Happy 百!

In Chinese, 百 is the symbol for 100. One day, while blog hopping, I saw a post that was a celebration of their 100th post! I thought, WOW, it is going to take me forever till I get that far! It only took 5 months!!! So, Happy 100th TO ME!

I have been up late at night watching the Olympics. I tried watching it the following day, and it doesn't seem the same. I love the drama, the spirit of the games, and watching the unthinkable. I am not sure how it is possible to keep getting faster and faster times. Eventually it will only take 1sec to swim the freestyle 400m right? The record has to top out somewhere. I am very excited for the track events to get started. Joel gets really excited about track, and it brings him back to his youth. I love to see him light up, when they race the hurdles. He loves it!

Yesterday, I had an idea to make a treat with the kids. It was a messy treat, and rather then let the kids be creative, and do it their way, I got stressed, and didn't let them help as much as I should have. Licking fingers while preparing food is a big deal to me! I realize that I limit the kids to their potential by being a freak about stuff. One more thing I need to be better at. Anyways, I though the pictures turned out great, and they tasted even better. The kids got to eat several, so that made up for me being cranky! Lesson of the day, "Don't sweat the small stuff".

"BE PREPARED"

That is the scouts motto right? Anyway, every Monday night, 3-6 CRAZY mommies meet up at 9pm for Happy Hour appetizers at Applebees. Usually we close up the place, then go grocery shop. It has been a tradition for over a year. I look forward to my girl time every week. I usually roll home around 2 or 3 in the morning. A couple of times my sister-in-law has joined us, but usually I am the only "Mormon" there. At the grocery store I usually stock up on one item, or two, or if there is a great sale, SEVERAL items! I have had to explain a few times, "No, not because I am afraid the world is going to end... it is about being prepared." So here is my two cents on Food Storage.

Found on the church website, "We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings." I have seen this become a blessing in a couple of families. One friend I have at church said, her husband lost his job, and was unemployed for 8 months. Because of their food storage, they were able to pay bills with money they had saved, and except for perishable items, they lived solely on their emergency supply. Any night of the week, you can turn on the news, and more then likely, there has been some devastation in some part of the world. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

When we first started accruing our food storage, it was quite overwhelming. There was SO much information! It was mind boggling. It still it. Trying to use stuff before it expires, keeping it organized, restocking it. Someone at church passed along a GREAT way to get it started. It is called "Project Noah". This is what has worked for us, and I am happy to pass it along. If anyone has other ideas/suggestions/testimonies/questions, feel free to pass it on.



Project Noah
This is a suggested schedule for accumulating a basic food storage. Purchase items listed per family member. Example: 3 cans of corn x 4 family members = 12 cans of corn. If you family does not eat a certain product then substitute it for a similar one that your family does eat. Watch sales and use coupons to cut costs.

MONTH 1:
_______ Week 1: 5lbs sugar & powdered sugar
_______ Week 2: 5 lbs flour & 1 jar of yeast
_______ Week 3: 2 lbs brown sugar & 2 lbs salt
_______ Week 4: Baking powder, baking soda, box of vanilla

MONTH 2:
_______ Week 1: 3 cans of corn & 3 boxes of Jell-O
_______ Week 2: 3 cans of peas & 3 boxes of pudding
_______ Week 3: 3 cans of string beans & jar of pickles
_______ Week 4: 3 cans of tomatoes & 3 jars of spaghetti sauce

MONTH 3:
_______ Week 1: 4 cans of cream of chicken soup & 1 lg. jar of salad dressing
_______ Week 2: 4 cans of chicken noodle soup & 2 cans chicken stock
_______ Week 3: 4 cans of cream of mushroom soup & 4 cans of refried beans
_______ Week 4: 3 cans of vegetable soup & 1 jar of salsa

MONTH 4:
_______ Week 1: 3 cans of favorite soup & 1 box of Saran wrap
_______ Week 2: 2 lbs macaroni & 2lbs of Spaghetti
_______ Week 3: 2lbs of rice & 2 cans of yams or pumpkin
_______ Week 4: 1 lg jar of peanut better and 1 box of ziploc baggies

MONTH 5:
_______ Week 1: 1 lg box of instant potatoes & 1 cake mix with frosting
_______ Week 2: 1 lg box of oatmeal & 1 jar of mustard
_______ Week 3: 1 lg bottle of honey & 1 bottle of syrup
_______ Week 4: 4 cans of tuna & 1 jar of Mayonnaise

MONTH 6:
_______ Week 1: 1 lg jar of jam & 1 brownie mix
_______ Week 2: 2 cans of favorite canned meat & 1 bottle of ketchup
_______ Week 3: 1 can of chicken in broth & 2 cans of pork & beans
_______ Week 4: 2 cans of beef stew or chili & 2 cans of kidney beans

MONTH 7:
_______ Week 1: 3 jars of apple sauce & 3 cans of peaches
_______ Week 2: 1 bottle of oil & 1 can of shortening
_______ Week 3: 4 cans of favorite fruit & 2 boxes of cereal
_______ Week 4: 7 gallons water

MONTH 8:
_______ Week 1: 1 large package of favorite drink
_______ Week 2: 1 lg box of instant milk
_______ Week 3: 1 large jar of orange juice mix
_______ Week 4: 2 cans of peanuts & 2 pkg dried fruit

MONTH 9:
_______ Week 1: peroxide & alcohol
_______ Week 2: first aid cream & cotton balls
_______ Week 3: first aid tape & ace bandage
_______ Week 4: dish soap

MONTH 10:
_______ Week 1: laundry soap
_______ Week 2: 2 bars of body soap
_______ Week 3: bleach & stain remover
_______ Week 4: toothpaste & mouthwash

MONTH 11:
_______ Week 1: shampoo, conditioner, hair products
_______ Week 2: sanitary napkins & diapers
_______ Week 3: napkins, paper cups, plastic silverware
_______ Week 4: paper plates & trash bags

MONTH 12:
_______ Week 1: toothbrush
_______ Week 2: toilet paper & individually wrapped handi wipes
_______ Week 3: batteries & flashlight
_______ Week 4: waterproof matches & candles

Along with this, I can still remember a talk, to this day. I was in the Salt Lake City Conference Center when President Hinckley gave it. It is one that is referenced often, and goes into depth on the subject. Click here for the talk.

Warm Fuzzies ALL DAY!

Tuesday we went to see our friends at Ashley Court again! This month we brought colored noodles, and made necklaces for our friends. Then we gave them a little mini concert. It is such an amazing feeling to be there. I know that they are in the final stages of their life, and that our presence doesn't mean a lot to them, but I know that when they pass on, and leave this life, they will once again remember their little friends that wanted to make them happy for a short minute in this life. My girl is really too little to understand what we are doing there, but there are kids that want to go there. It is so comforting to see the kids that know what is going on, and chose to help. I hope and pray that when Nora does know the difference, she will still chose to help. *END MUSHINESS*... pictures... friends, don't hate me! Not only is it fun to see the kids play, and sing, it is even more fun to see the moms! I played DJ, and photographer, so unfortunately, I didn't make it in any of the pictures! BIG FAT BUMMER!!!

This is my new friend Julies son Micah! He is my new favorite little 3 year old. I can see him as future son-in-law material!!! Precious, as he gives his work of art to his new friend. This is Emery. He cracks me up. I think I posted a pic of him last time. It is so great to see him every month, even if he is a Spratan fan!
The girls love to help Nora, and she loves the help.
This necklace didn't fit, so we made it a head band. She held onto "Her baby" the entire time we were there.
GO CARRIE! GO JULIE! Bittany, I am going to have to ask you to do a little better next time. That tea pot of yours, is a little bland! But Quinn makes a MEAN pot of tea!!!


Later that evening, I had Achievement Day Girls with the girls at church. It is only the second activity I attended since getting the calling. What DRAMA! 15 or so 8-11 year old girls. WOW! We played kick ball. When one team was losing, one girl quit! When one girl didn't know how to play, she laid on the field and cried. I looked on in disbelief! I have a lot to learn. Ice cream, and lemon aide makes everything better. In the middle of the game, 6 hot air balloons were showing up to see us compete!!! Nora was SO excited! Her balloon shirt brought good luck tonight! I was so happy I had my camera!


It is days like these, I get on my knees at night, and thank my Father for the amazing blessings that he continues to pour upon my family!

Last week, when Joel had an evening home with Nora, I got to hear all about it the next day. I heard how they put a tent up in the back yard, and then they roasted marshmallows on the grill. Then, I hear about jumping on the air mattress. I didn't think it was a bad idea. The hardest part was knowing, that dad has WAY more fun with her then I do. I am so boring!!! The next night we jumped on the air mattress some more. It was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. Then I realized, I should record this, then I thought, this is how kids break their arms, and snap their necks. NO MORE! Leave it to the boring mom, to ruin all the fun. She could have done this ALL night long! I wonder why she was up all night crying, (major whip lash?).

"Baby Steps" part I...

I have yet to put anything very private on our blog. Why? I really don't have a clue who reads this. Unless you post to us who you are. So, welcome to my first post that could be considered private, and sensitive...

This issue specifically has been on our families mind in the last year. We have had a bugger of a time trying to get Nora her little brother or sister. It has not been something that we open up about. It is not something we spend hours and days, and months obsessing about. We are very patient, and calm with the situation. We went to see the doctor yesterday for our first visit. They were pretty confident that it will happen. We were able to get pregnant with our first (after 11months) so, it is just a matter of verifying what the problem is, and finding the appropriate remedy for it. Sometime this month we will have more tests done. We are very prayerful in this. We see more children in our family. We are so blessed to have the knowledge that our plan is set out by our Father in Heaven. Our plan, is His. We will continue to pray for this opportunity. Like I said, I have been so busy with my almost 2yr. old, that the issue doesn't consume me. She is definitely an only child, and her attitude proves it! She needs to have a sibling, so she knows that the world doesn't revolve around her, among many other reasons! Hopefully "Baby Steps" part II is some exciting, or informative news.
*Added later: Tests include- blood work done (day 3 of cycle), Mid-cycle ultra sound (day 13 of cycle), Joel meets small plastic cup, (can his boys swim?)
*Added later: Blood work came back, ALL NORMAL!
*Added later: Today (8/25) I had a mid-cycle ultra sound. It was very comforting, and helpful. I was told that I was ovulating, and that a cyst had opened up, and released some fluid around, and in my uterus. The doc was not alarmed by this finding. He said that it may water down the seman. Joel has an appointment next week to have an ultra-sound done, and also a seman sample! Yay for him! He said if he didn't already have a little one, he would say, "NO WAY". But since he knows the reward that comes from the whole experience, he is willing to make sacrafices. I love him! Talk about the man of my dreams!

Weird combo!

I was driving along on Latson last week, and I heard a song I really liked! Thanks to satelitte radio, I can read the information of the song, and it is a good thing, because, not in a million years, would I ever think to put these two together. With SIRUS radio, it is a mixed bag. You can hear stuff that is always on the radio, and stuff that you would only hear if you were listening to your neighbor singing in the shower. I haven't listened to real radio in months, so I am not sure if this is a popular song or not, but I loved it! Miss Nelly Furtado did a duet, with the lovely! smokin... Keith Urban. It's called "In God's Hands". They didn't do a video together, but here is the song.

"A" squared!

That is what the locals call it. Or Ace Deuce! Others call it Ann Arbor! Not only is my husband fabulous for letting me go out on my 2nd girls night this week, my mom is great for helping taking "The Moo" while Joel finished up working.

When the "BIG DOGS" asked me to hang with them, I could not resist! Two super great photographers let me tag along on an, "All photog trip" to "Ace Deuce"! I don't know ANYTHING about my camera, so I was mostly frustrated the whole time, but I had fun eating, and watching those two crazy cats!

We ate on the side walk at Gratzi! We all ate something delicious. I inspired the gals to love food photography! If it only brought in the big bucks like pet photography does!

Then we hit up an alley way, where we were hit up by what is called a "Transion", someone who has a place to wash up, and look presentable, but doesn't have established residency. Trying to get us for some cash, so he can help operate a homeless shelter. Blah, blah, blah!!! (Don't get me wrong, I am sure it was a great organization. I have seen A&E Intervention too many times to know that people will say, and do ANYTHING for their next "fix". And, as Laurel said, 10% of our income goes to an organization that distributes funds for different causes.) Anyway... so shooting in an alley, frustrated with the dang thing, being told, "IT TAKES TIME... You'll get it... You can't learn it over night..." More blah, blah, blah! I am sure it takes time, and I know eventually I will get some of it, but how about right now, that sounds good!! This is me hating on my camera, and Laurel loving on hers!


After we told more homeless people, we don't have any money, we went in a Shokolad, and binged on fancy, and I am sure overpriced chocolate. The owner was actually interested in hiring a food photographer! So, maybe just maybe, I got something? We sat, talked cameras, ate chocolate, of course took pictures. They advertise for my OB's office, and I was very excited!



MY ALL TIME FAVORITE... Chocolate, and SHOES! I will have a pair in size 6 please!



Then it got too dark, and I grew too annoyed! So we hit the drag, and headed home.... BUT, not before one of my FAVORITE THINGS... Why is it I love food so much? YIKES! Zingerman's it the ultimate "A" squared experience. We went pretty late, so they were very eager to give us all sorts of yummy samples of cheese, bread, and yummieness! As if we hadn't already eaten ourselves stupid, we took them up on their offers! The real photographers were in food photoing heaven! Me, I was just eating. I didn't even bring my bugger thing in!

Deception in the KITCHEN

What do you get when 4 sneaky moms, and 7 picky eatin kids, enter the cleanest, most organized kitchen on the planet?

That was the story today at my new friend Julies house! We were all inspired by Jessica Seinfeld. Today was PUREE day! This book has all the great ways to trick your kids into eating their vegetables. My kid is young enough, that she doesn't need much convincing. The older kids on the other hand... well, here is the rest of the story....

Step 1: Pick out the recipes, and the vegetable you will be using.

Step 2: steam the vegetables (rice steamers work great, so do micro cookers, and ovens, and basket steamers... we used a little bit of everything!) We pureed; carrots, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, squash, and sweet potatoes.





Step 3: the actual puree (for this we used the trusty not dusty, food processor!)


Step 4: bag it up! and freeze it!



Step 5: make a yummy treat for the kiddies!


Step 6: DON'T TELL THEM WHAT'S IN IT! You'll be sorry!


These purees will be used throughout the week in meals Im cookin. Shhhh, don't tell Joel or baby! They will never know. TO BE CONTINUED....

Linguine with Chicken Ragu

It has been a drag making dinner the last few weeks. I don't know if it is the heat, or the lack of excitement in the kitchen? This meal was super easy, healthy, and delicious! Very light for a Ragu sauce. I thought this recipe would make 2 dinners worth, but I was wrong, it made about 4 dinners! So my house bound sister-in-law is having it tonight, and two more went in the freezer. I am not sure how it freezes. We will find out!



2 tablespoons olive oil
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
4 cups Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound linguine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the juices evaporate and the chicken is golden, about 10 minutes. Add the shallots and garlic and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and stir to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the skillet. Add the rosemary and mix well. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until the flavors blend, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid. Add the linguine to the ragu and toss to coat, adding some reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.


Marinara Sauce:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves

In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

"Some Pig"

Although these 1 week old pigs weren't doing back filps in the pen, they had the crowd going wild! They were so sweet, and cute, I almost wanted to take one home with me. Or at least to school with me. They were too sleepy though, and so were the sheep! It must be in the water. Nora thought they were great! It was a cool day at the farm.

Panties size 12 months?

So, here is my excuse for not potty training... along with our upcoming Disney trip, the panties don't fit her! She is so tiny! Does anyone have a suggestion for where you can get preemie panties? Don't mind the messy hair, and nakedness... just keepin it real!

You'll be popular!

I really don't mean to be a blog downer, but I was wondering... why do people put "COUNTERS" on their blogs? Is blogging really a popularity contest? I was chatting with a friend that has a professional blog, and suggested that she put a counter on it so she can track the number of hits her business gets, then I got to thinking, why would someone put it on the personal blog? Especially if you are only blogging for "Journal" purposes? Does it make people feel that much better about themselves to know that they have a TON of hits? Maybe it does make people feel better to know that people are really interested in them and their lives. I know that if I had a blog counter it would read a 2 didget number, maybe starting with a 2 but probably not. Does that make me UN-popular? Their could be an innocent explanation to the whole issue, but I don't know what it is, and haven't been able to figure it out on my own. Does this make me a Blog dummy?

The day of our fourth!

I was really bucking for 31 posts in July! The end of the months crept up on my, and now here we are the 2nd day of AUG! Life has been mostly crazy in the last three days. I am not sure why? I need to sit down today, and re-evaluate my "time management" and see where I am going wrong. I was doing really good there for a minute. My sewing machine has seen more action in the last week then it has the entire time I have owned the thing. I have to admit, we have been getting along great though, and I think we have a great relationship. Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

As I mentioned in my last post, we celebrated our 4th Anniversary on Thursday. I think Joel was feeling guilty about my birthday, and so he took the whole day off work. In the morning, Nora and I went to get our hair cut! It was her first hair cut. She looks like a little girl now! NO MORE MULLET! It is definitely a challenge to get a 21 month old to hold super still long enough to get an even cut! Katie did awesome! (Maybe because she has a 22 month old?) We didn't do the bangs, because, well... that would be too easy! and mommy wants to grow out her bangs.

BEFORE-Mullet

DURING- 1st hair cut
Almost AFTER-Trying to keep her distracted.

Later that day, "Hay J", a.k.a. that best 14 year old I KNOW! came to watch Nora, while Joel and I went to play in Ann Arbor. We brought the new camera/anniversary gift, and took some fun pics in the Law Quad, and the Diag at University of Michigan. We walked, and talked. It was a great kick off to number five. I felt like we were college students preparing for an exciting adventure.

This cube actually spins. I gave it a a couple run arounds, and I think I may have messed up the Tau Chi Class going on. Oops.
I have never been in such a clean pool hall! It was so refreshing!
This is Joel as "Two Face". He is such a goof ball! (By the way, two face is the Comic book Character. I just learned of him while watching Batman!)
I found this in my garden when we came home. Apparently it is someone elses anniversary too. Had to break up the party... Not happenin in MY beans!

I have been asked a few times, "What is the song you and Joel danced to at your wedding?" Well, we didn't have any dancing at our wedding. No, not because Mormons don't dance, MORMONS do dance! It was a personal preference. We had a very small simple reception. The song that we have for each other is by Joel's all time favorite artist Tom Petty. It is the perfect song that sums up the way we feel about each other!

On to ETERNITY!