Mudpies to Dragonflies

Is This Thing On??

2010-12-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

Okay. It has been months since I posted anything on my blog. I'm sorry loyal blog readers. I must admit that I spend the majority of my computer time doing work with the kids or on Facebook.
I've wandered over to my blog this weekend to see if there is a Christmas Tour of Homes. And there is! And nothing gets ya in the mood to blog like a little look around the blog world to spy on Christmas decorations. I've got to find my camera and take a few pics! Look for me soon...

WFMW: Summer Dessert

2010-07-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

This week's theme for Works for Me Wednesday is "recipes". Here is a yummy recipe that I made yesterday for company. It is easy and doesn't require much effort, but it does require some time in the fridge. So, with a little planning you can have a tasty dessert ready for tonight's bbq!

Zebra Cake

Box of chocolate graham crackers

2 small boxes of instant cheesecake pudding

2 cups milk

1 cup sweetened, condensed milk

1 small container of cool whip

Glaze:

1/4 cup milk

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup white sugar

dash of salt

2 T butter

1 t vanilla

In a mixer: combine the cheesecake pudding, mik and sweetened, condensed milk. Fold in the cool whip. Beat for two minutes.

In a buttered 9X13, place a layer of chocolate graham crackers on the bottom. Top with half the pudding mixture. Spread another layer of graham crackers and the other half of the pudding mixture. Place a final layer of chocolate graham crackers over the pudding.

In a saucepan, over medium heat combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa powder, sugar and dash of salt. Bring to a boil. Boil for one minute while whisking. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. Spread over the graham cracker and pudding layers. Refrigerate overnight. (We ate ours after 6 hours in the fridge, but making this the day before would be great.)

Head on over to Kristin's blog to see more yummy recipes!

We Are THAT Family

WFMW: Summer Salad

2010-06-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

Back when I was regular with my blogging I participated in a blog carnival called, "Works for Me Wednesday." Everyone would head over to Kristen's blog, We Are That Family, and post a handy tip or recipe. Since I'm home from school now I was excited about sharing a new recipe that I made for the first time yesterday. (And I made a double batch today!) It seems like a bit of an odd combination, but I promise that if you like tomatoes and peaches you will be wowed!

This would be a lovely salad at your Canada Day or July 4th picnic!

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad
(Based on a similar recipe in Cooking Light)

3 ripe (not overripe) peaches, chopped into bite size pieces
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite size pieces
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion (almost a sliver size piece)
2 T white wine vinegar
1 T olive oil
2 t honey
1/2 t kosher salt
1/8 t black pepper (or more)
dried basil to taste
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and gently toss. Eat and enjoy! I'm sure this recipe is even better the next day, but so far I haven't had any left over to try the next day!

Been Missing You!

2010-06-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, things have been very busy here... as you can imagine.

But, now it is summer. We are all done with school and we are ready for some summer fun. Aaron completed 4th grade. Dave completed 2nd grade. Sam completed Kindergarten. I completed another year of Preschool. :)

I look forward to updating you with our summer adventures and our plans for the upcoming school year. There are going to be some changes for the next school year, but before I get into all that I want to have a little summer fun.

(This picture is from a visit to McGee Gardens in Vero Beach, Florida. They had a dinosaur exhibit this spring. Run for your lives!!!)

Eight Is Great!

2009-12-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus

2009-12-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

Nothin' says, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" more than a ton of Legos, a bunch of Nerf guns and a few remote controlled cars! I hope your Christmas was blessed!

Come on in!

2009-12-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Boys! Hurry up and let's get the house ready for all the bloggers on the Christmas Tour of Homes. I'll need your muscles! Okay, bring the Lego Advent calendar into the hallway. Set it up next to the Advent banner and our little nativity scene from Grandma. Who is going to open the little window? Okay. Now that Dad has the tree in the stand, how 'bout some Decorating Super Heroes? While you guys do that I am going to put my little Santa on the piano.

I'm going to look for the tree skirt while you get the new train going, Sam.

The tree skirt is under the tree and I put a little snowflake ribbon on the tree. I think the tree is ready! Aaron, will you set up the kids' nativity scene in the living room?

Here is the North Pole scene for you to put up, Dave and Sam.

Hey, kinda looks like Santa and the Baby Jesus were neighbors...

Sam, I brought this new Playmobile nativity from my classroom. Will you put it on the lamp table in the living room?

Aaron, will you add these cards to the card holder? Here are a few new signs to hang.
Aaron, when you are done with that book please put it in the Christmas book bin.

Dave, put the Christmas stuffed animals in the basket.

Sam, let's find a place to put your Jesus candy cane. And how 'bout Aaron putting the wreath on the door? Everybody outta the dining room... breakables!
We're going to need some treats on that new Santa plate, Dave.

Our guests might enjoy a chocolate cupcake with chocolate ganache and white chocolate cream cheese peppermint frosting. Okay, I think we are ready. Honey, will you turn on the outside lights? Let's welcome our guests. Smile, boys!

Merry Christmas, Friends.
May the love of Christ warm your hearts

this Christmas and all year!

Christmas Tours Past...

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008

Post-Christmas 2008

Christmas Tour of Homes

2009-12-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

The boys are busy decorating for Christmas. Come back later and I'll show you around!

Start Your Engines!

2009-12-03T11:03:00.001-08:00

Sam is home from school today with a fever. His fever broke early in the day, so we've had a relaxing afternoon. I knew he was feeling better when he asked for a lunch and some XBox. I even offered to play. Now, how come I am the one with the driver's license, but he wins every racing game?! The last game I was having such difficulty even keeping the car on the track that he offered to wait at the finish line for me. After a few minutes he politely suggested that he finish the race for me!

Decorating...

2009-11-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

This is the way we clean the house,
Clean the house, clean the house.
This is the way we clean the house,
So we can decorate for Christmas!

The Turkey Pokey

2009-11-26T06:47:00.001-08:00

You put your right wing in. You take your right wing out. You put your right wing in and you shake it all about. You do the turkey pokey and you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about!

Left wing...
Right drumstick...
Left drumstick...
Wattle...
Stuffing...
Tail feathers...
Whole turkey body...

Enjoy the day! May God continue to bless you. He has blessed me. :)

Is This Thing On?

2009-11-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tap, tap, tap. Is this thing on?
Phew... life has been zipping along and where have I been?
A few days ago I was thinking about my sweet friend that lives in Ohio, Janet. Janet and Peter lived across the street from us when we lived in Ohio and they were the Best Neighbors Ever. In last year's Chirstmas card she told me how she kept up with us on our blog. And it occurred to me that she must think we have fallen off the edge of the earth! Janet, we are still here and I will give you a quick update! I hope all is well with you.

Chris is still loving the life of pastor. Nothing really new there, but he is a steady and sure kinda guy. And a great pastor. :)

Aaron is 9. He is in the fourth grade. I have decided that fourth grade is the year of more homework. He loves Lego and has started to listen to music like a teenager. "Country music," he says.

David is almost 8. His newest thing is that he loves science experiements. He even has refused a hair cut so that he can look like a mad scientist. A few weeks ago he was making his own toast (I was folding laundry) when he tells me, "Mom, the toast didn't pop, so I used two forks to get it out." AGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! Don't do that or you will have mad scientist hair!!

Sam is 6 and he is loving sports. The boys just finished a season of basketball today. Of all the boys, he loved it the most.

I'm doing just fine. I've gone back to work. I'm teaching k-4 at the Lutheran school where the two older boys go.

Pretty busy, if you ask me. I'm really tired, and our house is a zoo, but we are good!

Kitchen Meme

2009-05-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of baking lately. Bake sales, parties, company. Whatever the occasion I have been digging for a recipe to try or to whip up. Lately my favorite thing to bake is cupcakes. As in just about everything, there are whole blogs devoted to Cupcake Love. On one blog, The Busty Baker (ladolvicita.com) I found this Getting to Know Me Quiz and I knew I'd have to copy it here! David with a chocolate marshmallow cupcake.

Getting to Know Me!

Metal or Non-stick? Metal and I love parchmant paper when making cookies.
Cast iron or Stainless? Stainless.
Cutting board: Wood or Plastic? I have one of each.
Knife: Carbon Steel or Stainless? I don't even know.
Kitchen Aid or Hand Mixer? I love my Kitchen Aid! I've even given her a name, Matilda. Matilda the Mixer.
Cooktop: Gas, Electric, or Induction? Currently I have electric. Now if only I could go back to a smooth top...
Side-by-side, Freezer on top, Fridge on top? A side-by-side that I am constantly struggling to get all of my stuff into.
Apron or Whoops? I'd love to be an apron girl. I really want one. Hey, my birthday is coming...
Mashed Potatoes: By Hand, Ricer, or Mixer? Usually I mash potatoes by hand, but I have been known to use the mixer once in a while.
Sandwich or Wrap? I like a good wrap, but I'm good with a sandwich usually. And I love subs.
PB& _____? Whatever kinda jelly is in the fridge. Usually some strawberry preserves.
Pancakes: Syrup or Applesauce? Syrup! Ever put syrup and brown sugar on your pancakes? My friend Jen taught me that. Pretty indulgent, but I'm worth it!
Cakes: Scratch or Mix? Usually by scratch, but I keep a good stash of mixes. There are lots of cupcake recipes that start with a mix.
Chili: Beans or No Beans? I'm okay either way.
Napkin: Cloth or Paper? Lots of paper, but I'm thinking about buying some white cloth ones and keeping them out in a pretty rectangular basket. Anyone know where I can buy a bunch of them for cheap?
BBQ: Takes the whole weekend to make or Take Out? Take out.
Chicken: White or Dark? WHITE. I'm pretty adamant about not wanting any part of the chicken other than the breast.
Ice Cream: Cone or Dish? Waffle cones or a dish. Bring it on!! Aaron with a chocolate chip cookie cupcake. (Yellow cupcake with a cookie baked in the bottom and chocolate chip buttercream.)

Pastor's Kids...

2009-04-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

So, as Sunday Morning Worship protocol goes, whom should you discipline first? The boy fashioning his worship bulletin into a twisty "screwdriver" to be used in an attempt to disassemble the pew OR the boy silently strapping on your chunky bracelet and "webslinging" pews 1 through 5?

The Blond Family

2009-03-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to a National Park in the middle of Coconut Grove called, The Barnacle. It is a small park and it is home to the oldest house in Dade county that has never been moved. You can tour the home and boat house and run all over the lawn and gardens.

As we were leaving the park (because it was closing time) one of the members of our party had to use the bathroom. We had already passed the bathrooms, so I asked the Park Ranger if we could go back and use the facilities. She said, "Sure." Then she got on her radio and said, "I've got The Blonde Family. They need to use the bathroom."

I guess that is us. The Blonde Family.

As we were leaving The Barnacle my Father-in-Law called. We were telling him about the park and Coconut Grove and he asked what Coconut Grove looked like. So.... here you go, Dad. I don't have any pictures of The Barnacle, but here are a few shots of Coconut Grove.

Crowded, trendy shops and restaurants, lots of cars, not so much parking, cute blonde kids...

(It really is a fun place to look around. People watching is very good here. Not so picturesque as you walk back to your car snapping pictures.)

Ashes...

2009-03-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday- the beginning of Lent. As part of the Ash Wednesday service ashes were applied to our foreheads to remind us of who we are. And just who am I?

Here are the words from the bulletin,

Created by God ("Remember that you are dust..."),

Mortal ("...and to dust you will return"),
On a journey of conversion ("Repent and be faithful to the Gospel"),
Part of the body of Christ (the smudge on our foeheads proclaims that identity to others).

I took a picture of each of my boys with thier foreheads marked with a cross of ashes. I think I'll keep these photos for just those days when I need reminding that my boys are on loan from God and that Jesus died to take away thier sins. (Mine, too.) Hard to get all worked up and upset with my child of God, isn't it? Exactly my point! (Eternity with these clowns is going to be very exciting!)

May it always be evident that we are part of the body of Christ even when the "smudges" are gone.

I'm here...

2009-02-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

Really I am. Ever feel like you are spinning the plates and spinning the plates and... Well, I know you get the picture. In addition to the packed life we lead I have started leading a Beth Moore Bible study (Esther) and I've been substitute teaching a bit.

That, and the cleaning lady quit. ;)

These pictures were taken at a recent afternoon with some family friends and their go-cart! Here is A going for a ride.

Our friend, S and the helmet to protect his head...

D loved it! But you knew he would!

Now in order to get a ride, you had to wait in the little chair. And that rule applied to EVERYONE...

WFMW: Prayer Journal for Kids

2009-02-11T14:44:00.001-08:00

Just yesterday my boys and I were talking about prayer journals. I used to make these for my students when I was teaching kindergarten. So, I offered to make the boys one and they were very excited. I took a piece of paper and drew lines to divide the page into four quadrants.

Each square was for a specific prayer request:

Draw and/or write about something for which you are thankful.

Draw and/or write about someone for which you would like God to bless. (Sick classmate? A favorite uncle? A friend that is traveling?)

Draw and/or write about something with which you want God to help you. (Trouble getting up on time? Hard time with math? Having trouble keeping your hands to yourself?)

The last square is for anything else the child would like to pray. Another thankful prayer. Another person in need of a blessing. An opportunity to ask for forgiveness. (This can be really unclear for kids under about 7. They can usually point out others' needs for forgiveness, but not always their own.) Or just something they know about God.

(The "draw and/or write" makes this an easy activity that isn't about handwriting or perfection.)

Once the squares were finished I helped them actually pray what they had drawn and/or written. It works for us!

Check out Rocks in My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday Tips!

WFMW: Save on Your Telephone Bill

2009-02-04T06:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick tip that worked for me last week. Call your phone company and ask if you are getting the best possible deal for your family. I called and there wasn't anything else they could offer me, but she reduced my bill by $5 a month just for asking. Easy. Painless. $5 off.
Leave a comment and then head on over to Shannon's blog for some more great tips!

Makes My Monday: Baseball Season

2009-02-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here's the photo that "Makes My Monday." The boys started baseball in January. Here are their feet... before they got dirty!
For more Makes My M0nday fun, head over to Cheryl's blog,Twinfatuation !

WFMW: Chocolate Milk

2009-01-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Wow is my world busy! Church, Baseball, Cub Scouts, and school activities have kept us very busy, so this week's Works for Me Wednesday Tip is very simple. Every week we buy two gallons of milk. (Don't you?) We open one gallon jug and squeeze an insane amount of chocolate syrup into the jug. (As long as I am sugaring them up I choose Hershey's lite.) Replace the cap and shake it up. Yum. Now, when you open the fridge you can either have white milk (not like anyone chooses to DRINK that, mind you) or you can shake and chug some tasty chocolate milk.

Chocolate-y, milky goodness without the mess of pouring, squeezing and stirring. And I don't have to watch anybody try to drink out of the glass with the spoon still sticking out. "You'll poke your eye out with that!!"

Now, that really works for me.

Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer and find out what other great ideas bloggers are sharing today.

Headache?

2009-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

The boys recently started a new season of baseball. S is playing t-ball on a team and D and A are playing baseball on a team. Last week S and I were sitting in the stands and he asked for a treat. We wound up with a bag of popcorn. When the older boys finished their practice D came over and asked, "Did you get that at the concussion stand?"

Makes My Monday: No Training Wheels!

2009-01-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

I'm cheating a bit here because usually Makes My Monday is one photo that "makes your day". Well, I couldn't resist putting up three pictures today because this past weekend all three boys gave up thier training wheels. All three boys on the same day! How cool is that?!

For more Makes My M0nday fun, head over to Cheryl's blog, Twinfatuation!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

2009-01-12T07:11:00.001-08:00

Recently it was Chris' birthday and we celebrated with a little blueberry birthday pie. God's blessings to you, God's blessings to you...

Look Who Turned 7!

2009-01-12T06:48:00.001-08:00

While I've been on a bit of a bloggy break, my D turned 7! We celebrated with a trip to a local water park. (Only in Miami...)

Pizza and cake...

And presents!

He is still THIS excited about his birthday! May God grant you a fabulous year, D!!

New Year's Eve Pajama Party

2009-01-12T06:19:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! We rang in the New Year with lots of fun.

We started our evening with a worship service at church and then we got ready for our New Year's Eve Pajama Party.

We started with a little carpet picnic and movie. The boys love a big plate of lil' smokies, carrots and dip, mini quiche, cheese and crackers...

Then we enjoyed some board games. Operation, Clue Jr. and Tumblin' Monkeys.

We even had a little target practice with A's Nerf gun and board.

We finally had some time to put together our gingerbread house.

Right before midnight we "counted down" as the ball dropped in NYC and then we ran out to the drive way to light sparklers.

We finished off the evening by "camping out" in the family room.

A Blessed New Year to all of my "bloggy friends"!!

Meme Fun

2008-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

Mega Meme

1.Do you like cheese? Yes, but I'm not terribly cheese adventurous. Pretty standard stuff, and let's skip the mold if we can.

2.Have you ever smoked? Nope.

3. Do you own a gun? Disc shooters, Nerf guns, cap guns, water guns, guns chewed from toast, guns fashioned from Kid'nex and Lego...

4. Do you like listening to Christmas music? my IPod is jammed full. Thanks, Hubby.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Silly, but yes. Usually jacks my blood pressure up a bit, too.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Tasty junk food. Let's do all beef, lite. Grab the mustard.

7. Favorite Christmas song for all time? O, Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? orange juice

9. Can you do push ups? I think I can... I think I can...

10. Who is your favorite Grey’s Anatomy Character? I watched this show one time years ago and can't remember a single thing. Now, House. That is a medical show I watch.

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring

12. Favorite hobby? reading

13. Do you eat “exotic” foods? no

14. Do you have A.D.D.? Why do you ask?

15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? I procrastinate way too much. Maybe you should ask me tomorrow...

16. Middle Name? Ellen

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? "I wonder what tv show the boys are watching" ; "It's a bit chilly in here." "I could go for Diet Pepsi right now."

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? blueberry pie for DH's birthday, rice, strawberry milkshake

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? water, Diet Pepsi, orange juice

20. Current worry right now? Getting "back on the wagon" with my diet and exercise routine

21. Current hate? TRAFFIC

22. Favorite place to be? Out for dinner or the movies!

23. How will you bring in the New Year? champagne, finger foods, my boys, and a movie

24. Where would you like to go? IKEA

25. Name three people who will complete this? Anyone! (Let me know, so I can come look.)

26. Do you own flip flops? brown and teal Carolina girl

27. What shirt are you wearing? red and white

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't know

29. Can you whistle? only by breathing in

30. Favorite color? purple

31. Would you be a pirate? No, I hate the torn clothing look, but have you seen my profile pic?

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? VBS songs. I Am A C...

33. Favorite girl’s name? Ellen Rebecca

34. Favorite boy’s name? It's a three way tie!

35. What’s in your pocket right now? wadded up tissue and a cell phone

36. Last thing that made you laugh?

37. Bed sheets as a child? rainbows and unicorns

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? cut my foot on a beer bottle

39. Do you love where you live? There's some great things about living here.

40. How many TV’s do you have in your house? two

41. Who is your loudest friend? Susan H!! ;)

42. How many dogs do you have? none, but have a puggle?

43. Does someone have a crush on you? Three little boys keep smiling at me and bringing me stuff...

44. Do you get embarrassed easily? more easily than I like

45. What is your favorite book? Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

46. What is your favorite candy? chocolate

47. Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince theme song? no

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Now Thank We All Our God (And I don't mean that tongue in cheek...); Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; I'm But a Stranger Here, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? sleeping

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Did I sleep that late??

Post Christmas Tour 2008: Bring Your Hazmat Suit

2008-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Just a few days ago many of us delighted in spending hours peering through the blog windows of bloggers everywhere. It was great fun to sneak a peek at a bit of their Christmas decorations and preparations along the trails of Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes 2008.

Many of you stopped by my place and left lovely comments and directions to share in your tour. I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to so many blogs. (And I am still sneaking in a new visit or two. There are over 1000 blogs linked to the tour!)

But, now Christmas is over. Christ is still in my heart, but I look like an elf caught in the sleigh's headlights! You wouldn't believe the mess!

Well, in the interest of keeping it real, and gathering the help of many hands, I bring you the Post Christmas Tour 2008. Swig the last of the egg nog, don you now your hazmat apparel, and as we like to say around here, "Hold onto your buckets!"Climb over the wrapping and packaging bits, avoid stepping on stray Legos, and take a look at the Christmas tree. It still looks festive, but gone are all the prettily wrapped packages. The toys and games were squirreled away faster than a pirate's buried treasure.

I know you can't see the pile up of cat hairs and dust gorillas, but would you mind vacuuming?

Well, now, don't go sucking up the markers and toys under there and watch out for the nativity scene. Let's get a space ship for those extra visitors!

And, as long as we are clearing up stables and removing the riffraff from Bethlehem's hotel district, let's get the Bionicle out from under Joseph's feet. No wonder the angel was telling them to Fear Not!

Since we are in the family room, I'm going to need a few properly trained people to fix the "Laundry Situation." Oh, my word. A few days of merriment and the washer and dryer are going to need to be kick started!! (Don't mind the green gun in the laundry basket. There must have been a " drive-by staining!!")

Which one of you brought the industrial cleaner and paint scrapers? Can you get the inch of cookie/soda/candy cane residue/crust off of the dining room table? Let's get that pretty centerpiece back up.

I don't' need to tell you that the dishes need washing, do I? Or that the trash needs to be taken out...

Alright. We may have things under control here.

Someone call the kids back from the beach.

Now, thank you so much for coming. Don't forget to take some LEFTOVERS from the fridge!! Where to next?

WFMW: Quick Christmas Cookies

2008-12-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight my boys and I made a quick batch of a Christmas Cookie favorite we call, "Peppermint Wafers." I first had these a few years ago at a Christmas cookie swap and I instantly fell in love. I'm not usually wild about mint or no-bake cookies, but these are The Bomb. I promise. And your kids can help.

Obtain a package of Nabisco chocolate wafers. They are sold at the grocery store on the same shelf as the ice cream toppings. Now, don't even bother looking in the cookie aisle. They won't be there. I've included a pic, just incase you need more help locating the wafers.

While at the store grab a bag of white chocolate chips. (You couldn't read it if I made the print white, could you?)

You also need a few candy canes all smashed up. So, if you don't have any candy canes at home, get those while you are out and then smash them up with all your anger pent up while fighting the December traffic. (A hammer and a plastic bag make the smashing much more, well, neater.)

3 ingredients. That is it. You can do this!

Easy Peasy Directions:

Spread a bit of melted white chocolate (yes, you are going to have to melt the white chocolate) on a chocolate wafer. Sprinkle with smashed up candy cane bits. Let the white chocolate set and then share with the people you love the most.

Oh, pretty!

Quick Christmas Cookies work for me. Visit Shannon's blog for some more Works for Me Wednesday Tips.

And if you haven't stopped by my place for Boomama's Tour of Christmas Homes please come on in and I'll get you a handful of these cookies!

Christmas Tour 2008: Come on Over!

2008-12-15T00:31:00.000-08:00

Boys! Get out of that tree! All the bloggers from BooMama's are coming over to see our Christmas decorations. Please help me get everything ready! A, start decorating the tree!

Ok. Light the Christmas tree. Woohoo!

D, go hide Jess Jingle so someone else can find him! Is the hot cocoa ready? Let's put out whipped cream and marshmallows. Candy Canes make perfect stir sticks.

S, Get out of the whipped cream! A, please go in the family room and put on my Faith Hill Christmas CD.

D, Thank you for putting the flame on that little Advent banner you made years ago in Mommy and Me Sunday School Class.

S, please get the Pastor's Party Mix ready for our guests to nibble.

I'll go turn on the little houses on the piano. Who put the toys from under the tree by the houses?
Boys, we'll finish the Peanuts puzzle later. Let's go get dressed!

Okay. We are just about ready! Dear, will you turn on the outside lights and invite everyone in?Merry Christmas, Friends.

May the love of Christ warm your hearts this Christmas and all year!

Yummy Hot Cocoa

1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 1/2 cups milk

In a large pot, over medium heat, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in the milk. Heat through, but do not boil. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or peppermint schnapps! Store any leftovers covered in the fridge. (Recipe doubles easily.)

Pastor's Party Mix

1 10 ounce package of mini twist pretzels
5 cups cinnamon Life cereal
5 cups Crispix
1 14 ounce bag of seasonal M&M's
2 cups salted peanuts
2 bags of Nestle white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon canola oil

Line your counter with waxed or parchmant paper. Use the biggest bowl (or pot) you own to stir together the pretzels, cereals, M's, and peanuts. In a separate, small bowl melt the white chocolate chips and canola oil in the microwave, until smooth.
Slowly pour the metled white chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir gently, but quickly. (I know... slowly pour, but quickly stir.) (This always seems to take more than 2 hands and just skip trying to use a spatula or spoon. Put your clean hands right on in there.)
Spread onto the papered counter and allow to cool. (I usually fuss with it a bit while it is warm. I try to stick the M&M's that never get any coating onto something already sticky. I break apart the really big blobs, but even if you do nothing, the stuff will be yummy.)
Store in an airtight container.

Makes My Monday

2008-12-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

Cheryl, over at Twinfatuation hosts a bit of bloggy fun called, Makes My Monday. Here is a picture that makes my Monday. A few weeks ago my dad was in town and on his way home we all went to Dunkin' Donuts for a Dunkin' Run. I love, love, love my dad and it makes my day to see my boys and my dad together.

WFMW: Entertaining Tip

2008-12-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

Having people over soon? Will you be serving steaks, nibbles, cookies, or drinks? Doesn't matter what you are serving, I know you will need a huge stash of napkins! Here's an easy tip to spruce up your pile of napkins.

Start with a neat pile of napkins.

Assuming you are right-handed, hold the pile in your left hand- at an angle. Use your right fist to hold the napkins in your hand.

Stretch out your right thumb a bit and begin to gently press and rotate your right hand into the stack of napkins. This should "smoosh and slide" your napkins off each other in a spiral fashion.

Put the napkins back on the table and remove the top one that you got all "smooshy".

Admire the simplicity and elegance that a pretty stack of napkins will give you! Leave a comment and then run on over to Shannon's blog for more great Works for Me Wednesday tips!

Cookie Swap: Mom's Thumbprint Cookies

2008-12-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

My Buddy, Fuscia, hosted a virtual cookie swap yesterday. Boo-hoo. I didn't make it over there yesterday. But, I am confident that if I take over a tray of my Mom's Thumbprint Cookies she will let me help her sweep up the crumbs and drink some left over tea.

Mom's Thumbprint Cookies

3/4 cup BUTTER, softened (don't even think about using margarine)

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup flour

1 egg yolk
good jelly

Cream the butter and the sugar until creamy. Add in the egg yolk. Beat in the flour. Easy Peasy. These are little, dainty cookies, so shape the dough into small balls. (I use the small Pampered Chef cookie scoop.) Make a small indentation with your pinky in each ball of dough. Fill the indentation with jelly. (My mom told me she kept our baby spoon for just this job!) Don't overfill the indentations or the jelly will cook out and burn to your pan. My favorite is apricot jam. :)

Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. They should be just golden brown on the bottom and barely colored on the top. You might have to adjust the baking time to get the "browness" you like.

Don't say I didn't warn you: These are small enough to pop a few in your mouth every time you walk past the cookie jar, so consider having your jaw wired before preheating the oven.

WFMW: A Christmas Tradition... Jess Jingle

2008-11-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

I'd like you to meet our buddy, Jess Jingle. Jess Jingle is a small, stuffed Santa that we hide around our house during Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas). You never know where you will find him. He might be in your sock drawer. Or behind your book bag. But when you find him your job is to hide him for someone else to find.

The children, big and small, look forward to this silly little tradition every year. They giggle and sneak and have a blast hiding Jess Jingle in the craziest places. This fun tradition works for our family and I bet it would work for yours, too!

Thanksgiving Mix

2008-11-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Last year we made this snack mix and bagged it in resealable bags to give away. I'm not sure where I initially found this recipe, but I've even made it with my students when I was teaching.

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Bugles: Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.
Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.
Candy corn: The sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.
Sunflower Seeds: Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.
Dried fruits(raisins): Harvest gifts from our bountiful land.
M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to lead us into a blessed future.
Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

Monkey Munch

2008-11-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Recently my freind Joy and I were talking about a yummy snack she calls, "Monkey Munch." I remember eating this, but we called it, "Puppy Chow." There aren't any bananas in it, but I do refer to my boys as monkeys, so I think I am calling it...

MONKEY MUNCH

1/2 cup Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Butter
1 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
9 cups Crispix or Chex cereal (We like Corn Chex the best)
1-1/2 cups Powdered Sugar

In a large pot, melt the butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour in the cereal and stir gently until the cereal is coated. Put the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. Pour in the chocolate-y, peanut-y cereal and shake. Serve to monkeys and munch!

Makes My Monday!

2008-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Some pictures just "make your day." And some photos make your day on Monday. Hence the blog carnival over at Cheryl's blog, Twinfatuation. I was excited to participate!
Many afternoons my mantra is "Wear the boys out!" With that in mind, we hit a park on the way home from school. This particular park had a curvy slide, which for some reason, begs for a boy pile-up and a photo op.
One of those turkeys will be choosing my nursing home...

Gone Bananas!

2008-11-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday the boys had Veteran's Day off from school, so Monday afternoon I picked the boys up from school and we headed north. We drove to my sister in law's house and spent time with my nieces and sister-in-law and with my friend and her four kids.
We had a blast. In a little more than 24 hours we played cards, terrorized customers at a Subway (What? You don't want to sit with 10 children?), raced scooters at the park, and went to see Madagascar 2. Phew! I was exhausted, but it was sooo worth it!

While I was there my friend gave me a huge bunch of bananas that were spotted and just waiting to be turned into banana bread. I made a batch of my stand-by banana bread which is a lower fat recipe I doctored from allrecipes.com a few years ago. I also made a batch of marble banana bread, which was based on a recipe from the Cooking Light Holiday Cookbook. Both were yummy and I thought I would share the recipes.

Lower Fat Banana Bread
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed (1 to 1 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 2/3 cup four
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch ground ginger
pinch ground cloves

Preheat oven 350. Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.
Beat butter and sugars. Beat in the eggs, milk, bananas, and vanilla. Mix in the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Bake for about an hour. Cool on rack for 10 minutes and then remove from the pan and allow the loaf to finish cooling on the rack.

Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread

2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 bananas, mashed
1/3 light sour cream
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 and spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a mixer. Beat in the vanilla and eggs. Add the mashed bananas and the sour cream. Add the dry ingredients.
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. (HIGH for 1 minute and then stir.) Combine 1 cup of the batter with the melted chocolate and set aside.
Spoon chocolate batter alternately with the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan. Swirl batters using a knife. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes and then remove from the pan and let cool completely on the rack.

M&M Prayer

2008-11-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

Before the boys go to bed we try to have a bit of quiet time with them. My husband usually reads to them and then they have some prayer time and maybe a Jesus song or two.

We call one of our favorite prayer starters the, "M&M Prayer." Here's how it works. We sit in a circle and I give each person one M&M. (Don't eat it yet!) Then we bow our heads and each person has a turn to thank God for something that is the same color as the M&M they have. (Now you can eat it.)

When the children were very young the prayers were very simple, "Thank you, God, for the sun." Now that they are a bit older the M&M helps get their turn in the prayer circle started as they start with the M&M and move on to praise and prayer requests.

For other Works for Me Wednesday posts, visit Rocks in my Dryer.

He's a Smart Boy

2008-11-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

One day last week my son (D) came into the monkey bus saying, with much enthusiasm, "MOM! Mom! We've got to go to this website: zeeks.com!! Can we, Mom? My teacher showed it to me and you have to see it!"

I smiled at his excitement and then I said, "I am amazed by a little boy who can remember a website address ALL day, but can't remember to flush the toilet." ;)

By the way, the website has games that D enjoys.

WFMW: Toys Worth Buying

2008-11-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

This week's edition of Works for Me Wednesday is a bit different. This week we are all trying to give our favorite toy suggestions. Here are two toys that my boys and I love.
Hyperslide. This is a fun game for one player, two players or teams. Simply pass the pucks back and forth according to what color the voice tells you to send. Easy. Yeah, right. Let's just see you keep up!
The box says the game is for kids 8 and up, but my youngest son (5) plays this and I frequently enjoy a game or six by myself. I mean, I frequently play with a crowd of 8 year olds.
I've seen This Hasbro game for sale at Wal Mart and at Target. (Around $20)

You can try the game here. Just look for the DEMO button.

Another toy that my kids play with for extended periods of time is
Kid K'nex. Are your kids into construction toys? How 'bout cute plastic things you put together? Give Kid K'nex a try.

The website says that the kids are learning all sorts of stuff and strengthening their fine motor skills while playing with these bright toys, but my kids think these boxes of linking parts are pure bliss. ($9.99 +)

Kids 3-7 are happy with Kid K'nex while the older set may enjoy the more intricate K'nex construction sets. (The Ferris Wheel and roller coaster are very cool!)

And who doesn't miss thier Lite Brite just a little bit? This is one of the few toys we've actually purchased more than once. And haven't they improved this nostalgic toy with the little peg holder?

Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer to see what other toys are working for families this week!

Anybody know how many days of Christmas shopping left??

Try-It-Tuesday: Donkeys. Elephants. Turkeys?

2008-11-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

In honor of Election Day I want to talk... turkey. It may be Election Day today, but I want to talk about turkey. Turkey sausages, that is.

Last week I was in the mood for some Italian sausage with peppers and onions, but I didn't want all the bad cholesterol, calories and fat from a regular Italian sausage. I searched the meat counter at Publix for some TURKEY Italian sausages. The Jennie-O turkey sweet Italian sausages were full of all that sausage flavor without most of the grease and artery-clogging stuff your doctor has warned you about.

I cooked the sausages in the pan, sliced 'em up, added a few green peppers, onions and a bit of tomato sauce. I served the concoction over whole wheat penne. Yummy.

Head on over to Mrs. Who's blog and see what else people are trying while not in line to make their vote count!!

Super Hero Love

2008-11-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Wolverine * Ghost Rider * Human Torch

D * A * S

WFMW: Backscratcher

2008-10-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love participating in the Works for Me Wednesday carnival over at Rocks in My Dryer. Giving and sharing tips is fun, but some weeks I "come up empty." Especially during one of those weeks when it seems like nothing is working the way it is supposed to. (I know you feel my pain...)

Well, before you think, "She's got nothing," my 5 year old gave me a helpful tip while reaching for his toothbrush. In his sweetest "matter of fact" voice he said to me, "You know, I've used this as a backscratcher."

Makes me itch all over...

And bust into giggles...

Addicted to...

2008-10-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

...candy coated sunflower seeds. Yummmmm. I have to drive to Cracker Barrel for a teeny tiny package, but they are so tasty. Give 'em a try.

(This is a picture of the Fall seeds. The Halloween ones are orange, black, green and purple. How can you turn down a cute snack?)

And, head on over to iknowwhereyoucanfindit to see other stuff people are trying today.

Spanish Lessons

2008-10-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of our new experiences since we've moved to Florida is Spanish. It seems that everyone else speaks at least a little Spanish and most people seem to be quite bilingual. At the boys' school I often hear other parents carrying on conversations in Spanish and English.
The boys are all new to Spanish and take Spanish lessons as part of their school work.
One morning at 7:59 (we leave at 8) A came running up to me, "I have to dress up like a policeman!!" Why?? is the obvious answer to that. "It is for Spanish class! I have to dress up like what I want to be when I grow up!! You have to help me, MOM!"
I grumble about the timeliness of his request and then say, "Have you considered undercover work?"
Immune to my sarcasm, he says, "I just need a pair of jeans and a blue shirt."
"You don't have a pair of jeans that fit anymore. I've only seen policemen wear blue pants and you are already wearing blue pants. Can you find a blue shirt?"
"Yes."
"Hurry up and get it and let's go!!"
(Disaster averted Go SuperMOM!)
After school I asked him how his presentation went. He replied, "She let me do it in English because she said I didn't know any Spanish." :) Well, at least he was dressed the part, right?

Another Spanish story...
Every morning we pass the school custodian on our way to the boys' classrooms. I always say, "Good morning," and the school custodian always says something just as nice in Spanish. And then D walks past him, and with a giant wave says, "Hola!"

And, yet another Spanish story...
One afternoon I was at the school helping with a pizza lunch and I was looking for somewhere to put all the pizza boxes. I asked the custodian where I should put them and he said to me, "I don't speak any English."
I smiled and said, "Well, that makes us a good team because I don't speak any Spanish."
He smiled and said, "Isn't that... 50/50?"
LOL...

Daddy's Future

2008-10-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

The other day 5 year old S and I were snuggling on the couch when the following conversation took place:

S: What is Daddy going to be when he grows up?

Mom: Well, how 'bout a pastor?

S: No! He's already a pastor!

Just Not What It Used to Be...

2008-10-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

My Dad had a doctor's appointment yesterday. He met with the doctor and then caught up with me in the waiting room. As we were getting on the elevator he snapped his fingers and said, "I forgot to ask her what I could take for my memory."

Bahahahahahaaaaaaa! I love him.

Sweet Tea, Please

2008-09-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

I love sweet tea. Well, even after three years of living in South Carolina- where sweet tea runs in the veins of many- I can't get into the syrupy sweetness of full "sweet" Sweet Tea, so I order my "sweet tea" half and half. That would be a glass of half unsweetened tea and half sweetened tea.

I recently bought myself an iced tea maker so that I can make my own iced tea to my own sweet liking. If I'm out and want to purchase a sweet tea, though, my favorite place to get it is at McDonald's. For only a dollar you walk away with a cup large enough to burst your bladder.

Yesterday things went terribly wrong with my sweet tea. Now, there is lots of scientific research money at work concerning perfection and the ratios of sugared tea to non sugared tea. I poured my own half tea and then half sweet tea, so I could have the exact ratio. I slapped on the lid, bit the wrapper off my straw, inserted the straw and headed for the table. I had a sip and got only unsweetened tea. So, I discreetly blew bubbles into my straw to "mix" the sweet tea (on top) with the unsweetened tea (on the bottom). (Ratio... ratio... ratio.) (Don't laugh about blowing bubbles in my drink. The kids didn't see me and it works!) I sampled again. No sweet anywhere. I sent my son to the drink counter to add in some sweet tea. I sipped again. Okay there is no sweet in the sweet tea.

I approach the counter. I notify the pregnant employee that there isn't any sugar in the sweet tea. (I always feel sorry for pregnant people working at stand up jobs. I told her I would go home and put my feet up just for her, but I digress.) She offers me sugar. Now, I don't mean to be rude, but doesn't everybody know that you can't add sugar after the ice? You get a crusty bottom and limited sweetness. Not to mention, a sandy texture going up your straw. Oh, you have to be so careful with the ratio... No, thank you, I don't want sugar.

She offers to fill my glass from the drive thru's sweet tea jug. That would be fine. Thank you.

She hands me back a full glass of tea and I put the lid on and head out the door. On the way home I am buckeled and safe and I take a long swig from my tea.

You know what she did, don't you? She poured out all my unsweetened tea and filled it to the brim with sweet tea! Ugh!

I really had no point in telling you this. I just want you to feel sorry for me because I didn't get any tea yesterday!

Thirsty Thursday: Fruit Tea

2008-09-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Technically, I've posted this recipe before, but it is just that good, friends! Hmmhmm and it is Thursday and I want to participate in Thirsty Thursday over at Ryann's blog. So brew up some tea and thank me later!

Fruit Tea
Make tea using 12 cups of water and 9 tea bags. Stir in 1 1/2 cups (more or less) of sugar. Let cool and add 1 12 ounce can of lemonade concentrate and 1 12 ounce can of pineapple orange juice concentrate. Makes a gallon or so.

Stick an umbrella in it and leave me a comment!

WFMW: Kids and Portion Control

2008-09-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Our family is really trying to be more health conscious. This morning my sister in law and I were discussing different (positive) changes we've made. Like many of you, we have switched to 1% milk (just can't do the skim, but 1% is good) and lower fat dairy products, we are eating more fruits and veggies, and we buy whole grain breads. We toss the kids outside for exercise.

One of the biggest areas for improvement has been portion control. And my sister in law and I discussed a few tips for helping kids (and maybe a grown up or two)...

Some of our children really want a second helping, whatever it is. Knowing that they are going to ask for a second helping, make the first helping smaller, sometimes a lot smaller.

Use a kid/small plate. I do use divided cafeteria trays, but it is easy to overfill these.

We try not to "drink calories". I try to only serve water or milk as beverages. The kids love to fill up their own water glass from the fridge door on their way to the dinner table. Even though milk and juice have nutritional value, once those nutritional needs are met for the day they are just drinking empty calories (for the most part...). Bellies are more full from a yogurt or apple than a glass of milk or apple juice.

Depending on the requested second helping, you can offer the choice of seconds or dessert. (And we are striving to serve low cal desserts- fruit, jell-o, lower fat ice cream and pudding.)

Fill 'em up on veggies and fruit. Serving a raw veggie (with low cal dip) or some fruit slices along with the dinner helps fill up that plate and their bellies. (And they like it better than a salad.)

Leave a comment and let me know what healthy changes you have made.

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.

This Little Piggy...

2008-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Got a toe ring! I know, I know, why in the world would you want to put a ring on an ugly toe, but for some odd reason I couldn't resist. Do you think toe rings lead to tatoos?

Thristy Thursday: Pink Lemonade Margaritas

2008-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

I found a little bit of blogging fun over at A Little Birdie Told Me. Ryann hosts a carnival called, Thirsty Thursday. Simple enough, I figured... just share a drink recipe. So here goes.
I found this recipe a few months ago on the Kraftfoods website. I love a good margarita, and I like pink lemonade so this was an easy winner for me. I make the "adult" version for the adults and my kids love the Pink Lemonade Slushies I make for them. (I also love that this recipe is made from Crystal Light... easy ingredient and no calories...)

Bust open a bag of chips with salsa, leave a comment and then head on over to A Little Birdie Told Me for a yummy pumpkin latte recipe. Just like Starbucks, I hear.

PINK LEMONADE MARGARITAS

1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Pink Lemonade Drink Mix
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. lime juice

tequila (to yoru liking or not at all :) )
5 cups crushed ice

Mix the drink mix, water, orange juice, lime juice and tequila (maybe...) in the blender. Add in the ice and blend until slushy consistency of your dreams. Makes 4 or 5 drinks.

WFMW: 5 Minutes Peace

2008-09-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Our family is one bumbling mess of testosterone-driven knees, elbows and loose teeth, but, I can tell you what will buy me 5 minutes of peace. (Okay. "Peace" is really a stretch here, what I really mean is 5 minutes where most people behave and no one gets an eye put out.)

Back to that peace I enjoy. You can get it with a deck of cards! That is right. I've taught the boys to play Go Fish! and Garbage and we (all the boys and at least one adult) can enjoy a game together. They aren't quite ready to play alone yet, but if I can play with them they are happy and cooperative little card sharks.

And, folks, let me remind you that cards are so portable. That deck has given us some fun times at the beach, the park, waiting for supper, and even while waiting way too long to see the doctor.

Leave a comment and I'd love to hear about any card games that your kiddos enjoy.

Try-It-Tuesday: Carmelized French Onion Soup

2008-09-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the positive aspects of my brother's untimely death is that I am paying more attention to my diet and exercise habits. I think I have functioning from under a bit of an ignorance cave about my own heart health and genetic disposition to bad heart health.
Let's face it. I've known it all along. Every member of my family whose ever died, has died from a heart attack. But I'm too young for that. I have too much estrogen surging through my veins for that. I eat too many donuts to outlive that.
I've been pumping up my vegetable and fruit consumption and I've found a new place to do my walks, so I've lost 3 pounds. (Yippee. Skippy!) That is good. Gotta have a high five for that! I've also looked for new recipes new products to try. After all, I need to find some low calorie finds to enjoy as much as those chocolate dipped pretzel crisps. ;)
A few weeks ago, when I was stocking up for Hurricane Ike, I bought a few soups for myself. Soup can be a filling and flavorful meal for little calories and fat. I noticed that Campbell's has a new line of soups- Select Harvest, that are just what I was looking for! I chose the caramelized French onion variety.

I love French onion soup. What isn't to love... all those simmered onions, rich beef broth, a blanket of bubbly white, cheese, and a large crouton?

Now, I know the low-cal soup wasn't going to have the bit of bread or all that gooey cheese, but I was looking forward to the beef and onion-y richness. And I was disappointed. It had an odd flavor. I'm not sure what the deal was, but I couldn't eat it. It was full of onions and the broth was a deep, clear brown, but I didn't like the flavor.

Sorry. I'm hoping the other flavors are better! Look here to see all the flavors. Give 'em a try and let me know which one I should try next!

And head on over to Mrs. Who's blog to see what other people have given a try this week.

Buddies!

2008-09-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today A received a card from a buddy in South Carolina. A misses his friend and he sure is glad that B prays for him. Here are two pictures from the last time these boys were together. B had given A this cool South Carolina cap that he loves. Check your mailbox soon, B and have a good birthday!

Further Proof That I've Lost My Mind

2008-09-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

So there I was in the pediatrician's office. All three boys. Sanity lost, I tell ya.

First, we had to wait in the waiting room for an hour. In all my history of pediatricians (this move makes a 5th doctor for 8 year old A) I always have to wait an hour in the waiting room. I'm not clear why this is true, but it is. It seems to me that an office manager would be able to book appointments so that they didn't consistently overlap. She could also probably leave a few openings for those sick kids needing an appointment right now. But, hey, I am not an office manager and I have zero experience with doctors' offices. Working in them, anyway.

Back to the waiting part. It was brilliant. I'm polishing my fingernails on my chest right now just remembering how prepared I was for this part. I had GameBoys and I-pods for the first part of the waiting since I knew I would be signing away any chances at a lawsuit and copying my phone number 33 times.

I brought a deck of cards for when I was finished with all the paperwork. We played a few rounds of Go Fish! while waiting. I tell ya the whole waiting room was in on the Go Fish! action. I guess I'd never realized how many adults had never played the fun kids' game.

In the middle of round three of the card playing they called us in the back. Now, I was preparing myself for the quick height/weight/blood pressure thing followed by another half an hour wait in the 4x4 cell. I was pleasantly surprised! The doctor spoke to me in his office while the boys were taken one by one into a 4x4 cell for the assessments. Then we moved to the exam. And the doctor was great.

In the past I've been told to bring all three boys at once, but the doctors couldn't always swing it. Many of them could not carry on a conversation with me while the boys did what it is that three boys do together after an hour of waiting room boredom...touch each other... poke, stick, punch, pinch, gouge, tousle, flick, slap, hit, rub, tap...

Anyway, this doctor could do it! He even could talk to me and answer their questions... What's this? What do you use this for? Can I have this? Do you like Spiderman or Superman?

So, we're outta here, right? Sure. D just needs a shot and all three will need lab work- the peeinacup and some blood drawn. (I had assured them that this was a "meet the doc" visit and I thought they were all up to date on shots. In SC they were.) 8(

Alright, then. D gets his shot and that was cool. Cooler than anticipated. Go, Nurse!

We move on to the Peeinacup. Now, A had already taken care of this. While in the waiting room he had to use the washroom, so a nurse took him back and got his sample. Done.

A waits in the hallway while I take two cups and D and S into the bathroom. Deep breath. There are no labels, pens, tape, markers. Just two cups and two lids. Okay. I can handle this.

D pees everywhere. Cup, shorts, toilet, floor, leg, shoes.

Being the prepared mother I am I actually have another pair of his shorts in my bag. I back out the door (I didn't have it shut all the way since A was in the hallway) and ask A to hand me the spare shorts.

He spies the cup in my hand and says, "Hey, Mom. It feels hot like when you bring Dad a cup of coffee, doesn't it?" Yeah, right, give me the shorts.

I give D the fresh shorts, but he can't move since he is in a, well, it isn't actually a puddle of pee, but you know what I mean. I reach for paper towels. None. Fancy hand blowers. I guess people put paper towels in the toilet and we just can't have that anymore. I venture out into the hall for help, with my two cups of unlabeled pee. I'm repeating to myself, "S in the left, D in the right."

The children are now miles behind me stuck in a pee mess discussing why pee is as hot as coffee while I traipse around with two cups of pee unable to find anyone to help me. Just peachy. My hair is all over the place, I have sweat on my upper lip, my left eye won't open all the way and my shirt has ridden up in the back. S in the left, D in the right.

Finally. Some help. She takes paper towels and starts the cleanup. D gets changed and we make our way to the lab. S in the left, D in the right.

The boys plop down while I stand holding our lab offering. S in the left, D in the right. The lab lady comes around and gets the stuff ready for sticking the boys. Can I put these down? Sure. S in the left, D in the right. Phew. I feel my blood pressure ease a bit. My left eye opens. I straighten my shirt.

The calm before the storm...

A has his finger stuck and then the little tube of blood filled. Not a huge deal. He does beautifully, for which I am thankful because that isn't always his style.

The other two, however, quickly decide that this is the scariest thing they've ever seen and begin to protest (loudly) and run for cover.

I'm pulling them from under the chairs, rubbing their backs, pushing them closer to the lab chair, lying profusely/encouraging them (it only takes a moment, you'll be okay, it only hurts a little bit, you'll live...) to no avail. I eventually wind up doing my best to restrain them while the lab lady does what it is she does.

The screaming and gnashing of teeth continues. The howling and crying carries on. D moans, "Why do they need all this bloooooooood for one little testtttttttttttt?" People stop and stare. The lady who helped D fan out his cards in the waiting room stops by to console him. Children stop to show their own "war scars" and I begin to wonder how much ice cream is actually in a container of Haagan Daaz.

Okay. We're done. Bedazzled in band aids we leave.

The doctor's office called. They didn't get enough blood from D.

WFMW: Our Chore Charts

2008-09-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked you, my blogger friends, how you deal with kids and chores. Thank you for all your answers and great tips; you gave me tons of inspiration! Today I want to share what works for us!

I started with a plastic clothes hanger and a bag of cheap clothespins. On each clothespin I wrote one of the things that has to be done as part of either Morning Routine or the Before Bed Routine. (Get dressed, brush teeth, feed cats, homework, put on pj's, etc.) I then clipped all the Morning Routine things on the top left side of the hanger and all the Before Bed Routine clips to the top right side of the hanger. As each boy completes a clothespin task he moves the clothespin to the bottom of the hanger.

*One of the things we really struggle with is being cheerful rather than grumpy, whiny, disgruntled, etc. so one of the clips on both sides (Morning and Before Bed) says, "Be Cheerful."

Each boy has his own hanger and I duplicated most of the clothespins for each boy, but some are unique to them. For instance, D feeds the cats, S sets the table and A empties the dish washer. I also have one clothespin that says, "Kitchen helper" and that clothespin moves from hanger to hanger. (If the kitchen helper clothespin is on your hanger than you get to help mom cook that day.) * I included a small, badly drawn doodle to help the non reader know which clothespins what for what job.

They aren't paid for any of these clothespins.

Now, in a mug I have a bunch of extra chores that can be done for money. Wash windows, sweep under the table, wipe down bathroom counters, bring the garbage can from the curb, sort recycling, etc. These clothespins are clipped to the outside of a mug. If A chooses a chore from the mug he does it and clips the clip to his hanger and that night I will trade his chore clothespin for a dollar sign clothespin that will stay on his hanger until Pay!! Day!!

How much wampum? A dime a chore!

Leave a comment and then head on over to Rocks in My Dryer to see more great tips about everything!

Try-It-Tuesday: Pretzel Crisps

2008-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when I was a kindergarten teacher in Canada, I discovered that the other teachers (and a large portion of the older-than-kindy student population) loved me because of my snacks. I served snacks to my students and I would SHARE with others (mostly pregnant teachers and gawky eighth graders). When we left Canada I was even serenaded with a song written just for me where I was labeled, "The Snack Queen."

I'm telling you this so you understand that I love a good snack. Take me seriously because I know a good snack when I eat it. Now, pay attention because I'm about to introduce you to my newest and favoritest snack. Pretzel crisps.

Pretzel Crisps are wonderful, thin, crisp cracker thingies. (You knew they were going to be thin and crisp, didn't you?) If you could smash a pretzel into a cracker/chip you would be the makers of Pretzel Crisps. This healthy treat is sold in the deli section of your grocery store and comes in different flavors. They look great with a sandwich. (Or just scarfed from the bag...)

Their website (http://www.pretzelcrisps.com/) says you can drag them in dip or stack them high with cracker toppings, but I've only crunched 'em plain. The "Everything" flavor is my standard (I hesitate to say "favorite"... see below), and the boys like the Buffalo wing and mustard flavors the best.

Just a word of warning: If you are not the snack-sharing-kind I suggest you get the chocolate dipped Pretzel Crisps and hide in the closet!!

When you're done with your snack run on over to Mrs. Who's and see what other people have tried this Tuesday!

Just Another Day...

2008-09-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

... in South Florida.
Hurricane Prepared.

Since Ike is not coming to blow off our roof and leave us without electricity, can I offer you a can of sardines, a bottle of water or a fresh pack of C batteries??

Great. Can you help me take down the hurricane shutters?

WFMW: Kids and Chores

2008-09-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

This week's Works for Me Wednesday is a bit different from the normal tip-giving fiesta over at Shannon's . Yes, this week I am asking for your best tips. Specifically, your best suggestions about kids and chores.

My renewed search for kids' chore suggestions is three-fold... Our new house is much larger than the last one and I'm finding it more challenging to "keep up". My kids are older now (8, 6, 5) and they have the muscle to do a few jobs around the house. And the responsibility is good for them. ;)

Yeah, all that good stuff and my friend MaryLu had a terrific chore chart on her website that has motivated me.

So, go ahead tell me what works for you! How do you keep track of each kid and their specific chore? Do the chores change or rotate? Gotta chore chart or chore jar that works for you? Do you praise or pay for jobs completed? How many chores do the kiddos complete? Weekly or daily list?

Try-It-Tuesday: Strawberry Shredded Wheat

2008-09-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled across a fun blog, Iknowwhereyoucanfindit.blogspot.com. Mrs. Who hosts a fun carnival called, Try-It-Tuesday. I couldn't wait until Tuesday because I love to try new things, especially new food items. Slap "NEW" on a box and it might just find it's way into my grocery cart.
This week I tried a new breakfast cereal, Shredded Wheat with strawberries. It was buy-one-get-one-free at Publix, it has strawberries in it and it has 6 grams of fiber for 1 1/4 serving. So, I'm saying it screamed at me from the shelf.
I loved the cereal! The freeze-dried strawberries were both bits in the mini shredded wheat "biscuits" and sliced pieces in the bowl. The milk softened them up a bit and they were very tasty. All that tart/sweetness you want in a strawberry. The shredded wheat was, well, all the "wheat-y" you want in a high fiber cereal and who doesn't need that?
Now, if only I could convince the boys that it is grown up cereal!! Hands off, Hooligans!

Leave a comment and then head on over to Iknowwhereyoucanfindit.blogspot.com for more reviews of all sorts of things. Or, hey, have you tried anything new that you'd like to give a review?

WFMW: Photo Reminder

2008-08-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

When my mother died 7 years ago I realized that I had very few "good" photos of her. Most of my pictures that included my mom were action shots (her looking at the baby or opening a present) or group photos. I then decided that I was going to take lots of pictures of my dad just being my dad and my kids' grandpa. And thankfully, I have lots. :)

Well, with my brother's untimely passing I realize that I should take more "good" photos of ALL the important people in my life. Since Jim was an active dad (and uncle) many of the pictures of him are of his back or side... holding someone, fixing a racetrack, or helping one of the kids to bowl a strike. I also wish I had more pictures of him "just because."

Here is the last photo taken of my brother (and some of my cute family). We'd stopped at my favorite restaurant close to my brother's house and I took this photo "just because".

So, what I hope will work for you this Wednesday is to take lots of pictures of ALL your loved ones, including yourself!

Leave a comment and then head over to Shannon's blog, Rocks in My Dryer, to see more Works for Me Wednesday tips!

A New School Year

2008-08-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tropical Storm Fay couldn't keep us away from school for too long! A few days delayed, but here are photos from the boys' first day of school.

A Celebration of Life

2008-08-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been very sureal. And, although it doesn't happen often in life... I'm left with little to say. Or maybe, little to type without crying. My brother passed on Friday, August 8.

But I feel the need to focus on what I've been given rather than what I've lost. Through God's grace I had 37 years with a fabulous brother. Tonight we will gather to celebrate his life.
We truly are being held up by God's strength. Thank you, in advance, for continuing to pray for our family and especially for my brother's daughters and his wife. Please also remember in your prayers the three men who received organs donated from Jim.

Continue to pray.

2008-08-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite photos of my brother. :)

We Interupt this Blog...

2008-08-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

For a Prayer Request...

Please pray for my older brother. He is in the hospital after having a heart attack on Saturday night.

I really don't have time to give too many details, but Jim is fairly young (44) and the father of 3 delightful girls. Please pray for a complete recovery and for peace as the family waits for more details.

Here is a picture of my older brother (left), my younger brother, myself, and my dad. This was taken last November.

Settling In...

2008-07-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

We're settling in. We have found the Target and the Publix. We've played in the beach (South Beach, at that!) and two different playgrounds. I've driven to the boys' school to see if I could find it. (It takes about 30 minutes to get there, even though it isn't that far away.) I've driven on the freeway down here and despite getting cut off by a police man I think we survived. (The whole "monkey bus" cheered when I crossed four lanes of traffic in less than a mile to make it to the Dunkin' Donuts exit!)

The church is just fine. They've been very generous to us and have helped us move in. Chris was installed last Sunday and the service was nice. We were blessed that an old pastor friend was able to come down and do the sermon for the service. It was nice to see a familiar face. The parsonage is lovely and it is about twice the house we used to have. While I'm loving all the neat little details of this house (hardwood floors, huge master closet, gigantic kitchen, and hot tub in the Florida room) it just occurred to me that it will be twice the effort to keep clean!!
The yard is huge and full of all sorts of tropical fruit trees.. so I can use any recipes for mangoes and avocados. It is also full of all sorts of new and exciting creatures from crab spiders and locusts to lizards and iguanas.
The boys are enjoying the extra spaces to play and Aaron loves that he doesn't have to share his bedroom anymore. They've enjoyed riding their bikes and scooters in the church parking lot. We have to wait until just about bedtime to ride bikes, though, because it is so warm during the day.

Well, I'm off to break down another box...

We're Here!

2008-07-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

We made it!! We are in our new house and loving it!
Our trip down was uneventful, for which we are thankful.
Most of our things made it out of the moving van unscathed. Some things now have a scar from moving, but a little of that is expected, I guess.
When we were almost here we turned off the turnpike because it was so crowded, thinking we could find our way. (Hhhhaaaaaaaaaahahhhhhhahaha...) We stopped to use the restrooms and to ask for directions, but in the traffic hubby went one way and I went another. Then I saw him zip by and I followed him. I called him on the cell phone and said, "OK, I'm right behind you." Then I did get right behind him at a stop light. Hey, where is all the stuff in the back? Hey, where is my son? Hey, That isn't my husband!! That's right I followed somebody else's husband for miles out of my way.
Anyway, tell me why it is that when you are lost you are never lost in a gated community? I always find myself lost in THAT section of town. You know tattoo parlors, half dressed women, bars on the windows and stores that D asked what kinds of "toys" they were selling.
Phew, anyway. We're here.

MOOOOOO

2008-07-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Ving Day!! Please pray for safe travel and smooth transitions!!

Did You Miss Me?

2008-07-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

We're home from a spectacular vacation...
I know you want to see some pictures, but I'm going to bed!! The next few days will be busy, busy, crazy busy, but I'm going to try to get some photos up.

WFMW: 5 or Less Recipes

2008-07-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Now, who doesn't love a quick recipe? I really love a recipe that has just a few already-in-your-cupboard ingredients. And, hey, I don't mind if it is tasty, too!

This week's Works for Me Wednesday entry is for recipes that have 5 or less ingredients, so here are a few of my favorites and for an apple dip I've not tried yet, but boy it looks yummy! Shannon, over at Rocks in My Dryer has more recipes links you'll want to try!

Toffee Apple Dip

1/2 bag of Heath Toffee Bits

1 block of Cream Cheese

1 tablespoon Vanilla

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of brown sugar

Mix well and serve with green apples soaked in pineapple juice.

Meatball Bubble Biscuits

can of biscuits (12 oz can), each biscuit separated in half

10 frozen meatballs, thawed and cut in half (gasp! I never eat these things, I am a homemade meatball kinda gal, but for this recipe they really work!)

2 sticks of string cheese (cut into 10 pieces)

Italian seasoning & garlic powder & Parmesan cheese (Look, if I write it all on one line you can count that as one ingredient, right?)

Marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 375. Squash each biscuit half flat and thin. Place a meatball half and a piece of string cheese into the biscuit half and seal it up. Place it seam side down into a round, ungreased pan. Sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning & garlic powder & Parmesan cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Butter Pecan Bundt Cake

1 box of butter pecan cake mix

1 can of coconut pecan icing

3 eggs

3/4 cup oil

1 cup water

Put all ingredients in a bowl and stir until moistened. Then beat with a mixer for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until done. Cool for 15 minutes and flip onto plate. FABULOUSLY moist and delicious.

Fruit Tea

Make tea using 12 cups of water and 9 tea bags. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Let cool and add 1 12 ounce can of lemonade concentrate and 1 12 ounce can of pineapple orange juice concentrate.

Zoo Food

Dried banana chips ~monkey food

Craisins (dried cranberries) ~bear food

Goldfish crackers ~crocodile food

Sunflower seeds ~bird food

Serve the zoo food in a flat-bottomed ice cream cone.

CHEESE DANISH

Ingredients:

2-8 ounce cans of crescent rolls

1-8 ounce package of cream cheese ( not low-fat )

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp almond or vanilla extract

cinnamon and sugar (I'm not counting those as "ingredients" since they are just sprinkled on and not measured ;) )

Filling: Beat together cream cheese, egg, sugar and extract. Butter or spray a 9x13 and spread a can of the rolls in prepared pan and up the sides, being sure to close all seams. Pour filling into the crust and then cover with the other can of crescent rolls. Seal well and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350* for about 20 minutes

Amish Chicken and Noodles

cooked, chopped chicken (1 cup to 2 cups)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 to 2 cans chicken broth (depends how much "gravy" you like.)

cooked noodles (I cook up a whole bag)

mashed potatoes

Mix the cooked chicken, mushroom soup and broth and simmer. Stir in the cooked noodles. Season to your liking (salt, pepper, garlic, parsley) and serve it over the mashed potatoes.

*I know, I know. Isn't that a carb nightmare? Why, yes it is, but just trust me on this. Yummy... And go eat your salad!!

Happy Canada Day!

2008-06-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

When my hubs and I were first married we lived in Canada. (Those were very happy years, eh?) I miss things about living there... all seasoned potato chips, Smarties, Pirogi, cabbage rolls, penne, Tim Horton's donuts, German baked goods, hot tea served at church dinners, etc. And all sorts of other food experiences, apparently. (Really, sweet Canadian friends, you know I miss you, too!)
I was talking to a friend the other day and I asked her if she had a recipe for Nanaimo Bars. These are delightful little treats that were occasionally on the dessert trays at church functions. Named for a Canadian city... they have a chocolate-coconut-nutty base, a middle layer of pudding or custard flavored icing, and a layer of chocolate. She said she didn't have a recipe. Well, a quick search on the Internet and viola... a recipe! This recipe is from About.com, I've just added my suggestions and comments.
I'm whipping up a batch of these tasty treats in honor of Canada Day, July 1. Let's celebrate in a yummy way, eh?

Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients:
24 squares graham crackers, crushed
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I think any nut would work here. I believe almonds are the most traditional choice.)

1 stick butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 egg, unbeaten

4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 packet (3 tablespoons) Bird's dessert powder, or use (3 T) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
.
4 one-ounce squares semisweet chocolate
1 T butter

Preparation:
Thoroughly grease 9-inch square pan and line with foil. (I used the quick release foil.)

In large ziploc bag, combine graham crackers, coconut and nuts.

In medium pan over very low heat slowly melt the stick of butter. Remove from heat and add the 1/4 cup sugar and the 1/4 cup cocoa. To avoid scrambling the egg, pour a tiny bit of cocoa mixture over the egg and beat. Do this a few times until the temp of the egg is roughly the same as the temperature of the cocoa mixture. (This isn't hard at all.) Beat the egg mixture into the cocoa mixture and add the crumb & nut blend. Spread and press in pan and chill.

In mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons butter, powdered sugar, dessert powder or instant pudding powder, vanilla, and milk; beat to blend well. Spread on chilled bottom layer. Chill.

Combine semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter, melt over hot water or in microwave. Spread chocolate over pudding layer. Mark small squares before chocolate sets. Chill. (I didn't have chocolate squares, so I just eye-balled the chocolate amount using chocolate chips. I wanted enough to cover the pudding layer completely.)

Remove from pan and cut with a large knife. Wipe the knife with warm water and dry between cuts to avoid breaking the chocolate layer.

Is That a Milk Mustache?

2008-06-29T06:45:00.001-07:00

Anyone else get a little twitchy when the milk cap goes missing? Urg!

Meme Fun!

2008-06-27T16:43:00.001-07:00

Cookie Madness is one of my favorite blogs. Yummy recipes for baked goods and entertaining blogging all by Anna. I saw this meme on her blog and had to participate!

1) LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER. The Veggies Tales Movie about lazy pirates. I'll admit that I was disappointed. I long for the days when The Veggies Tales took a bible story and made it "vegetarian". Ah, hey, the movie was free and the popcorn was salty.

2) WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? To My Dearest Friends. I'm not too far into it, and to be honest, with moving preparations I really am lacking the attention span it takes to read a sentence, let alone a whole novel.

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME? Scrutinize. Very fun game that includes a timer and speed. I'll admit a little quirk about myself here... I'm not a huge fan of board games. And mostly it is because I can't stand to wait while you realize that it is your turn. PAY ATTENTION! That, and I hate to explain the rules.

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE? OOh, OOH, I love magazines! Glossy pages and articles that can be read in random, quick order. Scrapbooks, Etc. is my favorite scrapbooking magazine. I'll read just about any momma-friendly magazine... Taste of Home, Family Circle, Better Homes, Victoria...

5) FAVORITE SMELLS? Hands down... wedding cake. I am certain that Heaven will smell like wedding cake. I also like lemon, oranges, apples, cinnamon, cookies, and chocolate. I like toilets that smell like Pinesol and clothes that smell like Cheer & Downy and babies that smell like that pink Johnson & Johnson baby wash. The only flower smell that breaks up my cleanser/food fragrances is lilacs.

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS? A can of Diet Pepsi being opened, S laughing, A giggling, and D guffawing, cats purring, kids playing in the pool.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? Being lost.

8)WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE? Should I really be having a Diet Pepsi this early? Is there any orange juice? Who's all awake and how much tv have they had?

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE? Chick-Fil-A.

10) FUTURE CHILDS NAME? Ellen has always been the name we've picked for a baby girl. I like Rebecca and Libby, as well. If we had another boy (and-you-know-it-would-be-a-boy) we might name him Micha Jay.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’d… get my nails done, give more to church/missions, travel...

12) DO U DRIVE FAST? a little fast. Just a bit. Not too much. That would be reckless.

13) DO U SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? No, but don't mess with my blankets!

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY? Cool.

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? A 1972 red VolksWagon Super Bettle.

16) FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Pepsi.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD… paint my nails, organize my closets, scrapbook, clean, blog, sleep, exercise, etc...

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI? yes.

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE? I would love to add some blonde highlights.

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS U HAVE LIVED IN. Huntington, Fort Pierce, St. Paul, Windsor, Bowling Green, Fort Wayne, Oviedo, Greenwood, and MovingOnceAgain

21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None.

22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Since I saw this on The Cookie Madness Blog I have to tell you that Anna puts up a new cookie recipe just about everyday. Now that is cookie baking inspiration, folks!

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED? Dust Gorillas.

24) WOULD U LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN?? The other options pale in comparison... ;)

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? Night owl. Oh, how I wish I were a morning person...

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP? Scrambled

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? in the corner seat of our sectional sofa. I'm looking forward to relaxing on the enclosed porch at our new place, though.

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? I want to rattle of the name of some deliciously loaded chocolate ice cream full of bits of nuts and brownies, etc, but I usually buy vanilla and then I can doctor it according to my whims... oreos, caramel, chocolate sauce, mini M&M's, sprinkles, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, brownie bits, etc. (...Not all at once, people...)

30) OF ALL THE PEOPLE U HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST? I'm not sure, but here are some wonderful blogs! If you want to enjoy some meme fun, as well, leave me a comment, so I can come see how much we have in common.

With an Angel on My Shoulder
All Rolled into One
Here at Our House
Pilgrims at Ashley Avenue
Three-Girl Circus

Ace of Cakes

2008-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Isn't calling.

Let's backtrack...

A few days ago a friend asked if I would bake a cake for her daughter's third birthday. A cute occasion for a cake! I told my friend that I can bake a cake, but I'm not a cake decorator. She insisted that a simple, chocolate pound cake was what she wanted to serve her guests. Maybe some baking M&M's baked in for decoration.

Okay. I'm your girl. I load up Matilda. (She's my mixer. She lives on my counter so she deserves a name!) All goes well. Lovely recipe, beautiful baking in the oven, fabulous smell in the house. I cool the cake and go to flip her out on the serving tray.

Nothing! Nope. Nada. Not a budge. Twist. Shake. Do the Come-Out-of-the-Pan dance. PLOP! Ugh. The M&M's had sunk to the bottom of the cake (actually the top when you do the whole flip thing) and were sticking to the pan. Badly.

I tried whipping up some glaze to cover the blotched surface of the cake. Bahahahahah-haha.

I was distraught! How could this happen? If I were baking that cake for Nogoodreason it would have been a beauty, but this was quite possiblly the ugliest cake ever.

Then I got the giggles! What else could I do? The cake was a flop. Ace of Cakes isn't calling. The grocery store had a sale on chocolate creme cakes. And Alli is a very cute three year old! (BTW, it tastes absolutely delish!)

Birthday Boy

2008-06-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

Now, who doesn't love a birthday? Last Sunday A turned 8! Maybe he'll share some of his riches with me. Maybe his brothers can distract him with a movie or video game while I snatch all the bucks... Never mind. I guess I'll just have a piece of that yummy cookie!

I wanted to add: When he opened the present from Grandma and Grandpa in WI the box was a toaster box. We all knew that the present was NOT a toaster, and we teased him about the box. "A toaster??? What are you going to do with a toaster?" He, ever so diplomatic, replied, "It is a FOUR slice toaster!" :)

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Boxes

2008-06-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

We are on the hunt for BOXES because we are moving!! In less than a month our family will be moving to Florida! I've spent hours boxing, sorting and moving our junk, I mean stuff. And trust me, it is more fun when some friends come over and sort through your high school yearbooks and kill the black widow spider with you, rather than doing all the hauling alone!
Thanks to all my buddies!

Summer Fun!

2008-06-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

I was over at My Little Corner and saw her summer meme. I couldn't wait to participate. Feel free to have a little summer fun over at your blog, too!

5 Things I Love about Summer:

Birthdays!
Playing at the park
Fresh strawberries, peaches and blackberries
Free movies at the local movie theater
Swimming

5 Things I Hate about Summer

Heat
Humidity
Bugs (You'd think with three boys somebody would be killing the bugs besides me!!)
No paycheck
Late bedtimes for the kiddos

June Joys...

2008-06-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

I love the beginning of June. School ends, baseball ends and it is my birthday.

WMFW: Off with the Sheet!

2008-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

For Sale: Three used top sheets! Various styles available... Scooby Doo, Cars, stripes. Slight wear from washing. Wrinkly from storage under the comforter.

I've wanted to cut down on the amount of stuff on the boys' beds so that they can manage their own bed making. The boys loved piling on their stuffed animals (by themselves), so I tried removing their top sheets. (The top sheets were hardly used anyway!) They now pull up the comforter. Straighten the pillow and pile on the stuffed animals.

Find out what works for other bloggers over at Shannon's blog, Rocks in My Dryer!

Miami Photos!

2008-05-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago we were invited to visit Miami. We had such a wonderful time on our mini vacation. The boys LOVED being on the plane. We let them sit together in one row while hubby and I sat behind them. The young woman sitting next to me said, "Wow. My parents would never have allowed my brothers and I to sit together. We would have been separated!" A, D, and S did well being together. :)

"What's that button for?" D asked.

The boys loved the beaches and pools that we visited.

We always find some fun playground equipment to burn off excess energy!

The boys tried new foods at a seafood restaurant and a Cuban restaurant.

Counting Down

2008-05-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

At school today one of my student's parents shared the following conversation:

Kindergarten Student: Mom, there are only 28 days of school left.
Mom: Are you counting down?
K Student: No, but my teacher is!!!

Triple Hit Brownies

2008-04-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

I'm baking for an upcoming bake sale and I thought I would share the recipe for the most amazing bake sale goodie ever.

Triple Hit Brownies

1 boxed brownie mix (9x13 size)
and all the ingredients to whip that up... I use the extra egg version, but that is me, I like a more cake-y brownie.

Follow the directions on the box and bake the brownie mix up in a 9x 13. About 2 minutes before it is finished cover the brownies with a bag (10.5 ounce) of mini marshmallows. Return to the oven for those last few minutes. Allow to cool completely.

After your brownies are cool mix the following ingredients over low heat:

1 and 1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter

When the mixture is smooth remove from the heat and stir in 2 cups crisped rice cereal. Spread or glop the mixture over the marshmallow layer. Allow to set. (I put mine in the fridge.) Cut only after the bars are cold or you will have a mess on your hands. A delicious mess, but a mess!

Go ahead. Say it. Goddess. Goddess. Goddess!

WFMW: Teacher Appreciation

2008-04-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

2, 4, 6, 8
Who do we appreciate?
Teachers! Teachers!!

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Your child's teacher will feel so appreciated if you remember him or her in a special way.

I usually treat my boys' teachers (and assistants) to a special homemade treat. They tell me what to bake and I bake it and deliver it.

This year I am also helping the PTO at A and D's school come up with some ideas to brighten each day. For instance we might give out little snack bags of chips with a note attached that reads, "You're all that and a bag of chips." Another idea might be to wrap up a can of soup with a note that says, "Thanks for being soup-er!"

The teachers will also enjoy one breakfast and one lunch, courtesy of the PTO. Plus we'll have giveaways. I'd also like to see us put out a banner in the cafeteria so the kids can do a little teacher appreciation graffiti.

Any teacher would love a note of heart-felt appreciation.

Thanking a teacher works for me. Find out what works for other bloggers over at Shannon's blog, Rocks in My Dryer!

Ice Cream, Anyone?

2008-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love ice cream?
I just entered a contest over at Table for Five. The winner receives a year's supply of Reddi-wip and Ben and Jerry's. Mmmm. Whipped cream and ice cream. Gotta have something to enjoy while wearing my flip flops!
You have until April 29th to get over there and enter for yourself!

Flip Flop Mama!

2008-04-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've never liked flip flops. I really hate anything stuck between my toes. And I don't really like looking at my ugly feet. Like I said, I'm not a huge fan of flip flops.

Now, I always buy my boys a new pair for the summer. There was even a post last summer about S' flip flops, but I've not owned a pair since high school... at least.

I really want something easy for the trips to the pool and beach, but I just can't bring myself to waddle around (because that is how I walk with plastic shoved between my toes) with flip flops.

My friend, Susan (the one that lives close to me) and my teaching assistant, Patty, both tell me that I just need to buy better flops that use ribbon or cloth for the thingie between the toe. Yeah, right.

Then I found these. Notice the ribbon between the toe thingie. Notice the cushy sole. (There is even some tread on that sole). And, I might add that this is the first thing I've ever bought that is Carolina Girl. (For those of you out of the state of SC that means it has the palmetto tree and crescent moon on it.)

And, extra bonus... these exactly match my bathing suit... chocolate brown and turquoise. (The pic isn't great. The suit really is brown and the dots are tiny. And my hair isn't that long. :) )

I guess I'm going to be a Flip Flop Mama, after all!

(I bought the flops at a local shop, but I did find them online at judyellenboutique.com. How cool is that?!)

WFMW: Put a Hamper on Animal Abundance!

2008-04-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Too many stuffed animals roaming the closets and floors of your family zoo? Put a hamper on animal abundance! Take the stuffed animals out of those "holding cages" (re: laundry baskets or other flat, open box) and move them to new, more secure "habitats" (re:hampers).

Each one of my zookeepers (re: sons) now has a stand up hamper like this one for his stuffed animals. No more animal escapage!! (The vertical walls and lid might have something to do with that...) The three habitats stand nicely in along the short wall of the closet, ahem, I mean zoo.

Please leave a comment and then head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW tips.

Seasons Change...

2008-04-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Does This Make Me a Soccer Mom?

2008-03-30T17:28:00.001-07:00

WFMW: Party-in-a-Bag

2008-03-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites things to do for kids' parties is what I call, "Party-in-a-Bag."

I take a party favor bag and put in:

a drink (juice box, Caprisun, or mini bottled water)
a fruit cup (or applesauce, or apple slices-to-go) and spoon
a food "treat" (little bag of chips, granola bar, pudding cup, or a snack cake)

a toy "treat" (funny sunglasses, a mini slinky, a tiny coloring book, etc.)

a festive napkin

These Party Bags are fun and easy to distribute and the kids love them. The kids open the bags to enjoy a snack together and take home whatever they don't eat. You can easily supplement the "Party-in-a-Bag" with a slice of pizza or a hunk of birthday cake.

Please leave a comment and then head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW tips.

My wild and crazy boys at a friend's birthday party a few weeks ago.

Christ, He Has Risen!

2008-03-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

He has risen, indeed!

A little Easter basket fun. The boys were so excited to find that thier baskets weren't baskets at all, but baseball gloves filled with Easter treats. (S's carrot bat and pea ball is my favorite!)

A little egg hunting at church...
Dinner with friends.

...and this cute peeps cake. A littel Easter egg hunt bounty from the hunt at my friend's house.

But, my favorite photo of the day is this one!

Easter Dinner...(Updated with pics!)

2008-03-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Our family is planning on dining at a friend's tomorrow, but we are brining along a few contributions for the Easter dinner. I am making a Highlands salad and a layered mocha cheesecake.

I've no clue if the salad recipe actually came from the Highlands, but I tasted this yummy salad at a teacher's luncheon and begged for the recipe. So, here it is.

Highlands Salad

Combine in a large salad bowl and chill until ready to serve:
1 medium head green leaf lettuce, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1 avocado, chopped (a little lemon juice will keep it from browning)
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
1/4 cupe dried cranberries
1/2 cup blue cheese (I use crumbled feta)

Mix Dressing and pour over salad when ready to serve:
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup oil (I used a little olive and canola oils)
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

Toast 1/2 cup slivered almonds and 3 Tbsp sugar (small frying pan over low heat) until the sugar dissolves and the nuts are toasty. Top your dressed salad with these nuts.

I also made a layered mocha cheesecake and you can find that recipe here.

New Hair Products?

2008-03-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Me: What's wrong with your hair, D?
D: I don't know. Maybe toothpaste?

WFMW: Watcha Readin'?

2008-03-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

I heart me some Works for Me Wednesdays. Every week Shannon at, Rocks in My Dryer hosts a huge list of tip givers anxious to share their best tips. Oh, everything from potty training to cheap breakfast recipes...

Once in a while Shannon stirs up the dryer a bit with a Backwards Works for Me Wednesday. In this case, the tip givers are tip seekers.

So, as tonight's Tip Seeker I'm looking for book recommendations. I love to read and I'm always on the lookout for a good book, so Hit me with your best book! Watcha readin'? Don't be shy, I'll take any recommendation- fiction, non-fiction, Christian, secular, novels, books for me, books for the boys, parenting books, cookbooks, coffee table books, how-to books,...

Eager readers want to know...

You Want Me to Sleep Where?

2008-03-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend A and I visited the State Museum in Columbia, SC. We went with other Boy Scouts from around the state. We arrived after dinner and we got to spend the night at the museum.

Now, it wasn't quite like that scene from A Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller, but we did have fun. (And who really wants an army of Huns coming after you, anyway?) We were expecting a program on energy, pizza snacks, crafts and walking around all the cool exhibits. Plus, sleeping under the stars... or on a model shrimping boat.

Oh, we were excited about this trip, but I have to tell you that A is a fan of the early bedtime and this late night program was a bit much for him. I, on the other hand, learned lots. By 8 o'clock A was looking for exhibits that featured movie clips and soft chairs. (I now know why indigo was important to the early settlers of South Carolina.) By 9:30 he was putting his head down on the table during craft time. (I now know how to make paper.) By 10:00 he was hitting the sleeping bag. (I now know how the shrimping industry works and it is fascinating how shrimping can be done almost year round off the coast of South Carolina.)

All was not wasted, however, as the next morning while I was looking for a Diet Pepsi machine A was looking at engines, sharks, huge tires, electricity and breakfast muffins.

WFMW: Beautiful Brownies

2008-02-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for a brownie with fudgy icing, but not donut glaze type icing or canned frosting. After a bit of searching I found a great recipe from Cooks.com. These brownies are like the ones they sell at Chick-fil-A or the ones I remember my mom buying from the Publix bakery when I was a kid.

To display the brownies attractively I made sure to cut them evenly. I removed the whole pan of cooled brownies and cut the slab in half the long way. I then cut each long half into another half (for four long pieces). Next I turned the whole batch sideways and cut the whole thing in half. Then I cut each half into thirds (24 even pieces). (It may sound complicated, but it isn't. Cutting the whole batch at once is much neater then cutting a piece off at a time!)

In a moment of brilliance I nestled my evenly cut brownies in white cupcake liners before putting them on the tray. It sure made them look like expensive brownies from the bakery!

Beautiful brownies are What Works for Me! Leave a comment and then head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW tips.

FUDGE COVERED BROWNIES
Printed from COOKS.COM
1 c. butter, melted

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. milk

1 c. chopped walnuts

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

2 c. sugar

2/3 c. cocoa

2 eggs

3 tsp. vanilla

1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, eggs, milk, and 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla; beat well. Stir in nuts. Spread into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake 40 minutes. Just before brownies are done, melt chips in a saucepan with 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and condensed milk. Spread fudge mixture over hot brownies. Cool. Chill and cut into bars. (The icing cools very quickly, so if you want to add swirls or fork lines to the top of the brownies work quickly! :)

A Little Bit of Fun!

2008-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

I picked up this fun meme at Between the Worlds.I thought it would be fun for my 7 year old, A, to fill this out since he is feeling a whole lot better than me. :)

His answers were amusing, especially the part about the trigger on the recliner.

If I were a shoe, I'd be... sneakers. Comfy ones with velcro.
If I were a city, I'd be ... a city in Ohio because that is where I was born.
If I were a season, I'd be ... winter because I like to be cold and I am hot the rest of the year.
If I were a car, I'd be ... a blue mustang because mustangs are cool.
If I were a vegetable, I'd be ... buttered corn because that is the best vegetable.
If I were a fruit, I'd be ... bananas because I'd be appealing! LOL!
If I were a color, I'd be ... blue, 'cause I just like it.
If I were furniture, I'd be ... a lazy boy chair... you pull the trigger and it goes up!
If I were a country, I'd be ... Mexico because I like Mexican food.
If I were a beverage, I'd be ... soda... I like the fizz and the sugary taste.
If I were clothing, I'd be ... a bathing suit so I could go swimming.
If I were weather, I'd be ... rain because it isn't hot.
If I were a dessert, I'd be ... that dessert with the pudding and cake and whipped cream and candy and crushed Oreos. (*I have no idea what this is... he insists I made this and served it for refreshments at church one time. A take off on a trifle, I guess.*)
If I were a plant, I'd be ... a cactus, I'm not pokey, but I like cacti.
If I were a word, I'd be ... smart. Yeah, 'cause I always finish my math first.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fevers...

2008-02-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Last Monday A came home from school with a fever. Monday night I went to the library and had to sit on the library floor I was so tired. Tuesday A, D and I all stayed home from school with low-grade fevers. Wednesday I went back to work, but A and D were still feverish. Thursday Hubs stayed home with D while A and I were at school. Friday was a day off of school, which is a good thing. Hubs, S (I almost thought he wouldn't get it!) and I were all sick. (And D was returned to health, but totally ill with cabin fever!) Today it is quite possible that Hubs and I are dying, but the kids are restored! How unfair is that??!

The Chocolate Pound Cake of my Dreams

2008-02-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

Before moving to The South I never needed pound cake. Oh, sure. I would occasionally invite Sara Lee over if I had lots of strawberries or if I had some chocolate fondue that needed dipped into. But, I'd never needed pound cake.

Last October I invited my church over for a Marty Party to celebrate Reformation Day. One of the ladies brought a chocolate pound cake. When the dinner was over she insisted that she leave behind at least half the cake.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I fell in love with that cake. Sliver by chocolate pound cake sliver we developed a relationship. Well, eventually my heart (and the seams of my pants, but that is another post) was broken when the last tiny crumb was devoured.

Now, I did know where I could go to get another chocolate pound cake (read: fix). Afterall, the pound cake had been purchased from a bakery in a neighboring town. But I just couldn't bring myself to drive all the way over there and PAY for cake when I was fully capable of baking my own delights. If only I had a recipe.

Thus began my hunt for a chocolate pound cake recipe. I new I didn't want a wet, heavy cake. I knew I didn't want a cake that required a frosting or glaze. (Not that I am oppossed to frosting or glazes, or wet, heavy cakes for that matter. I just didn't want that for my chocolate pound cake.) The chocolate pound cake of my dreams was light, big, "delicate-ly" chocolate-y, and with a bread-like texture. And, hey, I was going to give bonus points to a hint of cinnamon.

Well, over at allrecipes.com I found the chocolate pound cake of my dreams. And I am willing to share the recipe. Just remember... I warned you... addictive little piece of Heaven.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Chocolate-Pound-Cake/Detail.aspx

Baked in a bundt pan this chocolate pound cake was a dream. She danced with vanilla ice cream. She shared the plate with a swirl of whipped cream. She broke my heart when the last teeny crumb was squashed onto my finger and licked into oblivion. But she remains The Chocolate Pound Cake of my Dreams!

Proof that I did share my delightful cake with the family. Three little pieces, anyway.