You have to try this!

Chicken Makhini

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup tomato puree
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Add to Recipe Box
Add to Shopping List
Add a Personal Note
DIRECTIONS
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Saute shallot and onion until soft and translucent. Stir in butter, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat, and season with 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne. Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauce, and simmer until liquid has reduced, and chicken is no longer pink. Stir cooked chicken into sauce.
Mix together cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.
FOOTNOTE
Garam masala may be purchased in Indian markets and in the gourmet section of some supermarkets.

Happy Birthday Jade!

New artwork

New artwork in my home thanks to my husband.  In case you're wondering the 4 olives on the olive branch are our children.

inspiring

http://www.theflyingjib.blogspot.com/

Vote!

Our election is only 5 days away!!  It is so exciting.  I've been thinking a lot lately and listening to people talk and I just want to say do your research!  There is no "right" candidate only differences of opinion.  Many good people have been involved in both parties (Pres. Faust was a democrat-if you're mormon you'll know who that it).  So bottom line don't vote just for a party, vote for how you want our country to be, vote for who you think can represent our country to others best especially over seas, vote for someone who's character can uplift our country and bring us together, vote for someone you feel you can trust, vote for someone you have learned about and feel good about.  All the main issues will be decided by the  branches of government so don't stress to much about them, learn about them but don't think they make the deciding factor.  

We are such a blessed country and we have this right so be smart!  Don't vote for someone because of how they look, don't not vote for someone because of their name, don't vote for someone because of what you have or have not heard about them on you-tube, you get the picture.

For the next 5 days take this vote sign from my blog and stick it on yours and tell people to pass it on, it's like I just tagged everyone!!!  Vote!!!!

Vintage Club pots found at the goodwill.  I love them.  I wanted to post these so I could feel like her:)

My 2 cents again-healthy muscles

I haven't blogged this much in months but this has been an off day all around so what the heck!  This last pregnancy has thrown me when it comes to wacked out stomach muscles.  My front muscles split every time I have a baby but this time they were not going back for anything.  I have been seeing a physical therapist that specializes in this and I wanted to share a few secrets with anyone that has the same problems as me.  1st of all to see if your muscles haven't completely gone back together like they should lie on your back and do a half sit-up, find your belly button and feel for your tensed muscles.  If you can feel 2 muscles on both sides and basically a hole in bewteen (not good)  they are separated.  If you have this don't do sit ups!  When your muscles are seperated sit ups can separate them more.  Here are a few things you can do:

Lie on your back with your knees up.  suck in the lower part of your tummy, just the muscles.  Put your hand on your chest to make sure your not moving it to know you're doing it right.  Pretend you're pulling to your back for 5 seconds then release.  Do it like 15 times.  Do it every day.  It also helps flatten your tummy which is a major plus right after you've had a baby.  After you do that do the same thing only lift each leg up about an inch for a few seconds while you're doing it.  If you're doing it right it should be kind of hard.  Anyway these are the starters, I have some more for over all strength of your tummy area, maybe I'll post those next. 

My 2 cents-budgeting

I found a really fabulous way to actually keep up on a real budget, which in my opinion is good for your health and well that's what I'm all about right.  www.quickenonline.intuit.com.  I've been tracking our spending daily and it does everything for you, I'm feeling really good about our budgeting future and "mentally healthy"  when I know I'm being wise with my money.  Check it out.

I've never done one of these tag things but Jade tagged me and I felt so honored that I had to do it.  So here goes:

#1: 8 things I am PASSIONATE about:

1. Health


2. My family

3. Having an open mind


4. folky music

5. Not wasting!  Anything I can reuse makes me happy, thrift stores are like 'save the environment stores' to me.


6. The gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints


7. Seeing new places


8. Trying new things

#2: phrases I say often:


1. "i'm tired"


2. "not good for you"  Sorry kids


3. "I didn't get eveything done yet"


4. "lovey"



5. 


6. 


7. 


8. 

#3: 8 things I want to do before I die:


1. Get a bacherlor's degree in Natural health and nutrition, maybe more


2. make a cd


3. live in California (we'll see)


4. have a beautiful yard and garden


5. be satisfied with myself


6. go on a mission


7. grow all my food


8. Have a totally green house


#4: 8 places I would love to visit:


1. europe


2. Middle East again


3. South America somewhere


4. canada


5. Southern California


6. mexico


7. Falls Church


8. Bastyr University


#5: 8 things I have learned from my past:


1. Things don't get better, we decide if we do.


2. God knows more then me


3. My parents did the best they could


4. Saving money is good


5. It's good to take care of myself


6. 


7. Don't waste time when you're young, you can do so much


8. 



#6: 8 things I currently need or want:


1. To be satisfied with how I look no matter how uncool my clothes are.


2. good exercise


3. more rest


4. chocolate


5. a job for Jeff that he loves.


6. to hang out with people


7. better self-mastery


8. an unstinky bathroom (long story)



 people I tag:


1. S. Schuller


2. kristin A.


3. angie w.


4. Catherine P


5. Allison


Now we'll see if anyone reads this, it's been pretty dead lately:)  What can I say I don't always like to blog.

Bruschetta on whole wheat bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and cantelope from the garden and zucchini quiche-eat up!

I must say I really feel like my blog has all but died but I guess it gets as much time as I have to dedicate to it.  This time of year is really the busiest for me so though I probably don't look like much through my blogging eyes I sure hope I'm getting credit somewhere else.  Needless to say I did have to take this one picture the other night for being proud of myself for accomplishing a good dinner (yes it's been that busy).  Also all this "Nie Nie" stuff is really making me want to go Veggie, anyone else?  Maybe it's my time.:)  I hope they're doing okay.  Happy learning season!

Soulmate

This last month has flown by like the wind!  It's a busy month for us and I haven't even had time to pay tribute to him.  11th anniversary August 16th, 33rd birthday August 31st.  He is my idol not to mention he's the handsomest man I've ever known, oh and let's not forget about the great hair (insert roll your eyes Jeff) really he gets comments from strangers:)  Anyway here's to you the smartest, kindest, most spiritual, happiest, wisest, most open-minded man I know.  Love knows no bounds.  I am scrambling to keep up 'cause you just keep getting better!

On   Decisions

Two eyes, one horizon

Two ears, one call

Two feet, one path

Two arms, one embrace.

Only the past is certain

Only the future is uncertain

Only the present is mine.

Mr. Furious

San Fran

I didn't eat any rice-a-roni but I did ride a cable car that had an add for it on the side from the 1950's.  Fabulous.  It was a good time to regroup and get away.  

My favorite place right now

"I can't express why, but I feel it,  everybody needs to keep in touch with nature, with the rhythm of the earth.  Somehow it's bad for people when they can't.  There's something humbling there,  something like being in tume with the spirit."

Dallin H. Oaks

RIVER BOY

Family Home Evening Lesson:

Gabriel: Is it better to have armor, shields and swords or to have Heavenly Father?

Asher: A sword.

Gabriel: No.  Goliath had armor, shields and swords and David had the lord of host.

Amelia: Excellent.

Lately I am in that wonderful post pregnancy stage where nothing really fits and if it does it doesn't look that good.  I've realized however this time that going out and actually shopping for clothes has been near impossible.  Actually getting to somewhere I can look for clothes and then finding something that's not to teenagerish but not to grandmaish, well it's just to much work.  Maybe 4 kids is the limit, maybe this is where God is trying to refine me into a more selfless less worldly person.  Maybe this is where I wake up and put 'these' shoes on and "last years" pants  and say "I don't need new clothes to feel good about myself,  I don't care what others think of me and I'm happy even if I have a ponytail in my hair for the 30th time this month.  Well so far I don't think it's worked but I am getting worn down so maybe in some strange way I will reach that point.:)  The worth of a soul is great in the sight of God.  (I'm pretty sure he didn't mean in my shoes but if so I'm kind of in trouble)

Badger Mountain

Thanks to Amy I had a great hiking companion saturday morning, it was perfect weather and there were flowers all over the mountain.  We conquered Badger Mountain saturday, it felt great!  And if any of you are thinking my last post was weird I promise I really really love my baby Elias and he is getting slowly better.  I think I was in a weird mood that day sorry about that.  I'm so glad I can hike again!  Who wants to go next time?

Dear Chloe Bates,

I hear that you have found the cure for colic.  I feel it is only right that you provide the world with your knowledge.  I have suffered from colic ever since I was born and would very much appreciate it if you were to share.  I know you're older and wiser but I'm a little impatient, you never know I might be as big as you even if I'm not as old.  Thanks again and keep smiling.

Sincerely yours,

Elias River Larson

p.s. If you ever need someone to talk to about the "colic months"  you know I can understand- it's like we're kindred spirits.

p.p.s. If you're not Chloe Bates please pass this message on, it's quite urgent.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! MAY 16

Today is Sarah Schuller's birthday.  Sarah is one of the first friends I had when I moved here.  I first saw her in nursery the first week we were at church, she was newly married and beautiful.  I thought she belonged in some Audrey Hepburn movie and was way to young and hip for me.  So when she actually decided to be my friend I was so honored.  Her "chicken coop" house will always be in my memory, I knew I loved her the first time I walked in, anyone that was willing to paint on their walls was up my alley.  Even now it's painful for me to drive by where it used to be.  Her creativity and decorator skills have forever transformed my house, she brings beauty wherever she goes, so today celebrate your creative side, Thanks for being one of my best friends Sarah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Here are a few reminders of Sarah that are around my house, I'm so glad I grabbed them before she moved away!

NUTS-My 2 cents

My blogging ability has been somewhat dampered lately owing to the fact that Elias is just not interested in blogging, imagine that!  Anyway many months ago I told her that I would post about healthy snacks for kids.  I'm going to attempt since I'm feeling like I'm somewhat in a black hole lately, it will probably take me several more months to complete.  By the way the "her" I referred to prior is having a birthday this week!

Obviously my first snack item to be focused on is nuts.  We all know nuts are good for us right?  Good fats and protein and all.  I've been trying to have nuts more available instead of other things they might go for.  My favorites cashews and almonds are great mixed in a bag with cranberries.  If that's the snack in my bag they eat it up, sometimes a few chocolate chips in there is good incentive.  I like to put them out in a bowl on the counter so my kids will snack on them.  Another funny thing is the more nuts I eat the more I like them,  so maybe you just gotta get into the habit.  It's a really great way to boost your energy during the day and a great source of protein so you can eat meat a little more sparingly.  Anyway these words sound dumb to me, I think the tiredness is taking over.  Don't forget the nut butters, my kids love sunbutter (made out of sunflower seeds) but don't get the ones with high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils!  Eloquence in writing has left me so I will move on to my 100th breastfeeding session for the day, more snacks later.

Excellent baby wrap made by Lindsay Stoyan, baby-wearing in style!

Dimples and chub

HAIRCUTS?

Does anyone have a good suggestion for where to get kids hair cut?  This is a really not pretty post but so is my life right now:)

puffy jean jacket-wild hair-& many many animals

Wonderful time spent with my precious 3rd child.  Asher is  a person all his own.  

Happy things-what are yours?

My music friends, when you see me next ask me if I've been playing them:)  They don't see me very much lately.

All of these people of course.

My Tulips

My tomato starts

Happy things

I seem to be feeling slightly overwhelmed these days and maybe even a little sorry for myself.  Today at the church the theme was definately getting beyond yourself and serving others which was exactly what I needed.  So even if I'm feeling not pretty and overwhelmed I'm going to get over myself:)  To start here are some happy things from my life, you try it, it feels nice.

Heart pancake made by Gabriel.

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Boy..........

2 weeks, 2 weeks tomorrow.  It took so long yet it's going so fast:)  4 births I've had and yet 4 completely different experiences.  I think the lord must have something new for me to learn each time.  Elias made me work for him a little more, maybe he wanted me to know how much he was worth or maybe it was just so I could be a little bit more humble of a person, all I know is that birth has made me closer to Christ.  Such a physical feat I couldn't do alone!  He has suffered way greater for my sake so I think this small suffering for my own child is only fitting.  I am no perfect mamma of 4 kids, it's hard but I am so overwhelmed by gratefulness at having 4 beautiful perfectly healthy children.  Could there be anything greater?  Thank you to her and to her.  Thank you also to beautiful grandmas.  What a blessing to have them here for me.  

Today-A beautiful saturday with yard sales all over,  Today-a husband and child racing west, Today- a beautiful sister-in-law doing what it takes, living a real life and being such an inspiring example to me of commitment that I am all choked up:)Happy married life to you.    Missing them all.  

...unto us a son is given...

Elias River

March 30, 4:15 a.m.

9 pounds, 8 ounces

22.5 inches

One more week........

My kids and I got a kick out of this picture,  this is the view from under my belly, do you think it's time:)

Wednsday

My kind of baby clothes!!

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=37279&oid=OUT11431

Who needs all those nasty pesticides and chemicals on their baby!

2 more weeks......

It's just so easy! My 2 cents:)

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to clean your house? What about a safer, chemical free way of cleaning? Natural cleaning methods are for you! Forget the pre-made cleaners that tout antibacterial protection with their long list of chemical ingredients. You can clean your home naturally, while leaving it pleasantly scented and protected against harmful germs without a lot of expense or chemical residue.

When using natural cleaning methods there are a few basic, inexpensive cleaning items to have on hand at all times. Baking soda is great natural cleaner for scrubbing tubs and showers, freeing stoves and pans from baked on grease and neutralizing odors. Make a paste with water and baking soda and scrub away. More water will equal a softer, more liquid scrub and less water will give more oomph. Baking soda can also be used for brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and exfoliating your skin. It is the most gentle, while still be extremely effective, scrubber to be found in the chemical-free cleaning world.

Vinegar can be used to naturally disinfect bathrooms, counters and floors. Mix one part water, one part vinegar in a spray bottle and clean away. If you’re worried about the odd smell of vinegar being left behind in your home, don’t fret. The smell will dissipate and you’ll be left with an odor free home. Add a ½ part of rubbing alcohol to the mixture and use it to wash windows and glass surfaces. Apple cider vinegar can be used to rinse your hair after washing it with baking soda. Your hair will be shiny and soft as if you used an expensive shampoo after using the baking soda/apple cider vinegar combo for a while.

A natural cleaning product that will kill germs is easy with rubbing alcohol. Along with removing gum and paint, rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect surface after they are contaminated with raw meat. However, rubbing alcohol should not be used on wooden cutting boards at all because they will dry them, crack them and allow more bacteria inside. Hydrogen peroxide is a good natural cleaning product choice for cleaning wooden cutting boards.

Where do you get your vegetables? my 2 cents:)

Okay, I've been wanting to put this post on for a while but it never seems like I have the time anyway if any of you went to the Stake enrichment last night they had a great class on nutrition which inspired me since well I guess weird things get me going. Anyway it's getting to be spring and it's a great time to think about where your produce is actually coming from. In the store, maybe anywhere really but probably not from a local farm. I know that seems silly wouldn't it just be easier to get it down the road? We got our produce from a great farm last year that is just about 15 miles up road 68 and they do a coop. You pay a certain amount for the season and every week you pick up the current produce that's in season where their drop spot is. You get fresher local produce and you support the local farmer. Check out the website it's worth looking at. To learn more go to the Schreiber and sons coop farm down in the green links. Happy Spring!

It seems like I always have a million things I'd like to say to someone, or maybe just to myself but when I get to my blog it doesn't come out. Maybe it's the new idea that anyone can look at it or maybe I think a lot of the time my thoughts are just happy or important to me or maybe even just "out there". Well anyway I guess that's why we're here to have our own minds and decide what's right for ourselves but I think when it comes to voicing any of my opinions the insecurity seems to seep out.

I had an experience this week that I can't call exactly good but in my life I guess it was. I have a cousin that lives in Utah that was having her 4th child and was due when I was. She found out that her baby had a lot of problems and this week they took him by c-section and on friday he passed away. Needless to say this is not a happy story and I feel for them being almost ready for my 4th as well but it has put a new spin on my plight in life and a better understanding of life and eternity. I love birth, the closer
I get to the bare roots of it the more I feel the eternity of it. A God given gift that we have to work for through the pain and the endurance that makes us better people in the end with an empowerment that we can do anything if we can do that. I even am grateful to God for not making it easy, why should it be easy to get the most important thing you can get in life and how better to appreciate them? So today I am having a CELEBRATION OF BIRTH. I am grateful for my aching back, I am grateful for a huge belly, I am grateful for heart burn and nausea and no sleep and smashed lungs and everything else! I am also grateful for a cousin with a spirit that was able to go through the experience of loosing a son and also bless my life and many others with his presence. So new baby through the chaos and stress and complaining and business that is my life I am so excited for yet one more birth celebration that is to be mine in a couple of weeks, thank you.

Faith is 6!

Faith's birthday was last week but the camera's been dead for a little while so were just getting around to this. Thanks to aunt Lindsay for the cute project the girls painted on and the awesome "box of secrets" she made for Faith's present. Happy Birthday Faith!