SEE FISH FEAST

by Stefanie

How fun is a post with no pictures? NOT! But I ate my salad so fast--and am now so full--that I forgot to take a picture.  However, I still wanted to share this amazing entree salad with you.  I'll call it Ginger Steak Salad.  The dressing is where it's at so, make it up first:

1/2 cup Braggs Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
2 T fresh ginger root (finely grated or just peeled and coarsely chopped if you are making this in a high powered blender that will blend it smooth)
3 T honey
4 cloves of garlic (minced or blended)

On a bed of your favorite organic greens add all or some of the following chopped veggies:
cucumber
red onion
avocado
zucchini
sweet bell peppers
mushrooms
cilantro
sprouts

Then cook up some high quality steak, cut it into strips and toss into the salad.  I marinated and cooked my meat in teriyaki sauce.  Here is a recipe for homemade teriyaki:

1/4 c Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
1 c water
1/2 t ground ginger
1/4 t garlic power
5 T sucanant (or brown sugar)
1-2 T honey
Begin to heat on stove and add 2 T cornstarch mixed with 1/4 c cold water as a thickening agent.

Well, of course the last thing you do is pour your delicious dressing on your salad.  You might want to make extra because you'll be craving it the next day!  Enjoy!

See Fish Celebrate Lincoln

by Julia

Guess who made the paper? My very own Abe.

David is an attorney and a member of the Indiana Bar. The Indiana Bar Association asked for volunteers to present for their community outreach program "Why Lincoln Was a Lawyer." Since David is a Lincoln fan and has read big thick books about the 16th president, he readily volunteered. An added bonus was that he gets two paid days per year to do community service, so this certainly qualified.

David had to come up with his own hour long presentation to do for groups of elementary school kids. Being a trivia lover, he decided to do a Family Feud style game with questions about where Lincoln lived, when he was born, what his favorite hobby was, jobs he held, where he was shot, etc.

David drove two hours away to present to three different school groups and had a fun day (certainly different than reading documents at the office). He was featured in an e-newspaper and as the top story in the local paper, which a teacher sent us a copy of. "Lincoln comes to life" the headline blares. I think the beard and hair need a bit of work to be more lifelike, but the whole outfit did what it needed to do. This all went down on a Friday and David did not have to turn in the costume until Monday. I persuaded him to wear this outfit to the tri-stake youth valentine dance we were chaperoning on Saturday night. We got some serious looks! Once the youth got more comfortable with Abe dancing in their presence, some wore his hat, some wished him happy 206th birthday, and one guy even wanted his autograph.

SEE FISH REPURPOSE

by Stefanie

I meant to post this in December but never took the time, but since I took the pictures...well, here it is:

These are some mice I made out of old wool sweaters. I found the idea here: http://mossymossy.com/?p=313

I went to a thrift store and found 100% wool sweaters. Then I washed and dried them a couple of times. On the link above she gives you an idea of a pattern, but you'll have to draw one yourself. I started big and then kept cutting the pattern down for the smaller mice. I made a little bean bag to put in the bottom of each that helps them sit better. Then I bundled them together along with a made-up "Christmouse" game and gave it to a family with little kids. This is something that can spur on your creativity--like why not use the same concept to make bunnies for Easter?

HAPPY MONTH OF VALENTINES AND LOVE!

BY STEFANIE

I went to Costco and found the most delicious organic granola called “Love Crunch.” As I was examining the contents I was thinking, “I can make this, AND I can make this more healthful and nutrient-packed!” So that’s what I set out to do. Here is my own version of “Love Crunch.”

Combine well in a large bowl:

10 cups of rolled oats

2 cups raw, unsweetened coconut (large or small flakes—or both)

2 cups quinoa flakes

1 cup sprouted almonds, chopped (raw almonds soaked overnight and then dehydrated until crisp)

1 cup chia seeds

1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

1 cup flax seeds, freshly ground

½ cup raw cacoa powder

On the stove over low heat, melt—do not boil:

2 1/2 cups raw honey (you can substitute agave and/or molasses for part of this)

1/2-3/4 cup extra-virgin coconut oil (I’ve made this without the oil and it turns out good—just not as many clusters to crunch on.)

1t salt

1 cup water

2 tablespoons vanilla

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread contents evenly into 3 sheet cake pans. Convection bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stir, then bake for another 10 to 20 minutes depending on how crunchy you want it.  I've also dehydrated it at about 115 degrees.  It takes much longer but helps preserve the nutritional value of it that high heat destroys. Cool. Mix in freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries and chunks of high-quality dark chocolate to your taste.  I like to store mine in the freezer.  I also love it with almond/coconut milk (Almond Breeze brand) and fresh bananas.

*Always use organic ingredients when possible. Not only is it so much better for your health, but it supports farmers and others who are trying to supply us with higher quality, sustainable foods.

ENJOY!

Winter Beach Party

By Marci

So my cousin Melanie lives 75 minutes south of us, and we're really far away from most family members, so we have to arrange to see each other at least once per month.   My Soldier is off at training in Georgia for two weeks, and her daughter had a half day at school, so we just had get together to play for the day.

My oldest daughter has been concerned recently that she is missing out on all the fun at home while she's at school.  So, Melanie planned a great surprise for when she got off the bus.  Welcome to the [sun] + E Beach Party.

This one's for the Cornell graduate.

And here's a snippet of Big D from the party that went on earlier in the day.

When it was all said and done: "That beach party...I just didn't even expect it.  It was fantastic!"

Amish Time

by Julia

Ahhh . . . more cheese. Our family took a trip to Holmes County, Ohio over the Christmas break. I'm told that this area has the highest concentration of Amish in the country. My husband's parents have a little timeshare over that way that we have been to a handful of times. When we go, we like to see Heini's Cheese Factory and I thought you might want to drool too.

I took photos of all the beautiful hand painted signs but I will spare you the others. The amazing thing about this particular cheese factory is that all the milk processed here is hand milked. No machines. The Amish aren't into electricity.

Our wonderful tour guide, Atlee.

You walk down two long isles before getting to the checkout. It is slow going because there are samples of all these cheeses available to taste. Of course you and the scores of others who have made the pilgrimage want to try all the cheese. David always walks out with something really flavorful (this time it was bleu and some fire hot pepper). Those of you who know David could have called that.

I think the Amish farms are beautiful. They keep up their property, whether the homes are small or large, and it feels orderly and serene.


Even in December their clothes are out drying on the line. We have seen men out in their fields, behind one horse or a team, gathering in corn and other crops. This time we happened upon one farmer spreading manure, which our noses verified.

On this trip we also saw lots of these corn stalk piles. Remember all of this happens with a man and his scythe--no machinery.

This trip was our first time to drive all the way to Lehman's in Kidron, Ohio. (Note the British style phone booth out front because the Amish do not have phones in their homes.) This store is a destination and I thought it was worth the drive. It is huge. It carries all kinds of non-electric products that Amish people want to buy and that we want to buy too if we are getting really serious about self-sufficiency or disaster preparedness. Wood burning stoves, gas appliances, washboards, composting toilets, oil lamps, wringer washers, every kitchen item you can think of, yard and garden tools and supplies, food, candy, furniture, hardware, and tons of toys are a sampling of what you can find.

O and I thought the pig-loving Grandpa Merlin should have this grill.

While he is at it, Mer ought to get his ice cream production really going with this contraption.

Gratefully Merlin already has his own Swiss cowbell but if anyone else wants to get one to join in the chorus, Lehman's can hook you up.

All chicken owners alert! Check out the egg storage and hot water incubator.

Stef needs several of these German Sauerkraut crocks to do all her fermenting. David could help with some kimchi as long as it was super spicy. Some of these were big enough to hide three small children. Don't forget the wooden lid.

After three hours of looking around, it is time to sit--in a hand made rocker.

When we pulled into Kidron, there was some kind of outdoor market or auction going on. The obvious thing being sold was hay. Here is how the parking lot looked.

I doubt there is an automatic car wash close by to help with the mud.

I am pretty sure this man saw me and purposely turned his head. I was sorry to make him uncomfortable. This is why I could not be a photojournalist; I get nervous prying with the lens.

Who wants to go back with me? We might have to take some green drink to have between those Amish buffets.

Merry Christmas!

by Julia

I am finally posting on the blog for the first time. My timing has to do with the availability of one of my teenagers to walk me through the whole process. The digital natives at this house tolerate my lack of complete comfort at the computer, as does Candace, who I whine to about it on occasion.

A quick intro: I am the oldest of this clan, I am married to David (we hit 20 years this past summer), and I have four intense children.

Here are the rowdies on Christmas Eve in their new pajamas. Santa and the elves outfit them yearly, along with their cousins. We are the only Fish family members not gathering together this year because our oldest came home from his first semester at college to see us! (And all his friends.)

So here we are with one of T's friends and the LDS missionaries for our Christmas Eve dinner. This meal, a Fish family favorite, is called Raclette. It is the name of the cheese and traditionally is served melted with boiled potatoes, cornichons, and pearl onions. We add shrimp in garlic butter on top of the snazzy machine you see in the middle of the table (Merlin and Pat gifted one to each of our families years ago). This meal also included a green salad, grape tomatoes, artisan bread, various fruits, and brownies with sorbet. Mer would be proud of the artistic cheese tower I made.

Here are the place cards I created for our guests. Yes, I am a calligrapher. I am addicted and I can't stop (that is redundant). This blog may soon look like Julia's portfolio.

The biggest surprise of the day was when we were sitting in church today and it was announced that the Thompson family would be singing a musical number. I had a moment of anxiety as the man announcing looked right at me and smiled. I smiled back, turned to David, and said through my teeth, "what are we singing??" He assured me that I was not expected to do an impromptu performance. Instead, my four children sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in all four parts. They were amazing! G (the nine year old) can almost hold down that alto by himself. I wondered why they sent David and me out for a walk last night. . .

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas.

Firsts

By Marci

Today I heard a most-informative conversation between two aged gentlemen, one talking much more than the other:

"I'm telling you (to the one with silvery hair) that if you just ate a handful of almonds a day, you would get back your original hair color....

"Are you still drinking decaf?  Even after I told you it causes diabetes?..."

"I'm giving you all these pointers, and you're just not doing any of them...."

I don't drink coffee, so I'm not sure about the diabetes caf vs. decaf deal, but the almond thing was definitely a first for me.

Today our baby had her first dose of rice cereal.  She's been a little grumpy after feedings and not sleeping as well as usual, so we decided to go for it.  Each of the three older sibs had to help, of course.  Not sure how she puts up with all of us.  She liked it: Another food-loving fish.

FISH FAMILY FAVORITES

by Stefanie
This post is about things in my house that make me happy right now. It's also about posting things that my sisters, Lori, Keri, and Julie should post but don't. This cute star was crafted by Lori and Keri. I can't even begin to guess how many they have made and given away. I wish I had more pictures to post of the various sizes, colors, patterns, and holiday themes they have put together, but they are all adorning someone else's home. Maybe at some future point they will post a tutorial on how to make them.

I have issues with the quality of pictures I can take on my phone--and I say that because these pictures just don't do the above art piece justice. Anyway, this was created by my sister, Julia, who is an extremely talented artist and calligrapher. I hope she will start posting as well as offering her art on "See Fish Create." Julia made this for me for Christmas in 2004, and it is a treasure.

These wreaths are made from pages of a book. Lori made the middle one for me and I made the other two thanks to her instruction. Different sizes of books make different looking wreaths. When I made the one one the left, I didn't like the weight or size of the paper and how it turned out, so I decided to experiment further and see how it looked spray-painted. It's hard to tell, but I used white, silver, blue, and a glitter paint. I was trying to make it resemble a snowflake--I'm not sure I succeeded. Lori also helped Keri make a GREAT looking wreath using coffee filters densely attached to a straw wreath. Wish I had a picture! We are at the mercy and unlikelihood of Keri posting a picture, but we can always hope.

Rarely does anyone enter my home who doesn't have the urge to take a shot at this hoop. That's ok, it's what its there for. Before my remodel, my boys had a little hoop hanging on the closet door in the entry that they would play on daily for hours, especially in the winter. Well, it beat the heck out of the door, plus I was worried eventually someone's foot was going to go through the door in the process of a dunk or lay-up. The chandelier was also a little marred from erring balls. In spite of the possible damage to the decor, I decided that the basketball activity was a good thing and to embrace it rather than fight it. At the time of the remodel, I had my contractors make a more permanent backboard (that I painted to match my decor), and then I bought a rim that I had powder-coated gray--again to match the decor. It's called give and take--they get the hoop, I get to decided the color. Anyway, my boys are a lot bigger now--and so are their friends; the play is rougher; my walls are a little beat up; so far we've only had one glass cover on the chandelier break, but I expected that and bought extra; and the fun is competitive and extreme. I'll repair and repaint when they grow out of it, but I don't know if that will ever happen--their dad enjoys it just as much as they do. And, like I said, so does everyone that enters.

This is my pantry door. It is painted with chalkboard paint. I love it to write messages, menus, thoughts, quotes, etc. I really need my sister Julie to come write all these things for me so they are beautiful to look at as well as legible. These days chalkboard paint comes in a variety of colors. It works best painted on completely smooth surfaces. Most walls have a texture, and it's hard to write with chalk on a bumpy surface!

Last but not least, my amaryllis are blooming! That's always happy. Merry Christmas!

See Fish Finish!

by candace

You ready to see the space in the house that makes me the most happy? The loft/playroom area! I love how it turned out. It would have never looked like this without my sister Stefanie. In fact, most of the house would not look like it does without her. She really is amazing. She even sacrificed her life to get the Subway art (seen below) hung on the wall.

I wanted the play area to be functional and fun. I bought the white cabinet to hold books and some toys but I bought the big white toy box so most of the toys could be thrown it there...not organized but hopefully realistic for G to help me clean up. There is a swing, a desk, a mirror, an ABC poster, a chalkboard wall, magnet boards to hang pictures or G's art, and—best of all—chairs for the adults.

The black wall is chalkboard paint. The orange things above the abacus are magnet boards...waiting for G to color some pictures so I can hang them up there. Our family picture is printed on metal!

My mom and I made this :)

 

Where did I get it?

White cabinet, white toy box, swing, gray cabinet above chairs, orange magnet boards, crazy light: IKEA

Orange desk: 2modern

Abacus: CB2

Subway art, gray chairs: World Market

 ABC art, orange bird cage: Z Gallerie

What do you think? Any ideas to make it more fun or functional?