tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75963946457730051572024-03-13T22:37:44.857-05:00The Generic LifeThe Adventures of Jenn and EricJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-17912955962500067842011-08-08T20:55:00.010-05:002011-08-08T21:40:24.758-05:00Wow. Spring has come and gone... and summer is not far behind. I feel like I blinked and it is fall again. If only winter would go by as quickly! I know I know... I wish I was so lucky. Since I have been MIA for a while.....<div>
<br /></div><div><b>Here's a quick update on life at the Kluesner house</b>---</div><div>
<br /></div><div>1. I started working on my Special Education endorsement, which will eventually become Masters. 3 classes in. 4 more to go. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>2. Eric has turned 30... which means my birthday is coming up shortly. I am not quite sure how I feel about that one. We celebrated cleaning water out of the basement and dealing with wet things. Not fun. Rain is not my friend.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>3. We welcomed 3 adorable babies this summer.. no not ours. We are leaving that to our fantastic friends! Andrew, Bryce, and Beckett sure are cute! There is one more coming later this month! (Again not ours!)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>4. We have not attended any weddings this year. (I think that is a first in a long while)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>5. I have 2 more days of summer vacation left, then back to school with meetings. I will be teaching at one of my FAVORITE schools, and am so excited to get going. Not very excited to start getting up early though. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>6. Pinterest has become my new addiction. Not healthy, but oh so fun!!! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>7. I joined a club... that shall not be named ahem *Chef League* ahem. And my mouth waters at all the awesome things in it! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>8. We have spent some time catching up on Bones. Such an awesome show. How we have missed it for 6 seasons, I am not sure. Dancing phalanges! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>9. Our yard is still a train wreck this year. Part of it looks a little better, thanks in large part to my parents. I am looking forward to fall for the simple fact that lots is going bye-bye!</div><div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div><div>10. Food Challenge had gone on Hiatus for a while..... but its back baby! So to welcome it back I'll share the first recipe. Spicy but oh so good. Get it while the peaches are good! :) </div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Barbecued Shrimp and Peach Kabobs</span></b></div><div>
<br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPZ2dQBeaPP1UjXS7vgsHPIeV1LPK_hxuRNRHc5S3JzHpnPgprXE7RoMJWFmbjlZ37zjVOWGvksYCxHf6sXjUH2lbvNrg_mWXaZaIEju5DND6Rs-yy0NN2BEGNgqR8R_r4TdZt28UZw_H/s320/barbecued-shrimp-peach-kabobs-recipe-ghk0711-xl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638678031706194066" style="text-align: center;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><ul style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">12<span class="value-title" title="12 " style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> </span>(12 inches each) <span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">metal or bamboo skewers</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">3 <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">tablespoons </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">packed dark brown sugar</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1<span class="value-title" title="1 teaspoon(s)" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">teaspoon </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">ancho chile <a class="cimotif" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: green; color: green; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; ">powder</a><img src="http://a19.g.akamai.net/7/19/7125/1450/Ocellus.coupons.com/_images/showlist_icon.gif" height="10" width="10" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: none; position: static; " /></span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1<span class="value-title" title="1 teaspoon(s)" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">teaspoon </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><a class="cimotif" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: green; color: green; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; ">sweet</a><img src="http://a19.g.akamai.net/7/19/7125/1450/Ocellus.coupons.com/_images/showlist_icon.gif" height="10" width="10" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: none; position: static; " /> paprika</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1/2 teaspoon </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">ground cumin</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1/4 <span class="value-title" title="0.25 teaspoon(s)" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">teaspoon </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">cayenne (ground red) pepper</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="value-title" title=" " style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span><span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Salt</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="value-title" title=" " style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span><span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Pepper</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1<span class="value-title" title="1 pound(s)" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">pound </span>(16- to 20-count) <span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">shelled deveined shrimp</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">3<span class="value-title" title="3 medium" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">medium </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">peaches</span>, cut into 1-inch chunks</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">1<span class="value-title" title="1 bunch(es)" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span> <span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">bunch </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">green onions</span>, dark green parts trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="amount" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="value-title" title=" " style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></span></span><span class="unit" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> </span><span class="name" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Lime wedges</span>, for serving</span></li></ul><hr style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><p class="header" style="text-align: left; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Directions</span></p><ol class="directions instructions" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><li style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">If using bamboo skewers, soak skewers in cold water at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling on high.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">In large bowl, combine brown sugar, chile powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add shrimp, peaches, and onion; toss until evenly coated.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Thread shrimp, peaches, and onion alternately onto skewers.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Grill 3 to 4 minutes or until browned and shrimp just become opaque throughout, turning once. Serve with lime wedges.</span></span></li></ol><span style="font-size: 11px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">
<br /></span></span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-61302988896345045192011-02-01T09:24:00.009-06:002011-02-01T09:59:09.336-06:00Winter blues got ya?<span class="Apple-style-span" >With all this dreary winter weather lately, I am finding lots of time to indulge in my favorite winter activity..... Reading! There is nothing better than curling up on the couch in my nice warm slippers, a blanket, and a good book! It looks like we have a few more days headed our way, so I <b>MUST</b> share this book! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I went to my favorite friendly and cozy bookstore just looking for ideas. They have a great section with all the local book club picks and I love to look here for great ideas. The lady came over and told me that I need to read this book. After hearing her spiel, there was no way I was going to enjoy this book, but I humored her and took it over to the comfy chair to read before I buy. Much to my surprise I was immediately sucked in to this book and couldn't put it down. I read it every free second I had!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTDQBJQ9SMnZUp_Pqvfno2SZ-LAvHTcVY1b-K_VPybIzkSUY_6S8Tcy-4Vp8CA-5LxXVzv_AlvBbfjcLygxBEVZLUB5WY64D1f-xy8eB6AvXgB9DrTRZQ1m6wKIwGHGE80iiqZzFaUpMR/s320/Still+Alice+final.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568750941340749394" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The book you ask? <b><i>Still Alice</i> by Lisa Genova.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It is a book about Alzheimers/ Dementia. Not the most enjoyable subject (thus my apprehension). It is about a 50 year old Harvard professor, at the height of her career, who starts forgetting things. It explores this haunting disease in fiction form. It's a tear jerker... a thought provoker.... it is sad but an increasing and unavoidable problem in the world..... It's haunting.... It is <b>MUST READ</b>!</span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-15718034442957903222011-01-30T21:00:00.011-06:002011-02-01T00:19:06.492-06:00The house that built meIt's just a house.. just a house. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><b><i>But it was my house!</i></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>(well technically it still is... until Saturday)<div><br /></div><div>I left behind the house that built me..... the house I grew up in. The house filled with my childhood memories... the place where my parents got married .... the place we celebrated Proms, graduations, first dates..... the house where I cut my foot on a piece of glass .... the house I didn't always like, but it was my home!</div><div><br /></div><div> It just looked so different... so empty... devoid of everything that made it HOME.</div><div><br /></div><div>(It's not like my parents are leaving my hometown, they are moving across town, after staying in a hotel for couple of months, but that is another story.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, I shed very few tears driving away, but many MANY MANY more were shed throughout the week. As I was unearthing the hidden treasures, I was remembering the story behind it or hearing the story for the first time, and was OVERWHELMED with the emotions! About the time I would get it together, I would find something else that would send me back over the edge. Such an emotional roller coaster that I was completely unprepared for! (I thought I could just sort my stuff and be done! Naive I know! )</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Through the tears, the laughs, and the frustrations I realized a few things--- </div><div><br /></div><div>1. I have been IMMENSELY blessed! </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Somethings haven't changed since I went to Casa Montessori as a kid--- my teachers noted that I was often "clumsy" because I was too busy watching what others are doing! And I do things well, when I am paying attention! </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Someday I will learn to knit and tat. I have the supplies that were my Mom's I just need to learn how. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Even though I wonder <i>what my life would have been like.</i>... I am so thankful for the things I would never have known if my life had taken that course! </div><div><br /></div><div>5. The outpouring of <b>memories</b> <b>of my Mom</b> that haven't happened in a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>6. Finding notes from high school.... ahh Teenage Angst! </div><div><br /></div><div>7. A supportive husband who is <b>stable and level-headed</b>.... <i>even when I am not.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>8. Even though the house will not be mine.. I will still have the memories. I welcome the opportunity to create <i>many <b>many</b> <b>MANY</b> memories</i> at the new house. </div><div><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-11498085927060993052010-11-11T20:20:00.012-06:002011-02-01T10:03:00.114-06:00Day 3: Baked shells with pesto, mozzarella, and meat sauce<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Tonight's recipe comes from a Food & Wine Cookbook. Food & Wine is not a usual source of food inspiration, due to the "fancy recipes" made with "weird ingredients!" <i>Even though I thoroughly enjoy both Food and Wine.</i> I draw my limit at calf liver... or really liver of any kind! And if that interests you, I will gladly give you that page!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These books were actually a gift from a friend who bought them at one of the many book fairs that frequent the teacher's lounge! She decided to pass them on to me, knowing full well that I would use them.</div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe sounded interesting due to the fact that</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>a. It is Italian, and we like Italian. A lot. </div><div><br /></div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>b. There is none of the afore mentioned weird ingredients.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>c</span>. An appetizing picture always helps too! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Here's the recipe. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Ingredients- </i></span></div><div><ul><li>1 onion, chopped<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></li><li>1 pound ground beef</li><li>2 (14.5 oz) cans chopped tomatoes , drained</li><li>1 1/2 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 cup pesto</li><li>3/4 cup medium pasta shells</li><li>6 oz. grated mozzarella</li><li>Parmesan cheese</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Directions</i></span> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the Jenn version</span>)</div></div><div><ol><li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. </li><li>Cook shells according to box directions.</li><li>Use large skillet to brown hamburger and onion. Drain and return to pan.</li><li>Add tomatoes and salt to pan with meat. Simmer for 10 min until thickened. </li><li>Remove from heat and add pesto.</li><li>Drain pasta and add to meat mixture. </li><li>Grease 9x13 pan. Add 1/2 of meat mixture. Add 1/2 of cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.</li><li>Cook 15 min, or until cheese is good and bubbly! </li></ol><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it just <b>look</b> good? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo6iIw0Bxe5B1AoMtm1lo201HfM6Tcm36u7IIrHkav3cIWGCxL3s4XT3UpxWLV1GCxWYiot7-ak-iWHpWCb18mwq07-9KP01QOCDWpfOqCnFEKyxwg5gbFAtEwYXXUMiK8cKfV3DGFqsC/s320/DSCN4056.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538498135603235058" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe is a keeper. We usually make the recipe according to directions first, then make changes. However, this time we made some initial changes.</div><div><ul><li>We cut the salt. 1 1/2 tsp sounded like a lot. We only used 1/2 tsp.</li><li>Instead of mozzarella, we used smoked Gouda (my new favorite) and you could really taste it! </li><li>Next time, add mushrooms and sausage instead of ground beef. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>Since it is Thursday.... and Pie League is back from hiatus.... and just because...... I decided to finish my meal with a piece of Apple Pear Pie and a little Ben & Jerry's Dulce Delish! Yumm! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOnjP3gm47e-4c1Q18Rco9LdOuqexMZQCUm4fqykrktEByRQiM9HRLYWj1XWiniaa1jysmdNSf_ZlzdpUIauRCgScZZOGLnyIl65m3bPAJ2OR0LhTC3QO-xJGdU9Zr2l4hA2pqgxxTaKK/s320/DSCN4060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538498142382446866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-62960030814437016682010-11-07T19:17:00.036-06:002010-11-08T23:37:20.011-06:00Day 2: Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>When we got married a year and a half ago, we had registered for some new cookware. We just happened to find a set that we really liked- Emerilware. Little did I know, Eric would now use it as an excuse to yell Bam! all the time! We decided that since we have the cookware maybe we should actually <b>try</b> an Emeril recipe. And what could be more perfect than one with TONS of Garlic! Eric has a love affair with garlic. It is in almost everything we make, and if not, we usually find a way to add it in. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So enter tonight's meal- <b>Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Jam</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; font-style: italic; "> </span>- 4 thick cut pork chops</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Olive oil</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Essence Creole Seasoning- You can buy this but it was easy to make. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </span>- 2 1/2 T. paprika</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span> </span>- 2 T salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span>- 2 T garlic powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </span>- 1 T black pepper</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </span>- 1 T Onion powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </span>- 1 T Cayenne pepper</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> </span>- 1 T dried Oregano</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span>- 1 T dried Thyme</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Garlic Jam <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Recipe follows)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>- 4 large heads of garlic (Yum!)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span>- 1/2 c olive oil</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>- 1/4 of a red onion</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>- 1/4 t. Worcestershire sauce.. plus a little more</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>- 1 t. lemon juice.. plus a little more</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>- 1/4 t. salt</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span>Preheat oven to 300. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>In a small saucepan, heat salted water to a boil. Cut garlic heads</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>in half cross-wise<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and blanche in water for 5 minutes. Pour olive</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>oil in a small baking dish. Remove garlic from water and place in</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>baking dish. Add 1/4 of red onion to dish. Cover tightly with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Remove garlic from oil and squeeze softened garlic from skin </div><div> into<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>a bowl. Dice onion and place in bowl with garlic. Smash </div><div> garlic<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>with a fork and mix together. Add in Worcestershire</div><div> sauce, lemon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; font-style: italic; "> </span>Heat Foreman grill. Brush pork chops on both sides with olive oil and rub with Essence seasoning. Cook until cooked through. Serve with garlic jam on the side or on top. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As a side tonight, I made mashed potatoes. Real Mashed potatoes. Growing up mashed potatoes were the bain of my existence. I loathed them, but my parents required that I ate them. And we had them EVERY Sunday! So every Sunday, I would always be the last one to scoop out my potatoes hoping that somehow my Mom had miscalculated the amount of potatoes. But there were always enough. So instead, I would make the tiniest, most minuscule dollop I could get away with. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>As a grown up, if I make potatoes they are usually instant potatoes, because those I like. Weird. I know. If the potatoes aren't instant, then they are <b style="font-style: italic; ">Slow Cooked Mashed Potatoes </b>from Taste of<b><i> </i></b>Home. I don't make them often, usually when potatoes are on sale for cheap. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients- </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- 6 cups of mashed potatoes ( no butter or milk added) </i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- 3 oz of softened cream cheese</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- 1/4 cup softened butter</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- 1 packet of dry Ranch Dressing</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- 1/2 c sour cream</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- parsley flakes on top</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Put all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir and mix completely. Cook on low for 3 hrs. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>That is it for the potatoes. Easy and delish. And how can potatoes be bad with cream cheese and sour cream and ranch! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw79jnVxlBvPHX3OU1f8ExzkjBaHLJWTjacy7OV61A0rILn-TgSUAy7gq9fKoTylCOJw1zkI0JRzeWaWW0YAi5y4nWFh9x3ZShDbBQbYCckDXT-PMerV4CYGbYTOJ0tIZr9kvS81ucvbE-/s320/DSCN4046.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537006183163835682" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall good meal. The garlic was good to cool down your mouth, but if you were short on time a big glass of milk would do the same thing. Didn't really think about color until the very end. So sorry it is all in the same color family! Werm, my Foods teacher in HS, would not be very happy with me! :) </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-13826356935646319562010-11-04T19:20:00.007-05:002010-11-04T21:07:07.442-05:00Generic Food Challenge-- Day 1<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Hi. My name is Jenn, and I am a cookbook junkie. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here is my story--<br /><div><br /></div><div>I can't help walking down the cookbook aisle at Borders or Target or Hyvee... (I think you get the idea.) And walking by is not such</div><div> a bad thing. However, I always seem to walk away with at least one or two. It has gotten to the point that my cookbook shelves are now overflowing. So many cookbooks, many marked with fantastic sounding/looking recipes, but it is getting out of control. I am forgetting what we have.. what we've tried... and which recipes I desperately wanted to try!</div><div><br /></div><div>Solution? We created the <b><i>Generic Food Challenge</i></b>. What is the Generic Food Challenge? In a span of three months, our goal is to cook a different meal for supper each night of those 3</div><div> months- No Repeats. Once we have successfully completed a 3 month period, we are free to repeat up to 6 recipes over the course of the next 3 months.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer--- I usually only cook 2 or 3 days a week, so I am not sure ho</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">w this would work if you are super woman and cook EVERY night ! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><br /></span></div><div>Impossible? Not really. It is actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. However I did get a HUGE craving for Asian Pork Burgers this summer and couldn't remake them, because that would break the rules! That was not fun, but we suffered through.<br /><br />We have tried this out and seem to have worked out some of the wrinkles, so now I think I'm ready to share some good stuff!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day One: 3 Cheese French Onion Soup with Turkey Bacon Panini</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><ul class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">2 large red onions, thinly sliced</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/4 cup butter, cubed</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">4 cups Chicken or Veggie Broth</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">3 cups water</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1 envelope onion soup mix</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1 teaspoon pepper (maybe a little less)</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.. </span>or a little more in our case.</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">7 slices French bread (3/4 inch thick)</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">shredded Swiss cheese</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">shredded mozzarella cheese</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">grated Parmesan cheese</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><h2 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline !important; "><li style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; "><br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">In a large soup pan, saute onions in butter until tender. Add the broth, water, soup mix, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat: cover and simmer for 5 minutes.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;">Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Put some swiss and mozzarella cheese on each slice. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Put a slice on top of soup and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!</span></span></li></h2></li></ul><ul class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">To make the </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Turkey Bacon Panini</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">.....</span></span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Leftover French Bread</span></span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">2 slices of Apple Smoked Gruyere cheese</span></span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">2 slices of bacon</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Dijon Honey Mustard</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Mesquite Turkey Breast Lunchmeat</span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Cut French bread into 4 slices. Place honey mustard, cheese, turkey, and bacon on a slice of french bread and top with the other piece of bread. Repeat because you husband needs one too. Brush outside with a little olive oil. Cook for a few minutes on panini grill until dark and crusty. Yum! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Both parts of super tonight were awesome! I love nights like this! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><ul class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7T_V7_vssm1dmGcmnlcB8-S-B5QAK7wYJcqbrdG7Eq6spTL2x3xZPPmZCRb3-JxWZz76pTuwwWqZWVKgQXGYfd_3qhfgmhmEfyrWBrR7zQnu8H9Sl3MxWw_DRPCyd-oGNWFZ23koScVg/s320/DSCN4036.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535878395082346882" /></span></span></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-26549444602337484282010-10-20T12:51:00.011-05:002010-10-20T15:19:38.085-05:00I am addicted to....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRDhdfS0haAVVatyRypAsWlrZFPvt7P9sJvmtiN0gbybt1Uw82rsEtDD3DDPO09gzQ7tFTXxmGgMtJNho3uJAvMQd4RqZz8qb0ifRnrPu5W_LwEq35GtTqvRS3WVMPoDdISW5bgCJubV/s1600/the-good-wife-poster_352x520.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRDhdfS0haAVVatyRypAsWlrZFPvt7P9sJvmtiN0gbybt1Uw82rsEtDD3DDPO09gzQ7tFTXxmGgMtJNho3uJAvMQd4RqZz8qb0ifRnrPu5W_LwEq35GtTqvRS3WVMPoDdISW5bgCJubV/s320/the-good-wife-poster_352x520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530193730883967618" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Good Wife</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Have you seen it? I'll admit, I dismissed this show last year not giving it a second thought... but over the summer I thought I would give it a shot, after hearing some praise of this show. I have been hooked ever since. It has a stellar cast, but they follow it up with fantastic writing, and intriguing story lines. Law dramas are hit and miss , but this is a law drama with personality and depth, which you rarely find. This season has been no disappointment. Last night's episode was particularly interesting. I was engaged in the episode for the entire hour! (which is actually rare, I am usually doing something as I watch tv!) I highly recommend it. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As much as I love this show, I have one hangup. Rather than seeing the distinguished lawyer, Will Gardner, on the screen in front of me..... I see the picture the loveable boy who worked at Clown Dog in <i>Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead</i>. hehe. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3IqUCK-q8GCR5M2fQ2U1l4koDopaXv168JEIOIDMLNlQCtGJiesIRQnDY8Pt_m00Y3r-G0wFYUGCjuGBtEDHV3khoStsaqgS1zX6W2yvjveFMxuCJgYyuDWjYs7hFcQGZhFBTNh9J03r/s320/vlcsnap268092yh9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530192983115412066" /></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-19843922442187260582010-09-10T13:25:00.004-05:002010-10-01T08:53:37.527-05:0011-30Holding my new nephew<br /><br /> Watching Eric hold a new baby :)<br /><br /> Eating a dish of trail mix- (which is really more chocolate than dried fruit and nuts!)<br /><br /> The smell of cilantro<br /><br /> Watching Christopher devour his birthday cake! :)<br /><br /> Hearing all the great stories of hope and compassion on CMN Telethon!<br /><br /> Spending time with great friends laughing and crying in a Root Beer Bar of all places!<br /><br /> Finding a pair of shoes you forgot you had, and wondering how you could have ever forgotten about them!<br /><br /> A happy, unstressed husband coming home from work! :)<br /><br /> Brilliant blue skies that look more like a painting than real life.<br /><br /> Betty Jane Carmel Apples- my Friday after school snack.<br /><br /> Looking at all the fun Christmas decorations in September, and wondering if it is too early to put up my Christmas tree!<br /><br />Relieved no one died on our excursion to Chicago<br /><br />How cool Dave Matthews concerts are.... even if you are in the upperdeck.... and pay lots of money to go!<br /><br />Jumping out of my comfort zone to teach Preschool and Succeeding.<br /><br />Listening to Tik Tok.... I think I may need an intervention.<br /><br />Finding a twenty in my fall coat!<br /><br />All of my favorite shows filling up my DVR<br /><br />Watching Aarti on the Food Network. She is the type of person I'd want to spend time with!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aartipaarti.com/2010/09/20/dancing-with-your-hands/">Hand Irish dancing</a>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-3659877126720272772010-08-08T20:47:00.005-05:002010-08-08T22:05:49.985-05:00Chicken Fried<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today I have been reflecting on one of my favorite weekends, Town and Country Days. Even though I am exhausted from the preparations and the actual day, it really is one of the Greatest days of the year! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">These words of "Chicken Fried" have been replaying in my head all day.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(160, 82, 45); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; color: rgb(160, 82, 45); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">And its funny how it`s the little things in life that mean the most</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(160, 82, 45); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">Not where you live, what you drive or the price tag on your clothes</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">There`s no dollar sign on a piece of mind; this I`ve come to know</span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#A0522D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#A0522D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#A0522D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; color: rgb(160, 82, 45); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">To a little bit of chicken fried</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#A0522D;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Cold beer on a Friday night</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">A pair of jeans that fit just right</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">And the radio up</span></div></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(160, 82, 45); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">T</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">he band played this song last night and it just personifies Small-Town America, which I love, which got me thinking of the other "little things in life" that I love. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the list of to-do's or focusing on the negatives of the day, that I overlook all the small joys. So my goal to create a list of little things in life that mean the most to me, and help to instantly put a smile on my face. Who knows how many little joys I will find, so I start with 1-10. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1. Hearing Chicken Fried in a packed street dance, dancing with my friends</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2. A warm Grande Nonfat Chai Tea on a chilly morning</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3. My super comfy couch</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">4. The insane amount of body heat my Husband has to warm my ice-cold feet</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">5. The smell and taste of banana walnut bread</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">6. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">My joyfully, happy yellow purse.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">7. The tall basil plants that are growing in my herb box</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">8. Listening to my niece sing her heart out to Praise songs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">9. Watching my nephew play football (ps. Can't wait for this season)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">10. Kittens Inspired by Kittens-- youtube it! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-73698147056025047122010-07-14T11:51:00.012-05:002010-07-14T17:02:01.800-05:00Fresh start<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Upon a fantastic weekend in my hometown, I am feeling very rejuvenated. Did I just hear myself correctly <i><b>rejuvenated</b></i> after a 6 hour car ride one way to spend the weekend with family? :) Yes rejuvenated. It was an awesome weekend! We went home to celebrate my nephew Jordan making Profession of Faith (How awesome it was to see him take that all important step in his Faith), but found myself rediscovering some of my favorite things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div>We went home on Friday and I ate a delicious Bootlegger Burger. A fantastic burger that is a cheeseburger with 1000 Island dressing all warm and gooey under the cheese and the first bite punctures the cheese and the dressing oozes out! It really is pure Deliciousness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Saturday was filled with a trip to Sioux Falls (as is customary and much needed), but we did things that are not in our usual repertoire... but they should be. We went one of my favorite stores- Zanbroz Variety and a variety it is! Where else can you go to get books, unique jewelry, interesting kitchen/decor items, but yet find this---</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFgQVV2CG2M27ypC3PKD3ziFeJtBioGNxDfq_ukxY0y2lvUYHPxBn0I6tYJllsgwCkl8L-buZkTKiG2pUvqTyCNvSWd8qLx7CQNu63ist61Md6ylfP3esTYhhWQnxLRQTd4y11HAnDFrl/s320/samurai-umbrella.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493878288615866482" /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">www.thinkgeek.com picture</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>or </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvqUOnojGa8o-b3Jq-dL4WbWIInkg3PlqLGy_ER7PYNGT8_LREwKcYLeAsbK3p2mLg3xiHYZVy_znkO3IygPROtM9BvDOeM4AAVTS9li0dQ54iaF9n1_hvTFETTLmmxTzC5Jytw2hzEdX/s320/brownbison.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493878592807545378" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">www.cardboardsafari.com pic</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes... That really is a Samurai Sword umbrella... the Only Umbrella I think Eric would ever willingly carry. Must satisfy his inner ninja..... And yes a cardboard buffalo head mount... Part of the Cardboard Safari. Yes it is an actual thing. Google it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We also visited Ten Thousand Villages and a super cool Art Gallery. We ate some coconut shrimp, spent some much needed time with my sister and family, watched Eric and Jordan battle each other at MarioKart (what can I say... I married a big kid), listened to Kaylie read about the Good Samaritan (yes she read Samaritan) and play her piano recital songs, and spent the evening adventuring at Falls Park. Falls Park is a rock climbing adventure. The River flows right over the rocks, creating spectacular waterfalls around the park. It is so serene to walk out to the edge of the rocks, sit on the edge of a cliff, and watch the water and the Falls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sKiARSIMyAeW-lWsj94Cq8CNZmuzsEc-k-vetH8hmvQoefDusoZBWJrcTjRIAHllAvhT4-anRcdgxjbNSj5zuRpyEXWJgTC3PL4HkkT_seJH6cnI64bnkuEUvla2Cj6twsrArduFKltw/s320/36675_10150245815120417_820370416_14771306_6807068_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493883229517488642" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Yet it is also a little terrifying for myself, as someone with no balance and a bunch of uneven surfaces prime for causing me to fall... especially when I decide to wear flip flops. I did manage to escape unscathed... this time!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPLP8fdW8PZPorkp0qOKC2ADWJF7obr9CH8dTsINQK2gOyqJVApqx7S7Y6-mca9oypE112y8JVDiFXXPM2ItUx8A55nGdV9jFtvgWSbWnN20h52d5aKGwROSQXmUoxY0RsAXY2f_56wBh/s320/37615_1551793874216_1216204879_1543113_7002916_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493884219964550866" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings us to Sunday- the reason for our entire visit. Watching Jordan so calm and collected on ,as the Pastor put it , the most Important Decision he will ever make. Oh how I wish I had his courage and passion at that age. I kept thinking all through church how lucky I am and how Blessed I am. It doesn't get much better than being at church, holding my 5 year old Niece, and both singing I am Free! Perfect weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-15494850161970298312010-04-13T20:02:00.008-05:002010-04-13T20:38:42.759-05:00Name that PLANT!The joys of being a homeowner are wonderful, but it also mean that you inherit a yard, a vast space full of growing green things that are sprouting that may or may not turn into something beautiful. Not to mention things sprouting where they aren't supposed to, or so you think! :)<br /><br />Some things you LOVE--<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459796113613462770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzazyvamtX7Sm0gzElPVZbGbxdFKAZM2zBhUWZvnvoQCQ1kSB9ME_CAJXc1eSSAKSLluva4T7gSf2vbQ17IKJ7WQHYa2k4w_YJnjM4WW_1InxOeJqYw0D4WFOMZQP_wTMMGElAcvPS18rJ/s320/DSCN3412.JPG" border="0" /><br />Some things you HATE---<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459796122454819746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uhWUx9bB2O0nsCW3vZxluA6evqGYLAiGbX1iCVGvR3XwjfJ52artYI-K4p37R-kz5x_OMX9I-R6SQI-r25e2mrT3zUMLVZT-pBTblWDliugJ9ghcQNXvEgn5bSknj9dVaZZPsGTm5yoR/s320/DSCN3414.JPG" border="0" /><br />Some things just cause you stress, since you can't tell what is what...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy_BjPfBCNytBT5s79rqXgigmUWW7XZxxRxiwQfop8IJVuOJNkNydfTu9V3oigW7vYxpRPNatf_MYmjRIOrGcBnlFnlviUvpFuUn8ltg8zaYAuzEf7RGulB9F6JnjJe8bLKcQEPsVe3a7/s1600/DSCN3415.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459796132385204226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy_BjPfBCNytBT5s79rqXgigmUWW7XZxxRxiwQfop8IJVuOJNkNydfTu9V3oigW7vYxpRPNatf_MYmjRIOrGcBnlFnlviUvpFuUn8ltg8zaYAuzEf7RGulB9F6JnjJe8bLKcQEPsVe3a7/s320/DSCN3415.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Some things are very pretty and blossom overnight, but you still have no IDEA what it is!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459796102119546498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLoBGjvn-EDJ8V9IXF1sPaHBiyI3NDmIZ8u8hWY12EH3WoO0VHBnWGWGKSHuERVKgw0Y6CTZXHrXCIrCTI5B1ElCFuq0qp62eiKSTvkSU0YcPVNo9BEhfEg8lFqGhW10NXjdnSIHYCxZ3/s320/DSCN3410.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Some things you dislike, because you had to sit next to the stinky potted version of these in 4th grade for extended periods of time .... but your horticulturalist friend says it will be nice so you trust his judgement. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459795532506768850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulQ4Es-t5GFSAVBxZeg3rFpA41vFkijRScxEEVql6YTXZR-adX2DNkhud_J3Lfmf5yEM-AwSLQA1DokB8rH_URtTGEl1mS8FZVKpySyAZxqG7xfHtZOkwWS-n47Mj-VWdLRKxtUCO0RXT/s320/DSCN3407.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>So anyone with a green thumb or even a semigreen thumb wanting to give a girl a hand is more than welcome.. Until then, I will be staring at these in my yard, since they seem to be growing with no problem! :) </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459796110241796082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zqzUAdUj8ZnI-eIUO0Ac1QFFZ9FOMqRzjh6amrj1fUo5p3lcK22P-8n81UbOTthydT7Qb_o-8WrbQQfuyAzPUMKyKKSVkc13d4Eb8kYAADAbS-gwlXfAv3xqvVRWhBJ6JoWfDK36sKH3/s320/DSCN3413.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-38532245836371325272010-01-27T08:20:00.007-06:002010-01-27T13:52:51.063-06:00Enjoying the tasty bits of life...I know I know... I have been bad. Not only for not sharing, but for also not sharing pictures of the house. My camera cord is still MIA and the laptop crashed, and my Geek Squad husband still hasn't fixed it! :)<br /><br />Eric and I are still (yes, still) digging through boxes and deciding where things should go. Most of our stuff is still waiting to be gone through in the garage. I am refusing to have needless boxes inside, because if we do we will look like we should be on Hoarders. So maybe that is the problem-- the boxes are out of sight, out of mind. Eh.. its a catch 22. Hopefully this weekend, we will make loads of progress. :)<br /><br />Even though life has been hectic and busy, we are still managing to spend some time in the kitchen. The other night we spent making one of our favorites-- Skillet Lasagna Alla Vodka. I came across the recipe in a magazine I think. So, I thought I'd share.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" >Skillet Lasagna Alla Vodka</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> 12 oz lasagna noodles<br />1/4 t. black pepper<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> 16 oz cottage cheese <br />10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed<br />1 t. basil<br />1/2 c. Vodka<br />25 oz Marinara sauce<br /> 1/2 c heavy cream<br />2 c shredded mozzerella<br /><br /><br />Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix cottage cheese, spinaceh, basil, and pepper. In a sauce pan simmer marinara sauce and vodka for 5 min. Stir in Cream. Spread 3/4 c of sauce over bottom of large skillet (12 in). Drain noodles and cut into 2 in pieces. Arrange 1/3 of noodles over sauce. Spoon half of the sauce over the noodles. Top with another 1/3 of noodles. Spread the cheese mixture. Then sprinkle 1 cup of mozzerella cheese. Top with remaining noodles and sauce. Cover and simmer 10 min. Sprinkle last 1 c. of mozz. cheese. Cover and simmer for 2 min or until cheese is melted.<br /><br /><br />It is very delish, and it is easy to make modifications if you so choose, We have added sausage and mushrooms before, but most of the time we just like it simple and good. You can also buy the vodka sauce too, but what fun is that and it is super easy to make!<br /><br />ENJOY!<br /><br /><br />**** We also tried Sicilian Supper last night from Taste of Home. You can find that <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Sicilian-Supper">here</a>!<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/leinj/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /></div><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-58012292351078756482009-11-01T21:51:00.004-06:002009-11-02T14:07:39.852-06:00Anything but Generic!Where has the time gone? Life has sure been crazy lately. It is hard to believe that we are now entering November! I'd like to say things are going to slow down but unfortunately I am sure that won't happen until January! EEK!<br /><br />August brought about school again, and put a quick end to sleeping in! I was ready to go back and get back into a routine again. I know it is silly but I am one who is ready to back after the first month off. :) September zoomed by. I am not really where I spent that month other than school or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hyvee</span></span>! :) Sad when that happens.<br /><br />At the end of the month, Eric and I (with the rest of his family) made the trek to Nashville, TN for Zach and Kate's wedding. It was a good trip, filled with lots of fun. :) It was a quick trip, but it was good to get back to the south for a weekend and get to some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">restaurants</span>/stores I had been missing!<br /><br />A week later, Eric and I went on our OFFICIAL honeymoon! :) We went to the Riviera Maya for a week. We had a fabulous time. The weather was perfect.... 90 degrees, hot, sunshine all day, gorgeous! Much better than the cold, rainy, sunless days we had been having before we left. Our day consisted of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">breakfast</span>, pool, beach, lunch, pool, nap, supper, show entertainment, sleep. We were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">definitely</span> living the hard life. We only went on one excursion to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chichen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Itza</span>, the Mayan pyramids. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> amazing, and well worth it. It was just breathtaking. Unfortunately, living the dream life had to come to an end and we had to head back to reality. Reality I had prepared for, the 50 degree temperature change in a day, I was not ready for! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ICK</span>!<br /><br />So now we are back, things are still crazy and hectic. And if we weren't busy enough as it was, we decided to buy a house!! Eric had been doing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">initial</span> look and had looked at this one a while back, but recently they dropped the price, and after checking it out we put an offer in and it was accepted! It is a cute little house, 2 bedrooms, 2 story house. It has a big backyard (hopefully for an addition later) and is landscaped and has gardens planted. It is about 15-20 minutes outside of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dubuque</span>. We hope to close in the middle of November. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">YAY</span>!<br /><br />So lots of changes around here... but they are all good ones. Now if the snow would just hold off until we get moved! <br /><br />PS. I will add pics later! :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-85699507429073875042009-08-13T11:38:00.005-05:002009-08-13T12:02:44.918-05:00I am one lucky girl.....<div style="text-align: right;">and very thankful for parents who love me!<br /></div><br /><br />What causes this outburst of appreciation? Eric and I have really been wanting Taverns (sloppy joes) ,but they just aren't the same without Casey's Bakery Buns. There really aren't any buns that compare. I made a call to my mom Tuesday to see if she could send some our way.... and what shows up on my doorstep today?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJop5uGKjgnxAuHAJbIPSRDYaiiq8W-iPVIONJAhKtHBpuv3ZBL1oqgFkKuo_9buEveIQ5sItn7U8Y9riloC-gx1WQccQUehFh0P_DpGTURUmlsUrk3dUEMSzpTaF0j3BVkyxE4_x-qQ/s1600-h/DSCN2516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJop5uGKjgnxAuHAJbIPSRDYaiiq8W-iPVIONJAhKtHBpuv3ZBL1oqgFkKuo_9buEveIQ5sItn7U8Y9riloC-gx1WQccQUehFh0P_DpGTURUmlsUrk3dUEMSzpTaF0j3BVkyxE4_x-qQ/s320/DSCN2516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369492306413496962" border="0" /></a><br />I was so excited to see them sitting at my door. I anxiously peeled back the tape, and as soon as that tape was off the lovely waft of bakery goodness oozed out the box! YUMMY!<br /><br />I see taverns in our future, and burgers, and even dried beef cheese spread! Who knows what else we will come up with!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">So THANKS Mom and Dad!!<br /></span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-47097408627544634002009-08-11T21:41:00.009-05:002009-08-12T13:21:40.292-05:00Who says I can't cook?Up until two years ago, I had serious doubts about my cooking abilities. Nothing ever seemed to turn out right. The extent of my cooking was throwing something in the microwave or my super easy sausage casserole my friend Cindy taught me which has all of 3 ingredients. So when I moved to Dubuque, I realized that something had to change. Eric and I could not go out to eat every meal, nor did we want to. We started with breakfast (nothing too challenging) and worked our way up the scale. Soon my confidence started growing. And I must say, we come up with some pretty tasty dishes. Eric's ability is not quite as good as mine * ahem tatertotless casserole ahem* but he is an EXPERT when it comes to cutting onions and all the other chopping skills. My coordination fails me here.<br /><br />So here are a few pictures for proof! And no...... there aren't any hidden takeout boxes, Mom! :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYkw42V5Nlblm5yPyfJacL2b0d6eUJJBXEy98bz4kben6FRf3QNmdjQwoQFKqqfqwMCIuR8NuRgF-0treDt_QpyawGazfLkUdyq1_cnJ5R8JskP0qWKyaL9UubRI_hbZIKzkAOqXz1wQ9/s1600-h/DSCN2488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYkw42V5Nlblm5yPyfJacL2b0d6eUJJBXEy98bz4kben6FRf3QNmdjQwoQFKqqfqwMCIuR8NuRgF-0treDt_QpyawGazfLkUdyq1_cnJ5R8JskP0qWKyaL9UubRI_hbZIKzkAOqXz1wQ9/s320/DSCN2488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368906321408369682" border="0" /></a>Chicken Pesto Pizza. One of our favorites. It is not delivery or DiGiorno.... and yes, that crust is HOMEMADE! Not a Betty Crocker envelope either.... good old yeast and flour.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmloQ5qUQF0VsLa9HFDuD_J49NU8RIEAh3MHCVhj92YHKVWq6AHcHQsHXTsV2LljlPU47jMUc4rHRMeQcSDKXYWdGUJM8YxKHMZtWoSdc311J6mwvfCKExRw3SdrrLcjGB6UaKAd-H0QhZ/s1600-h/DSCN2505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmloQ5qUQF0VsLa9HFDuD_J49NU8RIEAh3MHCVhj92YHKVWq6AHcHQsHXTsV2LljlPU47jMUc4rHRMeQcSDKXYWdGUJM8YxKHMZtWoSdc311J6mwvfCKExRw3SdrrLcjGB6UaKAd-H0QhZ/s320/DSCN2505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368907960628134658" border="0" /></a>Tonight's supper--- Ribs! Eric had really been craving ribs, and I'm not too wild about meat still on the bone. ( I find too many gross things about it.) However, I am a sucker for some good barbecue sauce, so we tried it anyhow. They turned out great, although I think they would be better boneless. :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwH04Ne8wOTjOtlT2JUc71hJh3esW1vSdlmVV0JbduhnUbt7YMPZJNYtAg9WdpEvpQSC3l26qePuDUT-6tmhyphenhyphenrEuYEbUYU9WolyaKH68wrM-ohTv_g9tvbcuhfpYVjOW6ICAmXCkVKCiE/s1600-h/DSCN2507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwH04Ne8wOTjOtlT2JUc71hJh3esW1vSdlmVV0JbduhnUbt7YMPZJNYtAg9WdpEvpQSC3l26qePuDUT-6tmhyphenhyphenrEuYEbUYU9WolyaKH68wrM-ohTv_g9tvbcuhfpYVjOW6ICAmXCkVKCiE/s320/DSCN2507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368906336208328898" border="0" /></a><br />The sauce was fantastic, and as you can see it made a lot---- 3 bowls worth. So you can slather it on!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9GJ2kaeibqAHbUJdS4SW5g86Vvvfo8XWDji6qx8bDOFVR3ukYUz2OZ0h-1oLYKQ37DlwWmfqWHoCJKAFsjl9PUbh5nahqbCGO9Noh6KdGW_urNXR8QF6sDNsd06OQwtnQaMJhwqlbjQA/s1600-h/DSCN2503.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9GJ2kaeibqAHbUJdS4SW5g86Vvvfo8XWDji6qx8bDOFVR3ukYUz2OZ0h-1oLYKQ37DlwWmfqWHoCJKAFsjl9PUbh5nahqbCGO9Noh6KdGW_urNXR8QF6sDNsd06OQwtnQaMJhwqlbjQA/s320/DSCN2503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368906342373797138" border="0" /></a>And for Dessert--- Puff Pastries filled with Banana, Nutella, and walnuts.-- AKA Angry Man.<br /><br />But how can he be so angry when he is filled with delicious goodness???Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-33571595594754586932009-07-16T10:21:00.003-05:002009-07-16T10:30:57.038-05:00Tatertotless casserole anyone??Eric and I have been working opposite schedules this summer. He works days, and I work nights. I feel like a bad wife not having anything in the house for Eric to warm up for supper, so I offered to make some tater tot casserole that he had to finish and put in the oven. Sounds simple right. So I browned the burger, added the onion and cream of mushroom soup. Added the corn. ( He wouldn't touch it if it had green beans.) I even layered the cheese slices. I didn't add the tots, because then they would sit in the fridge for 6 hrs. and I figured that wouldn't be good. I left him directions to cook in the oven until the tater tots were golden brown. So I am at work and I get a phone call from Eric. Saying I know this is a dumb question, but was I supposed to add tater tots before I cooked it in the oven? I laughed and said "yeah!" hehehe. Eric is a bit sore about it, and in his defense, he was tired and had a headache, but I still find it hilarious. :) So yes it is still edible, it just takes a little more planning and little more work to eat it!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-1378855664975296062009-07-15T11:38:00.001-05:002009-07-15T11:39:51.029-05:00In the heart of wedding season...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1sdq5i7r_qfa1txC7hv_phyyqbV5M6VuSzrny4ekNLd7Hf7e5bz6aYPInaUXPupaDIGbouKKOh0L6phSRRrBiH48SPhUcNGb7aDBHYc2saqeeVX_TURwjn4AKkuLvJRsh5qQOoDI86LA/s1600-h/DSCN2411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1sdq5i7r_qfa1txC7hv_phyyqbV5M6VuSzrny4ekNLd7Hf7e5bz6aYPInaUXPupaDIGbouKKOh0L6phSRRrBiH48SPhUcNGb7aDBHYc2saqeeVX_TURwjn4AKkuLvJRsh5qQOoDI86LA/s320/DSCN2411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358019776940975826" border="0" /></a><br />Eric and I have quite a hectic wedding season this year... kicked off by our own :) We have already celebrated our friend Emily's. ( YAY! ) This past weekend we celebrated Eric's cousin Brian's wedding. It was in the Gazebo on the Mississippi River with a reception at the Stone Cliff Winery tasting room in the Star Brewery. It was a gorgeous day, and we all had quite a bit of fun! Maybe a little too much fun in some cases. Eric's aunt and uncle from New Jersey were able to make the trip, and it was great to spend some time with them.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from the day!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvOhgMzinxsWMiZFP4bUF3O2-G211I61KV-nySPWK8JoJ59e9Hj9q-yH6UpjKTv5lDR0gGysiDWoqGHqm-hOCysLchOjdnZcQG1PhxW3rpajfWeHysp_L7GvEyZE0EM-4jqG5g8gBOTHG/s1600-h/DSCN2424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvOhgMzinxsWMiZFP4bUF3O2-G211I61KV-nySPWK8JoJ59e9Hj9q-yH6UpjKTv5lDR0gGysiDWoqGHqm-hOCysLchOjdnZcQG1PhxW3rpajfWeHysp_L7GvEyZE0EM-4jqG5g8gBOTHG/s320/DSCN2424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358019796447689042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG41mo1PINsv0z8BQYcWUkZjju0OlRNbZiDgIbs10SWHb8MtrpTWPdsfmh_uk-8fVJ0SIcJILTVF8fM1gCCV3vxEoxerseMfugChdaQ1hQ10-nDq_PtmlZJ9e8c_MN7St6DJF1_pvJiTTI/s1600-h/DSCN2407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG41mo1PINsv0z8BQYcWUkZjju0OlRNbZiDgIbs10SWHb8MtrpTWPdsfmh_uk-8fVJ0SIcJILTVF8fM1gCCV3vxEoxerseMfugChdaQ1hQ10-nDq_PtmlZJ9e8c_MN7St6DJF1_pvJiTTI/s320/DSCN2407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358018738821047202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38cIljB-uTEk-RW6ENUeTyJO2AwAjnK7jj06Fl-KtG48Sab16vmJBoEuQeXF9M9ygRuqt6aDGpDuXCWF7pd4WsxXw9TX8_eXIKS_b9C1npWcWRyO2XTsL4Y5QAcMMdQeb68nbnQ3sUyRG/s1600-h/DSCN2421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38cIljB-uTEk-RW6ENUeTyJO2AwAjnK7jj06Fl-KtG48Sab16vmJBoEuQeXF9M9ygRuqt6aDGpDuXCWF7pd4WsxXw9TX8_eXIKS_b9C1npWcWRyO2XTsL4Y5QAcMMdQeb68nbnQ3sUyRG/s320/DSCN2421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358722988809581282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoGvyAm02d_L6_B82QmvL4tldVn7L1VCjVS5LrjAGlfr25XIYeHh_FTlariLcnrErEn3z9MXBnMXAnMLK4kFsRXBhhxyacsdde6z3JNsjvb-OCP04V26SB8jN0tJccfnTogdks0YW0Hwx/s1600-h/DSCN2435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoGvyAm02d_L6_B82QmvL4tldVn7L1VCjVS5LrjAGlfr25XIYeHh_FTlariLcnrErEn3z9MXBnMXAnMLK4kFsRXBhhxyacsdde6z3JNsjvb-OCP04V26SB8jN0tJccfnTogdks0YW0Hwx/s320/DSCN2435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358722992092437378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTyF-FS0hLi-M6SIDZtrLA4gkIFhC0JZuJGZDU2o_GlReBy98J8T5T-uQpWNFm2uQCq2RrqCClVYy6pUbLfjA-94wttCn9k7K0nPVuQLG8rR_pCdpCzgoosj6ln2INC1HJAo-zyPqWp84/s1600-h/DSCN2437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTyF-FS0hLi-M6SIDZtrLA4gkIFhC0JZuJGZDU2o_GlReBy98J8T5T-uQpWNFm2uQCq2RrqCClVYy6pUbLfjA-94wttCn9k7K0nPVuQLG8rR_pCdpCzgoosj6ln2INC1HJAo-zyPqWp84/s320/DSCN2437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358019786656498866" border="0" /></a>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-47482251689832617872009-07-14T12:01:00.001-05:002009-07-14T12:03:48.516-05:00EWWW!This is a fishfly in all of its nastiness!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUAhEvgn2-PW7TKBB6FyvIeJ28NkvWEPfh7zbQnA4De1FaLDBMCYwzVJNeNOdUHMcdbLrwskBh8Ck4UzdV4HSzNqo_LRj_zcYP99mPP0ANtR9UEabjvCq8D_1W5zd0-ZD3JqH6NBm_kIJ/s1600-h/6-15-07-pad2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUAhEvgn2-PW7TKBB6FyvIeJ28NkvWEPfh7zbQnA4De1FaLDBMCYwzVJNeNOdUHMcdbLrwskBh8Ck4UzdV4HSzNqo_LRj_zcYP99mPP0ANtR9UEabjvCq8D_1W5zd0-ZD3JqH6NBm_kIJ/s320/6-15-07-pad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358362254379668242" border="0" /></a>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-14067784936633515772009-07-13T14:11:00.000-05:002009-07-13T15:20:32.946-05:00One year ago today....<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Eric and I were looking for something to do since it was a beautiful July Sunday. We decided that we would go to our favorite spot along the river to sit, and watch the boats go by. We sat for quite awhile, got attacked by some June bugs, and didn't say a whole lot. I was deep in thought, getting my brain all worked up about marriage etc. So I proceeded to get upset. Go figure. We decided that it was time to go back, so we headed back to the car. I was still perturbed so I walked a little ahead of him. Apparently he had called my name a couple of times, but I had finally heard him, and turned around. And there under the gazebo was Eric standing with a ring. Yes standing. He did not get down on one knee, because a crowd of people walked into the gazebo right at that moment, and he didn't want to call attention to himself. I did find out this weekend however, that it must be a Kluesner thing. His Dad and both of his uncles did not get down on one knee.. hrmmm A word of warning I guess. :)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Needless to say I said yes, but it also meant I had to swallow my pride, because I was wrong, and REALLY don't like being wrong!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A year later I can't really say my patience is any better, or I am any better about being wrong... but we did have a fantastic wedding!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK4teO1SpuNTeugFnzlGEnVCwwziO7ihKgAFejjAhw1vWEDcXuKnO6FSm6-L-TLOX7hDYAwwtgL3UJf3k9vC3xR-kr97J6TeWFQz6t7x59l6nlCyepxoR2CIKF21Ho3bNHwsvMrftXiau/s1600-h/n820370416_6939587_381182.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK4teO1SpuNTeugFnzlGEnVCwwziO7ihKgAFejjAhw1vWEDcXuKnO6FSm6-L-TLOX7hDYAwwtgL3UJf3k9vC3xR-kr97J6TeWFQz6t7x59l6nlCyepxoR2CIKF21Ho3bNHwsvMrftXiau/s320/n820370416_6939587_381182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358034684824110834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Underneath the gazebo where it all started!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9jQaN9GS3aOxj_3vW0Zl4nOwZdLasMp5qGJUx907UGOA9OhR-kbCIJ9sSDUOfBxr30NKroX0ehcw4eQItFZrIU4c9h_bqtyksKRKZm1UargRuHIk0sIjy5aXQ0oej7tZGG0ZuyJdVi7C/s1600-h/n820370416_6940146_3940777.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9jQaN9GS3aOxj_3vW0Zl4nOwZdLasMp5qGJUx907UGOA9OhR-kbCIJ9sSDUOfBxr30NKroX0ehcw4eQItFZrIU4c9h_bqtyksKRKZm1UargRuHIk0sIjy5aXQ0oej7tZGG0ZuyJdVi7C/s320/n820370416_6940146_3940777.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358034864039589746" border="0" /></a>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596394645773005157.post-19956158040183079862009-04-06T11:41:00.000-05:002009-04-06T15:11:05.897-05:0019 Days! EEK!Amazingly, that is it! Where has our time gone? Eric and I had picked April all the way back in July, thinking we had a lot of time to plan our wedding and get ready. Pretty soon it was Christmas, and now we are approaching Easter, and I am realizing there is not a whole lot of time left! Don't get me wrong, I am very excited and Have been waiting for this day, but you get in a little of a panic when you actually start counting the days, and you see the list of things to do start growing!<br /><br />The wedding is getting a little more "real" everyday! I was able to bring my dress back with me yesterday (Snowstorm in all) so just knowing that is right there, and I can look at it whenever I want is just AWESOME! My apartment (and Kristina's basement) is filling up with shower presents. I am truly blessed to have such loving family and friends. Eric made the comment that I looked like a little kid opening my box of dishes! But I couldn't help it, I LOVE THEM!<br /><br />I love my dishes, but I think I am more excited to spend the time with family and friends. It looks like it is going to be a mini family reunion! I have some family members coming I have not seen in while, and many of our family members are traveling from far away places-- Florida, Colorado, Tennesee, New Jersey-- and some are coming from not so far :) But it seems with Eric and my schedules' lately, we have seen just as much of the people close by as those that live far away!<br /><br />I am speaking for Eric here, but WE are so excited not only to be married, but to celebrate with everyone! We hope you are getting just as excited!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041543815764075316noreply@blogger.com0