After months of tilling, planting, weeding, growing tired of weeding and letting weeds take over, I finally harvested a few extra tomatoes from my garden to make homemade salsa. I was planning on using homegrown bell peppers, too, but it appears that my plants never flowered and there will be no peppers. But, never fear! Kroger came through for me :) My mom happened to be over when I decided to begin this endeavor and she helped me with the icky job of peeling the tomatoes. I didn't use a recipe, but chose to experiment. Alex and I love the garlic and lime salsa at Wal-Mart, so that was my inspiration. My ingredients included:
1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced with my Pampered Chef garlic press - LOVE this thing!
3/4 white onion
3 tomatoes
1/2 green bell pepper
the tip of a cayenne pepper, chopped finely (I only added a smidge because these suckers are HOT! I didn't have any japelenos.
1 1/2 tsp salt
juice from 1 lime
I used my Pampered Chef salad shears to chop up the veggies into small pieces and not big chunks. I hate chunky salsa, but didn't want puree either. These shears were great! I don't know when I'll ever use them except for salsa, so I'll have to think of some other food project for them.
In the end, there was too much cilantro and both Alex and I didn't want to eat the salsa. After letting the flavors blend overnight, Alex proclaimed that the taste had gotten worse! Well, so much for that endeavor. I'll stick with store bought.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
True Happiness
Can I just say that I am so happy when good things happen to my friends and family! Blogging has allowed me to catch up on the lives of a few college friends who are now starting families, embarking on new careers and just loving life and the bountiful blessings of God. It makes my heart sing to read about their triumphs and it's also great to feel like a part of their lives from miles away. In a world where values are being compromised for selfish gain it feels good to hear something positive, something worth rejoicing in.
In a conversation with someone at work, I found out that kids actually grab each other's shirt collars to see whether or not the genuine name-brand label is sewn inside or if it is a knock off. If you're found with an imitation, you're made fun of. Isn't this ridiculous?! It makes me thankful for six years of wearing hideous school uniforms. Since when is this type of behavior, this shallowness, acceptable? Sure, there's always been peer pressure and bullies, but where are the parents of these kids to correct this behavior? I was informed that the parents of those shallow kids are probably just as badly behaved. You know, the adults you work with that look down at you for wearing the same outfit twice. As an adult, I don't care what those people think of me and my beautiful $1 yard sale dress or my 1998 car, but shame on parents for instilling such materialistic, self-centered, shallow values in their children. True happiness isn't found in things. Self worth doesn't come from what you own. It comes from knowing who you are in Christ, that your heritage is royalty. The Creator of the entire universe knows your name, the King of all kings has a special plan for your life that is different than anyone else's. One part of this conversation that really got to me was that this parent felt that they HAD to buy name brand clothes from the name brand stores (not from consignment stores or yard sales) in order for their kids to not be made fun of. There was no other option. But in my humble opinion, that only enforces the insecurity, the materialism, the need to fit in. I know that it's not fun and it's not easy to be the kid that doesn't fit in. Been there, done that! I know times have changed since I was in middle school and high school, but Christian values haven't changed. We are called to be set apart and live to a higher standard, no matter what the cost. Lord, forgive me for my materialism and help me teach my children these values someday.
In a conversation with someone at work, I found out that kids actually grab each other's shirt collars to see whether or not the genuine name-brand label is sewn inside or if it is a knock off. If you're found with an imitation, you're made fun of. Isn't this ridiculous?! It makes me thankful for six years of wearing hideous school uniforms. Since when is this type of behavior, this shallowness, acceptable? Sure, there's always been peer pressure and bullies, but where are the parents of these kids to correct this behavior? I was informed that the parents of those shallow kids are probably just as badly behaved. You know, the adults you work with that look down at you for wearing the same outfit twice. As an adult, I don't care what those people think of me and my beautiful $1 yard sale dress or my 1998 car, but shame on parents for instilling such materialistic, self-centered, shallow values in their children. True happiness isn't found in things. Self worth doesn't come from what you own. It comes from knowing who you are in Christ, that your heritage is royalty. The Creator of the entire universe knows your name, the King of all kings has a special plan for your life that is different than anyone else's. One part of this conversation that really got to me was that this parent felt that they HAD to buy name brand clothes from the name brand stores (not from consignment stores or yard sales) in order for their kids to not be made fun of. There was no other option. But in my humble opinion, that only enforces the insecurity, the materialism, the need to fit in. I know that it's not fun and it's not easy to be the kid that doesn't fit in. Been there, done that! I know times have changed since I was in middle school and high school, but Christian values haven't changed. We are called to be set apart and live to a higher standard, no matter what the cost. Lord, forgive me for my materialism and help me teach my children these values someday.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Things I'm Looking Forward To
In no particular order:
1. Growing really old with Alex
2. Vacation
3. Replacing our light fixtures and kitchen counter tops
4. Being a mom (don't get too excited. I'm not expecting)
5. Less family drama
6. Built-in bookshelves
8. Seeing my "long-distance" family and friends
9. Learning to sew
10. Making salsa with veggies from my garden
1. Growing really old with Alex
2. Vacation
3. Replacing our light fixtures and kitchen counter tops
4. Being a mom (don't get too excited. I'm not expecting)
5. Less family drama
6. Built-in bookshelves
8. Seeing my "long-distance" family and friends
9. Learning to sew
10. Making salsa with veggies from my garden
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Room Makeover
Everyone always says that there is a never-ending list of things you can do to a house and boy are they right! I have a laundry list of home improvements to be made that seems to be growing faster than things are getting done. We did take advantage of the three-day weekend over the 4th of July to tackle one such project - painting the family room. The original yellow paint was tired and also marred by a painted picket fence on one wall and by my attempt to pick a new paint color. The red was just too dark for my taste.
Alex wants to turn the family room into a library/office, which is hysterical considering he hates to read, but I like the idea. Here are the results!
The next project is something that I am super excited about. My father in law is going to convert one of the two doorways into the "library" into a built-in bookcase! I love built-ins!!! This is the doorway that will soon be a bookcase:
This will hopefully solve some design dilemmas in our living room as well, since there are six doorways in the room to try an arrange furniture around. I'm thrilled to have one less decorating obstacle in that room.
Alex wants to turn the family room into a library/office, which is hysterical considering he hates to read, but I like the idea. Here are the results!
The next project is something that I am super excited about. My father in law is going to convert one of the two doorways into the "library" into a built-in bookcase! I love built-ins!!! This is the doorway that will soon be a bookcase:
This will hopefully solve some design dilemmas in our living room as well, since there are six doorways in the room to try an arrange furniture around. I'm thrilled to have one less decorating obstacle in that room.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Blueberry Bliss
So, after another long case of writer's block (or maybe I just lead a boring life?!), I'm back to try this again. Yesterday, my mom, mother-in-law and I went blueberry picking. It brought back memories of trips to a blueberry patch in Pennsylvania with my grandmother as a kid. After two hours in the hot sun, I only managed to pick 3 pounds of berries (and I only ate one single berry in the process!), but that was enough to freeze a quart and have some left for cereal and Blueberry Boy Bait. My mom used to make this coffee-cake type recipe when I was a kid as well, and she brought along the recipe so I could make it after we were done picking berries. It's super easy:
Blueberry Boy Bait
2 tsp baking powder
2 c flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 c shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
Mix ingredients together and set 1/2 cup aside. Add 2 eggs to 1 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well and add to flour mixture. Pour into a well-greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 cups fresh blueberries on top. You can push the blueberries down into the batter if you want. Sprinkle crumbly mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. You can also use other berries or peaches instead of blueberries if you prefer. The recipe states that wheat germ or bran can be added for more nutrients, but it used to drive me crazy when my mom did that when I was a kid! She tried to sneak it into everything!
I've now had three helpings of this treat and need to burn off some calories prepping the family room for new paint. I sense another blog entry in the making...
Blueberry Boy Bait
2 tsp baking powder
2 c flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 c shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
Mix ingredients together and set 1/2 cup aside. Add 2 eggs to 1 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well and add to flour mixture. Pour into a well-greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 cups fresh blueberries on top. You can push the blueberries down into the batter if you want. Sprinkle crumbly mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. You can also use other berries or peaches instead of blueberries if you prefer. The recipe states that wheat germ or bran can be added for more nutrients, but it used to drive me crazy when my mom did that when I was a kid! She tried to sneak it into everything!
I've now had three helpings of this treat and need to burn off some calories prepping the family room for new paint. I sense another blog entry in the making...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Swimming, Burgers and Basil
I started to write this post last weekend and never got around to finishing it up. Better late than never, right? We kept Sky for two nights in a row (a first) and crammed as much activity into our time with him as possible. Friday night we went to pick up Alex's "new" motorcycle from my mom and dad's. Sky was very excited to see this noisy, shiny treasure. The whole idea of Alex having a motorcycle terrifies me, and I'm honestly regretting my decision to allow him to buy my dad's bike, even if part of the regret is just selfishness. I don't want to lose my husband or see him injured! Alex went out with riding with a friend later in the evening and came home just after Sky went to bed. He went right into "Sky's bedroom", aka: my office, and kissed him goodnight. I know my husband will be a fantastic father someday. I can't wait for that day to come!
On Saturday, we took Sky to the water park. All three of us have season passes as a way to pass the time during these crazy hot weekends we've been having. Sky had a blast! He loved squirting us with his new water gun and sharing an inner tube with Uncle Alex.
When Alex tried to put Sky into the water in his own float, Sky proclaimed that the water was, "old!!!!" (he always leaves off the first consonant. Sky-to-English translation: the water was cold!)
To continue the spoiling of our nephew, a visit to McDonalds was in order, complete with more running around in the playplace. Despite the germs that must infest those jungle gyms, they are an excellent way for four year old boys to burn off some energy! Praise the Lord!
We got together with some friends Saturday night and ate homemade pizza, complete with fresh pesto made with the first basil harvest from our garden! Yum-o! Sky refused to eat it, but that only left more for me! Maybe Sky and I will try our hand at using the basil and making homemade spaghetti sauce the next time he comes to visit. He really enjoyed helping make the pizza.
On Saturday, we took Sky to the water park. All three of us have season passes as a way to pass the time during these crazy hot weekends we've been having. Sky had a blast! He loved squirting us with his new water gun and sharing an inner tube with Uncle Alex.
When Alex tried to put Sky into the water in his own float, Sky proclaimed that the water was, "old!!!!" (he always leaves off the first consonant. Sky-to-English translation: the water was cold!)
To continue the spoiling of our nephew, a visit to McDonalds was in order, complete with more running around in the playplace. Despite the germs that must infest those jungle gyms, they are an excellent way for four year old boys to burn off some energy! Praise the Lord!
We got together with some friends Saturday night and ate homemade pizza, complete with fresh pesto made with the first basil harvest from our garden! Yum-o! Sky refused to eat it, but that only left more for me! Maybe Sky and I will try our hand at using the basil and making homemade spaghetti sauce the next time he comes to visit. He really enjoyed helping make the pizza.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
For Father's Day
In honor of Father's Day, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts about my dad.
He truly is one in a million. He has listened to me share a dark secret through sobs, believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, admitted his faults and continued to try to grow stronger in his weaknesses.
He always came to my soccer and basketball games even if he could only catch part of the game while on his way to work.
He sacrificed to send me to a Christian school because I didn't want to be in public school and he wanted me to get a biblical education.
He successfully played the role of "mom" after my maternal grandmother passed away and my mom went to Florida for weeks at a time to help my grandpa settle things. We grew really close that year.
My dad lost a daughter in infancy and prayed for a second chance to have a little girl. I was his second chance and he never took that for granted. Lately, I've found myself becoming more and more like him. I'm not totally comfortable with that, but there are traits about him that I want to further develop.
Dad is so generous. He has helped out fellow church-goers, neighbors and co-workers in need when I would have been selfish. Even though he moved last year, he still comes back and visits with the elderly couple across the street on a regular basis.
Dad finds relaxation making homemade meatballs and sauce (and his recipe is better than my mom's handsdown).
It scares me to think about my dad getting older. I don't want to ever lose him. He is an amazing person and has truly taught me about unconditional love. Even though i don't always understand his "twisted" sense of humor, we share long, meaningful conversations and I know he still misses me being his little girl living at home. Now the tears are flowing, so I should end this post with this: My dad is the best dad in the whole world, and I am so proud to be his daughter.
He truly is one in a million. He has listened to me share a dark secret through sobs, believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, admitted his faults and continued to try to grow stronger in his weaknesses.
He always came to my soccer and basketball games even if he could only catch part of the game while on his way to work.
He sacrificed to send me to a Christian school because I didn't want to be in public school and he wanted me to get a biblical education.
He successfully played the role of "mom" after my maternal grandmother passed away and my mom went to Florida for weeks at a time to help my grandpa settle things. We grew really close that year.
My dad lost a daughter in infancy and prayed for a second chance to have a little girl. I was his second chance and he never took that for granted. Lately, I've found myself becoming more and more like him. I'm not totally comfortable with that, but there are traits about him that I want to further develop.
Dad is so generous. He has helped out fellow church-goers, neighbors and co-workers in need when I would have been selfish. Even though he moved last year, he still comes back and visits with the elderly couple across the street on a regular basis.
Dad finds relaxation making homemade meatballs and sauce (and his recipe is better than my mom's handsdown).
It scares me to think about my dad getting older. I don't want to ever lose him. He is an amazing person and has truly taught me about unconditional love. Even though i don't always understand his "twisted" sense of humor, we share long, meaningful conversations and I know he still misses me being his little girl living at home. Now the tears are flowing, so I should end this post with this: My dad is the best dad in the whole world, and I am so proud to be his daughter.
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