Freshen linen closet, my busy weekend etc.

 Good Morning!  I hope everyone had a nice and safe holiday weekend.  Ours was full of activity.  I'll talk more about that in a minute but first here is another handy dandy tip.

                            

 

Freshen Linen Closet: In the linen closet place cotton balls that have been sprayed with your favorite scent. Once they are dry place them in corners and on the shelves.

 

So I have this drawer, in a buffet, where I keep all my candles.  When I open the drawer I get this great whiff of the scented candles.  So I got to thinking about what a waste it is to throw away candles that still have a great scent when you are no longer able to burn them.  Don't throw them away.  Instead take a knife and scrape the remaining wax into little "chips".  Place these in a basket, sew a little sachet, or whatever, and put them where you would like to have that little blast of scent, like your linen closet.

 

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So Friday night I had Samantha's graduation.  It was just a crazy day all day long.  Ray was supposed to go with me, but he does heating and air and was slammed with jobs that day.  He didn't get home until 8:30pm and I got home about half an hour after him.

 

Sammi looked great and very happy to be done with the whole school thing.  Me?  I was happy for her and the whole "sad" thing didn't hit me until Sunday.

 

On Saturday our niece, Angel, had a c-section.  She wasn't due until August, but she has had a tremendous amount of stress during her pregnancy and this past week they discovered that the baby wasn't getting enough blood and oxygen via the placenta.  So they had to take him. 

 

I went up to see her, after Ray finally brought my car back.  Angel looked pretty good and Lavon (her boyfriend) walked me down to see Lavon Jr.  Let me tell you, I've seen pictures of premature babies, I've heard people talk about it...but I was still blown away by how teeny tiny this baby was.  He is 14 inches long and weighs 2 pounds.

 

I thought David was tiny when he was born a month early and weighed 5 and a half pounds.  But he was a giant compared to this wee little boy.  The doctors thought his breathing was fine and removed the tube on Saturday night.  However, he was struggling and they had to put it back on Sunday.  I know I ask y'all for prayers all the time, but they always seem to help...so if ya could fit this wee baby into your prayers I'd really appreciate it.  Thanks.

 

So when I got home I began working on the cake for Sam's party.  The cake was a 2 layered, round, white cake.  However I took some of the cake mix and put it into a small bowl, added some raspberry flavor and red food coloring.  Then I marbled it with the white cake mix.

 

I had plain white frosting and took some of that out for the middle layer.  I added some more of the raspberry flavor and red food coloring to that along with several teaspoons of pudding mix.  I was trying to make it more of a creme filling.  It was okay I guess, but not exactly what I was trying to accomplish.  (Everyone seemed to like it though.)

 

Right in the middle of me working on this cake Sam and Matt show up.  They had kept Rylie the night before and were bringing her home.  Ut-oh!  How do I explain me making this cake?  "So this weekend is Memorial day and that is the "anniversary" of the first vacation Ray and I ever took together and I'm making this Red, White and Blue cake to celebrate."  (Actually there wasn't going to be any blue, Red and grey are her school colors)

 

I'm just rambling on about how he probably won't even remember and here I am being the big romantic, and men just don't get it...blah, blah, blah.  She looks at me and just say's "Mom, your such a nerd."  Good, she bought it.  LOL 

 

Then that evening Ray and I went over to his brother and sister-in-laws, Red and Div, to shoot some pool and hang out for awhile.  We left a bit early, but we were tired and had to get home so we could get up early and start all over again the next morning. 

 

I got home and began working on my little picture slide show for Sammi.  It was a little something I was working on for the surprise graduation party that was thrown for her at her older brothers house by her boyfriend, Matt, and her brother, David on Sunday afternoon.I had a little trouble with the making the slide show and getting the music and show to both fit into the same timeline.  So I took what I had made over to Davids the next morning and he fixed it up for me.  Thanks David! 

 

The boys told Sam that they were having a cookout and she should come over around 5:30pm.  We all got there about 4pm.  David and Matt made BBQ ribs and they were the absolute best!  I took potatoe salad, pasta salad and the cake. 

 

We watched the slide show on David's laptop which he had set-up in the dining area.  I also made a little collage of a couple pictures and that was sitting next to the laptop.  So David started up the slide show and those of us that were there watched it.  I cried.  There were all these pictures of Sammi from the time she was a baby right up to Friday night when she graduated (pretty much in order of her age).

 

Then the second to last shot was of her as a newborn and the last picture was a close-up of her on graduation night in her cap and gown.  I just cried...and cried...and cried.  Every time I watched it I cried like a fool!  You would have thought I would get a little used to it and stop crying, but it got me every time.

 

I picked the song "You Just Get Better All The Time" by Tim McGraw.  I really wanted to use "My Little Girl" by Tim, but I didn't have that CD.  It didn't matter though, because the song I used was perfect.  As a matter of fact, there a line in the song "...as long as you are by my side" and the picture that came up when it played was one of me sitting with my arms around Christopher and Samantha.  It was just too perfect.

 

I'm gonna have to try to figure out if I can somehow share the slide show (it was made with Windows Movie Maker) with y'all on here.  I've never done anything like that before, but I would think there must be some way I can share it.  If any of ya know how I do that please email me.  Thanks!

 

Let's see, then Sunday, duh...I mean Monday, Memorial day, we had a cookout with Red and Div.  I made a salad and pie to take.  Mmm, the salad with delicious and I have some left to eat this week for lunch.  Div made some really excellent BBQ chicken and even sent some home with us.  YEA!  Guess what we are having for dinner tonight...LOL.

 

Well, it's getting late and I have plenty to do today.  Grocery store, butcher shop and if I have enough money I need to get Rylie a new swimsuit and floaties. 

Have a beautiful day!
Hugs!

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers, Samantha's all grown up

I thought I would add a recipe for cooking on the barbeque this weekend.  This one sounds so yummy.  I hope ya try it out and come back and let me know what you think of it.  I think it would be great served with rice and roasted green, red and yellow peppers.  Maybe some sweet bread or johnny cake (a yummy Bahamian bread I had when I went down there years and years ago)  Mmmmm!

 

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers
Prep: 45 min.
Marinate: 1 hr.
Grill: 8 min.
Ingredients
2  lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2  Tbsp. whole allspice
1  Tbsp. snipped fresh thyme
1  tsp. black peppercorns
1/2  tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2  tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4  cup packed dark brown sugar
6  cloves garlic
4  shallots
1  Scotch bonnet or habanero chile pepper
2  Tbsp. dark rum 
 Lime wedges
Directions
1. Place each chicken breast half between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound chicken lightly to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness. Remove plastic wrap. Cut pounded chicken breast halves lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Place the chicken strips in a glass or ceramic bowl.
2. In a spice grinder, combine allspice, thyme, peppercorns, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Grind mixture to a fine powder. (If some large pieces remain, pass mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard large pieces). Transfer mixture to a food processor. Add brown sugar, garlic, shallots, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Process until coarsely ground. Add rum; process mixture to paste consistency.
3. Add spice paste to chicken strips; gently toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1 to 24 hours, tossing occasionally.
4. Wearing plastic gloves*, loosely thread chicken accordion-style onto twelve 8- to 10-inch skewers.** For a charcoal grill, grill skewers on the greased rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, turning once. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place skewers on greased grill rack over heat. Cover; grill as above.) Serve chicken with lime wedges. Makes 6 servings.
5. *Note: Because hot chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with chiles as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the chile peppers, wash your hands well with soap and water.
6. **If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling.

 

I can't remember where I came across this recipe for Jamican Jerk Chicken Skewers, otherwise I would give credit where credit is due.  Me?  I hate things too spicy, so I probably won't use the habanero chile pepper.  LOL, hard to believe I'm half (actually 1/4) Mexican, huh?

 

But my (parternal) grandfather was born in Mexico and if I remember correctly, my (paternal) grandmother was part American Indian.  Blackfoot, I believe.  My mothers parents were this-n-that caucasians.  LOL, I bet they'd love to hear me describe them that way.  NOT!

 

The story goes that when my Father (a divorced half Mexican and 8 years older than my Mother) first went to pick up my Mom for a date, there sat my Grandpa, Ernest, on the porch.  He was cleaning his rifle.  I'm sure my Dad felt real welcomed, lol.  Not that it stopped him from marrying my Mom.  They ran off to Chicago and eloped.  I bet my Mom's parents were thrilled, lol.

 

So then Grandpa Long told my Mother that he didn't want to have a bunch of...hm, how did it go?  Well, in short he didn't want their (my parents) little Mexican babies playing in front of his house.  LMAO!  I bet it was a real kick in the azz when we all showed up with white blonde hair, my brothers with their hazel eyes and me with blue eyes. 

 

Speaking of beautiful blonde kids, lol, my daughter Samantha is graduating high school tonight. 

 

           

Isn't she beautiful?  I love her so much and am so proud of her.  I can't believe she's all grown up and already done with school.  Where did the years go?  I can still remember the day she wore that little blue dress to my older brothers wedding when she was just a year old.  It seems like just yesterday...oh, I sound so old saying that.  And the day we took the pictures so she could send one to the "Hanson's".  She was so in looooove with Zack Hanson, lol.

What ever happened to that little girl that used to tell people she had a p*nis?  LOL, she's gonna hate me for telling this story.  But I always tried to use the correct words when it came to the childrens bodies.  Samantha has an older brother, by 3 years, David.  Well, Sammi picked up the word p*nis and used to walk around saying "I have a p*nis". 

One day, somehow...I don't know how, we were driving somewhere and David (I think he was in kindergarten or first grade) used the word and Samantha said "I have a p*nis too".  David, sitting in the back seat next to her car seat, said "No Sam, you have a china.  Girls, have china's."  Me, head flipping around to the backseat like I was the exorcist or something, "What?!"  "Yeah Mom.  I learned that from the kids at school.  Girls have china's."  Okay, well, I guess that's public education for ya.  LOL

Well, I have to get going here.  I have a refrigerator that really needs to be cleaned.  Do y'all have those big sun tea jugs with the little spout?  Every single one that I buy leaks.  It makes a big ole mess in the bottom of my frig.  Yuck! 

Have a great weekend!
Hugs!

Tags: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers, Samantha, graduation

Congrats Jordin, Damaged hair remedy, Rosie & Iraq, Coffee cake and prayers

 Okay, let's try this again.  I had to re-write my entire post in an email so I could save it in case AOL decides to be stupid yet AGAIN!  I thought their latest thing was to improve journals, not screw them up even more!  {{{{finger gesture aimed at AOL}}}}

First, congratulations to Jordin Sparks!  Wow!  What a beautiful voice for anyone to have, much less a seventeen year old girl.  I wish many wonderful things for her in the future. 

                    

Damaged, dry hair

• A nourishing conditioner for dry or damaged hair which can be used for all hair types: Separate the white of an egg from the yolk, whip it to a peak. Add 1 Tbs. water to the yolk and blend until the mixture is creamy. Then mix the white and yolk together. Wet your hair with warm water, remove the excess moisture, and apply the mixture to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage gently until the froth is worked into your scalp, then rinse the hair with cool water. Keep applying the mixture until it is used up and then rinsed until all of the egg is washed away.
• Olive oil also makes a great conditioner for dry, damaged hair.  Wet hair, apply some olive oil, leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
• Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar makes hair shiny by removing product build-up whereas honey and tea deep conditions, ensuring that the vinegar and lemon juice don't strip away too much of the hair's moisture.
  Mix the following in a jug (or anything else convenient for pouring contents over head)
  -Lemon juice from ½ a lemon*
  -2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  -1 tablespoon honey
  -1 cup brewed Lipton tea
  After shampooing (but before conditioning), pour mixture on hair and massage into scalp and through the hair.
  Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
  * As lemon juice tends to lighten hair color, you may choose to omit it.
• Coconut oil is great for your hair. After washing put on wet hair. Leave for 10 minutes then shampoo again, make sure you get it all out though cause if you don't it gets greasy.

Okay, then I had this bit about Rosie and her stupid azz remarks about our troops.  Apparently Rosie recently implied that our troops are nothing more than terrorists.  Here is an excerpt from the article "Last week, O'Donnell pointed out that 650,000 Iraqis have died since the United States invasion and asked "who are the real terrorists in Iraq?" angering many conservative pundits." Um, {{{raising hand}}} Excuse me, but I'm neither a conservative nor a pundit, and I also find it offensive that is how she kept referring to the people who were angry about her statement.

 

I've read some articles about Iraq, Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Al Queda and the 9/11 attacks.  Me?  I believe that there was a link between Al Queda and Iraq.  I believe that Iraq knew the United States of America was going to be attacked by Al Queda.  Maybe they didn't know the date, maybe they did.  Maybe the didn't know the details of the attack, maybe they did.  But I believe there was some knowledge, thereby making Iraq a co-conspirator in the attack on America that killed 2,976 people in a single day.

 

The attack in New York on September 11, 2001 was an attack on America.  On American soil!  The aftermath of that attack, ie: the deaths that Rosie is referring to, lie at the door of those who attacked our Country and people!  Cause and effect Miss Rosie!  Look it up and learn it.  Although by now, one would think you would understand it completely. 

 

I am not a Right Wing Republican either!  I am what I would call a middle of the road Christian.  I lean a bit to the left on some issues and just slightly to the right on other issues.  I voted for Ronald Reagan and I also voted for Bill Clinton.  LMAO, when it came to George Bush (the senior) I chose to vote for Ross Periot because I didn't like anyone else.  Oops!

 

I am not a fan of our current President, nor Donald Trump...but I still find your implication that our troops our terrorists to be extremely offensive, vile, vicious, and just plain ignorant.  These men and women have dedicated their lives to protect your "fat lesbian" (her words not mine, read the article TV News - Tensions Erupt on 'The View' - AOL News ) azz and the lives of your children.  Yet you choose to defame them and call them terrorists on television.  How dishonorable and ignorant of you.

 

I used to like to watch Ms. O'Donnell on TV.  I found her amusing and enjoyed her comedy.  However, as of now, I find her to be nothing more than an offensive big mouthed bitch.  Yes, I said bitch, and I usually don't use that type of language on here.  At the very least I would use something like *itch, witch or whatever.  However, this woman deserves the full use and meaning of the word.

 

Oh, I had written so much more about this subject on my first entry...which AOL lost with it's little error message game.  However, the more I write about this the angrier I become.  So I think it's time to walk away from this ignorant person's remarks and let it go.  Karma has a way of dealing with people like this. 

 

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

 

Now, onto something yummy.  I made this coffee cake for Ray this morning.  He had a rough night last night so I wanted to do something nice for him.  He usually won't eat anything in the morning but he really enjoyed this and said he had a hard time putting it down and walking away from it.

 

Pull-Apart Coffee Cake
Prep Time: 10 min ; Start to Finish: 35 min
Makes: 6 servings

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup golden or dark raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, almonds or pine nuts
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 can (12 oz) Pillsbury® Golden Layers® refrigerated buttermilk or original flaky biscuits

1 .  Heat oven to 375°F. Line bottom of 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with waxed paper. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except biscuits.
2 .  Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each into quarters. Place biscuit pieces in sugar mixture; toss to coat. Arrange in single layer in waxed paper-lined pan. Sprinkle top with any remaining sugar mixture.
3 .  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown. Run knife around side of pan to loosen. Place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Remove pan and waxed paper. Cut coffee cake into wedges or pull apart. Serve warm.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):No change.

TIP-Whenever you use a lemon (or an orange) for its juice, grate the peel before squeezing it. Keep the peel in a little jar in your freezer ready for recipes like this.

 

I didn't think that the sugar mixture looked like enough, so I doubled it.  I also added a little bit (probably 2 Tbs.) brown sugar and a wee bit (about a teaspoon or two) of cinnamon.  Mmm, it was nice and gooey, just the way a coffee cake should be.

 

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

 

Okay, finally I'd like to close with another request for prayers.  Ray's dad has taken a turn.  He was in a facility to improve his ability to return home, after leaving the hospital.  However, the night before last he was taken to the hospital.  Then last night he was put on dialysis.  We sure could use any and all extra prayers we can get right about now.  Thank you and God bless y'all.

 

Have a good day.
Hugs! (except for Rosie)  LOL

Tags: AOL, Jordin Sparks, damaged hair, Rosie O'Donnell, The View, Iraq, coffee cake recipe

WTF?!!!!

I just finished a very long entry and got this freaking message...

Forbidden

You don't have permission to access /_cqr/login on this server.

Apache/2.0.54 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.0.54 OpenSSL/0.9.7e mod_jk/1.2.14 mod_rsp20/RSP_Plugins_v8_r3.05-12-09:mod_rsp20.so.rhe-3-x86.v8_r3.40 Server at journals.aol.com Port 80  

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!  Freaking AOL!!!!!!!!!

Tags: AOL

Freecycle

Have y'all heard of this thing called Freecycle?  It's pretty cool.  You find your area group, sign up for their message board and then receive emails listing things people are giving away or looking to find.  The idea is to pass things onto people who can use them rather than throwing them away.  It is a really good idea and kudos to whoever came up with it.

I will warn you however, that if you sign up, be prepared for lots and lots of email messages.  I usually open my mail box in the morning and have at least 20-30 messages from this group.  That's not a problem for me, I just go through pretty quickly and delete what I'm not interested in and read those that I interested in.  Then if it's something I need, I click on the reply to message link and answer with why I need it and when I could pick it up.  Then it's a waiting game because the poster reads all the responses and they pick out whom they want to come and pick it up.

This isn't just in the U.S. either, it's something going on all over the world.  If your interested in recycling items, rather than just throwing them away, you should really sign up for it.  If you click on this link, FREECYCLE GROUPS, you can choose your area and sign up to join.  Even if it's not something that you would be interested in doing, please share the information with other people.  I'm sure everyone knows someone who would be interested in participating in this.

Have a beautiful Wednesday!
Hugs!

Tags: freecycle

Household tip-laundry basket/hamper

Good Morning!  It is an absolutely beautiful day outside today.  Today NW Ohio is supposed to be getting a preview of this summer....YEA!  I love warm weather.

                    

Freshen Laundry Basket/Hamper: Place a fabric softener sheet in the bottom of your laundry basket (remember to change it weekly.) You can also simply sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your basket and that will help absorb the odors as well.

I received this in my mail from the Daily OM and thought I would share it.

May 22, 2007
Hope In Hardship
Anything Can Be Overcome

The journey that each human being makes through earthly existence can have hardship as often as it is touched by joy. When we encounter adversity, the stress we feel can erode our optimism, eventually convincing us that the issues we face cannot be overcome. In truth, there is no situation so dire, no challenge so great, and no choice so bewildering that it cannot be overcome. Though we may believe that all avenues have been closed to us or that our most conscientious efforts will come to naught, we are never without feasible options. The best course of action may be veiled in doubt, but it is there. When we are honest with ourselves with regard to this simple fact, we can overcome anything because we will never stop looking for a solution to the challenges before us.

Self-trust coupled with a sturdy plan is the ultimate antidote to adversity’s tendency to inspire disillusionment in the human mind. As difficult as the obstacle plaguing you seems, it is no match for the love of a supportive universe that has been a part of your life since the day of your birth and will be with you forevermore. Try not to be misguided by your fear as this gives rise to the notion that there are problems without solutions. If you believe in your capabilities and dedicate yourself to the creation of some form of resolution, you will be surprised to discover that paths that were once closed to you miraculously open. Even if all you can do is change your perspective to turn an impediment into an opportunity to grow, you will have found the hope that is an inherent element of all hardship.

Remember that your destiny is a product of your own creation. Even when it seems you have nowhere left to turn, there is a solution waiting for you. The only insurmountable obstacles are the ones you create in your own mind—and these can only exert power over you if you let them. Uncertainty will always be a part of your existence, but perseverance and mindfulness will never fail to see you through to the other side of hardship where joy can thrive. Try and remember that no matter what life places at your feet, there is absolutely no situation that cannot be resolved with time, love, and friendship.

I also received the following email from Spark People and the message is similar so I wanted to share it too.

"The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground." - Unknown

Believing in yourself no matter what

On July 24, 2004, there was a 0% chance of rain in Cincinnati. No way was it going to rain, according to the people who should know best. You know what? Despite millions of dollars worth of sensors, computers, and forecasting systems, the weather experts were wrong. It rained, against all odds. This is not a criticism of weather people. It's just a reminder of all the people who were given 0% chance of making it by the "experts," but who succeeded anyway. Whenever accomplishments are on the line, there are always voices whispering, preaching--even shouting--that it can't be done. Sometimes, that voice is coming from inside our own heads. If you're having doubts about your abilities, just remember: How many times have the naysayers been proven wrong? No matter what anyone says--no matter what you might believe--it can be done. The nut can become a tree. There's always a chance of rain.

No matter what we are facing there always seems to be one "Negative Nelly" in the crowd.  You know who I'm talking about...that one person who always has to point out the bad..."it won't work", "I don't think you can", "it's just impossible", etc, etc.

Why do people have to be like that?  If someone is willing to make an effort, to take on what seems insurmountable, to do what no one else is willing to try to do, to face a challenge head on...why would someone else beat down their will?  It just doesn't make sense.

Sure, be realistic about things, but in the same sense realize the positives as well as the negatives.  And voice those louder than anything else!  If there is one positive against 10 negatives...its still a positive, there's still a chance.  Sheesh, even if there seems to be no positive in a barrel full of negatives...theres always hope...and that's a positive.  Isn't it?

How many times have we heard of people having zero chance of coming out of a coma and they do?  How many times have we heard of someone being diagnosed with a deadly disease and they survive?  I believe it is HOPE and FAITH that give people the will to persevere and survive.

Years ago I let the darkness of despair grab a hold of me (depression).  I've been at the end of my rope.  I almost lost that battle...but I learned to hold on (loosely at first).  I'm so glad I did.  There would be so much I would have missed out on if I had given in.  I learned how to stand up for myself and those I love. 

It's not easy...sometimes I feel "Negative Nelly" rearing her ugly head...but it's much easier to slap her down these days.  LOL...that's funny...now I'm picturing this cartoon of me with a head (negative nelly) growing out of the back of my should and me slapping the *itch down. 

Well, I'm going to end this before I do what I usually do, and go off topic. 

Have a great day.
Hugs!

Tags: Fresh scent, laundry basket, laundry hamper, hope, hardship, negative people

Baked Pork Chops

Good Morning!  Well, it's allergy season...I know because I am sitting here with itchy, watery eyes and sneezing repeatedly.  Fun times...LOL.  It won't stop me though.  As a matter of fact, I spent almost all of yesterday working in my gardens.  I love springtime...in spite of my allergies.

                 

Baked Pork Chops
Serves: 6
These spicy and moist pork chops are made with egg whites, evaporated skim milk, a lively herb mixture, and no added fat.

INGREDIENTS
6 lean center-cut pork chops, 1/2" thick
1 egg white
1 cup evaporated skim milk
3/4 cup cornflake crumbs
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
4 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Trim all fat from chops.
2. Beat egg white with evaporated skim milk. Place chops in milk mixture and let stand for 5 minutes, turning chops once.
3. Meanwhile, mix together cornflake crumbs, bread crumbs, spices, and salt.
4. Spray a 9xl3-inch baking pan with nonstick spray coating.
5. Remove chops from milk mixture. Coat all sides evenly with crumb mixture.
6. Place chops in pan and bake in 375º F oven for 20 minutes. Turn chops and bake 15 minutes longer or until no pink remains.

Mmm, wouldn't that be great with one of those Mac N' Cheese recipes from last Monday?  Or some mashed taters & gravy and a side of fresh green beans cooked with bacon?  Oh, and some homemade bread with REAL butter.  Mmm, I'm gonna have to eat breakfast today, lol.

Rylie has been awake since 7am this morning.  She is currently sitting in my room watching cartoons.  About every 5 or 10 minutes she hollers out "Mommy, you and Dad buy me?"  LOL  I just say "yeah", we would be deep in debt if we bought her everything we told her we would, lol.  But if you say anything other thanthan yes, she just keeps asking.  After I tell her yes she just says "okay."  She is just way too funny...and a bit greedy, lol.

I have a feeling that this little "buy me" thing is going to go on for a while.  Ugh, probably till she is 18, lol. 

I took Rylie down to the health dept. this past Friday for a speech and hearing screening.  We got a referral to go to a specialist.  She wasn't very cooperative on the hearing test so they didn't get a real good idea on that.  But they did say she hasn't hit some of the age "markers" on her speech. 

I know she has been a bit slow, but being the baby of 6 kids meant she didn't have to do a lot of talking when she was little.  She could pretty much point and someone would get her whatever she wanted.  However, this past month I have seen a real explosion with her speech.  She is talking in more complete sentences and learned a ton of new words. 

She is one of the most well mannered little girls I've ever seen (minus the temper tantrums).  She always say's "please", "thank you" and "your welcome".  Seeing that there are very few teens (much less adults) today that use these kind of manners, her father and I are very proud of her use of these words.  I can't tell you how many times we've been shopping, or gone through a drive-thru and never hear anyone say "thank you".  I thought that was taught in employee training. 

What has happened to the use of common manners in America?  I guess you could call this one of my pet peeves, because it really gets under my skin.  I almost always say "your welcome", whether they say "thank you" or not, before I leave.

Have a great day!
Hugs,

Tags: Baked pork chops