My Life As A Stay-At-Home Mom!

Summer!

2009-07-14T21:49:00.003-04:00

We ventured up to Cunningham Falls Saturday. We had a great time! Ella survived (well, barely...)--------------->
her first hike!

I've gone back to school! I'm taking an on-line course right now and I'm signed up for two classes in the fall. I'm very excited to finally get my AA!

In other news, one of my favorite bloggers - The Pioneer Woman - Has begun her own recipe website. This is very exciting to me! Here is the link: Tasty Kitchen. Have fun and enjoy!

Weddings and Vacations!

2009-07-01T13:34:00.005-04:00

We've been busy around here, so I haven't had much time to update here. We were supposed to go down to DC to the Air and Space museum with friends today but Ella's stomach had other plans :(. So here I am posting some pics!

Wedding:

Myrtle Beach!

Summer is HERE!

2009-06-16T15:50:00.006-04:00

We started off our summer with an Ella fever, so our summer officially begins today with strawberry picking! Doesn't Coby look excited?!?

Here's Ella picking away. She is such a good helper when it comes to strawberries! She loves to fill the basket as soon as possible! Go Ella go!!

Coby, on the other hand, would rather eat than work...

Pick...

Eat...

Pick...

Eat...

Pick...

Eat...

You get the idea!

Here is Ella running for the tractor. She was getting in some last-minute berries to eat on the ride back to the stand (and some to share with Coby...what a nice sister!)

Here is how it ended (You can see Coby was excited about this, too...):

An Ella funny...

2009-06-05T10:02:00.001-04:00

(My apologies to my Facebook friends who have already read this, it was too funny not to share in both places!)

As the kids were sitting in the mud room this morning getting shoes on and gathering stuff for school I noticed the time and told them they had about 2 more minutes until the bus. Ella looked at me and said: "Are our heads cut off?" At first I was very confused until I realized what she meant.

Apparently I use the term, "Running around like chickens with their head's cut off" too much...

LOL

Tooth #6!

2009-05-28T20:41:00.003-04:00

Ella lost another tooth the other night. I was drying her face after she got out of the shower and viola! it popped out. She's has a lot of holes in there!

In other news, I'm going away for the weekend. Two of my best girlfriends and I are staying in the lap of luxury HERE. It will be so nice to get away without the kids!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

CONTEST!

2009-05-25T09:47:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. I haven't been here. Been very, very busy, as my Facebook friends can attest. Anyway, looking very much forward to this weekend. I get to go away to the beach for four days with no kids and the very best company EVER. WOO HOO for Girls Weekend!

Anyway, on to the contest. Go HERE to enter. This is my friend Jen from church. Good luck!!

New teeth!

2009-05-10T15:31:00.002-04:00

Well, I got my braces off (for the 2nd time, but that's for another day...) last week and thought you would all like to see the difference. It has made a HUGE improvement in my smile. You'll notice my one tooth next to the middle before was totally sideways. Anyway, what do you think??

"That" Mom

2009-05-08T13:28:00.002-04:00

Well, I've done it. I've gone and become the thing I never ever wanted to be. Yes, I've become "that mom." And the whole time I was acting as "that mom" I was trying to pep talk myself, "this is the right decision", "you went out of your way to get them for him, he should have them" and so on... Here's what happened:

So, today is "Sunglasses Day" at school. Coby did not have a pair that fit him, so I made a special trip to Target (come on, I can call a trip to Target "special...") to get him some. In addition to that I physically put them on his backpack so he would not forget them this morning. So, we pull up to school and he exclaims that he forgot them. I was quite angry with him and reminded him that I even put them on his backpack for him! He said he has taken them off because he wanted to wear them, and had taken them off and forgotten them. I told him I was sorry, but I had done all I could. It was his responsibility to remember them. So, of he walked. All the way up the hill to the portable. With his head down. Didn't help that Ella rubbed in that she had hers. And so, in that moment, I made a decision I never thought I would. I decided to save him.

Please don't remind me of this when he's in high school and forgets a large project and then gets mad at me when I don't bring it for him. I swore I'd never even so much as bring lunch of he forgets it (and, truthfully, though I know they need to eat, I dislike the fact that the cafeteria will let them "borrow" money. One missed lunch and chances are they'll never forget again.).

What have I done?

Show Us Where You Live Friday....Kitchen Edition!

2009-05-01T13:19:00.004-04:00

I stole this idea from Jen who stole it from someone else. It's a fun thing! Because I spent much, much time designing this kitchen when we did it four years ago I love to "show it off." I don't have time to take pics from today and upload them and all that, so you are getting some older pics. But rest assured it still looks the same! Enjoy

This is the pantry. This pic was taken right when we moved back in so it's a little bare. But I LOVE MY PANTRY!!

Like Father, Like Son

2009-04-23T14:45:00.002-04:00

My mother-in-law gave me a large container of pictures to look through for a project I'm working on. I came across this old one of Jon and realized I had a similar one of Coby from when he was about the same age. How cute!

New Cage

2009-04-21T21:40:00.002-04:00

Because I don't have enough on my daily to-do list I decided to add one more for today: Make a Guinea Pig Cage from scratch (http://www.guineapigcages.com/howto.htm). See, until this afternoon they were housed in a small 50-gallon aquarium. It may sound big, but square footage-wise it totally was not. So, I gathered the necessary stuff and got to work. They love the finished product and so do I! they been so happy this afternoon, not huddled in their little critter house as they been most of the days we've had them!

Cutie-Patooties!

Meet Chester and Brownie...

2009-04-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

Yup we caved. Aren't they cute??

January 1996

2009-04-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

Our 12th Wedding Anniversary is coming up in a few weeks. I stumbled across this pic today as I was going through some stacks on my desk. This was taken at BWI on January 8th, 1996. We were flying out to the Bahama's. Some fun facts about this trip: It was my first time on an airplane, we had only started dating three months prior, he gave me "the" ring on this trip but said he had to do one more thing before he officially asked me to marry him, our first nephew had been born the day before, it was in the middle of the bigest snowstorm in a long time.

Fire Place Wall Is DONE!!

2009-04-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

The big reveal:

Cherry Blossom Festival!

2009-04-08T09:53:00.002-04:00

We went down to DC last Saturday with the kids, my in-laws and Jon's cousins' little girl (well, one of four!). We had a great time despite the crowds and wind! Here are some pics:

Almost there!

2009-04-07T14:18:00.003-04:00

The Living Room is slowly coming together. I have to re-paint all the trim still (well, and hang the other three windows-worth of curtains!) but I think it's finally looking the way I want it to!

Oh - here is a "before" of the same window, but not the same angle...

Look At This COOL Picture!

2009-04-05T08:04:00.002-04:00

We went to the Cherry Blossom Parade and Festival yesterday in DC. I got some good pics outside that I will share soon, but came across this very cool one and had to post it! Ella had me taking pics of the jewels in the Nat. History Museum, which is very hard to do! Low light = flash needed BUT jewels encased = light reflection. So, I'm not sure how it happened, but I managed to get Ella's face and expression upon seeing this necklace right as I shot the picture!

Mis-Match Day!

2009-04-03T08:52:00.001-04:00

Clarification...

2009-04-01T20:53:00.001-04:00

The post entitled "Awesome" was trying to show you all our billboard for church. The phone didn't do it justice. Well, plus I was trying to drive at the time...

Mmmmm... Roadhouse rolls and cinnamon butter....

2009-04-01T18:36:00.000-04:00

Awesome

2009-04-01T12:29:00.000-04:00

New Bike!

2009-03-29T21:31:00.002-04:00

Jon surprised Ella this afternoon and took her to get a new big-girl bike! She's known how to ride a 2-wheeler for awhile (that was quite a funny experience, by the way. At the time, Coby was infatuated by the song "Handlebars" by the Flobots and to keep her not thinking about what she was doing Jon was getting her to sing, "I can ride my bike with no training wheels." You'd really need to know the song to get that...) and had outgrown her old one. She was very excited to pick this Barbie one out. You can see there is even a place to put a barbie! Fun!

Favorite!

2009-03-26T12:38:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of the kids. It was taken at dinner while we were on vacation last summer. I think it's so cool that they are growing up!

I just wanted to share...'cause it's my blog and I can!

Fireplace wall teaser...

2009-03-23T21:06:00.003-04:00

Before:

(or - "Hideous")

After:

Dude?

2009-03-22T08:13:00.003-04:00

Where are my pictures? I just tried MS Word to do an entry (Blogger was giving me a heck of a time with the HTML, errors, etc.) So I copied and pasted. But there are no pictures!

Anyone have any idea how to get pictures to show up when using MS Word?

2009-03-22T08:13:00.001-04:00

Can I just say that Blogger is driving me INSANE? This post took forever because you can't move pictures the way you used to!

I got this recipe from a friend after she raved about it on Facebook. Just to point out - Facebook is good for things other than knowing when someone is peeing or when they have woken up. Really (I just keep telling myself that...). I just got finished assembling it so I don't know what the final product actually tastes like, but it has gotten rave reviews so I feel safe! Also - I may have sampled the ingredients in a sandwich form. Maybe. So I might have an idea of what the finished product will taste like.

Here we go!

Cast of Characters:

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1½ C Water

1 Small Box of French Vanilla Pudding

1 pint (2C) Whipping Cream

Vanilla Wafers

3 Bananas

Step One: Combine Milk, Water and Pudding. Whisk well. Toss (gently!) into fridge while you do Step Two!

Step Two: Use a mixer to beat Whipped Cream from a liquid to a solid. This shows what it looks like before. The next pics are after. This is what you should be trying for!

Awesome! Next, gently fold in the pudding mixture. Remember, we want to keep it fluffy so be careful!

Now we start layering. Being with the pudding and put the vanilla wafers on top. I have mine in a triffle bowl, but any bowl will do. If you cannot see through it than being neat doesn't matter.

Bananas are next.Note here - You do NOT need to cut them this way! This is just me trying to be Miss. Fancy-Pants!

Layer them on.

Continue layering until you have used all three bananas. It should resemble this:

(Again, I got all fancy with the bananas and wafers. Do what you want!)

Enjoy!

Who wants to save time and money?!?!

2009-03-17T15:03:00.004-04:00

Thought that would get your attention! So, here's the deal. I love using onions when I cook. I think they bring a fantastic flavor to the food. I do not like peeling and chopping. In fact, I don't know many people who DO like peeling and chopping onions! I also do not use them too often. Lately it has seemed to me like I hadn't been using them at all, what with all the wonderful meals in my freezer! So, when I would buy a bag of onions, I found them rotting before I could use them all. That's like throwing money away, right? So, what I've started doing is using my food processor to chop the onions one 3-pound bag at a time, bagging them by 1/2C in snack-sized baggies and then throwing all of them in a quart-size freezer bag, and freezing them!

Here's the beauty of this:

*I get to use my cool big processor (which I will need a new one of very soon - this one was a wedding gift and so is almost 12 years old!)
*I don't get ANY tears
*All the onions get used - no waste!
*When I need onions for a recipe they are chopped and ready to go!

I had heard that onions gain strength when they are frozen and I have to be honest that I have not noticed a difference. This works so well for me I've decide to expand on the idea. So, yesterday I was making a new crockpot recipe (that bombed, but you don't know unless you try!) that called for small amounts of green pepper and celery. So, I drug out my processor and set to work. I did the same thing for those two that I do for onions. I have not tried to use the frozen veggies yet, but I am assuming the results will be as good as the onions.

Happy Freezing!

Weekend @ Massenutten!

2009-03-16T15:18:00.004-04:00

Alright Blogger is not being very nice and so I can't really move pics around. So, the top few are of the waterpark and arcade. The two on the bottom have a description...

We had a fun weekend! We were bummed that we couldn't tube on Sunday because of the rain, but it got us home early. Then dinner and winding down before bedtime were easier! Here are some pics. I don't have many because my point-and-shoot is on the fritz and I wasn't about ready to bring my new DSLR into the waterpark!

These two pics were from dinner on the way. We stopped at a local place right outside of Charles Town, WV:

Top Three Worst Things About Sinus Surgery

2009-03-13T07:58:00.002-04:00

I have my 2nd post-op appointment today (as well as my 3rd ortho of the week, but that's another entry!) and I'm feeling pretty good. So, as I look back and reflect on my recovery I thought it'd be fun to give a top three. And without further ado:

#3 My aching legs

Yep. you read right. If I had to complain about discomfort it would have to have been the discomfort in my legs. Oh they ached SO BAD! This was only for about two days (until I really started moving again) but it was horrible!

#2 My sneezing fits!

Beginning last Sunday evening I lapsed into these horrible sneezing fits! They have been driving me CRAZY! I swear when we were at the settlement table on Monday signing the re-finance papers the women must have thought I was terribly sick! They don't hurt my nose but it makes it really itchy. I guess the fact that it's healing doesn't help the itchy-ness factor, either.

#1 That horrible tape!

My cheeks are still trying to recover from the tape that invaded them last Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to change my dressings once every two hours which meant ripping the tape off and re-applying every two hours. Picture folded gauze under your nose with tape coming out of both sides and attaching to your cheek. Oh, that has got to be the worst thing about this whole surgery!!

Well, we're out for the weekend. We are headed here for some fun in the sun (tubing) and fun inside (waterpark). I'll try to post pictures.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Chicken Cheddar Spaghetti

2009-03-11T08:38:00.002-04:00

While I was down recovering my girlfriend Kathi stopped by and gave me some magazines to peruse. One of them was one I had been eyeing in the checkout line for weeks! It is a new Taste of Home called: "Casserole's, Slow Cooker and Soups." I've been getting what I hope to be some great recipes out of it. I decided to try one of them last night called Chicken Cheddar Spaghetti. It sounded yummy AND easy. Perfect combination! The verdict: It was good but lacking flavor. The next time I make it I may add some bacon or something salty like that. We did sprinkle garlic salt on it last night as we were eating it. Either way, good sound recipe, especially if you like to play around with ingredients! Enjoy!

Chicken Cheddar Spaghetti

7 oz Spaghetti, broken
2 C Cubed Cooked Chicken
2 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Can Cream of Chicken
1 C Milk
Salt and Pepper

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, soup, milk and salt and pepper. Drain spaghetti, add to chicken mixture and toss to coat.

Transfer to a greased 9X13 dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through.

The Best Meatloaf Evah!

2009-03-09T21:05:00.004-04:00

I made this up for our freezer meal swap and cooked some of it up tonight. That pic only shows HALF of the meat I used for these!

Anyway, they are really, really yummy!! I originally found this recipe in a Taste of Home Book. LOVE those!!

Enjoy!

Meat Loaf Miniatures

2 1/4 C Ketchup
1/3 C Packed Brown Sugar
2 ½tsp Ground Mustard
2 Eggs, beaten
2tsp Worcestershire Sauce
3C Crispix cereal, crushed (I use store-brand!)
3tsp Onion Powder
3/4tsp Seasoned Salt
1/2tsp Garlic Powder
1/2tsp Pepper
3 Pounds 85/15 Ground Beef (Do not use extra lean, they are dry!)

Combine Ketchup, Brown Sugar and Mustard in a large bowl. Remove ½ for topping and set aside. Add the rest of the ingredients but beef and mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well with hands.

Form about 1/3 C mixture into a ball and freeze individually on waxed paper. Each recipe makes about 18 of these.

To Cook: Place frozen balls in a muffin tin and thaw in refrigerator. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes. Drizzle with reserved topping and bake 10 more minutes or until meat thermometer reads 160.

The Recovery

2009-03-07T12:47:00.002-05:00

Am I better, yet?! This has been the longest week of my life! Pair that with Ella not being very good today and my poor husband who has been caring for me and the kids and trying to work and a son who wants dads attention and you've got our Saturday. Don't get me wrong, LOVING the weather today, but I can't get out into it and so it has me depressed. I'd rather it be snowing so the kids can be stuck inside with me and we could play games and watch movies all day. Jon just left to take the kids to the park with the warning that he may be coming back minus my daughter. Yep. It's that bad.

I have this headache that I think has something to do with the fact that I've done nothing all week. I'm really not handling this well at all, am I?

Okay, so I went to the doctor yesterday and he took my drains and packing out. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. A little uncomfortable, but no pain. All in all, not bad. When it was over and I was riding home I was so amazed at how well I could breathe! That didn't last long, though. By evening I was so stuffed up that my ears were popping from the pressure of swallowing. Today has been a little better. My nose is still very sore. Jon went out to get me more pain medicine (don't worry - I'm weaning myself) and got me a Neti Pot as well. That thing is cool!

One of the things I've been doing this week has been re-organizing and updating my recipes. I'd love to use this blog to share more of my recipes. I know I don't have a ton of readers, but the one's I do have have always given me positive feedback on the one's I've posted. So, look for more things like that to come! Another thing I've been working on is my monthly menu. I've been off the bandwagon (so to speak) lately with dinners and need to hop back on. I'm hoping my going through my recipes will spur some interest in me to do that. I love gaining new meal ideas and recipes and so I want to encourage you guys (you know, my handful of readers!) to comment and leave some of yours as well. That's the beauty of blogging!

Getting woozy from the meds. Look for good recipes coming soon!

A Survey With Ella

2009-03-05T19:53:00.003-05:00

1. What is something mom always says to you? I love you
2. What makes mom happy? Me obeying
3. What makes mom sad? Me not obeying
4. How does your mom make you laugh? Sometimes when you talk to me
5. What was your mom like as a child? You had curly hair
6. How old is your mom? 100! (giggle, giggle)
7. How tall is your mom? I think you are 61
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Lay down and relax
9. What does your mom do when you are not around? clean the house
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? teaching little kids how not to cry (??)
11. What is your mom really good at? Running
12. What is your mom not very good at? Seeing without your contacts
13. What does your mom do for her job? Writing letters and stuff
14. What is your mom’s favorite food? fruits and vegetables, healthy food especially bananas
15. What makes you proud of your mom? When you buy me the things I want
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Rapunzel
17. What do you and your mom do together? Watch TV
18. How are you and your mom the same? Doing the same thing at the same time
19. How are you and your mom different? you don't like to play "monster"
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because you always tell me and God told you you have to
21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go? Grocery Store

A survey with Coby

2009-03-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

(A fun survey stolen from Danielle!)

Ask your child the questions and write them down exactly how they respond.

1. What is something mom always says to you? Get ready for school

2. What makes mom happy? When everything she asks me to do is done.

3. What makes mom sad? When I don't listen to her.

4. How does your mom make you laugh? When she tickles me!

5. What was your mom like as a child? Cool.

6. How old is your mom? 31

7. How tall is your mom? Very tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Play with kids.

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around? Clean

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Cleaning (LOL)

11. What is your mom really good at? Bowling on the Wii.

12. What is your mom not very good at? Fighting with dad

13. What does your mom do for her job? Clean (sensing a trend here...!)

14. What is your mom’s favorite food? Broccoli

15. What makes you proud of your mom? When she doesn't make me sad.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Yogi Bear

17. What do you and your mom do together? Play Mario Cart on the Wii.

18. How are you and your mom the same?We both have freckles!

19. How are you and your mom different?She's a girl and I'm a boy.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because she plays with me a lot

21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go? Rita's

Sinus Surgery Run-down

2009-03-03T18:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I woke up this morning at 5:45 to get ready for the day. I needed to call the weather hotline before Aunt Ann left her house to pick me up just in case things were delayed. So I did that, checked FB and email, got dressed and did some last-minute straightening. I also swept the kitchen floor. Aunt Ann showed up right at 6:30 and we were off!

Getting to the Surgi-Center was a piece of cake. But, apparently, not for the two people who were scheduled before me. We arrived at 7:05 and they went through all my paperwork. Then they immediately took me back. I got changed into the fashionable gowns, skid-free socks, and hair net and put my clothes in the locker they provided. Then I got to do all the fun pre-op stuff. During this the nurse told me that the two people ahead of me (my surgery was originally scheduled for 8:45) had not shown up yet and so I was going to be first! I was excited about this because, honestly, who wants to wait and wait when you are already there and ready? At around 7:20 she started the saline drip (I hate this because it makes my arm cold!) and sent me into the room to talk to the various doctors. We went over everything and at 7:35 they walked me into the (frigid!) OR. I was asleep in about five minutes and then waking up in recovery. At this point it was 8:55. I was so cold! It was like when you have a baby and your whole body just shivers and shivers. The top of my mouth was numb and so was my nose. It felt weird to eat ice chips but I had to because me mouth was SO DRY. I rested and tried to eat as many ice chips as I could but it was hard and plus I was still cold! They kept bringing me those AWESOME warm blankets! I need to get myself one of those heater things. They look just like refrigerators! That would totally run circles around those Snuggies...lol. Anyway, by 10:10 I was dressed and out the door! When I got home I was able to get some rest. Ella was home from school recovering (no fever today, yay!) and was laying next to me. It was so sweet because she would often lean over and stroke my hair or kiss my cheek. Around 2:00 the pain really hit. My nose felt like it was on fire and the top of my mouth was so tender and sore. Plus my head was starting to hurt. Just all-around miserable-ness. At 3:00 I was allowed more medicine so I took that and felt better within the half hour. Right about the time my wonderful friend Kathi showed up! And boy does she know me! She brought Taste of Home's Casserole's, Slow Cooker & Soups book (that I've eyed at every checkout stand for the past two weeks!), People, and Women's Day. Perfect!

I've been taking it easy ever since. It's so nice to sit in bed at 6:45 and blog and not feel guilty! But I'm still bleeding pretty bad and I want it to stop and the only way to do that is to sit and do nothing. I'm sure I'll be over it by tomorrow but for now there's nothing to do and so I'm enjoying it!

I'm hoping I can sleep tonight and that tomorrow is uneventful. I appreciate all of you who have been praying for me! Keep them coming, the next few days will be rough, I'm sure.

Off to take more DRUGS....

A Gripe

2009-03-02T09:50:00.002-05:00

Well, my surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. It looks like the kids will be home again (they are also off today) and Ella is currently vomiting the contents of her stomach. Never seen anything so bright yellow coming out of the mouth before. TMI, I know, but this is my blog and that's the mood I'm in. So, because I'm the mom and don't get a day off, I'm subjecting myself to her germs and hoping I don't come down with it while I'm recovering. Although, that would make things interesting.

FINALLY!

2009-02-26T18:56:00.002-05:00

Ella finally lost her 5th tooth! That thing was hanging on for dear life for over TWO weeks!!

AWESOME weekend away recap!

2009-02-23T09:23:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend away this past weekend! We went with Jon's brother Andrew and his wife Robin and our friends Ryan and Sara Butler to a cabin in West Virginia without any kids! We met there Friday afternoon and stayed until Sunday around noon. It was the perfect time away! We had two wonderful dinners with no interruptions! We were able to read, play games, and watch movies to our hearts content! We were able to sleep in until we felt like getting up. Pure heaven. Well, except the sleeping-in part for me. That's hard for me to do and then function. But I perservered!

Back to the normal week for me. This one will be busy. I have a frozen-dinner swap this Sunday and then my surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. Lots to prep to be ready for that!

Have a great week!

These pics are on the bottom because Blogger wouldn't let me move them in the post! The first is us at dinner on Saturday night and then the other is of the awesome fireplace in the cabin!

The Presidential Qualifications according to Coby

2009-02-18T16:32:00.003-05:00

Coby came home with a worksheet today with the simple question of: "In your opinion, what are the most important qualities that a person running for President of the United States should have?"

Here are his answers, uncorrected:

1. I think a presedent should be helpful because, I like video games. And he could make a law that all video game type things should be free.

2. I think a presedent should be nice because He could roen everything. Like a law that you could litter.

3. I think a presedent should be srtong because if a armey man is hert then he could help him.

My Morning...

2009-02-13T08:36:00.002-05:00

Coby: Why can't I eat my cereal on the floor next to the heater? (While he's wearing a tee shirt and no socks...)
Ella: I don't want cereal! Why don't you tell me what's going to be for breakfast so I know what to decide! (After trading her french toast sticks yesterday for cereal and then wanting the french toast sticks today...) The rule in our house is that FTS are a treat and only to be eaten when it says so on the breakfast calender (which had to be done because of multiple fights involving wanting to eat the FTS for breakfast...EVERYDAY). However, you can always trade what's written for cereal or oatmeal (which they won't eat anyway but at least I give them a choice...).
Coby: Why do you need to brush my hair?! And you're spraying me too much! (He had gone to bed with a damp head last night. You all know his hair. You can only imagine what it looks like in the morning...)
Ella: You didn't tell me I had to take ALL of it!! (She's been on an antibiotic for five days. She takes Zyrtec everyday. She had a little cup of the medicine. Hello?!?) She had only taken a little and "used up" her spoonful of ice cream (Julie Andrews should re-write that song.) and then got mad when I told her she had to take all of it.
Coby: Mom! Where did you put those two books I brought home from media? Me - Ummm..I have no clue what you're talking about. Coby - Oh yeah, I left them at school (no apology). Mom! What did you do with my pencil pouch (feverishly looking through backpack...). Me - Uh, nothing. I didn't touch it! Coby - Oh, I must've left it in my desk (again - no apology).
Ella: Why do we have to brush our teeth every morning?
Coby: Why can't you let me be NORMAL? (After explaining to him for the um-teenth time why he cannot play video games in the morning.)
Ella: (At the top of the steps, three minutes before the bus comes) Now, what do I need to do again? (Honey - only the same things you've been doing now for OVER ONE HUNDRED SCHOOL DAYS!)

Yup...

More Wall Quotes...

2009-02-12T14:56:00.003-05:00

I had done this one for Jon's grandparents a few months ago and finally got a picture of it!

And I got another movie quote downstairs:

New Hair Color!

2009-02-11T15:42:00.002-05:00

So I like having blonde highlights, but Robin had done them so much my hair looked totally blonde. So, as it grew out it was getting very noticable. I decided to go back to my normal color with some highlights, to start over again. I like the outcome! But I also still like the old blonde. What do you think?

BEFORE

AFTER

Ella sings!

2009-02-09T18:38:00.003-05:00

So, this isn't her best work (LOL) but it's funny! She keeps clearing her throat because she was working on a sinus infection - but was still able to sing! Enjoy!

Saltine Toffee Bars

2009-02-08T21:04:00.004-05:00

Cast of Characters:

1 Stack (not box!) Saltines
2 Sticks of Butter
1C Sugar
1 1/2C Chocolate Chips

Line the saltine crackers in a jelly roll pan lined with foil. For my pan I had to open a second bag of crackers and use some. Just keep using them until you get a single layer that covers the bottom!

Melt the butter and add sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Pour over crackers.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.

As soon as you take it out of the over pour the chocolate chips over (I used a mixture of regular and mini - that's what I had in the pantry!).

After the chips have melted, spread evenly over crackers.

Let it cool completely. Break or cut into pieces:

YUM!!

Uh....Snow Day?!

2009-02-04T11:30:00.005-05:00

So, I was surprised this morning when my phone rang at 7:00 and it was my girlfriend calling me to see if I could watch her son today. A quick glance outside had me wondering why? Apparently schools were closed! Agh! So, I had to call and cancel my van appointment (which, ironically, had been a re-schedule from last Wednesday - when they also had off...) and then figure out how to re-structure my day. So here I am, updating some pics, making my menu for February, and getting my freezer meal swap list written. I also have another quote to put on the basement wall that needs to be painted today, I traced it last night. Both kids have a friend over, so it relatively peaceful here. Here are some pics of the kids with their friends!

Crab Melt-Aways!

2009-02-02T07:06:00.005-05:00

The cast of characters:

1 7oz Can of Crab Meat, rinsed and drained
1 Stick Butter (softened)
1 Jar Old English Sharp Cheddar (brought to room temperature)
2 TBSP Mayo
½ tsp Seasoned Salt
½ tsp Garlic Salt

6 English Muffins

Add all ingredients (except muffins) to a bowl.

Mix well!

Spread about 2 TBSP onto each muffin.

Cut into 1/6th's. I like to use the Pampered Chef Crinkle Cutter. Pretty and very easy!

Arrange on waxed paper with a cutting board, cookie sheet or even cardboard underneath.

Pop in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Transfer to cookie sheet and broil until bubbly!

YUM!

Your Fortune, Madam...

2009-01-27T08:57:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Chinese New Year. Coby learned about this holiday in school. In fact, he specifically chose it for a class project. So, we did a lot of reading and learning over the past month! He wanted to celebrate here at home with a traditional (somewhat...) dinner last night. So, I put him to the task of finding a recipe online that he wanted to eat. He decided on this SWEET AND SOUR PORK recipe. I forgot to take pictures while we cooked, but it turned out really yummy (and I only deep fried once! It took a lot to deep fry at all). He also made up fortunes for us to open during dinner. We were going to make the cookies, but time got away from us. Anyway, here are his fortunes (I did not edit or change any of these...but he did do them on the computer so the spelling is okay!):

*You will like star wars one day.

*You will buy a 72 inch plaza TV.

* You will kiss a boy/girl.

* You will get an Xbox 360.

* You will get 1,000 dollars in each month.

* You will become married to a boy/girl

* You will like science one day.

* I will like stuff I don't like now.

Ella's 6th Birthday (is finally OVER!)

2009-01-26T13:58:00.003-05:00

For some reason my kids' birthday's always feel like marathons! Anyway, here are some pics from her birthday dinner at Kyoto's and her birthday party last night.

Celebrating Ella's Birthday!

2009-01-24T18:49:00.001-05:00

The One With All The Cakes!

2009-01-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

Here are her previous birthdays! Enjoy!

(She looks thrilled to be three, doesn't she?)

Not sure what happened here. Got a pic of her cake, but not with her. So here is a shot from her celebration at preschool!

More Ella pics!

2009-01-21T20:10:00.004-05:00

Here are some more pics of Ella! Enjoy!

October 2004 - 22 Months

November 2004

December 2004

January 2004 - 2 Years Old!

May 2005

June 2005

September 2005 - about 2 1/2 Years Old

December 2005

December 2005 - Almost 3!

Photo Shoot

2009-01-19T09:05:00.001-05:00

Ella and I had a girls night on Saturday and went to get her birthday pics done. This one was my favorite so I did some fun editing to it. What do you think?

One of my favorites

2009-01-16T15:28:00.002-05:00

I came across this pic of Ella while I was scanning and remember loving it! How cute is the shadow?!? Like something out of Whoville...

She is about 8 months in this picture!

Enjoy!

Looking Back..

2009-01-15T13:28:00.002-05:00

Ella's 6th birthday is next week! I can't believe it! I thought it would be fun to share some old pictures with you (because I'm scanning them in slowly....) throughout this week and next to celebrate her birthday. All of these are from her 1st year....

January

May

June

July

September

December

A Plug

2009-01-13T20:30:00.004-05:00

Okay so it's no secret that I love to cook. I'm always on the lookout for that great new recipe as well as any great new tools that may come my way. Case in point, I LOVE Pampered Chef. In fact, I think that may even be an understatement. I was just at a party a few weeks ago and saw it. As soon as I turned the page it jumped out at me. Look at it in all it's beauty.....

And then look what it does to ground beef:

With no splatters! Or meat all over the stove top! Nice little pieces all evenly browned in their wonderfulness... and all for the unbeatable price of: (ready for this??): $9.50! What is it called? It's the Mix 'N Chop. Run, do not walk, to your nearest friend having that show!

How am I doing?

2009-01-08T10:34:00.002-05:00

I only have a minute but wanted to update my "Back To School" to-do list that I wrote for myself on the first day of school. Some of you may remember that. Here it is with updates:

* Finish the corn hole game for aunt and uncle DONE!

* Paint verse on wall for grandmom DONE!

* Paint stuff Ella wants on her bedroom wall (this will be FUN!) VERY VERY CLOSE!

* Go through kids closets (again? still? one never knows....) DONE!
* Re-pot bathroom plant DONE!

* Clean out and unpack (from when the house was on the market) the new part of the basement DONE! Carpet comes next week!

* Paint cabinets to be ready to finish above mentioned "new part" DONE!

* Go through boxes of framed pictures and figure out what to do with them! Not even started

* Scan in all pictures from before we had a digital camera (LARGE undertaking!) Slowly working on this...

* Outside gardens - split hosta and other perennials and create new garden in front and side DONE!

* Clean all windows inside and out. Include mini blinds and curtains egh...avoiding?

I'd like to add some stuff to the list but have to think about what would be priority for me. I've got lots of volunteer stuff coming up with school and church and don't want to throw un-realistic goals on myself. I will mention that the Living Room fireplace wall has got to be wallpapered with that paint-able wallpaper and then painted. I'm also indulging in a new camera (Nikon D80) and would love to take a class to learn more about before the summer.

Ella lost another tooth!

2008-12-30T09:55:00.005-05:00

Her 4th tooth has been hanging by a thread. So much so that I wrote in her baby book yesterday morning that she lost it that day. I was so sure she'd lose it yesterday! Now I'll have to change it to today! By the way, she lost the bottom one today. That top one was two months ago. She's going out of order! She still hasn't lost her top front middle right one!

While we're on the subject of Ella, I wanted to share this cute pic I got yesterday. She doesn't look five, does she?!?!

And the WINNER is:

2008-12-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

MARY ELLEN!

Congrats!! I'll get you the book soon!

Hoilday Happenings!

2008-12-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

Enjoy the slide show!!

Winner of the contest to be announced soon!

Another yummy recipe!

2008-12-23T15:45:00.005-05:00

I get requests for this all the time. Here is my recipe for Oooey Gooey Butter Cake!

Oooey Gooey Butter Cake

Bottom:
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1 Egg
1 Stick Butter, softened

Directions for bottom:
Mix until blended and crumbly. Press into greased 9X13.

Topping:
1 8oz Stick Cream Cheese, softened
1 lb 10X (Powdered) Sugar (1¾ C)

2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla

Directions for topping:
Beat all together until blended. Pour onto bottom and spread to the edges. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.

DON'T FORGET YOU HAVE ONLY TOMORROW TO ENTER MY CONTEST!!!!

(Click on "contest" above for details!)

ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT!!

2008-12-22T08:34:00.001-05:00

Come and join my challenge! You could win a FREE BOOK!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!

Lunch!

2008-12-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

Uh oh...I think I'm in trouble...

2008-12-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

Coby has been given a project assignment to design his own island using the geographic stuff (I'm so technical, aren't I?) they are learning in school. He has three options for his island. He can make a 3D one, make one on poster board, or make one using Word or PowerPoint. He decided he wanted to do it on the computer. He was asking about PP, and I was trying to explain to him what it can do. He wasn't grasping it so I wanted to show him an example. A real good one is the slide show I made for him for his first birthday. It chronicles all of his milestones each month as well as including pictures and video. Took me weeks to do. I found where it was on the computer and Coby, Ella, and I settled in to watch it. Coby loved how the slides moved on their own and you could add different transitions and all that. Totally accomplished what I set out to do - make him understand PP. When it was over Ella turned to me and said, "Did you make one for me too, Mommy?"

Opps.

Guess what I'm working on this afternoon?

Get Yer Snowman Poop Here!!

2008-12-17T18:35:00.002-05:00

So, the funniest thing I've seen for the holidays is "Snowman Poop." I was given this little bag of goodness years ago and have made some almost every year. This year I thought the kids would get a kick out of giving some to their friends and, yes, their teachers. Here is a pic of the finished product and a copy of the words in case you would like to make it too. The "poop" consists of mini-marshmallows! Enjoy!

Santa looked at his list
Even checked it twice
And he found out that you
Haven’t been very nice
Since coal is so expensive,
Here is the scoop:
Santa’s filling you stocking
With
Snowman Poop!

Don't forget about the blog challenge!

The Most Adorable Baby EVER!

2008-12-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

We were given these cool coasters as wedding shower gifts a few years ago at two different weddings. They have a spot in the middle for a picture that, of course, were of the bride and groom. We managed to end up with four of these and I promptly changed the picture to some cute one's of the kids. From lots of use the pictures have started to get water marks on them. As I'm looking at this adorable one of Ella it dawns on me that I do not have another! It was taken before I had a digital camera! So, I quickly scanned it in and tried to fix it up so the mark isn't so noticeable. I had to share the pic with you because it makes me smile every time I see it! She is six months old here. Enjoy!

Don't forget about the GIVEAWAY!!! We have some good submissions so far! Keep them coming!!

I thought blog giveaways were supposed to be popular???

2008-12-15T07:20:00.002-05:00

So, I'm offering a FREE book and NO ONE is taking me up on it? Is asking you to do one nice thing for someone too much? Or do I really not have any readers?!?

Come on everyone! This is free! I'm not asking you to buy anyone anything! Let someone merge into your lane! Give up your spot in line! Let that tired mom have the last Wii...I don't know! Get out there, do something, and tell me about it here!!

Apparently people need to read this book more than I thought....

#12!

2008-12-13T07:20:00.000-05:00

http://feedjit.com/news/US/dillsburg/

Impressive.....have no idea what it means...

Dinner by Coby

2008-12-12T08:43:00.002-05:00

Our Martins Grocery Store has a cool little kitchen in it where there is a chef preparing food that the customers can sample. Many a dinner has come from these recipes because the kids try them and like them! The latest one that Coby was dying to make was: Sauteed Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Pasta. YUM! Here is the recipe:

Sautéed Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Pasta

3 TBSP Olive Oil
1 pd. Medium Shrimp – peeled and deveined
2 TBSP garlic – minced
¼ tsp Dried Oregano
½ C Tomato Sauce
1 Can Diced Tomatoes, drained
¾ C Heavy Cream
½ pd. Angel Hair Pasta
S & P

Heat Oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Cook shrimp with garlic and oregano for 2-3 minutes and season with S&P. Stir in tomato sauce and tomatoes and bring to soft simmer. Add cream and briskly simmer until sauce has thickened slightly, about one minute.

Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente and drain.
Toss pasta with shrimp and tomato sauce. Serve immediately.

Don't forget about the CHALLENGE!! I can't wait to read what you all have done! Have a great day!

A Challenge

2008-12-09T10:28:00.002-05:00

I'm in the process of reading an incredible (well, I'm only on page 18 but so far it's incredible!) book called "Love As A Way Of Life" by Gary Chapman - he's the guy that wrote on the Five Love Languages. I came across a paragraph that I want to share with all of you. Take it to heart and see what "small things" you could do to brighten some one's day. From now until Christmas Day I will take comments under this post telling about something you have done for someone else after reading this (of course things you did yesterday and last week count, but not for this challenge - you'll just have to do something else!). I will then put every one's name in a stocking and pick one. The lucky winner will win a copy of this very book! I hope all will be blessed by what they do as well as what they read from others. Here is the excerpt:

"Is buying a homeless person a bowl of soup or taking your daughter to the park or driving a coworker to the mechanic when his car breaks down really going to make a difference in the world? The answer is an overwhelming yes. We might have loftier ideas of what it means to love, such as making a grand sacrifice of time or money or even giving up our lives, but why should we be willing to die for someone when we won't even fill up the gas tank for her? Every trait of authentic love begins with small things."

Good luck and have fun!

Feel free to pass this link to your friends. I'd love to see lots of people loving others in small ways!

NYC Pics!

2008-12-08T12:23:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics from my day trip to NYC yesterday. I'm so tired today, but we had so much fun! Enjoy!

NYE Ball!

2008-12-07T13:59:00.000-05:00

More bizarre happenings from our house...

2008-12-05T13:37:00.004-05:00

Do bizarre things happen in three's like the saying "bad thing's" do? If so I'm curious to see what that third thing is. To the left is a picture of a lava lamp (you probably already knew that!). This is very similar to the one Coby has, as it's an orange wax with clear liquid. I was in his room the other day and I was curious to see that the lamp was not doing anything. The orange wax seemed to be just sitting there in a mound. It didn't look like a hard mound, like when the lamp is cool, but something wasn't working right. It just wasn't moving. The closer I got I realized it smelled foul. When I touched it I recoiled, it was extremely hot! I unplugged it and let it cool for a few minutes before I took it apart. When I lifted the glass from the base I was almost knocked over by a burning smell. How weird! As it cooled of I noticed the wax had a different color to it. The wax had burned!! I didn't even know this was possible! Check out this picture and see what color his wax turned:

SO Weird!

Finally some relief for Jon!

2008-12-03T20:16:00.003-05:00

So my husband prefers not to be mentioned too much here but I had to share this bizarre story with you. As you all know we went to Great Wolf Lodge two weekends ago. While he was doing that cool wave thing, Jon had one of his contact lenses rip. He went to the bathroom to pull it out and only got half. He assumed the other half had been knocked out by the water and didn't see it in his eye, so he gave up for the time being. The only problem was his eye was still bothering him. He kept looking in it and had me look around as well to see if it might be the other piece still in there. We didn't see anything and it never showed up in the corner of his eye. So he thought that he had scratched his eye and made an appointment to see the eye doc on Tuesday. He may be a male (and ignore consistent pain in his ankle that has been bothering him for years - but I digress), but you don't fool around when it comes to your eyes. The doctor checked him out and found no scratches. He stopped talking about it and we went on with our week.

So imagine my surprise when he comes out of the bathroom this morning (for those who are counting it's been ELEVEN days since the incident) after getting ready for work with his finger out. He proceeds to show me the other half of his contact lens that he had just gotten out of his eye. Can you believe the eye doctor missed that? Jon admitted that his eye had still been bothering him but wasn't sure why. He had, after all, gone to the doctor for it!

Isn't that weird?

Christmas-time is here!

2008-11-30T21:22:00.005-05:00

I LOVE listening to the Charlie Brown Christmas album, don't you?? Between that and the Muppet's I'm not sure which is my favorite. I think CB wins out by a mere note or two! The kids love David Foster's version of "Carol of the Bells." Can't tell you how many times I've had to listen to that already this season!

Well, we went on our annual tree hunt yesterday. We needed to do it early this year because there isn't mush time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This coming weekend Jon is on Worship Team which cuts into our Saturday and I'll be in NYC on Sunday. Then, we're just getting later and later. I'm glad it's done and as long as we I remember to water it everyday we'll be good to go! Here are some pictures from our trek:

Coby looks like he may be having fun in this picture but it's very deceiving.....

You see, this was his attitude about finding a tree. The teenage years should be fun....

And so the perfect tree was found rather quickly and taken back to the truck:

As Jon was preparing the tree for the base, the kids were having fun with our stockings:

After mom's job of putting the lights on "just right, " Coby had the honors of placing the ~~hideous~~ beautiful angel on top of the tree (Ella did it last year):

Editor's Note: The horrendous green-striped wallpaper (and lace curtains!) is soon to be a thing of the past. Needless to say I am literally counting the days until I am rid of the last speck of 90's "in" colors in my house! And yes that is a mistake you see in the strips. That was hanger-error. Identity to be kept secret....

Here is Ella painstakingly adding an ornament to the tree (we only had one fatality this year):

Do you like my Pampered Chef stonewear loaf pan sitting on the top of my wood stove? They really should add that use to the catalog. I think they would sell millions if buyers knew how well it worked with water in it to help keep dry-air at bay. I've been doing it for years with ne'er a crack!

Here is the finished product. Lovely, yes?

And if you promise to ignore my son's messy excuse for a room I'll show you his masterpiece.

Promise?

Okay...here it is:

HEY!!! You PROMISED!!

Now are you ready for the best part of the season? I splurged this year and decided to get my van (aptly named by the kids "Sie-oya") in on the holiday action:

Yup. I am driving around Rudolph this year. If you pass me on the roads, be sure to honk!!

What's left of the best dessert I've ever had!

2008-11-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin bread pudding from the Fishermans Inn in Easton, MD.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:34:00.001-05:00

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes:

1. Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.

2. Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea.

3. The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas.

4. Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey.

5. We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a.m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds. As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

6. We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table ... in a separate room ... next door.

7. Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

8. I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm tasty bread.

9. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of young diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance. Cheese Sauce stains.

10. Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice among 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it.

***Edited to add: As much as I would love to take credit for this I did not write it! I found it online!! Enjoy!!***

Coby may not live to see tomorrow

2008-11-25T07:51:00.003-05:00

So I went to the pantry to get something out this morning and noticed bits of waffle on the floor. Even some on the door. It was strange, but Coby had had them for breakfast. What they were doing by the pantry was beyond me. So, I concluded that he was putting the syrup away (like he is supposed to!) but had his plate in his hand (to put in the sink, obviously!) and some crumbs fell on the floor. Didn't explain the door but it was logical enough for me. So, waffle crumbs. No big deal. I grab the broom to sweep them away (wouldn't want to attract more mice...)and they stick to the broom. Which can only mean one thing. They are wet. Wet waffle on the floor? So I do the next logical thing. I call Coby in and ask him what it is.

"Oh." He says. "I sneezed."

Our Weekend Away!

2008-11-24T19:04:00.004-05:00

We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA this weekend. I had posted a pic from my cell on here, but wanted to give you more. We had a great time! Well, except for the 5AM evacuation! Anyway, here are some more pics:

Ready to go!

The big fireplace in the lobby!

The view of the park from the lobby-level:

The wave-machine. Coby and Jon loved this one!

Ella at the end of one of the slides:

Posing with the bear outside the ice-cream shop:

At Great Wolf Lodge!

2008-11-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

Can you believe we had to evacuate this morning at 5am???? Smoke in
the arcade....

I'm SO tired today!

My kids crack me up!!!

2008-11-21T09:43:00.001-05:00

We got a dusting......

Spectacles....

2008-11-21T09:21:00.004-05:00

So now that I'm getting more mature (ha ha), I have taken a new-found interest in those adorable reading glasses you can find at those fun boutiques.

So I have a dumb question. If my contact prescription is 2.00 for both eyes, is that what I can get in those glasses? Is it really that easy?

It's Snowing!!

2008-11-21T08:56:00.001-05:00

99 More....

2008-11-19T14:12:00.003-05:00

Some of these are duplicates, but fun nonetheless! Again - bolded I have done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance (well, it was for Coby but I win on technicality!)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - from a plane....
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone - LOVE my iphone!
99. Been stung by a bee

150 things....

2008-11-18T08:54:00.002-05:00

I stumbled across this list on someone else's blog and thought it would be interesting to see who has done what. So, copy and paste and let me know when you've done it so I can see, too!!!

I have bolded the one's I have done:

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

02. Swam with dolphins

03. Climbed a mountain

04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid

06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

08. Said "I love you" and meant it

09. Hugged a tree

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars (does having a screen roof over you count?)

20. Changed a baby's diaper (I've done this once or twice..!)

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a roller coaster

35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment

39. Had two hard drives for your computer (???? Am I missing something? I think I have this?)

40. Visited all 50 states

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk

42. Had amazing friends (still have them)

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44 . Watched whales

45. Stolen a sign

46. Backpacked in Europe

47. Taken a road-trip

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow (does the fake one at Dutch Wonderland count? Probably not...)

56. Alphabetized your CD'S

57. Pretended to be a superhero

58. Sung karaoke (NEVER have!)

59. Lounged around in bed all day (ugh...I can't imagine doing this!)

60. Played touch football

61. Gone scuba diving (in a swimming pool)

62. Kissed in the rain

63. Played in the mud (Eww.....)

64. Played in the rain

65. Gone to a drive-in theatre

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours

72. Gotten married

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch (although I'm all over the 600-pd Gorilla dough from BJ's!)

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the Snake River

82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"

83. Gotten flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas

86. Recorded music

87. Eaten shark

88. Kissed on the first date

89. Gone to Thailand

90. Bought a house

91. Been in a combat zone

92. Buried one/both of your parents

93. Been on a cruise ship

94. Spoken more than one language fluently

95. Performed in Rocky Horror

96. Raised children

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour

98. Passed out cold

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking

103. Had plastic surgery

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived

105. Wrote articles for a large publication (large--kind of. A textbook.)

106. Lost over 100 pounds (almost..does 75 count?)

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

109. Touched a stingray

110. Broken someone's heart

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a TV game show

113. Broken a bone

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse

119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi

128. Had your picture in the newspaper

129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed

132.Touched a cockroach

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey

135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

137. Skipped all your school reunions (well, we've only had one so far...)

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head

149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone's life

So the verdict is, I'm a pretty boring person.....

At the spa party!

2008-11-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

Time to change my age

2008-11-15T10:29:00.001-05:00

So, my wonderful husband (who reads my blog!) pointed out to me yesterday that my info still states that I'm 30.

He said I needed to change it.

Do I have to??

Ella is too much like me!

2008-11-13T10:46:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo Grocery Brag!!

2008-11-08T12:37:00.001-05:00

I just got back from the store and had to report that I got $52 worth of groceries for $6!!!!

It's the 8th already?!?!

2008-11-08T07:49:00.002-05:00

When did that happen?

I've been quite busy over here. Those of you on Facebook with me know what I'm talking about. We had our rather large (over 400 people!) bingo at our school last night. It's a kids bingo that they look forward to each year. It was so much fun - even though I actually didn't get to play. Ella was very disappointed, as she was two numbers away from filling that card for an Nintendo DS when someone else snagged it. All in all it was a fun evening with no issues. None!! Amazing!

In other news, our mouse has not shown his face again since trying to mug our 10 pounds of hard-earned Halloween candy. I hope he comes back soon and goes for the cheese. I'm tired of these things in my house! I think it's Ella's fault. When we came across a litter of babies in the shed this summer she convinced me they were "cute" and not to harm them. Last time I listen to a five year old!

Speaking of Ella, she finally lost her top front tooth!! This one has been giving us problems since she was two. It had begun to recess and was puzzling all of her doctors. We were keeping a good eye on her adult tooth behind it and it's fine. We thought we were going to have to pull it but nature did it's thing. Yay!

That's all for now. Have a great weekend!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:42:00.004-04:00

We did the pumpkin thing last night. Here are some pics:

Ella's kindergarten class is reciting nursery rhymes today. She picked "Patty Cake." I had no idea that was even classified as a nursery rhyme! Anyway, here she is dressed the part. I'm bringing in some flour for her to put on her face before she "goes on."

This week and last I was having fun with Ella's sandwiches in her lunch. I was cutting them into various Halloween shapes and then using sharpy's on the baggies to give them some color. I guess if I really wanted to go over the top I could've gone out and gotten eatable dye and stencils for the bread. Yeah. Anyway, here is today's: I think it turned out cute!

BE SAFE tonight if you are trick-or-treating!!

How to blanch broccoli

2008-10-22T11:22:00.004-04:00

So, I bought a bushel of broccoli from my friend Debbie last week and got to work on blanching it for the winter. If you are able to get a hold of bulk veggies I urge you to do this so you can have fresh veggies throughout the winter! I went to the #1 source (WikiAnswers!) to help explain why we need to blanch:

Blanching slows or stops the action of enzymes. Up until harvest time, enzymes cause vegetables to grow and mature. If vegetables are not blanched, or blanching is not long enough, the enzymes continue to be active during frozen storage causing off-colors, off-flavors and toughening.

So there you go! Here is how you do it:

First you start with a bushel of broccoli (mine was more full than this, I just didn't get the pic soon enough!):

It needs to be cleaned!

Then you chop it up:

Next drop a bunch into a pot of rapidly boiling water. Place lid on top and boil for FOUR MINUTES!

After boiling immediately dump broccoli into an ice bath to stop the process:

Dry it off on a towel:

And bag it up! Make sure you label the bag with the date!

(I really should follow my own advice....)

Freeze and enjoy whenever!!

Ella is a Winner!

2008-10-18T09:02:00.003-04:00

Ella's school had a pumpkin coloring contest. One winner was picked from every grade. Ella won for kindergarten! Her picture is on display at our Food Lion and we went yesterday to pick up her free pumpkin!

Congrats, sweetie!!

Weekend Recap and more wall art!

2008-10-13T19:42:00.003-04:00

I had a great weekend! Our church had it's annual women's retreat HERE and the food and accommodations were as good as ever. The speaker, Jen Hatmaker was a down-right RIOT!! She was great to listen to and had a great message for us. I didn't get any pictures of me with my roomies, but I stayed with my BFF's (hee hee....that sounds so young!) Kathi and Stacey. I'm still trying to get Stacey to do a blog. I don't think it will EVER happen! Anyway, we had a blast. But, it was also nice to come home. I'm going to try real hard to get quiet time in every day. Jen really stressed how important it is to be in The Word everyday. This is a goal for me!

Anyway, I have had the opportunity to work on Ella's room a little more these past few weeks and have gotten two more "brands" done.

I'm staying super busy here. I've got a family fun night at the school I'm in charge of Thursday and our Bingo is less than a month away!! I've also started the planning and organizing of the Christmas Coffee's for church.

Alright, enough from me. I've got some stuff to do and then I'm devouring this that I picked up from the library today!

Ella's Schedule

2008-10-09T12:17:00.002-04:00

I have no clue where she may have come up with this idea (**internal snort**) but Ella enjoys making herself a checklist every morning before school. And, of course, on the day I decide to blog about it the "checklist" is not up to snuff.... The one you see below is confusing because she drew a check mark when she had done it and then drew a line to connect the check mark with the activity. Other ones that he has done have been much better, but I cannot find any of them. I think it's hilarious that she does this, Jon just shakes his head and is (I'm sure) praying for whomever her husband ends up being.

Anyway, there are five things she has to do before school. If she gets all of them done then she gets TV time before the bus comes. That doesn't happen often because the process of making the checklist takes time! Here is a run-down of what she needs to do:

-Make bed (I'm thinking that's the picture with her laying down looking nine months pregnant :))
-Get Dressed (that's the one with the clothes drawn over her body on the bottom left)
-Eat Breakfast (sitting at the table)
-Brush Teeth (I think that's a toothbrush in her hand, not a knife....)
-Pack Backpack (this is where it gets tricky. I think the thing that says "Ella" on it is supposed to be her backpack)

What a riot!

Another Item On The Checklist Is Done!!!!

2008-10-06T14:59:00.002-04:00

I was able to get this done today! I didn't have my camera with me, so the picture isn't the greatest, but you can see it's done! This is Jon's grandmom's wall with the verse she chose!

Woo Hoo!!

One More Recipe...

2008-10-05T15:24:00.004-04:00

I know I just did a recipe, but I had a few requests for this one. I just made it today for Jon to eat while he enjoys the Raven's Game. It's the Olive Garden's "Zuppa Toscana." Enjoy!

1lb ground Sweet Italian Sausage
1tsp Crushed Red Pepper
1 Large Diced Onion
1Tbsp Bacon Pieces (pre-cooked or Baco’s)
2tsp Garlic, crushed

10C Water
5 Cubes Chicken Bouillon
1C Heavy Cream
1lb Diced Russet Potatoes (about 3 large)
¼ of a bunch of Kale

Cook sausage and red pepper in soup pot. Drain fat and put in the refrigerator until needed again. In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic for about 15 minutes, or until onions are soft. Add water and bouillon and bring to boil. Add potatoes and cook until soft – about ½ an hour. Add cream and cook until heated through. Stir in sausage and simmer. Add kale just before serving. Serve garnished with fresh shredded parmesan cheese.

Monkey Munch

2008-09-29T20:42:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to make "Monkey Munch" for awhile now and decided to take the plunge today. It's really good! Don't care for the TV show that promotes it, but will definitely make this again!

Enjoy!

Monkey Munch

Ingredients:9 cups Chex® cereal (any variety)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation Directions:

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside. 2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag. 3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Stove-Top Directions:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside. In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Weird Wet Spot

2008-09-28T15:05:00.002-04:00

So I was vacuuming my Sienna this afternoon because it finally stopped raining and my van was in desperate need. When I lifted up the front passenger mat to get underneath I was startled to see a wet spot on the floor! Upon further investigation I find that nothing else is wet....not even the carpet piece that lays over it! So I Goggled it and found that this is a problem in some Sienna's and now I have to call to take it in. I made it over a year so far without having to take it in, which is more than I could say about my last van (piece of junk MPV). While it's there I'm going to have them also look at my manual sliding door as sometimes it doesn't latch and stay open. Little issue I've had for awhile but not worthy of a wasted afternoon at the service center.

So, if anyone has a copy of Karen Kingsbury's final book in her series and won't be using it this week, can I steal it for something to read? I'm hoping to make the appointment for Tuesday.

As if I have nothing else better to do with my time......

Win A Free handbag!

2008-09-26T08:38:00.002-04:00

Just enter your name and email address and be entered to win a FREE handbag..including shipping!!! Woo Hoo!!

Go here:

HANDBAG PLANET

Good luck!

Busy Busy!

2008-09-23T19:12:00.003-04:00

I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to blog! I'm trying to get into a groove and it's not quite happening. If anyone knows how to add four or so hours into the day, please let me know!

We've had quite a bit going on here. My grandmom had hernia surgery two weeks ago and called me from the ER last Sunday morning. She had an ambulance take her because she had extremely bad pain in her neck and thought something was really wrong. Well, they diagnosed her with a pulled muscle and muscle spasms and gave her a morphine-based pain killer as well as a muscle relaxer and sent her on her way. Needless to say, she does not remember that day at all. I told her she was coming hope with me for a few days. Has anyone ever taken 24 hour care of an elderly person? I'll tell you, it's worse than having a newborn baby! I had her stay until Friday. I was wiped by the time the week was through.

Speaking of newborns, my sister-in-law had hers two and a half weeks ago! She is beautiful and perfect but it's been far from easy for her. First Jenna ended up back in the hospital at five days old due to her bilirubin being very high. She stayed for two nights. Becky got barely three more days in at home and then ended up in the hospital herself. She ended up needing three units of blood and a D & C. So, she was starting over from day one as far as healing was concerned. Coincidentally, the next few school days after I dropped my grandmom back home were spent helping Becky.

So, all is well now. Becky and Jenna are both troopers and in spite of "pumping and dumping" when Jenna was ten days old and having to supplement with bottles, she's now over her birth weight and nursing exclusively. Yay for that!

In addition to all of that, I'm in charge of a big Women's Ministry Event at church that we've started planning, as well as helping with retreat stuff. On the school end of things, I'm the School Spirit Committee Chair and I'm trying to get events and spirit wear stuff together. I had our first committee meeting last night. After that I headed to Jon's grandparents house to start on their verse on the wall. She is hosting Canasta in October and wanted it done by then. Looks like it'll happen! Also at school I'm class mom for both kids' classes and I'm a steady volunteer in Ella's classroom and now the media center (thanks, Mary Ellen! Hee Hee Hee...!!). Someone remind me that I'm a STAY AT HOME MOM? Don't even get me started on the gym!

Oh and I almost forgot! While I was home with my grandmom last week I managed to pull together 15 meals for my quarterly meal swap. I needed 12 for the actual swap and the extras I had went to Becky and Jon's cousin who had a baby last week. I'm going down there to meet that baby tomorrow!

So this week my goal is to pull my house together to prepare for Sunday. I'm looking forward to the get-together and competition!!!

Now I'm off to enter in all the PTA members into the database on my computer. Oh, did I not mention I do that, too???