Pot Roast Leftovers Saved...

So, I made pot roast yesterday...it smalled wonderful all day in the crock pot.  However, it was dry and stringy...ugh!!! 

I was dreading it for tonights dinner, but I saved it - Yay!!!  It came out super yummy!!

I am fairly sure about the measurements, but I did kinda wing it.  I cut up the post roast against the grain (so it would be less stringy). 

Then, I saute`d - 1 tbsp of butter with one small onion for about 1min.
Added the meat and saute`d for 5min. (season with salt and pepper to taste)
Add 1 small can of sliced mushrroms -
Then I added about 1/2 cup of cooking sherry and one cup of sour cream
In a separate frying pan, I made a gravy base...(keep warm on low setting)
I shook 1/2 cup water with 1/4 cup flour
Melted 1 tbsp of butter in the pan and added the water/flour mixture
Stirring constantly (with a wire whisk) I stirred about 1 cup of water in and boiled for 1 min and smooth...
Then, I added the gravy base to the meat mixture and stirred until well mixed and served on egg noodles!! 

Yummy!!!

Ham Bone Soups!

Hey Ya'll wondering what to do with your holiday ham bones?  Here are some recipes:  http://www.ichef.com/news.cfm?itemid=342586 

I hate sawing on the ham bone, but refuse to let that last little bit go to waste : D...so here is the way to make a yummy meal with the meat on the ham bone.  I haven't tried the ones on the link above yet, but have another ham bone that I intend to do so with soon.  My recipe is:

1 pkg Hurst's 15 Bean Soup a.k.a.  HamBeens Brand  (I don't like the seasoning packet, but I use the rest of the recipe on the bag except I use paprika instead of chili powder - my 4yr old doesn't like it too spicy...I do sprinkle some chili powder on there too.)

This makes a yummy meal for those really cold winter nights.  Add some dinner rolls or soda bread to complete the meal.  If you feel like it you can throw some fresh/steamed veggies off in there to for some more nutrients, but the soup has lots of fiber, carbs and protein all by itself!

Enjoy!

OMG - I met the President last night!

YES, I did!!!  I met the President of the United States last night.  It was a reception at the White House for staff.  I shook hands with President and Michelle Obama and got my picture taken with them!!!  When I get it I will attempt to post it to -unless there is some reason not to (secrety, secrety stuff?)

If you have never me the President...not just this one, but any President (which I have not).  I was held up many times by President George W.'s motorcade in Waco, but never closer than that.  It is like meeting a celebrity, rock star etc.  I wanted to have some thing witty to say when I got up to him/her, but NOPE - deer in the headlights : D.  Four Star General Officers in the military have the same effect on my - I don't know if it is the power or what?  So I don't know why I thought I would be able to form words in this situation. 

I don't care about your political position, the Obama's are very nice and gracious hosts.  The White House (section that I was in) was absolutely fabulous!!!  It is decorated to the hilt and so ginormous!  I met lots of wonderful people and had great food!!!  I just had to share - it is a once in a life time experience for me!!! : D.

OMG - The Best Steak EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so I refuse to go shopping on Black Friday...sort of, I ended up having to go to the grocery store on Black Friday and low and behold the beef was on BIG time sale!  I was just going to get some stew meat or fajita meat to make some sort of beef dinner, but the Beef Tenderloin was on sale, I got 3 steaks (about 2" thick each for 1.05lbs) for $12 - I know that is sooooo expensive, but it would have normally cost me $18, so it was a good deal. 

You really can't mess up tenderloins (unless you put them in a stew or something stupid like that... : D)  No, I didn't use it for stew : D. 

What I did...was heat up a grill pan on the stove (the ones with the lines on it, so it looks like you grilled it)...spray it with Pam, and heat it up on med on the stove for 4min.  Then, sprinkle the meat with McCormick Garlic Perfect Pinch on both sides.  Cook them on for 7-8 min. on one side then turn them and cook them on the other side for  7-8 min. to get them to mediumish.  If you like rare to med rare cook them for 5min on each side...for well, you need to cut them in half (longways to make them only 1" thick) and cook them 5 - 7 min on each side too.  This way you can cook them all together. 

The outside is seared and the inside is pinkish/ red, but not bloody - yay!!!  It was like Outback Steakhouse in my house tonight!  We also had steamed Normandy Blend veggies (califlour, broccali, squash, zuccini and carrots) with a side salad and yeast rolls (store bought, but still yummy!) 

Sorry didn't take any pics, didn't think it would come out this good - next time, definately pics! : D.

OMG - I Am Stumped Again!

Just when I think I got it - nope...not so much!  My son is almost 4yrs old and I thought we were doing so well.  He knows his shapes, his colors, how to count to 20, he can sing the alphabet song...he is learning to identify letters and numbers.  Then, we had a parent teacher conference at his "preschool" aka La Petite Daycare center...now it seems that he can no longer count to 20, he messes up the alphabet song and only will identify colors and shapes when he feels like it - WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Sorry to use strong language, but I am so upset about this...what are they doing at his school?  Granted I have been distracted lately.  I started my own business and sometimes I do work or blog etc. on his days at home with me.  We don't go over these things everyday, but I thought he was learning it at school or is it really a school?  I am beginning to think NOT.  So, what to do about it?

Today, I decided to make a schedule that includes very little TV and lots of alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes.  We did really well all morning, then we went to an activity to make a turkey plate at a local studio.   He had a complete meltdown...not sure why.  I was told by his "teachers" at school to play games with him to learn, but I HATE games - I blame my sister for that she always won and I just don't enjoy them at all!!!  However, I am trying to play with him, but his attention span is 0 and it is just plain maddening!!!! 

When I got up this morning I was so sure what we were going to do and now I have no idea what we are doing.  It has been exhausting with tons of tears, yelling, frustration (on both parts) and sending him to his room - was it worth it?  I jsut don't know...who said he even needs to know his alphabet/numbers right now?  We have lots more fun when we just hang out watch TV, do activities and play outside...is that what we should be doing - I have NO idea...duh I am stumped again!!!

My Son Took My New Profile Pic!

I LOVE this pic - mostly because my son took it (he is only 3 almost 4 yrs old).  Good job huh?

My Son the Artist : D.

So recently, I let my son go crazy with my camera...it was a wonderful distraction and he actually came up with some really good pics...some are cropped, but just to eliminate my messy house not to improve the pic...check it out!

Facebook Mommy Distraction!

This morning, before we even got out of bed, my little on wanted to paint.  I convinced him that we should at least have breakfast first (coffee for sure!).  So, we got out the watercolors and he was painting away...

Then, he says "Mommy, I'm a superhero!", to which I say, "Cool"!  I looked up from my Facebook comment and saw this...

I am guessing that is his superhero mask?  Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Luckily it was watercolors!!!

Whooo Hooo Road Trip (or airplane trip really) with My Mama!!!!!!!!!!

A few years ago...my Mama recommended that I get a hobby.  I did not want to go back to work until my son was 3yrs old and he was getting more and more independent.  I had chunks of time (only about 20min to an hour at a time) several times throughout the day.  I thought how about quilting (it is my Mom's hobby).  I knew nothing about quilting at the time.  I thought they looked neat, I already had a sewing machine (I have been sewing off and on since I was 9yrs old), it was my Mama's hobby - so she could help me, and I thought it would be a quick, cheap thing to do at the time...

Well, 6 sewing machines, tons of fabric, several pattern books later...it is not so cheap, not quick nor easy.  However, I LOVE it!!!  Also, I tend to believe that you enjoy things that you are good at...either by working hard at it or having a natural aptitude for it.  I think I have a natural aptitude for it.  If you want to see some of my work check out my blog at http://www.lizbquilting.blogspot.com/ and my website http://www.lizbquilting.com/

Anyway, it was then time for me to go back to work...although my son was already in daycare a few days a week and he could have easily handled daycare full time...I just didn't want to be away from him 50 - 60hrs a week!  So, I have an MBA...I started looking for something that I could do at home (with minimal time away) and earn my keep at the same time.  I turned toward quilting.  I figured out that you have to be VERY flexible to make money at quilting, willing to do lots of different things related to quilting from quilt repair to creating new quilt patterns. I settled on longarm quilting to start.  No one believed in me, but my Mom!  She got excited and helped me pick out a longarm machine and afford it.  I have never been happier and I cannot believe that I get to do what I LOVE for a living - it is like a dream come true!!!

Well, we went on a road trip recently...although we took a plane to get there.  We went to Utah to learn how to use my machine!  We had tons of fun, but it was exhausting.  We got on eachother's nerves, but maintained our cool and are still the best of friends!!!  We laughed, we cried (not literally) and it became a part of us : D.  Here are some pics of beautiful Utah!

Let's Celebrate Memorial Day with More than BBQ!!!

Some ways to celebrate:

1.  Did you know that...Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

2.  Let's hear it for Rolling Thunder and Sarah Palin!!!

3.  Give thanks for all that you have...thank your creator & then thank a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Reservist and National Guardsmen! If I missed a service - I apologize, thank them too!

4.  Let's sing the National Anthem today...if you don't know the words - google them!

5.  Fly your American Flags! (at half mast until noon)
 
History of Memorial Day:
This article is from:  http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer. In 2011, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:


The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.



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Non Sugical Ways to Look & Feel Younger!

1.  Get your teeth whitened...cost about $400, but soooo worth it.  My dentist does it for free for his patients - yay!!!
2.  Go get yourself some sparkly powder.  It is called bronzer and it looks dark, but it brightens up your complexion even for white girls like me!
3.  Get yourself some gold eyeshadow...even when my little man gets me up at 4am...this helps me look well rested.  (I got this from a Mommy magazine - really works!)
4.  Make sure you have a good moisturizer...I like Philosophy, but if you are over 40 and still using Clinique...you need to think about getting a better one.  (Also, make sure you put it on your neck 2x a day!!)
5.  Gain 10lbs of fat!  I quit smoking and inadvertently gained 10lbs.  It wasn't a BIG deal, because I only weighed 125 before, but my boobs went from a small B to a C - whoo hoo instant boob job!
6.  If you are overweight, walk 20min. everyday and you will loose weight and feel younger - can't promis you will look younger, becasue I think bigger people tend to look younger than super skinny people.
7.  Go get yourself a skirt bathing suit!!!  I LOVE mine!  Really, who said that our booties need to be hanging out when we go swimming...I am not in the Olympics, so I am gonna cover mine up!!! 
8.  Get a hobby.  I feel like a kid again when I am downstairs in my studio quilting up a storm!  This will fulfill you in ways you can't imagine!  Try to find a hobby that is not destructive...drinking and going to bars, not a good hobby ; D
9.  Try some beginning yoga and meditation.  I don't sit indian style and put my hands on my knees, I meditate at night before I go to sleep.  It clears my mind and calms my spirit.

Sorry ya'll that it all I got - wanted to have 10, but I would just be makin' stuff up...if I think of anything else - I'll let ya know!

Whoo hoo! I failed!!!

I failed my PT test, but at least I took it - so I am proud of myself. 

I needed to do 13 (boy) push ups - but was only able to do 10 girl push ups (VERY happy with that because I haven't worked out in 3 yrs and 10 girl push ups is all I have EVER been able to do!)

I needed to do 30 something sit ups and I was able to do 24...I am thrilled with this, because I haven't done real sit ups since High School.  (I do crunches and now I know why...strained my neck - ugh!)

I needed to run 2 miles in 22min and some change.  I ran 1.34 miles in 22min...however, like I said - I can run for 22min Yay!!!  I also figured out that my son can hang out with me while I run - so I can put my eliptical back into my day - double Yay!!!

I could be disappointed, but I am NOT!  I am glad I did it nad when I see our US troops around I will have even MORE respect for them...they can't fail and they don't!!

Thank-you military for all that you do!!!  We couldn't do it without you and need to remember that more often!

PT Test Today!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, My hubby almost maxed his PT test!!!!!!!!!  Whooo hooo - you go lean mean fighting machine!  He ran his 2 miles in 15min!!!  He had 19min!  He did tons of push ups and sit ups...I can't remember the numbers.  He maxed the sit ups and was within 4 push ups of maxing the push ups - he ROCKs!!!

My sister has been training hard!!!  She can do al the sit ups and passed the run several days ago.  Like me she is still owrking on the push ups (although she can do LOTS more than me).  I am gonna check in with her in a little while to see how she did (or when she is gonna take the PT test. 

I am going to take mine during my son's nap.  It figures that today is a SUPER busy day!  I actually have 3 appts today.  Isn't that just the way - either feast or famine!

Low Cal Yummy Dinner!!! Turkey Enchiladas

I have to share this recipe...

1/2 med onion chopped
2 oz cream cheese
1/2 tbs water
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
6 flour tortillas (I like the whole grain wheat ones)
1/2 can condensed cream chicken soup (undiluted)
4 oz sour cream
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tbsp canned green chilies (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp dried cilantro (or 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro)

.5  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1.  In a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onions over a medium heat until tender; set aside
2.  In a large bowl stir the cream cheese, water, cumin, pepper and salt until smooth. Add the onion and turkey
3.  Spoon 1/3 cup of turnkey mixture down the center of the tortillas, roll and place seam side down in a cooking spray coated 8x8 casserole dish
4.  Combine sour cream, soup, milk and chilies in a bowl and stir; pour mixture over enchiladas; sprinkle with dried cilantro (if using fresh add cilantro just before serving)
5.  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40min. 
6.  Uncover and sprinkle with cheddar cheese; cook for 5 more min or until cheese is melted - sprinkle with cilantro

Nutrition Facts:  1 enchilada equals 300 calories, 14 g fat (you can reduce this to 10g if you use all low fat or fat free dairy products), 20g carbs, 1g fiber, 22g protein

It comes out cheesy and delicious!!!  Enjoy!

Sorry KJ - this has too much dairy for your family - but maybe they won't notice???

Support Our Troops!

OK everyone...the PT test is on May 19...(there is NO way I am gonna make that, but I am going to give it the old college try). 

My sister, her husband and their son have expressed an interest in doing this with me - yay!!!  (Misery LOVES company : D

I tried yesterday and I can do 0 (zero) push-ups (I can do 4 girl style push ups on my kneew), 10 sit ups and I can run a mile in 14min...ugh.  My total score is 31 - It needs to be 180 to pass.  : /

Today...still 0 push ups, 10 sit ups and I'll get back to you on my run...this is gonna take some time - I'll keep ya posted!

Lets Support Our Troops and Take a Physical Training (PT) Test...

Yeah, I am serious...lets support out troops and take an Army PT test. 

I am a 38yr old female, my screening weight is 163lbs - good there I weigh about 135lbs.  It looks like I can have up to 34% body fat  - good there too...I think (according to my scale), I am about 30% body fat.

In order to pass a PT test I have to do 13 push ups, 38 sit ups and run 2miles in 22min and 42sec.  This will be a problem!

I can't even do one push up, I can only do 10 sit ups and I have NO idea how long it would take me to run 2miles, but I am thinking probably at least 30min...ugh!!!  Guess I am gonna have to train!  I want to try to take this PT test in 2 weeks - right?  Don't think it is possible...let's see how long it takes to get in shape for an Army PT test!

Who's with me? 

Super Duper Funky Frustration!

I probably shouldn't even blog today...I am in a funk!  I started a business this year and it is taking FOREVER to get it going!  I knew it would, but I am getting impatient these days.  It doesn't help that today is a work day and my little one has pink eye...so no working today.  I just can't run that big machine while he is around.  He is fascinated by it and I KNOW he won't leave it alone and I can't risk him getting hurt.  Also, I have a hard time splitting my attention between the two.  It is just easier not to work when he is home. 

Actually, this is exactly why I started my own business, because I would have to call into work when he is sick etc...I wanted to be here for him, but today - I am just plain frustrated with it - I want to work!

It doesn't help that I have spend hours and hours on my website and it is all jacked up...I am getting hits, but no business.  I want to get clients slowly - so I am not really ready to advertise, but I think I am not going to have a choice...the people stumbling onto my site are not contacting me...  I probably should talk to some of my friends who longarm quilt how long it took their business to take off.  I know I won't make a lot of money and I know I won't make money right away...it is just that patience is not my strong suit!

OK - enough of that...more when I am in a better mood : /

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Check out this link if you are interested in where this info came from:  http://www.biography.com/st-patrick/st-patrick.jsp

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most recognizable figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains something of a mystery.It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents, either toward the end of the fourth century or the beginning of the fifth. Although his father was a Christian deacon, there is no evidence that Patrick was particularly religious. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years as a slave in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian.


After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, God’s voice spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo to the Irish coast.On his return to his family in Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission: to minister to the few Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.

Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish, and used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. There is also the legend that he drove the snake from Ireland, although scientists are now certain that there never were snakes on the island; some scholars have argued that the snakes were symbolic of Druids.

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th is believed to be the date of Patrick’s death, although there is some doubt, most recent evidence points to 493 AD as the year. Patrick’s spectacular success in converting Ireland from a pagan to a Christian land, as well as the body of legend that developed around his work have ensured that he is commemorated in Ireland and wherever Irish immigrants have settled throughout the world—from Boston to Singapore.

Respect/Revere/Empathize with Your Elders!

Lately, I got to thinking about how we treat our elders. You think about it…how do you treat your elders? I remember when my Granny moved in with us when I was still in High School. I remember not really understanding what she was talking about, but just smiling and nodding to make her feel like I was listening and that she was still a viable part of society. I also remember her telling me stories about her young life. She would regale me with stories of barn raisings, riding mules across the river and taking a ride on a buckboard into Nashville, TN – which was several hours from her home in the hills and hollers. How could I completely disregard the fact that she lived all of that…she was a mother, a farmers wife, a quilter, an Avon representative and who knows what else…She lived through the Great Depression, but when she talked to me – I thought I was superior. I was also none too respectful to my father at times either…many regrets there, but regrets are a waste of time.


Now that I am a mother…am I going to teach my son to smile and nod or to respect his elders? The definition of “respect” according to Webster is: “2. an act of giving particular attention: consideration 3.a. high or special regard: esteem b. the quality or state of being esteemed. I remember being “told” to respect my elders, but I don’t remember being taught or was I? According to that definition it could be the same thing right? Maybe we need a new word… How about “revere: to show deferential devoted honor to: regard as worthy of great honor”.

In my parents’ day, what they taught us as “respect” was actually self preservation. I don’t know how it is in other families, but my Grandparents could be pretty scary! You really didn’t want to run a foul of their good side on purpose, let alone on accident. Therefore, we were constantly vigilant not to do or say the wrong then and incur their wrath. However, it was their home and it was their rules and I learned how to “go along” to “get along”.

I think the reason that I am realizing the difference now is because my parents can now be considered “elders”. My Mother is the Matriarch of her family and my Father is the Patriarch of his side of the family. They now have many grandkids of their own. I do not see them as “elderly”, I think because I knew them when they were young…however, my son will always see my parents as “elderly” and how do I get him to treat them with respect as well as regard them with respect?

This leads me to my next topic, empathy. The definition of empathy is: “2. the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to; and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts and experience of another either past or present without having the feelings, thoughts and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner”. I think in order to respect our elders, we must first master the art of empathy. While I do not believe that we are only the sum of our thoughts, emotions and experiences – they shape us tremendously and are a big clue into who we are, how we think and what we do.

I think that in order to really respect your elders, you must first empathize by listening more than you talk, listening to their experiences… were they in a war; where are they from; what was their childhood like? How do they feel about politics; new gadgets/technology; their lives now; how things have changed in their lifetimes? If you know these things, then it will be much easier to “respect your elders” when they go off on a tirade about the mud on their heirloom Persian rug that was handed down from generation to generation, when all you see is a worn out, threadbare, faded rug that you couldn’t possibly hurt with a little mud… In my mind, respect in this situation would be to apologize profusely and vow to never do it again, while helping to clean it up in earnest. However, empathy would have NEVER let you get mud on the rug in the first place!

Still not sure how to teach my son these lessons, but plan to try my darnedest!

The Perfect Day...

My little one woke up wayyy too early, but his pull up was dry and we went back to bed for a half hour or so...

I made banana bread, which my little one LOVES and he was patient while it finished baking (no small feat for him : )

Then, we had no where to be and no time to be there...I LOVE those days sometimes!  We had a leisurely breakfast during which he ate his Eggo and his blueberries with his fork - yay!

He drew circles on his chalk board and practiced putting on his shoes himself!

Next, he watched some TV while I talked to my Mommy on the phone.  When it was time for lunch he ate almost ALL of his lunch - yay!

Then, we watched Team Umi Zoomi on the computer.  We did some counting and lots of dancing.

Naptime went well...brushed those teeth and went down hard after reading "Fox in Sox" by Dr Suess.  He slept for over 2hrs and woke up sleepy - so we snuggled on the couch while he woke up enough to have a snack.

After snacktime, he painted dinosaurs with watercolors and then asked me - "Mommy can I play with play-doh please?"  Whooo hooo - he asked me nice!  Of course we can play play-doh!

He cleaned up his paining mess himself with a papertowel and did a good job of it.  Then, he cleared his own plate/cup from snack and put it on the counter.

Time to think of what to have for dinner...it is pork night and we have Sausage Minestrone in the freezer ready to eat - I'll make a little rice and away we go!  So, not much to do there - more playing. 

Of course, I have to be honest...along with all the above great stuff, we had several corrections for yelling at Mommy, pooping in our pants, play-doh on the wall, jumping off the couch etc.  However, we had a GREAT day overall and I LOVE those days - don't you?

No Yeast Bread Recipes!

Hey ya'll, here are some recipes for yummy breads for those of us who are yeast bread challenged.  (My secret to yeast breads is a candy thermometer - the water has to be between 120 and 130 degrees F.)  However the below breads no worries about yeast at ALL!

Irish Soda Bread (Note: Clint calls this “crack bread” he is addicted to it -:)


Ingredients:
3 tbsp margarine
1 tsp baking powder
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
¾ cup whole milk
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup raisins (optional-I don’t like them in there)
1 tsp baking soda

1. Heat oven to 375degrees F. Grease cookie sheet
2. Cut the butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder & salt in large bowl using pastry blender (I used a wooden spatula until I got a pastry blender) until fine crumbs.
3. Stir in milk until dough leaves the side of the bowl.
4. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; knead 1 -2 min or until smooth.
5. Shape into round loaf about 6 ½ inches in diameter; place loaf on cookie sheet and cut an X into the top with a floured knife.
6. Bake 35 – 45 min until golden brown; brush with butter if desired (I never do that, but it is probably good).

Quick Rolls

Ingredients:
2 ¼ biscuit mix, divided
½ cup butter, melted
1 (8oz) carton sour cream

1. Combine 2 cups of biscuit mix, sour cream, and butter, stirring well.
2. Sprinkle remaining biscuit mix on a flat surface.
3. Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls into biscuit mix and roll into 36 balls place 3 balls into each of 12 greased muffin cups (you can also make them one ball per mini-muffin cup).
4. Bake at 350degrees for 15 – 20 min. or until golden brown.

Makes 12 regular size rolls and 36 mini rolls. Rolls can be made ahead, stored in freezer ziplock bags and frozen for later use.

Lemon Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
5 tbsp. butter
Grated lemon peel and juice of 1 lemon for glaze
2 eggs
½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup milk
1 ½ cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs, add milk and mix well
3. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Stir in lemon peel and nuts
5. Pour into greased loaf pan
6. Bake for 1 hour.

Glaze: Mix together lemon juice and ½ cup sugar; spoon over hot bread when just taken from the oven.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:
3 – 4 very ripe smashed bananas
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg beaten
1 ½ cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl.
3. In separate med/small bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients and stir until saturated.
5. Pour into 4x8 loaf pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour, cool on wire rack for 15min then remove from pan and slice.
7. Refrigerate or freeze until used.

Women of a Certain Age...

Ok...so I DO NOT want to admit it, but I am a a woman of a certain age.  So, the good news about being my age is that I actually have a clue...vs. just thinking a I do - : )  The bad news is that I cannot do all the things I used to not think 2x about in the past...for instance...Liz vs. the man chair -

This is the man chair...looks harmless enough right?  Well - NO not so much.  I am starting my business and I am trying to get my room in order.  So, the above "man chair" was in my way and I needed to move it.  My Mom (who has evern more a clue than I do)...told me not to move it, but did I listen?  NooooooooOOOOO.  I moved it about 5ft across the room.

So, 20min after I moved the chair - chest pains only on my left side - didn't think anything about it until it went down my left arm.  I called "ask a nurse", who told me I probly didn't need to call 911, but should get seen by my Dr.  My Dr. doesn't have the equipment to check out my heart, so I had to go to the emergency room.  OK...I figured I would go in, they would check me out and it would be nothing...but if I didn't - I would just worry about it the rest of the day. 

Well, I answered one question wrong and they ADMITTED ME - WTH????  3 blood tests, an EKG, echo picture of my heart and a lung blood clot test later (and 31hours later) I finally got outta there!  I was FREAKED out...but mostly sure it was not going to be a heart thing...  Don't get me wrong - I am soooo glad I got it checked, but those are 31hrs that I will never get back.  However, it is impossible to measure how many hours I gained - if it had been something and I didn't go get it checked - right?

I HIGHLY recommend that you get checked out if you have chest pains of any kind, but even more than that - I recommend that "women of a certain age" just leave those stupid man chairs alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Positive Discipline (Oxymoron?)

Somehow in my mind this phrase has always seemed like an oxymoron...I remember the first time I saw it on some books in the book store.  At the time my son was only months old and not in need of discipline, so I was content to snicker and stick to my guns about spanking. 

As he got older, I found out that my son does not respond to spanking, he laughed at me when he was just younger than 2 years old.  It hasn't gotten any better, I feel like I have to hit him a lot and too hard to make a difference and then I feel like poop for it (even though I know I needed to correct that behavior).  

We have enlisted the help of "time out" on the naughty spot (a placemat that I take everywhere with me) and I think it is important to smack a hand or leg if he does something dangerous and you have to stop it ASAP (like about to touch the stove etc.). 

However, I think I need more tools in my tool box...so I googled the oxymoron "Positive Discipline"...what I found right off the bat is the website:  http://www.stophitting.com/   I do not think that I agree with all of the website, because they want legistaltion against spanking and I do not think that is a good idea - I think parents have their hands tied behind their backs enough as it is in raising their kids. 

Under the link of "Discipline at Home" I really liked what they had to say.  They give a really definition of warmth and structure...which even I had wrong in my head.  They have several exercises to discover how you are doing to meet your short term and long term goals.  There is even information that helps you discover your long term goals and define your short term goals. 
E.g. My short term goals right now are: 
-  to get him to poop in the potty
-  to get him to stop talking back
-  to get him to go pee on his own
-  to have him get dressed by himself...etc.

However my long term goals are more like:
-  for him to be honest
-  for him to be a problem solver
-  for him to be a hard worker/self starter
-  for him to be good at relationships
-  for him to be happy, healthy and well adjusted...etc.

When your son is only 3, these are not things that you think of on a daily basis.  So, it helped put things in perspective.  The website also gives ideas on specific ways that you can give your child warmth and structure, which I believe are also valid and helpful. 

What I was really looking for was a method of positive motivation...like a "gold star" chart or putting marbles in a jar for good behavior and taking them out for bad behavior etc. 

Still looking for that...write more when I figure that one out - Later!

Am I Worthy?

So, I am starting my own business...I have my EIN number, but haven't bought any machinery, taken in any work or made any money yet...but I am having my house cleaned...

I am trying so hard to come to terms with it...I feel lazy/spoiled/ecstatic/thrilled/distressed, but de-stressed...I broke my toe, so that makes it easier to justify...but then, why do I have to justify it? 

The crazy thing is in my younger years, I used to clean houses - I even had my own business for a while (although I never made any money) back in the day...so of all people why should I enjoy it???


I am no spring chicken...I have paid my dues, I made tough decisions and stuck to them, I have worked my butt off since I was 16yrs old (and before that at my house) - if I have the money and want to get my house cleaned shouldn't I get to without feeling like pooh about it?

I say NO to feeling bad about it...I am going to embrace it!  I am putting money back into the economy and providing jobs right?  I would rather spend my time cooking healthy food for my family, raising my son to be a productive member of society and being creative with quilting and writing...

I say YES to feeling much better about my house being cleaned even if I didn't do it...Whoooo hooo!!!

Roast Chuck in a Foil Bag

Yummy!!!   I am not sure if I put this recipe in here or not, but I am not going through 88 posts to figure it out : /

You get a 2 - 4lb hunk of Chuck Roast and Roast it!  Sorry no pics, but ran outta time last night...

2 - 4lb hunk of Chuck Roast                            1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 medium onion, chopped                                1 tsp paprika                                                  
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted        1 tsp garlic salt                                                
1 foil oven bag                                                 1 tsp rosemary powder                                   
3/4 cup red cooking wine                                 1 tsp basil

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Chop onion and put in bottom of the bag
3.  Mix rosemary, garlic salt, basil and paprika well in a bowl and rub all over the chuck roast
4.  Put roast in the bag
5.  Spoon soup on top of the chuck roast
6.  Pour wine around the roast in the bag
7.  Twist bag shut at the top and poke small hole in to vent
8.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hr per lb or until meat thermometer reads 170degrees.  (When I did this...it took an extra 20min to get to 170 degrees, which is well and the way I like it).

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Broke My Toe!

Ugh!  You never realize how much you use your toes until you break one!  I was moving really fast the other day and caught a chair between my second and third toe...hurt like (you know what) and 3hrs at the emergency room later...it is fractured.  Luckily the Tylenol works really well.  It only hurts when I am on it for too long or if I move wrong (usually stupid movements that you wouldn't think would hurt) it is excruciating. 

I am blogging trying to keep busy and off my toe.  I knew it was broken from the second I did it and took my sock off.  My third toe was kinda hanging off to the side a little (which you really didn't notice unless you looked at my other foot).  It started to swell instantly and within 30min it was all black and blue.

Now, I have to go see a podiatrist to make sure that it is healing ok...it was the craziest thing.  Instead of taping the toe that I broke...they taped the two on the right together (my 4th toe and my pinky toe).  I know it was the right thing to do, because it feels soooo much better with them taped. 

Well, I will probably be bloggin' more now...I can't sew, can hardly drive and need to sit down and elevate it - ugh so boring!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's for Dinner? Italian Sausage Soup!

Thanks to Paula Dean (with some adjustments) - Italian Sausage Soup

2 cups egg noodles (dry)
1 tsp of butter/margarine
1 lb of italian sausage (I like sweet)
1 10oz jar of spaghetti sauce
32oz chicken broth with no msg
1 can of zuccinni in tomato/garlic sauce (Del Monte makes it - LOVE it!)
1 red bell pepper
1 onion chopped
2 carrots sliced thin
3 cloves minced garlic (I use the stuff in the jar so for that about 3 tsp
1 tsp oregano

1.  Cook sausage, onion, carrot, pepper and garlie in dutch oven on med heat until sausage is brown and crumbly (approx 20min) - Drain well
2.  Cook egg noodles according to package, drain and add 1 tsp of butter to keep  from stickin.
3.  Add  chicken broth and spaghetti sauce heat to boiling and simmer for 5 minutes
4.  Add oregano and can of zuccini heat until warm.
5.  Put noodles in bottom of the bown and ladle soup over top and serve.

Yummy hearty soup for these cold days!