It's Just an Idea

Yum!

2010-07-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is a really great recipe that

I get asked for all the time.

It is a nice dish to serve at baby and bridal showers,

my mother in law actually used it at the bridal shower

she threw for me almost 13 years ago :).

Spinach, Chicken and Pasta Salad

16 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked al dente

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup bottled Teriyaki sauce

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Salad:

1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach

1 (6-ounce) bag craisins

3 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 (8-ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

6 ounces honey roasted peanuts

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

1. Blend dressing ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

2. Mix dressing and cooked pasta in a medium bowl and marinate for two hours.

3. Combine remaining ingredients in a large salad bowl, add pasta and dressing and toss.

My New Life

2010-05-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we have ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple. Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised:

“I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left. My spirit shall be in your hearts and mine angels round about you to bear you up.”

That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including and perhaps especially in times of trouble.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland

monkey see, monkey do

2010-05-03T16:33:00.001-07:00

If you know me, you know I label everything.

So I should not have been surprised to see Isabelle's

room categorized and neatly labeled.

Couldn't have done better myself!

(labels include; markers, pens, pencils, the "secret" box, trash, electronics, the nothing box)

Hershey Bar

2010-03-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Ryker- "Did you know that my friend can not have

brownies or chocolate chip cookies?!?!?

He is allergic or something."

Isabelle- "You mean to tell me he has never experienced

the delightful taste of a Hershey bar?!?!"

(said with a look of pure sympathy for the kid)

my guilt

2010-03-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Stop getting mad at me for not posting pics, geeeeeeze!

Rocco Bocco

Isabelle After School

More Rocco

Esther and Ryker

Translation Please

THERE!

xoxo

laundry, laundry, laundry

2010-03-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Again with the laundry!?!

Yes, again.

So here is how I keep on top off it;

(or at least not let it be on top of me, and the bed,

and on the couch, and in the car, and in the bathroom, and....)

Assign a category for each day of the week

for example:

Monday -Whites

Tuesday -Lights

Wednesday -Towels

Thursday -Darks

Friday -Linens

Saturday -Jeans

What this does is break down the monster

we call laundry into

manageable tasks,

and gives a

defined end or goal.

You end up with just a

few loads each day

and

really big ego,

because

you walk around all day saying

"I am so smart!"

(and couldn't we all get used to both?)

Next time I will tell you how I manage all the bedding, I bet you can't wait!

Meatballs Please

2010-02-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

John Capua’s Meatballs

So yummy!

2 pounds ground beef

¼ cup water

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

1 tablespoon oregano, dried

1 tablespoon basil, dried

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, dried

3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves fresh garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic chips, dried

½ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. Place all ingredients in a 9x13 dish.

2. Combine well by hand.

Now you can not be grumpy when doing this step, for real!

So start whistling. Seriously, pick a tune and whistle.

Your meatballs will thank you for it.

3. Form into tight balls, use a little bit of water.

4. Heat ¼ cup oil in pan over medium-high heat.

5. Place meatballs in oil and fry till outside is browned.

6. Remove meatballs and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Carefully add meatballs to spaghetti sauce.

8. Cook sauce as directed.

Right Dad?

My Favorite and My Best Spaghetti Sauce

2010-02-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

John Capua's Spaghetti Sauce

One vivid memory I have is walking in the door after church and being met with the smell of my dad's spaghetti and meatball sauce simmering. He has perfected this recipe and kindly shared it with us! mmmmm!

2, 15 ounce cans tomato sauce (Hunts)

2, 12 ounce cans tomato paste (Hunts)

1, 12 ounce can tomato puree (Hunts)

3, 15 ounce cans water

1 heaping teaspoon oregano, dried

1 heaping teaspoon basil, dried

1 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning, dried

1 clove fresh garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic chips

2 bay leaves, dried

1. Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pot.

2. Bring to a LOW boil.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Cook uncovered for 1 ½-2 hours.

5. Stir every 20 minutes to prevent burning on bottom of pot. (If you discover at any point it has burned dump immediately in another pot.)

For best results cook slowly! The more “orange” the sauce looks, the better!

...

Also, if you have a little sister that you must torment,

tell her that if she is lucky enough to find one of the bay leaves she can tape

them to her ceiling and make a wish.

Then tease her about it for the rest of her life.

Right Carly? ;)

Balsamic Vinaigrette

2010-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

Balsamic Vinaigrette

When I lived in Iowa my favorite place to eat was a small family owned restaurant called Devotay. The menu was a fresh and delicious assortment of Mediterranean inspired tapas, entrees and desserts. The balsamic vinaigrette was used as a base for many of the dishes and served on all salads with capers and a pinch of salt. Devotay is definitely one of the many things I will miss about Iowa.

This recipe makes a lot, 20 oz. So if you want less cut it in half, duh!

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cup canola oil

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup dijon mustard

1/3 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 shallots

Place shallots, Dijon, pepper, and salt into food processor and chop fine. Add vinegar and pulse. While running the processor, slowly add the olive and canola oils to emulsify. The oil may not all fit in the processor so mix in remaining oil in storage container with a whip. Be sure to run the processor until the mixture looks creamy, 2-3 minutes. Store covered in the refrigerator.

brights-beautiful inside and out!

2010-02-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

*Happy Birthday Brighton*

You are Loved!

Beautiful Bride

Johnny-

My favorite story about Brighton is how she thought she had kidney cancer and then 10 minutes later had lung cancer and then 10 minutes later had brain cancer. "Brace Face"

Heather-

Some of my favorite things about Brighton is that she looks just like Coraline. And she has cute little freckles and a sweet smile, even with the braces! Happy Birthday ♥ ♥ ♥ ;)

Ryan-

Scattegories, terms of endearment (Wink, wink). Welcome to the family!

Amber-

No really-the first time I met Brighton I said to myself "please let this be the girl, I am in love with her." Then a few weeks later I called Tanner and told him if he didn't marry her than I was going to! I love her laugh and how she seems so fresh and, ummmm BRIGHT! Brighton you are such a fun, beautiful addition to our lives. Thanks for sharing your amazing energy! Love you!

Hunter -

she loves spaghetti and sleeping in!

Madison-

I would say that I love Brighton's knack for cooking and how she is always willing to answer my questions.

Mom-

Brighton has a contagious smile that I love and I have always loved her love of learning.

Dad-

(John is out of town but I know he loves lots of things about her, too)

Carly-

brighton. i love your tiny little body. and your fashion sense. and how adorable you look

in braces. and that you are pickier with food than i am. and how you are being a domestic

little wife. and of course, that beautiful ring of yours. and the fact that you told me first

that you and tanner were getting married. yessss! and then how perfect you and tanner

are together. jack and sally. you are a perfect fit in our family. i love you!!!

Ryan-

She is so sweet and perfect for Tanner.

Tanner-

brighton is the best thing that has happened to me she is my best friend. I love that i can be myself with her. One of my favorite things about her is the fact that she makes me laugh all of the time. Thanks for changing my life. I love you!

Danielle-

the day i knew brighton was going to be in the family i walked in on her going to the bathroom. and ever since then i've had this love for her that runs deeper then roots of a willow tree. one of the many things i like about her is that she is the SWEETEST, most NICE, and BEAUTIFUL person i could ever have in my life. thank you for being such a lovely sister and friend to me brights. i love you more then you know. happy birthday.

Vicky-

Oh our cute Brighton, we are so happy you are in our family. I love she introduced me to the best chocolate store on the PLANET right there in good old Ames. My favorite story was how she shared her wedding day with Isabelle. Isabelle was 2 steps away from you all day. She was so happy to be by you. You are darling. Good day for the Capuas when Tan found you!

John-

I love that Brighton has always seemed comfortable with us. I remember the first day she came to the house with Tannner. Her smile was big, cute, and warm. I look forward to seeing that every week when they come to dinner on Sunday. Tanner has become a better man because of you.

Azy-

my most favorite thing about brighton is her scared face. i was already in love with this girl but when she showed me that face, i died! my love for her grew by leaps and bounds! This girl has everything including impeccable style, amazing creativity, fabulous personality, & super dangerous smarts! love you girl! Have a happy happy birthday & come visit we miss you!!

Chris-

Brighton you are the best sister-in-law in the world! I like that now when ever I see a floral blouse I think of you. I love that your hair dresser shaved your cowlick. Thanks for being the first to come see Gus and always coming down to visit. I'm so happy you are part of our family and you are so amazing to Tanner. Love you Brighton. Oh and I love that you are the corpse bride couple.

Isabelle- I love that Brighton is my new aunt and she is so swet and funny! Happy birthday, I hope it is a wonderful one! =)

Esther-

ooooo pretty! i wanna see more.

Thank you for being a part of our family!

xoxoxo

Rocco

2010-02-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

My Handsome Little Man

...

Happy 1st Birthday

Rocco

Your spirit is so big and beautiful.

...

Thank you for coming to my home.

...

Your mind is strong and sharp.

...

Thank you for being a part of my life.

...

"Oh the Places You'll Go"

...

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it all.

(I can't wait to see what happens!)

You put sunshine in my soul and a smile on my face.

-Not a gift but a precious loan-

You are loved!

xoxoxo,

Mommy

laundry is the pits

2010-02-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

I know laundry is the pits!

But there are some things that you are going to have to do

for the rest of your life!!!

(and laundry is one of them)

So if you are mad about that, then you just need to get glad about that.

...

You may be saying "self, how do I get glad about that?"

Answer: make it

do-able.

One way to make it do-able is to cut down on the

amount of laundry you actually have to do in a week.

...

Tip: Start with your towels.

Take stock of your current towel situation

1- Sort all your towels into categories

Master Bath

Kids

Guest

Cleaning

Other

2- How many towels do you actually NEED?

* How many people are in your family?

* How often does each kid bathe?

* Can you use your towel more than once?

* How many wash cloths do you use a day?

3- Dump or donate any old, weathered,

"unhappy" or excessive towels.

4- Equalize

Make a mental note of how many towels are

needed in each bathroom and check to see

that they made it back there after showers

and baths everyday. If towels get hung up

after each use you will not end up with

unnecessary loads of laundry.

5- Assign a "Towel" day

Chose one day a week to wash all your

towels. Keeping this type of schedule

with your laundry will keep you on task

and eliminate the mile high piles of

laundry. It also feels really good to know

that all your towels are clean on wednesday

night when you go to bed, even if they

will be used again on thursday.

You too can be as happy as this housewife!

Give it a try.

-and remember It's Just an Idea.

these are a few of my favorite things

2010-01-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

labels

...

lists

...

containers

These are a few of my favorite things!

I originally started this blog to post the

tips and tricks

that have worked for me when it comes to creating a

less chaotic life for my family and I.

I also wanted a record to pass on to my kids that could help them

as they become independent and self sufficient.

(the goal is that one day they do become self sufficient-right?)

...

Up to this point I have been too shy to share my ideas,

but I decided it is time to put on

my big girl panties

and make my positive contribution to the blogging world.

Enjoy!

bounitful crew

2010-01-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Look at us now!

9 best friends

married 9 girls

(who became dear friends)

the result

28 kids and counting?

Thank you for good times

and great memories.

Johnny-the oldest of the bunch!

2009-12-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

Real Men Wear Black

No Bake Cookies

Rice a Roni “the San Francisco treat”

TAHA

“Please Johnny, Eat my food!”

Obstacle courses for Duffy

“You are Russia, I am America”

“numbers”

NY Hat

Red Pillow

It’s not BRAIN SURGERY... Well it is NOW!!!

Johnny is probably the smartest Capua.

Excluding Papaw. Right Dad?

We Love You Johnny!

You have an awesome sense of humor, you are a great brother and a fabulous dad!

We are so proud of you for all your hard work. You deserve all the best!

Hugs and Kisses-

Amber, Chris, Carly, Tanner, Danielle

and of course....

Facer, Blaney, Azy, Brighton, Isabelle, Ryker, Esther, Rocco, Eliza, Jude, Gus, Lily, and probably Mom and Dad

2009-11-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

Augustus John Capua

nov. 6, 2009

7 lbs 11 oz

19 3/4 in.

Proud Papa- Chris Capua

Glowing Mama-Azy Capua

This beautiful new addition to the Capua family had me

remembering some of the emotions I felt with my new babies-

The relief when baby is finally here crying, and I am not pregnant anymore.

The astonishment of "How crazy! I just made that!"

The peace that comes when cuddling and snuggling.

The exhaustion of sleeping no more than 2 1/2 consecutive hours for months on end.

The concerns with the 1st-

will she be pretty? will she be smart? will she conquer the world?

The concerns with the 4th-

will he really be a boy? will he fit in with our family? will I accidentally leave him on the front porch?

The increase of love for my husband every time I watch him pour over his new child.

The confusion of sobbing uncontrollably one moment and laughing hysterically the next.

The feeling of walking on clouds for the first few months.

The inability to hold this person without covering them in kisses!

The sorrow for the moments that have already passed.

The excitement of the moments that lay ahead.

Isabelle, Ryker, Esther, and Rocco-

You are everything I could ever hope for.

Thank you for coming to my family!

These are the Days We'll Remember

2009-10-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

After church

I bribed the fam with chocolate chip cookies,

if I could get just one family pic.

(Amber, Rocco 8 months, Ryan, Esther 2, Ryker 5, Isabelle 8)

Here it is!

"These are the days we'll remember!"

Bigelow/Facer Extravaganza

2009-10-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Our Surprise

Bigelow/Facer Extravaganza

Long story short-

There was a wedding planned...then there wasn't...

then there was...and then there wasn't.

So this is what we did instead!

Oakland Airport-pound the pudding-Vacaville

The Office-Monterey-Aquarium-jelly fish-sea horses

Great White Shark-claustrophobia

brownies and cinnamon rolls(Oh My)

Amber talking, Melissa listening-Ryan talking, Dave listening

hunting for shells-falling on rocks-Charlie&Esther=betrothed

Navy Hotel-kid's night-Crazy George

8 ball to the head-pull out bed with no mattress

"We will never forget Crazy George"

BIG train playground-"welcome to my car"

holding hands walking through the park (eye-rolling)

Carmel Beach-digging, running and splashing

Rocco eating seaweed and sand

"that is so Carmel, and so is that ;)"

Max&Ryker=best buddies-Cribbage (game 1, Ryan and Melissa)

Golden Gate Bridge-Noah&Isabelle=warming up

-guys brushed up on all 50 states-"Even"-The Redwood Forest

Muslim tourists love Ryan-In & Out-"the burger that sent me over the edge"

keychains-eyebrows-Cribbage (game 2, Dave and Amber)

and all the other things in between!

We never would have taken the time out of our crazy lives to see each other,

what a treat! I am so glad it worked out the way it did!

poor sweet lily

2009-10-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

We dropped Lily off at the groomers for a trim.

Esther was distraught at the idea of leaving her "sidekick" at a strange location.

When we picked her up a few hours later

Esther would not let Lily go. She made her sit on her lap in the car,

and once we got home she would not let the dog out of her sight!

Lily & Esther (2 1/2)

Esther Smothering Lily with Love

This is not Lily's first love extravaganza.

When she was a puppy she endured

the same extreme affection from Isabelle.

Lucky for Lily she lived with Mamaw and Aunt Carly,

so she had some long term breaks. Now that she lives with us the love is 24/7.

Lily & Isabelle (4)

Isabelle Smothering Lily with Love

My first time!

2009-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here I go. My first blog post. It is not much, I just thought I would try because I swear this is not going to work. I really wanted to start blogging so that I can share the things that are important to me with the people that are important to me. Please be kind and help me in my quest. :)