My second "Farm Fresh To You" delivery has arrived.

I am so excited at the arrival of my Farm Fresh To You delivery. Every other week, delivered right to my door, I am greeted by a box filled with farm fresh organic vegetable and fruits. Here is what I found in my box.
2 lb Gala Apples ( replaced with Navel Oranges at my request)
2 lbs Valencia Oranges
1.5 Lbs Grapes
1 bunch Green Chard
2 lb Sugar pie Pumpkin (they ran out so I got more oranges)
1 lb Green beans ( ran out again but we got carrots , which we are more likely to eat)
1 bunch of spinach
1 lb Sweet Peppers
1 bunch Celery
2 garlic bulbs
2 lbs Yellow Onions
2 lb garnet Yams

All of this for 32.00. I wondered if I was saving or spending more money so I went to Vons.com since I shop there and checked out their prices vs. what I paid. The total of non organic without the pumpkin $ 38.82. I never check prices on veggies if I did I wouldn't buy them and we would eat junk food. They had a limited Organic section to choose from if would have purchased those items the bill would have gone up at least 10.00. All of that said I am very happy to be a new customer of Farm Fresh to you. I also receive in my box recipes for some of the foods. On The website recipes can also be found. Check it out and if you decide to try it out use the promotion code 6164 and let them know Suzanne Watson of Redlands ( I go by my middle name if you didn't know) you will get $ 5.00 off and I will get my next delivery free.

A yucky dinner my family likes

Did this title catch your attention? Here is a recipe everyone like except me. I make it on the nights that I have meetings or have over indulged in Miguel's like I did today.This is a easy recipe that cooks itself.

Smoked Sausage n Slaw
1 package of smoked sausage
1 T veggie oil
1/2 C onions
1 t chopped garlic
3 cups of hash browns or grated potatoes ( I use the refrigerated ones)
14.5 Stewed Tomatoes
4 C Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1/2 C water or chicken broth ( the recipe calls for white wine but I use broth)

Cut sausage into length wise quarters into 1/4 inch slices

Use dutch oven over Med heat
add oil to pan and add sausage let brown for a few minutes
stir in remaining ingredients except liquid
reduce heat to Med low and cook covered for 10 minutes
Stir in broth and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Enjoy as much as my family does and sprinkle in the love.

weekly Menu 10/4

Fall is here I can't wait to make Pumpkin bars tomorrow and visit Riley's farm on Friday. I'm also going to try to make a apple pie.My grandma or mom never made pies. I am becoming more comfortable with baking therefore I'm becoming a better baker.I've made more mistakes and messes while baking. No baking recipes will be posted until I've tried them and have had success with em.

Lot's of old favorites this week from the Rach. Here are the links for most.

Zippy Pizza: I use Pillsbury pizza dough. I add mushrooms and tomato's. You can put anything you want on it.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/mega-meatball-pizza-recipe/index.html

Italian Alphabet soup and Cheesy soup dippers
Justin loves this one. When he was in Kindergarten I made this for his class when they were learning their sounds.I had them each find the letters from their names and then just random sounds. I served in little Dixie cups since it was just a snack.
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=639

Also on the menu is Penne with sausage meatballs with peppers & onions
Haven't tried it yet so I will post after we taste it.

Also trying a new crock meal basic BBQ beef with mac salad.
I'll post after we've tried it.

Let me know your favorite recipes that you have tried and
Remember always sprinkle a little extra love.

Pumkin spice latte

Just in case you missed it on Facebook here is the recipe. Enjoy and sprinkle on some love.

Pumpkin Spice Latte
makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute - you can halve this amount
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Laundry Tip # 1 & 2

1.Freshen up the washing machine. Clean the hoses
and unclog soap scum.
Once a month pour one cup of vinegar into the
washing machine and run the machine through a
normal cycle, without clothes.

Also works to remove any odor your HE washer might have.


2.Dread folding or ironing laundry? Do two things at once. I often turn my laundry time in to prayer time for each member of my family. As I am folding I pray for them each per article of clothing ( one word prayer per undie, sock or undershirt). As I iron clothes I pray for whose ever article of clothing I am pressing. You can also do this using Christmas photo cards you receive. Place them in a small album and turn the page for each item that you iron.

Try these ideas in your home. Don't forget to wash with love and when you serve your family you are serving God.

Weekly Menu 9/20

Hello Cooking Friends,
I hope you each tried at least one new recipe last week whether it was one of the ones I had posted or from another source. I like to try new recipes every week to keep from getting bored. My kids are also introduced to new flavors and ingredients by me cooking different meals often. It is time for Bible studies to begin and weekly school activities are under way. I have found that my Crock is a great kitchen tool to take advantage of. If you wake up 10 to 15 minutes earlier, on a day you know you have time crunch, dinner can be made before you leave in the morning and be ready when you arrive home. I like using Mc Cormicks Slow Cookers they are really a no brainer to prep and taste great. You can also just throw veggies and a roast with broth or water, v8 juice, salt and pepper for a quick easy meal.

Monday- Stuffed Chard

Tuesday - Miguel's Jr

Wednesday- Slow Cookers Packet Savory Pot Roast.

Thursday-Harvest Pot Pie

Friday - Grilled salmon and noodle salad ( I never made it last week forgot about hockey game and Justin's Party.)

Stuffed Chard with Fresh Marinara

Recipe courtesy EatingWell.com

Reminiscent of the stuffed cabbage of yore, the mild flavor of chard makes these beef-stuffed rolls perfect for the whole family. Make It a Meal: A side of whole-wheat spaghetti to soak up the sauce plus a glass of Syrah.

Prep Time:
35 min
Inactive Prep Time:
hr min
Cook Time:
5 min

Level:
Intermediate

Serves:
4 servings, 2 rolls each

Ingredients

* 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
* 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
* 2 medium shallots, minced, divided
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
* 8 large Swiss chard leaves, stems removed (see Tip)
* 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
* 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
* 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Gently mix beef, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon shallot, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl until just combined. Divide the mixture into 8 oblong 3-inch portions.

Overlap the two sides of a chard leaf where the stem was removed and place a portion of beef there. Tightly roll the chard around the beef. Place each roll, seam-side down, in a large nonstick skillet. Pour in broth, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll reads 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes. Discard any remaining broth.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining shallot, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the shallot is soft, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened, about 8 minutes. Serve the chard rolls topped with sauce and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Remove chard stems, including the widest section of the rib at the base of the leaf, by making narrow triangular cuts.

Printed from FoodNetwork.com on Sun Sep 20 2009

© 2009 Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Harvest Pot pie
Family Circle Magazine Oct 17 issue

If you interested in this recipe let me know and I will get it out as soon as I can. I can't find it online to post and it is a little long to type so I can snail mail it to you. Or you can buy this months issue of Family Circle lots of good recipes in it.

Enjoy cooking for your family and don't forget to sprinkle in a little extra love.

Weekly Menu : 9/13

Wow I can't believe I have gone the whole summer with out blogging. Time does fly when you're having fun.Following is my menu and recipes for this week. I don't know how often I will be able to post my weekly menu's and recipes but I will try my best. If you try one let me know how it turned out for you. I will also try to post and changes I make to the recipes. Enjoy!

M- Grilled Flank Steak with Tomatillo Salsa
Tues- Mom's Thicker Chicken Noodle Rachel Ray
Wed- Miguel's Jr
Thurs- Balsamic Sirloin Peppered steak and Red Potato's
Friday - Grilled Salmon with noodles

Grilled Flank W/ Tomatillos Salsa
Top a quick grilled steak with a fresh, tangy salsa made with tomatillos. Like your salsa really hot? Leave the veins in the jalapeños.
8 oz. tomatillos (4 medium), husks removed, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1 small jalapeño chile, seeded and deveined if desired
1 garlic clove, halved
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lb. flank steak (1 inch thick)
1 to 2 teaspoons Southwest seasoning*
1/2 cup crumbled queso seco or other Mexican cheese
1. Pulse tomatillos, cilantro, chile, garlic and salt in food processor until coarsely chopped. Place in small bowl, draining off some liquid if desired.
2. Heat grill. Sprinkle both sides of steak with Southwest seasoning. Grill, covered, over medium heat or coals 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning once. Remove steak. Cover loosely with foil; let stand 5 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain. Serve with salsa; sprinkle with cheese.
TIP *Make your own seasoning blend by combining 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
4 servings
PER SERVING: 230 calories, 6.5 g total fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 36 g protein, 4.5 g carbohydrate, 90 mg cholesterol, 345 mg sodium, 1 g fiber

Balsamic Peppered Sirloin
Three ingredients, plus pan drippings, create a fabulously easy, great-tasting sauce for quick-cooking sirloin. Balsamic vinegar adds zing to the sauce and helps soften the taste of the pepper.
1 1/4 lb. beef top sirloin steak (1 inch thick), cut into 4 pieces
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper*
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1. Pat steaks dry; coat both sides with pepper, pressing to adhere. Sprinkle with salt.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil; heat until hot. Cook steaks 7 to 9 minutes for medium-rare, turning once. Remove steaks; cover loosely with foil. Let stand 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, add broth and vinegar to skillet; boil 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly reduced, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of skillet. Remove from heat; whisk in butter until melted. Serve over steaks.
TIP *Cracked black pepper can be found in the spice aisle of the grocery store. To crack your own, place whole peppercorns in heavy resealable plastic bag. Pound with flat side of meat mallet or side of knife until coarsely ground.
4 servings
PER SERVING: 260 calories, 12.5 g total fat (4 g saturated fat), 33 g protein, 2.5 g carbohydrate, 90 mg cholesterol, 505 mg sodium, .5 g fiber

Grilled Salmon and Noodle Salad

SALAD
1 (1-lb.) salmon fillet
8 oz. buckwheat noodles, cooked, drained
4 1/2 cups packed torn fresh spinach (6 oz.)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 large seedless oranges, peeled, sliced, cut up

DRESSING
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Heat grill. Grill salmon skin-side down, covered, over medium heat or coals 8 to 12 minutes or until salmon just begins to flake, turning once if desired.

2. Combine all remaining salad ingredients in large bowl. Combine all dressing ingredients in small bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat.

3. Flake salmon; arrange over salad.

6 servings

PER SERVING: 280 calories, 5 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 23.5 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate, 50 mg cholesterol, 710 mg sodium, 7 g fiber

Boston 09

Ok Boston is not one of my favorite cities. I can't wait to leave. The day started late for the kids. I woke up with the sun. The kids stayed asleep until 10:00 am. So we missed the shuttle into town having to take a taxi that cost $12.00. The upside is we drove past the bowling alley I wanted to take them to. We were dropped off at the Boston Public Library where there are some amazing biblical paintings.Justin wasn't to interested. We then headed for a game of bowling at King's. We had a good time even with Austin winning the game by 5 points. Well once again we missed the shuttle to get us to the Public Gardens so we walked to the mall had a lousy lunch and headed to the gardens by foot so we could ride the swan boats. We arrived and didn't have to wait long for our relaxing ride. While riding Glenn called and was finished with work. He met us at the boats as we were exiting. We decided to take another expensive taxi ride back to the room with intentions of taking the shuttle back into town to eat dinner. Glenn was able to get change out of his suit ans relax a little before we headed into town. The only problem is the girl told Glenn that the green shuttle, sitting outside wasn't the one we were to take she said ours was running behind but would be in soon. So we waited the green shuttle left and we waited patiently a bit longer. Finally after 10 minutes we asked if the shuttle would be in soon or should we call a taxi. Her reply was oh it left already it was the green one sitting out there. Same girl two different stories on the shuttle. We decided to stay here at the hotel why spend another $ 24.00 to get to down town to eat. Had Quizno's near the hotel and walked back to the room and researched our next city of adventure. Long story short we missed three hotel shuttles today, never made it to Boston commons or Feneuil Hall no big deal we have been to both places before. The kids and I swam in the pool so Glenn could get some work done.We had fun swimming. I did one of my old aqua aerobic routines by myself almost made me want to teach again but that was just a season. I think teaching aerobics was to get me comfortable speaking in front of people. One of those things you don't know what God wants you to do it for but you do it to be in obedience to Him. Oops off subject a bit. One thing I have enjoyed is meeting two people at the pool who both have family at the teaching hospital next door. I was able to tell one husband that I would be praying for his wife Claire as she finishes her Chemo for lung cancer and travels home to New Hampshire today. Tonight we met Yvonne her daughter is Renee who has Leukemia. I wasn't able to tell her I would pray for her daughter but I think she found comfort in having a listening ear and someone to ask questions about the treatment and just talk about the simple things in life. If anything good comes out of our day in Boston it would be that I can pray for two strangers and you can to. Time for bed. Until tomorrow.

My first Harvest of the year

I went out to garden "A" today and got my first 2 zucchini. I have about 4 more that aren't quite big enough to harvest they need a couple more days. I can't believe how out of a small seed we get our food. I planted everything about 4 weeks ago and I already have produce growing.
This is what my garden " A" looked like on May 9th. I had planted seeds about 2 weeks earlier.This is the start of my zucchini plants mixed in with last years cosmos.
These are my tomato plants and basilHere is Garden " B" it is still a work in progress I just installed a new watering system so I will post new picks in few days. Back to garden "A" here is what it looks like as of today.
Here are some Zinna flowers that are coming in.Can you see the green tomatos? Almost time to harvest them yummy.
Can you see the shiny zuchinni ? Can't wait to slice and dizzle EVOO with a little pepper and cook on the bbq.
I can't believe how big the seeds have grown. Looks at those plants. 3 zucchini and 3 crocked necks.I can't wait to share in my boutiful harvest.

Just relaxing

This week has gone by so quickly. I haven't had time to water my garden everything is probably dead. UGGH... I need to buy a new timer for weeks like this. One more day of working this week. Ap testing proctor is one of the boring jobs but it buys me toys.

Today was the last day of Womens Bible Fellowship. I already miss my girls and study. I wish we could have study year round and always meet. There is nothing like bible study at Harvest. You can feel Gods love every time you walk through those doors. You know that your friends are praying for you. You can see God at WBF because He lives in so many of the women. I pray that we all stay accountable to each other over the summer months and meet for fun days with the kids.

I guess I haven't been to busy I have done a lot of sewing this week. Thanks to my family keeping the house picked up. I haven't had a lot of extra cleaning to do. My machine was acting up last night so I might have to take it in for a tune up.

I am so looking forward to next week Nothing is on my calendar during the day. I can deep clean everything and relax reading a book. Best of all I can take my time and dig into Gods word. The only thing that has to get done is finishing up garden B.

Time for bed.

Kids

Not much to post.
Justin is so dramatic. He hurt his finger and swears it is broken. Yet he can still climb the fire truck at Baskin Robbins, skate board, play basketball and play recess at school. I think he just wants attention not that the attention is lacking here at home. I think he wants one of the metal things like his friend Cole had. It really hurts when its time for homework, bed and shower time.

Big news to pray about. We have decided that it is in Austins best interest to homeschool him next year. It will be his senior year. That is the tough part taking him out of ACA after 5 years. He started ACA in 6th grade. 7-8 th grade we homeschooled. 9th - 11th He has been back at ACA doing well but ACA lacks in some areas. Overall the school is excellent in academics.They don't have the classes that Austin needs to help him in college.Even with the school being college prep. Some of teachers think they are teaching college and forget to review the basics. That is the best thing about homeschooling I have the freedom to teach Austin using the methods that he learns best from and can keep teaching a subject until he gets it.
I've talked to the umbrella school we will be going through and have ideas of curriculum and classes he needs to take. We go to a mandatory meeting in 2 weeks. We will make the final decision at that meeting and notify ACA of our leaving on the 15th of May.
So for now that is the plan. I pray every year about homeschooling and this year the Lord has sent many confirmations to bring Austin home.

Beef, Barley and Veggies

Ok I have had a least one request a week for some of the meals I cook. I will try to post a recipe once a week. This is a old favorite. It's from the American Heart Association cookbook. I have made changes so it's not as printed in the book.

1- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1 potato per person
1 can of beef broth
1 tsp onion powder
1tsp garlic powder or garlic salt
1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
pepper to taste

1/4 -1/2 c barley

1/2 bag of frozen mixed cut veggies ( green beans, pea, carrots)


cook ground beef until no longer pink.
remove excess fat
return beef to pan and add potato's -barley(wait if using quick cooking barley)
bring to boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium low, covered 8-10 minutes until potato's are tender

add frozen veggies and quick barley. Cooking until barley is tender about 10 minutes.

You can find barley in the rice/pasta section of the market and quick cooking in cereal section.

Enjoy and let me know how your family rates this recipe.

email me or call me if you have questions

Family time at the movies

It's Sunday. We did the usual wake up early to leave by 6:50am to have Austin at church to serve by 7:10 am. Had wonderful fellowship , worship and teaching. We headed off to breakfast after service. This time visiting CBU for the delicious buffet. After overeating we drove home and took our Sunday nap. Once I awoke I started the routine of laundry.
We decided to go to the movies. Our choice 17 again. I did enjoy the movie thinking it went a little long. It's true, we make bad choices in high school thinking they are good at the time. As we mature we realize we did not know much I guess what counts is that we learn from our mistakes and change. We need to take responsibility for our actions and not blame others for who we've allowed ourselves to become. I wish I would have listen to those who told me about Christ in my teen years. I didn't think I was lacking in peace or joy. I thought life was one big question and no one had purpose. Greg said today at church that we need someone to convince us of our sin. In high school I didn't think I had any big sins. I was wrong. I am glad that I was convinced and convicted of my sin. I wish it would have happened earlier but blessing sometimes do come from hard lessons.

Other than the movie I took Dutchess for a walk I thought. She decided to run after Austin and Justin as they rode their bikes. So I ended up going on a 1/4 mile run. Why is it when I want to run she looks at me as if I am crazy?

Back to laundry...

Woo hoo !!

Wow, this has been a busy week. First the fun news Justin made a double play in T- ball tonight. He was playing 3rd base. He caught the ball and tagged the base. I think he was surprised to have caught the ball. He did just like the coaches taught him.

Yesterday, Debbie and I went shopping in the LA textile district. We were looking for the perfect fabric mostly geometric designs to use for our custom creations. We are going to start a business using the gift of sewing that God has blessed us both with. We found just what we were looking for and now have to make the time and get serious about sewing daily. I have a marketing plan. Starting a business has so many details. I pray that we will be successful .

I have been watering my garden daily. I hope to plant tomorrow evening. Well its bed time for Justin so I have to go up stairs.

New Garden Spot

The last few days I've been busy so I haven't had much time for my garden. All I have to do is finish planting some seeds and pull weeds. My big news is that Lloyd has entrusted me with one of his garden plots for the season. Lloyd has been apart of the community garden for 20 years. He has become ill and will take the spring/summer season off and prayerfully return next year.Until then I plan on planting many greens for salads. I plan on taking a few morning this week and all of next week to plan and plant in plot number 7. Hope to have some exciting updates soon.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for you I lift up soul." Psalm 143:8

Garden Update

It's been a busy week. Justin is home with me week two of his spring break. We purchased our Tomato and Pepper plants on Monday and got them in the ground that afternoon. We planted a variety of plants including: Roma, Better Boy and Big Boy Tomato's and Hot banana, Jalepeno, and Green Bell Peppers. Today we went out in the chilly wind and planted summer squash varieties black beauty and early summer crookneck. In between my raised beds of squash we planted Nasturtium's I hope they bloom like the picture below.

All the seeds we planted today have a 10-14 day germination period. So I might have some photos in a few weeks. I still have many veggies seeds to plant. I hope to be finished by Sunday. My watering system is a drip system. I prefer the drip system because I can space mini in line dippers as close together or as far apart as I want. I do have a few Adjustable flow sprinkles for my heavy feeding plants. This time of year I water 15 minutes every 2-3 days. As the weather warms I will water every other day for 15- 30 minutes. To make the roots stronger and grow deeper you want to water less often. This makes the roots go deep in search of a water source. So if your on vacation and your timer fails your plants can survive the harsh weather. When you water everyday you will have shallow roots and the first day without water you plants could wither away. Drip systems are fairly easy to install. I purchased a kit( Raindrip)last year and I was able to install myself. I reconnected this year and it still works I changed out only a few pieces to adjust for my change of crops. I moved everything over one space. This helps the avoid veggie plants from taking all the minerals in the soil over time. I've been praying about getting another plot in the community garden and I think I might be getting one to borrow for the season. That is all for now.
Be green.

" The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden" Gen 2:8

Home sweet home

We finally made it home. In the last 24 hours we have departed Breckenridge Colorado. Visited friends in Erie, Colorado. Flown home arriving at John Wayne Airport at 8:20 pm.Drove Austin to the Smiths house so he could help out at Sunrise service.Got home at 10:00 pm. Went to first service ay 7:45 am. Visited my mom. Her and my grandma hosted Easter brunch for us, Glenn's parents and Aunt Mary. Came home for 1 hour then went to Lisa's house for dessert and egg hunt. Since there is no food in the house we went to Carl's Jr. for dinner Yuck. Finally arriving home at 6:00 pm. Visited with the neighbors, (Justin, Carissa, Cassandrea and Collin had a egg hunt) started laundry, caught up on facebook, sent emails for Gurrlie Girl biz and now blogging. I am so ready for bed. So good night.

Good day gone uh oh

Well today started very quiet for me. I was able to just sit at the Lords feet this Good Friday morning. I went to picked up lunch for the guys. After lunch I dropped off Glenn and Austin back at the lifts and Justin and I went off on our date. We started off at Ready, Paint, Fire. We each painted a ceramic piece. Justin is very creative so he had fun. Then we headed off to the museum on the top for children. Justin had so much fun not your typical museum. It was filled with interactive toys , he didn't want to leave when Glenn and Austin were ready to be picked up. That is when the trouble began. They loaded their ski stuff into the car and Glenn got his finger smashed in the car door. He went to urgent care just to be on the safe side(there was blood everywhere) and ended up with a tetanus shot. He could have gotten 2 stitches but decided not to get them. So 3 hours later we had dinner. Now we are all packed up and ready to leave after breakfast. We will be visiting Glenn's friends the Dishman family on our way to the airport. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. Not that this bed is bad but its good to be home.

Good times

First a word from Justin... We heard a big noise while in the gold mine we visited today. Tom our tour guide showed us how the miners made holes to place dynamite into the mountain face. Using a pick and hammer and also a widow maker that was the noise maker. We went 1000 ft into the mine. When we got to the end Tom turned of the lights. We went panning for gold after our mine tour. I found a little gold flake. It was freezing cold in the Eureka River. There were two dummies (mannequins) in the mine to show us how they worked in the mine. And there was a fake mouse and there was a pink slip that we used as a brass ring. If they had one missing person they had to go to get them out of the mine. Thats it from Justin,

Yesterday we drove 2 1/2 hours to Colorado Springs to see the Garden of the Gods. The drive was through the back country of Colorado. As we first started to drive out it was like mountain driving then we crossed the continental divide and the landscape changed to flat lands and desert. The temperature also went up about 20 degrees. Once we arrived to the Gardens we decided they should be call the gardens of God not the gods. Only our amazing God could created the rocks we seen in all their splendor.
We left the gardens to visit the Air Force Academy. The grounds of the academy were beautiful. So much so Glenn was ready to join. It was so hot at the academy I was ready to buy shorts and sandals. The Chapel at the academy is something to see. They have many faiths that use different areas for their services.
On our way back to Breckenridge we spotted Focus on the Families headquarters. So we stopped by. Then we spotted Chipotle we had to stop. I needed a Iced tea I haven't had a tea since we left John Wayne Airport. As we were driving the weather started to change a storm had been in the forecast. We had perfect timing once again as we crossed the divide the weather changed.The clouds and winds pick up a bit but we made it safe to our room.

Today Justin told you about our adventure to the gold mine. After the mine we had a lazy afternoon hanging out in the room and playing cards in the lounge. We finally decided to head out to dinner. I had the night off from cooking. We had great Italian dinner.We decided to walk back to the room and it started to snow. It is 2 hours later and still snowing. The guys are going to have a great Friday skiing.

" For you are my rock and my fortress Therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me." Psalm 31:3

My day out

Today was day 2 of skiing for my guys. Instead of going for another walk I decided to try something new out of the box for me. I don't like the cold, ice, snow or slipping and falling. I tried something that involved all those things. I tried Cross Country Skiing. I started my adventure taking the shuttle to The Breckenridge Nordic Center. I went with the plan of snowshoeing but the concierge said I would have more fun cross country skiing. When I arrived at the center I decided to face my fears of snow and falling and signed up for the lesson before I chickened out. Todd my instructor was very informative. I did enjoy this new sport, even after falling twice. I got up and kept on going. Enjoying the view of the Blue Spruce trees and blue skies. The air was brisk and crisp. It was a excellent workout. By the end I told Todd the sport wasn't for me because my ankles and knees were hurting from the wedge ( stopping when going downhill). He was a little disappointed. After the lesson when returning my boots he seen my swollen pink and blue ankles and didn't feel so bad that the sport wasn't for me now he knew my ankles really hurt and it wasn't his instruction. I told him I would be back with the family in a few days. So I returned to pick up my guys so I could prepare them lunch before they went back out. My knee really hurt so I pulled up my jeans and discovered this small but painful bruise. So now that I have experienced cross country skiing and falling isn't so bad even after my little injury I think I might go back out again. I still want to walk these amazing beautiful trails by showshoeing. Maybe on Thursday snow is predicted that day God's creation is just so amazing. I can't wait to spend the day with my guys tomorrow at the garden of the gods. That was my day.
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household." Pro 31:20

Slow Day

Well today was uneventful other than the guys going skiing not much has happened. I had a nice day alone. I walked around town for 2 hours and seen about half the town. I'm thinking tomorrow is the day I will go snowshoeing just me and my Zune. It is so awesome to sing praises to God while walking in a beautiful location. We walked down to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for some dessert tonight. Justins tooth is almost ready to come out. It is hanging. by the root. eek. We will see what tomorrow brings.

Sunday in Breckenridge

Today has been a very slow day. We decided to take it easy since we need to acclimate to the elevation of 9600 ft. almost 2 miles high. I read it takes two days for the body to adjust to the high elevaton.We started watching Harvest.org this morning but the live feed just stopped so we left for Walmart and Safeway.Having a kitchen helps keep the cost down when traveling. My meals aren't anything to rave about when on the road but still healthier than eating out every meal. We also picked up the ski lift tickets and went to get the ski rentals. Yes, my guys will be wearing helmets on the slopes. I will be out on my own exploring this quiant town. I am debating about snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I will save that adventure for Tuesday. So for now my guys are hitting the slopes in the morning and I'll be shopping and preparing a simple lunch and nice hot meal for dinner. Oh yeah Justin decided to go swimming this evening with outside temps being 15 degrees feeling like 1 degree. Luckily for Glenn and I the pool is in a tent so it was warm but Justin still had to walk back to the resort outside in wet clothes he survived and is looking forward to a swim after a day of skiing tomorrow. Justin's tooth is getting looser everyday. He was paying in the arcade today and bumped into a game and had a mouth full of blood. Hopefully it will fall out soon and not on the slopes.

Day of Traveling

I haven't been to garden but once this week. I went to check my watering sytem. It's good. I water every other day for 15 mins. at 5:00 am.I will continue to blog about garden next week when I return from our trip.
Today is the day we've been waiting for traveling to Breckenridge, Colorado. I have never been to the snow before except to our local Southern California mountains. We started our day at 8:30 leaving for John Wayne airport. A new airport for our family.We flew on Frontier Airlines a new airline for us too. Flight left in time. Our flight was the only one not canceled or delayed due to weather. So we left sunny 80 degree California for 4 degree Breckenridge.
Here are a few adventures we have had so far. Toward the end of the flight Austin got really sick with sinus infection symptoms which turn into flu like symptoms that turned into him breaking out into a sweat. The flight crew was great responding to him. Cooling him down and giving him some o.j. to drink. There was also a EMT who check him out. This all happened within a 5 minute period.I give frontier airlines 5 stars. My adventure was driving in the snow for the first time. I had my first experience having the car slid on ice a little scary so Glenn took over driving to stressful for me. We arrived at our condo safely. Our Condo is beautiful and the view is grand. Not sure of what tomorrow will bring. I'm going to see if there is a local church we can attend or we will watch Harvest online. God is good and his creation is amazing.

In the beginning

I've been out in my dirt plot working for about 3 weeks now. When I arrived to the Smiley community garden that first day the weeds had grown in over the winter. I went to my garden daily for a week pulling out each weed by hand. Last week I went in and laid my organic ground amender to soften my soil. Today I took my hubby Glenn to do one last turn of the soil. Once the soil was turned I reconnect my drip system and set the timer. Justin couldn't wait to get started on planting so I allowed him to plant one pink impatience.(Is that how it's spelled?) I planted Cilantro, Parsley and Sweet Basil. From last summer I still have thriving Lemon Thyme, Oregano and perennials. I can't wait to start planting each new day. I hope you will be inspired to try out gardening for yourself if you haven't already.
" I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener, He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15 :1