Hello dear bloggy friends! I wanted to give you all a warning of sorts.
I journal a lot here and have realized just how important these blog posts are to my family. I’ve decided to turn each year into a book to preserve the memories for us. I'm almost finished editing the book with the 2007 and 2008 posts, and as soon as I get it back from Blurb (blurb.com), those posts will be deleted from this blog. In January the 2009 posts will also be made into a book for my family, and those posts will be deleted, too.
I’m only going to keep the current year up on my blog from now on.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Snails
First off, thanks Beth at Road to Joy and Jenn at Our Little Nature Nest. I found so many great ideas from their blogs to use while Kayla learned about snails.
Kayla read a few books and looked at some snails at a pet store here in town. Then she drew and labeled a snail and copied our chalkboard drawing & verse into her lesson book. We also made snail bread and snails from beeswax.
Kayla read a few books and looked at some snails at a pet store here in town. Then she drew and labeled a snail and copied our chalkboard drawing & verse into her lesson book. We also made snail bread and snails from beeswax.
8 Virtues for Young Women
Tonight is the "Young Women's Night in Excellence" for our church.
Katie was asked to conduct the meeting, play a piano duet with one of her leaders, "I Feel My Savior's Love," and to give a 2 minute talk on Choice & Accountability. Emily was asked to make invitations, play a song on the harmonica, "Come, Come Ye Saints," and to give a 10 minute talk on the virtues every young woman should strive to have.
God has given all of us talents as well as obstacles to overcome in our lives. Each path is different, each is unique. One of Emily's struggles is organizing her thoughts for writing or speaking assignments. It's a challenge for her, so to watch her work so hard on a difficult task makes me very, very proud. I'd like to share the talk she will give tonight:
My talk tonight is about the 8 virtues in the Young Women‘s Personal Progress. I'll give a scripture for each with an example of a woman who had that virtue:
Faith -
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight…so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen. Esther 2:17
Esther, a beautiful Jewish woman of great faith and courage, married the king of Persia. Haman, one of the king’s servants, was angry because a Jewish man refused to bow down to him. The servant wanted all the Jews to be killed. The king, not knowing that Queen Esther was Jewish, agreed to the plan to kill all the Jews. After asking her people to fast and pray for three days, Esther risked her life to go to the king and ask him to save her people. He granted her plea, and the Jews were saved from death.
Divine Nature -
The servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. Genesis 24:17-18
Abraham wanted his son Isaac to marry a woman who would be worthy to receive the blessings that the Lord had promised to Abraham and his children. He asked his servant to go back to Abraham’s land of birth and find a worthy wife for Isaac. The servant prayed that the Lord would show him which woman Isaac should have for a wife by having the woman give him a drink of water and offer to draw water from the well for his animals. As he waited at the well, a beautiful young woman named Rebekah offered to get water for him and his animals to drink. The servant then knew this was the woman the Lord wanted him to take back to be Isaac’s wife. Rebekah agreed to become Isaac’s wife, and she and Isaac were married.
Individual Worth -
Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter. Doctrine & Covenants 25:1
Emma Hale Smith was the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. She contributed greatly to the work of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a scribe for Joseph during the early days of translating the Book of Mormon, she compiled the first book of hymns for the Church, and she was chosen as the first president of the Relief Society when it was organized in 1842. She helped Joseph in his work whenever she could, she cared for their children, and she cared for others who were sick and poor. After Joseph was martyred, Emma chose not to travel with the pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley but remained in Nauvoo, where she continued to care for her aged mother-in-law and her five children.
Knowledge -
And the child grew, and waxed strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
Mary, a righteous and pure woman, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ while she still lived with Heavenly Father. Jesus loved His mother and cared for her His entire life. Mary helped Jesus prepare to do the important work that Heavenly Father had called Him to do during His life.
Choice & Accountability -
And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living things. Genesis 3:20
Adam and Eve were the first man and woman to live on the earth. God placed them in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He told them, however, that they could choose for themselves but to remember that eating the fruit was forbidden and that they would die if they ate it. Later Satan came to the garden and tempted Eve to eat the fruit. She chose to do so and then gave some of the fruit to Adam, who also ate. As a result, God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden. They were now mortal and would one day die, but they had faith that God would send Jesus Christ to be their Savior.
Good Works -
Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Ruth 1:16
When the judges governed Israel there was a famine in the land. Naomi, who lived in Bethlehem, went with her husband and their two sons to the land Moab so they would have food to eat. While in Moab Naomi’s husband died, and later her sons married two Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. When her sons died, Naomi returned to Bethlehem. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth went to Bethlehem with Naomi. Ruth cared for her mother-in-law by gathering leftover grain during the harvest.
Integrity -
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12: 41-44
Jesus was teaching at the temple in Jerusalem and condemned the Pharisees for showing off their wealth and self importance. Seeing the donations made by the rich men, Jesus demonstrated how a poor widow donated only two mites, the least valuable coins available at that time. Though the other people only gave a small portion of their wealth, this was everything the widow had.
Virtue -
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all of her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivered girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31: 10-31
I haven’t chosen any woman from the scriptures for this virtue because it's one that would be good for all of us to strive for.
As the First Presidency said, “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose. You have the noble calling to use your strength and influence for good. Your loving Heavenly Father has blessed you with talents and abilities that will help you fulfill your divine mission. Through personal prayer, scripture study, obedience to the commandments, and service to others, you can develop these gifts. Use your influence to lift and bless your family, other young women, and the young men with whom you associate. Honor womanhood, support the priesthood, and treasure faithful motherhood. Take advantage of your time in Young Women by preparing to receive the sacred ordinances of the temple, to be a faithful wife and mother, and to strengthen the home and family.”
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sources:
Gospel Art Picture Kit
Young Women Personal Progress - Standing As a Witness of God
Scriptures
Katie was asked to conduct the meeting, play a piano duet with one of her leaders, "I Feel My Savior's Love," and to give a 2 minute talk on Choice & Accountability. Emily was asked to make invitations, play a song on the harmonica, "Come, Come Ye Saints," and to give a 10 minute talk on the virtues every young woman should strive to have.
God has given all of us talents as well as obstacles to overcome in our lives. Each path is different, each is unique. One of Emily's struggles is organizing her thoughts for writing or speaking assignments. It's a challenge for her, so to watch her work so hard on a difficult task makes me very, very proud. I'd like to share the talk she will give tonight:
My talk tonight is about the 8 virtues in the Young Women‘s Personal Progress. I'll give a scripture for each with an example of a woman who had that virtue:
Faith -
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight…so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen. Esther 2:17
Esther, a beautiful Jewish woman of great faith and courage, married the king of Persia. Haman, one of the king’s servants, was angry because a Jewish man refused to bow down to him. The servant wanted all the Jews to be killed. The king, not knowing that Queen Esther was Jewish, agreed to the plan to kill all the Jews. After asking her people to fast and pray for three days, Esther risked her life to go to the king and ask him to save her people. He granted her plea, and the Jews were saved from death.
Divine Nature -
The servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. Genesis 24:17-18
Abraham wanted his son Isaac to marry a woman who would be worthy to receive the blessings that the Lord had promised to Abraham and his children. He asked his servant to go back to Abraham’s land of birth and find a worthy wife for Isaac. The servant prayed that the Lord would show him which woman Isaac should have for a wife by having the woman give him a drink of water and offer to draw water from the well for his animals. As he waited at the well, a beautiful young woman named Rebekah offered to get water for him and his animals to drink. The servant then knew this was the woman the Lord wanted him to take back to be Isaac’s wife. Rebekah agreed to become Isaac’s wife, and she and Isaac were married.
Individual Worth -
Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter. Doctrine & Covenants 25:1
Emma Hale Smith was the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. She contributed greatly to the work of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a scribe for Joseph during the early days of translating the Book of Mormon, she compiled the first book of hymns for the Church, and she was chosen as the first president of the Relief Society when it was organized in 1842. She helped Joseph in his work whenever she could, she cared for their children, and she cared for others who were sick and poor. After Joseph was martyred, Emma chose not to travel with the pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley but remained in Nauvoo, where she continued to care for her aged mother-in-law and her five children.
Knowledge -
And the child grew, and waxed strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
Mary, a righteous and pure woman, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ while she still lived with Heavenly Father. Jesus loved His mother and cared for her His entire life. Mary helped Jesus prepare to do the important work that Heavenly Father had called Him to do during His life.
Choice & Accountability -
And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living things. Genesis 3:20
Adam and Eve were the first man and woman to live on the earth. God placed them in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He told them, however, that they could choose for themselves but to remember that eating the fruit was forbidden and that they would die if they ate it. Later Satan came to the garden and tempted Eve to eat the fruit. She chose to do so and then gave some of the fruit to Adam, who also ate. As a result, God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden. They were now mortal and would one day die, but they had faith that God would send Jesus Christ to be their Savior.
Good Works -
Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Ruth 1:16
When the judges governed Israel there was a famine in the land. Naomi, who lived in Bethlehem, went with her husband and their two sons to the land Moab so they would have food to eat. While in Moab Naomi’s husband died, and later her sons married two Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. When her sons died, Naomi returned to Bethlehem. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth went to Bethlehem with Naomi. Ruth cared for her mother-in-law by gathering leftover grain during the harvest.
Integrity -
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12: 41-44
Jesus was teaching at the temple in Jerusalem and condemned the Pharisees for showing off their wealth and self importance. Seeing the donations made by the rich men, Jesus demonstrated how a poor widow donated only two mites, the least valuable coins available at that time. Though the other people only gave a small portion of their wealth, this was everything the widow had.
Virtue -
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all of her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivered girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31: 10-31
I haven’t chosen any woman from the scriptures for this virtue because it's one that would be good for all of us to strive for.
As the First Presidency said, “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose. You have the noble calling to use your strength and influence for good. Your loving Heavenly Father has blessed you with talents and abilities that will help you fulfill your divine mission. Through personal prayer, scripture study, obedience to the commandments, and service to others, you can develop these gifts. Use your influence to lift and bless your family, other young women, and the young men with whom you associate. Honor womanhood, support the priesthood, and treasure faithful motherhood. Take advantage of your time in Young Women by preparing to receive the sacred ordinances of the temple, to be a faithful wife and mother, and to strengthen the home and family.”
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sources:
Gospel Art Picture Kit
Young Women Personal Progress - Standing As a Witness of God
Scriptures
Monday, November 23, 2009
necklaces
The first necklace was made by Emily, and the second necklace was made by Kayla, both last week. Patience is definitely a virtue of Emily's...one I wish I had more of. I'm very grateful for her kindness in helping her little sister.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kayla's school work
I've been not-so-good lately at documenting what Kayla's been learning about. Life's busy and gets away from us, doesn't it?
This past 6 weeks or so brought journal & letter writing, a short lesson block on Josefina, another week of Idaho history, and quite a bit about sharks and a few other sea creatures I can't remember off the top of my head. She's ready to move on to long division and what would it be called...long multiplication??? LOL, I have no idea what it's really called. Some days I wonder where my baby went to. (sigh)
Anyway, Kayla's now finishing up a lesson block on mice, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. No rats - the principal gave me 2 thumbs up on skipping the horrid things. There was also a variety of book reading and DVD watching. She made up a script for Mice TV (complete with TV, props, show, and commercials) which our family got to watch. OVER. And OVER. And OVER... She's past that phase now to the rest of the family's relief! She copied a mouse poem and drew & labeled a hamster. Oh, and Kayla made mice cookies, too, which Katie declared to be "the tastiest mice we'll ever eat."
This past 6 weeks or so brought journal & letter writing, a short lesson block on Josefina, another week of Idaho history, and quite a bit about sharks and a few other sea creatures I can't remember off the top of my head. She's ready to move on to long division and what would it be called...long multiplication??? LOL, I have no idea what it's really called. Some days I wonder where my baby went to. (sigh)
Anyway, Kayla's now finishing up a lesson block on mice, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. No rats - the principal gave me 2 thumbs up on skipping the horrid things. There was also a variety of book reading and DVD watching. She made up a script for Mice TV (complete with TV, props, show, and commercials) which our family got to watch. OVER. And OVER. And OVER... She's past that phase now to the rest of the family's relief! She copied a mouse poem and drew & labeled a hamster. Oh, and Kayla made mice cookies, too, which Katie declared to be "the tastiest mice we'll ever eat."
Sunday, November 15, 2009
hobbit home
Isn't this home just gorgeous? I'd live there in a heartbeat if I could. Check out even more photos and learn all the scrumptious details on how it came to be by clicking here.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
proud
I just got off the phone with Mrs. M. from Skyline High School. She called with some news that I simply must share. Each week the faculty gets together 6-8 nominations for "Student of the Week" and then they vote for 1 of them to receive the award.
Eric was nominated.
And Eric was chosen for Student of the Week!!!
Though he's had a confrontation or run-in with nearly every staff member in his high school over the past 1 1/2 years (he's a junior right now), he's improved immensely compared to where he was last year. He still struggles with some things there, but he's proven to everyone that he can get himself together and move ahead in a positive direction. According to Mrs. M...the students and faculty have all seen the improvement and are proud of him and want to acknowledge his achievement.
He is 1 of 1,200 students in his high school...and 1 student receives the award each week! They took his picture (which will hang in the school all year) and he'll receive a certificate.
I'm just so dang proud of him.
Please, please, please...if you would dear friends...leave a comment for him on this post. I would soooooo love to print out a couple of pages of positive thoughts for him to read.
Eric was nominated.
And Eric was chosen for Student of the Week!!!
Though he's had a confrontation or run-in with nearly every staff member in his high school over the past 1 1/2 years (he's a junior right now), he's improved immensely compared to where he was last year. He still struggles with some things there, but he's proven to everyone that he can get himself together and move ahead in a positive direction. According to Mrs. M...the students and faculty have all seen the improvement and are proud of him and want to acknowledge his achievement.
He is 1 of 1,200 students in his high school...and 1 student receives the award each week! They took his picture (which will hang in the school all year) and he'll receive a certificate.
I'm just so dang proud of him.
Please, please, please...if you would dear friends...leave a comment for him on this post. I would soooooo love to print out a couple of pages of positive thoughts for him to read.
Student of the Week
Eric Miller
Eric has shown great improvement in
the classroom - great job, Eric!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Josefina
This was a fun lesson block for Kayla. She:
mozzarella cheese
click here for the post with the directions (super easy to make!)
tamales
filling:
1 clove garlic
1 small onion
3/4 pound ground turkey or beef
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup ground red chilies
3/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon oregano
wrappers:
dried corn husks
masa dough:
3 cups masa harina
1 cup corn oil
2 1/4 cups water or more
1 teaspoon salt
Mince garlic; set aside. Chop onion; fry together with meat; drain. Put meat and onion in a liquid measuring cup and add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat; add the meat and onion, garlic, and rest of filling ingredients. Simmer (stirring frequently) for about 30 minutes, or until it has thickened and is almost dry. Soak corn husk wrappers in water for 30 minutes. Gently separate the husks and rinse them under warm water to wash away dirt, grit, or corn silk. Leave them soaking in water until you are ready to assemble the tamales. To prepare the dough, into a large bowl put the masa harina, oil, water, and salt; mix well. Dough should resemble cookie dough. Lay some of the damp, softened corn husks on the table; tear a few of them into long strips, about 1/4 inch wide. To assemble tamales, lay a corn husk flat and open. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of dough in the center of the husk and then 1-1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat filling into the center of the masa dough. Fold over the ends of the husks and tie corn husk strips around the ends. Set upright in a steamer basket. Turn on heat to medium and cook the tamales, uncovered, for 1-1 1/4 hours over simmering water. Serve warm with red chili sauce. Don't eat the husks.
red chili sauce
1/2 cup ground red chilies
2 1/2 cups water
1 clove garlic
4 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Put the ground chilies in a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the water and stir to moisten. Add another 1/4 cup and mix well. Then add the rest of the water and stir to remove all lumps; set aside. Peel the garlic and onion; chop very fine. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are clear and soft. Add the oregano and flour and cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture bubbles and turns light brown, move the saucepan off the burner. Pour the ground chilies and water mixture into the flour mixture; whisk briskly to remove any lumps. Place the saucepan back on the burner on medium-high heat; stir constantly until the sauce starts to boil. Continue stirring and turn heat to low; let simmer for about 3 minutes. Stir in the salt and let sauce simmer uncovered for 4 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir well.
calabacitas
3 medium zucchini
3 medium yellow squash
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped green chilies
1 cup cooked corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cut squash into halves lengthwise, then cut up into half moons about 1/4 inch thick. In a large skillet, cook diced onion in oil until softened. Add squash and garlic; cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Add chilies, corn, and salt. The liquid from the veggies will thin it out. Put in a greased casserole dish, cover with cheese, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
- drew a symbol map of New Mexico
- drew & wrote spiral snakes
- did some large multi-step math problems based on the stories
- drew an adobe house
- wrote a paper about Josefina's accomplishments & admirable qualities
- designed a new cover for Changes for Josefina
mozzarella cheese
click here for the post with the directions (super easy to make!)
tamales
filling:
1 clove garlic
1 small onion
3/4 pound ground turkey or beef
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup ground red chilies
3/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon oregano
wrappers:
dried corn husks
masa dough:
3 cups masa harina
1 cup corn oil
2 1/4 cups water or more
1 teaspoon salt
Mince garlic; set aside. Chop onion; fry together with meat; drain. Put meat and onion in a liquid measuring cup and add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat; add the meat and onion, garlic, and rest of filling ingredients. Simmer (stirring frequently) for about 30 minutes, or until it has thickened and is almost dry. Soak corn husk wrappers in water for 30 minutes. Gently separate the husks and rinse them under warm water to wash away dirt, grit, or corn silk. Leave them soaking in water until you are ready to assemble the tamales. To prepare the dough, into a large bowl put the masa harina, oil, water, and salt; mix well. Dough should resemble cookie dough. Lay some of the damp, softened corn husks on the table; tear a few of them into long strips, about 1/4 inch wide. To assemble tamales, lay a corn husk flat and open. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of dough in the center of the husk and then 1-1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat filling into the center of the masa dough. Fold over the ends of the husks and tie corn husk strips around the ends. Set upright in a steamer basket. Turn on heat to medium and cook the tamales, uncovered, for 1-1 1/4 hours over simmering water. Serve warm with red chili sauce. Don't eat the husks.
red chili sauce
1/2 cup ground red chilies
2 1/2 cups water
1 clove garlic
4 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Put the ground chilies in a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the water and stir to moisten. Add another 1/4 cup and mix well. Then add the rest of the water and stir to remove all lumps; set aside. Peel the garlic and onion; chop very fine. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are clear and soft. Add the oregano and flour and cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture bubbles and turns light brown, move the saucepan off the burner. Pour the ground chilies and water mixture into the flour mixture; whisk briskly to remove any lumps. Place the saucepan back on the burner on medium-high heat; stir constantly until the sauce starts to boil. Continue stirring and turn heat to low; let simmer for about 3 minutes. Stir in the salt and let sauce simmer uncovered for 4 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir well.
calabacitas
3 medium zucchini
3 medium yellow squash
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped green chilies
1 cup cooked corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cut squash into halves lengthwise, then cut up into half moons about 1/4 inch thick. In a large skillet, cook diced onion in oil until softened. Add squash and garlic; cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Add chilies, corn, and salt. The liquid from the veggies will thin it out. Put in a greased casserole dish, cover with cheese, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
30 days of happiness - day 30 - endings & beginnings
I'm a pretty good mixture of the 4 temperaments, but as a child I was definitely sanguine and I still have to focus on balancing many of those traits. One thing for sure is that I have such a hard time finishing projects. I'd really rather have a million things going at once, but eventually I do get frustrated with all of those unfinished projects of mine. This 30 Days of Happiness has been good for me. 30 days! I kinda wanted to bag the whole project 5 or 6 times along the way because I was ready to do something different. But I like that I finished a fairly long-term project (for me that is) and that I acknowledged a happy, bright spot each day for 30 consecutive days.
Today's happiness is that I'm done with this, though. Moving on. New horizons. Other ideas. Out with the old, in with the new. LOL!!!
Today's happiness is that I'm done with this, though. Moving on. New horizons. Other ideas. Out with the old, in with the new. LOL!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
30 days of happiness - day 29 - new life
Brand new, beautiful, and much loved...welcome to the world sweet little baby girl! Katie sure loves your sisters and your Mommy & Daddy, and she's very excited to love you, too. :)
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