I made this today for the first time. It is yum!
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 c. vegetable broth
1/2 c. dry lentils, rinsed
3 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin (I also used PC SW seasoning)
1 c. frozen corn
1 c. salsa, fat free
1/4 c. tomato paste
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. white vinegar
In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.
Add the broth, lentils, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.
Stir in the corn, salsa, tomato paste, oregano and vinegar (I also added salt and pepper). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 min. longer or until lentils are tender.
Serve with brown rice and cheddar cheese.
YIELD: 4 cups lentils
1/2 c. = 1.5 WW points, 3/4 c. - 2.5 WW points; 1 c. = 4 WW points
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful for:
The opportunity to go to the yummy yarn store with my sister, mom and gramma.
That tomorrow is Friday and Doug will be home. It's been a long week.
That school is going smoothly this year.
That it is above freezing, in January!! for several days in a row even!
And the sun is SHINING!!
How about you? What are you thankful for today?
The opportunity to go to the yummy yarn store with my sister, mom and gramma.
That tomorrow is Friday and Doug will be home. It's been a long week.
That school is going smoothly this year.
That it is above freezing, in January!! for several days in a row even!
And the sun is SHINING!!
How about you? What are you thankful for today?
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year's Eve
How do you celebrate New Year's Eve?
We celebrated by going to a fancy schmancy dinner dance with friends. We've gone to this same event the past several years. It was fun. Great food, great friends and great music.
Last year Doug and I committed to getting healthy and losing weight. Doesn't everybody do that in January? Well, we actually followed through all year. Between the two of us we've lost 102 lbs. this year. We aren't finished yet, either. We'll keep going. I'm halfway to goal; Doug is about 1/3 the way there.
Here is photographic proof :) I was excited to compare our last year's pictures with this years.
Next year I'll be able to post before/during/after pictures! We both are working hard to reach our goal by the end of the year.
Do you follow through on the goals you set at the beginning of the year? I don't usually, but this year, I am so glad I did!h
We celebrated by going to a fancy schmancy dinner dance with friends. We've gone to this same event the past several years. It was fun. Great food, great friends and great music.
Last year Doug and I committed to getting healthy and losing weight. Doesn't everybody do that in January? Well, we actually followed through all year. Between the two of us we've lost 102 lbs. this year. We aren't finished yet, either. We'll keep going. I'm halfway to goal; Doug is about 1/3 the way there.
Here is photographic proof :) I was excited to compare our last year's pictures with this years.
NYE '08
NYE '09
NYE '08
NYE '09
Next year I'll be able to post before/during/after pictures! We both are working hard to reach our goal by the end of the year.
Do you follow through on the goals you set at the beginning of the year? I don't usually, but this year, I am so glad I did!h
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!!
2009 is almost over, can you believe it?? Not only the year, but an entire decade in the new century!
Remember 10 years ago when everybody was worried about Y2K? It feels so long ago, doesn't it?
Ten years ago my boys were 5, 7 and 9. They still wanted to hang out with me and thought I was da bomb! I can't believe they are now 15, 17 and 19. Two of them are driving and the 3rd is able to get his permit (as soon as I take him for the test), one of them have graduated and has a full time job.
Ten years ago we were in our 3rd year of hs'ing. We spent our days going on nature walks, doing game school, cuddling and reading aloud, teaching handwriting and reading. Now our days are spent with geometry, biology, government. Gone are the days of snuggles and short school days. We're in our 13th year! WOW! In 2 1/2 short years, everybody will be graduated. You know that time will fly before you know it.
Ten years ago I turned 30. I thought I was so old. Our marriage was in the toilet. This year I turned 40. I no longer think I'm old :-P. Our marriage has done a 180. God has really done in a miracle in our lives. I am so thankful and blessed.
We've had so many changes in the past 10 years. Doug lost a local driving job of 12 years and has been over the road for 3 1/2 years now. It's stinky, but we are so thankful for a job. I've had to learn to live with chronic health difficulties. Another stinky thing. I don't like limitations, but I've learned to live with them. I've also learned a lot through them; such as I don't have to say yes to every single thing asked of me, it's OK to ask for help, if it doesn't all get done it really is OK. I've had to learn to simplify, relax my house keeping standards, slow down, nap, cut my schedule way back, and life still goes in LOL! I miss the days of napping because I wanted to and not because I had to. I really miss the days of no pain. On bad days I have to think about what clothes will hurt the least and not wear jewelry because it is too heavy! But you know, God is still good. He still loves me. And I'm not a horrible Christian because my body has not been healed. I've walked through big spiritual struggles while coming to terms with my health.
I am looking forward to the next decade. At the end of it I will be 50! My kids will be 25, 27 and 29. I may have grandchildren :) I pray my husband comes home at night. And through it all God will be faithful.
Happy New Year!!!
Remember 10 years ago when everybody was worried about Y2K? It feels so long ago, doesn't it?
Ten years ago my boys were 5, 7 and 9. They still wanted to hang out with me and thought I was da bomb! I can't believe they are now 15, 17 and 19. Two of them are driving and the 3rd is able to get his permit (as soon as I take him for the test), one of them have graduated and has a full time job.
Ten years ago we were in our 3rd year of hs'ing. We spent our days going on nature walks, doing game school, cuddling and reading aloud, teaching handwriting and reading. Now our days are spent with geometry, biology, government. Gone are the days of snuggles and short school days. We're in our 13th year! WOW! In 2 1/2 short years, everybody will be graduated. You know that time will fly before you know it.
Ten years ago I turned 30. I thought I was so old. Our marriage was in the toilet. This year I turned 40. I no longer think I'm old :-P. Our marriage has done a 180. God has really done in a miracle in our lives. I am so thankful and blessed.
We've had so many changes in the past 10 years. Doug lost a local driving job of 12 years and has been over the road for 3 1/2 years now. It's stinky, but we are so thankful for a job. I've had to learn to live with chronic health difficulties. Another stinky thing. I don't like limitations, but I've learned to live with them. I've also learned a lot through them; such as I don't have to say yes to every single thing asked of me, it's OK to ask for help, if it doesn't all get done it really is OK. I've had to learn to simplify, relax my house keeping standards, slow down, nap, cut my schedule way back, and life still goes in LOL! I miss the days of napping because I wanted to and not because I had to. I really miss the days of no pain. On bad days I have to think about what clothes will hurt the least and not wear jewelry because it is too heavy! But you know, God is still good. He still loves me. And I'm not a horrible Christian because my body has not been healed. I've walked through big spiritual struggles while coming to terms with my health.
I am looking forward to the next decade. At the end of it I will be 50! My kids will be 25, 27 and 29. I may have grandchildren :) I pray my husband comes home at night. And through it all God will be faithful.
Happy New Year!!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thankful Thursday
I love Thankful Thursday!! Today I am thankful:
That Christmas is in 2 weeks and I get to go Christmas shopping on Sunday :)
My power didn't go out lat night (or today) during these strange high winds.
My outside ornaments didn't blow away in those same winds.
A great weekend with friends last weekend.
My husband
My kids
My family
Starbucks
How about you?
That Christmas is in 2 weeks and I get to go Christmas shopping on Sunday :)
My power didn't go out lat night (or today) during these strange high winds.
My outside ornaments didn't blow away in those same winds.
A great weekend with friends last weekend.
My husband
My kids
My family
Starbucks
How about you?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I have so much to be thankful for. I'll just list a few of them.
- My sweet husband
- The fact he made it home at 8:30 this morning and will be at Thanksgiving dinner :)
- My boys
- Doug and Jordan both have good jobs
- My mom's tumor is shrinking
- Family
- Friends
- Jesus
- So very much more that I can't even list it all
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thankful Thursday
A week until Thanksgiving! Unbelieveable!!
Right now I am so incredibly thankful for a good report my mom received. She had a scan done this past Monday. And after her 1st round of chemo, her tumor is shrinking!! PTL!
She's now completed round 2 of chemo and is going for 2x a day radiation treatments for the next 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to even more good reports :)
What are you thankful for this week?
Right now I am so incredibly thankful for a good report my mom received. She had a scan done this past Monday. And after her 1st round of chemo, her tumor is shrinking!! PTL!
She's now completed round 2 of chemo and is going for 2x a day radiation treatments for the next 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to even more good reports :)
What are you thankful for this week?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my mom and gramma. We went to our favorite yarn store, Knitting on the Square. We sit, knit, talk, eat, talk, shop. It is a fabulous day!
Here we are several weeks ago. Mom, me and my gramma. Three generations of knitters.
Here we are several weeks ago. Mom, me and my gramma. Three generations of knitters. Speaking of my mom, here's an update on her. She completed her first round of chemo and has now lost her hair. She looked absolutely adorable today in her pink hat that one of the gals from knitting made for her.
Monday she starts her 2nd round of chemo. She will have chemo for 3 days in a row again. She also starts radiation on Monday. She will go 2x a day for 3 1/2 weeks along with chemo. I am so glad they are aggressively treating this cancer, but feel so badly that Mom is going to feel yuck. She's tired and in much pain right now. She said she now knows how I feel. I'm glad she won't always have to feel like this.
So I am incredibly thankful for the afternoon with Mom. How about you? What are you thankful for today?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Three Weeks until Thanksgiving!!!
Can you believe it? I absolutely have no clue where this year went to. My oldest is going to be 19 this month! Where did those years go?
How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
We've not yet decided what we are going to do. Cook and invite people? Stay home alone? Go to my dad's house? We better decide quickly, eh?
In honor of the Thanksgiving turkey prep, here's one of my favorite turkey commercials :) Well darn, I can't figure out how to embed the video in the blog post. Didn't there used to be an icon for that?
Anywhere, HERE it is (link to youtube).
How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
We've not yet decided what we are going to do. Cook and invite people? Stay home alone? Go to my dad's house? We better decide quickly, eh?
In honor of the Thanksgiving turkey prep, here's one of my favorite turkey commercials :) Well darn, I can't figure out how to embed the video in the blog post. Didn't there used to be an icon for that?
Anywhere, HERE it is (link to youtube).
Blog Giveaway!
My friend, Robin, is celebrating her 100th blog post with a give away.
Robin is a talented seamstress and makes the most gorgeous aprons! She will be giving away a 1/2 apron.
So hop on over and leave her a comment. She's picking the winner on Sunday!
Robin is a talented seamstress and makes the most gorgeous aprons! She will be giving away a 1/2 apron.
So hop on over and leave her a comment. She's picking the winner on Sunday!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Happy 20th Anniversary To Us!!
Wow! Doug and I have been married for 20 years. It just doesn't seem possible! It has been a crazy ride, and I'm so glad to have gone through it with my best friend. I look forward to many, many, many more anniversaries.
And some pictures.
I'd LOVE to have that skin and hair again. 40 year old skin just doesn't look like 20 year old skin. And I think I've lost 1/2 my hair in the past 20 years. Doug, however, looks even better now!
Look at those huge puffy sleeves! I don't think you can buy those any more :)
My very favorite wedding picture.
And here we are now! We are more in love today than the day we got married.
We've been through so much. Our marriage truly is a miracle.
Babe, I love you more than anything!
Happy Anniversary!!!
And some pictures.
Our engagement picture
I'd LOVE to have that skin and hair again. 40 year old skin just doesn't look like 20 year old skin. And I think I've lost 1/2 my hair in the past 20 years. Doug, however, looks even better now!
Look at those huge puffy sleeves! I don't think you can buy those any more :)
We didn't know how to dance yet,
but we faked it real well!
My very favorite wedding picture.
And here we are now! We are more in love today than the day we got married.
We've been through so much. Our marriage truly is a miracle.
Babe, I love you more than anything!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Woo Hoo Isaac!!!!
Isaac is an avid deer hunter. He's been hunting for 3 years and has yet to bag a deer, that is until today!!
He was up and out the door at 5ish this morning. By 8:15 am he had a deer. A 7 point buck no less, weighing in at 125 lbs. field dressed! One arrow and he dropped it!
He has never field dressed a deer. He's never witnessed anybody else field dress a deer. He has watched YouTube field dressing videos. He went a little overboard on the field dressing, but he cleaned it totally out! So that is fair warning that you will see split open deer in this picture.
WAY TO GO ISAAC!!!!!
He was up and out the door at 5ish this morning. By 8:15 am he had a deer. A 7 point buck no less, weighing in at 125 lbs. field dressed! One arrow and he dropped it!
He has never field dressed a deer. He's never witnessed anybody else field dress a deer. He has watched YouTube field dressing videos. He went a little overboard on the field dressing, but he cleaned it totally out! So that is fair warning that you will see split open deer in this picture.
WAY TO GO ISAAC!!!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Life is busy!
Wow are things busy here!
We're settling into our 13th year of hs'ing. It is so different to be schooling 2 instead of 3. Nice I must admit :)
Jordan is working hard at his job. He works the midnight shift at a plastic factory. He bought a new to him car; '04 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible. It's a sharp car!
Jordan bowled his first ever 300 Game! a few weeks ago! Way to go Jordan!! He and Isaac had both come close (288 and 290) and we were wondering who would hit 300 first. It was Jordan!
Isaac has been heading into the woods as often as possible, hoping to bag a deer. We're all rooting for him!
Isaac and Allen have been busy working their dock business. Jordan is too busy with work and has moved on and Allen moved up.
Allen is counting down the weeks (I think there are 5 now) until he can get his driver's permit. Oh my gosh! Where did the years go?
Doug and I went away for our anniversary last weekend. We had a nice, although rushed, time. We'll be married 20 years next week.
I'm hoping to get away to visit a girlfriend in PA for a few days sometime this month. I'm also hoping to take the boys to the lake next week for one last overnight, weather permitting. Today it is a high of 43, tomorrow 38, and SNOW! I'm SO not ready! But it's supposed to be sunny and 50 the beginning of the week. So we'll see.
So how are things going for you?
We're settling into our 13th year of hs'ing. It is so different to be schooling 2 instead of 3. Nice I must admit :)
Jordan is working hard at his job. He works the midnight shift at a plastic factory. He bought a new to him car; '04 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible. It's a sharp car!
Jordan bowled his first ever 300 Game! a few weeks ago! Way to go Jordan!! He and Isaac had both come close (288 and 290) and we were wondering who would hit 300 first. It was Jordan!
Isaac has been heading into the woods as often as possible, hoping to bag a deer. We're all rooting for him!
Isaac and Allen have been busy working their dock business. Jordan is too busy with work and has moved on and Allen moved up.
Allen is counting down the weeks (I think there are 5 now) until he can get his driver's permit. Oh my gosh! Where did the years go?
Doug and I went away for our anniversary last weekend. We had a nice, although rushed, time. We'll be married 20 years next week.
I'm hoping to get away to visit a girlfriend in PA for a few days sometime this month. I'm also hoping to take the boys to the lake next week for one last overnight, weather permitting. Today it is a high of 43, tomorrow 38, and SNOW! I'm SO not ready! But it's supposed to be sunny and 50 the beginning of the week. So we'll see.
So how are things going for you?
Some updates on my mom
I went to the oncologist with my mom this past Monday. I really liked him, and so did she.
She met with a surgeon on Tuesday about having a port put in. They will do that on the 21st.
Today she has a PET Scan.
She starts chemo on the 26th and will also get the results of her PET Scan at that time. She may or may have radiation, depending on the scan results.
I appreciate your continued prayers for my mom and our whole family.
She met with a surgeon on Tuesday about having a port put in. They will do that on the 21st.
Today she has a PET Scan.
She starts chemo on the 26th and will also get the results of her PET Scan at that time. She may or may have radiation, depending on the scan results.
I appreciate your continued prayers for my mom and our whole family.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Our family sure needs your prayers!
I copied this from my mom's blog.
I have been really ill--diagnosed with SIADH--which I do not really understand it--it has to do with ineffective anti diuretic hormone and my sodium dropped very very low and I was unable to function for 7 days.. I then spent 7 more days in the critical care unit to treat and find they cause.. And the cause was found. They found a lesion on my lower right lung--which is what they feel triggered the SIADH. It was biopsied and it is a small cell cancer. for now that is all we know. I will see an oncologist on Oct 12--have more testing to determine stage etc and then they will decide on treatment. I do know it is not operable.
I spent yesterday Googling. Googling isn't so fun sometimes. My mom, all of us, would appreciate your prayers.
I have been really ill--diagnosed with SIADH--which I do not really understand it--it has to do with ineffective anti diuretic hormone and my sodium dropped very very low and I was unable to function for 7 days.. I then spent 7 more days in the critical care unit to treat and find they cause.. And the cause was found. They found a lesion on my lower right lung--which is what they feel triggered the SIADH. It was biopsied and it is a small cell cancer. for now that is all we know. I will see an oncologist on Oct 12--have more testing to determine stage etc and then they will decide on treatment. I do know it is not operable.
I spent yesterday Googling. Googling isn't so fun sometimes. My mom, all of us, would appreciate your prayers.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Today I am incredibly thankful that I can move. I hurt my back on Sunday. Every day I have been feeling better. I am still in pain, but I am able to do all I need to do.
I'm thankful for the beautiful week I had at the lake with Isaac and Allen. What a great place to recover. We go home today.
I am so thankful that tomorrow is Friday, which means Doug comes home sometime!!!!
What are you thankful for today??
I'm thankful for the beautiful week I had at the lake with Isaac and Allen. What a great place to recover. We go home today.
I am so thankful that tomorrow is Friday, which means Doug comes home sometime!!!!
What are you thankful for today??
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why are mothers so judgmental of each other?!?!?!?
I do NOT understand why (some) mothers feel the need to judge others on their parenting decisions.
I know better, really I do, than to get involved in the breast vs. bottle debate on the SL forums. It always turns hot. But here I sit resting my back, in severe pain and on drugs (not a good combo for staying out of debate LOL) and just didn't stop myself.
There are so many choices in parenting. They start before the baby is even born!
Guess what?!?!? I really don't care if you don't choose the same way I did. All of those things are valid and have pros and cons when it comes to parenting.
I also don't want to hear how I'm a horrible mother if I didn't do it your way. I am not selfish nor am I lazy. I am happy and confident in all of the choices I've made. I don't want to hear snide remarks about how I educate my children. I also don't want to hear you complain about the public schools and then criticize my educational choices.
But in return, I will not criticize your parenting choices. What difference does it make to me if you have a medicated hospital birth, bottle feed, go back to work when your baby is 6 weeks old, let your babies cry it out in their cribs and send them to public school when the time comes? Those are your choices! I will not criticize you. If asked, I will offer an opinion. But I will do my very best not to sound like I'm coming from my high horse and my way is the only way and it's God's only way!
So, ladies, wouldn't it be so much better if we encouraged each other along the way. Just because somebody does it differently than you do should not make you feel threatened nor should it make you judgmental!
I am SO glad God only expects me to answer for my own family. It's all I can do to make sure I/we are following God's plan. I really don't have time to make sure you and yours are too!
I know better, really I do, than to get involved in the breast vs. bottle debate on the SL forums. It always turns hot. But here I sit resting my back, in severe pain and on drugs (not a good combo for staying out of debate LOL) and just didn't stop myself.
There are so many choices in parenting. They start before the baby is even born!
- Hospital birth or birthing center or home birth
- Totally natural or utilize drugs
- VBAC or repeat C-section
- Breast, bottle, both?
- Cloth diapers or disposable diapers or elimination communication
- Family bed or crib
- Attachment parenting or Baby Wise
- When to start solids
- SAHM or Working Mom
- Public school, private school or home school
Guess what?!?!? I really don't care if you don't choose the same way I did. All of those things are valid and have pros and cons when it comes to parenting.
I also don't want to hear how I'm a horrible mother if I didn't do it your way. I am not selfish nor am I lazy. I am happy and confident in all of the choices I've made. I don't want to hear snide remarks about how I educate my children. I also don't want to hear you complain about the public schools and then criticize my educational choices.
But in return, I will not criticize your parenting choices. What difference does it make to me if you have a medicated hospital birth, bottle feed, go back to work when your baby is 6 weeks old, let your babies cry it out in their cribs and send them to public school when the time comes? Those are your choices! I will not criticize you. If asked, I will offer an opinion. But I will do my very best not to sound like I'm coming from my high horse and my way is the only way and it's God's only way!
So, ladies, wouldn't it be so much better if we encouraged each other along the way. Just because somebody does it differently than you do should not make you feel threatened nor should it make you judgmental!
I am SO glad God only expects me to answer for my own family. It's all I can do to make sure I/we are following God's plan. I really don't have time to make sure you and yours are too!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thankful Thursday
My friend, Bethany, over at The Land of Curly Hair does a weekly Thankful Thursday blog post. I thought I'd borrow it and join in the fun :)
Today I am thankful that I will be spending the afternoon and evening with my Gramma. After school Isaac will drive over to pick her up (Have I mentioned how much I love having my kids drive?? Well, I do!) and bring her back here. Then I'll drive an hour to the yarn shop.
We will sit and knit, chat with each other and the other ladies that come to knit, have coffee and eat goodies, and shop :) It will be a lovely day! The only thing that would make it better is if my mom were able to join us.
So what are you thankful for today??
Today I am thankful that I will be spending the afternoon and evening with my Gramma. After school Isaac will drive over to pick her up (Have I mentioned how much I love having my kids drive?? Well, I do!) and bring her back here. Then I'll drive an hour to the yarn shop.
We will sit and knit, chat with each other and the other ladies that come to knit, have coffee and eat goodies, and shop :) It will be a lovely day! The only thing that would make it better is if my mom were able to join us.
So what are you thankful for today??
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Woo Hoo!!! First day of school :)
We're starting our 13th year of home schooling today \o/ The first year schooling only 2 in years and years. Jordan graduated this spring and is now working full time. Where does the time go? Only 2 more first days of school ever!! Ok, I'll stop that now before I get all sniffly :-P
It is the perfect weather for school starting; rain, gray, rain, dark, rain, cold, rain, rain. All week until Friday even! Great weather for hunkering down and reading. I'm so glad we delayed starting and enjoyed the beautiful, sunny, dry, warm weather last week!
I am so blessed to have the privilege of educating our boys at home. Thank you Lord!
It is the perfect weather for school starting; rain, gray, rain, dark, rain, cold, rain, rain. All week until Friday even! Great weather for hunkering down and reading. I'm so glad we delayed starting and enjoyed the beautiful, sunny, dry, warm weather last week!
I am so blessed to have the privilege of educating our boys at home. Thank you Lord!
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