My mom sent me this link of the Four Tenors, or II Divo, singing "Amazing Grace" in the Colleseum in Rome. It truly brought tears to my eyes. For anyone who does not know, this group was put together by Simon Cowell of American Idol fame. He searched the world for the "four best male singers." In the order here, they are David (from America); Carlos (from Spain), Sabastian (from France) and Urs (from Switzerland). Three of them were opera singers, and Sabastian was a self taught "pop" singer. They were pretty reluctant to come together as a group, but they are completely AMAZING.
http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php
4.23.2011
4.19.2011
Easter Fun
I have been trying to think of something fun and different to do with the kids this Easter and I came across Peeps S'mores! I mean, how much fun is this (even if you are like me and don't like Peeps)! I think that we might have to try these for dessert on Easter Sunday. I know that my kids will get a kick out of them!
Another amazing dessert
Why is it when you are trying to lose a couple of pounds (I have put on a few since I have been in the boot and not able to exercise), you find the most amazing desserts online and find yourself salavating over them while waiting on your grilled chicken salad, no dressing, to be ready in the cafe downstairs. Well, maybe not all those details apply to you, but they do to me. Right now.
I was browsing some of my not-so-typical websites while waiting on that delicious salad (mind over matter) and came across this on Our Best Bites. I mean, Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread bars? You have to be kidding me. And they are super easy to make? Sign me up. But, maybe in about a month when I have dropped about 5 pounds. Sorry Ted. You would LOVE these.
Here is the recipe, but check out all the step-by-step pictures on Our Best Bites.
Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Shortbread Bars
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour by Our Best Bites
1 c. salted butter at room temperature
1 c. powdered sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled with a knife
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. caramels (1 14-oz. package Kraft caramel or 2 c. homemade caramel)
1-3 tablespoons cream (1 if using Kraft caramels, 3 for firmer or homemade caramel)
3 cups mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 1 1/2 11-oz. bags)
Preheat oven to 300. Spray a 9×13″ pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl or the bowl of your mixer, combine the butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla until the mixture comes together. Lightly press the shortbread dough into the pan. Prick with a fork to prevent the crust from bubbling. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges of the bars. Allow to cool completely.
Combine the caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring each minute, until the mixture is smooth. Spread evenly over the cookie crust, then place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 30-60 minutes or until the caramel is solid.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups until melted and smooth, stirring each 45 seconds. Spread over the cooled caramel. Place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until the chocolate layer is solid. They can also be placed in the freezer for less time if you’re in a hurry. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in a cool area or the refrigerator to prevent messy disasters.
Are you drooling yet?
I was browsing some of my not-so-typical websites while waiting on that delicious salad (mind over matter) and came across this on Our Best Bites. I mean, Peanut Butter Caramel Shortbread bars? You have to be kidding me. And they are super easy to make? Sign me up. But, maybe in about a month when I have dropped about 5 pounds. Sorry Ted. You would LOVE these.
Here is the recipe, but check out all the step-by-step pictures on Our Best Bites.
Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Shortbread Bars
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour by Our Best Bites
1 c. salted butter at room temperature
1 c. powdered sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled with a knife
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. caramels (1 14-oz. package Kraft caramel or 2 c. homemade caramel)
1-3 tablespoons cream (1 if using Kraft caramels, 3 for firmer or homemade caramel)
3 cups mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 1 1/2 11-oz. bags)
Preheat oven to 300. Spray a 9×13″ pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl or the bowl of your mixer, combine the butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla until the mixture comes together. Lightly press the shortbread dough into the pan. Prick with a fork to prevent the crust from bubbling. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges of the bars. Allow to cool completely.
Combine the caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring each minute, until the mixture is smooth. Spread evenly over the cookie crust, then place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 30-60 minutes or until the caramel is solid.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups until melted and smooth, stirring each 45 seconds. Spread over the cooled caramel. Place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until the chocolate layer is solid. They can also be placed in the freezer for less time if you’re in a hurry. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in a cool area or the refrigerator to prevent messy disasters.
Are you drooling yet?
4.18.2011
Karate update
Oh and the karate video should now be working. I just watched it again and laughed out loud at Sam's dancing in the background. Hysterical. I need to try to just zoom in on him.
Holy Week
“[W]ho, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:6-11
God bless you and your family this Holy Week!
Philippians 2:6-11
God bless you and your family this Holy Week!
4.13.2011
Booted
So for those of you who don't see me often, I have been in a boot for over a week now. Boot as in this:
Thank goodness I am in the smaller of the two but it is still a HUGE pain in my rear. Long story short, I have an old ankle injury in one of my tendons from my cheerleading days. I have started doing this ballet-type exercise classes (see here) which I absolutely LOVE, but apparently my ankle does not love it all that much. I rolled the ankle in class (thank goodness I did not fall) and continued the class even though it hurt. I went home and iced it and all seemed well. So I went to another class the next day and the next. Then my ankle got really big and was really sore. I went to a sports medicine doctor that Ted goes to all the time and she gave me a little brace and said to stay off it for a week. I did as the doctor ordered, but the swelling did not subside so that is why I am in the boot. I go back on Monday and am praying that she will just prescribe me some physical therapy and I can get un-booted.
4.06.2011
Karate
When I was uploading/downloading (which one is it? I have no idea) the video of the kids riding the old-fashioned stick horse, I cam across this video of Ward. We must have filmed it a couple of months ago, right after he got his yellow belt. He doesn't get the coda (sp?) exactly right, but it is still prettey impressive. But what really cracked me up about this video is Sam listening to the iPod in the background dancing. I laughed out loud. Maybe you will too.
Good night! Yes, I know that it is only 8:20, but I am tired and heading up to bed. Don't make fun of me. I know that you are really just jealous!
Oh and as an aside, the meeting with our social worker went really well this afternoon. She said that she has almost completed our homsetudy and hopes to get it back to our agency soon. I am praying that it gets to Russia this month and that we will find out what region we are assigned to in June! Then I will be in full-on research mode to find out all I can about that region! Pray that it continues to go smoothly!
Good night! Yes, I know that it is only 8:20, but I am tired and heading up to bed. Don't make fun of me. I know that you are really just jealous!
Oh and as an aside, the meeting with our social worker went really well this afternoon. She said that she has almost completed our homsetudy and hopes to get it back to our agency soon. I am praying that it gets to Russia this month and that we will find out what region we are assigned to in June! Then I will be in full-on research mode to find out all I can about that region! Pray that it continues to go smoothly!
A typical night
Here is a video of a typical night in our house. Ted could not help but videotape what was going on as he walked in the door from work. A girl has to do something to keep the kids happy - especially considering that we don't watch television on school nights.
At least they are creative, right?
At least they are creative, right?
Meeting today
If you are so inclined, please think about Ted at 3:00 today. We are having our last meeting with our social worker and I am so anxious to get everything wrapped up and sent to Russia. It is very frustrating to know all the work that we have already put into this process and Russia doesn't even know we exist yet! Here's hoping and praying that it all goes smoothly today and our packet can be sent to Russia by the end of the month!!!
4.03.2011
Adoption update
There is not much new to say on our adoptions process other than it MOVES VERRRYYYY SLLLLLOWWWWLY. I talked to our social worker yesterday and we are trying to schedule our last visit for some time next week. At this visit, she will talk to Ted and I together and then individually. It is the last step in our homestudy and I am very anxious to get it all over with. After she completes all our paperwork, our entire packet heads to Russia!! It will take about a month to be translated and then we will be assigned a region. I am praying that we hear about our Region some time in May, but most likely it will be in June. Pray for patience on my part.
I am getting used to waiting and am certain God is using this entire process to test my patience. One of the things that keeps me sane, however, is knowing that our child is already ours. She has already been picked out and was born to come live with us and be a party of our family. So every day, week, month, that passes and I hear nothing is not nothing. It is God's timing, not mine, and that is oh so very important.
I am getting used to waiting and am certain God is using this entire process to test my patience. One of the things that keeps me sane, however, is knowing that our child is already ours. She has already been picked out and was born to come live with us and be a party of our family. So every day, week, month, that passes and I hear nothing is not nothing. It is God's timing, not mine, and that is oh so very important.
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