Yes, I'm still alive

Well, I know I've been neglectful of my journal when my mom writes and ask's if I'm okay because she hasn't read any new entries since last Friday, lol.  She said that reading my journal keeps her updated on the daily grind of my life.  Okay, she didn't say "daily grind", that was me, lol.  As I told her it has just seemed near impossible to get on and complete an entry. 

 

I get started on it, collect the info I want to put in, but then something else gets my attention...usually a lil' person (all of 37 inches) pulling on me to get me to go dance to the music on the Disney channel, or perhaps trying to climb up the kitchen counter, or (as she likes to do now) hitting me on the bum with her new tennis shoes.  You know the new shoes they make for kids that light up whenever they take a step?  So she will stand there smacking my bum with them, getting them to light up and just laughing her little tush off.  "Yeah Rylie, that's real funny."

 

We are also in the process of trying to get little Miss Needs an Attitude Adjustment used to the idea of going potty.  Rylie is probably the most strong willed of any of my kids and I do believe she is going to make this a real challenge for us.  Yeah, I know there are a lot of techniques out there.  Timers (got David trained in 4 days with that one), cheerios (a boy thing), treats, etc.  I just have a feeling we are going to have to pay real close attention to Rylie and maybe go with her "schedule" on this.  Meaning, wait till she feels like it.  LOL

 

Anyway, my apologies for the lack of entries this week.  Okay, okay...for not making a single entry this week.  So it is time for me to make up for that with a few recipes and whatnot. 

 

So let's start off with an oldie updated for busy mom's.  This is super easy.

 

Quick Chicken and Dumplings
Prep Time: 10 min ; Start to Finish: 30 min   
Makes: 5 servings
Serve comfort-food classic chicken 'n dumplings the easy way--just two ingredients and ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS 
2 cans (18.6 oz each) Progresso® Rich & Hearty chicken pot pie style soup 
1 can (7.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 
Chopped parsley, if desired 
1 .  In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly. 
2 .  Separate dough into 10 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Place biscuit quarters on top of hot soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes. 
3 .  Cover; simmer 8 to 10 minutes longer or until biscuits are no longer doughy. Sprinkle with parsley.

 

Now, how about a fun little recipe that the kids can do.  I like this because they can choose what they want to put in this and make it all their own.  This would also be something fun that the kids could make and give as gifts to friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. 

 

 

Tasty Trail Mix
Serves: 10
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Filling and sweet -- try this good-for-you treat!

INGREDIENTS
Pick one ingredient from each list.

DRIED FRUIT (1 cup chopped)
Raisins
Dried pineapple
Dried apple rings
Pitted prunes
Dried peaches
Dried apricots
Mixed dried fruit
Dried banana chips

CEREAL (1 cup)
Bran Chex
Wheat Chex
Rice Chex
Corn Chex
Shredded wheat
Cheerios
Kix

NUTS & SEEDS (1/2 cup)
Sunflower seeds
Mixed nuts
Peanuts
Cashews
Pecans
Walnuts

EXTRAS (Optional) (1/2 cup)
Toasted soybeans
Popcorn
Pretzels
Chocolate chips
M & M candies
Peanut butter chips
Butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS
Mix well and store in an airtight container.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 345
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 14.5 g

 

And how about a simple, and I mean it when I say simple, Divinity recipe.  My mother in law sent me the link for this.  Thanks Cathy!  The recipe comes from a site called Northpole.  It's a cool little site and if you want some fun things to do for the holiday season you should really check it out.

 

 

Easy Divinity
Makes 24

1 small box commercial white frosting mix
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound box confectioners sugar
1 cup pecan pieces

Boil water. Mix in dry frosting mix, corn syrup and vanilla in water. Beat mixture on highest mixer speed for about 5 minutes. (When ready, the mixture forms stiff peaks.) Gradually stir in sugar while mixing on low speed. Blend in pecans. Spoon the mixture by teaspoon onto a cookie tin lined with waxed paper. Allow to sit uncovered. Once the mixture feels firm to touch, turn over, cover tin and allow to stand overnight.

 

 

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I got this in an email this past week and thought it was cute and wanted to share it with ya'll. 

 

The World's Shortest Fairy tale

Once upon a time, a girl asked a guy, "Will you marry me?"  The guy said
"No."

And the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, dancing, drank
margaritas, always had a clean house, never had to cook, stayed skinny
and farted whenever she wanted.

The End.

And you thought it was difficult being single!

 

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I promised pictures of my painting in the house and finally got them uploaded, so here they are.

 

 

It is kind of hard to get a really good picture of what the color of the paint really looks like.  In the evening it looks so good, the lights casting on it give it this real warm, cozy glow.  You just wouldn't believe the difference it makes in here.  In the before pictures you can see all the old paneling that was on the walls, and where there wasn't paneling was this old 1970's style wallpaper...yuck.  So I painted all the paneling white and painted the smooth walls with the golden tan paint.  It makes the place seem so much bigger, warmer and just clean looking. 

Well, I hear the wee one moving about, I better go check.  I hope ya'll have a great weekend!  Take care.
Hugs!

I don't usually do political stuff.  My journal is mostly filled with bits of cleaning advice, household tips and recipes.  However, this past week a certain bit of news has grabbed my attention and gotten my panties in a bunch.

 

I am referring to the arrest of Duane "Dog" Chapman.  I don't make a habit of watching his show, Dog the Bounty Hunter, every week.  But I have seen it several times.  "Dog", for those of you who don't know, is the man who went down to Mexico to track down and capture Andrew Luster in 2003.

 

Luster, the Max Factor heir, fled the U.S. while he was on trial for the rape of 3 women.  Unfortunately, bounty hunting is illegal in Mexico.  So Dog Chapman, his son, Leland and a co-worker named Tim were all arrested and released on bail.

 

Apparently there was some misunderstanding about whether they needed to return to clear the matter up.  Whatever happened, I don't care.  All I know is that they helped return a repeat rapist back to the U.S. so he could be put in jail to do his time.

 

As I said, I've seen the show on A&E several times and this is what I have learned about the man.  He's gone through his own chit in his life and has made something of his life.  He appears to be a caring man with a big heart.  He is a Christian and has no problem sharing that and the hope God can offer with those he is bringing back to police custody.  He reaches out to people when they are down and tries to offer them hope.

 

Should he have gone back to Mexico and dealt with this?  Yes.  However, I do not believe that this is a matter that our country should be pursuing in matters of extradition.  As I understand (from some of the articles I've read) if a country wants to extradite a person for something that is not considered to be illegal here in the United States, then our country is not required to extradite them.

 

My question is this, who needs who more?  Do we need the assistance of Mexico or do they need us more?  How much (financially) do you think they make off the U.S. tourists?  How much do you think they make off of exports to the U.S.?  I bet we pad their piggy bank with a quite a few pennies.

 

Me?  I'm boycotting.  I won't be going down to Mexico for any vacations (well, not that I could afford to anyway) and I will not be buying anything with a "Made in Mexico" tag.  Feel the same?  Snag my graphic and post it in your journal.  Thanks for listening while I stand up on this soap box and get the ranting out of my system.

Home Remedy, soup recipe and Daily OM

                             

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.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly - even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

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

I got this recipe in my email today from Spark People.  If you haven't been to their site yet, you should really go check it out.  I get 4 emails a day from them, but I really enjoy the daily recipes they send me.  I love that it includes all the nutritional information too.  Anyway, here is another soup recipe to enjoy during the fall weather, this one is very easy too!

Cabbage Vegetable Soup
Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
1 head cabbage, shredded
1 (14.5 oz.) can green beans
1 (12 oz.) can sweet yellow corn
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans
soy ground "beef" (optional, not included in nutritional information)

DIRECTIONS
1. Place tomatoes, onion, celery, carrots, and cabbage in a pot, simmer over medium heat until tender.
2. Add canned vegetables. Heat.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 125
Fat: 0.9 g
Carbohydrates: 26.4 g
Protein: 6.4 g

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This is a copy of my Daily OM for today.  I like this and thought I would share it with ya'll.

September 21, 2006
Following The Current
Going With The Flow

The expression going with the flow is a metaphor that applies to navigating a river. When we go with the flow, we follow the current of the river rather than push against it. People who go with the flow may be interpreted as lazy or passive, but to truly go with the flow requires awareness, presence, and the ability to blend one's own energy with the prevailing energy. Going with the flow doesn't mean we toss our oars into the water and kick back in the boat, hoping for the best. Going with the flow means we let go of our individual agenda and notice the play of energy all around us. We tap into that energy and flow with it, which gets us going where we need to go a whole lot faster than resistance will.

Going with the flow doesn't mean that we don't know where we're going; it means that we are open to multiple ways of getting there. We are also open to changing our destination, clinging more to the essence of our goal than to the particulars. We acknowledge that letting go and modifying our plans is part of the process. Going with the flow means that we are aware of an energy that is larger than our small selves and we are open to working with it, not against it.

Many of us are afraid of going with the flow because we don't trust that we will get where we want to go if we do. This causes us to cling to plans that aren't working, stick to routes that are obstructed, and obsess over relationships that aren't fulfilling. When you find yourself stuck in these kinds of patterns, do yourself a favor and open to the flow of what is rather than resisting it. Trust that the big river of your life has a plan for you and let it carry you onward. Throw overboard those things that are weighing you down. Be open to revising your maps. Take a deep breath and move into the current.

Me?  My problem generally tends to be that I nearly drown from fighting the "flow" so hard or I am doing the complete opposite by sitting back and just letting the "river" take me where it will.  I really need to work on recognizing the flow around me and figuring out how it fits into my life and whether or not I want to deviate from it, or how to work it into my life.

Thanks for visiting me today.  Have a great day!
Hugs!

 

Lower you energy cost, some recipes and a cleaning tip

Pardon my absence yesterday and my failure to post the usual Tuesday cleaning tip.  I had some errands to run and just got busy and forgot all about getting online and making my post.  Actually, I did try to get on early in the morning and do it before I got too busy, but I think my computer was saying something nasty to me...or giving me the finger or something like that.  It just wouldn't do anything I wanted it to.  But today the ol' fella and I seem to be on better terms. 

So to make up for yesterdays "failure to appear" I am going to post a few things on here.  I am going to start with a repeat of an entry from last year.  These are a few tips on things you can do to lower your energy bill. 

1.  Reduce Air Leaks
You can save at least 10 percent on your energy bill by simply reducing air leaks in your home. Air can seep through door and window frames, electrical outlets, and water and furnace flues. The question is, how can you find these invisible leaks? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends this trick: Light a stick of incense next to common sources of air leaks. (Make sure it's a windy day.) If the smoke travels horizontally, you have a leak. You can seal the leak with caulking or weather stripping. Another inexpensive option that will trap air and save energy is a clear film window kit.

2.  Save Heating Costs in Unused Rooms
Shut out winter by simply closing the unused doors in your house and shutting the vents in unusedrooms, so that you limit the amount of space that requires heating.

3.  Put a Lid on Energy Loss
Your attic is to your house as your head is to your body — a significant amount of heat escapes through it. Having the proper amount of insulation in your attic is crucial in cold-weather months. If there is less than 6 to 7 inches of insulation, then you probably need more, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

4.  Enjoy the Sun Indoors
Even during winter months, the sun is still shining. Take advantage of the natural warmth of the sun's rays by leaving the curtains open or shades up during the day. Trap some of that heat and enjoy the natural sunlight indoors.

5.  Turn Down the Heat
If the heat is on but nobody's home, it's a waste of energy. Reducing the temperaturefrom 72 to 56 degrees for eight hours a day, while you're at work or even while you sleep, can help you save up to 10 percent on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can even invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers and raises the temperature for you during programmed hours. These can be found at local home improvement stores with prices ranging from approximately $35 to $100.

6.  Warm Thyself
If you're not one to turn the thermostat up past 65 degrees in winter — or maybe your spouse isn't — there are certainly plenty of ways to keep warm besides traditional heat:

Indulge in flannel pajamas and sheets. They'll trap heat better than summer cotton.
Warm your blanket before sleeping by wrapping it around a hot water bottle.
Place a hot water bottle beneath your pillow. By the time you go to bed, the pillow will be warmed for you.
 Exercise is not only great for shedding that winter weight, but it also increases blood flow and releases your natural body heat.

My mom used to hang a sheet between in the doorway, between the small room where the front door was located and the living room.  That helped keep the drafts, from the opening of the front door, from making there way into the house.  That is why, last year, I had a silly looking sheet hanging across the back hallway, where the back door is.  Rylie thought it was put up there expressly for her games of peek and boo, lol.

The following tips are from an article in the Wallstreet Journal.

Lighting

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. On average, they use 66% less energy.  (I've heard this before.  Although the initial cost of the bulbs is more than your regular light bulb, they last much longer and use so much less energy.  Very cost effective from everything I've heard.  Even if you just replace your six most used lights, you will save money)
• Keep bulbs clean. Dust can cut light output by as much as 25%.

Appliances

• Don't let a preheated oven sit empty for longer than necessary. And don't open the door to check on food. You lose 25% of the heat each time you do so.
• Use a microwave oven instead of a regular oven. You'll burn about 40% less energy.
• Keep the inside of your microwave clean. It will cook your food more efficiently.
• Use the smallest pans possible. It takes energy to heat them.
• Use lids, which help food cook faster by keeping steam inside.
• Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens. They heat faster than metal pans.

Washing Machine and Dryer

• Wash and dry full loads. And don't over-dry clothes.
• Keep the dryer's lint filter clean.
• Wash laundry in cold water, unless you have very dirty loads.
• Don't add wet items when a drying cycle already has been started.

Dishwasher

• Wash only full loads. It costs exactly the same to wash one dish as a whole load.
• Use the air-dry feature.
• If washing dishes by hand, rinse them in groups rather than one at a time. Don't leave water running.

Refrigerator

• Check temperatures by putting one thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the fridge and another between packages in the freezer. You're losing money if temperatures are below 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit for the main compartment and 0-5 degrees in the freezer.
• Cover and wrap food. Uncovered food and liquids release moisture and drive up electricity costs.
• Let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge. This way the fridge will use less energy to cool it down.
• A full freezer runs more efficiently than an empty one. If necessary, fill up the space with plastic containers filled with water.
• Unplug a second fridge that's not being used. That move can save about $130 a year.

Water Heater

• Lower your temperature to 120 degrees and you'll cut your water-heating costs by 10% to 15%. But if you have an older-model dishwasher that doesn't have a booster heater (a device that heats up the water to the temperature the dishwasher needs to clean the dishes), you need to leave the water heater set to 140 degrees to make sure bacteria on dishes are removed.
• Insulate your storage water-heater tank. You'll save 4% to 9% on water-heating costs.
• Drain the sediment from the bottom of the water-heater tank every one to three years.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucets, which use one-third to half less water. That can cut your water use and water-heating costs by an average 15% to 30%.
• Take showers. They use less hot water than baths.

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I had this recipe sitting in my email and I can't remember whether or not I've already posted it.  I send them to myself so I can save them on my one computer with all my recipes and photo's, but then don't remember if I already put them on here or not.  Oh well, it's getting chilly here and this recipe is good for this kind of weather.

Vegetable Soup with Beef
Serves: 6
This hearty soup, packed with vegetables, is a great addition to any meal.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups canned or fresh tomatoes
2 cups cabbage
1 cup or 3-4 carrots, sliced
2 cups green beans
2 cups diced potatoes
1 lb. stew beef or leftover beef and stock from roast

DIRECTIONS
1. If meat has not been cooked, cook until tender in 1-2 tablespoons oil.
2. Combine all vegetables with cooked meat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer for one hour. You may add broth or tomato juice if additional liquid is needed.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 192.3
Fat: 3.6 g
Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
Protein: 22.1 g

The next recipe comes from Better homes and gardens. 

Raspberry Custard Brulee
Prep: 30 min.
Chill: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons light dairy sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or halved strawberries

Directions

For custard, in a small saucepan thoroughly combine 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the cornstarch; add the milk and egg. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat just until the mixture begins to bubble. (Do not overcook.) Immediately pour the custard into a small bowl; let mixture cool about 5 minutes.

Whisk sour cream into custard; add vanilla. Cover and chill custard for up to 24 hours.

To serve, divide berries evenly among four goblets or dessert dishes. Spoon chilled custard over berries. (If necessary, thin custard with a little milk before spooning over berries.) Set aside.

For topping, in a heavy small skillet or saucepan heat remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt shaking skillet occasionally to heat evenly (do not stir). Reduce heat to low; cook sugar until melted and golden, stirring as necessary with a wooden spoon. Quickly drizzle caramelized sugar over each custard. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

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A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these aretips 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, please let me know.

Soiled Shirt Collars: Take a small paintbrush, or old toothbrush (NO, not your husbands current toothbrush!) and brush hair shampoo into soiled shirt collars before laundering. Shampoo is made to dissolve body oils.

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Happy Wednesday! 
Hugs!

Brunswick Stew

This recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens.  They have a lot of good recipes for slow cookers and tons of great recipes in general. 

Brunswick Stew
Dating back to the 1800s, the recipe for this satisfying one-dish meal was originally made with squirrel meat. This up-to-date version uses chicken and ham instead.

Ingredients

3 medium onions, cut into thin wedges
2 pounds meaty chicken pieces, skinned
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham (8 ounces)
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14 ounce can chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
1 10-ounce package frozen sliced okra (2 cups)
1 cup frozen baby lima beans
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn  

Directions

In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart crockery cooker place onion. Top with chicken and ham. In a small bowl combine undrained tomatoes, broth, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, pepper, and hot pepper sauce; pour over chicken and ham.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.

If desired, remove chicken; cool slightly. (Keep lid on the crockery cooker.) Remove meat from chicken bones; cut meat into bite-size pieces. Return chicken to crockery cooker; discard bones.

Add okra, lima beans, and corn to crockery cooker. If using low-heat setting turn to high-heat setting. Cover and cook 45 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Makes 6 servings.

I can remember sitting at the dinner table and asking what it was that we were eating and my father saying squirrel.  Back then you didn't talk back and you had to eat everything on your plate.  I think I sat there and cried.  I just did not want to eat this little animal. 

So yeah, when I fix this stew I can guarantee you that I will be using the chicken and ham.  No squirrel will be served at my table.   Ewwww!  With my luck I would go to the store to buy it and would find a fluffy tail in the package when I got home.  They would be able to hear me screaming all the way down in Maumee.  LOL

Have a great week!
Hugs!

Home Remedy and take a vacation

 

                        

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.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly - even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The following is a copied from an email that I received earlier from the Daily Om.  I think we all need to do this for ourselves every now and again. 

 September 4, 2006
An Instant Vacation
Relaxing At Home

Throughout our lives, most of us are led to believe that relaxation is best pursued outside of the home. As a result, we spend months anticipating weeklong vacations, seldom fully appreciating the leisure time we are blessed with on a more regular basis. It is possible, however, to reexperience the same utterly relaxed state you slip into while on holiday within your home's walls. The feelings of serenity you enjoy during a vacation are a product of your outlook rather than your locale. You give yourself permission to enjoy yourself and unwind while on vacation. Granting yourself the same privilege while at home allows you to experience complete relaxation, even when surrounded by routine.

Our homes can be distracting places as most survival tasks are addressed there. Reviving the tranquility you felt on holiday is as easy as creating an atmosphere that helps you relax. First, divest yourself of the notion that messes must be cleaned up immediately and reaffirm that relaxation is as vital as physical nourishment. Then, set the mood. Music that reminds you of a beloved vacation destination can put you in a vacation mind-set. The exotic flavor of a tropical beverage or the spiciness a favorite ethnic dish can transport you to a more restful mental space. Finally, put aside your projects and commit to doing only what you consider truly pleasurable. Your responsibilities will wait as you put up your feet and revel in peacefulness that comes from within.

If you find it difficult to ignore the temptation to simply fall back into your usual schedule, consider that relaxation should occupy a prominent place on your to-do list. You deserve to take "you time" and to care for yourself, even during life's busy periods. While you may not always be able to get away from it all, you can still nurture yourself and regain your peace of mind.

Have a beautiful day! 
Hugs!

My amazing friend

Goodness the things that life can throw at you from out of the blue. The things that you think you just wouldn't be able to handle and yet another woman can handle them with such grace and dignity. I have a friend like that. I knew that she was strong but this week I have completely blown away by her. She has been thrown such a curve ball from so far out of the left field. I don't know if I could have dealt with the news she received this week with even half as much grace as she did.

The news? That her husband supposedly had an affair last year and there is now a 7 month old little boy out there that is his child. When she learned this news, initially, she was angry. But she dealt with it, and I mean quickly. She talked to her husband about this and somehow not only is she willing to forgive her husband, but she wants to welcome this child into her life. What an amazing woman.

Now the problem is that she and her husband are both worried about the child. Apparently the woman who had the child is "unstable". The two of them have talked things over and have come to a decision. They want to sue for custody of this child. My friend cannot stand the thought of a perfectly innocent little boy growing up in such an unstable environment. She wants to make sure that her husbands son grows up in a loving and healthy home. This is not what she expected at this point in her life, but if anyone can give this child the love he deserves, she is the one.

Of course, that all hinges on whether or not the child proves to be his. I mean, lets be honest here, when you have a woman (did I mention that she is a married woman?) who is willing to sleep with a married man, you have to wonder who and how many others she is whoring around with.

So they are meeting with the husband of this woman. I guess they have already made plans to meet with him in the next day or two. I don't think they have told him why they want to meet with him. They aren't exactly sure whether or not he knows that this child may not be his. So the two of them are going to meet with him and lay all the cards out on the table.

To be honest, I can't imagine this man fighting them on custody if the child proves not to be his. From what I understand, he didn't exactly want to have any more kids, so I don't think he will stand in their way when it comes to custody.

So do ya'll see why am I stand in such awe of this woman? I can't imagine finding out that my husband had cheated on me and being able to handle it with such grace. Then to find out that there is a child involved and wanting to bring that child into your home. She is such an amazingly strong and beautiful woman and I feel honored to have her in my life and to call her my friend.

Recipes and cleaning tip

 

Good morning!  I got this recipe for this chickpea and spinach side dish in my mail from the Spark People web site.  I happen to like spinach so this sounds pretty good to me.  If your not into that you might find the recipe for Raspberry Brulee more appealing, it comes from Better Homes and Gardens.

Greek Chickpeas & Spinach
Serves: 4
Try this as a side dish tonight!

INGREDIENTS
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups precooked chickpeas or 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh dill weed, finely chopped
1/2 lb. fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped or torn into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
1. Using a large frying pan, sauté onion and garlic in oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add chickpeas and dill. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
3. Add the spinach, a little at a time. Drizzle lemon juice over all ingredients and cover with lid.
4. Cook 5 minutes or until the spinach shrinks. Stir to combine. Serve hot.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 190
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 8 g

~~~~~

Raspberry Custard Brulee
Prep: 30 min.
Chill: 2 hours

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup fat-free milk
1 beaten egg
2 tablespoons light dairy sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or halved strawberries Directions
For custard, in a small saucepan thoroughly combine 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the cornstarch; add the milk and egg. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat just until the mixture begins to bubble. (Do not overcook.) Immediately pour the custard into a small bowl; let mixture cool about 5 minutes.

Whisk sour cream into custard; add vanilla. Cover and chill custard for up to 24 hours.

To serve, divide berries evenly among four goblets or dessert dishes. Spoon chilled custard over berries. (If necessary, thin custard with a little milk before spooning over berries.) Set aside.

For topping, in a heavy small skillet or saucepan heat remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt shaking skillet occasionally to heat evenly (do not stir). Reduce heat to low; cook sugar until melted and golden, stirring as necessary with a wooden spoon. Quickly drizzle caramelized sugar over each custard. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

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A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these aretips 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, please let me know.

Rust and Mineral Stains:  Add 1 cup of bottled lemon juice in the wash to remove discoloration from cotton laundry.

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My favorite sister (in-law), Cathy, came over this morning.  Rylie Jo was still asleep so we just sat talking and drinking coffee.  Okay, okay...I hate coffee.  It takes like muddy water to me, only worse.  So she drank coffee and I drank some of that cappucino mix that I bought at the grocery store. 

When I was a kid I always thought that ALL grown-ups drank coffee.  That it was like a cop wore a uniform or doctors wore white coats and that all grown-up drank coffee.  That as soon as you were an adult with responsibilites, spouse, kids, etc. that you just automatically liked the stuff.  Me?  If drinking coffee is a requirement, I'll never grow up, lol. 

So after she left I came in to do this entry.  I had it just about ready to go and my phone started ringing like crazy.  So I saved the entry and decided to try and post it later.  Of course, in between phone calls I got some laundry done, ran the sweeper and cleaned the living room.  Now it's time to go and figure out what I am going to do for dinner tonight.  Have a great day!

Hugs!

5th year anniversary of attack against America

      

This morning I repeatedly tried to make this graphic.  I am only sorry that I was unable to display the names of each and every singel victim. 

Peace and prayers to ya'll,

9/11

  

My prayers and thoughts are with the friends and family of those who were killed on September 11th five years ago.  God bless and protect them all and grant them peace.

                   

Peace, love and hugs.

Thursday 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.

Toe Fungus

• Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again. (My mom says this is also good to get rid of itching if you are suffering from it.)
• Use Vicks Vapor Rub

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A sure sign of fall...we woke up to fog this morning.  I'm feeling a bit conflicted.  I hate the cold weather, and being stuck inside so much, but I love the winter holidays.  I love the decorations, the smell of fall and the smell of Christmas, preparing all the goodies and shopping for my kids. 

It should be even more fun this year with Rylie at the age she is.  She loves the lights...and there are always plenty of lights at our house, lol.  She definately figured out how to unwrap the presents this time.  As a matter of fact, I had to re-wrap a few of the gifts that I had under the tree before Santa arrived.

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There is one guest that we had with us last year that I hope we do NOT see again.  That would be Fat Freddy.  If you have been visiting my journal since (almost) the beginning you know about Fat Freddy, if not click here to read my first entry about this uninvited, and hard to get rid of,  guest.  I must admit, some of my best writing involved Freddy.  He definately provided me with some humorous stories.  Luckily for us we have not seen him for months and months. 

Well, have a great day and be safe out there!
Hugs,

Grilled fruit and Tuesday tip

Another tasty recipe from the Spark People web site.  This one sounds a little different and fun.  The kids could get involved and have some fun putting the fruit on wooden skewers.  Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water first.

Grilled Fruit with Strawberry Dip

Serves: 8
Serving Size: 1 kebab with 3 oz. dip

On the grill your favorite fresh fruit picks up new and unique flavor! Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research.

INGREDIENTS
8 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese
1 (16-oz.) package frozen strawberries, sweetened
2 Tbsp. plain non-fat yogurt
1/4 tsp. dried, ground ginger
8 strawberries, halved
4 peaches, halved or quartered
8 chunks pineapple
4 plums, nectarines, or papayas, halved
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, purée cheese, strawberries, yogurt and ginger together until smooth. Refrigerate for 2 hours before grilling fruit.
2. When ready to grill fruit, thread pieces of prepared fruit onto 8 skewers. Mix together vinegar and sugar. Grill fruit until lightly browned, turning frequently and brushing with vinegar mixture during grilling.
3. Serve grilled fruit with sauce on side.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 124
Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 4 gGrilled Fruit with Strawberry Dip

Serves: 8
Serving Size: 1 kebab with 3 oz. dip

On the grill your favorite fresh fruit picks up new and unique flavor! Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research.

INGREDIENTS
8 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese
1 (16-oz.) package frozen strawberries, sweetened
2 Tbsp. plain non-fat yogurt
1/4 tsp. dried, ground ginger
8 strawberries, halved
4 peaches, halved or quartered
8 chunks pineapple
4 plums, nectarines, or papayas, halved
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, purée cheese, strawberries, yogurt and ginger together until smooth. Refrigerate for 2 hours before grilling fruit.
2. When ready to grill fruit, thread pieces of prepared fruit onto 8 skewers. Mix together vinegar and sugar. Grill fruit until lightly browned, turning frequently and brushing with vinegar mixture during grilling.
3. Serve grilled fruit with sauce on side.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 124
Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 4 g

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A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these aretips 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, please let me know.

Perspiration Stains/Odor: Soak the stained shirt in equal parts ammonia and water and add a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap and let soak overnight. Then, wash the shirts as usual.

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I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.  We had a small cookout on Sunday.  The original cookout that was going to be here was being hosted by one of the sister-in-laws, but she cancelled it.  So we just went and picked up some burgers and dogs and had a little cookout of our own on.

Then on Monday Ray and I grabbed the cans of paint and started in with that.  We got most of it done.  I just need to go pick up another quart of the off-white color that I used in the kitchen and finishe up 3 of the cubboard doors and it will be finished.  YEA!

The next project I am working on isn't even inmy house.  I studied interior design so I am going to put a board of ideas together for one of the sister-in-laws.  Ludivia and Christopher bought a double wide that they are in the process of fixing up.  I need to get a sample of the flooring they bought and then tomorrow Rylie and I will go look at paint samples when I get that other quart of paint I need.

Tomorrow the week will already be half over...YEA! for holidays on that fall on Mondays. 

Hugs!