Hope your Halloween is filled with spooky fun, lots of treats and especially RAIN free!
And if these goblins show up at your door, be afraid, be very afraid!
For some Halloween fun go to this link: http://stuff.pyzam.com/toys/tictacscare.swf
Holiday
October 31, 2009
September 07, 2009
Labor Day means WORK and Happy Birthday Middle One
Alright friends, I've been a laboring this Labor Day Weekend. I hope you've been enjoying the last bit of the official summer.
Remember when I mentioned that when you remove every roof ever put on your 82 year old house it spells- MESS any way you slice it? Well, this mess has started an avalanche of other messes- it's like attack of the messes. I've been digging out of messes all freaking weekend.
Shall I recap?
1. ROOF-
Don't let the blue sky fool you- this was after all three previous roofs were removed and we're moving toward the installation of new roof.
See the dumpster that has been blocking my driveway and back entrance for the last seven days? See blackness on the driveway- that is the remnants of old shingles and is taking over everything?
Ah, ha- this is a better illustration of the mess that is now completely covering my attic- chunks and dust and junk covering everything! Did I mention that the attic is my primary area of storage for all things in my household? Dear Beloved made it up the stairs and cleaned that portion- it's just so completely overwhelming. Trying to clean it all right now is just impossible. Plus it's been about 500 degrees up there making the job even harder.
2. Refer to first photo for a look at chimney that is now crumbling and needs to be repaired. We know we needed to have the plaster on the chimney and front facade of the house taken care of- just not right after replacing the entire roof. We optimistically thought we could make do with a fix on the chimney until the spring- but alas, the chimney is in even worse disrepair than originally thought. We could actually have large chunks of plaster falling off the chimney and hurting people or worse damaging my new roof (I kid..) But I'm not kidding when I say- goodbye $2,000 more dollars.
I might also add here, that I"m not opposed to fixing my house or spending the money to do so, it's just that the timing so sucks. Not that house repairs ever have good timing, but I would love to spend money on fun things- like a new kitchen or bath. I could have had my new kitchen about five times over by now. Oh well, time to get over it....
3. Eldest moved into the basement into her new super cool faux dorm room. This left her old room open and available. We have moved Youngest into that room thus leaving her old room which is attached to our bedroom open and available to become a master bedroom sitting room. We're moving Beloved's Mancave out of the basement and allowing this to become more of the Lounge area of Eldest's Dorm and the hang out area for the other kids. Leaving the family room the gated off shrine of family rooms. (Remember the new carpet.) Even the dogs are banned from this room. So all of these changes have involved lots of moving, organizing and cleaning and ya da, ya da, ya da....
It really felt like we would never get any one thing finished completely. I am happy to report- that both girl's rooms are pretty darn near close to being completed. Odds and ends, mostly. We are actually able to walk in the rooms and the upstairs hallway without climbing over things, finally.
4. Middle One turned 15 years old today!
In the midst of all this laboring, I actually made him his favorite Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- all homemade I might add!
It's hard to believe that in six months he'll be eligible to take his driver's test. Oh, my...
5. Football has started- actually, it started in June and has been going full steam since then. We've had a couple of scrimmages and two games. You know I love all things football- so let me share a couple of shots, of my Middle Boy in his high school uniform!
He's #78!
Last one, in formation, ready to snap the ball.
Alright- that's all for now- gotta go do some work for the start of a new work and school week. Enjoy the start of all things Fall!
July 03, 2009
Happy 100 Posts and 4th of July!
This is my 100th post. I guess that's sort of monumental. I started this little blog back in August of 2007. I sputtered out quickly, by that November I had stopped posting. It took a year for me to pick it back up and since then I have tried to remain strong in regular posting. (Not as regular as I would like-but I'm working on it.)
So, thanks to all of you who come by to visit regularly- and thanks to those who pop in whenever they get a chance. I didn't start this whole thing to garner fans- mainly, it was started as a creative outlet for my meandering mind. Then it remained as a challenge to myself to keep writing and to learn how to use all of the technology required to do things I wanted to on this site.
I'm still learning- it's a process. I have discovered I have a love of photography. I have much to learn and I'm up for the challenge. I have learned that I love telling stories with words and photos.
I love hearing from you, dear readers. I love your comments. Keep 'em coming. I'll keep on keepin' on this thing I'm doing here, stop by when you can.
Enjoy your Independence Day! Enjoy your cookouts, fireworks and time spent with family and friends. Remembering how lucky we are to live in this great nation,regardless of how things might be right now, I'd rather call the United States my home than any other place on Earth.
June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
Thanks, Dad for all you do and for who you are.... And to my Beloved- Thank you for the husband you are and the Father you've become.
Wish the men in your life who are your father's or have been a father figure - a Happy Father's Day! Thank them for their influence on your life. Now, go forth and barbeque or whatever it is you do at your house to honor Dads.
May 09, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
Wishing all my friends and family who have a mother or are a mother a blessed and beautiful day!!
Know that you are loved and appreciated for who you are each and every day.
We are all better people for the women who gave us motherly love and guidance.
I know that I thank God each and every day for the children he blessed me with and for the mother he gave me. I couldn't have asked for a better role model.
Happy Mother's Day.
Love,
Deb
January 09, 2009
Friday Friends and other Fun Stuff
It's Friday! Thought I'd share a variety of stuff I've been saving up for you.
Here goes-
This is a small group of us that got together when B was in town over the holidays. We all met up at a newer Mexican Cantina that is owned by a fellow school/church family. We had a nice time catching up with B and laughed like we always do. They made a stranger take a picture of all of us since I had annoyed the snot out of them at the cookie party taking their photos. (Note to self, when having strangers use your camera to take pictures, set up shot, so the stranger knows you'd actually like the photo to be of people and not the table full of dirty dishes.)
So as to give equal time- I wanted to share this adorable pic of B and her hilariously funny husband, S.
I mean, really, they could be the poster couple for a teeth whitening ad. My, what beautiful teeth you have.!!!!!!!(Those are for you, B.) Oh, my I can not believe that I did not take any pictures of the girls- what was I thinking? Well, look at S and you'll see their beautiful daughter, K. (I always thought she was a combo of the two of you- but clearly she is her dad's daughter in this photo.)
Next up- How to make friends with your favorite authors and get stuff.....
So- as I've stated before, I'm an avid reader. I read all genres and love many authors. One of my little habits is to search out authors on the web and read their websites/blogs. It's extremely interactive and it's a great way to stay up to date with what the author is doing and when their next book will be published. I've also have joined reader groups on-line and have met some really great folks.
Many times these authors will sponsor contests on their blogs offering all different kinds of things based on your responses. Well, two authors in particular that I love, actually just give stuff away for the fun of it because they're nice. Megan Hart, bestselling author of erotica fiction is a blast. She recently sent me a ton of bookmarks and postcards (signed) to share with my book clubs. Her newest book, Stranger was released this month and is another fantastic read. (www.meganhart.com.)
Well, today when I came home, I got the nicest surprise. Jane Porter, bestselling author of Flirting with Forty (recently made into a Lifetime movie,) Mrs. Perfect and Odd Mom Out, sent me a little package. (Unsolicited!) During the holiday, she asked readers to send her your address and she would send you a Christmas Card. It's something that she's done for awhile and has fun doing it. So, me being the queer I am, I sent her my address. Well, I didn't get a Christmas card, (maybe next year) but I did get this- (Even better!)
Yeah, that's right, it's a Flirting with Forty fun pack. Included, an official Jane Porter, Flirting with Forty pen, a Movie Bookmark- complete with photo of the cutey-pie Brian Buckley, and the official Jackie Laurens, Favorite Luau foods cookbook! So, what do you think of that?! How nice is Jane? So if you haven't, check out www.janeporter.com and pick up one her books. You won't be disappointed.
Next up, CRACK- IT''S A GOOD THING.....
I feel it's my civic duty to share with you a dirty little secret. I'm addicted to Crack and I'm going to give you all the recipe, my friends because no one, and I mean no one likes to be alone when they have an addiction.
This started with my friend, D when she had the nerve to bring crack to my cookie party a few years ago. Now, I insist that she brings it and that she must bring extra. It actually wasn't always called crack- it was just plain old caramel corn, but with a twist. It's made with PUFF CORN. So, you know how you get all the kernels stuck in your teeth when eating caramel corn, you don't with this. It's fabulous. It's also highly addictive-
Let's begin-
You'll need-
2 bags Corn Puff (butter flavored Shearer's works great!)
1cup Butter, melted
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
Mix together butter, syrup, sugar, stir and bring to just boiling point. Then put on medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes. (DO NOT STIR)
See all that buttery, sweet golden goodness? Just you wait...
Take off heat , add vanilla and baking soda and stir. Pour half the mixture over the first bag. Stir to coat the puffs. Pour the rest of the mixture over the 2nd bag and stir to coat.
Line 2 cookie sheets with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour puff mixture onto trays, spread out and bake in the oven @ 200 degrees for 1 hour. Puffs will be soft when you remove them from oven (this is a good time to sample,) let set and then break apart. Store (as if there will be any left) in an airtight container. Delicious! I had to make this several times over the holiday break- and I've even doubled the recipe.
Crack - it's a good thing! (Except when your 9 year old daughter yells out in front of people, "Mom, where'd you put the Crack?") We, won't talk about that....
**Special thanks to D.H. for sharing her original Caramel Corn recipe with me!
December 31, 2008
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!!
Putting the finishing touches on what needs to get done and then getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass and out dinner to PF Changs!
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!
Love-
Deb
December 23, 2008
Scenes from the Holiday- part 1
It's beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...everywhere You go...So-last night was my annual Christmas Cookie Exchange party. I added the Dirty Santa Ornament exchange to this holiday shindig- and I definitely think it kicked up the fun factor a few notches. Now- that might just be the "Punch" talking- but I know I had a good time.
There's "K" who's on the "nice list," and then "C" who although she was on her best behavior last night, has been know to frequent the "naughty list" a time or two....That other cute gal, "C" she could never be more than on the "nice list."
Aren't "L" and "S" just sweetness and light? Never a naughty list do they see.
"L" and "M" win the holdiay sweater award for last night. "L" is always smiling- always a kind a word. She's a labor and delivery nurse- she gets to share in strangers' happiest of moments. "M" has been working on a very stressful case and still found time to bake and attend the festivities. I was so happy to see her.
This "M" is perpetually perky and my buddy in "B." (I'll never tell what that means....)
This group right here was ornery with a capitol "O." Actually, poor "L" and "D" kept getting there ornaments stolen from them. I hate it when that happens!
See this fun loving gal right here, "G" was on fire last night! She wins the prize hands down for witty repartay. Don't you love when you see a whole new side to someone? "G" you're the best! Love you!
Isn't that a cute ornament- don't get too attached, you're not going home with it!
Okay- not the best photo- but the best "non-cookie" not baked by "C." Who doesn't love a glass of wine with their cookies?
Thank you to all my friends who came, baked, drank, gifted and laughed with me! You definitely help put the icing on my holiday cookie and left me looking forward to the rest of the season!
On a side note- sorely missed was "B" but I'm sooo looking forward to your "apres ski" visit.
November 30, 2008
Scenes from the Weekend
Well, I just realized that I have not left my house since Wednesday. I actually only stepped outside yesterday evening to check out the lighting display that my beloved and middle son put up. Thankfully, the weather God's were kind on Saturday, as today it is cold and wet. Not really ideal outside decorating weather.
I thought I'd share a few pics from the holiday-
Cranberries Before-
Cranberries After-
This photo really doesn't do this dish justice- they really are just so beautiful with their bright red color.
Sweet potatoes before-
During-
Ok- can you count all those sticks of butter in the background? Over the course of my cooking that night before I used all of them- plus more the next day. Thanks God for Costco butter in bulk!
Sweet potatoes after- that streusel topping melts and then carmelizes and gets crunchy with the sweet gooey mashed sweet potatoes inside- this is to die for!
The table-
The turkey- I was so mad that I forgot to photograph that brined bird in all of its golden brown glory. Suffice it to say- she was divine.
Starting on the left- FIL, Beloved, MIL, Sis...
From the bottom- Middle One, Eldest One...
Top left- Youngest One, Sis' eldest and then Youngest at the makeshift children's table, otherwise known as our family room coffee table. For some reason, I missed my BIL- he was probably loading up his plate again when I took the photo...Many thanks to him for carving my bird.
Bringing down the Christmas decorations....
The good thing about decorating, my house gets a thorough cleaning as I set everything out.
Okay, I really didn't mean to post this. For one, I can't figure our how to adjust how the photo is displayed. Second, it's a little blurry. Third, I also haven't been able to delete a photo from a post once it's been imported. Oh why am I so technically impaired? But since it's here, I tell you this is beloved having to rip all of the lights off of the tree to figure out what was not working before he had to put on all new ones. I'll share the after of decorating with you all later!
