Lazy blogger

Yup, that's me the "lazy blogger" at least the past few days. O.k. maybe not so much lazy, as doing too much and not blogging. It's not that I haven't wanted to. I made two loaves of my Mom's banana bread yesterday. Ian's favorite! I will share that recipe with you at some point. I roasted red peppers today. I sliced them thinly and layered them with their juices and olive oil. I can't wait to use them, in pasta, on crostini, in sauce etc... I just read a great book called The Girls from Ames. It was excellent, and I think every woman should read it, yup it was that good. I just started another book called The Help, so far so good as well. I attended the fashion show on Saturday and had a great time with friends! Then my little family had a sleepover at the Buckmans. The kids and Dads went to a Drive-in. How fun is that. Then there is a little adventure this weekend for all of us, and all the planning that goes into that. I'm not complaining...just sharing kind of lazy like. I took this photo this past summer on our way down to Brian's High School reunion. Well, I better get going. I'm off with the kiddos!

Ode to a Capable Wife

10A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. 15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls.
16She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson.
22She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her:
29‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ 30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.Proverbs 31

Fashion Show

Tickets are PRE SALE ONLY and can be purchased at all clothing boutiques!Fashion In The Sky Rooftop Runway Show!The evening will begin with a lit city skyline cocktail and horsd'oeuvres hour. Dj Stevie will be spinning beats before and after the show!Hosted by Twin Cites Live Elizabeth Ries.Come check out all the Fabulous Fall Looks from Picky Girl, Karma, Stephanie's, Flirt, Ecotique, Shu and Details Style Lab for Men!! Complimentry Hors d'Oeuvres Buffet + Cash Bar provided by Salut and Barrio.Doors open at 7pm Show starts at 8pm. Tickest are $35. After the show stay for cocktails and dancing!Hope to see you there!!xoxox, picky girl

Join me friends! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Just leave me a comment. We're going to have so much fun!!!
xoxo
Rach

Through the eyes of a child

The children asked to use the camera a couple of weeks ago. It's fun to see the world through their eyes that day.

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xoxo

Rach

20 years ago...

I was a freshman in college. I was full of excitement. I was ready to be "be on my own." I was ready to make new friends. I was ready to face new challenges. I was ready to have an open mind. I was ready to grow in my faith. I was ready for adventure. Little did I know that my Young Adventure was about to beginning. I had just ended my summer romance, and was ready for a new chapter in my life. What I was not looking for was love. 20 Years ago... my mr. amazing and I went on our first date. Then everything changed, and my world has never been the same. I love you deeply Brian.
xoxo
Rach

Bits of Encouragement

Dear Friends~

Thank you so much for your tips and encouragement on running! I'll let you know how it goes.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you! Wear them like a necklace around your neck; write them deep within your heart. " Proverbs 3:3

xoxo

Rach

The Fair

Don't you just love the fair!?!? We do!

I remember going as a child with my family every few years. We would ride the bus in. Growing up in the city it was such a treat to see all the animals...and it still is. Brian and I went a few times pre-children. Ever since Katie was born, we have always gone at least once a year sometimes twice. Ian was 2 months old the first time he went. At some point "Uncle Shaney" started coming with us every year, and this year his fiance Jen came with. Here's what we did, saw, and ate (the most important thing).

xoxo

Rach

A few changes, running, and corn chowder

I decided to make a few more changes. Some cute boy told me he was tired of the piano music. Frankly I was too. I actually added songs with words. You must be thinking, I thought you didn't like it. I still I'm not a huge fan of music with words when I'm reading, but I know some people are. I thought if you don't like it, you can just hit the mute button like I do. If you do have a few minutes though, listen to the words to the first two songs. They bring tears to my eyes, but fill my heart with so much joy! I love them! I played inspirational music all morning for the children. Ian asked me "Is this church music?" I also removed the "what's at our table this week", and replaced it with photos of what we have been creating in the kitchen.

On another note. Some of you may have noticed or heard that my mr. amazing has dropped a few pounds. In honor of that, I challenged him that afternoon to a run. He agreed, but as the hour approached I said, "maybe we should walk?" He was fine with that. So, out the door we went for our power walk, then I said "let's run!" Run we did. As my feet were pounding the pavement and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest I said "You remember how to do CPR, right?" He laughed. He stopped for a little while, "I'll just watch you from back here." Uh, huh... I bet you will. Susie heard about it and said let's do a 5K for children's cancer this summer! What!?!?! Kim you still on board for "Mom's that run, but don't like to." I love that name. Bri said he would do it, and he would train with me. I'm actually kind of excited, but very, very scared!!!! I know for running experts this is nothing, but for me this is huge!! I'm so not a runner. I can do a brisk walk, but run no! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! I really have to think this through.

Now let's move on to something a little more...therapeutic. I love making soup/stew. Once the weather cools down, we usually have it once a week. The chopping and sauteing relax me. Once the soup has been put together the aroma that fills our home is so soothing. I had an abundance of corn from the farmer's market in my fridge, and decided to make some corn chowder. This recipe is somewhat involved so allow the time for that. I actually made the stock one day and the chowder the next.

Corn Chowder

Inspired by Tyler Florence

2 tbs. Extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion diced

1 large carrot, peeled, and diced

4 garlic cloves minced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1/4 cup flour

6 cups homemade vegetable stock or canned

2 cups skim milk

2 large Yukon gold potatoes

4 ears of corn

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions:

In a large stock pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes. Then add the onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs cook until the vegetables are soft about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for a minute. Gradually add the stock, and bring to a boil. Add the milk and potatoes and bring to a boil, and boil hard for 7 minutes. Cut the kernels off the cob and add to the chowder. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer for 12 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Serve warm.

Homemade Vegetable Stock:

1 ear of corn with kernels

3 ears of corn kernels removed

1 large carrot peeled, and cut into a few chunks

1 large shallot ends removed, but peel left on.

4 garlic gloves ends removed, but peel left on.

salt and pepper

water

Place all the vegetables in a large stock pot. Cover with water and add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, skim off foam and simmer for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Strain out vegetables. Cool and use in your favorite soups. Freeze any additional stock.

xoxo

Rach

Back to School Party~2009

One of my favorite blogs to read is Nie Nie dialogues. Her cute button is the pink on on the left. I got the idea for a back to school party from her.

We brought out the linens, fine china, silver, and champagne glasses. Our motto for this school year is BE ORGANIZED.

Menu

Triple Berry soda

Deviled Eggs

Chicken satays

Cantaloupe

Sauteed Zucchinni

Angel food cake with berries and whipped cream

The children felt very special, and we all had a wonderful time. It's a new tradition we will look forward to year after year.

xoxo
Rach

September 11th, 2001

I made the children a "hot" breakfast this morning. Katie, 1 scrambled egg, 1 toasted pita bread, half of a banana, and a glass of milk. Ian, 2 sunny side up eggs, 1 piece of white bread toasted, half of a banana, and a glass of milk. I was pleased with myself that their tummy's were full. My thoughts turned to those that were missing loved ones and what I was doing that day.

As usual I was in a rush. I was the Assistant Director of Admissions at the time. Katie and I were on our way into campus. I was in our small car when I heard the news. I dropped Katie off and rushed into my office. I spoke with a number of my co-workers we were all stunned. We knew very little at that point. Just that a plane had crashed into one of the towers. I remember trying to explain to my then 4 year old what happened. We called both sets of parents and some of our siblings. What a scary time. We didn't know how much our world would change.

I traveled twice shortly after. I was in a conference in Texas and had thrown away my e-ticket for my flight back on accident. I was glad I was not traveling alone. I explained to the ticket agent what happened. I was fortunate it was an e-ticket...it would be fine. A few weeks later I was in Chicago. I was in a large hotel. Katie and Brian were in our room, I had gone done to check about switching rooms. When I was ready to go upstairs, the security guard said I couldn't, he needed to see my key which I didn't have on me. I was quite upset another officer came by and directed me to the phone so I could call up. Brian brought Katie down in her p.j.'s and I was allowed to go to my room.

So much has changed since then. Our son was born 9 months later. Siblings have been married. Adults have passed on and children have been born. Our house has become our home. Eight years have passed, and much has happened. I still remember though, and I still grieve for those whose lives were lost.

I'm so glad that I believe in a God who is bigger than our life. A God who gave his only son, so that I could have eternal life with him forever. My hope, comfort, and joy is with him.

Hold the ones that you love close. Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Rach

First day of school~2009

The children started school on Tuesday. There was much anticipation in our home Monday night...and a little hesitation. Katie hopped on the bus for her last, first day of elementary school. I can hardly believe my little girl is in sixth grade. She is growing up to be such a lovely lady. The homework has already started...1 hour of french reading every evening and multiple English assignments. Math testing is going on this week, so no math homework this week!





Ian put his hand in mine as we walked into the building, right up to his locker. He found his desk, and was a little nervous. His teacher reassured him that she was pretty nice. He has come home with a lot of work that he has done at school. He has also decided that 1st grade is a lot harder than Kindergarten!
We had a beautiful summer together! I so enjoy spending that time with them. Happy first day of school!
xoxo
Rach