Sunday, July 24, 2005

Recipes

Okay so I'm going to start sharing a recipe of the month, since I love to cook. If anyone would like to share a recipe with me, please feel free to send it my way. Since it's hot and people don't like heating up thier kitchen, I'm sending one of my favorite grilling recipes. My sister actually gave this one to me, so enjoy and fix it for company, it's awsome.

Grilled Flank Steak
3 C. dry red wine
3 C. chopped onions
2 1/4 C. soy sauce
3/4 C. olive oil
8 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
4 1/2 lb. Flank Steak
6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) cut into 3/4 inch strips
3 large red onions cut into 1/2 inch slices

Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Divide steak, bell peppers, and red onion among large shallow pans. Pour marinade over, turn to coat, cover and refrigerate 3 to 6 hours. Grill over high heat, drain steaks & veggies & grill to desired doneness, about 4 min. per side for rare. Slice steaks thinly across grain.
Serve with grilled rolls.
Grilled French Bread: 3/4 C. olive oil, 6 garlic cloves flattened, 18 french bread rolls. Heat oil, add garlic & cook until light brown. Discard garlic, brush rolls, sprinkle with pepper & grill.

Friday, July 22, 2005

Summer!!



Isn't it sad when it's the middle of July, but it feels like summer is already over. We've been so busy and had so much going on that it feels like we've missed summer. We are going on a little vacation next week and then that is it, two weeks later school starts and its all over, the swimming, sleeping in, pancakes for breakfast every morning.
What have we done with our summer you ask, well lots of swimming, some traveling, but mostly just hanging out. That's what summer is all about I guess, but it seems like it's over before it starts. I'm sure we will welcome the routine of school, but there are those that this school year will be monumental. My sister for one has a senior this year, this is the last summer for her, then I'm sure like her mother, my niece will be off to college and never to return. My brother has a senior as well. What do we do with all this time moving stuff....can't it just stand still for a while. This will be my middle childs last year of preschool and then he's off to kindergarten. Wasn't he just born yesterday. Before you know it my oldest will be a senior and my youngest will start school and what will I do with myself. I guess I'll have to find a job to occupy my time, although the older my sister's kids get the busier she seems to get, so maybe I'll save the job thing for retirement.

Monday, July 18, 2005

life

children screaming now
hair pulling, spilt milk dripping
dog barking, tears fall

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Chicago, Chicago, Chicago!!!


Chicago, Chicago, Chicago!!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
I LOVE THE CITY!!! We went to Chicago for a few days to visit the American Girl Place. It was just a girls trip with my daughter and I, a friend and her mom, and my mother-in-law. We all had a great time, and it was a dream come true for the girls. The people at American Girl Place now how to make girls happy and that was apparent by the line outside the door to get in every morning.

Water tower in Chicago!


Water tower in Chicago!
Originally uploaded by llear.
I loved all the old buildings sitting amongst skyscrapers. It really gives the city a cozy feeling. I never really felt like I was in a big city, we'd walk 10 blocks and it felt like we just went right around the corner.

My daughter at the fountain!!


My daughter at the fountain!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
Another shot of my beautiful daughter by the fountain. They don't call this the "windy city" for nothing.

My daughter and her friend!!


My daughter and her friend!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
Just outside our hotel we had a great fountain/park area. The girls really enjoyed chasing the pigeons and playing in the water. It was a great spot and right across the street from the American Girl Place.

Lunch at the American Girl Place!!

The girls really enjoyed shopping and having lunch at the American Girl Place, but I think the theatre performance might have been the coolest part....aside from getting all the new doll stuff that is.

Moms, daughters and dolls!!


Moms, daughters and dolls!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
We had a great time in Chicago, the American Girl Place is every girls dream. Lunch at American Girl was quite elaborate, as you can see even the dolls got thier own place setting.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Great black and white of a butterfly!!

I thought you might enjoy some pictures of a butterfly enjoying our garden. These are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!!

Butterfly Garden!!


Butterfly Garden!!
Originally uploaded by llear.

More butterfly shots in the garden!


More butterfly shots in the garden!
Originally uploaded by llear.

My beautiful garden!


My beautifuly garden!
Originally uploaded by llear.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Brothers riding the tractor!!


Brothers riding the tractor!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
The boys were out having thier own fun on the tractor, since they're a little young to ride the motorcycle.

Dad and daughter go for a ride!!


Dad and daughter go for a ride!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
My daughter couldn't wait to go for a ride on the new Harley, when she returned she said, "I feel like I've been riding that my whole life!". I think this is going to be a great activty for them to do together.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005


The Big Day!!!
Originally uploaded by llear.
Celebrating the purchase with a ride to the Harley-Davidson store.

Fishing fun!!

I hope it's a big one!!

Practicing the sparkler pose!

Isn't he a cutie?

Picture of the cousins!


Enjoying the 4th of July with family!

4th of July!*!*

We celebrated the fourth with family and friends this weekend. Fun was had by all...good food, good drinks, games and of course fireworks. On Sunday we were with family and had a blast fishing and riding the golf cart and mule. The food of course was the main event and visiting with good company.

Boys and their toys!!

You know the old saying, "the bigger the boy, the bigger his toys", well that rang true for us this weekend. After almost two years of riding other people's motorcycles, my husband finally got his Harley. Many questions have been asked of me since his purchase, like "aren't you mad?", "how could you let him get one?", or "are you worried he'll wreck it?"... Well after having a full weekend of ownership and having gone for a ride myself, I have had some time to ponder these questions. Why am I not mad, I just let him fulfill a hobby that not only has its dangers, but also gives him another reason for being away from home. I'm not mad, though, in fact I think he deserves it. He works hard and provides well for our family. He is a great father and role model. Having a Harley isn't going to change any of those things. As for "letting" him, well he is six feet tall, I don't think I could stop him if I tried. And the worry part, well I have faith in the Lord and whether it's riding the Harley or driving around in the old Lincoln, if it's his time to go, nothing is going to change that. Have a little faith in the Lord, it will make life easier.