I have to say on am with Bigmama on this one. Its hot and nasty outside, lets turn on the oven and heat up the house too. But since I have kiddos and a hubby who comes home from work hungry for more than just cereal, I have to. So here are some of the things we eat....
Home Made pizza
Now I know this sounds all kinds of involved, but its super easy and my boys LOVE LOVE LOVE when I do this because they get their own bit of dough to pat into a crust. Then they get to spread with sauce and top however they like, I make a bigger one for hubby and me and then I pop them into the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Here is my pizza dough recipe:
In 1 cup hot water (in large mixing bowl) mix in 1 tsp salt and 1 pkt rapid rising yeast, stir with a fork.
Then mix in 2 cups of flour slowly. Have extra flour on hands to dust the dough and your hands to cut down on the stickiness and knead a couple of times to incorporate all the ingredients. Cover with about a tablespoon of olive oil and then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm place (which shouldn't be too difficult to find) and let rise for about an 30-45 minutes.
Pat it down, and make as many crusts out of it as you like! Top as the mood strikes you!
Italian Meatball Quesadilla
This is so good and very easy.
1 bag frozen meatballs
1 c marinara
Tortillas
Mozzarella
So follow the directions on the meatballs, to heat in oven. Slice in half, set aside
Take a tortilla, spread a little sauce on one half, sprinkle cheese, place meatballs on top of cheese. Sprinkle more cheese on top, and place in a preheated oven 325 degrees until cheese is melty. Remove from oven, fold in half, cut like you would a quesadilla and serve with sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy!
And be sure to stop over at Big Mama's for more summer cooking ideas!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Last One For The Day, I PROMISE!!
Man, I am post happy today. I completely forgot that I wanted to share with you all my ETSY page! See, I have big plans when we move. Big surprise there, right? I own a business right now doing event planning. And I truly enjoy what I do. Somewhere in the midst of wedding and event planning, I fell head over heels in love with baking. Its something that I have always enjoyed, but just did for fun. But after having The Princess, and hubby being deployed, I started playing around in the kitchen. Creating new recipes and tweaking old ones.
And after much thought and prayer, I felt like God was pulling me in a new direction. Not that I would completely abandon my Event Planning business, but just put it on the back burner until later. So anyways, as things happen and we move along towards our goal, I will update and reveal certain things. So please, visit my Etsy page and tell your friends about it too! I will slowly be adding more things to my listing as I have time. Since we are preparing to move in OH, 19 days!
And after much thought and prayer, I felt like God was pulling me in a new direction. Not that I would completely abandon my Event Planning business, but just put it on the back burner until later. So anyways, as things happen and we move along towards our goal, I will update and reveal certain things. So please, visit my Etsy page and tell your friends about it too! I will slowly be adding more things to my listing as I have time. Since we are preparing to move in OH, 19 days!
How Much More Home Improvement Can You Get?
Woo Hoo!! Boomama is hosting this whole Before and After Home Improvement thing-y, a Carnival if you will. And since we are about to experience the ultimate in home improvement, I wanted to join in too!
The idea is to post your goals of what you want to accomplish before July 25th. And then posting your link to your goal at Boomamas. Thus putting yourself and your hopes and dreams at the mercy of others to hold you accountable!
So here is my goal, its a lofty one so hold on to your hats. If you are wearing a hat, otherwise just sit there and wait patiently, I guess.
1. Get packed
2. MOVE
3. Paint new home (Princess's bedroom, boys bedroom, and living and dining room, and kitchen.
4. Unpack a substantial amount of stuff.
Now, I realize the likelyhood of painting everything I want to, is slim to none, but it is my goal. We are finally going to be someplace where we can paint. And last night I found this cool website by Behr paint. It helps you pick a color, coordinating colors and then you can upload a pic of the room to be painted and SEE how the colors would look in there. I know, crazy, right?
The Princess is going to have a lavender and butterfly themed room, the boys will be shades of blue, with a construction theme. Well, once I find bedding they like they will have a construction theme. I want to do a color called Frosted Pomgranate in the living room and dining room areas, and then Banana Split in the Kitchen with cream accents. If I even get half this done, I will feel accomplished!
So what are your home improvement dreams??
The idea is to post your goals of what you want to accomplish before July 25th. And then posting your link to your goal at Boomamas. Thus putting yourself and your hopes and dreams at the mercy of others to hold you accountable!
So here is my goal, its a lofty one so hold on to your hats. If you are wearing a hat, otherwise just sit there and wait patiently, I guess.
1. Get packed
2. MOVE
3. Paint new home (Princess's bedroom, boys bedroom, and living and dining room, and kitchen.
4. Unpack a substantial amount of stuff.
Now, I realize the likelyhood of painting everything I want to, is slim to none, but it is my goal. We are finally going to be someplace where we can paint. And last night I found this cool website by Behr paint. It helps you pick a color, coordinating colors and then you can upload a pic of the room to be painted and SEE how the colors would look in there. I know, crazy, right?
The Princess is going to have a lavender and butterfly themed room, the boys will be shades of blue, with a construction theme. Well, once I find bedding they like they will have a construction theme. I want to do a color called Frosted Pomgranate in the living room and dining room areas, and then Banana Split in the Kitchen with cream accents. If I even get half this done, I will feel accomplished!
So what are your home improvement dreams??
The Not So Magic Word
As kids, we were all taught that there were magic words. And no, not Abra Cadabra, or Ala Kazaam either. I tried those, and never got anywhere! I am talking about the word Please. Please tacked onto anything will get you what you want. Or so the story goes. There is even a Backyardigans song that tells you "Please and Thank you will get you practically anything you want with a smile."
And Train Junkie believes it with his WHOLE HEART! Cuz ya know, they wouldn't be able to put it on TV if it wasn't true! He will ask for cookies in the morning, and being the good mom I am, I tell him No.... and then sneak one myself :) And TJ will then throw himself on the floor whining, (I know, its so odd for a 4 yr old to whine) "Mommy, I said PLEASE!!" Which he did, but that does NOT mean he is going to get it. OH! the TEARS and the ANGUISH. He is really going to be good at the whole Teenage angst thing, I tell ya.
Being polite is important, I want the kids to say please and thank you, your welcome, and no thank you. We are not however, going to lead them to believe that by saying "Please!" they are entitled to whatever they ask for. So now, we are working on teaching them to handle disappointment with grace. Hard to come by in a 3 and 4 year old. What I find funny, is that Little Guy is better at handling being told no, his response?
"Oh BARNACLES!"
And Train Junkie believes it with his WHOLE HEART! Cuz ya know, they wouldn't be able to put it on TV if it wasn't true! He will ask for cookies in the morning, and being the good mom I am, I tell him No.... and then sneak one myself :) And TJ will then throw himself on the floor whining, (I know, its so odd for a 4 yr old to whine) "Mommy, I said PLEASE!!" Which he did, but that does NOT mean he is going to get it. OH! the TEARS and the ANGUISH. He is really going to be good at the whole Teenage angst thing, I tell ya.
Being polite is important, I want the kids to say please and thank you, your welcome, and no thank you. We are not however, going to lead them to believe that by saying "Please!" they are entitled to whatever they ask for. So now, we are working on teaching them to handle disappointment with grace. Hard to come by in a 3 and 4 year old. What I find funny, is that Little Guy is better at handling being told no, his response?
"Oh BARNACLES!"
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Stranger Danger
Since we are moving to a new and very large city I decided the other day in the car educate the boys in the ways of avoiding, and getting away should a stranger ever grab them. Not that we want them to live in fear, but so they know they have the power to get away, and not be scared to do whatever they need to do. I explained to them, that should they ever wander away, or get lost and someone, OTHER THAN A POLICEMAN, tried to grab them, they were to kick, hit, spit, pull hair, and scream as loud as they could until the "Stranger" let go, and then to run as fast as their little legs could carry them.
Well, since we had that conversation, now they want to know if EVERY single person they see, is a stranger. Even on TV. Every Character, "Is that a Stranger?" "Is that a BAD stranger?" I am glad they are so aware of whats out there, but FOR THE LOVE!! make the questions STOP!
Well, since we had that conversation, now they want to know if EVERY single person they see, is a stranger. Even on TV. Every Character, "Is that a Stranger?" "Is that a BAD stranger?" I am glad they are so aware of whats out there, but FOR THE LOVE!! make the questions STOP!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday AGAIN?!?
Monday has rolled around again, putting us just a little closer to our move. I think because we have SO much to do within the next couple of weeks, it is going to fly by. I want the house packed up before hubby and his crazy ship go out to celebrate the 4th in the Virgin Islands. Good to know that no government money will be wasted...
Having moved several times since we got married, I have packing down to a science. Thankfully this last time we moved, we didn't go very far and then didn't unpack everything. But that meant that some boxes were half packed. So those had to be compiled. Next up was packing up all our winter clothes. I have been picking up things for the kids here and there since I found out we were moving to a state with actual seasons. It took two pretty good sized boxes, and a Ziploc XXL bag to get almost all of it. Finally we went through the boys toys in their room, and tossed some and packed most. So why don't I feel like we even made a dent??
Its any wonder anything happened, considering I have two boys who TALK NON STOP. Train Junkie can change subjects every 30 seconds with out missing a beat, while Little Guy can talk about lizards for 30 minutes. I am so thrilled they have such an extensive vocabulary, truly I am. However every now and then my brain goes numb. And I can't even think enough to put together a complete sentence.
Probably why I don't mind going grocery shopping all by myself. Somehow I managed to make a list, and even a menu. We need to at least use up everything in our fridge and freezer. The cupboards I am not so concerned with. All that will travel well.
Sunday: Steak Filets, Crash Hot Potatoes, Salad
Monday: Chicken Soft Tacos
Tuesday: Wing it hubby has duty
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Thursday: Ravioli with Sausage and Peppers
Friday: Roast Chicken and Veggies
Saturday: Italian Meatball Quesadillas
Sunday: Fathers Day! Hubby picked Barbecue sandwiches, oven fries and ice cream
Usually we are not quite so meat heavy in our meals, but like I said, I am trying desperately to clear out our freezer. And with only 33 days left, we may not get to it all! ACK! Anyone want some chicken?!
Having moved several times since we got married, I have packing down to a science. Thankfully this last time we moved, we didn't go very far and then didn't unpack everything. But that meant that some boxes were half packed. So those had to be compiled. Next up was packing up all our winter clothes. I have been picking up things for the kids here and there since I found out we were moving to a state with actual seasons. It took two pretty good sized boxes, and a Ziploc XXL bag to get almost all of it. Finally we went through the boys toys in their room, and tossed some and packed most. So why don't I feel like we even made a dent??
Its any wonder anything happened, considering I have two boys who TALK NON STOP. Train Junkie can change subjects every 30 seconds with out missing a beat, while Little Guy can talk about lizards for 30 minutes. I am so thrilled they have such an extensive vocabulary, truly I am. However every now and then my brain goes numb. And I can't even think enough to put together a complete sentence.
Probably why I don't mind going grocery shopping all by myself. Somehow I managed to make a list, and even a menu. We need to at least use up everything in our fridge and freezer. The cupboards I am not so concerned with. All that will travel well.
Sunday: Steak Filets, Crash Hot Potatoes, Salad
Monday: Chicken Soft Tacos
Tuesday: Wing it hubby has duty
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Thursday: Ravioli with Sausage and Peppers
Friday: Roast Chicken and Veggies
Saturday: Italian Meatball Quesadillas
Sunday: Fathers Day! Hubby picked Barbecue sandwiches, oven fries and ice cream
Usually we are not quite so meat heavy in our meals, but like I said, I am trying desperately to clear out our freezer. And with only 33 days left, we may not get to it all! ACK! Anyone want some chicken?!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Defender Of The Innocent
Lizard that is. They are a fixture where we live. And everyone in our house, including me, loves seeing them skitter across the path wherever we walk. The past couple of days we have been seeing this gray and white kitty hanging around outside our backporch. Which is fine, I have nothing against cats. Our dog doesn't bark at it, and I thought it just wanted shelter from the crazy thunderstorms that have been making an appearance every day since Sunday.
Until the morning, when Little Guy came shrieking into the kitchen about the cat. I ran into the living room to see the cat trying to EAT a baby lizard. I opened the back door and shooed the cat away from the poor pitiful little lizard. Who made a full recovery by the way and shot across my patio.
My next move was to find the spray bottle and fill it with water. The last think I need my boys having nightmares about, is a demon cat eating their FAVORITE animal (or I guess reptile?) in front of them.
So, the cat came back, as they tend to do. I really think the cat used to live here with whomever was here before us. This time it got a bigger lizard and managed to get its tail. Oh the HORRORS. I chased the cat away and picked the lizard up and put it as high up on a tree as I could. Which consequently is not very high, as I am pretty short. But I did my part, and while I may not be able to save all the lizards out there, there are 2 who are safe for now! Hee hee, finally something I can put on my Super Hero resume!
Until the morning, when Little Guy came shrieking into the kitchen about the cat. I ran into the living room to see the cat trying to EAT a baby lizard. I opened the back door and shooed the cat away from the poor pitiful little lizard. Who made a full recovery by the way and shot across my patio.
My next move was to find the spray bottle and fill it with water. The last think I need my boys having nightmares about, is a demon cat eating their FAVORITE animal (or I guess reptile?) in front of them.
So, the cat came back, as they tend to do. I really think the cat used to live here with whomever was here before us. This time it got a bigger lizard and managed to get its tail. Oh the HORRORS. I chased the cat away and picked the lizard up and put it as high up on a tree as I could. Which consequently is not very high, as I am pretty short. But I did my part, and while I may not be able to save all the lizards out there, there are 2 who are safe for now! Hee hee, finally something I can put on my Super Hero resume!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Fun In The Sun
With only a few weekends left in the Armpit, we are making to most of them. Which is a little odd considering we don't much like it here. HA! Saturday we did a yard sale that the USO hosted. Its a little difficult to have one at the Posh Casa so we opted to take the USO up on their offer. It was STINKING hot outside, I got nice and toasty. Of course we remember to slather up the kiddos in sunscreen. And tried to make the Princess wear a sun hat, which consequently spent more time in her hand than on her head. So I completely forgot about my own SPF needs. The yard sale was from 9 to 2, but we figured we had made all we were going to make by 1pm. So once I was the color of the Durango (red) we called it a day.
The next day we took a trip down to the beach, I had been hit with a crazy stick apparently and had applied to try out to sing The National Anthem at a professional sporting event. If you all remember, this is a strange dream of mine to do. But it has been about oh 4 years since I have sang in front of a crowd of people. Mind you, this was while being accompanied by music and at least one other person leading worship with me. This audition required singing acapella. In front of people I didn't know.
Not knowing what to expect, we headed down to the local town mall so I could sign myself in. Man, there were a lot of people there, and a line to stand in. Once I got to the table, I had to choose a number. The number that would decide where I was in line. Guess what number I picked. 4. I picked 4.
Which turned out to be a good thing, since had I been any higher up in line, my place would have been occupied by a huge chicken, and then I wouldn't have been there at all! There were some lovely singers there, people who sing professionally, and even some "Child Stars" complete with Mom and Dad-agers.
But OH WAS I NERVOUS. And the bad thing, well it might be a good thing, anyway, I don't get nauseous or throw up when nerves attack. I get REALLY hot, think Hot Flash hot (not that I have any experience in that area, but I can guess.) and then I feel like I am going to burst into tears. And it shows in my voice.
As the Queen of Procrastination, I waffled for a few weeks on what to sing, settled on Amazing Grace, since its fairly simple. Then jumped to Over The Rainbow. And when it came to be my turn, Amazing Grace is what came out of my mouth. I did it, and overcame my fear. Which is great. I didn't make the top 20 this time. Which I had no delusions of happening. However, I know I can do it, and will do it again until hopefully I do get picked to sing it.
From there we decided to hit the beach. I mean it only made sense, after driving an hour and a half, we couldn't just go to a mall and drive home. The boys had a blast, and The Princess had her first experience with sand. Not only that, the firm sand seemed to offer her a little more stability than our carpet and she actually popped up into a standing position once or twice! And like most little ones, a lot of that sand made its way into her mouth. Mmmmmm, nothing like a tasty fistful of sand to tide you over until dinner. Or until you can purchase some Saltwater Taffy.
We decided to take the scenic route home. Avoiding a nasty thunderstorm, and finding a big turtle. Hubby spotted the turtle making his way down the side of the road and turned around so he could pick it up. Thank goodness it wasn't a snapping turtle!
We all had a lot of fun, which is going to have to tide us over for a while. Hubby went out on his boat for 2 days, and once he comes back we are going to try (keyword here is TRY) to start getting some things packed. Our move day has been thrown off because of the ship being "desperately" needed in BARBADOS, and hubby's detachment day falls 4 days into the trip. The XO is trying to make him go, he could detach on July 1st, but then I would have to work fast to get him a passport and then fly him home for a LOT of money. Or wait for him to come back, which could jeopardize our housing.
Then Saturday at the yard sale, I was talking to the President of our FRG (support group) and she informed me our Ombudsman (don't ask me why they are called that, and if you know why, I would love to know!) could possibly get it considered a hardship and get the Captain to let him stay behind! So any prayers would be greatly appreciated!
The next day we took a trip down to the beach, I had been hit with a crazy stick apparently and had applied to try out to sing The National Anthem at a professional sporting event. If you all remember, this is a strange dream of mine to do. But it has been about oh 4 years since I have sang in front of a crowd of people. Mind you, this was while being accompanied by music and at least one other person leading worship with me. This audition required singing acapella. In front of people I didn't know.
Not knowing what to expect, we headed down to the local town mall so I could sign myself in. Man, there were a lot of people there, and a line to stand in. Once I got to the table, I had to choose a number. The number that would decide where I was in line. Guess what number I picked. 4. I picked 4.
Which turned out to be a good thing, since had I been any higher up in line, my place would have been occupied by a huge chicken, and then I wouldn't have been there at all! There were some lovely singers there, people who sing professionally, and even some "Child Stars" complete with Mom and Dad-agers.
But OH WAS I NERVOUS. And the bad thing, well it might be a good thing, anyway, I don't get nauseous or throw up when nerves attack. I get REALLY hot, think Hot Flash hot (not that I have any experience in that area, but I can guess.) and then I feel like I am going to burst into tears. And it shows in my voice.
As the Queen of Procrastination, I waffled for a few weeks on what to sing, settled on Amazing Grace, since its fairly simple. Then jumped to Over The Rainbow. And when it came to be my turn, Amazing Grace is what came out of my mouth. I did it, and overcame my fear. Which is great. I didn't make the top 20 this time. Which I had no delusions of happening. However, I know I can do it, and will do it again until hopefully I do get picked to sing it.
From there we decided to hit the beach. I mean it only made sense, after driving an hour and a half, we couldn't just go to a mall and drive home. The boys had a blast, and The Princess had her first experience with sand. Not only that, the firm sand seemed to offer her a little more stability than our carpet and she actually popped up into a standing position once or twice! And like most little ones, a lot of that sand made its way into her mouth. Mmmmmm, nothing like a tasty fistful of sand to tide you over until dinner. Or until you can purchase some Saltwater Taffy.
We decided to take the scenic route home. Avoiding a nasty thunderstorm, and finding a big turtle. Hubby spotted the turtle making his way down the side of the road and turned around so he could pick it up. Thank goodness it wasn't a snapping turtle!
We all had a lot of fun, which is going to have to tide us over for a while. Hubby went out on his boat for 2 days, and once he comes back we are going to try (keyword here is TRY) to start getting some things packed. Our move day has been thrown off because of the ship being "desperately" needed in BARBADOS, and hubby's detachment day falls 4 days into the trip. The XO is trying to make him go, he could detach on July 1st, but then I would have to work fast to get him a passport and then fly him home for a LOT of money. Or wait for him to come back, which could jeopardize our housing.
Then Saturday at the yard sale, I was talking to the President of our FRG (support group) and she informed me our Ombudsman (don't ask me why they are called that, and if you know why, I would love to know!) could possibly get it considered a hardship and get the Captain to let him stay behind! So any prayers would be greatly appreciated!
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