Pantry Personality

As I was topping off last night's dinner recipe with a packet of dry onion soup mix, I started thinking about the staples that I keep in my pantry, how some of them were ingrained in my habits by the way I grew up and others are our own discoveries and tendencies in cooking. I also began contemplating what these staples say about our life. So, here are a few that have come to the top of my mind.

• As I mentioned, dry onion soup mix and diced tomatoes. I make sure these are on hand at all times. There are so many recipes that require one or both. Maybe someday I'll make the time to can tomatoes. Oh, for the time to partake in food preservation!
• Bisquick - this is one from childhood and it's for much more than breakfast. Those who know me well, know it is ALWAYS in supply.
• EVOO - As Rachel Ray would say. This supports our quesadilla habit and so much more. Although our latest adventure in to coconut oil may replace this.
• Cream of "fill in the blank" soup - add some noodles, meat and a veggie and you've got the quintessential casserole

What's in your pantry? There should be one of those web quizzes about what our pantries say about our personalities.

What did I volunteer for?

The first assignment in the class that I'm taking is a 7-10 page group paper. When I say group, you might assume 2-3 people. Wrong! Try 6 people writing one paper.

We divided the 3 chapters that we are supposed to write on with 2 people assigned to both chapters. We have 2 questions that need to be answered in the paper. The math seems logical to me that each person could write on one question for each chapter and then pull it together. I thought when we talked on Thursday night, everyone was cool with the arrangement and what they were to do.

I volunteered to pull it all together, mostly out of protection for myself. If I am doing the writing, I don't have to worry about what someone else is writing. As pieces come in (supposed to be in last night and more than half aren't yet), I'm wondering if they even looked at the questions or if they just didn't realize that what they wrote doesn't address the question. Also, if you want a draft from my by Sunday, you best get me some information because I'm going to start writing SOON! This will not be home I spend my weekend!

I'm going to be doing more editting than I thought OR our group needs to shift our approach to chronological.

I'm putting on my boots. This could get deep.

A great mother's day gift

My sister called this afternoon to share news of a wonderful mother's day gift. They finalized their son's adoption papers this morning! This is a long awaited day, as they've dealt with some speed bumps over the past two years.

We're delighted that "he's official"! They took a family picture with the judge and noted that it was a very different experience in our little county courthouse compared to their older son's adoption in Chicago.

Congratultions L,L, K & K!

Thankful Thursday Returns

I've been slacking on the Thankful Thursday posts so it's a nice return to remind myself about my blessings today.

I've had amazing interactions with several of my friends in the past few weeks. I'm thankful for having all of them in my life and for the opportunity to enjoy being with them.

At this time of year, I can't help but be thankful for beautiful weather. Even though it's been raining for about 18 hours, I'm enjoying soaking up the sun, taking walks, being sure to observe my surroundings and wear sandals!!!

With Mother's day just around the corner, I'm so grateful for the women in my life. My mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and special friends who have helped to shape the person I've become and will be. Aren't women amazing!! Being a mom myself, I also celebrate the privilege of getting to be a mom. I know that might seem backward but it means so much to me to get to say I'm a mom, on mother's day and every day.