So I've been reminded that I have not been faithfully posting new things on my lovely blog here and I have two things to say in my defense.

1: the blog was made for man. not man for the blog. You may not get that, but its ok.

2: I dont have any kids, or a job and I almost never take pictures. So unless you're looking for my latest Christmas shopping victory or my commentary on reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you may be disappointed in what I have to say.

However I'm sure I can think of something to say here. Just give me a minute...

Yeah I've really got nothing. But I do promise to look out for good, blog-worthy stories and fill you all in.

I've lost count

I realize I have skipped a few days on here. The whole purpose of this activity was to help me find a better attitude, to remind me of all my blessings and to give me something to focus on.

I really feel like it has worked. Every day now I think of at least one thing I'm genuinely thankful for and because of that I've been happier, worked harder and found myself busy. So that's the cause of all the skipping.

But I do want to still say a few more things I'm grateful for. This is one of the big ones.

I am really grateful for my Mom. She is a wonderful lady and is such a great example to me. She is excessively generous, and likes to just call to check up

on me. She lets me unload my problems and then encourages me to move forward with a positive attitude. She is a fantastic cook and has taught me almost everything I know. She cries with me, she cheers me on. She is probably my biggest fan. And I'm her biggest fan too.

Day 9: President Stewart's Funeral

I'm trying to multitask today while I write. I'm listening to the recording of my mission president's funeral. This is hard to do because I really want to just stop and listen, but if I do that I'll probably spend the rest of my time bawling and I don't really want that.

I really want to show you a picture I think captures him perfectly.

You can just see the love and fun in his eyes and His lovely wife Betty Lou. The Stewarts changed my life. They were incredible examples to me of, well everything good I can think of. He was only in his early seventies and it was a very unexpected loss. In fact I had almost called him the week before, but postponed it. In a funny way now that He's gone I feel his voice cheering me on like he did for most of my mission.

I know It was only a week ago that I spoke of my gratitude for the Temple as I attended my Sister in law's Sealing. President Stewart Passed away a few weeks ago, but listening this recording is bringing back such strong feelings of love for him that I want to say again how grateful I am for the blessings of eternal families. But that is not all.

Today I am so grateful for the plan that this man taught me how to teach. The plan that guarantees to me that I will see this man again.

One of the things I used to teach is that this Plan of Salvation is put into place because God has dreams for each of us, he has wonderful plans for us after this life. And just like the plans and the dreams that we each have here, in order to accomplish them, we must plan, prepare and work hard at it. And if we do we will come to find that not only God's, but all of our greatest dreams have come true.

This sounds a little corny maybe, highly optimistic at best. But I know that this is not just the stuff of church and fairytales, it's real. Its so real. I know it and I am grateful that I do.

Day 8: A Warm Bed is Always Cozy in the Winter

One of the most comforting things to me in life is consistency. Cinnamon toast is always good, My dog is always sweet. Brent always loves me (even when he may not like me), and a warm Bed is always cozy in the winter.

The reason I thought of this tonight is that as I was trying to think of a good topic for my Thanksgiving Gratitude Countdown (a new title as of now, I think its snazzy) I couldn't.

Now I've actually had a pretty great day. I Slept WAY in with Brent after staying up till 4am last night. I Had a great lunch with my awesome friends. I Made a Yummy gravy with the help and instruction of my brother in law "the Gravy King." And then I indulged in 2 hours of Hell's Kitchen.

But as great as all these things are I wanted something a bit deeper, more meaningful for today's post.

And the thought came to me that if I would read my scriptures, I would surely feel the spirit, be inspired, and feel a better sense of gratitude. I just knew it would work. It always does. So I flipped open my new copy of the November Ensign and tried to cheat. I looked up all the talk names for something I thought sounded like what I wanted to hear today. But nothing stood out to me so I decided, that like He always did, Heavenly Father knew what I needed most, so I would just leave it up to Him. I started at the very beginning and it worked just like I knew it would.

With greater reliability than cinnamon toast, the principles of the Gospel always hold true. No matter what I do or where I am, reading the words of God through His prophet always uplifts me. No matter what I'm feeling Heavenly Father always know what I need most. I know that the results will be consistent. Today I am grateful for that.

Days 6&7: Finding Joy in the Little Things

Well I've spent most of my day sitting at home enjoying the luxury of netflix and my laptop working again. About 12 hours ago I put a roast in my crock pot, so I've also been enjoying that yummy aroma. I had a a couple of family members who let me vent to them about life and just listened lovingly. While watching the biggest loser I saw something small that reminded me of story. The one with the guy who God told to push against a rock. Its not a true story but you may have heard it. Its kind of dumb but I felt like right then I was being reminded that no matter what I'm frustrated with or what trials i come up against. As long as I do my best, He will be the one to get the results, not I. And after about 13 hours of being gone, Brent came home and kissed me because he loves me.

None of these things are large to the outside eye. But right now my life is about finding joy in the little things. Today I am grateful for all these blessings. I think that list counts for 2 days.

Days 4 & 5: Catching Up

Well I was reminded yesterday by my sister that I've missed a few days. My excuse is that we were out of town, but I guess I'll catch up now.
Saturday Brent's younger sister Michelle got married in the Mesa Temple to one of my childhood friends, Michael Green. The wedding went smoothly, there was a yummy luncheon in my old ward building and the reception was beautiful! They had an outdoor reception with everything you can think of to make it great, including fireworks!
Of course being there it made both Brent and I flashback to our wedding just a little over a year ago. I feel like we've changed a lot since then and I'm sure we've made a few mistakes, but I don't think I would change a thing. Maybe I would take a few more pictures. I'm kind of the worst at that.
But before Saturday even started I knew what I would write about being thankful for on that day.

I love the temple. I love that what happens in there is eternal and peaceful and sometimes way over my head! I love doing baptisms! I so enjoy the thoughtful time I get when I go to an endowment session. Its great to feel like I am serving someone who needs me. I am blown away by the sealing ordinance! It is very short and very profound and in the few times I have gone to do these I have learned something new each time.
I wish we were better at attending the temple, because I really do feel more peaceful for having gone each time. The Lord's house is a great blessing to me and I am grateful for it.

Since I'm behind I also need to write about something for day four. This one will be a little more light hearted :) I am really thankful for my dog Molly. She is a well behaved, easy going dog who (not unlike me) is extremely needy sometimes. The best thing about Molly is that when I'm upset or sad, she senses it and comes right over to cheer me up. Especially in this down time before I find a job, she has kept me company and made me laugh, and given me someone else to worry about. I am thankful that after years of not being able to live with her we are back together again. And I am thankful for the people who took care of her while I couldn't.

Day 3:

Well its technically day three although i haven't slept from day two yet. But I was on the computer working on something else so i wanted to do this before i call it a night.
I think most people I know already know that we have been trying to get pregnant for the last five and a half months. Not forever, I know but it feels long to me. I've decided that I would rather have people know that we're trying so I don't have to explain why I'm not pregnant constantly. It has been surprising, somewhat scary and sometimes a relief that it has taken us so long.
But the thing I'm grateful for tonight is that Brent and I are still just Brent and I for now. I want to stop and smell the roses a little bit. Enjoy that we can sleep in and stay up late when we want. Sometimes we have things we need to work out and I"m glad we have time to do that too. I'm grateful that we can laugh and play on our own time and not some little tyke's. And lets be honest, its nice to be able to have sex whenever we want too ;)
I am grateful for now to just be a wife and I am trying really, really hard to be a good one.

Day 2: My Super Power

This morning I woke up at 7:40. I quickly shook Brent awake, his class starts at 8:00! This brings me to my gratitude journal, day 2.
Ever since I was young I have had the gift of always waking up on time to get where I need to be. Now this doesn't mean I never over sleep, but somehow I always have just enough time. You can call it a talent or a super power (Brent's superpower is his ability to get amazing Little Caesar's pizza every time). For years I've thought of this as God watching out for me, making sure I get where I need to be.
Whatever it is I am very grateful for this blessing. It has helped me on countless mornings with so many appointments and school days. Just last Sunday I woke us up with 20 minutes before church as well! It is a small thing that has made my life much better and I am indeed thankful.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

I found this video on a friend's blog and wanted to post it here because it reminded me of what this month is all about.





And when I watched this video it inspired me to make this month on my blog all about thanksgiving. So for the next 3 weeks I am going to write about one thing each day that I am thankful for. In detail. I think I need a more grateful attitude and I think this will help.

Day 1: Today I want to tell you why I'm thankful for my country. It seems appropriate, seeing as we've just had the election yesterday. No matter your reaction to said election, It is always inspiring to remember that we have a very powerful ability to vote here. What a blessing!
only within the last hundred years was that right allowed to everyone here. And there are still places today where that right is ignored.
And to have a country that began, not with a simple take over bid, but with a constitution designing the policies and standards within, is also an amazing step in history. I wonder if the Romans sat, and planned how they could best serve the people they were controlling, before, or after their conquest.
A few years ago I knew an acquaintance who accused white Americans of having no culture, nothing of our own. I say our culture is that of democracy, of respecting God given rights, and of checking power of our own government. If we fall behind in arms races or technology races or whatever else. I hope our country will always lead the race in running a true democracy! I am thankful to be born and raised here in the United States of America.

Still Halloween

I know I could have put all these Halloween Posts together, but I don't like really long posts and it gives me something else to post about on another day. But this really is the last one for Halloween. I just wanted to tell you how Sunday was. This will be a picture essay!

We had a good morning at church. Although we almost overslept and missed it, the choir sang in Sacrament meeting. We have a very small, somewhat weird choir and I'd have to say being the director hasn't been my ideal calling right now. Callings seem to always start that way, however and I'm sure things will look up!

We came home, watched the Burbs, and then I took a nap and Brent relaxed on the computer for a while.





Around 5pm I realized we needed to start getting ready for trick or treaters so we plugged in our strand of pumpkin lanterns, begged a couple of tea lights from a neighbor, lit our pumpkins and waited.




It was weird to not have anywhere to be or anyone to celebrate with, this being our first year away from Mesa. But Brent had a genius idea inspired by his Aunt Linda's tradition of making doughnuts for Halloween.

He found a recipe online but it called for an egg and since we didn't have any eggs, we both just hoped it would work out ok. to be honest, I've had better doughnuts. But I think that's because I don't really like cake doughnuts the best. Overall we were both pleased with the outcome! So were the neighbors, because we ran out of candy pretty quick (we didn't know how many to expect) so we started giving out homemade doughnuts!





I was pretty amazed that we didn't have anyone turn us down on the homemade goodies, but since I knew we hadn't poisoned them I wasn't worried.

When we only had about 2 dozen left we turned off our porch light and closed the blinds. Brent wanted to keep lots of leftovers for ourselves. I don't want to eat a dozen alone, so I'm currently trying to resist that urge!





Then we curled up on the couch and watched the original Frankenstein movie to end the night. It was a very Happy Halloween!

Halloween!

So everyone loves Halloween. It really is so trendy, all the celebrities and just about every blogger I've seen says they're obsessed with it. But really It is probably my favorite holiday, so don't think I'm just being trendy when I say that.
Sadly it has passed and we have to wait another year again. We had a great weekend!

In getting ready for our Pumpkin Party with a few new friends from our ward, we decorated our apartment for the festivities.


Brent was really helpful in getting stuff ready. We made Indian fry bread, carved pumpkins, ate root beer floats and watched Ghostbusters! It was a fun night!



You may have noticed that there are no people in these pictures of our party. Its because I'm a little shy. This may sound strange, but for most of our guests it was their first time visiting us. I just felt a little silly saying "Hi, come in, nice to meet you! Can I take your picture?" I'm sure there will be more gatherings and then I will include people pictures.

Of course Brent was most excited for the free pumpkin seeds he got and insisted on roasting them as soon as the party was over!



And here's me with my freshly carved pumpkin!
Overall it was a great party!

I think I'll give this another go...

So obviously I haven't been great at blogging... remember i'm still new at all these things! But I thought I'd try again. Less recipes, more journal like. So here we go.
Fall is my favorite season. It cools off, we get to wear jackets and coats(which I have a full closet of) Thanksgiving is impending, but best of all Halloween!

I did some great things this year to get ready for the holiday, I made a new, awesome wreath, we decorated our apartment and last night had a really fun, first annual H. Family Halloween party! I have some great pictures and stories to share! I think just one will suffice for today though!

First my wreath. I love this thing. so much that even though we're short on cash this year I begged my lovely mother to pay for the materials and in return I made her one too. This idea came from the October Martha Stewart Living magazine and was a little time consuming but quite easy.


(aren't the shadows in this picture great? the wreath looks even spookier than it really is!)

Stuff you need:
1 grapevine wreath
1 can of black spray paint
1 small bottle of black acrylic paint
1 paint brush
as many snakes as you want
floral wire

This is where I kind of want to say "just figure it out" and move on with things, but its really pretty easy to tell you so I will.

1) Spray Paint the wreath. I used a few coats and it covered really quickly.

2) Use the acrylic paint to paint the snakes. This was the longest step for me cause I had lots of snakes :)

3)Once snakes and wreath are dry, attach snakes in desired places with the floral wire by wrapping it around the snake and then threading it through the wreath where you can twist the wire to secure it. Most snakes need to be attached in two places.

4)DO NOT SPRAY PAINT THE SNAKES. EVER. In my experience the spray paint remained sticky and wet after a week until I took a paper towel to it about 5 times.

5) if the floral wire stands out too much I would recommend either spray-painting it along with the wreath at the beginning or touching it up by hand with the acrylic paint at the end.

6) Enjoy your spooky wreath!

where did all this junk come from?!

Well the day is finally here. Brent and I are both done with work, with 6 days to prepare ourselves for the move.

Packing is not fun. Unless you listen to Broadway music as you try on all your clothes before you pack them...

OK focus, this is not that hard. pick something up. place said thing in box. reapeat.

Whew I need a break! I should just eat lunch. then read a little. then take a nap.

It's good we have 6 days.

Salad #2

Ok so last night I tried another recipe. Actually the whole meal was full of new things! But it was planned around another salad. I'm trying to find my inner adult and really love salads. A close friend of ours Brad, came to have dinner with us, so it was perfect to get input from another set of taste buds. This recipe is one I found online. I'm going to put it up how I think it would be best, but don't worry, I'll let you know what changes I made.

Strawberry Pecan Salad

Ingredients:

2 T. white sugar
2 T. olive oil
4 t. honey
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1 t. lemon juice

2 cups torn salad greens
10 Strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar and lemon juice. Set aside

2. Toss salad greens, strawberries and pecans. Try to keep the strawberries from settling to the bottom. drizzle dressing throughout and toss again.

Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving or serve immediately.

yield: 2 servings


What you're probably wondering is why on earth you should try this salad when you most likely already have a great strawberry salad recipe that gets great reviews. Let me tell you why. I love strawberries. More than most other things. But somehow most strawberry nutty salads I've tried seem to fall flat. I never knew why until I tasted this delight.
I think its the dressings, that always seemed a bit too vinegar-ry for my own taste. It never seemed quite right to have natures sweetest fruit mixed in with a bitter dressing! Because of the generous amount of honey and sugar in this great dressing I felt the sweetness was never compromised. And yet the apple cider vinegar adds a slight punch. Its great!

One additional thing called for in the recipe (which i purposely left out) was one avocado, pitted and sliced. The Three of us (Brent, Brad and myself) unanimously decreed, yes decreed that the avocados were mostly useless here. Their creamy unobtrusive flavor just couldn't hack it when paired with the strawberries and that dressing I've just gushed about. Do what you wish.

Of course I couldn't just feed two big, hungry men just a strawberry salad, and I didn't have much time to plan ahead for this one, so I tried to think of a quick, easy something to complete the meal. I went with Garlic bread (a staple in the Houston home) and decided to try something I learned of on my mission for the main course.

Now don't get too excited its not cow's feet or adobo (a recipe i will share later). Its a simple essential with an extra dose of simple. You may have had it millions of times, but I never have, and lets face it, I'm the one in charge here!
I can't help giggling because I've got you all worked up for this and by now you're thinking "my goodness just spit it out! Alright:

Spaghetti noodles tossed in olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

I told you it was basic.
Brent was a little apprehensive and unbelieving, but after adding some salt and pepper, he really enjoyed it!
To me it was the perfect pasta for this salad. Its best to keep your food from fighting after all and when you've got a salad with some spunk I prefer a pasta without it. Without being too heavy or overloading our taste buds we enjoyed a great meal and had a great time. With such quick preparation time -boil noodles, butter bread and whisk dressing, this is a easy meal I'm going to repeat again soon!

la petite femme

Autumn Apple and Spinach Salad

This whole blog idea actually started about two weeks ago when my coworker Janeen brought in a salad to work. This wasn't just any salad however. I guess i have to tell you how I feel about salads.
Salads look okay, taste better and are really good for you. But they never induce cravings. A salad is the food version of a good workout. Always a good idea. Rarely a fun idea.
But Janeen's salad not only looked okay, it actually smelled really good! I wanted some, and for a salad with no chicken in it, that's saying something!
So of course I asked for the recipe and she brought it the next day!

Autumn Apple and Spinach Salad






Janeen substituted blue cheese for feta and Brent and I both really liked that. She also suggested adding 1/2 tsp. olive oil and 1/8 tsp. vinegar to the dressing. worked out great for me! And of course I probably doubled the cheese. What? I like cheese!

One note: I used Gala apples and I would not reccomend it. They're a bit too sweet and the flavor didn't flow. I'd stick to the recommended apples in the recipe.

Another note: In case you didn't see it at the bottom a serving of this salad is only a point and a half for weight watchers! I think it makes a tasty, lightweight side, or 2 servings and a small piece of toast is a filling meal!

Final note: Brent really liked this salad, which i was pleasantly surprised because lets face it, its a pretty girly salad! But he has requested that the next time I try chicken instead of apples. Of course that would change the Nutritional info, but i think it would be a fun easy way to mix it up!

So after trying that great recipe I was inspired. (imagine a replay like in the windows seven commercials with a more beautiful version of myself) I wanted to try LOTS of new recipes and test them on my husband! I wanted to learn to make things other than EasyMac and Hamburger Helper! I wanted to BLOG!!
Whew! its still intense just typing about it.

Ok that's it, i officially blogged about something. Maybe next week I'll do it again!

la pettite femme

What the heck am I doing?!

So I'm not a blogger. I'm not a gardener or a chef or a seamstress.
But then I got married and now i find myself feeling slightly guilty for most of these things. And apparently the solution I've come up with is to blog about all the things I'm trying to figure out how to do.
This may completely bore everyone. It most likely will go unread. But who knows it may turn out to be a fun, constructive way for me to spend time on the computer that doesn't involve "Farmville" :) Honestly I haven't played Farmville in at least 6 months so i think I'm recovering well.
My plan is to post up recipies I try out and mention whether or not it was a complete disaster. And any other homemakery (one of my own words) I attempt. Please share ideas and feedback too, then I'll know someone actually cares.