• 09.13.2009 Tomato Comfort
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    Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. (Although homemade Chinese gyoza is a close second.) As the leaves change and the temperature drops, our family turns to soup and sandwiches for a quick meal. When an extra loaf of crusty rustic bread is available, a grilled cheese is promoted to a panini with turkey and ajvar (I get mine at Trader Joe’s). While Campbell’s is the traditional favorite, I’ve been smitten with homemade tomato soup. It’s cheap, delicious, and simple to make. As an added bonus–additives, high fructose corn syrup, and excessive sodium are not invited to the party. Basic Tomato Soup 1 28 oz. can pureed tomato (or crushed, then run through blender) 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream, or to taste salt and pepper to taste a bit of olive oil a shake or two of garlic powder a shake of onion powder […]

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  • 09.10.2009 Now and Later
    Now and Later
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    Just like he sometimes wishes he didn’t have to write out his Latin flash cards… …I sometimes would rather be playing catching up on my list, than homeschooling… …but just as the rewards of studying Latin are sometimes immediate, but mostly unrealized until down the road… …I keep my eye on the prize that’s in the distance, giving thanks for the treasure of time with my kids today.

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  • 09.09.2009 Labor Day HIke
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    Our Labor Day hike left me more sore than I have been in a long time, and I wasn’t even carrying any of the boys! The weather was gorgeous, and the mountain air refreshing. Thanks to good friends, the entire family made it to the top. We discovered a geocache while resting on a ridge. Two of the group (including hubby) had already found this geocache on separate occasions, and claimed to have taken photos of themselves with a camera that was in the container. How amusing it was to discover developed pictures of these alleged previous findings. Number 1 was only two years old at the time, but made it up the mountain on daddy’s back, and is now part of this special collection of treasures to be discovered up on the Sandias.

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  • 09.04.2009 On Their Way…
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    When a cherished friend leaves for Ethiopia to pick up her new baby girl, a part of me can’t help but go with her. She and her husband (and their oldest!) are on their way right now… A diaper bag unlike anything I’ve made thus far (yes, I ACTUALLY followed a pattern…for the most part *grin*) may be on its way to greet this precious baby as well. And if it does make the long awaited journey…with it goes much prayer, blessing, and love. I couldn’t be more eager to meet this new little girl who will be a part of our lives…we can’t wait to rush you home, Havi!

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  • 09.02.2009 A Preview For The Greens
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    Imagine how surprised and flattered I was when Number One’s second grade teacher from last year asked if I would shoot photos of their five week old baby. Flattered and scared. This was my first official photo shoot of anyone other than my family (and of something other than food!) The experience was fun and memorable. And while baby Scottlyn refused to play the part of an Anne Geddes baby, she did a great job portraying her cute little self. Thanks, Celeste and Noel, for the unique opportunity to be a part of your life!

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  • 09.01.2009 On Days When Big Brothers Are Gone
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    5 Things I’ve discovered about my 3 yr. old Number 3 while his brothers are at school: 1. He is really helpful. 2. He says “actually” and “maybe” quite often, and in correct context. 3. He is a puzzle master. 4. He is, in fact, capable of being quiet when there are no loud brothers to contend with. 5. He has entered the “why” stage. 6. He thinks his own thoughts: “Mama, you’re my friend.” 5 Things I’ve discovered about myself while his big brothers are at school: 1. I actually don’t mind the little step-stool that follows me wherever I go. 2. I enjoy conversations with a three yr. old. 3. I can make time to play with my kids. 4. I like to act silly sometimes. 5. I say “I don’t know” a lot. 6. I enjoy this kid…and love being his friend.

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