Who needs flowers? not me!
I love this guy - check out those dimples!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Romantic Overtures
Is there anything more romantic than having your car washed, waxed, vacuumed, and conditioned?
Who needs flowers? not me!
I love this guy - check out those dimples!
Who needs flowers? not me!
I love this guy - check out those dimples!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Scenes From a Winter Hike
Yesterday we planned to drive two-hours north and ski for the afternoon. Well, we drove two hours north, but when we arrived, it was pouring [rain, not snow]. So, we hopped back in the car and headed home. I did take a few pictures, but you probably don't want to see the view from an hour-long traffic jam, Rob cleaning his sunglasses, or me drinking a smoothie.
We were obviously kind of disappointed to not find anything exciting to do during our kid-free weekend - so we decided to take advantage of the weather (sunny-ish and 40 degrees F) and hike in the slushy snow this morning. It was great - invigorating, a little challenging, and just plain fun to have quiet time together. A little sun after a full-day of rain really does do wonders for the soul.
We were obviously kind of disappointed to not find anything exciting to do during our kid-free weekend - so we decided to take advantage of the weather (sunny-ish and 40 degrees F) and hike in the slushy snow this morning. It was great - invigorating, a little challenging, and just plain fun to have quiet time together. A little sun after a full-day of rain really does do wonders for the soul.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Favourite Thing Friday
my favourite thing today is skiing!
Skiing is something I enjoy, but with three kids, I consider it a luxury. Rob and Josh have been skiing quite often this year, but I don't think the girls are ready to start yet (and neither is our pocketbook!).
Two years ago, Rob and I enjoyed a vacation to the mountains of Colorado, and Vail was our favorite resort by far. The vast expanse of snow, trails, and quiet are something I'll never forget. Thankfully, the week we were there was quite warm and never once were we cold (that's key on the barometer when deciding if I'm having fun - no pun intended!)
Tomorrow we're planning to drive about 3 hours north to ski for the day! It's certainly not going to rival Vail, but it should be a fun day for the two of us!
Happy FTF! Head over to see what Mrs P is loving today!
Skiing is something I enjoy, but with three kids, I consider it a luxury. Rob and Josh have been skiing quite often this year, but I don't think the girls are ready to start yet (and neither is our pocketbook!).
Two years ago, Rob and I enjoyed a vacation to the mountains of Colorado, and Vail was our favorite resort by far. The vast expanse of snow, trails, and quiet are something I'll never forget. Thankfully, the week we were there was quite warm and never once were we cold (that's key on the barometer when deciding if I'm having fun - no pun intended!)
Tomorrow we're planning to drive about 3 hours north to ski for the day! It's certainly not going to rival Vail, but it should be a fun day for the two of us!
Happy FTF! Head over to see what Mrs P is loving today!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Basketball, Third-Grade Style
Kate played basketball for the first time this winter. I thoroughly enjoyed her games, even though we only achieved double-digit scores twice. She and her friends really seemed to have fun. The coach was a dad that probably didn't want to be there, but did a great job anyway! When asked if he would return he said, "I'm sure some other dad probably wants to have a chance". The season is over, but hopefully she'll want to play again next year!
I know I lament about keeping our lives simple - but I do really enjoy watching our kids play sports! The more we get involved with other families in our district, the more thankful I am that we live where we do. We have enjoyed getting to know the boys that Josh has played soccer with since they were in third grade. Kate is on an all-girls soccer team in the fall and spring and enjoyed her time on her all-basketball girls team. Even though our school is the smallest in the county (with a not-quite winning record), we have really been blessed to have our kids interact in this way with their classmates.
Like any other proud mom, I just love seeing them enjoy themselves and learn new things. Of course, as a non-athlete myself, the wins/losses record is not forefront in my mind (I know my husband and sister-in-law are cringing right now). I simply love seeing my kids make friendships, have fun, and continue to mature in their abilities. I'm sure the intensity level changes in school sports as the kids get older, but for now, we're reveling in the fun part of it!
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| that's a high basket, I don't care what anyone says! |
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| lining up - how cute are they? |
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| don't ask me what they were talking about - bet it wasn't about the game! |
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| defense - I think! |
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| she's really into it! |
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| swish - just kidding - this was a pass :) |
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| double-digits, baby! we won our last game! |
I know I lament about keeping our lives simple - but I do really enjoy watching our kids play sports! The more we get involved with other families in our district, the more thankful I am that we live where we do. We have enjoyed getting to know the boys that Josh has played soccer with since they were in third grade. Kate is on an all-girls soccer team in the fall and spring and enjoyed her time on her all-basketball girls team. Even though our school is the smallest in the county (with a not-quite winning record), we have really been blessed to have our kids interact in this way with their classmates.
Like any other proud mom, I just love seeing them enjoy themselves and learn new things. Of course, as a non-athlete myself, the wins/losses record is not forefront in my mind (I know my husband and sister-in-law are cringing right now). I simply love seeing my kids make friendships, have fun, and continue to mature in their abilities. I'm sure the intensity level changes in school sports as the kids get older, but for now, we're reveling in the fun part of it!
Pumpkin Bread
This is a recipe re-post. If you haven't tried this bread yet, you must. Here in the Northeast US, we are melting from an ice-storm. The weather forecast is for frigid temperatures for the rest of this week.
So, watch a movie, make a fire, and enjoy some moist and delicious pumpkin bread!
For this batch of bread, I actually use butternut squash. It had been waiting to be used for some time, so I simply cut it in half and roasted it cut-side down at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. I pureed the pulp in the blender and used it in place of the cooked pumpkin the recipe suggests! We enjoyed 12 muffins and one loaf. Makes a perfect breakfast or as an addition to a packed lunch.
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix ingredients and bake in 2 loaf pans at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
So, watch a movie, make a fire, and enjoy some moist and delicious pumpkin bread!
For this batch of bread, I actually use butternut squash. It had been waiting to be used for some time, so I simply cut it in half and roasted it cut-side down at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. I pureed the pulp in the blender and used it in place of the cooked pumpkin the recipe suggests! We enjoyed 12 muffins and one loaf. Makes a perfect breakfast or as an addition to a packed lunch.
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| this is a stand-by in the house of one of my favorite lurkers - Hi, Braquel! :) |
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix ingredients and bake in 2 loaf pans at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Raise your hand...
if you're excited for the Super Bowl! My hand is currently waving in the air. Football is actually kind of interesting - I am just starting to learn how the game is played. We're excited for the match-up on Sunday night, even though our favorite Packer was traded last year. We love both teams, so we'll just be cheering the whole time!
If you're excited for a big party on Sunday night and you're not sure what to make for your guests, (or bring to a friend's house) I have a few ideas for you.
We had a get-together with two other families on Saturday night, and this was our menu - it was kind of like a practice for Super Bowl eating. Included in our guest list were nine extremely hungry kids (ages 7-15). I've never quite seen food disappear so quickly. No kidding. I'll tell you a little secret : I loved it! I love when people are enthusiastic about my cooking.
The Pioneer Woman's Drip Beef Sandwiches (version #1) - to die for. The pepperoncini peppers add a zesty little kick. It really can't get any easier than this. I baked mine in my crockpot liner at 300 degrees for about six hours. Total prep time: less than five minutes.
Cream of Broccoli Soup
1 1/2 lbs broccoli, stem removed and chopped
2 cups water
2 large carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T butter
2 T flour
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup light cream
1. Heat water to boiling in stockpot. Add vegetables and boil for about ten minutes or until all veggies are tender.
2. Carefully blend mixture in blender or use immersion blender to puree.
3. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir broth into flour mixture and continue heating and stirring until smooth.
4. Stir broth mixture into flour mixture.
5. Add cream and season to taste.
6. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired.
Pepperoni Rolls
your favorite pizza dough
pepperoni slices
pizza seasoning
shredded parmesan
olive oil
Roll out pizza dough and sprinkle with parm, seasoning and olive oil. Cut into strips and roll up three pepperoni slices in each strip. Allow to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake at 395 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.
Potato Skins
Wrap whole potatoes in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Slice potatoes in half and scoop out insides (keep for another use). Lay potato halves cut side up and sprinkle with lots of shredded sharp cheddar. Bake at 395 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Top with crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, and chives.
If you're excited for a big party on Sunday night and you're not sure what to make for your guests, (or bring to a friend's house) I have a few ideas for you.
We had a get-together with two other families on Saturday night, and this was our menu - it was kind of like a practice for Super Bowl eating. Included in our guest list were nine extremely hungry kids (ages 7-15). I've never quite seen food disappear so quickly. No kidding. I'll tell you a little secret : I loved it! I love when people are enthusiastic about my cooking.
The Pioneer Woman's Drip Beef Sandwiches (version #1) - to die for. The pepperoncini peppers add a zesty little kick. It really can't get any easier than this. I baked mine in my crockpot liner at 300 degrees for about six hours. Total prep time: less than five minutes.
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| serve with crusty rolls and sharp provolone - be sure to add some juice to your roll! |
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1 1/2 lbs broccoli, stem removed and chopped
2 cups water
2 large carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T butter
2 T flour
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup light cream
1. Heat water to boiling in stockpot. Add vegetables and boil for about ten minutes or until all veggies are tender.
2. Carefully blend mixture in blender or use immersion blender to puree.
3. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir broth into flour mixture and continue heating and stirring until smooth.
4. Stir broth mixture into flour mixture.
5. Add cream and season to taste.
6. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired.
 |
your favorite pizza dough
pepperoni slices
pizza seasoning
shredded parmesan
olive oil
Roll out pizza dough and sprinkle with parm, seasoning and olive oil. Cut into strips and roll up three pepperoni slices in each strip. Allow to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake at 395 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.
Potato Skins
Wrap whole potatoes in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Slice potatoes in half and scoop out insides (keep for another use). Lay potato halves cut side up and sprinkle with lots of shredded sharp cheddar. Bake at 395 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Top with crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, and chives.
Monday, January 31, 2011
We Heart Weekends.....
One of the nice things about winter is the lack of busyness. Our weekends have been lovely. We sleep in, rent movies, try new recipes, and occasionally entertain. Rob would be happy to stay around the house all weekend, but I try to plan at least one fun thing for us to do with the kids.
This weekend we went sledding. So, so fun. The only bad part - walking back up the hill. Rob was our photographer - he got some great pics.
We made some great memories. The original plan was for Josh to meet up with some friends [and stay on the other side of the hill]. Instead, we all hung out together and it was great. The more we enjoy plan-free weekends, the more I realize that this is what families are supposed to do. I don't have anything against extra-curricular activities - but running around from activity to activity - no thanks. If we were over-committed we would have lost the opportunity to go sledding on an impulse. I love a simple life.
This weekend we went sledding. So, so fun. The only bad part - walking back up the hill. Rob was our photographer - he got some great pics.
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| you should have heard the screams! |
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| I kind of love sledding :) |
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| trudging back up the huge hill |
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| great view of our fair city |
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| I love Emma's hair flying in the wind |
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| stuffed in a sled! |
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| pretty girl |
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| Josh and his friends |
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| Paige's dad |
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| Josh and his friend, Paige |
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| Kate and her friend, Elise |
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| our little fashion-plate |
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| Josh catching some air on a ramp! |
We made some great memories. The original plan was for Josh to meet up with some friends [and stay on the other side of the hill]. Instead, we all hung out together and it was great. The more we enjoy plan-free weekends, the more I realize that this is what families are supposed to do. I don't have anything against extra-curricular activities - but running around from activity to activity - no thanks. If we were over-committed we would have lost the opportunity to go sledding on an impulse. I love a simple life.
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