Monday, March 31, 2008

Easy Recipe for the Week

I have a new goal... I want to share an easy weeknight recipe with you each week.  Wanna play??

Easy Baked Chimichangas

4 burrito size tortillas
1 lb. ground beef (love the organic gr. beef from Costco!)
1 can refried beans (I love the nonfat zesty salsa kind or some other kind w/spices added; if you don't add the spicy kind, you might want to add 1/2 a package of taco seasoning or a can of mild diced green chilies.)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray sheet pan with cooking spray. 

Brown the ground beef and drain off any grease. Stir in beans (and taco seasoning or chilies if you are using those). Divide ground beef/bean mixture into fourths. Add to the middle of each tortilla. Sprinkle with some cheese. Fold in the top and bottom of the tortillas, then the sides. Flip over so the seam is at the bottom on the pan. Spray the tops of the tortillas with additional cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Top with additional cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes and avocado.

I made these on Saturday night. I served them with Spanish rice and watermelon slices.

Let me know what you think!!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Last Day of Spring (Winter?) Break

We had snow the last four mornings here!! The first day it was a novelty... but now it is just a pain in the neck! 

We are in mourning here... it is the last day of break. It has been so nice to not have a schedule. I know that Natalie will really miss sleeping in. There is nothing fun about those early mornings. Luckily, Nat loves her school and friends. I know she will be just fine getting back in her routine.

Jim took half a day off on Friday. We did some shopping for shoes, went out for lunch, and then went to the Baghdad Theater in SE Portland. What a cool place! They had a matinee of the last National Treasure movie... we had never seen that. So cool that you can watch a movie and drink a microbrew!


Yesterday was a fun day... check out Shauna's blog for all the details. While us girls were out playing, Jim and Nat went to the archery place with friends to do some target practice and then they went to the barn. Last night we watched I am Legend.... kind of disturbing for me.

Today is a working day around the house to catch up on all the stuff we didn't do this week, and all the stuff we need to get ready for the coming week. Nat has a group of school friends coming over to work on a big project that is due soon. They have to do a 20 minute play in English... script, set, performance, etc. They have worked so hard on it... I'm sure it will be a smashing success.

Back to reality. Stay tuned for details of Natalie's horse show next weekend!! 


Thursday, March 27, 2008

A Good Tired

I'm completely wiped out... but in a good way. Lots of fun to show for it.

We have spent massive amounts of time at the barn this week. So I guess this is how Spring Break is spent now that we are horse owners. Hmmm... I kinda miss the Spring Breaks spent skiing or at the beach ;) Wouldn't miss a minute of it though... Nat loves this animal more than you can imagine. They are adorable together.

Today we trailered to DevonWood to do some schooling before the Arabians in Motion show coming up. They did a great job. Janice is just amazing... such a problem solver. We also got to see her ride... she took a lesson with the instructor at DevonWood. She is an amazing rider!! Natalie is learning from a master. Janice and Natalie really seem to enjoy their time together... it is really fun to see them interact.

Natalie has been mentoring a new, young pony clubber who is taking her rating tomorrow. So proud of her for doing this. They are so cute together.

Last night we went downtown Portland to see Cirque du Soleil Corteo.  Simply freakin' amazing. Really. Can't begin to explain how cool it is. We had a ball. Everyone keeps asking me my favorite part... it was all my favorite part. What a bunch of talented people... makes you want to run out and join the circus. Seriously. Wicked cool. 

Tonight I am off to dinner with Shauna, Kimberly and Teri. Shauna says we will be "partying like rock stars." LOL As long as I can be home in my jammies by 10:00PM ;) Can't wait to spend time with my buds.

Update: I almost forgot... we have had SNOW!!  It is snowing for the third morning in a row here!!  Crazy!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Another Happy Birthday Post


Wanted to do this while I had plenty of time so here we go... Happy Birthday dear Teri and Kimberly!!! Love you girls!!

Kim's birthday is next week, and Teri's is soon after that. I know them both through scrapbooking. They are both terrific mothers to their lovely daughters. Also, they are both amazing artists and photographers!! I'm always in awe looking at their photos and scrapbook pages! We have had such fun going out for coffee, at crops, making caramel apples, at Kim's cookie exchanges, playing with the kiddos, lunch dates, scrapbook conventions... so many memorable times!!

Kim is a CPA with the wittiest sense of humor. She always has me laughing. We have had so many fun times together... remember the post about my rock and roll lifestyle?? What a fun night with Kim that was. Kim is always so thoughtful to check in on me... especially during the tough times. She has a huge heart! 

Teri is a teacher and also has a huge heart. She is so kind and generous. Some our best times together have been at her cabin at Black Butte. I love to see her relaxed and having fun... she keeps such a busy schedule!! I will never forget all the cards she sent to Shauna after her cancer diagnosis... what a great friend. She too, checks in on me, to make sure I am okay.

I'm so grateful for all of the great times I have had with Kim and Teri, and I look forward to many more!! Ours is a friendship that has lasted through good times and bad... we are always there for each other no matter what... even if we do not see each other every day.

Can't wait for Thursday night, ladies!! Happiest of birthdays to you both... you deserve it!! Love to you, Paris


Saturday, March 22, 2008

Happy Birthday, Robanne!!




I first met Robanne at Ladd Acres Elementary School... her son Gavin is the same age as Natalie. Gavin and Nat were both lucky enough to be in Mrs. Glumbik's first grade class together. Robanne is a die-hard school volunteer... always has been, always will be. I was so glad to work beside her as a volunteer at the school... I learned so much from her dedication. What a love she has for the kids and teachers.

After we got to know each other better, we realized that we both have horse-crazy daughters! Her daughter, Hayley, is two years older than Nat. Our girls became fast friends, and had the opportunity to ride at the same barn. Robanne and I have shared countless horse adventures together... sitting through freezing cold lessons, "sucking air" when a horse jumps too big, watching our daughters ride crazy horses, seeing our daughters fly off of horses, waiting around at shows, grinning as they win ribbons ... so many memories together.

Since we moved to Beaverton, I don't get to see Robanne as often as I used to. We have a standing coffee date once a month (gotta love Moonstruck Chocolate Chai!!!). Robanne is an incredible mom to her great kids, an inspirational volunteer, and a friend to everyone who knows her. 

I am so grateful for your friendship, Robanne! Love you to pieces! Happiest of Birthdays to you!! So glad that I could give you a birthday hug today :) xoxoxo Paris


Friday, March 21, 2008

Spring Break and the Livin' is Easy

Well, I wish it was "Summertime" instead of Spring Break but we will take it. So far our sleeping in has been foiled by early morning phone calls. I'm pretty sure I was kind of awake when they called ;)

Yesterday we had quite the exciting day... we cleaned out Natalie's closet ;) We took two big bags of clothes to the resale shop. Yes, Nat is finally growing again. Praying that she catches up with her big feet!! We discovered that we already had a $38 credit at the store so Nat went shopping. Lots of cool stuff and we got out of there for $1.95. That is my kind of shopping spree. I feel all "green" when we do resale/consignment shopping too... reuse, recycle kind of thing. I've been doing quite a bit of shopping for myself at the Assistance League of Portland consignment shop over by Nat's school.... all brand name/designer stuff for so cheap! Love it.

After our little shopping excursion, we got Starbucks and headed to the barn. Memo was her happy, perky self. Nat had a lesson with Janice. Janice is having a braiding clinic on Saturday that Natalie and I will both attend. Thank God for allergy shots. 

Today we have some errands to run, and then we will probably head down to Salem to watch a horse show. Nat's friend Taylor is riding her horse Angel at the Spring Break show. Hate to think about the Friday/beginning of Spring Break traffic that we might encounter though... maybe we should just hide out at home ;)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Countdown...

Two hours until I pick up Nat from school and we start SPRING BREAK!!!! Can you tell that I am a little excited?? Mostly I cannot wait to sleep in ;)

She is off on this Thursday and Friday for conferences, and then break technically starts next week. Nat's home room (Ohana) teacher usually does conferences but he is recovering from knee surgery. For the first time ever, we are not going to conferences since it is with a sub. Nat is getting straight A's right now so I don't think we have much to worry about.

Our big splurge during Spring Break is going to see Cirque du Soleil in Portland. We haven't been in quite a few years... can't wait. Otherwise, it will be lots of goofing around, sleeping, movies, reading, barn time, and play dates with friends.

Speaking of reading... check out Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series of books. I finished all three books in a matter of days. Good reads. They have been filming some scenes of the upcoming movie here in the Portland area, including up at DevonWood Equestrian Center. Very cool.


Sunday, March 16, 2008

"Insert creative title here"

Sorry... no catchy title for today. Not in a blogging mood at all. Kinda hiding out here. Reading a lot (thanks to Nat and Shauna for hooking me up with the Twilight series). It has been a good distraction for me.

Yesterday was so sad. Cried my way through Tami's funeral. Jim and Natalie both came along. Love them to pieces. We were able to see Tami's family and give them hugs. Emily and Ashley are taller than their dad! Wow... so beautiful too.  So bummed that we left before seeing Nat and Emily's kinder teacher, Shelly Bishop. She is a gem. We also saw my friends Dina and Robanne. So glad to be able to give them hugs too. It was a huge funeral... Tami was so loved and it showed.

Jim and Nat are off to the barn. Memo was off and on pretty good at Pony Club on Friday. Started out nice and calm, but got pretty amped up when they started jumping. She was like a bucking bronco at times. They ended up with an amazing jumping round at the end. Nat did a great job and loves her crazy horse. She said she hardly noticed that Memo was bucking. Boy did us moms notice though!! Yikes. Have to admit that it doesn't really phase me any more... I'm becoming such a horse mom, eh? I have so much confidence in Natalie's ability.

Looking forward to a short week. Nat is out on Thursday and Friday for conferences, and then it is SPRING BREAK. Bring it on.

Friday, March 14, 2008

tgif

Nat is off of school today. Love that. She is still snoozing. We stayed up kinda late (for a school night at least) snuggling and watching "No Reservations". Just what mom needed... although parts of the movie really choked me up under the circumstances right now.

We have Pony Club tonight. Nat has lots of tack to clean before then. Our instructor tonight is a stickler for shiny, clean tack and boots (and horses!). Thank goodness Memo had spa day last weekend... although it did not take her long to roll and get all dirty again. Silly girl. Keep your fingers crossed that she will behave tonight. She tends to leave her horsey brain at the barn when we travel somewhere else.... she is such the chestnut mare.

Tomorrow is Tami's funeral. Natalie is trying to decide whether she should go or not. She has never been to a funeral. It will be her decision. No matter what, it will be a tough day. I'm told that there has been an outpouring of support for the Ellis family... I am so grateful.

Shauna is back to chemo on Monday. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I will miss my walking buddy next week as she recuperates :( Anyone want to walk w/me???

I'm still in my jammies drinking tea... life is good. I needed a day like today sooo much. Have a good weekend everyone. xoxoxoxo

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Life is Fragile

Tami passed away around 11:00 this morning. My heart is breaking for her family and loved ones. I will always remember her beautiful smiling face and kind heart.

My love to you all. I'm so blessed to have so many special people in my life.

Paris

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Quick Update

The time change is slowing us down this week... all three of us are pretty wiped out. I suppose the rain coming back doesn't help much either.

Nat is loving her classes this semester. Today she is staying after school to work in the dark room in Photography class. I am so grateful that she loves her school so much. She went to a friend's birthday party over the weekend and had a great time. Today is Memo's last day of rest after her chiropractic treatment last Thursday. Everyday, Nat has had to do stretches and hand walk her for 20 minutes. Makes for quick trips to the barn which has been a nice break for us.

Jim is crazy busy. No rest for the weary. He did get some downtime this weekend... much deserved. Hate that he has to work so hard.

Same old, same old for me. Trying to be all healthy... walking and (mostly) eating right (why oh why must I keep making that no-knead bread??). Shauna and I went to a movie last night... Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Very cute chick flick... and a much needed distraction as she got her scan results late yesterday. Very disappointing.

No word on Tami yet. She is in ICU so no visitors other than family. Still hoping and praying for a miracle.


Sunday, March 9, 2008

Spa Day at the Barn




Memo got the royal treatment yesterday. Nat gave her a nice, luxurious bath. Memo even had her white socks scrubbed twice... thanks, Sarah! After Memo was all dried off, Nat worked on pulling her mane. Basically that means thinning it out so it will be easier to braid at the upcoming show. Then came the clippers!! No more whiskers for this princess! And now she even has a bridle path and no more fuzzy ears!  Woo Hoo! Elise and Nat also trimmed up her tail. Memo just soaked it all up... she just loves all the attention and pampering. Heaven for her to have a little girl spoil her rotten.

Remember how I bought that fake pony tail in Reno at Wig World?? Elise and Nat had fun with it yesterday putting it on Memo's mane. Nat said Memo looked like a "My Little Pony" with her curls! Elise was going to teach Nat how to braid Memo's mane and tail but they ran out of time. It takes a lot of time making Memo into a princess! I sure hope that darn pony tail will work to be braided into Memo's tail! I did a pretty darn good job of matching the color! 

Nat's first show of the season is the Arabians in Motion Dressage Show at DevonWood just outside of Sherwood. It will be on April 5 and 6. I'll post ride times when I get them... dressage is so civilized! Imagine... ride times weeks before the show!! Love it.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Prayers Needed

I just heard some very bad news. As I sat down to have coffee with my dear friend Robanne, she told me that she had just received a very sad phone call on her drive to the coffee shop. Our friend, Tami, was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. She just suffered some kind of seizure and was rushed to the hospital and is now in ICU.

Tami's oldest daughter, Emily, was Natalie's best friend in Kindergarten. Emily and Natalie were inseparable... the cutest little blondies that you ever did see. We shared so many fun times with Emily's family... times that we think of often and will always cherish.

Both of our families moved into new homes, and therefore different schools. We have exchanged Christmas cards ever since, but found that life and some distance really got in the way. I haven't seen Tami in way too long. I think of her so often though... she is just the greatest mom. She loves her girls and they adore her. They are such an amazing, close-knit family. I'm so honored to know her and call her my friend.

Please, please keep Tami and her family in your prayers. She just has to pull through this.

I really, really despise cancer. I hate it with every fiber of my being. Why does this happen to such beautiful and loving mothers who need to raise their children? It is so unfair.

Please join me in my prayers for Tami and the Ellis family.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

9,198 Steps

Have you heard all the hubbub about 10,000 steps? Everyone should strive to walk at least 10,000 steps each day for a healthy lifestyle. That ends up being about 5 miles.

Right now it is 12:20PM and I'm at 9,198 steps! I should make it to 10,000 today and I am jazzed. Yesterday I hit right around 8,000 so I have topped that.

Shauna gave me a pedometer! I love it! Thanks, Shauna! And a big thanks to Jim for getting it set up for me... I see a page of technical directions and my eyes just glaze over.

Can't wait to start seeing the results of all this healthy walking and eating (well, kind of healthy eating). Right now it just makes me really tired in the evenings. The minute I sit on the sofa I'm out like a light. I was sound asleep in bed at 10:00PM last night! Sheesh! I get really, really hungry too... especially right after our big walk. I've been trying so hard to eat healthy things... I usually make a smoothie with non-fat yogurt, banana and berries or make a chai with the "slightly sweetened" concentrate and non-fat milk. Sometimes I have a small handful of nuts and dried fruit. It is so hard to be good! I'd rather have a scone and a mocha!! Oh well! It will all be worth it when my jeans are baggy on me!! Bring it on!

UPDATE: 12,549 steps at 4:26PM ;)

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Happy Birthday, Jim!




We celebrated Jim's birthday last night... a good time was had by all. I noticed everyone cleaned their plates at dinner... and still had room for cake and ice cream! I must have done okay on the food and cake I guess.

Today he is out celebrating some more by going on a motorcycle ride with a friend. It is just gorgeous out there! I'm so glad that he could sneak away for awhile.

I'm so blessed to have known Jim for almost 20 years! We started dating 20 years ago this spring, and were married 2 years after that. They have been the best years of my life. We have had so many amazing adventures together... I look forward to the next 20 years and beyond.


Happiest of birthdays, Jim. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being the best husband a girl could ever ask for... I am so very lucky to have you. All my love, Paris