Cannellini and Cabbage Soup

I got this recipe via the website Eating Bird Food - a great site for some healthy recipes.    If you want to see a pic of how yummy this recipe looks - click on the link of her blog. The author in turn got the recipe from Fitness Magazine. If you go to this link  - there are some other awesome looking soups as well!

I made a modification to the recipe to suit my taste (is it really soup with no onions?). It is a delicious cabbage soup, filling and low in calories. Enjoy! 

Cannellini and Cabbage Soup
Makes: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups thinly sliced cabbage

2 carrots, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (not a big fan of thyme, you can try something else - I used SPIKE seasoning found in the health food section of my local Hannaford grocery store)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cans (14 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over high heat. Add cabbage, carrots, onion,  garlic, thyme, and pepper; cook 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Stir in broth, undrained tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 8 minutes, or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Mash half the beans with a fork. Add all the beans to the pot. Heat through and serve.

Nutrition facts per serving: 164 calories, 11g protein, 30g carbohydrate, 4g fat (1g saturated), 9g fiber

Life Coach

Hez has a new job - she is a life coach. She works for a worldwide company and helps people commit to a healthier lifestyle. She loves it. I love her.

She is practicing on me.

I need a lot of work.

I am doing well under her tutelage, however I will say this. A visit to Utah with the whole family, including my life coach, did nothing for my new resolve. Ah well! I have recovered and repented, and back to eating healthy. The gym scares me, but I will get back there as well. I will. I promise. Pinky swear. :-)

The only reason I am telling you all this is to explain why on earth I am posting recipes, sans pics, of some incredibly yummy food. I don't have  fancy camera but wow you should see the food I have been cooking up!

More to come.

A day late and a dollar short!

Only $2100 stood between me and my dream of owning a vintage camping trailer.

I spotted this beauty in Dover - a 1964 Shasta. It was in remarkably good shape.

Look at those orange wings! *sigh*

I drove by once more to take a picture and the "for sale" sign was gone.

Truthfully - I am pretty sure that maintaining this beauty is beyond my capabilities right now, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Images: Moose Runs Around Maine Beach - Photos - WMUR Manchester

Seriously, those who say they never see a moose in Maine - we have them, and they like to swim in the ocean. Proof right here:

Images: Moose Runs Around Maine Beach - Photos - WMUR Manchester

NOT starstruck

OK Maybe just a little, but not impressed.

Flying home the scenic route, the hubby and I found ourselves on several planes taking us from the heat of Phoenix, through the rain of Detroit, to the perfect weather of NH.

Detroit has an airport that can only be described as long and thin (as I wish I were described in like manner ;-) )

We of course got off one plane at Gate A1 and had to catch our next plane at Gate A209,658 - OK I exxagerate but seriously it was like Gate 89 or something like that - clear at the other end of the airport. Thankfully there is a monorail right in the terminal that will rush you to your next gate.

We hopped on the train, and as I got settled I realized I knew recognized the dude across from me:

Yep, that's right, Michael Moore. I must say, in the above picture, Michael is slightly overdressed compared to how he dresses while traveling.

It's a good thing I have a touch of Alzheimers and couldn't remember his last name, or I would have struck up a conversation with the dude. But seriously, what does one say to Michael Moore. Or rather, what does a conservative Republican Yankee say to Michael Moore? "Hey dude, I heard about that controversy when they asked you to speak at UVSC (now UVU) in 2004. So they got Sean Hannity to balance the odds. Cool, huh?" Yeah, no. Again, thanks for the Alzheimers, cause it could have been awkward.

loser

I am pretty sure he must have stopped at the food court to have one of these:

Seriously, who eats this? Maybe Michael Moore?

Starstruck

On Sunday, a little star was blessed - Sullivan Harvey (say it Hahvee) was taken in his Dad's arms and encircled by loving Priesthood Holders, and his Dad gave him a name and a blessing. It was beautiful and memorable and this little boy is well loved and amazing. What a great day.

So let me tell you how the day goes in the Kane family when there is a baby blessing.

First, we all agree that we shall honor the Sabbath Day, especially on such an important Sabbath Day, one when our precious newest gift from God is given a name and a blessing. So we prepare on Saturday and have a peaceful restful day - a happy quiet loving Sunday. Or something like that.

Church is from 1-4 in this neck of the woods and when I hopped in the shower at 12:46 (after just a little food preparation), I sensed I might be in a bit of a tight squeeze to make it to the church on time.

When we rolled into the parking lot at 1:06, I was pretty certain we would be lucky to sit in the back row, but Katie standing at the door rushing us in gave me the hint that we had indeed made it just in time for the sacred ordinance. The windblown hair I sported was a fashion plus, accenting my lovely 5" discs that Heather assured me were earrings that hung from my lobes. My one pair of earrings that I wore on the trip were now an orphaned set, no doubt one earring residing embedded in the seat of a Delta Airlines jet somewhere. Seriously, those big earrings look cute on Heather, but I felt like a lady of ill repute and I could hear Aunt Valeda's voice in my head all day - reminding me that dangly earrings are of the devil. But I digress.

Amazingly, the last row in the chapel was sitting there empty, as though it had our names on a reservation card. How did they know? One thing is for sure, the Kane's know their place, right there in the back row. Especially on such an important day. (We were just lucky that we didn't have to march up to the front row because that is usually where all the empty seats are.)

(I am sure a few of our loving friends are shaking their heads, smiling, right now. A few of our other judgmental friends are appalled. Oh well.) We do have the best intentions. We really do. We just have a problem with time management. 

As it turned out we had PLENTY of time cause the Bishop totally forgot about Sullivan HAHVEE and we had to wait until after the Sacrament Service for his blessing. It all worked out, Sullivan got his beautiful blessing, and I was sitting there basking in the glory of the gloriousness of the day, enjoying my beautiful family - including all four grandchildren - wonderful friends etc, looking at my beautiful granddaughter Olivia sitting there with her parents, when suddenly

I notice

just past my daughter and son in law

HIM:

and I just about had a heart attack right there. I knew Michael McLean was in their ward but honest to goodness there he was! To think, this guy must know my deepest darkest secrets because he has written a song about every one of them! From the moment I first heard his song "You're Not Alone" I have loved his music and his message.

Now, it didn't take long for my three daughters to realize they had a problem because their mothers eyes were suddenly glazed over and they sprung into action. They forbid me from approaching the stand, certain I would mention Michael McLean a hundred times and make a fool of myself. (I might add a couple of women did just that in the meeting)

Michael himself approached the pulpit and bore a beautiful heartfelt testimony. I was certain he had been sitting there composing a song about this beautiful baby that was blessed, but it seems he had been thinking about something else.

Now I have enough of my father in my to squelch the human tendency to hold back and allow the celebrity some privacy, and I approached Michael after the meeting. I wish you could have seen his face as I approached him. He lit up, extended his hand, and said hello to me with the enthusiasm of someone who was finally being reunited with a long lost friend. I seriously thought "Does he remember me from somewhere?!?" We had a great conversation and I apologized for being starstruck, and he gave me a ginormous bear hug and told me to be starstruck no more, for now we were friends.

And we are. Later we were gathered as family and Michael came over and I introduced him to everyone. He gave Sullivan a big kiss (after asking Heather who was holding him if he could have a kiss - phew that was close he meant from Sullivan not from Heather) - and as he met each person he managed to find a connection in some way - he really is personable and very genuine.

As we left the chapel at the end of the meetings (yes we stayed three hours shame on you for thinking otherwise), Michael spied our friends and said "Bye Winterton's!" across the parking lot. What a guy.

And that baby we blessed? We didn't.take.one.picture.

But I know I for sure will never forget his baby blessing!

Apron Bibs

A few weeks ago I found myself at the sewing machine channeling my beloved mother-in-law, sewing what I call "apron bibs". They are so fun to make, easy peasy, and oh so cute on a lovely little grandson or granddaughter.

June-bug was an RN

I remember watching Mimi, June-bug, Mom, Ma (all terms of endearment for Larry's mom) whipping these up for my children. She had a pattern - one of the apron-bibs she had for HER children that HER mother had made

Can you see the mending? This was repaired over and over!

and simply following it's design, she made me lovely little bibs for my girls - embellished with lace, trim, and all sorts of rounded corners, pretty ties, and other niceties that she pulled from her frugal stash of sewing materials and supplies.

Two generations of bibs - made by Larry's grandma (green) and Larry's mom (pink)

I picked fun fabrics and whipped a few up for the grands. I followed June's lead and just copied the bibs she had made for my girls. Half a yard of fabric, folded in half and in half again, with crescent shaped armholes cut on the fold. Finish off the armholes by either hemming with a zigzag stitch or using bias tape as Larry's Grandma did. Hem all around the bib and fold down and sew a casing at the top for the drawstring to slide through. I learned from mom to attache the drawstring with a few stitches in the middle so it wouldn't pull out. Make sure your drawstring of choice is longer than the casing so you don't lose it!

(Please forgive my lack of artistry and photography skills)

Cars and Flowers

Here is Olivia modeling one of the aprons Mimi made...

You simply slide their arms in the armholes, pull up the ribbon tie and voila - they are covered stem to stern and no stains on their cute shirts! Hopefully I can pass on these skills to my grandchildren.

Aren't they cute? (the bibs I mean, not the seamstresses)

Nightmare!

I just had to document this nightmare I had last night so I never forget my resolve! I was also inspired by this post by a funny guy named Mike. He put my terror into words.

So, there I was, in a high school auditorium that looked remotely like the old gym at my Alma Mater Ellsworth High. Do things morph in your dreams, like they do in mine? I was standing on a lawn chatting it up with my friend Jen, next thing I know I am in an auditorium with the most random people. And suddenly I find myself in my most favorite role - that of Activities Chairman, committee of one, and (in the dream) suddenly realize we are having an impromptu variety show. The Bishop is very excited, but things go spiraling downhill quickly. He bolted about 10 minutes into the show.

It seems everyone has a talent they want to share. And I use the term talent loosely. And in this dream nightmare, I discover that my friends can sing, twirl, lip sync, and even tap dance. Not only that, but they carry their costumes and music with them everywhere, because everyone I have ever attended church with, in addition to random people I have never met, lined up to perform. This thing was taking on a life of its own and I lost all control (hmmmmmmm sounds like my life right now?). It didn't phase these performers that in looking out on the audience - there was no one sitting there watching. Since there was no one in the audience other than random children running around unsupervised (another nightmare of mine) to see my intense embarassment, I decided to embrace the event and just let these crazy people do their thing.

It was clear they were not bothered by the lack of interested audience, they still performed their hearts out. (You should see my clowning friend Jennifer tap dance in my dreams!) There was a big to-do because a friend of a friend of a friend wanted to lip-sync a song that was inappropriate to some (another activities chair nightmare) and heaven forbid there was no internet access to google the lyrics.

I was fighting the urge to jump on stage and show off my mad juggling skills I picked up at Weber State College (Ok just kidding about the urge, but I do have mad juggling skills) - when I looked out into the empty auditorium and watched in horror as my third daughter (yes the baby)'s husband's most awesome grandpa (from Utah no less) walks in cause he has been encouraged to attend this most awesome variety show.

The embarassment was so intense I woke up, lost all resolve, and had to start my day with the newly banned diet coke.

But I didn't lost this resolve.

NO VARIETY SHOWS WHILE I AM ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE OF ONE.

Darn, I really wanted to see Jennifer tap dance in real life.

Swagger Wagon

Kate and Rode are car shopping. What do you think, is this their style?



(Sorry I guess this blog layout doesn't lend itself to youtube - if you right click you can go watch it on youtube!)

Best Mother's Day Ever!

OK it isn't over yet - but here's what is so good thus far:

My house didn't burn down. There was a little incident with the fan/heater in our upstairs bathroom this morning. I didn't have time to call the fire department and wait around for them to check things out because I had to get to church to give a talk. I didn't think the Milton FD would understand, so I just said a little prayer that my house wouldn't burn down, and it didn't! Well, I didn't have time to call the fire department, but I did manage to run to get the camera to document the meltdown.

We got these delicious items at church. Smartest move the Bishopric ever made. I don't suppose they will ever include diet coke in the bootie, but oh well these cookies sure beat a wilted carnation with a 2" stem or a potted plant with the flower head popped off. I'll take cookies any day! The hard part was sitting on the stand before my talk admiring the large basket of goodies for over an hour!

I survived my talk. Most of you know I can talk forever, but those minutes leading up to standing up can really turn your stomach inside out. Basically it was a commercial for our upcoming activity "Provident Living, It Just Makes Cents". I got a few chuckles out of the crowd. I will soon post pics of the apron bibs I talked about in my talk.

Don't miss the activity - it's this Saturday from 9-2 - lots of good information for everyone!

I have finally let go of most Mothers guilt. So often we feel inadequate, incapable, and pathetic in this job of mothering. I have taken the advise of my wonderful stake leaders and LET IT GO. You can go ahead and give me a "Mother of the Year" award anytime you like, cause doggone it - I deserve it!

Heather called and offered to cook me breakfast, lunch, dinner, wash my dishes and clean the kitchen. Too bad she lives 2400 miles away! But it's ok cause there is only one dirty pan, one plate, and one fork that needs to go in the dishwasher. But I am holding to that promise this summer when she is here.

Since hubby is out of town and my mom is no longer with us, my adopted sister's hubby and son in law are cooking dinner for all us moms. Very excited for more pampering.

Happy Mothers Day to my beautiful daughters who are amazing women and wonderful mothers!