Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Razorback Beauty
This is the most beautiful YouTube video I've seen in awhile.
The Lord has blessed me with some super amazing friends, and now I give you Aunt Liz, one of my dearest BFF's Aunt's. Pure awesomeness is all I can say about this.
Woo Pig Sooie!
Hogs are beautiful!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Dinner Party
Tonight we have between 20-25 people coming over for dinner.
What's the state of the union on the house?
I'd say semi-clean. There are flip-flops on the floor, a few school papers on the table, the guest bathroom needs to be cleaned (de-tooth-pasted and other issues around the toilet thanks to life with young boys), still need to sweep, mop, feather dust and run a quick vacuum.
Oh, and did I mention I will not be here for dinner since we double booked and I have a jewelry show tonight? Yeah, good times.
Here's the biggest thing I try to remember when company is coming.
That can be hard to believe, but it's true. My mom and I had a conversation a few weeks ago about cleaning. When a person comes over, they don't know if you feather dusted, ran a quick vacuum and lit a candle, or whether you slaved away for hours cleaning.
Here's a quick run-down of what happens at my house before company comes.
If you are having a larger group over, keep the menu simple. Tonight we are having BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Salad, Dinner Rolls and Sweet Tea. Do you know how simple that is? I bought really good BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's), it will cook in the oven, the beans are in the crock-pot, the salad is a nice Spring Mix already prepared, the Hawaiian Rolls are ready to eat straight out of the package, and Red Diamond is making the tea tonight.
Since I'm not going to be here, I had to keep it really simple, but there is nothing wrong with serving a simple dinner anytime you have friends over.
Well, that's it for today. I'd better hop off and get a bathroom cleaned.
What's the state of the union on the house?
I'd say semi-clean. There are flip-flops on the floor, a few school papers on the table, the guest bathroom needs to be cleaned (de-tooth-pasted and other issues around the toilet thanks to life with young boys), still need to sweep, mop, feather dust and run a quick vacuum.
Oh, and did I mention I will not be here for dinner since we double booked and I have a jewelry show tonight? Yeah, good times.
Here's the biggest thing I try to remember when company is coming.
The house doesn't have to be perfect, but there are a few things I can do last minute to make it seem like it is.
That can be hard to believe, but it's true. My mom and I had a conversation a few weeks ago about cleaning. When a person comes over, they don't know if you feather dusted, ran a quick vacuum and lit a candle, or whether you slaved away for hours cleaning.
Here's a quick run-down of what happens at my house before company comes.
- Clean my kitchen counters. By this I mean I spray 409 on them, let it sit a minute and wash them off with a hot washcloth.
- I always sweep and mop my white tile kitchen floor and the guest bathroom. It shows dirt so easy and I like it to sparkle. Plus, the smell of good lemon floor cleaner makes the house feel and smell fresh. This takes about 15 minutes.
- Quick feather dust in the living room. It knocks that little pesky layer of dust off and makes the wood look nice and clean.
- We vacuum. New lines in the carpet looks fantastic. The best part is our boys vacuum these days.
- Windex the front door and any other surface that has fingerprints. Such a quick easy thing. Not every single thing gets Windexed, just hit the smudgy spots in the main areas (Living Room, Kitchen, Guest Bathroom)
If you are having a larger group over, keep the menu simple. Tonight we are having BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Salad, Dinner Rolls and Sweet Tea. Do you know how simple that is? I bought really good BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's), it will cook in the oven, the beans are in the crock-pot, the salad is a nice Spring Mix already prepared, the Hawaiian Rolls are ready to eat straight out of the package, and Red Diamond is making the tea tonight.
Since I'm not going to be here, I had to keep it really simple, but there is nothing wrong with serving a simple dinner anytime you have friends over.
Well, that's it for today. I'd better hop off and get a bathroom cleaned.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Mission Of Motherhood Study
Next Wednesday, September 12th, at 8:00pm we kick off the Mission Of Motherhood study at my house. It is a 6 week study where we'll explore creating a life-giving, peace-filled home, passing on a legacy of righteousness to our children, and creative ideas on keeping your child's heart open to you and the Lord.
One thing I love about Sally's books is how the Lord uses them to give me creative ideas to bless my house and family. I am a more gentle, intentional Mom because of the truths she has taught me in her books.
Here is a schedule of the next 6 weeks in case you want to check your calender to see if you can join us.
Sept 12th- Intro week. Pass out books.
Sept 19th- Part 1 Discussion (Ch 1-3)
Sept 26th- OFF
Oct 3rd- Part II Discussion (Ch 4-6)
Oct 10th- Part III Discussion (Ch 7-8)
Oct 17th- Part IV Discussion (Ch 9-11)
Oct 24th- Part V Discussion (Ch 12)
I am ordering books in the morning and they are around $10 or so. If you'd like me to order one for you, just holler at me by late tonight.
Hugs,
Anna
Friday, August 31, 2012
Spaghetti Squash
This was my first spaghetti squash to buy. It sat on the counter for about a week before I got the courage to crack into it and figure out what to do with it. The squash seemed small, so my big question was how much is it going to make. There was a lot of squash in that little guy, enough for 4 servings at least.
The first thing you do is cut it down the center. Use your sharpest knife for this part and be careful.
Then you want to scoop out the center part with the seeds and pulp. This was the part I was unsure about. I thought the strands in the middle were the actual squash, but they are not. It is like cutting a canteloupe. You know how you take a spoon and scoop the middle part out, seeds and all? Same concept here. The part of the squash you'll be eating is that smooth looking outer layer.
Then place the halves in a 9x13 pan, cut sides facing up (like in the above picture). Pour about an inch of water in the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with foil. You can put a little butter, salt and pepper on the squash before you bake it if you want to, I did not do that step because of mydiet lifestyle change and what not. Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes (I cooked mine 45 minutes).
Then the magic happens. You take a fork and scoop the spaghetti like strands out onto your plate. It is so stinkin' cool! And unlike pasta which is 5 WW points, this is 0 points!
Top with your favorite pasta sauce and you have yourself a fantastic dinner.
The first thing you do is cut it down the center. Use your sharpest knife for this part and be careful.
Then you want to scoop out the center part with the seeds and pulp. This was the part I was unsure about. I thought the strands in the middle were the actual squash, but they are not. It is like cutting a canteloupe. You know how you take a spoon and scoop the middle part out, seeds and all? Same concept here. The part of the squash you'll be eating is that smooth looking outer layer.
Then place the halves in a 9x13 pan, cut sides facing up (like in the above picture). Pour about an inch of water in the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with foil. You can put a little butter, salt and pepper on the squash before you bake it if you want to, I did not do that step because of my
Then the magic happens. You take a fork and scoop the spaghetti like strands out onto your plate. It is so stinkin' cool! And unlike pasta which is 5 WW points, this is 0 points!
Top with your favorite pasta sauce and you have yourself a fantastic dinner.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Homeschool Room
We do school at our kitchen table. It is convenient since it is so central in our home. I can work in the kitchen and keep an eye on them (just one). They can move to the bar for a little change of scenery. The kitchen timer on the microwave is within reach. It's just the best spot we've found.
Each day we have been dragging our school supplies from the closet in the playroom and plopping them on the kitchen table.
Each day we'd line the middle of the table with our supplies. When we were done, we'd tote them back to the closet where they belong. I got to thinking how nice it would be to have everything all in one space. But you know me, there was one criteria, if it was in the kitchen it had to look cute. When you come over for game night and dinner, I didn't want you feeling like you were at school, ya hear?
If you have a space in your home that is not working functionally or maybe you just have the itch to redecorate, always shop your house first. This little bookcase has been in our room and was just the right size to fit my space. Cost: Free
Next we headed over to Staples and spent $38 on 3 Martha Stewart magazine holders. When we got to Target, these brown one's were on sale for $3.50 each. After doing the math, we returned the Martha Stewart one's at Staples and were very happy with our $14 purchase. I wanted a burlap type look and that's exactly what I got.
The labels are on the front and the back. When company comes (if I remember) we'll flip them around so it's a very uniform, clean look. This is what you'll see.
On an everyday basis, I'll keep them facing forward so I can have easy access.
What's that? Oh, heck yeah that's chevron on the lining. I know, I'm excited about it too. Who needs an apple on their desk when they have all this other cheery action going on, right?
Do you pray before you shop? If not you should, it works. I have seen God lead me to the perfect place many times. Like wheeling into Fred's last minute on this trip. And finding this lamp for $16 with the clear, glass pineapple center. The base is a kind of greenish color and it is all kinds of cute. Do you know our first Christmas tree was decorated with dried citrus fruits (lemons, limes, and oranges) and topped with a pineapple? Citrus makes the world go round and lights up school rooms.
There you have it. Our $32 homeschool room make-over. Our everyday things we use are on the bookshelf. The other things not used on a daily basis are in a closet in our playroom.
The interesting thing is how much the lamps warmed up this space. Adding a lamp to a room always makes is feel more cozy.
Each day we have been dragging our school supplies from the closet in the playroom and plopping them on the kitchen table.
(The schoolroom after a $32 make-over)
(The schoolroom before the $32 make-over)
Each day we'd line the middle of the table with our supplies. When we were done, we'd tote them back to the closet where they belong. I got to thinking how nice it would be to have everything all in one space. But you know me, there was one criteria, if it was in the kitchen it had to look cute. When you come over for game night and dinner, I didn't want you feeling like you were at school, ya hear?
If you have a space in your home that is not working functionally or maybe you just have the itch to redecorate, always shop your house first. This little bookcase has been in our room and was just the right size to fit my space. Cost: Free
Next we headed over to Staples and spent $38 on 3 Martha Stewart magazine holders. When we got to Target, these brown one's were on sale for $3.50 each. After doing the math, we returned the Martha Stewart one's at Staples and were very happy with our $14 purchase. I wanted a burlap type look and that's exactly what I got.
The labels are on the front and the back. When company comes (if I remember) we'll flip them around so it's a very uniform, clean look. This is what you'll see.
On an everyday basis, I'll keep them facing forward so I can have easy access.
What's that? Oh, heck yeah that's chevron on the lining. I know, I'm excited about it too. Who needs an apple on their desk when they have all this other cheery action going on, right?
Do you pray before you shop? If not you should, it works. I have seen God lead me to the perfect place many times. Like wheeling into Fred's last minute on this trip. And finding this lamp for $16 with the clear, glass pineapple center. The base is a kind of greenish color and it is all kinds of cute. Do you know our first Christmas tree was decorated with dried citrus fruits (lemons, limes, and oranges) and topped with a pineapple? Citrus makes the world go round and lights up school rooms.
There you have it. Our $32 homeschool room make-over. Our everyday things we use are on the bookshelf. The other things not used on a daily basis are in a closet in our playroom.
The interesting thing is how much the lamps warmed up this space. Adding a lamp to a room always makes is feel more cozy.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Noodle Free Lasagna
This lasagna is so good! It is hearty and the meat sauce and cheese topping are delicious. I thought it was easier to assemble than regular lasagna because you do not have to deal with hot lasagna noodles which can be hard to deal with. The noodle part is actually thinly sliced vegetables. I used zucchini and eggplant. You will see the recipe actually calls for mushrooms. We don't like mushrooms so I changed it up. Next time I will use all zucchini for the noodle layer. Sliced thinly they almost disappear. Almost.
The first step is thinly slicing the vegetables, sprinkling them with salt and broiling them. Set broil on high and let them roast. The salt is to draw out any water in them.
4 zucchini, sliced (I only used 2)
2 portabella mushrooms, sliced in strips (I did not use)
8 oz. lean beef (94% lean)
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
28 oz. can diced tomato
5 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz. fat-free ricotta
1/4 c. egg beaters (I used liquid egg whites)
1/2 c. reduced fat Parmesan
2 T. chopped fresh basil (I used dried)
1 t. tried oregano
1 c. part skim mozzarella (do not use fat free on this part!)
-Sprinkle veggies with salt and broil.
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray skillet with Pam. Saute' onion and 3 of the minced garlic cloves, 3-5 minutes. Add in ground beef and brown. Add in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stir well and cook until thick. (Check on your veggies, are they looking good? I like mine a little brown on top.)
-Mix ricotta, Parmesan, remaining two minced garlic cloves, egg, salt and pepper.
-Pam a 9x13 pan. Spoon meat sauce in dish. Layer veggies, ricotta, sauce, veggie, ricotta, sauce. Top with mozzarella (my favorite part!). Cover with foil. Poke 3 holes in foil (to allow steam to escape).
-Bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes. (I usually go a little longer because I want my cheese browned)
-Let stand 10 minutes before serving. This step really does make a difference. It allows the lasagna to set up properly. Cut into 6 portions.
6 servings-6 points each
One of the trickiest parts of lasagna is figuring out when to start it to have it ready in time. The easiest thing I do is work backwards. If we want to eat at 5pm, this is how I figure it.
4:50 lasagna out of oven to rest
4:30 foil off top of lasagna (bake another 20 min. to brown cheese)
3:45 lasagna in oven to cook for 45 minutes covered with foil
3:15 start dinner prep
The first step is thinly slicing the vegetables, sprinkling them with salt and broiling them. Set broil on high and let them roast. The salt is to draw out any water in them.
4 zucchini, sliced (I only used 2)
2 portabella mushrooms, sliced in strips (I did not use)
8 oz. lean beef (94% lean)
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
28 oz. can diced tomato
5 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz. fat-free ricotta
1/4 c. egg beaters (I used liquid egg whites)
1/2 c. reduced fat Parmesan
2 T. chopped fresh basil (I used dried)
1 t. tried oregano
1 c. part skim mozzarella (do not use fat free on this part!)
-Sprinkle veggies with salt and broil.
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray skillet with Pam. Saute' onion and 3 of the minced garlic cloves, 3-5 minutes. Add in ground beef and brown. Add in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stir well and cook until thick. (Check on your veggies, are they looking good? I like mine a little brown on top.)
-Mix ricotta, Parmesan, remaining two minced garlic cloves, egg, salt and pepper.
-Pam a 9x13 pan. Spoon meat sauce in dish. Layer veggies, ricotta, sauce, veggie, ricotta, sauce. Top with mozzarella (my favorite part!). Cover with foil. Poke 3 holes in foil (to allow steam to escape).
-Bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes. (I usually go a little longer because I want my cheese browned)
-Let stand 10 minutes before serving. This step really does make a difference. It allows the lasagna to set up properly. Cut into 6 portions.
6 servings-6 points each
One of the trickiest parts of lasagna is figuring out when to start it to have it ready in time. The easiest thing I do is work backwards. If we want to eat at 5pm, this is how I figure it.
4:50 lasagna out of oven to rest
4:30 foil off top of lasagna (bake another 20 min. to brown cheese)
3:45 lasagna in oven to cook for 45 minutes covered with foil
3:15 start dinner prep
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Little Worried
This picture doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm so happy my blog friends are back from the summer. It is so much fun to see new posts on my sidebar, don't you agree? But if I did have a smile for good blog posts it would look like his.
Fail. When it's time for me to leave a comment, I usually fail the decoding process on the first try. It's tricky you know, the figuring out what the heck I'm supposed to be typing in so I can leave my comment love.
I might be getting old. Last night the phone rang at 9:13pm. Shane and I both looked at each other like, "Who could be calling, we just have no idea. Something must be wrong for the phone to be ringing at this hour." It was some excitement and it was only 9:13 but it might as well have been 2am for the way we got all excited when the phone rang.
And we're also getting overly excited and talking a little too much about the rain or lack thereof. At some point you just have to look at your precipitation conversations and own it. Yeah, this may not be normal.
I feel it's only a matter of time before we openly start discussing our bathroom habits among friends. I may need an intervention.
In other news, we had a perfect night last night. Homemade Spaghetti (the recipe that simmers for 3 hours), kids in bed by 7:30., dishwasher humming, Sugar Cookie candle lit (if I can't eat 'em I might as well have the house smell like 'em), house perfectly tidy. We went into our little front room and just relaxed. That is code for Shane listened to some Fox News and sermons and I blog hopped and searched for new recipes.
I'm also trying out hot teas. Last night was Tazo Calm and I put a Stevia packet in it. It was nice. So nice I'll probably have another cup tonight.
How about you, how's your little corner of the world? Are you getting into some new routines with the new school year? Are you talking about precipitation too much?
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