In this case it was easy to be green! I reused a berry container and some packaging from a magnetic mat that I bought to make this cute little container. Hopefully this will get me posting on a more regular basis!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I've Lost It!
I've lost my patience for teaching myself new things. Somewhere along the way, I've lost the ability to sit down and concentrate. This could have something to do with the fact that there are four people in the office right now. Three of them can be very noisy and interrupt me all the time, LOL.
Really, I think it has to do with our society of instant gratification. I have surrounded myself with quick and easy. I really don't attempt anything unless it's quick and easy--quick recipes, quick crafts, even quick movies (Scott still hasn't been able to get me to sit down and watch LOTR). If I ever try to do any of the more time-intensive things, I think about all the things I should be doing. I joke that when Scott wants me to watch TV with him that he has to sit or lay on me to hold me down. Even on must-see TV Thursdays I can often be found doing other things while watching my favorite shows. At the very least, I get up during the commercials.
Or, could this just be a season of life. A season where I'm too busy to concentrate on the things that don't really matter right now. A season where my joy of learning is found in learning through the eyes of my kids and learning with them as well. A season that will make me sad when it is over.
For now, quick and easy allows me to engage in hobbies that I enjoy without taking away too much time from where I'm needed. Quick and easy has also allowed me to involve the kids in some of my hobbies. Their short attention spans don't allow for much beyond quick and easy. Quick and easy has allowed me to involve my friends in some of my hobbies.
All this to say, I started out the day trying to make my own blog header. Then, I tried using one that someone else made but just editing it. When all of that didn't work, I just went back to a free template offered by blogger. When this season is over, maybe I'll be able to sit down and create my own template!
Really, I think it has to do with our society of instant gratification. I have surrounded myself with quick and easy. I really don't attempt anything unless it's quick and easy--quick recipes, quick crafts, even quick movies (Scott still hasn't been able to get me to sit down and watch LOTR). If I ever try to do any of the more time-intensive things, I think about all the things I should be doing. I joke that when Scott wants me to watch TV with him that he has to sit or lay on me to hold me down. Even on must-see TV Thursdays I can often be found doing other things while watching my favorite shows. At the very least, I get up during the commercials.
Or, could this just be a season of life. A season where I'm too busy to concentrate on the things that don't really matter right now. A season where my joy of learning is found in learning through the eyes of my kids and learning with them as well. A season that will make me sad when it is over.
For now, quick and easy allows me to engage in hobbies that I enjoy without taking away too much time from where I'm needed. Quick and easy has also allowed me to involve the kids in some of my hobbies. Their short attention spans don't allow for much beyond quick and easy. Quick and easy has allowed me to involve my friends in some of my hobbies.
All this to say, I started out the day trying to make my own blog header. Then, I tried using one that someone else made but just editing it. When all of that didn't work, I just went back to a free template offered by blogger. When this season is over, maybe I'll be able to sit down and create my own template!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Virtual Dust
I am so happy that dust doesn't collect in the virtual world like it does in the real world. I'd hate to think the cleaning I'd have to do on my blog after it sitting untouched for two years!
I really wish I were one of those people who likes to write...or who even likes what they write. I think my desire to make things short and sweet well outweighs my desire to make it interesting. I think what I really miss is social interaction. I could sit and talk to you all day, but a one-sided conversation is not as much fun. What's the fun of talking to yourself if no one is listening?
In an attempt to improve my writing skills, I'm going to start regular posts again. And, I'm going to start posting crafty projects again. Craft night has really helped me set aside time to do things that I like to do. Sometimes that is just drinking coffee and talking all night. Other nights I'm a little more productive. I've even let the girls be a part of craft night--at least until their bed time.
Maybe the crafty projects will be for those days that I don't feel like talking to myself!
I really wish I were one of those people who likes to write...or who even likes what they write. I think my desire to make things short and sweet well outweighs my desire to make it interesting. I think what I really miss is social interaction. I could sit and talk to you all day, but a one-sided conversation is not as much fun. What's the fun of talking to yourself if no one is listening?
In an attempt to improve my writing skills, I'm going to start regular posts again. And, I'm going to start posting crafty projects again. Craft night has really helped me set aside time to do things that I like to do. Sometimes that is just drinking coffee and talking all night. Other nights I'm a little more productive. I've even let the girls be a part of craft night--at least until their bed time.
Maybe the crafty projects will be for those days that I don't feel like talking to myself!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuscan Tomato Soup
Scott is quite a fan of Tomato Basil Soup, but all the cream doesn't agree with healthy eating habits. So, I found this recipe in "The Sonoma Diet Cookbook". It goes over well with the entire family!
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 lbs. fresh tomatoes, cored an coarsely chopped, or three 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
12 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbsp. minced)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 14 oz. cans chicken broth
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 c. chopped zucchini and/or yellow summer squash
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved
In a 4-qt. Dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon live oil over medium heat. Reserve 1 cup of the chopped fresh tomatoes or, if using canned tomatoes, reserve 1 can tomatoes. Add remaining fresh tomatoes or undrained canned tomatoes, the garlic, and crushed red pepper to hot oil in Dutch oven. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tomatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally. Add chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
Transfer half of the tomato and broth mixture to a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Repeat with remaining half of the mixture. Return all to Dutch oven. If using canned tomatoes, drain the reserved can. Add reserved fresh or canned tomatoes, the cooked zucchini, the oregano, and parsley to pureed mixture. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Heat through. Garnish with cheese.
*I use the canned tomatoes and usually substitute basil for the oregano.
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 lbs. fresh tomatoes, cored an coarsely chopped, or three 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
12 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbsp. minced)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 14 oz. cans chicken broth
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 c. chopped zucchini and/or yellow summer squash
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved
In a 4-qt. Dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon live oil over medium heat. Reserve 1 cup of the chopped fresh tomatoes or, if using canned tomatoes, reserve 1 can tomatoes. Add remaining fresh tomatoes or undrained canned tomatoes, the garlic, and crushed red pepper to hot oil in Dutch oven. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tomatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally. Add chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
Transfer half of the tomato and broth mixture to a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Repeat with remaining half of the mixture. Return all to Dutch oven. If using canned tomatoes, drain the reserved can. Add reserved fresh or canned tomatoes, the cooked zucchini, the oregano, and parsley to pureed mixture. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Heat through. Garnish with cheese.
*I use the canned tomatoes and usually substitute basil for the oregano.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
PEACE and quiet...
I'm constantly looking for peace and quiet in my home. It's not about who's right or who's wrong or what's fair....it's about the solution that causes the least noise in the end! I even tell my son that sometimes. I want peace and quiet, and if I can reasonably get to the peace and quiet, then that's the path that I'm going to take.
Really, moments of peace and quiet in the house are few and far between. But, for me, true peace comes from God. In the midst of my circumstances--whether it be crying kids or whatever--I can still have peace. I can even have quiet--not outwardly, but inwardly. In the end, it becomes my choice to choose the peace and quiet that's so readily available!
Really, moments of peace and quiet in the house are few and far between. But, for me, true peace comes from God. In the midst of my circumstances--whether it be crying kids or whatever--I can still have peace. I can even have quiet--not outwardly, but inwardly. In the end, it becomes my choice to choose the peace and quiet that's so readily available!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sometimes I Amaze Myself!
Well, I wouldn't really say "amaze myself," but I am pretty excited about how cute this little box is. It's an "exploding" box. Exploding meaning that when you take off the lid, the side fall down into pages of a mini album.
I had lots of fun doing this, and I could see myself making more in the future. I was thinking of making a smaller one with Bible verses for the members of my Mom's group. It could be a box exploding with blessings!
I'm kinda sad that I have to let this one go. I made it for an auction. The auction begins tomorrow and is taking place at The Scrapbook Chalet . It's to benefit a family that has a child that has needed several surgeries. I may have to clean off my desk and then take a picture of it on my desk, so I can remember it after it's gone! I know that's crazy!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
10 Things That Make Me Happy...
In no particular order:
My children - Who would think so much joy and so much pain could be rolled up into one? Parenting is definitely the toughest job I'll ever love!
My husband - Yes, he deserves his own mention. He loves me, supports me, takes care of me, and puts up with me. I don't know what I would be or where I would be without him.
Nighttime in the desert - The air always seems so crisp and clear. I guess it's the absence of humidity, but it is one of my favorite things about living here.
Music - Whether I'm just listening, or singing along, or even playing an instrument, music puts a spring in my step!
My faith in God - There's a lot to be said for eternal security!
Bubble baths - I don't take them much anymore since we no longer have a jacuzzi tub, but it sure is nice to soak your cares away!
Fresh flowers - I wish Scott would understand this one!
Road trips - I like exploring the countryside and seeing new places! Now most of our road trips consist of going back to Texas, but even that is a good trip!
Letters and packages in the mail - Someone loves me! (Even if it is only because I ordered something from them ;-))
Friends - I cherish all my friends--the support, laughs, and ideas that they give me are priceless!
My children - Who would think so much joy and so much pain could be rolled up into one? Parenting is definitely the toughest job I'll ever love!
My husband - Yes, he deserves his own mention. He loves me, supports me, takes care of me, and puts up with me. I don't know what I would be or where I would be without him.
Nighttime in the desert - The air always seems so crisp and clear. I guess it's the absence of humidity, but it is one of my favorite things about living here.
Music - Whether I'm just listening, or singing along, or even playing an instrument, music puts a spring in my step!
My faith in God - There's a lot to be said for eternal security!
Bubble baths - I don't take them much anymore since we no longer have a jacuzzi tub, but it sure is nice to soak your cares away!
Fresh flowers - I wish Scott would understand this one!
Road trips - I like exploring the countryside and seeing new places! Now most of our road trips consist of going back to Texas, but even that is a good trip!
Letters and packages in the mail - Someone loves me! (Even if it is only because I ordered something from them ;-))
Friends - I cherish all my friends--the support, laughs, and ideas that they give me are priceless!
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