Wishing all of you a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Blah, blah, blah. Really, skip this. It bores even me.
*sigh*
I was going to go to bed, but I can't sleep. After Friday night's "festivities," I ended up staying in bed until 2:30. Yes, p.m. Trust me, it was a good thing. Yesterday was a little dicey altogether. SugarDaddy came through like a champ, taking care of me & letting me sleep.
He was installing a light kit on the boys' ceiling fan yesterday at about noon. Bug was making it very clear that he was ready for a nap, so I went and brought him in to snuggle me until SD was done. He quickly fell asleep with me, so I went with it and went back to sleep. I love sleeping with my babies!
Yesterday afternoon and evening are a bit blurry. We were going to do pizza and movie night, but the boys were just soooooooo out of control (read: ripped curtains!) that I nixed the movie. No need to reward that kind of behavior.
SD wanted to keep the kids up later to maybe get them off of Daylight Savings Time. But, by 8:00, the boys were an even bigger disaster & I had to get everyone to bed before things got ugly.
Hungover Mommy + Over tired kids = Bad News
Fast Forward to this morning. SugarBug woke up at his normal time of 6:45, which is now 5:45. SD was a saint and got up with him again. You see why I married this man??
By the time we got ready for church, the boys were already cranky. Bug was downright pissy. I was thinking that we might just stay for Sunday School & skip the service. Bear was telling me he had a headache in the car. Bug fell asleep on the way to church. Oh, and he was soooo pleased to be woken up and left in the nursery once we got there.
I finally got him calmed down and into his room. I mentioned that he was having trouble with the time change. The nursery lady says, "Why? He got to sleep an extra hour!"
Am I the only mommy whose two-year-old doesn't wear a watch? Whatevah.
Bear & SugarPlum decided that they wanted to stay for church. So, I took Bug home for naps and went back to fetch them. Then I had a nap with Bear. Yes, I nap every day. You think I'm kidding. (They think I'm kidding, honey!)
WOW! That was a long way to lead up to say that I should not be on the computer right now. I said I was staying up to start reading this book that I was asked to review. And it looks like a fantastic book. I got it on Friday afternoon. I planned on reading all weekend, but....
So I was going to at least start it tonight. Only now I can't find it. And I could really use The MomsTown Guide to Getting it All. See, I actually seem to have it all. It is just crammed into various undisclosed locations throughout my cluttered home.
*yawn*
I was going to go to bed, but I can't sleep. After Friday night's "festivities," I ended up staying in bed until 2:30. Yes, p.m. Trust me, it was a good thing. Yesterday was a little dicey altogether. SugarDaddy came through like a champ, taking care of me & letting me sleep.
He was installing a light kit on the boys' ceiling fan yesterday at about noon. Bug was making it very clear that he was ready for a nap, so I went and brought him in to snuggle me until SD was done. He quickly fell asleep with me, so I went with it and went back to sleep. I love sleeping with my babies!
Yesterday afternoon and evening are a bit blurry. We were going to do pizza and movie night, but the boys were just soooooooo out of control (read: ripped curtains!) that I nixed the movie. No need to reward that kind of behavior.
SD wanted to keep the kids up later to maybe get them off of Daylight Savings Time. But, by 8:00, the boys were an even bigger disaster & I had to get everyone to bed before things got ugly.
Hungover Mommy + Over tired kids = Bad News
Fast Forward to this morning. SugarBug woke up at his normal time of 6:45, which is now 5:45. SD was a saint and got up with him again. You see why I married this man??
By the time we got ready for church, the boys were already cranky. Bug was downright pissy. I was thinking that we might just stay for Sunday School & skip the service. Bear was telling me he had a headache in the car. Bug fell asleep on the way to church. Oh, and he was soooo pleased to be woken up and left in the nursery once we got there.
I finally got him calmed down and into his room. I mentioned that he was having trouble with the time change. The nursery lady says, "Why? He got to sleep an extra hour!"
Am I the only mommy whose two-year-old doesn't wear a watch? Whatevah.
Bear & SugarPlum decided that they wanted to stay for church. So, I took Bug home for naps and went back to fetch them. Then I had a nap with Bear. Yes, I nap every day. You think I'm kidding. (They think I'm kidding, honey!)
WOW! That was a long way to lead up to say that I should not be on the computer right now. I said I was staying up to start reading this book that I was asked to review. And it looks like a fantastic book. I got it on Friday afternoon. I planned on reading all weekend, but....
So I was going to at least start it tonight. Only now I can't find it. And I could really use The MomsTown Guide to Getting it All. See, I actually seem to have it all. It is just crammed into various undisclosed locations throughout my cluttered home.
*yawn*
Weekend Recipe Exchange - Cookies!
This week, Theresa chose cookies as the theme for the recipe exchange. I will admit to you that it has been some time since I actually baked cookies from scratch. I buy that break & bake dough from the grocery store & let the kids put it on the cookie sheet. Everyone is happy. However, it's about time I started actually baking again. I found this recipe on the Food Network Site. I may make it this week. Mmmmmmm!
Devil's Food Cookies
1 box (18 1/4 ounces) devil's food cake mix
2 eggs 1/4 cup hot coffee or hot water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup bits of chocolate-toffee candy
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine cake mix, eggs, coffee, oil and flour in large bowl. Beat on low speed until all ingredients are moistened; then beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Dough will be sticky. Fold in chocolate pieces, pecans and candy until evenly distributed. Using about half of the batter, drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 4 to 5 minutes or until firm. With a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to the wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve slightly warm or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Devil's Food Cookies
1 box (18 1/4 ounces) devil's food cake mix
2 eggs 1/4 cup hot coffee or hot water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup bits of chocolate-toffee candy
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine cake mix, eggs, coffee, oil and flour in large bowl. Beat on low speed until all ingredients are moistened; then beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Dough will be sticky. Fold in chocolate pieces, pecans and candy until evenly distributed. Using about half of the batter, drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 4 to 5 minutes or until firm. With a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to the wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve slightly warm or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Hangin'
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Thursday Thirteen
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1. I don't know how I lucked out, but I didn't have to buy any Halloween costumes this year! 2. Bear is going to be a fighter pilot like his Daddy and we have had flight suits for all of them for a long time. 3. Bug is a dinosaur, using Bear's old costume from a couple of years ago. He wantd to be a "scawy monstah," but I talked up the dinosaur until he gave in! 4 And SugarPlum, who was going to be Hermione like her verybestfriendinthewholewideworld, The Princess, has decided instead to reuse her Statue of Liberty costume from two years ago. She doesn't want to take a chance that someone else will have the same costume! I can't believe that worked out! 5. SD and I have a costume party tomorrow night. I think I will wear MY flight suit. I even have a nametag with my call sign, Slayer. I may tramp it up a bit, tho, with a lacy black camisole underneath and spiked heels. 6. I was Betty Crocker today. I cooked homemade cream of chicken soup for lunch using leftover smothered chicken. The boys were in heaven. And then I put dinner in the crockpot so that I wouldn't be behind later. I am rarely this together. 7. AND? Before naptime, I even cleaned up the mess from making the soup for lunch & starting dinner. PLUS I remembered to run the dishwasher. 8. I'm afraid SD may have a stroke when he sees it. 9. We finally received notification about SugarPlum's testing for the Gifted and Talented program. She tested as having "Superior Cognitive Ability." The girl is freaky smart. I have been a little concerned about her getting bored, so I'm glad she will receive some enrichment, although it is only two days a month. 10. SugarBear's school had picture day yesterday- and yes I got it right! They were also allowing siblings to get photos done, so I took Bug. This is the first studio pictures he has ever had done. He's two and a half. I'm going to hell. 11. I am exhausted. The boys haven't been sleeping well at night. Last night, I heard noise up there and Bear was up playing. It was after 10:00. Then Bug was up several times. I lost count. *yawn* 12. I have settled in to going to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I ride the bike and walk on the treadmill. (I tried the elliptical machine. For 30 seconds. That thing is from the devil.) I bought a Pilates kit & plan on doing it on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We'll see. 13. SugarDaddy won the Husband of the Month award yesterday when he gave me my Christmas present early. An iPod Nano. He even had my name engraved on it. This way I have something to listen to at the gym. He's pretty great. I think I'll keep him!!
2. Get the Thursday Thirteen Code Here! 4. Leanne 5. Karin 6. Jen |
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Note to self...
Stop going to the grocery store right after the gym. All of those endorphins inhibit chip and cookie purchases. And now, while I am late night blogging, I am left with nothing to munch. Dammit.
Monday, October 24, 2005
The Scariest Night of my Life
This weekend Karin had a very scary experience. It reminded me of something that happened my senior year of college when I was living with the lovely and talented Lbt.
Lbt's grandmother had been very ill and she had been driving back home (about two hours) every chance she got. This particular weekend, I wasn't expecting her back until Monday afternoon. On Sunday night, very late, like after midnight, I was up studying (Yes, I was too. Shut up. It's my story.) and heard a key in the door. I thought that was odd, but that maybe Lbt got fed up with with her mom & came back early. I knew that I had locked the keyless deadbolt, so I went to unlock it for her.
Something told me to look through the peephole first. I looked and all I could see was the top of someone's head. I could hear someone breathing heavily and trying to get the key to work in the door. Lbt's bedroom was right next to the front door, so I went in there and gingerly peeped through the blinds. I could see a man leaning against the door, trying to get it open.
I. freaked. out.
I was certain that it was some psychopathic maintenance man bent on raping and killing me. How else would he have a key? I was trying to comfort myself with the fact that the keyless deadbolt was locked, but I was terrified that he would break Lbt's bedroom window & come in that way.
He started pulling back & forth on the doorknob and was obviously frustrated. I ran as quickly and quietly as I could back to my bedroom and shut and locked the door. I called 911 said that a man was trying to break into my apartment. She asked for the address and where in the complex I was. She told me that the police were en route and to stay on the line with her. I was a basket case. The guy kept pulling the door back and forth, like it would come open. Then he would beat on it. I would scream every time he did and the 911 lady would talk me through it. She was great. Very soothing.
Five hours later-okay probably five minutes, but it seemed like forever- the operator told me that the police were in the complex and then at my door. They had the guy. She told me to put the phone down, not hang it up (not a cordless) and go open the door for the police. She told me to come back and tell her that the police were with me before I hung up.
I opened the door and saw the guy. He was my next door neighbor - drunk off his ass and handcuffed. The police took him and one officer came inside to talk to me. He took my statement and asked if there was anybody I wanted to call. I called my parents, they live in the same town where I went to college, and they said they would be right over. The officer said he would sit with me until my folks got there.
That's when the adrenaline really hit me. I looked at my living room and what a mess it was. Crap! My parents were on the way over! I started cleaning up, maniacally throwing pizza boxes, Diet Coke cans, newspapers, etc out. The policeman watched me like I was insane!
When my mom & dad got there, the police officer left. I fell into my Daddy's arms and cried like a baby. Then I apologized for waking them up and making them come over. Of course they told me I didn't have to apologize. Seems like I went back home with them that night.
A few days later, I saw my neighbor, who had always seemed like a friendly, normal guy. He. was. horrified. He apologized profusely. He said that he had been out drinking, got home & forgot where he lived. When you walked up the stairs, our apartment was on the right, theirs on the left. He had lived in one of the right at some point in the past. So when he got home, he went the wrong way. He remembers being really pissed that the his key wasn't working and the door wouldn't open. He said that he was charged with Public Intoxication and that he wouldn't blame me if I hated him forever.
Of course I forgave him. He was a nice enough guy. He always looked a little sheepish whenever I saw him after that.
AND, I always, always locked that keyless deadbolt at night!
Lbt's grandmother had been very ill and she had been driving back home (about two hours) every chance she got. This particular weekend, I wasn't expecting her back until Monday afternoon. On Sunday night, very late, like after midnight, I was up studying (Yes, I was too. Shut up. It's my story.) and heard a key in the door. I thought that was odd, but that maybe Lbt got fed up with with her mom & came back early. I knew that I had locked the keyless deadbolt, so I went to unlock it for her.
Something told me to look through the peephole first. I looked and all I could see was the top of someone's head. I could hear someone breathing heavily and trying to get the key to work in the door. Lbt's bedroom was right next to the front door, so I went in there and gingerly peeped through the blinds. I could see a man leaning against the door, trying to get it open.
I. freaked. out.
I was certain that it was some psychopathic maintenance man bent on raping and killing me. How else would he have a key? I was trying to comfort myself with the fact that the keyless deadbolt was locked, but I was terrified that he would break Lbt's bedroom window & come in that way.
He started pulling back & forth on the doorknob and was obviously frustrated. I ran as quickly and quietly as I could back to my bedroom and shut and locked the door. I called 911 said that a man was trying to break into my apartment. She asked for the address and where in the complex I was. She told me that the police were en route and to stay on the line with her. I was a basket case. The guy kept pulling the door back and forth, like it would come open. Then he would beat on it. I would scream every time he did and the 911 lady would talk me through it. She was great. Very soothing.
Five hours later-okay probably five minutes, but it seemed like forever- the operator told me that the police were in the complex and then at my door. They had the guy. She told me to put the phone down, not hang it up (not a cordless) and go open the door for the police. She told me to come back and tell her that the police were with me before I hung up.
I opened the door and saw the guy. He was my next door neighbor - drunk off his ass and handcuffed. The police took him and one officer came inside to talk to me. He took my statement and asked if there was anybody I wanted to call. I called my parents, they live in the same town where I went to college, and they said they would be right over. The officer said he would sit with me until my folks got there.
That's when the adrenaline really hit me. I looked at my living room and what a mess it was. Crap! My parents were on the way over! I started cleaning up, maniacally throwing pizza boxes, Diet Coke cans, newspapers, etc out. The policeman watched me like I was insane!
When my mom & dad got there, the police officer left. I fell into my Daddy's arms and cried like a baby. Then I apologized for waking them up and making them come over. Of course they told me I didn't have to apologize. Seems like I went back home with them that night.
A few days later, I saw my neighbor, who had always seemed like a friendly, normal guy. He. was. horrified. He apologized profusely. He said that he had been out drinking, got home & forgot where he lived. When you walked up the stairs, our apartment was on the right, theirs on the left. He had lived in one of the right at some point in the past. So when he got home, he went the wrong way. He remembers being really pissed that the his key wasn't working and the door wouldn't open. He said that he was charged with Public Intoxication and that he wouldn't blame me if I hated him forever.
Of course I forgave him. He was a nice enough guy. He always looked a little sheepish whenever I saw him after that.
AND, I always, always locked that keyless deadbolt at night!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Weekend Recipe Exchange - Decadent Desserts
Well, it's Sunday again already. This week Theresa chose the theme of Decadent Desserts. She also said to post a picture, but this recipe is HUGE so I do not make it unless we are having a lot of company. I do however have a picture of the cherry pie I made a few weeks ago, with cherries picked from the tree in our backyard. I thought it was beautiful. And it was very tasty. If you want the recipe, it is in your Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. I know you have one. If you don't, email me & I will gladly share the recipe for it was well. Lest you think I have gone all Martha on you, I will let you know that the crust is from Pillsbury. I don't do crust.
Now to today's recipe. It is one I got from a friend while we lived in England. She made it for me after Bear was born. She made me swear to never make it for a squadron function until after one of us moved because it was "her" specialty. I obliged. It is absolutely fantastic. One friend of ours always volunteered to do the dishes when this was served at a party. We wondered what on earth that was all about until one night we went in the kitchen and found him scraping the bowl to get the remnants.
One more funny story before I share the recipe. I made this one 4th of July when my parents and The Queen's in-laws were visiting. Her father-in-law has a major aversion to bananas (you really don't want to know...). When it was time for dessert he said he didn't want any after seeing it. I assured him that there were no bananas in it and he told me, "There are two things I don't eat. Bananas and whatever that is!" We finally got him to try it & he couldn't get enough. He tried to take all of the leftovers home with him, even though they were flying back to the States in the morning!
Now, for the recipe.....
*Notes:
Now to today's recipe. It is one I got from a friend while we lived in England. She made it for me after Bear was born. She made me swear to never make it for a squadron function until after one of us moved because it was "her" specialty. I obliged. It is absolutely fantastic. One friend of ours always volunteered to do the dishes when this was served at a party. We wondered what on earth that was all about until one night we went in the kitchen and found him scraping the bowl to get the remnants.
One more funny story before I share the recipe. I made this one 4th of July when my parents and The Queen's in-laws were visiting. Her father-in-law has a major aversion to bananas (you really don't want to know...). When it was time for dessert he said he didn't want any after seeing it. I assured him that there were no bananas in it and he told me, "There are two things I don't eat. Bananas and whatever that is!" We finally got him to try it & he couldn't get enough. He tried to take all of the leftovers home with him, even though they were flying back to the States in the morning!
Now, for the recipe.....
Berries and Bits
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 (3-1/2 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding
1 pt. whipping cream (whipped)
‘Nilla wafers
sliced strawberries (about 4 cups)
blueberries (about 2 cups)
chocolate mini-chips
Combine condensed milk and water; add pudding and beat well.
Chill 5 minutes and fold in whipped cream.
Place 2 cups mixture in a pretty glass bowl.
Cover with a single layer of vanilla wafers.
Sprinkle with berries and chocolate bits.
Repeat with pudding, wafers, berries and bits.
Finish with pudding and garnish with a few berries or chocolate bits in a pretty pattern on top.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. At least six hours allows it all to set up properly.
*Notes:
- Any combination of berries, or all one kind, will work. Fresh are best!
- Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or a combination...it’s your favorite.
- Makes a pretty 4th of July desert-a layer of strawberries, a layer of blueberries and both on top.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Prayers for Dailee
I have a favor to ask all of you, my wonderful friends of the blogosphere. My cousin, Julie has two beautiful, sweet (sometimes ornery!) little girls. Dailee is seven years old and her sister, Darcee, is four, one day older than Bear!
Last week, Dailee went to the hospital with what they thought was an abscess on her tonsil. What it actually was was a tumor in her neck the size of a fist. By Friday, she had been diagnosed with a rare, very aggressive form of cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma. She had been given steroids when they thought it was an abscess (to reduce swelling) which unfortunately can serve to mask cancer cells in any biopsy or samples taken. Due to the aggressive nature of this disease, the doctors have decided to treat her as if her cancer were stage four. Last Sunday, she began chemotherapy. She received it every day for four days. On the fifth day, they flushed her system with fluids to make sure her kidneys were functioning properly. Since they were, she was able to go home Friday. She will have to get shots every day, to keep her white blood cell count up (and she is not pleased about this!). She will have to go back on day eleven for another spinal tap and then return on day 18 to start the process all over. This will continue for six months. (I hope I got all of that right, if not, Julie, let me know!)
She is seven years old. I cannot fathom having to tell one of my kids that we have to go back and do all of that painful stuff that makes you feel miserable again. And again. And again. Julie says that Dailee is doing okay, all things considered. She has started some nausea and headaches since returning home. She is really upset that her hair is going to fall out. She also won't get to return to the first grade this year. She will have a home bound teacher and her school teacher is trying to make it to where she can do that.
So there you have it. I am asking you to keep Dailee and Julie and their whole family in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for healing and comfort for Dailee. Pray for peace and strength and comfort for Julie, her husband and Darcee. Pray that they can meet their finances since Julie is taking Catastrophic leave from her job, which is unpaid. I'm sure that this is a burden for them as well.
Now, go hug your kids a little tighter. Give them an extra kiss and be thankful that they are healthy enough to drive you absolutely crazy! That is what I have had to do the past few days.
God is good, all the time. He answers prayers. Thank you all so much for your love and support.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Warning.....Warning....This is NOT a drill...
It is 2:00 right now. The screaming/ranting/raving sound that you will hear in about 15 minutes coming from my house? That will be my eight year old daughter tearing me a new one for not bringing her library book up to school this morning so that she could return it this afternoon.
The one she forgot.
She called about it and I couldn't find it. So, you know it's MY fault.
Do not be alarmed.
Just please bring in any small pets and perhaps cover your plants to prevent them from wilting. Anyone in or near the Miami River Valley might be wise to tape your windows to prevent breakage.
That is all.
The one she forgot.
She called about it and I couldn't find it. So, you know it's MY fault.
Do not be alarmed.
Just please bring in any small pets and perhaps cover your plants to prevent them from wilting. Anyone in or near the Miami River Valley might be wise to tape your windows to prevent breakage.
That is all.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
You can learn so much in the van with your kids...
After visiting the Halloween Express store after dinner tonight the following exchange took place:
Bear: Now I want to go to Daddy's toy store to see that big remote control dinosaur!
Me: Daddy's toy store? What's that?
Bear: Best Buy!!
This answers so many questions.
Bear: Now I want to go to Daddy's toy store to see that big remote control dinosaur!
Me: Daddy's toy store? What's that?
Bear: Best Buy!!
This answers so many questions.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Random Thoughts
*I am loving the new Taco Bell commercials. The ones with the lions? Love them. "How are my teeth?" "Great. Scary!" Cracks. Me. Up!
*Dakota Fanning is on Leno. She has to be one of my favorite kid actresses. She totally reminds me of The Princess. I really hope that she doesn't go all Lindsay Lohan on us in a few years. That would break my heart.
*Why is it that the same kids who make you want to rip your ovaries out so that you can't make THAT mistake again, can make you weep just by saying, "I yove you, Mommy."
*Tom & Katie are buying a house in Toledo. Toledo? That's a little too close for me. But, really. Toledo??
*Wonder if Genuine won the PowerBall. I never bought a ticket this time. Dang, that's a lot of money.
*Saddam Hussein is on trial. They need Judge Judy. She'd kick his ass.
*Is it just me, or have Blogger word verifications gotten seriously out of hand?
*I try to like Conan O"Brian. I really do. But most of the time he just drives me nuts.
*Why won't I just go to bed?? This is insane. Good night.
.
*Dakota Fanning is on Leno. She has to be one of my favorite kid actresses. She totally reminds me of The Princess. I really hope that she doesn't go all Lindsay Lohan on us in a few years. That would break my heart.
*Why is it that the same kids who make you want to rip your ovaries out so that you can't make THAT mistake again, can make you weep just by saying, "I yove you, Mommy."
*Tom & Katie are buying a house in Toledo. Toledo? That's a little too close for me. But, really. Toledo??
*Wonder if Genuine won the PowerBall. I never bought a ticket this time. Dang, that's a lot of money.
*Saddam Hussein is on trial. They need Judge Judy. She'd kick his ass.
*Is it just me, or have Blogger word verifications gotten seriously out of hand?
*I try to like Conan O"Brian. I really do. But most of the time he just drives me nuts.
*Why won't I just go to bed?? This is insane. Good night.
.
Attention Nurses
I have a question for all of you medical types who read here. I was at the gym today. After only ten minutes on the bike, my heart rate was above 200 and I was pouring with sweat. (This one littleold lady seemed very worried about me. It was sweet!) I'm thinking that's not good, right? It took a good 10 to 15 minutes to get it back down under 160. Should I be consulting my doctor about this?? I don't want to sound like a hypochondriac calling. At the same time, I'd hate to ignore it if it was something bad. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur (can't remember the specifics right now) in May. I really don't think one has anything to do with the other, but again, I can't be sure.
So, if you have any knowledge about these things, I'd really appreciate the input. Time for naps now tho. I think I'll join them!
So, if you have any knowledge about these things, I'd really appreciate the input. Time for naps now tho. I think I'll join them!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Trifecta! **UPDATED**
Longer post tomorrow, I promise. I tried all afternoon to tell you about the Brownie trip to the corn maze, but my kids were insane. Couldn't type for more than 18 seconds at a time. Tonight, my brain is fried.
This afternoon though, on two separate occasions, I achieved the goal most mommies only dream of.
I had all three kids screaming, crying, and throwing fits at the same time!! And? Over three different things!!
Then? While Bug was in a time out for hitting, I told him he had better sit the hell back down or he would get a spanking. Because that makes sense. Right? To get a spanking for hitting?
I'm so proud. I now must pick out an evening gown to wear to the awards ceremony.
Cori's comment made me realize that I need to clarify that yes, I do indeed deserve the award. I made all three kids cry within a space of ohhh, say 45 seconds.
**Bonus teaser quote from the Brownie trip: "What color's my butt?"
This afternoon though, on two separate occasions, I achieved the goal most mommies only dream of.
I had all three kids screaming, crying, and throwing fits at the same time!! And? Over three different things!!
Then? While Bug was in a time out for hitting, I told him he had better sit the hell back down or he would get a spanking. Because that makes sense. Right? To get a spanking for hitting?
I'm so proud. I now must pick out an evening gown to wear to the awards ceremony.
Cori's comment made me realize that I need to clarify that yes, I do indeed deserve the award. I made all three kids cry within a space of ohhh, say 45 seconds.
First, I made SugarPlum redo the math homework that her teacher sent back & said to redo. Totally unreasonable, I understand.
Next, I wouldn't let Bear keep the rope all to himself. He had to share. This is just much too involved to explain, honestly.
Finally, I would not let Bug type "W" endlessly on my laptop while I was trying to do the fabled Brownie corn maze post. (Still working on that, really)
Later, both boys were crying because they got time outs for trying to beat the living crap out of each other (thus, the quote that might just bring SuperNanny to my house). And, SugarPlum was pissed about something, I can't even remember what. Probably just because her mom is such a total dork. What will I do when she is a teenager?
So, you see, I AM the greatest. Bow down and worship at my awesome Mommyness. Now, or I'll put you in a time out, as well.
As for the gown, I'm torn between Vera Wang and Kathie Lee. What do you think?
**Bonus teaser quote from the Brownie trip: "What color's my butt?"
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Weekend Recipe Exchange - Soups!
I almost forgot. Actually, I did forget, but I went to Theresa's and was reminded that today is Sunday and Sunday is the Weekend Recipe Exchange! This week's theme is Soups. Mmmmm!
So, today I found a recipe that is close to what I make, because, honestly this is one that I make up as I go along. It is a warm, cozy meal on a cold winter day. One of my favorites!
Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Cook until the roux is lightly browned; set aside to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, combine the corn and chicken stock in another saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the boiling stock with the corn (a little at a time) into the saucepan with the roux, whisking briskly so it doesn't lump. Return the skillet to the heat and bring to a boil. The mixture should become very thick.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the half-and-half; stir it into the thick corn mixture. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Just before serving, cut the remaining stick of butter into large chunks. Add it to enrich the soup, stirring until the butter melts.
So, today I found a recipe that is close to what I make, because, honestly this is one that I make up as I go along. It is a warm, cozy meal on a cold winter day. One of my favorites!
Corn Chowder
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 small onion, diced
1 small carrot, finely diced
1 small celery stalk, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (actually I always use 2 or 3)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups white corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg (haha! you know I don't grind my own nutmeg! Use the stuff from the store.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Cook until the roux is lightly browned; set aside to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, combine the corn and chicken stock in another saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the boiling stock with the corn (a little at a time) into the saucepan with the roux, whisking briskly so it doesn't lump. Return the skillet to the heat and bring to a boil. The mixture should become very thick.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the half-and-half; stir it into the thick corn mixture. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Just before serving, cut the remaining stick of butter into large chunks. Add it to enrich the soup, stirring until the butter melts.
I often also put cooked, shredded chicken breast in it to make a real, hearty meal out of it. This is so warm and yummy on a dark, cold day.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
No News is.....pissing me off
I have this little quirky thing about me. (Okay, more than one, but right now we are concentrating on this ONE) I have to watch the news before I go to bed. I need to know what is going on in the world. I need to know the weather forecast. I need to know, dammit!
So, tonight I am watching my Tivo'd episode of SuperNanny [sidenote: Did you see this episode? That bratty little girl, hitting, scratching, biting! her parents!! That would happen once at my house. Holy crap!] and by the time it's done it is almost 11:30. No problem. I put the television on the channel I watch for news, knowing that I can back it up and watch the news. Well, I switch back over to live TV, expecting to see the face of my friendly neighborhood sportscaster. What do I see? NASCAR. You heard me, NASCAR, people!
Now, I have no ill feelings for NASCAR. Until it makes me miss the news. Now, it's too late to switch to another channel, because all of the other newscasts are nearly over. So I sit here, thinking that surely it will be over in a couple of minutes.
No, it was an HOUR later that the Missmynews 500 was finally over. I was committed at this point, I was watching the damn news.
So what is going on in the world? Not much, as it turns out.
Damn NASCAR.
So, tonight I am watching my Tivo'd episode of SuperNanny [sidenote: Did you see this episode? That bratty little girl, hitting, scratching, biting! her parents!! That would happen once at my house. Holy crap!] and by the time it's done it is almost 11:30. No problem. I put the television on the channel I watch for news, knowing that I can back it up and watch the news. Well, I switch back over to live TV, expecting to see the face of my friendly neighborhood sportscaster. What do I see? NASCAR. You heard me, NASCAR, people!
Now, I have no ill feelings for NASCAR. Until it makes me miss the news. Now, it's too late to switch to another channel, because all of the other newscasts are nearly over. So I sit here, thinking that surely it will be over in a couple of minutes.
No, it was an HOUR later that the Missmynews 500 was finally over. I was committed at this point, I was watching the damn news.
So what is going on in the world? Not much, as it turns out.
Damn NASCAR.
Maybe it's because I'm new here....
We just moved up here to the great white North (haha! It was 73 degrees today, the only thing white was my socks!) in June. So, I guess I'm not up on all of the local traditions, etc. But somebody please tell me...
What the HECK is "Sweetest Day??"
Sounds an awful lot like a "holiday" made up by the florists and greeting card industry to guilt money out of the men of the world. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for presents and flowers from my sweetheart, but this is just awfully contrived.
So, honey, save your money for Christmas. I have assembled quite a sizable list for you to choose from and I'd hate to cut into any real holiday spending with this useless "holiday."
Cynical? Why yes...a bit!
What the HECK is "Sweetest Day??"
Sounds an awful lot like a "holiday" made up by the florists and greeting card industry to guilt money out of the men of the world. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for presents and flowers from my sweetheart, but this is just awfully contrived.
So, honey, save your money for Christmas. I have assembled quite a sizable list for you to choose from and I'd hate to cut into any real holiday spending with this useless "holiday."
Cynical? Why yes...a bit!
Friday, October 14, 2005
Friday Flashback - Cooking Disasters
Karin's Flashback Friday theme this week is Cooking Disasters. I have so many stories that fall into this category. I have had trouble narrowing it down.
I could tell you about the very first meal I ever cooked when I was about nine years old. Tuna Surprise. Surprise! It was n-a-s-t-y. But my Daddy ate every bite on his plate.
I could tell you about the time I was making Vodka Rigatoni and almost set the kitchen on fire. (Bacon grease+flame+vodka=fire...just so you know)
I could tell you about the time, just a few weeks into my marriage, I decided to make chicken pot pie from scratch - crust and all. And ended up with flour all. over. the. kitchen. Pillsbury is my friend.
But what I will tell you about is the infamous Chicken Sopa incident. SugarDaddy loves to tell this story.
SD was in pilot training when we started dating. We lived three and a half hours apart and would see each other most weekends. This particular weekend, I went to his apartment. They must have been flying on a Saturday, which they did when they got behind. I decided to make one of my favorite meals of my mom's, Chicken Sopa. It is really more like chicken enchilada casserole. I hadn't cooked many meals for him. As it happened, my good friend Hos (who happens to be the husband of my good friend, Lbt, they were also dating at the time.) was also in training there. So I invited him over to SD's apartment to have supper with us.
Well, this recipe calls for chicken, tortillas, and enchilada sauce, among other things. I was cooking along and everything looked and smelled yummy. The guys had told me when they would be home. Well, that time came and went and the casserole began to cook down and sort of solidify, so I added more sauce, which then needed more tortillas...and this went on for some time. The guys ended up being like three hours late. And the chicken sopa had grown to fill a stock pot. It was a big orange gloppy mess. It still tasted okay, but the texture was all wrong. Sort of the consistency of canned dog food. Yummy. They guys were nice at first. They ate politely. Then, when it was obvious that we had lots and LOTS of leftovers, I made Hos take some home with him. He threw it away, he told me later. SD never ate any of the leftovers either.
This has become legend in our house. I have made it since, but SD always has to give me a hard time about it. I am a really good cook, if I do say so myself. I enjoy cooking and experimenting with recipes. SD brags bout my cooking all the time. But I will never, ever, live down Chicken Sopa.
I could tell you about the very first meal I ever cooked when I was about nine years old. Tuna Surprise. Surprise! It was n-a-s-t-y. But my Daddy ate every bite on his plate.
I could tell you about the time I was making Vodka Rigatoni and almost set the kitchen on fire. (Bacon grease+flame+vodka=fire...just so you know)
I could tell you about the time, just a few weeks into my marriage, I decided to make chicken pot pie from scratch - crust and all. And ended up with flour all. over. the. kitchen. Pillsbury is my friend.
But what I will tell you about is the infamous Chicken Sopa incident. SugarDaddy loves to tell this story.
SD was in pilot training when we started dating. We lived three and a half hours apart and would see each other most weekends. This particular weekend, I went to his apartment. They must have been flying on a Saturday, which they did when they got behind. I decided to make one of my favorite meals of my mom's, Chicken Sopa. It is really more like chicken enchilada casserole. I hadn't cooked many meals for him. As it happened, my good friend Hos (who happens to be the husband of my good friend, Lbt, they were also dating at the time.) was also in training there. So I invited him over to SD's apartment to have supper with us.
Well, this recipe calls for chicken, tortillas, and enchilada sauce, among other things. I was cooking along and everything looked and smelled yummy. The guys had told me when they would be home. Well, that time came and went and the casserole began to cook down and sort of solidify, so I added more sauce, which then needed more tortillas...and this went on for some time. The guys ended up being like three hours late. And the chicken sopa had grown to fill a stock pot. It was a big orange gloppy mess. It still tasted okay, but the texture was all wrong. Sort of the consistency of canned dog food. Yummy. They guys were nice at first. They ate politely. Then, when it was obvious that we had lots and LOTS of leftovers, I made Hos take some home with him. He threw it away, he told me later. SD never ate any of the leftovers either.
This has become legend in our house. I have made it since, but SD always has to give me a hard time about it. I am a really good cook, if I do say so myself. I enjoy cooking and experimenting with recipes. SD brags bout my cooking all the time. But I will never, ever, live down Chicken Sopa.
How you answer this question will determine whether or not I ban your IP
I got this in an email yesterday. Kinda creepy. Thought I'd share!
Read this question, come up with an answer and then go to the bottom for the result. This is not a trick question. It is as it reads. No one I know has gotten it right.
A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.
Question: What is her motive for killing her sister?[Give this some thought before you answer]
Answer: She was hoping the guy would appear at the funeral again.
If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you didn't answer the question correctly, good for you. If you got the answer correct, please let me know so I can take you off my email list, unless that will tick you off, then I'll just be extra nice to you.
Read this question, come up with an answer and then go to the bottom for the result. This is not a trick question. It is as it reads. No one I know has gotten it right.
A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.
Question: What is her motive for killing her sister?[Give this some thought before you answer]
Answer: She was hoping the guy would appear at the funeral again.
If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you didn't answer the question correctly, good for you. If you got the answer correct, please let me know so I can take you off my email list, unless that will tick you off, then I'll just be extra nice to you.
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