Mmmm mmm. Good eats. We love Chili's only because of their Southwest Egg Rolls and Molten Chocolate Cake. So I had to figure out how to make at least one of these at home.
Southwest Egg Rolls
20-24 egg roll wrappers
1 can corn
1 can black beans
5-6 green onions, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
few dashes pepper
about a cup of shredded cheese (however much you have on hand)
Mix ingredients (except wrappers of course). Place 1/4 C. of mixture into center of egg roll wrappers. Fold up bottom, then sides, then top (like a burrito). Place on greased cookie sheet. Spray egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake at 425 for about 10 minutes (or until golden crisp). Serve with Avocado Ranch.
Avocado Ranch
1 medium avocado, mashed
1 C. ranch dip or dressing
Mix.
(Oh, and Leslie, we had these with your cream cheese wontons. Awesome! Thanks!)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Operation Finished Projects
Wow, I've been gone from the blogging scene for awhile. And will be. We've got a TON going on in May. We recently decided to take the kids to Disney World in a couple weeks (yay!). And I'm about to get a new calling. And we're coming up on our 1 year anniversary being in our new home, so I've been trying to get a lot of projects accomplished so I don't beat myself up about how I've lived here a year and still don't have our pictures up on the walls. So stuff like that has been eating up our time.
Some things I've done recently that I'm really proud of myself for actually doing: cleaned out and organized our closet (it's been just boxes and piles since we moved in and now it is glorious, absolutely glorious), finished a crocheted blanket for Jeromy for our anniversary (it only took me about 7 years to complete), I am very close to having all those file folder games from neighborhood digital swaps a couple years ago totally done and put together, having 2 years of cooking magazines wripped up and put into binders for better organization, not using my "fat" belts and pants anymore since I lost a couple of dress sizes, and having no more moving boxes cluttering up my room!!! The only boxes left are the junk and holiday and baby clothes ones in the basement! Hoo-rah. Oh ya, and I also kinda sorta started teaching the girls Joy School. I don't have the online membership, just the books, but from what I can tell, it's basically the same thing. The girls like it, and I might have to count that as preschool for Kierra next year since I can't find anything we can afford. Poor girl, if only there were some neighbors or someone to do this with. Dang second child sydrome. I'm tryin' kiddo!
Ooh, and I almost forgot! I started a babysitting co-op with a couple of neighbors!! Oh, it is wonderful to have that back in our lives. We're only a couple weeks in, and it's only 3 families (haven't convinced them yet that 9 kids is the same as watching 7), so we'll see how it goes, but we're super excited. This week I'll be in Provo for Women's Conference with my sistahs (YAY!) so Jeromy will have the evening on Friday all to himself for the co-op. Wonder what he'll do.
While I'm at it, here are some funny things the kids have said recently:
Audrey: "Well, you know what they say..." Just funny coming from a five-year-old.
Kierra: (very happily) "Mommy, I am going to give a piece of my mind to Audrey." I replied that this wouldn't be very nice (and wondering where in the world she heard such a thing), to which she said she thinks Audrey would like it. Me thinks she's a bit confused.
Audrey: "I swear! Do you know what 'swear' means? It means you really know."
Jacob doesn't say much yet, but I can understand all of his little grunts for ball, food, blanket, Audrey, uh-oh, where'd-it-go, etc. He's started to close doors and then clap to congratulate himself for being so tidy. And he pats his chest when he chokes or coughs, to which the women at church find very endearing. Two weeks till nursery!
Okay, sorry for the rambling. It's late, gotta sleep.
Some things I've done recently that I'm really proud of myself for actually doing: cleaned out and organized our closet (it's been just boxes and piles since we moved in and now it is glorious, absolutely glorious), finished a crocheted blanket for Jeromy for our anniversary (it only took me about 7 years to complete), I am very close to having all those file folder games from neighborhood digital swaps a couple years ago totally done and put together, having 2 years of cooking magazines wripped up and put into binders for better organization, not using my "fat" belts and pants anymore since I lost a couple of dress sizes, and having no more moving boxes cluttering up my room!!! The only boxes left are the junk and holiday and baby clothes ones in the basement! Hoo-rah. Oh ya, and I also kinda sorta started teaching the girls Joy School. I don't have the online membership, just the books, but from what I can tell, it's basically the same thing. The girls like it, and I might have to count that as preschool for Kierra next year since I can't find anything we can afford. Poor girl, if only there were some neighbors or someone to do this with. Dang second child sydrome. I'm tryin' kiddo!
Ooh, and I almost forgot! I started a babysitting co-op with a couple of neighbors!! Oh, it is wonderful to have that back in our lives. We're only a couple weeks in, and it's only 3 families (haven't convinced them yet that 9 kids is the same as watching 7), so we'll see how it goes, but we're super excited. This week I'll be in Provo for Women's Conference with my sistahs (YAY!) so Jeromy will have the evening on Friday all to himself for the co-op. Wonder what he'll do.
While I'm at it, here are some funny things the kids have said recently:
Audrey: "Well, you know what they say..." Just funny coming from a five-year-old.
Kierra: (very happily) "Mommy, I am going to give a piece of my mind to Audrey." I replied that this wouldn't be very nice (and wondering where in the world she heard such a thing), to which she said she thinks Audrey would like it. Me thinks she's a bit confused.
Audrey: "I swear! Do you know what 'swear' means? It means you really know."
Jacob doesn't say much yet, but I can understand all of his little grunts for ball, food, blanket, Audrey, uh-oh, where'd-it-go, etc. He's started to close doors and then clap to congratulate himself for being so tidy. And he pats his chest when he chokes or coughs, to which the women at church find very endearing. Two weeks till nursery!
Okay, sorry for the rambling. It's late, gotta sleep.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Piece Out, Man
While looking at magazines with Kierra:
Me: Hmm, here's a pumpkin pie, and ooh, a honey walnut pie. Yum, sounds good.
Kierra: Peace out, Mom.
Me: ??? Did you just say 'peace out'?
Kierra: Ya, there's a piece out of that pie, Mom.
Me: Oh. (laughing)
Kierra: Tricked ya!
(More laughing, and running to the computer before I forget this funny conversation.)
Me: Hmm, here's a pumpkin pie, and ooh, a honey walnut pie. Yum, sounds good.
Kierra: Peace out, Mom.
Me: ??? Did you just say 'peace out'?
Kierra: Ya, there's a piece out of that pie, Mom.
Me: Oh. (laughing)
Kierra: Tricked ya!
(More laughing, and running to the computer before I forget this funny conversation.)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Awesome Book- Wrong Link
Oops, sorry, wrong link.
http://selfreliantsisters.blogspot.com/2009/03/menu-planning-with-food-storage-srs.html
Scroll down till you see Menus at a Glance. That's what you want to print. Enjoy!
http://selfreliantsisters.blogspot.com/2009/03/menu-planning-with-food-storage-srs.html
Scroll down till you see Menus at a Glance. That's what you want to print. Enjoy!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Awesome Free Book
http://members.cox.net/auburnheaven/selfreliant/1_dividers.pdf
This is a link to an amazing downloadable/printable book about food storage and where to begin and how to organize it, etc. It also has some tips about canning your own meat and sprouting your own grains. OR You could just copy her 1 month menu and grocery list, times 3, and you've got your 3 month supply! All of the recipes and everything on the menu can be made from dehydrated and canned items. Way cool. And all free!
I'm looking forward to trying to make my own Wheaties and Grape Nuts, and also Maple Donuts. Mmmm.
This is a link to an amazing downloadable/printable book about food storage and where to begin and how to organize it, etc. It also has some tips about canning your own meat and sprouting your own grains. OR You could just copy her 1 month menu and grocery list, times 3, and you've got your 3 month supply! All of the recipes and everything on the menu can be made from dehydrated and canned items. Way cool. And all free!
I'm looking forward to trying to make my own Wheaties and Grape Nuts, and also Maple Donuts. Mmmm.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Good Student
Do you ever find that your child is a very good learner, especially when it comes to learning your bad habits or traits?
Mom: Audrey, no screaming, go to time-out.
Audrey: Calm down, Mom!
Mom: Audrey, we do not hit. Should I add another minute to the timer?
Audrey: (exasperated sigh) You're not helping, Mom!
And on a few more occasions, I heard:
"(huge eye-rolling) What-ever!"
And this was all just today. You see, these are all things I say to Jeromy (except for the Calm Down one, that Jeromy says to me), usually in a mocking, teasing tone, but apparently our little one didn't pick up on that. I should say that she's getting better, which she is, but we keep going in cycles where we're really firm for her and she's really good, and then we get a little lax in discipline so she thinks she can get away with stuff, and then we firm up again.... you get the picture. I never thought consistency would be so hard for me. Ah, well, here's to tomorrow!
Mom: Audrey, no screaming, go to time-out.
Audrey: Calm down, Mom!
Mom: Audrey, we do not hit. Should I add another minute to the timer?
Audrey: (exasperated sigh) You're not helping, Mom!
And on a few more occasions, I heard:
"(huge eye-rolling) What-ever!"
And this was all just today. You see, these are all things I say to Jeromy (except for the Calm Down one, that Jeromy says to me), usually in a mocking, teasing tone, but apparently our little one didn't pick up on that. I should say that she's getting better, which she is, but we keep going in cycles where we're really firm for her and she's really good, and then we get a little lax in discipline so she thinks she can get away with stuff, and then we firm up again.... you get the picture. I never thought consistency would be so hard for me. Ah, well, here's to tomorrow!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Temple Square Adventure
Yes, we went to the crowds to have some fun. And cookies. Anything for a free cookie, right? Plus, the kids do so love going to the kids section of the Church History Museum. Even Jacob, who wanted to play all night with the baby dolls so he could feed them a bottle. Jeromy wasn't too pleased with that, hoping that he would've rather played with a football there had he had the option. We all had fun (and cookies, as promised) and Daddy got to see the prophet, so all is well.
Blanket Lover
My boy absolutely LOVES his blankets. All 5 of them. He was disruptive during conference, so I asked him to go get his blankets. He smiled, and with a twinkle in his eye reserved only for his mama or his blankets, he waddled away from me and climbed the stairs. A couple minutes later, Jeromy went up to check on him. He was in his room, door closed, lying on the ground with one of his blankets. I love it! He's not quite a year and a half and he can put himself down for a nap!!
Differences
The difference between our 3 and 5 year old daughters can best be seen with this scenario.
At one of the water fountains at Temple Square, the girls wanted to throw pennies into it. They did so and ran along. I reminded them they could make a wish.
Audrey: I wish for a whole lot of candy!
Kierra: I wish that I can listen and obey my parents.
I just wish that Kierra's wish will carry over to her sister too. :)
At one of the water fountains at Temple Square, the girls wanted to throw pennies into it. They did so and ran along. I reminded them they could make a wish.
Audrey: I wish for a whole lot of candy!
Kierra: I wish that I can listen and obey my parents.
I just wish that Kierra's wish will carry over to her sister too. :)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Kierra's Book
Kierra made a little book the other day of all the names she can write and drew people she knows. Then she had me staple it together like a book. Later, I overheard her reading it to herself, including clearing her throat before she started. (Oh, and each line is a different page of her book, 'kay?).
"Once upon a time, there was a fellar.
Then the fellar walked to town.
He saw a girl on the bus.
Then Daddy was in the shower, and Mommy was out of the shower.
And she said, 'Someone get out of the shower!'
And then the family was all ready.
And they were in Nick Nork City (New York City)."
I should mention that in the middle of her book was a piece of paper she had me draw on. She really wanted me to draw a shower. Then I put a person in it, and she decided it was Dad, and asked where I was. So, trying to make it g-rated, I drew myself on the outside of the shower and told her I was saying, "Daddy, is it my turn yet, please?" So that's what she's talking about there. I'm just curious how her story had gone had that picture not been in the middle of her book. Hmmm...
"Once upon a time, there was a fellar.
Then the fellar walked to town.
He saw a girl on the bus.
Then Daddy was in the shower, and Mommy was out of the shower.
And she said, 'Someone get out of the shower!'
And then the family was all ready.
And they were in Nick Nork City (New York City)."
I should mention that in the middle of her book was a piece of paper she had me draw on. She really wanted me to draw a shower. Then I put a person in it, and she decided it was Dad, and asked where I was. So, trying to make it g-rated, I drew myself on the outside of the shower and told her I was saying, "Daddy, is it my turn yet, please?" So that's what she's talking about there. I'm just curious how her story had gone had that picture not been in the middle of her book. Hmmm...
Rude
The other day, the girls were coloring pictures together. Their conversation went like this:
Audrey: Look at my picture, Kierra.
Kierra: Oh, that's wonderful!
Audrey: Do you like it more than yours? I'll be ma-ad (singing the word) if you say no!
I don't think Kierra responded. Wow, do they really learn rude stuff from us? Can't be. Right?
Audrey: Look at my picture, Kierra.
Kierra: Oh, that's wonderful!
Audrey: Do you like it more than yours? I'll be ma-ad (singing the word) if you say no!
I don't think Kierra responded. Wow, do they really learn rude stuff from us? Can't be. Right?
Smothered Chicken Recipe
I made this a month ago for the first time and I got tons of raves about it. An instant hit! SOOO YUMMY!!! And this is the girl that doesn't care much for mushrooms. Well now they're a staple in our house. Hope you enjoy this awesome dish!
Smothered Chicken
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 Tbs. seasoning salt
2-3 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 C. fully cooked bacon pieces
2 C. sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 to 1/2 C. barbecue sauce (according to preference)
1 C. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 C. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
Sprinkle chicken with seasoning salt. Place on preheated indoor grill (or fry in frying pan).
Meanwhile, chop the green pepper, onion, and mushrooms and add to a large frying pan. Add bacon and olive oil. Saute, stirring occasionally, on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
Place cooked chicken breasts on a cookie sheet. Smother with barbecue sauce and then veggie mixture. Top with cheeses. Broil for a few minutes, until cheese is melted.
(This is a little intense of a recipe, and requires lots of dishwashing afterward. So next time I'm tempted to just cook the chicken in a frying pan, remove and add the veggies. While the veggies are cooking, cut the chicken into small pieces, and then add to the skillet. When everything is done, add barbeque sauce and cheese.)
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