecakes, pies, crumbles/cobblers, cookies/bars, and ice creams. Yum! So I've begun baking my way through my new magazine.
The first recipe I tried were brownie crackles. DELICIOUS! These are soft chewy chocolate cookies with chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar! Sugar overload? Yes! Delicious? Yes! These are really easy to make but a bit time consuming (the rolling them in powdered sugar part is). So make sure you have some time to make these:
1 package fudge brownie mix (13x9 in pan size)
1 c. flour
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. oil
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar
In a large bowl, beat the brownie mix, flour, egg, water, and oil until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Place confectioners' sugar in a shallow dish. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls into sugar; roll to coat. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
*These smelled so fantastic we couldn't even wait for the to cool and ate them hot while still gooey in the center!
Next, I tried making Marble Brownies. These were super easy homemade cheesecake brownies. The cheesecake toping was good but the brownies were a bit dry. I was supposed to make them in the microwave but that made me nervous so I baked them, which might be why they were dry. Next time, I'll try them the way the directions say.
5 T butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
CHEESECAKE LAYER:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate. Cover and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds; stir until smooth. Beat in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder; gradually add to the chocolate mixture until blended. Spread into a greased microwave-safe 8 in square dish; set aside.
In a large microwave safe bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon over the brownie batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Cook, uncovered, at 70% power for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cook on high for 1 minute longer. Remove brownies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator.
Finally, I made a recipe I won't share with you.... it was that bad! I don't know how it made it into the magazine: Potato chip Cookies. I liked the concept- salt and sweet (butterscotch chips). I figured the crunch of the potato chips would be awesome with the butterscotch. I baked the first batch for the suggested amount of time. They were MIGHTY crunchy this way. So then I baked them until they were done they way I like. These spread out a LOT on the cookie sheet and didn't have much "girth" to them. I don't like a thin flimsy cookie and that's what these were. Spencer and I each ate one, gave one to the dog, and threw the rest out.
Oh well, these cooking messes and successes somehow revitalize me and renew me for more 12 hour days in the office. Thank goodness for baking!
There are two things that have always been great stress-relievers for me: playing piano and baking. When some people encounter stress they freak out, break out in hives, become irritable, or shut down. I bake. So, I got this new "Best of desserts" magazine. It's full of cakes, cheesecakes, pies, crumbles/cobblers, cookies/bars, and ice creams. Yum! So I've begun baking my way through my new magazine.
The first recipe I tried were brownie crackles. DELICIOUS! These are soft chewy chocolate cookies with chocolate chips, rolled in powdered sugar! Sugar overload? Yes! Delicious? Yes! These are really easy to make but a bit time consuming (the rolling them in powdered sugar part is). So make sure you have some time to make these:
1 package fudge brownie mix (13x9 in pan size)
1 c. flour
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. oil
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar
In a large bowl, beat the brownie mix, flour, egg, water, and oil until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Place confectioners' sugar in a shallow dish. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls into sugar; roll to coat. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
*These smelled so fantastic we couldn't even wait for the to cool and ate them hot while still gooey in the center!
Next, I tried making Marble Brownies. These were super easy homemade cheesecake brownies. The cheesecake toping was good but the brownies were a bit dry. I was supposed to make them in the microwave but that made me nervous so I baked them, which might be why they were dry. Next time, I'll try them the way the directions say.
5 T butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
CHEESECAKE LAYER:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate. Cover and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds; stir until smooth. Beat in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder; gradually add to the chocolate mixture until blended. Spread into a greased microwave-safe 8 in square dish; set aside.
In a large microwave safe bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon over the brownie batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Cook, uncovered, at 70% power for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cook on high for 1 minute longer. Remove brownies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator.
Finally, I made a recipe I won't share with you.... it was that bad! I don't know how it made it into the magazine: Potato chip Cookies. I liked the concept- salt and sweet (butterscotch chips). I figured the crunch of the potato chips would be awesome with the butterscotch. I baked the first batch for the suggested amount of time. They were MIGHTY crunchy this way. So then I baked them until they were done they way I like. These spread out a LOT on the cookie sheet and didn't have much "girth" to them. I don't like a thin flimsy cookie and that's what these were. Spencer and I each ate one, gave one to the dog, and threw the rest out.
Oh well, these cooking messes and successes somehow revitalize me and renew me for more 12 hour days in the office. Thank goodness for baking!
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