A Day In the Life...

I think I will just post like this every once in a while.  Just a snapshot of day to day living.






First:  Here I am at 27 weeks -

It is really hard for me to take pictures of myself like this...
But I do wish I had more pictures of when I was pregnant with my other kids.
So I will be a sport and try to have fun with it.

 NEXT:  An unexpected food success!  There I was, 7 O' Clock pm, and no dinner on the horizon and not much in the way of groceries at our house.  I scraped together some ingredients and made Black Bean burgers...

The whole time I'm thinking to myself, "Just sell it like it's going to be absolutely delicious and maybe the kids will go for it."

The LOVED them. 

My favorite part was the sauce I made to put on top. I mixed up a concoction of  sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro and salsa:   I could put this on a lot of things and be very happy. 

SPRING FEVER: I am loving the warmer weather and beautiful days.  I am constantly finding myself taking breaks out on my front porch so I can take it in...

...It beats being inside and having to look at this:

I should have a "no flat surface" policy at my house.  They all end up like this, UGH.


Finally:  I should take a picture of our new toilet (but I won't).  It cost us a pretty penny (old homes don't make any fix up quick or easy).   I suppose I would need to include a picture of our new main drain as well.  I'm just going to have to tell our new baby that he had to sleep in a drawer* because the rest of us needed a toilet that would flush the first time, every time.   We only have one toilet.  It needs to be a good'n.  You know?

One day he'll be grateful. 


I realize that most of these pictures are poor quality.  Not to mention the entire post being kind of pointless.  Still, it's the most journaling I've done in months, so it's just going to have to count.   Plus, it keeps me from having to face that ecclectic pile-o-junk  atop the dresser in our living room.




(*I'm kidding - we have a crib.)

I say, "Fancy" - He says, "Nasty" and other Thursday Adventures

1.   I made and ate roasted figs and topped it with some Port Salut cheese.  It was very good, if you don't mind the texture of figs.  I was trying to take some gourmet photos, but Sam kept saying things like;

-"sick"
-"looks like a bowl of maggots"

 Who cares what he thinks, I say!   I can't help it, I loooooove figs.  And the ones I bought were starting to shrivel a little, I wanted to save them somehow.

This is what he was talking about:

[pre-roasted: drizzle honey, olive oil, a little salt and pepper]

[It may look gross, but this was tasty. Probably should have roasted a little longer, but I was hungry.  These would be yummy in a salad. Or even on top of icecream, minus the cheese of course.]


Mmmmmm....   ;)

2.   I visited my amazing aunt (who is my age) who just had twins a few months ago.  They've only been home for about a month.  She also has 5 other children at home (the oldest is 10).  What I learned from my visit:

[Gabe and Zeke.  So cute.  There may have been some gentle cheek biting.  I couldn't resist.]

• I had some flashbacks and remembered how hard it was to have multiple babies at once (it's HARD). You just don't get to sleep, ever.
• I miss it anyway.  There is nothing as sweet or soothing as nuzzling a baby.  Nothing. 
• She doesn't age, my aunt.  And her hair hasn't changed with the pregnancy. Mine did, I lost my curls but hers  is still thick and curly and gorgeous.  
• She pays attention to ALL of her kids.  Even though those babies take up most every second, she takes time to check in, look at, talk with each one of her children.  She is a devoted and sweet mother.
• She has a plaque on her wall that made my heart stop and want to do better.  It said something to this affect:

 Mom didn't teach me how to be a mother,

She showed me.

3.  I discovered (while trying to take a self-portrait) that Jackie gets his some of his goofy expressions from me... we look alike afterall!

goofy face. messy kitchen

Similar goofy face.  Blurry photo.

What a discovery!


A simple day.  A good day.  I am grateful.

day seven: Fruit

= one delicious smoothie!

A Day that Seems to Go On Forever, with No Repeats... Just Like Pi.

I'm Trying to be Fun -

In the simplest of ways:

Get it? haha.  It's Chicken Pot, Pi...

As in, it's March 14th...you know... as in,  (3/14) or 3.14, Pi (pie)

Thinking of those who might actually read this post, I understand this effort is comparitively impotent, at best.  But I've learned in my 30 plus years that comparing only leads to dread and self-loathing, not progress.  So I refrain.  

I will celebrate my way!
 
And because of the lack of Martha Stewart-ness around here, there is a very low expectation.  There are occasional benefits to setting the bar low.   For example, this meager celebration of "pi" day which resulted in an actual homecooked meal (additional bonus) was well-received.  I received accolades from children and spouse.  People, this was all that was for dinner.  No salad, dessert, rolls, nothing...no pie for dessert.  Just this.  And orange juice (because it's a special occasion).

Accolades.
Extra "Thank Yous" and smiles.
Minimal effort.

Let that be a lesson to all you high achievers.

***

Also, today I got in a yelling match with Jack in his classroom after school.
Oh wait, that wasn't fun.  But I'm sure it made an impression on someone's kid, if not my own.

***
It was beautiful day outside. A little rain here and there, freshening up the air and then a little sun, too.
A hard day, for some reason, I just felt like I was walking through mud and my head is all cloudy.  Despite those things, it was a good day.  I'm thankful for it.

***
As I get ready to close shop (while it is still light out  - hooray!) I can hear my boys getting ready for bed.  I just heard Eddie sternly say, "Jack.  You better not be making out with the cat!"

What the...?

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAYS 27-31

I have had a few challenge ideas for the last days of the month:

"Take down" and clean up Christmas before January 1st (DONE)

• This is new, I usually don't get it all done until after the kids start up school again.  Imagine my disappointment when, during cleanup, our nativity was massacred. Blasted cats jumping onto the mantle! At least, that's what the kids say happened...

   









 Get a head start on at least one resolution  
(DONE) 

• Just for the sake of feeling like I'm getting a running start on 2011.

• I'd tell you what my resolution is, but I recently saw on Ted.com about how you SHOULDN'T tell people your goals because it gives you a false sense of accomplishment.  Maybe it's weird, but I'm willing to give it a try -plus I really want to see this one through!   ...and no, it's not a fitness/weight loss goal.   Does this concept of "keeping your goals to yourself" intrigue you? Is it already your approach?  I'd be curious to hear how others go about achieving their goals...

  
Get the house really clean BEFORE the New Year
(ALMOST DONE)

• Housework is never "done", but I have a few things on my list that, if I finish by tomorrow, will also contribute to the feeling of getting a leg up on the new year.  Having my house in order [finally] makes me feel like this: 

Source:  "Dance at Dusk" by icklemissmerry (click)

 Try Something New & Fun

AND Simple

(DONE)



MUFFIN 

TIN

PIES!

Of course I would use my grossest muffin tin...

•  How cute is this idea?  I bought some pie crust (homemade is always better, but, you know)...and just put some cherry filling inside.  A little egg wash and sprinkling of sugar on top and....VOILÁ!   So easy and good, especially with a scoop of ice cream. 

So, that's about it for the Christmas Challenge.  A friend of mine did a recap of the holidays and posted it on her blog.  The things she will and will not do next year.  I like that idea.  I might post a list of my own just so I can make next year even more fun!

But that's a challenge for tomorrow...

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY TWO

Two "firsts":


First "first":

• I baked Peasant Bread for the first time.  Four loaves.

Second "first":

• My bread actually turned out the way it's supposed to.  Not as good as Katie's (yet), but it was tasty.  Baking yeast bread is a challenge for me. White, wheat, french, not-french... I've never once turned out a loaf that my family didn't have to choke down.  That is, until today!

 What does this have to do with celebrating Christmas? 

  
Holidays are all about baking and eating and sharing, right?

I also made Hobo Stew.  Not a first, I make it all the time.  It's easy and hot and good.  But today I made enough for probably 50 people.  Why?  Because it's the Holidays!  And if a friendly neighbor drops in, I want to have something warm and yummy to give them to eat.
 

I want to be that kind of lady.  Hospitable.  Welcoming.  Ready to have you sit and stay awhile with a hot bowl of stew and fresh baked bread. 

I still have a lot left over... feel free to visit!

Ooh Ooh OOH, Look What I Made!

I know there are people out there who loathe bloggers using their blog to show off their creations and toot their own horns and what not.  If you are that kind of person, then this post is not for you.  Generally, I would never have even posted something like this, except my mother in law took pictures of my efforts and made me feel really good about it.  So, if my self-accalades bother you, you can blame her.  But at least look at the pictures first.  And at least know that I wasn't motivated to bake so that I could put something on my blog.
Really, I wasn't.  I'm not that bad.
Yet. 

I was in charge of the dessert for Easter dinner with Sam's family.  On the way to his folk's house, I was vocally lamenting my goof ups on the dessert:

- "I think I may have cooked it too long, it seems kind of dry."
- "I tried to do it the way they do it at the bakery, but the frosting came sputtering out and so it looks weird."

- "Yeah" Sam says (looking it over).  "Why didn't you just spread the frosting on the top, like it's normally done?"

[I am instantly in defensive mode]

- "Normally done?  You don't just 'spread' frosting on a bundt cake.  How would one 'spread' frosting on a bundt cake anyway?"

And then I sighed.  I should have just spread it like he said (but I'm certainly not going to say that out loud).


Of course the first thing Sam's mom says when I walk in the door:  "Oh. My. Heck!  It looks just like the real thing from the store!  It's beautiful!"  Sam and I exchanged sideways glances and raised eyebrows.  Really?  "We need to take pictures of these."  She's so awesome.  She pulled out the camera and it turns out she posesses some mean photog skills.  Her photos dramatically improve what the desserts actually looked like....I mean, look at them.   They look so good! 

See?
 
Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting  (Sounds better than they actually were):

And the Chocolate "Nothing Bundt Cakes" knockoff: also with cream cheese frosting. 

(Mary.  This should be called the Mary-Cake, it's everything you love in a dessert. When you come to town I am making it for you).

Success!

Banangrams was a hit.  The kids loved their banana splits.  It was a fun night and I love my family.

Sam and I got into one little tiff.  But that was all.  I think this is a game we can play together consistently and still stay happily married.
In fact we played it, just the two of us, tonight.
And we both HAD FUN.
That's basically a miracle.
I'm being totally serious.


Also, dinner tonight was successful.  It was a new recipe, and that doesn't always go so well.  I was nervous about it.  But they liked it!  YAY!  It's vegetarian (not vegan), which is nice because I don't cook with meat very often we end up eating the same three things over and over.  Now we have four things.
 
Here's the recipe (in case your interested).  *I've changed some of the ingredients, because I refuse to use reduced fat cheese... and I didn't have whole wheat tortillas.

Black Bean and Pineapple Enchiladas 

(recipe* and photo from Pillsbury.com website)

INGREDIENTS 

2	teaspoons Olive Oil
1	large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1	medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1	can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits in juice, drained, 1/3 cup juice reserved
1	can (15 oz)  black beans, drained, rinsed
1	can (4.5 oz)  chopped green chiles
1	teaspoon salt
1/2	cup chopped fresh cilantro
3	cups shredded  Cheddar cheese (12 oz)
1	can (10 oz)  mild enchilada sauce
8	flour tortillas (8 or 9 inch)
1/2	cup  sour cream
8	teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in pineapple, beans, green chiles and salt. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cilantro and 2 cups of the cheese.

 2.  Spoon and spread 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce onto each tortilla. Spoon about 3/4 cup vegetable mixture over sauce on each. Roll up tortillas; place seam side down in baking dish.

3.  In small bowl, mix reserved 1/3 cup pineapple juice and remaining enchilada sauce; pour over entire surface of enchiladas in dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Spray sheet of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray; place sprayed side down over baking dish and seal tightly.

4.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes, removing foil during last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Top each baked enchilada with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 1 teaspoon cilantro.

Makes 8 servings.

Mystery Solved...

Why I can't lose those last 10 pounds (or 15 now, probably)~
Why I'm so tired all the time~
Why I can't shake this head cold~

Here is what I've eaten today (all by 11:30 am):

• 3 Little Caesar's crazy breadsticks, plus a bite of cold pizza
  
• 1 Diet Coke
  
• 2 Fun Sized Almond Joy Bars (or was it three?)
  
• 1 Chocodile
  
• 1 Toaster Strudel
• ...And I'm pretty sure I forgot something.

I need serious help. I have managed to consume major calories without actually eating actual food, wow.

Embarrassing. See how I've made you feel better about yourself now? You're quite welcome.






Strangely enough, I am particularly embarrassed about the chocodile, because I don't even like those (Nasty!). But I did when I was a kid and so I thought I'd give it another go. I apparently don't believe in logic.

Or essential nutrients.

I have a headache.

P.S. The real question is this: How on EARTH have we managed to collect and house this bunk? I don't spend money this, this, crap-food! (Except the pizza. And the coke. And the Almond Joys)...Oh. now I'm beginning to see.

COMMITMENT IS...

Opening this GINORMOUS (it's a word!) can of Refried Beans

This, is what I call
"FRIJOLES GALORES".

A leftover from a church gathering months ago.
Sam brought it home.
"What,exactly, am I supposed to do with this?", I asked.
He just shrugged his shoulders. He'd done his part. The rest was to be up to me.


Hmmmm.... 25 servings. That's a lot of burritos.

Yes, so far, this is the most eventful part of my day. What can I say? I live in America, I have beans coming out my ears and my family is healthy. You can mock the trivialities of my life. I choose to be grateful.

Of course, I could just donate this to the food bank.

Or, maybe I'll invite you over for some Pinto Bean pie? No kidding, it's tasty stuff! There's this diner in Bicknell Utah (I think), that makes it. Mmmmmmm.(photo not mine)


Okay that's enough. I really could be spending my time more constructively. I have beany recipes to look up, after all.

Wednesday's Whetting challenge coming up.
I've got to think of a good one. Suggestions are always welcome.

Happy Day!