Voila!

I get in these moods where I think my family needs a complete menu makeover.  Honestly... how many times can we fit tacos, pasta, grilled chicken, and burgers into our month.  Sure, I tweak each one a bit by adding a tortilla here or there, mixing up the sauce, or getting a little wild with cilantro lime rice. This just isn't keeping the adventurous taste buds of my family satisfied.  
  
Here's the issue.  When I plan ahead something comes up. It never fails. I am then left with wilted peppers and french bread that Prince Fielder could use at his next at bat. So typically I get in the "I'm going to create a new dish" mode at the last minute and start filtering through various recipe sites with my main ingredient in mind.  I can move through them quite quickly based on the availability of the ingredients in the pantry. It can be a real hit or miss.

Once the recipe has been chosen, let the fun begin.  Here is where my experience in the kitchen comes in handy. (insert wink here)  The recipe calls for paprika and I add chili powder because I have that in the pantry. I am motoring along and its time for that first taste.  It tastes okay not great, I add a bit more garlic or ginger.  We like a little heat so red pepper flakes are always near the front of the pantry. In goes a shake or two.  The sauce isn't as plentiful as I had hoped--in goes a few glugs of chicken stock.  Before I know it, I have completely forgone the original recipe and now have a creation all my own.  

Now its time for the great reveal.  Ryan tries his first bite and I ask, "What do you think?"  Most of the time he likes it,occasionally it turns out to be a instant favorite, and a few times it has been a complete bust. 

Every time I learn a little something along the way.  Still there is one thing I can't seem to master-- when to write things down.  I am never able to recreate those instant favorites. Did I use chili powder or cumin?  Did I use garlic cloves or powder?  

When I get a request for lettuce wraps or French Onion soup I can't make any promises that it will taste the same as last time,  but am happy to give to give it a whirl.  We will arrive somewhere close to that final destination.

Voila!

Go Scots!

When making my college selection, I put little research into which mascot I would be cheering for during Saturday football games.  Unbeknownst to me, burley men in kilts would make my heart race.  The Fighting Scots of Alma College were at best, interesting.  I would hear about the Spartans, Chips, and Broncos and  meagerly shout... Go Scots!  

Six years later:

As Ryan and I were house hunting we found the cozy rural community of Caledonia.  It was perfect.  Great schools, small town feel, and a fabulous neighborhood to raise Addison.  SOLD! 

It didn't take long to recognize the purple and gold emblazoned  sweatshirts, hats, and plaid pajama pants.  All of which someplace say Go Scots!  What?!  Seriously? How could it be? Addison is a Fighting Scot?  

This fall Addison has decided to give cheerleading a whirl.  I honestly never had a passion for cheer.. but that might be partly because I couldn't get that clap right, or make those perfect fists.  

Tonight was the first night of practice. Her pigtails were high with purple bows and she was more excited than I have seen her in months.  I was so proud to  see her walk in with such confidence.

An hour and half later she was chatting about new friends, round offs, and the Caledonia Rumble.  The entire way home she was practicing the song, but couldn't show me the moves in the car.  So we rounded up Dad and she did her first cheer for us.  I LOVED IT!  

The next six weeks will hopefully increase Addison's confidence and give her something to get all giddy about.  I'm looking forward to hearing Fire Up, Go Scots about a million more times!

Until next time, Go Scots! 

Michele

what do you doodle?

names... swirls... silly faces?  I doodle stars.  Any size or color works for me.  The more adornments the better.  As I sit in a meeting, listen at a conference, or chat on the phone I am constantly doodling. I have been doing it since college.  At one point I realized if I doodle I am actually more focused.  I am not thinking about what to make for dinner, my to-do list, or even day dreaming about an upcoming vacation.   I love it.  From time to time I may post one of my latest creations.  :)  

Honestly, I am not going to write a continuing blog about doodling.  I want to write about being a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend.  Interestingly five things that I would say define me... kind of like the five points on a star...weird?!  (that may need to be a topic of a future post.)  

 Enjoy!~

Today as my daughter was walking to the bus on her 3rd day of second grade I said something to her that I really hopes impacts who she is.  "Get smarter and be kind."  She giggled as she repeated it to her friend on the way to the bus.  Did it make a difference? I hope so... in some way.  Maybe not today, but tomorrow or the next day. 

Being a teacher for 7 years allowed me to see inside the school after the parents dropped their little darlings off.  Certain kids were better behaved at school, while others... well let's just say... had a different side to them.  

Over the summer my daughter, Addison and I had a few discussions about the idea that you should always make the best choice no matter who is watching.  I think that is a pretty BIG concept.  I am going to continue that conversation.  It is worthy of some time for sure.  

Until next time... Cheers!