…what do I do with all my extra time?
Answer: Exactly what I did before I was employed, but now with more zeal and energy. Having to pack 20 hours of extra work into my schedule during my temporary stint as an employed person helped me to see how much time I really have in a day and how much more I can accomplish if I really put my mind to it.
Seven of my recent activities…
1- Improving old recipes…
…like cinnamon rolls made from faithful Setfa dough but adding a new twist to the traditional icing.
My new secret weapon for making friends…offer up a plate of these puppies. No one can resist them.
2- Trying out new recipes...
…like Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff from Food Network’s test kitchens, with a few additions of my own to make it even better. It’s now Mike’s favorite new dish.
And… Hell’s Backbone Grill famous Lemon Chiffon Cake. So good it was featured in O Magazine at one point.
I’m not going to be modest here, I was proud of myself for this one. This cake was good lookin’ and delicious! Light and fluffy with the perfect crumb and just the right amount of tartness in the icing.
Needless to say, #1 and #2 have inspired #3…
3- Beginning a new exercise / history learning program with my neighbor Cherish. (Mostly to off-set the increase in cooking and baking).
Cherish comes over three mornings a week and we spend an hour trading off on the super dusty exercise machines while watching history documentaries on DVD. Not only have we burned through some calories, but we’ve learned all about Thomas Jefferson and now we’re on to the Lincolns.
Next week: Lewis and Clark. Seriously Ken Burns, if you weren’t so short I’d marry you.
4- Spending some quality time in the scriptures.
Mostly studying for my Gospel Doctrine lessons, but nevertheless, it’s time well spent. I’m loving the New Testament.
5- Skyping with the parents in New Zealand.
We do A LOT of that these days. My boys love to call, talk for a minute or two and run away. I don’t mind though because then I get to chat with my parents for a bit each day. They are doing a great job as missionaries.
6- Adding little decorative touches to the house.
Nothing drastic (yet), just a few little things here and there, starting with my new favorite piece of art from cousin Stephen. (You can get your own here. Click on the first picture of the squawking goose to visit his Etsy shop)
Thanks Steve! We all love it, especially the kiddos. They stare at if for hours. I think we may have found Winnie amongst the creatures.
7- Helping MK with her sixth grade science project.
Much to our surprise she actually won second place in the Physical Science category with her ever-so-thrilling project on static electricity.
Here she is with her display and her hard earned red ribbon. (Do you like our clever title?) We thought Cami, Peter, Laura, and Tim would appreciate another budding scientist in the Dickey family.
And last but not least, Mary Kate, being the super sweet daughter that she is, made me a ribbon of my own.
“1st Place: Most Helpful Mom”
I’m keeping this one forever! Misspellings and all.
11 comments:
Wow Jill! Everything is so inspiring, but mostly right now I want to eat that plate of beef mushroom stroganoff and carrots. Please pass 'em.
Grandap Dave: I have been unemployed for a year now and you have accomplished more in your short time than I have in my year. Maybe my life. Coming down for some food (all shown please) as soon as my invitation arrives. If it gets lost in the mail I will be down anyway.
Jill, you are real.
I have thought about the Second-Coming of Christ - after all the craziness is over, don't you think we will throw a huge reception to celebrate his return? I think you should be put in charge of the desserts.
PS: I moved because you never baked me any cinnamon rolls...
I'm loving your extra time (since I seem to be the one benefiting most from it.) I love you. Keep up the good work (cooking yummy things.)
you're my hero. Now stop watching lame documentaries and maybe I'll join you and Cherish for a Cinnamon Roll after your workouts!
Jill why don't we cook together more!?
Wow, the food looks great. The exercise and documentary watching sounds fun!
Have you seen "The World at War"? It's a great WWII documentary and if you like history, I highly recommend it.
Recipes please! Don't you think I've been in the family long enough to learn how to make the traditional setfa?
Documentaries? You're as bad as Zack. He listens to talk radio podcasts while he works out! That food, though, looks divine.
Oh, my, oh, my. That food looks absolutely heavenly. Jacob and I have declared it a cinnamon roll making day after seeing your pictures! I'm so jealous that you get to watch those awesome documentaries while working out. I'm stuck with the gym's big TV's which sport CNN, ESPN, and random talk shows. Ugh!
Sounds like I'm missing out on some fun at your house. I'm glad your enjoying your time as a "unemployed mom". That science project - WOW! awesome job to both of you.
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