Enlightenment

So, my son Jaxon has a woobie. You know, a blankie that he loves and adores. It was made by my mother-in-law when he was born, and he has slept with it every night since. Of course, there are a few nights (like tonight) where it gets confiscated for mis-behavior, but for the most part, he sleeps with it every night. Anyway, a while ago, we noticed Jaxon was tearing off squares of his quilt (it is backed with a plaid flannel)
I didn't think much about it, and would scold him for tearing up his beloved blankie. . . until one day, a few weeks ago, I noticed a pattern.

I mean, an actual pattern! He was tearing off the squares in a pattern. . . oh wait . . . all of those squares just happened to be the exact same fabric! What could POSSIBLY be so BAD about that square of fabric???? I took a closer look, and realized that there was an offensive little creature on that piece of fabric. . take a closer look. Can you see it???
IT IS A BEE. Do you want to know why Jaxon thinks that is such an offensive creature???

By the way, now that all of the offending fabric is gone, there is no longer any tearing of the blankie... go figure.

Things I Never Thought I Would Hear Jaxon Say

. . ."Mom, can you do my hair? It is messy." That is just one of the things I never thought I would hear Jaxon say. I mean, do ANY boys ask to have their hair done? Believe me, it is next to impossible to know what is going on in that kids head, and then to hear he is concerned about his appearance is hilarious!

We went to our new ward today. Well, kind of. Wade has started walking pretty much full time now which makes church . . well, . . . pointless. There was another woman in the hall whose daughter was also busy, and crawling up and down the stairs. She said to me, "Oh, they look like they are about the same age!" I look at her small, tiny, petite little girl, and think . . .yeah, she could be about 11 months old . . maybe 10 months old. Wade looked like a complete giant next to her. I said, "Yeah, how old is she?" She said, "14 months." 14 months!!! She is on the fast track to nursery!!! I have 7 LOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG months with my walkingat11monthsoldson until nursery. Trust me, I will be counting down the days!

Wade is turning one soon. I am trying to be a 'good mom' and have his one year old picture snapped. Why does THIS always happen RIGHT BEFORE you get pictures taken! I guess those pictures will have to wait a bit. :)

I love cupcakes

I love cupcakes, and now you can too. If you live in these cities, near these cupcake places, please go, and tell me how wonderful they are!! :)

Someone aleady beat me to the punch with a blog dedicated fully to the love of cupcakes though. On the right side of the blog, there is a list of cupcakes in just about every city. I think I am ready to go on a country-wide cupcake tour. Anyone want to join? I know I will at least be hitting the ones in SLC, UT over spring break, so get ready Hillary! We are going cupcake hunting! :) Here are some of the places I intend to visit soon!

Renton, WA
Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA

Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT Hillary, this one just opened right by you!!!
Sandy, UT


Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA
There are about 10 more places in Los Angeles... I am going to be busy when I am there. You can view them all on the cupcake blog.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV

Lindsey the Laundress

This was my nickname growing up . . .I am really not sure who came up with it. I think maybe my dad did. I think he was disturbed by what I did to his utility bill. I started doing laundry on my own, oh, I don't know, I think I was probably 10. I was just tired of waiting for my mom to do it, so I decided to do it myself.

The thing is, I did it ALL THE TIME. They would probably claim that I did it every day. I probably did it two times a week, which for a kid that age, was quite a bit. My parents would have to kick me out of the laundry room from time to time because I was hogging it.

Anyway, this leads me to TWO Subjects: Nicknames, and my newly painted laundry room . . .(more on the laundry room later)

We have about a jillion nicknames for our kids. Nicknames have always been important to us, and we actually considered what their nicknames might be BEFORE actually naming them. When Abby was born, my husband would make up songs to go along with her nicknames. (I will post the lyrics at the bottom) The other kids didn't really get songs that were dedicated to them. . . He was really the most musical with Abby, maybe because it rhymes with so many things, but still, we have managed to come up with many nicknames for all.

Abby: Pooker (pronounced poohker), Babbly Abby, Babby, Pookeraroo, Pookerelly, Baby (we called her this a lot from 0 -9 months), and Petunia Picklebottom.

Jaxon: Jax, Bjax, Bubba, Bub, Bubbadub, Wacko-Jacko, Jacko, JP, Bubba-Jack, and Crazy. (Just kidding on that last one)

Wade: Wader, Waderpants, Dub, Waderoo, Wadeski, and Amy's little boy likes to call him Wayne, which I think is cute.

My husband and I don't really have nicknames for each other other than 'honey' but, I will tell you that calling each other by our REAL names is an absolute No NO, and is always met with a sarcastic calling of the other persons' first name. I am not sure why this is, but it is kinda funny.

Ok: Here is one of Abby's songs: Sung to the Horsey, Horsey song. (You know, horsey, horsey on our way. . )

Abby Abby she's ok
she likes to sing hip hip hooray
she likes to run all around the house
tonight we hope she's quiet as a mouse

She likes to eat a little banana
She likes to drink up all her milk
Her belly's soft as puddin'
Her skin is soft as silk.

Repeat faster:

I have many more songs for Abby, but this is the one I thought would be least offensive. :) Other's speak of her tooting, and being fat. . . Come on! She was a baby!!!

I've been Tagged

I got tagged by Julie who is a friend of mine from our studies at BYU Jerusalem. We have kept in touch here and there over the years and I am loving that I get to read her blog from time to time. This is a different tag than I got last time so, here goes:

10 years ago:
I was living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I had graduated from BYU about a year ago and was just starting a career as a financial planner for American Express Financial Services. (I type that all out, because being a business professional and wearing business attire seems like a dream, from a very long time ago.) I was getting ready to buy a Condo with my a friend of mine and my parents were so concerned about me "never getting married" that they put my profile up on LDS Singles Online . . . [enter Peter]


5 Things to do on my list today:
1. Paint my laundry room. (I just got a new Washer and Dryer, and now, I need new paint to go with them!)
2. Take Jaxon to Speech Therapy, and pick up the Cupcakes that I ordered!
3. Then take the kids to Jaxon's ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Karate Class
4. Clean the Kitchen Floor (already did that)
5. Post on my blog (Doing that currently)

5 Snacks that I enjoy

1. Chocolate Chips
2. M & Ms
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Cupcakes
5. Cake

Come on! Are you suprised?????

What would I do if I were suddenly a billionare?

Travel, eat, travel, eat, travel Oh, and probably eat. And then hire a trainer so I could have a rockin' bod after I ate all that food! My Top 5 places to visit.
1. Japan (I LOVE SUSHI!)
2. Jerusalem
3. Ghanna (would turn 'Angelina' and bring home a baby)
4. Scotland
5. Turks and Caicos

Of course, I would seek out all of the finest dining establishments in said countries.

3 Bad Habits

1. Mothering my husband. (I occassionaly ask him if he brushed his teeth, and other irritating mothering questions)
2. Making Cookies
3. Watching E-news "Your Hook-up to Hollywood" I tivo it. I am sorry.

5 Places I have lived

1. Salt Lake City, UT
2. Los Altos, CA
3. Eugene, OR
4. Sandpoint, ID
5. Jerusalem, Israel

5 Jobs I have had:

1. I worked at the 49th Street Galleria as an Arcade Person- (1st Job)
2. ZCMI- LIKE FOREVER
3. Intramurals Supervisor (BEST JOB EVER! Espcially Umpiring Softball in the Summer . . .YOU'RE OUT!!!)
4. Account Executive for a Home Decor importer... (You do not want to know how much you over pay for your home decor! :)
5. Financial Planner

I am not going to do the 5 things you don't know about me because I already did them . . . So: I will give you my favorite brush with Fame.

I convinced a group of friends to go to the U-2 Concert with me in Vegas. We drove down, and I had gotten tickets, but we weren't sure where they were. It turns out they were on the floor right in front of the stage! (About 15 rows back)

We met up with some other friends who where way up in the arena, and we were jumping up and down, and screaming, showing them our seats... Some guy came up to us, and said, 'Give me your tickets' He was kind of rude, and abrupt, and he said it again louder. He told us he wanted to give us front row tickets, and he DID!

During the course of the concert, some girl threw her shoe on the the stage . . .Bono picked it up and was walking down the cat walk with it. Because I my obvious height advantage, I jumped up on to the gate holding the crowd back and reached over to touch his hand as he was walking by, and he gave the the SHOE!!!! It was hilarious, and I only had the shoe for about 15 minutes because the girl who chucked it, wanted it back. I told the security officer that it was her fault for throwing it up there, and that Bono gave it to me! He gave me a stern look, and I handed him the shoe.... But still, not many people can say, BONO GAVE ME A SHOE! (I am sure he remembers that)

Last time, I tagged all of my blogging friends, and most of them obliged. This time, I am going to tag some bloggers that I have found in the land of Blog that I love reading: Who knows, maybe they will oblige! TAG: Stie, Amy, and Jessica

Things that Make you go Ugh. . .

Saturday is a day that I do not want to re-live soon. I would have much rather been skiing with my daughter, but, instead, I was trying to maintain my sanity on my 4th day of my husband not being home. It had already been a challenging week with a sick kid, and a broken washing machine. Not to mention the lack of cupcakes at the bakery. . .

So I decided it was a GOOD IDEA to take 3 kids to the MALL. (When is it EVER a good idea to take three kids to the mall?) However, I had 'ants in my pants' (see Amy's comment on Jaxonisms) and I wanted to return all of the clothes I had gotten for the kids for Easter and get different ones. (ok, so, I am a nut job, what is your point?) Anywho, other than me being extremely ornery, things were going ok, and the threats I had issued to the kids we working pretty well. i.e. Don't even THINK about mis-behaving, or we will NOT go to the playland...GOT IT!??? I got the outfits I wanted, we got lunch at Orange Julius, and we even got to see Abby's snowflake on the School District display. All in all, it was a pretty successful takethreekidstothemall kind of trip . . until . . .

We went to the playland. Now, you would probably think that is the best part of the trip! Especially since things had been going so well! Not if you have Jaxon for a son. :) Jaxon in a playland environment, is much like a water molecule in the microwave . . when he gets warm (excited) he starts bouncing around and running into other water molecules (kids) and eventually you get a boiling water (a collision).
(The blur in the red shirt, is Jaxon)

Fortunately, this collision involved his sister. Unfortunately, it involved her falling into a lady who was holding a two week old baby in her lap cradeling its head in her hand and almost knocking the baby clean on to the floor . . .and the lady shrieking in horror and disgust. HI!!! YEP!! THOSE WOULD BE MY KIDS! I know, it was an accident, but that didn't stop me from hauling Jaxon out of the play land for a time out while replaying the new mother shreiking in horror at the incident in my head. Just not the way I wanted to end my ohsofun week. Ugh. . .

Curse the Cupcakes

I like food. It is not a secret. It is a family thing. If you visit our family food blog and click on Cookies and Yum you will find double the recipes, maybe even TRIPLE the recipes of any other link on the blog. What does that mean? We like dessert the BEST!

So, on most days, I think about cake.
Cake just happens to be my favorite dessert. I am not sure why. My favorite cake of all time is from Leslie's Bakery in Salt Lake City. I am not ashamed to admit, that if I am in town, I will drive to Leslie's and buy one, for absolutely no occasion, or celebration other than the celebration of eating it. If you are there, and want to buy one, it is well worth your $20 if you LOVE cake. It is called the Black and White cake. (White cake with Chocolate Fudge-like Frosting and this cream kindoflikemarshmallowbutnot stuff on top that I have yet to replicate, but dream about often. Buy one, you will thank me)

Anyway, I have long been on the search for more cake. As a matter of fact, when my sister, mom and I went to the Ellen Show
last February, we mapped out all of the best bakeries in Hollywood, and went on a Cupcake Tour. It was fabulous!

I have finally found a place to eat cake here. I admit, sometimes I plan excursions to the area JUST so I can eat their cake. My beloved husband brought me a box of these cupcakes just after giving birth to Wade. . . I mean, I LOVE these cupcakes.

Today, I planned a trip to the said area, JUST TO EAT CUPCAKES, and they were out. AGAIN! This is the second "trip" I have gone on to get Cupcakes and they were suddenly out. I am pretty sure there is some kind of conspiracy to keep me from eating their cupcakes. But, I will thwart their plans, and next TUESDAY, I will call the bakery at 9:00 a.m. and reserve said cupcakes until I come and pick them up at 4:30 when I am at speech therapy for Jaxon, and THEN AHHHHHHHHHHH THEN, WILL I EAT CUPCAKES!!!!!!!

The LDS INVASION!!!

That is right America! Here we come! We are ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! Well, at least it seems like it anyway. What is with the huge influx of LDS (Mormon) people in Reality TV? Now we have David Archuleta: American Idol (cute as a bugs ear), Brooke White: American Idol, Zach Wilson: Dance Wars who just happens to be Julianne Hough's: Dancing with the Stars, former fiancé!!! If I watch any more reality TV, I am going to feel like I am at church. (Just kidding)

But really! I can't decide how I feel about it. In some ways, I appreciate the positive image and goodness that oozes from the screen when they are on, I mean, did you see them trying to make Zach "sexy" on Dance Wars? [ok, this is where I would admit that I love watching reality TV shows that have to do with dancing or singing.. I just can't help it,I watch them all] They did a whole 'package' on how they were trying to get him to be "sexy". It really was hilarious. He just had no idea how to be!

Then there was Marie Osmond all last season on DWTS, and of course the Mitt Romney Run. It just seems like we are more prevalent than ever! Can you remember a time when there have been so MANY mormons getting so much press?

At the same time, it sometimes seems strange that they are seeking fame and fortune the Hollywood way. I feel a little duplicitous about it. Anyone else? This is it people! State your opinions!!! Am I the only one who is on the fence?

Jaxon-ism

It has been a LONG while since I have had a Jaxon-ism. I am not sure why . . he is always funny, but sometimes I think it would either be too much to explain, or it is kind of an inside joke. Today, I guess the situation was perfect.

Jaxon came down with a fever this morning, and I decided to keep him home from school. He wasn't acting particularly sick, but his checks were the rosiest I have EVER seen.

My washing machine is broken, and so I took Jaxon and Wade to the laundro mat, which is as 'bout as much fun as having a hot poker in the eye. Anywho, he seemed fine enough, and other than dumping 6 quarters into a dryer that only takes two, he hung out, and ate lunch with me, etc.

We got home at about 2:00, and I decided I need to have a quiet time. So I put the kids to bed. Jaxon willingly went, which is not normal, but, since he had a fever, I figured it was pretty much par for the course.

At 4:00 I decided to wake him up. After all, his favorite show was on. (Cyberchase, PBS) I opened his door, and went to his bed to wake him up.

Me: Jaxon, don't you want to get up?
Jaxon: No, shut the door.
Me: Are you sure Jaxon?
Jaxon: Yes, SHUT THE DOOR!

I retreated, but left the door open, as I was certain he would come to his senses, and want to watch cyberchase. He KNOWS it is on about that time, and I had told him before 'quiet time' that he could watch it when he got up.

A few seconds later, I hear his feet hit the floor, and I smile to myself, thinking... I was right! WRONG! The door SLAMS shut! I open it again and say,

"Don't you want to get up?"
Jaxon: NO I SAID! SHUT THE DOOR!

I guess I was convinced after that, and I left him alone. I went to get him again at 5:30, fearing he would be up all night if I didn't. The conversation went much the same way, but this time I interjected, "BUT, Don't you want to watch CYBERCHASE?" "Oh, yeah..." he said, and finally pulled himself out of bed. :)

For more Jaxonisms click on the 'Label' link below.

Abby's Ski Adventures

Here is some video of Abby Skiing today, and me, commentating.. She is doing great in skiing, so I just wanted to show you some progress. Just look at the view! I know the video is choppy, but I am skiing, and video taping, and it always makes for a challenge. Hopefully you don't lose your lunch while you are watching!

If you are concerned that my scream sounded like I was going to biff it, I didn't. But as soon as I saw my daughter tucking down the hill, I got a little nervous, and yelled at her to slow down! That sound you heard was the beginning of my YELP!

Splish Splash , , ,

Wade was into his BATH! Wade got a little crazy in the bath tonight. Be sure to watch for the duck. He was getting quite a ride!

Monster Truck Show Madness

In another profession of his love, my honey let me take the fam to the MONSTER TRUCK RALLY! If you have never been, you can't knock it. It is loads of fun, and entertaining in more ways than one! (Think people watching) We went with neighborhood friends, and had a great time. The MASTER OF DESTRUCTION was by FAR the best truck in the show, and just to prove it, I took a little video. At the end, when he was doing his little "spin" move, he was spraying dirt ALL OVER the people in the stands. It was hilarious to watch all of the people spring from their chairs, and try to avoid the flying dirt! Oh, and if you think the video is loud....just imagine how loud it is in person!

Tip Toe through the Tulips!

Thanks to my sweetie, I have been staring at these beautiful Tulips since last Thursday. They bring me happiness and joy each time I see them. Tulips are my favorite flower, and after you take a look at these pictures, I am sure you will see why! Thank you honey! I loved my flowers!

Valentines Day is for LOVERS

Or, people who just want to get stuff off their chest! That is what category our little Abby falls into.

On Sunday, Abby went to put her Valentines Day cards together in her room. She took her list of classmates, and off she went. I though, WOW! This is great! I don't have to worry about this card thing one bit! This morning I decided that I better make sure she didn't skip anyone in her class or whatnot, so I decided to look through the letters . . .just to make sure. . .

It seems as if she took making her Valentines Day cards to another "level" by personalizing them. Maybe she personalized them just a little TOO much. I will let you be the judge. I snuck them off to the bathroom where Peter was brushing his teeth, and we snickered at a few of the "personalizations" that she made. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Happy Valentines Day!!!




SPECIAL NOTE: Kara, the one that says, "will you forgive me?" Is for Cade I have no idea what she did, but whatever it was, I am sorry too!?/!?!?

Amy: The one that says, "Now will you listen to me?" Is for Abby, I am not sure what that is about but it made me laugh.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: Wes and Abby Heartheads with Wes sticking out his tongue at Abby, and Abby's hearthead crying...

HONORABLE MENTION: Drew's Snazzy shoes, and Tanners GUN?

Weekend Revelry

We had some couples from our neighborhood over the other night. Kind of a multi-couple date night. We decided it would be fun to get together, eat, and play games. . . The food was FAB, and so was the company! Of course, as time moved on, the guys gravitated to the Wii for some Guitar Hero, and the girls got stuck at the kitchen table for some Mormon Mad Gab. It seemed like a natural progression, but after a while, we decided that they needed to step aside.

The girls sallied up and picked up their axes, and ROCKED OUT! Here is some proof!


Holly and Kara showed their stuff. Kara revealed a dark secret... she owned (maybe still does) as SCORPIONS CD!

After admitting that she doesn't like video games, Kara asked if she could come over after the kids are off to school and play Guitar Hero.

Heidi showed some talent, and actually went to the "medium" level during our play!

We had a great time! Thanks for coming, and having some fun with us! Lets to it again soon!

Confession

I love baby feet.
I mean, it is a weird love.
That is the only way I know how to explain it. I think it is hereditary. My mom loves baby feet too.
I can't lay Wade on the changing table without giving his feet a little nibble. I think it has something to do with the little toes that look like mini-sausages?
Or, just the right amount of fat on their feet to make the tops of their feet bubble up in a way that would be disturbing as an adult (pregnancy feet anyone?) But for some reason, on a baby, it is adorable, and to me, just irresistible.


That is why the TRAGEDY was so horrific!

Tragedy

Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Well, it is a cupboard, used mainly for kids cups and bowls. There is no child lock on it because, like I said, it is used mainly for kids cups and bowls. If you look closely, you may see some pyrex dishes on the top right side. However, there is one missing now. It ended up on the floor, shattered around Wade's precious feet!
I am not sure how it happened. I mean, those dishes are so heavy that sometimes they are even hard for me to move! It was a horrifying accident, one that could have ended much worse than it did, and for that I am grateful because I know that Heavenly Father watches over us. If I had not been standing right there when it happened he may have let go of the cupboard, and sat down, or tried to crawl through the shattered glass..
Even still, he could have had serious and deep cuts when the glass hit the floor and shattered...
We did have to pull a few little pieces of glass out of his little feet, but all in all, the only scratches he ended up with were these . . .
The ironic part? This ... was right behind it on the counter... CHILD LOCKS- WITH A DRILL!....

Stewart Family Food!

For those of you who like to check out my website for food and recipe ideas, I have started a separate blog! I decided that I am going to put my whole cookbook on-line, and I have asked my sisters to do the same. My sisters have SWORN that they will add their favorite recipes, but just in case they don't, I have added some of my favorites that they have given me. I hope they do, because they are all amazing cooks. Even my super high power executive sister has SWORN that she will add recipes!

I hope so!

I hope you enjoy. I love to cook, and I am sure that will show. There are lots of different kinds of Yum, and I even added a recipe for some yummy popcorn I made over Christmas.

CLICK ON THIS LINK:
Stewart Family Food

I have also added a link to the website on the right where my recipe links used to be!

All Done!

Geez lady, why do I have to say it over and over and over and over . . .

Welcome to life with a 10 month old . . .

Bread Baby

A Great Harvest Bread Co. recently opened in our area. The nearest one to us before the newest opening was over 20 minutes away, and in no particular area that we frequented. When I was in that area, I would stop and buy bread. At one point, Peter and I thought we could really use one in our part of town. We contacted the company, and went through some preliminary screening to open our own store, however, timing is everything, and it just wasn't the time for us to be bread dealers.

Our dream was shattered when we saw the storefront go up, but at least our dream of fresh bread was being answered. I have tried to bake bread in the past, and I have to admit, rolls were more my forte. The bread I made was OK, but just not something I would hand out to the neighbors. It was dry, or dense, or just, not awesome.

I stopped by the store, and picked up some honey wheat bread. It was sooooooooo good. We had toast, and made grilled cheese sandwiches, and I went back the next week to get some more, and noticed the price! $4 for a loaf of bread! To be honest, I have no idea how much bread is in the store. I usually get it at Costco, and I am pretty sure I am getting two loafs for around that same price. And these are super mondo loafs, that have far more servings that the little tinsy loafs at Great Harvest.

I started to wonder why it was I couldn't make great bread, and decided it was the recipes I have. I started to look through my stacks of cook books, and decided to try one out of my red and white check cookbook. I gave their traditional Whole Wheat Bread Recipe a whirl, and guess what??? I no longer have to visit Great Harvest Bread Co. for a fix of fresh bread! This recipe was great.

The SECRET? I found THAT in my Cooking Light cookbook. Hint: if you are using a glass bread dish (or dark metal), lower the oven temp by 25 degrees. HELLO! Could ANY OTHER COOKBOOK HAVE MENTIONED THAT AND HELPED ME OUT??? Now I have to go back and try those other recipes and make sure they weren't so bad!

One other tip: Undercook it. I under cooked my bread by about 10-15 mins according to the recipe. It was just the right amount of soft.....

Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken

Ok, I have to admit. I have altered this recipe severely. But, it works for my family, and me and we love it. I am going to put down the recipe as I make it, NOT as it is written, because I would have to put far too many notes down for you to make sense of it!

Enjoy!

In a small saucepan:

6 Tbls. water
1/4 Cup peanut butter
2 Tbls. brown sugar
2 Tbls. soy sauce
2 Tbls. rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 tsp. dark sesame oil
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp chile paste with garlic (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced

Heat on medium heat, and stir with a whisk. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for one minute. Turn heat to low and let sit.

Cut, and stir fry.

4 Chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
2 Grated Carrots
1 Red Bell pepper, thinly sliced, or chopped
1 Cup frozen peas

4 servings of hot cooked noodles such as penne, bowties, spaghetti, or whatever else you want to try.


Stir-fry chicken until cooked through. Add grated carrots, chopped bell pepper and cook 2 minutes. Add Thai sauce and frozen peas. Cook until peas are cooked through. Add hot pasta and toss together. All of us love this dish.

Ohhhhhhhhhh Abby

Abby has really been driving me nuts lately... I guess it might be the three days that she has been out of school for snow days. Unfortunately, she has taken to critiquing my cooking, baking, size, and just about everything else am, or that I do. This morning I banished her from my presence for a good portion of the morning just to save her from brutal retaliation on my part. I am not sure if it would have been physical or verbal, but I didn't want to find out.

Fortunately she has said some pretty funny stuff today... this is the conversation that she had with Peter as he was putting her to bed. . .

Abby: I hope you have a good day at work tomorrow and bring home some money.
Peter: Oh, thank you Abby
Abby: When ARE you going to bring home money?
Peter: I do bring home money twice month, and give it to mommy, and she puts it in the bank.
Abby: NO Daddy. . . . M O N E Y.

Then, during family prayer, she prayed that she would NOT have another snow day tomorrow, as Peter informed her that she would have to go to school in the summer if there were more snow days.

Abby: Please bless that we can go to school tomorrow so we do not have to go to school anymore in the summer.

Karen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My neighbor Karen brought these to me when I had Wade. My husband has talked about them ever since....

4 1/4 C. ketchup
1/4 c. Margarine
1/3 c. vinegar
1/4 c. br. sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1/4 c. grated onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. pepper

Cook your 4-5 lb. Pork roast in crockpot over night. Meat should just fall apart and be easy to shred. Combine all the above ingredients and simmer on the stove for 30 min. Pour over cooked meat. Serve on Rolls. For excellent dinner rolls make these!


Interestingly enough, I have a similar recipe that I used to use all of the time for the same thing. It is from my friend Janet Knighton who poured the sauce over Pork Chops and baked it in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once, I only had a pork roast, and used the recipe over a roast in the crock pot. This recipe is more spicy, and Karen's is more sweet! Try both, or mix and match!!

3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 Cup water
3/4 Cup ketchup
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne (optional)
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. worchestershire sauce

By the way, you can buy 3 pork roasts at Costco for between $10-12!

Scallops Florentine

Don't you ever walk by the fresh seafood at Costco and go, ohhhhhhhhhh, scallops.... those look soooooooooooo good. Well, now you can buy 'em.

1 1/4 lbs. Sea Scallops
2 (10 oz.) Pkgs. fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic
1 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. Flour
3/4 Cup evaporated fat free milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1/2 Cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 1/2 Cups hot cooked small macaroni shells

Cut scallops in 1/2 crosswise, and set them aside

Remove stems from spinach (if you bought baby spinach, don't worry about removing the stems) Coarsely chop leaves, and set aside.

With food processor on drop garlic through food chute; process 3 seconds or until minced. Add spinach stems through food chute with processor on. Process 10 seconds or until minced. (If you bought baby spinach, just mince your garlic, and get on with it!)

Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic mixture; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add cheese; stir until melted. Add chopped spinach leaves; stir. Cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add scallops; cook 8 minutes or until scallops are done, stirring frequently. Stir in pasta.

** The sauce is very thick before you add the scallops but don't worry about that. The scallops and spinach render quite a bit of water that coats everything very nicely, so don't let it worry you!

7 Things Tag

Lindsay Stevens said that anyone who read the "Tag" on her blog were responsible for tagging themselves. . . and I suppose we are supposed to reveal deep and dark secrets about ourselves. . . I have WAY more than 7, but here it goes!

7. I have a secret love affair with dough. Ok, that really ISN'T a secret, but some might think it is only cookie dough that I adore. Not so. I adore all kinds of dough and I do not discriminate. I will eat bread dough, cookie dough, cake dough (ok, it is batter, but I still eat it) roll dough, pretty much anything that is in dough form. I am pretty sure that I will meet my un-timely death from Salmonella poisoning. And I don't discourage my kids from eating dough because that would be down right hypocritical.

6. I have been known to be a "rule breaker". I profess to most to be extremely straight laced, but alas, I have done my fair share of rule breaking. My husband will laugh at me because, "Cougar's don't cut corners" but this Cougar broke a MYRIAD of rules while she was in Israel on the Study Abroad program. (Sorry mom and dad!) But I was in good company... Thanks Nicole and Claire~ Maybe I will scan the picture of us in front of AFRICA ZION (a local dance club)! (What did I just say about being hypocritical???)

5. This is something that I have already admitted on my blog, but if you don't check regularly, you may have missed it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser. I have more cookbooks than I will ever need, but I do LOVE to buy them!!! I do make good use out of most of them, and I try new recipes all of the time. (If you didn't notice, check the side bar of my blog) I am often found perusing the cooking mags as I am in the check out line . . .I peruse the rags too, but that is for another admission . .

4. My Ipod downloads would rival any 16 year old girls who was into the most hip shakin' music. Sorry folks. I just can't work out to "Come Come Ye Saints". I would be EXTREMELY embarrassed if someone listened to my Ipod (except for my sisters- because they know, and understand). I am proud of the fact that I download only "clean" versions of songs, but still, most of the songs that are on there, I would never let my kids listen to. I guess I should just be ashamed that the music I listen to even HAS "clean" versions! Maybe it comes from all those years in Jazz class, but I just love to groove!

3. This is an admission that I thought would never get past my husband's ears, but, I guess I am feeling loved enough today. . . and it is kind of related to #4. I have dreams that I am friends with Justin Timberlake. Before you do a spit take, I DO NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER MY DREAMS! And lets make ONE OTHER THING CLEAR... These dreams are on a purely platonic level, and we are only ever having discussions. . . and hanging out. I guess that makes the dreams even more funny in some ways.

2. I can't believe I just admitted #3

1. I usually keep my house remarkably clean. I mean, that doesn't mean that there aren't baby toys anywhere, or dishes in the sink, I just mean, I like things to be neat, and orderly, and I love having people over because it forces me into the mode of getting everything put in it's place. I love that part of it, and therefore, I love having people over. What you don't know, is that it looks like a bomb went off in my bedroom. . . . at all times.


TAG! You're it!! Kara, Hillary, Amy, Anne, Julie, and Tricia!(And anyone else who wants to play tag...)

Happy Birthday Lori!

To my BIG SISTER, I love you, and I am sorry I am sending a belated birthday wish! I am not POETIC, but I do have some pretty great memories with you!

YOU ARE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN:

My other mommy:


My Big Sis


The Ultimate Party Girl


A brave adoptive mother of three... (come on, THREE?? Only you could be so brave!)


The Musical One




A good time!


A great Aunt,


A loving Mom,


An amazing, successful, wonderful person...


I am so grateful you are my sister! I love you!

Wade's First Word!

Wade said his first word today! It was pretty darn clear, and definitely something that I have been working with him on. We use it a lot, for lots of different reasons... we thought he said it last night when he was playing... was it MOMMA? DADDA? BABA? Nope!! It is ALL DONE! I guess having that be his first word isn't so bad. I mean, Jaxon's first word was "GO" and we all know how THAT turned out.... :) I will take "All Done" as a first word, but you better believe that we will be working more on Mommy and Daddy!!!

Baby Wade

Well, I can't help it. I know we have been a little video crazy lately, but this is just one of those videos that make you laugh. . . I hope it makes you laugh too...

Skiing Videos

Abby goes down the BIG HILL!!




Playing with Daddy



Abby LOOK OUT!!



Abby with her NEW POLES!

Family Ski Day

Wade Walks!

Ok, so, he just takes a few steps, but it is pretty tough to catch on film. Especially because when you have a camera in hand, he just wants to lunge for the camera! This is a pretty cute video anyway. Our 10 month old boy sure is getting BIG!!!

Every Girl's Crazy 'bout a Sharp Dressed Man

Jaxon got himself dressed for church this morning, and since this was the first day of his LIFE that he didn't cry when I told him to get dressed for church, I decided that I wasn't going to tell him that it didn't really match. He was pretty pleased with the results... and proud of himself. What more can you ask for?

Jaxon-isms

We went out to dinner last night, and we had a baby sitter watch the kids... by the way, if you ever want to go to dinner with us, we are at Sushi.com. Like....... every weekend that we go out!!!!!

This morning:


Jaxon: Where is my girl?
Me: Jaxon, her name is Katie.
Jaxon: Where is my Katie?
Me: She went home to her house.
Jaxon: But, she wants to stay here! She LOVES me!
Me: She does? That is good.
Jaxon: Yeah, not all the girls love me, but she LOVES me! She wants to be with me!
Me: Oh, that is good Jaxon, I am glad she likes you.
Jaxon: Yeah, she is my girl.


Apparently, Jaxon and Katie have some kind of arrangement that I don't know about. Maybe Jaxon asked her to move in? I am not sure. I don't know what it is, but Jaxon DOES HAVE A WAY WITH THE LADIES!!! We are really going to have to watch out for him... I mean, after all, he is only 4!

Macaroni and Cheese

No, I don't mean the Kraft kind. This is one of my husband's favorite dishes, and when we were first married, I insisted that I put vienna sausages on top (that is how my mom made it) and he insisted on hot dogs. I compromised after a while and did 1/2 and 1/2 and now, I just make it with hot dogs. The kids like it that way too. And, it wouldn't be mac and cheese if you didn't throw some peas over the top of a serving. But hey, maybe that is just the way we like to eat it!

MAC AND CHEESE

Cook 2 cups of macaroni according to package instructions. Put in round, or 8 inch square baking dish.

2 Tbls. butter, melted and bubbling
2 Tbls. flour
1/2 cup minced onion
1 garlic clove minced
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
hot dogs

Melt 2 Tbls. butter, and let bubble. Saute onion and garlic in the butter. Add the flour, and let cook for one minute. Add milk slowly, and let thicken and come to a slow boil on medium heat (Be careful to not burn!). Add cheddar cheese, and let melt. Pour sauce over macaroni. Add hot dogs and some additional cheddar cheese to the top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.

Moo Shu Pork

1 tsp plus 1 Tbl. vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 pork tenderloin halved lenthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 lb)
2 Tbl. corn starch
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
2 Tbs. miced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 head napa cabbage, shredded
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
flour tortillas and hoisin sauce for serving

In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add eggs; cook without stirring, until set, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, roll up and slice crosswise into 1/4 inch wide strips; set aside. Wipe skillet clean, reserve.

Place pork in a medium bowl, and sprinkle with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In reserved skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium high. Add pork and cook until browned on one side, 4 to 5 minutes (pork will cook more later) transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).

Add mushrooms and ginger to skillet; season with salt and pepper Cook until mushrooms are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar egg strips, and pork; cook, tossing occassionaly, until cabbage has wilted and pork is opaque throughout, 2 to 3
minutes.

Stack tortillas between damp paper towels; microwave on high for 2 minutes. To assemble, spread center of a tortilla with hoisin sauce; top with mooshu filling and roll up.

Chicken Divan K-lo Style

4 Chicken Breasts cooked and cubed
1 head of broccoli cut and steamed for just 3 or 4 minutes (al dente)

White Sauce

2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
1 Cup chicken stock
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Melt butter in pan, and let bubble. Add flour, and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add chicken stock slowly, stirring, and let sauce thicken. Add sour cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Once cheese is melted, pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and bake at 350for 20 minutes. (Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top) Serve over rice.

Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)

I am not sure how it happened, but this went from Chicken Divan (which sounds sooooooooooo divine) to Chicken and Broccoli. I made it probably once a week when we first got married, and then, I don't know, it just got dropped! I was strapped for something to make the other night, and I had all of the ingredients to make it, so I did! But I know it had been years since I had made it.

Anyway, I used a recipe from the Red and White Check Cookbook. (I think it is actually a Betty Crocker Cookbook, but my family calls it the Red and White Check Cookbook) Anyway, it was fun to make it a little different. I will post both of the ways that I have made it, and you can choose based on what you have in your pantry!


Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)

1 10-ounce package of frozen cut broccoli thawed (or use fresh, and steam)
2 cups Chopped Cooked Chicken or turkey (I usually poach the chicken breasts in boiling water)
1 10 3/4 oz. can of reduced fat cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup
1 4 1/2 oz can sliced mushrooms
1/2 Cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 Cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 Cup corn bread stuffing mix or herb-seasoned stuffing mix
2 Tb. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. Paprika

Place broccoli in the bottom of a 2 quart square baking dish. Top with chicken or turkey and mushrooms.

In a medium sauce pan, combine soup, yogurt, chicken broth, dry mustard, and, if desired, curry powder. Heat through, but do not boil. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle stuffing mix over soup mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese, and paprika.

Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.

1000 Recipes

I know, I have been posting a lot of recipes. That just happens to be what I am into right now. I go through phases. Sometimes I just LOVE to cook, and I want to eat something new every single night! Then, there are of course the other times, when it is all I can do just to get spaghetti on the table. This happens to be one of the times where I am enjoying experimenting. I hope you are enjoying the recipes too! Please feel free to comment on a recipe if you liked it, or maybe even if you didn't! (Some things aren't for everyone!) Or if you made changes.

I change a lot of recipes because of what I have on hand... So, there will be lots of different variations. I hope you are enjoying this new slew of recipes... Because I sure am! :)

Oh! And if you want to read something other than recipes. I have noticed that on my web-page if you go to the blog archive, the posts that are not recipes are highlighted in a different color. I didn't do that on purpose, but it sure works out nice! I do put up other posts on occasion!

No Knead Dinner Rolls

Every Day Food Mag. These are sooooooo yummy, and there is no waiting over night for them to rise. You can make them a few hours ahead of dinner, and eat them that night! YUM!

2 Cups Warm Water
2 Pkgs. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 Cup Sugar
4 Tbs. Butter, Melted Plus more for pan and brushing
2 Large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp. salt
6 Cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus more for shaping dough

Pour Warm Water into a large bowl. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt; whisk to combine. Add flour. Mix until incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Brush top of dough with butter, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Turn dough out onto a well floured work surface. With floured hands, roll dough into a thick log. Cut into 18 equal pieces (Cut log in half. Cut each 1/2 into thirds, then cut each piece into thirds again)

Brush 9 x 13 baking pan with butter. One at a time flatten each piece of dough, then fold edges toward the center, pressing to secure, until a smooth ball forms. Place dough call in prepared pan, smooth side up (you should have three rows of 6) Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. (Or you can refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap, brush rolls with butter, and bake until golden and rolls sound hollow when tapped on bottom. 35-40 minutes. (Tent with aluminum foil if they are getting too brown) Pull rolls apart and serve warm.

Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders

Vegetable Oil, Such as safflower for baking sheet
12 Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes)
12 Party Sized potato rolls, split
1/2 Cup best quality store bought BBQ Sauce

Heat Broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Place meatballs on sheet. Broil, turning occassionally until cooked through. 10-12 mintes. Place meatballs inside rolls, and top with BBQ Sauce.

Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

In a skillet, heat 1 Tbs. olive oil over medium-high. Cook 20 frozen Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes) until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 1/2cups store bought marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water. Cook until heated through, 5 minutes. Cook 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti; toss with sauce. Serves 4

Turkey Meatball Salad with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan

This was sooooooooooooooo good! However, I do admit, I tweaked it a little bit. I actually took the Falafel Recipe and used ground turkey instead of Chick Peas. (Omit the water)

Last night I doubled the batch of Falafel/Meatballs, and froze 1/2 the batch. We had falafels last night, and I used the leaft over meatballs to make this salad for lunch today! I will use the frozen meatballs for a fast dinner later.

This recipe is from the Everyday Food Mag again, and they took the recipe for the meatballs, and made three other dishes while they were at it!

6 Scallions, cut into 2 inch lengths
2 Red or Yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (Or one of each)
2 Tbls. plus 4 tsp. Olive Oil
Course Salt and Ground Pepper
16 Light Turkey Meatballs (Recipe Below)
2 Tbls. Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Head Red Leaf Lettuce, torn into bite sized peices
1 Chunck Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
(I used feta, because it was what I had)
(I also added asaparagus, because I love it!)

Heat Broiler and on a rimmed baking sheet toss scallions, peppers, and asparagus with 2 tsp. oil. Season with salt and pepper. Push to one side of sheet and place meatballs on the other side of the sheet.

Broil, tossing vegetables and turning meatballs occassionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred. 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 3 minutes.

In a bowl wisk vinegar, mustard, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss salad with lettuce, vegetables, and meatballs, and top with parmesan.

LIGHT TURKEY MEATBALLS

3 Slices whole wheat bread
(You can use bread crumbs to make it quicker- 1 cup!)
1/4 Cup Milk
1 1/2 pound ground turkey
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbls. Chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
coarse salt and ground pepper

Place bread in food proccessor; pluse until fine crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, scallions, garlic, parsley, egg, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and breadcrumb mixture; mix gently with a fork.

Form into balls, and if you want to freeze, line a baking sheet with wax paper, and line them on the wax paper. Freeze for one hour to set their shape, and then place in freezer safe bags. Freeze for up to three months.

My Own Towel

Ok, I will admit it.. I lost it this morning. (Why always on Sunday, right before church?) I had jumped in the shower, and for about the UMPTEENTH time, Abby, who showers at night had stolen my towel. I admit, there were towels under my cabinet, but they are old, and rough, and not the ones I like. I started hollering at Abby before I had even gotten all the way out of the shower. I marched to her room, and said, "Abby! Don't use my towel ever again! If you are in the shower, and you forgot your towel, you jump out wet, and go to your bathroom to get your own towel!! Don't use mine!"

I marched back into my bathroom, and my husband gave me a disgusted look, which I am sure was in reference to my 5 year old rant, and said, "Don't you think that was a little much?" Well you know what? My reaction, at the moment, MIGHT have been a little much... HOWEVER, don't I deserve to have my own towel? Don't I deserve to have it there when I get out of the shower? Don't I deserve to be able to have a towel to dry off with? Ok, maybe I over-reacted, but, I still think I should be able to have my own towel!

Jaxon-isms

Jaxon: In his room, cleaning up his toys.
Wade: In Jaxon's room, eating up his toys.
Jaxon: Picks up a cannon ball off the floor that has been sufficiently slimed by Wade.

Jaxon: EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! DAD! WADE NEEDS A TIME OUT!!!!!
DAD: Muffled Laughter, "It's ok Jaxon, don't worry about it."
Jaxon: But DAD! He is RUINING ME!!!!!

Soups and Salads!

Guy Fieri's Asain Slaw Salad
Chicken Club Salad
Stein Erickson's Lodge Turkey Chili
Hearty Logger's Chili
Wonton Soup
Fish Stew
Turkey-Meatball Salad with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan
Chopped Salad with Spicy Pork and Buttermilk Dressing****

Pork Dishes

Cashew Sweet and Sour Pork
Pot Stickers
Moo Shu Pork
Karen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My Favorite~ Dessert!

Poached Pears with Cream Sauce
Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake with Butter Cream Frosting
Butterscotch Bark
Butterscotch Sauce Part Deaux
Butterscotch Bananna Splits
Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake
Chocolate Cupcakes
Sugar Cookies

Food Analysis

After opening these recipes one by one to change how I am formatting them, I began to wonder if some of you think that this is all that I eat! No, I have many, many recipes (as I am sure you all do) that I use all of the time. I do post some of them, when I am thinking about it, on the website.

Those would be, Mongolian Beef, Jean's Chicken Curry, Pot Stickers and a few others visit my weekly or monthly rotation. The fun in these recipes for me, is that I like to try something NEW! Mostly, I want to cook something *New* because I love to cook, and I don't want to get bored in the kitchen. I am going to be expanding these recipes in the very near future, and I wanted to be prepared, as well as let you know that if it is posted here, I tried it, and I liked it!

Does that mean it is now in my weekly or even monthly rotation? No, because I would never be able to cook the same thing twice! I don't want to tell you what ALL of the "good ol' standbys" are because then, you would only try those.

I want YOU to try what sounds good to YOU! With the assurance that if it is on here, it was yummy, and my family approved! So, there you have it!

The Best Part of Waking Up!

Pumpkin Pie Waffles
Spiced Apple Waffles
Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes
Breakfast Sandwich
Yogurt with Strawberries and Honey

Appetizers and Other Yum

Guy Fieri's Stuffed Tempura Avacados
Lettuce Wraps
Pot Stickers
Prosciutto, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich
Falafels
Tzatziki Sauce
Pizza Tomato Sauce
Paula Deen's Cheese Ball
Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders

Breads

Aunt Judith Rolls
Aunt Rita Rolls
Pizza Dough
Pita
Bread
No-Knead Dinner Rolls

Sorry!

I can't think of a better way to maintain this list that is only going to get bigger, and Bigger, and BIGGER!!! So, I am going to have to do these posts, and then link back to them on the right hand side. I don't know how to put them anywhere else, or I would! I think every one who comes looking for recipes will like it better this way though! :)

Pasta Recipes!

Acorn Squash Lasagna
Chicken Tenders Parmesan with Penne
Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese (Omit the Kapers!)
Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto
Broccoli Calzones
Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs
Home Made Mac and Cheese
Scallops Florentine
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles

Beef Recipes!

Asian Beef Kabobs
My Favorite Meat Loaf
Guy Fieri's Tangerine Beef
PF Changs' Mongolian Beef

Chicken and Turkey Recipes!

Coq au Vin (I use regular old cooking wine, and no congac :)
Chicken Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
Jean's Chicken Curry
Light Turkey Meatballs
Trattoria Mollie's Meatballs SO GOOD! From the Oprah Website. I don't have a deep fryer, so I just pan fry!
Chicken Divan (K-lo Style)
Chicken Divan-Red and White Cookbook
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles

Coq au Vin

I have to admit, I am a big fan of comfort food. One of my favorite is Coq au Vin. My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up, and I loved it.. When I eat it now, it is like taking a quick visit home, and remembering eating it on a Sunday afternoon after church. Anyway, there are a lot of recipes for Coq au Vin, I found one on the Martha Stewart Website, and added it to my recipe links. It is pretty close to the one she made.

I am going to have to figure out a different way to post these recipe links! I DID organize them so they will be easier for you to look through. I think I am going to have to create their own pages. We will see. I am not sure how I would do it yet!

Cashew Sweet and Sour Pork ***** (Five Stars)

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch - Divided
1 Tbls. Sherry
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut
into 1/2 inch pieces
1/3 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
3 Tbls. Soy Sauce
3 Tbls. Ketchup
1 Tbls. Peanut Oil (I used regular oil)
1/3 Cup finely chopped dry-roasted cashews unsalted (I used salted, it was ok)
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
2 Tsp. Bottled Minced Fresh Ginger
1 Tsp. Bottled Minced Garlic (Bottled Just makes it faster)
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed (I just used frozen peas-makes it easier)
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained.

Serve over Rice

Combine 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, Sherry, and pork tossing well. Combine remaining 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, water, and next 4 ingredients (through ketchup) stirring with a whisk until well combined.

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add Pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes. Until lightly browned. Add chopped cashews, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir Fry 1 minute. Add snow peas and pineapple chunks, stir fry 3 minutes or until snow peas are crisp tender.

Add vinegar mixture to pan. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Serve over rice.

The First Step is Admitting It. . .

Ok, I admit it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser... No, I am not kidding... When I am standing in the check out line, I look at and sometimes even read the tabloids... (I subscribe to People Mag, and I look forward to it! OK! We all have our vices!!)

HOWEVER, when it comes right down to it, when I am looking at the mags... my eyes always are drawn to the cooking magazines... I already subscribe to Everyday Food. Which I ordered because my sister recommended it. I DO love it... I love it when it comes and my favorite things are their "Healthy Start" ideas... (Breakfast Ideas) and "After School Snacks" They are just fun to read, and great ideas... Do I make them? Not always, but I love to read them, and I save them because I think I will use them some day.

Now, I DO make a lot of the dinner recipes.. many of them I have posted on the right as a link. I think I have mentioned they also have a TV show here on Saturday mornings that I tivo. (PBS) I love their recipes because they use stuff I usually have in my pantry, and they are always super yummy. Visit Everyday Food Mag.
Anyway, I am not sure why.. I guess I just get tired of cooking the same thing over and over and over and over. However, I know I scare my family sometimes when I am trying something "new". I know I have bought at least three of these said mags in the last two or three months. I bought Weight Watchers Five Ingredients in 15 Minute Cookbook (because how does that not sound great, and easy). I have bought Betty Crockers Soups, Stews and Chilies (because whatever on the cover looked great). And I recently bought The Best of Cooking Lights Super Fast Weeknight dinners. Out of all of these cookbooks, I have only tried one recipe so far (not that the recipes didn't look great- but because I have been in the post holiday fog for about 2 weeks) ANYWAY, the recipe was AWESOME, FAST and YUMMY! AND EVEN JAXON ATE IT- SO IT MUST BE GOOD!

Check it out!

Jaxon-isms

Life with Jaxon is a lot of things. . . tiring, busy, rewarding, challenging, and hillarious!

Here are just a few of the latest Jaxonisms..

Me- Jaxon, what did you do at school Today?
Jax- Ummm... hmmm.. ahhh... hunty dunty?
M- Oh, you talked about Humpty Dumpty at school today?
J- (Tentatively) Yeah... uhhhhhh.... there was a problem. . .
M- What was the problem? (Not sure if he is referring to school, or humpty dumpty)
J- Well. . umm. . . it didn't turn out so good....


Jaxonism #2

At 8:20 a.m. I call for family prayer. Jaxon was completely disgruntled about having to go to this activity, so I had to drag him up the stairs to our bedroom. He complained the entire time, even through the prayer, and after word on our way to the bus stop I asked him what was wrong, and why he was being so grumpy. .

M- Jaxon, what is wrong bud? Why are you so grumpy?
J- I DON'T WANNA SAY PRAYER!
M- Why not bub? We have to say prayers to Heavenly Father. .
J- But, we say prayers ALL THE TIME!!

Jaxonism#3

Just now, sitting at the kitchen table. Peter and Abby are discussing something, and Jaxon felt the need to be involved. . . Jaxon interjects. . .We need pajamas for rock and roll! Cuz rock and roll is cool!!!


My favorite response to any negative response... like... Jaxon, "Can I have a sippy cup?" Mom, "Not right now" Jaxon, "Um, how bout tomorrow?"

Resolutions......

There is something great about starting a new year... putting away the Christmas "throw-up" and having a clean slate... I mean, my kitchen hasn't been this clean in... well, I don't know.... months! Maybe even since Wade was born! Having new goals, a clean house, and a new resolve feels good, but at the same time... I feel like it could all slip away at any moment! (I guess I won't mention the fact that I haven't even taken a shower today... that makes me seem so much less put together.)

Sure my house looks great right now, but it is one bad day of mail, or homework papers away from being disshevled again. That is ok. At least I can enjoy it for one day. I am excited that there is nothing looming over my head.... Last New Year, "BABY" was looming over my head... then "SUMMER". . . then "SCHOOL" . . . then the "HOLIDAYS". It seems now, for the first time in 12 months I can actually. . MAYBE. . . get a few side projects done. Things that I wanted to get done... things that are only important to me. Now, THAT is exciting!

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that you will have a clean kitchen, time for yourself, and I hope that you have time to take a shower too! :)

Finally Some Christmas Pictures!