Instead of the typical Ward Christmas Party, our Humanitarian committe has organized a special night of giving and working to make gifts for those in need. Each family is to do a project together before the party and were to take photos of the project. There were lots of things suggested, most of which required sewing skills. :) So we painted blocks…something down our alley. We enjoyed our time together. The kiddos loved painting the paper beneath the blocks as well. I had to keep reminding the dancer to paint the blocks. Hope they will be enjoyed, and look forward to doing a similar project each holiday season from here on out.
I just wanted to thank Chad and Andrea for asking about my family and their home in Yorba Linda. Saturday night they were evacuted and met several other families in their ward at the church house. Fortunately, my family is safe, as is their home. Unfortunately, many hundreds of families in the LA area have suffered damage, even the complete burning of their homes to the ground. Several family friends have lost their homes, and I know that we will continue to hear about the devastation from the wild fires. My heart and our prayers go out to anyone who lost or received damage to their homes.
Currently, my parent’s home is being remodeled (the entire first floor…basically everything except the bedrooms upstairs), it has been a stressful time for my parents (especially my mom), my brothers, and my Grommie who is living with them. They have been patient with the garage kitchen, flies for dinner companions, and having to do laundry outside of the home for months (things I take for granted everyday).
Just before my 16th birthday, we had a terrible kitchen fire that damaged the entire downstairs and smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. Photographs were probably some of the few things we could not replace. We had 2 minutes to salvage what we needed, and so I ran to my room and grabbed my photos, journals, scriptures, and my school backpack (not first on my priority list that night). Despite it being Sunday, we went to the mall that night and bought a few outfits as we had nothing but the dresses we had worn to church that morning.
We lived for 7-8 months in a rental home down the street with minimal rented furnishings and kitchen items. Our lives were extremely simple (well, for us kids…my mom was frantically trying to deal with the mess and purchase what we needed once the home was fixed), we enjoyed that time together as a family. Though I couldn’t imagine my family having to experience that hardship again, I knew that they could do it again if they had to.
As time goes on, as the fires continue to rage, the tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, droughts, and hunger continue to devastate (whether literally or figuratively), may we cling to those that we love, continue to ‘prepare every needful thing,’ and reach out to those within our reach who can use our help and friendship. Love you mom and dad, Brig, Jonny & Grommie, soo glad you are safe!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged family, friends | No Comments »
It truly is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve on a jury. Though, I’m not sure if they would ever choose me with all my my strong opinions and non-mainstream beliefs. Nevertheless, I was excused from jury duty for the second time in the past two months. With the grower and his older siblings so small and dependent, it just is not the most realistic time for me to be serving on a jury. So the delight is that one can be excused when it is not feasible to serve. I asked them to call on me again in the next 3-5 years (the first time I was summoned). I’ll probably get another letter in January if there is some sort of pattern involved. 
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Growing up with loving grandparents, tons of cousins, aunts, & uncles was so much fun. Now, as we grandkids are nearly grown, many married with kiddos, attending universities, serving missions, and finishing High School & Middle School, it has become more difficult to attend all the family gatherings, even special occasions. But I relish the days when I do get to spend time with my relatives.
Today we gathered, and celebrated my cousin Josh’s missionary farewell, as he will be serving in the Atlanta, Georgia mission within a few short weeks. The meeting was wonderful, he spoke of the “wedges” in life that keep us from accomplishing and reaching our full potential. His testimony was beautiful. We will miss him and hope he has the experience he is desiring.
At the gathering we met his nieces Sadie Mae and Miley for the first time. They were simply precious! I was excited to give them their baby gifts and hope that they will be small things that in time, will help their parents remember this special time that they have had with their lil’ angels.
Posted in development | Tagged art, baby, design, family, gifts | No Comments »
Yes, it’s hard to believe, but other than a Star Wars: Episode III when he was about 3 weeks old, today was the builder’s first visit to the movies. My friend Lesa and I had chatted about taking our boys to the movies, a special, outing with just they and their moms.
So this afternoon, we met Lesa and a couple of her friends and their kiddos for Madagascar 2. We arrived during the previews and though I tried to explain what it would be like during our car ride, the dark room definitely was a surprise. Immediately I spotted Lesa and tried to get the builderto walk up the steps to their row where she was saving us seats. Absolutely glued to the overwhelmingly large screen, he he had a difficult time climbing and sitting down. It was probably a half hour before I was able to convince him that it would be comfortable to sit back in his chair, thanks to Lesa finding us a booster for him. And how long have the boosters been available? I can think of several movies in the not so distant past where a booster would have been handy for me!
The builder enjoyed the movie, the popcorn, and the candy (left over from Halloween) that he packed, all by himself, for he and his friend Jake. About half way through the film, we went out in the hall for a drink. We laughed as he was struck in the face with the water. I offered to take him to the restroom while we were out, but he was already running back in to the theater, afraid of missing anything.
It was a fun afternoon. Thanks to the designer for letting us share this special time together. He and the builder have decided that next time it is their turn and that they will make sure that Jack and his Dad Tom (one of the designer’s best friends), join the crew.
Posted in delight | Tagged family, kiddos | No Comments »
As the Christmas Stocking Saga continues, I am happy to say that, thanks to my beautifully talented and patient mother-in-law, the stockings have been sewn. Here are some of the completed socks. In a matter of days, she had cut out and sewn all 10 stockings (no, we are not currently planning on having 8 kiddos, but if anyone wants to come and visit for the holidays, we will make sure Santa does not leave you wanting).
The first day that we worked on them, she showed me her mother’s tradition of cutting out fabric: using knives instead of pins to hold down and smooth out the fabric. Very fascinating. I really thought this would be an opportunity to learn a bit about sewing and the process, but I soon realized it was enough for her to figure out how to accomplish my vision. I drew and cut out a pattern for her and then of course the work began…making the pattern work.
With the stockings sewn, I’ve obtained some chocolate brown and cream ribbons to attach each stocking to the mantel, or wherever we would like to hang them. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find them this week…weird. I’m hoping that we didn’t throw them away in our cleaning adventures.
Originally, the plan was to embroider our names on the ribbon, but this is being modified…now if I can just get them done by Thanksgiving…
Posted in delight | Tagged create, design | 1 Comment »
Posted in development | Tagged art, design, gifts | No Comments »
I know, I’m spoiled to spend most days lunching with the designer. On those rare days that he does not eat with us, life is so much harder. Not only does he help me get everyone fed, but he’ll usually help me put one or two of the kiddos down for a nap as well. Yesterday, he had been taken to lunch by a client. I didn’t get to eat until 2 pm. There were too many needs to meet, and I move so much slower when I am hungry.
But when it was finally my turn, I had a delicious meal:
homemade Caesar dressing over top
spinach
pumpkin seeds
snap peas
Parmesan cheese
and
steak pieces (marinated in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette)
It was worth the wait!
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
So who’s not already looking for great Christmas gift finds? My Land of Nod catalogue came in the mail last week, and I’ve been trying to peek through it when the kiddos aren’t. A couple great finds in the catalogue:
The builder would simply love to have his own tool set…a stocking gift perhaps? I like that it has it’s own lil’ tool box, and the price is fab.
The kiddos are really into music these days…should have seen the builder and the dancer singing and signing I am A Child of God tonight before bed: priceless. The builder nearly knows all the words now. Anyways, I think they’d enjoy this music compilation. I’m always looking for great music that they will enjoy, and that I will too (since they seem to think they get to be dj most of the time).
Tonight I’ve been on the Land of Nod site to see what other fun gifts they had. On their home page, at the bottom right corner, there is a red box that lets you see gifts according to price…very handy. After clicking the $10-$25 catagory I found the above gifts and a couple more I know the kiddos would enjoy:
The dancer is very detailed, and would love sorting through these cards. Both she and the builder pull quite the funny faces at each other and this could keep them crazy for hours.
This set would be especially fun for them as they sing and play to their songs from kristi’s music class and those they sing in preschool.
Thank you Land of Nod for always offering quality toys and gifts that a mom can be just as excited about giving as the kiddos are at receiving them!
Posted in discovery | Tagged kiddos, gifts | No Comments »
Oh my goodness gracious! I’ve left comments before on some of my favorite blogs, to enter give-a-ways, but never have I thought it possible to actually win! Even more, I can’t believe I won such an inspiring gift!
Ok, I’m getting ahead of my self. Let me tell you about Eco-Libris. They are a company that work with everyone in the book industry as well as readers to ensure that we are making a positive impact with our book printing and reading. Their slogan is “plant a tree for every book you read.” I love their blog, which has great green information that not only inspires you to be better when it comes to green, but to cherish literature, one of the greatest pleasures in life. Check out their site as well as their blog to learn more about their mission and for a list of bookstores near you, as well as publishers that are supporting the cause.
So what did I win? The four currently published bookes within the Little Green Books line: Little Panda, Little Monkey, I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and The Polar Bears’ Home: A Story About Global Warming. (pictured above) The kiddos will be so excited!
A delighted thanks to Raz and the gang at Eco-Libris for their inspiration, example, and education, as well as to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the fantastic prize!
Posted in delight | Tagged green, kiddos | No Comments »
How do you find an architect that knows green home remodel and design?
It’s not easy finding green help these days, but it is getting easier. Not only are more architecture schools and environmental programs out there focusing on green building, but, finding these graduates as well as seasoned architects with the eco-friendly passion is becoming more realistic.
When my husband and I graduated from architecture school with degrees in Landscape Architecture, we had learned enough to know the importance of highering an eco-friendly architect to assist us in our home building and remodeling adventures that are beyond our own design skills. We have settled in the Wasatch Mountains between Park City, Utah (home of the Sundance Film Festival, and some of the ‘best snow on earth’) and the Sundance Resort (Robert Redford’s playground). A beautiful and serene place to work, learn, play, and lay our heads each night, though not the most saturated ‘green’ building area.
Where to begin your search (associates, family, friends)
I asked questions of people that I knew, but didn’t find a great green wealth of information this way. My contacts, friends and family at the time, were not in the ‘green’ circle. If your circle is more reliably green, this is a wonderful place to begin your search.
Posted in gwg (GetWithGreen.com) | Tagged architecture, design, green, remodel | 1 Comment »
My sweet kiddos, all kiddos for that matter, deserve the best. They have a right to parents who love them and treat them with respect.
Not too long ago, I was chatting with my sister-in-law about her mother. She has an amazing mom. Most of us do, thankfully, but my sister-in-law said that her mother never ever raised her voice to her kids. So maybe this isn’t such an amazing thing to everyone reading this, but this made such an impact on me. I thought and thought about it and mulled it over in my lil’ brain.
I wanted to be that mom. I wanted it so bad. So I gave it a shot. It worked for a while (amazingly enough), and then I slipped. I was so disappointed with myself. It doesn’t matter that I can be the person I want to be 90% of the time. I want to be that person all of the time. I keep reminding myself that perfection doesn’t happen over night. But I want to be that mom! So I’m recommiting and am going to try again this week. Wish me luck…I’m gonna need it.
Posted in development | Tagged kiddos | No Comments »
Its not so much the sun going down so early, but I do enjoy the kiddos willingness to bed earlier after a hard day of play. Unfortunately, it has prompted a few 5 am wake up calls…hopefully they won’t last too much longer!
Posted in delight | Tagged kiddos | No Comments »
So a few weeks ago my beautiful friend, Camille, suggested that her friend, Kristi, contact me about music class. We just had our third class Friday morning and can I tell you how much the kiddos enjoy “music school?” They simply love it! We all come home energized, singing, laughing, and happy. Both the builder and the dancer sing quite a bit already, but the new songs and new ways of singing familiar ones have been soo much fun.
All four of us attend the class together. Miss Kristi calls it a music class, but it is more like a music and movement class. The kiddos are learning tones, rhythm, dancing and moving through space with the music, how to play different instruments, story telling, foreign language, mimicking tones, and musical patterns, pretend play, creative word play, and on and on. I’ve been soo impressed.
The environment is perfect for their learning, and even though I am there with all three kiddos, I find moments to enjoy the music with each one of them. The builder and dancer love to choose instruments and help clean up afterward. They love their time there and I can’t wait to have their friends join us as Miss Kristi will be teaching two classes come January. How wonderful.
One of my favorite things about the class is that it makes me recommit to welcoming music always. I’m finding new ways to do music with the kiddos and remembering those forgotten. Thank you so much Miss Kristi, and thank you Camille! You are both such beautiful people, examples, and we’re soo lucky to have you in our lives!
Posted in discovery | Tagged kiddos, music, teach | 1 Comment »
2 cups oat flour (bob’s red mill has gluten-free oat flour)
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tbs turbinado sugar
1 tbs pumpkin pie spice from spice hunter
1/2 cup butter, cold
3/4 cup pumpkin (cooked or canned)
1/2 cup almond milk
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet.
In a mixer, combine dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients to form a soft dough. Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 12 large biscuits.
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, gluten-free, healthy food | No Comments »
Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean that pumpkin fun has to be. My husband’s sister and her husband planted a fabulous pumpkin patch this year in a corner of our yard and the yield was a bit overwhelming. We have lots of pumpkins, gave many away, and saved some to use for preschool too.
During preschool, the kiddos enjoyed cutting into a large pumpkin, feeling it’s guts, and discovering the many seeds. Later, I baked some of the seeds and we enjoyed them for a snack throughout last week. The kiddos painted some smaller pumpkins during preschool. They have been fun center pieces in our home. I was itching to do it myself and knew that they would enjoy some more pumpkin painting. The builder had a friend over yesterday, so I joined the boys and the dancer in a painting project. We mixed colors and painted away. Our lil‘ friend told me that his was a “scary” pumpkin (he painted it mostly black hues).
Posted in discovery | Tagged art, kiddo art, kiddos | No Comments »
My cousin Jason and his wife Heidi just had their first this week: Sadie Mae. She looks adorable: beautiful curly hair, a strawberry from what I can see…
For her baby gift I thought I’d paint her a lil’ something to hang in her room. I used the dancer’sblessing gown to paint from. I finished it the other night as the designerand I were watching for the unsurprising presidential results. History. Amazing. Well Sadie Mae, you entered the scene just before Obama, what a thing to remember…:)
I’ve got one I’m painting for her cousin, Miley, and three for my kiddo’s baby cousins. Stay tuned. I’ll post them when they’re finished.
Posted in development | Tagged art, baby, design | 2 Comments »
So a healthy smoothie is pretty easy. And there are a few other things that are pretty simple, but overall, eating healthy is complicated in the beginning and takes a great deal of time. Not to mention the commitment. Once you jump in, there’s really no turning back. You feel awful when you eat differently, and all the knowledge makes you a food snob. Ya, not the worst snob to be, but when you go to a family celebration like we did Sunday, you find the only things you feel ok about eating are the chili your mother-in-law made and the spinach salad (that you made), and you’re happy as a clam to have it.
So I make my own salad dressing these days. I’m going to try and make my own nut butter this week, along with my own bread, and granola. My mother-in-law told me about an almond milk recipe that I want to try to make as well. We drink so much of it. My mother is sending us a wheat grinder and pasta maker that she isn’t using. I already make my own oat flour, but this will help me make rice four and of course, homemade pasta.
The more I learn, the more responsibility I feel. I want to feed my family the best food I can find, and what I feel truly comfortable giving them. I just hope that I can learn quickly and make it an easy addition to our already full lives. How did those amazing ladies do it before grocery stores supplied everything for you, ready-made?
Posted in theory | Tagged cooking, healthy food, priorities, time | No Comments »
I haven’t lived in the Wasatch Mountains long enough to know the signs for a good ski season, but as you can see from the picture I took this afternoon…we’ve got buttloads of snow…and beautiful snow at that.
My brother Sean is selling discount ski passes to Park City Ski Resort for $425 for any students. He can sell these until November 14th, so if you’re looking for a pass, or a sibling or friend is in Provo/Salt Lake going to school, shoot Sean an email at seancmadsen@gmail.comor call him on his celly: 714.809.4633
***so i just talked with seanna this weekend…he says he’ll be able to sell the passes till the beginning of the season…end of nov? call him
Posted in delight | Tagged family, outdoors | No Comments »
How I look forward to the gems and jewels of General Conference each 6 months! I’m trying to take a few moments each day and read again from these wonderful talks.
Here are a few things that have helped me from Elder L. Tom Perry’s talk:
- to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic - it seems there are always challenges and stresses, sometimes are greater in intensity than others. In this brief breather of a time I want to dwell on the positive and optimistic, try to fill my soul with so many delights, that when the challenges get harder, I will have plenty of good in reserve.
- Henry David Thoreau’s simple life at Waldon Pond - i felt so much strength when Elder Perry described Thoreau’s experience. Recently asking the designer to move into this small cabin, I could sure relate. (i actually asked him again last week…it was a tough week. When things are hard I like to clean or detox, or simplify…this was another of those moments). Was Henry growing those 2 1/2 acres of beans all by himself? He must have been. We live on just under 3 acres…that’s a lot of beans! I think I would need some variety to my large garden adventures.
- Thoreau & Perry’s four essentials: food, clothing, shelter, fuel - I enjoyed reading all of these. As simple as our lives currently are, I think they can be simplified even more and I am trying to find ways to do this. I know the designeris…he helped me organize again tonite…what a blessing he is everyday!
- finally - These simple focuses will help us reach our ultimate goal: the return to our Father
Posted in discovery | Tagged lds | No Comments »
1-1 1/2 lb salmon, skinned, cut into smaller pieces for the food processor
2-4 slices bread, made into crumbs in the food processor
1/4 c coconut milk
1/2 onion, chopped (i used a red one)
2 tbs parsley
2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c flour (i used spelt)
2 eggs
1/4 c olive oil
2 tbs Parmesan cheese
1. Make sure there are no bones in the salmon pieces. Lightly process them (4-6 pulses). If you over pulse then you will end up with a salmon paste instead of the finely minced salmon. Do it in a couple batches to make sure you don’t over pulse.
2. Combine the minced salmon, 1/4 c of the breadcrumbs, coconut milk, onion, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Form into patties and freeze for 15 minutes or until firm.
3. Take three shallow bowls. Put the flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Dredge the salmon patties in the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place in frying pan with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each cake. Cook on medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side.
We all enjoyed the salmon cakes…yes, even the kiddos. We ate our salmon cakes with avocado slices, pears, and carrots.
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
After spending the past few afternoons building in the sand, collecting sticks, rocks, and old lumber for forts, ships, and hideouts, it hit me: the builder and our kiddos need a place to build and create in the yard. A place where they can make it as they desire. And when they are done with it, they will build something else.
When my siblings and I were young, we were very interested in building dams. We would take old lumber and sticks and build dams across the sidewalks, we would use the hose to create rivers and streams throughout the yard. Some days it drove my mother crazy. If only she had helped us use the rivers and streams to water the plants in the yard…:)
Later, my younger brothers really got into the whole building thing and turned our tree-house area into a pirates lair. They would bring out the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack, invite their friends over, dress up, collect wooden swords that my dad had fashioned, and reinact the film.
Every kid needs this spot. As I’ve thought much about our future home and the areas in the yard that I think we will all enjoy, I have forgotten the need for a raw spot. A spot for building. A hideout for the kiddos to reinact their adventures and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll place it up against the fence and place tall grasses and trees to help the ambiance. We’ll collect old lumber and things from garage sales for them to use. And they can build to their heart’s content.
Posted in discovery | Tagged architecture, design, kiddos, landscape | No Comments »
There is much that can and should be said about my dear sister Smee. She is number three of 6, three of three crazy goiles, the tallest, the most adaptively athletic, and the fullest of book brains (my other sis is also brainy, but in other ways…)
She is kind, considerate, beloved of my kiddos who call her Reesa. She is a total catch and will one day be with that prince she so deserves. She is following her dreams, hard as the journey may be. She is not a quitter, full of endurance and love for life.
She is sensitive and lovely. A gal of charm and grace. She teaches me patience and peacemaking. She is forgiving and optimistic.
May this year be a wonderful adventure of growth, one of hope, and one of realization and learning. May you find yourself this year and love that person as much as we all do.
Happiest of birthdays smee girl. We luv you very much! Continue Reading »
Posted in delight | Tagged family | No Comments »
It’s always nice to change a dish that we frequently enjoy up a bit:
2-3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 can coconut milk
1 leek, chopped
1/2 large red onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/3 c peanut butter
1 tbs soy sauce
2 tbs fish sauce
1 1/2 tbs Sukhi’s Curry Powder
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp Thai Seasoning by Spice Hunter
Cook all in crock pot on high for 3-4 hours, or 6 on low. The last hour or so, shred the chicken to absorb more of the delicious sauce. Serve over rice. (this tasted really great the next day at lunch in tortillas with parmesean cheese melting on top).
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
The painting shows one of the views in the back yard. Thank goodness we have more than trailers and old sheds to look at. :) The builder was out watching the neighbors do some work in their yard Saturday morning. He sat on a bunch of left over lumber that is piled near the fence, amongst the tall weeds. He was having a wonderful time. The dancer and I were sitting on the back deck and were in the shade. She was done with the sand turtle, so we went to sit with the builder on his stack of lumber.
The lumber was in the sun and the three of us sat there for quite a while, soaking in the last rays of Fall… probably one of the last warm days until next Spring. We watched the neighbors working, driving their four wheeler through their yard, their horse swatting the last of the flies, and the dogs running in their pens. Then we spotted their three geese, waddling in a line in size order (largest first). Their bopping and waddling were right in sync. Sometimes these geese, as most geese do, make quite a large amount of noise. But they were making their deep garggly sounds, obviously enjoying the warmth of the sun as we were.
Soon, the builder was busy creating a ”sidewalk” out of some of the smaller pieces of lumber, connecting the stacks through the tall grass. The dancer and I were singing Elmo’s theme song…though we never sing it as it should be sung. I get tired of the same lyrics and enjoy making up new verses (learned that from my fabulous father), and thoughts that have to do with the kiddos and what they are up to. The builder joined in the song, and pretty soon we were all helping him build with the left over lumber.
The sidewalk became a “ship,” huckle-berry-finn-style raft, that is hidden in the two foot tall dry grass. All that building got us thirsty, and we went in to find that the designer had made us all lunch. We were having such a splendid morning, I’d completely forgotten the time and how long we had spent out in the furthest part of the yard.
Posted in delight | Tagged art, kiddos, outdoors | No Comments »
While on the great rice cooker search, I found a site with some exciting new recipes: mingspantry.com.
One recipe in particular grabbed my taste buds, Gingered Beef with Leeks & Asperagus:
| 6 1/8-inch-thick slices fresh ginger 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup Shaoxing wine or dry red wine 1 pound flank steak, cut against the grain into 1/8 - inch slices (substitute 4 medium portabello mushrooms) 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Leeks 1 tablespoon canola oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper |
|
Directions 1. In a dish large enough to hold the beef, combine the ginger, sesame oil, pepper, canola oil, soy sauce, and wine. Stir to blend, add the beef, turn to coat, and marinate, covered, at least 1 hour and preferably overnight. 2. Bring a large quantity of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl and add ice. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of ice water to cool. Drain well and set aside. 3. To make the leeks, heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil shimmers, add the leeks, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. 4. Drain the beef and stir-fry just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the asparagus and stir-fry until thoroughly heated. Season with the salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. (I’m afraid the photo doesn’t quite do the dish justice, I’ll post my own pic when I try it out) |
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After reading, browsing, and researching, I think I’ve found our future rice cooker. We eat brown rice 3-4 times a week at our house: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our current rice cooker has served us well, but for this growing family of four, it’s on its last leg (that was my previous one, really, missing a leg). This one is too small for our frequent use, and the lid is missing an important plastic blow hole part, making the rice not nearly as moist and wonderful overall, not to mention the spitting…I have to put a towel out next to the rice cooker each time I use it. Before it capoots all together, I thought it best to find our future cooker before we’re desperate…
So here it is: the Zojirushi NS-PC18. I cooks up to 10 cups of rice, has a locked lid that will seal in the moisture, and has a condensation collector. Of course it comes with a non-stick pan, and it will transport easily (how nice). I found it several places online with similar discounts and free shipping. Though, viecokitchen.com will also send a free recipe book (yes, please). I’ll let you know how it works…
Posted in discovery | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
a greased baking dish
salmon for 2-4
3-4 tbs butter, cut and placed over salmon
also sprinkle over salmon:
1 tsp dill
1/4 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp thai seasoning from Spice Hunter
2 tbs lime juice
along side the salmon I placed 1 cup baby carrots
covered the baking dish with tin foil,
baked the dish at 425 degrees for 20 minutes…yummy!
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
Definitely not your typical white flour brownies, but with some chocolate ice cream, I nearly forgot. Next time I’ll add a cup or so of chocolate chips for good measure.
1 c brown rice flour
3/4 c turbinado sugar
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 stick butter
1/3 c hot water
3 tbs cocoa powder
1 egg
1/3 c almond milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c almond butter
1/2 c hazelnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in a mixer. In a sauce pan, warm the sugar, butter, cocoa, and water. Once evenly melted, add to dry ingredients. Add remaining and mix until smooth. Place in a greased 8X8 pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes, till a knife comes out clean and brownie has pulled away from the pan. Let stand for 5 minutes before eating.
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
It used to be that the builder took 2-3 naps a week. This was hard on me, but I was adjusting. Yet, it’s been a couple weeks since he has taken a nap. I need to accept this new change and come up with a new plan. So I’ve been trying to find projects for him to work on. We’re doing more one-on-one reading and I’m trying to focus on his emergent reading skills. I’d like to teach him to read within the next few months.
Just last week, the neighborhood girls were outside after we had a picnic lunch. They were laughing and enjoying the builder and dancer. It was time to put the grower and dancer down for a nap. I told the girls that the builder and his friends love to dig lakes, rivers, and roads in the sand piles. One of them spoke out about how much she loved doing that. Soon, the builder and 4 older girls were out there recreating Bear Lake, an amusement park, and resort homes. They worked out there for over an hour as I was catching up on laundry. It was nice out, so I had the window open so I could see and hear them.
The builder was just loving it. After a while the girls got hungry and asked if they ate, if they could come back in a little while. The builder was afraid they would never return. But they did. So another half hour later, with the dancer too this time. It was a beautiful fall day, with happy creative kiddos. What more could I want…especially when it helped me get my 9 loads of laundry done that afternoon and evening?
Posted in delight | Tagged create, kiddos, outdoors, rest | No Comments »
A beautiful painter and friend, Karrie Baldwin Penny, is having a Christmas Studio Art Sale:
Christmas Studio Sale
20% to 30% off Fine Art and Prints
and used frames
Saturday, November 8, 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
or by appointment through the holidays
3168 South Big Hollow Rd., Heber, UT
Call for directions or an appointment
kbpenney@newleafartstudio.com, 801-234-0162
To see more of her work, check out her website or another beautiful friend, Cynthia,’s Two Sister’s Art Gallery. Give something charming and meaningful this Christmas!
Posted in delight | Tagged art, design | No Comments »
There are soo many of you that find this blog because of my raving about Baby Hawk, not to mention all the friends and family that are always asking me about my beautiful carrier. A while back I’d written to the Baby Hawk gals and asked if they’d be willing to give my friends, family, and site visitors a coupon discount. I guess they get asked that a lot!
But they sent me this fabulous email today…
20% off your entire order if you spend $150 or more,
15% off if you spend less than $150, and
10% off if you spend less than $100
If you are in the market for the most fabulous baby carrier out there (I only use mine at least twice a day :)), click here and order from Baby Hawk’s new sister site and use the coupon code: BABYHAWK. You’ll find more wonderful items: toys, clothing, blankets, nursing covers and gadgets, and more. If you live in San Diego County, you’ll definitely want to check out their store, classes and more…wish we were closer!
The coupon code is only good until Nov. 12th, so give your mom or loved one a Christmas hint, or make someone really happy. Enjoy!
Posted in delight | Tagged baby, kiddos | No Comments »
Allow the sun to power your home or business by using Open Energy Corp’s solar roof tiles.
With an Energy crisis on the brink in the US, consumers are asking more questions and demanding responsibility and answers. Open Energy Corp is offering solutions to homeowners, business owners, and institutions alike: solar roof tiles.
Open Energy’s solar tiles will work on flat as well as sloped roofs. Their solar roof tiles offer quiet & reliable power generation. The power your roof will be generating is clean, safe, and of course, free, thanks to the sun. For those of you with an aesthetic eye, the tiles come in three colors: slate gray, terracotta, and brown, to help integrate with your existing roof materials.
Posted in gwg (GetWithGreen.com) | Tagged architecture, design, green, remodel | No Comments »
When I returned from Super Tuesday last week, the designer asked if I had enjoyed myself. I described the culteral hall: full of women, creating, laughing, chatting, and having a wonderful time together. “That’s what Homemaking must have been like for you mom, my mom, Aunt Ella…it was their sanity, and a break from the regime of motherhood.” I then explained that I didn’t think I could do the organized craft projects every month due to the costs for the materials, as well as the time away from the kiddos. There are so many things I can be doing at home with them that will still give me that satisfaction.
Then I explained that the greatest par tof my Super Tuesday, was that the projects and creating process was soo theraputic. “For you maybe,” said the designer. He went on to point out how he doesn’t have time to create, that he always has something to do or study, do an asignment to finish. He’s right, one day, hopefully next Spring, he’ll be able to spend his evenings doing something he really enjoys…like me (not that I have time for all of my interests all of the time, but I’m trying to make time for them, for me). We’ll both get there. I love creating with the designer…maybe we’ll be able to work more on our green dream home…
Yet it reminded me that, yes, it really was a theraputic day for me. All that creating actually gave me more energy, more patience, and more mind power. With everything that I have chosen to be on my plate these days, I think that creating each night would take time away from other essential tasks, thereby causing stress and anxiety. But doing something purely creative will also give me the benefits already mentioned. And that would help me through days of the mundane tasks, cleaning and keeping house. I need that as well.
Balance, again, balance. So I’ve decided that once a week (maybe even twice), I need to spend the evening creating. Painting, drawing, decoupage, something with my hands and my heart. I think I’ll start with the kiddos’ Christmas gifts they are giving to their baby cousins: small treasured paintings of their blessing outfits. I bought the canvases last week and need to get going anyways. The more prepared for Christmas I can be, the more we can enjoy the season with the kiddos…I have big plans for this year…I think that’s another post though…
Posted in theory | Tagged art, create, design | No Comments »
This is a great Idea from Martha Stuart online, but i think I’d change it up a bit. I want to spend at least one day a week consciously creating with the kiddos. Making containers would be so fun for them. They are already soo into organizing. Rather than taking photos, I think I’ll teach them how to paint the objects or decoupage them. I’ll post what we do. Till then, enjoy Martha’s version…
Even ordinary items, such as rubber bands and spools, look great when they’re turned into patterned labels for desktop containers. Here’s how to make them:
Container How-To
1. Decide which items you need to store.
2. Choose an empty container with a lid. Oatmeal or cigar boxes, clean cans, or plain tins from an art-supply store all work well. Check the size of your items to make sure they’ll fit: Tall canisters are best for pencils; small boxes are good for buttons or beads.
3. Select items for the label, and place on the scanner. Try a few arrangements: You might lay the objects down randomly or line them up to make a border. Then scan the image into the computer. A parent can use photo-editing software to adjust the brightness or contrast of the image or to erase shadows.
4. Print the image onto white or colored paper, or onto peel-and-stick paper (it comes in many colors, as well as clear, and is available at office-supply stores).
5. Trim the printout to fit the size of the container. If using regular paper, apply a glue stick to the back of the label. Stick the label on the container, starting at one end and smoothing it out with your hand.
Container Gifts
Kids can also create special containers to give as gifts. Make a bank for a friend by scanning coins onto a label for a powdered-drink canister, and have a parent cut a slit in the lid with a utility knife. Use spools to decorate a biscuit tin for mom’s sewing supplies. Or make an attractive box to hold a gift you’re giving. For example, package art supplies in a cigar box decorated with images of paints, brushes, colored pencils, and scissors.
Container Collections
Matchboxes are just right for keeping collections of small objects because they come in a couple of sizes and are easily stacked and stored. Scan your favorite pieces for the label, and you’ll have no trouble finding the box you want when you’re ready to play with your collection or add to it.
Posted in discovery | Tagged art, kiddo art | No Comments »
The designer carved a really cool pumpkin tonight with the kiddos. I was busy cleaning the seeds to bake. We tried to dry and bake them last year, but we didn’t know what we were doing and finally gave up. This year we were smarter. I looked up a few recipes online and came up with this one:
2 cups pumpkin seeds (washed and dried on paper towels for a few minutes)
2 tbs melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp marjoram
Spread pumpkins over greased cookie sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the pumpkins. Sprinkle with garlic, salt & marjoram. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. They taste great while watching the world series. :) Can’t wait to try them in a salad tomorrow.
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | 1 Comment »
I’ve been way into sandwiches lately…for a while it was fancy quesadillas, but these days it is a gourmet sandwich. Grilled pesto, mustard, roast beef, and Gouda, or open faced white cheddar, tomatoes, and basil, or this afternoon’s mustard, avocado, salami, cheddar & tomato…or my latest crave: grilled hummus, tomato, salami, and melted white cheddar…yum!
All the ingredients make up a pretty big meal, but I don’t worry, because the dancer is just as in love with them as I am. Yup, I’ve tried making her a sandwich of her own, but she will only eat off of mine.
Posted in development | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
Here it is…my long awaited magnet-board from our Super Tuesday craft session. I finished it this afternoon. Hanging between our kitchen and laundry room, it will hold all kinds of treasures from photos to invites, and my many lists…
For my first decoupage, I really enjoyed the process. Using some of my favorite mail catalogues: Anthropologie, & Pottery Barn for my decoupage paper. (The designer was soo happy to see my precious magazines going to good use). Choosing the background color scheme, cutting out fun patterns into letters that compile to read: “Marriage is a joint quest for the good, the beautiful, and the divine.” It’s a rather nice addition to the very large white wall.
What should I decoupage next…?
Posted in development | Tagged art, design, green, recycle, reuse | No Comments »
On our way through Provo Canyon, the builder announced that he was sick and about to throw-up. This has happened a couple times within the past few months. We weren’t sure if he would really throw-up, but decided to pull over as soon as possible anyway.
The designer, builder, and dancer headed to a near-by bridge that was crossing the Provo river. Not a long break or adventure, but soon, the three ran back to the grower and I, waiting in the car. It was a bit chillier then they had thought.
From time to time, I have a bit of a motion sickness problem. I remember having to lie down in my parents’ car on road trips, growing up. The builder does not like to be thrown, has only enjoyed swings recently, and is not brave when it comes to movement where he is not in control. So we’re thinking he may also be prone to motion sickness. He may even be more sensitive than I. We’ve decided that we’ll now plan for stops within the canyon to ensure his comfort, and avoid any future unnecessary throwing up in the car.
Posted in discovery | Tagged family, kiddos | No Comments »
Not sure if you can tell from the photo, but the builder’s legs aren’t quite long enough to pedal yet. Come spring, I hope our biking adventures will reach a new level. I’m imagining my bike, followed by the builder on the tag-along, and the trailer behind it, carrying the dancer and grower. What a sight we will be…an entire biking entourage. I think we’ll be able to go further than this past summer. Well, unless the growergains a lot of weight this winter. I’m hoping the builder will be able to help me by pedaling…we’ll see. Thanks to the designer’s brother and his wife for letting us try it out! The builderwas in heaven the entire ride: perma-grin!
Posted in delight | Tagged health, kiddos | No Comments »
It seems like lately, when I read up on health problems, (appendicitis, eczema) Prescription for Nutritional Health recommends eating brown rice. We love rice at our house and eat it quite frequently, but for variety’s sake, I need to use the grain more than just the typical form. Occasionally we eat it in tortillas, pasta, cookies, and bread. I am determined to learn how to make my own pasta and thanks to my mom, who told me the other day that I could use one of her grinders, I’m going to begin grinding my own brown rice flour.
About a year ago, I was introduced to rice as a breakfast cereal by by friend Leslie. We ate it for a while, but then the prego nausea didn’t like it, and I had forgotten about it till yesterday morning. I took the brown rice that was left over from dinner the night before and heated it in a pan on the stove (just like oatmeal). Here’s the recipe if you’d like to give it a try:
2 cups brown rice (cooked)
2 tbs coconut oil
1-2 tbs turbinado sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice by spice hunter (Cinnamon, ginger, lemon peel, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, star anise, fennel, black pepper)
Warm it on the stove, serve with milk (or almond milk for us), and your favorite nuts or fruit on top. Its delicious!
Posted in discovery | Tagged cooking, healthy food | No Comments »
So yesterday really was a SuperTuesday. I had my first day off of pre-school since we began the first of September, my incredible mother-in-law and I began rectifying the Christmas Stocking Saga, and I was able to attend our Relief Society’s Super Tuesday craft night.
The stockings are looking beautiful. I didn’t realize how many patterns I would need to draw, or we would have to alter before finding the perfect fit. But they will be real treasures for us during Christmas. My mother-in-law has a talent for sewing, and where I would have just taken all the stockings to the same point, ie., cutting, then sewing, she wanted to do just one first to make sure it was what I really wanted. Just watching and learning her process was so very helpful.
At our ward activity I chose two projects: a scripture tote (pictured above), and modge podging the frame around a magnet board (something I’ve wanted in our kitchen for quite some time now). Lori helped me plan my bag, and despite my last sewing lesson being in Girl Scouts, she stayed by me and was very patient with my sewing. It was a great accomplishment I felt. I’ve been wanting to learn to sew for a long time, and this helped me realize that it is an obtainable goal. Thank you Lori, can’t wait for my mom to get it in the mail! Oh, and I spent a whole $1.75 on the scripture tote.
I’ll post pics of the magnetic board as soon as it is finished. I completed the background and got the letters and extra details set where I want them. Just need to glue them on. The board is hiding under our bed (don’t tell the kiddos :)). Hopefully it will be finished tomorrow evening. What a great day!
Posted in delight | Tagged art, create | 2 Comments »
