Good Intent

Henry Hardy

I am so proud of Henry. He is loving, handsome, happy and helpful. Henry is growing so fast and is a shining light in my life. Happy Birthday sweet Henry -Love you!!!

Dashing David

David had a wonderful birthday celebration in Hawaii. I loved lunching together at Hula Grill. He looks so handsome in his sunglasses - a gift from Uncle David. Our little David is such a happy, handsome adventurer. Love him!!!

Matthew

Today Matthew is eleven years old. He has filled my life with so much happiness. I arrived at the hospital in San Francisco just minutes after his birth. This beautiful boy brought a shining light from Heaven and continues to be an example for all that is virtuous, praiseworthy and of good report.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:New York City

Imperfect

No human face is exactly the same in its lines on each side, no leaf perfect in its lobes, no branch in its symmetry. All admit irregularity as they imply change; and to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality. All things are literally better, lovelier, and more beloved for the imperfections which have been divinely appointed, that the law of human life may be Effort, and the law of human judgment, Mercy.”
-John Ruskin

One of the best books I read in 2012 was "The Happiness Project", written by Gretchen Rubin. Imperfection has been an obstacle to my happiness for most of my life. I've finally learned to accept imperfection and have come to realize it is the pathway to compassion and mercy and provides me with impetus for greater effort.

Today Holly, Francie and I enjoyed the Matisse Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Beautiful imperfection!

SUPER BOWL SHOWER

We hosted a shower for our friends, Stewart Bradley and Hayley Hernandez.  Stewart plays in the NFL so I thought it would be fun to have a "Super Bowl" theme.  It was a great evening shared with great friends.  The menu was a hit!

Slow-burn Chipotle Chili

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained

1 pound ground sausage, browned and drained

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced green pepper

1 cup diced celery

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans with liquid

1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

1 teaspoon chipotle-flavored Tabasco sauce, or more to taste

1/2 cup brown sugar

Place all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 to 12 hours.  Adjust seasoning, sweetness and thickness as desired with salt, brown sugar and water.  

Comfort Food

Annie discovered this amazing recipe.  It's great for Sunday dinner because you mix the dough the night before baking.  I love homemade, fresh, crusty bread - nothing better.

Crusty Bread

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon yeast

1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast.  Add water and mix until a shaggy mixture forms.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12 - 18 hours.  Overnight works great.  Heat oven to 450 degrees.  When the oven has reached 450 degrees place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, pour dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball.  Cover with plastic wrap and let set while the pot is heating.  Remove hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough.  Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool. 

Today I'm also serving Chicken Cacciatore - also can be made the day before.

CHICKEN CACCIATORE

1/2 cup olive oil

1 bermuda onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 chicken breast halves (I use boneless skinless)

1/2 cup tomato paste

1 cups dry white wine or apple juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked

In a large skillet saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent and brown lightly.  Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.  Dredge chicken in flour and saute in the olive oil until golden brown.  Place chicken in a deep pan.

Place the garlic and onions into a blender and add tomato paste, wine or apple juice, salt, pepper, chicken stock, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram.  Blend.  Pour the mixture over chicken.

Simmer for 1 1/2 hours on top of stove, stirring often to prevent sticking.  During final 30 minutes, add mushrooms.  

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  Serve chicken and sauce over hot buttered spaghetti.  

View from my kitchen window today

Working for Miracles

A few days ago while on a run, I asked Holly about her New Year Resolutions. She recounted an article she read on Facebook that suggested writing down miracles you need in your life instead of making resolutions.

The concept spoke to my heart. I believe in a God of Miracles. I have been blessed to see miracles great and small occur in my life and the lives of my family.

On New Year's Eve I completed reading the Book of Mormon and underlined these verses from Moroni 7:35-37:

"...Has the day of miracles ceased?
Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men?
Behold I say unto you, Nay;
For it is by faith that miracles are wrought;
and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men."

The Lord requires us to ask, do all that we can and then through our faith He can perform miracles.

This year, I'm working and praying for miracles!

Happy New Year.




http://realintent.org/miracles-not-just-resolutions/

The above is a link to the article Holly referred to and includes an inspiring President Packer story regarding miracles replacing resolutions.