Miss Make: Deep Fried Pickles

Okay this was the first recipe I could find (ok so I was being lazy and didn't look) that mentioned deep fried pickles after having some at sonic - I loved them however monkey's 1 & 2 could not be brought over to the fried side.

Miss Make: Deep Fried Pickles: Am I an insane person? If by insane, you mean that I suddenly had the urge to try making deep friend pickles at one in the morning, that ...

magnetic spice holder

I saw something like this on etsy and I thought why couldn't I do my own? The plan for now:
1. Hunt down an old baking sheet or
    * buy a half sheet of metal
2. Either find spice jars (I'm thinking of sourcing Ikea) or
    * or just be lazy and use the orginals
3. High powered magnets & hot glue

First day of third grade

Today is the first day of school for Idaho Virtual Academy. So far we've spent hours finding books, running back and forth to the house and generally doing pretty much anything but work. Tomorrow should be better since I will actually start to prepare for the day so we don't have this problem. Gigi, I hope will start to listen to me and not do whatever she wants to do. I also am hoping to have a better school setup tomorrow. Then again I'm apprehensive that Grega will not just take it over again. I don't know how I am suppose to school the girls in the house with her on vent and being so loud all the time. Maybe I should've just gotten over it and sent them back to Orofino Elementary....

Another craft project

While browsing through the site Instructables I found a cute little craft that will tie in with their science lessons. Making an eggshell crystal geode. Link is here, and hopefully I will be posting soon how this went. Also I found a cute cargo scraf, this will be so handy when it's fall. I think I could whip this up pretty quickly as it's just very basic sewing.

Not for the faint of heart

I feel like that is how my life should be labeled lately. A bit over a week ago we buried my Papa. The man I loved & adored and who was more then just a grandfather to me. He gave me a stable adult male in my life when my own father didn't want me. I don't know why he didn't that is perhaps a whole other blog post, I do know that when I was in college and starting to maybe actually have a relationship with him that he killed himself. No one believes that he really meant to it was just his way of getting attention when he was angry. I've been told that there was even one point when his grandmother or mother ( to be perfectly honest I don't remember and I don't want to ask for the details) even fought with him over a gun. But enough about him I never considered him to be a father anyways - only a sperm donor since that was pretty much all he was good for at least to me.

Talking with my grandma this evening I noticed something that I never had before in the living room. There was a rainbow on the brick wall of the fireplace. I looked around more and the wall next to her hallway was covered in vertical rainbows. And there was a second one becoming even more pronounced on the fireplace wall. The first thought that popped into my head was that Papa was here or at least leaving us a message that he was doing okay. I know where the rainbows came from - a crystal light fixture over the dining room table that was on. The light was dim and the sky was cloudy and windy preparing for the incoming storm. I don't think it should have been possible to have rainbows then but there they were on the wall. When I finally got up enough nerve to mention to Grandma she started talking about how whenever she sees a rainbow she thinks about God promised to never flood the earth again and that the rainbow was his sign. I said that I made me feel like Papa was here - she looked at me and got a bit teary eyed and said that was her first thought too since he knew how much she liked them. As we were talking a third rainbow started to appear on the fireplace wall. As silly as it sounds to some I'm sure that it was a message from Papa. That was the kind of man he was, kind, cared so much about his family and always smelled like Old Spice. He taught me how to do wood work, polish my boots, was an example of what a real man should be for his family. He was the only father that I ever really knew or remembered. And now he's gone. I miss him so much, but at least he is not in pain anymore. The last few years of his life is not how I want to remember him. I really wish that I could wipe away being with him when he finally was defeated by his disease. He looked like he was in pain, and I couldn't do anything to fix it for him. I wanted to I just didn't know if they nurses would give him anything since they called us and thought that it was time. But at least he had family with him - I am a firm believer that no matter how painful it was for me to be there that it was so important to be there with him so he could have family at his bedside not a nurse no matter how much they cared about him. I am so thankful that I had John with me, I know that I couldn't have driven home. I was to busy crying and throwing up. I grieved as much as I could before I got home to see the girls. They are just to young to have to see me like that. I couldn't even let go at the funeral service - then again I don't know if I needed to at that point. We all knew that despite how much pain we were in this was for the best for him. I was so proud to see John there presenting the flag during taps, and then taking the lead in folding it.
John's voice breaking when he said On behalf of a grateful nation, I can tell that I picked right. He is so similar to Papa right down to the smell of Old Spice. I don't know what I did to deserve John, he's always been there to support me. I love it when he kissed my forehead and tells me that it's okay it will all work out. The feeling of quiet strength in his hand. Worrying about the family, wishing that he could do more while he was here on emergency leave. He has large shoes to fill trying to live up to Papa's legacy and stepping up to being the man of the family. But I am confident that he can do it and he wants to do it. I can't wait for him to get new orders to be able to pcs (permanent change of station) so we can be together as a family again. Being apart is horrible, I don't want to have to ever do this again. At least when he's out to sea I know he's not in the same country just a few states (or the entire US) over. Ok signing off now as it's almost three am and I have to be up in the morning.

4-H, new animals, and life

I am now officially ten days away from my *gasp* 30th birthday. Although today Gwen asked if I was born in 1945! Thank you so much Chinese Zodiac menu, my friend their "Auntie Kelly" they picked out 1992. So not fair here. So excited about looking at baby goats tomorrow. The girls have signed up for mini goat 4-H today, among a ton of other projects. Probably to many for a new 4-Her, however, I think it'll all be great. I am also apparently leading at least one project. I think it's a bit ironic that I have a leader book before I even have my background check done. Yes I had to pay $5 for a background check for this. That's ok whatever I can do to make my girls happy.

Christmas Inspiration

This recipe sounds awesome, I would love to add it to our holiday cookie line up. Anyone else have seasonal favorites that we could possibly add?

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
original recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Butter, softened
2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Sour Cream
12oz White Baking Chocolate, chopped
1 jar (7oz) Marshmallow Creme
1/2 cup Ground Candy Canes (I use a magic bullet)
1/2 tsp Peppermint Extract

1. Line a 9 inch square pan with foil. Coat foil with thin layer of cooking spray or butter; set aside.

2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, sour cream and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a rapid boil; cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 234F (soft-ball stage), about 5 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat; stir in white chocolate and marshmallow creme until melted. Fold in ground candy canes and extract. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until firm.

4. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut fudge into 1-inch squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Makes 2 Pounds (81 pieces)

Also up on the Christmas Craft wishlist is this Glittery Banner spelling out Merry Christmas, and more to come.

My favorite flavor

Yummy! Yup I'm talking about something with Pumpkin in it! Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe I found on another person's blog.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:
CRUST:
1-1/2 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/3 cup Maple Sugar or Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, melted
FILLING:
3 pkg (8oz each) Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup Maple Sugar or Granulated Sugar
1 cup Canned Pumpkin
1 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
1-1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
3/4 tsp Ground Allspice
3 Eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 325F. For crust, in a medium bowl combine cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9 or 10 inch spring form pan. Bake 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

For filling, in a mixing bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, whipping cream, vanilla and allspice with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs and beat on low speed until just combined.

Preheat oven to 325F. Spoon filling into crust-lined pan. Bake about 1 hour or until center appears nearly set when gently shaken.

Cool in spring form pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen crust from sides of pan with a thin-bladed knife and cool 30 minutes more. Remove sides of pan; cool 1 hour. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.

***Carefully transfer cheesecake to plate or platter and place in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.***

Inspiration for me

Thank you I am Momma hear me Roar! I love this tutorial and it has inspired me to create my own but so far it's only in my head. Hopefully on Monday I will be able to head into town and buy the supplies needed to make one of these super cute headbands. Wish me luck I'll be working with a glue gun and I have horrible luck with those. I would love to do one with peacock feathers and a very pretty button, and maybe some black lace?

Feeling crafty

I've been looking all night and yesterday night looking for homemade spa ideas. Found several really good ones - including one made with oatmeal & brown sugar. Sounds yummy but I'll let you know how it all turns out. Also up on the crafting block making my own lamp, & this totally awesome petal pillow. I'm thinking something in my signature color - Pink! Sorry babe - I'm on a girly kick. I think that this would look great on the bed & it's large enough that it won't look silly on a king size bed. Really looking forward to my adult sleepover next week with my bff Kelly.

School woes, moving?, and life

The last few days have been especially hectic as at the semi last minute we have decided that the girls and I will be moving a wee bit earlier then we originally had planned. Wee bit as in a bit more then three weeks versus a year and three weeks-ish. The good news is that we finally have a signed leave chit so John can help us with the assorted trials and tribulations assorted with driving cross country with children, and animals. The last time we did this was four years ago and we just had the two monkeys (aka the girls) with Smaug our cat. Now at least they'll be older 

Countdown to some romance???

Tomorrow when John gets off of work we are taking off. Fingers crossed that is because the powers that be have deemed during their TIME OFF *yes I know I'm yelling on purpose cause I'm a grouchy mama* the crew has to come in for even more training! We have plans for all 2.5 days before his next shift starts & we barely see more of him then hi & bye. 
Our original plans were to stay in the Charleston Place hotel because it has a saltwater pool and looks really nice. But mostly for the saltwater pool. I've always said for our dream house that I've wanted one and now we are going to go test it out. Pictures will be posted soon after or perhaps even during depending if I bring my laptop or not. Next on the agenda was two or three movies that we could only go see without the monkeys. More pool time, and we hadn't decided if it's room service or a dress up for dinner. The next day on our actual anniversary we're taking the monkeys and mom to meetup with a couple of guys from crew & another wife (yay another wife) to go shooting at some range. I'm super stoked about this since the last time I got to do any shooting I was pregnant with Gigi and she's turning 8 this October so it's been awhile.
Friday has us hopefully fingers crossed getting our new couch & coffee table. It's on its way right now and it drives me nuts that I don't have a tracker for it. The company is suppose to call 24- 48 hours prior to delivery to set up a time so now I'm just thankful that my "home" phone is a cell and I can take it with me where ever I go. Better finish packing & fingers crossed we can actually accomplish all our plans before John's recalled.

Menriv Plantation

The girls and I took the grandparents to the plantation on base. We were planing on taking pictures on the landscape and trying to get a few family portraits, however, that is not what happened. Within two minutes of pulling over by one of my favorite trees there was a security truck pulling in behind me reading me the riot act for actually daring to take a photo of a tree. I understand that some areas of base are off limits but where we were was in the middle of a park. Now I guess I will have to track down this camera pass. But for your viewing enjoying here is a picture of the kidlets & grandparents looking at one of the ponds.

New Year's Resolutions

Hear it is the last day of 2009 and I am looking forward to 2010. What would I like to work on for the upcoming year well mostly myself. I'd like to be more patient, become a better photographer and write in this sorely negleted blog more.

School days

The girls are being very industrious working on their school pages. The more and more we use it I am really enjoying the k12 system. Officially the girls belong to a virtual charter school. So it's public school at home. Works out really great we have access to a teacher when we need it and the send us all the materials and I don't have to worry about making a lesson plan. Daddy is able to actually spend some time with his girls during his crazy shift work schedule.

Maternity clothes confessions and more

Ok so I was reading on my friend's blog that she still has a particularly comfy pair of maternity pants that she kept from her last pregnancy and wears on occasion. I have to admit that I too still have a pair of shorts that I've kept as well. Now the bad or embarassing part is that I purchased these shorts while I was pregnant with my first daughter who's turning 7 in October! And my youngest daughter turns 6 in September. You'd think that by now I would've found another pair of shorts but I haven't. These are still the most comfortable shorts hands down.

In other news baby Garfield is living up to his name. Put something down where he can get to it and he will help himself to a little nibble & lick your plate clean. Tonight it was the leftover mariana sauce from my pasta. He's a cute little love bug.

Happy Anniversary to us!

It's been eight years today that we've been married. Aww the memories.

Early morning photo shoot

I had a bit of fun with the girls this morning. They got me up before 7 am again on a Saturday so I figured since we were all up why not use the nice light and do the photo shoot I've been longing to do since I saw this amazing tree by medical here on base. We were able to take a few pretty nice shots. Next time I'll be a bit more prepared and find the tripod and my different lens but this came out nicely for being so spur of the moment. So here's the slideshow and I hope you enjoy.

The misadventures of a fieldtripping Mom

Today was finally the big day! The day the girls have been counting down for the day of the field trip. And we almost didn't even get to go. Gigi was low yellow on her asthma stop light action plan. So at school I did a bit of begging and we swapped and I was allowed to chaperon her as well Gwen with another girl (someone from their tball team whom they both love to pieces) so it was a definite win win. They got to be with their good friend and I got to keep an eye on Gigi and her asthma.

The information what we could hear of it was very good and informative. The girls actually learned things. I even learned something - I wasn't expecting to. Although I admit it was hard to hear over the "whisperings" of the class and then the various parents answering, hushing, or just telling them to behave or not to x, y or z.

It was another hot and humid day, really welcome to the south. What was I thinking??? I'm heat intolerant and I'm running around in the strawberry patch, on the tractor ride, eating lunch outside. It has taken me at least two days to recover from this. But you know at the end of it all I can honestly say it was worth it! Simply because my girls had a good time. And what more as a mom can you ask for? I do my best as parent to give them the most and do the best that I can. Sure I may complain later about it (especially when it makes me sick) but I think it's important I be there for them medical issues or not. How about some pictures now that you've listened to me whine.

Tball

The girls are starting a new sport. The are now into t-ball. I'm so proud that they went ahead and tried something new. Now they both love it. Gwen had said she wants to go on and learn how to play softball.