Thursday 13 ....#53

Today I decided I needed a little help writing my thirteen things list so I went to Google and it kindly helped me out. I simply typed in “Tommie needs” and voila!

1. tommie needs to shut it down. We have enough average guys to fill his shoes right now, we don't need Tommie average. I only wish there were enough people to fill my shoes. I'd put one on dishes, one on cleaning...etc

2. tommie needs to Buy Katie Holmes Maternity Wear.......uuhhmmm only if I get invited to the baby shower!

3. tommie needs to get paid and (s)he deserves his contract. I get paid...I handle the checkbook.

4. tommie needs to decide what he wants to be when (s)he grows up and then grow up real fast. While I never thought I would be a SAHM, I love it. okay, most days I love it. I don't really miss teaching, but I do miss my friends at old CJHS.

5. tommie needs a hug. Totally not a hugger, unless I have had several Coronas. Then I will hug anyone.

6. tommie needs to stay and has earned a lot of cheese. Question is will the Bears pay it? Cheese! Now we are talking....wil the Bears kick in some wine too?

7. tommie needs to eat more in this off season. I mean screw diet soda, screw fat free anything. Tommie, you go out and eat that ...wooahhh, stop the bus. I need my diet DP!

8. tommie needs the help of interested .......interested what??

9. tommie needs to get healthy to excel. Finally one I can agree with!

10. tommie needs to continue to embrace the ...the gorgeous sunsets I see while leaving Livi's ballet class.

11. tommie needs to grab some pine! This must be sports related....no thoughts whatsoever!

12. tommie needs a new chair ...I just got new dining room furniture...chairs, table, buffet, hutch.

13. tommie needs a vacation now and again too! Yeah, what Google said.

I have blogged a "tommie needs" in the past......I am surprised they are a bit different.

Want to play: the new thursday-13

Manic Monday and an ooyey gooyey chocolate mistake

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are sick? Go to the doc if necessary. Take meds, drink water, and rest.

What is the most amazing weather you've ever seen? Hands down, the aurora borealis. The first time I saw it, we still were in a hotel waiting for housing on post. We had lost electricity. We stepped out onto the balcony. It was like green and yellow ribbons floating across the sky. We lived in Fairbanks for almost three years. I never tired of seeing it!

Do you listen to music or talk radio in the car? Depends if I have the kids with me or not. Livi already wants me to crank up "So What" by Pink every time she hears it!

Me: Say cheese, guys. Livi, look at me.

Me: Livi, thanks for looking at me, but try not to look like crazy Jack Nicholson eyes. Will, say chocolate.

Will: oh I love chocolate!
Livi: Are we done yet?


Will: Can we just bake the brownies.

Me: Yes, sweetie, yes, we can.

These fudge brownies are VERY rich. I made the mistake of not letting them cool enough before we frosted them. So the frosting just kind of melted all over them...kind of an oooyey gooyey chocolate mistake. But they were good!

Fudge Brownies:

1/2 c. butter

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2 eggs

1 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla

3/4 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1. Grease an 8x8x2 inch baking pan, set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, beat lightly just until combined. Stir in flour and nuts.

2. Spread batter in prepared baking pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 24 brownies.

3. Top with No-Cook fudge frosting

4. Plate and share with friends.

No-Cook fudge frosting

2 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 c. butter

1/6 c. boiling water (use half of a 1/3 measuring cup)

1/2 t. vanilla

1. Combine powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add butter, boiling water and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Cool for 20-30 minutes or till mixture reaches spreadable consistency.

*This is the halved version of the one in the BHG cookbook. The original recipe is way too much for this small pan of brownies.

lots and lots of hats

from last winter at my mom's...."no more pictures"

getting ready to leave Texas....Texas NEVER felt like home...despite loving my house.

Christmas in Ohio, swinging on the same swing Husband did as a child

tags for all the presents going to Ohio.....sparkly "hat"

Lots of "hats" to absorb....
amd favorite hat pic of all......hands down ....whem husband reunited with the kids after 15months!

Photohunt, courtesy of TNChick

Friday fill in

1. Enough with the super duper cold weather.

2. Disciplining the kids causes me to be conflicted. I know they need boundaries and rules. But passing out consequences breaks my heart! Good thing Husband is much better at that than me!

3. I've been craving cheese and crackers, with a splash of wine.

4. Husband....the kids....Josie running around chasing the kids makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to my mom's next week.

6. My lack of desire to blog or even to pick up my camera and take pictures has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to curling up with several magazines and something warm to drink, tomorrow my plans include staying inside and staying warm and Sunday, I want to the standard answer: sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: Stayin' Alive

I will be the first to admit, I don't have much of a green thumb for indoor plants. I can plan flower beds, hanging baskets, and pretty much anything outdoors. But bring those plants and flowers indoors and they curl up and go to plant heaven.

So, when we moved here. Livi and I were in Walmart for all those little essential things that you have to buy every time we move. She saw this African Violet and wanted it because it was purple. My sister-in-law has these all over her house. So I figured I could get some expert tips from the master. I apologized to the little purple flower because I knew all too soon it would be making a little trip.

I made a phone call to SIL Mary. She gave me some tips: indirect light for several hours of the day, don't change the container immediately, water when dry. Okay, gotcha. I think we can do this. As ugly as the little brown plastic container is, I still haven't changed it to a proper pot. BUT after being here for six months, it is still alive! Alive and even going so far as to say doing well! It flowers all the time. Every once in a while, the leaves will butt up against the window pane and get a little scorched. I just snip if off.

Since the flower has been alive for so long, I decided to start some basil from seed. I am proud to announce, they sprouted! Pretty soon they will be ready to put into individual pots. I see an herb garden in my future.

I even bought some spiky green houseplant the last time I went to the commissary. Let's see how long I can keep that one alive!

While trying to take some shots of the violet, Will had to get his mug in there. "Cheese me, mommy!" *See the ugly brown plastic pot it is in? I guess I need to call her and ask her when I can transplant it!*

Overheard tonight while we were getting ready for bed:
Husband: Boy, why are you growing up so quickly?

Will: Because I eat alot.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Muffin Monday....or pastry Wednesday ..take your pick

Muffin Monday was a day late this week. We had Husband's big dawg bosses over for dinner on Monday night. So there was no way I was even going to try to do too much in one day.

Will received a Ratatouille game for his Leapster for Christmas. One of the things they do on the game is put together food items to make various recipes. One of the things they can make is eclairs. Or 'd'clairs' as Will likes to call them. So this week the kids kept saying they wanted to make eclairs for muffin Monday.

We make muffins because I know we can prep, mix and bake....and be done in an HOUR. But he was bent on making them. Okay, okay, put my grouchy mommy attitude away for a bit.

I have NEVER made pastries in my life. But I can follow a recipe. I got out my trusty Better Homes and Garden cookbook. Yeah, yeah yeah. we have water, butter, sugar, flour....let's get on it.

It was actually fairly easy. I am very reluctant to let them cook around the stove, so they really just handed me stuff. They did get to break the eggs into a cup to mix in...but I pretty much made these.

We put a chocolate pudding filling in the inside. Will has issues with texture and did not like the filling in them at all. So, a handful were just pastry with the chocolate glaze.

Overall, very good, I would even say excellent, but very labor intensive. Make pastry....make pudding filling (the bake on the stove kind!!) and then the chocolate glaze.

Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 cup all-purpose
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour or all-purpose
4 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium saucepan combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to boiling. Add both flours all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well with a spoon after each addition.

2. Drop dough using a 2-tablespoon-capacity ice cream or cookie scoop or by heaping tablespoonsful 3 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a deep golden color and puffs are firm. Transfer puffs to a wire rack; cool completely.

3. Cut puffs in half; if necessary, remove soft dough from inside. Spoon in filling. Replace tops. Sift powdered sugar over tops.

Makes 10 cream puffs.

Eclairs: Prepare as above, except spoon dough into a heavy resealable plastic bag. Snip a bottom corner to make a 1/2-inch opening. Pipe 20 to 22 strips of dough (about 4 inches long) 3 inches apart onto two baking sheets that have been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes or until deep golden and firm. Cool and split, as in Steps 2 and 3. Fill eclairs as with the cream puffs. Makes 20 to 22 eclairs.

Manic Monday

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

If you were to name the most creative outlet that you have, what would it be? Probably photography. A few years ago, I would have said scrapbooking....but we all know how caught up with that.

What spot in your body would you say is the center of your emotional being? Dang, Lisa..such deep questions for a Monday evening....my spot would have to be my mind. The whole mind over matter thing.

What do you think is the secret to a tranquil soul? Living a life that has a meaning...taking care of myself and those I love.....all the other stuff is the little stuff.



Note to self: Because I think every post should include a picture. This was taken on Thursday PM...I had to make an emergency run to Target. There are just some things that I CANNOT run out of.....with just a few left in the box, I had to go stock up!

PS, no muffin Monday today......we had Husband's big bosses over for dinner! But we do have something fun in store for tomorrow.

Photohunt: Aftermath

The aftermath of going to the commissary after NOT going since before Christmas. The pantry was bare at the Tuesday Update household!

Next week's theme: hat(s)

Photohunt is hosted by TNchick

Friday Fill in

1. It's January; and we have had a dusting of snow this week.

2. To go finish reading this book is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like.....poptop to Diet Dr Pepper??

4. A little treat for me every now and then is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to live simply and peacefully.

6. I love my home.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Will to a birthday party, tomorrow my plans include going to the commissary and Sunday, I want to what else?? Sleep in!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: not loving the blur

This was taken at the change of command for the First Cavalry way back in April. ...<----Army speak for basically when one big dog takes over for another big dog. The big dogs hand over the leadership in symbolic ceremony....see those big flags? Each battalion/brigade has one. There are little streamers from each flag or guidons for each thing they have fought in. Since this was a division change of command, there were six battalions, which is a whole lot of honkin' soldiers.

Anyhow, this photo is representitive of my state of being right now: Am I running full speed shooting guns in the air? Yes, they do really do that. But no, I not quite to that level of stress. I am talking about the blur....about the fuzzy, loopy feel to this picture.

I have experienced vertigo a couple of times in the last few years. Vertigo has reared its ugly fuzzy head again. I feel loopy and dizzy. Not the good buzz loopy, more the I-am-going-to-barf loopy.

Fear not, one day soon I might get caught up on my Google reader.

Happy Friday, y'all!


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Boomer Sooner

'Twas the night before the BCS and all through the land,not a Gator was stirring, not even the band.

Their Jockeys were hung by the locker with care, in hopes that the Sooners soon would be there.

Tebow was nestled all snug in his bed, while visions of glory danced in his head.

And Meyer in his kerchief full of Florida pride, and Bob and the Sooners ready to ride.

When down in Miami there arose such a clatter, Harvin sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.

He realized the Option was gone in a flash, and Tebow's dreams of running had just been dashed.

The Gator running backs trembled as they watched the show, A Crimson and Cream luster set the horizon aglow.

When what to their wondering eyes should they find, but a miniature Schooner, seven National Titles behind.

With a wizened old driver, skilled in leading his troops, they knew in a moment it must be Bob Stoops.

More rapid than Texas his players they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

"On Bradford , on Gresham, now Madu and Murray! On Chris Brown! On Iglesias! On Stevens and Curry!

To the top of the BCS! To the top of it all!

Now dash their hopes! Dash their dreams! Dash away all!"

And then in a twinkling, the Gators fought back a scream, and Tim Tebow saw the last of his Heisman trophy dream.

The defense drew in their breath and looked all around, and realized that their "savior Meyer" was nowhere to be found.

Bob's eyes how they twinkled, his coaches how merry! As they carried on the legacy left them by Bud and Barry.

Tim's sad little face and a fear in his belly, he shook on the field as his knees turned to jelly.

He spoke not a word, and the ball they couldn't carry, Stoops filled up the scoreboard and then turned to Barry.

And laying his hand on the shoulder of his friend, he gave Switzer a nod and said, "Like Missouri again."

Bob sprang to the Schooner, to his team gave a shout, to the BCS they flew and left Florida down and out.

And we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"Boomer Sooner to All and to All a Good Night!"

PS, I have to admit, I am not a huge sports fan. I merely went to the games purely as a social event. But no matter where I will ever live, I am always a Sooner at heart! Go OU!

edited to add: I did NOT write this. My friend Ashlee sent this to me. She is an OU alum as well, she even cheered there!

ABCs

Definitely in a blogging funk, so just some random thoughts.......

awaiting on Husband's return....Thursday can't come soon enough.

Baby girl joined a ballet class. She absolutely loved it. The walls were this bright Tiffany blue!

Craving sweets....what's up with that? I usually crave salty.

Dang, got sucked into watching "The Bachelor" again....not too sure if I'll stick with it.

Elliptical has been my friend lately.

Found my wallet in my glove compartment....no recollection of putting it there. I am seriously going crazy!

Going to strive to be the best wife and mom I can.

Husband, hurry home!

Iphone....these pics were taken with it.

Josie has some stinky toots!!

Kitchen is clean, sink is shiny....makes for a happy tommie.

Loving my new phone.

Make up needs to be ordered. I love Bobbi Brown's tinted moisturizer.

New Moon....started the Twilight series over Christmas break. I just finished the third one.....fourth is on the way. It should be in tomorrow's mail.

Organized my junk drawer yesterday. Love me some organized junk!

Pretty in pink....she was practically dancing around all day waiting for class.

Quick whining and get out of this funk ....

Rain rain go away...come again another day.

sally's-salon-game is taking up way too much of my free time!

Thank you notes aren't going to write them themselves....I must do them this week!

Umbrella failure in the windy rain today.....looks like a spider with a broken leg.

Very cute umbrella it was too...black with multi-colored polka dots!

Will needed extra snuggles tonight. I almost fell asleep in his bed.

Xraying of the "girls" appt is next week....not looking forward to getting the girls smooched.

Y'all still reading....because I am getting ready to go get some

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Manic Monday and cookie Monday

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here.

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating? I have food allergies, so I guess you could say quirks. I can't eat nuts, pork, or soy products.

Have you ever written love letters? I wrote husband while he was deployed. If so, do you still have any of them? He does have every single one of them. I have all of the ones he wrote while he was deployed as well. It was one of my very first blog posts!

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry? Getting better with age, I can definitely say. I know I don't know everything...but it sure seems that way sometimes!

I guess we should call it cookie Monday since we haven't baked muffins in so long! But I still have a pile of recipes for cookies and candies the kids want to try!

glazed lemon cookies

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1/2 t. pure vanilla extract

1/4 t. kosher salt

2 c. all purpose flour

2 T. fresh lemon juice (about the juice of one lemon)

1 t. grated lemon zest

* With an electric mixer, beat the butter and the granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg yolks, vanilla, and salt, and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.

*Divide the dough in half and shape into 1 1/4" diameter logs. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

*Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the logs into 3/8" thick pieces and space them 1 1/2" apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. ( I just used my pizza stone, and they were fine!) Bake until lightly golden, 16-20 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

*In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and zest until it forms a thick but pourable glaze (add more lemon juice if necessary). Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and let set, about 15 minutes.

*Plate and share with friends.

photohunt :hope

I can only hope that these cookies taste good. My mother-in-law was so excited to make these with the kids. They are really a four part cookie....the base, a top with the circle cut out, a jelly filling, and the powdered sugar. The kids loved sprinking the sugar on them. I can only hope they tasted good. Since I have a nut allergy, I couldn't even taste them....apparently the cookies are made of almond paste. ooops!

Photohunt is hosted by TNchick

Friday Fill In

1. The world is what you make it....take some ownership, my world can be chaotic at times...but most of the time I love it!

2. Sweet dreams, little buddy was the last thing I said as Will went to sleep.

3. I wonder if he will stay there all night?.

4. May there be peace and love at the end of all things.

5. There's something to be said for a beautiful watch.....it finally got here! I am so excited! I didn't even have to have any links adjusted or anything. It is a perfect tribute to being 40.

6. Right here with my husband and kids is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to veggie pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include finding the 4th Twilight book and Sunday, I want to veg with the family before Husband goes TDY again.

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet.....may peace be with you.

Photostory Friday....frozen fountain

This is a fountain in the fish pond at my in-laws. It was kind of cool to see the fish swimming under a thin layer of ice. But this pond holds many other memories as well. When Will was just a toddler, he fell into this little pond. There is a picnic table with chairs surrounding it, just to the side of this pond. Will was standing in a chair. I was near the table but not it, just casually watching him having a good time with his aunts. All of a sudden, I saw his chair starting to tip.

Starting to tip in the direction of the pond.....a pond surrounded by huge paving stones. Quicker than I think I have ever moved, I was there in a second. He was already face down in the pond. I do remember I had a skirt on...at least it was only knee length. I am SURE I had on some cute shoes too. But that mom-sense kicked in....keeping one foot on the ground, I threw my other leg into the pond hoping it wasn't that deep! I managed to scrape the entire back side of my leg along the edge of the stones. But I came up with a handful of kid. He was not even in the water more than two or three seconds. I figured out that the little fish pond is only about thigh depth..(and I am short....oh wait, not short, fun-sized!)

In any case, three years later, I still think of jumping in to get him every time I go by it.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

2008 Year in Review

Thanks to all who have made me laugh, talked me off the ledge on some days, and just plain made me laugh....Happy New Year!

Manic Monday and a week update

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here.

What is the biggest mistake you made in 2008 and will not make again in 2009? portion control....enough said!

Do you make New Year's resolutions? not really

Why or why not? I try to live simply every day. But it is a good reminder of a fresh start.

Who do you nominate as “Man or Woman of the Year” for 2008? any wife going through a deployment

What was your greatest accomplishment in 2008? selling a house in today's market, living with my mom for a month, living with my in-laws for a month, buying a house here and making it a home.

I know, I know....long time no blog. I left my laptop in OH.

The week flew by way too fast while we were there. The kids loved being the "big kids" of all the cousins. Grandma and Grandpa loved spoiling them. They started a tradition of decorating cookies with grandma. I think they ate as many as they decorated.

Despite no snow, the weather was nice enough to get out and play a bit.

I was able to get out and go shopping one day with the girls. I forget how fun it is to just get out without kids. Plus PH Changs was involved....oh me oh my!

Happy Monday, y'all!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, I leave you with my favorite Christmas carol.

Simply Kind Tuesday-PF Changs

Claudia at On A Limb with Claudia hosts a meme called Simply Kind Tuesdays. Her goal of Simply Kind Tuesdays is to increase awareness of the kindness that surrounds us.

This morning, my two sisters-in-law and my mother-in-law went over to Easton....also known as a great shopping mecca! I needed to get a car charger for my new phone (ps, listen to the sales girl when she tries to talk you into the car charger!) and look at the Tag watch to see if I was ready to make the plunge.
I ended up not getting the watch. Claudia, I know you have been my biggest cheerleader in this. But I was comparing two different ones. The TAG-Heuer and a Bulova. Both are stainless steel with diamonds with a deployment buckles clasp. I choose the Bulova. I am very happy with my choice!

Anyhow, it was very nice to go over and do some shopping with the girls with no kids! Even better and nicer, my mother in law treated us to lunch at PF Changs. Lettuce wraps and spicy Chang chicken....it doesn't get much nicer than that!

PS for a comparison look, here is the other watch: