Where the heck have I been...??

Gee, I just realized that THREE months have gone by since my last post... guess I've been a little busy.. ha. I had two people (on the same day 3 months later..) ask me how the open mic night went... I took that as a 'sign' that I should come back and share some more... :)

Due to very sad and unforeseen circumstances (Dan's uncle Steve died suddenly from a severe asthma attack), we were unable to sing at the open mic night. We went to Ohio for the funeral that week, and for obvious reasons, were not really up for singing when we came home.

Hopefully I will get my act in gear and start practicing again... I have taken a few months off.. sigh. If all works out, we would love to give it a go next year! Kristen has FAR surpassed me in ability, so I really need to put some time in.. and I think I will ask her to be MY teacher this time. :)

In the interest of expanding my horizons here......... we are going for our second, yes SECOND, performance at the 'Open Mic Night' at the local Arboretum. They have an outdoor stage and a field for spectators (and fans :) to sit.

We (Dan Sr., Dan Jr., Kristen and I) were there about 7 years ago. This was just about the time when we had initially picked up instruments, and really knew next to nothing. So, we decided we would 'perfect' one song, and perform it at the Open Mic Night. We did 'okay', even though we had a 15 minute slot and only sang for about 4 of those minutes.... but the end result was a total feeling of euphoria for doing something we didn't think we could... I am a firm believer in doing things like that, most especially when it is something I thought I could never do.

So..... this time around, we have FOUR songs... hopefully enough to fill our 15 minute slot. I will be on guitar and vocals, Kristen will be on the same, Dan Jr. on the fiddle, and Dan Sr. will play guitar. I haven't had a ton of practice time (even though it has been 7 full years since we have been there.. haha), but I think we can pull it off.

The funniest part of it is that the guy who organizes it recognized us. He said he uses us as an example to encourage people to come. (partially flattering, but really what he is saying to these people is that 'If they can do it only knowing one song, then you have no excuse!') I am glad we could help out there... :)

I will definitely post pix when we get them, and fill you in on all details... Okay, off to practice!

Midlife Crisis

No, I haven't been out buying sports cars, going on cruises, or losing 20 lbs and dyeing my hair... but for the past couple months I have found myself wondering 'What am I doing with my life?'......... From the outside, I guess that seems a silly question.. I am happily married, raising 7 kids, running a household, volunteering for the church, etc. What else do I need? Well, maybe nothing... but I just found myself thinking thoughts like, 'where is my life going, what does God want from me, is there something else I should be doing, where do I find my worth, etc, etc'. I feel like I am back in my teen years wondering which direction my life needs to take from here.

Sometimes I find myself looking around at others and seeing their most positive qualities and wondering why I lack them. Comparing oneself to others is a dangerous game, btw... So I end up thinking to myself that I should be making quilts, writing books, training harder for my runs, taking continuing education courses, scrapbooking all 7 of my kids' lives, making my own card instead of purchasing them, becoming the perfect hostess, etc, etc..... right smack in the middle of raising my kids and dealing with all that life brings just from that alone. An overwhelming feeling, I must say.

In God's Wisdom, He planned this identity crisis of mine right at the time I was to go on a Youth Conference at the University of Steubenville (stories on that are forthcoming!!!).. I almost felt that I shouldn't go, because what kind of chaperone could I really be to the kids if I couldn't even figure myself out. But, my intense desire to be back on campus and to share this unique opportunity with my eldest daughter, overshadowed my doubts and off we went. I knew I was there for the kids, and not for me.. but luckily the Holy Spirit is so grand and generous that there is Grace in abundance.

From the beginning of my 'wonderings' about my life (well, the most recent anyway), I had been listening to some tapes on Mental prayer and coming to the realization that my life needed more grounding in prayer. God had things to say to me, and I really wasn't able to listen, or atleast I wasn't taking the time to listen.. I was flailing along with no direction and this is, I am sure, what led to my identity crisis. On our weekend away, I was so blessed by all the testimonies I heard. The leaders of the conference AND our very own teens. I needed to hear about all the ups and downs that everyone faces and that in the end, God is the one who leads us away from ourselves and toward HIM. And the way He leads us is through prayer. Not just our 'babbling on' for an hour about what we need/want/hope for... but in the still and quiet of our hearts, He speaks. We just need to listen...

So I haven't 'figured it all out', but I know where I am going now. (if that makes any sense at all...) I have found peace in knowing that God's plan will unfold itself... I just need to listen and follow.

Lenten progression...

Well, after talking with a friend, she mentioned that my 'interruptions' needed to be prayed about. Maybe it wasn't God trying to teach me acceptance (or maybe it was.. either case), but the devil trying to interrupt my prayer time/reading time... He doesn't want us to study saints and read scripture. So, I now begin with the St. Michael prayer (per Andrea's advice), and my prayer time has become less interrupted and more fruitful... Yay for that!

Lent in Full force...

Here we are embarking upon the lenten season... I have actually been looking forward to this time of really 'trimming down' on life's excesses, and looking for a more ordered and disciplined life. The first thing I wanted to do was to follow Fr. Fasano's direction of giving up something for each of our senses; taste, touch, sight, hearing, smell. I also wanted to 'add' things to my daily routine which would enhance my spiritual life. (These, of course, are things I should've already been doing, but just hadn't committed the time to... )

Well, one of the books I wanted to read (a chapter or so each day, time permitting) was Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. This book is aiming to teach us 'regular people' (who aren't in a religious order and are living 'in the world') how to live a devout spiritual life in the midst of regular life. This is something I am really looking forward to learning about, as I find it so hard to focus on silence and meditation with 7 children's needs to attend to...

So this afternoon I found myself in a quiet house... boys playing happily out in the springy weather, baby sleeping and older kids at school.. and it was only 1 o'clock! Normally this would have provided me with literally HOURS to read............... BUT, today was an early release from the school... so not long into my silent reading time I was interrupted to make the bus stop run. Big sigh... Such is the story of my life, I thought to myself..

My first reaction is, 'Come on Lord.. Don't you want me to have silent prayer time? Don't you want me to do my spiritual reading and learn from your saints? Don't you want me to study the scriptures?' And on and on go my thoughts.. So as I sit at the bus stop, a bit disgruntled at this twist in my plans, I realize that the merit in lenten sacrifices isn't necessarily in how many things we give up or how many hours we spend studying the saints... it is rather in how well we can accept life's interruptions with peace and joy and acceptance. Obedience is harder than sacrifice, and I think that was my lesson for this day. God has a will for me. I have to accept whatever it is even when, and especially when, it doesn't coincide with my own. So today instead of making a 'sacrifice' of my time to read holy books, I made a sacrifice in giving up that time.

It's going to be an interesting six weeks. I look forward to the lessons to be learned.. and pray to St. Francis de Sales for guidance.

Italian Fare

I have requests for a couple recipes, so I thought I'd just post them here for all to see... I really like serving this Cacciatore to guests. It can be made ahead of time, and then just popped in the oven before serving. Served with a nice bottle of wine, a salad and some yummy bread, this makes a really nice meal. Mmmm good.

CHICKEN CACCIATORE
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 pound mushrooms, sliced (I omit these because my kids and I don't like them)
1 head garlic, chopped
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
2 chicken bouillion cubes
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
Parmesan Cheese

Dredge chicken pieces in salt and flour. Brown chicken in mixture of oil and butter. Remove to a casserole dish. Saute onion, garlic, green pepper and mushrooms. Stir in tomatoes, bouillion cubes, parsley, seasonings and white wine. Cook a few minutes to blend. Add to chicken in casserole. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover, add olives and bake 15 - 20 minutes longer. Serve over pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well) and top with parmesan.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE
1 onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
2 (6oz) cans tomato paste
3 cups H2O
2 tsp beef bouillion
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp sugar (or enough to take away the acidity of the tomatoes)
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp marjoram

Saute onion and garlic. Sometimes I add chopped green pepper too. Add rest of ingredients and simmer an hour or until sauce thickens. (in really lazy moments, I even skip the sauteing, and just add some garlic powder)

Final results are in...

Ok, so I am not pregnant this time around....... That realization brought feelings of both relief and sadness. Strange. I had envisioned this little curly haired girl bebopping around with Chelsea.... If there were only some way to avoid the whole 9 months of pregnancy, and skip right to the sweet cuddly baby....... :)

Tough love........

Well, it's Day 32 of my cycle..... (TMI, I am sure) I find myself sitting here all week pondering the concept of another baby, another pregnancy, another 40 lbs, back aches, no more running, one more mouth to feed, new cuddles, another sweet baby face, no more sleep, one more person to hug, being 'attached' to someone physically for the next 24 months........ the good, the bad, the easy and the hard.... hmmm...

I guess I feel guilty that I am not sitting here in completely awestruck anticipation that I could be embarking on yet another opportunity to share in God's creative miracle. My feelings are more geared toward anxiety..... I love babies, and would welcome one whole-heartedly, BUT (yes there is a 'but') I feel so unprepared right now...... physically and emotionally. I hate even writing this down......

Sometimes it is hard to be Catholic....... the teachings are tough, but I guess that is what makes the whole of it so awesome. God said we would have to pick up our crosses.. I wouldn't refer to my child as a 'cross'.. he or she is a wonderful, very much loved person.. I refer more to the 'hardships' of pregnancy.. swollen feet, sore backs, lots of extra pounds, slow movement, hormones, morning sickness, and let's not forget labor. And then just the amazing responsibility of raising a child. Another soul in my care when I am afraid I am doing an inadequate job with the first seven............

So... I will pray for God's grace, which always comes when it is needed. I am sure that whatever His plan, it is for the best for me and my family. I was unsure whether or not I should share something like this publicly, but I feel like these are real feelings. I am sure others have shared them at some point, and it is nice to know we aren't alone. Also, most importantly, ready or not, if God chooses to give us another baby, we would always choose life.....

Lenten (no meat) recipes #1

Okay, I have a bunch of yummy 'no meat' recipes to share..... I don't know how much of a 'sacrifice' they will be though, as they are yummy!! This first one is a pasta dish recipe given to me by my friend Kristen, and given to her by our friend, Laurie. I just LOVE it. I have used it as a side dish for salmon nights, and it would be good as a side to grilled foods too, or just all alone with a salad and some bread. Delish!!! (oh yeah, and it is simple AND fast!!)

Pasta with spinach and feta
8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to pkg directions
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 (10 oz) pkg fresh spinach
1/2 cup green onions (I have omitted these when I didn't have them and it was still good)
fresh garlic
1 tsp each of basil and oregano

Put olive oil in skillet. Add 4 - 6 cloves of chopped, fresh garlic (for recipes like this, I have started to chop or slice the garlic rather than 'press' it. It seems to hold its flavor so much better that way, even though it is more inconvenient. ) and green onions. Saute. Add tomatoes and herbs. Cook several minutes until flavors blend. Add spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Toss with hot, cooked pasta. Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese and serve. SO GOOD!!!!!

Boys' Day out with Mom..

For the past several years atleast, I have taken my girls on regular 'Girls days out'...... We really look forward to them, and just love the time together. They usually involve shopping, eating out at fun restaurants, lots of talking, music, laughing, etc. Well, I was thinking recently that my boys never got 'alone time' out with Mom..... (ie, no girls - except me, of course) So, this past Saturday, we planned a day out... just my boys and I. We went bowling first, which was REALLY fun, even though I am NOT very good. They got to bowl, play video games, and get a treat from the vending machine... then we were off to Cracker Barrell for dinner. We had a fun time there too, and were actually stopped on our way out... a woman wanted me to know how good my boys were and how much she appreciated that........ (this is music to a mom's ears...........) We finished it off with a 'treat' from the gift shop. What a great day. I think we will make it a monthly tradition!!

Tried and True #6

Okay, with Lent quickly approaching, I am going to give you my fabulous Cheese Danish recipe!! (I know, this is not a 'Lent thing'.... but rather a FAT TUESDAY thing!!) Cheese Danish is the only thing I have ever craved during pregnancy, and actually made Dan go out and get.... and I wonder why I always gain so much during pregnancy........... hahahaha. All of my 'health nut' qualities are thrown to the wind... Anyway, these are great for a quiet Sunday morning, Christmas brunch, Easter morning, whenever!! And oh so yummy........

Cheese Danish
16 oz pkg hot rolls mix (I actually use my 'from scratch' recipe from the Betty Crocker cookbook.. mainly because I usually am making these 'spur of the moment', and don't have the roll mix)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 t vanilla
1 egg yolk
1/8 t salt
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 C sifted powdered sugar
1 T milk
1 t vanilla

Prepare dough according to directions. Divide in half; roll each portion of dough to a 12"x8" rectangle.
Mix cream cheese and next 4 ingredients with mixer. Spread 1/2 of cream cheese mixture down the center of each rectangle.
Working with one dough rectangle at a time, cut 9 (3 in deep) slits into each long side of dough. Fold strips over cream cheese filling, alternating sides and making a braid. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Carefully place braids on baking sheet (I prefer the Pampered Chef stones).
Cover and let rise for 30 min. Brush tops with egg yolk. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 min or until golden.
Combine powdered sugar, milk, and one tsp vanilla, stirring well. Drizzle over warm loaves. Makes 2 (12 in) loaves. YUMMY......................... :)

To run or not to run...

That is certainly the question... we are getting dumped on with 3+ inches of snow........ but still considering a run on the mountain... My daughter has made homemade buttery crescent rolls to go along with my Chicken Florentine for dinner tonight........... seems a meal like that almost demands a run.... although it might just have to be me and Billy B today..

Getting AMPED!!

My sister just introduced us to Billy Blanks. He's made a bunch of Taebo workout videos. They are such fun, and such a different form of exercise than we are used to. We are enjoying trying them out, and really liking the sore muscles created by doing something new! If you get bored, or are looking for something new and exciting to try, give Billy a shot! You'll end up owing your 'six pack' to him... :)

Tried and True #5........... Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, just made this tonight. Got it from Paula Deen's repertoire........ SUPER good!!!

2 T olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (I used two for an extra 'kick')
1 tsp minced garlic (I used about 6 cloves)
2 (14oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 can condensed tomato soup
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish: crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped avocados

Heat oil, cook veggies (onion, pepper, jalapeno) for about 4 min. Add garlic, and cook for 2 min. Add crushed tomatoes, condensed soup, chicken, chicken broth, cumin, salt, chili powder, poultry seasoning, and pepper, stirring to combine. Stir in corn, cream and cilantro. Cook uncovered till heated through. Garnish with whatever you like and serve. YUMMY!

The 25miler.. or was it 24 or 26??

Who knows..... all I know is that it was long and coooold. We had a really good time though, but I am still really hurting from it. The climbs (atleast 3 really big ones) were super steep and grueling. It is such fun to run on the mountain.. especially those training runs where others are running too.. We are considering the 71 mile 'ring' in the fall next year. It seems crazy, but they were raving about it Sunday. It would require running all night. That is why we bought the head lights. We have only practiced running once at night, but will hopefully be doing more of it. It was actually kind of fun. Anyway, Dan thinks we could run the 71 in 24 hours.......... can you imagine running/hiking for 24 hours straight?? We shall see..........................

Tried and True #4

OK, this is perhaps the easiest recipe I have ever made. If you keep some ground beef (again, sub turkey if you can (no fat!!) browned and frozen, this soup will literally take you MINUTES to make.. and we love it! (my boys are a little skiddish about the beans, but this is like a taco in a bowl.. add some cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips and you can't go wrong)

TACO SOUP
2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can rotel tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning

Mix together, INCLUDING the liquid from the cans of beans and tomatoes, cook for atleast 30 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. Voila!

Just in case...

you think I gave up running to spend all of my time cooking and eating (kinda sounds that way, doesn't it? and maybe it's not a bad idea...:), Dan and I are planning to run a 25mile trail run on Sunday with about 70 others... We will be running on 'our' mountain, only further south. We start bright and early at 8am, and hope to be done by 3pm....... the trail runs are a lot longer due to the need to 'hike' when conditions are too steep or rocky. I am really looking forward to it! I have come to really enjoy the mountain trail running SO much better than the road. Please pray for mild weather!!! :)

Tried and True #3

Okay, this will be 'soup week'... because of the oven 'issues' and to fight off this COOOLD.... brrr. I am starting with CHILI... I know everyone has a recipe for this, but mine is really yummy (if I do say so myself...)... and I had a request for it.
CHILI
1 lb ground beef, browned (I have to recommend gd. turkey.. no cholesterol and little fat and you can't taste the difference)
1 med onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
Saute all of those together. Add:
2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
4 cups H2O
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can lt red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2 Tbsp brown sugar (add till the 'bite' of the tomatoes is gone)
Cook all together 1 hour (or all day in a crockpot if desired) to thicken. ENJOY!!

The Stewarts are coming!!

or they 'have come' I should say... Our dear friends, the Stewarts, came for the weekend to visit.. they came for the annual wine and cheese fest, where they can see about 100 or so of their closest friends. They stayed at our house for the weekend, so we got the privilege of a longer visit with them.. We are still praying they will move BACK!! Here are some pictures....

Oven troubles...

My oven was pretty much on the fritz for a week or two, so we geared ourselves more toward stovetop and crockpot meals.. I think we had atleast six soups in the last 2 weeks... I will post the recipes for my 'Tried and True' series hopefully tomorrow.. for now, it is bedtime...

Giving up..

Since we are now halfway through January, and my calendar has gone nowhere... I am giving up.. However with my new digital camera, I plan to 'plan' my pix for next year and give my parents a great one!!

Tried and True Recipe Number 2

Hmmm.. what to print next... these aren't really in order of 'greatness', but just as I think of them.. All of them, however, are recipes loved by atleast 'most' of my family members.. which is saying a lot with 9 of us... :)
Pestayaki
2 Tbsp. flour
1 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb beef sirloin steak (or even stew meat) cut into thin strips (I double the meat since I have a large family, but don't need to double the other ingredients...)

Put all into crockpot and cook till meat is really tender. 6 - 8 hours. (I throw the meat in directly from the freezer). Serve over rice, with some crusty bread and a green salad... delish! and oh so simple!!

Christmas with the Pestas

We had a really nice family Christmas... we had a 'theme' this year of a 'Family Game and Movie night'... So the kids' (and ours) 'big gift' was a Wii from my parents. We contributed a couple extra games and Dan got me (and kids) the Rock Band, which we have really kind of become addicted to. I don't mind, though, because it promotes family togetherness... The kids also got a Whirley Pop popcorn maker with lots of popcorn, movie candies, and goodies for a night spent together. Toss in a few board games and movies, and you have lots of evenings worth of fun togetherness!

YIKES..

December 12th was my last post... maybe I will make a New Year's resolution to come here atleast once a week... Today I need to work on our annual personalized calendar for my parents, so they can get it before 2010......... such seems to be the order of things lately... sigh.