by Alexis -

Apple Crisp

I’ve been thinking about putting Emma in a cooking class a local Community Center offers. But the more I thought about it, I was like, ” Psh! Whatever! I cook and bake and I’ll just do it myself!” So today was day one. She did great, I wasn’t afraid of any messes she would make (it’s how you learn right?) and we had a great time together- which was the ultimate point.

I must say that it turned out pretty good. I like a crispier ‘Crisp’ but I think only picky Crisp people would have an opinion about it. I’m going to serve it for dessert tonight with whipped cream. It will be amazing.

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Ingredients. I also added vanilla extract and a t. of butter in the filling.

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I had the best helper. This is her ‘cheese’ smile. Not bad compared to mine when I was her age. I would smile so big and strained. It’s cute now, but in middle school I was less than excited to see those pictures of me resurface.

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I followed their recipe. It was easy and simple, perfect for a two year old helper. They cut the apples into little tiny piees. I didn’t do that, I like them big and chunky. It reminds me of the chunky sweaters and scarfs I like to wear in the winter time. And Emma’s chunky cheeks. I like to rub my nose on her cheeks. She giggles and probably thinks I’m weird. That’s probably true.

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The finished product. Beautiful huh. It kinda looks like peaches to me, which I wouldn’t mind a peach crisp, but it IS Fall season and apples are just right for this time of year. Yes, it was as good as it looks. I took it out still bubbling and felt that giddy, excited bubbly feeling when you make something and it turns out like you were hoping.

I was really looking forward to taking pictures. I’m trying a new twist on my food picture taking and we’ll see how they turn out. All in all, make this recipe when you’re feeling like you want to snuggle in a blanket and surf the internet for hours. Don’t deny it, we all have that craving. This is perfect for those evenings. Oh and don’t worry about always having it hot, eat it cold, it then tastes like the inside of an apple pie. Mmmmm.

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Warning: This is a dessert that has the possibility to become a ‘Comfort Food’. You know, one of those foods that you are happy to get out of bed in the mornings to eat. Still in your pj’s. Crazy hair. Smiling. (you know what I’ll be having for breakfast tomorrow) OK, you have been warned.

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Check back tomorrow for your own benefit. Yes, I am giving something away possibly to you! Oh and you want it- trust me.

by Alexis -

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I can’t believe I’m blogging this many times in one day! ALl I have to say is thank you Betsy foro this recipe. Easiest meal I’ve ever made. Well, cereal falls in the same category.

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by Alexis -

Spontaneous Tuesday Night Get-together

Last night we had some friends over. It was spontaneous and I realized how much I missed just having people over and hanging. We need to do it more. I have some friends ask me what I make or serve for those times. Basically whatever I have in the house. I did go out to the store testerday and buy puffed pastry. Everything else I had in my cupboard.

Fetta cheese, Kalamata Olives, Green Greek olives stuffed with Garlic cloves, Green olives stuffed with Blue Cheese (Safeway, olive counter. I just bought a combination bag $7), Asian Cream Cheese Spread with Crackers, Fruit tarts (strawberry, peach and blueberries) and finally chocolate galore (people keep giving us chocolate-please stop!).

And our wonderful friends. Brandon, Becky and Amelia. 🙂

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On a different note, we’re gong to the beach this weekend and I’m really looking forward to it. My sister is coming to help watch Emma for the weekend. Thank you Jamie! Really looking forward to that. 🙂

by Alexis -

I found myself more emotional on Memorial day than expected. I was looking through some pictures on the internet and was struck with how much men and women are sacrificing for our freedom. Tears came to my eyes. It hit me. To see what families have to go through without their husbands and wives…yeah…very moving. Happy belated Memorial Day and thank you to all who serve or have served in our military!

On a completely different and less emotional subject, I was looking forward to taking some pictures of food with our new camera. It has a food setting (which I can’t get to work) but still took pictures using the portrait setting. This is how they turned out:

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Tuna Sandwiches on toasted buns. (Everything tastes better when the bread is toasted. EVERYTHING)

Oh crap, I almost forgot to write out my meal plan for the next 2 weeks.

Tuesday: Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas, Black Bean Salad

Wednesday: Talapia, Homemade Tarter, Green Salad, Garlic Rolls

Thursday: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Fruit

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: In Seattle

Monday: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, homemade Coleslaw, Fruit Salad

Tuesday: Sweet &Sour Chicken, Rice, tons of Veggies (stir fry style)

Wednesday: Homemade Pizza

Thursday: Tuna Sandwiches,

Friday, Saturday: Retreat weekend

Sunday: Noodle Beef Concoction…pictures will follow

Monday: Tacos, Red Rice

Tuesday: Tamale Pie, Green Salad

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, Croissants,

by Alexis -

Lunch

Just some pictures from lunch.

Snacking is my specialty. 😉

I took some time to take pictures of our beautiful day today.

Did you know my favorite color is green? LOVE it!

no idea why… but the picture of the grass is dream y to me. Love the different shades of green.

and finally when I was coming in I saw a little man who was up to no good! Kitchen counter is off limits…or I guess if only we are around.

We’re going to the Portland Saturday Market and I’m so excited! I’ll bring my camera and take as many picts as the camera will let me. Enjoy your Saturday!

Oh and no I haven’t forgotten to make the cinnamon rolls. Tonight baby…

by Alexis -

Nothing special Crepes

Yesterday was a hard day. I was stressed out over a doctors appointment just trying to confirm it and long story short it never happened.Whatever. I’m working at not allowing those moment to give me stress…thus a stress headache. Didn’t work yesterday…had a headache all day long. So much so that last night I went to bed at 8pm and didn’t wake till almost 8am. I can’t believe I slept that long. It was glorious. Too wonderful for words. 12 hours of sleep…*sigh…so good. I guess my body really needed it. But stupid Ibuprofen didn’t work at all…time to choose a different med.

I woke this morning in a good mood, no headache like yesterday, and so I decided to make crepes for breakfast. A sort of celebration. I am deciding today will be a good day.

Emma loves them and since they don’t take too much time to make…I made them. Regular old crepes. No special zest or flavors or anything special. Just milk, flour, eggs and a bit of sugar. Amazing how common normal things make one’s day.

I grew up in a house where we put corn syrup on our crepes. Trav nearly gags when he sees me pull out the bottle from the pantry but ‘to each his own’, right?! He can use his nasty grape jelly (which is the worst jelly ever made). So this morning Emma and I had wonderful plain crepes with corn syrup. Such a great start to the day.

I let Emma help stir, because she’s become obsessed with wanting to help me in the kitchen. Only a little flour fell out. She’s a natural with a whisk in her hand. 🙂

Heck, I even have energy to clean. Which is INCREDIBLE. It does help that today the sun is shinning… Who cares if we have a high chance of hail, wind and rain this afternoon. Maybe I should make a sour cream coffee cake in my new Bundt pan! Oh so excited! (Lamo I know, but hey, humor me) I might even watch Persuasion.

by Alexis -

Sunday

The past few days have run on like a blur. I know I’ve done things with people, cleaned the house and even made food…but my mind seems so distracted that I’m glad I documented what I did this past weekend! It was beautiful and sunny.

I’ve recently noticed in myself how affected by the weather I am. I have a lot more energy and feel more go-getter-ish than on say a lazy cloudy day. I think between the two I would prefer a cloudy day to a sunnier one. But I’ve been warned by the elderly that as my age increases so will my desire for the sun. I have yet to see that happen, although I’ve already spent how long on this post about the sun and how it affects my mood for the better? Hmmm….carrying on….

Trav, Emma and I went for a walk on a local bike path and it was heavenly! It was great spending just family time together, people were more friendly saying ‘morning’ as we walked past each other and we had a chance to talk about whatever and not feel rushed because of a meeting to go to.

I think it was in the 70’s! *sigh so nice…(but I still like cloudy days. lol I am forever loyal to overcast days and drizzle. I think it’s the romantic whispy feel it brings with it. Snuggling with my cats…fire on…and I’m a sucker for books, blankets and hot drinks. Sorry for the de-railment of subjects)

As we were getting ready Emma HAD to choose her shoes (which is a morning ritual) and she rutinly picks out these blazing beauties. My mom got them for Emma at Target and she wears them everywhere. To bed even. And when I get her out of her bed, I find her trying to put them on/off herself- which she can’t do but it’s fun to see her get frustrated trying to do it alone. I’m mean sometimes.

You know those annoying people who say, ‘OK, now one the count of three! Ready? OK, now one, Oh shoot..OK try again, one, two THREE!’ and they seem to yell it without any effort at all and embarrass you those around you? I am that person. Here we were on the trail and I humiliated them both. But they don’t look too devastated.

I’m being nice and not blowing this bad boy up to a close up of our faces. Let’s just say it was hot, I was out of breadth and Trav was pushing the stroller at the same time- action picture!

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Later that day we had small group at our house and I was busy making food for it. God bless Potluck themed get togethers…they make my day so much easier. I made (as you see with the picture below) Bacon and cheese JoJo’s (which rocked) a fruit plate (didn’t get to take a photo of that but it was pretty) and some individual cakes for each person.

Don’t ask me why I didn’t take pictures of the dessert…I told you in the beginning I’m not thinking clearly these days. (that’s my excuse and I’m stickin’ to it)

I made a dip for them too, shown below. Picture shows ingredients. And for those of you who don’t like sour cream (*wink, I know who you are) There was BBQ sauce. Because really, BBQ sauce is FAR better than ketchup and should, in my friend Theron’s opinion, become the new condiment leaving ketchup in the dust. I would vote for that.

We had a great time and lounged on our deck (which I struggled in vain to make it cute…but really how cute can you get when you have painting materials lying around because they’re painting the whole neighborhood?!) None the less, good friends are those that look besides the ugly patched up siding and and drop cloths on bushes and hang with you because it’s a beautiful night and we want to spend time with each other talking. No better reason I think. Good friends are soothing to my soul and last night was wonderful. Everyone laughing, talking about personal struggles and being there to listen and sympathize.

Well, right now Monday afternoon, Emma’s napping and when she wakes we’re going to the library to find some murder mysteries and poetry..and maybe even a Barney book. 😉

P.S. I’m trying this new theme out and we’ll see if it sticks. Sorry about the stretching of the photos, I’m trying to fix it.

by Alexis -

Post Easter

Crazy is a good word to describe this past weekend. Or maybe hectic. I was in the program and loved it- all 5 services. I love being around people who focus on others and use their creative artistic gifts to reach out and be ambassadors for God. if I get a link to the service, I’ll link it as soon as I get it.

After the last service, it was a little after 3pm. So I came home, changed and the Mielonen clan went to a friends house to have an Easter dinner. Amy, thank you so much for hosting us! Emma loved having the easter egg hunt and playing with Rylee was a highlight of her day. For me a highlight was being able to open Emma’s birthday present! Those squeaker shoes are PERFECT! Love, love them. Emma will have to blog about them soon. 😉

Anyhoo, we came home with blessed left overs. They had AMAZING food. (I forgot my memory card so no pictures 🙁 ) Like ribs, veggies, cheese fondue and homemade bread sticks for appetizers! And they had ham, lamb, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit salad,HOMEMADE croissants, pasta salad…and I know I’m forgetting things. Dessert was easter cookies (so yummy!), fruit filled crepes and a red velvet cake. Oh man, I think I gained 5lbs. I was stuffed when I left! 🙂

And here comes my favorite thing…ready for it?! I’m such a girl…who loves my starches!

I had 2 for lunch today. With a lot of butter. My world is more well rounded now. As is my stomach. hehe

I have things I have to do today…but if it were up to me, this is what I would be. My sweet Janek. In front of the fire, lounging and no cares in the world. *sigh Is it ok to live vicariously through your cat? Sounds a little unhealthy. Hmmm….

by Alexis -

Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day!…1 month late.

I love peanut butter more than I like chocolate. It’s creamy and just so wonderful, and when I saw there was a day set aside for Peanut butter lovers I was like, ‘Yeah!’. However it was on March3rd. Travis’ birthday. So here is my tribute to that wonderful day, even though it’s celebrated about a month late. It’s never too late to honor that wonderful spread.:)

I just so happen to be married to a peanut butter snob. Which is ironic because he doesn’t rally care for it anyways. I prefer creamy to crunchy, but if I cooking with it I prefer crunchy. He just hates the sugar-y kinds. Like JIF. I just so happen to have it in my cupbards so it’s what I used. I can totally taste the sugar but it doesn’t bother me.

Why mess with a classic?! Peanut Butter with currant jelly. Yum!

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Thai Peanut Chicken with Brown Rice…yum. I had no soy sauce! So had to improvise. I added peanut butter, maggi, water, tons of garlic and fresh ginger. It tastes great.

And I had to have a dessert. I was gonig to make the Peanut Butter Balls but I already did that. And I had no time. So I did this instead- SO GLAD I DID!!! Nutella, marshmellos and peanut butter. Sigh…so good.

Mr. Peanut Butter and Mr. S’moore instantly clicked when they met each other. They’ve become BFF’s since.

by Alexis -

Thoughts

Spring is here and even though there are days of sun and blossoming trees, there is a part of me that is waiting and maybe even yearning for the rain. I tend to be a pretty symbolic person and I feel the desire to wash myself of all the crusted stuff that has caked itself to me during the winter months and wash it off. Negative attitudes, periods of loneliness and just tiredness of the daily grind. I want the refreshing cleansing that happens in the spring time.

Just the smell of a rainstorm coming brings me hope and excitement. And I see that it will take many ‘rainstorms’ to wash off the grime I have on me. But I welcome it and wish for it…just some thoughts.

I am signing for the Easter program to the song, I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin. I am SO excite to be able to be apart of such a special song that will reach so many people. I think it will be on utube later sometime. I’ll hope to post the link. Most people don’t now that what we are signing is not the words that people sing. We have to translate it and as we sign something like…’I confess life good’ when you’re singing, ‘ I can say it is well’. It’s a heart translation. Anyways, after we translate it and memorize the signs we then have to combine the signs to the words you are singing. So event hough it looks like we’re signing what we’re mouthing…we’re not. It’s not that easy and a bit challenging. Most people don’t know that and say, ‘You did a good job dancing’. (Dancing!? Really?! Come on, really?! *Sigh, they meant it to be a compliment. I have to remember that. 🙂 ) Anyhoo, here is the song we’re doing and the words translated. Hope you can see the differences, I think it’s fun and interesting. But that could be me being nerdy. 🙂

Can you see which paper Emma got her creative hands on? 🙂

I made quesadilla’s for lunch because I wanted to eat sour cream. Pudding is my and Emma’s special treat today. 🙂

No, I have no idea what I was thinking when this picture was taken. Maybe I was trying to look tough…didn’t really work though. 🙂

I was curious if you have heard of or like/love Missy Higgins. She is one of my most favorite singers and there’s just something about her voice that captures me. Like it’s relatable. She has a song titled, ‘The Special Two’ and there is a phrase she sings that touches me every time I hear it. I can’t remember her exact words, but it’s similar to : ‘Life will lock you up and Truth being your only key’

Amazing huh. Oh, Emma just woke up. Gotta go. We might go to the park with all the other sun deprived families in Portland who flock to patches of grass on the weekend. 🙂