LaBellaMaison

This Is Our Chance

I have never watched a political convention with so much interest and emotion.  I have been glued to the television set each evening for the past three days.  It has been quite a journey.......one that is just beginning. 

I have shed tears for Ted Kennedy who dying of cancer, found a way to make it to the convention to support Barack Obama.   I cannot describe the emotion I felt when I saw how proud Chelsea Clinton was of her mother.  A woman  who continues to break the glass ceiling and makes inroads for all women.  Regardless of political party, I have felt very proud to be an American by the movement of change that is being called for in this country. 

 

Over the years, I have been asked on several occasions how I can support the democratic platform based on the tax bracket I am in.  I am shocked by these questions......because I cannot forget where I came from or that others may be less fortunate than me.  While I may have been raised in a middle-class household it is apparent that hard work isn't always enough to get ahead.  Unemployment, low paying jobs, lack of health care, and weak family structures make it difficult to get ahead by just hard work.

I believe that for whom much is given, much is expected.  That it is my responsibility to reach back and help those less fortunate than I .  That is why this election means so much to me.  I recognize that now is the time for change.  Let's not settle for the status quo while people are struggling to keep their houses, to feed their family, and keep their jobs.  As Barack Obama said this evening "America We Must Stand Up."  Stand up for those less fortunate who too want to have a renewed hope in our country.  While we all might have different political ideologies can we all agree that America needs a brighter future?  That if each of use does our part we can renew the American dream.  What can each of us do (in our own way) to bring about a change in America?

I Don't Want To Get You In Trouble

I don't want to get you trouble-for those of you are watching your "sweet tooth."  But, I found this great blog today when I was viewing Lilybean Paperie called  Bake or Break-Adventures Of An Amateur Baker.   Oh my gosh, the cookies, bars, and cupcakes she has on there look fabulous!  And the reason that you might get in trouble, is that she has the recipes on there too!  Unbelievable.................big trouble for those of us who are trying to watch our weight.  But, you just have to check it out!  I promise you will not be disappointed.

I tried this recipe for dinner last week and would highly recommend it for a quick & healthly meal:

Beef & Asparagus Stir-Fry

The meat for this dish should be very thinly sliced. Ask your butcher to slice it for you at purchase, or put it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour and then slice it yourself. Firming up the meat in the freezer makes cutting very thin, uniform slices easier.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 Tbs. dry sherry
• 1 tsp. chili oil
• 1/4 cup peanut oil
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3/4 lb. slender asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch
    pieces
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Steamed rice for serving

Directions:

Cook the beef and vegetables
Lightly season the beef with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the hoisin sauce, sherry, chili oil and 1/2 cup water. Set aside.

In a wok or large fry pan over high heat, warm the peanut oil. Working in batches if needed to avoid crowding, add the beef and cook, turning once or twice, until lightly seared, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.

Add the onion and asparagus to the pan and cook until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and stir-fry for 15 seconds.

Finish the dish
Return the meat and any juices from the plate to the pan, add the hoisin mixture and stir well. Simmer briefly until heated through.

Divide the rice among shallow bowls, top with beef and asparagus, and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Simple Suppers, by Melanie Barnard (Oxmoor House, 2007).

 

I am really into no fuss meals these days.  For this recipe, I would suggest using Jasmine Rice which is very delicious & fragrant.

 

Lastly, I must stop blogging now because I must clean up and organize my house today!  But, before I sign off I'd like to share a prayer a friend sent me in a card this week:

 

"On my knees, O God, I humbly thank you for the light along the way.  Don't let me ever forgoet that there will fear and darkness in my life, but enable me always to look beyound them to your peace."

I Need A Prom Dress

I need a prom dress.......yes, what I said was correct!  I need a prom dress, a vintage one in fact.  You see I am going to the Silver Bella Prom this November in Omaha, Nebraska and I need a dress.  The prom is part of the Silver Bella Art Retreat that I am attending with my friend Karleen.  Creative women from around the country will be converging on Omaha for three full days of art , laughter and fun. 

There will be a big Belle Market Faire/Prom Night where vendors/artists will be selling tons of fabulous handmade goodies.  We will also have fun filled evening of shopping,dinner, and partying in our prom attire.   Now,  when I mention prom attire, that's where the problem begins.  First of all, I am not too thrilled with wearing a prom dress and secondly it is suppose to be vintage.  Vintage-didn't those sizes used to be tiny weenie?  When I look up the definition of Vintage this is what I found:

VINTAGE-1of wine : of, relating to, or produced in a particular vintage2: of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality : classic3 a: dating from the past : old b: outmoded, old-fashioned4: of the best and most characteristic —used with a proper noun <vintage Shaw: a wise and winning comedy —

 

Well, in this context..........vintage means to me that I will be looking like some huge hippo in some out-of-date dress!  Should I wear something like this......

 

 

or this......

Or perhaps this:

Help.....I think I am in big trouble!!!!!  And to top it off most of these dresses come in sizes 2-6.  Yikes!!  Anyone have any suggestions.  I might have to be the girl who doesn't get asked to the prom.................

Bring On The Ducks

 Today was our kick-off luncheon!  I was all prepared and ready to go.  I even had purchased this to keep in my purse.

I love taking pictures and I am teased for always having my camera with me.  Since my regular Nikon D40 is so large I need a small camera to keep in my purse to catch those instantaneous shots.  So this little guy was tucked in my purse ready to capture the important moments today.  However, this didn't happen because the memory card that came with the camera hardly had any memory.  The salesperson had me purchase an additional memory card but I didn't think I'd need it so soon.  Well, need it I did......and I ended up with zero pictures!!!

On a bright note I did get to see all of Charlie's players again.   I also met several of their parents today who also were  in attendance.   This group of young men are so impressive.  They present themselves very well.  A few of them told me that Charlie talks about me in WR meetings but they wouldn't provide give  me the 411.  I hope he is using me as a good example( lol).   The incoming freshman WR's  certainly do not lack in confidence and many people have high expectations of them.  Hopefully, Saturday will be their day to shine and bring home a Husky win!

Many of the sportswriters have our scheduled rated number one or two in the country in regards to strenght of schedule.  Why do we  seem to land one of the toughest football schedules in the country.  Take a look and tell me what you think?

08/30/08	at Oregon *	Eugene, Ore.	7:00 p.m. PT
09/06/08	vs. BYU	Seattle, Wash.	12:00 p.m. PT
09/13/08	vs. Oklahoma	Seattle, Wash.	4:45 p.m. PT
09/27/08	vs. Stanford *	Seattle, Wash.	7:00 p.m. PT
10/04/08	at Arizona *	Tucson, Ariz.	TBA
10/18/08	vs. Oregon State *	Seattle, Wash.	4:00 p.m. PT
10/25/08	vs. Notre Dame	Seattle, Wash.	5:00 p.m. PT
11/01/08	at USC *	Los Angeles, Calif.	TBA
11/08/08	vs. Arizona State *	Seattle, Wash.	TBA
11/15/08	vs. UCLA *	Seattle, Wash.	TBA
11/22/08	at Washington State *	Pullman, Wash.	12:00 p.m. PT
12/06/08	at California *	Berkeley, Calif.

What's really unusual about our schedule is that we have three bye weeks which is new to me.  Usually, teams only have one bye week........but, hopefully, this will give us more time to rest the guys between games.

I was so impressed with Michelle Obama's speech tonight at the Democratic Convention.  I believe she is so misunderstood.  To her naysayers I  say Michelle-"You Rock!"

I'm Ready For Fall

I 'm ready for fall........yes, that's right!  I am ready for summer to be over!  Maybe, its because its been just too hot here recently.  Or perhaps, I am tired of my summer flowers that are beginning to wilt.  Or it could be that our first football game is this Saturday-and it is officially game week!!!!  Yup, its time for

• Autumn leaves
• Football Saturdays
• Tailgate Parties
• First Downs
• Cider
• Pumpkins
• Crisp weather
• Sweaters & my Uggs
• Monday Night Football
• Sports Center
• Carmel Apples
• Football, Football, Football

These are just some of the things  that I love about fall.  Our team kick-off luncheon is tomorrow.  The team, band, coaches, and the fans will be there to kick this season into high gear.  It's time.....time to get in the spirit, memorize our new players names/numbers, & put our game face on!!    We play our Pac-Ten opponent- the Oregon Ducks in Eugene this Saturday night. 

The first thing  Charlie told me this morning ~"It's game week."   He was letting me know.... you don't don't mess with the coach when it is game week!!!    So, I better be prepared, the football season is officially on.

A Happy Post

My friend Karleen just called to let me know that I should make a happy post to my blog today.  When she said "hello" I told her that I am "Staying In The Light."  That has been my goal since my grumpy mood the last few days.  I have been leaning on my christian friends who help bring me  back to the light.  I found this quote that I thought was inspirational:

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company. . . a church. . . a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past. . . we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have, and that is our attitude. . . . I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you. . . we are in charge of our attitudes.

anonymous

I also found inspirational messages on the following site: Two Ways To Live-The Choice We All Face.  Check it out if you want to be inspired.   It was a good reminder to me about what is important and how I should live my life.

On another happy note, yesterday we celebrated my cousin Mary Ann's 65th birthday!  It is hard for me to believe that she is 65th.  There is quite an age difference between us; but, when we hang out together it seems like we are the about the same age.  Mary Ann is full of life, lots of fun, insightful, an a devot Christian.  In fact she used to be a nun for 20 plus years.  She entered into the convent as a young girl.  Today, she is social worker who helps children in the foster care system, a homeless shelter advocate, and active in service in her community.  She definitely is an role-model to all.

 

 

Take a look at the cards I created at my card club last week:

 

Love this color blue.

 

A mini birthday card.

A Christmas card for my collection.

 

An all purpose card.

 

A Sock Monkey Card for a child's birthday.

Thanks for looking!  Happy Friday!

In A Grumpy Mood Today

Why does cleaning and purging my household make me grumpy?  Well, I can guarantee you that  a bad mood is just around the corner whenever  I have to organize and get rid of "stuff".  I instantly get mad and frustrated that I have so much stuff!  And, realistically it is a lot less "stuff"than I had last year or the year before that!  It's just hard to find a place for everything and make it look neat & perfect.   I just am in that stage of life  where less is more.  I just want to lighten my load because it feels so liberating.

Sometimes to feel liberated you have to rid yourself of "stuff", people, and circumstances.  While it may be difficult to rid yourself of people and negative circumstances, sometimes it just has to be done for your own well being.  Now, I don't mean to sound harsh.........I've experienced this first hand.  But, you have to control your environment and elements in it as much as you can.  Everyone can benefit from positive energy, motivation, intention, & inspiration.  If you are not experiencing these things in your current relationships and surroundings it might be time to re-evaluate what is going on around you.  I love living in a cheerful home, having creative and spirit filled friends, & living with intention.  So, that's why I need to change my surrounding to get organized & get rid of "stuff".  Goodbye grumpiness as I move toward this objective.

Organizing my craft room today I found a box of  our wedding  invitations.  Inside the box was a hand written note that my sister Carolyn (who died of breast cancer in 2000)  had prepared for the toast she gave at our wedding.  Seeing her handwriting made me very sad that she isn't here with me today.  I know that if she was still here with us she would be enjoying life to the fullest!  Carolyn wouldn't waste a minute of letting life pass her by.  She was full of energy and intention.  We always laughed at everything and just had fun being together.  Carolyn pushed me to be the best I could be and if I wasn't she held me accountable.  I miss having an older sister to have fun with, guild me, and keep me in line.  She made me be honest with myself about everything!!!  And I know she is one of the very special angels in heaven looking down on me.

I Thought I'd Never Say This

I thought that I would never say that I am roasting in Seattle!!!!!  It is so hot here that it has reached record temperatures.  It was 92 degrees yesterday and I thought I'd lose my mind.  Well, as I sit and post on this blog I am even hotter..........can that really  be possible?  Who ever said that you do not need air conditioning in Seattle was very very wrong! 

Even if there is only  2 weeks of of this type of heat you really are at a standstill.  With no air conditioning you cannot reasonably carry out your normal activities without dying from the temperature.  It is so hot you cannot imagine cooking anything even if it is on the grill.  All you want is something cold, cold, cold.  My poor puppies are at their wits end wondering what in the heck is going on?  The temperatures  are suppose to drop down to the high 60's starting Monday.  Now that's craziness isn't it?

I was able to complete a couple of cards the other evening before this torture began:

 

I did a little sewing on this one.

 

I think I got the idea for this card from the Card Positioning Blog?

 

Same idea but a birthday card.

 

I'm not totally sure what I will use this card for.

 

Another attempt at sewing..........birthday or thinking of you card.

Finally

Finally......I finished my friend Delanie's 1st Communion Book.  It was tougher than I imagined because of the dimensions of the pages in the book and colors of the pictures.  Well, actually the background color of the pictures contained so much beige that it kinda washed the pictures out.  So, I had to cut around the people in some of the photos to take the background out.  If I  was adept at Photo-shop, I could have just fixed them that way.  Oh well, its done and feel free to take a look:

As you can see the book is shaped like a crown.  All the papers in the album are Making Memories.

A favorite bible verse.

The little princess herself~Ms. Delaney.

Her 1st Communion Class.

It's covered a little by the flower but the saying says"Our Hope Is In The Lord."

Delanie and one of her friends.  Aren't they sweet?

The Bittner Family-Bryan, Jacque, Delanie, Carson, & Kendra.  Our old neighbors and friends from Minnesota whom I am going to visit next week.

The maternal grandparents.

Paternal grandparents-Mr. & Mrs. Bittner Sr.

All the kids.

The parents: Bryan & Jacque.

Love this passage & wanted to share it with Delanie.  This is what my father means to me.

Aunt Darcy (Bryan's sister).

The big cake!

Now that I look at the album in these pictures I notice a few things that I would like to tweak.  But, that should be a very small job.......for a very special girl!

NFL HALL OF FAME

Congratulations to our friends Emmitt and Jacqui Thomas on Emmitt's induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. 

 We coached with Emmitt and Jacqui in Green Bay &  at the Minnesota Vikings.  Emmitt was the defensive coordinator on both of these staffs where Jacqui & I became good friends.  They are a great couple and wonderful people.  Emmitt played for many years for the Kansas City Chief s and led their team to two Super Bowls.  If you would like to read more about Emmitt's impressive playing career you can go here: Emmitt Thomas Inductee Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Emmitt is currently Assistant Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons. We're so proud of you Emmitt!