Emily's House

We finally got the built in bookcases installed at Emily's.

This little helper never stopped long enough for me to get a clear picture of him.  He was all over the place trying to help (and get the tools before the guys could use them.) 

They work together...each taking turns drilling.

Here's Austin...once again trying to get in some "tool" time.

Jared was also able to replace the old fan...

 with this new white one.

 There is additional trim molding to add to one end of the bookcase and along the top and bottom to complete the built in look.

 We'll need to stain the new trim to match what was salvaged from the original tear out.

While the boys were installing the bookshelves, Emily got into the small pantry area and pulled up the nasty dirty carpet.  The floor is dirty, but it can be washed.

This same flooring is under the new carpet in the office.  Emily hopes to tile the kitchen, laundry room and pantry area later on.  She felt it was easier to live with this floor than the dirty carpet.

 We had other helpers...but I'm not too sure how much they were helping!

I finally finished the kitchen curtains.  Emily bought an embroidered tablecloth at a friend's garage sale and really wanted to use it in her kitchen as curtains.

There wasn't enough of the embroidered tablecloth to cover all the windows, so I picked up another tablecloth with the same color scheme to finish the other areas.

 I made the topper to look like it had a "petticoat" underneath.

The lower curtains have a small ruffle made from the petticoat material.  This big window used the full tablecloth to complete the project.

Emily wanted a curtain for this opening.  "Someone" thinks the microwave is that low so he can push the 'butts."  (He can't remember the word is button.  He always wants to push the butts.)

I used the new table cloth for this area and...



to cover the window in the back door.

The two look nice together.  Emily is NOT into anything "matchy".  She's only into vintage!

Which is why the curtains covering the window over her sink are vintage tea towels...

The ceiling in the back room finally got a patch.  It will need a little more work to finish the texture, but we started painting in the hall...working toward that back room.  There is still a big chunk of the carpet left...she's threatening to haul it to the curb.  Anyone need a big piece of carpet?


We'll finish painting the hall this week...then move into the back bedroom.  We need to paint the ceiling and the walls in there.
 Only one bedroom and the small bath left to complete! Nearing the end!!!
Till tomorrow...
debi

Twirly Lasagna

It was my turn to host our "Life Group" this week.  There are 5 couples in our group, and we meet every other week.  The host home provides the meal and we take turns leading the group.  Currently we are studying the Parables of Jesus.  It's been interesting studying and discussing the Parables and hearing all the different points of view.  I've enjoyed getting to know our group better and learning about each person.

Things have been crazy around here lately, so I wanted something that would be easy to fix for dinner and wouldn't take me too long to prepare.  I opted for Twirly Lasagna. 

 I'm sure it has an official name, but that's what we call it around here! The whole dinner can be made (start to finish) in about 30 minutes - then 30 minutes to cook and you're done! Add a salad some garlic bread and you have a complete meal fit for company.

I'm not really into a heavy-cheesy lasagna and love the lightness of this dish.  I think if you give it a try, it may become your new favorite also!

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of the process, but here's the final "product".

I was asked for my recipe...so here it is!  Enjoy.

Ingredients:
12 uncooked plain lasagna noodles (6 oz)

1 pound lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 jar (14 oz) tomato pasta sauce (any variety)
1 can (8 oz) mushroom pieces and stems, undrained
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.

2. Cook beef and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in pasta sauce and mushrooms. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Pour into ungreased rectangular baking dish, 11x7x1 1/2 inches.

3. Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, the salt, pepper and garlic. Spread 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over each noodle. Roll up each noodle; cut roll crosswise in half. Place cut sides down in beef mixture.

4. Cover and bake about 30 minutes or until hot. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

This will easily serve 8.  I usually double and make one to freeze.

Enjoy...until tomorrow,
debi