K Petes Draggin

Recipe for Special Occasion Rolls

2010-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Recipe for My Special Occasion Rolls:
The first amount makes one Costco size cookie sheet of rolls-about 25 to 35. (I usually do rows of 6x5 on cookie sheet). Double or triple as needed.
In large bowl add:
5 Cups Flour
¾ Cup sugar
2 Tablespoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt

Heat 1 cup of milk and cool until not hot-just warm. Add a cup melted butter (2 cubes) and 3 beaten eggs. Stir these into the dry ingredients and chill overnight.

Divide this dough into 4 parts and roll each out like a pie crust about 1/8 inch thick. Use only as much flour as necessary. Cut the round dough like pie pieces-into quarters then each quarter into 2 or 3 (depending on how big your circle was). Roll the wedges up starting with the wide end of triangle and place on sprayed cookie sheet. Let raise 2-2.5 hours. Bake at 350 for 11-12 minutes. Don’t over bake. Yum Yum.

For the Future

2010-05-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

I just created a new blog for Jordan. It is called Elder JM Peterson. When he goes on a mission (end of year apx) I will keep his letters and pictures there. I might start it a bit early with his graduation coming up-but just a heads up. Instead of forwarding all his email to everyone I am going to publish him on the blog and you can follow there or not. Kerry

Movie Recommendation and Spring Break Update

2010-04-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

I can't think of ever recommending a movie on my blog but Matthew and I saw Date Night and we laughed so hard I had to hold my sides during the movie. It seems that everytime I thought it might slow down and just be a movie I was cracking up again. Really worth a good chuckle.

We also loved How to Train your Dragon, which we saw in IMAX 3D while in Southern California. It was awesome in the huge theater.

Speaking of Southern California, we went for Spring Break this year and had a really nice time. We stayed at Huntington Beach and got to spend a couple days with our good friends Jim and Tami and their beautiful children. I love good friends, the years just make no difference in friendship. We went to Disneyland one day, it was enough. We loved staying on the beach.

I think we ate our way through the whole Southern State, ha. There were places we had to re-visit because we loved them when we lived there like Earth Wind and Flour and Islands. Then we found some new places. BJ's Restaurant and Brew House-(and they have one in Tacoma)-the best avacado egg roll appetizers. We also went to Texas Roadhouse BBQ and Claim Jumper, needless to say the trip wasn't too good for dieting. Jordan on the other hand loved every bite of it (much of his life is centered around good meals). Allison liked everything with french fries, she actually got lobster with fries at Claim Jumper, whats up with that one? Megan liked it all.

I can't believe Jordan is graduating in June and will be gone from home soon. He is planning on a semester at UVU and then a mission at the end of the year. He also wants to be a endodontist one day(go root canals!?).

On the way home I-5 was closed North of Redding for most of the day due to a huge accident and ice and snow. We ended up taking the detour route to the coast-Hwy 299 and then up to Crescent City and then back to I-5. It took a long time, although not as long as it should have with Matthew racing as quick as he could around the corners (and there were many). We were all a little car sick but enjoyed the Redwood Forest. We stopped and got a photo of the kids hugging a tree, I will find it and add it soon. All for now. Later....K

My update-or why I am still going to school-either one

2010-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't even visited a blog in so long, I could be fired from my own blog writing! So much has been happening, which might be why I haven't been sitting around writing. I am an official RN since last summer but I have gone back to school for more education, not just because I am a glutton for punishment, I actually have a goal in mind and to get there I have to have more education.

I ideally wanted to be a family nurse practitioner, but when I discovered it took a masters degree to get there I quit thinking about it-I am now working on that plan. I finished my RN program and felt strongly that I should go on-what can I say, I am one to follow those strong feelings. In my opinion it must have been divine inspiration because I had grown pretty tired of school.

A bachelors degree gives a nurse many more opportunities for different types of jobs and management positions-and it is on the way to the other program. A nurse in Washington only has a few years to complete the FNP program at a masters level before it is changed to a doctorate program, at least at WSU, where I am going. (UW has already switched to the doctorate program). WSU (go cougars) has a distance learning program for the bachelor degree portion and clinical s can be done locally-which makes the option of my continuing education much more feasible. My plan is to graduate next summer (2011) with that degree and continue on through the masters program out of the Vancouver campus. I hope to finish that degree next summer- 2013. I had to take statistics and six other general classes to complete the general education part of the degree. Wrapping up the last two next quarter-I have plenty of credits but not in the right area so...enough about school.

It is Jordan's senior year. All of the kids are growing up so quickly. I am looking forward to our spring break this year. We won't be going to Hawaii and I will miss that, but we are driving to Southern California and I haven't been there for years. We are staying at Huntington Beach (Hollister Beach-according to the kids).

On a sad note, our beloved, rock fetching Wedgie got bone cancer and we had to put her down before Christmas. She was true till the end. We will probably always miss her. We got another Rottweiler pup right before Thanksgiving who is now six months old, named Khaos. She will be a good dog and has a fun personality too. I think that is enough update for now.

Matthews New Project

2009-09-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

For those of us that use the game room and our friends and family who come and stay with us-you will all be happy to hear that there will soon be a bathroom in the game room! We have the apartment down below but it has been occupied for the past few years and so that moves the bathroom to the field or the house which can be a bit inconvenient if you were sleeping there at night. On the other side of the bathroom, in the TV area, there will be a small kitchen area. Mostly just a couple cabinets and some running water.

So yesterday, being the Saturday before Labor Day, we labored in the barn. Megan and I stained the new cabinets and Matthew and Jordan framed in the new bathroom. Pictures to come.

Lake Powell

2009-09-02T08:54:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Lake Powell-Sun going down in our cove

Allison, Kaitlyn, & Savannah-who had the camera and took photos of themselves

The girl cousins jumping. Allison, Nikel, Megan, Savannah, & Brooke

Jordan Jumping

Jordans Quilt- and -Fishers of Lake Powell

2009-09-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Last summer I made my first quilt with Mom Peterson's help-for Megan. Then I made one for Allison. Jordans turn. He picked out the materials with me. Denim and flannels. I send them off and someone else with a machine quilts them up but I think it turned out pretty nice and he loves it.

I haven't even found the rest of the photos-someone downloaded them somewhere-my computer probably-which is being backed up -away from home this week. But here is a photo of Dallen, Brooke, and Wyatt, with Uncle Davids help, catching fish. This was a daily, evening occurance staying on the houseboat at Lake Powell. The kids, and the rest of us, had such a good time. More photos to come of cliff jumping and such, when located.

Kids off to School-Jordan making his own lunch

2009-09-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am going to have to go backwards and get caught up-but to start with today-the kids are off to school. I made them sweedish pancakes-at their request and poor Jordan packed his own cold lunch, giving me the long talk about how his health would probably suffer from being so neglected from his mother who wasn't taking care of him. Then of all things we got to running late and Megan showed up and needed to throw her lunch together immediately-and I made her sandwich-while she grabbed the rest. You should have heard the comments from Jordan then....I may never live it down. I may yet be coerced into making lunches for my poor boy-believe me, he has the reasons behind his need. I told him I just wanted to make sure he didn't receive any dis-service from me, growing up and not able to make a sandwich and do his laundry and all. He assured me that just because he knows how to do something doesn't mean that he wants to do it. Matthew didn't help by telling him that his own mother took care of him and packed his lunches. Hey, my own wonderful mother made me pack my own lunches and I survived it just fine. If I pack their lunches it will be the night before like I did my own and encourage them to do. I told him I was more then happy to buy him a lunch ticket (another glare). Oh well, maybe they are right and my children need their mommy to do this other thing for them.

Summer Vacations

2009-07-27T15:47:00.001-07:00

This summer has been crazy busy even now that I am not studying-although it is not too early to start learning world civilizations 1 and 2 for the CLEP tests that I will be taking sometime. In the meantime we went to Dworshak, Idaho for a boating vacation and they ended up "upgrading" us to Three Meadows campground which was wonderful. We had a huge lodge and 4 large cabins. The water was almost 80 degrees and the company was wonderful. Matthew's brothers family met us there, David and Tanja and family-although they had a nightmare of a drive to get there from Utah. We had a wonderful time. Allison had been staying with them and what peaceful weeks those were in our home, and we brought their daughter Savannah home with us. On Friday we are leaving for Utah and taking a trip to Lake Powell. Looking forward to that. although not the heat!

In the meantime, back at the ranch, the garden is blooming and raspberries are done for the year. We are having an unseasonably warm summer and enjoying the sunshine. The butcher is coming on Thursday to take the yearly offering of cows and start the transfer from the field to the freezer. I haven't made any soap lately but plan to again before too long.

I am trying to decide if I can handle taking statistics online and leaning toward that. I need to take statistics and cultural antrhopology and CLEP those history tests for my bachelor/masters program at WSU for nursing practitioner. I am planning to start their program in January. Besides throwing up a few photos here or there that is what is going on at our end of the woods.

I AM AN RN

2009-07-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

I passed the NCLEX and I am finally an official RN now. I was a bit worried about the test after taking it, but it all worked out. YIPEE SKIPPY for me, and for all my other wonderful classmates who have passed and are passing the exam

Allisons Room

2009-07-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Allison's paint job is finally done. So here she is in the pink and the brown and the dots. I am going to put some pink and brown dots around her vanity too

Megans Cute New Room

2009-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I should put a photo up of Megans cute new (paint wise) room. The flowers are vinyl sticker Gerber Daisy's which match the flowers in her quilt. We still have a bit of finish of her wall photos. Jordan says he could never sleep in a room this bright but I think it looks really good and Megan loves it.

ATT (means appointment to test)

2009-06-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

The pinning ceremony was really nice. My favorite part was Allison playing the piano for us. She did a great job. Also watching each of my classmates getting their pin. I used my Grandmas nursing pin from 1941, which was the closest thing I could do to having her there with me. It was also nice of Matthews mom to come out for the pinning and I had a good show of family supporters there, thank you everyone.

We went to Lake Pateros for a few days. It is above Lake Chelan on the Columbia. Megan is gone to Hawaii with friends but we took Mom Peterson and Jordan and Allison and the boat. The Deanie and Mark Doyle came over and joined us, it was really nice and relaxing. The weather was warm but that Columbia is too cold for my blood this time of year. While out on the boat I got a text from a classmate (Roy) and he said he got his ATT. I was pretty excited to go and check the computer-which I brought with me. Sure enough mine was in too. I am now scheduled to take the NCLEX on July 8, 2009 at 2:00 in Renton. So that means I am buckling down on the study-which is why I am writing here-lol.

On Monday Mom Peterson and Allison flew to Utah and Jordan went to camp Helaman. Megan will get home on Friday, so Matthew and I have been empty nesters this week. I have been studying everyday and the house stays pretty clean and quiet. Not such a bad thing, of course it is only temporary.

It Must Be Inspiration?

2009-06-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe after all this hard work that I am finished with the RN program. I still have to pass the NCLEX. Originally I really wanted to be a Nurse Practitioner but then I found out it was a masters program and that just seemed too much. Now I am done with this and still feeling like I need to do more. Let me tell you, it has to be inspiration because I was so sick of school a couple months ago that there is no way I could even imagine going on. I am presently working with WSU. I need to take statistics and speech in the fall and try and CLEP a couple history classes and I can start the BSN program in January WSU. My classes will be online (my favorite-truly) and my clinicals local. There is an excelerated masters, so I will start taking some of those courses in place of the bachelors, but still have to apply and get accepted to the masters program. My class pinning is the Saturday.

Wanna Be a Momma?

2009-05-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

If this wasn't so sweet it would be really funny! This Momma Chicken has been wanting babies and trying to set on eggs for a while-we don't have a rooster. She adopted the 9 chickens we raised and follows them around mothering them. Remember they are all homeless from the fire, but Matthew is working on a new chicken house for them. The problem with her "babies" are they were not all that small when she got them, and now they are half her size. She still struggles to get them under her wings and body to protect the little/or not so little/ darlings.

My Homeless Chickens-the Fire-Chicken Jesus

2009-05-15T16:00:00.001-07:00

It all started out very well, both times. We decided to raise more baby chicks this year. Last year we ended up with 6 roosters, which we eventually got rid of. Our chicken house was a former garden shed, quite large, could park a riding mower and the push mower and the rest of the stuff in it. Our first batch of babies were getting bigger and roamed the pen. Jeisa brought home two new babies that they hatched in her kindergarden class. So another heat lamp and maybe you see where this is going? The babies were in a large water trough with the heat lamp hooked over head. Late Monday night Amber came running to the house yelling the chicken house is on fire. Not just a little fire. You could roast a marshmellow from 50 feet. Almost all the poor chickens got out. Not the two babies of course and we lost one adult and one of the other youth chickens. Now the rest of the story, although you won't hear this version on Paul Harvey. I told Travis and Amber how the smoke kills them before the fire and they obviously passed it on to Jeisa. The next day they overheard her talking to her babies (dolls). She told them that there was a big fire and her new baby chickens fell asleep and then burned up. Then she explained that it was all OK because chicken Jesus died for them and they would go to heaven. Who knew?????

A Tragic Story

2009-05-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

It is bound to happen at some time or another, but this one, well, judge for yourself. Allison (13)was with Jeisa (5) down in the lower field and they found a baby bird wandering around. We have those kinds of birds here that run on the ground, and sometimes fly. Not a good start for the bird to be found by humans, but for a child it is such a miracle. They held the baby bird and made friends with it and enjoyed the miracle of spring and baby animals together. They decided to put it down and hope it got back together with it's mother (something not likely after handling it). They were walking away and looking back at it. Along came Wedgie (the dog) chomp. Very traumatic for Jeisa to see her new friend eaten in front of her. Yes, a very tragic story indeed.

pinning and spring project

2009-04-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

I had better write, time is flying. If anyone reads this and wants to know the details of when I am officially over here they are. I have "pinning" (not penning Matthew-who was hoping for some cows and a rodeo) which is an official nursing end. I will be getting pinned with my grandma's nursing pin, which meant more to me then getting my own. That will be June 13th at 2:00. Allison will be playing a few songs on the piano for us there also. The school graduation will be June 19th and I haven't decided to go or not yet to that. In the meantime I am working on my 130 hours of nursing at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, in the way of 12 hour shifts, in oncology and orthopedics. I will be done around the 20th of May. I still have a paper to write and two classes to attend, but that is it.

I thought I would post some spring photos of stuff.

And for the spring project. We have put in raised beds and made a beautiful garden area. I will post a couple photos. new fences are not painted yet.

my crazy classmates

2009-04-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo that was taken, after the serious one. I have a great class of nurses. They are funny and fun and I have enjoyed our two years together.

Where Am I

2009-04-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful time in Maui. We had plenty of sunshine and lots of fun and it was good in about every way except the diet. I don't even want to talk about that (again), yet. Matthew is in the same boat about the diet. We will have to get back on the program soon.

Hit the ground running at home. Had one day to unpack and try and get used to that three hour time change and started into the two weeks of full time class. And here I am. I found out I will be doing my preceptorship at Captial Medical Center. Being at school every day is hard-I need food at home and nothing is getting done. In the meantime Allison finished basketball and started volleyball. Jordan is playing high school soccer and Megan finished her basketball. I am pretty much failing in the mother, homemaker department.

The view out there (next week)

2009-03-21T19:33:00.001-07:00

Sundown in Kihei-the view from our condo that we will be seeing next week. Just wanted to remind myself to hang in there and take a few deep breaths. Just looking at this photo makes me feel a little relaxed and gives me something to look forward to.

In the meantime, back at the ranch, the trolls that messed up the house have all dissapeared in fear of my wrath. I have been gone all day studying and got home to a mess. I hate it when I get home and nothing got done. Clothes I folded two days ago to be sorted by the girls and put away (just theirs) are still in the TV room and no one would ever take out the garbage unless I reminded them to, or unload the dishwasher-or load it back up with their own dishes, or wipe anything or brush their teeth, I am not even sure that they wipe thier butts, I haven't reminded them for a few years? Now you know why they are avoiding me-if I catch them they might never get away and have to do some work. Allison left town with a friend, Megan is around somewhere and Jordan has company over. Tomorrow?????

Another perspective and more gratitude

2009-03-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have thought a bit about snow after our recent weather episodes. Why is it that something so magical and beautiful in December can be so horrible and hiddeous in March. I really have no patience for snow in March, it is downright inconvenient at that time of year. I am waiting for my tulips and azalias to bloom, and get one with spring and summer.

On the other hand I am feeling much gratitude that Jordan was unharmed in his recent car accident, last Saturday night. He was coming home in those recent bad conditions and drove over the Satsop bridge and hit ice. He slip slidded around a bit and took out a few of the posts and wire medians in the middle of the road after the bridge. His truck needs work but he was totally fine. As for me and my heart, a midnight phone message from that said Jordan was in an accident had its moment of horror. All messages should be proceded with Jordan called and he is OK and then explain the accident part... (Just for future references-Allison)

Another thing to have grattitude for is Mom's cancer and all that it isn't. I can only imagine the pain in loosing her breast, but to not have it spread to the lymph and through the body is much to be thankful for. She is still waiting for some further test results and deciding on the further treatment options. No matter what it is looking good for her. I had a bad dream that I had cancer last night so I know that this whole thing is taking its tole. You can go through some of the stages of grief, even in a dream! Sometimes I am just thankful to wake up and realize that everything is OK.

One more thing. March 25th is my final for this quarter, I am looking forward to it being over and going to Hawaii with the family and a whole lot of friends for spring break.

I really do like nursing

2009-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready to go to the hospital. I have clinicals tonight and tomorrow night-2:30-10:30. I am amazed at how much I really do enjoy nursing. I have a lot to learn still, but I am so happy that even some of the things that made me gag at first don't seem to bother me anymore. I have been able to do clinicals in many different areas and some of the things that I thought I would never like, I do. Some of the things that I thought I would like, I don't.

School is kind of winding down and at the same time, winding up. Right now this quarter we only have a few weeks left. We are taking pre-exit exams on every major area and either pass or remediate them. It is a great study tool, although time consuming. Trying to study for the exams, and the regular class, and finish clinicals and remediate a couple that I didn't pass the first time and pre study for a couple that I hope to not remediate.

Next quarter we have a couple weeks of classroom leadership and an exit exam, and then it is the preceptorship. At the same time everything has to be studied in preparation for boards. I need to step that one up, but can't find the time yet to do it. Anyway, that is where I am at. k

My Favorite Place

2009-02-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

About 13 years ago Matthew and I started an annual vacation-with no kids-in February. I have managed to do this throughout the past 13 years in spite of all obstacles. We started out going with Tim and Dana. We have went with David and Tanja and Manon and Doug Wiggins (mission friends). We have also gone alone a few years. I look forward to this time all year long. Nursing school is demanding and still last year we managed 5 days. This year we have a week, which is almost gone-much too fast.

So now I write from Playa del Carmen. This area of the country-the Myan Riviera is my favorite of all the places I have traveled-although I also love Maui. I love the ruins and the carribean torquoise water. I love the people and the break from the winter blaas. I was able to take this trip and miss only one day of school and moved a clinical around. On the previous times I have been here I had not been to Cozamel. We went there yesterday and mopeded the island. It was a lot of fun.

Matthew had never been to Coba (the most recent discovered ruin/city-only partially uncovered-we went there and climbed a huge pyramid and I have paid for that one for days everytime I try to sit or stand or walk any stairs. It is never as difficult going up-except physically-but when you turn around to go down-it is really steep. I think I heard many swear words in all kinds of languages up there from the petrified adventures. I will post some photos when I get home. We went to Xel-ha today and snorkeled and have spend some wonderful time on the beach. We have also just enjoyed being together. I still try and study a few hours each day. I am looking forward to bringing my children here someday. Jordan has been here, but the girls have not yet.
Well, time to get ready for dinner. It is a couple hours later here then at home. I will be back there soon enough.

Gratitude

2009-01-27T08:43:00.001-08:00

Every since I read Natalies post on gratitude I have been pondering on the subject. There really is much to be greatful for. At this time my dear mother is recovering from a mastectomy and will be going through chemo in the near future. She has a great attitude. We are all greatful that it didn't spread to her lymphatic system. I have been studying cancer in school and there are so many types of cancer. Mom and I were talking about it and decided that we are glad that breasts are just an accessory, and although we appreciate them, we can still walk and talk and see and hear without them.

I have been thinking a lot about my grandma lately. She too had breast cancer. She showed us many things by example. It keeps coming back to this. "All these things shall give us experience" and it is what we do with what happens to us that matters. I hope that I can make good choices and remember those wise words and always have gratitude. It is important.

The middle of January

2009-01-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by! Here it is the middle of January and I am back in school and still haven't posted (maybe because I am back in school?). I wanted to give my blog a new face and did, and lost my side bar with everyones blog address, so leave yours if you visit so that I can add you back in.

We went from lots of snow to lots of rain, to lots of flooding and now it is beautiful spring day, even if it was a bit chilly. It made me think of up coming spring flowers. Also we have a couple moles in the yard again. Double dang on that one. Hopefully Buffy will get them.

Our dogs have taken to stealing dirty diapers from somewhere! Even though Travis and Amber have a new baby girl in the apartment, these are not their diapers. I remember way back when Cody was a baby and Tim and Dana lived in Pleasant Grove, Utah and they used to put their stinky diapers out on the back patio and some dog would magically take them away. We thought it was funny. It isn't nearly as funny on the receiving end of the dirty diapers. It is disgusting.

School is going to wind down, I can see the future happening. Unfortunatley we hit the semester running and skid to a stop at the end. This is my last quarter of classes. Next quarter I have two weeks of leadership and then my preceptorship.

Megan is playing basketball and has Saturday games starting, Matthew (taking Jordan) is leaving tonight for a chiropractic educational convention in Las Vegas. He is taking his staff along too. I am studying and making flash cards for 50 or so pediatric conditions, Allison is just trying to find her cell phone. Mushu went to the groomers and Buffy and Wedgie are surely on diaper patrol (instead of mole patrol). So that is mid January.

Why I Love Boxing Day

2008-12-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

In Australia (Canada and probably a few more places), the day after Christmas is boxing day. What that means is on this day we go through our closets and toys and everything and get rid of all the excess stuff. Donate the good stuff to a charity somewhere. I like to have "boxing day" several times a year but right after Christmas when we have brought more into our house is the perfect time to re-distribute the wealth. It is also a great thing to teach the kids, taming down the toys and sharing some of the stash with children who might not have any. It gives the kids a chance to feel like they are participating by sharing their toys as well with children who might need them. Anyway, I never even knew what "boxing day" meant on the calendar before living in Australia but I think it is a good tradition to have in our families.

In the meantime in the Peterson home we also remove traces of Christmas this day. Matthew is always anxious to get it done, especially since we are leaving to go out of town. This year with the ice and snow we will have to leave the lights up a bit longer-I can't say I am sad about that one.

Yesterday was Jordans birthday and he turned 17. We had a nice party at my Mom's with my sister Laura and her family there. We also wanted Jenny and her family there but she was sick and kept her bad germs at home. It was a nice day.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

I am wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a fun and safe New Year. Take care and leave a message in the comment if you come and visit. You know, We took those family photos in the first skiff of snow, because that is usually all we get. Now it is over a foot deep down there and still coming down!

Let It Snow

2008-12-14T15:43:00.001-08:00

It snowed today. Just in case we thought we better go out and get some family shots

It Is Finished

2008-12-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

There is something about finishing a quarter that is like a death or maybe being released from a busy calling at church? All this time and energy is spent to do something for such a long time, at the end you walk into a room and take a test and leave and it is just over. No talking about it for the next week, it is just over! Takes a few days to realize it but it is true. Just had a thought, I think the end of life might be like that as well-although there is the lovely "review" to look forward to?

So back to the living...haul out the holly, we need a little Christmas right now! I love "Mame"-well that song from "Mame", I haven't had the opportunity to see the musical yet. I am off and doing a little Christmas shopping and if I am lucky, I might get my nails done for the holiday as well or a pedicure could be in my reward plan. My treat to myself that is not fattening!

Twas the week before Finals

2008-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Twas the week before finals and all through our home
Twas a mess to behold, not a creature could roam

The laundry was piled all up in the "wee" (clean laundry)
Christmas was started, although not by me
(totes brought into house by children who are hopeful-and started without me)

On a new diet and cranky and brisk
dont come and visit, not worth the risk

Off to the office- to study away
just waiting for Jordan -washing car on this day

Matthew is putting the lights on the house
looking forward to lunch-food fit for a mouse (he's on the diet t00)

I am looking forward to my time off it is true
just finish this quarter and yell "whoop te do"

See ya soon?! K

Already Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am cleaning and doing some prep cooking today before my house and garage is full of people for dinner. I think we might have 25 if they all show. two tables in house, two in garage-for the younger half. It will be full of good food and good company.

OK just in case any of you want the dirrections on how to brine a turkey-there are many variations but this is a simple and effective one that came from Martha Stewart originally. 2 cups of salt (Kosher is good) and 1/2 cup sugar in water in 5 gallon bucket with turkey overnight. Rinse it before fixing it up. It makes it very juicy and good.

I have much to be thankful for. I am passing my class and it is almost over. I have almost a month off to spend celebrating the Christmas season, which is my favorite time of the year. I am looking forward to that. I can't wait to decorate my house and have it smell like Christmas. I have my special Christmas pictures for the wall and all the other fun things to put up. You might wonder why I am talking about Christmas and Thanksgiving at the same time? We usually decorate right after. Sometimes Matthew puts up the lights before dinner.

The Way to a Mans Heart is Through Lasagna

2008-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

Of all the things I have made- I can tell you that this one is well loved and since I am trying to write things down for my girls and my journal, I want to include some of our favoriet recipes. I should be studying more-and I will-but I am making lasagna to feed my two men and my girls, because I love them and want them to have a Mommy/wifey cooked meal tonight. This is a thick and red version. Some prefer the brown type sauce-this isn't it.

This recipe started out as Aunt Helens Lasagna-because she made the best in the family. Of course over the years I have altered it a bit and added my own flair so it can officially be Kerry's Lasagna now.
This makes enough sauce for two 9x13 pans or one and some spaghetti sauce for later. I use this spaghetti sauce as well.

1.5 lbs hamburger
1 lb sausage
an onion or dried if you prefer
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fresh garlic- Cook these and drain the whole thing.
ADD: 3- 16 oz cans of tomatoe sauce-1 can of water
2 sm cans of tomatoe paste (or 1 large)
2 packages of spaghetti or 1 pkg and some italian seasoning
(fresh oregano and italian parsley is also wonderful if you have any)
1 Tablespoon sugar (to cut the tomato)
2 bay leaves (remove when ready to put into lasagna
Simmer this whole thing on low a while. It is aroma therapy for your home! You will also need: 9 cooked lasagna noodles (I put a little garlic olive oil in), rocatta cheese, large motzarella cheese ball, and fresh parmesean cheese. The order in the pan:
Sauce, noodles, rocatta, sauce, motzarella, parmesean, noodles, rocatta, sauce, cheeses, noodles, sauce and cheese. bake it all at 350 about a hour, covered.

Time is Ticking away

2008-11-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I finished my clinicals for the quarter. It has been crazy. I have been at the hospital 2 full days a week-plus class 2 days and all the other. I did enjoy my clinicals-although they are a bit stressful, in fact as soon as we leave the hospital the rest of my group heads to a bar. I can understand and if I was a drinker I would have joined them!

Now it is just class until the final on December 10th. YEA! Maybe I can even get something done around the house sometime? I have managed to do much better at the laundry since my previous scare.

Today is Matthew and my 23rd wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything special today-although I ironed his shirts-I like ironing too-but we will sometime. I remember that day 23 years ago and it is hard to believe that it has been that long. Time is a funny thing. I certainly don't understand it.

I am also having a big Thanksgiving at my house this year, we are looking forward to that. All for now. Ta

Why Scary?

2008-11-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday with a house full of company, while chatting, the old scenario came up. "How people in general are afraid of me." Travis refers to me as "Auntie Scary", although I don't think his children are afraid either? I admit that I can stop those people in the mall who advance on me and try to massage my hands with something. I count that as a good thing-less time wasted and such.

So a couple years ago I was teaching a class at church. Matthew had told me that I strike fear in the hearts of many and I used this opportunity to bring that up in my class. 3 of the 10 women admitted that this was true. I tried to joke it off but I was a bit horrified. Over the years I have pondered this and it does bother me, and yet I am unsure what to do about it. I really don't want to be scary to strangers. Those who really know me are not afraid (I hope) and my children certainly don't even listen to me. Matthew isn't afraid either, he hardly even moves his head when I swing at him any more (just joking-I don't swing at him). Under it all there is a part of me that probably doesn't mind it-after all I don't want those hand massage people thinking that they can chase me down. Hmnnn

Lost my famous title?

2008-11-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just this morning as Matthew had to go and look for some clean clothes downstairs in the laundry room, he broke the news to me. "Kerry, you just are not the same laundry queen that you used to be-in fact, I think you have lost your title."
I was horrified, sure I haven't been home and things have been a bit hectic but, I am making it up right now, as I study all day, and do the laundry. I am not sure what happened-but I will get it back.
As I ponder the situation and try and figure out what happened-2 days of class, 2 days of clinics at the hospital, and a 6 page APA stlye paper, and 10 chapters to study-I just don't know where I went wrong? I think it was that paper that threw me over the edge?
I don't know about you but I think that my laundry is secretly breeding in the laundry hampers? I have been aware of that trend for years but lately I think it has become something related to a rabbit? About 3 loads a day keeps us up. Truthfully I really like doing the laundry, I found it to be one of the things that I CAN control in this life-I am not ready to relinquish that title yet, I might have no purpose in life? That would be scary.

Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe (Olive Garden)

2008-10-25T17:02:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but I have had this soup (Italian chili) many times at Olive Garden and I decided to try and find a recipe for it and voila! Here it is. Delicious for those cold days. I will give you their recipe and then give you what I did different. I am sure both are good. by the way for me t = teaspoon and T. = Tablespoon This is the half recipe and it makes just under 5 quarts

1.5 t. oil (I omitted oil)
1 lb ground beef (I lb used 1.5 ground beef-1 lb ground pork)
6 oz onion chopped (1/2 onion) (put veggies in food processor for easy)
7 oz carrots; slivered (a couple carrots)
7 oz celery: diced (a couple stalks)
3 t. Italian parsley-fresh-chopped
1.5 t. Oregano (I bet fresh would be good)
2 t. pepper
24 oz tomatoes; canned diced (2 cans)
1 cups cooked red beans (I used one can red only-why waste 1/2 of each)
1 cups cooked white beans
5.5 cups beef stock (water and 5 beef bullion)
1 t. Tabasco
24 oz Spaghetti sauce (just the tomatoe basil)
4 oz dry pasta shells
Directions: Preparation: Saute beef in oil in large pot and when it is half brown add onions, carrots and celery and tomatoes and simmer for 10 min. Drain and rinse beans and add to pot. Add beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce and pasta.
P.S. I added the extra meat because Matthew and family likes thick soup-and we have the meat.

And as for me and my life

2008-10-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

It seems I never write anything anymore - let alone visit my friends and family on their blogs, but I am coming to visit you soon. I love all of your blogs, although what happened to Annie? Where is she now? Her blog?

For now, I have a minute, although I really should be studying-but I am making dinner, ovens are a wonderful thing and I actually cooked-my husband will be so happy....This quarter has been front loaded on the clinicals. I have had a chance to go all kinds of places. Last week I was in Day Surgery and the OR. I saw 5 operations-amazing. This week I go to Western States, and that would be a clinical too, (I know you were wondering) although don't be surprised if they do try and keep me. Actually when I was there last year I got to paint and go to therapy class with them-it wasn't bad at all. So if I end up there, just know that I am getting more of a R & R then normal. Ha.

Besides that I can't believe how quickly this quarter is going. I am on my 5th week and 3rd Unit. I just go from test to test and clinical paper work to clinical paper work and it goes by plenty fast-not as much time as I need-but I am hanging in there. It almost makes me giddy to think that I have this quarter and next and then two weeks and a preceptorship and that is IT. Of course before I get too excited I need to make it to that point. But still...It could happen!

Jordan-Homecoming

2008-10-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Jordan went to homecoming with his friend Kim, and she went with him the weekend before-two different schools. I thought this was a cute photo of them together.

Do your kids do this?

2008-10-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

I often find that my kids take photos with the camera. I have a lot of photos of the dogs and one time a few years back, Jordan took about 20 of a guinea pig we had named Teddy on the grass. The problem with guinea pigs is that they have very short legs so whatever it was doing, all the photos looked alike. It still cracks me up when I run into them.

So now, I have girls who are getting a little older and obviously not photo shy. I decided to put a couple of their photos on here, so that the fame and glory captured on camera could be shared with any who might still come and visit me-lame as I am with my writing on the blog.

Uno Mas-the House

2008-10-20T16:40:00.001-07:00

Here it is finished. We are all happy to be done-then again, "done" is a relative term (the relative being Matthew-Ha)

Some Nursing stuff

2008-10-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have had some good clinicals lately. I would have never thought the oncology clinic at Mary Bridge was something I would enjoy but those kids are amazing. So is the staff working with them. Pediatric nursing is really a great field.
Today I was in Labor and Delivery. That was the reason that I wanted to go into nursing in the first place and I just loved it. I was able to help someone going through labor but the delivery hadn't happened by the time I had to go. I am going to be thinking really seriously about that area again. I also thought the nurses working in labor and delivery were wonderful.

The Painted House

2008-10-08T18:19:00.001-07:00

OK, the painting is finally done. We even had to have the upstairs front re-painted the main color-it was the lighter color like the porch but it wasn't as good. We still have to pick out the stone for the front but it is getting there.

Life Now

2008-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

The 5 days in Los Cabos were wonderful. It is beautiful there. It was hot. We spent a good deal of the time in the pool. The ocean was almost 90 degrees, the warmest I have ever felt, but it was a really strong current and not snorkel material where we were. It was a good way to relax before the ordeal of school.

So now I am in school. There is actually a light at the end of the tunnel too. I laugh when I think I used to think about the masters program. Now I just want to get through and be an RN. The instructor didn't waste any time. 12 chapters in one week and a test on Monday. When I think about last year and how steep the learning curve was and how hard it was to just figure it all out, I am glad that I am past that. The things we are learning are intense but they are also built on an earlier foundation of knowledge. I just hope I can remember some of it from before. We are in the heart at the moment and ECG's and meds and all it entails. One thing that the school did along with the hospital is get some "sims". We have 3 mechanical simulated people to work on. They are outrageously expensive and a wonderful edition. We don't have a lot of sim time but we had the opportunity to put our heart stuff into a real case this week. It was really exciting and helpful.

.....Onward and upward......(and probably not much blogging for a while)

Allisons Room

2008-09-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

OK none of you including us have ever seen Allison's room so clean, in good part because she has had so much of our stuff stored in it. Well, those days are gone. Here it is. The nook along the closet wall will have a mirror and vanity in it-some day soon. It has been a lot of work. The pink and aqua-might come together by the time we are done decorating? We hope. The deep closet has big storage behind the mirrors and the side behind the door. I think we have managed to merge her world and our storage.

My Wonderful Husband

2008-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am starting back to school next week and it pretty much means that I am out of commission as a mom and wife much of the time. Thank goodness this is my last year. We have been so busy trying to get this unplanned remodel project done and cleaned up around the house....Anyway, Matthew asked me if it would be OK if we just go away for a few days alone, this week. So we have been scrambling to get that organized. We are going to Baja/Cabo until Sunday. I have never been there and I am excited. By the way the sexy guy looking out to sea is my wonderful husband.

What Was I Thinking?

2008-09-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

If my kids had done this I would think they might need to ride the short bus. Sign me up. I dropped my phone in the hottub. WHY DID I EVEN LET IT GET NEAR THERE? (because Matthew might call). It has been such a productive day too. I exercised for a whole hour-and mailed off packages that have been overdue to get to the post office. I feel sick to my stomach. The tech guy said that I have a 50% chance of a recovery-it is a PDA phone with all my nursing drug stuff and NCLEX stuff I need on it. Like flushing $300 down the toilet.

Enough whining, here's praying for that 50% miracle. I have to tackle years of pictures in the files I bought to put them in (my goal for today). It isn't possible that I dropped my phone subconsciously to avoid the photo duty is it? I sure hope not.

By the way if anyone stops by to see the house/siding/bathroom photos just go back to August postings. K

A Firm Warning

2008-09-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, for any of you who have done the FIRM exercise program over the years you might want to take heed. I recently purchased a new series of the program. Megan had been the only one to do some of them and was telling me that the cardio blast is too hard to do. I was thinking, "hard shmard, I have done these videos for years..." So I attempted to do that one the other day.
There is hard and there is hard. I would have to do this at half time to learn it. It isn't that it is so physically demanding. It is good physically, but it is so rapid. I think that they took an hour program and just sped it up. I am glad that no one could see me out there with the dazed look on my face jumping around on the box trying to get the leg steps right, never mind the arms most of the time. I looked on the DVD for a "learn the moves" section. No go. Any good program needs a half time learning the move before they jump around at that speed. Honestly, we could all get together and have a comedy routine trying to do this. I guess some of the other DVD's are easier to follow. I am not giving up, just moving on. For any of the rest of you trying to get your exercise in, I have a DVD to loan you. Ha.

The former fireplace

2008-09-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

The new wall and french doors in the family room. Can't wait to get it trimmed up white and carpet and finished. You can't see the fine job on the texture and paint but yours truely is responsible for it.

Allison's closets

2008-09-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

I wanted to get a photo in of the progress in Allisons room. The pink looks glaring but in real life it is fine. She also has two brown walls. We are trimming the pink in brown

The large closet that the mirror doors you are looking at in the back and large shelves behind them. The front of the closet is obviously not done. This is where the nook in the room used to be. The new nook-left in between closets- will have a vanity in it and the new 2 smaller closets are where those hideous wire shelves used to be. Better isn't it? can't wait to get it all done and put away. Off to piant the doors.

Ode to the Blog

2008-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ode to the Blog
Come visit my blog and read my post
It's easy to do while you are eating your toast
If you've stopped by,and left on the sly
How will I know you were there?
Just leave me a comment, a small one will do,
Let me know you stopped by I will visit you too.

Jenny is having a contest on her blog, I just submited my entry (above) and there are so many good rhymes

My New Hat

2008-09-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of those figurative not literal hats-although I have sported a blue bandana the past few days-much too sexy to relveal online, I asure you. OK. Some of you Mom's have had your kids go back to school and actually sat down and sighed and had some time to yourself, maybe to blog or something equally fun. I have been elected the construction worker. This is not a hat I want to keep. I have recently learned to do knock down texture and have primed and painted too many walls and ceilings in Allisons 3 closets-did I mention one was the size of a small country- and our former fireplace area. Let me back up a bit to before I advanced to the lofty position. This paraphrase of Matthew and I, as near as I can remember-no need to embellish on this one.

He is off early from work last Tuesday and we are building the closets. I am his glorified assistant since none of the children are around. I start out kind of happy just to be with my husband and I am really happy to see the last of the sheetrock dust and get everything put away.

For those of you who might not know, Matthew is an animal as a worker. He can drive much younger men into dispair. Ask Travis, who spent 14 hours one day framing an additional room on the barn/apartment. Working with Matthew is SERIOUS work. There is no jovial and much sweat.

As the glorified assistant I wasn't required to do much and I was thinking about all the things that I needed to do and really trying to plan an escape. I tried several tactics, "I have to go to the bathroom, are we almost done?" "You know I haven't eaten lunch yet and I am pretty hungry for that yummy salad I get?" (When that is sounding good I am feeling desperate). Matthew then procedes to tell me that I needed to buck up a bit, that hunger and bathroom pains will pass and he also had the incredible nerve to suggest that Megan must have gotten her tactics from me. Megan isn't our best worker and that wasn't meant as a compliment.

I did eventually get a bathroom break and my salad. I also got bored and started doing the knockdown part of the texture. Once you learn a skill, you are put to work in that area. It was probably a mistake to ever start it. I can say that it wasn't boring but Matthew moved on to bigger things and I took it over. Then I started the primer. Everyone left the next day for work and school and Matthew told me to finish it up. I don't want to paint anymore, especially ceilings. Had to do it all twice-prime and then paint. We are still in the process of finishing up Allisons closets-doors and mouldings and I have trim to paint everywhere, once it is up.

One thing I can say. No matter how hard I think I am working Matthew is steady as a rock and he never stops. It is downright scary for the rest of us.

I have been planning my retirement as a painter until I found Megan found the wallpaper remover and went to town on that. She has really been motivated to do her room and she is bringing me colors. I don't know if you can understand this but it will be easier to paint her room so that we don't have to talk about it any more. After she finishes all of the wallpaper removal which I hope takes a while????

First Day of School

2008-09-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the summer is already over. The kids started back this morning and I am left to clean up the sheetrock dust from every nook and cranny in the house. That would be from the new wall where the fire place used to be-and upstairs in Allison's changed room with a new closets for family storage and for Allison-here's to being organized, continually. I look forward to it being painted and done-that would probably be me too-before I go to school in a couple weeks. In the meantime I need to pick up a few text books and start learning ECG's and start preparing for my quarter.

Last night Megan thought we should have a tradition of sweedish pancakes on the first day of school-she said that we did it before a couple years ago. No problem. I only have this couple weeks before I am the first to leave in the morning, so breakfast by Mom is a limited edition-unfortunately for them. I still can't believe summer is over. I am not ready to start school again yet.

Progress

2008-08-23T09:31:00.001-07:00

I realized I didn't ever have a good photo of the new kids bathroom so I added it up here.

The siding is finished. We will be putting stone on the lower part and are in the process of paint colors-not painting yet. In the meantime there is still stuff going on inside too. Allison's new closet in works and the wall where the fireplace used to be and the new french doors and mouldings around them. The fun continues! Always. K

Excuse Our Dust

2008-08-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

Why is it when you need a mild day it is blazing hot and when you want the heat it rains? Yesterday Matthew dropped 7 lbs on the scale. He is already down quite a bit from his vigorous diet and exercise program. He spent 10 hours on the roof building the new dormer and it was hot outside. There was a line up at church for volunteers on the new weight loss plan-all women! If they only knew. He jumped in the ice cold creek 2 times to cool off. Jordan and his friend Justin were helping yesterday and they also did the "cool dips" and probably dropped some weight as well. As you can see all our siding is gone. anything with mold has been replaced and the rest of it recieved an anti-mold bleach treatment. We have a crew working on the siding and we are in the process of picking out the colors for the new house, which will have a new photo when done. In the mean time it is next to impossible to keep anything clean inside but I did a big scrub and mop anyway.

The girls quilts

2008-08-17T12:40:00.001-07:00

Here are Megans and Allison's Quilts. Mom Peterson helped me make Megans. It was so much fun that I made one for Allison too. Allison's is music notes and stripes and dots. I am having someone with a machine quilt them for us. It was on my list of things to do this summer. I love quilting, I could just keep going, but life interferes. I want to make one for Jordan too.

The Summer Project

2008-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I don't think it is the same in every family but in our family there is always a project to build, change or do something around the house. Matthew is constantly planning things. This year we had the plans to re-do the kids bathroom. One of the things we wanted to do was put a window in the shower for outside ventilation. This lead to the discovery of the plumbing leak that had rotted some of the plywood behind the bathroom and spread. We ended up having to pull all our siding off and we are now in the process of re-siding along with a few of the future projects that we were not ready to do at this time. Like a big dormer on the front of the house and french doors instead of the sliders and removing the fireplace. In the meantime the bathroom is beautiful. Big thanks to David and Tanja and family for bringing his cultured granite out and installing it. The photo on right is the new cultured granite. The one on the left is the black mold found under the old tile. If you want to look at Davids website and the types of granite that he does go to www.elitemarble.net/ He is in Salt Lake City area.

All in a Lather

2008-07-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

Finally I have done it-had a little soap marathon. My friend Sandi, alias Mrs. Jabber (I am Mrs. Jibber) came to my aid and we turned out the soap. I did two of the 42 bar batches the day before, a mint soap and the anise/fishermans soap. Sandi and I made a 42 bar lavender spearmint, and half batches of Pear Musk, Lemon Verbena Mint, Cucumber Cantelope and a citrus blend of Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon and Lime. I will put some photos of the soap on here. So since I am sharing recipes how about this one. I do Tallow Soap from the fat I render off our steers and that is mixed with Olive oil and coconut oil and I do an all vegetable soap.
18 oz lye added to just shy 2 quarts water. Set aside to cool to 120-125. remember lye is deadly poison and will burn on contact so don't touch it or smell it or anything. Mask and gloves are required-just poor into water and stand back and stir.
In large pan:
18 oz palm oil, 36 oz olive oil, 36 oz coconut oil, 27 oz canola oil.
Melt everything and when temperatures are about even-around 125 with the lye slightly cooler-mix together, we recommend a stick blender. This is where the magic begins. There is a chemical reaction called saponification that happens when you mix this poison and fat, it will start to change and look like vanilla pudding. It will become thick-the trace stage-you can put a spoon through it and it leaves a trace-that is when you pour it into moulds. When it just starts to thicken you add your fragrance and colors and pour into moulds. Place a towel over the top and put it under a bed or somewhere you want to enjoy the smell the next day or two. My kids all want to have them in their rooms for most types. As it gets hard you will have to remove it from the mold and let it cure 10-14 days. Gloves required when removing.

I have Millers soap link on my blog. I learned all the basics from her. I buy my fragrances from www.wholesaleplus.com and www.sweetcakes.com Kathy Miller has links to everything anyone would need. Anyway, thought it might be fun to share that recipe. You might want to cut it down a whole bunch? Kerry

We Love Dworshak

2008-07-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

We went camping a week in the Idaho Clearwater wilderness at Dworshak Resevoir-east of Moscow Idaho. It was fabulous. The resevoir was 54 miles and the water was 80 degrees. We only had wind on one day. So perfect water for skiing and boating. We went with our friends the Larsen's and the Rice's and our boats and rented the 4 air conditioned cabins at the campground. The best camping experience I have ever had. We will definately go back. Megan took a picuture of a smiling squirrel and accidently deleted it. We are going to try and recover it and post it. It was a classic. I can't believe how quickly the summer is going.

Why Do We Need All the Stuff?

2008-06-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been cleaning out my office. I got a new/used desk set-I might have to submit a photo of the new improved office-and so I went through every file and piece of paper that I had, and it was plenty. I got rid of plenty but I still kept stuff that I think "I need". I have thought a lot about what "I need", I know that if I were to die that someone would take one look at much of what I have and dump it. That isn't even counting what is on the computer!

When Jordan was a baby we lived with Matthew's Grandma and she passed away. We went through her house to help clean everything out. Did anyone want all her saved stuff? Not really, it was her stuff. I am pretty good about getting rid of stuff, and still I have too much. We have a whole barn full of stuff. Every sport and hobbie you aquire has a whole set of "stuff", like boating stuff, camping stuff, snow stuff, soap stuff, tool stuff.... The list is as long as our interests. It is crazy keeping it all organized and getting down the what you really need....In the meantime, one office down, everyones clossets and drawers to go.....

Recipe for Brown Rice/Spanish Rice

2008-06-25T19:03:00.001-07:00

Costco has this great brown rice/wild rice mix. I make this on the weeks I have rice and keep in fridge and heat as needed. Everyone likes it. If I need to eat something healthy I try and find a way to make it taste really good.

I do a big batch-6 cups water-3 heaping tablespoons tomatoe bullion (Mexican food selection-Knorr) to the water and when it boils add 2 cups of the rice. Stir once. This is a big key (not to stir). Cook it about 45 minutes-or until water is all absorbed (tip the pan to side to make sure) then fluff with a fork.

Fresh Salsa

2008-06-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Another family favorite with the food processor. If you made the Ugly Chicken Soup then you have a half white onion and half bunch of cilantro already for this one. Choose your tomatoes really firm-I usually use Roma's. I don't know how many maybe 10-12. Tomatoes in the processor and then into a large bowl. Then the onion, cilantro (tops) and a couple jalapenos (how hot do you like it?) and mix. Next add 1/2-1 head of cabbage, a couple tablespoons of salt and the juice of a couple limes. If you get it too hot the limes cut the jalapenos some. Yum yum.

Recipe for Ugly Chicken Soup

2008-06-21T16:23:00.001-07:00

This is a family favorite. I made it up a few years ago. It has a Mexican flair. It is called ugly chicken soup because it is kind of ugly. That is because I put all the veggies through the food processor to disguise them so my children would eat them. I have had more then a few people look at it and say, "maybe just a taste", then eat the whole thing and want more.

I am going to give you the short and easy way. This happens when you are in a hurry and you bring home an already rotissorie chicken from Costco and take the meat off it for the soup. You can also cook a chicken from scratch.

In a large pot add: A large container of spicy V8 juice, and 2 chicken broth boxes (or if you made your own...) Add a few Tablespoons of salt, a teaspoon of crushed garlic. Get out the food processor (everything else goes in) and put in a half to whole white onion, half bunch tops of cilantro and mix and add. Next do some celery-I probably use half a bunch. Then add sweet peppers, yellow, red, and orange (one of each), and a chayote squash (Mexican section of veggies). Next about 1/2 head of cabbage. Add the juice of a couple limes and the chicken. Cook about 20 minutes. That's it.
You can add beans, pasta or anything you like but that is the recipe I make.

About the slide show

2008-06-21T16:19:00.001-07:00

It seems like the photos are tiny but I put a variety of photos from this spring on here. Some from Hawaii, soccer, the yard in bloom, Jordan Jr/Sr prom, Seaside and Allison's 6th grade graduation. I hope you enjoy.

Life! After School Begins

2008-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

So I am happy to report that there is life after finals! I don't feel "free" yet. Matthew and I were gone all yesterday and today I started contemplating my plan for digging into the bowels of the house. It is fairly constipated (every drawer and closset) so it will be a process that might take some time to get everything done. Something to plug away at in my spare time!

It looks like it might be summer today 75 degrees-hopefully not our only day of summer but just in case we are taking to boat to the lake. Matthew is working and Travis is working so Jordan and I are up to bat for the whole boat thing. It should be fun.

While I was wiping off the top of the fridge I came across an item that made me smile. In our house Jordan first named it the "bug whip" and Allison named it the "fly spanker". That is how the common fly swatter became an object that still makes us smile. Well, off to have some summer. Stay tuned for our summer project... K

I have finally arrived!

2008-06-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do this for a while. My schedule has been a bit crazy with nursing school on top of everything else. But next week is my final and I am off for the summer! WHOOOOWHOO. Can you hear me whoop that one up!

I am almost out of soap, a natural disaster in my house (and my friends) and since I make it I had better get busy!

My house needs every drawer and closet gone through. I am commited to an exercise program along with an eating healthy program. I plan to play with the family and go boating and maybe even cook some meals, plenty of healthy meals-they can hardly wait. I will share my best recipes right here.

This is a great way to journal some of my life. I have not been good at keeping up in that area. I wear so many hats (metaphorically speaking) and I want to keep a record of my life and that of my family for a while. Plus a movie review, I see enough of them and whatever else I think might be entertaining and fun! Welcome, if anyone reads this!