Monday, March 23, 2009

Spinach pizza


One of my favorite dinners is spinach pizza.  I find it delicious, pretty, and satisfying.  Here's my recipe.





Spinach Pizza

Sauce
4 Tbs butter, softened
3 Tbs mayonnaise
2 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbs chopped fresh parsley (1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp dried onion
3 cloves minced garlic

Preheat the oven to 425°.
Prepare the dough for the crust.  I often use bread dough.  Spread the dough onto the pan.
Mix the sauce together.
Spread the sauce on the crust.
Chop two cups of spinach.  Spread on the sauce.
Sprinkle chopped tomatoes on top, if desired.
Cover with cheese.  I usually use mozzerella.  Sometimes I add some cheddar or Parmesan.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is just starting to brown.

Enjoy!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The school of life.

The Professor's father recently asked what I've learned in the past four years.  Here is a non-inclusive list.
I have learned about crossed eyes.
I have learned about buying houses.
I have learned about financing such a purchase.
I have learned that true change is possible.  People can overcome years of bad habits and weakness and become more Christ-like.
I have learned that it is important to allow people to change and to stop treating them as if they hadn't.
I have learned about elementary schools and preschools.
I have learned to be brave about using my simple Spanish with those who don't speak English, and that it is enough.
I have learned that I am part of the problem in my relationships.  I need the forgiveness of others as much as they need mine.
I have learned that the best choices for each person are different.
I have learned about death and grief, abuse and pain.
I have learned that our choices affect those around us profoundly.
I have learned that Christ heals us, even from the worst of life and that healing takes time.
I have learned that we are surrounded by people who are suffering, more than we can imagine.
I have learned that the Lord can use us to ease others' burdens, even if we don't know there are burdens.
I have learned that I can do hard things.
I have learned that anxiety and depression and phobias make daily life difficult.
I have been reminded that there are friends waiting to be made wherever I go.  And that making friends takes time but is very important.

Some family conversations.

A few days ago, we were driving in the car.
Miss E:  Mom, sometime I want to go to Petsmart and buy a unicorn.
Me:  Petsmart doesn't sell unicorns.
Miss E:  Then another store that does.
Me:  We can't buy a unicorn.
Miss E:  Why not?
Me:  Unicorns aren't real.  They are pretend.
A while later...
Miss E:  Mom, are monkeys real?

Today.
Miss E:  Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a princess....when I grow up I want to be a princess that rides a unicorn.

A conversation that happens often at our house.
The Professor:  Miss M, what did you learn at school today?  Did you learn how to read?
Miss M:  Daad, I already know how to read.
The Professor:  Did you learn how to add?
Miss M:  Daad, I already know how.
The Professor:  Then what did you learn?

A few weeks ago...
The Professor:  Miss M, what did you learn at school today?  Did you learn how to read?
Miss M:  You never give up, do you?

A few weeks ago, after touring the Draper LDS temple.
Me:  Miss E, how did you feel in the Celestial room?
Miss E:  Good as new... and happy, and quiet.

A few days ago.  Note:  A year or two ago, Young A often insisted that he didn't love me.  Only the Professor.
Young A:  Mom, I love you.  I love Dad, too, but I love you more because I spend more time with you.

Saturday, during our Pi Day celebration we sat down to eat pie.  We've had quite a few birthdays lately, so Young M thought he knew what was happening.  He started singing "Happy Birthday to You."

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Spring is here.

These have been growing by my front door for the past week.  They have been joined by their white and golden cousins.  We have finally arrived at the point where any snow that comes won't stay long.

Ah, the joy of spring.