MISC

This is going to be a random post, but at least I didn't wait until Sullivan's birthday!  2 posts in one month is an improvement, right? 

First, I wanted to share something I stole from the janii . 
Here's a close-up look at St. Benedict, who founded the monastic order of Benedictines and established a rule for living summed up in a book I love: Always We Begin Again ("translated" by a Memphian, too).



The first rule:
live this life
and do whatever is done
in a spirit of loving kindness


Abandon attempts to achieve security,
they are futile,


give up the search for wealth,
it is demeaning,


quit the search for salvation,
it is selfish,


and come to comfortable rest
in the certainty that those who
participate in this life
with an attitude of compassion
will receive its full promise.

I find this to be a nice reminder about life, and what I should be focusing on always. 

We are in big time birthday planning this week since Sullivan's party will be on Saturday.  I probably should have been doing some of this planning for the past month, but I'm a procrastinator and have had a bit of trouble deciding on anything.  I'm still maintaining low key, but there are still logistics to arrange and food to prepare.  I'm sure it will all come together in the end.  As long as we have family, cupcakes and candles, we'll be good to go! 

On the cooking front, I've tried several new recipes in the last month.  I'm addicted to Pinterest and all of these recipes came from there.  I wish I had taken pics, but the pinterest pics are better anyway, I'm sure!

Corn and Potato Chowder : I did really enjoy this recipe.  Next time: more liquid because the crockpot had almost none when we got home from work, and probably a little less corn.  I also added a bit of red pepper to mine.

Ham and Cheese Sliders : my older sister made these on one of our visits down there.  They are easy and delicious! 

Pioneer Woman's Olive Cheese Bread : SOOOO easy and delicious.  NOT HEALTHY, but a great fast appetizer or side!

Baked Egg in a Ham Cup : This recipe is so easy, relatively healthy, and looks beautiful.  I made this for my mother's birthday breakfast and it was a big hit...even with kids!

Weicht Watchers Bubble Up Enchiladas : I added corn and a bit more sauce to this than the recipe calls for.  It was good, but definitely bready. 

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach : Daniel really liked this recipe, but it was a little bland for me.  Next time I would probably do a little garlic butter or caper butter to toss with it?  Just needed something to balance the dirt taste from the spinach and mushrooms. 

Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls : This was easy, delicious, and easy to carry to party.  I used mini muffin pan instead of regular sized.