Days of Play--Cold, Hot Picnic Lunch

Is it chilly where you are?  We are having unseasonably warm weather here and it is delightful!

But I won't rub it in.

If your favorite picnic spot looks like this--don't despair.

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Sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is surprise them!

So today, bundle up the family, pack a hot lunch and picnic outside!

Take soup in a thermos, crackers (enough to share with outside critters), and hot cocoa.

Eat quickly and discuss the steam rising off the food or have kiddos try to catch their "white breath."

The chill might take your breath away but this cold, hot lunch will be a memory maker.

Snow angels optional, but highly recommended.

Date Night In--Unplugged!

Confession:  I hate my husband's Blackberry.

Don't get me wrong, there are times when it is super handy to be able to be contacted all the times.  But there are times when it is down-right irritating to be "plugged in" to the world ALL THE TIME!

Who knew a little device could get me so jealous!?!

My intense dislike of beeping, texting, ringing ... while on dates with my man inspired this date and it's all about being UNPLUGGED!

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 You will need:

• candles/flashlights
• games/cards
• drinks (wine, hot cocoa...)
• s'more's fixin's
• shower items

What to do:

1. Send your husband a text, a phone message, and an e-mail inviting him on go "unplugged" at a certain time/date.  My invitation read:  Lovers remain in the dark, working hard to keep out daylight. *~Mason Cooley~*  You are invited to Intimacy: Unplugged.  Please join me on Friday evening for an evening of leisure and love.
2. Light candles everywhere.  Tea lights/votives are very inexpensive so go all out!  If you have a fireplace, light it up!
3. Turn off (I did not say--set to vibrate--I said turn off) EVERYTHING--phones, TVs, IPods, Wiis, DVDs ... Flip a breaker if you have to!
4. Break out some card games and board games and spend some time talking and playing by candle light. 
5. Make s'mores over your candles and feed them to each other.
6. Have your husband relax while you get a shower ready.
7. Light candles in the bathroom, set out fluffy towels and robes, get the water going to get the bathroom steamy.
8. Take a long, hot shower together (I hate baths but insert bath here if you prefer).  Enjoy the steam, the quiet, the dark and each other.
9. Well, for #9 you get to use your imagination.  A lady never talks ... :)

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{Holiday} Things I Love: Christmas Cards (on a Grinch budget)

Can you believe it is already time to think about Christmas?

To usher in the holiday cheer that is Thanksgiving, fighting greedy Black Friday crowds, Christmas parades, cocoa, and merry-making, the next few Things I Love will be holiday themed.

First up--Christmas cards.  (I know you can technically wait until December 23rd to think about mailing your family card but why add all the stress?)

Before I had children I used to write out a cutesy family Christmas card, fold it, and mail it to relatives.  But then I had kids and the whole concept of typing a family greeting card to the tune of "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch" baffled me.

Lucky for me--and you--Christmas cards have come a long way!

I'm a flat holiday photo card type of gal!  No folding!

I've tried several photo-card companies in the past and I must admit that I think the quantity of options and quality of product from Shutterfly is pretty darn unbeatable.

This season Shutterfly is offering a lot of retro-colors and patterns.  I'm totally digging the
reds/browns/greens. 

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I also LOVE that Shutterfly has flat stationary cards printed out on card stock.   Here are a few of my faves!

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Of course there is a selection of Christian Christmas cards, too!

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After mulling it over, I've decided that I *really* love the photo collages.  So it looks like the winner of the 2010 Kaufman family Christmas cards is (drum roll, please ....)

THIS ONE

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The warm, holiday colors (if you came to my house you would notice that I decorate in reds, blues, greens, and browns), the modern take on a scrapbook feel, the subtle mix of retro-traditional, and the use of a photo collage all made this particular style a real winner for me!

When it comes down to it, I love Shutterfly.  I love their selection of holiday cards, gifts (like calendars), and prices!

If you are ready to beat the holiday rush, may I suggest heading over to Shutterfly and picking out your card--TODAY (really, don't wait until the last minute.  You'll hate yourself if you wait until February to send Christmas cards.  I know.  I've been there).

Disclaimer: I received a promo code for free photo cards for writing this post. However, my review was my honest opinion and was not in any way influenced by receiving the free photo cards.

What I Think About--Annoying Christians {part II}

Our pastor has been doing a series called "Why Christians are Annoying."  He originally wanted to call the series "Why I Hate Christians" but decided that was too strong and out there (even for our modern church).

Can I just say I have NEVER been challenged by a series as much as I've been challenged by this one?  For the next few weeks I'll be sharing the ways in which our current series has convicted ME of being an annoying Christian.

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Gandhi said that he loved the Christ but hated Christians.

Sometimes I feel like more people would love and follow Jesus if it weren't for Christians.

My biggest pet-peeve concerning Christians?  Christians are so judgmental (for more on this see my Cannibal Christian post). Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you"--why don't Christians?

A few weeks ago Pastor Jeff led us through John 8:1-11 (which I also talk about in my Cannibal Christian post) and the "big question" was: "How do we stop throwing stones?"

1.  Care more about the person than we do our position. 

The Pharisees were willing to interrupt the ministry of Jesus to push their own selfish agenda.  They needed to be right--even if that meant sacrificing righteousness. 

Don't Christians do that all the time? 

We get so riled up about issues we forget the PEOPLE.  Whether the issue is abortion, gay marriage, or porn, we want OUR way to be the right way and we'll mow down anyone who gets in our way--this is not exactly the way to get people interested in knowing Jesus!

Christians I need a paradigm shift!

I loved Pastor Jeff's challenge:

What if we loved people instead of yelled at them.  Fasted FOR them instead of fought WITH them.  What if we got to KNOW them, instead of focusing on knowing how to GET them.

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2.  Remember who I am and who I used to be

When Jesus told the Pharisees that those who were without sin could cast the first stone, He was reminding everyone that they were sinners deserving of death.

Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  It doesn't matter what the sin is--because of our sin we deserve to die a sinner's death.

How quickly I forget my sins.

How quick I am to point out the sins of others (Matt, if you just "amened" that you could be in trouble).

When I reflect on how much transformation has taken part in my life and heart because of Jesus, I am humbled.  How can I not offer grace and love to others in response to the undeserved gift I received?

3.  Step away from them so they can step to Him.

When all of the Pharisees realized that they were sinners and stepped away, Jesus was left standing with the adulterous woman.   Jesus was with the woman--in her sin, in her shame.  He was with her.

Jesus is with those we oppose.  And when I throw stones at people, I'm throwing them at Jesus. YIKES!

Pastor Jeff stated:

I wonder if sometimes people can’t hear Jesus [be]cause all they can hear is us?  If they can’t see Jesus [be]cause all they see is us?

How often are Christians the reasons people refuse Christ?  How often am I the reason people refuse Christ?  Will I be accountable for the times my judgments keep people away from Christ?

I pray that my heart would be transformed--that I would be humbled before Jesus.  That I would be tender toward those with whom I disagree.

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What I think is that Christians can be judgmental. 

It's time for me to stop throwing stones.

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Toilets

There are few things in life more disgusting than going into the bathroom at a gas station.  (Except, of course, having to *clean* a gas station bathroom {do they actually get cleaned???  There's today's debatable topic!}).

I try to remember that every time I have to turn my attention to the dreaded cleaning of the toilets.

Toilet cleaning--not my favorite thing.  There's instant "eww" factor every time.  But, there are some quick tricks to try make the task a little less ewwey.

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1.   Drop a couple of denture cleaning tablets or alka seltzer tabs into the bowl and let them fizz and work for up to an hour.

OR (don't mix the two suggestions)

2.  Pour two cups of white vinegar into the bowl and letting it sit for up to an hour.

Scrubbing should be minimal and that's about all the hope and happiness I can give you when it comes to cleaning the commode.

Well that and this ...

This disgusting potty found here but I kind of judge you if you go looking for more.

Don't you feel a little better about your bathroom now?

I may have missed my calling to be a motivator!

Halloween Costume Reveal

A few weeks ago I admitted that I don't really love Halloween BUT some of our great friends do love the event and throw an annual costume party (read the earlier post click here).

We generally try to go in costumes that aren't really costumes (nudists on strike ...).  This year we decided to go all out.

I asked for your suggestions--great ones by the way--but we ended going with Matt's suggestion.

His first idea was to do a Star Wars theme--Chewy and gold bikini-clad Leia.  I agreed to this on these conditions: that I be Chewy and he be Leia.

Plan B--Ghostbusters characters Dana Barrett and Louis Tully.

Now I don't want to brag or anything but we took FIRST PLACE with these babies!




Well, our first place was more like a second place because Molly and Bryant remove themselves from the contest so the rest of us has a chance.  Thank goodness because Beetlejuice and Lidia are pretty unbeatable!

Third place was Marie Antoinette and her lover.  Talk about some steep competition!

For pumpkins this year we carved a "shape monster," a pirate ship, and Yoda. Only Yoda was truly photo worthy!


Wow. Sorry about the format today. I keep re-sizing photos but blogger hasn't noticed yet. Oh well, you get the idea. Hope you had a lovely weekend and a great week!

What's Cookin'--11/1-11/7

Monday--Mexican Corn Chowder (not healthy but so darn good)
Tuesday--Honey Pepper pork loin with apple harvest stuffing
Wednesday--Tacos
Thursday--Garlic Chicken over salad greens
Friday--Teriyaki steak stir fry
Saturday--Manicotti
Sunday--Enchiladas

Days of Play--Pumpkin Fun

For children nation wide tomorrow night is the night where they get to dress in character and get candy for free. How's that for a recipe of punishment for parents fun?!?!

Spend today focusing on family with a little pumpkin fun.

Photo from Frontier Kitchen

If possible, go to a pumpkin patch (or the grocery store) and find a family pumpkin. Take it home and prepare for pumpkin fun.

• Have your children guess how many seeds are inside.
• Discuss how you will carve the pumpkin.
• Read a pumpkin themed story.

Now, cut off the top.  Take out all the goo and seeds.  Count the seeds.  Whoever gets the closest gets a special treat.

Don't throw the seeds away!  Wash them and rid them from the stringy goo.  Put the seeds in a bowl with 1 cup of water and a LOT of salt.  Soak overnight.  On the 31st, put the seeds in a colander to drain the salt water.  Coat the seeds in a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Put seeds on a lightly oiled cookie sheet.  Bake 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes--until golden and crunchy.  Want a recipe that doesn't have to soak over night?  Try these!

Carve your family pumpkin!

Now that your pumpkin is carved, spend some time on a cute pumpkin craft.  I loved this one!

Photo from A Little Tipsy

And of course if you haven't made these paper mache pumpkins, you should!

I hope you enjoy some quality family pumpkin time with your little pumpkins!

Frugal Fashion Friday--Winter Shoes

Sarah loves shoes.

Sarah doesn't like socks.

The problem:  Wyoming likes snow.

It is nearly impossible to wear cute ballet flats in three feet of snow in Wyoming during winter and through the snowy spring.  Forget heels--that's a near death-sentence in an icy Target parking lot.  So what's a girl to wear during winter in Wyoming?  (If you answered tennis shoes--that's the wrong answer. Click here to find out why!).

Option #1--BOOTS

I'm so happy boots are in style!  Over the knee, booties, suede, leather, cowboy-style, slouchy boots ... the options are endless!  With winter days looming ahead, tuck a pair (or two) away in your closet.  You can find all of these boots at Target.  (P.S.  I have 2 great pairs of boots I found at a thrift store for under $12 each).

Boots by Mossimo

Option #2--Loafers, Oxfords, and Moccasins

Talk about a warm and comfy option.  You can dress these up or dress them down.  And they can be worn with bare feet or with nice trouser socks. (P.S.  I got a pair of brown moccasins from the same thrift store for $3.85.  I'm doing a happy dance just thinking about it!).

Mules & Clogs by American Eagle
Flats by American Eagle

Option #3--Snow and Rain Boots

I love to wear my dressy ballet flats and heels to teach because they make me feel taller and thinner really dress up my work slacks.  What do I do when it's subzero and there's a couple feet of powder on the ground?  I tuck my shoes into my bag, wear my snow and rain boots, and change shoes in my office. (See the cute grey/pink plaid pair?  Those are the ones I own. I heart them!)

Boots by Rampage
Boots at Endless.com

{FALL} Things I Love--This Chai!

A few weeks ago I did a post stating that I loved hot drinks.  In that post I mentioned that Third Street Chai is one of my fave chai mixes.

Well, a great little Third Street representative contacted me and sent me a chai flavor I'd never tried before just as a "thank you" for being hopelessly devoted to their chai.  How awesome is that?!?! (Oh, and you can thank me later for getting "Hopelessly devoted to you" stuck in your head).

Suffice it to say I was beyond thrilled to receive my new chai in the mail.

The flavor is honey vanilla.  It is sweet, spicy, and warms you from the inside out.  This stuff is so good I had to do a Things I Love about it!

If you are looking for a chai, I highly recommend you check into Third Street Chai.

Disclaimer--Third Street Chai provided the chai reviewed in this post.  The goods received were a "thank you" and were not payment for a review.  The decision to review this item and all opinions about the item are the sole responsibility of the blogger. 

What I Think About--Annoying Christians {Part I}

Our pastor has been doing a series called "Why Christians are Annoying."  (He originally wanted to call the series "Why I Hate Christians" but decided that was too strong and out there even for our modern church).

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Can I just say I have NEVER been challenged by a series as much as I've been challenged by this one?  For the next few weeks I'll be sharing the ways in which our current series has convicted ME of being an annoying Christian.

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Since voting season is upon us, I'm taking this series a bit out of order.  First up today--Christians are annoying because they are obsessed with politics (guilty).

Let me start by sharing a few things.
1.  I am politically "other".  Socially liberal, fiscally conservative.  I'm other.
2.  I think all citizens should exercise their constitutional right to vote and be active in politics.
3.  I do get irritated when people think that, because I am a Christian, I have no right to be interested in politics.  I can do both.
4.  I have strong opinions (there's a shocker, right?!?!).

But where is my hope?  Who do I rely on for change?

Pastor Jeff's sermon came from  1 Timothy 2:1-7 and asked the big question: How should Christians respond to politics?


Here are some of Pastor Jeff's thoughts on the subject:

• Too many Christians are more fired up about the upcoming election and the change it could potentially bring to the political landscape than they are about the upcoming Sunday and the change it could potentially bring to the spiritual landscape in their hearts.  
• Too many Christians spend more time studying the Drudge Report than they do the Word of God.

Ya, that kind of got me.  I am more concerned with politics than my relationship with Christ.

Convicted much?  Here's more, you know, in case you said, "No."

• What if we were as passionate about our churches as we were our political parties?  
• What if we quit complaining and started praying? 
• What if we spent as much time serving as we did searching YouTube for the latest videos to prove Obama is wrong?  
• What if we listened to the Holy Spirit as much as we did CNN, FOX News, Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh?

When it comes to politics, many Christians put more faith in the change their votes make than the change their God can make.

I want others to trust God, but do I? (Can you see how this sermon is making me think?)

Christians can be political without being annoying.  Here's how.

Pray for our leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 is a command, not a suggestion.  Whether we "respect" our leaders or not--whether they "respect" their office of not, we should pray. For the LORD’S sake we should respect the authority.  We can do that by praying for our leaders.

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Prioritize the issues
No matter who ends up in a position of authority after November 2, one thing will remain.  People will still need Jesus.  We can't vote for people to choose Christ, but we can show Him to them by being His hands and feet.

It's time to prioritize our issues.  1.  Jesus 2.  His church and way down the line…blogging politics.

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Position yourself to preach

If I've got hope even in a sluggish economy, a ten-year war, and a foreclosure crisis, people will want to know why.

If I vote AND accept the results (whether you like them or not), people will respect my submission to authority.

If I live a life passionately pursing Christ, not debating with opponents, I'll be more helpful, more powerful, will glorify God more and will be less annoying.

Go to the polls on Tuesday.  Cast your vote the way you deem is best.

But know when it's all over--no matter who is in control of what seat, what house, or what committee, God is still God and God is still good.

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And that's what I think about politically annoying Christians (stay tuned next Wednesday for Annoying Christians {Part II}

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Fluffy towels

I'm crazy. 

Just thought I'd get that out there.

I've done several posts about my {love} of fabric softener.  I use it to clean hair spray off walls and to make my carpet look fluffy and my house smell lovely.

Ironically, I don't love using fabric softener in my laundry.

Remember, I preempted this post by admitting I might not be "all there."

Anyhow, I really like soft fluffy towels but I started noticing the more I washed them, the more I used fabric softener, the LESS fluffy my towels actually felt. 

Weird.

I got to thinking about Pax's cloth diapers and I remembered that detergent (and especially fabric softeners) can weigh fabrics down and actually make them look and feel crusty.

If this is where your towels are at, follow these tips to get some fluffy towels.

1. Wash your towels alone.  Not with jeans--not with sheets.  Just towels.
2. Reduce your detergent by half.
3. After the wash, add 1/2 c. white vinegar to the load right before the rinse.
4. Do an extra rinse.
5. Dry in the dryer.  I know line drying is greener but dryers=soft and fluffy.

Hope this helps your towels return to their luxurious fluffiness!

Click HERE for photo source

Our Song

Every couple has a song that brings about instant memories of dating, weddings, and marriage.

I've always thought you can tell a lot about a couple from "their" song.

Our song is no Shania Twain love song.  It's nothing as mushy as some Celine Dion number.  It's not as classic (or classy) as Unchained Melody.

But it's our song.

The one that makes me think of one date that didn't end until 3 a.m. because we couldn't stop talking.

The one that reminds me of the Valentine I published in our college newspaper that was so good it won a prize.

The one that makes me declare, to this day, that my heart is in Matt's little black backpack.



What's "your" song?

What's Cookin'--10/25-10/31

Monday--Honey Sesame Pork Loin
Tuesday--Salsa Beef
Wednesday--Broccoli Cheese soup, crusty bread, and salad
Thursday--Orange Honey Teriyaki chicken and rice
Friday--Nachos (because I love my husband!)
Saturday--cheesy chicken bundles with steamed veggies
Sunday--lasagna and salad (unless we just eat candy!)

Days of Play--An Apple a Day

So the old saying is that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  I don't doubt the nutritious benefits of apples (after all, they are my all-time favorite fruit) but I whole-heartedly believe that laughter is the best medicine.  And what can make you laugh more than your little children?!?!

Today, take a "health" day today and have laugh with the "apple" of your eye.

Is there an apple orchard near by?  Go pick some apples.

No orchard?  Try a farmers market or the grocery store.

Look at the apples.  Discuss the color with your kids.  Maybe get 2-3 different kinds/colors and discuss the colors, tastes, and textures.

Photo from Martha Stewart

When you are done discussing apples, make an apple craft.

I suggest apple print bags.

You will need:

paper lunch sacks
knife (only adults should handle knives)
red, green, and yellow paints
newspapers
art smocks

What to do:

1. Lay down newspaper on the work area.
2. Put kids in art smocks.
3. Cut the apples--in half long ways or around (around makes a star)
4. Lightly paint the apple or dip in paint
5. Print it onto a bag.
6. Let dry.

Now what will you do with all those delightful little bags?

Well, fill them with goodies and take them to neighbors, of course!


I suggest Caramel Apples because the apple would fit so nicely in one of the sacks and they are fun to make (click here to make these wonder"fall" caramel apples).

Photo from A Little Tipsy

Date Night In--Twilight

My sister's sixth wedding anniversary was a few weeks ago and she wanted a few anniversary date ideas.  I was stalking around The Dating Divas and saw a Twilight date idea.  This date included camping and mountains and it sounded delightful--but not in Wyoming during the month of October.  Brrr.

Though the mountain scene wasn't totally realistic, I did get a ton of thoughts about creating a Twilight date!

*Sigh*

Alas, my husband is not a Twilight fan so I doubt I'll ever enjoy this date with my husband.  However, I have a feeling Sarah and I will re-vamp this date into a girl's night in when Eclipse is released onto DVD (C-Town chick-chat gals take note!)!

Invitation (Thank you Dating Divas for this idea!)
Print this poem onto a lovely sheet of paper, fold gently, place in envelope, and seal with a red kiss.  Either mail it to your husband's work OR leave it where he can find it.

"SOME say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if I had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To know that for destruction Ice

Is also great

And would suffice."

Choose a Scene

 

As I said before, The Dating Divas re-created the tent scene from Eclipse.  If you want to go camping in October (or later), go for it.  If you are a winter camping wimp (like me), think of re-creating one of these scenes:

Dinner at La Bella Italia

Picnic in The Meadow

Set the Scene

La Bella Italia

Re-create the scene of Edward taking Bella out for dinner with a red/white/black theme.

The Table:

• In a private room of your house, set up a table and two chairs.  Cover with a white or black table cloth. Spread red rose petals over the table.
• Take a large glass apothecary vase and fill it with red apples and place it in the center of the table (see photo below).  
• Take 2 wine glasses and put tea lights in them. Light the tea lights and put on either side of the apple center piece.
• Set the table with plates, water glasses (with ice), napkins, and silverware.  Place a bright red apple in the center of each dinner plate.

The Room:

• Make sure the room is dim/dark.  Put twinkle lights all around the room or light candles.
• Play Italian opera lowly in the background.

Omit the birds and Christmas stuff and go for this look courtesy of Dining Delight

The Meadow 

For this scene re-create the meadow Edward and Bella hiked to and return to often during their romance.   Go for a very white, spring theme with lots of plants, flowers, soft smells and gentle sounds.

The Table

• In a private room of your house, set up a table and two chairs.  Cover with a white or lace table cloth. 
• Lay faux ivy haphazardly across the table.
• Take a large glass apothecary vase and fill it with natural, organic materials--lilys and bamboo would be lovely (see below).
•  Put votive candles around the table and light
• Set the table with plates, water glasses (with ice), napkins, and silverware.  Place a single white rose on each plate.

The Room

• Have soft lighting with lots of white twinkle lights and candles.
• Burn a lavender scented candle.
• Have lots of fresh flowers and plants (rob the rest of your house or your friends house to create a very natural, meadowy feel) in your room.
• Play soft, natural music in the background (rainfall, waves crashing, breeze with birds ...)

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Dinner

Thoughts of what to make for this divine date bum-tumbled through my head but the truth is, I'm not the best or most creative kitchen hottie.  Luckily for me one of my fun friends is!  

Miss Frontier Kitchen (aka Sarah) and I teamed up to create this fun date/meal idea.  

If you would like a gourmet red/white/black meal idea to serve on your Twilight date, head over to Frontier Kitchen and get the recipes! 

Click here to get transported to Sarah's Frontier Kitchen (and get ready to live)!

Here's a little preview of the goodness awaiting you at Frontier Kitchen!

Activities

During Dinner

Twilight Trivia--during dinner, play a game of trivia.  Take turns asking/answering questions about the Twilight Saga. Whoever wins gets massage!

After Dinner

Fire and Ice--stand on a block of ice and try to eat an apple--no hands allowed.  

After Dessert

Breakout your Twilight Survival Kit (make this in advance) and watch the movies.

Bedtime

A Killer Kiss--Edward's kisses drove Bella crazy.  This combo will drive your DH crazy!  To give a killer kiss you'll need a small ice cube and an Icebreaker mint.  Suck on a small ice cube WHILE sucking on the mint.  Before the cool or minty wears off, slowly move in and breathe the cool mint on their lips.  Gently kiss your spouse.  Seductively kiss his clavicle. Let's see how he feels about The Twilight Saga after this kiss!

{FALL} Things I Love--Creamy Tomato Spinach Soup

When fall winds start to blow, I break out the stock pot.  After a summer hiatus from soups and chili I'm dying for a steamy bowl of "comfort food" goodness.

My mom's corn chowder is a personal favorite.  And taco soup is a recipe everyone loves. 

A couple of weekend's ago we went to a bistro on a double date and the soup of the day was creamy tomato spinach.

It was a-maz-ing.

I almost staged a sit-in until they gave me the recipe.

Unfortunately they bribed me with Chocolate Sin cheesecake and I left satisfied--but without the recipe.

Dang it.

I knew I would have to try and recreate the yummy goodness.  So I did.

Confession: This soup is really, really good.  It's no "Jeffry's Bistro" creamy tomato spinach but it was close!

Photo Source

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 lb fresh plum tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, minced
• I leek slicked thin (white and green parts)
• 2 cups fat free reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped
• 1 can evaporated milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat and add the onion and leeks. Sauté until softened--about 4 minutes.
2. Cut tomatoes in half.  Squeeze gently to remove seeds.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are tender--about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture into a blender and puree until smooth, return to pot.
5. Add in the broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add in the spinach and basil and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
7. Pour in evaporated milk and cook over medium heat until warmed through.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Alternatives--Use vegetable broth to make vegetarian.  Omit milk or use soy milk and vegetable broth to make vegan.

To make heartier:  Add 1 cup of cooked, brown rice or 1 can (drained and rinsed) chickpeas.

I served this with garlic cheese toast.

To make:

Cut a loaf of french bread into 1.5 inch pieces.  Spray or brush with olive oil.  Dust with garlic powder.  Sprinkle on dried basil.  Top with a few sprinkles of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.  Broil until toast is golden and cheese is melted.

Photo Source

What I Think About--Being a Husband/Father

I plead guilty.

Every now and then I get really jealous of my husband.

He doesn't know how good he has it.

He doesn't have to cook or clean.  He's never had sore nipples or labor pains.  He gets out of the house every day and has interesting conversations with interesting people.  He always has a chance to shower and watch football.  He gets to go out for lunch with friends business partners.  People are impressed with his career.  He never feels like he has to defend what he did all day.  He never gets mistaken as some lazy person who watches soaps and eats chocolate all day.

There are days when wiping noses, butts, and tears really gets me down and I am jealous of how easy Matt's career life is.

A few weeks ago I heard a song that pretty much convicted me of my jealous feelings.  It opened my eyes to the unseen burdens my man might be feeling as a husband and father.



He doesn't have to cook or clean but he does have to work long hours to financially provide the house I clean and the food I cook.

He had to put up with me when I had sore nipples and labor pains (and I should mention he got up with me every time, every night for the first six weeks of our daughter's life).

He gets out of the house every day but he often fights with those interesting people and he has missed huge mile markers in our children's lives (first steps, first words).

He has to shower every day because he works everyday.  And he doesn't get to watch football when I'm honest with myself.  Football games last four hours.  Watching highlights for twenty minutes does not count.

He does get to go out for lunch but business lunches spent discussing cases and negotiations aren't exactly leisurely (plus, that's one less meal I have to make).

People take advantage of his career (Oh you're a lawyer, how about some free legal advice...)

He does have to prove what he did--every hour of every day.  It's called "ethical billing."  Accounting for every minute--clients expect it.

He doesn't get mistaken as lazy but he does get mistaken as a heartless, ruthless attorney (insert lawyer joke here).

When I stop and try to look at things from his perspective, Matt's life isn't quite as easy as I assume.  He worries about providing.  He worries about doing his job with excellence.  He is burdened with the task of being a strong, ethical, and dedicated professional while being a good father and husband.  He has to find the balance between providing needs and wants and not chasing things to feel satisfied in a consumer-driven world.

Looking at my man through that lens makes me think that maybe I've got it good. Maybe my life is pretty easy.  I mean, I don't have to shower and no one cares.  I get to eat lunch with the two most delightful children.  My house cleaning tasks can be done in a day and then it's on to the fun, most people applaud me for being a SAHM and even tell me I have "the toughest job," I actually could watch soaps and eat chocolate all day if I wanted ...

I'm the first to say that men out there need to step up and help around they house.  They need to encourage their wives to passionately pursue their hobbies.  They need to stop whining about how they can't clean up poop/vomit because the smell makes them nauseated (as though women love the scent and relish the opportunity to clean up chunks of puke ...).

But ladies, we need to encourage our husbands.  We need to give them time alone to pursue their passions.  We need to stop whining about all we want (that purse, a new car, those boots).   We need to work as a team.  We need each other.

What I think about being a husband/father is that it is tough stuff.

And it's time we express gratitude for our husbands and pray for God to keep leading them, as they lead us.

What can you do TODAY to let your husband know how grateful you are for all he does?

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Winter-Ready Furnace

I wish that I could save you a ton of money by giving you specific tips on how to clean your furnace but I can't. I mean, I will tell you that you need to change the furnace filter but before winter weather sets in, you need to call and have your furnace maintained.

Even if you regularly change your filter, you should have your furnace checked to make sure the valves open/close correctly (or else KaBoom) and that the gas line is unblocked.

A furnace cleaning should cost between $100-$400 and it is worth every cent.

Trust me.

Confession: A Pop Song I Love

I'm a music snob and quippy little pop songs do nothing for me .... normally.

I heard this song on the radio the other day (I NEVER listen to the radio but my CD case was in Matt's truck ... grrrrrrrrr.......).  Anyhow, as soon as I heard this song I thought of my sister.  I'm one of those people who thinks of exactly what to say when I want to say it (which gets me in trouble).  My sister, on the other hand, is the sweetest, kindest person who would never say a word of anger to anyone but she can express herself in passive-aggressive ways that can be quite funny.

Enjoy this deliciously passive-aggressive little tune, dedicated to my big sister.

Who made Monday the King of Anything anyhow?!?!