{ With A Happy Heart }

... I've always created { dd } Sophie's Valentines. Generic... store bought... for our daughter - NO WAY, I respond to others. Deprave myself of the insane last minute-ness

of Sophie's decision to reciprocate { past 2 years } the evening prior!

Valentine's morning saw us scurrying to the local post office to mail a handmade surprise or two

... my "internet" friend from MN { shock probably set in - wink }

and a couple for people alone. Our big hearted girl, Sophie felt badly these

individuals might not be remembered.

Twenty-two mini versions { no paper piercing } of the above card were created for fifth grade...

along with carrot cake - pink cream cheese frosted hearts and cookies...

{ sorry for the missed photo opt - no freakin' me out time }

Well worth every minute...

Sophie's classmates voted them their best or favorite Valentine received { two happy hearts - her's and mine }!

Even though sixth grade brings an end to class parties...

we've discussed ideas for our happy heart day { 2010 }

recipients.

{ kindness kindles hearts }

{ 52-Q Week 1 & Week 2 }

{ Week 1 - what do i wish for this year to bring }

To this { ? } my answer would be...

For 2009 to bring a positive global awakening on many levels.

The back of my tag holds a { Personal } wish for my family.

{ Week 1 tag - created embossed frame using an aluminum can }

{ Week 2 - am i afraid of change }

No... I wouldn't classify it as fear...

My analytical nature doesn't always accept, adjust and adapt immediately

pending the change...

... however, FAITH sustains me.

Looking forward to creating weeks 3 & 4...

certainly 'hope' you'll be by for another visit soon?!

{ Daybook 4 }

For today...

23 - February - '09

26 degrees out

fresh falling snow, still falling...

W-I-N-D-Y

Outside my window...

Thursday's storm { of 7" } combined with a childs play

left this lovely sight behind...

{ Smile }

I am thinking...

more like remembering the feel - smell - sights of

SPRINGS return...

{ happy sigh }

I am thankful for...

opportunity to create a better day,

than yesterday.

From the kitchen...

nothing brewin' or cookin'

... yet... !

{ wink }

I am wearing...

a pair of...

jeans

happy socks

slippers

earrings

accessorized by...

ls shirt

fleece

and specs.

I am creating...

pages 3 & 4 of my Q-52

in my mind...

I am going...

for a walk with the family to our town library

for the classic movie, West Side Story...

DD Sophie's request.

I am hearing...

the w-i-n-d howling outside

familiar hum of the pellet stove

Animal Planet

and the ocassional Sophie giggle.

I am hoping...

for an even more productive day than yesterday.

Around the house...

we've been on a slow role, but are starting to gather some

gusto for the big get-up and go...

LOTS of shoveling awaits!

{ ACK }

One of my favorite things...

... piping hot bowl of raisin spice oatmeal topped with a smidgeon

of 1/2 & 1/2...

{ Mmmm... }

... plenty to share.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

usual daily { over & over work } around the house

working outside our home to supplement & sustain our home

{... which I'm so blessed everyday this continues }

attempt to bring my Q-52 current...

or at least within a single question of current!

{ chuckle }

A picture to share...

you've viewed Outside my window... already!

More daybook entries can be viewed here.

{ Ladle Full Of Goodness }

Looking for easy-peasy... like you slaved all day tasty bowl of goodness that will have even your pickiest connoisseurs coming back for seconds?!

Rustic Italian Tortellini

12 Italian sweet sausage links {approx. 4 oz. each}, sliced & casings removed

1 med. onion, chopped

6 garlice cloves, minced

8 C. chicken broth

2 {14.5 oz.} cans of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 {20 oz.} family size pkg. of refrigerated {fresh in deli} cheese tortellini

2 {6 oz.} pkgs. of fresh baby spinach

1 t. dried basil or 2 1/4 t. fresh basil, minced {oregano or thyme can be substituted}

1/2 t. pepper

Optional -

dash of crushed red pepper flakes

Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions -

1. Add sausage to Dutch oven; add onion. Cook and stir over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink in color.

2. Add garlic; cook and stir add'l. 2 minutes.

3. Add chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

4. Stir in tortellini; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered approx. 5 to 8 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stirring occasionally.

5. Add spinach, basil, pepper and pepper flakes; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted.

Ladle and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Yum-O, Delish... Our family of 3 enjoyed a couple of meals with seconds PLUS a few lunches... Great way to add a meal to the freezer when a quick meal is needed!

Be sure to take five minutes for yourselves today... better yet, 30 minutes could really be rejuvenating! { HUGS }

Recipe Courtesy of Foodiewife with modifications by A. Sanborn

{ Fifty-two ? }

Emily's 52Q mini art journal challenge for 2009 is based on a single question {Emily's choice} posted each week for 52 weeks. Every week { Sunday -or- Monday } a new { ? } will be posted... our challenge is to { artfully } journal the { ? } of the week.

Emily opted to use manila shipping tags { found at office supply stores }, writing her { ? } on the front and journaling on the back. Love the manila tags idea... HOWEVER due to economic times choices were made from the bounty of items on hand -or- repurposed items.

Remember...

It's NEVER to late to join the fun!

s-m-a-l-l isn't as OVERWHELMING combined with the K-I-S-S technique...

Off to play a bit of catch-up with weeks 1 & 2 { ? }

Today was meant for enjoying your hearts desire!

Repurposed cardboard box insert used in creating front & back covers.

{ Wake-up Phil }

Fingers crossed our groundhog friend, Punxsutawney Phil won't see his shadow! So we might enjoy an earlier spring for once... What do you say, Phil... it's suppose to reach forty today?!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Photo Courtesy of Washingtonpost