Purses

I love purses.  All different kinds.  They can be large, small (not too small), leather, cloth.  It doesn't matter the color or brand.

That is all.

I needed the world to know.

=)
Blessings!

Beginnings Continued...

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to.  But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children.  Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her.  She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us.  Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her.  Carmen's smile is contagious. And, isn't just like parents to remember them young and sweet.  One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that.  But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious.  She is going to have a great time at Auburn.  I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.  I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift.  I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Menu's and Diets

Trying...needs to be thrown out the door.  Diets are just that...diets.   We (Carmen and I) have decided to go through our pantry and throw out what needs to go...some of this stuff has been in there since we moved in (6 years ago), and needs to go.  Other stuff we just don't use, haven't used, will not use.

Change in mind set...not something so restrictive that I feel like I am punishing myself when I blow it, then justify it by saying it is okay today.  But it is a daily battle.  Constant.  Consistent.  Healthy.

One cookbook that has been changing the rules is Rocco Dispirto's Now Eat This Diet.

I purchased it at Books-A-Million about a month ago. It has sat on the desk, or by the couch for that long as well.  Carmen picked it up today, and asked if we could try some of the recipes.  Absolutely.  Not that I want to do all of the diet...never do...but some of the changes he makes are awesome, and completely doable.  What I need to concentrate on is portion size.  It has always been my downfall.

Okay, my plan is to work on this over the weekend. Pantry is cleaned out, and fresh veggies are in the fridge...now to plan the menu for next week.

I will keep you updated on this plan of mine...

Blessings.

Baby Bok Choy

The other day I was craving something fresh, crisp and not a salad (too many of those lately).  So, I asked  David to get us some on one of the grocery runs.

I used 5 smallish Baby Bok Choy, and rough chopped them.

Heated a pan with some canola oil, added 1/2 cup chopped onion, 

2 tablespoons of garlic, and salt and pepper.

 Cooked  and drained these Japanese noodles...

 

Carmen helped!

Sauteed with some soy sauce, and chicken broth - 1 cup.

(I thought it needed a little something, so I added the broth and steamed it.  

It made the flavor deeper.)

Tossed the noodles in, and yummy.

Fresh, crisp, and not a salad ---but so good.

Enjoy!

Cute Stuff

I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off...too much to do...and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation...staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus - I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway...one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can't find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin' Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin' Up - Julie is great - and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn't it the cutest!  Most people won't see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it...still have more to get done...and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann