Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Matching beauties

It's Holy Week!

And while I'm busy (frantically) re-learning all of the church music for the Triduum that I sang last year (and many years before that), I also have to squeeze in some time to stuff money into plastic eggs (thanks for the help last night, Curt . . . he he), dye a couple dozen real eggs, secretly create Easter baskets, and figure out when to get to the mall for the Easter bunny.

We're doing good so far!

And here's a look at the girls in their matching Easter dresses for our annual Spring photo shoot. Yeah, sometimes I agree this is frivolous but I just can't help myself. I mean . . . just look at them!!!

I feel so blessed to have such beauties. I need to capture this moment in time.




























Monday, March 22, 2010

Happy birthday Baby!!


I recieved this photo from my mother-in-law by email this morning.

A large group of folks attended Vivian's 4th birthday party at Xtreme Bounce Zone yesterday!

It was a sweaty, red-faced event filled with theater friends, pre-school friends and family.

Vivian has been asking for a "jumping party" since her 3rd birthday, I think. Anyway, it was a long time coming - that's for sure.

More photos are on the way. I just haven't had a chance to download the camera yet. I'm especially excited to take a look at Vivian's live-action shots from inside one of the bounce houses. I'm sure it's a blurry mess.

Today is her official birthday. We'll be making our traditional trip to Red Robin for birthday dinner and an ice-cream sundae.

I can't belive my baby is four!

Happy birthday sweet Vivian!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Yummy mushroom creamy goodness

I made this for dinner tonight before I rushed off for a girls night out (actually a clothing party at Caitlin's). Curt loves mushrooms and we've both been trying to watch our diets lately so when I ran across this recipe, I just knew I had to try it! Added bonus: it makes a great Friday night dinner during Lent for me!


Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff

4 tsp garlic oil, divided
1 lb. Portobello mushroom caps, sliced (1/2 inch)
½ tsp salt, divided
½ tsp pepper, divided
2 cups chopped onions
2 (5-oz.) pkg baby spinach (10 cups)
1 cup fat free plain yogurt, preferably Greek
1/3 cup evaporated milk
2 tsp Dijon mustard

1. Heat 2 tsp of the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook mushrooms 6 to 8 minutes or until tender and liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Stir in ¼ tsp each of the salt and pepper, place in medium bowl.
2. Heat remaining 2 tsp oil in same skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onions 6 to 8 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Add spinach, cook 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted, tossing with tongs. Stir in mushrooms and any accumulated juices. Reduce heat to low.
3. Whisk yogurt, evaporated milk and mustard in small bowl. Gradually stir into mushroom mixture; heat until warmed through (do not simmer or yogurt could curdle). Stir in remaining ¼ tsp each salt and pepper.

Enjoy it spooned over hot noodles.

Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 180 calories, 6 g total fat, 11 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 5 mg cholesterol, 495 mg sodium, 5 g fiber.

Friday, March 5, 2010

It's still so tough

Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.