Hello my friends! I just got back from a week-long vacation in Austin, TX where my dear friend Annie lives. The adventure began before I even left-the plan was to pack on Tuesday night and leave Wednesday after work. Well, Tuesday I wasn't feeling well and all day I had this pain in my stomach that was getting worse and worse...after putting Micaela to bed I drove to the ER to find out I was having a gall bladder attack! After an ultra sound the Doc. said I had to have it out and I fell apart...then he said "Calm down, you can go to Texas and have it out when you come back!" So, with strong drugs in hand...I went home. Mandy and Scanders..the ER just isn't the same without you.
In Texas Annie had all these great ideas of fun things to do-we did a yoga class in a coffee house, took a Brazilian dance workshop, went to the Obama Rally, hit some really fun bars, took a hike, watched a really bad movie in a bar-movie theater (so cool!) went kayaking on Town Lake in 80 degree weather (that's where the sunburn came from), ate at all the best local spots (we both avoid franchise dining at all costs) and most wonderfully I reconnected with my amazing Annie. Annie and met in kindergarten and have been B/F/F ever since (yes, we still use that term) I think had I gone to visit her 2 years ago we would have been too different and not enjoyed the same kind of things. But, God has so lined the stars of our lives up-because this was just the most amazing trip with the most amazing friend. The travel home was a disaster with a blizzard in Chicago delaying my flights, so I didn't reach Minneapolis until 2am. Matthew came and picked me up so I slept in his attic for a few hours so I could drive home. This wouldn't have been so awful except I hadn't slept or eaten and there were SQUIRRELS running through the ceiling right over my head. He assured me they couldn't get in, but nothing is comforting at 4 am when you just want to sleep.
So, yesterday picking up Micaela after not seeing her for 6 days was the MOST FUN THING IN THE WORLD! She gave me the greatest, longest hug and continued to hold me hand or hug me all evening long. Sigh...I'm in love.
I hope you've enjoyed my story. I also will cast my vote for the camping in June! Sounds perfect! Love you all!
Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Recipes
I love to cook and I love to try new recipes! (and lucky or unlucky for you, I love to share them!) I've had a fun couple of days and wish to pass the recipes on to you ... maybe this will be something I can contribute to the blog from time to time....call me Martha! :)
Chicken - Rice Taco Toss
1 lb chicken breasts, chopped (raw)
2 Tbls butter
2 C water
2 C Salsa
1 Can Whole Kernal Corn, drained
1 pkg chicken flavored rice
Saute the rice in the butter until golden brown. Add - water, salsa, chicken, corn and season packet from the rice. Bring to boil, simmer 10-20 minutes, until rice is tender, chicken is cooked and most of the liquid is gone. (cover for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to evaporate excess liquid)
To serve - place a small bed of shredded lettuce on each plate. Top with chicken mixture - then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomato and guacamole or sour cream and finish off with crushed corn chips.
The whole family loved it!
Then - when your sweet tooth kicks in - you HAVE GOT to try this super healthy and DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS muffin!
1 pkg lowfat brownie mix
3 cups All Bran Original cereal
2 1/2 Cups water
1 1/2 t baking powder
Soak the cereal in water for 5 minutes. Add powder and brownie mix and mix well. Place in paper lined muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. These are delicious and only 120 calories, 1.75 g fat and 3 grams of fiber!!! Wahoo! Happy cooking everyone!
Chicken - Rice Taco Toss
1 lb chicken breasts, chopped (raw)
2 Tbls butter
2 C water
2 C Salsa
1 Can Whole Kernal Corn, drained
1 pkg chicken flavored rice
Saute the rice in the butter until golden brown. Add - water, salsa, chicken, corn and season packet from the rice. Bring to boil, simmer 10-20 minutes, until rice is tender, chicken is cooked and most of the liquid is gone. (cover for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to evaporate excess liquid)
To serve - place a small bed of shredded lettuce on each plate. Top with chicken mixture - then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomato and guacamole or sour cream and finish off with crushed corn chips.
The whole family loved it!
Then - when your sweet tooth kicks in - you HAVE GOT to try this super healthy and DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS muffin!
1 pkg lowfat brownie mix
3 cups All Bran Original cereal
2 1/2 Cups water
1 1/2 t baking powder
Soak the cereal in water for 5 minutes. Add powder and brownie mix and mix well. Place in paper lined muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. These are delicious and only 120 calories, 1.75 g fat and 3 grams of fiber!!! Wahoo! Happy cooking everyone!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Congrats Amanda!
Congratulations on the new job, Amanda! Sometimes some of the best things just fall from the sky, or through the telephone.
Tomorrow will be the fourth day of the new semester and I'm already behind on my reading. This is not something I'm particularily proud of, but it happens. I completely misjudged the amount of reading I have due tomorrow for my pastoral care class (160 pages instead of 80, yes that's twice as much). And the funny thing about it is that we haven't even met as a class yet, tomorrow will be our first day. I've noticed that's common practice however. I'm not sure if that's a grad school thing, or something unique to the institution I currently attend.
Friday I had an interesting experience with a friend from Nigeria. He asked me to bring him to Brooklyn Park (a NW suburb) because he had accidently purchased two different sizes of shoes. I agreed that I could drive him and asked if he knew where it was. This is how our conversation went:
Sarah: Do you know where it (the store) is?
Festus: You don't know where Brooklyn Park is?
S: Yes, I know where it is, but where is the store?
F: Oh, you just go to Brooklyn Park, and it's right by the traffic light.
S: Do you know which traffic light?
F: Yeah, it's the second one.
Fortunately I got on the right street with the right set of traffic lights, and we were able to find the African market that was tucked away, bearly noticeable to those no familiar with the location. However, once inside I became aware the small store was frequently visited. I imagine there were 25-30 Africans there knowing exactly what they wanted and I was the lone white girl poking my nose around at all the different items. The afternoon with Festus progressed with some more unique experiences that I believe can only be had with an international individual. It's invaluable to be able to have the continued experiences with people from different cultures than our Western society which is so dominating.
In response to Amanda's proposal for camping at the Fing Festival, I'm all for it!!! I'm really for anything because I just like hanging out with all you lovely ladies as long as children is not the only topic of discussion. :)
How's everyone else doing?
Tomorrow will be the fourth day of the new semester and I'm already behind on my reading. This is not something I'm particularily proud of, but it happens. I completely misjudged the amount of reading I have due tomorrow for my pastoral care class (160 pages instead of 80, yes that's twice as much). And the funny thing about it is that we haven't even met as a class yet, tomorrow will be our first day. I've noticed that's common practice however. I'm not sure if that's a grad school thing, or something unique to the institution I currently attend.
Friday I had an interesting experience with a friend from Nigeria. He asked me to bring him to Brooklyn Park (a NW suburb) because he had accidently purchased two different sizes of shoes. I agreed that I could drive him and asked if he knew where it was. This is how our conversation went:
Sarah: Do you know where it (the store) is?
Festus: You don't know where Brooklyn Park is?
S: Yes, I know where it is, but where is the store?
F: Oh, you just go to Brooklyn Park, and it's right by the traffic light.
S: Do you know which traffic light?
F: Yeah, it's the second one.
Fortunately I got on the right street with the right set of traffic lights, and we were able to find the African market that was tucked away, bearly noticeable to those no familiar with the location. However, once inside I became aware the small store was frequently visited. I imagine there were 25-30 Africans there knowing exactly what they wanted and I was the lone white girl poking my nose around at all the different items. The afternoon with Festus progressed with some more unique experiences that I believe can only be had with an international individual. It's invaluable to be able to have the continued experiences with people from different cultures than our Western society which is so dominating.
In response to Amanda's proposal for camping at the Fing Festival, I'm all for it!!! I'm really for anything because I just like hanging out with all you lovely ladies as long as children is not the only topic of discussion. :)
How's everyone else doing?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Changes
Hello all! I know I haven't written in a very long while - but, here I am now! Life in Erhard is very exciting these days! First to update you on the offspring - Ella is in preschool this year and is loving it. Her teacher refers to her as "the little mother" - apparently, she's quite a caregiver to her classmates. She's four and acts fourteen - saying things like "it's like totally your turn dad" when playing Sorry with her dad. And oh - "whoa baby - way to go dad!" Also, while playing games with dad. She's a great help around the house - she's begs to wash the dishes all by herself. Don't be too jealous - I don't have a dishwasher, so she's the closest thing I have to relief in the kitchen! :) Oh, Marie - there's something about Marie. That kid is the funniest bunny in bunny town! She talks up a storm, but at the same time she has this real quiet goofiness to her - she's mischief all right! When the house gets quiet, mommy PANICS. Seriously. And baby Grace is growing up too quickly! She's rolling and getting her first tooth as we speak.
Now - on to ma and pa. Kevin drove 22 hours in a truck with three buddies to Texas to hunt wild boar. Yikes. He was gone for 10 days and had a WONDERFUL trip! Many a stories came home with him - however, no pig. On the other hand - my husband is currently locating a very special taxidermist. One who could mount an ARMADILLO. Yes - I am the proud owner of a Texas Armadillo! And some people think we're just a bunch of rednecks here east of Erhard!
And as for me - I have some major changes taking place in my life. Last Monday - I received a phone call informing me that a bank in Pelican was interested in interviewing me for a position as a personal banker. At first I sort of laughed, because I have it pretty good right now home with the kids and teaching lessons. But - after much MUCH deliberation, I decided to interview for it and they offered me the job. After much MUCH more deliberation, I accepted it! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So - long story short, I'm going to be done teaching lessons at the end of this month and start at the bank on Scanders birthday. I don't know 100% that I'm ready for this, but it's too good of an opportunity not to at least give it a try. I'm ready to stake a claim as a woman and not JUST a mom - being a mom is the most important thing in my life - but to able to separate myself from that and the puke that I have running down my back 10 out of every 12 hours each day is something that I'm ready for. So - this is an adventure that I'm very excited about! Big changes here!
My other big change is my adventure to capture health! I have discovered a workout video that I absolutely love and has got me walking my butt off! It's Leslie Sansone - walk away the pounds! I have to say, it has worked wonders, and it's really fun! I've walked about 200 miles in my home since Grace was born! It's helped me to lose all the baby weight, but even more importantly, I know I'm doing something for my health! I have so much energy and I feel so good! I encourage you to try it! The best part - Ella does it with me - so she's learning the importance of exercise! She has fun doing it - and likes to think she's better than me at marching in place! It's great!
Anyway - I need to get my butt off to bed! I hope all is well with everyone - it's fun to check this blog out from time to time and see what everyones up to! We are looking forward to the F'n Festival too! I know I'm still fairly new to this whole thing - but I have one thought to share! What about a seriuos campout? Like, hit a state park ( there's a great one right here! ) - we have a camper and we could teach the kids to pitch a tent! I'm talking - cook our meals outside with all the bugs and coon and roast marshmallows before bedtime! You probably are cringing at the thought, but if you're not - let me know! :)
Now - on to ma and pa. Kevin drove 22 hours in a truck with three buddies to Texas to hunt wild boar. Yikes. He was gone for 10 days and had a WONDERFUL trip! Many a stories came home with him - however, no pig. On the other hand - my husband is currently locating a very special taxidermist. One who could mount an ARMADILLO. Yes - I am the proud owner of a Texas Armadillo! And some people think we're just a bunch of rednecks here east of Erhard!
And as for me - I have some major changes taking place in my life. Last Monday - I received a phone call informing me that a bank in Pelican was interested in interviewing me for a position as a personal banker. At first I sort of laughed, because I have it pretty good right now home with the kids and teaching lessons. But - after much MUCH deliberation, I decided to interview for it and they offered me the job. After much MUCH more deliberation, I accepted it! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So - long story short, I'm going to be done teaching lessons at the end of this month and start at the bank on Scanders birthday. I don't know 100% that I'm ready for this, but it's too good of an opportunity not to at least give it a try. I'm ready to stake a claim as a woman and not JUST a mom - being a mom is the most important thing in my life - but to able to separate myself from that and the puke that I have running down my back 10 out of every 12 hours each day is something that I'm ready for. So - this is an adventure that I'm very excited about! Big changes here!
My other big change is my adventure to capture health! I have discovered a workout video that I absolutely love and has got me walking my butt off! It's Leslie Sansone - walk away the pounds! I have to say, it has worked wonders, and it's really fun! I've walked about 200 miles in my home since Grace was born! It's helped me to lose all the baby weight, but even more importantly, I know I'm doing something for my health! I have so much energy and I feel so good! I encourage you to try it! The best part - Ella does it with me - so she's learning the importance of exercise! She has fun doing it - and likes to think she's better than me at marching in place! It's great!
Anyway - I need to get my butt off to bed! I hope all is well with everyone - it's fun to check this blog out from time to time and see what everyones up to! We are looking forward to the F'n Festival too! I know I'm still fairly new to this whole thing - but I have one thought to share! What about a seriuos campout? Like, hit a state park ( there's a great one right here! ) - we have a camper and we could teach the kids to pitch a tent! I'm talking - cook our meals outside with all the bugs and coon and roast marshmallows before bedtime! You probably are cringing at the thought, but if you're not - let me know! :)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Once
Hi girls!
Okay, so last weekend, David and I saw the movie "Once" and it was so good. I had never heard of it, and at first I was crabby that he came home with some weird movie but it was GREAT!! The music is incredible. I KNOW that all of you will love it, so it is now your assignment to go get this movie. :) If you YouTube the words "Once: Falling Slowly" you will hear my favorite song from the whole movie. It makes me want to cry it is so beautiful. :) WATCH IT!!
Okay, that's it. I hope that all of you Minnesotans are going to caucus on Tuesday. I did it last time and it was FUN!! :) It might seem a little scary, but its cool to hear what people think. I encourage all of you to try it. You will learn something! :)
Okay, those are my two plugs for the night. I love you and miss you all. Watch the movie.
Love,
Mandy
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