MX Momma

Menu: 8/14 thru 8/26

2011-08-13T23:08:00.003-05:00

I'm still here! Summer has been crazy (and I can't believe it is coming to an end!!! It's almost school time for my kiddies!!! Woot!! We love back to school!!!)

Baseball ended a few weeks ago and now we're in full on football mode...at least four nights a week, every week...three kids on three different teams! Holy wah!!

Anywho...I've been revamping the photograph biz...THAT is time-consuming. I've been sick A LOT lately...not sure what the heck!?! And like I said, sports, sports, sports, (laundry, laundry), sports, sports, sports. LOL!

We are still meal-planning though! (I cannot express how much time and headache this saves!!!) Groceries are bought for the next two weeks! LOTS and LOTS of football going on all week, so we chose dinners that were either super quick, could be prepared in advance, or that could cook all day in the crock pot!

Sunday 8/14
Roast (Slow Cooker!)
Mashed Potatoes + Gravy
Green Beans

Monday 8/15
Quesadillas
Chips + Salsa

Tuesday 8/16
Shepherd's Pie

Wednesday 8/17
Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry (Teriyaki)
White Rice

Thursday 8/18
LEFTOVER DAY!

Friday 8/19
Corn Dog Muffins
Homemade (baked) Mac-n-Cheese

Saturday 8/20
My FAMOUS Chicken Noodle Soup...yummmmy!!!! Can't wait!

Sunday 8/21
Honey Mustard Chicken (Slow Cooker)
Rice
Steamed Veggies

Monday 8/22
Spaghetti
Garlic Bread

Tuesday 8/23
Salmon (baked)
Wild Rice
Steamed Veggies

Wednesday 8/24
LEFTOVERS!

Thursday 8/25
Tuna Mac Casserole

Friday 8/26
Corn & Bacon Chowdaaahhh (Chowder *wink*)
Rolls

xoxo

Menu Monday - Guest Post...WOOT!

2011-05-09T06:49:00.002-05:00

Oh happy day!!! We've got a guest poster today...another rockin' lady that plans her menus! I'm telling you...it's the way to go. Now without further adieu...I present Carrian!

Hi everyone!!! I'm Carrian from Sweet Basil! I blog about all things food and I've recently begun posting a weekly menu. It's meant to be used the week following so you have time to grocery shop and plan for it. I also am the executive assistant at Simply the Sweet Life and I LOOOOVE it. AND, guess what? I have a giveaway going on right now and so does Simplythesweetlife!! It sounds so silly, but giveaways put me in the BEST mood. I love giving stuff away because isn't it the best to get something for free? HECK YES!!

Anyway, here is a great weekly meal plan and I hope it helps to take away that boring, "What to eat for dinner" dilemma.

Printable Grocery List

Meal Plan

Sunday- Marinated Turkey Breast

serve with fingerling potatoes

Monday- Turkey Pot Pie (use leftover turkey)

Tuesday- French Dip

Wednesday- White Chicken Chili

Thursday- Rosemary Skewered Chicken

Friday- Margarita Pizza

Saturday-Bacon Egg and Avocado Sandwich

Thanks for having me!! I do hope you will stop by Sweet Basil and say hello. OH! And Jenn is posting her menu for me today so run over and tell her hello!!

Menu Monday

2011-05-02T19:27:00.002-05:00

It's that time again, friends. MENU MONDAY! (Days got mixed up in last week's menu so this Sunday's meal was actually going to be Saturday from last week. But, one of the many beautiful things about menu planning is, it's totally flexible when there's got to be a change of plans!!)

Sunday 5/1
Steak Sandwiches
Rosemary Over potatoes
Green Beans

Monday 5/2
Chicken Quesadillas
Chips & Salsa + Guacamole

Tuesday 5/3
Baked Salmon
Caesar Salad

Wednesday 5/4
Tuna Mac Casserole

Thursday 5/5
LEFTOVERS!!!

Friday 5/6
Spaghetti (which is ACTUALLY leftovers from last time we had spaghetti. I dumped what we didn't eat into a freezer bag, so it's all ready for a quick thaw and reheat! Yummy!)

Next week, watch for a GUEST POST from one of my new favorite bloggie-friends! She posts weekly menu's also and she is going to be here to share her menu with you!

Ciao!

OPAM

2011-04-28T08:19:00.004-05:00

OPAM = One Photo a Month

I've seen some people take on this project with their entire families...one of my very favorite photographers, Tara Whitney, did this last year...6 people, times 12 (Tara, her husband and their four kids) every month for a year. Amazing.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a family "portrait" every month, but it's hard because often, when McKenzie is over, Will isn't...or when Will and McKenzie are home, Luc and Mike are at their dad's. To get our whole crew of 7 (plus 2 dogs) together in the day time all at once is a rarity...and when it does happen it's usually chaotic and there's lots going on! (As I'm sure you can imagine! haha!)

SO, I decided I'd embark on a challenge to take a portrait of my four boys, all together...at least once a month...every month. Of course, I didn't decide this until April so my "year" is kind of lop-sided, but so be it.

I am planning to push to be more creative as the months go on, but for right now, this was a rushed evening shot we took quickly when we got home from one of the boys' sports practices...and I love it. I am going to print one for my desk at work so I can stare at those faces all day and dream of being a Stay at Home Mom. <3 And whenever they stress me out (because lets be honest...kids can stress us out), I can think of this moment and these faces and I realize it's ok.

I love these boys with every ounce of my soul...my four boys...take 1.

And just for fun...Mikey is a BURST of personality, and 9 out of 10 photos I snapped he was making a face kind of like this. He makes me laugh. hahaha!

Bagel Schmear

2011-04-27T15:09:00.002-05:00

I'll never forget it...that fateful, quiet Sunday morning...Easter Sunday. It was just Benji & I...the man was sleeping (he's a 3rd shifter) and the older boys were at their dad's.

I was lounging on the couch, browsing all of my favorite blogs, when I came across THIS post on This Life is Sweet. At that very moment, a new tradition was born.

It was HOURS until dinner time...what could I eat in the meantime? Why, BAGEL SCHMEAR of course!! I actually got up and went to the store just for the ingredients. The moment I saw it, I knew I needed it!

It was DEVINE! I'm sure I'll make it again throughout the year (it would make an awesome dip for crackers too!!) but from here on out, I will make it every Easter morning so we can snack throughout the day on something besides Easter candy, and it will keep us happily satiated until dinner time!

So if you're looking for a delicious snack (or even something that makes a great light meal...I had it for lunch yesterday), try this...and while you're enjoying your Schmear, check out This Life is Sweet! Tell her Jenn sent you! :)

Bagel Schmear (recipe from This Life is Sweet)

2 8-oz. packages cream cheese - softened
1 pkg. Pastrami (I bought Carl Buddig) - chopped finely.
1 bunch green onions - chopped
2 c. shredded cheddar

Mix cream cheese, pastrami and green onions. Depending on how long you let your cream cheese soften, it might be difficult to stir at first. Then add your cheddar cheese and mix well.

Spread on a toasted bagel (I used Sesame bagels...yummy!) or onto Ritz crackers.

ENJOY!!!

It's TUESDAY!

2011-04-26T22:27:00.003-05:00

You know what THAT means!!! My weekly "HOO ARE YOU?" from Night Owl Crafting!!

Love the variety of questions this week...fun stuff! The day isn't over yet! Hop on over and link up!!!

And the questions...

1. Do you plant a garden or flowers, or neither?
Technically, I plant neither...but we do grow some veggies in containers. (It hardly qualifies as a "garden" though.) We very much want to have a garden, but I need to do some research to learn about building raised garden beds. The people that owned the house before us has VERY nice landscaping (which we've wrecked, pretty much...we mowed down the HUGE garden in the back, after letting friends and family have their pick of the plants and flowers from back there.) We're left with some tulips in front and on the side of the house and one single poppy that comes up every year...but none of it planted by moi. :)

2. Does it bother you to have your blinds or curtains open after dark so people can see in your house?
Ehh...not so much when Adam is home...I guess more so if it's just the kids and I. (Although I admit that I love when other people do it...I find it really interesting to be able to see how people decorate their homes!! Does that make me a creepy freak?!? LOL!) It's not like I'm standing outside gawking or anything! haha! But if we're driving by, I might steal a glance. ;)

3. Do you like to go camping?
YES! We love to camp! I will love it MUCH more when we have a camper some day! For now we tent it...almost every weekend in the summer! Motocross pretty much EQUALS camping...non-stop camping! There are things I don't love, but that's another post for another day! LOL! (And if you asked me this at the end of the MX season...when we've been on the go for months, I might give an answer more along the lines of "I am SO flippin' sick and tired of CAMPING!" haha! Grass is always greener, right?)

4. Do you have a laptop or a desk top computer?
Laptop...although I am considering an all-in-one touch screen PC. Anyone have one?

5. What time during the day do you have your most energy?
On days at home, late morning to early evening.
Days at work...early evening when I get home from work. Work makes me feel like a lethargic lump. No lie. Blah.

Okay, amigos! You know all about me! Hurry over to Night Owl Crafting before Tuesday is done, and link up to HOO ARE YOU, TUESDAY!

xoxo

Menu Monday

2011-04-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

Monday already? Gah! Where does the time go?!?

Did everyone have a fantastic Easter? I did...very much enjoyed time with my kiddos and I absolutely loved seeing their excitement over the goodies in their baskets! Luc started baseball (practice) this weekend too, so we are really starting to look forward to Spring sports!

I got our menu all planned out for the next two weeks and shopped on Saturday. (However, even though I plan for two weeks at a time, I'm only going to share one week at a time here.)

So here we go!

Sunday 4/24
Baked Ham
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Broccoli Ritz "Casserole"
Dinner Rolls (TOTALLY spaced it and forgot to make the dinner rolls last night!)
Strawberry Shortcake for dessert!

Monday 4/25
Honey Mustard Chicken (Slow-Cooker!)
Rice
Steamed Veggies
(We were supposed to have this last week and plans got changed.)

Tuesday 4/26
"Beefy Nachos"
(Basically a "nacho bar" set up with chips, taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacomole, and nacho cheese! Build your own nachos! Luc's requested meal of the week!)

Wednesday 4/27
Ham & Corn Chowder
Dinner Rolls
I will be using THIS recipe, as a base (using up leftover ham...woot!) but have some changes to make. If it turns out as deliciously as I'm expecting, I will create a separate post with the recipe!

Thursday 4/28
LEFTOVERS!! (Exclamation points make everything more exciting...right??)

Friday 4/29
Homemade Pizza...one buffalo chicken and one taco pizza (using leftover taco meat from our nacho bar day!). YUMMY! Can't wait! (This was Mikey's requested meal of the week!)
Salads

Saturday 4/30
Steak Sandwiches (Another new recipe I'll be trying...I will post if it's delish!)
Oven fries

FYI...

2011-04-20T12:54:00.005-05:00

On our way to feeling better...after a couple nasty colds, a throat/eye/ear infection, and then the icing on the illness cake...Influenza B...we are FINALLY starting to feel better.

Flu shots for this family next year...yes-sir-ee.

Menu Monday

2011-04-18T19:43:00.002-05:00

I tried to post this earlier but Blogger and I got into a fist-fight over formatting...Blogger won. Grr.

Trying again. :)

For the past few months I have been planning our meals two weeks in advance...and then shopping for our meals two weeks in advance. We love our new way of life. We eat healthier, because we rarely eat out. It saves us time because there are no last minute trips to the store and I know in advance what we are having, so there's not searching through the cabinets trying to make a decision when I get home from work. It also saves us money because I shop with specific meals in mind, I plan leftovers days, and I can plan meals that utilize leftovers.

It's still a flexible plan though...if something comes up and we need to switch days, no biggie. I am honestly so pleased with our decision to do this.

Anyway...thought I'd share our meal plans every week in case anyone is looking for meal ideas! Works for us!

Monday 4/18
LEFTOVERS (Leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes from Saturday)

Tuesday 4/19
Sloppy Joes
Baked Mac-N-Cheese

Wednesday 4/20
Tatertot Casserole

Thursday 4/21
Steak
Grilled Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli

Friday 4/22
Honey Mustard Chicken
Rice
Steamed Veggies

Hopefully this helps anyone struggling to think of meals on a day to day basis!

Germ-y.

2011-03-28T19:16:00.003-05:00

And we're sick...

Seriously mom?? (This is what a double eye infection + ear infection + throat infection looks like...)

On the bright side, it means cartoons (Timmy Time...our fave) in Mom & Dad's bed.

It's Tuesday.

2011-03-15T21:13:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, HOO ARE YOU Tuesday...how I have MISSED you!

1. What are a couple of your favorite green foods? Spinach...broccoli...peas...hmmm...Oooo...LIMES! I LOOOOOOVE me some LIMES!

2. Do you decorate for St. Patrick's Day? Not even a little bit.

3. Do you have Irish in you? Nope...but every St. Patty's day at least three people ask me because I've got red hair and fair skin.

4. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Never have...never tried a green beer, never made corned beef & cabbage. Honestly...I don't get the appeal. LOL!

5.Use one word that represents each letter in the word LUCK in your life!
L-Love
U-Unique
C-Creative
K-Kiddos (lots and lots of kiddos!)

And on that note, I have to go rock a sad, sick baby...never a dull moment.

HOOT!

2011-02-01T22:08:00.002-06:00

It's HOO ARE YOU Tuesday over at Night Owl Crafting! If you haven't checked out her blog, you MUST! And if you've been then before, check it out again! She just got the CUTEST new site design! I just love it!

1. Are you married/in a relationship/single? For how long?
I am in a relationship...we're going on four years this coming May. No engagement ring yet...but a girl can hope! LOL!

2. What do you do for a living? Do you enjoy it?
I am a Certification Tech. I work for a company that manufactures seats from private jets/business jets. My department is responsible for testing the seats (like "crash testing") to make sure they meet FAA safety standards. I will say that I wish I was a stay at home/work from home mom, and leave that one at that...LOL.

3. In what state do you live? Where were you born and raised?
I live in Wisconsin. I was born in Wisconsin and raised in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan. I currently live about three minutes from my hometown. :)

4. Do you have children? If so, how many? If not, do you want them?
If there's one thing I have a bunch of, it's kids! I have four sons (yes...four. And yes...all boys.) They are ages 10 (almost 11...OMG...two more weeks! Where has time gone!?!?), 7, 5 (and a half!) and 6 months old. My boyfriend also has a daughter (who I already refer to as my step-daughter) who is 6 (almost 7). Needless to say, we keep VERY busy! LOL!

5. Who is your favorite blogger to follow and why?
There are SO many blogs I love. I can't pick a favorite...no way, no how.

HOO are YOU!?!?

2011-01-25T12:20:00.002-06:00

Ahhh...Tuesday again! And you know what that means! Time for my FAVORITE link-it-up party of the week...Night Owl Crafting's HOO ARE YOU!?!?!

1. Do you wear glasses or contacts, if so for how long?
I have been rockin’ eyewear since the ripe ol’ age of FIVE (yes…5.) It started out with a failed eye test at school, followed by a local eye doctor telling my mom they were wrong and that my eyes were fine, another failed eye test, and a new eye doctor saying “Well what do you know!? She’s blind in her left eye!” Lovely. (Needless to say, that first eye doctor does NOT get my praises…) After years of patching my right eye (to force my left eye to work…and yes, I said patching…as in pirate. Arrrggg.), I am happy to say I can wear normal eyeglasses/contacts these days. (A far cry from the ridiculousness I had going on in 1987!) I have contacts and wear them on occasion…more often in the summer when I want to rock my “stunna shades” (ha!). But I LOVE LOVE LOVE wearing funky specs, so I wear glasses 95% of the time.

2. What was your favorite board game as a kid?
Hmmm…good question. I quite liked Splat! (Do you remember that game? With the Play-doh bugs??) I found that game at Goodwill last year sometime and my kids love it. A classic, for sure.
3. What is a word that you use all the time?
Ahahaha…we’re a bunch of crazies in our household and among our group of friends. I say “stoked” a lot…or “gourd” (as in “you are out of your gourd”…LOL!) The man gets on these phrase kicks and will start his own catch phrase that he says (and gets everyone else saying for weeks at a time! Yes…we are THAT ridiculous.) The current catch phrase at our house is “Holy WAH!” (so we say that…a lot! LOL!)

4. What is your favorite day of the week?
Sunday. The only thing that sucks about Sunday is that it’s followed by “back to work, Monday”. But Sunday is when I clean, grocery shop, watch football, etc. I love me some Sundays.

5. Did you graduate high school from the town you grew up in?
Yes…Class of 2000 baby! Woot!

Now head on over and check out Night Owl Crafting (and follow her blog while you're at it...it's a good one!!!) :)

2011-01-21T09:41:00.002-06:00

I found a fun new Friday party over at "The Little Things We Do..." so hop on over and take part in "Fill in the blank Friday"!!!

1. My favorite quote is...one of many. I really love words and the responses they illicit in people. Top three are: “Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world need are people who have come alive.” (-Howard Thurman) “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” (-Winston Churchill) and “All the effort in the world means nothing if you’re not inspired.” (-Chuck Palahniuk). I’m a sucker for song lyrics too, but I could go on all day about it.

2. A bad habit I have is...NAILBITING! I am getting better though. I still catch myself doing it when I'm stressed, but once I realize I'm doing it, I stop right away!

3. The first time I felt like a "grown up" was...when I bought an iron and was stoked about it.

4. Weekends are...ALWAYS busy, but they also allow me much needed extra time with the kiddos, extra time to catch up on the housework, and extra time to just chill without feeling guilty about it! Looking forward to the weekend gets me through the week, FO SHO!

5. When I was a child I wished my name was...I don't even remember? I don't know if I ever wished I had a specific name but there were names I'd given my dolls that I planned for future children (that I did NOT stick with)...Anastasia, Kennedy, Lincoln (all girl names), and then there was my very favorite doll, William (that I did indeed name my first son!!)

6. I wish...I could afford to stay at home (work from home) and take care of my family...spend more time with my boys...have more time to cook and clean without having to spend the majority of my evenings doing it...I SO wish I could stay home. It is my goal and I WILL get there...I just hope it's while my kids are still young. :(

7. A secret I have is...while I'm looking forward to fitting into clothing a couple sizes smaller, I still miss Jalapeno Cheetos!!!!! (I have been doing pretty great on my new healthy eating plan though, so I am proud of myself!) :)

Alright friends...link it up!

2011-01-11T10:54:00.002-06:00

Woot...It's HOO ARE YOU time at Night Owl Crafting! Love this...love getting to know my fellow bloggers a little bit better! So head on over there and link up, party people!

1. Are you fond of cooking? YES...I love to cook! (Well...I love to cook when it's not my job. I have down the whole cooking as a profession thing and it made me hate cooking both at work and at home. Yucko.) I absolutely love trying out new recipes, and tweaking old recipes to my liking. Love making dinner every night for my family and trying fun new breakfasts with the kiddos on the weekends. LOVE making dips and appetizers for a bunch of friends when they come over to watch football or Supercross. Love to grill in the summer...yummmmmm. So yes, not only am I "fond of" it...I LOVE it!

2. What kind of food do you prefer eating when you are out? MEXICAN! I am one quesadilla lovin' Momma!!

3. Which do you prefer, sweet or salty? Oh, hands down, salty. I could live of popcorn and chips...although I'm starting BIGGEST LOSER next week at work (cannot WAIT!) and popcorn and chips are going to be a thing of the past. :(

4. Where is the last place you ate out at? A local pizza place here called Brothers Three...we went on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row and it was delish, as usual!! We always split our pizzas half an half, and got two smalls...so we got half pepperoni with half Mexican pizza (the man's faves) and I got half Hawaiian with half Bacon Cheeseburger! SO amazing!

5. What's for dinner tonight? I don't know yet, actually...the weeks the kids are at their dad's we just kind of wing it. I'm going to run home at lunch and probably throw some chicken in the crock pot.

Seriously now, get over to Night Owl Crafting...link it up folks!

xoxo

30 Days of Truth - Day 3

2011-01-02T12:11:00.003-06:00

If you recall, I started a "30 Days of Truth" series a couple months ago. As promised, I am continuing. I knew I wouldn't be posting one a day (or even one a week) but as part of my 2011 resolution to keep my blogging going strong, I'm going to take on another question today while my family naps.

We're up to Day 3...

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Hmm...that's tough. I am pretty headstrong about refusing to live a life of regret.

We are human and we all make mistakes. Every decision in my lifetime, good or bad, has led me to this exact life...this exact moment. So if I hang on to those bad choices...times when, looking back I can see, I probably should've acted otherwise, I'm not really sold...because had I done that, I wouldn't be where I am right this very second. And I love where I am right this very second.

I cannot know for certain if the choices I have made have brought me to a place that is better or worse than where I would be otherwise, but I don't care. I CAN'T care. Because I am who I am and I am where I am...and that's just what it is. (Very "Butterfly Effect"...I know.)

I thought long and hard about this before answering and that's really the best answer I can give. :)

2011

2011-01-01T11:20:00.002-06:00

Hello New Year!!

It's been a crazy, amazing 2010 and I am FULLY looking forward to more amazing-ness in 2011!!!

An update on life around here...remember that bedroom makeover we did? Yeah, scratch that. I've decided I can't stand sleeping upstairs so far from the kiddos, so the new game plan is to find a new bedroom set (as opposed to trying to get our big stuff back down the small staircase! LOL!) and take one of the small bedrooms downstairs. We are rearranging once again and I feel REALLY good about our plans this time! <3

We and the kids are doing fantastically! Our sweet Benji just got over a week long stomach bug...that wasn't the most fun ever but we are grateful to have him back to his smiling self. Love that baby! <3

The big kids are doing well in school, had a fun-filled Christmas...and we are still sorting out the toy tornado that went through our living room!

NUMERO UNO on the New Year's Resolutions list is GET ORGANIZED. We've made some small changes already and I am looking forward to a less hectic year due to better organization. Wish me luck!

Other resolutions include taking more pictures of my kiddos, making time for a date night with Adam once in awhile...not just for a special occasion, but just because, and being a better blogger. I love blogging...i just need to allot myself the time to do it. And (again, as part of the New Year, fresh start) I am vowing to do just that. Allow myself time to do some of the things I love...read, write, (no...not arithmetic!) learn!!!!

I am just loving life and hope you are too!

Happy Twenty-Eleven friends! <3

Holy Silhouettes Batman!

2010-11-23T19:51:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the CRAZY number of blogs giving away Silhouettes?!?!?! I'm commenting all over hoping to win one! (I never win anything though, so I won't get my hopes too high! LOL!)

Seriously though...this is NUMERO UNO on my Christmas List! (Ok...I lie...it's numero dos. Numero uno being the ever elusive engagement ring...LOL!)

Check 'em out though! Silhouette's look SO fantastic...seriously! And unlike the Cricut Machines, you can use your own fonts on your computer. No cartridges...WOOT!

Check out all these great blogs, and try your hand at winning one too! Good luck, friends!

No Biggie
The Idea Room
Tatertots and Jello
Infarrantly Creative
Shanty 2 Chic
How Does She
Make it and Love it
Homemade by Jill
We Are That Family
Grosgrain Fabulous
Moms Review 4 You

O Turkey Day, O Turkey Day...

2010-11-23T08:33:00.003-06:00

Why is it that I only make time to post on Tuesdays?!?!? I've GOT to do something about that! SO many recipes to share...a couple projects...my first sewing projects (total flop by the way...LOL!) Seriously...so much to share...I've just got to make the time to share it!

I will work on it...promise.

ANYWHO...it's "Hoo Are You" Tuesday again, friends! Link it up!

1. Name 5 things you are grateful for!
Family (including one sweet surprise, chubby cheeked baby we weren't expecting, but who has taken our family to an awesome new level!!)
Real Friends (which, as I get older I realize are few and far between)
Clients (it's been a good year...working my way towards SAHM...someday!!)
Paychecks (we went awhile without one when I was off work...getting back to paychecks is a good, good thing.)
Diet Coke (is an explanation even necessary? I think not...)

2. What is you favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner?
Mashed potatoes and gravy...which is silly because we can (and do) have those any time of year...but they're still my fave.

3. Do you have any family traditions for Thanksgiving?
Not really...we just do the same thing every year. Lunch at my grandmas at noon, and dinner with Adam's family when the hunters come in at dark. Well...I take that back. We DO have a tradition...we spend Thanksgiving with family, and then the day after I make an entire turkey dinner at our house and we spend the day with friends! :)

4. Are you staying home or traveling for Thanksgiving?
We stay in town.

5. What else do you do on Thanksgiving day besides eat?
Watch FOOTBALL of course!! And sleep. I definitely intend to nap at some point. :)

And on an unrelated note...bronchitis remedies anyone??? I'm pretty sure I've got it. My chest hurts when I breathe and burns when I cough. Yucky. Any home remedies? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Gracias amigos.

xoxo

Happy Tuesday...HOO Are You?!?

2010-11-16T09:34:00.003-06:00

As usual, linking up my Tuesday at Night Owl Crafting.

1. Do you ever burp out loud in private or public?

NEVER in public...seriously, ever. In private, rarely. I'm not one of those people that can "burp on command" anyway...I don't get how people do that?? LOL! I was, however, quite "burpy" when I was pregnant and I hated it. It made my chest and stomach hurt. So anyway, no, I don't.

2. How often do you get sick each year?

Well, my dad used to "joke" that I should have a wing in the hospital named after me for how often I'm sick. I think he's exaggerating a bit, but I did used to get sick fairly often...and with obscure things like blood poisoning when I was 15, and was hospitalized for a week. Weird. But now, not TOO often I guess. I used to get migraines and THANKFULLY, that's rare these days. I usually get stomach flu once or twice a year, a few good colds, and that's about it.

3. Would you rather paint a room in your house yourself, or have someone else do it for you?
I used to say I'd rather do it myself...but if I could afford to have someone else do it, I would. Not because I hate it, but because I suck at it. LOL!

4. If you get 30 minutes to yourself, what do you do?

I would take a shower. LOL! Most of my showers are five minutes long with Benji in his bouncy seat on the bathroom floor fussing after the first three minutes to be picked up, at least one of the dogs pushing the bathroom door open so the cold air is flooding in, and a screaming and fighting Luc & Mikey coming in AT LEAST four times to "tell" on each other. A half hour long, quiet hot shower sounds just blissful right now. hahaha!

5. Do you allow people to wear shoes in your house?
Yes, and I go through area rugs in my living room like they're going out of style because of it...but I don't have a large entryway with room for people's shoes and I don't like taking my shoes off anyway, so it is what it is.

That's what I got, friends! Head on over to Night Owl Crafting and get to know some more of your fellow bloggers!

xoxo

Absentee Blogger.

2010-11-14T23:18:00.004-06:00

Holy WAH! (As we say in our house.)

I just can't keep up these days. Photography stuff, work, kids, doctor appointments, family things, holidays coming up. WOW. I owe my blog some attention!

It's not that I have lack of content to blog about...I've got WEEKS worth of cookies to catch you up on from Project Cookie Monster. We've got recipes to share (2 in one recipe...baked chicken into chicken quesadillas, meatball sub casserole, homemade veggie soup and more!!) We've got a new couch on the way (YAY) so we'll have a living room makeover to post soon...and FINALLY (yes...really) photos of our bedroom makeover, now that we've been actually using the room instead of sleeping in the living room! LOL! OH...and I have a couple product reviews to share...I'm not being commissioned by the companies or anything. Just some things we've tried recently and I want to share my opinions on.

So much to do...so little time...so it goes.

I'll be back as time allows...until next time...xoxo

Hoooooooo Are you Tuesday?!?!?!?!?

2010-11-02T09:10:00.003-05:00

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
Umm...I think my induced labor with my last son was probably the most painful. (Closely followed by my labor with my first son, Will. The other two in between weren't so unbearable. Oddly...the first and last were at the same hospital...hmmm...) I can tell you that the most painful thing was NOT breaking my foot, and it was NOT kidney stones. (I've heard people say that...yes, they hurt...but it certainly wasn't the most terrible thing ever. Weird.)

And for the record...(not that you asked about pet peeves, but this is a pain related pet peeve so I'm going for it...), I am a migraine sufferer. (During a migraine, I'd probably say THAT was the most physically painful thing I'd ever endured.) It just drives me CRAZY when someone posts "Ugh! I have such a migraine!" as their facebook status...or when someone at work says that while they are typing away. No...if you had a migraine, you could not STAND to look at the brightness of a computer screen. You wouldn't have been able to drive to work! You would NOT be checking your facebook. You'd be in a dark, quiet room hating your life. Sorry...jumping down off my soap box. ANYWHO...next...

2. What would you name your next child or if you don't have any your first child?
Well, I will NOT be having any more children. (Closed up shop, thankyouverymuch!) But if I did, I have a very long list of names I love...far to many to get into here. :)

3. If you could add one feature to your car, what would you choose?
Ooo...so many features to choose from!!! GPS...satellite radio...heated seats...moon roof?!?!?!?! I think, though, that'd I'd go with a DVD player for the boys. :)

4. If you named your house (or car or computer) what would you name it?
House: Frank. My house just looks like a "Frank". I dig it.
Car: Minnie
Computer: I don't HAVE my own computer anymore!! *tear* When I get one though, I shall LOVE her! I think I will call her...ummm...Pearl. (Ha...Minnie Pearl...yes indeed).

5. What is your dream occupation?
Photographer + Stay-at-Home-Momma...some day, some day...

Link it up, friends!

Chubba-Bubba

2010-11-01T22:54:00.003-05:00

Weighed in the little man...16.4 ounces of chunk. Love these fat legs...

Happiest little man I've ever known!

Hello Health Week 4!

2010-11-01T11:26:00.002-05:00

Linking up at "Along the Way with K +J"...check-ch-check-check-check-ch-check it out. (Feel my Beastie Boys reference here, ok?? *wink*)

Days I've worked out this week: 2...BUT, I've made my self a schedule for the week so it will NOT be blah!
Minutes per day I worked out: 45-ish
Health find/tip of the week: My tip of the week is PUT THE HALLOWEEN CANDY AWAY! Out of sight, out of mind...works for me! :)
Health question of the week: What are some of your favorite work-out tunes that keep you moving?
Pounds lost this week/so far: UP 3. :( Boooo! So I start working out and I GAIN?!?! How does that work? Oh well...keep on keepin' on.

Halloween Pictures to Share!

2010-11-01T06:56:00.002-05:00

That's all for now...ciao! xoxo

Double Duty Recipes...Apple Butter Pork Chops AND Pork Fried Rice

2010-10-30T20:51:00.004-05:00

So, I've been on the look-out for recipes that do Double Duty! You know...a "cook once, eat twice" type of thing?

I found a recipe online for Apple Butter Pork Loin that I converted into an Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe I will share below. Then a couple days later, we used the leftover pork to make some DELICIOUS Pork Fried Rice!! (Now...had I been thinking, I would've made the pork fried rice the same night, and saved myself another night of cooking, but the fried rice is so super quick and easy, it really wasn't a big deal.)

Without further ado...Double Duty:

Apple Butter Pork Chops

1-2 lbs pork chops
2 cups apple juice (next time, I will use apple cider instead!)
Onion Powder
Seasoned Salt
Apple Butter

1. Place pork chops in slow cooker. Season to taste with onion powder and seasoned salt. Add juice until chops are completely covered.
2. Cook on "high" for 4 hours.
3. Remove from juice and place on a baking sheet.
4. Brush each chop with apple butter and place under the broiler for about 2 minutes to create a nice bubbly glaze.
5. Enjoy!

And then...

Pork Fried Rice

Leftover Pork Chops from Apple Butter Pork Chops recipe
2 eggs
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup peas (frozen)
1 cup diced carrots (frozen)
2 Tbsp margarine
Soy Sauce to taste

1. Heat skillet over medium heat and add pork, peas and carrots, plus a dash of soy sauce. Heat until veggies are no longer frozen.
2. Push veggies and meat to the side and scramble 2 eggs in the pan, and then incorporate into the meat/veggies.
3. Poor cooked rice into skillet. Add butter, and fry for several minutes, stirring pretty constantly.
4. Add several splashes of soy sauce, to taste. (I like more than less) and make sure everything is well mixed and heated through.

ENJOY!

Day 2 - 30 Days of Truth

2010-10-29T09:54:00.002-05:00

This is part of the "30 Days of Truth" series I'm taking part in at Live Beautiful. As I mentioned in my original post on it, I am not doing a post/day...just whenever I feel like answering the questions...so it will take me longer than 30 consecutive days to finish, but I'll get there.

Day 2: Something You Love About Yourself

I can honestly say that I love that I put others before myself.

There’s that old saying, “You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time…but you can’t please all the people all the time.” I think it’s my life’s mission to prove otherwise. LOL!

I genuinely care about my friends and family and will do everything within my power to make sure they are happy, healthy, well-fed, and entertained. I’m kind of the “mom” of our group or friends (fitting, being that I have several kiddos! LOL!) and I take it upon myself to make all the snacks and make sure everyone is comfy and has enough to eat/drink at gatherings. Weekends at the race track too, I make sure everyone eats and is ready to go for race time.

I am very likely to put others before myself, and well I’ve had some people tell me that’s a downfall (or that it can be), I disagree. I am a firm believer in karma, and know that putting out positive energy and giving to those around me will come back to me in the end.

Hoo Are You Tuesday?!?!

2010-10-26T12:27:00.002-05:00

It's already Tuesday again?? Holy WAH! Where does the time go???

As with the past few weeks, I am participating in Night Owl Crafting's "Hoo Are You Tuesday"! Click on over to check out and get to know more of your fellow bloggers!

1. How Many Times per year do you get your hair cut?
I am TERRIBLE (truly) about getting my hair cut more than once a year...sad, I know. I'm hoping now that I'm going with side bangs, and have my hair dyed, I will be FORCED to at least get a trim every couple of months. We'll see though...

2. Where is the worst palce to be stuck waiting?
In the OB/GYN office where they bring you back to the exam room, have you "gown up", and then leaving you sitting on a table for twenty minutes waiting for your doctor. I flippin' HATE that! LOL!

3. What are you favorite pizza toppings?

Mmm...I love pizza! We're having homemade pizza tonight in fact! My famous Buffalo Chicken pizza is one of my faves to make at home. Out and about, I prefer ham & pineapple. YUMMY!

4. What is your favorite thing about where you live?
It's a low-crime area which is great for raising the kiddos.

5. What's your favorite Fruit? Veggie?
Hmm...I think my favorite fruit would be cherries!! So yummy! I love making cherry pie in the summer! My favorite veggie is probably tomato. (Or wait...is that a fruit? If it's a fruit, then I'll go with...ummm...probably peas. Mmm!)

That's what I got...and now you know!

10 in 10 Recap

2010-10-25T21:11:00.003-05:00

So here was my original 10 in 10 list...

My 10 in 10...
1. Get photos up on the living room walls.
2. Get art up in our room.
3. Get the boys moved to their new room.
4. Finish kids headboards.
5. Make sea salt caramels
6. Make taffy with the boys.
7. Finish kids art display project.
8. Try Freezer Paper stenciling.
9. Reorganize Kitchen Cabinets
10. Get my hair done.

Honestly, I was pretty much a failure all around! LOL!

1. I didn't get photos up BUT I am putting in an order for photos tonight...so it's underway!
2. I haven't done a thing with our room. I don't even sleep in there. Sad but true. :(
3. I am very sad to say, the boys are still in their old room, BUT on a happy note their room is fresh and clean (thanks to the hard work of my son Luc!! Good job buddy!)
4. Finish kids headboards is underway...I painted Will's headboard but wasn't happy with it so I need to sand it down a bit and Adam is going to help me repaint. It's nice to see how it's going to look though!! I bought the paint and stencil for Kenzie's bed but I don't love it and plan to return it and do a scrapbook paper treatment instead!
5. I didn't make sea salt caramels because i couldn't find a candy thermometer...even at Walmart. WTH?
6. We didn't make this, but we DID make pretzel-turtles! Yummy!
7. Still not done...haven't touched it.
8. Again, no-go. I suck.
9. This too is underway...I will have pictures to share when I'm done! Yay!
10. DONE! Yes...mission accomplished!

hahaha...Ok, so maybe I'm too busy to set such lofty goals, but at least I got some things going and will of course share as I finish! I hope everyone had a much more productive 10 in 10 than me!!

Much love,

Hello Health - Week 3

2010-10-25T09:56:00.003-05:00

Ok...first things first, I had a crazy hectic weekend. So 10 in 10 recap will go up TONIGHT...I promise.

On to Hello Health Week 3...where I link up with sweet Katie over at Along the Way with K + J!

Days I've worked out this week: 2-ish. I did a workout I recorded from TV, and I'm counting a day spent with my kiddos playing outside and having a good ol' time.
Minutes per day I worked out: 45 minutes-ish
Health find/tip of the week: I have been looking for lots of great healthy recipes online. I will post about them as we try them if they’re yummy!
Health question of the week: How do you motivate yourself to workout when you are lacking in energy? (Answer my question in my comments, and if you're linking up at Katie's blog, use this spot to ask your own health question for other's to answer)
Pounds lost this week/so far: Another 1.8 down, woot!

On a health related note, I went and bought a used Elliptical machine yesterday and was SO excited to work out this morning. BUT...we drove it home in the rain in the back of a truck and I think we might have ruined the electrical console (which controls the resistance). I am so bummed I could still cry. I'm hoping it will dry out, but we'll see... **sigh**

10-in-10

2010-10-22T09:53:00.001-05:00

I didn't forget!! Update post and link-up will be up tonight!!

xoxo

30 days of Truth - Day 1

2010-10-21T19:12:00.003-05:00

This is part of the "30 Days of Truth" series I'm taking part in at Live Beautiful.

Day 1: Something You Hate About Yourself.

Ohhhh geez. Now don't get me wrong...I'm not all into self-loathing or anything, but on certain days (and today just happens to be one of them) I could really go off on a tangent about things I dislike about myself.

I'm a procrastinator...and I suffer unnecessarily because of it.
My body is just ICK. (Yes...I realize I just had a baby but I am simply miserable with how I look...)
As I get older, I get more and more impatient...

But more than any of those things, I struggle with the "J" word...yes...jealousy.

Ugh. I see photographer's making it happen. SAHM's able to stay home with their babies. Fairytale romance in movies. Lottery winners. And while I am honestly and truly happy for all of these people, I wish so badly sometimes to have what they have. It's frustrating and counter-productive, but sometimes I can't help myself. I think what frustrates me about it more than anything (well, besides that fact that jealousy is pointless) is that I just need to DO something about it to get where I want to be in life. Obviously I can't will myself to win the lottery, and I am rational enough to know that "The Notebook" is a story...not real life...but I CAN keep doing my photography and hopefully someday will be making enough that I will be able to BE the Stay at home Mom I want to be. I just have to keep at it and not let the nasty old green-eyed monster get me down.

Some days, if you ask me if I have jealous tendencies, I'd say F@#% that. But on a crappy day like I've had today...yeah...sometimes I am. And I guess I just need to get over it or do something about it. And someday, I will...and that's the TRUTH.

xo

Can You Handle the Truth?

2010-10-21T18:11:00.007-05:00

All over blog-land, people are jumping on the "30 Days of Truth" band wagon. I love honesty. I think it is important to be honest with others and equally important to be honest with ourselves. I have "truth" tattooed in white ink on the inside of my right wrist. I have trust issues...that I'd like to think are getting better. But I need to feel surrounded by truth on a daily basis.

Here are the daily questions. I will start Day 1 in a separate post, and each day will link each question back to this post so you can click on the day and see the post with my corresponding answer. I probably won't do it for 30 consecutive days, but I'll get them all done.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Check out the Live Beautiful blog for others linked up:

Hoo Are You Tuesdays!

2010-10-19T12:11:00.002-05:00

Last week I joined in over at Night Owl Crafting's "Hoo Are You Tuesdays"...super fun to get to know our fellow bloggers a little bit better!

It's a new week, and a new Tuesday so I'm all set for a new set of questions.

1.What was your favorite meal growing up?
For dinner, probably meatloaf and mashed potatoes...I'm a sucker for comfort food, and my mom makes a mean meat loaf! Close second would be "Camp Special"...venison steaks and fried potatoes cooked by my step-dad. YUMMY! For breakfast, my dad is King though...he makes the BEST scrambled eggs EVER. I watched him make them once. He put a whole stick of butter in the pan. No...no I'm not exaggerating. But YUM! OMG. And he always mixed in crumbled up bacon. Mmm...i haven't had one of his breakfasts in YEARS!

2. What's your favorite month?
It's a tie between June and September. June I love because it's finally starting to get warm enough to appreciate...it's my birthday month, so it's my JENNAPALOOZA month, which is always an amazingly awesome time, and it's the kids first month of summer vacation, so they're excited and ready for adventure. September I love because after a few months I am sick of the heat and ready for the weather to be a little cooler in the morning but still nice and warm during the day. Football comes back, and the kids go BACK to school, which is always a fun time of year!

3. What store is most represented in your wardrobe?
Oh geez...I don't even know. We don't have a lot of shopping choices around here so I can't frequent any place but Walmart pretty much...but I rarely shop for clothes there for myself. (Come to think of it, I rarely shop for clothes for myself at all. That's kind of a bummer...hmm....)

4. How many times do you go to the movie theater each month/year?
Hmm...probably about 4 times/year on average, I'd say. We love movie nights at home!

5. Fill in the blank- I've never been able to ___________________
Um. I've never been able to get over my fear of speaking in front of crowds. I get all shaky-voiced and red in the face. I hate that...I don't even care, so I don't know why I physically react that way.

Inked.

2010-10-18T21:09:00.004-05:00

I have 6 tattoos.
I have 6 tattoos and I don't care if you don't like them.
I have 6 tattoos and can't wait to get more.

I love, love, love tattoos. My boss doesn't get it. My mom doesn't get it. And you know...that's alright with me. Every tattoo of mine is deeply personal. (I would never, never, NEVER just walk into a shop and pick something off the wall. If you would, that's cool...but I would not.)

I'm linking up at Mama and the Dudes. I love to show off my artwork!

My first tattoo, I hate. I don't hate what it was supposed to be, but I hate what it ended up being.

This is what I asked for:

See it down there...bottom left corner? It's vintage-y and beautiful and I had wanted it since I was 14 years old!!

Years, I waited, until I was 21, and I finally took the plunge...and got this:

Not only is it ugly...it was poorly done. I still need to find someone to vintage it up for me...someday.

Tattoo 2 and 3...

The man and I decided to get "matching" tattoos. I'm a sucker for words, and typography. We went with "truth" tattoos which mean so much to us. We each have different fonts, but they're both on the inside of our right wrists. Mine is white...can you see it?I love it...

It's white ink and it's very special to me.

I have another white ink tattoo on my other wrist. It says "live" but it doesn't match as closely as I hoped, so I will be covering it, probably with "live" in a scripty black font instead with some sort of image...we shall see.

Tattoo #4...

The second "matching" tattoo the man I got. "Amor Vincit Omnia"..."Love Conquers All". His is on the inside of his bicep...mine across my back. (I chose the scribble-esque font...and love it.)

Last two...one was my birthday gift from my tattoo artist friend. It turned out better that I had ever imagined. "All You Need is Love". (This was HANDS DOWN my most painful tattoo). That's said tattoo artists actual handwriting...with embellishments. I adore this tattoo of mine.

And then there's my bird...ohhhh, my bird, how I love you.

Also done by my tattoo artist friend (actually, ALL of the tattoos with the exception of the first were done by him...). He drew me this and it is more than just a sparrow to me. It means so, so much more. It is about peace and science and acceptance, all in one gorgeous piece of artwork. And I love her. I can't wait to get married some day so I can wear a strapless wedding dress and show that baby off!! <3

My next piece will be a big paisley, boho-inspired piece on my upper left arm...it will incorporate the names of my boys. Momma's boys. :)

There are SO many more on my list, including some that were (or are being) designed just for me!!

Want to see more artwork?? Check out Mama and The Dudes!!

xoxo

Hello Health - Week 2

2010-10-18T10:00:00.003-05:00

I am taking part in a weekly "Hello Health Party" over at "Along the Way with K&J!" Week 2 already...wowza! Time flies when you have no time to work out! LOL!

Days I have worked out this week: Actual workout...zero. (Sorry!) But I did get some cardio with chasing kiddos all week long. I think a day at the pumpkin patch, carrying pumpkins, bean bag tossing and wearing a baby counts as exercise!

Minutes per day I worked out: N/A

Health Find/Tip of the Week: I had the brilliant idea (ha) to DVR some workout shows from FIT TV...so now I have some workout "videos" at my disposal when I do find time for a work out.

Health Question of the week...: How do you make sure you're maintaining proper portion control? I really struggle with that sometimes... (If you are linking up, answer this question in my comments, link up over at Katie's blog, and input your own question in your weekly update for others to answer in your comments!)

Pounds lost this week/so far: I am down 1.2 pounds today! Woot! It's a start!

**************************************************

So I was DOWN in weight this week...I've been trying to remain concious of my eating habits. I did well most of the week...not as great yesterday. (We always have food, football and friends on Sundays, so I guess that's my "day off".)

I'm just happy to be headed in the right direction...slow and steady... :)

Pumpkin Patch - 2010

2010-10-16T21:18:00.005-05:00

If you're not in the mood for A LOT of pictures, this is not going to be the post for you! We had a GREAT time at the pumpkin patch today! We started off the day with some sausage, egg and cheese breakfast muffins (recipe soon!). The kids HATED them. LOL! I don't know why? They were delicious! Even Adam liked them and he hates eggs. They rocked. I think the boys just woke up in a mood.

But, promises of a trip to the pumpkin patch lifted everyone's moods. We packed up and headed out with Grandma (my mom) to the Berryland Farm. They were tentative when we first got out of the truck, but it didn't take them long at all to warm up to the fun and activities!

Luc, Mikey and Benji...

Checking out the haybale fort! They LOVED this thing!

Time for a trip into the corn maze!!!!

More photo fun!

Ring and Bean Bag toss!

They also had arts & crafts areas and face painting! FUN!

Duck races...they loved this!

Then it was time for the (mildly) haunted hayride!

And a pumpkin hunting adventure! (This is Mikey with my mom!!)

Wish Will, McKenzie and Adam had been along...next year, for sure!

And last, but not least...hanging out with the smallest of my best friends. <3

After such a busy day we all zonked out for an afternoon nap! Bliss! I made pea soup for dinner (recipe later) and now it's almost bedtime!

Had a great day! Hope everyone else did as well!

xoxo

Project: Cookie Monster - Week 2 (Homemade Oreos)

2010-10-15T02:50:00.005-05:00

We didn't forget about our weekly project already! I just didn't upload the photos until today...LOL! Busy, busy! You know me!

So for week two, we made Smitten Kitchen's Homemade Oreos! (Check out that blog, if you haven't before...TONS of really amazing recipes! Yummy!)

Her recipe is as follows (this is just copy and pasted):

For the chocolate wafers:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar [see recipe note]
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1 large egg

For the filling:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Set two racks in the middle of the oven. Preheat to 375°F.
In a food processor, or bowl of an electric mixer, thoroughly mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt, and sugar. While pulsing, or on low speed, add the butter, and then the egg. Continue processing or mixing until dough comes together in a mass.
Take rounded teaspoons of batter and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet approximately two inches apart. With moistened hands, slightly flatten the dough. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating once for even baking. Set baking sheets on a rack to cool.
To make the cream, place butter and shortening in a mixing bowl, and at low speed, gradually beat in the sugar and vanilla. Turn the mixer on high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until filling is light and fluffy.
To assemble the cookies, in a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch, round tip, pipe teaspoon-size blobs of cream into the center of one cookie. Place another cookie, equal in size to the first, on top of the cream. Lightly press, to work the filling evenly to the outsides of the cookie. Continue this process until all the cookies have been sandwiched with cream. Dunk generously in a large glass of milk.

The only difference between her recipe and what we did is that I couldn't find Dutch Process cocoa so I had no choice but to use natural unsweetened cocoa...I'm not sure how that affected the cookie, but they were still yummy!

They were actually a little on the sweet side for me, but the kids LOVED them and so did the folks at my work that I shared them with! The recipe was very easy to make and was not difficult to assemble. I'm sure we'll make them again sometime!

I didn't take any pictures of the process, but did take some finished pics! (Sorry...I got sidetracked that evening and we forgot!)

Mmmm...

Yummy!!!!!!!

In week three we are making Vanilla Wafers...can't wait!!!

Linking up all over this Friday...

The DIY Show Off Fall Friday

Stop on everywhere and check out the other projects and blogs and make some new friends!!

M&M Game

2010-10-14T10:11:00.006-05:00

I grew up in a town that has a FIERCE football rivalry with the town I live in now. Every year, the “M&M Game” takes place between our neighboring towns…the oldest Interstate rivalry in High School Football History. It’s a BIG deal. I BLEED Maroon & Gold…you have to be FROM here to truly understand how deep our loyalties lie.

When I purchased my house, and moved to the ~~enemy~~ neighboring town, I didn’t think about football. My kids are little…what difference does it make? Well…it does. This morning, I dressed my elementary school aged boys in PURPLE (I’m gagging as I type) and sent them off to school for their pep rally. **heavy sigh**

This is NOT going to work…LOL! Is it sad that I’m considering open-enrolling them into a different school district? Haha! (Ok, kidding…sorta.)

I’m actually not GOING to the game this year. (Boo!) My brother, who is a senior this year, decided to quit football (DOUBLE boo!!) but I was there last year, all decked out in my Maroon gear cheering on the team with my family! (The games are better the year’s they play in my home town anyway! We have a far superior field…I think most folks from the other town would agree, to be honest.) BUT, tomorrow at work, we get to dress up to show our support for our home teams, so I will be here in my Maroon & Gold, loving on my “home” team in spirit!

Check me out...last year with my "little" brother!! (We won!)

And in high school...that's me...second from the right. U Rah Rah. :) (The cheerleading pic is actually from the Detroit Lions old stadium where we played and WON our State Championship game!)

A few (ok, maybe like 10) years ago, my Grandparents told me about an old tradition of the West End bar (which has since been torn down, (by my dad, actually) and replaced) making split pea soup and serving all of the bar patrons after the Saturday day-game. That tradition is sadly, long gone but in honor of it, this weekend I will be making Split Pea soup (so watch for that recipe!) My kids and I will be taking a trip to the pumpkin patch so that will be a yummy, warm lunch to come home to. More on that later!

Ciao,

Homemade Donuts - SUPER easy recipe!

2010-10-12T23:04:00.007-05:00

Not much makes my kids happier than DONUTS for breakfast. But seriously...who feels like getting up and running to the store bright and early? Not this girl!

Thus, you can understand my excitement when I came across this SUPER easy recipe for homemade donuts! My kids were STOKED (as was momma...not gonna lie!)

We paired ours with a Danimals Crush Cup yogurt and breakfast was complete!

1. Open a can of southern style biscuits. (Do NOT use the "flaky" kind with the layers!) I just used a generic brand.

2. Using a cap from a 2 liter bottle (or any other small round something you may have) cut a hole out of the middle of each donut. Don't throw that extra dough away!! Fry it up for donut holes! YUMMY!

3. Heat oil in a skillet until "hot enough" (LOL...how helpful am I right now? Sorry!) Cook donuts on one side for about a minute.

4. Flip and cook on the other side about a minute. (I slightly undercooked mine on accident so they were doughy in the middle...icky.)

5. Remove from oil and place on paper towel. Blot to remove oil.

6. While still warm, dredge in a plate of sugar. (Next time we're going to try homemade icing and sprinkles!!)

7. FEAST!

(Edited to add: For the record, my wall isn't filthy! That's spots on the camera lens. I forgot to touch them up in this photo! LOL!)

Try it out! You won't be sorry...TRUST me!!

Linking up...blog hopping!!

Here, too!!

And HERE!

Got stuff to do?? Check out 10 in 10!

2010-10-12T15:11:00.002-05:00

I am going to start taking part in Night Owl Crafting's "HOO ARE YOU" Tuesdays!

Stop on by to participate and get to know some new friends!

1. How tall are you? How tall do you WISH you were?
I am 5'8"...and so wish I was 5'7"...yes that one inch makes a big difference in finding jeans that are long enough!

2. Do you have a birthmark? Where?
Yes...on my neck...and I hate it and WILL have it removed someday.

3. What is your biggest money waster?
Ooo...good question. Ummm...just random stuff, I think. I can't go into a Walmart without leaving with a cart full of stuff (which is their intent I suppose.)

4. What song are you tired of?
Anything by Kesha. Yuck.

5. What stresses you out the most?
Couple things...money worries (guess I should stay out of Walmart...LOL!) And Luc's behavior. I wonder if he has ADHD...I worry that he isn't going to have an easy life is he continues on the behavior path he's on...I wonder if it's something I did or if there's something I can do that I haven't thought of...I worry.

10 in 10

2010-10-12T06:38:00.000-05:00

Better late than never. As promised...10 in 10.

Procrastinator's Unite! You know you've got a to-do list somewhere just BEGGING for attention!

I am posting my list of 10 things and giving myself 10 days to get them done. I will post a Linky for anyone to join in the list making fun...and will post another at the end of 10 days for a recap. Even if not a single one of you links up, I'll be here, holding down the fort and getting it done!

My 10 in 10...
1. Get photos up on the living room walls.
2. Get art up in our room.
3. Get the boys moved to their new room.
4. Finish kids headboards.
5. Make sea salt caramels
6. Make taffy with the boys.
7. Finish kids art display project.
8. Try Freezer Paper stenciling.
9. Reorganize Kitchen Cabinets
10. Get my hair done.

Lots of little things, couple of big things...and the last one, is for me. I have a hard time making myself take a minute to do something for me. Maybe adding it to my list will help! LOL!

Link up if you're up to the challenge! 10 in 10 girls...come on! You can do it!

Hello Health, Week 1!

2010-10-11T10:55:00.003-05:00

I am taking part in a weekly "Hello Health Party" over at "Along the Way with K&J!"

It's just an exercise in accountablity on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I've been needing to do this for sometime, and figure nows as good a time as any!

Days I have worked out this week: NONE (LOL! This is my first time doing this, so next week I will hopefully have a better answer!)

Minutes per day I worked out: N/A

Health Find/Tip of the Week: I have been trying to portion out things like chips into individual serving size bags when I bring them home from the grocery store. Keeps me from sitting down with a bag of Doritos and polishing off half the bag! It's hard to find time, sometimes, but I just need to keep MAKING time. Gotta make it a priority, I guess!

Health Question of the week...Any workout DVD's you LOVE?: I love my "Pilates for Every Body", but I sadly don't use it any more. I have 10 Minute Trainer and P90X to try too, though, so once I give those a go, I'll get back to you. :)

Pounds lost this week/so far: Again, since this is my first time linking up, I haven't lost anything...but I took my starting weight and my GOAL is to lose a total of "27.6" pounds over the next several months. Wish me luck!!

**************************************************

Now more on why and how I'm doing this.

Winter is on it's way. I cook a lot of "comfort food" type foods in the Winter...yummy! (Shephard's Pie tonight in fact!) And, due to my LOATHING of cold weather, I don't go outside much and therefore am not very active. So I NEED to get this situation under control before the snow flies!

Honestly, I don't have a lot of time to devote to working out. I love to take walks, but am so swamped with kids and my day job and my photography and LIFE, that I don't have time to do it. But I need to. I need to walk, or even just spend a good half an hour cleaning vigourously or something. I am looking for an elliptical but haven't found a good deal as of it. Until then, I've got to just "MAKE" a cardio workout, even if it's raking leaves or dancing around with my boys. I've got to do something.

I want to be healthy, and I want a healthy family. We LOVE food (me, especially) so I need to preach portion control and wise choices. It's a work-in-progress, for sure...but we'll get there. :)

So, I will be posting and linking up every Monday for as long as Katie keeps her Linky Party going, just to keep myself accountable, whether I had a good week or a bad week. If anyone is interested, stop on by her blog and link up yourself!

Remember...10 in 10 starts tonight! (I should've done it yesterday...10 in 10 for 10/10/10...whoa. Ha!)

Back later!

It's All About the Benji, Baby...

2010-10-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

Benji update! Our sweet little 6lb 4oz peanut, is now a whopping 14.6lb OX, who is an absolute JOY!

Some photos...for fun!

Paper Mama Photo Challenge

2010-10-09T21:17:00.004-05:00

I am entering the "Paper Mama" photo challenge...this week is "Mama and Me" photos. (It doesn't have to be taken BY me...but has to be OF me.)

So I am entering me and my buddy, Benji (taken by Benji's daddy, Adam)...he loves laying in there all snuggled up next to momma. And I think it's as calming for me (to know he's comfy and content) as it is for him (to be held and loved). Our Moby wrap makes our hearts happy!

Check out more adorable "mama and me" pics over at The Paper Mama blog!!

Ooooo Boy!!!

2010-10-08T14:16:00.002-05:00

Does anyone remember last year around this time there was a "10 in 10" party out there in blog-land. It was a linky party for people on a mission to complete 10 projects on their too long to-do lists in 10 days. I gave it a go...here's my original post on it: http://motoxmomma.blogspot.com/2009/10/add.html

Sooooooooo...linky party or not, I'm doing it again this year. I seem to work better under pressure! LOL!

If anyone shows interest I can set up a linky party...but either way, I'm doing it...starting this coming Monday I think is my plan. Linky party anyone?? ANYONE?!?! (Bueller? Bueller???)

Sorry...it's been a long day already. I think I'm getting delusional.

10 in 10 this Monday folks...watch for it!

Project: Cookie Monster - Week 1

2010-10-02T21:23:00.008-05:00

I tried this once before and failed miserably, but if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Right? Right!

I am embarking on a personal project to make a different cookie recipe every week for a year! How fun to have a cookie jar full of delicious cookies (and what a great way to add recipes to my arsenal)! My kids have named our experiment: PROJECT COOKIE MONSTER :)

We started off tonight...it was Mikey's week to help...with, quite literally, the BEST chocolate chip cookie I've EVER had. I am not exaggerating folks. These are perfect. They are soft all the way through...amazing flavor...just dense enough...ahhh...cookie bliss!

I started off with this base recipe: here.

I altered it though, per recommendations of reviewers on AllRecipes, and to fit our own personal tastes.

Without further ado...the one and only chocolate chip cookie recipe I will ever use for as long as I shall live. LOL!
BEST ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/4 c. white sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 stick salted butter
1/2 stick (1/2 cup) butter flavored Crisco shortening
1 (3.5 oz. box) vanilla instant pudding mix
2 eggs
1 and a half tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
2 and a quarter c. all-purpose flour
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Partially melt butter.
3. Cream butter, shortening and sugars together.

4. Add pudding mix and eggs.
5. Incorporate flour and baking soda...mix well.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.

7. Place by rounded tablespoon full onto cookie sheet. (These cookies shouldn't spread much so fill up your cookie sheet!)
8. Bake 10 minutes at 375...as soon as you start to see light brown on the edges, take them out. Remove to rack (or, like I did, a brown paper bag) to cool.

9. Enjoy the heck out of the best cookie you've ever had!

I am linking Project Cookie Monster up at the DIY Show Off Project Parade! Check them out: here for a TON of great projects!

And also at Skip to My Lou. Check the great stuff out here:

And at Tatertots and Jello! Go HERE...quick!

Stop back next week for Project Cookie Monster - Week 2...I think we're going with an Oreo knock-off! Yummy!

More Moby

2010-10-01T20:42:00.005-05:00

I seriously cannot say enough good things about this. I hate that I never took the opportunity to "babywear" with my other boys...I've had my Moby for three days and it's been an amazing thing thus far!

Just wanted to share some more pics of me with my boy...he can be SO fussy and calms right down when placed in the cradle hold in the Moby. New moms...you must try it!!

Hands Free!!! I chopped veggies for our dinner today while wearing my buddy...

Comfy for me and for him...

Stuff and Things.

2010-09-29T19:23:00.004-05:00

Well, I took the plunge...yesterday, I had my tubes tied! Yes...I know it's cheaper, easier, smoother recovery, etc. for the man just to get the snip, BUT, from what I know of guys and their balls...no way was I going to try to force the man to let someone near his with a scissors! LOL!

So, I did it. Surgery went okay, recovery is going smoothly I suppose. I'm sore...bruised and ready to feel back to normal, but enjoying my week off of work and getting to spend more time with the kids. OH, how I wish I could be a stay at home mom...some day!!

So I made beef stew today...yummy! (Recipe: here ), have been taking care of a sick Luc (poor buddy has a bad headache that has woken him up crying several times...I hope he isn't a migraine sufferer like my brother, mom and I...), and just making the most of my time at home. (As much as I can anyway...I'm pretty slow moving with the soreness.)

I got a MOBY wrap today though! I'm still learning how to wrap/tie it but even with my painful incisions, I could comfortably wear Benji...AMAZING! I wish I had one of these for all my kids...or even had one earlier with Benj. I've been having a really hard time lately coming to terms, not so much with the fact that I won't have any more kids, but more with the fact that I won't ever have an 8 week old again...or a 9 week old...or a 10 week old...if that makes sense? I am hating having to go back to work, so I am trying to cherish every second I can with Benj as a baby...and having the Moby wrap will allow me to still be productive while keeping him close to me when I am home. :)

Anywho...some quick pics to share...

Veggies ready for sauteing...and a bowl of beef stew! (Seriously, check out the recipe! So delish!)

And me snuggled up with my boy! <3

xoxo

Getting into the swing of things...and a recipe!

2010-09-19T12:50:00.006-05:00

Slowly, but surely, we are getting back into the swing of things. The boys are enjoying school, and I am happy with their new teachers, so that's awesome. We're doing our annual "fall cleaning' (opposite our spring cleaning) and spent the last two days going through every item of clothing in the house and sorting things to throw away, put away and give away. It was a big undertaking but I'm glad it's done.

I'm back to work full time and although I will say I SO wish I could be home with my buddy, I am relieved to have my paycheck coming in again.

My photography season is winding down...a few more sessions I'm looking forward to and then I expect things will be pretty slow until Spring...so it goes. :)

My boys Luc and Mike go to their dads every other week. It's something new we started recently and it's going ok. There have been snags but I'm trying to give it time...we'll see what happens, I guess. This weekend was my weekend with them, and I have been trying to make them fun breakfasts on their weekends here...just because. :)

Yesterday we had delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls, and this morning I made easy-peasy "Half-Homemade Chocolate Croissants" !! I saw this idea HERE last week...check out her blog. It's awesome!

This was super easy and super delicious!!

All you need is a can of Pillsbury crescent rolls (I used the jumbo "Big and Flaky" version) and a jar of Nutella (mmm!!!)

Unroll the crescent rolls and spread a dollop of Nutella on each...

Roll 'em up loosely and place on your baking sheet. Bake per package directions.

Yummmmmmmy!!!!!!!!!!!

See? Mikey approves!! (Luc wasn't as impressed...)

Dirty Face=Job Well done on Mom's part!!

I have an actual croissant recipe I want to try eventually but until then, this is quick, easy and delicious! Works for me!!

xoxo

3/4's of my Buddies...

2010-09-04T15:14:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share some new pics of 3 of my 4 boys...

Luc and Mikey

And again...

Luc...

Mike...

And brand new from this morning...Mr. Benji. His onesie says "Mommy Thinks I'm Cool". Yes, Benji...I sure do! :)

I hope everyone has a fantastic Labor Day weekend! I, for one, intend to enjoy mine immensely as it is my last weekend before my return to work after maternity leave. **sigh** :(

Talk soon!
xoxo

Mexican Chicken & Cheese Pasta

2010-09-01T11:02:00.002-05:00

I was feeling SO sick when I made this, that I didn't think to snap a picture. :( Sorry folks. But I had to share the recipe anyway.

I found a recipe online for a Mexican Chicken & Cheese Pasta, but we tweaked it to suit our families likes/dislikes, and I couldn't be happier with the results! Even the kids scarfed it down!! LOVE when that happens!

This is quick and delicious...hope you enjoy!

Mexican Chicken & Cheese Pasta

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 box penne pasta (or any other fave...next time I am going to try rotini!)
1 jar Tostitos brand Salsa Con Queso
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large tomato-diced
Tostitos (or other corn chips)

1. Cook Pasta according to box directions. Drain and return to pan.
2. In a separate pan, cook chicken. (Season to taste)
3. Add chicken to pasta. Mix in beans and Cheese Sauce.
4. Serve immediately. Garnish with diced tomato and crushed tortilla chips.

Like I said, I wasn't feeling well the night I made it but I had it as leftovers the next day and it was delish! We will be adding it to our menu again in the future, I'm sure! Yummy!

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

2010-08-30T21:09:00.005-05:00

With school starting for my boys very soon, I've been looking for ideas to save us time and sanity!

I saw an idea on TV to make "Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos" so that we did, and I am TOTALLY stoked with the results and now on the hunt for more great "Make Ahead" meals!!

We combined several ingredients (recipe below), rolled up and individually wrapped the breakfast burritos. Now if my kiddos want a quick, hot breakfast, it's as easy as taking one out of the freezer and popping it in the microwave for a couple of minutes! What a great way to provide a hot breakfast for my kids when they get sick of cereal and toast!

Another great thing is that this is TOTALLY customizable to your families likes/dislikes! If Adam would eat onions I would've used "Potatoes O'Brien" instead of regular hash browns...but they were still full of flavor as I made them!

Does anyone have a great "Make Ahead" meals resource? Or a great recipe you're willing to share?

I'd love to hear what others are cooking up!

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

16 (2 packages) 8-9" Tortilla Shells
1 dozen eggs
1/2 c. milk
3 T. butter
2 c. shredded cheddar
1 lb. pork sausage
1 pkg. frozen hash browns (or potatoes o'brien)

1. Cook and crumble sausage and drain off any fat. Set aside.

2. In another pan melt butter and then scramble eggs with milk and salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to only do a "soft scramble"...you want the eggs to still be a little wet because you will be reheating the burrito and the eggs will cook the rest of the way at that time.

3. Let sausage and eggs cool for a few minutes. Then mix together in a BIG bowl with your hashbrowns and shredded cheese.

4. Spoon a generous helping of filling onto the center of a tortilla. (I warmed the tortillas first in the microwave to make them easier to roll.)

5. Fold ends in and then roll up. Wrap individually in foil.

6. To reheat, place (in foil) in the oven (350 degrees) until heated through, or remove from foil and microwave for two minutes.

7. Serve with sour cream or salsa...ENJOY!

16 homemade breakfast burritos for less than $10 worth of ingredients with no preservatives or other junk?? I'll take it!

I'm linking up over at "Look What I Made" day at Creations by Kara...make sure you stop by her blog and check out all the homemade goodness going on over there today!!

xoxo

Photo Recap...

2010-08-26T22:25:00.003-05:00

I've been a bad blogger, and I know this. Hoping to make up for it with some photos of my lovey?!?!

I have been with and without my computer/photoshop on and off since our hospital stay! I still don't have MY computer actually...but I DO have photoshop on the man's computer...good enough for me, I say!

So I'm catching up on some long overdue photo uploading!

For your viewing enjoyment...

Still in the hospital:

It KILLS me that I cannot remember his face being this tiny...OMG! How could I have forgotten ALREADY!??!?! **sigh** :(

More recent...

My little "old man" (with his "GIANT" face!)...hahaha:

Momma and the man of many chins...

We're Still Here!

2010-08-02T19:23:00.004-05:00

I am SO sorry for the lack of posting lately...just trying to keep up with our new life with Benji at home.

He is doing FANTASTICALLY...thank you again for all the well-wishes when he was sick.

We will be spending next weekend working on the bedroom updates I promised so hopefully I can get those pictures posted for you ASAP!! Things are going great so far with the switcheroo! :)

Baby's "calling"...gotta run!

Ahh...when it rains it pours.

2010-07-20T08:29:00.004-05:00

Mr. Benji is hanging in there. Looking good, eating well, temp is up, he's content and sweet and I am officially smitten and in love with my sweet little boy.

On a non-Benji related note, we've been dealt some other devastating news, that I can't get into right now, but I will say, last night was rough. When it rains, it pours.

But, you know what? This morning as I type with a snoozing baby on my lap and gorgeous sunlight filtering in through the blinds, I don't care. I've got a family I love. I've got a sick little boy who needs his mommy to be at her best to take care of him. And three little boys at home missing their momma like crazy.

My family needs me to be at my best...**I** need me to be at my best. Taking care of them makes ME feel better too. So that is where my focus will lie. On getting our sick boy better so we can get him home to his brothers. In order to regain some sense of normalcy, I've got to fight for my family and our well-being...so that is what I will do.

Will keep you posted on the little man...

How Do Mom's Do This?

2010-07-19T07:33:00.004-05:00

This is tougher than I ever could've imagined. The ups and downs of this hospital stay have been intense, and I am feeling myself...my mood, my personality, etc...slip further and further away. I'm not trying to sound melodramatic here, and I apologize if it's coming across that way. I just need to vent I guess.

I realize there are sweet, sick babies in far worse condition than our little Benji. We still get to have him in our room most of the time. He acts and seems healthy, minus the IV as a constant reminder that he's not. Every blood test/culture he's had since the initial positive has come back negative and clear. He eats well. He maintains his temperature well. (Although those two things seem to change...one day he'll be doing great and the next he's back in the nursery under the warmers because of low temps. Again...ups and downs.) But Benji has an elevated CRP level. CRP is C Reactive Protein...it's a marker, kind of like white blood cell count. Completely non-specific. All we know is that something is wrong. His CRP is not only elevated...it's HIGHER than the last time they checked it. And we have absolutely no idea why.

Yesterday they took his IV out and told us they'd check his blood one more time in the morning and that in all likelihood we'd be going home. Now, yes, they probably shouldn't have said that...but he's been doing so well! But a visit from the pediatrician proved dissapointing this morning...he's here and we don't know for how long. The immediate thought is finish out a 5 day course of antibiotics and retest him then. If it's still elevated, we go from there.

Of course, as a mom...especially a mom prone to worry more than some...my mind runs this gamut of all of the things that could possibly be wrong to elevate that count. There is no "infection"...so what else could be elevating that count? Something is obviously wrong with my baby.

I'm stressed. I'm scared. I'm sad. I am sick, sick, sick of being in this hospital (but I left yesterday and that was way more stressful for me than being here). I miss my other kids and my house and my dogs, but the thought of leaving my baby here for even a minute just breaks my heart. I feel so torn...not knowing what to think. What to do.

Again, I realize there are babies and families dealing with far worse situations which makes me feel guilty for complaining. I feel guilty when I am crabby towards family and friends that want to visit and I just feel like I can't be upbeat and cheerful. I feel guilty that I can't make my sick baby better. I feel guilty that I have felt jealousy towards other moms/babies who were discharged together from the hospital since we've been here. That is unlike me...like I said, I'm losing sight of myself and I don't really know what to do about it.

Anyway...sorry for the "Debbie Downer" post this morning. I just needed to vent how I'm feeling somewhere, and here's as good a place as any, right? I am just having a hard time with the constant wondering and worrying.

(And if any readers have any information on or experience with elevated CRP levels, please let me know.)

I will keep you all posted on how he's doing.

Our Beautiful Baby Boy

2010-07-16T20:00:00.003-05:00

Benji Riott was born 7/15 at 36 weeks, weighing a tiny (to me...remember, I have big babies) 6lbs 4oz. He is 18 1/2 inches long and has a full head of hair. My water had broken two days earlier.

He came out struggling to breathe...but after an hour in an oxygen hood, self-corrected and was doing fine. He was spending a lot of time under warming lamps trying to help him learn to self-regulate his body temperature and was doing great this morning. We had him all day in our room, only to learn this afternoon that after finding out I was Group B Strep positive, they rechecked his blood cultures and discovered bacteria growth.

He is now on IV antibiotics and has received several sticks and a spinal tap. :( He's looking at a long-ish hospital stay and I am crushed at the thought of being discharged without him tomorrow. :(

I will post a full birth story when I am in a better mental state (I'm super sad and worried about the infection...) but wanted to update everyone and let you know he's here!

Here's just one pic from here at the hospital, on his birthday with his Daddy.

2010-07-13T11:15:00.002-05:00

36 weeks today and feeling it!

I've been SO sleepy lately! I don't know if it's because it's hot out or what, but I'm TIRED, and ready to be DONE!!!

Only one more week until I'm considered full term (and I had both Luc and Mikey at 37 weeks!!). It is just crazy to me to think the little man (yes, he's still nameless) could really be here any day! Exciting though...I can't wait to meet him! :) (And to be done being pregnant FOREVER! LOL!)

The kids and I are hoping to squeeze in a couple more projects before he gets here, but we'll see how things play out! And SOON, we will have lots of photos to share of our bedroom makeovers! We moved to another bedroom, and are moving the kids around to different rooms, so as those moves are finished up and the rooms decorated, I will be sure to share photos! It is an exciting and busy time in our lives right now!!

Beyond all that, not much else to update on...just busy with life, getting ready for the little guy, and working on the barrage of senior photo sessions I feel lucky to have been hit with this summer! (Sneak Peeks and Specials on my other blog...link in the side bar!)

Anywho...talk soon!

xoxo

32 Weeks Down...hopefully only 5 or so more to go!

2010-06-15T10:48:00.002-05:00

OMG! 32 weeks today!!! I can't believe how close we are!

I've been in major nesting mode lately and have had to force myself to slow down and take it easy or my SPD really acts up. I've got our hospital bag PARTIALLY packed. Baby clothes are washed and folded.

We've got a busy couple of weeks coming up...my JENNAPALOOZA (birthday extravaganza!!) is this weekend! Exciting! And our BaByQ (Baby BBQ...get it??) is next weekend! I can't wait!!! Should make time fly by!

I have an appointment this Thursday (my birthday!) so I will update if I have any new or exciting news! :)

Mike Turns 5...and Plays Soccer

2010-06-03T21:20:00.005-05:00

My buddies are spending the week at their dad's house and I am missing their little faces. Some pics from Mikey's 5th Birthday...playing outside with my guys. And some from Mikey's first EVER soccer game the other night! <3

(Take note...Luc PRE-haircut)

(Luc, POST-haircut!!)

I still have to get pics of Luc playing soccer this year...his first game it POURED rain. Hopefully next week we'll have better luck! And I need to get some of Will playing baseball. He just made All-Star Leagues...that's my guy!! <3

xoxo

Lemon Poppy-Seed & Strawberry Cake - Half Homemade

2010-05-29T13:13:00.003-05:00

I just spent the better part of a gorgeous morning hanging out in the driveway with my familia! It was wonderful! Due to the fact that both little boys, as well as I have been super sick over the past couple of weeks, we thought we'd host Mikey's 5th Birthday party OUTSIDE in the fresh air (with easily accessible bottles of hand sanitizer at the ready!)

And honestly, sickness or no sickness, that was the best decision EVER! It was SO very gorgeous out this morning...and being outdoors gave Mikey ample time to ride his new BIKE!! :)

Anyway...back to the point! Mikey was sitting next to me one day while I was leafing through a magazine and he saw a Lemon Poppy-Seed and Strawberry layer cake. He wanted THAT cake for his birthday. I looked up the recipe online and found some not great reviews, which is scary. AND it would've been a very pricey cake...cake and frosting from scratch. I do not keep cake flour in the house. I don't want to deal with whipping heavy cream. I'm all for the yum-factor, but between the kids and the pregnancy (plus now I'm sick) I just don't have the patience, time or energy!

SO...I figured, "Well...I can pretty much copy that idea and do it myself!" And folks...that is just what I did. Results from ALL who tried it?!?!?! BIG THUMBS UP!!

I wish I had a picture...my mom probably does. (If so, I'll share later) But here it is...

Half-Homemade Lemon Poppy-Seed & Strawberry Cake

1 Lemon Cake Box Mix (and ingredients required per box directions)
3 Tbsp. (give or take) Poppy Seeds
2 Cans White "Whipped" frosting
1 lb. Strawberries (fresh)
1 cup (Approx.) Strawberry Preserves

1. Mix cake mix according to box directions, adding poppy seeds prior to baking. Follow directions for two 8-inch round pans, which you have greased with shortening and floured. Bake per box directions, invert shortly after removing from oven, and cool on a cooling rack.
2. Cut each cake round in half, horizontally, using a serrated knife...giving you four separate layers.
3. Two assemble cake, place one layer on a plate, cut side up. Spread 1/3 of strawberry preserves over cake, followed by approximately 1/3th of a can of frosting. Top this with a layer of cut strawberries.
4. Repeat with remaining layers. When you reach the fourth cake layer, be sure to place it cut side down. Do not add preserves or berries to the top of this layer.
5. Frost the cake with desired amount of frosting on top and sides. Garnish with extra berries.
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve!

This cake was truly delicious and looks (and tastes) impressive for how simple it really is!

Like I said... I will share a photo later if my mom has one available!! (Can you believe I did not take a single picture today?? I've been so sick and so tired, I spent most of the party just RESTING!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!!

xoxo

Thankful.

2010-05-22T11:11:00.005-05:00

Time to get real. I had a REALLY stressful week (illness, work, misbehavior, loneliness, financial issues, and the list goes on)...and that along with pregnancy hormones really threw me into a funk the past few days. After a morning of relaxing and reading I am feeling more like myself (minus the pink eye I contracted from my Luc) so I have decided to remind myself of all the LITTLE THINGS I am thankful for in life. I should do this weekly. It would be a good exercise for me I think.

So here goes...five things I am thankful for today.

1. As I mentioned, Luc had pink eye all week, and is now feeling better...DEFINITELY thankful for that! But also, I am thankful my boys have Grandma Dori. (Don't get me wrong...I am thankful for every single one of my boys grandparents...they are all amazing in their own way and all deeply loved by my sons.) Today, however, I want to focus on the woman that is "Grandma Dori". She is the master of all things "natural healing" and brewed up an eye wash (some kind of tea) that has worked wonderfully, even with this particularly resistant bout of pink eye. I catch a lot of flack from a lot of people for not running straight to the doctor the second we see pink eye, but hey...if I can avoid antibiotics, we're doing it! Grandma Dori has often come to the rescue with her "eye tea", and for several other ailments with several other essential oils and natural cures. Today, I am thankful for that.

2. My Mikey turns FIVE this week (OMG) and is having his birthday party at his dad's today. The excitement in his little voice was INSANE this morning! I am thankful for having gotten to talk to him this morning from his dad's house. His excitement was completely contagious and got me started on the right foot today. He will have his party here next weekend complete with a lemon poppy-seed and strawberry cake (his choice...no lie! LOL!) Can't wait!

3. Despite all of the stressful happenings this week, we got to spend a wonderful afternoon/evening at the track this week!! It was our last Thursday off before we start our 4 days of soccer per week so I took some pictures of the men riding as the little boys watched in awe. <3

4. I am thankful for the GORGEOUS weather we've had the past week. Winter seemed SO long to me this year, and I know that I am prone to seasonal depression, so I anticipate chirping birds and green grass like you wouldn't believe!! I cannot wait for a long and beautiful summer filled with grilled corn on the cob, lawnmowers moving, bubbles and sidewalk chalk, popsicles and lemonade, BBQ's and hot nights. I just love it!

5. I am thankful for these two adorable and in love people...(who are waiting ever so patiently for my webhost and I to figure out WHAT THE HECK is wrong with my website so I can upload their gallery!!) I will be REALLY thankful when that is fixed!! But until then, I am thankful for the opportunity to photograph people in love...especially when they're this photogenic. Look at this girl work it...fabulous.

So there you have it! Even when I am stressed, tired and cranky, I love and am thankful for my life, family and friends. <3

Pregnancy Update - 28 Weeks

2010-05-18T14:27:00.002-05:00

Third Trimester...here I come!! I am 28 weeks today! Wow! Time is flying! Only a few weeks until our BaByQ (Baby BBQ/Co-Ed Shower...details on that soon!) and then a few more weeks and little man will be here! I cannot believe it!

I'm feeling "meh" most days. The SPD is very draining...hard to walk and move. I'm still on half days at work, which is stressful, but we're hanging in there. Baby is growing and squirming and moving. Lots of Braxton Hicks contractions this pregnancy. I have my Gestational Diabetes test and 29 week appt. next week, so I will be sure to update with results from that!

The physical therapy for the SPD doesn't seem to help...it's actually quite painful sometimes, but I'm keeping at it, in hopes that the second this little guy is born this pain and discomfort will be a distant memory!

We have SO much to do to the house and yard before baby gets here (not to mention we need to agree on a name for the little mister!!) but with me under the weather, it's been slow going as of late. We're trying though!

I've got TONS of big ideas...it's just implementing them that is the problem! Especially from the couch where I seem to spend most of my time.

That's about it on the pregnancy and home front.

Ciao
-J

Ouch!! SPD

2010-04-15T17:43:00.003-05:00

It's official. I've been diagnosed with SPD (symphasis pubis dysfunction).

Basically, my pelvis is separating...OUCH! So I've been given work restrictions (down to part time) and have been ordered to rest the next few weeks, and hopefully it will fix itself. (Fingers crossed!!!)

Lots of time while sitting on the couch to search for projects I want to do, but not a lot of time to do them since I can't get up too much! Kind of a bummer... :(

But...it could be worse! Hopefully a few weeks from now I'll be back to my usual, productive self!!!

Half-Homemade Chicken Enchilada Pie

2010-04-12T19:21:00.003-05:00

I should've made this when my oldest son was here...he would've LOVED it!

I found a recipe online and tweaked and changed it up to suit our family and the things we like! I love doing that!!

What I DIDN'T do was take a picture! I've been TERRIBLE about including pictures lately, and even worse about remembering to take pictures of our food before we eat it all up!

I'll get better at that...I'll work on it. Promise.

Chicken Enchilada Pie

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 eight inch tortilla shells
Tostitos Zesty Bean & Cheese dip
Salsa (I only use Pace Thick & Chunky - Medium)
2 cups Shredded Cheddar

1. Cook and shred chicken breasts. (Season to taste while cooking.)
2. Spray the inside of an 8" spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Place one tortilla shell in the bottom of the pan. Layer bean dip, chicken, salsa and cheese on top of the shell. Top with another shell.
4. Repeat with the remainder of the shells.
5. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.
6. Remove the sides of the spring-form pan and cut the pie into wedges. Serve with sour cream and corn chips! YUMMY!!

This was SUPER quick and so easy. The kids LOVED it (which is always awesome for me)!! It will definitely be a keeper in our arsenal of family recipes!!

Enjoy!

23 Weeks...and Projects Coming Up!

2010-04-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

I'm giving the 23 Week Update a couple days early...technically, I'm not 23 weeks until Tuesday.

I've been having some pretty severe pelvic pain (as in, pain actually IN the bone...or so it feels like) so I will be making an OB appointment for this week, and hopefully they can do something for me. I talked to the nurse last week and she thought it was probably round ligament pain. I've done this a few times though, and know round ligament pain when I feel it. (Although, I will say I have noticed much more round ligament pain this time than with the other pregnancies.) This is different, new to me, and not "normal". Standing or walking for extended periods of time is getting harder and harder, so that's not fun. I've done some research on what the problem could be...but I'll wait until I see the doctor and see what he says.

On a happy note, little Mister Man has been squirming and kicking up a storm! That is fun for his older brothers who have been able to feel his kicks! :)

According to baby center, little dude is almost a foot long and is starting to recognize loud noises that we hear often...like the dogs barking (or dirt bikes!!) Fun!

On NON-baby notes...RUMMAGE SALE SEASON has begun!! (Ok...I guess that's baby related too because I'm always on the lookout for cute clothes and great deals on baby stuff!) The man and I hate a few around town this past weekend and scored a chest freezer (which we NEEDED) for $25!! Nice!! AND, this was our first time yard sale-ing in our new MINIVAN!! That's right...I've crossed over to the dark side, and I'm loving every minute of it! :)

As for upcoming projects, as promised, we'll be starting the kids rooms soon and will have lots to share on our progress! I've been researching lots and am excited to start some canvas art for their rooms!! I also want to make a weekly menu board...just something to keep myself organized, and the family informed of what momma will be serving up that week! Those are the couple things close on horizon, so be watching for those. OH! And I will have a new recipe to share this week...YUMMY!

Alrighty folks...I gotta try to get some sleep. (Getting harder and harder these days...)

Ciao,

Half Homemade Carrot Cake! Mmmm!

2010-04-05T22:09:00.003-05:00

Dear Carrot Cake,

I love you so. You are spicy and sweet and delightful. I love you so much that instead of waiting for you to cool, I frosted you a little bit warm. I think I love you even more when you're warm.

xoxo,
Jenn

PS...I love you so much I want to share you with the masses. I shall do that now. :)

Half Homemade Carrot Cake

1 box carrot cake mix
1 cup crushed canned pineapple - undrained
1 cup sweetened flake coconut
1 cup raisins
1 individual serving size cup cinnamon applesauce (Know what I mean? Like the snack-pack of applesauce??)
1/2 cup water
3 eggs
Cinnamon to taste

1. Mix all ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes.
2. Pour into pan or muffin cups and bake per package directions.
3. If you can wait for it to cool, do so, and then frost (I recommend cream cheese icing. Normally I'd make it myself, but I wasn't in the mood, so I just bought a can...delish!)

Notes:

I used applesauce in place of one cup of oil. If you so choose, you could use oil. I'll stick with the applesauce. (I do this in almost ALL cakes I make.)
If you think you have raisins and you don't, don't be afraid to dump out an entire box of raisin bran and pick the raisins out. Don't ask me why I had to figure that one out.
If you don't have crushed pineapple, toss some pineapple chunks in the food processor and pulse for a few seconds. Easy peasy.

Gah!

2010-03-31T19:48:00.002-05:00

Soooo...I realized today that I have already POSTED my half-homemade chicken enchiladas!! LOL! Give a girl a break...it's been awhile since I blogged. I'll get back into the swing of things...no worries!

If you're interested in the recipe, go here

I will have a new recipe to post ASAP though...promise!

xoxo

Loving Life & a 21 Week Update

2010-03-31T10:13:00.004-05:00

Quick pregnancy update...things are going well. I'm measuring right on target. Not gaining ANY weight, which is fine by me as long as our baby BOY is healthy! Yep...I am soon to be the mom of FOUR boys! Love it! I'm feeling better (minus a punishing UTI I'm dealing with right now) and baby is rocking out, kicking up a storm in my ever-expanding belly!

PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!! We have SO much on the horizon!!

I've found a project I am including the kiddos on that I cannot WAIT to try! We are going to make onesies for our baby BOY, due August 10th! Now that I am finally feeling better after what seemed like NEVER-ENDING "morning" sickness. I can cook again...and clean...and CRAFT! Yay!

So I will be much more present, now! Spring is in the air...which always invigorates my heart! I've got photography work going on which makes me happy. The baby is seeming more real to the kids now that I'm getting a big belly and since we found out it's a boy! I just feel so much more like myself! Ahhh...bliss!

Now that I'm back COOKING up a storm, you can be expecting more new recipe posts! (And this is a long way off, but I am very much looking forward to trying something new...making our own baby food!)

We've got LOTS of home renovations going on too...we're doing some bedroom swapping, and all the kids (and the man and I) will be shifted around and in new and improved rooms! Lots of fun...and lots to post about!

Ahhh...I am feeling GOOD about life today! Love days like that! Back tomorrow with my son William's favorite dish to post about...SUPER EASY "Half-Homemade" Chicken Enchiladas!! Yummy!!

xoxo

Knocked Up

2010-03-15T14:26:00.002-05:00

(That post title was for you mom...you know I love ya! *wink*)

Just thought I'd share a quick pic...my buddy Luc took this for me. After every press of the shutter button he'd look at the LCD screen on that back of the camera and go "Ooo...that turned out nice!" LOL! My little photographer...

Anywho, this is a couple weeks old now, but here I am...getting bigger by the day! :)

Oh Happy Day

2010-03-07T13:01:00.002-06:00

It's a gorgeous day...the windows are open letting fresh SPRING air into the house, and I am now the proud new owner of a DISHWASHER, installed yesterday by my awesome step-dad!!! I am SO excited!! He's coming back today to finish securing it, but I already ran one load of dishes yesterday and it was GLORIOUS! LOL!

You know you're "growing up" when appliances make your day!

Pregnancy Update - 17 Weeks!

2010-03-04T08:28:00.002-06:00

Inching closer...17 weeks today!!

Baby's skeleton is turning from cartilage to bone now...hopefully he (or she) will have nice strong bones so our mini-MX'er isn't prone to breaks later in life!!! Daddy's broken a collar bone and a toe (inevitable with his sport of choice) and I've broken my foot (because I'm a klutz) so I suppose we're not TOO terribly accident-prone! We're big milk drinkers so that should help, too, I suppose! :)

This weeks "produce" comparison?? TURNIP...baby weighs about as much as a turnip. I'm not much of a turnip eater myself but I carved one like a jack-o-lantern once (it's tough...I don't reccommend it), so I'm familiar with the size/weight.

Not TOO much changing around here...I'm feeling more frequent movement lately, so that's exciting! I can't wait until the man can feel it! I am anxiously awaiting my ultrasound appt. in a couple weeks!! Then we can start shopping! We have NO baby stuff left, so we're starting over...I have found two cribs I like but want to wait to see if we're having a boy or girl first to decide which to get. And then there's wall paint, bedding, toys, clothes, diapers, ohhhhhhh...sooo much to buy!!! Scary!!

We're having a "Baby Bash" this summer though...a Co-Ed "baby shower" thrown by my cousin, that's mostly going to be just a big party to celebrate...we'll have a BBQ and yard games. More on that later... ;)

ANYWHO...gotta run. Much to do!

xoxo

16 week Appt. Update

2010-03-03T08:58:00.002-06:00

I had my 16 week appt. yesterday! Heard a good strong heartbeat (135-ish). Scheduled my ultrasound for the end of this month (I CAN'T WAIT!!) I have gained NO weight, so he said from here on out, he expects to see steady weight gain so I need to snack more...I giggled..."I don't think THAT is the problem". So he clarified..."Snack more on protein". Bah.

He said the light-headedness I've been experiencing is from low blood sugar. (Again, fix, with more protein.)

I have been diagnosed with pregnancy induced carpal tunnel in one hand...so I have to brace my wrist while typing which is taking some serious getting used to...but if it helps the burning pain, then I'm all for it! :)

AND...that's about it I think! Overall a nice, quick appointment! I go back at the end of the month for my 20 week!

Pregnancy Update - 16 Weeks

2010-02-25T08:19:00.002-06:00

Me and the "Avocado" (size-wise) baby are hanging in there. :) His (her?) little heart is working, working, working...s/he's growing toenails...swimming around. :) Only about a month until our BIG ultrasound!! I can't wait!

I'm doing alright...nausea is lessening (what a RELIEF) but not gone yet. I've been feeling ridiculously short of breath (which I remember very clearly from being pregnant with my Luc). It's not even when I'm exerting myself...just sitting at my desk or on the couch. Not alarming...just uncomfortable. I feel like I "look" more pregnant every day...I'm even going maternity clothes shopping this weekend! (And I might have to buy just ONE little gender neutral baby SOMETHING!) ;)

And that is about it on the pregnancy front. I'm going to start weekly belly pictures soon...around 20 weeks I think. Should be fun! :)

Talk to you soon...
xoxo

Pregnancy Update - 15 Weeks

2010-02-20T18:08:00.002-06:00

I know...I know...I don't keep up. I can't keep up. While my weekly update sites no longer make any mention of "morning sickness" or "by now you should start feeling better", I've been left behind in "Feel.Like.Crap.Dom" It's lovely. And I am ready. I am SO very ready, to not feel so sick anymore. :(

BUT...enough complaining, because as I've learned...it doesn't help.

I was 15 weeks last Thursday!! Inching closer to the elusive tell-all ultrasound! Baby is 4 inches crown-to-rump...approximately the size of an apple. Much easier for me to visualize than "kumquat" or whatever my previous fruit/veggie update was! :) Apparently, I've probably gained five pounds, but I don't weigh myself at home, so I have no idea. I'm definitely "pooching out" in the tummy area though! But anyway, baby is apparently moving around in there (still feeling movement here and there) and can kick and swing his/her arms and legs. Baby can sense light THROUGH my stomach (that weirds me out slightly...LOL!) and is forming tastebuds this week. :)

Like I said...I still feel like crap...getting "fatter" but still don't look truly pregnant, so I'm in this weird awkward in between stage right now. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks the pregnant "look" will be more obvious and I'll feel less self-conscious...we shall see. :)

That's about all I've got.

Until next time...xoxo

Pregnancy - Week 10

2010-01-18T15:34:00.001-06:00

I want to start posting weekly updates on myself and the “babycakes”…I will eventually be including frequent photos but definitely not yet. ;-)

So I’m in week 10 (my weeks actually change on Thursday…so this Thursday will start Week 11, but it’s easier for me to update on Sunday or Monday so that’s the plan for now…dig it?)

Apparently the baby is the size of a “kumquat”. I can HONESTLY say I’ve never in my life seen a kumquat, but it’s bigger than last week which was “small plum”. He or she is growing really fast right now and I am looking forward to looking pregnant instead of fat and bloated. :)

I’m still feeling sick more often than not, but I do have “good” days where I can actually make dinner or do ONE load of laundry before falling back onto the couch moaning and sick. I am definitely ready to be feeling better. I know that generally that takes place around the end of the first trimester, which is in a couple weeks for me, BUT, I also know (from experience) that it’s not like I’m going to wake up Thursday a couple weeks from now and magically feel better. Hopefully, though, a little bit at a time I will improve and can get back to feeling like myself again.

I’m on a cloth diaper kick right now and trying to talk the man into jumping on board (so far he’s pretty adamantly against it…I’m holding out hope though…) and reading as much as I can on the subject. I’m also REALLY anxious to get our new master bedroom finished, get the boys into their new room, finish Will’s and McKenzie’s beds/rooms…and then wait impatiently until the big ultrasound to find out who gets to share a room with the new baby!

OH…and we got a new puppy. (Yes…I am indeed crazy. How’d you guess?) He’s a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix ( Chorkie?? Yorkie-huahua??) He is the CUTEST thing I’ve ever seen…now if he could just stop peeing on the floor we’d be all set! :)

Ok…that’s about it for now. Nothing else new on the home front. I’m not feeling well enough to be doing any new (or finishing any old) projects, but soon I hope! Oh, and I do have a new recipe to share soon. The family LOVED it…but I’m so turned off by the thought of food right this second, that the thought of typing any more about it is going to make me gag, so that’s going to have to wait.

xoxo

Update

2009-12-30T09:35:00.002-06:00

I am still feeling SO very unwell, so for now, posting will remain scarce. I've got my confirmed due date now...August 12th! So hopefully I'm only a month or so away from feeling MUCH better! (PLEASE keep your fingers crossed for me!)

Miss my blog... :( **sigh**

"I'll be back...don't ya worry" (Quote from an old video game I used to be BIG into! Whatever happened to Oddworld games...they were my FAVE!)

Anywho...miss ya!

SURPRISE!!

2009-12-18T08:47:00.003-06:00

Alright...it's time to spill the beans. (Better late than never, right?)

So the big news IS...

We're having a BABY!

That's right...the man (Adam) and I are expecting our first child together!!! :) It was definitely an unexpected surprise, but we're happy and excited to be having our first (and LAST) baby together. If you're a regular reader, you'll remember that I currently have three sons and he has one daughter, so this will be our full house. NO MORE! LOL!

Soooo...now you maybe understand why I've been scarce with my posting. I've been SO sick and miserable...it's hard to motivate myself to do much of anything. But once I'm through this stage, I'm sure I'll be back posting full force! And you can fully expect more "parenting" focused posts, due to that consuming a lot of my mind lately!

So anyway, SURPRISE! Now you know!

DIY Rustic Santa and Snowmen Ornaments

2009-12-12T17:09:00.005-06:00

It's DIY day at ASPTL! Linking up...check it out!

I made these a couple years back and they are one of my favorites on our tree...which is generally a hodge podge of ornaments we've collected over the years, ornaments we've made, and ornaments from the kiddos. I used to love the idea of a classy "themed" tree, but you know...Christmas is so much about family for me...I love our tree just how it is.

Rustic Snowmen and Santa Ornaments

You need:

Sticks (or Dowels) cut into approx. 3 inch pieces
Acrylic Paint
A drill with a fine drill bit
Ornament Hangers
Paint Marker

So...I used sticks I collected from the yard, but you could just as easily use dowels. If you use sticks, use a knife or razor blade to scrape the bark off. (Also, rather than doing a clean cut, because I used sticks, I snapped them off for a rougher edge and a more "rustic" look.)

Next, drill a hole in the in one end of each stick...this will be wear you put the ornament hanger through later.

Next, get your acrylic paint...I used white on the bottoms and black on the top for the snowmen, and red with a peach "face" and white beard for the Santa. When these dried, I used the paint markers to add the details. You could easily do this with a small paint brush if you are so inclined.

Once everything is dry, add the hangers. I used the the larger end of the hooks...the end you'd normally use to go over the branch, and slide it through the hole you drilled, twist it around and finish it. Then open up the smaller hook end to use for hanging on your tree.

TADA! A little bit rustic...a little bit country...and lots of charm and fun! :)

Jenn's MUST HAVES...2009!

2009-12-11T20:52:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again! I want to share a list of some of my favorite things from the past year...maybe you'll find something you too, MUST HAVE! This year, my list is mostly simple things...items for around the house, but every single one of them is great!

Without further ado...

JENN'S MUST HAVES OF 2009

Palmolive Aroma Sensations lavender dish soap.
I LOVE this stuff! Don't get me wrong...I am so very anxious for my dishwasher to be installed, but in the meantime, this soap smells so wonderful and rinses clean. Plus, it's not too harsh on my hands. I'm a big fan!

Dial "White Tea" scent Foaming Handwash. This is a completely clear bottle and soap so it looks great, and the foaming action makes my boys EXCITED to wash their hands. Plus it smells delish!

Blistex Herbal Answer chapstick. Easily my fave chapstick EVER! Trust me!

I know this next item isn't new to some people, but I recently upgraded from Adobe Photoshop 7 to Adobe Photoshop CS3 and I'm in heaven. For the layout changes alone, it was worth the upgrade! I recommend it! Check out Adobe.com for details!

Have you heard about music available under the Creative Commons license? www.jamendo.com
You MUST check this out! It's free and legal downloads made available by artists who believe in sharing music with the masses. FANTASTIC!

REDBOX! Oooo...I love me some Redbox!!! $1 DVD rentals?? Yes, please! LOVE it!

Still to come...JENN'S MOST WANTED LIST for 2010!!

Holiday Recipe Round-Up

2009-12-10T21:28:00.006-06:00

We do so much cooking and baking...really all year round, but especially during the holidays. I want to share some of my very favorite holiday recipes with you. They might not necessarily seem "holiday themed" but they're Christmas tradition around here, so to me, they do!

Cheesy Rice Stuffing is the perfect stuffing for Cornish Game Hens, but I especially love mine as a side dish with ham at Christmas. SO yummy!

P'nut Cakes are a family favorite...my Grandma makes them every Christmas, and always snuck me a couple extra to take home. They're sweet and crunchy and messy, sticky perfection!

Homemade Hot Chocolate is always a delicious treat after playing outside with the kids or shoveling the driveway. We also LOVE to make this mix every Christmas and give it as Christmas gifts to teachers, co-workers and friends.

My step-mom used to bake up a storm at Christmas and my FAVE was always her Peanut Butter Cups...salty peanut butter makes these so delicious and so much like the real deal!

In the past I've participated in programs that donate cookies to be sent to troops overseas. These Monster Cookies are PERFECT for something like that, because this recipe is HUGE! My kids LOVE these! They're always a hit!

I hope you find some recipes your family can use...have a great holiday!

Cheesy Rice Stuffing

1/2 stick butter
1/3 c. Rice
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. Chicken Broth
1 can mushrooms
1 c. shredded cheddar

1. In a sauce pan, melt butter. Add rice and onion and cook 5-10 minutes stirring frequently. Add broth and bring to a boil.
2. Cover and simmer on low until liquid is absorbed. Stir in mushrooms -- Cool.
3. Toss in cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 400 for 25 minutes.

Grandma's P'Nut Cakes

1 Yellow Cake Mix
1 lb. Salted Spanish Peanuts - coarsely ground
1 lb. powdered sugar
Milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Melted Butter

1. Bake cake according to box directions. Let cool for about four hours and then cut into squares.
2. Add milk to powdered sugar until a consistency of runny frosting is reached. Add vanilla and a little melted butter.
3. Drip all sides of cake in glaze and then roll into ground peanuts. Place on waxed paper to set.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

1 - 2 lb. box/canister Nestle's Quik
1 - 8 qt. box Carnation powdered milk
1 (16 oz.) jar Coffee Mate
1 c. Powdered Sugar

1. Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl.
2. Store in airtight containers.
3. To serve, use 1/3 c. mix to 1 c. boiling water.

Peanut Butter Cups

12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips (milk chocolate, not semi-sweet)
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

1. Cut 12 paper muffin cups in half so they are shallow and place them in a muffin tin.
2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring regularly.
3. Spoon chocolate into the paper cups, and use the back of the spoon to spread chocolate up the sides of the liner to create the "shell". Refrigerate to harden the chocolate.
4. Microwave peanut butter slightly to soften. Mix in powdered sugar and salt.
5. When chocolate is hardened fill cups to just below the top with peanut butter mixture.
6. Spread chocolate on top to finish off the peanut butter cup.
7. Return to the fridge to set.

Monster Cookies

(If you don't want TONS of cookies, make sure to cut this recipe either in half or in fourths!)

4 c. sugar
18 c. oatmeal
4-1/2 c. brown sugar
6 c. peanut butter
2 Tbsp. corn syrup
1 lb. butter
8 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. vanilla
1 dozen eggs
2 - 16 oz. packages chocolate chips
2 - 8 oz. bags M&Ms

1. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat.
2. Add the remaining ingredients.
3. Drop by spoonful onto baking sheets and bake at 325-350 for 12-15 minutes.

Stop back tomorrow for JENN'S MUST HAVES OF 2009 and JENN'S WISH LIST FOR 2010!

Oh...and I'm linking this post up at the DIY Show Off Surprise Party! They're holding a holiday recipe linky party...perfect timing for me! Stop by and check out the other yummy holiday treats!!

SURPRISE!

2009-12-10T19:55:00.002-06:00

So sometimes, even the BEST of intentions go awry...sometimes even the MOST calculated plans stray...sometimes Mother Nature dumps over a foot of snow on you and you're forced to go with the flow.

Alright...recipes will be posted soon...but BIG SURPRISE THURSDAY, is now BIG SURPRISE NEXT WEDNESDAY. Believe me when I say I am just as stressed about the delay as you (probably more in all honesty). Due to the inclement weather, my days/appointments/life got shuffled, and now you're going to have to be patient until next Wednesday for the exciting new. I am SORRY!

BUT, in hopes of making it up to you, I plan to post every day until then...just to keep things exciting and moving along. So...let me type up the rest of my recipe post and get that up tonight. Then hopefully we will stick to the remainder of the schedule.

No worries folks...the big surprise is worth the wait! :)

I know...I know...

2009-12-08T10:59:00.004-06:00

I'm the most ABSENT blogger EVER! But I have a good reason...I promise!

I've got a big surprise coming SOON! And lots of changes taking place...

Some lists to share, some homemade ornaments, recipes, projects, etc. I've been busy...trust me there!

This weeks blog schedule:

WEDNESDAY: RECIPE POST...I will share some of my favorite holiday recipes...tried and true...gotta love it!

THURSDAY: THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

FRIDAY: JENN'S MUST HAVES 2009 Edition (Check out last year's list here!)

SATURDAY: Homemade Christmas Ornaments...DIY and How-To!

SUNDAY: Christmas Tree Reveal...and MAYBE a sneak peek at how our new bedroom is coming along!

MONDAY: Another BIG Announcement...so excited!

Sooo...STAY TUNED! Lots of stuff happening soon! :)

Thanksgiving Tradition, Tips, Tricks and a Recipe

2009-11-25T13:29:00.003-06:00

So, Thanksgiving and I have had a secret (or not so secret) love affair going on for the past 6 years or so. Turkey Day and X-mas run a head-to-head constant competition for my affection, and Thanksgiving just might have the edge.

I made my first Thanksgiving dinner the year I moved to Delaware with my (now ex-) husband. It was delicious. I was hooked. I have since continued with successful dinners (with the exception of the infamous oven fire of ’05!! Story in a minute…) and wanted to share some tips and a fave recipe of mine!

When I divorced and moved back to Wisconsin (home), I wanted to make my own dinner, but my family was NOT planning on showing up. They go to Grandmas’ every year and that is just that. Fine. I don’t want to miss out on that either, so I go to Grandma’s on Thursday (and then to the man’s Aunts house in the evening…yep! TWO Dinners…yummy!)

Then FRIDAY after Black Friday shopping, I come home and make “The Day after Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving!” Some might call me nuts…why go through the work if I don’t have to?? But, I love everything about this holiday. I love the food, the smells, the colors, the time spent with family, the reminder to be thankful for your life…ahhh…Thanksgiving rocks my socks! And I adore our yearly tradition of spending a day with family, and then spending the next day with friends enjoying good food and each other's company!

So, on that note, I am going to share a couple tried and true Thanksgiving recipes, tips and tricks. But first…the oven fire.

November of 2005...I was up early and a cooking fool all day long. I had everything timed out so that our HUGE dinner would be done at 2:45...one of my better “skills” in cooking is timing out my stuff to all get done at the same time, and let me tell ya...I was ON!

We were bringing dinner over to the local church to eat with a bunch of friends. The kids were dressed and ready to go, the ex was bringing food out to the car, and I was finishing up in the kitchen...RIGHT ON TIME.

I pulled the rolls out of the oven...moved the sweet potatoes up to the top rack and set the oven to broil to brown the marshmallow stuff on top. As I'm tossing rolls in a basket, I smell burning marshmallow...ohhhh no!

I open the oven and I kid you not, my entire effing oven was ablaze. I about peed myself. I run out the door and yell for the ex to “COME BACK REALLY FAST" (LOL…I didn't want to scream "FIRE!!!!!!!" across the parking lot…) I remember him saying he could hear the panic in my voice.

He runs up, slams the oven door shut...I'm screaming that I already tried that...Luc's at the gate to the kitchen going "Oooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and pointing …it was bad. Ex grabbed the fire extinguisher, and emptied the WHOLE THING into the oven.

(As a side note, my grandpa would be so disappointed in me...before he retired he worked for Ansul (Tyco) Corp. traveling all over the world teaching businesses how to use different types of fire extinguishers. He taught us what to do when we were little kids, and like a total d-bag, I did nothing. I got a box of baking soda from him for Christmas that year…LMAO!)

So anyway, I later realized what happened…I was using throw away pans...they've oven safe...but they're CARDBOARD!!!!! Broiler lights the cardboard on fire, which lights the sweet potatoes on fire, which must’ve lit the coils on fire…and the rest is history. The oven was destroyed by the way. Super bummer.

SO…

TIP #1…if you’re using disposable pans, ONLY USE ALUMINUM! (OR…read the directions and don’t stick the cardboard pans under the broiler…whichever!)

TIP #2…Do you struggle to bake a perfectly golden turkey like you see in movies and on commercials? I am going to describe my turkey baking process to you. It hasn’t failed me yet, and I have yet to have a single Thanksgiving without people raving about my Turkey...both how it looks and how moist it stays.

Clean the turkey (I use a 20+ lb-er, for the record), don’t stuff it, put it in the pan, and brush it with an entire stick of melted butter. Bake per package directions, basting as you go. I KNOW…I know some people say not to baste...that it's "unneccessary". Well, “Some People” have not tried MY turkey. Baste it…often.

When the top starts to brown, tent it with aluminum foil until it’s done. After you take it out of the oven, let it sit a good 15-20 minutes before carving it. You won’t be sorry. :)

TIP #3…Get someone else to do the dishes! ;)

And, as promised, a recipe I LOVE.

I got this from a photographer friend and I make it every year...

WILD RICE & SAUSAGE “STUFFING”

1 package Uncle Ben’s Wild & Long Grain Rice (Original…not Quick)
2 Tbsp. Butter
½ cup Chopped Onion
½ lb. Bulk Pork Sausage – Cooked

1. Saute your rice in butter until the white rice turns light brown. Remove from pan.
2. Saute your onion in the pan until soft.
3. Stir in the seasoning packet from the rice, the browned rice and boiling water according to package directions, as well as the cooked sausage.
4. Pour into a baking dish and bake at covered at 350 for 45 minutes. You can then either use it as a stuffing (which I’ve never tried) or serve it as a side dish.

SO yummy! I hope every one of my readers has a beautiful holiday! I'll be back posting Friday or Saturday!!

See you then,

'

Christmas Wreaths - DIY

2009-11-25T12:05:00.004-06:00

I am finally posting the two wreath projects I promised. I have one more in the works...hopefully I can work on it over this long weekend!

This first one I saw on several blogs, but the instructions for most originated from Eddie Ross. I must say...it was harder than I thought. I super glued all the tops on these christmas ball ornaments (all from Dollar Tree). I managed to completely cover myself in glitter...couch too...I looked like Tinkerbell threw up pixie dust all over me. It was lovely.

I bent the hanger into a what LOOKED like a circle (until I had it filled with bulbs and then realized otherwise...meh!), strung the bulbs on, bunched them together and then screamed and (almost) cried and fought with this thing to get it closed at the top.

I finally just did some "creative wrapping" (ha)with some wire edge ribbon. Don't hate me. I was about it throw the wreath...LOL! It will stay this way for this year, but after I take it down, the bow is coming off and I'm gonna let the man close it up with some sort of tool and snip the "hook" part of the hanger off for me. (And for what it's worth, that cluster of silver ornaments on the one side drives me CRAZY but I'm NOT fixing it...it doesn't have to be perfect...or so I keep trying to convince myself!)

Inspiration for my other Christmas wreath came from AnNicole at Our Suburban Cottage. She fell in love with a pretty Pottery Barn wreath, but not so much in love with their price tag. She did a FANTASTIC knock-off, which inspired me to revamp an old wreath I had. I wish I would've taken a before picture of this...it was T-A-C-K-Y!! Seriously.

I put this wreath together in about five minutes, five years ago. I pulled EVERYTHING out of it, used some wire ornament hangers to wire some gold balls nestled into the branches, added in some sparkly berries for "filler" and DONE. SOOOO much better...you have NO idea! (I only wish we would've made the time to paint our front door black over the summer, but...there's always next year!)

I am linking this post up at Kimba's DIY day...there is a TON of crafty goodness going on over there, so make sure you stop on by!!

Coming later today...tried and true Thanksgiving recipes and tips!!

WREATHS coming up!!

2009-11-22T21:41:00.002-06:00

I finished TWO of my three wreaths this weekend and I LOVE them. (Ok...honestly, I love one and like one...but whatever...)

Also, have some Thanksgiving recipes to share!!!

Gonna be a good week.
xoxo

Exciting! Renovation Decision!

2009-11-17T12:50:00.004-06:00

Well, the man and I decided to embark on our biggest reno. project yet!!! (Of course, we've still got to finish the kitchen, put trim up in the living room, redo the laundry room...etc. LOL!) BUT, we've made a decision and I am SO excited about the possibilities.

Up above our garage (which, while "attached" is separate from the house) there are two rooms...one big, one small. The big room is currently my man's "den"...it's smoky and dirty...it houses a pool table and a small bar. There's not a lot of natural light, and it's generally chilly up there.

Well...we have decided to make the upstairs a MASTER BEDROOM, which will give his daughter and my oldest son their own rooms (the two little guys will continue to share)!!

There is SO much to be done before a move actually takes place. The slate pool table will have to come back DOWN the stairs. (Yikes!) We'll need to clean and clean and clean and SOMEHOW get the smoke smell out...(I seem to remember reading about some kind of primer that can cover that smell?? I'll have to do some googling.) I will want bigger windows than what is up there. There's a possibility we'll need to add that room to our house heating system (right now it's got a separate gas heater) which would mean closing off a doorway I think...plus opening up another doorway. The floors would need to be replaced. We'd eventually want to create a bathroom up there (possibly in the smaller room?) Ahhhh...so much possibility! I get giddy just thinking about it!

But...like I said, that is far off in the distance. We will, though, keep you updated on our progress!

I've got a fun project we've been working on to share soon, as well as a SUPER easy donut recipe I found out in blogland! Plus THREE wreath projects! YAY!

xoxo,

Choosing Your Battles

2009-11-09T14:02:00.003-06:00

**aaaaahem....clearing throat and stepping up on soapbox**

So I went to my youngest sons Pre-K Parent Teacher conference last week. All is good, for the most part. He won't hold his pencil right...which is causing the difficulty he has with writing legibly...but we're working on it. :) He's friendly...he's quiet...he's a fan of routine...he is good at math and patterns...etc.

But something else she said stuck with me and while I've tried to brush it off, I can't stop thinking about it.

We were discussing his progress report and she mentioned how he has not shown much interest in coloring. I responded that he's never really been one to sit down and color in a coloring book...he finds it "putzy"...he prefers to be outdoors playing, or wrestling with his dogs, or helping me cook dinner. Her reply was "Well, that will change. We'll keep working with him and eventually he'll realize 'Hey! This isn't so bad'. We'll change his mind."

Ok...first of all, I do like his teacher. Don't take this AT ALL as a personal issue with her. And second of all, yes...I want my kids to be well-rounded...of course I do...but you know what?? Maybe he just doesn't like to freakin' COLOR!?!?! SO WHAT?!?!?! It's not like he's flat out refusing to do it...he just doesn't want to spend ten minutes coloring a snowman, when he knows that once he's finished with that he gets to play in the toy kitchen. You know?

Is coloring a life skill? Not so much! Math? YES! He needs math. He even LIKES math! Great! When he's 25 is he going to have a hard time finding a job because he doesn't want to sit down and color in his Madagascar coloring book? I really think he'll be alright.

Like I said...I think it's important to be well rounded. I think it's important for him to spend time doing things at school, even if they may not neccessarily be something he loves. But more than anything, I want him to enjoy his time there...to love learning...to enjoy the things he wants to enjoy! I'm not asking for him to be exempt from coloring...I'm asking for him to be allowed to make the choice not to like it. I want to raise well-rounded, open-minded, creative, artistic children. But I don't want to force them to like something. I just can't.

Maybe I'm overprotective because he's my baby...and my most sensitive child. Or maybe, as my kids grow older, I'm finding more confidence in both myself and in my kids to recognize that hey...we don't have to accept every social norm on the planet. One kid doesn't want to color? Fine...sometimes we have to color because our teacher is in charge, but you don't have to like it. Tylenol for a fever? No thank you! No long hair on boys? Says WHO??

You know...maybe some day he WILL change his mind. Maybe someday he'll LOVE to color. I hated mushrooms when I was little. Now I add them to so many meals...we love them. Yummy! I also used to hate the color purple...but you know...it has it's place. :) Or...maybe he won't. But that's his choice to make...not mine.

It's such a fine line, I think, between raising open-minded kids, and making their choices for them. It might seem worlds apart...open minded vs. my call...but it's not. Maybe their choice as an open minded child, is not to be so "free" and open-minded. So maybe in "failing", I'm succeeding. (Or maybe I'm just overthinking it alltogether...haha!)

At any rate, I hope I'm doing a good job walking that tight-rope. At least I know that no one can tell me I'm not trying.

**annnnd stepping down**

Six.

2009-11-02T22:36:00.004-06:00

My middle guy turned 6 today. Six. The big 0-6...wow...6.

I remember when he was born, six short years ago...staring at him. I could not stop staring at that sweet little face. I didn't want to put him to bed. I'd just lay with him and watch him sleep, even though I should've been spending that time sleeping myself. He was so...content. So serious. So beautiful.

He's still serious...and still beautiful. He's compassionate. He shares. He's not afraid to tell me he loves me. He wants to be a good helper. He thrives on positive encouragement.

He wanted "big boy" pictures because he's "big" now. Six. So we did just that...took some pictures, and then got ready for our family b-day party...vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and M&M's per his request.

Six Facts about my Six Year Old

1. He likes to use big words that often sound unnatural coming out of his mouth, but he generally uses them correctly. It's cute.
2. He rocks at video games. He loves to play games on the computer, old school NES, or Xbox 360. He loves it and he's good at it. My little tech-savvy guy.
3. He'd live on Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches if I let him.
4. He'll dip anything in ketchup...even broccoli.
5. Luc is SUPER inquisitive. If you're doing something, he's got a million questions about it because he genuinely wants to understand things.
6. His memory is insanely accurate. He remembers things I forgot. It's crazy...in a cool way. :)

My guy...

My three guys...the "birthday mummy" and his big and little brother. <3

Pumpkin Pie Bites

2009-10-29T23:47:00.008-05:00

Alright...I'm just gonna throw this out there. I am not a baker. I LOVE to cook. I'm all about a good soup...I can grill like a pro (ok...maybe "pro" is pushing it, but I hold my own!) Salad? Sure! Breakfast, lunch, dinner...you got it! Dessert...ummm...maybe not.

Don't get me wrong...I'll DO it. I just don't love it...and I'm more prone to failure with baking than I am with cooking.

So when I saw these ADORABLE pumpkin pie bites on Bakerella...I honestly thought twice before saving the recipe. But, I do love pumpkin pie, and I DID need to bring a dessert item for my girl Kel's baby shower at work...sooooooo...I caved. I tried the recipe, and am SO glad I did!

They weren't difficult at all! They taste great and they're adorable!!

I'll repost Bakerella's recipe here for you, but if you haven't seen her site, you MUST! SO much baking fun!

Bakerella's Pumpkin Pie Bites
2 Refrigerated Pie Crusts
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1 eight (my "eight" key is broken :( so I'm typing it out) oz. cream cheese -- softened
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

(On her blog she also has ingredients for a chocolate topping if that's your thing. I skipped it.)

1. Roll out one of your pie crusts. Thin it out a little bit with your rolling pin. Using a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter, cut out several pumpkins.

2. "Stuff" each pumpkin into the cup of a mini-muffin pan. Make sure you leave the stem of the pumpkin out. (My cookie cutter was a little bit too small, so I had to stretch each one out before putting it into the muffin tin...worked out fine!)

3. Egg wash the edge of each crust with egg white from one of the eggs.
4. Mix together the remaining ingredients until smooth.
5. Fill each pumpkin "shell" with ingredients (right to the top).
6. Bake at 350 degreens for about 10 minutes...or until your crust is starting to look golden brown on the edges.
7. Pop each one out of the pan and cool it on a rack. Keep refrigerated!

ENJOY!!

I'm linking this up at The Knock Off Knock Out at It's so Very Cheri and at Kimba's DIY Day on A Soft Place to Land. And seriously...check out Bakerella!!

Blah.

2009-10-29T14:01:00.003-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel..."blah"? Nothing in particular wrong...not sick or sad...just "meh"? That's me today. In fact, that's me this WEEK.

I haven't done much around the house...I haven't done much with the kiddos...I haven't done much with photography or at work. I'm just...BLAH! I don't know how else to describe it.

BUT, have no fear...tonight I am making some really fun "Mini Pumpkin Pies" that I found on another blog. I will post the recipe, and a link to my recipe hook-up tomorrow!

Hopefully I'll bust on out of this funk soon too and get back to my crafty self! :) I'm working on it...

Mmm...Pulled Pork!

2009-10-26T13:58:00.003-05:00

I need to get into the habit of taking photos as I cook to include with my recipe posts...I'm sorry...I'll try harder!!!

Last week, the man mentioned that he was craving a Pulled Pork sandwich. My poor family...we don't EVER have pork chops, or roast...rarely I'll make ham (just at Christmas)...bacon is a regular, I guess. But I don't know...I just don't *do* pork. Ick.

BUT, I aim to please. :) So I modified a couple recipes to come up with my own pulled pork recipe...and let me tell you...even I liked it!! That is REALLY saying something, because seriously...pork? Ick.

Pulled Pork - Southern Style
1 2-3 lb. pork butt roast (REALLY? I mean, how adding the word BUTT makes this more appetizing is beyond me, but after reading a few recipes, it's what I decided on because it has a higher fat content. Fat = Flavor people!)
Minced Garlic to taste
Liquid Smoke
Seasoned Salt
Onion Powder
Black Pepper
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
Worcestershire Sauce
3 Tbsp. butter

1. Cut the roast into "chunks". My average piece ended up about 4 inches long by 2-3 inches wide. Season both sides of the meat with onion powder, black pepper and just a LITTLE BIT of seasoned salt. Rub this into the meat (with your hands).
2. Melt the butter in a sauce pan, and brown the meat on all sides. Added minced garlic and continue to cook everything another minute or two.
3. Dump the contents of your sauce pan into a crock pot...pour chicken broth into the sauce pan and use a spoon to scrape up all the good stuff from the meat off the bottom of the pan. (The broth helps release some of this.) Pour that (broth and "stuff") into the crock pot as well.
4. Add a splash of worchesterchire and about 4 Tbsp. of Liquid Smoke.
5. Lock the lid on the crock pot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, and then on low for another 2 hours. Resist the urge to open the crock pot...just let it do it's thing.
6. After cooking, remove the lid and if you did everything just right, your meat will shred itself the second you take a fork to it. Shred it up and serve on buns with BBQ sauce on top. (Some people mix the BBQ sauce in, but that's not how we roll. :)

Try it with Sweet Baby Ray's "Sweet and Spicy"..yum!!!!!!! The man and his friends were impressed, and like I said...even I didn't go "ICK!" It smelled good and tasted even better! We'll definitely be enjoying this one for years to come!

FEATURED!

2009-10-21T08:33:00.003-05:00

I've been featured at It's So Very Cheri's again!

Stop by her blog to check out the other great creations from the Knock Off Knock Out party!

Diet Soda Cake - Yum!

2009-10-20T14:59:00.002-05:00

Super fast, Super easy, SUPER Delicious!

I've heard of people doing this before, but never tried it myself. Basically, you take your good ol' cake mix, and instead of using eggs + oil + water, you replace those three with one can of Diet Soda. If there's one thing I love, it's Diet Soda. Sign me up!

Last night after our lasagna, I decided we needed a dessert. (Of course, a short time later, the kids starting acting up and went to bed with no bedtime snack. I know...mean, mean momma...but that's neither here nor there.)

ANYWAY...I went with carrot cake, since it's spicy and yummy for fall. Mixed the box mix with a can of Diet Mtn. Dew (it was that or Diet Dr. Pepper...ha!) and baked as directed.

Let me tell ya...SUPER moist, and oh so delish!!!! I frosted it with cream cheese frosting and enjoyed the heck out of it! (And I sent some with grandma today so the kids could have a snack at her house...see??? I'm not THAT mean!)

I can't wait to try this trick again. I want to do a vanilla cake with an orange soda! I think (hope!) it will be citrus-y and wonderful! YUMMY!

101 in 1001

2009-10-19T12:18:00.003-05:00

Awhile back I started a "101 in 1001" list on my photography blog (before I created MX Momma). I decided it is better kept over here, so I'm transferring it and updating my list today.

If you are unfamiliar with "101 in 1001", it is the creating of 101 goals and giving yourself 1001 days to accomplish them. As I said, I started my list awhile back, so I have until October 11, 2010 to finish.

101 IN 1001

1. Take the boys to Chuckie Cheese. -DONE!
2. Revamp my blog. -DONE! (Although this is an on-going...but the main revamp is complete!)
3. Redo my logo and make it something I can stick with for years to come! -DONE!
4. Launch a new website. - DONE!
5. Quit smoking…for good. -DONE!
6. Get back into my size 7’s (comfortably!) and STAY there for at least 6 consecutive months. (0/6)
7. Hang “peace” pictures of the kids in the living room.
8. Create and hang “photo strip” of Adam and I in our bedroom.
9. Print Luc a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
10. Print Mikey a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
11. Print Will a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
12. Print McKenzie a photo of herself doing something she loves. Hang it in her room.
13. Finish McKenzie’s room.
14. Paint the kitchen.
15. Buy the kitchen prints I want from Etsy!
16. Paint the living room. -DONE!
17. Replace the linoleum…all of it! - In Process...still have to replace the linoleum in the bathrooms but most of this is done!
18. Buy a new mailbox and customize it.
19. Create a planter for the front porch.
20. Create a patio area in the back.
21. Get another puppy to keep our Mr. Oliver company. -DONE!
22. Make a paper crane garland for Christmas.
23. Organize my finances.
24. Buy new glasses that I LOVE! (Eye glasses we’re talking…) -DONE!
25. Make soap.
26. Write a short story for my kids.
27. Color my hair in some funky and fun way!! - DONE!
28. Talk mom and Troy into getting their photo taken.
29. Take a STELLAR self portrait that I love!
30. Take a great photo of me with the boys.
31. Commission a photographer for killer family photos!
32. Design new marketing materials.
33. Find (and purchase) awesome eco-friendly packaging!
34. Paint the dining room/office and add ART!
35. Buy/Build the perfect desk/office area for myself.
36. Get a manicure!
37. Donate a photo session/photos next Christmas (2009)!
38. Finish the boys’ room.
39. Redo the kids’ bathroom in a fun theme!
40. Fence the back yard.
41. Paint the laundry room and add art!
42. Replace living room flooring. - DONE!
43. Replace curtains in my bedroom.
44. Take the kids to the zoo.
45. Create a “day in the life” book of the boys.
46. Replace countertops and build a breakfast bar!
47. Drywall around the “chimney” and create my BUILT IN!!!
48. Replace the hideous ceiling fan with something…ANYTHING! - DONE!
49. Attend a photography seminar.
50. Enroll in some kind of class.
51. Start collecting family recipes for a cookbook.
52. Get into a water drinking habit. LEARN TO LIKE WATER.
53. Get my Peace Dove tattoo.
54. Work on at least 6 of my concept photography ideas. (0/6)
55. Plant an herb garden.
56. Plant veggies outside with the kids. -DONE!
57. Build my “chess table” and put it under “my tree”.
58. Put my hammock up.
59. Paint a canvas for the living room.
60. Make a “Peace” canvas for my office.
61. Become debt free, except for the house payment.
62. Teach the boys their address and phone number.
63. Use my cookie press!
64. Get a Buddha and display him to remind me to focus.
65. Have a huge yard sale and get rid of STUFF. -DONE!
66. Travel WEST…California maybe?!
67. Travel EAST…show Adam the East coast and hope he loves it like I do!
68. Travel SOUTH…hit the beach and RELAX!
69. Enter a photography print competition.
70. Set up a system to keep track of clients.
71. Make a new recipe every day or night for one week. (0/7)
72. Buy a piano.
73. Start a photographer mentoring program for kids.
74. Redo the entry to the house with a bench and a place for the kids stuff.
75. Buy and hang at least 6 wind-chimes. (0/6)
76. Start my chess set collection and find myself a place to display them.
77. Get a cell phone…a nice one.
78. Convert to being a MAC USER!
79. Read at least four business books. (1/4) - In Process
80. Start a good image backup system for my photos.
81. Start bank accounts for the kids.
82. Upgrade my camera!
83. Get my “Truth” tattoo touched up and get something on the other wrist. -DONE!
84. Help plan a wedding.
85. Do a “master cleanse” type diet.
86. Do a fundraiser for “The Portrait House”
87. Design and print my own shirts, x10. (0/10)
88. Buy or build a swing-set/play-scape for the kids.
89. Get the boys their dirt bike. -DONE!
90. Get a vehicle I can fit ALL of us in!
91. When I have a nice vehicle, get a logo decal for the back window.
92. Don’t complain about ANYTHING for one full week. (0/7)
93. Revamp the back hallway with photos and art!
94. Go fishing.95. Get Chuck Taylor’s in at least 5 colors! (0/5)
96. Learn to ride a dirt bike.
97. Bake real bread.
98. Pierce SOMETHING! ;)
99. Take (or have taken) some “Nancy Botwin” (in Season 4 of “Weeds”) photos taken!
100. Start journaling (not to be confused with blogging. Blogging is for EVERYONE. Journaling is just for me.)
101. Donate $5 to charity for every item that goes unconquered at the end of 1001 days!

I will update this post as I accomplish my goals. Anyone want to join in the fun?!?!?! :)

DIP! Yummy!

2009-10-19T10:06:00.002-05:00

As I've mentioned in the past, we are a FOOTBALL LOVING FAMILY! Sundays are spent eating until we're beyond full and cheering on all of our favorite teams! Sundays make my heart happy. :)

I tried a new DIP recipe a few weeks ago, and it was ok, but it needed some tweaking. I think we've got it "just right" now!

Hope you enjoy!

Cheddar Bacon Dip

1 (8 oz.) pkg. Cream Cheese – Softened
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
½ cup Miracle Whip dressing
½ cup Ranch dressing
¼ c. Dijon Mustard
6 slices bacon – Cooked, Drained, and Crumbled
½ bunch green onions – chopped

Beat cream cheese, shredded cheese, Miracle Whip and Ranch in a bowl until well blended. Stir in mustard, bacon and green onions. Add more Ranch dressing if necessary to reach desired consistency. (Some people prefer this as more of a “spread”…I prefer it as a “dip”.)

Serve with crackers! Yummy!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2009-10-18T22:28:00.004-05:00

Ahhh...what a great weekend! Got a fish fry on Friday with the man...yummy!! Went yard sale-ing Saturday morning with the man and got a couple good deals...a CUTE little galvanized metal tray (not sure what I'm going to use it for yet, but I'll think of something!!), a huge, beautiful glass platter for Thanksgiving (I've been looking for one at the store and they're always either ugly or expensive and the one I found was $2 and I LOVE it!), AND I scored several blue glass Ball canning jars (some WITH lids!) I was SUPER stoked!

Then while the man worked around the house, I spent the afternoon at my "little" brothers football game! (I use the word "little" lightly...he may be barely over half my age, but he towers over me...see???)

Anyway, it was our local rivalry "M&M Game" and WE WON! Woot!!!! GO MAROON AND GOLD!!!! Had a great time there! It was a GORGEOUS day for football!

Took an evening trip to Menards with the man (always fun!) and hit up a great sale at Kmart to get early X-mas gifts for the kiddos (shhh!!!!) Then spent the rest of the night at home playing Scene It and watching a movie!

Sunday was my usual cleaning, cooking and football! Then tonight we (ok...ADAM) replaced the HIDEOUS flooring we still had in the entryway to our home. This is step ONE in a complete entryway makeover! We've got BIG plans for this SMALL space! Can't wait! But...one step at a time! :)

Here's the buddies getting in on the action...

And, the finished product...LOVE it!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend as well! Back to the grind tomorrow!

xoxo

Caramel Apples - GOURMET!

2009-10-16T10:20:00.004-05:00

As a part of my “10 Tasks in 10 Days” challenge, I wanted to make some GOURMET caramel apples! I'm also linking this post up at A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day and at Cheri's Knock Off Knock Out party!

I had initially intended to make my own caramel, but in the interest of saving time and sanity, I opted for good ol’ Kraft caramels. The kids helped me unwrap them all and then we were off to the races.

I started with a pot of boiling water. I dunked each apple into the water for a minute and then used a paper towel to scrub off any wax leftover. Most apples sold in grocery stores are waxed for shine. This can cause issues because your caramel may slide right off. (That is the point of wax, right?) I actually tried just washing the apples first, but they were still shiny, so I’m glad I included this step. Just dunk quickly and then using a dry paper towel, scrub off the shine.

**NOTE…apples do not look their prettiest when they’ve just been dunked in boiling water, but they’ll be FINE! Trust me! You’re covering them anyway…it’s all good! And FYI, I used 6 BIG granny smith apples.

So next I needed to create a double boiler. Since I don’t have an ACTUAL double boiler, I set a vegetable steamer tray on top of the pot of boiling water. I set my glass bowl of caramels onto the veggie tray and then stirred. (And stirred…and stirred…)

I used approximately 1 and a half bags of caramels. (The man got into the first bag and was snagging a couple each day!) After the caramels were just starting to melt, I added about 4 Tbsp. of water. This aided in the melting process and in smoothing the caramel out. Melting the caramel (especially with my “homemade” double boiler) took quite a while, but it worked out great in the end. As I stirred (and stirred), I continued to add water as necessary until the caramel was the consistency I wanted. I wish I could describe this consistency to you, but I can’t…you’ll know it when you see it! Not too thin, not too thick! You got this!

I removed the bowl from the double boiler and sat it next to my apples. I had already put the sticks (included in the bag of caramels) into the apples (on the stem side). I had also prepared a tray for the apples. I used a cookie sheet covered in a few layers of plastic wrap, which I then “greased” with butter flavored shortening. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Don’t use waxed paper, and don’t forget to grease the plastic wrap! It is the easiest way I’ve ever tried as far as getting the apples off without them sticking.

I dunked each apple, one at a time. I allowed quite a bit of caramel to drip off the apple and used a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the apples (no sense in any more caramel pooling at the bottom than necessary). I sat the apples on the tray and transferred the entire tray to the fridge to allow them to set. I let them sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes…they were still slightly soft, which was just what I wanted.

I took the tray out and took each apple off the tray so I could scrape the excess caramel off the bottom and back into the bowl of caramel. Allow that to melt (remember…stir, stir, stir!) I then dipped a couple of the apples in caramel a second time. Some of the apples were getting a chocolate coating, so those were NOT double dipped in caramel. (I just didn’t want the coating to be too heavy.) I then took the apples that WERE NOT being double dipped and rolled them in some nut toppings. (One in finely chopped peanuts, and two in pecans that I ground up (not TOO fine) in my food processor). The whole tray then went back into the fridge.

While things were setting up again, I used my trusty “double boiler” to melt a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Again, I added water until I had the consistency I wanted. After letting the apples sit in the fridge for about 45 minutes, I removed them, got my chocolate smooth and ready, and went back to it. The apples that were rolled in pecans were then dipped in chocolate. I rolled one of the double dipped caramel apples in toffee (finely chopped in the food processor), and then drizzled with melted chocolate. The peanut apple was left as is, and I left one double dipped in caramel “plain”. The last one, I dipped in a thin layer of chocolate (scraping much of the excess off) and then rolled it in toffee.

I then refrigerated overnight and let me tell you…I am SO happy with our results. We have thickly coated, decadent caramel apples that would make an excellent gift. (Have you ever seen what these sell for? I’ve seen $20 apples…seriously!! Insane!) I left the sticks in, but these can NOT be eaten off the stick. You have to slice it off and enjoy it that way! They turned out exactly as I had hoped and I can’t wait to do it again with some different toppings!

ENJOY! And don't forget to stop by Kimba's and Cheri's to check out other great projects!!!

Mediocre Performance.

2009-10-15T20:55:00.002-05:00

Alright...ten in ten day is HERE!

Here was my list to begin with...
1. FINALLY organize the office/dining room.
2. Paint Will's Headboard
3. Hang my chalkboard and washboards in the laundry room
4. Make fridge photo frames
5. Finish Kids artwork display Project
6. Finish Family Rules Canvas
7. Work on my door turned dining room table
8. Put up beadboard in kitchen
9. Finish painting (kitchen, trim and hallway)
10. Make gourmet caramel apples

Let's take them one at a time...

1. I cleaned this room...it is now organized, BUT it's only half useful. I turned our dining room table into a desk for me and the kids to share (which I LOVE) but that left us with no table. Until #7 on my list is complete, we eat at a folding table...but this is well under way and I have 10 in 10 to thank for it!

2. I have STILL NOT painted Will's headboard. :( I keep waffling on color (although I think I am now set on black) and DO have it on my to-do list for this weekend.

3. I tried to hang this stuff...and put a hole in the wall. :( Not my forte...LOL! The man is going to help me locate studs and get this done, but I decided I wanted to finish painting in there first...sooo...add another project to the list! LOL!

4. The frames aren't done (I KNOW! I KNOW!) I need a couple more colors of acrylic and haven't gotten to the store. This is started though!

5. Never did hit up Menards...never did get to work on this. :(

6. CANVAS IS DONE! See it here.

7. I need paint stripper. It's on the shopping list.

8. Not even sorta.

9. I did the trim...I still don't love it, but it's growing on me.

10. They're in process right now. I will have a post about them tomorrow at the latest!!

So...like...4.5 out of 10?!?! Could be worse, right? LOL! Overall I'm happy though! I LOVE lists and goals, so this was a great motivator and visual reminder of what I wanted to do.

Check out other's 10 in 10 over at Shabby Chic Cottage...hopefully some other blogger friends were able to knock out some things on their own To-Do Lists!!