Wrapping up my "30 Days of Truth"

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

I need to be nice to my husband all of the time (except when he's annoying me). I need to make sure that he knows how much I love him and need him. I need to be better at telling him and showing him. He needs me to tell him how special he is and how appreciative I am for all that he does. His sacrifices are endless. I hope to change this about myself.


Day 30: A letter to yourself.

Dear Self,
You are so blessed. Don't take one day for granted. You have cheated death and you should live life accordingly. Remember to be kind and generous. Stick to your values and beliefs. Learn to bite your tongue for the sake of others. Be happy. Do what you enjoy. Accept what cannot be changed and make the most of it. Treat your husband with respect, don't be so nit-picky. Be appreciative. Be a good wife, daughter, aunt, sister, cousin, niece and friend. Don't stress, you've been through some of the worst already. Play. Eat. Don't eat so much. Pray. Reflect. Read. Listen. Live.
Love Yourself

G-Girls and Crockpots

This month the theme for Gourmet Girls was CROCKPOT CREATIONS. We did this theme the very first time we met. I decided to put in back on the schedule since we've all grown and learned so much since then. This time was a little more successful. First of all everyone was there and everyone made a dish. It's been a while since that's happened. It was so nice. The recipes were fabulous. I have some that I typed up and will post them here. Try 'em out. Also, if you're on Facebook, I started a page called COOK AT HEART. I will be posting my favorite recipes and cooking projects. I just posted the crockpot recipes and some Thanksgiving recipes too. Come check it out.

CROCKPOT PESTO LASAGNA by Amy

1-26oz. jar pasta sauce
1-10oz. box lasagna noodles
1 small jar pesto
1 small bag spinach
3 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
1 lg. container ricotta (larger then the 16oz.)
1/4 cup water

Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Put a spoonful of pasta sacue in the bottom of the crockpot. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. You will need to break them to make them fit. Next add the ricotta and then the pesto in layers. Add a handful of spinach and top with the parmesan, mozzarella and some sauce. Repeat layers until you've run out of ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of water to the sauce jar and shake. Pour the saucy water over the top of the lasagna. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. It's ready when the top layer begins to brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It will also pull away fromthe sides a bit. Turn off and let sit 10-15 minutes before serving.

CROCKPOT BAKED OATMEAL by Kathryn

3 cups old fashion oats
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup dried fruit and nuts of your choice

Combine dry indgredients in the crockpot. Combine the wet ingredients in a bowl and addto the crockpot. Cook about 3 hours or until knife comes out from the middle clean.




CROCKPOT FRENCH DIP

4 lb rump roast
garlic powder
onion powder
worchestershire sauce
1-10.5oz. can beef broth
1-10.5oz. can french onion soup
1-12oz. dark beer (not Guiness)
6 french rolls
6 slice provolone cheese

Trim excess fat from the roast and place in crockpot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder and a few shots of worchestershire sauce. Add beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on low for 7 hours. Pull out roast and shred into large pieces. Add meat back into crockpot with the au jus. While the meat is soaking broil the french rolls with a bit of butter and garlic powder. Remove and add cheese to one side of the roll. Put back under the broiler until cheese is just melted. Add meat to other side of the roll. Serve with the au jus for dipping.



CROCKPOT HAM & TATER BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

1 lb frozen tater tots
1/2 lb diced ham
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup diced green pepper
3/4 cup shredded cheddar
6 eggs
1/2 cup milk
salt
pepper

Spray crockpot inte cooking spray. Layer ingredients in order; tots, ham, onion, green pepper and cheese. Repeat two more times ending with a layer of cheese. In a bowl beat the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture ofver the layers int he crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours.



CROCKPOT ASIAN SHORT RIBS

2 pkgs. short ribs, bone in
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 inches fresh ginger, finely smooshed
1 bunch green onion, largely chopped
3 T. sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, finely smooshed
3 jalapenos, halved and deseeded for hot (whole for mild spice)

Place thawed ribs in the crockpot. If using the jalapenos, place them on top of the ribs. If you want just a little bit of heat, put the peppers in whole. Mix all sauce ingredients together and pour over ribs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on your crockpots running temperature. My crockpot cooks hot, so I don't cook things as long. Check the ribs 3/4 of the way through to ensure that all of the ribs are soaking up the sauce. Turn if needed. If you'd like to serve the ribs with the sauce you can thicken it with about 2 heaping tabelspoons of cornstarch and water.

Days 27 & 28

Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
My life. I love my life. I'm thankful for everything and everyone in it. I love to cook and make my cakes. I love chatting with friends on Facebook. I love my cooking club and book club. I'm so grateful for my disability benefits that allow me to enjoy these things because my energy isn't sucked up by work and the stresses that go with it. My husband is amazing and we laugh a lot. My family and friends are supportive and giving. I love my 4-legged kids. Especially my sweet Cali girl. I love that I can be sick and not have to worry about being fired. I love that if I'm tired, which is most of the time, I can lay down and rest. I'm thankful for modern medicine and what it's done for me and what it's doing for Kristin. I have everything going for me right now. Really.

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
I'd probably faint considering this is impossible! HA! Even though we are comfortable in our current situation, we've had 17 years to adjust, it's still not a subject that I like to devote to much time too. It is still not easy. Not the end of the world, but not my favorite topic. It's not always easy to avoid living here in "babyland." People can be downright nosy and judgemental. Ok, enough of that....

One of my favorite Christmas songs!

This song makes me so happy!

Days 25 & 26

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

I don't have an answer for this. Really. I have spent plenty of time wondering for sure, but no definite answer has ever come to me. It's my gift. I'll take it and do the best with it that I can. I'll know in the end when it's all laid out before me. I can accept that. For now, I live.

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Nope. Never. Even when I was diagnosed with the cancer for the second time. It never crossed my mind. I think there are two options; you either fight or give up. Whatever decision you make I believe it is already in your makeup. It's who you are. You are either comfortable in your skin and you fight or you already have a sad outlook on life and give up. I think the cancer made me want to fight even more. It's different I think when you are told that you're sick and there is the possibility of a terminal outcome. You fight. You want to live. I least I did.

Days 23 & 24

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
I wish I would have learned how to speak Spanish. I've always wanted to. I should have paid more attention in Spanish class to get the basics and then took it further. It would have come in handy during my Teaching days, as well as my Admistrative jobs. I know it's not too late...I'm just too lazy!

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

This playlist is for Danny. These are songs shared between us. He'll know them.

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

The only thing that comes to mind that has any significance is quitting school before getting my teaching degree. I know it was a big mistake. Even though it worked out for me at the time it would have been easier to change careers after I was sick. Having a degree these days is everything. You can't get a viable job with it. Even if you're an idiot they will hire you because of the piece of paper you hold. I wish I had been more dedicated. More committed to finish it even though I hated all of the general education courses. I hope that my nieces will realize this before it's too late. Life will be an uphill battle without their continued education. GO TO SCHOOL!

PRETZELS!

Ooooh, do I LOVE LOVE LOVE soft pretzels! Here is the recipe I use, try it, you won't be dissapointed.


SOFT PRETZELS

1-1/2 cups warm (110º) water
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (approx.)
2 Tablespoons butter, melted 10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten
1 Tablespoon water
Pretzel salt or Kosher salt

Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.

Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450º.

Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.

Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.

In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.

Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.

Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

30 Days of Truth: Days 20 & 21

Well, I'm more than half way through my "30 Days of Truth" challenge. Here are Days 20 & 21...

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Alcohol is a tricky one. I think it's OK in moderation if you are enjoying the taste and flavor. But, most drink to reach a buzz or to get drunk. That's when it becomes unhealthy and dangerous. Drugs are a NO for me, any of them, at any time. So addictive and so dangerous on many levels.

Day 21: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Well what can you do? Not much at that point. If you believe in prayer you can pray to be forgiven and hope that your apology reaches your friend's heart. You can pray that your friend recovers and you get the chance to tell them yourself. There is no avoiding situations like this really. Everyone argues and has misunderstandings. It's how you handle it I guess that makes the difference. Being honest and upfront will help. Don't leave things unsaid or unstable. Make sure your friends and family know that you love them ALL OF THE TIME no matter what might be going on in the moment.

the Amadors visit

The Amador's were here to visit for a few days and we were so so glad to have them. It's been about 3 years since they were here last. It was a short trip, but a good one. We took them out to a restaurant in SLC that my cousin turned us on to called Charlie Chows. It's a Chinese restaurant that does the all-you-can-eat Mongolian BBQ. It's fantastic! Ray made 5 trips through the Mongolian bar! Afterwards we went to Gourmandaise for dessert. Those of you who live here in Utah are missing out if you haven't tried Gourmandaise. My cousin also shared this little treasure with us. It's a bakery/bistro of sorts. The desserts are off the hook! There regular menu is also fabulous. So good, that I celebrated my birthday there last year with my girlfriends.

We had a wonderful visit with Ray, Shiryn and Kennah! Not only did we hit SLC, but we had a mock Thanksgiving dinner at my mom's with the WHOLE fam-damly. It was beyond scrumptious. I made breakfast for us and some of the fam on Thursday morning then D, Eric and Ray went out to Cabella's. Friday Michele took Shiryn to Tai Pan for the first time and I made chicken enchiladas with homemade mole for dinner. (Thanks Auntie Nat!) We met the fam for bagels on Saturday and Kennah had a play date with Bailey. They were instant friends (or distant cousins by marriage, lol). We were sad to see them go. Cali will miss her morning cartoon companion!

So You Think You Can Dance

I am completely obsessed with SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. I live for those 2 nights a week during the summer. I've even gone to see the stage show a couple of times. This is one, just one, of my favorite performances by Twitch and Kherington...

Jamie Foxx - Brady Bunch

I love Jamie Foxx and this bit in his act is one of my favorites and cracks me up every time I watch it. You'll need to pause the playlist at the end of my page to hear it fully!

Catching up...Days 17-19

Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
There are a couple of books that fall into this category, but they are all based on the same subject.

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Stones Into Schools, by Greg Mortenson

The Kite Runner is a story based on the historical happenings of Afghanistan. The plot is centered around a boy and his father and their escape from Afghanistan to America. I learned so much about the country's fight against the Russian invasion, as well as the Taliban. It helped me to understand how and why things are the way they are today in their country. It's shocking and sad. A horrible injustice to the people of Afghanistan.

Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools are non-fictional books about Greg Mortenson who is the co-founder of nonprofit Central Asia Institute and founder of Pennies For Peace. His personal story of dedicating himself to the education of children, specifically girls in the northern most regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan is laid out in both books. "As of 2009, Mortenson has established or significantly supports 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls, where few education opportunities existed before." These two books have had a profound impact on me. I was even lucky enough to hear Mr. Mortenson speak at my friends graduation ceremony in Philadelphia. I was such an honor and something I will always remember. The lessons I have learned about the everyday citizens of these regions are life changing. I think every high school Senior should be required to read these books to help understand the steps that need to be taken to promote peace, education and understanding in the Middle East.


Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.

This is such a sensitive subject. One that is so personally important to so many. I wish there was a way to make everyone happy, to be equally respectful to all. I don't think there is though. Those who hold traditional religious values want the act of marriage to stay between a "man and woman." Some are willing to pass a "civil union" law that would afford same sex couple the same rights as heterosexual couples. But is that fair to the Gay/Lesbian community? To treat them so differently. Why shouldn't they be able to "marry" in the traditional sense of the word? Personally, I don't think I mind if they are allowed to "marry." What does it matter in the grand scheme of life? Who are we to decide who others should love and if they have the right to be united? Are they hurting anyone directly or breaking any laws? Is that even their intention? No. They just want to love, be loved and live their life based on their biological make up that makes them who they are. I definitely support these couple receiving the same rights like insurance, adoption, medical decisions, taxes and such. This probably isn't the answer some would like to hear, but I'm taking the brave lead of my niece who is not afraid to stand by her thoughts and convictions. I'm always hesitant to share my opinions about these matters for fear of offending others, but I guess I am who I am and to love me would mean excepting all of me. I just want tolerance and love, a Christlike way.

Day 19: What do you think of religion?
Wow, these are some heavy questions. I am Mormon. I was raised that way. I don't want to be anything else. I hold dear most of the core values of my religion. Me myself? I'm probably not Mormon enough for some and too Mormon for others. But I'm me and I'm comfortable with who I am and the faith that I hold dear. I believe in God, His Son and the Holy Ghost. I believe that all blessings come from them. I believe in Heaven and an eternal life. I believe I will be with my family and loved ones forever. I believe I am here to learn, grow and become as Christlike as possible. I believe that anyone who has faith in God will receive these same blessings. I don't judge based on religion. I don't ask or focus on it when meeting new people. I am close to and love others who believe differently than I do. I think it is a very VERY personal thing. If you can share it with others and they are willing to accept it it's a wonderful thing. If not, that is their personal journey. I believe in the Ten Commandments as a general way of living your life, as well as serving, generosity, love, kindness, being neighborly, tolerance, patience and general goodness in your heart. This is who I strive to be. I am thankful for my life and all it contains and I know who to thank for it. Amen.

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Life would be better without...

>war
>violence
>guns
>hunger
>poverty
>drugs
>disease
>intolerance
>ignorance
>predjudice

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without.

I definitely would not want to live with out Danny. I can't imagine a life without him in it. I hope I never experience that day.

Day 14: A hero that has let you down.

Ok, so this person is not a hero, but someone I really liked and enjoyed. George Lopez, Comedian. I was so disappointed to hear that he had cheated on his wife. I was really let down. I've even stopped watching his talk show. I love his stand-up DVD's, but to watch him every night has lost it's luster for me. Everyone is human, we all make mistakes, but that was a conscious decision and I'm turned off...

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days.

The Judds: Wynona and Naomi

Their music, book and video documentaries got me through my BMT. I wanted to be a part of their family. I wanted to live on a farm in Tennessee in between them!

ReAL SALT LAKE!

If you would have told me 10 years ago that we would have season tickets to a Major League Soccer team I would have told you that you were smokin' crack! But we did. And it has been so much fun. Cassie and Kristin started palying soccer when we moved to Utah. (It's the state pass time here.) However, I was only interested in watching them play. I still didn't care much for the game. It's very frusterating and not enough scoring. But, then the REAL came to Salt Lake and we were hooked. We've enjoyed many games over the last few years, but this year we were able to get season tickets through a special offer made to my cousin. REAL are the defending MLS Champs from the 2009 season. 2010 was also a GREAT season. We broke the record for home game winning streak. Unfortunately, we didn't make it past the first playoff games. My favorite player is the goalie Nick Rimando...he is magic in a little Mexican body! LOL We can't wait for next season!

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

Huh? Well where do I begin....who wants to sit down and reflect on the physical and personal traits that people don't compliment you on? I'm not doing that. Ugh!

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

My cooking! LOL. Wish it was my perky boobs or slim toned legs, HA! But, it's the very thing that causes the demise of those body parts. hee hee