Life's Delish

What's New....

2011-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted in awhile, quite a bit. But not to bore I will keep it current.

-70 degree weather, then ice and snow and then 70 degree weather. At least I know that while I'm white knuckling the steering wheel as I slide down the road that by the next day I can lay out if I want. Which I have yet to want.

-Spring Break. We stayed home. I usually go to Az but it didn't happen this year. So we spent our days doing things around here. I think the kids favorite day was when we went to Denver ate at Casa Bonita and went to the park. I went to Casa Bonita when I was a kid and still remember it. The crazy gorilla, cliff divers. I thought it was awesome. Going back as an adult....completely different experience. But the kids thought it was great. Gavin asked me if it was a 5 star restaurant. You don't get MSG headaches from a 5 star.

-My dining room is no longer Terra Cotta colored and the office no longer has a navy blue accent wall. One more step out of 1985 and one step closer to 2011.

-Serger. Oh the possibilities....I have yet to pull it out of the box. I know that when I do all other projects will be shoved aside. So, I am in project mode, motivation...serge my day away without guilt!

-Gabriel is missing 6 teeth. 3 of them molars. I can also fit comfortably in his shoes. (not that I would want to) I wear an 8.

-I'm cubmaster. I knew I would be involved in scouts having two boys but...cubmaster? So far I have made it through blue and gold and pinewood derby. If you don't like looking like an idiot in front of people...become a cubmaster. You get over it real quick.

oops!

2010-09-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Forgot to post back to school photos....Sorry about that mom. Here they are ready for third grade. It 's been another new school. So far they have been doing great. Fingers crossed :)

Radioactive...

2010-09-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm radioactive. Yesterday I took my radioactive iodine pill. It's the main treatment for graves disease. So while no one is allowed to get to close to me, share my glass or use my bathroom, for a week I will start feeling better. I think if you have to be radioactive you should at least glow a bit when you turn off the lights.
I don't know..maybe superhero powers for a week. It would be a lot more fun for the kids.

The Rest...

2010-09-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

I finally downloaded the last of summer photos. So, here is the rest of summer....

Red Rock Loop


Craw hunting with cousins

Fishing with Grandpa


My parents came to visit for a couple weeks.

Tia and cutie Zane came for a visit.

Well, most of summer anyway. Way too many pictures.

Hello....

2010-09-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for awhile. I don't know if I should blame it on the fried graphics card in my MAC, graves disease, busy schedules...
So, Greg moved my photo program to another computer gave it some extra memory and we are good to go. I decided that if I had blogged this summer I would give a highlight of what it would of been.
Summer started off with a three day cub scout day camp at the Air force academy. Boys loved it!

Then continued with a family reunion. My sister in law was sweet enough to hold it at her house. This entailed having up to 40ish people sleeping at her house. The unfinished basement was filled with tents, some slept in the yard. It was a bit crazy but it is always good to see family.


Caught up with MaryAnn one of my missionary comps.


Hiking up to the waterfall.

silk worms


Melinda & Monica- two of Greg's 7 sisters


Ashleigh the hostess and sweet Sariah

The boys

Spring

2010-05-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Spring took a strange turn this weekend. What was supposed to be rain turned into one of those blizzards everyone says only happen every 5 to 10 years. Of course my husband is working, power is out for most of the day and huge pine trees are snapping in half in our back yard. The neighbors tree actually found a resting spot on the side of our house. At least the view from my kitchen window was beautiful.

Here a few of the trees that fell from the weight of the snow. One hit our gutter and barely missed the house. It is so sad to see them fall.

Ok, so the tree that landed on our house...no major damage, just a dent in our wallets when the guy comes to take it down. Notice the orange tie down? That would be Greg's attempt to pull the tree down himself. Between me screaming at him while he climbed it that our insurance deductible is alot more than it will cost to have a guy come and do it and then him realizing it was a very heavy tree... disaster was avoided.

PS This post is from the end of April. When I loaded photos it changed the date on me.

Packing, again

2010-03-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

I just packed up a house in June of last year and I'm doing it again. Of course during one of the busiest months of the year for me as well. Isn't that how it always is? So , I should be packing but here I am catching up on February..someday I will be caught up. This year is a big birthday year, kids turned 8. This means, cub scouts, activity days, 3 birthday parties, and too many cupcakes to count. I have survived and am still sane. We still have the baptisms coming up in March but will head back to Az for that. This is why packing has not been a priority and now I am way behind. That and after all this fun the stomach flu has invaded our house and I have the worst cold ever! Here are a few photos of our fun filled Feb.

Isa's party was first, games, food, crafts!

Then came the actual birthday which also fell on the Blue and Gold Banquet. The boys loved it, and the birthday theme with magician included made it even better.

Happy Birthday!

The Blue and Gold Cake

Spaghetti anyone?

Two more birthday parties the following Saturday.....

It was a space theme and the initial planet cake become a fighting space alien one. :)

After the 10-12 party came the 1-3 party. The boys had a great time...lot's of wrestling, flag football in the basement and of course, flying UFO's and making space blubber.

Then the following Friday Isa went to her first Daddy daughter and it was a Sock Hop. She says it was the most fun she has ever had.

Did You See That?

2010-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Oh, that was the month of January and guess what? February is going by even faster. I've decided it's going to be one of those years. We have years where we look ahead and it seems nothing to new is going to happen so we set resolutions and find ways to grow blah, blah. And then there are the years where you are looking ahead and see that many changes are on the horizon and resolutions aren't needed for growth. You are going to get plenty, you just need to smile and strap in because it's going to be a fast ride. This is my year. I need to be better about blogging, living away from family and so on. So here are a few highlight of the past few weeks....well month.
January:

A new year, 13 years of marriage! Love my man. School programs, forgot my camera:(. Illness, oh and finding a house. We decided to expand our boundaries a bit and found a little house in the woods. We were going to have to find a house by May and came across one a bit early. We close March 10th if all continues to go well. It will be more of a change then we had planned on but we are excited. I am browsing many a home decorating blog as this house was built in '78 and is still hanging out there . Check out the drive way....the mini van does not like it with snow. Should be interesting.

hmm...with this photo you can't tell but it's a horse shoe and it's steep.

Whirlwind

2009-12-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Whirlwind pretty much describes this holiday season. Beginning with a wonderful visit from my parents at Thanksgiving. They brought beautiful Az weather with them and we were able to hike, shop, eat, decorate the tree, and spend a great time together. I have missed family and it was so fun for us and the kids to have them here.
When they left the holiday preparations started, Christmas shopping, school activities, church activities. I was working on new holiday decorations, homemade gifts and then we received the call that Greg's Aunt Patti passed away. She had been fighting cancer for a year and half. We had a shift in the whirlwind and began the prep to get ready for an unexpected trip home. We left Thursday night drove through the night to arrive in time for the funeral on Friday. Patti was only 50, the baby of the family. The trip was bittersweet. We were able to be there with family in the sadness of saying good bye to a loved one and in the same trip have the opportunity to have the joy of kissing these sweet cheeks for the first time. We have arrived home just in time for what looks like a white Christmas. I drove home myself with the kids,(first time!)a day early due to the storm coming in. The 12 hour trip wasn't bad, just have lot's of movies, snacks and a good audio book.

I WANT....

2009-11-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

it all!
My sister sent me a check this out email and I am in love. I really want them all.Check it out. You will love it to.
Shabby Apple

What's new....

2009-11-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

Not much.
We recieved eight inches of snow last night. They even canceled church so today is filled with reading, sewing and hot chocolate. Not a bad day. I finally uploaded some pictures so I thought I would share.

Sweet package came from Mom...buttons,thread, spice and these cute monkeys.

Project finally finished. It was my Moms birthday present. I sent it a few months late but hey better late than never. One project down, so many more to go. With the holidays approaching my list gets longer!

Being the great mom that I am I completely missed the school picture deadline. I have decided that I really don't like school photo's. For the same price I can get cuter ones taken somewhere else. So, that's what I did. I love the candid shots...here are a few.(raw photos)
Gavin sharing his cow joke..caught at the Moo part of the it.
She eventually gave in later gave them a smile.
.

Knock, Knock

2009-10-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

The flu has arrived. I am sure it is planing on staying awhile. I am hoping it does not hit one kid at a time which means one week at a time. Yuck.

On a brighter note:
No need to panic! My boys were not lost walking to school by themselves for the first time today. I guess snowball fights are much more fun than getting to school on time. Thank goodness for good neighbors who picked them up on their way to school.Boys...

Happy Birthday..

2009-10-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

to me....sort of. My birthday is actually next month but we needed to up our Amazon total to get the free shipping. So, I had this book on my wish list and I received it yesterday!

There are a few more purses then I would prefer but lots of really cute projects to try out most of which use scraps. A few more Pj's and then on to this book.

Am I the only one that really wants to see this movie?

Pop Up Pancakes

2009-10-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Quick. Easy and Good. If you like German pancakes....try these. We ate ours with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Here's the link to the recipe. Pop Up Pancakes ENJOY!

Fleece Weekend

2009-10-11T20:01:00.001-07:00

We went from beautiful fall 70 degrees, the leaves changing on Weds. to this by Fri.

I didn't hear any other kids in the neighborhood having a snowball fight at 7:45 in the morning. Do you think it's obvious my kids are from AZ? As for me, this crazy weather means ice on the streets and cold nights. I had some fleece for pj's and I was planning on sewing them in the next few weeks. The 20 degree weather had me working on them this weekend. Three down...one more to go, scarf and hat out of the scraps.

The Mother Load

2009-09-28T07:12:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning we drove up to a little town to eat breakfast with friends.

Isa ordered the Mini Mother Load Pancake. Not very mini..

Then we hiked around the park next door. Great way to start a weekend!The Gazebo was built in 1888 and was only accessible by boat until the bridge was built in the late '90's. I couldn't help but wonder how many proposal's and first kisses?

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2009-09-25T12:20:00.001-07:00

We had a craft gathering at my house recently...paper, modge podge, laughs and food. I served this coffee cake and promised to post the recipe. Enjoy!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake by Jean Pare

1/2 c. butter or margarine ,softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sour cream

1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts (I use walnuts)
small handful of coconut (optional-did not put it in for the group, but usually do.)

Cream butter, sugar, and 1 egg together in a mixing bowl. Beat in second egg. Add soda and sour cream. Mix.

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to batter. Stir to mix. Put 1/2 batter in a greased 9x9 inch pan, (this recipe does double well if you want to make a 9x13 pan).

Stir brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts and coconut together. Sprinkle half over batter. Spoon second half of better here and there over the all.Sprinkle second half of cinnamon mixture over all. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

Thrift And Snow

2009-09-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

This was my back porch yesterday. It looked the same this morning. Isn't it just September? I thought fall brought colored leaves and cooler days. Hopefully it still will.

So, I have had some luck with thrift stores of late. So, I thought I would take a photo wearing what I actually found .....
Here's me in my vintage goodies (except shoes..though thrift )in front of my weeds and tree looking attempting to look sassy.
Here's me looking a little grumpy.
Here is my vintage wool coat that I love. I bought it for a dollar from an old folks home thrift store I volunteered at recently with my church. They were going to give it to Salvation Army but it came home with me instead.
Buttons...love them.
If you want to see a blog with a girl who takes adorable pictures in her vintage goodies peek in on this one. She's still young enough to wear cute knee socks with her dresses. *sigh*

If...

2009-09-19T15:13:00.001-07:00

If I was one of those really great bloggers that actually blogged on a regular basis and didn't just think about it.....I would of blogged about:
* Surviving the first few weeks of homework with three second graders.....barely. The biggest transition yet from Montessori education.

* This book: I really like it and her blog is great to.

*My baby sister having her first baby and not being there for it. I didn't get to give beautiful Zane a kiss his first day in the world.

* The trampoline. In Az almost everyone had pools (except us) so we were not the hang out house in the summer and putting in a pool was not an option. Here everyone has a trampoline, we can handle that and afford it especially one from craigslist. So now everyone is a liability at my house instead of theirs. Hmmm....

* How beautiful it is here.
We recently hiked up to these falls. The kids had a great time, of course my camera battery died(hate that) so this is the one and only photo.

New and Used

2009-08-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Day two of the school year. Usually I am so ready to send the kids and they are ready to start. This year is a little different. Yesterday was a bit harder to let them go. New town, new school, transitioning to public. New is exciting and scary. I kept myself busy. I ran the errands you just avoid with kids. Fabric and thrift store. I went to the Salvation Army next to the fabric store(how dangerous is that?) and they were having a three for a dollar sale! Not everything of course, but since everything else seemed so expensive when there are racks of thirty cent items. I stuck with those. Brought home a big bag of '70's shirts etc. that I am not even sure I am going to wear but who cares....thirty cents!Favorite Shirts!
If anything I will cut the buttons off & add them to my collection. I did find a few items that were not dated. My jacket....thirty cents! I might even be able to justify my spending at the fabric store with all the unnecessary things I picked up at the thrift store for so cheap. Or maybe not.

Charade

2009-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

I saw Charade for the first time this weekend. How have I not seen this film? Carey Grant, Audrey Hepburn, 1963. Great film...and the clothes are amazing. Here are a few of my favorites.

Breakfast Egg Muffins

2009-08-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

OK first off...I borrowed the photo. We ate the muffins before a photo opportunity! These are basically what they look like. My sister came to visit and I made these and promised to send the recipe so I thought I would just post it instead. These are a great breakfast, ingredients can be swapped around to make it vegetarian etc. They freeze great so you can just reheat and run.

Breakfast Egg Muffins

3 cups frozen Hash Brown Potatoes
3/4 c. grated cheese (whatever you like)
1 cup diced Ham or Canadian Bacon ( I use just regular bacon when I don't' have ham)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
4 beaten eggs or 1 cup egg substitute
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
Salt and Pepper to taste

Grease muffin tins. Distribute the shredded potatoes into each cup. Place ham and cheese over the potatoes. Combine eggs, milk and seasoning in blender. Pour over ham and cheese. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

AZ

2009-08-12T07:05:00.001-07:00

I spent this last week in Arizona. Greg came home for the weekend and then drove us up. We spent his LAST week in Az with him and visiting family. The week went by fast! We spent time with family...
Blankets from Grandma

Dad and brothersLatest addition to the clan...Gracie. Another nephew arriving next month!

Abuelos and Uncle Luis.
Grandma and Grandpa Paz Soldan
the Science Center...So excited to have another photo taken.

Groovin' at Science Center
visiting, and lots of swimming. Basically anything to keep us busy and cool. It was hot!
My husband said farewell to friends...
and then we headed home. So nice to be together as a family but so sad to say good-bye again.

Vintage Finds

2009-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to get to a thrift store. The kids were in tow so I wasn't able to look much. Overall I found it to be a little pricey. But I did find these....Early 50's to early 70's. Which do I make first?
I found these in my daughter's size. (I can't get the photo to flip for some reason). She has picked out the green plaid one and wants the socks and all. Is it possible she may love something I sew her? Found this amusing...would not be found on today's patterns.
Now it's the process of going through each pattern and making sure I have all the pieces, and then deciding which one I am going to attempt. Love it!

A Few Of My Favorite Things....

2009-07-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

So here are a few things that have been making me smile lately:

* Visits from family. So much fun and such a help in the sanity area until Greg can get here permanently. Which will be very soon!(My sister and her hubby and soon to be?? were just here.)
* Finally having a batch of cookies not come out like pancakes! I am slowly getting this high altitude baking thing figured out. Major blow to the baking ego when I first got here.(Hence the lack of recipes posted lately.)
* Never having to mow the lawn again.
* The gorgeous weather....including the lightening storms and random hail.

* The list of sewing projects etc. I have swimming in my head ........
* Volunteering to head the craft group at church. I need to meet people and a friend of Mod Podge is a friend of mine.

Green Flowers

2009-07-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

I finally pulled out my sewing machine. I have a huge list of tutorials, patterns etc. that I want to work on. I finished my shirt made from a linen curtain/table liner I picked up at a remnant shop when I was in SF. It's from a Made by Wendy pattern. I think I will make more from some vintage sheets. Check this sewing gal out... Emu. She has used the same pattern for some shirts and the vintage dresses she sews...so in love. I am almost done my dress from a vintage pattern. The thought of dragging my kids to a store to buy a zipper etc. is definitely keeping me from finishing it for a bit. Maybe I will brave it soon...might have to resort to the Icee bribe.

Settling In

2009-07-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

So, I have been in my new home for about a month now. I am finally feeling settled in. Are all the boxes unpacked? No...and there is a good chance they will still be on my to do list until we buy a house. Greg is still in AZ, but was just here this past weekend. We've had family visiting as well which has made the time go faster until Greg is here permanently. Lot's of fun.

SK8

2009-06-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

We have a skate park very close to our house. The boys want to go all the time. We've switched to going in the mornings....fewer teenagers to run them over.

WIPE OUT!

No tears...he got up and tried again!

OK...this is the kids size helmet. I think we might need to move up a size:)!

Lucky Find...

2009-06-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

We found a desk we wanted to look at on craigslist...but pulling up to the house I noticed these really great chairs in the garage. We have been looking for a table and chairs for our breakfast nook. The lady said they had these chairs and a table they were selling but haven't been able to post a photo yet. LUCKY ME!!!!
Vintage teak wood table and seven chairs..love the green. The homeowners bought the house after the lady died and were in charge of getting rid of all her stuff. She even gave me a copy of the original catalog. They need a little TLC..I plan on staining the table top(has 3 extensions:) back to it's original stain. Looking forward to a project that doesn't involve unpacking a box.
the green of chairs...actual table
the actual chairs..she had the room dividers, but I didn't have room for them.

Love the green...and the chairs

Garden of the Gods

2009-06-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

I know two posts in one day. Just trying to catch up. We were no longer tripping over boxes so we decided to go somewhere fun with Grandma before she left. We went to the Garden of the Gods about a half hour from my house. Here are a few photos: View from Visitor Center

Someday my kids will take a shot with them all smiling.
Mom and I

New Adventure

2009-06-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a long time. Things have been amazingly crazy and it seemed to hard to keep my thoughts straight and so much has been unknown until recently. As most of you know we put our house up for sale and to make a long story short....we decided to use a realtor and sold our house in 10 days. Exciting yes but now what? We had decided to make Colorado Springs our next city to check out as a possibility thinking our house would be sitting on the market for a long time. So, we had to make a decision....stay and rent in Az or decide if we wanted to just take the plunge and go somewhere else. We decided to take the plunge and make Colorado Springs it. Neither of us had been there, our house was closing in 3 weeks and we still had not recieved our appraisel to know if any of it was even possible. With lots of prayer we went Colorado Springs for the first time the weekend before our house was suppossed to close. We had two and half hours with a realtor to look at the rentals available in the area we wanted to live in. Found one option, put all of our eggs in that basket hoping no one else wanted it or we were homeless. Loved the city and then moved the next weekend. The move is a story itself...26 foot trucks are not as big as they seem. We moved in Sat. Greg left Monday afternoon. My mom left this morning and it has been so crazy, but filled with blessings. Here is a photo of the house. I love going to the store around the corner and seeing mountain views. I am excited and anxious about the new life I am starting here. This is the first time I have not been surrounded by family or church. I think I will be fine.... until the first time I have to drive in snow!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2009-04-30T07:36:00.001-07:00

SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE

1/2 c. butter or marg. softened
1 c. sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sour cream

1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts
1/4 c. coconut (optional)*

Cream butter, sugar, and 1 egg together well in a mixing bowl. Beat in second egg. Add soda and sour cream. Mix.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to batter. Stir to mix. Put 1/2 batter in a greased 9x9 pan.
Stir brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon together. Sprinkle half over batter. Spoon second half of batter here and there over the top. Sprinkle second half of cinnamon mixture over all. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

*Coconut is optional but I like to use it not only for the yum factor but it also keeps the cake really moist. Enjoy!

Prayer Pretzel

2009-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

I came across this activity and thought it would be fun for family night. So while everyone shaped their pretzel I shared this story.

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the pieces of dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer.

This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward". Soon it was known the world over as a pretzel.

The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven.

Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that's lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray always to keep our spirituality intact. Even in the midst of our greatest trials, we must remember, as did Job, to call on the Lord. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our "Pretiola" or "little rewards" are the blessings we receive.

Every time you see a pretzel, remember prayer. Check to see if your arms are often folded in prayer and have not lost their shape.

Then we baked and ate them! The recipe is a basic bread recipe and then you just shape it into pretzels. Here's the one I used:

Homemade Pretzels by Paige Holden

1 Tbsp. dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt
Wax paper

Mix yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour and mix. Put dough on wax paper and knead until soft. Cut off pieces and shape as you like (too thick = doughy, too thin = brittle). Place them on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt. Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes.

If you want to make the real deal go to this link .

LOVIN'...

2009-04-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

* My new camera...no it's not an SLR . I went back and forth. Do I save up and get an SLR? I finally decided I really like just pointing my camera and taking a quick shot. So, I bought a nicer point and shoot in chocolate brown and I'm loving it.
* The apron I made. I actually sewed it for my sister in Oregon and I keep meaning to send it. I don't even know if she looks at my blog but it will be on it's way soon.(Someday I need to make myself one!)

*Toadstools....I saw the fabric and couldn't resist. My daughter actually wears the dress. So easy to make though next time I think I will skip the pattern and just take her measurements for a better fit.
* Finally having a chance to feel more involved at my kids school. It is requiring me to sew 21 skirts and 9 aprons for a play but I love being part of something my kids are excited about.

*My husband working 4 days a week!

NOT LOVIN'

* All the houses foreclosing around me when I am trying to sell mine. This is just ugly...
* the fact I am not fitting into my summer clothes this year. What's up with that?
* 100 degree weather. Makes me cranky!

Easter Weekend...

2009-04-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Anyone else sick from Robin Eggs? Hoping all had a great Easter weekend. Not forgetting the true reason we celebrate Easter....

Fun was also included in our weekend. The Easter egg hunt and breakfast at Grandmas..

Breakfast of Champions! Chocolate and eggs.

The Easter egg hunt at Skousens....
Now, if I could just stay out of my kids candy!!

Bunnies

2009-04-08T18:46:00.001-07:00

A bunny nest was found a bit ago in my parents backyard.

It's Official....

2009-04-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

The house is up for sale! We've talked about it off and on and have decided that it 's time. I have mixed feelings about it. We've been in our home 6 years and remodeled etc to make it our own and update it. We have wonderful neighbors.....but it feels right to go. We are doing For Sale by owner and the economy is tanking so I don't think we will be selling anytime soon. Now I just have to keep my house clean, just in case....

Strawberries.......

2009-03-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Strawberries were on sale for $.89 at the veggie market so I grabbed some and had forgotten that I had ordered a flat for a fundraiser. Those strawberries showed up last night. Now I have around 12 pounds of yummy strawberries....and they are really ripe. Today I made about a 3month supply of freezer jam. Which I will use some of in this recipe:

LOW-FAT STRAWBERRY -CINNAMON MUFFINS
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup vanilla fat free yogurt
1/4 cup butter melted
3 TBSP. 1% milk
1 large egg beaten
Cooking Spray
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 TBSP. Sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375
2.Combine flour through salt in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Combine yogurt, butter, milk, and egg in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
3.Place 12 cup liners in muffin cups; coat liners with cooking spray. Spoon 1 TBSP batter into each liner. Top each with 1 tsp. jam. Top evenly with remaining batter. Combine 1 TBSP sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon; sprinkle over the batter. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes. Remove from pan. Enjoy!

The rest I think will be frozen for smoothies, and this recipe I have to try when it gets really warm...which won't be long here. I found it on this blog.

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE SLUSH

1 cup frozen lemon juice

5 frozen strawberries

water, ice

sugar to taste (it really depends on the sweetness of your lemons and strawberries)

Blend in your blender until smooth (I use my Bosch blender attachment)

Books..

2009-03-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden my house is exploding with books. My boys have really gotten into reading and have not stopped. I love it. I do find that between the used book stores and the library , oh and scholastic, it can get a bit crazy. One of my boys has started reading The Hardy Boys so..
this has lead to..
Nothing like watching the Hardy Boys with their long feather hair and nylon short shorts running from the bad guys. Gotta love the '70's. My kids seem to.

Magic Bars...Original and Chocolate!

2009-03-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I completely spaced sending these recipes to a friend so I am blogging them. If you haven't had Magic Bars you are missing out. They are a favorite at my house and I have made them two ways. One with a graham cracker base and one with brownie as the base.

MAGIC BARS

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 can condensed milk (14 oz.)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 1/3 cups coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle graham crumbs over butter in pan. Carefully drizzle condensed milk over the top trying to get it as even as possible. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top, followed by butterscotch chips. Then sprinkle coconut followed by the nuts. With your hand , press down slightly all over. Bake at 350 for around 25 minutes or until lightly brown. Cut when cool. Enjoy!

The Chocolate Magic Bar
The recipe is the same except....instead of graham crackers you use a brownie mix(8x8 or 9x9 whatever). Melt butter in 9x13 pan sprinkle dry brownie mix evenly over the top. Follow the above recipe.

The Perfect Baked Potato

2009-03-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

My kids LOVE baked potatoes. So when I came across this method of baking potatoes, I had to try it. This will give you the perfect baked potato...crunchy skin and a middle that is fluffy.

THE PERFECT BAKED POTATO
10 or more large Russet baking potatoes.

1. Preheat your oven 475.(I use a roaster oven in the summer)
2. Scrub the skins under cold water. Pat dry. Poke each potato twice with a fork. Bake, uncovered(No Foil!) directly on the oven rack. Bake for 1 hour.
3.Let cool a little and then load 'em up. We love the basic butter, sour cream, chives but also add anything from cheese and bacon to guacamole.
P.S. I like to bake a few extra for twice baked potatoes.Yum!

A Few Of My Favorite Things....

2009-03-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

My favorite things(at this moment):

*Joy...

Congratulations Marcy!

*Unexpected Finds...

Lunch plates from the 40's/50's. Now I am on the lookout for the cups. The complete sets look like this.

My vintage 100% cashmere coat for ....$5!

*Books that make life easier:*Movies that make you think....
*Local escapes from Suburbia....

PORTLAND.....

2009-03-05T08:01:00.001-08:00

We had decided to take a train from Seattle to Portland...here is what we learned from this experience:
1. Obviously, go during the day if you want scenery.
2. Upgrade to Business class so you can avoid sitting next to the young mom with a two year old, that she did not give a nap in hopes he would sleep and was drinking a screwdriver to take the edge off.
3. Be prepared for delays. In our case, the lady wiping out on the platform, and then having to follow a slow freight train.
We did eventually arrive in Oregon to see my sister and her family.

We loved Portland. The area is beautiful, the city is full of funky shops and places to eat. We spent time in the Pearl District...
Eating at Burgerville, as close to eco-friendly and natural fast food you can get.
Greg and I went to E. Burnside and to dinner at Doug Fir Lounge. The shops on the street were closed but I plan on checking out a few of the vintage ones next time I am up there.
We were also able to catch up with old friends that we had not seen in a long time.

We drove up to the coast in the rain, had dinner together at a great place and then one quick photo op by the ocean. It was freezing!
We left the next day but had a great trip. The area is just beautiful and it's winter..in the summer I can only imagine how gorgeous it would be.
Now, here is the random photo from the trip...loved this chandelier my friend had hanging in her house. Now we are home in very warm weather, but home.

Seattle...

2009-03-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Greg and I flew into Seattle to see my friend Amber and her family. After leaving 85 degree weather and waking up to this...beautiful. The rest of the day was sunny and we spent it checking out the city.The Market The fruit photo Greg made fun of me for taking!

The Ferry

After a day in the city we had to say our good-byes and head on the train....

Nothing Like His Mama

2009-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

People tell me all the time how Gavin looks like me. I can see why it happens. My other two look just like their dad. Gabriel is a mini Greg and Isa well, she looks like him to. So, naturally it's assumed Gavin looks like me. I have known ever since Gavin opened his big brown eyes he was all his dad's side of the family. The Peruvian side. I took photo's at the last family gathering and it is proof Gavin looks nothing like his mama. Of course, I forgot to turn on the flash so they are not the best photos but proof none the less.Gavin with his Abuela.

With his Uncle Luis.

Not looking much like me.....they just all have my adorable personality. LOL!

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!

2009-02-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, seven years ago the adventure began.....

30 little fingers to hold, 30 toes to kiss.

Three months old!

Happy Birthday to my kiddo's! Even though Gavin and Isa and by the end of the day Greg, were sick we still started the day with the requested breakfast of champions!
And of course presents.
Gabriel trying out his new skateboard....Gavin is looking forward to trying his out when he feels better.
Isa is Peek-A-Boo obsessed.
One of the faves was U.B. Funkies...how does Grandma find out out about this stuff before I do?
We ended a great day with pizza and sang Happy Birthday over Oreo milkshakes. ( Kids decided to skip the candles...).

Miracle Grow and yummy Peanut Thai Sauce

2009-01-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

Look what my garden grew! I wish I could say it was the result of hard work and loving care but I pretty much forgot about them. One of my kids informed me we had broccoli. This is pretty exciting since it grew on it's own in sand. (The kids were more excited about the inch worms.) Garden fresh veggies are so yummy...just wish everything grew this way!
I also wanted to include this recipe for a Peanut Sauce. This is one of my favorite sauces. I use it as a dip for veggies, or pot stickers. I also will use it as a sauce with noodles and chicken. Yum!Enjoy.

Thai-Style Peanut Sauce

4 cloves of garlic
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 TBSP vegetable oil
4 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
1 TBSP. red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 TBSP onion powder
1 TBSP Asian (dark) sesame oil
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional depends on how hot your kids like things)

1. Peel the garlic. With blender or food processor on , drop the garlic cloves in one at a time, through the opening in the lid. Chop fine.
2. Pour the lime juice into the blender container. Stop the blender add all the remaining ingredients, along with 1/2 cup water. Pulse on high speed until the ingredients are combined, about 5 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the container and pulse 3 or 4 more times. The sauce is ready to use. It can be refrigerated or frozen.
Cheap.Fast.Good. Cookbook

The Month of the Baby Showers!

2009-01-15T08:36:00.001-08:00

Kids are in school so I have had a few minutes to sew. I am surrounded by friends having babies. I had 4 baby showers this month. So this month was all about the baby! In honor of little J being born to our friends and RockBand mates he needed this:
I've been seeing these nursing covers at boutiques,they are called bosom buddies or commonly known as Hooter Hiders(so glad I did not have to google that!). Came across this blog and she gives a tutorial on how to make them..Made by the Mama Monster. So, of course I had to make one. If you don't sew she sells them for around 20.00 (good price). If you want me to sew one up for you or someone just email me. I would charge around the same depending on the fabric. They are not difficult to sew.

Here is a link on how to sew receiving blankets:Craft Apple. This blanket is to wrap up little Lucy when she comes! So excited for all these babies. I get to hold them and love on them and then send them home with mom!

Few Of My Favorite Things

2009-01-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

My favorite things since the last post:

* My Husband! We celebrated our 12 year anniversary this past week. Love Him!

Cool and clueless!

Less Cool, less clueless and loving every moment of it!

*Family: Rachel spent a week visiting so we were all together again. We had a great time, the kids had so much fun. Looking forward to her next visit or ours.

The cousins.
Family.

* Possibilities: Not sure if it's going to be one of my favorite things but I signed up for an online college class. One of my goals was to use my time wisely. I am the only sibling without a degree and it's time to start working on it. Don't ask what in yet....but I am excited about all the possibilities!

* The hat Greg surprised me with. Don't you love it. It needs to be colder so I can wear it more often.

* Rupa and the April Fishes! This is my new dance around the house favorite.

Party at the P's

2009-01-08T13:28:00.001-08:00

Cousins are in town and we had them over the other night. They decided they needed to dance:

Love my nephew:)!

The New Year

2009-01-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

So, now we say good bye to 2008. A year of many changes for myself and for family. Some were good, some heartbreaking, and some triumphant as we see the power of family and friends and how prayer and service make all the difference. I am not a big new years resolution person but this year I am setting some goals. With my kiddo's in school I have alot of time on my hands and I feel this time is a blessing depending on how I use it. One thing is for sure, no more excuses with the getting healthy goals! After 3 weeks of pure indulgence the need for a sugar buzz is worse than ever. It doesn't help that as life continues on and obviously none of us are getting any younger fun little things from those lovely genetics start showing up around you reminding you of the need to take better care of yourself. So, I am hoping alot of this:
Some of this:
Will help me stop the craving for this: Love it!
And yummy desserts like these: (Don't worry recipe to follow!)
So here's to 2009, a chance for change, for growth and no more Dr. Pepper:(!

The Best Layer Dessert Ever!
(Don't let the pistachio throw you. My mom used it one time and we have loved it ever since! You can substitute with pudding of your choice, we have made it with chocolate but still love the pistachio.)

Mix together and press in a 9 x 13 pan:
1 stick of butter
1 c. flour
1 c. finely chopped nuts
Bake 20 minutes at 350. Cool.

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese ( i have used low-fat but prefer regular)
2 c. powdered sugar
2 c. Cool Whip
Mix. Spread on crust. (Put in fridge while making next layer.)

2 3.5 oz. boxes of Pistachio instant pudding.
2 1/2 c. milk.
Mix. Beat until set. Spread over first layer.(Put in fridge while making next layer)

2 3.5 oz boxs of Vanilla instant pudding.
2 1/2 c. milk
Mix. Beat until set. Spread over pistachio layer.

Cover with remaining Cool Whip. You can sprinkle nuts on the top if you want.
Refridgerate. Enjoy!

This dessert is as tasty for breakfast as cheese cake!

Holidays

2009-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am hoping all had a wonderful holiday season. Ours was filled with family, friends, and of course food. Toys were put together. Many games played (I am currently the Pokeman Master) and lots of time together.

I think one of our favorite days was New Years. We spent New Year's Eve with friends and the kids stayed up until midnight! It has been years since Greg and I have stayed up to celebrate and we had a great time. New Years day we took the kids up to the snow. It was their first time in snow and they had so much fun.

Few Of My Favorite Things

2008-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, here are a few of my favorite things from this crazy week!

* Going to the Nutcracker with my daughter and friends! We went to lunch and then watched the Matinee. I barely finished her dress in time (it had lining and many other things that were a first for me!) and she loved it! (Huge sigh of relief). We had a great time.
*Family Gatherings. We were supposed to go to the Temple lights but it was raining so we visited, ate Mom's homemade cinnamon rolls with hot chocolate and of course played RockBand!

*The huge Candy Cane Bagels a neighbor dropped off, these were good!
*Button Ribbon from Anthropolgie. I almost skipped putting it on my friends gift but knew she would love it so...I buttoned it on!
* Paper Star Ornaments! For some reason I thought the kids had school until Tues. next week. Why? I don't know, so when Thursday night came and I realized that I needed teacher gifts for the next day... Paper Star ornaments saved me! The template etc. is on BHG web page.
*The adorable matching Mom and daughter matching aprons my friend sewed up that I don't have a photo of since I have been wearing it nonstop while I Holiday bake!

Christmas Lights and Ginger Cookies

2008-12-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas and my kids are still going to school like this:

It's going to be in the 70's again this weekend. I don't want to freeze but i would love to wear a sweater because it's actually cold. Now I just wear a sweater because It feels wrong to go into the holidays with out them. I have yet to wear one all day. Such a bummer!

We hit the temple lights this weekend.Amber and her kids came along and then we had hot chocolate and cookies at my house. Did I mention I am going t miss Amber? We had a bunch of cookies left over so we had friends over again Sunday night for hot chocolate and cookies. My kids were in heaven...two night in a row of cocoa and marshmallows? It doesn't get much better than that to 6 year olds.

Here is the link to the Soft Ginger Cookies I made. They are Greg's new favorite and are even yummier dipped in your hot chocolate. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Brownies

2008-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

O.K. bought way to many sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving so in my recipe search I came across this one.. and it is a way yummy way to get your beta carotene! Don't have a photo they went to fast. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato (yam) Brownies

1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups peeled and finely shredded yam (raw, no need to cook)
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in the shredded yam. Spread the batter evenly in the greased baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center, comes out clean. Mix together the confectioners' sugar, butter and milk until smooth. Spread over the brownies while they are still warm. They will absorb some of the glaze. Serve hot or warm.

Food, Family, Friends

2008-11-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Weekend! I hosted Thanksgiving at my house this year and it went great. Small crowd with much of the family out of town. Good food, much to be thankful for. As we filled out our thankful for... leaves Isa put on our plates my husbands was "It's Over"! He loves it when I am the hostess. I really do have a great deal to be thankful for but will spare you my list as we each have our own.
Friday was get together with Amber and the kids day as both of our husbands were working. Have I mentioned that Amber is leaving me and going back to Washington? I am will miss her tons. So we have the girls making felt cupcake ornaments, and Amber picked the new thing for us to make.
Amber picks these really fun wallets made from laminated magazine photos. The tutorial is from Sew Liberated which is a great blog. So, basically you take these..
Cut them out..
Then ya sew 'em together.
Then you have a lovely wallet like the ones on the Sew Liberated blog. Well, if you ignore the wonky stitches, needle holes etc., it is pretty close.

2008-11-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

My husband finds these very amusing so when we came across this one.. here's my not much of anything for the few who happen upon my blog today!

New and Easy recipe I tried last week:

EASY AND DELICIOUS CHICKEN: Not the prettiest but easy, very kid friendly and tasty.

Thrift Store Find:
I have recently been looking for old patterns at thrift stores. Not easy to come by since most are size specific but I found a few the other day and am really excited about this one! It's from 1967 and not even cut!.30 cents.
I'm thinking of making it in the background fabric if I have enough.

My sister-in-law and her good friend came over the other night and this movie came up in comversation. Watch it, you will not be disappointed.

SPICY BEEF BURROS

2008-11-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

If you happened to have the classic pot roast for Sunday dinner and now you need to find a way to use it up these are it. My mom came up with these when she had a house full of kids & teens to feed.

SPICY BEEF BURROS
Tortillas
Leftover Roast Beef
Refried Beans
Pepper Jack Cheese Grated
Any other fixings you like in your burros: guac, sour cream, rice,cheddar cheese

* Break up the leftover pot roast into a skillet and turn the heat on to medium. As the meat warms up stir some salsa into the meat. Make sure the meat is well coated and let it warm evenly.

*Heat up some refried beans.

Take your tortillas spread your beans and then add beef, grated pepper jack cheese, and any other fixings you want! Yum! My mom would make them with just the meat, beans and cheese, wrap them up and throw them in the fridge. Whenever we needed a quick bite we would grab one, heat it up and head out the door to the next activity.

For Thor's Sake!

2008-11-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else happy that Halloween is over? Putting kids in costumes four different times was a little much this year! Isa decided on Little Red Riding Hood and the boys love the Hiccup Haddock Viking adventures and so Vikings they were.
Amazing what a little tape, milk jug and paint can become!

* Swappy Goodness! I received my swap gift and figure my swap partner received hers and so I can post what I sent! I made the apron from a vintage pillowcase I had picked up from a thrift store. It's my first attempt at at an apron, so it's far from perfect but I was loving it! I also sent a frame I added paper and distressing to but I forgot to take a photo.
I received (it's so fun to receive packages in the mail!) ....
A piece of molding from a house built in the 1890's with some great knobs on it and some apple cider wrapped in a wall paper that I thought was pretty great as well. Thanks, Sarah!

O.K. So here's my mom moment of the week! I stop behind someone at a light and my daughter had been complaining about her stomach hurting and I was not to worried about it, we were on our way home, when she starts to throw up all over the back seat. So, naturally I turn around and start looking for a bag or something and with out realizing it had taken my foot slightly off the brake. Well, it was enough to hit the person if front of me. Nice! I get out of the car and start telling the guy how sorry I was and that my daughter was puking all over the back of the van ...they just looked at me , spoke basically no English, saw that my van did nothing to their truck, I was left with a permanent hitch mark on the front of mine and they figured it was all good! Yeah no police, just puke and a small dent! Good Times!

PUMPKIN PANCAKES AND BREAD RECIPE

2008-10-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's Fall! Well, when it no longer hits 100 we call it fall. So..time to pull out the pumpkin recipes. Here are a few of my favorites! Have the pancakes with caramel syrup aka dragon spit at my house. I've blogged that recipe on an earlier post!

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 c. flour
3 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. vinegar
In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin, milk, egg, oil, & vinegar. Combine the dry ingredients, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

Heat a oiled griddle over medium high heat. Brown on both sides. (if you prefer a thinner batter just add a little more milk)

PUMPKIN BREAD

1 1/2 c. flour plus 2 Tbsp.
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground clove
1/8 tsp. ginger
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. solid packed pumpkin puree
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1/3 c. water
2 eggs

1. Grease and flour a medium bread pan. preheat oven to 350.
2. Measure flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl. Add water, pumpkin, vegetable oil, eggs, and nuts. Beat or stir until combined. Pour into bread pan.
3. Bake 1 hour.

What's New?

2008-10-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Not much...

* Kids were home for fall break all last week. I don't ever remember taking a fall break ...do you?
We stayed in town and kept busy with little things. We checked out The Riparian Preserve and went to the movies, busted out the new Batman Lego's and we had a good week.
* Ladies night hosted by my talented friend and neighbor. It was all about paper this time so we each picked what we wanted to work on. Here's the results..(Mom did the BOO hanging! Love it!)
We had a great time, lots of chatting and laughs and of course food. I brought one of my favorite dessert breads. Here is the link to the recipe, it makes two loaves...one for home and one to give away..yum! Poppy Seed Bread with Glaze!
* Seriously..but I did actually finish something! Happy Birthday (a little late) to my niece. There may be hope!

* Sewing..I seem to be doing quite a bit lately so here's a few things that have been keeping me busy: I needed to make something from something I had for a church display..so I made my daughter a skirt from a pillowcase. I thought it was cute,she of course, will not wear it. Baby Gifts:

Happy Birthday to three more nieces:These skirts are so easy. No pattern needed..just a little measuring and gathering (and sewing of course).
Now on to the next projects, the garden, yummy pumpkin bread and finishing my swap projects!

Pears...and then more pears....

2008-10-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished canning 36 quarts of pears. I picked up two boxes on Tues. and they seemed to ripen overnight. Naturally it's when I have 2 kids just getting over the stomach flu and when we are getting the Boston Terrier we are fostering. Yeah! Mom came and saved the day! It was hard work but I loved it. I loved canning with my mom just like I did when I was a kid. Then turning around and that night peeling pears with my son, talking about life, "friendship things", school. I don't remember the conversations I had with my mom but since I never stopped talking I'm sure it was similar. It's amazing how the simple things in life have the most impact.

Sweet Pork Mex Salad (Cafe Rio Style)

2008-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

So I received a few requests to blog this recipe so here it is. Is it just like Cafe Rio's yummy salads..no, but pretty darn close. The other great thing about it is if you get pork butt roast(which is not literally butt ..had to research that as I wasn't sure I could go there) on sale you can feed a group for the cost of a salad a drink at the restaurant. Here Goes:

Sweet Pork Fresh Mex Salad

LAYER
Tortilla
Black Beans
Cilantro Lime Rice
Chopped Romaine Lettuce or Spinach
Sweet Pork
Guacamole
Pico De Gallo
Tortilla Strips
Lime Wedge
Tomatillo Ranch Dressing

SWEET SHREDDED PORK
5 lbs Butt Pork Roast (bone in)
1/4 c. ketchup
1/4c. soy sauce
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
2 fresh garlic bulbs minced
1/2 c. chicken broth

Cover bottom of crock pot with water. Place pork in crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours. Or place pork in a 9x13 pan and cover w/ aluminum foil. Bake @ 325 for 5-6hrs. Take pork out and shred. In a sauce pan combine the rest of the ingredients and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Pour over pork and serve.

CILANTRO LIME RICE
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tsp. grated lime peel
1/8-1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 c. chicken broth
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Combine rice, garlic, lime peel, pepper and broth in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in cilantro.

TOMATILLO RANCH DRESSING
2 c. mayo
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 jalapeno seeded
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 toamatillos (take off outside paper)

Blend all ingredients together in blender or food processor. Refrigerate for an hour or two.

GUACAMOLE
As you like it. I mash avocado's, add salt to taste, a little lime juice and some fine chopped cilantro. yum!

PICO DE GALLO

I do not like the canned tomatoe recipe this came with so here is mine:

1/2 red onion chopped
1/2 yellow onion chopped
1-2 jalapeno peppers, use serrano peppers if you like hot
4 sprigs of cilantro, chopped fine
2 green onions, chopped fine
1-2 cloves garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
squeeze of fresh lime juice

Combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for a least 30 minutes. (This recipe makes alot..scale down if you are only feeding a few).
Enjoy!

And what's for dinner tonight? I am trying this recipe. I have a few spaghetti squash to use up and so we are giving this one a try. Serving it with steamed carrots and Fresh Limeade . Hope it's as good as it sounds!

P.S. Came across this dressing recipe that claims it tastes just like the Cafe Rio one..give it a try if you want and let me know!

House Dressing
1 dry buttermilk ranch packet (like Hidden Valley)
1 cup buttermilk (we substitute this with sour cream)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tomatillos (husk removed & diced) .
½ bunch of cilantro
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lime
1 Jalapeno
Blend all ingredients in blender and refrigerate for 1-2 hours

What's New?

2008-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

So here's what's new...

* A shorter haircut.. soo forgot to hit the Macro Focus!

* My Pumpkins. They are not really new. Amber and I got together with our Goodwill pumpkins, mod podged some ripped up books. I had a few Spiderwick Chronicle ones from some cereal boxes, hit the the dollar store for a crow and leaves and done! No guilt crafting . Love it!* Yeah! My swap partner. Wild Whimsy! Hmm..have an idea!

*Joined the Gym..sigh! Must be done! It is so not in the budget so my soda habit is going to have to pay for it! Those QT visits add up. So, this one I'm sucking down right now is the last. I should probably be avoided for the next few days, could get ugly!

* My fabulous finds..went to TJ MAxx to get something for one of my boys and came home with a few lovelies. I rarely post about my shopping ventures, most likely due to the lack of them but this time...I had to since they were all 3.00 and under.

Swap!

2008-09-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! I'm actually posting two days in a row! I was going on about my trip and wanted to keep this separate. I am taking part in my first craft swap. My friend Amber is doing it. She was picked up by SwapDex and people from all over are signing up. Go to her blog if you want to participate the theme is recycle, use what you've already got! Oh, I forgot to mention I went to SCRAP in SF. A place where people in the industrial area etc. drop off everything they don't need. Including fabric. So, here's a photo of some of my loot..not bad for $15. My sister-in-law also insisted I take some fabric from her. If you insist...now I just need to start sewing.!

San Francisco

2008-09-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

I really haven't ditched the whole blog thing. My life has truly been crazy these past few weeks and it is finally starting to calm down a bit. After I babysat my aunts four pugs for four days, had friends over for Indie film night, hosted a family gathering. I had to start getting ready for our week in San Fransisco. This would not usually be a big deal except that we were driving(13 hours, with kids), staying with my sister-in-law who is organic and 98% raw food follower, and where it is 40 degrees cooler then home. Oh, did I mention we were on a budget? What was saved in the envelope was what we had to spend! So, I was a little stressed prepping for the trip, but finally we hit the road with only a few forgotten items, the cord to my camera so I would be able to blog while we were gone..the camcorder...Science Center passes so we could get into the museums for free...oh and my pj's! Guess what...everything worked out and we had a great time. Here are a few photo's etc. from our trip:
We took the train and the bus to Pier 39 and China Town.
Pier 39
We hit Ghirardelli Square for cupcakes..and as I was eating my $3.50 cupcake I kept thinking Chocolate cupcake with caramel filling and ganache frosting ...how hard can it be? So, I promised my husband some by the end of the week . We'll see if I pull it off.
China Town for fake swords, good food and the boys favorite part...Jamues' five bags of smoke bombs!
We went to the Marina spent the day at the Exploratorium.
Walked the bridge.
Went to Marine County which is beautiful and saw Red Wood trees and then even though it was 65 degrees out we went to the beach. I froze and Isa, Greg and Monica collected shells, the boys....swam.

We really did have a wonderful, busy week full of visiting, ethnic food and first time experiences for the kids. Groucho was so happy to have us home, I think he may have been a little stressed...
so thank you to all who looked after him.

Thunder & Lightning

2008-08-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing thunder storm last night. I woke up around 3 am and the house was shaking. I was wondering if my kiddo's would wake up and sure enough the fast pitter patter of feet were coming down the hall. We had all 5 of us in the bed last night. Thank goodness it didn't last to long. My kids are taking up alot more room than they used to!
We went to the Abuelo's last night to help clean out a room and my abuela was going to give her viking sewing machine to the Goodwill! I inherited it and am so excited! It's an oldie but I will be able to go where my cheapie singer could never take me! No more jamming and borrowing my friends machine to sew through anything thick! I also picked up a used serger and I am set! Now I just need to actually finish some projects! I did finish a wedding present well sort of.. I needed a little thinking of you for a couple I know from church. I decided to make a napkin set(handmade pledge!) which is fine but the matching case I found a tutorial for on sewmamasew.com
is so cute and I did not have time to make it! Cute gift idea you can find it under their tutorial contest winners on their blog!
My friend Amber saw these cute earrings at Urban Outfitters and made some (and then sweetly gave them to me!!)! Are they not the coolest little earrings ever! Love it!!
I also had my nephew over this weekend! Of course it was Rockband night and pancakes with dragon spit (buttermilk syrup) the next morning! We are excited to see him again in September when we hit San Fransisco!
Oh Tia! Lookie what I have for you!

Lunch Alone..... Again!

2008-08-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

The kids have been in school for a few weeks now and I have to admit I am having a harder time this year than last. I think it's because I had the kids half day for part of the year and then my husband was home when they went full day as he was 2nd shift. Now it's just me. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty to do and crafting ADD is in full force. I have projects partly done and thoughts all over the place . There is just something about making myself lunch and sitting there eating by myself that is taking some getting used to. I need to get used to it. This will be my life for a long time. As far as my inability to focus on my sewing projects, I did finish a few. I whipped up a couple headbands, one for a friend and one for a gift. I wear these all the time because they are wide and look good with short or long hair. Speaking of long hair, thought of you Becca P. You need one of these cuties so I will whip you up one! I also finished a matching shoe and bib set for a friend of mine and I did this decorative stitch around the edge and it was a baseball print fabric and I forgot to take a picture!
A Few Of My Favorite Things:
*I have not had TV for over a year now and do not regret my decision. I have been able to catch the few just can't miss shows (Lost), on the major networks websites. ABC, NBC, and FOX all show current full episodes. Bravo on the other does not! So, I have missed Project Runway... until now! Yeah! neolimmik83 on Youtube show all the current episodes and you can even view them on high quality. It's broken onto 4 segments but who cares.. no commercials!
*Friend who dreads school skate parties as much as I do so we ditched and took the kids to the pool! Had a great time!
*My new fabrics! I was talked into the Floral and Polka-Dot combo. It's really growing on me! I'm thinking maybe a little scripture or notebook tote.When I saw the scooter I thought of my friend Darbs! Hmmm...
*The dresser I picked up from a neighbors front yard who was donating it. I had to push it down the street on a dolly (sp) with a flat tire in 180 degree weather. But it will be worth it when I paint it white and add some funky knobs! My little girl will love it!
*I love these bars! They are fiber candy bars. My grocery store has had them on sale for a few weeks for $1 a box. Do you think if the world was coming to an end I could survive on these? I sure am stocking up like I could! *My husband found this website pandora.com and it is a site that will stream music for free. You pick a few of your favorite bands or songs and it will create a station for you based on your choices. You can add more variety, mark if you do or do not like a song. I don't have an ipod yet so I just have this playing on my laptop or computer and there are no advertisements! Love It!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things....

2008-08-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

You know how there are just little things in your week that make you smile...well, here are a few of mine since the last time I've blogged.
The first day of school. Yes, it's a beautiful thing...not just for me but for them they were definitely needing a change of pace. I know in about a week I'm going to miss them a bit but I must say I have really been loving the past few days.

Don't they look thrilled? Of course this is the only one where everyone is clear. I don't know if I just take crappy photos or if I had changed the setting on my camera inadvertently.
The MAC Pro my husband picked up on craig's list. She is beautiful and she has photoshop cs. Sigh..now I just need to learn how to use her. My husband has not been able to do anything else he has fully converted to the MAC side. I will take the plunge soon,watch the tutorials and will be a MAC user before long.(ichatting with my sister really made me smile, I have not seen her for awhile, now she is just a click away.)

Having friends over for dinner and having a great time! I tried a new recipe Amazing Brown Rice Salad Yum! If you double the recipe just use 1 1/2 cups of the balsamic vinaigrette. I'm thinking next time I will add some pecans or pine nuts.

Little thinking of you just because. Love the button!
Given a subscription to Family Fun magazine. Tons of cute crafty ideas!

Perfect No Bake Cookie for breakfast! Sometimes these turn out dry, or they don't set up depending on if you got the boiling time just right. they were perfect this batch. Love dessert with breakfast. (Not around my kids of course!)

I rarely buy movies, but I love this one and saw it in a bargain bin so I had to buy it! I finally had a chance to watch it again and if you haven't seen it you should check it out! Hopefully you will enjoy it!
Last only because it happened today. Spending a whole day hanging out with a gf and going from Goodwill to Anthropolgie (which just opened up by my house).Major visual stimulation. So much fun!

I Can Do This!! And The Recipe For Cookie Dough Brownies

2008-08-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a gf's house with the kids for a play date which was great since I had not seen this friend in awhile do to her many travels. So we are chatting and I notice she is a little more glowy if there is such a word ( not that kind of glowy) and it's not her new fab hair color either. Then I found out why. She has taken the leap. The mostly raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain leap. The leap that has been nagging me for quite some time. So now what? How do I hang out with a glowing healthy getting thinner gf and justify the fabulous toxic food that has been weighing me down? I don't think I can. I may just have to take this leap and join the good side. She has inspired me as she snacked on her whole raw almonds. I do believe for the sanity of my family I will leap when school has started for the kids. That gives me a few days to mentally and physically prepare and then the kids won't have to tolerate my crankiness as much as I chew on my veggies. That said I did receive a request for a recipe. So here is the recipe for yummy Cookie Dough Brownies ( if you haven't leaped yet these are good!)

Cookie Dough Brownies

2 c. sugar 1 c. vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. flour 4 eggs
1/2 c. cocoa (baking) 2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Filling:
1/2 c. softened butter 2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. sugar 1 c. flour

Glaze:
1 c. chocolate chips 3/4 c. nuts (optional)
1 Tbsp. shortening

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa and salt. Add oil, eggs and vanilla and beat at a medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in walnuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Cool completely.
For filling: Cream butter and sugars in a mixing bowl. Add milk and vanilla and mix well. Beat in flour and spread over brownies. Chill until firm.
For glaze: Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Spread over filling. Immediately sprinkle with nuts.

Vacation @ Home!

2008-08-04T20:20:00.001-07:00

I was on vacation last week. My husband says it's not really a vacation , more like just some days off since we stayed home. It was our first non vacation and it was great. I had read an article in a magazine about a family that stayed home, hired a housekeeper for the week, had in home massages, daily activities but the comfort of their own beds. I did not have the luxury of hiring a housekeeper or getting a massage but I did have the comfort of my own bed, catnaps, and fun activities with the family.
We had a BBQ with friends, X-Box marathon, finished some much needed projects,caught a movie. We took the kids to a local pool and they loved it.

We also hit the Science Center for their Grossology Exhibit. All about the gross things our bodies do.
There were lovely things to smell...
Yes, grown adults were partcipating not to mention my son..
So, as you can imagine the kids had a great time and actually learned a thing or two. We decided not to camp and just take a day trip up to the water hole again. We swam and fished for crawdads. Grandma and Grandpa came and even rode in the van with us. They quickly took up our offer to let them drive home and we sit in the back with the kids. Good Times!

School starts in a few days and my crafty project list is getting long. Will miss the kiddo's but looking forward to a crafty thing or two or three. If you don't see a blog posted for a bit or the phone is not being answered after the kids go to bed it's because this has arrived:
A book I know I will like.

Alfredo Sauce

2008-07-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

I made this Alfredo sauce the other day and it is easy, fast and yummy. I hate paying for mediocre sauce at a restaurant and even scarier concoctions from a jar. I forgot to take a picture so you'll just have to make it to see it!

1/2 c. butter ( not margarine!)
1 8 oz. package cream cheese (I've used low fat and it works)cut in chunks
2 garlic cloves minced
2 cups milk( you can use whole, 2%, half-&-half, cream or combination)
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese from green bottle to start or 6 oz. of grated Parm. cheese
1/8 tsp. pepper
pinch of nutmeg

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and then throw in your garlic for a few minutes. Add your cream cheese, stir with a wire whisk until it is smooth. Slowly pour in your milk, a little at a time continue whisking to make it smooth. Stir in your Parmesan cheese if you are using the powdered you may want to add a little more until you like the consistency. Add a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat. The sauce does thicken quickly, you can always thin it with a little milk. Toss with some hot pasta and enjoy. I frequently add grilled chicken or shrimp and it's fabulous! Enjoy!

2008-07-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I remember when I started school we would have our little pencil box with our basic pencils, eraser, glue, maybe scissors and then some paper. I don't remember this: This is not everything and then their are fees. There are definetly pros and cons with going the charter route. The pros most often outweigh the cons and a friend of mine is having to spend quite a bit more for her kids charter school so I really shouldn't complain. I was just a little surprised. Now I know what to expect.
Ta Da! I finally finished one of the projects on my list:

Love this dress! When it's 130 degrees outside, I'm wearing this linen baby. I really should have taken photos with it on but I always forget. It's a NewLook (super cheapie love that!) pattern. It says 2 hours and that is a lie of course. I was also sewing along and the B word showed up. I hate bias tape, let alone have it sewn in the armpits. So I had some changes to do (also skipped the button waste of time) and came out with a comfy dress. I am also looking forward to next week. Vacation! Am I going anywhere exciting? No! Do I care? No! My man is home for a whole week and there will be no 5am alarm, no call and no stress, well I'm pushing it with the no stress but I am pretty excited.

Escape To The Mountains!

2008-07-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! I took kind of a unintentional blog break there. I've been kid busy as the kids don't like their summer program and often refuse to go so my free time is limited. We did escape to the mountains last week to stay at a cabin/lodge with family. It was so much fun. We had our share of sickness, bumps and bruises, laughs and surprises and it was great. In my original draft I was in a panic with my inability to figure out this knitting stuff and then by some miracle and two weeks of frustration, I actually pulled something off that looked like knitting for my class. The ladies there told me I am probably one of those who takes awhile but then the light bulb turns on and everything comes easy. I'm not easily offended when people mean well so, I am just sitting here in my knitting darkness and keep hoping every time I rip it out that little bulb is going to light up! I only have one more class so if the switch doesn't go off, Oh Well!

2008-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

We had a very fun and busy fourth of July weekend. We had breakfast at the church and the kids decorated their bikes for the parade.Of course the parade consisted of everyone doing laps around the gym due to the high risk of heat stroke if they had it outside. We had a fun swim party at my sister-in-laws. A storm blew in and it rained and the weather cooled down so we were able to sit outside and visit! It was great.<

I also attended my first knitting class. I am taking knitting for two reasons.
1- Something to do when I am at my kids gymnastics class for and hour and a half. (I don't always have a good book on hand)
2- I am in love with the idea of beanie hats and those skate caps for boys!
So I'm taking this class at The Fiber Factory on Main St.
(Great street filled with all kinds of boutiques etc. If you haven't been in awhile check it out). I'm thinking maybe I'll go to this class and bust out with some serious knitting talent I didn't know I had. Reality check! I am casting on for the third time listening to the other ladies squeal because the purl stitch does make it look like a sweater and comment on how this is relaxing. I am on the verge of a migraine. But, I will prevail, I did finish a few rows and am hoping that my 6 inches of knitting due next week will slightly resemble a stockinette stitch . I will also make a cap it just might not be anytime soon.

Huh...What...?

2008-07-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

*FINALLY!! After almost 3 weeks of 110 weather and sick kids. We are finally able to go swimming and leave the house! Gabriel was sick and had the grand finale ear drum rupture and to the day the next week Gavin had it and decided even after starting meds he couldn't be out done by his brother and his ear drum ruptured. So far Isa has not been sick. So, tomorrow we swim and actually hang out with family and I'm looking forward to it.

* I'm a little jealous of the little cupcake card holder. It is on it's way to Malaysia and I only got to go as far as my local post office.

* Isa decided that an apron must be made of the remaining cupcake material. It's actually a tea towel I had purchased post Valentines and I loved the print and had been waiting to use it for something. Of course it couldn't be a waist apron. So with a little cutting and ribbon ties etc. I was able to create a little something. It's far from perfect but I'm proud of it ( just don't look to close!).

* Went to my first Diamondback's baseball game. Not much of a sport's girl but we went with some friends, had great seats and it was a good time. I was bummed I forgot my camera.

* Tonight is Knitting 101! We'll see how it goes!

And The Winner Is.....

2008-06-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Bunny B! Thanks gals for the comments and visiting Life's Delish! Oh and thanks to the gf's who put the word out!

Lemon Bars

2008-06-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have yet to find a lemon bar recipe I love as much as my Grandma's. I made them the other day and thought I would share. There are a few things that guarantee success, you must use real butter in the crust, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Enjoy! These may make your summer a little more delish!

Lemon Bars
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter, soft
Mix well, then pat into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 mins.

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
6 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon rind
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup flour

Beat eggs, add sugar; mix well. Add lemon juice, lemon rind. Fold in baking powder, flour. Pour above mixture over baked mixture; then bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. When done sift powdered sugar over top. When cool cut into squares. I love them cold! Enjoy!

I Really Like Mine Soo.. I'm Giving One Away

2008-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

I know I just blogged about the little card holders I made but I really like mine and so does my wallet. Seriously, I blew out my last wallet from over stuffing. I've been sewing them and decided to give one away. I love giveaways. I have yet to win one but my day will come. In the meantime I decided I would be the one to give away a little something. I could not decide between my red/blue one and the cupcake one. I will let whomever wins decide. So if you like 'em and want one, just leave a comment. Over the weekend I heard some Cyndi Lauper and I loved her as kid. My best friend Tricia gave me the She's So Unusual tape and it was the first tape I ever owned. So, when you leave a comment share the first tape, vinyl,8-track, cd, you ever owned and you are in the drawing. I will draw on Monday because who wouldn't want to start their week off winning something? If you can't leave a comment on blogspot just send an email. Hmmm..if this goes well maybe I'll keep doing them. If not maybe I'll need rejection therapy (j/k). Look forward to your comments.

Limeade

2008-06-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

I was at the Ranch Market near my home and they had limes really cheap! I had to make limeade. I love it! The first time I tried it was when we were visiting my husbands aunt in Lima. It is much more refreshing to me than lemonade and doesn't need as much sugar. Here's how to make it:
1 c. sugar
1c.water
1 c. fresh lime juice
In a small pan bring water and sugar just to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit until room temperature. In a large pitcher add sugar water, lime juice and fill pitcher with water and ice. If it is to tart you can always add more water. I like to throw in a few lime slices. Enjoy!
My friend Sharon just had a birthday. She is one of my sewing gf's and so naturally I had to sew her a little something. I saw these little card holders to throw in your purse so your wallet isn't exploding with tons of stuff. So Cute. I whipped one up for her and since it was so easy I had to make one for myself. If you need a tutorial on one of these Splityarn has a great one.

Roughin' It...not really

2008-06-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from doing something I have not done in 20 years...CAMP! I know for some this a typical part of summer but we did not even own a tent. For those of you who know me well you know I am frugal. So yes I could of had the cozy cabin but no, I decided it would be better to invest the money into camping gear. So off we went to the KOA which I discovered is camping with a few nice amenities(showers&bathrooms)and had a great time. I do have to say when it was 34 degrees in our tent I was thinking the cabin may have been the way to go!Here's some photo's of the trip.
Do you notice the rocks? Who thought rocks would be comfortable to drop a tent on? We also forgot a minor detail. A hammer.
Here's the family. My husband has 10 siblings. Three could not make it and one of them is off asking why someone else is setting up camp in her site.

We went to the local deer farm/petting zoo. Feed some deer and one of the mommy deers was having a baby so the kids were able to have the unique experience of seeing part of that.

There was swimming and crafts. Rough camping!

We ended our trip in Sedona at the local swimming hole in the midst of the red rock!We caught tadpoles and swam! It was a great way to end a fun trip.

Summer To Do's

2008-06-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's June & we're half way through the year. I never make new year resolutions (too much stress) but I find myself thinking of all these things I want to accomplish this summer. I decided that maybe if I post them for the world to see I may actually meet a goal or two.
One- I must organize my craft area. I have banned myself from any new sewing projects, etc until I organize myself. This is really killing me since I have 3 dresses, 2 purses, baby shoes and so on running through my head. I came across a website SplitYarn (she has some good tutorials)and she tells you how to organize your fabric stash using the cardboard for comic book collectors. Great idea especially for your fat squares and smaller pieces.
Two- I will avoid the QT .69 cent 32 oz soda's. This is not going well as they seem to call to me as I am melting in my car!!
Three- Canceling my gym membership so I can work out @ home is not going so well. I need to join another gym or really get serious about avoiding the QT and doing something active at home.
Four- Work on my house. I finally after 2 years have furniture in my front room. We love it , found it for a great deal on Craig's List but now I need to make a very modern couch work with an old piano and a wall color I really don't want to change(due to laziness). So, I am looking for the perfect fabric for pillows but if anyone has any decorating ideas I would love to read them.
Five- I think I will stop at four. I am starting to feel a little stressed!

School's Out!

2008-06-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

My kiddo's have graduated kindergarten!(love the bobble head from Isa's class!)When I took this photo of them together with their caps on it made me think of when they were tiny. I remember after a day of changing I don't even know how many diapers, cleaning bottles and spit up, changing multiple outfits, I was holding all three of them opening a door with my foot and thinking I just need to make it to kindergarten.! Here it is been and gone! I have loved watching my kids grow and change and develop into the little people that they are. I am really looking forward to this summer with no big plans , few places to go, no rush for school, no mass chaos when I pick them up. I don't know , maybe I will change my tune when it hits 115 and they are going stir crazy. But for now, I am looking forward to some summer time with my kids.

Catching Up!

2008-05-15T20:37:00.001-07:00

I keep thinking, I need to blog this! and I don't. So, it's way past Mother's Day but I had to post a photo of all the fun things the kids made me at school. I've always looked forward to the day when they would make funky things to give me and it was great! Loved it! Greg gave me the book The Host which I have been waiting for and have been frustrated because I am controlling myself and not completely losing myself in it.
He also upgraded my phone and I LOVE it. Greg then turned the big 35. We had a great day hanging out. The kids saw a RockBand T-shirt and decided that it was the perfect gift. ( Did I mention Gavin decided to try the Bass and gave himself a dime size blister on his thumb. I only let them play on the weekend and for a very limited time but I can imagine what the other parents think when he shows off his RockBand blister. )Isa has not been feeling well again and so we had to have more xrays and she still has pneumonia. SO,we are trying a new script and cross our fingers this one does the trick. She is not able to enjoy all the fun things that are happening at the end of the school year and I feel bad for her.

So Proud To Be The Big Sis

2008-05-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Last night Tia graduated from ASU with her MSW! I am so proud! She has worked so hard to accomplish this goal. The girl worked full-time, did an internship and took classes all at the same time, not to mention she had just gotten married at the beginning of it all . Way to go Tia!! We had a little beach themed fiesta at my house since she is celebrating her success with a cruise. I also sewed up a fun bag for her to take along. It was my first attempt at a purse and I was pretty happy with the results.

The Infirmary

2008-05-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for some time due to my home having one sick kid after another. Gabriel was sick last week and then I spent a few days catching up as everything seems to be put on hold when kids are ill. Then Isa seemed to have a really bad flu that eventually included shoulder pain which I thought was weird so I took her in to the Doc and it's pneumonia. We caught it fast enough this time that we were able to avoid the ER but she has been pretty miserable. So, everything has froze for me once again and hopefully she will continue to get better. If you see a mom with bad hair (had to cancel a desperately needed hair appt.) and dark circles that even MAC concealer can't hide, it's me! Smile and wave because if you're a mom you've most likely been there.

Zucchini Bread Recipe & my new dress project

2008-04-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I pulled out my new wheat grinder the other day and I know most will wonder how that could be exciting but for me it is!! I went to buy yeast at the baking supply store and ended up walking out with a wheat grinder and a Bosch. So, I have some serious baking to do to justify myself. I made zucchini bread and I love this recipe so I thought I would share. I make it in mini loaves, muffins, and it freezes well. It uses wheat flour but is still light. I have made this bread many times and while baking this last time I had my first oven fire. Just a wee one. My husband was home and saved the day and the bread was ok to.
I also posted a photo of my new sewing challenge. I am attempting to make this fun dress, which has a zipper, gathers, etc. So far, I am at the zipper. I went to a sewing class last night and the lady said that the zippers on the patterns tend to look Wal-Mart and to use the single side instructions on the package. Whatever, if I follow the pattern, I'm Wal-Mart and if I use the zipper instructions I'm going to jack it up. I need to find a tutorial. I am also going to make the plunge and put some shoes on Etsy. I'll keep ya posted. P.S. If you try the bread let me know what you think.

Zucchini Bread

2 loaves

3 eggs

1 c. vegetable oil

1 ½ c. brown sugar

2 c. grated zucchini

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. all purpose flour

1 c. Whole wheat flour

¼ tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 c. raisins (optional)

1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

¼ c. wheat germ

In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla. Mix well.

Add flours, baking powder, soda, salt, wheat germ, and cinnamon; stir to combine.

Stir in raisins and nuts if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

P.S. I have not made it with the raisins or walnuts and it turns out great. This bread freezes well and works as mini loaves just reduce the time. Enjoy!

A Little Annoyed & A Slightly Darker Shade Of Green

2008-04-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

The other day my husband googled my blog and instead of my blog coming up independently, it came up attached to a website that you can blog hop on etc. This would not usually annoy me. The fact that you rate the blogs by beer bottles does. So if you google my blog and you see it attached to this site, be sure and give me five bottles J/K, it's not by my choice. I am trying to get my blog removed.
I can't really say I am even a slightly darker shade of green, but I am trying to do my part. My friend Sharon( who is a great seamstress -she can chat and sew at the same time) & I decided to sew up some bags to take to the grocery store etc. Making the bags has been the easy part, remembering to bring them to the store has been a challenge.
B. Happy Bags ( way cute bags , to cute for me to drop onions in) had some interesting info:
Worldwide, hundreds of billions of plastic bags are consumed each year. Less than 3% are recycled; the rest are clogging landfills, blowing down our streets and threatening wildlife. Because of their negative environmental impact, from manufacturing to disposal, many countries are banning or taxing plastic bag use (as much as 20 cents per bag!). As petroleum based products, the cost of plastic bags will continue to rise, being passed on to consumers. As tax payers, we are also bearing the staggering costs of clean up and disposal, estimated at 5.2 cents per bag.
So, grab a reusable bag and try not to forget it in the car!

Basement Band

2008-04-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

I'm not big into gaming but we recently picked up RockBand.. . and it's not often you get to be a hot rocker and go on tour with your husband and friends. We had some friends over the other night rockin' out in our basement. Good Times! (As long as I am not on guitar).

Oh, I also sold my first pairs of shoes. Someone's baby is about to have some hip toes.

Baby Shoes

2008-04-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Finally I am posting some of the baby shoes I have sewn. I have a few in the works besides the ones posted so I will be updating as I finish them. This includes prints for boys. All the styles fit 0-6 months and would make a cute baby shower or grand baby gift. If you would like to order a pair email me and I will give details. These have been alot of fun! I just wish I would of had these when my kids were babies! Enjoy! lifesdelish@gmail.com

Pumkin Pancakes & Dragon Spit

2008-04-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's April Fools Day and my parents anniversary. I had to post the only photo that survived their photographers screw up. All the other slides did not turn out which is a bummer since you see the bottom half of my moms dress (which looked like a great little 60's dress) or part of a face. At least we have this one and so glad! Happy Anniversary!

I'm also posting a recipe for pumpkin pancakes. Most of us think pumpkin and fall etc. but these are good and we eat them year 'round. In fact, I have a friend who loves these,does not want the recipe but will drive over and pick up the batter when I am willing to make it for her. I also included the recipe for syrup. We had this syrup at my sister-in-laws and loved it. She gave me permission to post it. This syrup is rich you don't even need to butter your pancakes and it's aka Dragon Spit (it froths up)! Enjoy!

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 cups flour
3 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups milk (add a little more if you like your batter on the thinner side)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. vinegar

In a separate bowl, mix the milk, pumpkin,egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or pan over medium high. Pour batter on the griddle and brown on both sides.

SYRUP AKA DRAGON SPIT

In a large pot (it foams) :
Melt 1 cube of butter, add 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Bring to a boil, then add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp baking soda

Carrot Cake & Easter Eggs

2008-03-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell, due to my lack of blogging, Spring Break was crazy! Isa came home sick her first day back and was home for 3 days. So, things are back to normal ( if there is such a thing) and now i have to catch up. Easter was family time and the best easter eggs. Why did we not have Star Wars eggs when we were kids? My boys loved Darth& Isa stuck to her pink and flowers.
I was planning on posting all these great breakfast recipes during spring break. I still plan on posting but, I have to post the best carrot cake ever. I love carrot cake and this cake is often requested for family gatherings and birthdays. ( My mom just took it to a church party and it was the fav) I posted the picture of Greg's Abuelo's recent 90th birthday as carrot cake is one of their favorites and they loved it. Food, family and the memories made around the two really make Life Delish! Enjoy!!

CARROT CAKE

3 c. all-purpose flour

2 ½ c sugar

1 Tbsp. baking soda

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

4 large eggs

1 ½ c. salad oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. packed shredded carrots

2 c. chopped walnuts

1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple with juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 10-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl with a spoon, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

In a small bowl with a fork, beat eggs slightly. Stir in salad oil, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture, shredded carrots, walnuts and crushed pineapple into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.

Pour batter into pans. Bake 40-45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans, and cool completely on the racks.

When cake is cool frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, with mixer at a medium speed, beat 2- 8 oz packages of cream cheese (softened), ½ c. butter (softened), 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract, until smooth.

Gradually beat in 5 ½ c. powdered sugar until smooth.(Add more cream cheese or powdered sugar if it needs to be thicker)

Flu,Shoes & Wildlife

2008-03-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile due to a few things. First, we caught the worst flu I have ever had. Gabriel & Greg had it first and I sent Gabriel to school after a week and thought we were OK and then the very next day I was sick and the day after my other 2 kids had it. So, for over two weeks we had the flu from hades in our house. While Gabriel was sick I learned how to make baby shoes and I love them. I gave them to my twin nieces and I think I am going to make a bunch more. I may even sell them. They would make a cute baby shower gift. HMMMM.... Since then I had banned myself from anymore time spent on crafty things until I finished organizing some of my storage areas. I realized spring break is starting soon, and I only have a few months before school is out and then there is no time for organizing anything. This ban lasted a few days and then I made some summer pants for Isa. Let's just say what was meant to be cute pink capri's (Isa picked out the material) ended up being MC Hammer pants. We had some serious hammertime happening. I have no idea what I did wrong and so then I tried to fix them and it improved them a little. I didn't mind when Isa told me she wasn't going to wear them to school and would use them as play pants. (I was actually relieved.)
I also included a few photos of our outing to the Wildlife Zoo. This zoo was great! They let you get right up by the animals and you get to feed the giraffes. We had a good time. Gabriel even got pooped on in the aviary. Fun Times! Next week is spring break and I'm thinking of posting with a breakfast theme as I will actually have more time to spend on breakfast. I have some yummy pancake recipes etc. (this of course depends on how insane my week ends up being!).

Pirate Pooch

2008-02-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

We received an e-mail from Molly's new owners and they adore her. I know the kids miss her but Groucho and I are happy she's happy. Groucho is doing so much better now. For those of you who don't know Groucho had injured his eye and it quickly ulcered and basically ruptured(the medicine did not work after his eye ulcered) on our anniversary. On our way out to lunch it happened and we went to the vet and then to the canine ophthalmologist (yes, they exist, and yes it is as expensive as you would think) and they had to do emergency surgery and remove his eye. Eventually, we will look back and laugh at our most expensive anniversary yet. Groucho is now blind as he lost his good eye and so now he is our pirate pooch who we love.

Farewell To Soup

2008-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I went out tonight with a short sleeve shirt and I was not even the slightest bit chilly. Winter in the desert is over. Before long I will not be able to touch the steering wheel in my car and risk 2nd degree burns from the leather seats. The end of cold weather also means the end of yummy soups and instead prepping the grill. I would usually post my favorite soups at the beginning of winter but I was not blogging so I thought I would post them as a farewell instead.

Creamy Potato Soup

3Tbsp. Butter
2 cups chopped onion
1 large clove garlic minced
4 potatoes or 2 large baking potatoes
1 large carrot chopped
3 cups chicken or veggie stock
1 tsp. dry dill or 2 Tbsp chopped fresh
4 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

In a large soup pot, saute the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and carrots and saute for 5 -10 more. Add the stock and dill and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Puree the vegetables with the cream cheese and milk in your blender or food processor . Return the soup to the pot, season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese and reheat. Yum!

Sausage Bean Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 medium onion chopped
1 pound chicken or turkey Italian sausage, casings removed
1 can Cannellini (white kidney beans) drained and rinsed
1 can great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
1 can chicken broth
3/4 tsp. dry rosemary

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, saute for about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and break it up into small pieces. Cook and stir until browned.
Stir in the beans, tomatoes with their juice, and broth. Season with the rosemary and black pepper. Bring to simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Serve or let simmer and stir occasionally until you are ready to serve.

Blue Eyed Girl

2008-02-22T21:02:00.001-08:00

Isa and I were taking pictures of ourselves and i had to post this one. I love her blue eyes. I've also been looking around for fabric to make pillows and I came across some really great place mats and napkins on clearance at Target . A few seams later and Voila! I have Pillows!!

Sew in Love

2008-02-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've recently started sewing again. The last time I sewed, was when I was 10 living in a very small town and participating in their 4H program. We were the Cookie Drops & Needle Knots. I decided to include the picture of me modeling the skirt that I had made. Gotta love the early '80's. My mom had sewn the shirt, I think that is the most impressive part. This past Christmas a friend of mine helped me sew pajama pants for the kids and I loved it. So, I pulled out my old machine that I had bought off a guy that I worked with about 7 years ago and decided to make Isa a dress. I had no instruction manual for this machine and it didn't even have the hem guidelines (3/8 etc.) What was I thinking? So I went to Joanne's because my machine was missing a piece and came out with a new machine. My husband loves me. After many errors (the seam ripper is my best friend) and looking up what everything on the pattern meant that I was clueless about, I finished the dress. Which after putting it on Isa, became a skirt. I love this skirt, unfortunately Isa does not. She wore it once because I begged her. Usually I would be really ticked,and I am a little, but it was so fun and I learned so much that I am getting over it. I did make her a new dress for Valentines Day and she loves this one. The dress looks like a cupcake, but she wears it all the time. My next project, as you can tell I have not been able to stop, was a retro-apron. I love these and decided to make one for my sister-in-law, sorry Em if you are reading this, and it is going to be the death of me. The pattern says Easy. It is a LIE!! Let's just say Em received some pretty lotion and the apron has gone to the -will finish in the future pile.

Birthday x 3

2008-02-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

The kids turned six today . I know everyone says the time will go by so fast and it didn't feel like it when they were younger, but it does now. They are so much fun. We had a party at the house and it feels like I prepped all week for a 2 hour event. The kids had a great time. They each were able to invite some friends and their cousins and it was a pretty big party. I will be happy if I never have make another cupcake for a very long time. I made cupcakes for each of their classes and for the party. My mom helped me with one batch and the total ended up being around 150. CRAZY!!

baking cookies

2008-02-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

Isa and I decided to make some peanut butter cookies. My mom has made these cookies since before we were born and they are yummy. My sister-in-law came over and we had a good chat while they baked. She always seem to come over when I am making cookies which makes it even more fun. Here's the recipe:

Peanut Butter Cookies

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 c. margarine

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 c. peanut butter

1 c. oats

Cream margarine and sugar until smooth. In separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add egg one at a time to creamed mixture mix well. Blend in peanut butter, stir in flour mixture and oats. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 mins.

We like to dip a fork in sugar and press them down but that's optional.