Mmmm I just made this. Fabulous!
Garlic Hummus
3 cloves garlic
19 ounces garbanzo beans (1 15 1/2 oz can + about 1/3 c) drained, 1/2 cup liquid reserved
4 TBS lemon juice
3 TBS Tahini
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
In a blender, chop garlic. Add all other ingredients (including reserved liquid). Blend until all mixed and smooth. Eat with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I Might Get Some Hard Wheat
Yesterday I went to the meal planning and budgeting R.S. activity. I've been building my food storage slowly, and yesterday I kind of was convinced to have hard wheat in my food storage plan. I have never bought hard wheat before, just white flour (which lasts 10 years and is not so bad like many people think), but I do like whole wheat bread and I didn't know that freshly ground wheat provides all nutrients we need but 4 vitamins. Amazing, huh?
I've been studying the book of Revelations in the New Testament. It's been a long time since I've studied it in Seminary. It is very difficult, but an Institute manual helps a lot. I am really enjoying it so far (although learning about the last days is kind of scary).
I have also been trying to listen to "Three Cups of Tea". What's the matter with me that I can't get into this book? I am in the part where Mortenson is buying supplies to build the first school. Pretty boring!!! I'll still keep going though.
I've been studying the book of Revelations in the New Testament. It's been a long time since I've studied it in Seminary. It is very difficult, but an Institute manual helps a lot. I am really enjoying it so far (although learning about the last days is kind of scary).
I have also been trying to listen to "Three Cups of Tea". What's the matter with me that I can't get into this book? I am in the part where Mortenson is buying supplies to build the first school. Pretty boring!!! I'll still keep going though.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Life Can Change in a Minute
Right now I am listening to Raphael radio... he is singing a song Julianna taught him "precipitation, evaporation..." Something she learned in school and has been singing over and over. It's cute though, especially when it's missing consonants...
Today I got an e-mail from a very good friend saying that one good friend of mine passed away. Carlos Leta was only 31 years old and died of an heart attack last night. I haven't seen him in many years (11?), but he was a very good friend in my teens and I have wonderful memories of him. I feel sad, especially for his family - his new wife and mother. I hope they will find comfort in this time. I'll be praying for them.
It's amazing how in a minute things can change so much. Life is really in God's hands, and sometimes His vision is different from our wishes. I really want to develop the kind of faith that will make me accept His will, even when things become so hard - like what happened to Leta and the impact on his family... do I have that kind of faith? It's something I want to have, but never want tested...
Today I got an e-mail from a very good friend saying that one good friend of mine passed away. Carlos Leta was only 31 years old and died of an heart attack last night. I haven't seen him in many years (11?), but he was a very good friend in my teens and I have wonderful memories of him. I feel sad, especially for his family - his new wife and mother. I hope they will find comfort in this time. I'll be praying for them.
It's amazing how in a minute things can change so much. Life is really in God's hands, and sometimes His vision is different from our wishes. I really want to develop the kind of faith that will make me accept His will, even when things become so hard - like what happened to Leta and the impact on his family... do I have that kind of faith? It's something I want to have, but never want tested...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Practicing New Skills
Today I spent a few hours working on my class Student Development 100. I edited all my assignments, made PDF files and submitted to BYU. I now realize how much out of shape my mind is! What normally took me an hour, took me three. It feels great to be back in school though. I love studying.
Raphael has been learning lots of new skills as well. He now wants to dress himself and brush his teeth (I brush them for a second time after he does it :-)) He has been doing a great job and it is really fun to watch. I'll post a picture bellow. He now can also draw a head with eyes, nose and mouth. He feels really proud and loves praise. I can't believe my little baby is growing up!
I've been reading Three Cups of Tea for a Couple Months now. My book club friends say it's a wonderful book and once you get past the slow beginning, it's great. I haven't been able to get past the beginning. I always fall asleep! A few days ago I got an audio file at the library for it and downloaded it to my mp3 player. All I can tell is that the past three nights I slept like a baby! It's even easier to fall asleep now... :-) Anyway, I will finish the book, and I'll review it here in February...
Raphael has been learning lots of new skills as well. He now wants to dress himself and brush his teeth (I brush them for a second time after he does it :-)) He has been doing a great job and it is really fun to watch. I'll post a picture bellow. He now can also draw a head with eyes, nose and mouth. He feels really proud and loves praise. I can't believe my little baby is growing up!
I've been reading Three Cups of Tea for a Couple Months now. My book club friends say it's a wonderful book and once you get past the slow beginning, it's great. I haven't been able to get past the beginning. I always fall asleep! A few days ago I got an audio file at the library for it and downloaded it to my mp3 player. All I can tell is that the past three nights I slept like a baby! It's even easier to fall asleep now... :-) Anyway, I will finish the book, and I'll review it here in February...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Should I Not Have Been Trusting?
I think many of my posts will start with "yesterday". The reason is because I love writing early in the day, so I usually write about what happened the day before.
Yesterday I woke up at almost 9am. This hasn't happened in a very long time. I went upstairs to check on the kids, who are usually awake before eight. Michael and Raphael were quietly watching cartoons together and Julianna was still sleeping. Michael is such a great brother to Raphael. He takes good care of Raphael when I am not around.
Our day was mostly quiet. I went to Home Depot and got wood protector to put on our park, Weed and Feed for the lawn, and a few seeds. I also got a person to fix a few holes in our office wall (we put a ceiling fan a few months ago) and he fixed everything plus a few wall damages around the house. We agreed on $100 before he started and he sent one of his employees to do the job. I thought it was a great deal (although he only spent a little over one hour working). Today he called asking me why I only paid him $100 while he said I agreed to $200. I couln't believe how dishonest that man was! Marco couldn't unsderstand why I cried for a long time after I talked to the guy. The reason is because it hurts to see someone lie and swear on it. How can he sleep at night? Doesn't he fear God? I was so trusting of him. I treated him and his employee so kindly. However, I learned my lesson: never do anything without a contract. I should have had him write me an appraisal, and sign when he received my payment. Marco doesn't think it was necessary and that I didn't do anything wrong though.
Yesterday I woke up at almost 9am. This hasn't happened in a very long time. I went upstairs to check on the kids, who are usually awake before eight. Michael and Raphael were quietly watching cartoons together and Julianna was still sleeping. Michael is such a great brother to Raphael. He takes good care of Raphael when I am not around.
Our day was mostly quiet. I went to Home Depot and got wood protector to put on our park, Weed and Feed for the lawn, and a few seeds. I also got a person to fix a few holes in our office wall (we put a ceiling fan a few months ago) and he fixed everything plus a few wall damages around the house. We agreed on $100 before he started and he sent one of his employees to do the job. I thought it was a great deal (although he only spent a little over one hour working). Today he called asking me why I only paid him $100 while he said I agreed to $200. I couln't believe how dishonest that man was! Marco couldn't unsderstand why I cried for a long time after I talked to the guy. The reason is because it hurts to see someone lie and swear on it. How can he sleep at night? Doesn't he fear God? I was so trusting of him. I treated him and his employee so kindly. However, I learned my lesson: never do anything without a contract. I should have had him write me an appraisal, and sign when he received my payment. Marco doesn't think it was necessary and that I didn't do anything wrong though.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Garlic Beef Enchiladas
This is what we had for dinner last night. I love this recipe!
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 TBS all-purpose flour
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp rubbed sage
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes (I don't like the chunks, so I likequify mine in the food processor)
Sauce:
4-6 garlic gloves, minced
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp rubbed sage
1/2 tsp salt
10-12 flour tortillas (7-inches)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Co-Jack cheese (or Cheddar; I usually put 3 cups of cheese)
Directions:
In a saucepan, over medium heat, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add flour and seasonings; mix well. Stir in tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, saute garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until bubbly. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; heat through. Pour about 1 1/2 cups sauce into an ungreased 13-in x 9-in baking dish. Spread about 1/4 cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla (I also add a little cheese). Roll up tightly; place seam side down over sauce. Top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake uncovered until cheese is bubbly (about 25-30 minutes). Yield: 4-6 servings.
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 TBS all-purpose flour
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp rubbed sage
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes (I don't like the chunks, so I likequify mine in the food processor)
Sauce:
4-6 garlic gloves, minced
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp rubbed sage
1/2 tsp salt
10-12 flour tortillas (7-inches)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Co-Jack cheese (or Cheddar; I usually put 3 cups of cheese)
Directions:
In a saucepan, over medium heat, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add flour and seasonings; mix well. Stir in tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, saute garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until bubbly. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; heat through. Pour about 1 1/2 cups sauce into an ungreased 13-in x 9-in baking dish. Spread about 1/4 cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla (I also add a little cheese). Roll up tightly; place seam side down over sauce. Top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake uncovered until cheese is bubbly (about 25-30 minutes). Yield: 4-6 servings.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Football at Last
Yesterday we had Pack meeting (where all scout groups from the ward met and received awards). Seven boys from my den showed up. They were unusually quiet (I didn't have to chase them around the Church). What a blessing! I was so tired yesterday. After the final prayer, Michael asked me to play football with the boys outside. I was proud of him for asking. I said yes, although surprised that Michael wanted to play football, something he really dislikes. I went outside and watched him play. He looked so excited! He played energetically for about 20 minutes. It was fun seeing him so happy.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Starting Today
The new year started and I realized I haven't been good at keeping my kids journals (or mine!). So this blog is going to be just that - short entries about our daily happenings, cute little stories, and sharing of our favorite things - like books, recipes and things to do. Hope this way family and friends will also know our news and will keep close!
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