again

Once again, I wish I had the words... Maybe sometimes things are just better left unsaid. A girl from my HS commited suicide. We wern't friends, but we had an invisible "bond" if you will. It's truly a sad story. I don't think she ever had an easy life, but she was loved by many. She leaves behind a son...

Again, it's so important that you tell the people who mean something to you just how much they mean to you.

Peanut Butter Noodles

5 Stars

Run out to your nearest grocery store and get yourself some UDON noodles!!! This was my first time cooking with them. They were chewy and soft and soaked up the thick peanut butter sauce very well.

This dish is delicious. It has a rich peanut butter sesame (we added a little sesame oil) sauce. A nice crunch from the red bell pepper (add more than the recipe calls for--they are way good for you raw)... And the cilantro was the perfect addition. This also would have been a great vegetarian dish. Oh yeah, the kids liked it too :)

UDON PEANUT BUTTER NOODLES  thanks www.allrecipes.com

Soup, Salad, Pizza

First things first. I really want a better camera/lighting in order to take better pictures.

 Above is our new favorite salad. I call it "The Green and White" because it consists of: lettuce, sugar snap peas, pears, cucumber, shredded chicken, poppy seed dressing, with the option of goat cheese. I'ts crave-worthy!

Tonight we had this easy/yummy 3 bean chili. It's a total make again for a Meatless Monday. We, with the exception of #2, had seconds.

I was really looking forward to this pizza... Apples, goat cheese, toasted pecans, and arugula. I never did figure out what could have made it better. Blue cheese perhaps?

The best thing we ate this week was lamb burgers, tzatziki, and greek salad. We told the girls the lamb was chicken and they had no problem with it....

Tomorrow we are having Udon Peanut Butter Noodles. I can't wait to try them... new recipe...

Now... what to have the rest of the week? Suggestions, please?!

the letter P

Painting a Purple stem on a Pumpkin

 Painting a Princess on a Pumpkin.

Painted Pumpkins, homemade Pumpking cookies, customizable iron-on Princess monsters.

Picture Perfect.

The Black Swan

Zoe had her very frist ballet recital this past Tuesday. It wasn't the full blown recital, but more like this is what we do when we come to class type of a recital.

Each Tuesday for the past 6 weeks she has looked forward to ballet class. I'm glad we signed up for the next 6-week session.

Dave and Shana came to watch Miss Z. Dave noticed she was the only girl wearing black... The Black Swan... That's our ZoBug!

I wish I was a great writer or totally in touch with my feelings so I could tell you all how life changing this week has been for me.

I know too many people who have lost loved ones too soon; Husbands, mothers,  sons, brothers, a baby.

My eyes tear up and I get a lump in my throat every time I sit and think about the pain they must be feeling. How do you go on? Why do these things happen? I seriously can’t stop crying. My heart hurts so bad.

I feel so fortunate to have the people I love with me. But, I’m guilty of taking them for granted. How could I do that? Life is so fragile. A loss can happen to anyone at anytime. What if something were to happen tomorrow?  

Anyways… I will not take any person in my life for granted. I’m going to slow down, not get frustrated, listen to people, take time for them, and tell them how much they mean to me.

Just think about it for a moment. A tragedy can happen at any time. Please tell the people you love that you love them and spend some quality time together.

Too Much of a Good Thing

I think my website is done.... waiting on my lovely mother to proof read it. I loved this project. I really have to figure out how to incorporate a website or managing website into my career someday.

Check it out and don't be shy. Tell me what you think. 

http://www.public.asu.edu/~eacorn/

Lazy Sunday

More like lazy weekend.  It's officially Autumn and we are still in the triple digits. Today we kind of tricked ourselves into getting in the fall spirit by staying inside all day. One look outside at the brown grass (waiting for winter seeding), reading seasonal recipes (which always apply to everyone in the country except us- who wants to grill in the Summer?), and talking hallowen costumes with the kids it was easy to forget about the 102 degree weather that was happening outside.

We spent our day crafting, cleaning, watching football, and constructing a pillow pile. This was the third weekend in a row that we didn't have any solid plans, it's been fun. But I'm looking forward to the weekends when the temps are cooler so we can enjoy our bikes and parks again.

Weather.com tells me that the high will be 72 on Thursday. Please let this be true!!

What did I do to deserve this? It's 5 o'clock and the girls are playing nicely, the music is bumpin, fritatta is in the oven, and I have a gin and tonic in hand. I even went through the trouble of adding a twist of lime.

School is awesome. in NTR 142 we we made froccocia bread. Other groups made: snicker doodles, cornbread, cream puffs, Indian flat bread, apple muffins, and biscuits. There went my carb intake for the day! Hence the crustless fritatta that's in the oven. I took pictures, because it's rather pretty, but of course I don't have the camera or lighting to make it look as good as it does in person.

Anyways... My other class, NTR 300 is going well too. I hope to be done with my website by Monday. Here is the link. http://www.public.asu.edu/~eacorn/. I've really enjoyed doing this. Meal planning is my favorite!

As I write this, I am being treated to a play Junie B. Jones style. Zoe is being a good sport and I'm glad they have stopped terrorizing Jax long enough to play something else.

I'm going to get this lapotop off my lap so I can clap. These girls are fantastic actresses ;o)

Our new Kitten: Jax

We are the proud owners of a 5 month old, once feral and once-returned-to-the-shelter-kitten. We saw him a week a go, but didn't know if he would be a good fit at our house since his name was Denis the Menis. I went back this weekend and I held him and he was so sweet. A few hours later he was ours!

We went through all the names and Kayleigh even went to CatNames.com (!) all by herself to help name the little guy. We finally decided on Jax. Jax has been wonderful. Just the right amount of playful and a whole lot of good with the girls.

The girls love him so much. Jax must love them too because he sure is good with them.

Broccoli Salad with Recipe 

This is very much a made up recipe, so feel free to give and take on the measurments.

5 broccoli florets, chopped


4 slices bacon, crumbled

3 Tablespoons red onion, diced

½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

¼ cup mayonnaise

3 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Mix everything together and meld overnight.

Cooking with Acorns

Here we are... Cooking with Acorns!

The girls enjoyed snaping beans for me. They enjoyed eating them raw too.



Broccoli Salad



Green Beans with Bacon and Onion



picture taken on my parents back patio

Ahh it's hard to get motivated this morning. I'm really enjoying having a whine-free household all to myself. Hopefully this newness wears off soon because it's hard to leave the house to get to the gym.

Well, I'm going to finish up my cup of coffee and get back to homework :)

Enjoy the weekend!

 

Family Vaction to Greer, AZ

 Last weekend we made good on a groupon that we were supposed to use this summer, but couldn't due to wildfires in the area. Greer, AZ is really on the road to no where. The population is only 177! But I'm sure the population can more than double in the summer and during ski season.

 We stayed at the Greer Lodge Resort in the Log motel rooms. Their amenities were included in the price and included: kayaking, fly fishing, mountain bikes, telescopes, games, DVD's, and a nightly camp fire.  

 We really enjoyed the two hikes we went on (except Zoe got tired at the end of the first). The first one was by a creek where we met a few people with lots of fish!

 The girls loved the dandelions and the wildflowers. They spent lots of time picking, collecting, and blowing. It was getting to be a bit overwhelming when they wanted to pick every flower they saw so we had to explain to them that we should leave some in the ground because they are living things and other people may want to look at them... Anyways... it was really cute and I was happy to see them running freely and enjoying nature.

 We brought the rain boots just in case, but we didn't find any puddles.

 This was my first time in a kayak. I prefer a canoe.

 The second hike was a bit more challenging. It was lovely to smell the pine and listen to the wind blow through the aspen (reminded me of cottonwood trees at clear lake), and hear the creek in the background.

 Yes, we were so happy to see ponds that we took our picture by every one we saw!

 And what they don't tell you in the brochure is that it's so nice to sit out on the porch drinking beer and wine while the kids can move freely from the room to the outside. Also there is a bar on the property right next door to the hotel rooms with cheap drinks and a patio where you can look at the ponds, mountains, and your kids playing.

Gosh, I, we had such a nice time. I want to go back with my Dad and Katie sometime because they would love it as much as we did. I loved it as much as I love going to back to SD/ND/MN. It made my soul happy.

first days of ballet

Th girls started ballet this week. Different days at different locations. At least the time is the same ;o)

 Zoe was especially excited as it was her first time to experience ballet for herself.



Fun little Zoe story... She was playing with the water table at school and apparently didn't think it through before soaking herself with water. Good thing she had a change of clothes as her dress and leggings were as wet as if she had went swimming. Her change of clothes consisted of shorts and a t-shirt. Poor thing itched herself until she bled. Her teachers were so worried about her skin. I hope she grows out of this skin thing soon!

an update

Whoa! It's been a while. Sorry, sister!

Let's see... September has been crazy. On the 2nd, we found out that Dave's younger cousins were in a car accident. They had been drinking and a brother killed a brother. Completely sad. My heart goes out to Dave's Aunt and Uncle and the 2 surviving brothers.

With that being said, please don't ever forget how fortunate you are every day and hug your loved ones extra tight!

We celebrated Dave's birthday with Dinner (to his favorite spot, Kona Grill) and a homemade lemon cheesecake. (I keep trying to get him to take it to work so it's not in the house. ugh!)

Zoe ordered Sushi (!) and Kayleigh a hamburger. They ended up splitting the fries and K eating the sushi and Z eating the burger. HAHA! And Zoe finally got to go to preschool! She was so excited. We ended up switching preschools a week before it started. I think we made the right choice. So far so good!

Zoe was really really excited. We talked about what we would pack in her lunch for about 2 days prior. She told me that she would suprise me by eating all her lunch and cleaning up her toys. She was happy to report that she did in fact to both. You can see that she was a little nervous at first... Today when I dropped her off a nice mom said that Zoe and her daughter made quick friends. And guess what? Her name is Kate! :)

Kayleigh has been doing awesome at school. She was having a bit of trouble with math at first, but she works at it everyday and actually wants to do math now! I'm very proud of her for working hard at it. She also started Chorus one day a week before school.

As for me, all my free time has been spent on "stumbleupon," (OMG addicting!) homework, and working out. I saved up my $$ to work with a trainer and it was the best money I've spent on myself. It was strength training... I would feel so strong and awesome after I was done, but would be so sore the next day I couldn't imagine doing cardio so I have to figure out how to balance it all.

Classes are awesome! Way better than Chemistry. Every time I open a textbook I get excited. I know with all my heart I am on the right path. I live and breathe for this stuff! In one class I am learning HTL to make a website. Here is the link http://www.public.asu.edu/~eacorn/ it's just in the beginning stages so check back later for more updates.

monday monday

Oh boy howdy. I've got a case of the Mondays. I'm so over the record breaking temps, humidity, and haboobs.

Didn't make it to the gym this morning, but I did manage to drag Zoe to a half a dozen stores before lunch.

School is in full swing, but I seem to be waiting for an underdog. I did drop one of my classes this semester, but I think it's for the best.

The calendar has been so full. It's a bit overwhelming. Lots of confusing days for everyone. I'm here, K is there, babysitter when? I pick up who when? What day does that start? I didn't know that was today... I foresee this happening until mid-September.

Ok Imma stop whining now.

Curried Couscous with Broccoli

Is it sad that you want your kids to grow up so you can make recipes that call for gorgonzola?


I shouldn't complain. Tonight they ate Curried Couscous with broccoli

The recipe calls for feta, but goat cheese tasted pretty good!

things kids say

Grandpa, can I tell you a secret? You're so handsome.

She didn't say it too secretly, so the rest of us heard what she had said. Zoe and Grandpa were sure best buds over the 4th of July.

Some other funny things Zoe says:
Shamish for sandwich
Retangled for Tangled

Some funny conversations:
Zoe, why don't you eat your pizza?
Because it tastes like cup.
Like what?
(as mean as possible) It tastes like crap!

Dave: There is no need to be scared of monsters. They aren't real.
Kayleigh: Yeah, they are all in your head.
Zoe: No! My brain is in my head!

Zoe talking to anybody that will listen: Vitamin C is good for you. If you drink too much soda you will die.

Still talking: I went to a tea party. And I had two desserts. (with a click of the tounge and a tip of the head) And you (meaning me) didn't see me!

new summer dishes

Italian Portobello Sandwiches from Cooking Light

HERE for the link.

Basil mayo, roasted bell peppers, cheese... YUM!

I had to duplicate this "famous" chopped salad that you pay way too much for at fancy restaurants. I think I did pretty darn good!

Here is the line-up:
Tomato
Flaked salmon
Dry roasted corn
Arugula (or whatever)
Isreali couscous
Sunflower seeds (or whatever)
Craisins
Buttermilk pesto vinegrette

Someday I will have a better camera or better lighting or both to take pictures of the other foods I make. I truly am happiest when I'm cooking something :)

summer update

These silly girls play the cutest things. Here is Kayleigh in the "birthday chair."

They loooove going out for frozen yogurt. I love they buy one get one free coupon that comes in the mail once a month!
ZoBug's (or ZoBuggie as she likes to be called) hair is getting so long. She looks as sweet as pie here. But man can she be a little stinker!

In other news....Kayleigh starts first grade in two weeks!! My fall classes start in 3 weeks. Zoe starts preschool in about 6 weeks.

As I was finishing Intro to Chemistry (worst class ever) I was also starting Nutrition 101 (best class ever). I am so happy to have finally figured out what I want to do when I grow-up.

This summer has been a whirl-wind of activity. I wish I would have more time/energy to blog about it!

Red, White and Blue Galette

This year my 4th of July dessert was this "red, white and blue galette." In case you were wondering a galett is just like a freeform pie. A galett is also something that the kids can help with so that is always a plus.

I combined a few recipes to come up with this one.

4 ounces cream cheese

3 tablespoons extra fine sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon sugar

Preheat oven to 400º F. Mix cream cheese, sugar and cream. Roll out each piece of dough into a 10″ circle on a piece of parchment. In the center of the circle, Drop in teaspoon-sized dollops of the cream cheese mixture leaving about 2 inches of room on the sides. Sprinkle berries over the top. Fold the sides of the galette over.

Beat together egg and water. Brush with a pastry brush over the top of the galette. Sprinkle the edge with sugar. Bake at 400º F for 30-35 minutes until dough is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.

Makes two 8″ galettes.

Since there was so much heavy cream left over, I used it to make a whipped cream topping. It was delish. I think each "pie" serves 4.

File this one under, "It's easy! All you have to do is..."

this and that

Life is much more enjoyable and memorable with a soundtrack, right? Here's mine as of late:

Futuristic Lover- Katy Perry
You've got the Love- Florence and The Machine
Dancing on my Own- Robyn
Kids- MGMT
Rolling in the Deep- Adele
We No Speak Americano- Pitbull
Heavy in Your Arms- Florence
Time for Africa- Shakira
Little Lion Man- Mumford and Sons
The Cave- Mumford
Head Full of Doubt- The Avett Brothers
Radioactive- Kings of Leon

My posts have been quite random lately... I guess it's a reflection of life. I think I'm more of a creature of habbit than I care to admit. Changes are hard.

One change that I know I don't like is cooking food just to eat the food. I do have to say though, that it is a lot cheaper to eat just to have food in your stomach. So I'm just gonna roll with it.

Cam is back in the hospital. I hate this for him. He isn't one to be weak or attract attention. It makes my heart ache for him. And I also think about how this was such nonsense. And how things like this (hospital bills) can happen to other people without the means. When you heal so much of it is attitude. What if you were afraid to get care because of cost? It would be harder to heal. Oh, I just hate to think about all the "what if's." I hate people who have such disregard to human life. It makes me sick.

I've been reading alot and thinking alot about what we eat and how it affects our bodies and the enviornment. Yes, please eat your vegetables... but are they organic? from genetically modified seeds? Oy vey! School lunches are so unhealthy! We waste so much water on our lawn and bushes around here... wouldn't it be great if instead of grass we were watering vegis for all the condo dwellers in our complex?!

I have so much going on in my mind! I need some down time, some guided meditation. Something!

Kids are away with Dave- I should go... Do nothing? Or do all the stuff I can't do with kids around?????

you take the good, you take the bad

Wow. Just wow. TGIF!!! I'm happy to say that Dave and I have survived the most stressful, scary, busy 7 days of our lives together. Every minute of the last 7 days has been accounted for.

We hit a serious low on Saturday morning when we heard Dave’s little brother was shot in the chest. I get the shivers every time I think about it. We are so thankful that he will be okay. I hope they catch the bastard that did this to him. Dave has known 3 people who have died before their time because of guns and now one that could have. If this doesn’t change ones stance on guns I don’t know what will.

You know how people say “bad things” come in threes? Well, it’s true. Obviously nothing can compare to what happened to Cameron, but the blows just kept coming during the week.

Dave’s car broke down on his way to see Cameron. Dave’s step-mom had to actually pick him up on the interstate while his car got towed back to Scottsdale. Not a big deal, right? Well my financial aid got messed up with ASU so I had to pay for my classes this summer. Still not too bad… The mechanic quoted us one price- ouch. Then they found a few more things that needed to be fixed. OUCH. I feel like a true college student after that one. I guess I can take comfort in the fact that we actually had the money to take care of those things.

Wednesday was the hottest day of the year here- 110 was the high. And as luck would have it somehow Zoe got locked in the truck in the hot sun. Long story short, the firemen had to bust out a window to get to her. Thankfully she was okay. And thankfully we were at a friend’s house and they were amazing about the entire thing.

So ya know, we just did all that emotional stuff and added playdates, swim lessons, VBS, camp, and about 20 hours of homework. And no working out so I feel like a marshmallow.

I lived it and I wrote about it now I can put it to bed. I’m looking forward to spending a relaxing Father’s day weekend with my family.

Healthy Mexican

Oh boy howdy do I love these tostadas.
Get your self a bowl and mix up some fresh corn, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and black beans (drained and rinsed). Spray some corn tortillas with cooking spray and briol for a min or so. Top with the deliciousness from the bowl, add cheese and broil for another min or two. Serve with your favorite salsa.

GET IN MY BELLY!

2 weeks post kindergarten

School ended for Kayleigh just 2 weeks ago (it seems like a month has past since). In two weeks our days have been filled with numerous playdates, swimming lessons for both girls at different locations and different times, K has Spanish summer camp from 8-12 M-TH, I started a hectic CHM 101 online class, a few dates with my man, a weekend trip to Tucson, I turned 31, two 6 year old birthday parties, sickness, and lots of workout and yoga time-- for balance. haha!

First Day of School

Last Day of School

Miss K really enjoyed Kindergarten. She loves to learn (as long as it's not math- unfortunately she gets that from me). She excelled at reading early on and now reads chapter books daily and in one sitting! Reading has also reinforced her love for nature and animals. I am always amazed by how much she knows and how much more she wants to know about the world around her.

Today we enjoyed being just the three of us- no playdates, no commitments. The kids played daycare, I did a 80 min. yoga class, we ate lunch at a cafe, hit up the library for an hour, and ate an ice cream cone (I enjoy hearing I'm the best Mom ever from time to time). Now the kids are playing cheerleader/princess/ballet girls while I chill. How do they have so much energy? I need a nap! (Oh, must be that I couldn't go back to sleep after I had to clean up a potty accident at 2:30 in the morning!)


Please dear audio book keep them occupied when the frolicking gets old :)

Oh and I'm happy to say we haven't had nitrate filled hotdogs or frozen pizza once! haha

the effects of an online summer class

I have the most amazing people in my life. Amazing.

My mom took the kids today to Tucson so I can get a jump on my schoolwork. This is after spending more than a week sleeping on a sofa sleeper caring for my grandparents. My mom is amazing. Such an inspiration. She is so selfless and giving and caring. I am greatful for her!

And speaking of greatful... Dave is a genuis! I'm struggling with Chem 101 (obviously), but my amazing husband is like, "It's easly all you have to do is think it through." Well, thats probably one of the dumbest things he's said to me, but I won't hold it against him. He is so encouraging and helpful. I am so greatful for him!

So, summer classes are hard.... I will get through it. I won't give up. I will not worry about feeding my kids random crap like hot dogs and frozen pizza. What's that? You didn't get your protien or vegis today?? My house will be a mess. Clothes will be taken out of the clean pile and worn. Dishes will pile up in the sink. It's okay. It's only 7 weeks.... then Nutrition 100 for 8 weeks :)

Where did May go?

Summer Camp started for Kayleigh this morning at 8AM. Summer School started for me today too.

Having a bit of anxiety.


Camps, playdates, swim lessons, commitments, a clean house, home cooked meals, school work, workouts, oh my!



I have lots to share, hopefully I'll get here soon. If not, look for pix on the FB.

walking

The more time we spend in our neighborhood, the more enjoyable I find it. Or maybe it's just the magic of Spring?



We've been lucky this year with an actual Spring. It's so nice to take walks near the canal, grassy lawns, and under the big trees. (Yes, Tucson we are taking your water, but I'm South Dakota girl and need the greenery!)

I found this in my drafts... I hope to get to another posting soon (Katie).