tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22981886263788301212024-03-19T01:26:21.561-06:00Croft ClanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-47276331675659607572011-08-29T20:57:00.000-06:002011-08-29T21:03:23.236-06:00Double VisionI had to take in a snack to school for Christine today. As I walked past the library, I noticed her teacher, Mrs. Norby inside. I decided to just drop off the snack in the classroom, only to find Mrs. Norby reading to the class in their classroom. I thought I must have just mistaken whomever I had seen in the library for Mrs. Norby. As I headed back to the office to sign out, I saw her again! This time I was able to look at her directly in the face. It had to be her. I must have had a confused expression on my face, because after Christine's "teacher" left, the secretary filled me in. "Mrs. Norby has an identical twin, you're not crazy." I remembered then that Christine had told me that, but I had no idea that they both worked at her school. I'm hoping that my embarrassing moments throughout the year are few with teacher mix ups, but I'm not counting on it.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqyQ9Y5mI-g0XnghzHYMK652I5aKrw-J92Hojbo0j7azuqss7xPshCeOS3Fn3y5MEvXlkCtNuINMI_EFUI_Ay6E4AHBVEB0xMhEGA1thAaP9DdIbdS_Eg0fvBpVkelqojR-zHLTOKhrY/s1600/P1000341.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqyQ9Y5mI-g0XnghzHYMK652I5aKrw-J92Hojbo0j7azuqss7xPshCeOS3Fn3y5MEvXlkCtNuINMI_EFUI_Ay6E4AHBVEB0xMhEGA1thAaP9DdIbdS_Eg0fvBpVkelqojR-zHLTOKhrY/s400/P1000341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646314474206245730" border="0" /></a>
<br />Christine and the real Mrs. Norby on the first day of school. I'm guessing by the quality of our point and shoot's photos that a certain little boy has gotten his fingerprints on the lens.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw-rGQaQZEYbqtgjbjXmbzYgn7cLPauv2vUdpQkV0a7AKlGDbca74zxGpxN-CZyNCiSc8hTL74us3bwfp87tj5fmEptaE3bvvSSZR92D4l4ZT97YVqgLhMDhhVkVGp7HotDotoNIJW7U/s1600/P1000340.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw-rGQaQZEYbqtgjbjXmbzYgn7cLPauv2vUdpQkV0a7AKlGDbca74zxGpxN-CZyNCiSc8hTL74us3bwfp87tj5fmEptaE3bvvSSZR92D4l4ZT97YVqgLhMDhhVkVGp7HotDotoNIJW7U/s400/P1000340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646314478146054610" border="0" /></a>
<br />Emma on her first day of Kindergarten (sniff). She really likes Mrs. Barnett. I couldn't get Emma to look at the camera, and I didn't want to be "that mom" that turns the first day into a photo shoot. I do, however, like Michael's supermodel pose in the background.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakZ7QCxRaHG6cTWq_uM4gLdkIDCok28JNciPTdgb4XLnHqNgAk2nwwWXUML7mGI4hQbBrxEDGtdHJJumZyUnZ6-hLpSdZ7ysgnw52T4lwliakfWqMHjDNP04UffARMnFjYomYGcaacBw/s1600/IMG_9576.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakZ7QCxRaHG6cTWq_uM4gLdkIDCok28JNciPTdgb4XLnHqNgAk2nwwWXUML7mGI4hQbBrxEDGtdHJJumZyUnZ6-hLpSdZ7ysgnw52T4lwliakfWqMHjDNP04UffARMnFjYomYGcaacBw/s400/IMG_9576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646477588226194322" border="0" /></a>
<br />Jacob loves having the older girls in school. The competition for my and Julia's time has gone down, and he loves feeling like he's the oldest for a bit. More importantly, I think he enjoys having one mother instead of three.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuA4IJZO1nBprbFRy5XwdTaZE8IN_gWaGyjyHe7ch2SQ1Z2iah99EwaujYzmqoZ81X6olduRi371UtSwaXbAUzAS8K33CLSgfZZKoAqhGXgRSkmjGeHJthiHRO7d1qWA-pYtjFQ9uSC0/s1600/P1000223.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuA4IJZO1nBprbFRy5XwdTaZE8IN_gWaGyjyHe7ch2SQ1Z2iah99EwaujYzmqoZ81X6olduRi371UtSwaXbAUzAS8K33CLSgfZZKoAqhGXgRSkmjGeHJthiHRO7d1qWA-pYtjFQ9uSC0/s400/P1000223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646314490054390146" border="0" /></a>
<br />Here's our cool girl Julia. She's 7 months now, and I can't believe how fast time is flying. Someday I'll do a post on her entrance into this world, but not while she sits squirming on my lap. Perhaps when she's forty.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-47829465280927434752011-08-02T10:19:00.002-06:002011-08-02T10:37:16.340-06:00Eggplant ParmesanYummy, delicious, fabulous, but time consuming. It's worth it though, oh, so worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmjsZfIAfj6YFfU91r62QJRKBSXK6Ma2KraQNKoSPbjdpkqioqoPAhbBFnlHM3c598DUMtt8UhIdY-GNPhXxc8GPXg4Lz4SV7jZUtqRiIYzuf_RBwPULFmHhda0e44ylcg_5khHfMMA8/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmjsZfIAfj6YFfU91r62QJRKBSXK6Ma2KraQNKoSPbjdpkqioqoPAhbBFnlHM3c598DUMtt8UhIdY-GNPhXxc8GPXg4Lz4SV7jZUtqRiIYzuf_RBwPULFmHhda0e44ylcg_5khHfMMA8/s400/IMG_8498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636294699958699090" border="0" /></a><br />Shot in the pan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNAkupAuBp___cWrEbM3EJJITN15krBsfxer7LV-ayU67nfLp-AtgQ6R4Q1Nv4mloOe0HYiQZdopHT1Q6Rio_YL-7MKjjygj9A5XENPcIbzua2eCM2wGV0KeS2WJex5eOeR1fCnTGFtM/s1600/IMG_8500.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNAkupAuBp___cWrEbM3EJJITN15krBsfxer7LV-ayU67nfLp-AtgQ6R4Q1Nv4mloOe0HYiQZdopHT1Q6Rio_YL-7MKjjygj9A5XENPcIbzua2eCM2wGV0KeS2WJex5eOeR1fCnTGFtM/s400/IMG_8500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636294707707405906" border="0" /></a><br />and on the plate.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eggplant Parmesan</span></span><br />2 pounds globe eggplant (2 medium eggplants), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds<br />1 tablespoon kosher salt<br />8 slices high-quality white bread (about 8 ounces), torn into quarters<br />1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)<br />1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour<br />4 large eggs<br />6 tablespoons vegetable oil<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tomato Sauce</span><br />3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes<br />2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br />4 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 generous tablespoon)<br />¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes<br />½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped<br />8 ounces whole milk mozzarella or part-skim mozzarella, shredded (2 cups)<br />½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)<br />10 fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish<br /><br />1. Eggplant: Toss half of eggplant slices and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt in large bowl until combined; transfer salted eggplant to large colander set over bowl. Repeat with remaining eggplant and kosher salt, placing second batch in colander on top of first. Let stand until eggplant releases about 2 tablespoons liquid, 30 to 45 minutes. Arrange eggplant slices on triple layer paper towels; cover with another triple layer paper towels. Firmly press each slice to remove as much liquid as possible, then wipe off excess salt.<br />2. While eggplant is draining, adjust oven racks to upper- and lower-middle positions, place rimmed baking sheet on each rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees. Pulse bread in food processor to fine, even crumbs, about fifteen 1-second pulses (you should have about 4 cups). Transfer crumbs to pie plate and stir in 1 cup Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside. Wipe out bowl (do not wash) and set aside.<br />3. Combine flour and 1 teaspoon pepper in large zipper-lock bag; shake to combine. Beat eggs in second pie plate. Place 8 to 10 eggplant slices in bag with flour; seal bag and shake to coat eggplant. Remove eggplant slices, shaking off excess flour, dip in eggs, let excess egg run off, then coat evenly with bread crumb mixture; set breaded slices on wire rack set over baking sheet. Repeat with remaining eggplant.<br />4. Remove preheated baking sheets from oven; add 3 tablespoons oil to each sheet, tilting to coat evenly with oil. Place half of breaded eggplant on each sheet in single layer; bake until eggplant is well browned and crisp, about 30 minutes, switching and rotating baking sheets after 10 minutes, and flipping eggplant slices with wide spatula after 20 minutes. Do not turn off oven.<br />5. Sauce: While eggplant bakes, process 2 cans diced tomatoes in food processor until almost smooth, about 5 seconds. Heat olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and garlic is light golden, about 3 minutes; stir in processed and remaining can of diced tomatoes. Bring sauce to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and reduced, about 15 minutes (you should have about 4 cups). Stir in basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.<br />6. Assembly: Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in bottom of 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Layer in half of eggplant slices, overlapping slices to fit; distribute 1 cup sauce over eggplant; sprinkle with half of mozzarella. Layer in remaining eggplant and dot with 1 cup sauce, leaving majority of eggplant exposed so it will remain crisp; sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan and remaining mozzarella. Bake until bubbling and cheese is browned, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; scatter basil over top, and serve, passing remaining tomato sauce separately.<br /><br />Notes: Sometimes I serve this on it's own, sometimes with pasta, sometimes, just standing by the pan with a fork. I love this as is, but if you don't want to assemble it, this would be great as an appetizer, using the tomato sauce for a dip. Of course, then you would miss out on the cheesy goodness of the mozzarella.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-56147832709454063812011-07-29T08:48:00.003-06:002011-07-29T09:49:12.193-06:00ConversationsQuotes from Christine and Emma this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GVFmSmxptwxuMF1Y6BUa4cqBXT1YfqeXvBZhFRemXyhndRXkcicaKNmh0o6GfKJJ3RQsNidFheJ0McQe7jMvKWD03rNKz13QIffBI8RAsWaLTWB7_JnZNUMe9VX2XltHEIXFVHleFg/s1600/P1000168.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GVFmSmxptwxuMF1Y6BUa4cqBXT1YfqeXvBZhFRemXyhndRXkcicaKNmh0o6GfKJJ3RQsNidFheJ0McQe7jMvKWD03rNKz13QIffBI8RAsWaLTWB7_JnZNUMe9VX2XltHEIXFVHleFg/s400/P1000168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634786945002816690" border="0" /></a><br />Christine: Don't get me started on that myna bird business.<br /><br />When talking to Christine, if you start laughing at her, she immediately clams up. She hates feeling like someone is making fun of her. So it was very important that I kept a straight face during this conversation. Emma and I were talking about pets that can talk. When the subject of myna birds came up, Christine gave the above response. This is where my acting abilities were put to the test. I couldn't think of how she would know anything about myna birds or their business. Straining to keep my smile under wraps, I asked her how she knew about them. She had read Fudgemania at school, and Fudge's myna bird's patent phrase was, "Hello stupid." Apparently, she had had enough of that myna bird business.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gLA3lW-vC6EwORSMuderjFCK7QOKMRCh3S_Q2NPhERGZRQ1kwV682Srr0sU2eEmA3W8Veb7cgHfzwBLRlQIw6KKvueqhjR7gQR5LbP04ue0iSS7m_oP2RNStksRJrT7Qy06aBUHB3p8/s1600/P1000170.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gLA3lW-vC6EwORSMuderjFCK7QOKMRCh3S_Q2NPhERGZRQ1kwV682Srr0sU2eEmA3W8Veb7cgHfzwBLRlQIw6KKvueqhjR7gQR5LbP04ue0iSS7m_oP2RNStksRJrT7Qy06aBUHB3p8/s400/P1000170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634786954382793234" border="0" /></a><br />Emma: I hope my mouth doesn't explode.<br /><br />I normally ask the kids to brush their teeth before they get dressed, so they don't get toothpaste on their clothes. Emma decided her way was better. As she was brushing her teeth, she made the above comment, hoping that she wouldn't drool toothpaste onto her shirt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmWHyljUvjuMT5kBCMGElU_J5jfLaucRD7-ksMovF6a0bZKgwKlBa9hVNMXHs5-fEUfrwtM74WUF1dQBUOxEKACUWbdFUrWy0a17VNZcVE45fVLdLQzwSJQH1iD9qKwlzWTia-ctKrIo/s1600/P1000177.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmWHyljUvjuMT5kBCMGElU_J5jfLaucRD7-ksMovF6a0bZKgwKlBa9hVNMXHs5-fEUfrwtM74WUF1dQBUOxEKACUWbdFUrWy0a17VNZcVE45fVLdLQzwSJQH1iD9qKwlzWTia-ctKrIo/s400/P1000177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634793146751113442" border="0" /></a><br />As for Jacob, he'll give me a heart attack one of these days. He knows how to unlock doors, all of the best uses for a stool, and where various dishes, foods, and beverages are kept. His next skill set to learn is how to start his own movies. He knows how to turn on the tv and dvd player, and he can even put a movie in, he just doesn't know how to get the tv to play the movie. For a little peek into our days here, this morning Emma came to get me because Jacob was watching the sprinklers...outside...at 6:30 AM. He's not afraid of mornings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGlJVbaMNXPr4d4Tlzhc0vMO-XWklbl62TRwrgpyh0hZM911YGx61MX9DOgiB7J8ksPS8xL6iCqGF4JYLFy6gSyPMHtUimX0og3ARN-op5tIDM1Vt7dX0I4gXOhY5FDKc1oBRGgprPSM/s1600/P1000140.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGlJVbaMNXPr4d4Tlzhc0vMO-XWklbl62TRwrgpyh0hZM911YGx61MX9DOgiB7J8ksPS8xL6iCqGF4JYLFy6gSyPMHtUimX0og3ARN-op5tIDM1Vt7dX0I4gXOhY5FDKc1oBRGgprPSM/s400/P1000140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634793151761355010" border="0" /></a><br />Julia is perfect. She sleeps well, smiles easily, and is very playful. She makes it hard to get things done, because it's so fun to play with her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-65048538598763312872011-06-20T23:51:00.002-06:002011-06-21T00:04:38.090-06:00Why I cringe when our apartment phone ringsMy job as an apartment manager is anything but fabulous. One of my least favorite aspects is the phone work that comes with the job. I'm a firm believer in caller id. It's a bit ridiculous, but I have some anxiety answering the phone when the caller id isn't familiar. Of course most of the phone calls I get on that phone are from people I don't know. Here's an example of the kinds of phone calls that I get.<br /><br />Me: Mountain View Apartments, this is Michelle.<br />Him: Hey, you got anything open?<br />Me: We're actually full right now.<br />Him: Well, how much do your apartments cost?<br />Me: $900 a month, plus electricity.<br />Him: What apartments are these?<br />Me: This is Mountain View Apartments.<br />Him: What?<br />Me: This is Mountain View Apartments.<br />Him: Well, this is the number I got for Fox Meadows.<br />Me: (losing patience) It's still Mountain View Apartments.<br />Him: Not Fox Meadows?<br />Me: No.<br />Him: Okay, bye.<br />Me: Bye.<br /><br />And, now you know why I cringe when the apartment phone rings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-26033076860812007902011-06-08T16:41:00.002-06:002011-06-08T17:05:02.393-06:00Of course I love him<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FC-_Y5zVEwZRGFTfu2SRwJt3MKe9HEw1688__T0yolPIoVc_m9O69O9KMiERPjQYxRuZEJ4MKEB3I6uRZEpflX5KF5bv37E9EG3RLb6LfB4NUzgDwqWWJ1wKIcPxF-Zl7u7Sh95RQ-U/s1600/IMG_9489.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FC-_Y5zVEwZRGFTfu2SRwJt3MKe9HEw1688__T0yolPIoVc_m9O69O9KMiERPjQYxRuZEJ4MKEB3I6uRZEpflX5KF5bv37E9EG3RLb6LfB4NUzgDwqWWJ1wKIcPxF-Zl7u7Sh95RQ-U/s400/IMG_9489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615983077847599858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was the most recent picture I could find of us. If both of us are in a picture (rare), then we usually have the kids with us too. This was from Julia's blessing, after 1:00 church, after cooking for between 25-30 people, after trying to adjust to having four kids, so ignore the shiny faces with tired eyes.<br /><br />The original intent of this post is to proclaim my undying love for Michael. If me saying that fills your dose of lovey-doveyness, stop reading now.<br /><br />We've been married for nine years now. Good, bad, beautiful, and ugly, I still love him. My sweet friend sums up one's chances in marriage like this, it's a crap shoot. She's exactly right. Who knows how life will affect you or your chosen mate? Luckily for me, he (hopefully) likes the changes that life has brought to me. I can most definitely say the same for him. He's still my best friend. When I take on too much (I regularly volunteer for jobs that are too big for me), he always comes up with a way to save my bacon. He's an awesome dad. He honors me, his children, and his priesthood daily. I couldn't ask for more. I love you Michael!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-66228594121373642612011-06-02T00:14:00.002-06:002011-06-02T00:16:59.035-06:00Grilled Fish TacosI know, I know, another recipe. Some day my life and pictures of my kids will dominate this site again. Until then, enjoy this great taste of summer. Sorry, no picture. It would just be a tortilla anyway.<br /><br />2 lbs fresh grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi or haddock fillets<br />8-12 flour tortillas<br />1 head lettuce, shredded<br /><br />Marinade<br />4 tbs olive oil<br />4 tbs garlic, minced<br />2 tsp cumin<br />2 tsp chili powder<br />4 tbs lime juice<br /><br />Mango Avocado Salsa<br />2 mangos, diced medium<br />1 avocado, diced medium<br />¼ cup red onion, diced<br />1 tbs jalapeno pepper, minced<br />2 tbs cilantro, chopped<br />1 tbs lime juice<br />1 tbs olive oil<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br />Combine fish fillets with marinade mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour. Grill fillets on a hot grill. Chop cooked fillets into bite-sized pieces. While fish is grilling, combine ingredients for salsa. Refrigerate until ready to use. Fill tortillas with fish pieces, shredded lettuce, and salsa. Serves 6.<br /><br />Notes: The first time I made this, I didn’t think there was enough of the marinade, so I doubled it. It seemed to be the right amount, so that’s the way it’s written now. I’m not a seafood person, but I love these tacos. This salsa would probably make anything taste good. If you aren’t familiar with grilling fish, watch it carefully, it doesn’t take long. I use the frozen mahi-mahi fillets from Costco, and those take 5-8 minutes to cook, depending on their size.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-87499218597680673142011-05-31T15:48:00.002-06:002011-05-31T15:50:56.875-06:00Pineapple Pork RoastYummy, tender, and even Michael, the hater of pork roasts, liked this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjXRJFbBeZ7IH35IlW_1-Sae36B4irGN4HP42B6qzLpPQixMRsk9iubU5D8RRgYbYyJCkaHqLPJebqePL9Rj5LqZ5biVr94TN-fOYFUr6dxyl0D6SZ8LaG0WUXYHdYA5CO11MEaZy-xI/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjXRJFbBeZ7IH35IlW_1-Sae36B4irGN4HP42B6qzLpPQixMRsk9iubU5D8RRgYbYyJCkaHqLPJebqePL9Rj5LqZ5biVr94TN-fOYFUr6dxyl0D6SZ8LaG0WUXYHdYA5CO11MEaZy-xI/s400/IMG_8634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613000749751582290" border="0" /></a><br />3 lbs pork roast, I used a boneless loin, but any will work<br />1 15 oz can crushed pineapple with juice<br />¼ c packed brown sugar<br />¼ c soy sauce<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />½ tsp pepper<br />½ tsp salt<br />1 tsp dried rosemary<br />2 tbs cornstarch dissolved in ¼ c cold water (to thicken the sauce after cooking)<br /><br />To prepare the sauce, mix all the ingredients (except roast and cornstarch slurry) in a bowl.<br />Place roast in a crock pot and pour the sauce on top. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.<br />Remove roast from crock pot when done, set on a heated platter. Prepare the cornstarch slurry, being sure that all of the cornstarch is dissolved (no one likes lumpy sauce). Whisk the slurry into the sauce in the crock pot to thicken.<br />Add the roast back to the crock pot and let cook on high for about 15 min more.<br />Remove roast from crock pot and slice to serve, spooning sauce over sliced pieces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-11868476691151015492011-03-10T16:35:00.003-07:002011-03-10T16:46:15.045-07:00JuliaI know I'm woefully behind on blogging, so hopefully this picture will buy me some more time. We're still in love with her!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-F2aTm9ynINMkpqyLYwCcyuYpnnLw7lhbQIT_PJRbm3p5S3zYOxvkrzthoR3rEuNS26nExSTHo9iNqxr6CILdpovJMz2ZSTJvBLIkcIOPYcgwB5BFP9AdE5jMxcPews9t1hwDQnhWtM/s1600/IMG_9352.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-F2aTm9ynINMkpqyLYwCcyuYpnnLw7lhbQIT_PJRbm3p5S3zYOxvkrzthoR3rEuNS26nExSTHo9iNqxr6CILdpovJMz2ZSTJvBLIkcIOPYcgwB5BFP9AdE5jMxcPews9t1hwDQnhWtM/s400/IMG_9352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582599774896987250" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-65294220279165612522011-01-20T15:47:00.002-07:002011-01-20T16:07:23.146-07:00Smashed Potatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUlbQWvL5lCt27ElLhpkiLmTSmfghnbgNzvVF3glcgCIEzBy3NaJIBDLxej5JkfrtmvQ_e-_7trg-45NnwQAkr5Qz6LJb1U10IHLWD66060jwOXTVjUniCd72lY4hATvZvGX9r2Cu9zY/s1600/IMG_8895.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUlbQWvL5lCt27ElLhpkiLmTSmfghnbgNzvVF3glcgCIEzBy3NaJIBDLxej5JkfrtmvQ_e-_7trg-45NnwQAkr5Qz6LJb1U10IHLWD66060jwOXTVjUniCd72lY4hATvZvGX9r2Cu9zY/s400/IMG_8895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564403776878081938" border="0" /></a><br />This really isn't the best picture, but these are the best potatoes!<br /><br />2 lbs red potatoes (about 16 small to med; 2 inches in diameter), scrubbed <br />1 1/2 tsp salt, divided<br />1 bay leaf<br />4 tbs unsalted butter, melted and warm<br />½ cup cream cheese (4 oz), room temperature<br />1/2 tsp ground black pepper<br />3 tbs chopped fresh chives or 4 ½ tsp dried (optional)<br /><br />1. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with 1 inch cold water; add 1 teaspoon salt and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until a paring knife can be inserted into the potatoes with no resistance, 35 to 45 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the potatoes. Return the potatoes to the pot, discard the bay leaf, and allow the potatoes to stand in the pot, uncovered, until the surfaces are dry, about 5 minutes.<br /><br />2. While the potatoes dry, whisk the melted butter and softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Add ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water, ½ teaspoon pepper, the chives (if using), and ½ teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula or the back of a wooden spoon, smash the potatoes just enough to break the skins. Fold in the butter-cream cheese mixture until most of the liquid has been absorbed and chunks of potatoes remain. Add more cooking water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed, until the potatoes are slightly looser than desired (the potatoes will thicken slightly with standing). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper; serve immediately.<br /><br />Notes: White potatoes can be used instead of red, but reds are so much better. Try to get potatoes of equal size; if that’s not possible, test the larger potatoes for doneness (using a paring knife). If you only larger potatoes, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes. I usually end up using all of the reserved liquid, it will look a little loose at first, but after standing for five or so minutes, the potatoes soak up all the excess.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-59959048278178268622011-01-17T10:00:00.002-07:002011-01-17T10:33:32.613-07:00No one likes a whinerI don't think I've ever posted anything on my blog about being pregnant. I think that most of the people that read my blog are also facebook friends, so even though I'm not a great blogger, most of you knew. For those unfortunate facebook friends, you've also been subjected to quite a few days of whining. I would like to think that I'm not a whiner by nature. Whenever I have to listen to whiners, it annoys me, so I try to return the favor. I will make my children repeat things multiple times, just so they realize that I will not respond to them if they whine.<br /><br />I am due on February 1. I still have about two more weeks, and yet, I have been incredibly anxious to have this baby. Jacob (my youngest) was born three weeks early, and I anticipated something similar to happen with this baby. I started dilating more than two weeks ago, which is nothing new for me. However, I usually don't progress much past a two before I go into full blown labor. Yet, a week ago, I was at a 3.5-4, hence my delusion that I would go into labor last week. When I didn't, I was of course discouraged (bag packed twice, mom called once, contractions stopped each time). When my friends (one due before me and one due after me) both had their babies on the same day, discouraged doesn't cover how I felt. So, I continued on with the whining. <br /><br />So what does this have to do with anything?! I'm trying to go back to my normal self. Here's my new outlook. My next appointment is Thursday, maybe I'll have dilated further, maybe not. The good news though, is that my doctor told me earlier that Friday is the earliest the hospital will allow him to induce me. Maybe he'll schedule me for Friday, maybe not, but schedule me he will. By going the route of induction, I have a few bonuses. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a planner. This is why induction appeals to me. I get to plan the day, I can be sure I'll have someone here to watch my older kids, and I'm guaranteed that my doctor will be the one to deliver me. Will I make it to Thursday? Probably. All I know is, I'm tired of my pity party. It's not helping, it makes me grouchy and short with my kids, it makes my husband look at me with pity, and leaves him feeling more helpless about the situation. So, when she's ready, she'll come...or the Pitocin will evict her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-47749807619373354892010-12-21T14:58:00.004-07:002010-12-21T15:15:19.005-07:00Eggnog French Toast BakeThis may not be a recipe that you should make often. When you see the amount of eggnog in this recipe, you'll understand. We frequently make this for breakfast on Christmas morning. Rich, yummy, delicious, and calorie filled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHsGZt81ZwXBKqIsz_Q9qHvXnNEEjRxuKt2YFRfSnhj0_KiQvMI2p-tu9HSnnVxLiUNOTTNpaGxK0aWZ2c9hjAW179l4ypDw2nQPAVVTglcy6d-Evq3NhkEgmfu8L0NGB8z2JXogBs2k/s1600/IMG_8664.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHsGZt81ZwXBKqIsz_Q9qHvXnNEEjRxuKt2YFRfSnhj0_KiQvMI2p-tu9HSnnVxLiUNOTTNpaGxK0aWZ2c9hjAW179l4ypDw2nQPAVVTglcy6d-Evq3NhkEgmfu8L0NGB8z2JXogBs2k/s400/IMG_8664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553258729119930578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1 loaf French bread<br />1 c butter<br />2 c brown sugar<br />2 tsp corn syrup<br />6 eggs<br />1 ½ tsp vanilla<br />2 c eggnog or milk (if using milk, add a dash of nutmeg)<br />¼ tsp cinnamon<br /><br />1. Slice bread into one and a half-inch slices (I don’t use the end pieces). Place bread in a 9x13-inch pan, layering as needed.<br />2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat. Cook until all ingredients are combined, stirring constantly. After the butter and sugar have melted, they will be separate. Be sure you keep it on the heat and stirring, it will combine. Pour syrup mix over bread.<br />3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, eggnog, vanilla, and cinnamon with a whisk. Pour over top of bread and syrup. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick spray.<br />4. Place dish in fridge with weights*. Refrigerate overnight.<br />5. Bake uncovered at 375° (350 if using a dark or non-stick pan) for 40-45 minutes, or until eggs are set and tops of bread looks crystallized. Serve with additional syrup (although I never do).<br /><br />*This step is a must. If it isn’t weighted, some bread won’t get saturated and burns, while other pieces are soggy. I usually put another 9x13 pan on top and then use whatever is in the fridge to add extra weight, just make sure it’s even. Be especially sure to watch the liquid level so you don’t end up spilling the egg mix over the sides.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-37908364604559804342010-12-17T15:08:00.006-07:002010-12-17T23:10:29.070-07:00TerrorJacob is pretty lucky to have sisters that think he's cute. He really is all boy. His latest "game" to play with his sisters is to wrestle them to the ground. I don't have a picture of his first step in the attack. He walks up behind one of his sisters and grabs her around the waist. He's found that if he can hold on long enough, this will happen...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNVdNYWTs7W_dM9pZNbRcovNfLXGwMopqoYq8xG5REVPfiSYw4HipRw8ka3RJ2jeSLywXK3mHJG67L_qPtFaZD3UhSCfnR6oWPVTXslYl8VYP_8jXu5p6H2rF50YzBpmqsn3lF8z4VBI/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNVdNYWTs7W_dM9pZNbRcovNfLXGwMopqoYq8xG5REVPfiSYw4HipRw8ka3RJ2jeSLywXK3mHJG67L_qPtFaZD3UhSCfnR6oWPVTXslYl8VYP_8jXu5p6H2rF50YzBpmqsn3lF8z4VBI/s400/IMG_8636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551778167908204066" border="0" /></a><br />So, once he has one of them on the floor,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92lX8RZfGtalQj80iSaf8T0YiGCsR0jU0lo7K7vm24iFTeD7NGaf9ovQjPeff7fKWB4EH7mVYb3f9q5WDo44XfkpKnUGeoKScn-xKAOoMj63ahmLbCIBb62rISLLzVm6DDmEEDInO-xc/s1600/IMG_8652.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92lX8RZfGtalQj80iSaf8T0YiGCsR0jU0lo7K7vm24iFTeD7NGaf9ovQjPeff7fKWB4EH7mVYb3f9q5WDo44XfkpKnUGeoKScn-xKAOoMj63ahmLbCIBb62rISLLzVm6DDmEEDInO-xc/s400/IMG_8652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551778166123239154" border="0" /></a><br />he likes to sit, bounce, or try to tickle. For now, the girls think this is hilarious. I'm not sure how funny they will think this is in a few years.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsW7wWpRYn-qLwC5_hxtg8rvhp_OTFj75_q9yDPmORH-5CjZkFcTZjOXGKy2axuEYnIdaQ8SUlPTI39NyW1tqxRPvsZIFzm7D5iqxRrbFiJifZIkluUvknpLMOIrjX0-s5Mp6zowwKgs/s1600/IMG_8668.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsW7wWpRYn-qLwC5_hxtg8rvhp_OTFj75_q9yDPmORH-5CjZkFcTZjOXGKy2axuEYnIdaQ8SUlPTI39NyW1tqxRPvsZIFzm7D5iqxRrbFiJifZIkluUvknpLMOIrjX0-s5Mp6zowwKgs/s400/IMG_8668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551778160504825698" border="0" /></a><br />He's also discovered that a Lazy Susan is a handy little cupboard to get into. I'm thinking of moving the cereal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTljNf9A9DLPfEnFwW0LvXqnB6PZxhYonBntbMRoV_BKNMTH9eZkm_9S5hc6EGk6Rc7HfSQQeXMWs6_NM30Wc9OtVTmFt3HG8e2fXSJc5LlM3f92JzBrwTwLPrP5lOZVBDSJAIagu3a8g/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTljNf9A9DLPfEnFwW0LvXqnB6PZxhYonBntbMRoV_BKNMTH9eZkm_9S5hc6EGk6Rc7HfSQQeXMWs6_NM30Wc9OtVTmFt3HG8e2fXSJc5LlM3f92JzBrwTwLPrP5lOZVBDSJAIagu3a8g/s400/IMG_8679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551778157054814354" border="0" /></a><br />He loves apples...whole.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-80485692949097550992010-11-12T09:50:00.001-07:002010-11-12T09:50:47.276-07:00Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKdlW_mLcjJ2f7212NF_vbZbhSN6v29R7YBLlWzfzxD8bVDQl-Z7FHuFm5Wm3L8CU-sOfDn2i1ZBF4cqi-84wabYPsOSVSbJhRYYrnrDoCK6Mdv1OFoKIzma1e1PkEntSGwQGnuLD_nuh/s1600/IMG_8687.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKdlW_mLcjJ2f7212NF_vbZbhSN6v29R7YBLlWzfzxD8bVDQl-Z7FHuFm5Wm3L8CU-sOfDn2i1ZBF4cqi-84wabYPsOSVSbJhRYYrnrDoCK6Mdv1OFoKIzma1e1PkEntSGwQGnuLD_nuh/s400/IMG_8687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538706217946549346" border="0" /></a><br />1/4 cup butter<br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />1 1/2 cups chopped onions<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />3 pounds tomatoes - peeled, seeded and quartered*<br />1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves<br />salt and ground black pepper to taste<br />1 quart chicken broth<br />1 cup heavy cream<br />8 sprigs fresh basil for garnish<br /><br />Directions<br />1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and garlic and cook until tender. Mix in tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, reduce heat to low, and continue cooking 15 minutes.<br />2. Transfer soup to a blender (or use an immersion hand blender), and blend until smooth. Return to the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and gradually mix in the heavy cream. Garnish each serving with a sprig of basil.<br /><br />*If using canned tomatoes, use 48 oz of whole tomatoes, being sure to seed and quarter them. You may need to add up to 2 tbs of sugar.<br /><br />Notes: When I make this for someone other than my family, I stick to this recipe. If I make it for us , I add a little spice. When heating the butter and olive oil, I add a little crushed red pepper (maybe less than 1/8 tsp). Be very careful when blending the soup, only fill the blender half full. When putting the lid on, don't seal the feed tube (the little hole in the lid), just lightly hold the cover on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-51391283817852551822010-10-10T00:25:00.003-06:002010-10-10T00:36:16.282-06:00I love homeworkChristine's teacher gave a homework assignment that was a secret. She couldn't tell me what she was supposed to do, only that she needed a pen and a sticky note. We had a babysitter that night, so I left them to it. This is what I found when I came home and got ready for bed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjPz_1vghFEqm-iJKheL_IijoeuH7-Aw7SNmlHUX6KpM-zZO7Hxb2NPih-MchyZoUHoUQZ4mpBTUPVBuQSAb-YAKLilspAMuz4Iwu-Zt_2r43wLjnRIS99cEG333t79rHdfjLmtMnXGw/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjPz_1vghFEqm-iJKheL_IijoeuH7-Aw7SNmlHUX6KpM-zZO7Hxb2NPih-MchyZoUHoUQZ4mpBTUPVBuQSAb-YAKLilspAMuz4Iwu-Zt_2r43wLjnRIS99cEG333t79rHdfjLmtMnXGw/s400/IMG_8484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526300831979873762" border="0" /></a><br />My bathroom mirror.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphensZ8rjf4x8sYRPSYOhgWpYhobTOAbr2-HqwJeyQDE39iE-FQEg8DO88-u2hlkQ26DMyuxRlTTD7wB8mQJZVeqY5RtQt5rbp35gZS9FtvXoX7WzwKyohRSsuEIpGbBIE5P8BgEQU2ZDA/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphensZ8rjf4x8sYRPSYOhgWpYhobTOAbr2-HqwJeyQDE39iE-FQEg8DO88-u2hlkQ26DMyuxRlTTD7wB8mQJZVeqY5RtQt5rbp35gZS9FtvXoX7WzwKyohRSsuEIpGbBIE5P8BgEQU2ZDA/s400/IMG_8485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526300112004103410" border="0" /></a><br />It reads: To: Mom<br />I love you<br />Frome: Christine<br /><br />A little side note, I assumed that the sitter had helped her put the note up - nope. She climbed on the toilet and then over to the counter, where she could reach the cupboard and put up her note. It's a good thing that my bathroom is small, no pole vaulting, or long jumping required. And yes, her note was reciprocated, she had a note of her own the next morning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-22155527191545520192010-09-27T11:17:00.006-06:002010-09-27T11:29:20.625-06:00A photo shoot with JacobJacob likes to have his picture taken. He's not really a ham, but he's very interested in the camera. So, I suppose it's not so much having his picture taken, but he likes it when the camera is out. Here is how a normal photo session with Jacob starts and ends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v1beqrcqhRiQ3H8ZGcWHCuKjLOK7FBL1QAQre-Qw1TxUqGFHxkoNdjXeqpgFFyTmqA8dbKx_VDnfSZJuXOP1hA_aFjWAAd4dHGzH6KQiYhJsXoh89hYthTuZWPW6is424Ne2WDx5pxc/s1600/IMG_8470.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v1beqrcqhRiQ3H8ZGcWHCuKjLOK7FBL1QAQre-Qw1TxUqGFHxkoNdjXeqpgFFyTmqA8dbKx_VDnfSZJuXOP1hA_aFjWAAd4dHGzH6KQiYhJsXoh89hYthTuZWPW6is424Ne2WDx5pxc/s400/IMG_8470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521645675092451970" border="0" /></a><br />Catching him in the act of being cute. Like any kid, he loves it when someone pays attention to him. We can usually get about two or three of these type of shots. After that, it's all down hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6IIuaOP2wIubJS1vbL_y_BRtdW9Q6YYvbM6PafnScBSDajojRzxlwUdq9HyVv5g5K-PBYtGM9RAj9Q-lr1l53ZMpFdzVZ48D_oV2lSIQkY5CtP30dNIhJyC6foGtBHQBH6pt5po1lSc/s1600/IMG_8476.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6IIuaOP2wIubJS1vbL_y_BRtdW9Q6YYvbM6PafnScBSDajojRzxlwUdq9HyVv5g5K-PBYtGM9RAj9Q-lr1l53ZMpFdzVZ48D_oV2lSIQkY5CtP30dNIhJyC6foGtBHQBH6pt5po1lSc/s400/IMG_8476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521645327051660994" border="0" /></a><br />Can I see that?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-72ZjjLhy18tQOfLrkdXWkm2lTV7LpLluhuHFSluhNS91zn4C7XJcqkNjL90VwbnguqwwoAPFFtxiianUymmgdLErqsiIFQFoisxZSaiYWuXK5XOu-yEMZGT-dVj9S3QanqY7mzkI3M/s1600/IMG_8477.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-72ZjjLhy18tQOfLrkdXWkm2lTV7LpLluhuHFSluhNS91zn4C7XJcqkNjL90VwbnguqwwoAPFFtxiianUymmgdLErqsiIFQFoisxZSaiYWuXK5XOu-yEMZGT-dVj9S3QanqY7mzkI3M/s400/IMG_8477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521644940197504322" border="0" /></a><br />Why can't I see it? I just want to look!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSKks2TlRkgLdJ2WJfGG3A9oMJMMLMVA9IJ5nwfSJvkowcCvWDXCN46Q37t6R5K_0j7WZYW9ixz01KHIvRmrWdKui16Rj62v4pOF28pnOjxZjEE4FZ7u-RirCmoH8-SmXuWnocruF1RA/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSKks2TlRkgLdJ2WJfGG3A9oMJMMLMVA9IJ5nwfSJvkowcCvWDXCN46Q37t6R5K_0j7WZYW9ixz01KHIvRmrWdKui16Rj62v4pOF28pnOjxZjEE4FZ7u-RirCmoH8-SmXuWnocruF1RA/s400/IMG_8479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521644063918725282" border="0" /></a><br />Give me the camera!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7uuYD6BQskb479WDQAbKGY7eh8n83cxPDnekuXIo1_kNS2XWiCSOk-R35noIrgPwz0WsDgzxM89nOBT3tN-o5C5fplIFidfP5CQdxRRHLcGZBNq-Sw_W6Rwx6JYY7o-8giVsLpQHM5Y/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7uuYD6BQskb479WDQAbKGY7eh8n83cxPDnekuXIo1_kNS2XWiCSOk-R35noIrgPwz0WsDgzxM89nOBT3tN-o5C5fplIFidfP5CQdxRRHLcGZBNq-Sw_W6Rwx6JYY7o-8giVsLpQHM5Y/s400/IMG_8478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521644506901157074" border="0" /></a><br />Why are you so mean? I just wanted to look at your fancy toy.<br /><br />And, this is how nearly every session ends. Keeping in mind that the photographer is constantly walking backward to keep those cute little baby hands off of the lens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-53170269622473869292010-09-17T15:38:00.004-06:002010-09-17T16:21:37.118-06:00I'm only three weeks late<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdupZFLzOiCNnEVSX6EVlcYaUjoKxmQPzOts40PrNapMA6aKcGCV1of4xuVv4ECOHlm0TIkhZXXID786GXygspcr9ZFiT-2k5Pe0_jTNMLj0vJw7v2vy3dZiQxSE6wkxxR-7M79mPLFc/s1600/IMG_8448.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdupZFLzOiCNnEVSX6EVlcYaUjoKxmQPzOts40PrNapMA6aKcGCV1of4xuVv4ECOHlm0TIkhZXXID786GXygspcr9ZFiT-2k5Pe0_jTNMLj0vJw7v2vy3dZiQxSE6wkxxR-7M79mPLFc/s400/IMG_8448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518001808138537746" border="0" /></a><br />Christine started school (awhile ago). She loves her teacher and enjoys being back in school. I couldn't be happier about her luck with getting her teacher. Our school had two first grade teachers, but that put the class sizes for them at 27 and 28. Thankfully, the day before school started, we got a letter saying that there was a new teacher, and Christine would be in his class. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled with the original teachers. I'm hoping that having some new blood will inspire the other first grade teachers. Mr. T (what the kids call him) is energetic, has lots of ideas, and seems to enjoy his class. We are very excited for this year.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpa3hhQar5AcZ4RigA-qd1ttijzMYpBrdHBd3JIlUfIzrL3jpIJV8vmcqIEkdbLGS2zTEQpvXzDtxn9323j9VssSCNFljhOXCMDe5e4uOGJsGpeYErkWpDnMekYc6OzOekVwnx9xP_oQ/s1600/IMG_8457.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpa3hhQar5AcZ4RigA-qd1ttijzMYpBrdHBd3JIlUfIzrL3jpIJV8vmcqIEkdbLGS2zTEQpvXzDtxn9323j9VssSCNFljhOXCMDe5e4uOGJsGpeYErkWpDnMekYc6OzOekVwnx9xP_oQ/s400/IMG_8457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518002876793699122" border="0" /></a><br />Emma has been waiting since Christine was in preschool for her chance to go to school. She is in the same preschool that Christine went to and already has lots of friends there. She was able to start last Monday and loves it. We know that Mrs. Smith is perfect for Emma, she's lovey when needed, but her class definitely knows she means business. When Emma gets dressed on school mornings, she picks things out that she knows, "Mrs. Smith will love." She has already achieved sainthood in Emma's eyes, and we know Emma will have a great year too.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_dWIZKkZ22WfH8z5WqoUk7SVoABtTT0Ho1DwCDhuoldYMhZr82mDXdr9ir5DXXQUQK3A5VkDU5CaamF0ZN09tEcO33ztPSuLXOwujqP5Odahu09vxfwS3tA4ENDSDHGRA6gakTfpoJ4/s1600/IMG_8465.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_dWIZKkZ22WfH8z5WqoUk7SVoABtTT0Ho1DwCDhuoldYMhZr82mDXdr9ir5DXXQUQK3A5VkDU5CaamF0ZN09tEcO33ztPSuLXOwujqP5Odahu09vxfwS3tA4ENDSDHGRA6gakTfpoJ4/s400/IMG_8465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518008408292411234" border="0" /></a><br />Jacob is busy with rodeo school. He rides this horse like no one's business. On the three glorious mornings that Emma is in school, Jacob takes a nap. I really enjoy my "referee free" mornings. <br /><br />The other two occupants of our house are still alive and well. We're not quite through with filling rentals, but the end is in sight. I don't think I've ever been so excited for winter (people just don't move during the winter). Hopefully since things are starting to slow down here, my blog will receive a little more attention - no guarantees though.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-65737863049677030432010-09-16T22:35:00.012-06:002010-09-16T23:08:12.895-06:00Oh my<span style="font-size:100%;">I have a new love. I've always had a weakness for a good apple crisp. Of course the apples are important, but they are a tasty vehicle to my true love of crumb topping. This is my new favorite crumb topping. There i</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s a little more salt in this version than most, but it really makes it. I doubled the cinnamon in the topping, simply because the topping bowl and the filling bowl were side by side, and I added the cinnamon to the wrong bowl. It</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> was a divine mistake, which I will make again.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVK9fpmIZh6vq8n-FodFSHlMiffIfg8Cl8eVs2r6H8SVWAZyuD1ysWgj09hDJJQl81k1cCqHsRI-_7WUN2GeJe2GZdoEbuDDKQ4izn94t-c0bdCBfPWIKCXVswvUM4MYs6ORvrACxYdk/s1600/IMG_8492.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVK9fpmIZh6vq8n-FodFSHlMiffIfg8Cl8eVs2r6H8SVWAZyuD1ysWgj09hDJJQl81k1cCqHsRI-_7WUN2GeJe2GZdoEbuDDKQ4izn94t-c0bdCBfPWIKCXVswvUM4MYs6ORvrACxYdk/s400/IMG_8492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517740557951169026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Skillet Apple Crisp</span></span><br /><br />Serves 6 to 8<br />If your skillet is not ovensafe, prepare through step 3 and then transfer the filling to a 9x13-in baking dish. Top the filling as directed and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Use Golden Delicious apples, though any sweet, crisp apple such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn can be substituted, I used Gala. Do not use Granny Smith apples in this recipe. I am normally a proponent of toasting nuts before I add them to things, except when they're used in a topping. They will be plenty toasted without going to the trouble of doing it before hand. Serve the apple crisp warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipp<span style="font-size:100%;">ed cream.</span> This recipe is adapted from Cooks Illustrated. <br /><br />Topping<br />¾ cup (3 3/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour<br />¾ cup pecans , chopped fine<br />¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats<br />½ cup (3 1/2 ounces) packed light brown sugar<br />¼ cup (1 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar<br />½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (I doubled)<br />½ teaspoon table salt<br />8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter , melted<br /><br />Filling<br />3 pounds apples (about 7 medium), peeled, cored, halved, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges<br />¼ cup (1 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar<br />¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)<br />1 cup apple cider<br />2 teaspoons lemon juice<br />2 tablespoons unsalted butter<br /><br />1. FOR THE TOPPING: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine flour, pecans, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl. Stir in butter until mixture is thoroughly moistened and crumbly. Set aside while preparing fruit filling.<br />2. FOR THE FILLING: Toss apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using) together in large bowl; set aside. Bring cider to simmer in 12-inch ovensafe skillet over medium heat; cook until reduced to ½ cup, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer reduced cider to bowl or liquid measuring cup; stir in lemon juice and set aside.<br />3. Heat butter in now-empty skillet over medium heat. When foaming subsides, add apple mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until apples begin to soften and become translucent, 15 to 20 minutes. (Do not fully cook apples.) Remove pan from heat and gently stir in cider mixture until apples are coated.<br />4. Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit, breaking up any large chunks. Place skillet on baking sheet and bake until fruit is tender and topping is deep golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on wire rack until warm, at least 15 minutes, and serve.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv83OcBej2PtJMLR5Fz998bCzpBQHUg1Q1LBwuYZEPp9hgsiUFTrgbn_0KCepOo6FIWihhDYHsGRtBuss7h74kR5anLjp4VMpLAhXZHL9dlTxSRnH6pbfxRxDRvflaqO755MOjBdfTgg8/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv83OcBej2PtJMLR5Fz998bCzpBQHUg1Q1LBwuYZEPp9hgsiUFTrgbn_0KCepOo6FIWihhDYHsGRtBuss7h74kR5anLjp4VMpLAhXZHL9dlTxSRnH6pbfxRxDRvflaqO755MOjBdfTgg8/s400/IMG_8488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517739976701830770" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted to show the syrup that forms in the pan. I took the picture of the crisp in the bowl a little too soon. We spooned this yummy goodness over the top of our ice cream. And now you know what I'll be eating for breakfast, that is if I can fight Michael off.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-398329677098535102010-08-24T09:49:00.002-06:002010-08-24T10:05:25.126-06:00Why I haven't blogged this summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuNS8YT2I7igA-adPCOzkJLriFz1Fj5Eudr2IEyVtGY97sc9B0S-3uiYZ5a6jUx4MrvqND2kMPd1A9t4k5nXPgJ0ekRp6lktwtX35qZOydC9C0gnOUYCPXWKwBhLDRyfX_jDcssKUvNA/s1600/IMG_8445.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuNS8YT2I7igA-adPCOzkJLriFz1Fj5Eudr2IEyVtGY97sc9B0S-3uiYZ5a6jUx4MrvqND2kMPd1A9t4k5nXPgJ0ekRp6lktwtX35qZOydC9C0gnOUYCPXWKwBhLDRyfX_jDcssKUvNA/s400/IMG_8445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509004592613452722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is our vonage box for the apartment phone, and this isn't counting the calls that I did answer. When we have a property open, I usually average 15-30 calls a day. I normally don't miss 20 calls a day, if I don't pick up the apartment phone, it goes through to my cell phone, so this number is misleading. <br /><br />I should put a little note about how I really don't like talking on the phone to people I don't know. I'm a little neurotic that way. Don't get me wrong, if it's a friend/family member calling, I'm a big chatter. For some reason, I get ridiculously nervous making a phone call to someone I don't know. I'm sure part of it is knowing that somewhere during that conversation, I'll sound like a complete idiot. I normally have Michael make phone calls for various personal accounts we have (utilities, bills, etc). However, with that apartment phone, it's all me. I have come to detest the sound of that phone ringing. I think when we're done with managing, we'll have a party with a hammer and that phone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-74384016319977740602010-06-28T16:31:00.003-06:002010-06-28T16:58:56.451-06:00Citrus Basil Vinagrette<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UZLYIP6PeMwcWbo_DUBa7fNkZ4JmithXbMhlEt8b07bw52hvPgbJj89VkPM-oapBtE4_zGTOI60nhPWz2RuR1w9Zp1UkLysLjEMXqDhG7INvu-Lf42_6RjKyODx0hcAMKy-TMdEGu7s/s1600/IMG_8275.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UZLYIP6PeMwcWbo_DUBa7fNkZ4JmithXbMhlEt8b07bw52hvPgbJj89VkPM-oapBtE4_zGTOI60nhPWz2RuR1w9Zp1UkLysLjEMXqDhG7INvu-Lf42_6RjKyODx0hcAMKy-TMdEGu7s/s400/IMG_8275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487956367302531058" border="0" /></a><br />1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil<br />2 tbs orange juice<br />1 tbs lemon juice<br />1/4 lemon, zested<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1 tbs honey<br />1/8 cup chopped basil<br />1 tsp cider vinegar<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together in a jar. Shake to combine.<br /><br />For the salad, I used romaine with diced chunks of fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and croutons. The dressing will last about three days. If you strain the basil out, it is good for two weeks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-91969309466796157742010-06-24T16:03:00.002-06:002010-06-24T16:33:26.227-06:00I know I'm loved...because of pineapple juiceIt may seem silly to equate love and pineapple juice, but it's true. With all things apartment that are going on in our house, our mornings are sometimes different. A usual Croft morning goes something like this:<br /><br />5:00 or some other unholy hour, Michael gets up to go to the gym.<br />Anywhere between 6:00-7:oo (if Jacob is feeling kind) Jacob and I wake up.<br />Hopefully before 8:30 everyone else is up and out the door for my turn at the gym.<br /><br />Because there are some apartment things that can be done only after the kids are in bed, sometimes the gym loses out to sleep. The way I figure it, if I'm getting an apartment ready until 0ne in the morning, that's a good enough workout. On the morning after nights like that, this is how our morning goes.<br /><br />Between 6:00 -7:40 Michael gets up, showers, gets ready, and gets Jacob when he wakes up. If the girls wake up before he leaves, he gets them breakfast too. What am I doing during all of this? That's right, I'm still asleep in my cozy bed. When it's time for Michael to go to work, he'll come in and wake me up, telling me who is awake, what they have eaten, and any other pertinent things that have happened while I was dead to the world. <br />A little side note, when Jacob wakes up, he wants breakfast now, right now. The girls were nice enough when they were little that they didn't mind occasionally laying in bed with one or both of their parents until the morning was a little less, um, early. Jacob waits for no one when it comes to meal time. When he wakes up, it's time for breakfast.<br /><br />So, now to the pineapple juice. I love it, plain and simple. I think all in my house know that when there is a can of pineapple to be opened, the juice is mine (I would actually buy pineapple juice, but even I can't drink all of it before it goes bad). It was no surprise to me to wake up after a late night with apartments to find this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nKL0-layDK4vAk7P05Iu6By-eb5dEAQO81-CNiIoSGDKphyE-62I2UjeuJfWikAmI2W_aw84X1Ch4Wq4XTKQGNSpUM9P6BVr8hWnR7B0KL-7-t54LzEHn4vDWSe8pfoy6vvDOnqaF7Y/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nKL0-layDK4vAk7P05Iu6By-eb5dEAQO81-CNiIoSGDKphyE-62I2UjeuJfWikAmI2W_aw84X1Ch4Wq4XTKQGNSpUM9P6BVr8hWnR7B0KL-7-t54LzEHn4vDWSe8pfoy6vvDOnqaF7Y/s400/IMG_8294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486464736345291538" border="0" /></a><br />Michael gave Jacob pineapple that morning with his breakfast and was thoughtful enough to save the juice for me. That's love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-22506352713479968182010-05-10T14:53:00.005-06:002010-06-28T16:59:24.081-06:00Concoction Enchildadas, Chicken three ways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6Bg-bBLlr-BtmpXpW21p__45v5kcefB9VFPv3VQnH1LDDLzk0DnqQ_hxYJOSOpL4RV1lQXy-TlGizh34-u49W1Qxw866R-CdNNkZWM3jBgBv16W3xu1-H3PaUUtChbhi5P8dbt5x6Tg/s1600/IMG_7795.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6Bg-bBLlr-BtmpXpW21p__45v5kcefB9VFPv3VQnH1LDDLzk0DnqQ_hxYJOSOpL4RV1lQXy-TlGizh34-u49W1Qxw866R-CdNNkZWM3jBgBv16W3xu1-H3PaUUtChbhi5P8dbt5x6Tg/s400/IMG_7795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469748560004973090" border="0" /></a><br />I realize the name is a little odd, but concoction is the name Michael gives to anything I make that doesn't have a definite recipe. These enchiladas are different nearly every time. The only constant is that there is always cheese and tortillas. You can substitute nearly anything that you like wrapped in a tortilla in this "recipe." The quantity of filling determines how many tortillas you'll need. If you make too much filling, refrigerate it and make some more enchiladas, or cook more rice and serve it over top. I know the directions look long, but the actual dish doesn't take that long to make.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Ingredients</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">10-12 tortillas (I like corn, but have used flour before - if using corn, spray both sides of the tortillas with nonstick spray and allow to heat in a 350 oven for 2-3 minutes)<br />2-3 chicken breasts, or a Costco rotisserie chicken, shredded* see explanation below<br />chicken broth* see explanation below<br />about one cup of cooked rice, if desired<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">about one cup of </span><span style="font-size:100%;">black beans, if desired<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">about one cup of </span><span style="font-size:100%;">corn, if desired<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">about two cups of </span><span style="font-size:100%;">cheese, shredded<br />2 cans of 10 oz. enchilada sauce (I use one red and one green)<br />8 oz. cream cheese on occasion<br /><br />*For chicken three ways, bake, grill, or otherwise cook a whole chicken (or go to Costco and buy one). Serve with whatever side items strike your fancy. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Meal number one. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Shred remaining chicken to use in enchiladas (or some other meal). Meal number two. For meal number three, put remaining chicken (bones and all) in a pot filled with water. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Allow this to simmer for as long as you have time for; I've done it for as long as three hours. When you've waited long enough, remove the bones and skim the fat off of the top. Add carrots, celery, onion, and/or any other vegetables you like. When those have nearly finished cooking, add some noodles, and voila - meal number three is chicken noodle soup. Now, back to enchiladas.<br /><br />*If you are using raw chicken, boil the breasts in a pot with enough broth to cover the top of the meat with one inch of broth. Bring broth to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20-60 minutes (the longer the better, but it usually takes about 20 minutes for the chicken to be fully cooked). If you allow the chicken to simmer for the longer amount of time, be sure to check on it every so often so it doesn't cook dry. When chicken is cooked, remove from heat - don't drain, shred chicken.<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350.<br />2. Add chicken and one can of sauce to remaining broth (if using the raw chicken method). Heat this mixture to a simmer and allow to simmer until you need the filling - this is where I use the red sauce.<br />3. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If using cream cheese, add to the second can of sauce - this is where I use green sauce. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/2 cup of the second can of sauce. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Be sure all other ingredients are prepped.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">4. Add rice, beans, and corn to the chicken mixture. Get ready to start rolling.<br />5. Add some filling and cheese to a tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam side down in the 9x13 pan. Repeat until filling is used up or tortillas run out.<br />6. Pour remaining can of sauce over top of rolled enchiladas, being sure to spread it evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 20 minutes. If the cheese isn't browned after 20 minutes, turn the broiler on to low, and broil until the cheese has browned. It doesn't take long for it to turn from melted pale cheese to browned to black, so watch carefully.<br />7. After removing from oven, allow the enchiladas to cool for about five minutes. Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, avocado chunks, olives, etc. Enjoy!<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-64387031504600003512010-04-22T15:49:00.006-06:002010-04-22T16:25:05.667-06:00A surprise! - sorry MollyI realize I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> behind with blogging. Between kids, apartments, and life in general, this has been one of the things (let's just say the list is long) that has been pushed aside. As I was looking through pictures of what to post, these caught my eye. Although there are things that happened before this that I haven't covered, I just couldn't let this one sit any longer. <br /><br />As a preface, I'll start with an apology. As noted in the title, there is a little apology to my dear sister-in-law, Molly. I say again, sorry Molly, this tidbit really did make my day. A little history, Molly is married to Michael's brother Coby, who is stationed in Spain. So, because of the distance, we communicate mainly through Skype. Skype has the added bonus of video conferencing, which because of the time difference isn't utilized as much as we would like. I had never wanted to Skype Molly more than when she sent us a little birthday package. It had Jacob's and Christine's birthday presents, as well as a little surprise for us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pgPL4evMdksanahmScqN77_uDOxNfA3MgxFTslniybajoEYNoHv2NESGntBFDZFXueIXJOJCgAEEgLRmF00ftxnU-K9yT8E4ZU-IBZV_appv3WXJNhiu9BoTz-1ztYha8SaWsJvl2ww/s1600/IMG_7949.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pgPL4evMdksanahmScqN77_uDOxNfA3MgxFTslniybajoEYNoHv2NESGntBFDZFXueIXJOJCgAEEgLRmF00ftxnU-K9yT8E4ZU-IBZV_appv3WXJNhiu9BoTz-1ztYha8SaWsJvl2ww/s400/IMG_7949.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463090142599245394" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the cute pajamas she sent for Jacob with the t-shirts that Christine loves. She especially likes the panda one.<br /><br />and...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5pcSR8cnH3urkIiGbA10HJXwhQDxhnZtSTTjB6eaSpUNmwGaoUgY5NdZeRr_IVcYd4mrQr4QyJR4qubup-FxFaKE9ZNvS8OjO4FXscu6hXnDgoUf2-v66kgLOZU5ggfWZfIiXMj3Af0/s1600/IMG_7951.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5pcSR8cnH3urkIiGbA10HJXwhQDxhnZtSTTjB6eaSpUNmwGaoUgY5NdZeRr_IVcYd4mrQr4QyJR4qubup-FxFaKE9ZNvS8OjO4FXscu6hXnDgoUf2-v66kgLOZU5ggfWZfIiXMj3Af0/s400/IMG_7951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463088947509507154" border="0" /></a><br />A little surprise! Somehow, Kohl's must have slipped in this little goody. In case the glare from the plastic distorts it for you, yes, it is a pair of women's underwear.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyJahOmRXzyILeqWRqgcgRliC1Ef8EciKClAATJ286ZsS1jEx9RIemqipEoBMa_h6XLe5H_RZ2Z81XzZiKok_qz9tOCfPF8Sz1CiWerz85jigEgLPdD60TxaVa5udXkn4Onwby-MGMrc/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyJahOmRXzyILeqWRqgcgRliC1Ef8EciKClAATJ286ZsS1jEx9RIemqipEoBMa_h6XLe5H_RZ2Z81XzZiKok_qz9tOCfPF8Sz1CiWerz85jigEgLPdD60TxaVa5udXkn4Onwby-MGMrc/s400/IMG_8027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463088007066330242" border="0" /></a><br />Maybe a little forgiveness from Molly when she sees just how cute he is in these fireman pajamas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-79181088459736267492010-03-24T20:44:00.002-06:002010-03-24T21:08:05.301-06:00It's just a napkin right?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr0HHgfgs3NzKkxY2vbk3kcIsJXlCNVDzubLgnQjFChVEu0GZKUEzQ_tfUy1ziRWXsgiP95IPwT6aab0xMqj1p-Nnz-Msb4AxHPQnjlXl5n7t5KAi_izn2BzCOUv0AhOxnfAAhCaI4m8/s1600/napkin.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr0HHgfgs3NzKkxY2vbk3kcIsJXlCNVDzubLgnQjFChVEu0GZKUEzQ_tfUy1ziRWXsgiP95IPwT6aab0xMqj1p-Nnz-Msb4AxHPQnjlXl5n7t5KAi_izn2BzCOUv0AhOxnfAAhCaI4m8/s400/napkin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452396980421120162" border="0" /></a><br />This would seem like an ordinary napkin, but to my girls, it is the beginning of a war. It was just a typical morning at the Croft house. I got the kids their breakfast and headed for the shower. I hate when the kids start a fight when I'm in the shower. Trying to referee with soap in your eyes and a cool breeze meeting your backside because your lovely children have to rip open the shower curtain to tell you of their sibling's latest error isn't the best start to a day. <br /><br />Pre-shower, the napkin war was brewing. Christine got Emma a napkin, and Emma didn't want one (never mind that usually when Christine gets a napkin, Emma's world ends until she gets one too). Christine tried to tell her that she didn't have to use it, but it could sit there waiting for her. Emma wanted nothing to do with that napkin. I finally convinced Emma that she didn't have to use it, and it could just be next to her at the table. <br /><br />To the shower with me. Christine started the tattling. "Mom, Emma keeps doing this (arm stretched out) to her napkin. She keeps pushing it to the middle of the table, and she's almost sitting on the table." Nearly all of my responses were the same, "It's just a napkin, go eat your breakfast." Emma's turn. "Mom, sissy said I hafta use that napkin." Insert my earlier response.<br />My miserable shower was over, and the screaming had started. Emma finally runs into my room crying. "Sissy did this to my napkin!" The napkin was nearly torn in half. I couldn't help it, my response was, "Is this the same napkin that you didn't want before?" Emma, "Yes." Insert earlier response.<br /><br />It shouldn't come as a surprise that Christine has been late to school a few times .<br /><br />Totally unrelated, but exciting nonetheless, Jacob finally cut a tooth! 12 months old, and he finally has a tooth. It looks like the next will come through shortly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-85375514098294241122010-03-06T20:49:00.004-07:002010-03-06T21:13:14.598-07:00Time for a new postHere's what Jacob has been up to lately.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL0jiXMMpG8IgtQLKt2Tfn9MWvDkuoxBl-weqxzNUHffi_jqeIGs7OzGHdG4JCyO8__et0lmTYGc2kLWCgyI5KiMv8sZAKXjftL1J7ds98apGF2dtdZHZYQ0JSNeygtPrj0VJmktoCfo/s1600-h/IMG_7929.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL0jiXMMpG8IgtQLKt2Tfn9MWvDkuoxBl-weqxzNUHffi_jqeIGs7OzGHdG4JCyO8__et0lmTYGc2kLWCgyI5KiMv8sZAKXjftL1J7ds98apGF2dtdZHZYQ0JSNeygtPrj0VJmktoCfo/s400/IMG_7929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445738497970661778" border="0" /></a><br />He loves to be in the bathroom, so long as the light is on, he heads straight for it. He also loves the bathtub. He loves to stand by it and wait his turn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B37lngCN7KWneJM1G4-BtUEB5G7JDgb0Vr5gjdTk8dp8fo1J7rkL7arL2wCVPJ_7B8QhyZLgWVms9Lz1OUDpwAh1xZSxhYMkecyBninKTmviTTwy1yY77Bg66bF69v5nT0OBr8QnlCs/s1600-h/IMG_7917.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B37lngCN7KWneJM1G4-BtUEB5G7JDgb0Vr5gjdTk8dp8fo1J7rkL7arL2wCVPJ_7B8QhyZLgWVms9Lz1OUDpwAh1xZSxhYMkecyBninKTmviTTwy1yY77Bg66bF69v5nT0OBr8QnlCs/s400/IMG_7917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445736410873757714" border="0" /></a><br />He uses this little step for mischief. He can push it all over and then use it to climb up to something.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0Hb65b-6E5-d64owXN_1Zkyh_N7peSIkJWJJq9TNdcZfY1WpA-qyZ2tEw5gi5HvHN1m3Ka9QmH_ZyMel63WZ2yLMu2zD_J_EzE2xw5-v88BAacfyvaVe5Bmwph3eKIDXYakfB2rGIRY/s1600-h/IMG_7937.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0Hb65b-6E5-d64owXN_1Zkyh_N7peSIkJWJJq9TNdcZfY1WpA-qyZ2tEw5gi5HvHN1m3Ka9QmH_ZyMel63WZ2yLMu2zD_J_EzE2xw5-v88BAacfyvaVe5Bmwph3eKIDXYakfB2rGIRY/s400/IMG_7937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445738505231800450" border="0" /></a><br />Waiting his turn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oRVv_vult-Gq0i2IHU-eP2QUlWvaonJNPbs3_yxuNZ927ZiIQK8zVCXr6mA7kiJXd8_FOdbsXJaowkippfeHAXFmMp_H-Fmly5OMtIpbsUBOMDrRO0d37IshDhqZ4rFP-wc0FLbuL70/s1600-h/IMG_7943.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oRVv_vult-Gq0i2IHU-eP2QUlWvaonJNPbs3_yxuNZ927ZiIQK8zVCXr6mA7kiJXd8_FOdbsXJaowkippfeHAXFmMp_H-Fmly5OMtIpbsUBOMDrRO0d37IshDhqZ4rFP-wc0FLbuL70/s400/IMG_7943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445736437490280898" border="0" /></a><br />This is another hot spot. He loves to take all of the puzzles and books off of the shelf. He doesn't really play with them afterward, he just likes to dump.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aLIVpVG4YMnGyiOiaHNivBRWVcPWAIgJnSrj6LnR8uWHlD6hM-qy6pZA9Qps1YDxfWM_aR5cpCZuAQSRXwToUAQY69AMYs3rTgCGUgEE5PTHXrGIqC0G-FVyY1dynD7Gv43v_AYw2SE/s1600-h/IMG_7947.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aLIVpVG4YMnGyiOiaHNivBRWVcPWAIgJnSrj6LnR8uWHlD6hM-qy6pZA9Qps1YDxfWM_aR5cpCZuAQSRXwToUAQY69AMYs3rTgCGUgEE5PTHXrGIqC0G-FVyY1dynD7Gv43v_AYw2SE/s400/IMG_7947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445736421515830194" border="0" /></a><br />How can you get mad at that face?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM9Forj5n2tzxFDET74JLkB2m2liurp-Z00yZwSadmzsGvxhENN3xYJCKAFIMj7FqO0jefhBYUcTUNrwYbVtKIDeUNDN0_pJCU-CiIh951eL7AO5Bj_gP7GAaXha3I7uyoS3inQXGtmc/s1600-h/IMG_7941.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM9Forj5n2tzxFDET74JLkB2m2liurp-Z00yZwSadmzsGvxhENN3xYJCKAFIMj7FqO0jefhBYUcTUNrwYbVtKIDeUNDN0_pJCU-CiIh951eL7AO5Bj_gP7GAaXha3I7uyoS3inQXGtmc/s400/IMG_7941.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445736444659681394" border="0" /></a><br />Although, I am getting tired of putting the puzzles together multiple times a day. How fast a year has gone, in a few days, my baby will be one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298188626378830121.post-21205195954516344942010-02-01T11:39:00.006-07:002010-02-01T11:49:36.597-07:00Frozen Peanut Butter PieIn my mind, there is no better combination than peanut butter and chocolate. Mint is a close second, but peanut butter takes the cake, or in this case the pie. If you're really ambitious, you can make your own crust, but why? I normally make this with a chocolate crust, but graham cracker is what was in the cupboard, still good. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc46fNwnpOk1GEocikO69-IH7ePrpJDNw3CThg71k2LTI-pA5i8lRW71EGtxUOiSbO4XScV0vP9lWeklbWVCESkialuDv6EILm2BJBHr2bHKEkiLan3OWr2W-7Yg0Sdovrl-navOnieY/s1600-h/IMG_7780.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc46fNwnpOk1GEocikO69-IH7ePrpJDNw3CThg71k2LTI-pA5i8lRW71EGtxUOiSbO4XScV0vP9lWeklbWVCESkialuDv6EILm2BJBHr2bHKEkiLan3OWr2W-7Yg0Sdovrl-navOnieY/s400/IMG_7780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433347050593487090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8 oz softened cream cheese <br />½ cup milk<br />¾ cup extra chunky peanut butter <br />8 oz whipped topping<br />1 cup powdered sugar <br />1 9-inch chocolate or graham cracker crust<br />Chocolate Syrup<br /><br />1. Mix cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed until soft and fluffy. Mix in peanut butter and sugar until incorporated.<br /><br />2. Slowly add milk, beating until well blended. Fold in whipped topping.<br /><br />3. Spoon into pie crust, mounding the top. Freeze until firm. When solid, cover with foil. (Pie may be frozen for several weeks.) Go ahead and throw the lid away that comes with<br /> the store bought crust, it won't fit on.<br /><br />4. To serve, remove pie from freezer 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle chocolate syrup over individual pieces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3