moonpie in the sky

...but the years are short.

2011-05-22T19:24:00.002-04:00

*sigh* A milestone has come and gone in our lives. My oldest, Will, has graduated from high school!

First there was the Baccalaureate ceremony on May 13th. It was wonderful! Will gave the welcome...


Will

Megan and Will at the reception

Will, Matt V. and Brett

Brett, Will, Matt V. & Mia

Will and Erica S.


Will and Sam

My parents and sister arrived on Wednesday to attend the graduation ceremony on Thursday and prepare for the big party on Friday night!
Graduation Day!

Will singing their class song, "Lean on Me"

Hey look! It's Will and Megan!

My sweet boys...


Apparently REALLY sweet!

It was a real LOVE IN let me tell ya. My boy was gettin' the lovin' from every girl he passed! Tee Hee!
Had to drag him away from the ladies to get the family pics!

Cheese! So happy:) Wow. When did my baby become a man? I guess we were busy with the business of raising, feeding, burping, educating and loving and then all of a sudden the cap and gown showed up. Isn't this the goal? Yes. I guess it is alot like child birth. You are never really ready when the hard contractions start, but you can't stop it. *sigh* *sigh*
So on to the party the next evening. I was expecting about 70 people. I told Will to make sure he invited his friends whose families didn't get an invitation in the mail. Well, he put it on Facebook..Need I say more? Yes...because he didn't tell me he did. We ran out of little rolls for the ham and by the end of the night the mega pack of cups I bought at Sam's Club were GONE! Geez, I bet there were 125 people here. It was GREAT!

We had the West Shore Jr. Sr. High Jazz Band play too!

Then they switched it up and added other members!

We had lights in the palm trees and tables all along the backyard

There was a Candy Bar inside....

The ladies kept cool in the pool

Hey....is that my youngest with those older women?!

It was so much fun! What a blessing to have family and friends to help us celebrate such a milestone!
The days are long, but the years are short. *sigh* If we are lucky, this is true. If this is the plan God has for us, I will take it. I feel lucky. I feel blessed. I feel happy. I feel that transition coming...This is livin' isn't it? Yep.

The days are long but ...

2011-05-11T10:12:00.003-04:00

You know, yesterday my friend Dani took this photo. I mean yesterday if the days were actually 13 years long. I am not ready for his graduation. Then again I wasn't ready for his birth either and THAT came 5 weeks ahead of schedule. It's not that I am not a planner. It's not that I don't want him to grow up. It's just...hmm.
We had visited his chosen college's campus 2 weekends ago. We saw the dorm rooms (resorts, I tell you) and the Engineering buildings, the student union. As he and I were walking back to the car, he said, "Mom, are you going to be alright?" Well, yea until he asked THAT!! *sniff* "Of course, I'll be alright," I said bravely--you know in that mom way. "Dad and I are sooo proud of you! This is such an exciting time in your life, but you have to realize that it is the first BIG transition for our family. We are all going to have to adjust. So if there are *sniffs* and *watery eyes*, it is just the transition happening and we are just trying to adjust as fast as we can." I say too much. "OK" he says with a half smile. My little boy. My angel. My adult man. Ok. This makes my throat tight. That transition is bearing down, isn't it?

Ride 'em!!!!

2011-02-28T12:00:00.005-05:00

I am such a raccoon. If it sparkles, I love it. I really keep it reined in though. No pun intended since I just got back from the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, FL. There were sparkley things there too. Like these jeans...Yea I took that pic when she wasn't lookin'. I did ask her where she bought them though! Don't know where I would wear jeans with shiny wings on the butt...But, I liked them. There were Rodeo Queens with crowns and some chaps...not enough as far as I was concerned...of the chaps that is. I digress...Here are some shots of the bucking and snorting and racing and roping! Fun! Fun! I want to do this too!!!

OK...not this

Look at that horse heel up when that calf is roped!!

How about that lasso right above that calf?!

This I want to do!!! That's a beautiful horse.

Ride 'em!

Owwww! That's GOT to hurt!

We really had fun! Didn't even wear my boots :( Next time...with my angel wing jeans! Tee Hee!

The Big Apple Circus...NYC style

2011-02-27T15:47:00.001-05:00

I have ALWAYS loved the circus. My grandparents used to take me to Barnum and Bailey in Little Rock, Arkansas. Of course, I wanted to be on the trapeze and wear the sparkley outfits and be caught as I flipped through the air while the audience gasped! Alright, I'm back now. I really wanted the sparkley outfits. I even tried to convince my family that we HAD to travel over to Venice,FL and go to trapeze school for the day! How much fun would THAT be?? Apparently not enough to warrant the 3 hour trip. I can usually convince them, though. Like I did for the Silver Spurs rodeo last weekend! ANYWHO...I bought tickets for The Big Apple Circus the night before the Macy's Parade. We had been watching "Circus" on PBS and it featured the behind the scenes lives of people in the Big Apple Circus, so we felt like we knew them! It was GREAT! I wish we had been down at ringside, but LORDY the $$$ for those seats were "cost prohibitive" to say the least. I still managed to have a wonderful time as did the family!
Here is "Grandma"! I love him. Such a nice guy and again...felt like I knew him already!

But this was the act that floored me....

AND THIS!!!!

That's right...goats riding horses. I was STUNNED. That trainer worked some magic! How did she do it??? I envisioned her sitting at her farm in the Ukraine, looking around, taking inventory. "Let's see. I need a new gig. What do I have? Goats, Horses, a couple of dogs, chickens..." Really. How did she train 'em? I was blown away. So the next day at the parade, there they were lining up right in front of us! We weren't suppose to go up to any of the floats, celebrities etc., but I couldn't help myself. Shocking, I know. So here they are...
That's her on the far left. I told her she was a genius and blabbered on about training goats and how did you get the horses the let the goats ride. Geez. No Composure. See the guys on the far right? Those dudes could shinny up a pole and hang there fast as lightening. (bonus points for clever comparison). Here is a pic of them! Reminded me of the movie Jumanji---so frenetic, but really energetic and happy!!

Sorry for the overexposure!

OK THEN there were these girls...when they piled on top of each other, I couldn't tell where one began and the other ended!


Very overexposed, but I couldn't miss photographing it!

So that was GREAT! Here is a pic of the boys in front of the Lincoln Center fountain after the show...

In silohouette...they were thrilled.

What a great time we had! The boys loved it and were telling the pizza team about it the next day! I fell asleep dreaming of sparkley outfits and being 20 lbs lighter. When I swing from that trapeze in Venice, FL. I will post the picture, people. Better start lifting wts....like my butt off of this chair and finding a sparkley outfit in black...with Spanks.

Catch up, Macy's and Nutella Banana Wontons

2011-01-08T20:46:00.030-05:00

Well, Christmas came AND went. What was I doing? I'll tell you what I wasn't doing...blogging. No good excuses. Really. Kids, family, shopping for presents, cleaning the house, working. You know, what all of the OTHER bloggers were doing AND blogging. I do have pics to prove I wasn't just sitting on my thumb. I know you want the proof so you can go on with your lives. Your lives are on hold and all because I haven't blogged. Well, I am here to set ya'll free.
I recovered all of my dining room chairs and Milo loves them.
I added a nice pad as well and Viola! I had already painted the dining table and chairs BLACK before Halloween. Apparently, I hadn't hung the framed print at photo time.

My 47th birthday came (Praise God!) and went without a hitch! My sweet nephew, McKennon was in Florida on a Duke Divinity School recruiting trip and came to Indialantic to see us! We all went out to the Yellow Dog Cafe on the Indian River for a FABULOUS dinner and dessert! Love my birthday...every year of it!

"I mentioned the Bisque"

Look at those handsome men!!!

Sam's best buddy, Jacob Liberman had his Bar Mitzvah and I photographed for part of it! What a party those Liberman's put on! We are so proud of Jacob! What an accomplishment, Mr. Man!

Charles, Jacob and Sam

Curt missed his opportunity for full coverage

Lisa and I at the reception! Love Ya!!

Sam was in his first Middle School Play

Will and Sam performed for Celebrate Brevard! fundraiser. That was fun! Great food!

Then we traveled to Tallahassee for the South East Regional Yo-Yo contest. Will placed 2nd in the 5A Division and Sam demonstrated his acrobatic pizza tossing. I ate at Panera and drank some coffee. I also ate some ice cream...and a moonpie. Have I told you I love Moonpies? They look like yo-yo's and I felt obligated. Did it for the kids. Sacrifice.

I loved this sculpture at the contest site. The Pelican was metal and the nest was re-bar. So creative!

So we traveled back to Indialantic on Sunday and packed to leave for New York City the next day because we were going to be in the MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE on Thanksgiving day with the United States Pizza Team! Wow! We had an amazing trip. I have wanted to be in that parade for my entire life. I was just walking with the team while they showed all the skill :) But I had perfected my wave in the Arkansas County Fair Parade in the 80's, people. Windshield wiper wave...slowly back and forth, back and forth. Here's the blurry photo and then I'll move right on...

No blue sequins or '80's hair for the Macy's Parade...thank God for that.

The team practiced in Central Park in preparation for marching in formation along the parade route. No simple task, but we had absolutely GORGEOUS weather!

Then the street was cleared in front of Macy's and the team practiced on the star for the cameras!

More practice the day before Thanksgiving on a tennis court in Central Park...
and then we were ready for the BIG DAY!

There we are! Long shot pic! There I am in the lower right hand corner with my arm up waving to the camera that I didn't know was there while the team spun their hearts out with Throw Dough! We had a great crowd response and had the most amazing day!!
I will write a post only on the parade and include our trip to the Big Apple Circus...

After flying back on Friday, my friend Ann asked me to photograph her family for Christmas card. Her daughter, Tori was in from college and would be leaving the next day. I was so happy to do it! What a fun family!

There was the Barnes and Noble West Shore night and the improv troupe, Scared Scriptless, performed...
Followed by the District One Act Competion...

And my work's holiday party...

Failed Christmas card photo shoot...very windy on the Indian River Lagoon!

Sam's One Act Competition for middle school

The Melbourne Light parade! Hi Tracey! Love the Toy Story Etch-a-Sketch!!

A "Going Away" party at school...Have a great time in Italy, McKenzie!

A Gingerbread House Decorating party at Cindy's!

Santa Claus ornament decorating at my house...still have some of these left...

A cookie exchange party at Ann's with her sister in law Holly!
Charlie Brown Christmas tree with "boom boom" as the stand in Linus blanket!

Cookie decorating party at my house, which actually turned into teenagers just hanging out and one helping me make Nutella Banana Wontons!!! YUM!

My dogs take advantage when it's cold. They feel they were doing Mike, Louise and Caroline a BIIIIIIG favor, I'm sure.
These are the Nutella Banana Wontons in progress...added a thin slice of marshmallow and there ya go. They were gone in a whip stitch. I hear that's really fast.
Christmas arrived and so did my sweet parents. My mom made me promise not to post pictures of them. OK, but they we were all so cute in our matching pajamas on Christmas morning! The boys loved it! So did I.
Tail enjoying his spot in front of the tree...

Sam getting his high powered sling shot at the same time Ralphie is opening his BB gun on TV!

No, we didn't have it on the entire time. OK we DID, but the volume was turned down. We are fans. There.
So, that's what I've been up to. We are now in the middle of putting up crown moulding in the house. Man, it looks good. Man, my house is in dire need. Graduation from high school is coming soon and you know what THAT means. Right...hurry and get the house projects completed before the money gets sucked into the college system.
Love and Blessings for a happy and HEALTHY New Year to all around the world.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

2010-10-31T15:35:00.021-05:00

...is not Christmas, but Halloween! Not sure why, though. Maybe because of the decorating and the CANDY. Yep. That's why. Every year I say to myself, "October 1st I am putting up all of my Halloween decorations", and every year I am frantically decorating the DAY OF my Pumpkin Carving Party. This year that would be Friday. I now have 3 whole days to enjoy my decorations before I take them down and pack them up. *Sigh* I have BIG plans, people. I just need to start earlier. I should have become a nurse practitioner...would have needed to start earlier than now. But then, when would I have time for these decorations. God knows what He is doing. But I digress...
Here are some of my Halloween decorations. I try to add to them every year. Not big on the scary, horror, creepy. Do like the gross though. Apparently so does my mom. She sent me this recipe for Fish Eye Punch that in turn sent me on an odyssey for tapioca pearls. That's right. Thanks to my friend Joyce who knew just where to find them. Health food grocery.

I just wish they would have floated! That's red colored Karo syrup dripping down the sides!
This is me a' la Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's...with a Ginger Ale can, crumpled napkin, Skull wine glass and no rose. I think that's a spot of black spray paint on my arm. Hopelessly classy.
Anywho...onward.
Front porch decorations

Fraidy Cat is a southern term. I love it!!
Along with 'Hidey Hole'
As in "Don't be a Fraidy Cat! It's just a tornado. We'll just get in the Hidey Hole and wait it out!"

Frankie's eyes and teeth glow in the dark!

Gigantic spider and web...glows under black light too! Think I'll make egg sacs for next year!

Pretty spooky coming out of the mulch and weeds. Ha!
The entire scene...

The whole package

On to the inside!
Photocopied this photos and added the googly eyes!

The entry hall

Across the front window

Beverage table...

Other stuff

I like glittery skulls

spider table for the desserts...

Main food table

Back Porch where everyone hangs out....

Curt rebuilt this piece that is apparently from a church!

Paper lantern and Halloween curtains on the back porch

I love this Black paper owl face, but it's a booger to store

Back porch in the daytime

Pumpkins that were carved

The Vine's were The Coneheads...They brought PBR and fried eggs!
The Hanskutt's were Empty Nesters!

We had a great time with good food, drink and awesome friends!

Foodie Friday with Baked Spaghetti

2010-09-03T08:56:00.014-04:00

MMMM! I love this Baked spaghetti. My youngest angel won't touch it because he saw an onion in it. *deep sigh* We are often held onion hostage in this house. He is very remorseful and apologizes profusely for upsetting dinner plans. My husband chimes in "Don't apologize just eat it." in the nicest Daddy way possible----Really. Somehow he is getting nourishment. That boy's feet have bypassed his older brother--a 10 1/2. Lord.

Now where was I? Baked Spaghetti!!! Let's get it on! This is easy and it freezes GREAT! I made one recipe and split it into 2 pans.

Grab your stock pot and put it next to you while your chop and plop! your ingredients into your pot. (oooo, didn't mean the bad rhyming)

To your stock pot add:

1 29 oz.can of diced tomatoes

1 29 oz. can tomato sauce

I do all of my chopping at once...

1/2 cup diced onions

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

2 cloves of garlic, diced (ok, I use 3) If you mash the clove with the flat side of a knife, it is easier to peel off the husk. don't use that jarred garlic either! No cheating! It just isn't garlicy enough!

Oh, heck, go ahead...people are busy...they have toddlers and coupons...

1/4 cup chopped fresh Cilantro---you can use parsley, but I like the "pepperyness" of cilantro.

All of this should be swimming around in your stock pot!

Next the dry ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 1/2 teaspoons House Seasoning (make in bulk and use for everything...recipe follows)

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

2 small bay leaves

Add all to you stock pot and simmer for about an hour!! All these ingredients will be family related by then and taste unbelievable! In the mean time...

Using a large skillet, cook 1 1/2 pounds ground beef until no longer pink.

OK...this is pink. cook it longer...Drain off the fat. Add to your stock pot.

This simmers for 20 more minutes...lets the hamburger get to know the sauce...

In another pot boil some water for your 8 oz. of angel hair pasta. I used Whole wheat this time and really, it wasn't bad! Much healthier for you too! I like that.

While that is cooking, clean the kitchen...

geez.

It would have been easier if my kitchen was cleaned up to begin with.

Pasta is cooked and drained and ready for layering...

In these photos, I am using a smaller pan because I split the recipe--for my friend, Louise. Hi Louise! I love you! If you are making one recipe, use a deep 9x13. It will make a hearty meal!

Spread a ladle full of saucy goodness in the bottom of your casserole pan. Then a layer of pasta.

Top with about 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese

no pic of the layering...lazy. Continue with the layering ending with a sauce layer.

Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle 1 cup MontereyJack/Cheddar cheese on top. Add a few shakes of parmesan if you like and return to the oven cooking until the cheese is melted.

mmmmmmmmmmm.....

Serve with garlic bread and a salad!!!

Recipe for House seasoning:

1 cup salt

1/4 cup black pepper

1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix and store in an airtight container

This is what I made for Louise...cause she likes 'em and cause she just got out of the hospital...

This is the BEST brownie mix by far. I know. I have eaten them all. However, as my good friend Dani will testify to...the mix is about 4 very large tablespoons over what is needed for an actual recipe and needs to be removed with nobody looking. And eaten. Quickly.

Did you know brownies cut very easily with no tearing if you use a plastic knife?

Enjoy your day and smile at someone you don't know, people! Be friendly.

Coupons...

2010-09-02T14:07:00.005-04:00

So I was whippin' through the grocery store today on a mission to get ingredients for dinner tonight. BTW...do NOT like grocery shopping so you think I would only do it once a week. No, that's not how it is. *sigh* Anywho, I was on my way to grab some cheese and I pass a lady who has her toddler in the cart and a 3 ring binder open with coupons! "Wow! Aren't you organized!" I say as a pass and grab 2 cheddar/monteray jack for my baked spaghetti. "I am trying!" she says politely. So I think, Hey! I know someone who has an entire blog dedicated to couponing! Maybe this nice girl would like to check it out! Why do I talk to people in grocery stores? I don't know. I want everyone to be friends. I didn't want her to think I was weird, but what the heck? So I walked up to her in the parking lot with my blog address written on a scrap of paper, introduced myself and told her to check out Live Love Coupons--one of the ladies I met while standing in line for Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Maybe she could find some tips! Her name is Carrie!

Hi Carrie! Thanks for letting me take your picture. And accost you in the parking lot. And write a blog about meeting you. I check out coupons now and again, but never get into it fully. I really should. I love a deal! Guess I'll put that on my list---if I can find an empty spot.

School Bus Figure 8 and then some...

2010-08-01T14:13:00.015-04:00

I wasn't sure--until last night--how a large lumbering school bus could manage a Figure 8. But now I know for sure. I also didn't know you could drive a car 'Balls to the Wall' hauling a boat on a trailer around a track! This is The Punisher! Complete with working blue lights!

I know how that's done now too thanks to the Citrus County Speedway races that I and and my family attended last night! Whew...I haven't laughed that hard in a while all while inhaling copious amounts of spent rubber and grit flying at me off the racetrack! My poor camera!

Look at that grit! Our poor lungs! My contact lenses are still mad at me! We looked like coal miners by the time we left :)

We could have stayed in the air conditioned "sky box",

but that would have muffled the experience and prevented the bus exhaust and pieces of who-knows-what from flying up and pelting us every time they screeched into turn #1!!!

There was no danger of anything flying off and hitting us in this race.

H was the lone contestant in the lawnmower race!

He came in first and last! Money is money!!

This is a participant in the "Suitcase Race"

Notice he is wearing a g-String and a pink bra. After each addition of women's clothing, the drivers ran back to their cars and burned rubber around the track only to screech to a stop, jump out and don another article of ladies attire. The first one to complete the outfit and the corresponding laps, Won a crown, sash and CASH!

The bus drivers drove their behemoth's with stealthy precision! No roll-overs or major loss of metal! There is just something inherently hysterical about watching normally safety conscious vehicles, haul ass around a race track trying to cut each other off and bumper bumping to try and get the inside turn! This was my favorite and she won the first race!

This one was a close second... heh.

Didn't get a good photo of "Shaggin' Wagon", but it wins a close 2nd on name alone.

This guy won the 1st race, but had to get a rear lift off the track... I needed one of those after the last triathlon I ran.

The boat trailer races were last and for good reason! They were the wildest by a long shot!

Crap flying off in all directions! Wheels whipping off and rolling at top speed across the track!

Boat trailers flipping, sparks flying and the cars pulling them still keep going at top speed!

This boat trailer cracked off the car and the trailing car slammed right through the hull of the boat...another car's trailer clipped it on the way by!

This is the wrecked boat's namesake...Diane!

The boys got a good look through the hull before it was hauled away...yea, we went down on the track...

We had such a great time! The kids chose this trip over a trip to Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando! Hey...School bus races are only 3 times a year. See you in Citrus County on October 30.

Four Hours, New Friends & Pioneer Woman....

2010-05-13T10:44:00.006-04:00

We came. We met each other for the 1st time. We stood. We laughed. A few breast fed their babies---twice.

We took photos. We saw Ree. We went to Chic Filet and drove home. Just to make it clear, the breast feeders were 2 young moms with small infants. Brandy just had to make it back to St. Pete for a night feeding. Geez...was that me just 13 years ago? Here we are...I think the other mom is nursing over in the children's section.

This book signing was nuts! We were on the first level of Barnes and Noble looking up at her back as she spoke to the ones who arrived at 2pm and were sitting in front of her!

How many people were there???? We were weaved in and out of the rows of books like we were in line for the Teacups at Magic Kingdom. I did recognize a book I had read on just about every row! Ree started signing at 6p. We didn't move for 3 hours. They cleared the 2nd level where she was speaking and then started letting the lower level up 10 at a time! I had mine signed at 9:30pm and there were still about 100 behind me! Unbelievable. I am suppose to be her only fan here in Florida :) Apparently not. So there she sat smiling and talking to everyone like it was just a few of us who stopped by to say "hey!" What a constitution. I wish I would have brought her a pillow to sit on. At least a football stadium cushion. Her 2 girls were with her as well---so cute! (Way to hang in there) So when I finally got up to see her for the book signing, what did I say? "Nice to meet you. Welcome to Florida! Did you have a great time at Universal?" Stimulating. *snorts* Not..."I really enjoy your blog and your photography" or "I would like to invite you and your family over to the east coast for the shuttle launch and we will go to the beach to watch it." Or a myriad of other slightly better things to say. *sighs* Whats worse is that I didn't get other cookbooks signed for anyone else! I am really feeling bad about THAT! Next cookbook, I am ALL over that one :) However, I did hold it together long enough to hand the camera off to her assistant and have a photo taken....and then another photo---gotta have 2 just in case one was dorky. (BTW, the 1st one was not flattering) so here is the 2nd

Well, there ya go...it must be weird for her. We all feel like we know her through her blog. We know what her kids look like, the way the ranch works and how many dogs she has! Not only that, but she has made TV appearances as well! What a great agent she must have!! Don't you just love America? You can live on a cattle ranch, yet reach thousands of people with the click of a few computer keys...and they like it :)

I love the VooDoo that YouDo...

2010-05-08T14:26:00.005-04:00

Do you love doughnuts? I ADORE doughnuts. Glazed, that is. Not much for to much stuff on my doughnuts. I have never tried to make them, however. I have a recipe from my grandmother that I have always wanted to try...involves deep frying. Pioneer Woman, Rea Drummond also has a crankin' recipe in her new cookbook. Did I say I was a fan? Huge fan. Seeing her in Orlando on Wednesday for her book signing!! Stand by for stalker fan pics :)

Well, in the meantime I found a doughnut shop that looks fantastic! Distressing news is that it is on the west coast and I am not referring to the west coast of Florida. It's on the west coast of the United States and it's name is Voodoo Doughnut. Check them out. Slightly irreverent at times (hey it's the West coast after all) but with the right idea of pushing the boundaries of what is ordinary :) I would love to try the Bacon Maple Bar. Don't let me hear you saying "Ewww". Everything is better with bacon! The Nyquil and Peptobismol doughnut was popular until the FDA put an end to that one. I love the voodoo doll with a pretzel through the heart. Better to take your frustrations out on a doughnut than a sawdust stuffed doll. Just sayin'. The most practical doughnut for the time conscience must be the Caffeine Doughnut. This pastry is filled with 100mg of caffeine. That's the equivalent to a cup and a half of coffee. No worries on spilling the coffee on the way to work! Now THAT is genius.

Parisian food, Stinky Cheese and a Sweet Feline...

2010-04-30T17:43:00.007-04:00

How beautiful Paris is! The obvious sites were gorgeous, but I just loved the shops and the street vendors as well. I could have eaten my way through Paris! Can't believe I didn't get a photo of the chocolate and banana crepes I had! Probably because I couldn't wait to eat them-no time for a photo!

Fresh tulips!

Wooden tulips

Macaroons...mmmm

Ham and eggs..ahhh American food

Small market

Fromage (cheese) market (phew...a little ripe odor for me) The display was so tidy!

Le Mimi cat got to lick the creme' brulee' spoon...

i loved these little cheese appetizers!!

..but I REALLY loved the creme brulee'!

Just brushing up with my $6 cup of coffee...

Roasted chestnuts!!!

My French breakfast!

All he needed was coffee and jam :)

Meringues!

A cute cafe'

More fresh tulips...

Fresh fruits and nuts on the street

French Croissants near the Eiffel Tower

Gleeful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-21T20:48:00.002-04:00

How cute are these? Erin over at A Bake Odyssey made them!! I was so excited that I made some for Will's chorus teacher and am making a bunch for a bake sale tomorrow :) This is one with Sam!

Check out Erin's blog! I'll post when I have made the rest !

Homemade Home Cookin'

2010-04-21T19:38:00.010-04:00

We have been traveling and/or busy since Spring Break and therefore eating at home has suffered. My youngest has taken a growth spurt despite this AND the lack of fruit and vegetables in his diet.

Anywho...I decided to make some basic food tonight. Ham, green beans and potato casserole. I baked the smoked ham---nothing exciting. I do not like honey ham. Sweet meat is not appetizing somehow. The potato casserole has been in my family FOREVER and the green beans have as well. Since I am from southern Arkansas, I grew up on this food. My green beans are seasoned with salt, pepper and a nice ham hock :) For those of you who are wondering where the HOCK is on a pig....it is somewhere around the ankle joint. If you have ever examined the ankles of a pig, they are pretty meaty. If you have not noticed a pig's ankles...good for you. I will use a piece of Petit Jean peppered ham if I have it, but it has been used up from my Christmas stash!

Here are the pics and the Potato Casserole recipe follows!

Ingredients + cheese

Place thawed potatoes in a 9x13 inch baker (this is my Pampered Chef pan...it is not dirty!) Spread the soup, sour cream, cheese, butter mixture on top...

I didn't take a pic of the soup, sour cream and cheese mixture because it didn't look photo worthy! This has half of the crushed corn flakes on top already...

Add the crushed corn flakes to the top and pour the rest of the butter on the top! (I only use 1/4 a cup of butter in the mix and pour the other 1/4 on top. A total of 1/2 cup of butter. Gotta watch my girlish figure...apparently not my cholesterol!

Finished product!

Recipe:

32 oz. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1/2 cup melted butter, (not margarine!)

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 oz. sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 small onion, chopped (I have to use garlic powder or my youngest thinks I am trying to poison him)

2 cups crushed corn flakes

1/2 cup melted butter

Place potatoes in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix next 6 ingredients and pour over potatoes. Top with crushed corn flakes. Drizzle butter over the top. Bake uncovered 45 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Beans with ham hocks! (from my cell camera)

Finished Plate!

(sorry for the poor quality of print!)

Let me know if you try any of these :)

Getting Savvy...

2010-03-15T14:39:00.005-04:00

Just found a great website...The Savvy Photographer. I love looking at other photographers websites. Most are natural light photographers...ahhh so soft and ethereal. Not that harsh sunlight business that we get here in Florida! I did buy a Gary Fong flash diffuser and I must say that I am very pleased with the quality of photo that I get. Not so harsh as with a bare flash. Since I don't know Photoshop very well..OK not well AT ALL (I seriously need a class) I appreciate my diffuser. I get many questions about it when I use it. "Is that a piece of Tupperware?" "Is there dip in there?" Yea...spinach dip. Got any chips? I wish I looked like this chick in the Gary Fong add, but the diffuser is not that good!

This photo was without the diffuser...you can see how the flash is a little harsh on her face. (yea Alexis! What a voice this girl has!)

This photo was taken with the diffuser...

The light is softened and there are no harsh shadows or light glares on their faces. Subtle changes, but nice ones!

So I need help with my composition of photos and I found The Savvy Photographer. I hope she can help! I would love to photograph in natural light, but unfortunately, most of my photography takes place indoors with action! Action requires a FAST lens and no flash or a slooooower lens and a BIG flash. FAST = very expensive...I went for the slower lens and the higher priced flash and diffuser. I'm trying here people :)

Friday Foodie Day....

2010-02-12T13:56:00.008-05:00

It's a cupcake and fudge kind of day!! How much fun was it to make these?!!!

These are called Chocolate-Covered High Hats! You can use any cake flavor, but I used red velvet, MMMMMM! The recipe can be found in Elinor Klivans book, "cupcakes!" It is a step by step recipe that makes a fun cupcake! I also made these into mini cupcakes that my son's friends just loved.

Don't be afraid of the meringue. Just be ready to stand at the stove with the hand mixer and double boiler for the full 12 minutes and it will come out LOVELY and POOFY!

Granted, these don't look as impressive as the High Hats, but if you love Somemores...these will be right up your alley!! I am posting my photo... (so lazy with the photo taking...didn't even take

them out of the pan for a better shot OR get a pic with them DRENCHED in chocolate!)

But check out my friend, (who doesn't know she's my friend) Bakerella and her awesome recipe for these cupcakes and her beautiful pictures!!

Sam had his Valentine's Day party today at school! I realized yesterday that this will be the last time he will have to take Valentine's to school!!! WHAT? ALREADY? Weren't you just in Kindergarten???? So I made some Conversation Heart Fudge

and wrapped pretty...

Sam made these with one hand

since his other is in an immobilizer...he broke his collarbone last Thursday :(

Speaking of which...I have to go pick him up at school! Have a blessed and happy Valentine's Day Weekend!

Gator Bait, New exercise program & PTGD

2010-01-30T11:01:00.011-05:00

People...Have you ever considered what it would be like to be "BAIT"? Get Eaten? Run for your LIFE in a serpentine fashion? I didn't either until last Thursday. It all started when I told my friend Jeannie that she didn't keep me in the loop about her life. (God love her, she hears the minutia in mine). So, she invites me to walk this trail with her in south Melbourne Beach. "It's so pretty, Dana! You have to bring your camera!" Trail walking/running. Sounded snakey and like an ankle breaker to me, but hey...I asked her to keep me in the loop and was graciously invited. How bad could it be? I'll just watch where I am going while looking down for roots, holes and snakes, ya know. Besides, my muffin top was growing into a baker's dozen and I REALLY had to be more proactive.

Off we went, camera and cell phone in hand. It WAS beautiful along the trail!

Smelled a little skunkish too, but what do you expect? It's a hammock! It's protected! It's natural! I would hang out there too if I was a varmit!

We came to a point in the trail where we could loop around a pond and we decided that we had plenty of time and "Why Not?!" We were engrossed in college scholarship conversation and I was thinking that I needed to look up more than down so I could enjoy the landscape. I was stopped dead in my tracks. Jeannie continued to walk not noticing that i wasn't beside her. All I could get out was something to the effect of "Sweet Jesus...." and pointed at the biggest alligator I had EVER seen. He was no more than 6 feet away from me sunning himself in the grass alongside the trail.

Jeannie stops at the taking of our Lord's name in vain (I'm sorry Jesus) see's what I am pointing at and takes off running.

I take a couple of steps with her and then think..."OOOO this would be a great photo!" Jeannie sees me and starts pleading with me..."Come On, Dana!"

I couldn't help myself...that's when I took the first photo...and then I took another one before she had a nervous breakdown and I started backing down the trail after her, my heart about to jump out of my chest! Do those things attack? Do they lay in wait and grab you, shake you like a rag and roooooolllll with you into the water! That's right "Sweet Jesus on the cross"! Protected hammock, my @$$. "Gator bait trail" That's what it should be renamed.

We quickly make it to the other side of the pond and we can see it clear as day on the other side.

That gator was 8 feet if it was an inch and FAT!!! Did I mention UGLY?? Prehistoric. It could have been lying right up in the middle of the trail and...geez. Well, we scooted around that pond and made it out to the main road with our eyes WIDE open! But not before we saw this

and this

We crossed state road A1A made famous by Vanilla Ice in the early 90's...you know, "A1A Beach Front Avenue!" I digress.

This is what is across from Gator Bait hammock...ahhhhhhh. Deep Breath.

Miles of beautiful natural beaches. (music...ba dum....ba dum...ba dum ba dum ba dum!!!!!)

My sunglasses dropped in my lap later that evening while I was driving and I nearly drove into oncoming traffic. A little jumpy. Post Traumatic Gator Disorder. I'm writing a medical paper on it.

Sweet Potato Balls!!!

2009-11-25T14:51:00.003-05:00

LOVE these!! I will be making them tomorrow, but thought I would post the recipe today...insert pictures later. I will say that I will be baking the potatoes today to save time. Last year's finished product is in the post above!

Ingredients!

4 large sweet potatoes

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 Tablespoons orange juice-I use fresh because you will need the actual orange for...

1 teaspoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

2 cups shredded coconut, sweetened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large marshmallow per potato ball

Directions!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Bake the potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them. I use a fork and this nifty Pampered Chef masher.

Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, zest and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, toss the coconut with the sugar and cinnamon.

Press mashed potatoes around each marshmallow, creating a 2-3 inch diameter ball.

Roll the balls in the coconut mixture. Place on a baking sheet or baking stone.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully for the last few minutes of cooking; the expanding marshmallow can cause the potato balls to burst open---which I think is kind of cool :)

Foodie Friday Cookies & Calamari...

2009-11-20T12:08:00.014-05:00

I love the idea of planning Thanksgiving over drinks at Matt's Casbah in downtown Melbourne! Although the girlfriends were photo-shy, the calamari appetizer and the warm goat cheese salad just sat there and smiled! Fabulous food.

We quickly decided on the menu...fried turkey, sweet potato balls, pies, green bean casserole, rolls. You can bet I will have photos of those! Here is a photo of the Sweet Potato Balls from last Thanksgiving! I'll post the recipe before Thanksgiving so ya'll can try it too!

On to today's recipe! OK...so this started out as Chocolate Chip Cookies only to find out that i didn't have enough chocolate chips but did have an extra bag of Butterscotch chips hence the name change...Chocolate Scotchies. Catchy. I also didn't have any baking soda...thank you Jennifer for the ingredient...again. Hate going to the store. Anywho...

Here are the ingredients:

I doubled this recipe. Almost more that 'Kevin' the KitchenAid could take. That's right. I named my mixer.

I whisk my dry ingredients TOTALLY against my mom's good judgement. I'm just lazy and it works well.

Meanwhile the shortning (do not use oil, yuck), brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond are getting work out from Kevin.

Then the dry ingredients are added...

Speed was set a little high and Kevin gave that flour mix the ride of it's life!

This should make a beater licker H-A-P-P-Y!!

I'm a southern girl and LOVE pecans...not those Yankee walnuts. It's destiny that pecans are my favorite nut...my mom went into labor with me wilst picking up pecans in our backyard :)

Look! See that bag? It's from my mom. I love my mom. Chop them up and hand stir them into the batter!

A bag each of the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips...the anticipation in the kitchen is growing...

Hand stir the chips into the batter too!

I use stones for baking. They are great for even cooking! I also use a scoop so the cookies will be the same size and will bake evenly.

Ready for the 350 degree heat for about 10-15 minutes.

mmmmmmm! Can't you smell them from there???

Disclaimer for those who do not use stones...this stone is not grungy!

This cookie has a meeting with destiny...

Enjoy!!

If you would like the recipe just post to my comments and I will send it on to you!!!

Autumn Gifts!!

2009-11-17T17:00:00.003-05:00

I entered a contest over at www.abellasorriso.com and won some fun autumn gifts! Thanks Jennifer!!! How cute is the note card and gift bag?! I have to do that soon on this site, but now...I have to go pick up Will at school. Then to Office Depot, then to the grocery. Boo. Hiss.

Recipe Friday: Miss Fluffy Rice...

2009-11-13T13:11:00.013-05:00

Let me just start out by sayin that I was NOT Miss Fluffy Rice of Arkansas County 1979.

I was

2nd place Miss Fluffy Rice Arkansas County 1979. "Lynn's Cheesey Chicken and Rice" won 1st place in 1979. Not that I remember. Not until my mom gives me a box of high school trophies.

Background: I grew up in the Grand Prarie of southern Arkansas. Arkansas ranks No. 1 in the US in rice production, therefore Miss Fluffy Rice is a cooking contest using rice as an ingredient. There are county contests and then the statewide contest. The purpose of the the contest (I Googled it...)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Miss Arkansas Rice Contest is to promote interest in rice cookery and rice

promotion among the youth in Arkansas and to focus attention of the general public of Arkansas on the importance of the rice industry to the economy of the state. The purpose of awards in the contest is to recognize superior achievement in rice cookery, rice promotion and basic knowledge about the rice industry.

All high and mighty now days calling it "The Miss Rice Contest". Guess there were some who were offended by "fluffy" Geez.

Anywho...I cooked this recipe for the entire neighborhood until I had it dooooooooown. Weeks of preparation, people. Even had a cute apron to wear courtesy of my mom. Well, APPARENTLY my dish was too exotic--Spanish Chicken and Rice and did not have Velveeta as the 2nd main ingredient! Not that that was a requirement, but "Lynn's Cheesy Chicken and Rice" was the winner. Hell, I think it had potato chips in it too! Lynn (smarmy Lynn) bragged that she 'threw it together last night for the first time'. Not that I remember. It was not my first encounter with a smarmy girl, but an epiphany into the 'over preparation doesn't pay' life rule. Or maybe it was the Velveeta that was the clencher. Hell, who knows. Anyhow, she didn't win the state title that year with processed cheese. That's not being Snarky, that's Karma, people.

Here is the recipe. It is handwritten by my mom who has BEAUTIFUL 1st grade teacher handwriting. The red ink is my addition...

She even has me add "Serve with Salad" in the upper right corner. My mom is the BEST cook.

Here are most of the ingredients:

...and the full list:

1 four lb. chicken cut into pieces (I cooked mine whole this time because an intact chicken was cheaper than a cut up one and I am not the greatest at cutting up a dang chicken!)

2 T. cooking oil

1/2 cup chopped onion (I have to use onion powder because my youngest thinks I try to slide the real ones into everything and won't eat them--says he can't help it and is sorry about that)

1 clove garlic minced (I threw it in with the chicken)

1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (not in the pic...refer to onion commentary)

Heat the Oil in a large heavy pot. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes. (Didn't have a photo...again, see above comment)

OK...let me stop here and explain this picture:

See that little pin feather on the right facing wing? GAG....

and pull that sucker right out! Now, we can carry on with civilized 21st century cooking!

3 cups boiling water (I just cover the chicken with as much as it takes. Then the chicken floats..)

Add that 2 t. of Salt

1/4 t. pepper and 1/2 tsp. dried basil

1 t. Paprika (I always think of Baby Paprika from Blues Clues...)

Cover and cook over low heat until chicken is tender...My mom says about 50 minutes.

Take the chicken out---DO NOT DRAIN THE BROTH. KEEP IT!

Remove the meat from the bones (I guess you say 'Debone' because saying 'Pick' sounds gross)

1 cup uncooked brown rice (you may want to use more depending on how much liquid you used to cook the chicken. The ratio is usually 1 cup rice: 2 cups liquid)

Add rice and continue cooking over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Add 1/4 cup chopped pimento

Heat for 5 minutes and then add the chicken and combine!

Just look at the anticipation in the room!!!!!

No salad...that's why my mom reminded me. She knows I "forget" the salad!

Enjoy Spanish Chicken and Rice, 2nd place in the 1979 Arkansas County Miss Fluffy Rice Contest !!!

Halloween Party and an Octomom...

2009-11-09T20:27:00.005-05:00

So...Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday. Well, then there is Christmas and Easter for all of the baking. I also feel I have to give a shout out to Thanksgiving since I feel it gets short changed by Christmas. Anywho...back to Halloween. We had our 5th annual pumpkin carving party this year! Seems like I just couldn't get started with the decorating until the last few days of October! I also like to make something new every year that I can reuse the following years! This year I made this awesome spider web out of leftover pool screen from the previous owners of our house. I say "I" made it when actually I sucked my friend Jen into helping me make it! God love her...she gets pulled in every year. I know my friend Dani knows how she feels. :) I was so busy/distracted that I didn't get a photo of it before I took it down! I did, however, make some pretty cool lanterns and took pics of them...Thank you to my good friend Cindy for donating the large paper for them!
Loved these! They turned out so well. There were flickering electric tea lights suspended in them to give the lantern effect! Don't know where the heck I'm going to store them though...ALWAYS the problem.

I made this huge Owl face last year! It's about 20 inches in diameter! It's suspended from the ceiling by fishing line...still. Again... where to store it.

My husband is convinced if the lanterns and the owl stay up another week that we won't see them anymore. You know, he is right. That happens to many things in this house, but that is another post.

Oh yeah...Octomom. She visited our party. Geez. (That's my Engineer Man...)

Also, a couple of nuns...

Good friends dressed as OUR boys...

...and friends carving pumpkins by the pool!

We had a great time! I just spent all of my time hostessing and not taking photos...As I am known to say in my house, "My life goes undocumented."

2009-11-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese! This is what 56 looks like. Happy birthday to me!

OK. I lied up. Really only 46, but I am just practicing the art of "Lying Up about my Age". So far it has worked liked gang busters!! "Wow! You look great for 56!". "I would have thought you were 10 years younger!" One lady apparently under the influence of narcotics post-op thought I was in my late 20's!!! What? I advised she back off on the Dilaudid. She smiled and said 'OK'.

My sweet boys bought me a cannoli and stuck a couple of candles in it! I loved it! I was dipped in chocolate on the ends! Yum! My sweet Engineer Man gave me a card with Steven Jobs photo in it and said"It's time..." 'Who the hell is Steven Jobs?' I asked. "The creator of the Mac!!", he and my oldest said a little deflated. "Oh....oooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!!!! Woo Hoo! Are we finally crossing over to the world of puppy dogs and rainbows and Apple computers???! Yeeees!

"Where is it?" I said...panting now and anxiously looking around. "Well, I don't have it yet. Not sure which one to hemorrhage the bank account on." Ok. He didn't exactly say that, but that's what he meant. God love him. Well I don't know either, but Lisa knows. She has what she calls her Mac Daddy. It's pretty darn sweet too. She is so in love, that she is buying her 12 year old one! Geez. He loves hers. It practically does his homework.

I want one. I want it to be hip while it vacuums my floors.

New addition...stinky package...

2009-10-02T12:40:00.004-04:00

It's a really good thing he is cute and soft and cuddly because, God love him...his face stinks!
Let me back up.
My sweet friends, Joyce and Otto had two shih tzus---Oliver and Milo. Milo was always my favorite. Shy and sweet he always sat up on his back legs with his front legs drooping, waiting for you to notice him. Sometimes he would "paw" wave with one leg as if to say "I don't mean to be a bother, but when you have a minute could you pet me?". Otto loved his dogs and Joyce loved Otto. What a fun beautiful couple. So good to each other. True soul mates. As life often goes, sickness comes in and derails everyday life. They couldn't find the cause of Otto's coughing. It was getting so that he couldn't walk very far without becoming short of breath! Finally, a diagnosis of lung cancer explained everything. Then there was the metastisis and chemotherapy and life style changes that quickly come along with acute illness. All through it Ottos puppies kept his spirits high. I even took their pictures so he could have them with him during a prolonged hospital stay.
The end seemed to come quickly. I saw Otto the day he closed his eyes for the last time. That afternoon as he sat on the side of his bed, he waved to me to thank me for driving his sister from the airport. His puppies were becoming leary of going into his room, nervously barking from the foot of the bed. The Hopsice nurses said the dogs will sense when he is not doing well. Sweet things, they knew something was wrong and were waiting for it to change. There was nothing anyone could do. At 7:30p that evening, Otto asked everyone to leave the room because he was tired and needed some rest. Joyce stayed by his side and held him as he left his earthly bonds. It wasn't gentle like in the movies, but she was there and that is where he wanted to be. His Milo and Oliver were there as well.
Sometimes, having such sweet reminders around is just too much for those left here on this earth. So, my sweet stinky-face is with us. He has a Jack-Rat for a companion and a strange new animal--a big Tuxedo cat for a friend now. He has a loving family and new activity to keep him busy. As I watched him today stare out the window, I wondered if his sadness was lifting. I hope we can be a good family and I hope he finds joy with us.
Now, where is that groomer's number?

Once upon a Pea...

2009-07-12T11:48:00.009-04:00

Actually, it's the story "The Princess and the Pea" turned musical "Once Upon A Mattress"! The Summer of Fine Arts program here in our county auditions students from all of the schools in the south of the county for this one production. It's really great because they get to know other kids from area schools and attend each other's school productions throughout the year! The kids get college credit too! What a funny musical! The actresses and actors in this were soooooo funny and talented. It was really fun to watch. I took quite a few photos over the course of about a week of rehearsals and posted them all on my Facebook for the kids to see. Will was in the chorus and had a part as a dancer, Sir Harold :) Here are a few photos...

I love you...

2009-07-06T16:07:00.003-04:00

A tribute to a beloved family member can take many forms. I have seen window decals on cars, buildings with names on them, a beautiful monument. This tribute made me cry because it was so very personal. We have been praying for Ann and her family ever since her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2007. Life IS what YOU make it.
As Ann would say, "Much Agape."

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-05T22:22:00.005-04:00

...or Happy Celebration Day! That's what they used to say when my mom was young!

Fun pics of fireworks...Sparkler pics with a couple of boys, so don't be shocked :)

Ha! This last one is my sweet Sam! His older brother thought it was too funny...that sealed it.
Hope all is well with all with everyone :)

Pheweeeee!

2009-06-05T10:49:00.010-04:00

I checked out when i last posted---APRIL! I should be ashamed. I should be, but I'm not. My good friend, Jen keeps reminding me that I haven't posted in FOREVER! She lives down the street and God love her, knows more about my life than she would like, I'm sure.
School is finally OUT! Will is gone to Student Life Mission Camp in Tennessee and will return Saturday. His little bubby has really been missing him--sleeping in his bed at night :) Isn't that sweet? Heck I think so, but I'm the mom. Will turned 16 in May... OK, the cake looked like cornbread. He doesn't care for icing. Note to all: CANDLES DON'T STAND UPRIGHT IN PLAIN CAKE VERY WELL. However, kids stand up great in the sand...

...and jump well too!
Sam turned 12 this week...
Ms. Cindy made slew of cupcakes for his birthday and he shared them with the kids at The Master's Workshop. We had a great time! We went to Friendly's for dinner and ice cream...
What a crazy time of year to have babies. They both were 5 weeks early. If they had come on their due dates, their birthday parties would have been easier to plan for crying out loud!

So I took my first online photography class with Sheye Rosemyer. I LOVE her photos and now have a great respect for the amount of work involved in taking beautiful photos. Even more, the talent for post processing those photos is something I hope to achieve.
This is Curt and I with the Eye Candy Action "Circa 1963" from Sheye Rosemyer...
I just plain LOVE this guy. I feel sorry for the rest of you ladies, but he's mine :) !!
Happiness to you all :)

"Remember when..."

2009-04-20T13:41:00.008-04:00

"Mom should I pack my tap shoes?" Will asked this the night before we traveled to Italy. "Sure!" I said, "When are you going to get the chance to tap in San Marcos Square?" So he packed them and he got the chance....If that's the memory Will has every time he sees tap dancing, then that makes me happy. If he sees a photo of San Marcos piazza in Venice, Italy and is able to say, "Hey! I tap danced there when I was 15 years old! Here is the picture to prove it!" That makes my heart smile too. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. My boys being happy and healthy is quite enough. It's quite enough for all of us, isn't it?

Will also got the chance to play a lead role in "Anything Goes" on his return to the States. (This is why he had the tap shoes). It was a last minute surprise. His little brother read lines with him every chance they had...
Sam refused to read the last scene though. He didn't want to know how it ended until he saw the production on Opening Night. He's a great little brother.
He had a "Chance" as well...
Spinning pizza in San Marcos Square for a huge crowd was fun! Who can say, "When I was 11 years old, I spun pizza in San Marcos Square in Venice Italy!" Sam can say it now. It will make a good story when he is 40 years old. Good stories are what make getting together a fun and bonding experience for families. I love it when someone says, "Remember when..."

Ciao! Italia...Kitty, Kitty, Kitty???? Part I

2009-04-12T10:47:00.011-04:00

Ciao! as they say across the way in "The Boot"! We just returned from 8 days in Northern Italy traveling with the U.S. Pizza Team as they competed in the World Pizza Championships! It is the first time we have traveled in Europe and it was GREAT!
Our group had a translator-Paola Laghetti--who was so wonderful. God love her...we were not the most "together" group and very prone to wondering in all directions like a bunch of cats. She worried that we would get lost and not be able to find our way back to the group! This went on every day we were there! She just started looking around calling, "Kitty, Kitty Kitty???" in hopes the litter would reconvene. I will say I NEVER strayed too far from her side. My Italian was very limited, and I was constantly asking her questions about the surroundings--buildings, people, plants, clothes, customs. She was probably very glad for the questions to stop :) However, we did bond quite well, especially when one night after dinner, the restaurant owner (former DJ) put on the music and we started singing Gloria Gainer's "I Will Survive". (By the way, what happened to Gloria Gainer?). THAT was fun! It was followed by YMCA and Italian love songs. We also shopped by ourselves on the last day in Italy when the other litter mates decided to stay in the hotel and pile up and nap. I came home from Italy with 5 handbags:)
I did not come home from Italy with 6 bottles of Bolla wine...that was left in Security in Milano. Apparently, that much liquid cannot be carried onto a plane--Duh. We were so tired from the night before, we were not thinking clearly. Bar fights will do that to you. Yea, I did say bar fight. Strangely, Paola and I were singing "I Will Survive" again, when a bar fight erupted between one of our team mates and the other American pizza team. Nice. I have a feeling it was the highlight of Will's trip. His eyes were as big as moonpies. Big misunderstanding, but the police came to cap off our trip. Amazing our fast one can walk on cobble stones in high heels...everything worked out.
So that is a quicky of our trip...I was the photographer for the Team, so there are hundreds of photos. I have many posted on my Facebook page. I think I will post individual stories over the next week...

NBC Today show featuring Sam!

2009-03-07T09:18:00.008-05:00

Sam was quickly featured on the NBC Today show while we were in NYC! I couldn't figure out how to embed it on my 100th post, so....Here it is. Thank you for all of the sweet posts. It is amazing to have friends from around the world :)

100th Post : Pizza, The Big Apple & the Today Show

2009-03-05T08:24:00.019-05:00

Sam I have been in New York City February 27-March 3 at the New York Food Restaurant Lodging and Pizza Showcase! We came in 2 days early and hit the ground running! The first night we ate in Times Square. At least technically it was night, but not in Times Square!
A little wave from Times Square...Saturday we jumped into our clothes, had a hot breakfast and caught the subway to the Museum of Natural History. Sam has always wanted to go there and after seeing Night at the Museum where it was filmed, we HAD to make it there this year! That angel of mine dragged me over every inch of the museum! LOL!! I was saturated after the first 2 1/2 hours, but nooooo...he was determined to see every inch. Disclaimer: we didn't see Amazon and Caribbean Cultures exhibits. We had already walked waaaaaaaay past them and I just couldn't double back again. I knew I would regret it. Now we can't say we saw the entire museum. **large sigh** I know what we will be doing the next time we are in NYC...taking a trip to the Amazon and Caribbean, that's what. I digress...
A Trip to the Museum of Natural History---Largest meteorite--34 tons

HMMM...Cousins?
Big and dusty!!
Giant clam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A little TOO Natural...
Macy's wooden escalator'sOn to 3 days of pizza spinning
....and pizza eating AND it snowed!!!!!Sam was interviewed briefly by Al Roker and spun Throw Dough proudly representing the U. S. Pizza Team (see the video on my Facebook page!).. and met and spoke with Giada DeLorenzo!! When she complimented Sam on his beautiful eyes, he gave her his trading/business card! She loved it! She is as beautiful in person as she is on TV. Al Roker is very gracious and was glad to have his photo made with Sam. Thanks to Dave, my long time college friend and husband of my best college girlfriend (I introduced them :) ) Here they are in the Limo after the culinary competition at Cha Cha's Backyard Garden Cafe' & Bar 113 Mulberry St. in Little Italy in NYC
What a great time we had!! Thank you so much to the Green's of PMQ Pizza Magazine for bringing us along to NYC again this year! We always have such an exciting trip and it is so good to see everyone. We all are looking forward to the trip to Italy in a few weeks!!

Friday the 13th and a German Shepard...

2009-02-13T11:46:00.005-05:00

I tell you...when I was in High school, I could not get enough of scary gory movies! Friday the 13th, Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The scarier the better. My BFF high school friend, Ann and I would go and just scream. Come to think of it, she ran out of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. THAT was crazy. People's popcorn was flying. You have never seen a horror film until you have seen one in Southern Arkansas. People TALK to the screen..."What chu doin' goin' in there? Don't do it! Don't do it! OOOOO he's got a big ol' chainsaw that's gonna mess you UP!" Things like that. It's totally worth it too. Usually more entertaining than the movie. Maybe that's why I don't go anymore. I saw The Exorcist in college and decided that was my last horror movie. (*shivers*) You think I would have been "cured off" the scary movies when I was in elementary after seeing "The Legend of Boggy Creek". Pre-story: I had been happily riding my purple bike with the groovey white banana seat and matching white basket with flowers on it. In the basket was my new kitten Raquel. Well *sniff* an enormous German Shepard came running up, snatched my kitten out of the basket and killed it right in front of me! Family friend, Mrs. Linda Cover heard me screaming and came running. She called my mom and told her the gruesome details. My dad said he knocked that dog in the head with a shovel. I was satified with this retribution. ANYWHO...to take my mind off the tragedy, my friend, Eddie invited me to the movies...The Legend of Boggy Creek. Well, as luck would have it, the monster snuck up on a little kitten and scared it stiff! STIFF!!! I screamed and Eddie's mom, Ms. Lilly had to take me to the car. Lord. If that's not one for the couch...
So Happy Friday the 13th, campers :) Surely Jason isn't out for a game of hockey tonight....with his German Shepard....*whimper*

Bubbles, yo-yo's, hoops and a Marching Band...

2009-02-11T16:25:00.010-05:00

Sam and some "Sticky bubbles
New Hoop with Will and the Juggling Festival in the background

Whew! Been a tad neglectful of my blog. There has been so much going on and i haven't taken the time to write anything down! Not that my life is exciting to anyone else but me! I have a great life filled with fun and adventure. I try to make that fun and adventure for my family and this weekend was no exception. It really sounded as if it wouldn't be that big of a deal---another yo-yo contest, another juggling festival. However, when juggling is involved, there is ALWAYS a show--intended or not. Here is a video of Will's 2nd place performance in Atlanta. Attached to the beginning is his casting information. More on that later...

Sam performed as well and did a GREAT job. I would post that as well but it's the previous routine that I have posted in an earlier blog!
So between the yo-yo contest and the juggling performances, there was the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band of Atlanta, GA Will described it as a marching geriatric transvestite band. Wow, it was pretty crazy and really fun!! My kids really seemed mildly effected. Not such a crazy scene for them apparently.

They were great performers and fun music! Organizations hire them to perform!
Will learned some new Diabolo tricks and Sam learned some new juggling moves. I hula hooped all afternoon and ended up with a bruise on my hip and sore shoulders! Curt tried out a Trikke
and decided it wasn't for him! It looked really fun! We missed the fire hooping, fire poi and fire juggling though. Rats. We got lost trying to find the venue. Note to self: BUY A GPS!!!!
Atlanta is 8 hours from here---a long 8 hours, but it was an adventure and definitely better than staying home and mowing the grass!

Bunny cupcakes

2009-01-25T13:38:00.003-05:00

Had to replace the Possum picture! It was really offending to see that one pop up every time. I made these for Will's high school production of the play "Harvey"! These were the only 2 left!

Surely Possums are Good Luck!

2009-01-02T16:51:00.000-05:00

Well, Happy New Year!! Glad to be in 2009 with a healthy and happy family. We started off the New Year with a possum stuck in our back yard fence. Now I know it seems that we have had our share of vermin--maybe more than our share--but I am ever hopeful that possum are Good Luck for 2009. Just to be sure, we ate sauerkraut as is the German tradition. Can't believe I didn't eat black-eyed peas. (Threw up on them when I was little and swore them off for years). I love them, though!

So, back to the possum and the fence. Ella, our Jack Russell, was sounding "the possum bark" and we journeyed to the back yard to investigate. At first glimpse we thought the possum was just holding on to the fence, but on closer examination we realized his back foot was wedged in the fence. He must have fallen from the top and caught his leg!!! Poor thing hung there probably all night!
Curt ran to get the crowbar and pry him out while I called Animal Services. He eventually ambled down the fence row where I found him and gave him a bowl of water. He lapped it up for several minutes, God love it...

Finally the Animal Services officer came, picked it up with his hands---it played "Possum" predictably enough.
He said Possum wold be delivered to the Wildlife hospital where his leg would most likely be amputated and he would rehab in luxury. Whew. Hope he was telling the truth. Not like when your childhood puppy went to live on "The Farm".

29 Hours in the car...

2009-01-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

That's how long our round trip was to Indiana and Kentucky to visit family...
and friends...

Gingerbread houses, sushi and everything SWEET!

2009-01-02T14:34:00.007-05:00

Cindy Moore holds a gingerbread house decorating party every year. It seems the kids are never too old to get into decorating their houses and we are never too old to eat!!

Merry Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T14:23:00.007-05:00

Curt and his Christmas plaid shirt and Purdue tie!

Sam is reading the directions that came with his chemistry set

Will couldn't believe Santa brought the XBOX on his sleigh

The stockings were hung on the wardrobe drawer with care---no chimney in FLA

Jen and Mal try out my new SOFTEST EVER blanket

Christmas in Florida---not exactly white. More like Sunny and 78 degrees. We are blessed and look forward to 2009 and our trip to Indiana and Kentucky on Dec. 26th!

Paper Crown, Crab soup, Beef Tenderloin and Friends...

2009-01-02T14:12:00.004-05:00

What more could you ask for on Christmas Eve? A heated game of Bingo, maybe!! What a great time we had at our long time friends, the Briggs' home on Christmas Eve! The Donaghue, Briggs, and Niemeier families have celebrated Christ's coming since 2003. It has become a tradition that our entire family looks forward to each year! Jeannie is the hostess with the mostess and always has a game--with prizes. It's a blast!

Beans, Styrofoam and M&Ms

2008-12-16T17:22:00.007-05:00

I know there are more of you out there!! Check out what others had to say about their kids sticking something up their noses!!
From my friend, Jen:
Remember the game, "Don't Spill the Beans"? It has little plastic beans and you fill up a precarious pot and try not to spill them all. Well, needless to say, Casey wanted to see what would happen if he stuck a bean up his nose. I think we had to use tweezers to get it out! Maybe that's why to this day he won't eat a bean!!

Amanda sees other people's children when home remedies don't work!! "Working in a recovery, I see a lot of kids (and sometimes adults too!) that stick things up their noses, in their ears and other places!!" Callum once put an M&M up his nose, but was able to 'blow it out'!!

Christy over at Cakerwakers:

"My cousin stuck styrofoam up his nose and his mother couldn't get it out. They had to take him to the hospital. Kids are gross.

A Bite of Country Cupcakes: Lovely to have you come by my blog and Hilarious to hear of more foreign objects up noses! I later found out that Missy only put it up her nose after Big Brother put it up his! He successfully, in his words, "Snotted it out"!!!

"I didn't stick a button up my nose!"

2008-12-02T08:43:00.006-05:00

I was over at A Bite of Country Cupcakes and was cracking up at her story of her daughter sticking a bead up her nose! Don't we all have stories like that?!!! Whey do kids shove things in their ears and up their nose? BECAUSE THEY CAN! :)
The best one is of my brother-in-law, Steve when he was about 2 yr. old. The story (of legend, mind you) goes that he walked up to his mom, Esther, with rusty snotty drainage coming out of one nostril! Esther asked him, "What is coming out of your nose, Steve?". To which he replies, "Well, I didn't stick a button up my nose!!" Don't you wish there was a picture of THAT?!
Email me with your "Foreign object up the nose" or in the ear--a popular spot as well- story from your childhood or YOUR child's!! I'll republish it here! Send it to the email address located in my profile!

Fried Turkey with Sweet Potato Balls!

2008-11-28T22:14:00.009-05:00

(Let's get this straight...the turkey and the sweet potato balls were separate...never attached.)Woo Hoo! What a great Thanksgiving Dinner! We were with friends and have so much to be thankful for this year. There were no cooking mishaps or rodent run-ins today. Thank you.
I made the mashed potatoes and the sweet potato balls (Paula Deen recipe) and they were YUM! I also made my cranberry salsa and these Turkey Cuppies on a stick :) Thank you Bakerella for the inspiration! I hope everyone had a blessed day. We are happy, healthy, my mom is in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, we had plenty to eat and came home to a warm house. God is good to us and always knows what we need, even if we think WE know what we want is best.
This is what a deep fried turkey looks like. Tim was in charge of the bird...
These are the sweet potato balls--there is a marshmallow in the middle!

Cindy's mom was visiting from Indiana and made 2 pies and the gravy!
Curt had the responsibility of carving the bird!
These are my attempts at cupcake bites. The turkeys enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day watching the Macy's parade, a Dog Show and a football game.I can't believe I didn't take more pictures! It was a great stress free day. Thanks Cindy & Tim for hosting a great dinner!

One year later....

2008-11-24T11:50:00.004-05:00

I didn't think that last Dec. 2007 would be my last race for an entire year. That is when the Dermatomyositis started to kick in and let it's presence be known. I ran the Jingle Bell 2 mile and had so much fun, but as December turned to January and then into February, everything started to get a little squirrely. I was getting run down. My arms started aching. I had these bumps on my knuckles that wouldn't go away. I started slowing down in my boot camp routine. No amount of rest really refreshed me! A little un-nerving to say the least! Anywho...a year later, many pills & prayers later...
...I finished a 5k last night in 32 minutes. My friend, Jennifer, who ran with me, encouraged me the ENTIRE race. God love her. She is so upbeat and tried to keep me distracted! We ran the entire race and finished, but not before I crossed the finished line with the verse, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." However, I would like to add in..."and with the prayers and love of friends and family." Whew and AMEN.

Triatharat & Predestination

2008-11-19T08:03:00.010-05:00

Did you know that rats are awesome swimmers? Get back, Michael Phelps, we have your competition right here, Mr. !! Yeah, I never thought about it either until last week. Our Jack/Rat terrier, Ella was barking at something in the pool one night last week. Me: Another frog, no doubt. Ella! Be quiet!!!. Ella: Bark! Bark! BARK!!!! So out to the porch/pool I go and turn on the pool light. Me:EEEEE! It's a snake! Ella get the hell away from that...no wait...IT'S A RAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT!!! People...let me tell you, it was doing some serious mogating around our pool using it's tail as a propeller(I should say--flagellate) and sticking it's little ratty nose above the water like a pink snorkel! Honestly, it looked like a giant sperm swimming for it's life. Well, I dash back into the house trampling the rest of the family as they were running to see what the screaming was all about. I grabbed my video camera and start in with the filming while curt was thinking of a way to get it out of the pool. He wanted to dip it out with the pool net and "Ratapult"' it over the fence into the neighbor's yard, but that was kyboshed by Sam, our Animal Right's activist. Will thought the rat would have a great ride and story to tell his Ratty friend's---"Free work-out and carnival rides over at the Niemeier's". By the time the rat had made it's 3rd lap,with Ella nipping at it's nose, I had taken moving and still pics and Curt had retrieved a live rat trap from the garage. On the way to making a 4th lap, Curt scooped the water loving varmint up like he was scooping sugar from a sack.

Notice the Rat tail sticking out of the trap door...EEEWWWW!
Ella thought Christmas had come early. Alas it was not to be.Curt packed said rat off to the Presbyterian Church about a mile away. I thought the rat would be good with that outcome... After all, maybe he was Presbyterian and all of this was predestined. :)

Love Stinks

2008-11-17T13:14:00.006-05:00

When you love your friends, you will do anything for them. Especially when they call you for rodent removal advice and especially when they sound desperate. Apparently, we are now "experts" in rodent removal since we have had a bad case of Rats. Cindy calls last night--whispering--"I need some advice. I think there is something alive in my dryer vent hose!" I said, "Well, pull out the dryer and lift the hose so the 'thing' will scramble back out."
Cindy: "NOOOO! I am standing on a stool looking over the back of the dryer! I am not getting that close!" Me: (trying to be supportive yet not enabling) "Gee..wish I lived closer so I could come over and help.." Cindy: (squeals) "It moved!! and there is a little rip in the dyer tubing!!" Me: Where is Tim?? Cindy: At Youth group at church. Me: Alright. I am coming over.
So with rat cage and a miniature baseball bat in hand (for effect), off I went. Long story short, I went outside holding the cage up against the vent HOLE (no cover on this, people) and Cindy banged the dryer tubing and turned on the dryer. Well, he must of thought Christmas had come early, because he didn't budge. Me:'Turn off the dryer and bang on the vent again, Cindy.'
Picture this, she is perched on top of the dryer with a broom partially covering the ever enlarging hole in the tubing, and a mop banging the poor creature to move on out of his personal sauna! I am standing outside with a flashlight between my legs holding the cage handle with one hand and the cage trap door with the other. Well, disrupted, the animal comes scrambling out of the vent, into the cage. I can't get the door down and am hollering at Cindy that "I've got it!!!" Well, it has enough of that and realizes where it is, does a 180 and back into the vent it goes, but not before it let me know that it was indeed NOT a rat, but a POLECAT as we call them in Arkansas. Commonly known as a SKUNK. Back into the house I go, crawl on top of the dryer and bang the Bejesus out of that tubing so Skunky evacuates AGAIN and is Gone Daddy Gone out into the cover of darkness. PEWWWWWW! Cindy lights big vanilla candle and leaves it in the laundry room checking it about 15 minutes later she says, "I think the smell is gone!" Sniffing the air I observe, "Not unless it has been replaced by a Vanilla scented skunk fart." Needless to say, I had to 4 bag my jeans and shirt and put on a pair of Tim's big orange basketball shorts. I stopped by church on the way home and wielding my mini-bat, gave Tim a hard way to go re: home maintenance and rodent prevention. Do you know what he had to say in his defense? "Hey, those shorts look pretty good on you!" Those shorts look pretty good on you too in the pic below... :)

This is Tim checking out the skunk sich. (as in situation)
What is going on here???? I hope the gentle cycle is on...He owes me big. I am now praying over my favorite jeans and soaking them in Hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and baking soda. *Sigh* I love my friends. They really give me good blog material. OK maybe Good is too STRONG a word...

Catch up...

2008-11-03T09:12:00.012-05:00

If not keeping up with my blog is any indication of how I have over scheduled myself... Woo..did it to myself, but October was a fun month! Definitely not complaining. It's been full of Arkansas visits, musical, Pumpkin Carving Party, Rock Band Competition, Pampered Chef Party, Will's Halloween Party and into November with my 45th Birthday!! Crammed a year of parties into October and hopefully will not feel compelled to do that again too soon! Oh, and did I mention RATS again. Heaven help us. Although our Jack Russell/Rat Terrier is feeling like she now has a purpose. Our cat, however, knows that his purpose is to stay on the bed and sleep through it. There ya go. My mom returned home from her treatment in Houston and is tired, but doing well. She is scheduled for treatments on Thanksgiving and again on Christmas. What are the chances for that? Geez.
Anyway, I feel so blessed to have friends and family. I spent my birthday EATING :) After church about 20 of us dined at a new Deli in town complete with Carrot Cake at the end! Last night after making dessert for the youth group at church, they all stood and sang happy birthday to me and my friend, Jeannie and Craig presented me with a delicious piece of chocolate cake from the "Olive Garden". When we returned home. Jen, Mal and Casey came down bearing angel food cake and fruit and b-day presents! Wow! what a day! Bloggers were sending best wishes all day and I was receiving texts as well! How fun for me! D and Anonymous D sent me fun monogrammed gifts AND a bag of chocolate chip cookies this week too! Of course I didn't wait until my birthday to open the package! No way! Curt and the boys gave me a virtual bike with a basket on the front. I need to go pick one out! Quite a change from my Trek road bike from a few years back! Think Ella will ride in the basket like Toto???!!
Here are pics from this month!

Will and the female lead in The Music ManI just like this pic and thought I would throw it in---The 3 D's!

OK..this is what happens when you spray paint in the garage and don't wear shoes. It actually makes a heart if you can get past the black feet!!! Ewwwwww! I always end up spray painting something before the Halloween party! This time it was the server in my dining room!

Sam's friend and Sam on Halloween

Halloween Curtains that I made while visiting my parents in Arkansas

Cupcake bites! I am addicted to making them! OK almost over the addiction now...

I was glittering everything I couldn't effectively spray paint including this skull and bones! Everything is better when it's shiny ya'll ...

Pumpkin carving party!

Jack-O-Lanterns

Jen, Carol and Shana

Those crazy Moore kids!!!

Will's Halloween party!
Will as "Snake". I think he is "sneaking" at this point...

Ella "ratting out" a rat...to no avail...

Will doing his best British "Rock Star" imitation with my (now vintage)1980's Sex Pistal's t-shirt

I KNOW I saw it...

2008-10-17T08:40:00.002-04:00

There was a little Snake/Skink head sticking out from under my fridge this morning. I know I saw it there! Being that I live in Florida and reptiles being so common...I wasn't THAT shocked. Tail, my tomcat, brings them in on a regular basis. So, like a true blogger, I figured I would catch up on blogs, take a picture of the snake/skink and tell my husband when he got home. I don't remove reptiles, people. It makes my skin want to to jump off. I could if I HAD to do it, but I don't so....
Anywho, so I am down ony my hands and knees with the dog keeping a cautious distance from the fridge. I swipe a 12 inch ruler under the appliance thinking I just scoot the snake out far enough to get a pic. Nothing but a spice cap lid, a Fruity Pebble cereal bit (red) and a flat blue glass florist bead. No snake. Where is he??? Now I have to look at the floor in front of the fridge EVERYtime I walk into the kitchen until he reappears. ( I look at it from here again--4th time). Maybe it's just the medication... :)

home again...

2008-10-12T22:27:00.006-04:00

I spent the last week in my hometown with my mom and dad. I haven't been home in soooo long. I have seen my entire family at 2 weddings, but they weren't held in Arkansas where i grew up until I was 18 and left for college on the east coast. It was good to be home. My mom did very well after her treatment in Houston and I busied myself with things so not to seem hovering. I did manage to make and freeze some soup for my mom and dad and also another round of Cupcake Bites! Friday night I made Bok Choy Salad and Quinoa Salad to take to my sister and brother-in-law's home for dinner. We had a great time! I also spent time at my grandparents home. They have passed away and their home is deteriorating rapidly. My dad just doesn't have the heart to tear it down. I offered to take as many pictures as possible and photo album them for him. Maybe then, he can do it. I am afraid it will burn and ruin the trees around it and some of the out buildings. I understand how he feels and it makes me sad for him. The photos turned out well.

I just wish I had taken photos 20 years ago in the same way. People don't think of doing that, you know---taking photos of ordinary things in their home and their lives. Ok,I didn't think of it. I think that is what people end up missing the most. The ordinary things. The familiar views. The routines. It's what comforts you when you need it the most.

Homecoming 2008

2008-10-04T21:09:00.005-04:00

My son and his friends attended Homecoming Dance tonight after having dinner out at T.G.I. Fridays! They all went together and I hope they have fun! BTW, I gave them Cupcake Bites in the previous post and they were a HUGE hit! (That's my handsome man in the checked shirt and black tux...)

That really Bites!!

2008-10-03T22:19:00.003-04:00

...Cupcake bites, that is. Bakerella really has kept me busy trying to create these small bites of chocolate heaven! I CANNOT get the candy melts for the top to come out thin enough. I follow directions! I can read! What is the secret????! Anywho, I covered them with sprinkles and "swirley" icing and a bag. That should help. At least this batch didn't slide down the lollipop stick! I cut back on the batter "glue" and that seemed to help! They are so much fun to make. They make me happy. I think I'll make a pink batch in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. In the meantime, I am off to Bakerella's site again.

Prisoner to Peanut Butter...

2008-10-01T15:03:00.002-04:00

Two squirrels later...Apparently rats are smarter than squirrels. Have a great day!

525600 minutes,,,

2008-09-28T22:10:00.002-04:00

I just love this song and I just love my friends!!

One down...452 to go

2008-09-27T23:05:00.005-04:00

Some people are ashamed to admit they are infested. Well, maybe not INFESTED, but definitely inhabited. But not The Niemeier's! We have RATS. Not IN the house, but in our attic and AROUND the house, just to clarify. At night, it sounds like WWF (World Wrestling Federation) or Friday Night Throw Down in the Octagon in our attic and more frequently in our bathroom wall. The first night I heard it, it WOKE ME UP! It sounded like Curt eating Doritos right beside me in the bed! Except the Doritos were wrestling and squeaking. Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! So over the past few weeks we have made a trip to Ace Hardware to become learned in the ways of rat poisoning and trapping. Since Curt would be the one to crawl around in the attic to search and recover dead rats, he decided on the "Live Trap and Make them Someone else's rat wrestling entertainment." He ordered the trap and it came promptly in the mail in a few short days. Much excitement here, let me tell you. The instructions were inside the cage and there were a few moments where we couldn't figure out how to get the trap open...(sigh). After mild modification by Curt to make it function correctly, peanuts were added and it was set out on a pile of wood where they like to hang out. (side note: I suggested we get rid of the wood and was informed that the wood was "custom made for each window for hurricanes and it was $100's worth of GOOD WOOD!" Just a suggestion.) Anywho, no rat in the trap for almost 24 hours until peanut butter on a cracker was added and THEN...one rat. He got his tail caught in the door, God love 'em. I think he was quite embarrassed. After much "oooohh and ahhhh how cute; look at his ears and "don't stick your nose to close, didn't you read '1984'?!!!---the rat was taken about a mile down the road to a church and promptly dumped---ok shaken--- out of his cage peanut butter cracker for the road. Charity begins at home, ya know...all God's creatures.

Now that is tight

2008-09-24T21:00:00.002-04:00

This is the conversation that ensued after my 15 year old modeled his "newest" thrift store find...

Will: Hey Dad, how do you like my new pants? Curt: Holy cow what are those? How did you get into them? You're not leaving the house in those. You are not wearing those to school---not even out of the house. They really look uncomfortable. Dana, what do you think about these pants? Where did your junk go? Where did you get those? Will: Thrift store. Curt: What made you want to buy those at a thrift store? Will: Well they said size 26. Curt: What size are you? Will: 30, but they were so long I thought they would fit. Curt: Can you sit in them? Don't they squeeze the hell out of your junk? Will: well yeah, a little. Curt: They ought to make you feel weird. Will: yeah. Curt: take those off and get your homework done. Dana: he looks like a British rock star. Will: I need some cooling lines in these...like they do in the Hoover Dam. Curt:Will, Take those off and do your homework!!!

The 3 D's...

2008-09-24T09:10:00.005-04:00

So lucky to have such great friends!!! "I get by with a little help from my friends..." Have a great day everyone!

Energy and then some...

2008-09-22T08:47:00.003-04:00

You know...I can hardly sit down and blog this due to the huge energy rush I have from my meds. People...I tell you, if these weren't so bad for you in the long run every mom would be USING!! Wait, illegal drugs are crap for you and people still abuse them! Guess this secret hasn't be "outed" until now. Whew!
Anywho, enough about drugs.
Living in a houseful of males has it's moments. Some things you have to smile about. Well, because they are funny. It is usual that my sweet husband wakes my oldest child for school. (The youngest somehow gets up, gets dressed and eats breakfast without prompting.) So, Curt walks into Will's room one day last week, "breaks wind" rather loudly and states, "Will, your alarm just went off. Get up." Without opening his eyes my sweet sleepy 15 yr. old smiles and says, "Thanks Dad". Now is that love? I think my 11 yr. old was jealous he didn't get the same courtesy.

Time to Reflect...

2008-09-19T14:47:00.006-04:00

With such trying times and unrest in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a person who has impacted people across the globe.
Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote 'The Hokie Pokey' died peacefully at the age of 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started...

Fantastic Friday and Stuff...

2008-09-12T19:34:00.004-04:00

Well, my friends, it's amazing how much a little energy and organization makes you feel like a different person. Apparently PMS and a major med switch are not good timing. You know I'm not one to whine...well OK, I whine some, bit try not to do it. Anyway, I just wanted to send out a heartfelt "thank you" to you all. 'Helpin' a sister out' is what my friends do best! Thanks for the phone calls and food and just hanging out! God love my husband for hanging in with me this week xxxooo! Jen and I drove to Orlando today with the intent of grocery shopping at Whole Foods (the closest one). Well, after a stop at IKEA (2 pillows a cool bag and hanging rack thingy not in photo) and lunch at Whole Foods, we decided to amend our plans. We grabbed some grains and nuts from the Bulk bins and scrammed over to Florida Mall to buy Bare Escentuals Mineral make-up! Ha! I had my "eyes did" and Jen bought some blush. After a quick stop at Harry and David's for some Salsa and Chutney, we jumped in the car and beat it down the Bee Line to Melbourne. We called the kids and said we would be a tiny bit late. They hung out together until we arrived.
You know feeling good is so great. Sometimes I forget what it is like to be my old self. I am so grateful for friends who pray for me. I am sure pray for me to be myself again. On a light note, how about praying for me to be Jennifer Aniston? Curt just might agree!! Hee Hee!!!

Sam's 2008 Championship Throw Dough Performance

2008-09-09T22:04:00.001-04:00

Sam and I traveled to Orlando for the 2008 Throw Dough National Championships this past weekend. Sam won and is the 3 time Champion! His 1st video is on YouTube as well! We had so much fun!

Just Take Your Medicine, already...

2008-09-08T09:10:00.004-04:00

First this at 0730...
Then this...

New meds start today. I am looking forward to the energy that the IV steroid will give me, but not to the "Ick" feeling the Methotrexate could give me. Oh well, what can you do? Those little orange pills don't look so bad, do they? The 2 big calcium tabs are the gaggers. The yellow one is Folic Acid. Suppose to help keep my hair from falling out. Could have used that starting 6 months ago, let me tell ya. The good thing is I only have to take the Methotrexate once a week. I'll increase the dose each week. I can't find anyone my age with this disease, so I'll blog about it in hope that we can connect and compare notes!
In the mean time, with all of the energy I am suppose to have, I might take the offer of painting and organizing the house of my friend and neighbor, Jennifer...Thanks Jen!!
l, Dana

Now that's strong....

2008-09-02T17:51:00.001-04:00

and gold...and musclie...and ummm, riveting... :)

A Smile and a Spitz

2008-08-23T14:59:00.002-04:00

This is a photo of my sister's Original door size poster of Mark Spitz from 1972!!!

Tropical Storm Fay and Water, Water Everywhere

2008-08-20T19:30:00.002-04:00

OK. We have WATER and more WATER! We started school on Monday and will be out for 3 days because of flooding! We had no idea that the back corner of our yard was low or that the entire back yard was low enough to flood! I took these pictures early (Curt) morning and then about 7p (Ella) because I didn't want to get my camera wet! Crazy!

Why I didn't make the Olympics... :)

2008-08-19T20:01:00.003-04:00

Olympics and the Clean and Jerk

2008-08-18T08:16:00.012-04:00

Well....it all started with my husband showing my kids the Olympic weight lifting style--the "Clean and Jerk". For purposes of keeping a fairly family friendly blog, I won't post my comment to that one. Anyway, I did take pics of Curt showing the boys how it is done with my regular camera
...This is a camera phone pic of Sam. Notice the dress belt and the broom, for crying out loud. Wish I had video of Curt. I bet I can still convince him. We are worn out with watching the Olympics on delayed time! We don't get to bed until after midnight every night! Thank heavens Michael Phelps is finished swimming and the gymnasts are through!!! Whew! It is fun watching the Korean channel because it always has badminton, table tennis, archery, diving etc. I haven't seen the trampoline or the synchronized swimming---I love that one. The women's weight lifting has been interesting...Heavens, they are big! What does overweight have to do with being strong? Apparently, quite a bit!
I bet the Aussie's have been watching! What a bunch of swimmers from down under!!! How fun would that be to be at the Olympics?!!
I don't like to watch sports on TV, but somehow I LOVE watching the Olympics! I learn so much about the game and about the people competing. What dedication they have. I nearly fell over when they said Michael Phelps was 15 when he competed in his 1st Olympics. That is Will's age!! What?!!! I was on my feet yelling at the TV as he swam to the wall--"Go! Go! Go! Reachhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I felt like his mom in the stands! As Paula Radcliff came "running" into the stadium at the end of the women's marathon, I was almost in tears for her. "Come on, Paula. You can do it. Just one more lap. You have to say you finished!" Then as she neared the finish line another runner was closing in behind her. "No," I pleaded. "Please don't pass her now." She didn't and Paula crossed the finish line. I can only imagine the relief and sense of accomplishment she felt to have made it. I guess that is why I watch. I want them all to feel that accomplishment whether there is a medal involved or not. The Olympics---a metaphor for living your life.

Yo-Yo 's and Pizza....

2008-08-13T22:06:00.016-04:00

World Yo-Yo Contest...We had a great time! Here are a couple of pics of the boys and a few fun ones of other players!

Sam double pizza spinning!

Will with a counter weight yo-yo

Will won his age group in the Diabolo division

One of the Japanese "Loopers"

Chris Green--U.S. Pizza Team performs

Not sure who took this goofy shot!!!

Whew...Being off the steroid Prednisone is no joy...TIRED! It's easy to see how people get addicted to speed. Wow. All your daily aches and pains go away AND return with a vengeance once the med. is gone! Geez, I think my hair aches and my house is a mess....:)

Animal Cookies/Crackers!

2008-07-28T12:59:00.003-04:00

I bought this kit at William Sonoma. The cookie presses and dough mix came separate. However, on the back of the cookie cutter box was the dough recipe. We had so much fun and they really tasted like the ones you would buy!!

Ups and Downs... & Pudding

2008-07-27T22:10:00.004-04:00

...of the World Yo-Yo contest, that is. We all leave early Thursday morning for Orlando, FL (only about 1 1/2 hours away!) for the World Yo-Yo contest. More than likely, someone from your country will be in Orlando this week representing your country in Yo-Yoing! Chances are I will talk with them too! I usually get them in line and ready for the stage performances. I will definitely have photos next week and maybe video of Will competing if I can get it uploaded!!

Randomly, this is banana pudding in a dish that is my mom's. I grew up eating banana pudding from this bowl. My mom has "entrusted" this bowl to me and I am terrified that I will drop it on the tile floor one day! Anyway, I truly believe it tastes much better because there has been a lot of love placed in that bowl!!!

Moonpie Song...

2008-07-22T11:17:00.003-04:00

I like this song, but the video is of an old Mardi Gras parade! Hope everyone is having a day that is blessed. Even if the blessing is just being here for the others that love us and being able to reach out and love them.
Feeling a little tired this week. I am weaning from the steroid I have been taking and therefore weaning from all the energy it has given me!! That was good while it lasted, let me tell you! On the vain side of things...my hair--once thick and shiny--continues to fall out and has become dry and dull. I am beginning to become puffy as well. Partly due to the screeching halt in a daily exercise regime, taking the steroid and partly due to EATING!! Whew! Do you know how good moonpies, banana pudding and mangoes can be? Not together. Although, now that I think about it, banana pudding with moonpies instead of the vanilla wafers would be GREAT!
As my sweet friend Dani said...Life goes on. It does, in spite of our personal struggles, however significant or insignificant to others. Some days we just hang on. Some days we turn loose. God never said it would be easy, but He did promise that when we call on Him, He would be with us. Now I can hang on to that. How about you?
L, Dana

It's a "Maybe...." Day

2008-07-15T14:44:00.007-04:00

Maybe...

* Maybe . . .when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.

*Maybe . . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

*Maybe we need to concentrate on the love around us; not allow the pettiness and rudeness crowd out all the good in our lives--because there is always more love....Happy 18 married years of Love, Tim & Cindy...
*Maybe . . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

Love, Dana

Mango-licous Addiction

2008-07-14T21:45:00.003-04:00

I guess if I were to be addicted to something, mangoes are not a bad thing. You see, it all started with my friend, Cindy. She was looking out my sliders and saw my neighbors mango tree. It hangs over our back fence and was LADEN with ripe mangoes. She asked if we ever picked them and I said "no, I never really thought about it." When I had tried to peel them, it was a mess and I didn't see the point. After a short discussion as to "ownership" of the mangoes that hung over onto our property, we proceeded to knock them off the tree with our long handled pool brush and into our yard. I bet there were over a dozen! She went home with a bag full and I placed mine in the kitchen window to ripen a little, but not until I peeled one and that's when it all started. I ate that one and one more! I would have finished off another, but felt that my GI tract would surely rebel at a most inopportune time the next day. The following day, my neighbor across the street brought me 2 mangoes from her tree in her front yard! I was in Mango Heaven!! Why didn't I have a mango tree??? Well, a few days ago, my mango stash ran out. The ones in the back yard neighbor tree are well out of reach, but taunting me. The ones across the street are low hanging and ripe---WHY DON'T THEY PICK THEM??????!!! Mango Neglectors!!!! My addiction apparently got the best of me. I sheepishly crossed the street and told my neighbor thank you for the mangoes and that they were delicious. If she needed my boys to climb her tree and retrieve mangoes, they would gladly do that free of charge (BIG SMILE). Shameless, I know. My husband couldn't believe it. The next day, there was a bag of 4 ripe mangoes by our front door when we came home from church. Then I felt badly. Did she see through my thinly veiled 'thank you'? I had to get a grip and go to the store and pay $3.00 for organic mangoes and save my family's name. Couldn't do it. With Sam in tow, I walked around and over to my back yard neighbor's home. She is a widow and had one of our friend's son's pick her mangoes one year because there were so many. Plus, she is very allergic to mangoes. I figured....well you know. She was thrilled and even let us use her mango picker pole. 17 Mangoes!!! It was fun and the tree was so full you couldn't even tell we had been there. I came home and cut them up and froze them. Today, my friend, Jennifer called and asked if I had "scored" any more mangoes. She brought down a few ripe bananas and we proceeded to make Mango-banana-blueberry-strawberry yogurt smoothies!!! If that weren't enough, I made Pan Seared Tilapia with Mangolicious Salsa for dinner. Surely I will get tired of them soon. Please. I may need an intervention---and something for my GI tract...:)

Red Meat and Independence Day

2008-07-04T11:46:00.008-04:00

Last night we were invited to eat at a restaurant in Orlando--Texas de Brazil. Well, let me tell you, that was the BEST red meat I have ever put in m mouth! Actually, I almost felt guilty for eating it. There was so much and it was so good. The salad bar was amazing as well. It had all kinds of vegetables on it with sushi, breads, cheese and pastas. I really tried to eat my veggies so I wouldn't crank my cholesterol higher than it already is with the red meat! I did have some roasted chicken as well! They also offered lamb (couldn't go there) and pork.Each person had a round paper coaster at their plate. One side was Green--"I am ready for all the meat you can give me" the other side Red--"Give me a minute to digest". You flipped it over accordingly. The sides at the table were garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed bananas. Being the HUGE mashed potato fan, I did show mild restraint and the bananas were just the right "sweet" instead of dessert! Do they have restaurants like this in the rest of the world? Are people in France gagging at the thought of dining like this? Believe me, once they tasted this food, any gagging would halt. Or maybe not. I don't even know anyone from France. Does Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp count? For my family in Arkansas---there is a Texas de Brazil in Memphis---make a reservation and GO!
At any rate... It was nice to go out to dinner with friends from Curt's work. We had a great visit with the Maleski's on the ride over and back!

One of the many gauchos with a skewer of flank steak

That's Mike "flanked" by Filet mignons

The group of us!

Happy 4th of July, America. Here's to those who didn't want to live by another's rule and set out to find their own freedom. Here's to those who fight for other's to have the same freedom. Here's to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness and freedom for themselves from other's tyranny. I do not take lightly the freedoms I enjoy as an American. I also do not take lightly the responsibility. All around the world, people have lost family in war and nameless people have been set free because of their sacrifice. Happy Independence Day to them and to the USA!!

Camp for Sam!

2008-06-30T19:40:00.011-04:00

I am posting late. Tried to post this one last week and had upload issues!!
Sam spent 6 days at our Methodist Church Camp in Leesburg, FL. He had a great time! We got there in time to see the closing Praise and Worship and it was great! The kids were singing and jumping around like they were at a rock concert! It really does your heart good to see such love for Jesus Christ in such young kids. I Love the songs as well! Such a camper at heart anyway!!

Melbourne 1st United Methodist kids

Cross and Flame at the gate

Sam gets settled in his bunk

Praise and Worship with the band

Sam and his counselor, Mario

A Wedding in the family!!

2008-06-27T10:32:00.008-04:00

This is my nephew, McKennon and his new bride, Anna!
We traveled to Durham, North Carolina for their wedding June 21, 2008. It was beautiful.
They were married in Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University. Why it is called a chapel??...it was cathedral impressive.
The homily was the most beautiful and practical that I have ever heard at a wedding ceremony. McKennon will be working at Duke Chapel on the pastoral staff as he just graduated from Duke's Divinity School. He has a quite passion for God and a wife who loves the Lord and loves him. What more could you want for a solid marriage foundation?

Will took this photo of Curt and me in the Chapel. Of course, since I had the camera, I neglected to have someone take the Christmas Card photo of our family!! I couldn't believe it. No photos of our family together! However, my parents, brother and sister and I did manage to have someone take our photo with my camera.

It has been a busy wedding year for my sister and brother-in law. My niece was married only 8 months ago!
What will we do for a party now??!

Sam Turns 11!! Party this week!

2008-06-08T15:35:00.001-04:00

Will turns 15!

2008-06-08T15:10:00.002-04:00

wheww!!

2008-06-08T14:58:00.002-04:00

Hi all!
I haven't blogged in a while and thought I'd better get to it! You see, i have had so much energy it has been hard to sit and focus! My Dr. started me on Prednisone--a type of steroid--because i had really begun to feel sore and rung out! Well...good heavens. Where has THAT drug been all my life??! Actually, it's not a good thing to be on due to other side effects, but for a short term it has REALLY made me feel better and I was SOOOOO ready for that! So, there ya go.
Onward and upward!! Thank you for your prayers. God is so good, people.

Get Well...

2008-05-29T17:31:00.002-04:00

...now that you are feeling a little better!! You know, you can't pray for a friend when she doesn't tell you she isn't doing well!! Please send get well wishes to Dani. She is doing better, but still not feeling well!! She's like that, just so you know. She will be the very first one to your aid, but will not tell you when she needs you! She didn't want to worry me. How about that.

Happiness is,,,,

2008-05-25T16:49:00.004-04:00

2 Spotty Dogs. I don't know why, but these two dogs ALWAYS put a smile on my face when I see their owner, Mark, is walking them. I finally pulled over yesterday and asked if I could take a photo of the dogs and he said "Sure!" Embarrassed, I told him how my friend, Jen and I would look for them on our way back from early morning Boot Camp. When we would see them, we would point and yell "Spotty Dogs! Spotty Dogs!" and our morning would REALLY be off to a fun start! He said he was glad they could do their part in making someone happy. Sydney and Snickers are part Dalmation and part Labrador Retriever. I needed a random smile that afternoon. You know Dog is God spelled backwards. Mysterious ways....Smiles from the Spotties to everyone!!!

A Caterpillar and 9 Days...

2008-05-21T08:19:00.005-04:00

...until school is OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!! Woo Hoo! The boys are excited and so am I! This week is teacher appreciation week at Sam's school. Monday was a bundle of pencils and big erasers. Yesterday he took in a flower and today a bundle of Tootsie Pops. Every day is something different. Will asked me for $65 to buy the schools yearbook! Yikes!! He said he is on the opening page Yo-yoing..! I need to get in the $$ for the Student Life Camp coming up. I think I am past due...lot going on! Sam is going to Church Camp in June for a week! He is VERY excited! I think I can do this (me. not Sam!)
I found the BIGGEST. FATTEST. YECHHHHHHiest very hungry caterpillar on my bell pepper plant yesterday!!! I couldn't take a photo of it because I was so heaved out!!!! It was as big as my index finger!! Still gives me the willies! Then my friend Jen found ANOTHER one!! They had decimated my plant in 24 hours! the first got a wild flight ride over the fence into one neighbor's yard and the 2nd one was thrown over into another's yard! I'll take a plant photo later and post...

Laminin...

2008-05-16T17:05:00.003-04:00

May 16, 2008

2008-05-16T14:47:00.006-04:00

You know, I was thinking today. Shocking. As I wondered down the baby aisle in WalMart, I thought, "When was the last time I bought something on the baby aisle for my boys?" I love the smell of that aisle. So fresh smelling and sweet. I was thinking things like this because today is the last day I'll be medication free. I'll remember this day. Tomorrow I start taking meds. that I will have to take strictly. I know people take medications every day for the rest of their lives. Thank God the meds are there. I guess I am a little sad. I don't like to be told what to do most of the time. I like to think that I have a little control in my life---how I act, what I eat, getting the amount of exercise I need. I have been fortunate. I have never had to take medication on a daily basis. Until now. So, I have a "lump" in my throat because...I am not sure why. Maybe it's a little anxiety. Maybe it's because I am feeling a little guilty for being upset over pill taking. I mean, it could be so much worse. I have been telling myself that from the get-go. Maybe I just need to have the "I am so mad about this" moment and then move on. Like my friend Cindy said, "Just go get the pills, Dana." Yep. It's a good day. You have to get on the bus, if you want to go to school. :)

My Young Man

2008-05-15T10:34:00.005-04:00

My youngest, Sam had a "Meet the author" night at school last night. His advance class has been working on a project for quite a while. They each wrote a book about an animal of their making. The teacher sent the story along with illustrations to a publisher and had a hard back book made! Last night each of the students read an excerpt from their book. They also created a PowerPoint story relating to their animal. It was really cool to see. I can't believe what children do today at such a young age!

Like a Cruise, but thirstier....

2008-05-14T20:56:00.005-04:00

OK people. I know I sound like your grandparents who go on about all of their procedures...BUT all I can say is this. I think the prep for a colonoscopy is designed to make you BEG for the procedure the next day. I could not get to there fast enough. For those who are just dying for the photos of a colon and esophagus---I'll just brag that the Doc said(after minor prompting) it was the cleanest and prettiest he had ever seen. There ya go.
The interesting part is this. Curt was in the waiting room as I was in pre-op. I actually thought they forgot about me and I didn't care at that point except I was having racey dreams about a tall frosty glass of ice water. I kid you not. Anyway, this anesthesiologist-Patrick-walks by (our kids go to same school) and he ends up giving me anesthesia! So before I go to "sleep" I ask him if it will be like a cruise--you go to sleep in Ft. Lauderdale and wake up in Key West? He says "sure. something like that". Well, I wake up in recovery and Curt is by my side. Apparently I am a crier coming up out of anesthesia. Some people are fighters---me, a crier. Great. So, he says I am mumbling and he hears "Patrick....Key West...." and he thinks "Patrick! Who the hell is Patrick and what ABOUT Key West?!!" And I kept repeating it! Ha!! Needless to say, he was quite relieved when I became more lucid and filled in the blanks! Can't wait to tell that to the Dr. when I see him out walking his dog! Do you think he will tell me what I was babbling before my husband got there?! Lord have mercy!!

The tablet prep

2008-05-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

Talk about impatient. I decided to start the "prep" for my colonoscopy an hour early. I really didn't want to be up at midnight taking pills. Let me back up. I have to start by taking 4 pills (HUGE in size) every fifteen minutes for a total of 20 pills. Then I wait 6 hours and take the remaining---4 per 15 minutes total of 12. Then I finish off by taking 2 tiny pills--stool softener. Now, honestly. Do we really need those last 2? They look like the size of a pin head compared to the Osmoprep pills.
The 2nd pill went down sideways and I gagged and choked. Great. Nothing to eat all day and the first solid I try to swallow feels like a watermelon.
You know, I have decided that my friends, while patting me on the back and bringing my family dinner, have the attitude "Better you than me, sister." What's more, I would feel the EXACT same way if I were them!! Hey, it's like being the first in your group to go through labor. You get to regale everyone with "It wasn't that bad!!!!", when you know you would rather have had a colonoscopy! I mean....Don't worry. I won't give all the gory details...But I better come home with photos of a CLEAN intestinal tract to show for all of this, I'll tell you right now!!!

"This won't hurt a bit..."(whimper)

2008-05-08T15:31:00.004-04:00

OK. You really should be medicated with Valium before this, but I wasn't. Phew! Nice chunk of muscle for the biopsy! I made my husband go in with me. I wasn't going to hold his hand, but I needed something to do with my hand...(wait, that was his Hand?--Ha! Just kidding! Something to lighten the mood.) Anywho, all went well and I am to wait about 10 days for those results. Geez, they can put a man on the moon and invent Pop Rocks but can't get a Pathology faster than that??

Coffee with "Easter " and New Tomatos

2008-05-08T09:06:00.006-04:00

OK...I really had to write another blog so "Big B" could move on down the list of blogs. Catchy music, kind of ska-ish. New Fish-Eye lens is great. That's "Easter" my Easter Island Head that keeps the Christmas Palms company by the pool. You can actually see him in the "feet" photo. Thanks for stopping in. I love you out there in Blog Land :)

Admission is the First Step...

2008-05-07T08:39:00.005-04:00

...writing a song about it and making a little coin is the 2nd step apparently (I think the big guy went to my high school. Dwaynnie, is that you?) :)

give ME a second to think about it...

2008-05-05T22:04:00.003-04:00

Just like the title of D's blog, I was faced with "Give me a second to think about it" today. More like "What did you say??" "Did you actually say Immunosuppressant drugs?" I swear, I should REALLY follow my own advice and take someone with me to the Dr. so that when they say something like that and I "check out" the person with me is there to catch anything else the Dr. has to say. I did hear muscle biopsy Thursday and managed to get that down in my planner. For crying out in the night. I am not a sick person and am not ready to be one!!!!!!!. Could someone tell my body? Loudly?? Does my body know what this means? Doesn't it remember that I am not good at remembering to take medication? That I have worked hard at building up my endurance at boot camp? That I am a nurse working in a hospital and can't be immunosuppressed?? That I am a wife and mother, daughter, sister, friend and have to take care of other people? OK. There is a plan at work, I know. I just have to get a grip and...I just have to get a grip.

Talents are sometimes very endearing...

2008-05-03T23:15:00.003-04:00

I took my son's good friend-Matt- to the Melbourne Beach Founder's Day Talent Show today. He had entered, but didn't have a ride to or from the event. It is a cute show that any child can enter and perform. My 2 have won in past years and I wanted Matt to have his shot, so off we went. The I took several cute photos of kids hula hooping, having their Jack Russell jump through a hoop, break dancing, Irish step dancing, piano. Then I realized that I just couldn't publish strangers without their permission. Drats!!!!! That Jack Russell--Ruby and her owner were so sweet! Oh well, I can print Matt's photo. He won! We were so happy for him. I feel like a proud mom for him! He and my son, Will, perform and are getting more comfortable in front of people. Yo-Yoing, albeit odd, has really been a good focus for these two. Finding something that a 15 year old can focus on that isn't a girl, has been a blessing!!

Charlotte's Web

2008-05-02T09:50:00.005-04:00

My son, The Gander in the 4th grade production of Charlotte's Web. It would make any mother proud. God love my son. He wore this costume and didn't complain too much. I am guessing since he is turning 11 next month, this will be one of the last times he will want to wear a costume. My husband, Curt, put up a mild protest to the feather boa being cut up and attached, but it went on.
After taking two photos, my camera informed me to change the battery pack. I don't have another battery pack and the photos I had taken weren't of Sam! Panic!!! Breathe in. Breathe out. OK this isn't a big deal, I'll just rush home immediately after and grab the other camera. I did, and actually charged the battery from the Canon on the way to the school. Can't make things easy, I guess.

Yo-Yo Trip and The Wall

2008-05-01T20:40:00.004-04:00

This is my oldest, Will. He placed 3rd in the South East Regional US Yo-Yo Contest last weekend. He and I traveled to Tallahassee, FL (a beautiful town, btw) and had a great time and conversation there and back. We listened and analyzed "The Wall" by Pink Floyd. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be doing that with my own child!! He is also into The Beatles. They were never one of my favorites, but listening to them with Will has given me a new appreciation for their music. He will be 15 in less than a month. To all of you bloggers with young kids---get ready. One minute you are taking them to kindergarten and the next you are analyzing music from your era!! We are blessed...through good times and even in the seemingly unbearable times. I think it is incredible to be a part of this blogging world and share in everyone's lives.

Dr. Suess Flower!

2008-05-01T20:37:00.001-04:00

Doesn't this look like inspiration for something in a Dr. Suess book?!

Colors in Florida!

2008-05-01T16:58:00.005-04:00

I just bought a new macro/fish eye and decided to try it out in the yard and Neighborhood

New tomato blossom!!!!!

Red Hibiscus

Coconut at the end of our cul-de-sac

My "sitting place" among the Areca Palms in the back yard!

Quirky...

2008-04-28T11:45:00.005-04:00

Apparently I have been tagged and have to come up with 6 personal quirky things about myself.
#1. I have to ask Dani what my quirks might be and I will get back to you.
#2 I guess I am sooooooooo quirky that I don't realize it. Sheeeesh.
Alright, an update. My bestest, D, quickly responded to my #1. So here goes...

#1. It crazes me when my wonderful husband walks up while I am in the middle of a conversation and starts asking questions--you know, so he can be updated. (I love you Curt!)
#2. When I swim in a large body of water ie. Atlantic Ocean, I always think I am going to drown.
#3. Everything has a place and everything in it's place. Now, this is only in theory unless the place for nuclear fuzz balls/dust bunnies in all over my house(where is my vacuum cleaner anyway?) and the place for my shoes is wherever I take them off and the use for a garage is for protecting $250 worth of crap and not a $30,000 vehicle. I LOVE the always clean concept---hell, I grew up with it. It was great!
#4. I love yo-yo contests/circuses/street performances/acrobatic pizza throwing contests
#5. I do not like to drive at night, nor do I like driving on the interstate. This is a problem because I always want to get where I am going as fast and direct as possible. However, when my husband and I are going somewhere in town, I usually drive. I am trying to stop that. My grandmother ended up driving my grandfather around and it looked kind of silly.
#6. I absolutely have to have bras with thick cups, people. Can't STAND headlights!!! I have to replace bras often because, I swear, I wear down the cups. TMI, sorry...but true.
Well, there you go.

Blue Water Blue Skies

2008-04-11T16:39:00.006-04:00

We decided to take off Wednesday morning and head to Key Largo! We had a great time. We met up with the youth group at the beach and had dinner and devotion with everyone.

There was also arm wrestling involved for some reason!

Great group of kids who have a great time together! The previous day the group was able to snorkel at a reef where there is a sculpture of Jesus. Christ of the Abyss is a 8 1/2 foot, 4000 pound bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ that stands in 25 feet of water off of Key Largo, Florida.

The kids said it is mostly covered with fire coral except for the hands. Several, including my son, were able to "high five" Jesus! They loved it! The following day, we didn't get to snorkel at that reef due to higher seas! 1 -2 feet were enough for us! After we finally got in the water I told Curt we needed to go back because we were fighting the current to get to the reef. With Sam in tow---it was his 1st time, God love him---it was wearing me out. Curt stated that I was in the best shape of all of us, what did I mean? Well, with that I felt like Dory in "Finding Nemo". "Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming...". So we did for a little longer and let the current push us back to the boat. I guess I expect the Jacques Cousteau experience when I snorkel and come away mildly disappointed. I suppose we all need to learn to SCUBA. I'll wait awhile before I lay that one on Curt:)

Mustard's Last Stand

2008-04-11T15:47:00.004-04:00

Spring Break is so relaxing. I really don't want to go back to work. I mean ever. Curt just looks at me when I say things like that. huh. Anyway, Tuesday Curt, Sam and I ate lunch at a fun place--Mustard's Last Stand. That's right, a hot dog restaurant. Wish I would have thought of that. People love it. There is always a line at lunch. You can even bring your well behaved dog with you! I had the plain dog with onions and mustard while Sam went plain and Curt had all kinds of stuff on his. We ordered garlic fries as well!!

No wonder my stomach said "WHAAAAAAAT?" Whew. We had a great time sitting outside soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the All American food:)

Key Largo and Clean Closets

2008-04-07T22:39:00.003-04:00

I saw my oldest, Will, off camping to John Pennecamp Park in Key Largo, Florida this morning. He went with our youth group from church. I had to show someone how to get to the front office and when I returned everyone had boarded the vans and there was Will. He was looking for me to hug and say goodbye. My sweet boy! He is so easy going and easy to get along with.
I came home and ran the Melbourne Causeway with my friend, Cindy. Up and over twice. Yikes! We had a great time catching up. Girls can talk and run at the same time, ya know! It was a beautiful day and a wonderful start to our Spring Break week---a much needed break!

I came home faced with a closet that threw-up! Ugh. I couldn't find something in this closet last Saturday and so in a fit, I unloaded the entire contents into the kitchen. I convinced Curt to put up shelving as well!! Under protest from Curt, I painted the inside the same color as the outside surrounding walls--"Golden Tan". It looked so clean and empty. Long story short, I threw out quite a few things, cleaned all the kitchen cabinets and found some fairly unusual food. Why did I buy powdered milk?
So now a huge project is finished and it's only Monday. What should I do? Maybe grab my husband and youngest son, pack off for Key Largo, go snorkeling and stay in a hotel? At least I'll have provisions---powdered milk, a can of turkey gravy, a box of fructose and Hamburger Helper Chili Mac.

Drum Circle and a Florida Sunset

2008-04-05T13:06:00.006-04:00

Well here ya go...My first--and my family's 1st---drum circle!! We had so much fun! There were about five 75+ year old ladies there and another family besides us. Will played "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" on his ocarina and everyone drummed along. The boys loved it and even Curt thought it was fun! Right brain really needed a work out! We will probably go again and I have a feeling there is a Djembe or Doumbek drum in our future! Check out any Family Drum Circles in your area. This one was VERY family friendly.