Monday, December 29, 2008
New Favorites
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tom Kha Gai
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
1 can (14 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 quarter-size slices fresh ginger
1 stalk fresh lemongrass, cut in 1-in. pieces
1 pound boned, skinned chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-in. chunks
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Thai chili paste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, broth, ginger, and lemongrass and bring to boil over high heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is firm and opaque, 5 to 10 minutes. Discard lemongrass. Garnish servings with basil and cilantro.
Calories: 357 (63% from fat)
Protein: 29g
Fat: 25g (sat 19)
Carbohydrate: 7.2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 484mg
Cholesterol: 79mg
Friday, December 5, 2008
So Far
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
You Would Cry Too...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Nostalgia-The Food Edition
First let me tell you that I am not really enjoying food right now. Maybe it is because I have tricked my mind into not craving food so much. Maybe it's because I have to record and keep track of and report what I eat. Maybe because of the HUGE guilt factor if I do eat something that is high in fat or calories. Whatever the reason food and cooking are just a burden I would rather forgo.
But, growing up in my family, well, lets just say things revolved around food. As many occasions do where we gather with family, friends, ward members, etc. There is usually a treat, a meal, a cake, an excuse to get together and share good times. I loved when my older brothers and sisters, their spouses and children would come to my home (the grandparents house) and enjoy games, laughter and food. So that food took on meaning to me. Well, maybe that's enough self-disclosure about my food issues.
Anyway, I treated myself to a few memorable foods this weekend.
1. Artichokes- I know they are not really in season. But I wanted a yummy vegetable for a nice dinner with Boyfriend after the kids were in bed. And I love that I can boast that I know how to cook and eat an artichoke. It isn't easy, but totally worth all the work.
I know what you are thinking "a vegetable as a treat?" Come over and I'll make one for you sometime and you'll see!
2. Toasted Bologna Sandwich- Not in the least healthy. And I usually hate bologna. My mom used to make these for me when I was a little girl (I think her piano teacher made them for her), so they bring back memories and comfort. I taught #3 how to make them and he loved them too.
3. Chex Mix- Not the icky stuff the sell at the store. The real stuff you make yourself with Worchestershire sauce and butter and yummy spices. Dad would make this every Christmas. The smell and the taste (along with the Christmas music playing in the background) really got me in the mood for Christmas. Just watch those calories! (sigh)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Favorites (yes, more!)
#2 Papers!-A store here in ABQ that sells the best (and the most expensive) paper. I got a few sheets to start my Christmas card project (yes, already). Beautiful papers (even real Origami paper) and more. In fact I have to go back in the next couple of weeks for stocking stuffers! Want to come with me and check it out? We can eat at a great pizza place near the store, too.
#3 Unexpected visitors-my sister and her husband stopped by while passing through today! Yea! They couldn't stay but we had a nice little chat anyway.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Day In The Life
6:15am- wake kids, have family prayer, encourage children to get dressed while breakfast is being served.
6:30am- finish kids' lunches, eat my own breakfast.
6:45am- help all kids get ready for day/school (incl. brush teeth, get dressed, change diapers, make beds, pack backpacks, comb hair, etc), separate and spray dirty laundry, put in first load.
7:15am- leave to take kids to school.
8:00am- arrive home from drop off, switch laundry, can't walk today since walking partner just moved :(, work out.
9:00am- shower and dress (finally), switch laundry.
9:30am- snack for little boys.
9:45am- take #3 to preschool.
10:00am- back home, recite "Good Night Moon" to #4, put #4 down for nap, switch laundry.
10:05am- eat protein filled snack.
10:15am- study lesson 8 (investing), work on assignment I find out later didn't need to be done (no wonder I was so confused!)
11:45am- read scriptures and study for RS lesson, switch laundry.
12:15pm- wake #4, leave to get #3 from preschool, pay for preschool.
12:40pm- call Boyfriend
12:45pm- make and eat lunch with boys
1:15pm- make orange juice pops with #3 for FHE treat
1:25pm- change a diaper
1:30pm- leave to pick kids up from school.
2:00pm- get caught in conversation with #2's teacher.
2:30pm- leave to go home.
3:00pm- home, get kids started on homework.
3:05pm- get call from Boyfriend
3:10pm- get snack for kids set out, switch laundry, eat apple and crackers.
3:30pm- get ready to make dinner, prep for homemade tomato sauce, pick fresh basil from garden, realize we don't have enough eggplant for eggplant parmesan (I need 2).
4:00pm- prep for new dinner, make vinegrette for yummy Cranberry Spinach salad, take sauce off stove, switch laundry.
4:30pm- Boyfriend home, kiss him.
4:40pm- Chop, dice, pour and toss dinner.
5:00pm- eat dinner, have nice conversation with Boyfriend while trying to ignore rude comments from children about how they hate dinner, threaten to make them cook dinner some night.
5:30pm- take Advill for headache, leave for PTO meeting at school (WHAT!? time by myself?)
6:00pm- sit bored during PTO meeting.
7:30pm- PTO meeting (finally) ends.
7:50pm- get home, too late for FHE (we'll have it Tuesday night instead), family prayer, get kids in bed.
8:00pm- crash on couch with Boyfriend to watch SNL and eat a few Oreos (bad I know, but headaches need sugar!)
9:00pm- finish cleaning up kitchen, finish folding laundry (Boyfriend did most), get ready for bed.
9:50pm- climb into bed, finish book, go to sleep.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
This Week's Favorites
Monday, October 27, 2008
Laundry (yet again)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
AHHHHH...I've Been Tagged!
1. Enjoying being a newlywed
2. Finding out I was pregnant with #1
3. Working at Von Curtis Salon
4. Taking a break from BYU
5. Living in Utah
5 Things on my "To-Do" list today...
1. Work out at the church building
2. Laundry
3. Take kids to the library
4. Pick up #2's prescription
5. Study
5 Snacks I enjoy...
1. Dried cranberries
2. Nuts
3. Fruit
4. Greek yogurt
5. "Fiber One" granola bars
5 Things I'd do if I were a Millionaire...
1. Pay off my mortgage
2. Build an addition onto my house
3. Invest a ton (nows the time to buy!)
4. Save for kids college, weddings, missions
5. Travel, travel, travel!
5 Places I've Lived...
1. American Fork, Utah
2. Simi Valley, California
3. Provo, Utah
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
5. Isn't that sad...there isn't a fifth!
5 Jobs I've Had...
1. Mother's Helper (Part time nanny)
2. CSR at Blockbuster
3. Receptionist at hair salon
4. Dish washer at the Cannon Center (does this really count if it's for one day?)
5. Sandwich maker at Easy Pickin's in the Cougar Eat
5 People I tag...
1. Laurel
2. Chris
3. Cheryl
4. Sarah
5. Mom
Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Best Medicine
Sunday, October 19, 2008
You Know You're Doing SOMETHING Right When...
*Your child, who fought for days about saying his line in the Primary Program, actually says it and it makes you cry (just a little though!)
*Your child wants to take a nap with you, play games with you, cook with you...or just spend time with you.
*Your child, the one who doesn't usually want to spend time with you, wants you to sit next to them during scripture reading (yea!)
*Your child, who doesn't like to be kissed, reminds you to kiss him before going to bed.
*Your child wants to hold your hand.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
"Maybe ALL the Rulers Are Wrong!"
In other news...I finished sewing Allyson's Halloween costume yesterday. When I measured her to figure out which size (7/8 or 10/12) she was right in between. I figured the 7/8 would be too small and the other too big. Somewhere in the middle perhaps? So I adjusted where I cut the pattern and sewed till finished. Boy, was it cute!
So, she tried it on and it was HUGE! It turned out to fit ME! And if I didn't have a grotesque experience with a poodle skirt when I was 13 ("Here, you're already awkward and uncomfortable why don't you put this on and dance [literally] in front of hundreds of people. That will boost your self confidence!"- man I HATE road shows!) I would gladly wear it for Halloween.
I know I measured everything correctly! What happened?
So I am re cutting and resewing today (I hate doing things twice!)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Books Glorious Books! And The People Who Write Them
I'll start by suggesting some of my favorite authors of picture books (along with a couple of their best books-in my opinion of course-after all my blog is just a practice in narcissism!)
In no particular order:
Anita Lobel -fantastic artist and storyteller! Her books are beautiful! I have never gone wrong with any of her books. A couple of the best are "Allison's Zinnia," "Pierrot's ABC Garden," and"Sven's Bridge." She is also the illustrator of books by other authors including...
Arnold Lobel -husband to the author above. They collaborated a couple of times. She illustrated and he authored one of my all-time favorite books "On Market Street," as well as "The Rose in My Garden." He is also an artist and he wrote and illustrated all the of the "Frog and Toad" books (more of the easy-reader category). Another great book of his is "The Great Blueness and Other Predicaments" we still talk about that one around our house.
Any age child will love the Lobel's books!
Patricia Polacco -I stumbled across her books by accident and fell in love! She is another author/artist (their books seem to be the best of the best). Her artwork is beautiful. I have read all I have been able to get my hands on. A couple of my favorites are "Thank You Mr. Falker" (be prepared to cry), "Pink and Say," and "Rechenka's Eggs" (the artwork in this one is especially fantastic!) Some themes and the lengths of the books are more appropriate for older kids maybe ages 6-9.
Pat Hutchins -So much fun to read her books and see her elaborate artwork! Some good ones are "Rosie's Walk" and "Ten Red Apples." Great for young children ages 2-4.
Kevin Henkes -I am sure many of you have read some of his books. He is very well known. A couple of my favorites are "Chrysanthemum" ( I love the language he uses in this books!) and "Kitten's First Full Moon." Several ages can enjoy these, probably more 2-6.
Tomie DePaola -another very well known author/illustrator. His artwork is very distinct. I love "Strega Nona" and "The Art Lesson."
William Steig -He has won numerous awards for his books. I have read several and recommend all, but I always go back to "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" and "Dr. DeSoto."
Chris Van Allsburg -Most well known for "The Polar Express." I also love "The Widow's Broom" and "Z Was Zapped."
I hope this small list helps when looking for great books for kids of all ages.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
About An Apron
Monday, October 13, 2008
Spacey
Sunday, October 12, 2008
I Can't Figure It Out!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Creativity
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Those Are Some Nice Melons...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Like VS Love
Monday, September 29, 2008
I Dare You Not To Giggle...
But, I have recently found a blog that just makes me laugh so hard I forget about all my worries and feel lighter and more joyful.
Try it out I am sure you will be as delighted as I am.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Yummy Rye Bread!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
My Latest Project
But, yesterday I wanted to accomplish something. So I came up with a cute idea for my table.
I wanted a fall-themed table runner. But knowing my children I knew a table runner would be out of the question (same goes for a table cloth). Can't you just see the mess that would be pulled on to the floor?!
So I came up with this instead:
It is just a simple little centerpiece, well out of a toddler's arms reach.
I cut some muslin, and hemed the edges. Then I dry brushed it with a soft brown paint. I painted on the two pumpkins. And sat a real pumpkin in the middle. I thought it turned out pretty cute and have decided to make one for each season.
By the way, it does look better in person.
Friday, September 26, 2008
My Laundry Room
I don't even like it when Hubby does the laundry (he does it in this very interesting way!)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I've Got A Pocket - Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine
Monday, September 22, 2008
What A Riot
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What's In A Name?
My plan was to change my name when I turned 18. I never did figure out what I would have changed it too.
As it turns out I like being the only Summer around. In fact it was a pain when I was in a ward at BYU with another Summer (I even visit taught her).
I think I grew to like being unique in name and person.
.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Okay, So I'm A Little Selfish
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Where's My Pillow?
Monday, September 15, 2008
You Are My Friend
I don't want a world where we can't watch Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS. It saddens me that there are some people out there who don't appreciate him and his advice, knowledge, and understanding ways. That they think all these other dumb shows are worth more than the affirming, loving, musical, simple teachings of my friend Fred.
And even though my kids have seen so little of him, they know who he is, they know his songs (we sing a few of them around here), and they know there was once a man who appreciated children for who they are.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Good Idea? Bad Idea?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Where Have I Been?!
-Walking for an hour every morning. It gave me so much energy for the rest of the day plus all those good feelings I get when I take care of my body.
-Hearing #4 making tiger noises. Can he get more adorable and lovable? I have a hard time believing it.
-Having 3 children out of the house and one peacefully napping so I could study effectively. Sigh.
-Being sent to the library by Hubby (he even made dinner) so I could do even more studying.
-Cleaning the garage (finally). Just how many bug corpses do you think were in there?
-Losing almost 3 pounds.
-Finishing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with #2. And, consequently, starting the next one with him.
-Getting the newspaper. We finally subscribed and I love it!