Time flies...

Well, happy over the hump day!  Here I am thinking I was a day behind when I realized that it is actually Wednesday and I am 2 days behind.  Duh!  That's what happens when you combine a holiday week and a blonde.  Oh well, time to catch up. 

For Monday's Meal idea's I have 2.  One is chicken for kids and the other is a yummy sounding, albeit a bit involved grilled chicken recipe involving some dry vermouth.

This one for the kids comes from Kraft foods.

Mozza-Chicken Strips

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

3/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3x1-inch strips
1 pouch Shake'N Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix
1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Kraft Ranch Dressing

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Coat chicken strips with coating mix as directed on package.

PLACE in single layer on foil-covered baking sheet.

BAKE 20 min.; sprinkle with cheese. Continue baking 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Serve with the dressing for dipping.

This grilled chicken recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens.

Grilled Spring Equinox Chicken Salad

Prep: 45 min.
Marinate: 30 min.
Grill: 12 min.

Ingredients
1/2   bunch fresh cilantro (2 cups packed)
3  tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
1  tablespoon lime juice
1   tablespoon ground cumin
1  tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1  tablespoon crushed garlic
1/4   teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4  teaspoon salt
1/2  cup dry vermouth
6  skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1  cup brown basmati rice
1  medium red sweet pepper
1  medium green sweet pepper
1  medium yellow or orange sweet pepper
4  cups spinach, cleaned, stemmed, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1  15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2  cup whole kernel corn, cooked and drained
1/2  cup fat-free dairy sour cream
2  teaspoons fat-free milk
4   green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)

Directions
1. For Spring Equinox Sauce, combine cilantro, oil, lime juice, cumin, ginger, garlic, red pepper, and salt in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until nearly smooth.
2. For marinade, combine vermouth and 3 tablespoons of the sauce in a medium bowl. Place chicken in bowl, turn to coat chicken. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions; set aside. Seed and quarter the sweet peppers; set aside. Prepare charcoal or gas grill for medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade; reserve marinade. Cook chicken on the rack of the uncovered grill directly over heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, brushing once with reserved marinade halfway through grilling time. Discard remaining marinade. Lightly brush peppers with 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil. Place peppers on the grill rack next to the chicken and grill for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Remove peppers and chicken from grill as each are done, and transfer to a cutting board. Slice the peppers and chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips.
4. To serve, mound 1/2 cup cooked rice in the center of each of six dinner plates. Surround rice with some spinach. Divide grilled chicken, peppers, pinto beans, and corn among the plates. Combine remaining Spring Equinox Sauce, sour cream, and milk in a small bowl; drizzle some of the mixture over each salad. Sprinkle each salad with green onions. Makes 6 servings.
Food exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.

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Now, for what should have been yesterday's entry...

                         

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, let me know.

 

Fading of dark clothing: Turn dark clothes inside out and wash in the coolest water possible; dry on lowest heat. For all black clothes, throw in a box of black Rit® dye every 8-10 washes or so to keep black clothes black.

 

For Monday's Actually, I'm not sure how I feel about doing the Rit dye in your washer.  I'm sure it works really well on keeping your blacks good and black.  However, if you do it, be sure you clean the tub of your washing machine really well.  Otherwise your whites might start looking really gray.

 

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On Monday Ray was sitting at the patio table outside reading the newspaper.  I decided that since it was getting so hot, 93 on Sunday, that it was time to set the pool up.  The "pool" is about 6 feet round and about 2 1/2 feet high.  Rylie wasn't too crazy about it last year, but I sure loved it, lol. 

 

So I spent the morning cleaning the garage (okay, okay, so it's not really a garage.  It is an 8x10 foot metal shed.)...so I cleaned the garage and got the pool out.  Ray helped me move some of the bigger stuff, we threw some junk out, and everything is nice (well, better) organized now.

 

Then we pumped up the pool and began to fill it.  Later on, as the pool was still filling up, I was cleaning out the coolers we use for camping and Rylie was playing in the yard right behind me.  I turned around to check on her and what do you think I saw?

 

Yep, this little white bum climbing over the side of the pool and getting in.  There her diaper was sitting on the driveway right next to the pool.  I should have yelled at her for getting in without an adult, but I was laughing too hard.  I don't think she remembered that last year we wore swimsuits.  It just looked like a big bath to her.  Although with it being filled from the spigot, I'm sure it didn't feel like a bath, lol.

 

I asked her, "Is it cold?"  Shaking her head no and then yes, she said "cooooal".  It was freaking freezing!  And she actually wanted to stay in there and play!  LOL 

 

So yesterday we went outside to check out the garden and sit at the patio table and she did the same thing.  She reached down and open the tabs on her diaper and took off for the pool.  I had to stop her quick though when I saw the little surprise inside...lol.  Isn't there a commercial that says that?  "the surprise inside"....lol, I hope they don't have the same surprise.

 

Well, have a great Wednesday.  Friday is just two days away! 

 

Hugs & love,

Happy Memorial Day!

                           

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today, and that the end of this beautiful long weekend finds everyone safe.  If your traveling back from a trip, be careful!

                                                

Congratulations to my man Kasey for winning the Coca-cola 500!  Way to go darlin'.   I wish I could adopt Kasey Kahne...(sigh) I would take excellent care of that boy.  LOL

Hugs & love,

RE: My Home Remedy entry today

I've got to hurry here.  There are storms headed our way, we are under a tornado watch right now, and I want to make sure I turn off my computer.

I'm not sure where you can find clove oil.  But I am thinking that a health food store or pharmacy might carry it.  I did a little more research and found the following link (thunder rolling) which provides more information on clove and clove oil.  Click here.

Sorry I have to run before the storm hits. 

Home Remedy

                             

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks. 

Muscle Cramps

• Apply clove oil on the affected body parts.

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This is one of those little email quizes that a friend sent me.  It is called 13 people.  First, make a list of 13 people that you know.  (It is best to make your list before you read the Q & A part of the game.)

 1. Sascha

2. Samantha

 

3. Rylie Jo

 

4. Ray

 

5. Mom

 

6. David

 

7. Chris

 

8. Cathy-SIL

 

9. Tracy

 

10.  Cathy-MIL

 

11. Marge

 

12. Aimee

 

13. Dad B. 

How did you meet 10?

That is my pookies mommy.  I met her on Thanksgiving day 1997.

What would you do if you had never met 1?

I'd cry and cry.  My life, not to mention my heart, would have a huge hole in it.  My life would be entirely different.  That would be the worst thing ever.

What would you do it 1 and 6 dated?

YIKES!  That's my bestest friend ever and my son!  Ewwwww!  Oh, and I'd have to hide David to save him from the butt kicking that Chuck would give him, lol.

Have you ever seen 4 cry?

Yep. 

Would 11 & 2 make a cute couple?

Aggghhhhh!  What kind of sick game is this?!  That is another one of my friends and my little girl!  I mean Marge is a real sweetheart and Samantha is a beautiful young lady, but as a couple?  No, I would to kick someone's butt.  NO!  NO!  NO!

Is 13 colorful?

That is Ray's daddy, and yes, I think colorful is definitely a word that would describe him.  I love that grumpy ol' man.  **kisses** hun!

Do you think 12 is cute?

Cute as a button!  That is Ray's daughter.  Not only cute, but she has the most beautiful eyes.

Tell me something about number 1:

She has to most beautiful hair.  I would imagine that by now it probably grazes her knees, lol.  Oh, and she smiles the prettiest smile when she is sleeping.

How do you know 8?

I was lucky enough to have her marry Ray's brother.  She helps keep me sane when I feel myself teetering on the edge of insanity.  Or is she just helping to escort me over the edge?  LOL

Whats 7's fav. color?

Whoa, well he is 14 and what he likes seems to change constantly.  But I would say it is red.  Well, he looks very handsome in red anyway.

What would you do if 6 just confessed that they liked you:

Well, again, that is my son.  I hope he likes me...but not in the way that I think the question is implying.  That would be a problem. 

When was the last time you talked to number 2?

The other day when she called and asked me to look up the answer to an extra credit question for one of her classes.  Oops!  I probably wasn't suppose to tell anyone that, huh?

Cool fact about 10:

She managed to raise 6 hell raising boys and she isn't bald from tearing her hair out.  Oh, and she's a real sweetie too.

What does 3 do for a living?

Eats, plays and makes dirty diapers for me to change.  That's my baby girl you sillies.

Would you ever date 9?

Nope, that is Tracy.  A very good friend, which reminds me...I need to call her.  But she is very pretty, so if I were a dude, I'm sure I would like her.

Would you ever live with1?

I did and it was one of the best times of my life.  Sascha is a great room mate.

What do you think about 5?

Mom...I love her.  I think she is brave, determined and very strong. 

What is the coolest thing about 11?

She gave me a job when I needed it and we became great friends.

Have you ever dated 5?

Um, that's my mom.  NO!

Do you love number 3?

Yes, more than words can express.  That's my baby girl, a special surprise gift from God.  A true blessing.

Thanks for sending the email Sascha.  It was a cute little game to play.

Have a great day everyone! 

Hugs & love,

 

Tuesday Cleaning Tip

                       

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, let me know.

Fabric Softener: Try using an old dish towel as a fabric softener sheet. Pour a couple of capfuls of Downey on it and throw it in the dryer. It has taken over a year to go thru a bottle of (small) Downey fabric softener. Add more Downey about every 15 loads or just when you notice a little static. It helps to use a towel that is distinct from the other laundry.

Have a beautiful day.  I know I will because it is suppose to be warm and mostly sunny here.  YEA!  Which means that Rylie and I will go outside to play.  Which means Rylie will be running around and get good and tired.  Which means if we play real hard, she just might take a nap today.  Yep, it is going to be a good day!  LOL

Hugs & love,

Merriam-Websters Word of the Day

I thought it would be kind of neat to do this learn a new word thing again today.  So I went back to the online dictionary to see the word for today.  Here it is...

bricolage n. - construction achieved by using whatever comes to hand; also : something constructed in this way

Hmm, must be something like when I'm trying to hang a picture and can't find the hammer and end up using the handle of a screwdriver or whatever else will work.  Construction, hmmm...or maybe when I run out of pink eye shadow and use a little bit of blush, lol.

See ya tomorrow!

Recipe idea

Well, we are suppose to be getting some warmer weather this week.  It looks like the rain has finally moved out of the Toledo area.  Thank goodness, it was beginning to get a bit depressing here with all those gray clouds hanging around.

So in salute to warm weather how about a Carribean Chicken recipe?  This sounds different, real tropical like.  I received the recipe in my email, I hope ya'll like it.

Caribbean Chicken
Serves: 6

This sweet and spicy salad adds a bit of exotic flavor to just about any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes!

INGREDIENTS
1 pound skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained, ¼ cup juice reserved
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried ginger
1 medium banana, diced
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup uncooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large sauce pan cook rice according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet sprayed with vegetable cooking spray, sauté chicken for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in pineapple and green pepper.
3. In a small bowl combine the 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice, water, cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
4. Pour mixture into chicken mixture. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring often.
5. Fold in banana and almonds. Heat through.
6. Prepare brown rice according to package directions.
7. Serve over cooked brown rice.

 

Ya might want a nice little cocktail to drink with that.  The family was over on Saturday night and my sister-in-law brought a carton of Minute made Berry Punch juice which she mixed with Rum.  Yummy!  I am thinking for an adult type of punch make a big batch of it and add some juice ice cubes with fruit frozen in them.  Yeah, I might have to plan a party just so I can make some of that, lol. 

Well, have a great day everyone. 

Hugs & love,

Word of the day...

So there I was looking up a word on the online dictionary at Merriam-Webster.  They have this cool little box with the Word of the Day.  This is the word today:

esoteric adj. - 1) designed for or understood by a small number of people; broadly: difficult to understand 2) private, confidential

Here, let me use it in a sentence.  "Men are what I would consider to be esoteric creatures."  LOL  Oh well, I thought it was funny.  But then I am here in a house with a two year old 24-7.  I find myself to be much to easily amused.

I also find that I am talking to myself more and more.  I have some of the best conversations with me.  Heck, I don't talk back or argue with me...well, not very often anyway.   I agree with myself on most religious and political views.  I find that I can be both amusing and intelligent.   

No!  I am not ready for the funny farm.  Not yet, that is.  Although on some days I think it might not be such a bad trip to go on, lol.  I mean farms are nice, aren't they?  Cute little animals, green fields, peace and quiet. 

Hmm, I'm rambling again.  That's one thing that I hate about having a conversation with me.  I get started out on one subject and before I know it, I am all over the court talking about things that have nothing to do with anything.

Have a beautiful day! 

Hugs & love,

Art

Well how about something a little different today?  Here is a beautiful piece of art by Sandro Botticelli.  It is called "The Birth of Venus" and is in the period of The Early Renaissance.  The image I've put here is just a small glimpse of the painting.  I removed alot of it because, even though it is artwork, it might be considered offensive to some people because of some nudity.  And goodness knows I don't want to be yelled at by AOL.

To see the entire image click the link...The Birth of Venus.  When the page comes up, click on the small image of the picture and that will take you to a larger image to view.

To learn more about Sandro Botticelli and his art click the link...Sandro Botticelli.

Another artist that I really enjoy is one that I found by accident online.  Her name is Stephanie Pui-Mun Law.  She does a lot of fantasy type of art.  Most of it is done in watercolor (I love watercolors).  The fairies and Angels are absolutely beautiful.

She provides some banners for links so I am going to include one here.  I hope ya'll go check her out.  It is definately worth the visit, especially if you like fantasy art.

 

   

Well, I am certainly no art critic or student of art, so I won't pretend to analyze or talk about it a bunch.  But I had fun going and checking out art by various artists today.  Perhaps I've found another weekly subject, lol.  Or perhaps one day soon Sascha will send me some pictures of her art and I can post it on here.  (Hint,hint Sascha.  LOL)

I hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend.  Take care.

Hugs & love,

                        

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks. 

Mucus in Cough

• Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1/2 tsp. each of ginger, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Filter. Sweeten with 1 tsp. honey and drink.

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And a graphic I made of our Rylie Jo...

 

Yeah, she looks like an angel, doesn't she?  The edges where I cut the original picture are a bit rough.  I'll have to work on doing that better.

Have a terrific day! 

Hugs & love,

                              

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, let me know.

  Down Comforters / Jackets:   These can, indeed, be washed rather than dry cleaned. Any stains, such as the grime on the cuffs of a jacket, should be spot-cleaned with a pre-treater, then rinsed with water. Wash the item in the gentle cycle with mild detergent. The key is to ensure the down is rinsed extremely well. Then, place in the dryer rather than line drying. This allows the feathers to plump up again. Place large knotted towels or tennis balls in the dryer with it to help fluff the down. The only caution is, if the item has weak seams or fragile fabric it could "explode" and leave you with only down. If there are stains remaining, place it (on a blanket) outdoors in full sunshine for a day or two. This often helps. If not, at least your comforter will have that outdoor fresh smell.

Have a nice day.

Hugs & love,

*Well I got to thinking about this exploding down thing and this is what I came up with.  Let it line dry until it is mostly dry, and then put it in the dryer with a knotted towel or tennis balls to fluff the down. 

 

 

Meal Idea

Well, I looked around and looked around for something that sounded good for a meal.  Then I thought, "well, I've got some pork chops in there.  What could I do with those?"  Then I went and found this recipe.  Sounds simple and good.  I hope ya'll like it.

Creamy Potato Pork Chop Bake

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 pork chops
1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 24 ounce package frozen hashbrown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups canned French fried onions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add pork chops and saute until browned. Remove from skillet and drain on paper toweling. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F/175C. In a medium bowl mix together soup, milk, sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 cup onions. Mix together and spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Arrange pork chops over potato mixture. Cover dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160F/70C. Remove cover; top with remaining cheese and onions and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Now you've got the meat and potatoes.  Just serve it with some veggies, bread and butter and your all set to go.  For dessert I found this recipe for something called Ambrosia Pie.  I don't care for Ambrosia, but I know lots of people really like it, so I decided to put it here for the dessert. 

Ambrosia Pie

1 7 ounce package flaked coconut, toasted
1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 14 ounce can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, NOT evaporated milk
1/3 cup ReaLemon Lemon Juice from Concentrate
1 17 ounce can fruit cocktail, well drained
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
1 4 ounce container frozen non dairy whipped topping, thawed
additional fruit, optional

Combine coconut and margarine. Reserving 2 tablespoons coconut mixture, press remainder firmly on bottom and up side to rim of 9 inch pie plate. Chill. In large bowl, combine Eagle Brand, ReaLemon,fruit cocktail, almonds and cherries; mix well. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into prepared crust. Garnish with reserved coconut and additional fruit if desired. Chill 4 hours or until set. Refrigerate leftovers.

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Ray took Aimee, Rylie and I out for breakfast yesterday.  Rylie was a pistol, as usual.  We couldn't get her to sit much longer than 10 minutes at a time.  She barely ate a thing, thank goodness it was a buffet and we didn't have to pay for her.  There were 2 babies under the age of 1 sitting at tables near us.  She was all smiles and up in their little faces.  I could see that she just wanted to get them out of their highchairs and play with them.

Aimee left the table after we were there for a short time to go use the restroom.  Of course, little miss antsy pants had to tag along with her.  When she came back to the table Rylie was carrying a bouquet of flowers and a card.  Aimee had a balloon and another card.  I had a lovely time and was quite surprised by the balloon, flowers and cards.

Later in the day, David picked me up and took me to dinner at Max & Erma's in Perrysburg.  His girlfriend (also named Jill) and her mother met us there.  I was a bit relieved when there was no engagement anouncement, lol.  He's too young and still undecided as to where to go as far as a career.  She is a very nice young girl though, and her mother is nice too.

Samantha was out of town with a friend, but she did call and tell me happy mothers day.  That is about all, other than that I just rested and relaxed.  It was nice day.

Have a good Monday, and I'll see ya'll tomorrow.

Hugs & love,

Happy Mothers Day!

               

I hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with happiness and love.  I want to wish lots of extra love and happiness to my own MYm and Ray's MYm.

One would think I would try to take advantage of this day myself.  However, I woke up at 6:30am and couldn't get back to sleep.  Ray said he is going to take me out to breakfast this morning.  YEA!  I don't have to cook or cleanup. 

Then my oldest, David Y, is going to take me out for lunch.  YEA!  Again I won't have to cook or cleanup.  Two meals that I will be treated to where I don't have to do a thing.  What a wonderful day.

Have a great day! 

Hugs & love,

Thursday Home Remedy...finally

Wow, what a day.  I did get on here this morning to do my usual Thursday Home Remedy tip.  However, the phone rang, I chatted.  I took a shower, the phone rang again.  The phone rang a few more times.  The baby woke up, her bed was soaked...sigh...again, lol.  The phone rang.  I helped Aimee and Chels with these tee-shirts that I designed on the computer.  (They are having this Summer Kick-off Extravaganza party this week-end.  I'll have to try to get a pic of Aimee in her tee.)  The phone rang.  I had to go get more printer ink and go to the grocery store.  I made a big batch of potato salad for the girls party.

And now here I finally am ready to post my...                                 (like my new tag?)

Mosquito Bites:   Apply lime juice diluted with water on bites with cotton ball.

Hey, them little boogers can really leave a nasty welt sometimes.  I'll try anything once to see if it works.  We haven't seen any skeeters yet, but when they show up I'll give it a try.

Well, have a great evening.  Tomorrow is Friday...YEA!  I wonder if I could get the old man to go out on a date this weekend.  I'd really like to go shoot some pool like we used to do.  We'll see.

Hugs & love,

Tuesday Tips and whatnot

                 

Deodorant Stains on the Underarms of Washable Shirts: Sponge on white vinegar (or soak stain in it); wait 30 minutes. Launder shirts in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Using an enzyme detergent or a detergent with bleach alternative check care labels to be sure this is okay). I sometimes put liquid laundry detergent right on the area, leave it for five to ten minutes, then wash. To prevent: Let deodorant dry before dressing. And don't let stains sit! Apply pre-wash spray or liquid detergent ASAP, then launder. Every third or fourth washing, use the hottest water safe for the shirts.

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I need to get to the store.  I need printer paper, printer ink, and new batteries for my camera.  I hate buying ink for the printer, it is so expensive!  Hopefully we will have a little extra this week so I can buy the stuff.

Rylie has been an abundance of laughs for us this week.  The other day she and her daddy were lying on the floor watching tv.  She stood up and started to walk away, so daddy said "well, if your going, I'm going to get up too".  She turned around held up her finger and waved it back and forth as she said "uhn-uhhhhh". 

Now that is favorite thing to do and say.  It is too cute, little miss attitude standing there waggling her finger at you saying "uhn-uhhhhh".  I have to try to get a picture of her.  Umm, when I get the camera batteries.

Oh, this is a good one.  I taught her how to give wet willy's, lol.  Ya know...when you wet your finger and stick it in someone's ear.  LOL, daddy didn't know I showed her that till he was sitting there one night with him saying eyes and she points, nose and she points to his nose, etc.  Until he said ear, then she pointed to his ear.  The next thing he knows she wet her finger and stuck it in his ear.  LMAO!

Oh, and she doesn't just lightly dampen her finger.  No, she thinks it is necessary to spit all over her finger.  I mean her little finger has spit dripping off it when she gets ready.  LOL

Now talk about really weird.  Yesterday she sat there and gave herself wet willy's, over and over again.  We were laughing so hard at her, and she was laughing at us.  It was too funny.

Have a wonderful day!

A few things today

Okay before we get to the usual stuff I want to pass this information along to everyone.  This came in an email from Angel at Angels Artistic Expressions.  It is a link to Make the Connection where you can get a FREE bracelet kit to show your support for cervical cancer.  Please  go here Order a FREE Bracelet Kit to order yours today.

After Samantha was born I had a suspicious pap smear.  The doctor told me that if they had not caught it at that time it would have gone on to become full blown cancer in a very short time.  They removed part of my cervix and the "bad" cells.  After that I had another suspicious smear the very next year.  Again they removed more of my cervix.  Since then I have not had any problems. 

I want to remind everyone that a yearly pap smear is very important.  Make sure you get one, or that the women you love (mother, sister, etc) gets one.  My wishes for a healthy life go out to you all. 

Please forward the information about the link for the Free Bracelet onto everyone you know.  Thanks!

Now, lets get to our Monday recipe of the day.  Today it is for a Tex-Mex pasta.  Mmmm. 

Tex-Mex Pasta

Prep Time: 25 min  
Makes: 6 servings  Nutrition Information

Salsa and sausage kick up the heat in this pasta toss.
 
 8 oz. uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
 1 lb. bulk Italian turkey sausage
 1 medium onion, chopped
 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
 1 small zucchini, chopped
 2 cups Green Giant® Niblets® Frozen Corn
 1 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky Salsa
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
6 oz. (1 1/2 cups) reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1.   Cook penne as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm.
2.   Meanwhile, spray nonstick wok or large skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add sausage; cook 5 minutes or until no longer pink and thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.
3.   Add onion, bell pepper, zucchini, corn, salsa, tomatoes and oregano; mix well. Bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4.   Reserve 1/2 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Add remaining 1 cup cheese and cilantro to mixture in wok; mix well. Add cooked penne; toss to mix. Spoon mixture onto serving platter. Garnish with reserved cheese and cilantro. 
 

I was tagged by Rocketpopgirl.  I hate tagging people...especially since I think I have done this one, or one very similar to it before and I don't want to tag the same people again.  So if ya wanna play the game here ya go.  Let me know if ya do so I can go read how weird ya'll are, lol.

Five weird things about ME:  

1. I sleep with a 2 foot tall stuffed rabbit named Fred.  He is like my huggy pillow and I can NOT sleep without him.  He has even gone on vacation to Florida. 

2. I have a slight OCD thing with numbers.  For example, if I tap my finger I have to do it in a sequence of 4 times, then 3 times, then 2 times, then once.  This started when I was a child and with floral wallpaper, when I went into this one room I had to touch this one spot on the wallpaper 3 times with my left hand, then my right hand.

3. I HAVE to have a blanket on me when I am sleeping.  Even if it is hot as blazes, I still need to have a blanket covering me up or I cannot sleep.

4. I am a doormat.  I let people mistreat me all the time.  However, if you attack or mistreat someone I love, forget all about nice, quiet Jill.  I may let people walk all over me, but I will NOT let anyone mistreat the people that I love. 

5. I hate coffee!  Yuck, it's like nasty, dirty water.  So in the morning if I need that caffeine kick to get going I will drink a diet cola.

Have a great week everyone! 

Hugs and love,

Some cool cleaning methods

I just got another newsletter from the SCJohnson company.  They sent me a link for some new uses for items like bread to remove scuff marks, used tea leafs to fertilize plants, etc.  Ya'll should really check it out...Click here.

Ray is working today.  Rylie and I have just been hanging out.  I wish she would take a nap...Mommy wants to go and play a game.  I can't do that when she is awake, the Lord only knows what that sweet little angel will get into or tear apart if I am on the computer too long.  Speaking of which, it is too quiet, lol.  See ya later.

Look who's talking now...

Well, Rylie is still not grabbing a hold of the English language and running with it.  Every now and then Ray and I talk about it, we worry a bit, but not too much.  The fact of the matter is that she gets everything she wants without having to utter one word.  She points and grunts and people jump for her.  Hey, the kid isn't stupid, it works, why should she change anything?  LOL

Let's see she does have a bit of a vocabulary.  She can say...

DADDY (which sounds more like Da-eee)

JILL-that would be me...she heard everyone over the Thanksgiving and Christmas season calling me that and picked it up.  If I had known, I would have made everyone call me Mommy.  (it sounds like Gee-Ohl),

She used to call all her sisters Baub.  I don't know where that came from.  Now she calls Aimee either AYE or EEE, kind of whatever suits her mood at the moment and she thinks Aimee will respond to.

HI

BYE

NIGHT-NIGHT (nigh-nigh)

DISNEY-as in the Disney Channel (Nee)  When she wants me to change the channel she points to the TV and say's "Nee".  Thanks Disney for putting those dang Mouse ears on the bottom of the screen.  I can't even fool her and put it on PBS because she knows if those ears aren't on the screen it isn't Disney.

DOG (daw)  She also barks, which sometimes includes her getting on the floor and crawling around on all fours, lol.

KITTY (Ki-eee)  And she meows.  The other day she saw a kitty and I told her that kittys say meoow meoow.  Which she did too.  Later that day I pointed to a little glass figurine and said that's a kitty at which point she began to meow.  She's brilliant, don't ya think?  LOL

Oh and she definately has mastered the use of the words ME and MINE.  Yep, she's got those down real good.  Now I just have to teach her that just because she say's "mine", doesn't make it so, lol.

Well, have a great Saturday everyone!  I can't believe it's almost 9AM, I got to actually read a few journals and make a whole journal entry before Rylie Jo woke up.  Weeeee!  It's going to be a fantabulous day! 

Hugs and love,        

Thursday Home Remedy

                      

Morning Sickness Mix 1 tsp. each fresh juice of mint and lime, and 1 Tbls. honey. Take 3 times a day.

Me?  I just kept them saltine crackers next to my bed and carried them in my purse.  Then there was the 2-3 months period of time where the only thing I seemed to be able to keep down was tortilla chips.  Not a good thing when your suppose to lower your sodium intake.

Speaking of morning sickness and pregnancy...what where your cravings?  Mine was mild peppers.  Preferably Aunt Jane's brand of mild peppers...yummy!

I could buy a jar in the early afternoon and they would be gone that evening.  Oh, but I didn't throw the jar away.  Nope, I kept the juice and the next day your could find me sipping on the pepper juice.  Mmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking of it.  LOL, is it any wonder my legs were swollen up like stubby little trees?

Have a wonderful day!  Hugs & love, Jill Marie

                    

Burnt Stuff on Iron: Rub iron with aluminum foil to remove burnt on starch, etc.

*This is a tip I found on the internet, but I'm not sure you would want to do this if you have one of the new irons that are teflon coated.  If you have a teflon coated iron you might want to try scrubbing it, while hot, with a wet wash cloth and see if that helps. 

Have a great day everyone!  Hugs and love, Jill Marie

Another issue I think we should check out

You all might want to read about this issue. Check it out here>

You can also check out what Alyssa Milano thinks about it at her Blog. 

Have a great night!

Meal Recipe

Todays recipe was one that was sent to me in an email newsletter from Kraft.com.  This sounds like a tasty one so I decided to share it with ya'll.  Maybe on a Friday you could send the kids to Grandma's house for the night, make this recipe, some margaritas and do the tango with your honey.    ; )

Taca Salad Tostada
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 servings, 1 tostada each

 
1 pkg. (14.25 oz.) Taco Bell Home Originals Taco
Dinner Cheesy Double Decker
 
1 lb. ground beef
 
1-1/2 cups shredded lettuce
 
1 tomato, chopped
 
1-1/2 cups Kraft Shredded Cheddar Cheese
 
1/2 cup Taco Bell Home Originals Salsa
 

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Spray both sides of Tortillas with
cooking spray, then place in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake
10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.

COOK and season meat with Taco Seasoning as directed
on package.

SPREAD each tortilla with 1 Tbsp. of the Nacho Cheese Sauce;
top with meat mixture and lettuce. Crumble 1 Taco Shell over
each tostada; top with tomato, cheese and salsa.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Friday I dropped my application at a nearby mobile home park.  They have a swimming pool there and every year they hire people to work as pool monitors.  I worked there 3 years ago (the summer I got pregnant with Rylie) and I really enjoyed it.  

Whats not to enjoy?  You sit by the pool, get your tan on, make sure people sign in and that they actually live there, check the chemicals and make any adjustments, and at the end of the summer you actually got paid to get a really awesome tan, lol.  

I figure this year Rylie is old enough for me to take with me while I work there.  I just have to make sure I slather the mega SPF on her pale little body.  We went to the pool a few times last year and she really loves the water.  I can just fasten her into her stroller while I am doing checking the chemicals and whatnot.  

There are usually quite a few kids around so she will actually get a chance to develop some social skills.  The best part is that it will actually get this housewife out of the house for a few hours a day and I finally have a few dollars to spend on me, or the kids.  

With the weather around here the pools usually don't open until Memorial day, so it might be awhile until I know.  I'll let ya all know when or if I hear about my application. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
This is a copy of the horoscope I received to day from The Daily Om.

May 1, 2006
Thanking Your Tribe
Capricorn Daily Horoscope

You may feel that you can do almost anything today especially if you feel buoyed by your loved ones’ support. You may even feel like reaching out to others to acknowledge your connections and tell them how much you appreciate their support. Your loved ones will likely be happy to hear how they have contributed to all you have accomplished. Though each person has likely added something different to your life, the love, guidance, and support have all contributed to your success. This can be a good time to compose thank-you notes for individuals who have helped you or give a small token of appreciation. Your desire to acknowledge the support you’ve relied on today will ensure that it continues.

Regularly thanking your network of loved ones can help you be more successful and feel more fulfilled. Though you are responsible for setting the goals you pursue, it is the people who care for you that give you the strength and the guidance to chase those dreams. Risky ventures feel less perilous when you are secure in the knowledge that a safety net of people will always be there to catch you if you fall. Should you falter, your loved ones will encourage you. And when you do succeed, it is those who love you that celebrate your triumph at your side. Express the gratitude you feel for your loved ones today, for they will always be there to lend a hand or a word of advice.

Wow, yeah.  That sounds like a really excellent idea.  I need to take the time to sit down and write to each one of my children and let them know how much they mean to me, how much I love them, and how their love means so much to me. 

Can you imagine receiving a letter like that out of the blue?  I used to find the time to do little things like that for the people in my life, time to make them feel special and let them know how important they are to me.  I think I need to find the time to start doing that again.  Oh heck, I'll be corny..."tell someone that you love them today", lol.

Have a wonderful day.  Hugs & love!  Jill Marie