I am taking a 40 day fast from Internet usage and emailing (with the occasional exception of WORK) as a sacrifice and as reflection time during Lent.
Lent starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday and will end the day before Easter (the 40 day count does not include Sundays).
Brendan is fasting from playing on electronics and I'm very excited about this.
We are anticipating that this time will bring our family closer together as we draw closer to our Lord and Savior!
See ya in 6 weeks! (Don't forget to call me if ya need me. I won't be reading emails, unless they pertain to UL!)
Well Planned Day
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Trampolines & the Omniplex
Unrelated, I have to show you another of Cameron's fashion decisions. Don't miss that the shoes are on the wrong feet, and that's an honest-to-goodness Tupperware bowl on his head!
Today, he started a new saying. He must have said it 10 times. It took me a while to figure out what he was saying...
"I'm not fair"
I guess maybe he heard Brendan or a cartoon say, "That's not fair" or maybe even "You're not fair". I'm not sure...but it's pretty funny.
Sunday was a little cool but not too bad. The boys played in the trampoline while I made lunch. I had to run out to get a few shots.
Notice the mid-air shot here:
Now Brendan joins in...
Here's his flip:
And then we decided we're going to make Sunday an Omniplex day. We have the pass...we might as well get out and enjoy some family play time. It was fun! 
Look at that CHEESE!
We mostly played with the Legos
We had fun building cars and racing them
And played a bit in the Tree House but it was really crowded!
Today, he started a new saying. He must have said it 10 times. It took me a while to figure out what he was saying...
"I'm not fair"
I guess maybe he heard Brendan or a cartoon say, "That's not fair" or maybe even "You're not fair". I'm not sure...but it's pretty funny.
Sunday was a little cool but not too bad. The boys played in the trampoline while I made lunch. I had to run out to get a few shots.
Notice the mid-air shot here:
Now Brendan joins in...
Here's his flip:
And then we decided we're going to make Sunday an Omniplex day. We have the pass...we might as well get out and enjoy some family play time. It was fun!
Here's my pirate and parrot...seems pretty appropriate!
Look at that CHEESE!
We mostly played with the Legos
We had fun building cars and racing them
And played a bit in the Tree House but it was really crowded!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Valentine's Day and Cool Zoo Days
One night, in the last week or so, JC & Cameron had a little duel outside while I watched the beautiful Oklahoma sunset.
Last week I enjoyed the cool, quiet mornings with a hot mug of coffee. Apparently I wasn't the only one enjoying it.
The boys were well-off this Valentine's Day. First gifts from Gramma & Papa (he didn't really want to show me his treat...he knew he'd have to share!)
The Nerf guns were a hit. No pun intended.
Cameron was enthralled with his card
Even more so with his dino!
Then to Lawton to share Valentine's Day and Papa's birthday with Granny and Papa. Brendan got Narnia for the Wii and loves it!
I am the party coordinator for our homeschool co-op parties. Here are the Valentine's I made for the boys to hand out. Great idea but no matter how much tape I used, the kept unraveling! Frustrating!!!
Here's my box of supplies for the party
Cameron decorating his Valentine bag at the party. Our party was actually Monday...
Me and the boys
The elk was awfully playful and loved our attention!
Okapi
Last week I enjoyed the cool, quiet mornings with a hot mug of coffee. Apparently I wasn't the only one enjoying it.
The boys were well-off this Valentine's Day. First gifts from Gramma & Papa (he didn't really want to show me his treat...he knew he'd have to share!)
The Nerf guns were a hit. No pun intended.
Cameron was enthralled with his card
Even more so with his dino!
Then to Lawton to share Valentine's Day and Papa's birthday with Granny and Papa. Brendan got Narnia for the Wii and loves it!
Papa Richard had a little trouble blowing out his trick candles, so Brendan pitched in
I am the party coordinator for our homeschool co-op parties. Here are the Valentine's I made for the boys to hand out. Great idea but no matter how much tape I used, the kept unraveling! Frustrating!!!
Here's my box of supplies for the party
Cameron decorating his Valentine bag at the party. Our party was actually Monday...
Me and the boys
Mondays in January and February are free days at the Okc Zoo. So, after our Valentine's Day party, we decided it was nice enough to take advantage of the free day. Besides, I was too pooped to go home and do any real work.
We saw lots of animals and had a great time. We all love the zoo, and I love taking pictures of all God's wonderful creations!!!
The elk was awfully playful and loved our attention!
Okapi
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Test Kitchen: More Product Reviews
Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta
4 Stars
We've tried the Garden Pagodas and the elbow noodles. They are denser than normal wheat pasta but over all pretty good. The first box I made, I followed the directions, drained it and put cheese on it without testing it for done-ness. Big mistake. They weren't cooked enough. So, I will always do a taste test first. Quinoa is super healthy-high in protein and fiber so this is actually a better choice for pasta anyway! They lose a star for being so expensive!
Simply Organic Banana Bread
5 Stars
Easy to make and tasty. Perfect!
Asian Gourmet Cheese Rice Crackers
4 Stars
These are JC's favorite new crackers. Cam's not jazzed about them but we can get them for just over a $1.
Brendan and I been busy this week working on an Essay that he is writing. That and catching up on work around the house. Brendan & I would probably both say its not been a very fun week. Oh well...such is life, right?!
4 Stars
We've tried the Garden Pagodas and the elbow noodles. They are denser than normal wheat pasta but over all pretty good. The first box I made, I followed the directions, drained it and put cheese on it without testing it for done-ness. Big mistake. They weren't cooked enough. So, I will always do a taste test first. Quinoa is super healthy-high in protein and fiber so this is actually a better choice for pasta anyway! They lose a star for being so expensive!
Simply Organic Banana Bread
5 Stars
Easy to make and tasty. Perfect!
Asian Gourmet Cheese Rice Crackers
4 Stars
These are JC's favorite new crackers. Cam's not jazzed about them but we can get them for just over a $1.
Brendan and I been busy this week working on an Essay that he is writing. That and catching up on work around the house. Brendan & I would probably both say its not been a very fun week. Oh well...such is life, right?!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Beef-Polenta Pie
Thank you, thank you, Rachel Ray for the recipes that you create with less than 125 ingredients!!! (recipe is slightly adjusted)
It really was quick and easy. Gotta ♥ that!
Beef-Polenta Pie
Serves 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
2 TBS EVOO
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 ¼ pounds ground beef
Salt & pepper
One 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 C instant polenta
½ C heavy cream
½ C grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
1 Package frozen green beans, thawed, drained
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add been, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until browned, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and mushrooms, lower the heat and simmer.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and ¾ tsp salt to a boil. Whisk in the polenta until thickened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the cream, Parmesan and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth; pour into a large casserole dish.
Stir the green beans into the beef mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture of the polenta and top with more Parmesan.
Cameron gave a thumbs up, but really, he didn't like it. He picked out the ground beef and that was all he ate.
The last time I made polenta, it was...well, less than desirable. This was really good with the cream and cheese AND all the flavors on top.
It really was quick and easy. Gotta ♥ that!
Beef-Polenta Pie
Serves 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
2 TBS EVOO
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 ¼ pounds ground beef
Salt & pepper
One 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 C instant polenta
½ C heavy cream
½ C grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
1 Package frozen green beans, thawed, drained
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add been, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until browned, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and mushrooms, lower the heat and simmer.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and ¾ tsp salt to a boil. Whisk in the polenta until thickened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the cream, Parmesan and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth; pour into a large casserole dish.
Stir the green beans into the beef mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture of the polenta and top with more Parmesan.
Cameron gave a thumbs up, but really, he didn't like it. He picked out the ground beef and that was all he ate.
The last time I made polenta, it was...well, less than desirable. This was really good with the cream and cheese AND all the flavors on top.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Working on my "Crafts"
I've been told by certain people in authority that I can not talk about their product online. So, I'll just show you a couple of my latest projects around the house.
I finally, FINALLY got the laundry room painted. I want to paint the cabinets and trim white but this will do for now.
I finally, FINALLY got the laundry room painted. I want to paint the cabinets and trim white but this will do for now.
Look what I won!
Amy, over at Stinky Toes Design has these very cool giveaways AND I WON!!!
THANK YOU, Amy! I love it! Click HERE to see her site on Etsy.
She wrote a nice little note with my necklace and told me my friends will receive 40% off her prices by using my name! Go check her out!!!
THANK YOU, Amy! I love it! Click HERE to see her site on Etsy.
She wrote a nice little note with my necklace and told me my friends will receive 40% off her prices by using my name! Go check her out!!!
February Fun in the Polliard Test Kitchen
Me and my Helper in our aprons! You can't read it but his says, Chef in Training. (Let me know if you ever come across a kid's chef hat! I think that would be so cool!)
Here's a box of Oriental ingredients Margaret brought me. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it!
Also in that picture is our Cheesemaking Kit that we can't wait to try out.
Both these recipes were a hit with the fam! Last night, I grilled salmon steaks on the old George Foreman grill. I took Onion & Chive cream cheese (about 1/2 a container) and melted it in the microwave. I added a little water and stirred until smooth. I poured the cheese sauce over the salmon and added halved cherry tomatoes. YUM!
Butterscotch Pudding
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 8
8 TBS Butter
2 C packed Brown Sugar
½ tsp salt
6 TBS Cornstarch
5 C Milk
4 Egg Yolks
1 C Heavy Cream
1 tsp Vanilla
Melt butter in a large saucepan over med-high heat. Add sugar and salt and whisk steadily until dissolved.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, ½ cup of milk and yolks. Whisk until smooth.
Pour remaining milk and cream into pan with sugar mixture. Bring to a simmer over med-high heat, stirring constantly.
Pour 1 cup of milk mixture in a very slow stream into bowl with cornstarch mixture whisking constantly and vigorously. Pour cornstarch mixture back into pan, increasing heat to high, bring to a boil and whisk until thickened and smooth, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. (Recipe said strain through a fine-mesh sieve, but I didn’t).
Cover with plastic wrap, pressing lightly so it touches surface of pudding. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until thoroughly chilled and set.
Breakfast Bread
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 90 Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours
Servings: 15
1 pound sausage
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
2 C shredded Cheddar cheese
1 C chopped green onion
4 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
8 eggs, beaten
3 C milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 inch Bundt. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion and baking mix. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and the milk. Add the egg mixture to the flour/cheese mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour & 20 minutes to 1 hour & 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Remove immediately from the pan and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm. May also be frozen if desired.
We did have a slight set back this week. Cameron's number flashed while we were in the sanctuary Sunday. JC didn't think it was his number but I convinced him to check. Sure enough. Nursery workers gave Cameron animal cookies!!!
I made this great laminated sign for the nursery..."ATTENTION CAREGIVERS..." Even had his picture on it in case it was a new worker. These are the workers that are in there every week. Every week, I would say, "Don't forget he gets his special cookies" and every week they would say, "We know". I didn't tell them this week. I guess they need that weekly reminder after all!!!
Here's a box of Oriental ingredients Margaret brought me. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it!
Also in that picture is our Cheesemaking Kit that we can't wait to try out.
Both these recipes were a hit with the fam! Last night, I grilled salmon steaks on the old George Foreman grill. I took Onion & Chive cream cheese (about 1/2 a container) and melted it in the microwave. I added a little water and stirred until smooth. I poured the cheese sauce over the salmon and added halved cherry tomatoes. YUM!
Butterscotch Pudding
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 8
8 TBS Butter
2 C packed Brown Sugar
½ tsp salt
6 TBS Cornstarch
5 C Milk
4 Egg Yolks
1 C Heavy Cream
1 tsp Vanilla
Melt butter in a large saucepan over med-high heat. Add sugar and salt and whisk steadily until dissolved.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, ½ cup of milk and yolks. Whisk until smooth.
Pour remaining milk and cream into pan with sugar mixture. Bring to a simmer over med-high heat, stirring constantly.
Pour 1 cup of milk mixture in a very slow stream into bowl with cornstarch mixture whisking constantly and vigorously. Pour cornstarch mixture back into pan, increasing heat to high, bring to a boil and whisk until thickened and smooth, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. (Recipe said strain through a fine-mesh sieve, but I didn’t).
Cover with plastic wrap, pressing lightly so it touches surface of pudding. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until thoroughly chilled and set.
Breakfast Bread
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 90 Minutes
Ready In: 2 Hours
Servings: 15
1 pound sausage
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
2 C shredded Cheddar cheese
1 C chopped green onion
4 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
8 eggs, beaten
3 C milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 inch Bundt. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion and baking mix. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and the milk. Add the egg mixture to the flour/cheese mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour & 20 minutes to 1 hour & 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Remove immediately from the pan and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm. May also be frozen if desired.
We did have a slight set back this week. Cameron's number flashed while we were in the sanctuary Sunday. JC didn't think it was his number but I convinced him to check. Sure enough. Nursery workers gave Cameron animal cookies!!!
I made this great laminated sign for the nursery..."ATTENTION CAREGIVERS..." Even had his picture on it in case it was a new worker. These are the workers that are in there every week. Every week, I would say, "Don't forget he gets his special cookies" and every week they would say, "We know". I didn't tell them this week. I guess they need that weekly reminder after all!!!
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