Thursday, December 20, 2007

My Inspiration

I recently read a blog, where people commented on what inspired them. There were a few good replies, but I was surprised by some of the things people got inspired by. Here's a few...
  • Handbags
  • Storefront displays
  • cute clothing
  • etc.

It really got me thinking this week about what inspires me. I find myself constantly turning my thoughts to this everywhere I go. I think I have it. I know what inspires me. Are you ready... this list could be long.

People who are better than me.

  • Like my mom. She is never idle. I have never met anyone who is so devoted to the service of others than this woman.
  • Like my mother-in-law, Connie. She always sees the good in others, even when they might not deserve it. She always tells me how wonderful I am - so much so, that she even has me believing it.
  • My friend Shilo. She is a loyal friend with an ear for listening. She puts up with me even when I get cocky and beat her in racquetball. (She is going to whip me one of these days).
  • Laurel, for her cheerful outlook on life and her desire to make this world a better place.
  • Angie, for her quiet service. She does so much behind the scenes, and never seeks attention for herself.
  • My father-in-law Dan inspires me. I love to tease him to death, but I admire how his boys look up to him, confide in him, and respect him. They love to tell stories of his grumpiness in their youth, but he did something right, because his kids look to him as a role model.
  • My sister Linnea. She is a fighter. She also is a good listener. She quietly presses on even when she might be struggling. You would never know. I really admire this because I share everything. I talk way to much about ME!
  • My brother Eldon and his wife Mindy. They try to live life to the fullest. I love their enthusiasm about every new thing they try. What fun parents they are.
  • All my sibling inspire me really. Each one has something unique and special that makes me want to be a better person.
  • Last but not least... my husband Jeff. God had a hand in it when I married this man. He inspires me in so many ways. He is slow to judge others. He always gives people the benefit of the doubt. He is a great father and friend to my children. He is more patient than I am. He stops and explains things to them, teaches them, and loves them. Nobody can get our family to lighten up more than him. I have fallen victim to many of his tickle torture raids on the kids. If you are lucky enough to be his friend, then you are lucky indeed. He is loyal to the end, and is sure to make you laugh with his quick wit. He truly inspires me.

Unselfishness, long suffering, cheerfulness, kindness, gratitude...etc. Anytime I witness these qualities in anyone, I am inspired. I am lucky in that I am surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family (even if you weren't listed above) that I witness these things everyday. I only hope that it will rub off on me a little more.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Finale


Did you catch the finale to my favorite show? I was happy for them all, but I secretly wanted Julie to win. She looked so good! Who were you rooting for?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Cowboy Caviar

I have given this out to many of you, but I've had so many requests lately I have to give it again.
This is the bomb when it comes to chip dip. It might sound weird, but it is sooooo delicious.

Cowboy Caviar

2 cans shoepeg corn, drained (shoepeg comes in small cans. If you can’t find it, use 1 can regular or white corn.)
1 can black eyed peas, drained
1 tomato, chopped
½ bunch cilantro, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 avocados, chopped
2 tsp cumin
¼ tsp pepper
¾ tsp salt
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil

Mix together and serve with corn chips.
(Scoops work the best)

Monday, December 17, 2007

Jeff and I enjoyed ourselves Saturday night, at a Christmas party hosted by some friends. We played some fun games and had a gift exchange. The highlight of the party was my friend Laurel. You HAVE to read about what she did during one of the games. Seriously -was the funniest thing ever. Read it here.

Throughout the night we could earn "Miner Money" for every game we won. (Adam, the host, made up some fake money with our friend Chris Miners head pasted on the front. This was used for an auction at the end of the party.

So of course, the very next day at church, about 25 of us payed our tithing with the "Miner Money". (The bishopric was at the party)

Ahhhh, good times, with good friends!



Burn Baby Burn!

Jeff and I hit the spinning class at the gym this morning. OUCH!!!
I think if I keep this up I might have to buy some of those really ugly padded shorts.
Why? -cause I have a SORE BUM!! I think callouses might develop.

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Christmas Rush!

What happened to all the free weekends in December?

Jeff is taking the day off and we are
Christmas Shopping!
Wish me luck!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Full Tummies!

My sister-in-law called last night looking for a good soup recipe. It made me think of the soup I made last week. It's my favorite. I have passed this along to some of you, but here it is again. This is a WINNER!

Creamy White Chicken Chili

1 lb chicken breast, cut into ½ inch cubes
(if you want to be lazy, buy one of those rotisserie chickens from the grocery store and pull the meat off)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 red potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup celery
1 t garlic powder
1 T vegetable oil
2(15oz) cans great northern beans, rinsed, and drained
1(14oz) can chicken broth
2(4oz) cans diced green chilies
(I only add one, because I don't like green chili's a whole bunch)
1t salt
¼ t ground cumin, rounded
1t dried oregano
½ t pepper
1/8 t cayenne pepper
(I like all of the cayenne, but my kids like it better when I half it)
1 cup sour cream ½ cup whipping cream

Get all your ingredients ready first.
In a large sauce pan, saute chicken, potatoes, celery, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and whipping cream.
Serve immediately. (If you already have cooked chicken, just add it right before you add the creams so it can get warm)
7 servings.