this is our happily ever after

custom designed "lunch" box

I designed this "lunch" box for my cousin Emma's birthday.  I filled it with bubbles, play dough, and an outfit and mailed it off to her.  They have filled it with Emma's art supplies.  I am going to see about adding this product to SBR Cards, but until then I would love to make custom orders for anyone you know who needs a unique gift that will be treasured for years.  I am going to make some more samples, but can easily customize your box with different colors/themes for boy or girl, infants, teenagers, and adults.  What a great container to fill with gardening supplies, baby products, art supplies, note cards, matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, kitchen gadgets, etc.  The possibilites are limitless.  The cost is $25 and to personalize they are $30 plus $4.00 shipping and handling.  If you want to order one and use it as an Easter basket send me your order by Tuesday, I will design and make it, and priority mail it to you or the recipient on Wednesday.  Thanks!

chicken tortilla soup

It's a rainy day in Houston....one of those days to make a pot of soup and watch movies.  Here's my mom's recipe for chicken tortilla soup.  Of course if you wanted to add some diced squash, bell peppers,  or some beans those would be great additions. 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cumin

1-1/2 teaspoon oregano

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in bite size pieces

1 (28 ounce) can pureed tomatoes

1 (32 ounce) box chicken broth

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 cups lightly crushed corn tortilla chips

2 cups shredded

Monterey

Jack or Cheddar cheese

1 avocado, diced

4 green onions, chopped

In medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat.  Sauté onion and garlic

until soft; add cumin, oregano and chicken. Sauté 5 minutes.  Stir in

tomatoes, chicken broth and green chilies. Bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes.  Stir in cilantro, mix well

Ladle soup into individual bowls.  Top with crushed tortilla chips,

cheese, avocado pieces and green onions.

Note: this recipe can be made with left over cooked chicken.

Add with tomatoes , follow recipe as above.

the rebel

and it's owner captured these photos at casa de Moore.....

{I need a 12 step program to face my addiction to prima flowers}

{Grands cinnamon rolls....a new indulgence}

good times

Kelly's visit was fabulous....we decided that 1 full day is just not enough time to catch up, solve the world's problems, and work on plans for SBR Cards.  Kelly and her husband Ryan have decided that they are going to adopt, so we talked alot about that which is very cool.  We had dinner at Tom and Natalie's house (they shared T-giving with us in San Antonio).  Kelly and Natalie's friend Francie (who is a CPS attorney) showed us the CPS adoption/foster website.  Quite overwhelming looking at all of these children who don't have secure homes.  Natlie said the quote of the night "Should you call your husband and tell him you are about to adopt three children on-line."  Seriously....

tuesday already

We had a fun-filled weekend with my Dad in town.  He made a quick trip down on his Harley and has already returned home safely.  We had a great time hanging out and celebrating Brian's b-day with my family on Sunday.  Yesterday I rested all day so I would be energized for the rest of my week.  I enjoyed a nice lunch with Aunt Gail this afternoon before I had a dr. appt with an oncologist (just to get an all clear since I had cancer 11 years ago.)  There's no need to be concerned, it's a just part of my transplant checklist.  I'll have a PET scan sometime soon as a part of this check up and then I'll be listed.  I recently found out that I"m not quite listed, I have to check this off the to do list, get one more CAT scan, and then I'll be formally listed and will receive my pager.  Tomorrow Kelly is coming for a visit....yippee!  Stay tuned....she's bringing her new Canon Digital Rebel so I'm sure there will be many pictures being posted in the next few days!  I must pray that I will not covet my friend's awesome camera :) 

oops!

Ok, I win the bad wife award of the year....I forgot to blog yesterday and say happy birthday to my dear hubby Brian!  So Happy Birthday honey...I love you so much!

    Germany 2006

Friday

Just another ho hum day in paradise....or as close to paradise as Houston can get!  The weather has been awesome.  I've been turning off the air during the day and opening the windows....love that feeling.  I've been cleaning out and reorganizing my scrap area.  I also took on the big project of cleaning out the guest bedroom closet.  Throwing alot of junk away and filling boxes for Goodwill.  There are boxes in there that haven't been openned since we moved in 3 1/2 years ago.

My dad is enjoying his first Harley road trip of 2007....and the best part he's coming to see me!  He will get here tomorrow and head back on Monday morning.  I'm not sure how he rides that long, but he loves it....so we just pray for his safety and good weather.  Enjoy your weekend....

our flowering Spirea bush in our backyard=happiness

Oliver "ball o fur"

marinade

Tonight I was craving beef, so I used the following marinade from Rachael's mag and it was so good.  I grilled some veggies as a side and we stuffed ourselves while watching LOST {completely addicted to this show, definitely in my top 4 favorite shows!}

Here's the recipe:

Marinated Flank Steak

¼ cup low sodium teriyaki sauce

¼ cup low sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ lbs flank or round steak

¼ cup spicy brown mustard (I just used regular mustard and added some black pepper)

In a shallow baking dish combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.  Make ¼ inch deep cuts about ½ inch apart on both sides of the steak.  Rub both sides with the mustard and sprinkle with pepper.  Place steak in marinade and refrigerate for up to 3 hours, turning occasionally.  Grill (I used a grill pan) for about 3-5 minutes on each side.  Let rest before slicing against the grain of the meat. 

Happy Birthday Travis!

My "little" brother Travis is 28 today!!!!  Happy Birthday, Brat Face {my loving name for him.}  I love you!