Veggie Burger recipe...finally!

This was the view from our patio this morning.

I'm finally getting around to posting the veggie burger recipe. There are many different ways you can make these. This is how we generally make them but feel free to throw in any other veggies or whatever as the mood hits- just don't add cow because then you wouldn't have a veggie burger anymore. ha ha just kidding...

Veggie Burgers

2 cups (or 14 oz can, drained) well-cooked black beans (or use red beans, chickpeas or lentils instead)

1/2 cup cooked rice (you can omit this)

1 medium onion, quartered

1/2 cup rolled oats

1TB chili powder

salt and pepper

1 egg

1. Toss all ingredients into food processor and pulse until chunky but not pureed, add a little water if necessary. Let mixture rest a minute if you have time.

2. With wet hands, shape into whatever size patties you want. Coat skillet with oil and turn on heat to medium. Add patties and cook until nicely browned on one side (about 5 minutes), turn and cook the other side.

3. Serve on buns with tomato, lettuce, avocado etc...then ENJOY!!

To make a bean and cheese burger:

Add 1/2 to 1 cup grated parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella or the like to the mix (and you can omit the egg if you'd like).

New church clothes

Here's our two cutie pies in the dress and tie that grandma sent us. I heard about a gazzilion compliments on Annika's dress at church today. She did look adorable! Thanks to Grandma for finishing this dress for her! And for making Ezra an orange tie that he will actually wear. He's not too fond of wearing ties. So Happy Sunday and watch out tomorrow for the making of veggie burgers!

veggie burgers...yum

*No cows were harmed in the making of this burger

I think veggie burgers get a bad rap. People say things like "they're not real burgers" or "they don't taste good" or "they're disgusting" or "they're for tree huggers" and things like that but I think they are really really yummy. Jonathan and I have been making our own and those are even yummier. Just so ya know.

A letter to my cousins...

To: Brooke, Kennedi, Trista, Luke and bun

From: Annika

Thank you for my birthday presents!!! You have made me one happy little girl! Not only did I get a package in the mail just for me, but in it contained some of the very things that I try to take from mommy every day but never lets me have.

I love you and I miss you!! Thanks for remembering me!

on measuring up

I walked past Annika's room today and saw her standing alone playing with some toys and singing to herself. On one of her feet was one of my sandals. I stopped what I was doing and watched her. I became acutely aware of how huge my role as her mommy is and will be. I am the person she runs to when she is scared or tired or hungry or lonely or hurt. I am the one she usually wants. Seeing her with my shoe on, I felt very overwhelmed. Would I ever measure up to her expectations of what she thinks I am? Will I make the right choices regarding her well-being in all aspects... emotional-physical-spiritual?

I suddenly felt like giving up. It was all too overwhelming. After all, I can think of so many other relationships that I've screwed up in my lifetime. This seemed too much. I couldn't bare the thought of that happening with this precious little thing.

As I stood there watching her, she glanced at me and yelled "Mommy!" and gave me her biggest grin. She loves me with every fiber of her being. This I know. And she came to me for a reason. So I took a deep breath and with that gained courage to carry on and do the best I can.

P.S. happy birthday to my brother Barry! who I'm sure will never read this, but happy day anyway!