tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73804642762504518882024-02-19T08:03:07.812-05:00Purse Full of CurlersThe musings and ramblings of me.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-20038505425196724112010-08-05T12:31:00.000-04:002010-08-05T12:34:46.051-04:00A comeback?It seems I can post from my blackberry. <br /><br />After such a long absence, I may start blogging again. <br /><br />So much has happened. MSH and I have become parents to our beautiful Savannah Marie. He has a new job, and we're currently on vacation!<br /><br />I'll try to post again soon.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-160564854231686762009-03-10T08:50:00.002-04:002009-03-10T17:14:48.455-04:00GrandmotherIn memory of my grandmother, Vyrtes, November 30, 1920 to March 8, 2009.<br /><br />One of my earliest memories is of running around Grandmother's house wiggling my fingers with long shoots of aloe taped to the tips. I was curious as to what was on top of the stove, and I put my hand on a hot eye. I don't remember what I was after or even what it felt like. All I remember is that Grandmother took care of me.<br /><br />I remember sitting at her green Formica kitchen table in the house on South Capitol Parkway, eating fresh cherry tomatoes so sweet I couldn't get enough. She warned me that biting into them the way I was might lead to disastrous results. I didn't listen and wound up with juice and seeds dribbling down my chin and all over my shirt and the table. She just laughed, as she did so well, and cleaned me up while so I could snack on more of those wonderful tomatoes.<br /><br />Grandmother had high standards. She expected you to be honest, do your best, and act right. She was such a lovely woman, with silky blond curls, beautiful blue eyes, porcelain skin and an infectious smile. She was full of love and trust and devotion.<br /><br />She was Sister to eleven, Mother to six, Grandmother to twelve, Great-Grandmother to eleven, even Great-Great Grandmother to one, plus more by marriage or circumstance, Grandmother loved her family. You could see her face light up and a big smile appear the moment we bounded up the steps or opened her door. I believe some of her favorite times were at the family reunions in Highland Home where she could be surrounded by the family she loved so well. She always thanked us for visiting and shared hugs and kisses and sweet treats or little tokens to show her appreciation for coming to help her or just to sit and talk with her. Even after her words left her, during those last few months, she would glow at the sight of Daddy. I was able to visit her several weeks ago, and hold her delicate hand while she stared at him lovingly. She was still wearing one of the silvery rings that we had used to decorate poems at my wedding.<br /><br />I remember her laughter. Not the jokes or stories, but laughter and her smile. I remember kisses and hugs and "I love you"s. If I listen closely, I can almost hear her voice telling me of the old ways, how to treat any ailment, how the world was different when she was a little girl, how they made almost everything from scratch. I remember her telling me with pride what a lady her mother was. I remember her devotion to Granddaddy. I remember her trusting nature and loving spirit. Mostly, I remember her. One day, I hope to proudly tell my children and grandchildren what a lady my grandmother was.<br /><br />Memories in the Heart<br /><br />Feel no guilt in laughter, she knows how much you care<br />Feel no sorrow in a smile that she’s not here to share<br />You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to<br />She’d hope that you can carry on, the way you always do<br />So talk about the good times and the ways you showed you cared<br />The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared<br />Let memories surround you.<br /><br />A word someone may say<br />Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day<br />That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here<br />And fills you with the feelings that she is always near<br />For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart<br />And she will live forever locked safe within your heart<br /><br />ANONLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-17364819750180897032009-02-22T22:12:00.003-05:002009-02-22T22:22:54.467-05:00Done!The mantra of this weekend has been "Done!"<br /><br />Done!--Federal, Georgia, and Virginia tax returns. Yes, I do our taxes myself, and no, I won't do yours unless I really really like you.<br /><br />Done!--painting the trim and touching up the walls in our now blue guest bathroom.<br /><br />Done!--caulking around the tub, sink, and window in the blue bathroom.<br /><br />Done!--planning dinner menu for my cousin's visit on Wednesday.<br /><br />Done!--a blog post before the end of the weekend (barely).<br /><br />Yet, my to do list seems so long still. Please let me know if you're interested in volunteering.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-86814682578070661982009-02-19T19:41:00.003-05:002009-02-21T21:35:23.496-05:00It's been WAY too longOK, so I know that I haven't posted anything in like over 6 months, but I'm back. I promise.<br /><br />We've moved into our first house; I've had a temp job and gotten a real job; we've adopted a dog; and I've been able to see my family more times in the last 6 months than in all of the last 4 years combined. I've also started a quilt, started making napkins and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">place mats</span> for my mother, and started an exercise routine, none of which I have completed. It's been wonderful.<br /><br />I haven't been blogging because I've been busy and lazy. We're finally getting settled into a routine, and I even have photos of 2 new recipes, our house, and the dog to share with you. But first I have to get the photos off my laptop. My Sweet Husband has taken my laptop out of town with him, so I won't be able to get those posts done until he gets back Saturday.<br /><br />So, lets just ignore the fact that I've taken a 6 month hiatus and get back to what's really important--food, crafts, family, and memories, with a few opinions thrown in for good measure.<br /><br />I hope I haven't lost my 4 readers during my period of neglect. I'll be before the weekend ends with another post. Until then, my dears, good night. I feel better already.<br /><br />LauraLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-57211739282718963342008-08-01T14:16:00.004-04:002008-08-01T15:14:32.699-04:00My Husband Rocks! Friday 8/1/2008At the wedding shower my aunts Ola and Dot hostessed for me, all the attendees wrote advice on little pieces of paper for me. My aunts collected them and put them in a little book with each person's photograph from the shower next to their advice. I love this little book of wisdom from my family and friends, and I re-read it often. Doing this post each Friday reminds me of the advice my mother wrote, "Tell only the good, and forget the rest. No one needs to hear the bad." Or something similar, but that was the gist of the message. I don't have a perfect marriage or a perfect husband, but writing this post each week (even though I've only written one twice), helps me focus on the good things.<br /><br />Last week, I told you all that he cleans, but I didn't tell you that he cooks, too. And not just grilling, he loves to make pasta dishes, homemade pizzas, different kinds of garlic bread, and soups, just to name a few. He's a whiz with grilling and barbecue, too. <br /><br />In the last few weeks, he's been cooking a lot while I apply for jobs or take a nap or get a pedicure, and it's been great. He made a blackened chicken pasta with sun-dried tomato garlic bread that he saw Guy Fieri make on the Food Network, a seafood chicken alfredo that he dreamed up and a sour-cream/chive/garlic bread. He's discovered a love for basil, and has been mixing it into our salads--yum! Most of what he makes is just flying by the seat of his pants, tossing whatever he finds in the cupboard, fridge, or freezer together, and cooking it all up. It usually turns out to be delicious! He's not one for measuring or precision, but his kind of cooking is nice and fun for him and my tummy. It's nice to know that if I ever break both my arms, he can keep us fed without relying on Domino's, Taco Bell, McDonalds, and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_0yQ6tulc4&feature=related">Big Chicken</a>!<br /><br />So, my husband rocks for many reasons, one of which is that he cooks!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-59406002429284802222008-07-29T08:55:00.004-04:002008-07-29T10:59:43.699-04:00Happy Birthday, Betsy!My precious, precocious first niece, my baby, is turning 6 today. I can't believe how fast she's grown. She was born 2 days after I got married, while I was on my honeymoon, so our meeting was delayed a little. From the moment I saw her, I was completely in love. She's a beautiful young girl, and smart and funny. She loves being the center of attention and being a big sister.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC7M4-3Q9y39IBrNWFw088nbNNfBxVdhyGLya8RJ9BuPcHmPBOOWXl53Eny3asU7tuMwIFOMqIXelNQA0cQ8YnpRDRDqhyrA_-yE2MWL5c2dY7r0M7bvCrBr1euIgKXmj0wEAKDfmmDA/s1600-h/P1010025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228420544533405858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC7M4-3Q9y39IBrNWFw088nbNNfBxVdhyGLya8RJ9BuPcHmPBOOWXl53Eny3asU7tuMwIFOMqIXelNQA0cQ8YnpRDRDqhyrA_-yE2MWL5c2dY7r0M7bvCrBr1euIgKXmj0wEAKDfmmDA/s400/P1010025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Until she was about 2, she was scared of MSH. He's so tall and has a deep voice and picks on her. Then, something changed and she decided that she loves MSH and loves for him to "get her". He is her jungle gym and a constant source of fun and amusement for her. She always asks to talk to him on the phone when I call. Daddy told me the other day that she loves to talk so much that when she runs out of true stories, she starts making them up.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fp8mswkAQq7ppuOYADi0xb0zJ7A9eEy0nvUeO7oYTyvW2GMybFzPOv5Lx0gPLhqtWxUpohyphenhyphenZ2t7VCebMDZPXs44_lO7IA-_-FkQFcNHFv5D0sVO3Emx1695G7eqPirZbgMwawy_obFQ/s1600-h/P1010021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228420548348493778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fp8mswkAQq7ppuOYADi0xb0zJ7A9eEy0nvUeO7oYTyvW2GMybFzPOv5Lx0gPLhqtWxUpohyphenhyphenZ2t7VCebMDZPXs44_lO7IA-_-FkQFcNHFv5D0sVO3Emx1695G7eqPirZbgMwawy_obFQ/s400/P1010021.jpg" border="0" /></a>She's such a sweet girl, too. Like I did with my aunts, she always wants to see what's in my purse, to have her face made up with my make up, and to use my lotion. Of course, I always let her, just like my aunts always did. This past Christmas, I took her Christmas shopping to buy gifts for her grandparents, sister, and parents. She picked out gifts with enthusiasm and real consideration for what each person would like. She picked out a French Soap for my mother, which I explained was soap from France. She later told everyone that she bought my mom "Soap of Ants". She even made sure to get something for her cousin Richard, even though he wasn't on our list.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdGEE8utlalnjzcc-lczLyYBuVSkIoUS5j2MgoGQ-dVsRXnhyphenhyphenRyyBqSU6RSmjDKO_PJBr6fENum90TWe5fQXinBP434JGI5jm27yXL09AafwOhgtuicxmh1ocdrHM_z91Cf9x9IPu2cY/s1600-h/bkrbonnet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228420585618945106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdGEE8utlalnjzcc-lczLyYBuVSkIoUS5j2MgoGQ-dVsRXnhyphenhyphenRyyBqSU6RSmjDKO_PJBr6fENum90TWe5fQXinBP434JGI5jm27yXL09AafwOhgtuicxmh1ocdrHM_z91Cf9x9IPu2cY/s400/bkrbonnet.jpg" border="0" /></a> Less than six too short years ago, she was my belly-baby in a bonnet. She still has the same big blue eyes, but she's lost the baby rolls. Now, she's a tall, slender beautiful girl, full of creativity and spunk. I can't wait to tell her that we're moving to Georgia and that we'll be able to see her much more often.<br /></p><p>Happy Birthday, Betsy. We love you. From Uncle MSH and Aunt Me.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-54105514382453014272008-07-28T15:11:00.004-04:002008-07-28T16:16:44.897-04:00The imperfect wife<div>I'm terribly, terribly ashamed of myself and my husband. If you've read any of my blog or if you know me in person, you know I love my husband, and I know I love my husband, and I know my husband loves me. But yesterday, yesterday, I'll never live down yesterday. You see, I forgot and he forgot that yesterday was our sixth anniversary. I feel lower than low, lower than I've ever felt, terrible really because it never even dawned on me. I talked about it 2 weeks ago, then we spent 5 days in Georgia, looking at houses, and we forgot. I'm a week off, I keep thinking that it's last week, but that's no excuse. I'm just lame.</div><br /><div></div><div>Yesterday afternoon, we're sitting at Firestone, waiting for an oil change, when MSH's dad emails him. MSH checks his blackberry and sees that his sweet father has wished us a happy anniversary. At which point he informs me that it is our anniversary, and I have to start laughing to cover the fact that I'm crying. I mean, crying in the greeting card aisle at Wal-Mart is one thing, but crying at Firestone without a huge repair bill looking you in the face is completely unacceptable. I can't believe it.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, to celebrate, we had lunch from McDonald's. Later I made a peach cobbler, because peaches are MSH's favorite and I'm trying to use up all the food in the house before we move. And for our big anniversary dinner--frozen lasagna, well it was frozen when we bought it, I did heat it up before we ate it. </div><div></div><br /><div>I think my need to explain things like that is my father's influence. He would have responded to that statement with "Why would you eat frozen lasagna? Was your oven broken? Even if it was, you could have let it thaw first. You must have been really hungry." or something similar. This type of thing usually resulted in a big eye-roll from me or my brothers, followed by a <em>"Da-addy" </em>and further unnecessary explanation, so in order to preempt this, we learned to fully explain every detail before he had a chance to get us. Looking back, I think it was funny, but at the time, I found it exasperating. But I've always been completely in love with my Daddy, exasperation and all.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>OK, I admit, that was a little bit rambling and tangential, but that's just who I am.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4RJZaFt3QNXIHD0HBvkBZYJ-5iZbFzN5t6P-Y6Bv7SyAzFEM76VgxKn41OQtvSyhRaVeOT1rAx3Qll2-dOc7_n__CbDGdXqfwFqFy_E8EWhPS7kA0OMnhbuxGoOCr7gvi8em-OD6O0Y/s1600-h/msh+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228154483243294130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4RJZaFt3QNXIHD0HBvkBZYJ-5iZbFzN5t6P-Y6Bv7SyAzFEM76VgxKn41OQtvSyhRaVeOT1rAx3Qll2-dOc7_n__CbDGdXqfwFqFy_E8EWhPS7kA0OMnhbuxGoOCr7gvi8em-OD6O0Y/s400/msh+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>This photo was taken on our honeymoon. I apologize for the quality, it's a scan of a low-quality copy of a snapshot from a roll of film that was x-rayed 17 times. But, you get the idea. It's one of my favorite pictures of him. What a handsome man I have. When my Granny met him, her first observation was, "Well, he's a tall somebody, ain't he?" Yes, Granny, he is a tall somebody. And six years into this life together, I'm glad to have this "tall somebody", everyday.<br /><br /><div>Today, I don't feel quite so bad, mostly because I'm an indignant person, and MSH keeps trying to make me feel guilty by pointing out that he remembered first. To which I respond that being reminded by your father is not the same as remembering. So, because he's trying to make me feel guilty, I actually don't feel as bad because I'm all about being a rebel, sometimes.<br /></div><div>So, Happy Anniversary, MSH! I may have forgotten on the date, but I've never forgotten how much I love you. I am thankful for every day of the last six years and look forward to at least 60 more. And, I forgive you for forgetting our anniversary, and from this point forward, I'm going to chalk it up to living in the moment and not dwelling on the past because that makes me feel better about myself.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-40374350192219856032008-07-25T15:36:00.005-04:002008-07-25T16:06:31.127-04:00My Husband Rocks! FridayI know I missed it last week, but we were up to our eyeballs in house-hunting. We did find one, but it's not quite a done deal yet, so I'll wait until it is to share. Plus, today is about MSH and another reason why he rocks.<br /><br />The photos in this post have nothing to do with the post other than MSH is in them, and I love the way he interacts with our nephew, Richard, in these pictures. MSH had fallen asleep on the couch at my brother's house, and Richard, upon hearing him snore, had to go and investigate. So, he crawled into MSH's lap, waking him in the process, and they hung out for a little while.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zjwf7VC0Dd6eTrBQX58TwoiwPQDXP7Hemfafof38NCJrzTdt9PMtIUWMzGGOo0v4VO0FDv8-eDUOQT_T21NTHbkqd2n5U4S5wDaJU1wtg-9rb7-urGCRPJT0EoZNPRbiy5hpWtWkQbE/s1600-h/DSC00044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227040421453244338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zjwf7VC0Dd6eTrBQX58TwoiwPQDXP7Hemfafof38NCJrzTdt9PMtIUWMzGGOo0v4VO0FDv8-eDUOQT_T21NTHbkqd2n5U4S5wDaJU1wtg-9rb7-urGCRPJT0EoZNPRbiy5hpWtWkQbE/s400/DSC00044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSsYPaWZqtmq_skAu-1Wi6aGFRXYC4ut1KIhUzh5OBqFDGahS02DopW_1GQLydCuKkASCz5DdvzSZOLj3iYS9efdke9YimBqs_5mEoTUDToyPPXbsyOOdaXJYBOpCyUzxBBwqzeygC0s/s1600-h/DSC00045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227040426436028402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSsYPaWZqtmq_skAu-1Wi6aGFRXYC4ut1KIhUzh5OBqFDGahS02DopW_1GQLydCuKkASCz5DdvzSZOLj3iYS9efdke9YimBqs_5mEoTUDToyPPXbsyOOdaXJYBOpCyUzxBBwqzeygC0s/s400/DSC00045.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>On to why MSH rocks! He really helps me with so much. We both work, full time, so it only make sense that we divide the housework, too. It's not exactly always 50/50, but it's close, and there are days when he does more than I. I really started thinking about this earlier this week. </p><p>I mentioned something about him putting groceries away to one of my co-workers, and her response was, "You let him put the groceries away?" My response was, "Of course, he's perfectly capable of putting items into the refrigerator." This wasn't the first time we'd had an exchange like this. Then it sort of hit me, there are all these women out there who don't get help around the house, either because their husband's just don't do it or because they don't trust their husbands to do a good job. </p><p>MSH is an intelligent person, and he cares about our home being clean. Is it spotless all the time? Of course not, but we don't live in filth, and I don't spend all my spare time cleaning. Is everything done exactly the way I want it? No, but it's not all done the way he wants it either. </p><p>I mentioned to my mom a while back that I wanted to stop using the disposable Clorox wipes to clean the counters, so I had to get MSH to start using a dishrag on the nights that he cleans the kitchen. She told me that if I had a husband who would wipe down the counters, I should let him use what ever he wants. It just reminded me how lucky I am. (We did stop using the wipes, though, and he didn't mind at all.)</p><p>I recently started a new cleaning schedule where I do a little each day, Monday through Friday, and have nothing left but the dishes on the weekends. He's jumped on the bandwagon and never looked back. I've always appreciated how much he does at home and even brag on him every chance I get.</p><p>My husband rocks for many reasons, one of which is that he cleans!</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-35248157673598164552008-07-17T16:01:00.005-04:002008-07-17T16:22:00.198-04:00And finally, we have lift off!<div>After spending the last 2 months wondering if MSH would be offered and accept the job in Georgia, then waiting for the Army to give us our Permanent Change of Station orders, then waiting for our travel orders to be approved, we're finally heading to Georgia tonight for our house-hunting trip. I know y'all just heard about the move last week, but this has been stressing me out since March!<br /></div><div>MSH had to take off work today to meet with the folks who handle the moving, so I've left the packing for this trip up to him since we didn't actually find out that we're leaving tonight until this morning. Here's hoping I don't spend the next 5 days in platform heels and hot pants (not that I acually own any hot pants, but you never know)! See y'all next week!<br /></div><div>Here's a little something to keep you smiling</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmQaOtcrZjaR0hsJIvEbsDBTRZ_ZW1rB_0qjVurE-dNnOpH9D6oDh1EwU6tpumiAW_Vsnkto1D6Hm9VlylfK4vJ-z8zbn0KFSmsI1OyLLS-v-k3w8oxrJbg-lpJnOAaUyC2MPOuvqg0A/s1600-h/P1010020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224080329161505106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmQaOtcrZjaR0hsJIvEbsDBTRZ_ZW1rB_0qjVurE-dNnOpH9D6oDh1EwU6tpumiAW_Vsnkto1D6Hm9VlylfK4vJ-z8zbn0KFSmsI1OyLLS-v-k3w8oxrJbg-lpJnOAaUyC2MPOuvqg0A/s400/P1010020.jpg" border="0" /></a> Aren't BK & Ivey growing up pretty?<br /><div></div><br /><div>PS Have you noticed my love of the parenthetical expression(I think it stems from my love of sarcasm) and my fondess of the word "so". I am so going to have to work on that.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-86724105470922021842008-07-11T13:11:00.003-04:002008-07-11T13:28:27.527-04:00My Husband Rocks! FridayI've joined the My Husband Rocks! Friday over at Katie Lin's blog <a href="http://honestandlasting.blogspot.com/">The Great Adventure</a>. So here's the first installment and a big announcement.<br /><br />My husband rocks because he got a new job in Marietta, GA. This means that we're moving back to the real south August 15th! I'm so excited. This is the something I promised to tell you about a few weeks ago when I told that I was trying to keep MSH from climbing the walls and chewing his fingers to nubs. It's another government job, and the government moves so slowly. The main reason for my lack of posts lately is that the anxiety about this has been drinking all of my creative juices. That, and this is the only thing I wanted to write about, but couldn't lest some one in my office found out before it was official. I know he just took a new job a couple of months ago, and it really pained him to have to tell them that he's leaving so soon, but this is what we've been working for since we moved away in 2004.<br /><br />So we will now be about 2 hours from our families. We will be able to buy a house with a yard maybe even one with a pool or on a lake. We will be able to send our future child(ren) to daycare if necessary for a reasonable amount of money. We may even be able to afford for me to stay home with our future child(ren) in a few years.<br /><br />We're hoping to take a house-hunting trip next weekend, and that it all goes well because we will have less than 30 days to find, buy, and close on a house. So my excitement is tinged with a lot of apprehension and stress, but balanced with so much happiness and relief. Now, I just have to tell my boss.<br /><br />So, my husband rocks for many reasons, one of which is that he's bringing me home.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-83616290377201644592008-06-11T08:29:00.006-04:002008-06-12T12:04:02.576-04:00Happy Birthday, MSH<em>The previously promised photos are up!</em><br /><br />This is the blog I intended for today, but the tomato thing was on my mind. But this one will be on top, so hopefully, it will get all the attention it deserves.<br /><br />Today is My Sweet Husband's birthday! I love this guy more than I can tell you. He's kind and smart and funny. He has strong moral convictions and a big heart, oh, and he's cute too. Even when he does this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5m843mSNg_8yepITvuz0ZBqh_TiFfdoui78Igvs4ir8CWaJLP81RCHbRAYq3lV_GBBYS2AULL-faCGzBfO1GDqjyY01g4vR8mO1n5cQyoP1-lXV0Vu_-l9BDnE2u8c-AwEo58qFW7ME/s1600-h/DSC01261.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210603729546602274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5m843mSNg_8yepITvuz0ZBqh_TiFfdoui78Igvs4ir8CWaJLP81RCHbRAYq3lV_GBBYS2AULL-faCGzBfO1GDqjyY01g4vR8mO1n5cQyoP1-lXV0Vu_-l9BDnE2u8c-AwEo58qFW7ME/s400/DSC01261.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stepping in front of my camera while I'm trying to take a photo of a blooming cherry tree, saying, "Oh, what, were you trying to take a picture of something?". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Butthead</span>.<br /><br />But, I love him because even though he does these things, they're funny and he's adorable. He's always been adorable. Just look at this and tell me I'm wrong.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNBXB_QBojpdfjoO9J2g6C1RV3QIel58H5EaT7X1pLQQOs6MeZAQuuCOkmlz5cC4oACHJBC5t2IzvUtR-_XP6uNAqYSacCNGhYVL8WfrFUKJxgbZQXUaRe-GowRdjsuC59xRRvx9dJwM/s1600-h/DSC01492.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211025787263376386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNBXB_QBojpdfjoO9J2g6C1RV3QIel58H5EaT7X1pLQQOs6MeZAQuuCOkmlz5cC4oACHJBC5t2IzvUtR-_XP6uNAqYSacCNGhYVL8WfrFUKJxgbZQXUaRe-GowRdjsuC59xRRvx9dJwM/s400/DSC01492.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This picture makes me want to have 15 babies that look just like this. I can't look at it very often because the neighbor upstairs calls and complains that the ticking of my biological clock is keeping her awake and scaring her cat every time I do.<br /><br />Oh, and don't tell him, but I'm giving him a party as his gift this year. I've taken all the decorations and plates and cups and balloons, etc. and put them all in a big box that I've wrapped with a note inside telling him about the party. I'll give it to him tonight at dinner. I've had such a hard time keeping this a secret. It's not that I'm afraid that some one else will tell him; it's just that I get so excited that I want to tell him so that I can see his reaction. Hopefully we'll be able to dance at the party because he's always had killer moves. See.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv47k45k1jWAznNjjqja0fRZ58g6LkFJcvqkNzaQ_Y41bS7kk5H_ndKDJ_xE_N8rnZQ7E2B9hlRkSbgt3hWY7jAsCMoL1mRbMYw85gZi_-_hpzppEQLERdhEWgaWcBwJXQ5qR3ut__aI/s1600-h/DSC01490.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211026097154623202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv47k45k1jWAznNjjqja0fRZ58g6LkFJcvqkNzaQ_Y41bS7kk5H_ndKDJ_xE_N8rnZQ7E2B9hlRkSbgt3hWY7jAsCMoL1mRbMYw85gZi_-_hpzppEQLERdhEWgaWcBwJXQ5qR3ut__aI/s400/DSC01490.JPG" border="0" /></a>I told you he's cute. And this picture makes me want to have 4o babies, so I never look at it. I wrote this whole post with my eyes closed so I wouldn't have to look at it. Because if I look at it, the seismic activity caused by the ticking would register on the Richter scale.<br /><br />I love you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MSH</span>. Happy Birthday!<br /><br />From MeLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-78594622986409439772008-06-11T08:07:00.003-04:002008-06-11T08:29:50.952-04:00Scary FoodsSo, as you may have guessed from this blog, I love food. Especially, homemade, fresh foods. But, I just have to ask, what is going on with all the contaminations of fresh vegetables? Of course, I'm talking about the tomato scare that's going on right now and the spinach fiasco from last year. It breaks my heart, especially the tomatoes, my favorite of all the veggies--although technically it's a fruit. If it smells like a vegetable, tastes like a vegetable, and is grown from a plant, it's a vegetable in my book. But, I digress.<br /><br />Vegetables are supposed to be a symbol of all that is healthy eating, a beacon of hope in the grocery store filled with sugary this and fat-laced that. In the last few years, we've seen huge beef recalls, E. coli infested spinach, and now tomatoes with salmonella. When will it end? Unfortunately, we don't have a yard to grow our own food in, and even if we did, my thumb is black as midnight--My Sweet Husband does all the plant-tending around here. Luckily, my favorite indulgence, the cherry tomatoes, have been spared, but how is a girl supposed to make a decent salad without tomatoes, and how is MSH supposed to enjoy his shrimp burritos without pico? The tomatoes growing on our balcony have started fruiting (is that the word?), but the tomatoes are still tiny and green and probably unfit for human consumption. So until this is all sorted out, I'm going to be encouraging our cherry tomatoes to act like big tomatoes and hoping that our tomato plants are bountiful and quick.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-62967271713486163002008-06-03T19:05:00.001-04:002008-06-03T19:19:54.503-04:00Recipe Review: Salsa Lime ChickenOK, I know my posting schedule has grown a bit wonky lately, but I've been trying to keep My Sweet Husband from climbing the walls and chewing his fingernails to nubs--I'll tell you all about <em>that</em> some day soon.<br /><br />At any rate, I do have a recipe for you--with photos--of a dish I made a week or so ago. It's based on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Applebee's</span> Fiesta Lime Chicken, formerly known as Tequila Lime Chicken. I never found out why they changed the name, and I worked for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Applebee's</span> at the time of the change. But, I was just a waitress and bartender; they didn't consult me about marketing decisions very often. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MSH</span> calls it "That Cheesy Chicken" which totally confuses me because the overwhelming flavor in this dish is not cheese, it's salsa, and I make a couple of other cheesy chicken dishes that have much more cheese than this one.<br /><br />Here's what you'll need for 2 servings, but it's easy to increase for more:<br /><br />2 chicken breast - or whatever cut you prefer<br />1 lime, cut in half and reserve 2 slices<br />1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing<br />1/2 cup salsa<br />1/3 cup shredded cheese, I usually use cheddar, but I had this Mexican Melting Cheese on hand<br />Spanish, Mexican, or Yellow rice<br />1 can corn, drained (I don't use this because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MSH</span> can't eat corn)<br />Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional)--We had chips & salsa as an appetizer that day, so I didn't bother with this, but I usually do for an additional texture.<br /><br />Here's what you do with it all:<br /><br />1. Start cooking the rice according to the instructions on the package.<br />2. Squeeze limes over chicken breasts. It helps if you poke holes in the chicken to increase the absorption of the lime juice. Set aside for at least 30 minutes. If you want it really limey, you can marinate this overnight.<br />3. Mix salsa and sour cream or ranch dressing.<br />4. Brown chicken in a skillet. You don't have to cook them all the way because we're going to stick them in the oven soon.<br />5. Transfer chicken to an oven-safe dish. Top with reserved lime slices.<br />6. Cover chicken with salsa mixture.<br />7. Bake at about 350 for 20 minutes or until chicken is done and no longer pink in the center.<br />8. Top with cheese and return to oven for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.<br />9. If you're using corn, mix it with the rice and let it heat up while the cheese melts.<br />10. Serve chicken beside or over rice. If your rice is on the side, that's the perfect excuse to spoon the sauce over it. Top chicken and rice with tortilla strips.<br /><br />Here's what it looks like when I make it.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjrY8EjK94yIgtoBYVwTgulEXpuoP72X0aMjAz4Nx2ZcD8XXnlqzxJsFCfrR3mjlOO7lk2lUUtvFdLZOxfkiKC2o6-0tBIhlyhMWzfIQea01E3VNfDvcdTI7lE0_3bIvDe_0nMZFJHfg/s1600-h/Salsa_Lime_Chicken%5B1%5D.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207796929718208530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjrY8EjK94yIgtoBYVwTgulEXpuoP72X0aMjAz4Nx2ZcD8XXnlqzxJsFCfrR3mjlOO7lk2lUUtvFdLZOxfkiKC2o6-0tBIhlyhMWzfIQea01E3VNfDvcdTI7lE0_3bIvDe_0nMZFJHfg/s400/Salsa_Lime_Chicken%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's what I made while I waited for the chicken to bake, because "I like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pina</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">coladas</span>" and it was about 150 degrees in my kitchen. I swear the kitchen is the hottest room in our home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RYS6Y5iDTjk9aWc1FLc3OZ3uIzSUgCM5eDmhoKg_hvVzVzset-RK770NvBybAe-UOwoR-oJUtqu7yZ4UGCqvZiw5vyErjD9XuKolTZ-2i5yaeiwAKDTzF3hFHuRJXeHwYB2nF7K_5hQ/s1600-h/DSC01474.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207362604037694706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RYS6Y5iDTjk9aWc1FLc3OZ3uIzSUgCM5eDmhoKg_hvVzVzset-RK770NvBybAe-UOwoR-oJUtqu7yZ4UGCqvZiw5vyErjD9XuKolTZ-2i5yaeiwAKDTzF3hFHuRJXeHwYB2nF7K_5hQ/s400/DSC01474.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Make this, eat it, and enjoy, but be prepared for your family or significant other or cats or your own tummy to ask you to make That Cheesy Chicken at least once a week!</p><p>By request from my sweet SIL Amanda, I will be posting a review for a dish I made Friday evening next.<br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-6058966776860667162008-05-28T11:56:00.007-04:002008-05-28T12:39:17.022-04:00Swap-bot teaserSo here's a clue about the item I'm making for the Crafty swap:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY9xE-8ye6gpJAXbVzA2w5fLR-dT_8xeYpihW48qaVPA18RZljzSXk3OQ6HPSDM4jbvfNdJ-ZaKJOmxzGY8cZM6Jmy4Ru6yjDXw_8CcN68SV-AgDAdlcQpQq5g7jXZiHtq7y8oQviwYk/s1600-h/DSC01487b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205459322692551794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY9xE-8ye6gpJAXbVzA2w5fLR-dT_8xeYpihW48qaVPA18RZljzSXk3OQ6HPSDM4jbvfNdJ-ZaKJOmxzGY8cZM6Jmy4Ru6yjDXw_8CcN68SV-AgDAdlcQpQq5g7jXZiHtq7y8oQviwYk/s400/DSC01487b.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>That's all until my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">swappee</span> receives it. </div><div> </div><div>Also, I've gotten 9 of the 10 blog links. Once I get them all, I'll post them here because I'm all about broadening your horizons.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-76652803672684182572008-05-27T15:43:00.003-04:002008-05-27T16:24:34.350-04:00Swap-BotI joined <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/">swap-bot.com</a> and signed up for 3 swaps initially. I can already see how this can get addictive. I got the idea from visiting <a href="http://suzyqsparkle.blogspot.com/">Suzy's blog</a> and seeing her apron swap results. So, I searched apron swap on Google and found swap-bot. Now, I didn't find any currently open apron swap, and I still haven't gotten my sewing machines into working order, so I didn't sign up for anything too heavy. Plus, a lot of the swaps shun newbies, I guess because of the high flaking percentage of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span>-rated users, people looking for free stuff without ever returning the favor.<br /><br />I signed up for the "Send some Blog Love" swap--easy enough, I just emailed 10 people my blog links and will receive 10 blog links to visit. I've received 6 so far, and I can foresee hours spent pouring over their archives.<br /><br />I joined the "Craft lovers begin your crafting" swap and already have an idea for my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">swapee</span> and have been contacted by my swapper. This was a no-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">brainer</span> for me. I'm always making things with no purpose for it and no one in particular to give it to just because I like to make things. With a real recipient in mind, this will be more fun.<br /><br />And, I enlisted in the "Ratings Booster #2" swap because it was the first one I saw for newbies. We haven't received our partners yet, so I haven't decided what to get/make for this one, but I'm supposed to mail 3 things to 2 people and receive 3 things from 2 other people.<br /><br />The whole point, I think, is to share with people that you otherwise wouldn't meet, and to try to send them things they would like. I'll keep you updated on how things go.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-64666437326987380752008-05-26T14:02:00.001-04:002008-05-27T15:40:19.487-04:00Ich Habe Genug"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ich_habe_genug"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ich</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Habe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Genug</span></a>", the title of a cantata by Bach, it's a German phrase meaning, "I have enough". Although the cantata is about a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disdain</span> for worldly life and a yearning for death to expedite the reward of heaven, I've been thinking about all the earthly connotations since I read about it on a blog a few weeks ago. I've come to realize that I need to apply the philosophy of<br />"I Have Enough" to my life more.<br /><br />I'm so caught up in the things I want, the things I hope for, the things I pray for, that I often forget to see the things I have.<br /><br />I want to move back closer to our family, so usually I don't notice all the cool things that we can do because we live so close to DC.<br /><br />I want to move into a larger home, so often I don't realize how easy it is to clean this one.<br /><br />I pray that we have children soon, but I need to cherish this time I have with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MSH</span> all to myself.<br /><br />I hope for a better job, but the one that I have provides a good income and little stress.<br /><br />I have this list of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">desirables</span> on the side of my page, but truly, I have everything I need. The things I don't have just force me to be more inventive in my approach to solving problems.<br /><br />I should always remember, that despite all the things I want I have a loving, kind husband, a wonderful family-including my in-laws, a good job, a nice place to live, expendable income, more food than I need, more clothes than I can wear, beautiful days, a sharp mind, nimble hands, talents, creativity, and potential. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ich</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">habe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">genug</span>.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-38671753773486685402008-05-20T16:22:00.006-04:002008-05-20T16:41:10.731-04:00I'm Still Alive, I PromiseJust wanted to let you all know that I'm still here and alive. I'm working on a big post with lots of photos, and my laptop is fighting me all the way. So, hopefully, I'll have it up before 2090.<br /><br />I've also been working on ideas for MSH's birthday next month. I've never really had a party for him, and our home is too small to host one. Therefore, I've been trying to come up with ideas on where to have an inexpensive get-together. I've also been researching cakes and found this <a href="http://www.womansday.com/recipe/flipflops_cake-2141.html">flip-flop cake</a> that I can make, but instead of flip-flops, I'm want to make it look like Birkenstock sandals. If you have any suggestions for candies that will look like the brown suede straps on sandals, please leave me a comment. I'm a little bit wary of trying to make them out of fondant considering I've never used it before.<br /><br />MSH is settling into his new job, but he's had a run of bad luck lately. eBay canceled his auction for a DirecTV receiver because DirecTV told them that he was selling proprietary information. It took him most of the day on Saturday to get that straightened out. He was sick on Sunday and couldn't help me with laundry and grocery shopping and doing the dishes (okay, so that was my bad luck, too, but he was really suffering). Then, last night, he dropped his brand-new 15-day old Blackberry less than 3 inches. Unfortunately, it hit the corner of the table at just the wrong angle and cracked the screen.<br /><br />I'm getting used to driving the 5 miles between his office and mine with only a couple of unfortunate incidents last week. It's been raining buckets here the last few weeks. There've been flood worries because the ground is so soaked, so I'm looking forward to some sunshine and 80 degree weather soon, even if I have to make it myself! So keep checking back for the big post--it's about a time that MSH surprised me big time, but that's all I'm going to tell you.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-84806592654231365902008-05-16T20:25:00.003-04:002008-05-16T20:38:08.074-04:00Recipe Review: Tropical TornadoSummer's approaching; I can feel it. Despite the recent way too chilly temperatures around here, I know it's coming, and I'm longing for umbrella drinks. Recently, we stumbled upon a new one on the back of our Captain Morgan's Pineapple Rum bottle. It's called a Tropical Tornado, and it made me wish I had a hollowed coconut, an umbrella in my drink, and my toes in the sand.<br /><br />Here's the recipe:<br /><br />1 oz Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay Pineapple Rum<br />1 oz Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay Coconut Rum<br />Splash of Grenadine<br />Orange Juice<br />Ice<br /><br />Fill glass with ice. Add rums, grenadine, and orange juice. Stir.<br /><br />That's it. Now, I'm warning you about this drink. It's what I call a "sneaky drink". It tastes so good that you don't realize how fast you're drinking it or how much alcohol you're consuming until you try to stand up after your sixth one and your legs don't work. But, if all you have to do is sit on the beach all day and occasionally flip to keep your color even, then that's OK. If that's not your situation, then do like I do and keep a close count of what you've drunk. MSH loves 'em too.<br /><br />**Please drink responsibly, even if you are on the beach with nothing else to do but flip occasionally.**Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-46085078097177894112008-05-13T11:37:00.003-04:002008-05-13T12:09:27.578-04:00Reason # 854 Why I Love MSHHe's such a sweet nerd. I mean that in the best possible way. I'm a nerd and always have been, but he's grown into his nerdiness. This quality became quite apparent today when I saw an invitation he sent to some of his friends to celebrate his last day.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Subject: Drinks tomorrow after work?<br /><br />I'll buy the first 2 rounds if you'll drink'em...with or without EtOH.<br />Your choice.<br />Thursday(tomorrow) 4:30 till 6<br />RSVP ASAP so I can call in reservations</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"></span><br />EtOH = Ethyl Alcohol or booze. How adorable is that? Of course, the email went to a bunch of scientists, so it was appropriate. Just seeing that brought a smile to my face.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-41040336662299641822008-05-09T15:24:00.004-04:002008-05-09T15:54:36.976-04:00Recipe Review: Grilled Polenta with Shrimp & EscaroleGrilled Po-What? with Shrimp and Esca-Who? This was an early experiment using eatingwell.com. I had never tasted Polenta or even heard of Escarole, but it looked interesting so I decided to try <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/polenta_with_shrimp.html">Grilled Polenta with Shrimp & Escarole</a>. I figured that polenta would be kind of like grits, and I love shrimp and grits, but I was a little wary of the escarole. Well, my wariness would never really be put to rest. My grocery store doesn't carry escarole, so I substituted collard greens. Otherwise, I followed this recipe to a tee, except I halved it since it's just MSH & me.<br /><br /><br />Well, my daring cooking style paid off on this one. The dish is fabulous. The only thing I'd recommend is salting the polenta. Also, the polenta is a little difficult to grill, so I've also made it by browning the polenta in a skillet. I feel that it would be easier if I'd used the George Forman Grill to grill it. I've made it with and without the olives, and it's superb either way. Now, we always have frozen shrimp and canned diced tomatoes and garlic (even if it is sprouting), so the only things I had to get especially for the dish were the collards and polenta. The earthy greens and sweet shrimp, tart tomatoes and olives with the creamy, slightly charred polenta was perfect, especially for seafood loving southerners like us.<br /><br />If you can get escarole and try this recipe, let me know what you think of it. Otherwise, the recipe says that you can use spinach and I say that you can use collard greens. This dish was pretty easy and quick and required very little preparation. If you like shrimp and southern food, this is a great recipe for you, too.<br /><br />Well, I think that's all the blogging I'll be doing today. I feel better now that I've typed up the things I've been longing to share with you all since last weekend.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-10590813624066205322008-05-09T14:58:00.004-04:002008-05-09T15:15:31.179-04:00Happy (Belated) Birthdays, Chip & Amanda!During the week of sickness, I failed to recognize two very important events.<br /><br />On the 6th, my brother, the middle child, turned 29. Chip is hilarious, and like most middle children, loves being the center of attention. Here he is below with our cousin Matt at our cousin Will's wedding this past February. Chip is the one making the monkey-face. I searched all over my hard drives and couldn't find a single photo of him making a nice face. So, here he is, in his natural state. Although he tormented me while we were growing up, we've become great friends, and I love him. Happy Birthday, Chip, from your favorite sister.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN91vMHn1JFMxzrPZm83AqtNfp_oTBrRzs9Hw7hx9GgG9WQGfPbROxsk6icWVcx0kjy6yhFR6SjF81_ffEstm7QnsELmGSfe33j0_AbGXf8suB94l8F-4dTmO1gWUB2qWp-BqN3zR2NWE/s1600-h/Chip+%26+Matt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198455941251850706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN91vMHn1JFMxzrPZm83AqtNfp_oTBrRzs9Hw7hx9GgG9WQGfPbROxsk6icWVcx0kjy6yhFR6SjF81_ffEstm7QnsELmGSfe33j0_AbGXf8suB94l8F-4dTmO1gWUB2qWp-BqN3zR2NWE/s400/Chip+%26+Matt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And Mandajo, Richard's wonderful mommy. Her birthday was on the third. She's married to my baby brother. She's the one of the sweetest women in the world and always has such a positive attitude. People tell me that the reason that Richard is such a happy baby is because he has such a happy mommy. Mandajo just started a new job with my mother-in-law, and it seems to be going great for her. This is a great career move for her and such a wonderful opportunity. Congratulations and Happy Birthday. Love you, bunches!<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDonbaOcXBgc2YMm-eye51dkzde4GcXCYzsvp9cUoNf3EnxEoPk-5N5VkCjx6rgBTP8tK56qWfxluVU1MNZY9RFcGygOZ1pmZWhpZw4cNhWC7McHlWs-FCZD0NVfRGl1PR_OvvWal1VTc/s1600-h/xmas+133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198455967021654498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDonbaOcXBgc2YMm-eye51dkzde4GcXCYzsvp9cUoNf3EnxEoPk-5N5VkCjx6rgBTP8tK56qWfxluVU1MNZY9RFcGygOZ1pmZWhpZw4cNhWC7McHlWs-FCZD0NVfRGl1PR_OvvWal1VTc/s400/xmas+133.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy Birthday you two, have fun celebrating with Mama & Daddy on Sunday. I wish I could be there, and I miss you all.<br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-62544743226882608422008-05-09T13:39:00.002-04:002008-05-09T14:53:37.690-04:00The Hoovers Come to WashingtonAs you know, the good doctor has been here for a couple of weeks, and last weekend, his wife and children drove up to visit. On Saturday, we agreed to show them the sights and take them to the museums on the Mall in DC. First of all, it was a gosh darn BEAUTIFUL day. Warm and sunny with a nice breeze, the only complaint was the pollen count, and the only complainers were the doctor and MSH.<br /><br />We started by getting tickets for the Washington Monument and the Holocaust Museum. For some reason, the nine-year-old was very excited about the Holocaust Museum. After getting bumped to the special short line for members and government employees at the museum, we got tickets for 11:30; our Washington Monument tickets were for 12:30. We went ahead and toured the children's section of the Holocaust Museum and made our plans for the rest of the day. For some reason, we were all starving at 10:30 in the morning, so we walked down to the Old Post Office and had lunch. The kids found a photo kiosk where they could pose while shaking hands with George W. Bush, even the good doctor posed for a shot. They also found a little electronics/souvenir store. Somehow, their dad got out of there without spending ALL of his money.<br /><br />Next we stopped by the Museum of Natural History to see the dinosaurs, then dragged the kids up to the top of the Washington Monument, through the World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Monument. Their favorite part of this particular spot wasn't the huge statue of Lincoln or the interesting items posted on the inside of the building, but rather a portion of the top level where it looked like, when they jumped down to the next level only a couple of feet below, that they had actually jumped 20 feet down to the ground below. We also stumbled upon the newest memorial, the Korean War Memorial with the wall engraved with "Freedom Isn't Free." <br /><br />Finally, we made our way back to the Holocaust Museum. On the 3rd floor, which is the second level of the tour, there is a video. MSH, the good doctor and Mrs. Doctor watched the video, while I tried to keep the children from seeing the more disturbing parts of the exhibit. Apparently, the video is so disturbing and graphic, the good parents decided not to subject the boys to the rest of what could potentially have been a traumatic visit for the children, so we hightailed it out of there and went back to the safety of the Natural History Museum to see the monkeys and rocks. After spending about 7 hours downtown, we headed back to the apartment the doctors have rented for the month and changed for dinner at Positano's, one of our favorite restaurants ever. MSH and TGD had the cioppino, Mrs. TGD had the chicken parmesan, and I had the best veal I've ever tasted. The chef made a special spaghetti and meatballs for the boys and we all shared appetizers of Eggplant Bruschetta and White Pizza. After dinner, we walked to the Ben & Jerry's for dessert.<br /><br />All-in-all it was a wonderful, fun, beautiful, sweet day, but the best part of all was the J-boys. Here they are posing for me. See how blue the sky is and how cute those guys are? Oh, I just wanted to keep them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMlKBtpaEv1L563wGptcwM23PS11U8N0A19A8MWNG3_v73rBCun8aCHsKPVBM-snRWzHH1hS4X1gwB9T3Ff-UIJt2xc6XNPNK08gQLtRu02Zyl2RHkUm1UVuZyKtdsFN2cAysMAqLrj4/s1600-h/DSC01397.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198443314048000402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMlKBtpaEv1L563wGptcwM23PS11U8N0A19A8MWNG3_v73rBCun8aCHsKPVBM-snRWzHH1hS4X1gwB9T3Ff-UIJt2xc6XNPNK08gQLtRu02Zyl2RHkUm1UVuZyKtdsFN2cAysMAqLrj4/s400/DSC01397.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is J1; he's eleven, and he's totally one of the coolest kids ever.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fe_s56gYWTXa3Gcd1By1wTgjhq-ZrlBjele60q5AL4vkIaNREuJRqmEueKAEPY3i5Su2naEX_PnkKs87LrpZDZ2CF_koejt9WJO5xhWlfxzXY9h9K1T6gAkFEyJUGA0Z-Am4UyZjRbA/s1600-h/DSC01437.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198443326932902306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fe_s56gYWTXa3Gcd1By1wTgjhq-ZrlBjele60q5AL4vkIaNREuJRqmEueKAEPY3i5Su2naEX_PnkKs87LrpZDZ2CF_koejt9WJO5xhWlfxzXY9h9K1T6gAkFEyJUGA0Z-Am4UyZjRbA/s400/DSC01437.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is J2; he's 9. He's so smart and kind.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8LqBsrOw4pQZn0jYLOFjogHlmIzMcpmQNvNtVjoCux_rBGvK9c0_QdoqSP3mD05dISI1CCcNy58y7IoMoeaFMBb2h9q_jojR0vbMyQGmjxSmTjZC_n5o0esAvxQoKsbD3GKA9eb0k14/s1600-h/DSC01433.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198443335522836914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8LqBsrOw4pQZn0jYLOFjogHlmIzMcpmQNvNtVjoCux_rBGvK9c0_QdoqSP3mD05dISI1CCcNy58y7IoMoeaFMBb2h9q_jojR0vbMyQGmjxSmTjZC_n5o0esAvxQoKsbD3GKA9eb0k14/s400/DSC01433.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p>And this is J3; he's 5. He's absolutely adorable and so sweet.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshiMbI0HeauphZW9AJW0B64b4-bfMLf91fzFEZLLpfs8FgGpc68kTjjKKEo2IS0djIhKVd-c_JU4cxRVLg49cXHj_m-UaDIu3q2E48DLfXtayuXFa0L15p3UGmC5xIH824QQ3e3xDb_g/s1600-h/DSC01400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198443344112771522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshiMbI0HeauphZW9AJW0B64b4-bfMLf91fzFEZLLpfs8FgGpc68kTjjKKEo2IS0djIhKVd-c_JU4cxRVLg49cXHj_m-UaDIu3q2E48DLfXtayuXFa0L15p3UGmC5xIH824QQ3e3xDb_g/s400/DSC01400.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Now, I think that J1 connected more with MSH because MSH is cool and manly, but he was still really sweet to me and included me in all the fun. J2 & J3 became my attachments on the trip, each holding one of my hands, picking dandelions for me to wear in the button holes on my shirt, and wanting to sit next to me at dinner. J3 even gave me one of the rocks he collected on the Mall to remember him by. All 3 had the cutest stories, sweet dispositions, curious minds, and awesome personalities. They will all grow up to be heart-breakers. </p><p>Thank you to TGD & Mrs. TGD and the J-boys for sharing your weekend with us.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-1693361122305308082008-05-09T12:07:00.003-04:002008-05-09T12:26:21.805-04:00The Good NewsSo, a few weeks ago, I mentioned at the end of a post that I might have some good news in a few weeks. Well, I have it. It's not the great news I was hoping for, but it's the good news that was also a possibility at the time. We didn't win the lottery, get pregnant, or make plans to move back to Alabama.<br /><br />But, I do have good news. MSH got a new job. It's basically the same as his old job, just for a different government agency about 5 miles from where we work now. The difference is a slight increase in pay, greater promotion potential, and a better work environment. He's really excited, and so am I, but I have to admit that I will miss working with him, knowing that he's just a short walk down the hill, being able to have lunch with him anytime I want. We'll still be able to commute together, as far as his office, but I'll have to drive the few miles between our offices by myself. Luckily, I'll be able to take mostly residential roads with a couple of local thoroughfares and won't have to try to battle the beltway on my own.<br /><br />So, he starts on Monday; his last day was yesterday. We celebrated by having lunch together, then meeting some of his now former co-workers for dinner and drinks at a seafood restaurant where they sprinkled their hush puppies with *gasp* powdered sugar! MSH told the waiter that where we come from, some one could be shot for such an offense. I know that MSH will miss the friends he made and being so close to me, but this is the best opportunity for him. They've even told him that if he does well, they'll look to move him into the position to run the place in 5 to 8 years. I'm exceedingly proud of him; he's doing all the right things to put us in the best position to start a family and have a successful future. <br /><br />So this is my big news. Later today, I plan to have a recipe review and a recap of our visit with the good doctor and his family, plus photos of those oh so cute & sweet J-boys.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-69372624809670732432008-05-09T10:23:00.002-04:002008-05-09T10:32:26.202-04:00Oh Blog, I'm sorry I've been gone so longI'm sorry I've been gone so long. We went out to DC and Bethesda on Saturday with the good doctor and his family. As soon as we got home that evening, MSH and I fell straight into bed and went to sleep. I woke up Sunday morning, sick. Stayed home from work on Monday, sick. I went to work on Tuesday, sick. I really started feeling better yesterday, but MSH and I met up with a bunch of his co-workers for dinner and drinks after work yesterday and went straight to bed when we got home last night. So today, I vow to post two or three fat posts for you all. I don't have any photos of food to show you with my recipe review because I was too sick to cook all week, but I do have photos of the doctor's son's, the J-boys (their names all begin with J) and some good news. But, the biggest thing right now is, I'm not sick anymore!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380464276250451888.post-9387072799529674292008-05-02T19:09:00.002-04:002008-05-02T19:25:21.413-04:00Recipe Review: Tex-Mex Summer Squash CasseroleOne of the first dishes I made from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eatingwell</span>.com was the <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/tex_mex_squash_cass.html">Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole</a> with some chicken dish I don't remember which because this side stole the show. Now, I'm not really fond of spicy foods despite my Southern upbringing. So, I left out the jalapenos, but if you like that sort of thing, go right ahead and make them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MSH</span> asked for seconds, and thirds. I was a little reluctant to make this because I was unsure about the combination of squash and salsa, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MSH</span> said, "Woman, salsa goes with everything!" So, I made it. <br /><br />If I hadn't, I would have missed out on a delicious side dish. The cheese and salsa are a classic combination, but the squash adds a freshness and a lightness that keeps the dish from sitting in the bottom of your tummy like a rock. And, the salsa wakes up the standard, sometimes boring squash casserole. It is a little time intensive, but if you have time to prepare and bake, it's a great side dish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">that'll</span> knock your family's socks off. <br /><br />Sorry, no photos of this one; I haven't made it in a while. This week was filled with leftovers and standards that I've posted before. Tomorrow we're heading into the city to guide Dr. Hoover and his family; his wife and sons are coming up to visit. Also, I found a new store today while out to lunch with my boss and office mate--Zara. My boss bought this shirt that I would have gotten had she not snapped it up first. I may have to go back and get and make sure that I never wear it to work. I may have created a shopping monster!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07177181649139590998noreply@blogger.com2