Momster

This Week's Photo Challenge: Movie Tribute

2009-06-02T22:08:00.003-04:00

I've worked for the past 7 days straight. My only mornings/afternoons/evenings home involved baseball games. I actually wished for more time to focus on this challenge. But I'm happy with what I got. This first photo is part two of yet another Toy Story crying jag. And this one also involved post-kids'-room cleaning. I said to the boys, "Here is a garbage bag...it needs filled with toys

This Week's Photo Challenge: Looking Up

2009-05-27T08:48:00.003-04:00

Speaking of looking up: there are some big things that are supposed to be going down at work within the next week or so. I have much trouble trusting people and counting on anyone...but things may just be looking up very soon here. Your good vibes, thoughts, and prayers would be much appreciated. :)

Memorial Day: S'Mores!

2009-05-25T23:24:00.001-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to all! :)

This Week's Photo Challenge: Single Light Source

2009-05-20T09:15:00.006-04:00

I realize that this isn't the true single light source that is meant...but this is what I got and I love it. The boys call this "Fire Power"...apparently from a movie that I haven't watched ("Night at the Museum", I think they said.)I do intend on keeping up on here soon. Really. I can't even say the crap that is going down at work. I'm still working a lot...though no OT this week. And the

This Week's Photo Challenge: Hands and Feet

2009-05-13T22:00:00.003-04:00

I am here. I am just focused elsewhere for now. I hope to catch up on here very soon, though. Here is the thing: there is lots going on at work. I am still working 40-some hours per week. Additionally, we have had 2 of 3 of G's birthday parties. The last is this weekend. And then there will be summer vacation. And loads of fun things and fun times and sunshine. And pictures! I have been

Ice Cream Cupcakes

2009-05-08T08:39:00.006-04:00

As promised on Tuesday's post (which was G's birthday), if these ice cream confections turned out, I would share how I made them. Well...my ice cream fanatic LOVED these. So, here I am to share how I made them.If you've been following my blog for any length of time (the old one more so), you'll know that these silicone cupcake liners are what I use very often for the bentos that I make for my

It's G's Birthday...Check Out This Cake!!!

2009-05-05T13:20:00.004-04:00

No, not this photo...this is an ice cream confection that I'm attempting...I'll blog more about it if it turns out. Ooops...not this photo either...this is a second choice in the ice cream confection that I'm going to blog more about (if it turns out)... Aaaaah...here it is! How frickin' CUTE is this? And fairly easy, too. Though the instructions in the book suck. They lie. I know they lie. They

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

2009-05-03T07:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was opening day of baseball here in Tinytown. It was so...hard...to see my littlest man out there on that field. He looks too little. Too young. But at the same time, it was the most adorable game. Here are some highlights:The photo below is probably my favorite of the entire day...he really gives this throw his all...just look at his feet! Also, notice his number on his hat. Number One

Going Bananas...

2009-05-01T07:25:00.004-04:00

My freezer must have two dozen bananas in it. I may have mentioned this before, but it's definitely worth mentioning again: I freeze whole bananas when they reach that brown stage and no one wants them. My elderly neighbor gave me that tip a few years ago and it is one of the best tips that I've ever received. No more wasted bananas! But the result is...a freezer full of bananas! I do not

Adventures in Retail: It's the Thought That Counts

2009-04-29T20:51:00.003-04:00

The above photo has nothing to do with the title or subject of this post, except for the fact that I took it on my way to work the day that this story occurred. I'd passed this little bear for days and noticed him. He haunted me to take his picture...and so, I did. When showing this photo to Bones that night, I told him, "A good citizen would have thrown him in the trash, rather than taking

This Week's Photo Challenge: Nature

2009-04-28T19:43:00.004-04:00

How Do You Photograph a Windmill (with Alpacas on Top!)?

2009-04-27T05:29:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, I got home from work early enough to actually do something with the day. So, we took the boys to see the windmills and to the alpaca farm...with a stop for icecream in between. (I didn't have any icecream...scouts honor...'cause I'm doing that four-letter word thing again.)It was a fun little mini-adventure. Now, we can see the windmills on a daily basis here. They're all across

Still Alice ~ A Book Review

2009-04-26T07:48:00.004-04:00

I need to preface this review in two ways:First, Sun, I know you're not blogging much lately, but I'm not sure if you're reading. If you ARE reading and you come across this one, you may want to wait until it's a good time for some sad stuff. Not that there ever is a good time for some sad stuff...but this will weigh on you, I think. It's weighing on me.Second, anyone who has a loved one who has

Life

2009-04-25T07:26:00.004-04:00

I'm alive and kicking...just been so busy. I'm into overtime hours at work this week in addition to all the volunteering that I could do at the book fair at the kids' school. On top of that, Bones is quitting smoking. It's been a very full and busy week. I've been leaving a bit early for work whenever I can this week to check out this farm that intrigues me. It's so cute and old and quaint..

This Week's Photo Challenge: Wisdom

2009-04-21T22:29:00.000-04:00

Can you figure out my vision?

A Weekend in Photos...

2009-04-20T07:31:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I was finally off to see both boys at baseball practice. I finally took out my second lens that I got with my new camera and I gave it a shot. I filled up my memory card in no time at all. And I said, "Honey...don't move! There is a wasp right behind your butt and I want to get this shot. If it stings you, I promise to kiss it better." Hahahahaaaaaaaa! On Saturday morning I left early

Fog

2009-04-16T22:54:00.004-04:00

This morning was one of those mornings where it would have been painful to me to be without my camera. The fog was lifting and it was magical and other-worldly...and just freakin' cool as hell. :D

Happiness is...Magical Photos

2009-04-15T23:14:00.005-04:00

So, I link many of you in my blogroll...that's how I attempt to keep up with everyone. :)I love logging onto my blog and seeing new posts come up. I follow just a couple of photo blogs and one in particular sends a thrill up my spine when I see that something new is added.It's Tanasemanuel. I comment regularly and I always try to keep it simplistic...not sure about the language barrier, or if

This Week's Photo Challenge: Spring Flowers

2009-04-14T21:15:00.002-04:00

An Afternoon at the Lake

2009-04-13T21:51:00.002-04:00

It was a bit chilly there today, but we had a great time. I was momentarily renewed and energized and excited...and sidetracked. I needed all of those and more. I cannot wait to go back.

Happy Easter (A Picture Post)!

2009-04-12T20:59:00.007-04:00

Our Cake (made with two round cakes...one cut out for the ears and bowtie; decorated with candy that we had here): Breakfast: Overnight Caramel Cinnamon Rolls: Our Egg-Decorating Adventure (is any egg-decorating adventure complete with clean, unstained hands? We think not!): I hope that you and yours had a wonderful, Blessed Easter.We had a really lovely day here. We had a late lunch (2pm)

Dragonball Evolution: A Movie Review

2009-04-10T20:09:00.004-04:00

First, a confession: until a couple of months ago, I thought that DragonballZ was pronounced: dragonballsss. It wasn't until I was shopping at FYE and a very nice young man asked me, "Do you mean Dragonball Z?" And, well...yes, I did. (insert blushing)Ahem. And from there, I am only aware that we can't find the toys that the boys want. Super Saiyin Something Or Other. I know there is a

I Tawt I Taw....

2009-04-09T22:33:00.002-04:00

The boys and I did these little plaster painting projects for their teachers for Easter. These cost like 50 cents each at the Evil Walmart. And we just used (washable, non-toxic) paints that we had here. These are well worth the small price. They're easy...they're fun...they're quick. It's a painless project. Fill a plate with chosen colors of paint dollops as a pallet and let the kids have

It's Award Time!

2009-04-09T21:47:00.004-04:00

These awards are always so exciting and fun! I especially love the design of this one: it's very "traveling-pants", don't you think? :)I got this from the lovely Kelly over at Raising Delia. Go check her out...she is always doing the neatest blog-to-blog projects on her blog! And her little girl is just adorable!Ok...before I pass this award on to others, here are the rules:1. Put the logo on

Strangers: A Book Review

2009-04-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

Okie dokie, then. The cover probably tells it all. But just in case there's any question: this book is about sex. With a little bit about fear of love and commitment. And a wee bit about being a funeral director. And male prostitution. What a mix. :)I chose this book because it was highlighted at the book store. And the book store is my favorite place to go on my lunch break. This book

This Week's Photo Challenge: Easter

2009-04-07T22:40:00.002-04:00

If you had to pick a favorite, which one would it be and why?

Pinata !!!

2009-04-06T23:28:00.001-04:00

As mentioned previously, we celebrated Easter early with my P's and family on Saturday. Part of the celebration included an egg hunt. Another part included a pinata that the boys and I made. I think last Easter was our first attempt at such a pinata and it's sort of become a tradition. They're so fun and the kids have a blast. We blindfold the kids before they can swing at the pinata (which

Swedish Meatballs: Simple Mmm-Mmm Goodness

2009-04-05T18:39:00.006-04:00

Another one of those recipes that I have been making forever. These are SO easy. It doesn't get any easier than this recipe...really. When we have get-togethers and I make these, they are always long gone and quickly. "Mmmmm...these are soo good...what is IN these", is a typical response to a first-timer having one of my swedish meatballs. And then I tell them:Grape JellyANDChili SauceThen

The Chick Eggs: Redone

2009-04-04T12:02:00.004-04:00

Prepping the egg yolk filling: Beware: Naked Deviled Eggs (so pale, so white, so innocent)(What type of person will the search engines bring on those words?)Leftover Filling:(I promise that it didn't go to waste)A Bed of Broccoli for the Chicks (oh dear, what about that search?) And, above, the final product. I learned this today: if you are going to make these, prepare to punt. It's all about

Stuffed Shells

2009-04-02T23:08:00.002-04:00

This recipe is actually called, "Cheese Filled Jumbo Shells" and it can be found on the box of San Giorgio Jumbo Shells.It's actually very easy and very good.Ingredients1 package (12 oz) San Giorgio Jumbo Shells, uncooked 4 cups (2 lbs) ricotta cheese 2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to top: optional) 3 eggs 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 3/4 tsp.

A Shameless Brag

2009-04-02T22:49:00.004-04:00

This morning when I went to wake G up for school, I immediately felt that he had a fever. It wasn't a big fever...just 101 point something...but a fever. And he, of course, stayed home from school.When I went to call the school to let them know that G wouldn't be in, the phone system was not enabled. So I got a message that said the school was closed and that I could leave a message in their

Happy April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T21:54:00.008-04:00

I hurried like a madwoman this morning getting these ready before going into work. They were not complicated...they just required different varying steps. These were ready, then, for the boys when they got home from school as part of their April Fool's tricking...Bones got to deliver the fun, as I was at work. They also each had a box of Reese's Puffs this morning, as a surprise (this isn't the

This Week's Photo Challenge: Flame

2009-04-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

The Finished Pinata

2009-03-31T21:56:00.007-04:00

I am always so glad when the pinata is done. I tend to start it too late and then I'm rushed to make sure that I get it stuffed and secure and dry and ready to rock 'n roll. This pinata was especially ornery and required a lot of TLC. The problem was, as I mentioned in the making of the pinata post, I used a light newsprint tissue paper-type material as the first layer on the pinata. And, though

Subs...Simple Salivating Scrumptiousness

2009-03-30T21:38:00.005-04:00

The other day Bones said to me, "Hon...you should make your subs one of these days...I miss them." Or something like that. Looking back on that last sentence...it sounded way too sentimental and mushy to be coming from Bones' mouth (not that he doesn't do sentimental and mushy...he does...just not usually about food). Wait...let me ask him.He's laughing and says, "What did I say? How about, "

Strange Man at Work

2009-03-29T19:51:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, I went to help a customer in the store and was promptly inundated with talk of organic gardening and worm breeding. With a diet of complete organic juices curing cancer...and how well the worm manure works in organic gardening. How we are what we eat. (I wanted to ask him if he was worm poop, then.) Then he started in about bees and honey and pollen. In the meantime, I waited on

Easter Prep, Part One: The Pinata

2009-03-29T11:19:00.006-04:00

Next weekend, we are beginning our Easter celebration. My parents are going away to my sister's place for Easter, so we are getting together with them a week early. This means it's party time for the kids! And a party means a pinata in our world.We haven't made a pinata since the Halloween pinata. My goal with this one is simple: have it dried by tonight so that I can stuff it and then add a

One Camera: Ordered

2009-03-27T22:46:00.003-04:00

I still cannot believe it. Maybe Monday's demise of my old camera was a blessing in disguise. There's my optimistic twist: I would never have moved forward to SLR-land otherwise...not this soon.

The Camera: A Confession

2009-03-26T23:00:00.004-04:00

Today I went to visit my camera at the store at the mall. It wasn't there. They don't have one on hand. I had every expectation to put the final steps in motion to pick up this camera tomorrow. I had just a few questions to ask. Just needed a few more bits of information before I could personally commit.It is SO hard for me to spend so much money on something that is all about me. Yes, I know, I

This Week's Photo Challenge: Movement

2009-03-24T23:54:00.002-04:00

I present a photo of my new (to me) Kitchen Aid mixer, mixing up the Oreo Truffles from yesterday. The ones that I was photographing when my camera met the floor. I also shared the photo of Bones' Man Hands in the Kitchen...I so wanted to capture that cheese falling like the chocolate chips falling on Smitten Kitchen's chocolate chip cookie entry.Anyway...moving past the sadness of my camera's

Change of Heart: A Book Review

2009-03-24T08:07:00.003-04:00

I need to preface this by saying: I love Jodi Picoult. As a rule, she is my go-to girl for good reading. I think that I've read everything she's put out...starting several years ago when I stumbled upon her at the library. That's how I am when I find a new author that I like...I'm insatiable until I've read their body of work. As an author, Jodi Picoult has taken me on such a roller coaster

Oh. My. Word.

2009-03-23T22:43:00.003-04:00

On the right here is an amazon search tool shopping thingamajig that I set up. Mostly on a whim. I'm not even 100% sure how it chooses its selections, but I'm guessing it's based on things that I've linked OR blog entries? Maybe both. Dunno. Regardless...it just caught my eye. I have two kids' books listed...and two racy photos of lingerie. Keep on rockin' in the free world...that's all I

Where's My Superbark?? Where. Is. My. Super. Bark.?

2009-03-23T21:31:00.005-04:00

Yes, more camera-less whining. I cannot help it. I must vent. I need to get it all out. I need to accept the facts here: I fucked up. I dropped my camera. It's only a camera. I did not drop my child or something truly awful. It. Is. Just. A. Camera.But then why do I feel like Bolt without his superbark? You know...when he tries to bark and he can feel the previous power of the superbark, knows so

Oreo Truffles

2009-03-23T14:33:00.004-04:00

So, today I have been cooking up a storm. First, I started with these danish. Then I moved onto make these chick deviled eggs. Then I got some beer can chicken ready to go into the oven (rather than the grill...just because). And I also started to make Sugar's Adoptaversary Cake for Friday. And lastly, I made these Oreo Truffles...which my good friend, Cathy, calls them. On allrecipes,

How CUTE Are These????

2009-03-23T14:24:00.004-04:00

Deviled egg chicks. We love deviled eggs around here. And ya'll know how crazy I am about making cute food...so when I saw these little guys on allrecipes, I had to give them a test run for Easter. I did them quickly...and they are SO easy and SO stinkin' adorable. You need to make them. And then link to me and let me know, k? Your kids will go ga-ga. Your husband will laugh his ass off. Try

Easy Drop Danish: Another Bisquick Recipe

2009-03-23T14:12:00.003-04:00

I'm cooking like mad today. It all started with this recipe this morning: another one by Bisquick. Yummy, easy, and worth repeating. Easy Drop Danish ~ makes 12 Danishes2 cups Original Bisquick1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened2 Tbsp. sugar2/3 cup milk1/4 cup apricot preserves (or other flavor fruit preserves)Heat oven to 450. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Stir Bisquick, margarine and

Spinach & Feta Cheese Rolls

2009-03-20T16:14:00.010-04:00

I rarely feel my age. Really. It's not until I start a post like this and start to type, "I've been making these for 20 years", that the number hits me. I hit it back, but it cannot be denied. Because the truth is: I have been making these for 20 years. The difference between then and now is simple: it's not a matter of years, it's a matter of the alcoholic beverage missing from my hand. :D That

Bones' Potato Pie (aka Pugush or Potato Pizza)

2009-03-19T07:47:00.007-04:00

There are very few things that Bones cooks. This is the only dish that doesn't involve Shake 'N Bake. ;) Kidding...well...kinda. He has a thing for Shake 'N Bake Pork Chops? (Yes, the question mark is intentional. That's not to say that I don't like them...because I do. He actually trims all the fat from my pork chops when he makes them...'cause I'm picky like that. It's easy to see which chops

This Week's Photo Challenge: Chocolate

2009-03-17T22:55:00.004-04:00

I couldn't decide which one I liked best. Which would you choose?

Banana Upside Down Cake

2009-03-17T17:31:00.004-04:00

Yes, really. Here's the why: I had some browning bananas. I have too many in my freezer already. I had the windows open, the music blastin', the house elves (all one of them...**ahem**) cleaning away...and I was inspired by the browning bananas. So, I grabbed my trusty Bisquick Cookbook again 'cause there was no time for something long and involved...the kids would be home in an hour and I had

There is a Green Belt in the House

2009-03-17T07:27:00.004-04:00

Last night, G tested for his green belt in Kenpo Karate and Jujitsu. We were all a little tense. The higher the belt ranks get...the higher the stakes...the harder the test. He said, "Mom...I'm gonna show the most respect ever for the dojo tonight." And he did. He passed. We celebrated our Happy Hour at McDonald's afterwards...Shamrock Shakes and Happy Meals. Followed by McFlurries and

Back to Basics With Bisquick

2009-03-15T10:38:00.004-04:00

This morning I made these cinnamon rolls with Bisquick. I actually have this awesome Bisquick Cookbook that I purchased a few years ago. And every once in a while, I'll dig it out and create yummy goodness in a super easy way. Are these the best cinnamon rolls that you'll ever have? Nope. Are they good enough to get, "You're the best Mom EVER!" proclamations? Hell to the yes!!! The guys

Spidey Chess (aka: A Game You Can't Win)

2009-03-13T08:41:00.006-04:00

Introduction: begin by setting up the chess game. This involves building an extensive city-scape with Legos. This may or may not include bridges. Nothing is consistent...be prepared to build until there's no tomorrow until finally Spidey will say, "It's ready! Let's play Chest!" (And he still calls it "chest". He will usually move his "ponds" first, too. I am holding onto the innocence and

Our Easter Craft Project

2009-03-12T10:12:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, did not get this one at a steal on sale. Had to pay a painful full price (which was less than $8, but painful to this bargain hunter because it was full price). We started this over the weekend by putting a coating of glue over the entire egg and then adding the sparkle glitter coat. I was overzealous with the glue, so we had to wait for it to dry. And we finished up today:

If You Like Penis, Sit Here (aka This Week's Photo Challenge: Self-Portrait)

2009-03-10T23:20:00.005-04:00

For the record, I did not choose this week's photo challenge. It seemed torturous to me, honestly. But I embraced it and went with it because these photo challenges are supposed to be all about learning and expanding our talents...and that should feel torturous more often than it does. I definitely needed more experience with the timer on the camera...and all that.So, we took the boys to the

Homemade Shamrock Shakes

2009-03-09T19:43:00.003-04:00

So, there is an older post on my blog about these yummy copycat homemade shakes...but I wanted to show off my new milkshake maker. :) I'd been using a food processor all this time to make homemade shakes for the kids. The milkshake maker works much much easier...less mess to clean up, too. I can't tell you how many older Moms have come into the store looking for one of these. Their boys (oddly

Apples + Sugar + Lemon Juice = Apple Jellies

2009-03-08T20:26:00.010-04:00

So, I found the blog, Lottie + Doof a few weeks ago...I think on Pioneer Woman. The biscuits called me, the pictures called me, the really awesome writing style called me. It's all just gorgeous. Reading that blog makes me feel peaceful. Peaceful...even when intimidated...which is an oxymoronous statement, I suppose. (Did I just make up a word?) Really though...some of the recipes intimidate me.

Girl Power Bouquet

2009-03-05T08:49:00.003-05:00

That's what I'm calling this photo and the subject it holds. So often...most often, actually...I feel that women do a disservice to each other. We are not supportive and we really should be. I mean in real life...in our every day ins and outs. It happens in small ways. It happens when we don't back each other up. It happens when we are catty and gossipy and...women.There is a lovely woman who

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

2009-03-01T22:05:00.003-05:00

I promised the boys that I would make these cookies today since I finally had a day off. I so did not feel like making these when the time came for a number of reasons. As usual, though, I persevered because of the kids. I did not paint the icing on. I did not add icing at all. Instead, just some colored sugar on top did the trick. We had planned on Shamrock Shakes, too...but I'm fresh out

Cowboy Up, Cupcake

2009-02-27T23:33:00.003-05:00

These are actually from Monday. It's been such a crazy week. Too much PTO, along with too much work, and then too much homework/cooking/other things. Mix that all up and add in too little sleep (there's too much to do and never enough time and my sleep issues go haywire).Anyway...Spidey and I made cupcakes on Monday. The entire batch was gone by dinnertime that evening. Or, so I'm told.More to

This Week's Photo Challenge: Music

2009-02-25T08:05:00.001-05:00

A late last-minute scramble to get some shots for the challenge. Nothing fab at all.

Mom, Do You Know How To Speak Bird?

2009-02-23T07:32:00.007-05:00

(another conversation with Spidey)Spidey: Mom...do you know how to speak bird?Me: No, honey...I don't.Spidey: Mom...(he points at me...he means business)...whistleIt's early. I need more tea. I can't even put a sentence together yet (trust me, this post is difficult). So...I whistle even though I don't want to because Spidey asks me to. Sugar comes to attention. I still haven't figured out why

Out of Chocolate: Life is Crap

2009-02-22T18:48:00.003-05:00

Bones and I went out last night. Going out is a very big deal because it happens so infrequently. After much discussion (and then laughter over the sadness that it was such a big decision because of the infrequency) as to where to eat and what to do...we ended up at Applebees and the mall. While browsing around, I came across a ball cap that had the above quote. There were other similar

Mom...Someday, Can We Buy a Cash Register?

2009-02-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

(...a conversation between me and Spidey...)Me: Why do you want a cash register?Spidey: Because someday, I want to have a restaurant.Me: Oh! What will your restaurant be named?Spidey: Chuck E Cheese! And we'll have pies and pizza...and cupcakes...and hot dogs. (smiling BIG)...pause...Spidey: And that's why I want a cash register.

My Favorite Quote :)

2009-02-18T13:56:00.005-05:00

PS...if you saw my vent earlier...ya, I removed it. It helped and I'm moving on. So there. :)PSS...this quote and my earlier vent have nothing at all in common. I mean it. I looked this quote up and found this shirt because of a work-related issue. Revolution...at work. Me? HELL YES.

This Week's Photo Challenge: Skyline

2009-02-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

Nothing exciting at all this week. We now have to keep our purses in the back room at the store. I don't want to keep my camera there...so it sat in the cold car...and the batteries were dead.

My Favorite Etsy Shop: Sunangel Creations

2009-02-16T23:39:00.006-05:00

And I swear that I'm not even a teensy weensy wee bit biased. :) It's Sun's brand new shop and it's beginning to burst at the seems with cuteness overload! Here's the direct link to her shop: Sunangel Creations.Check out the photo below! Oh my word...summer camp memories, end-of-school memories, fun-at-the-pool-all-summer-long memories (singin' sweet home alabama...)...the little squash book

Oh Yes...I Did

2009-02-16T11:42:00.002-05:00

The homemade marshmallows that I made yesterday? Ya...today they called to me and said, "Cover us in chocolate...you'll love us more." And so, I did. And...ohmyGod...I sure do love them more. Much much more. So much more, in fact, that this may just become a Christmas tradition. Or an Easter tradition. Or...you know...a we-need-chocolate-covered-sugar tradition. **Sigh** I will

Ben 10 ~ Reproductions From Earlier Today

2009-02-15T18:22:00.002-05:00

Swampfire, as drawn by G:Heatblast, as drawn by Spidey:

Homemade Marshmallows: A Story in Pictures

2009-02-15T16:22:00.006-05:00

Above, I pre-measured the vanilla and had it ready to roll. As mentioned in my post below, the recipe calls for a stand-mixer. Stand-mixers allow you to do all kinds of necessary things while your recipe is mixing. I have a hand-mixer (it rhymes with stand mixer...is that close enough?) and so I had to have everything ready to roll with one hand...as I would be using the other to continue the

Homemade Marshmallows ~ The How and the Why

2009-02-15T14:43:00.006-05:00

It started out simply enough: I was talking to a customer at the store (she very much reminds me of our Pediatrician in that she's very pleasant, classy, cheerful; and she has an accent so thick and similar, that I'm sure she must be from India). I am smitten with her...she makes me happy. So, in talking with her one day this week, she mentioned making marshmallows. Just like that. And I asked, "

So, This Morning We Made Pancake Puffs

2009-02-15T12:43:00.005-05:00

Finally. Poor G only got these for Christmas (after wanting them for quite a while...the call of the infomercial is strong, Young Jedi)...you know, nearly TWO months ago.Yesterday I was reading about "As Seen on TV" products on a parenting forum that I've participated on for years. One of the Moms mentioned that they love this product. I instantly recalled that it was sitting in our cupboard...

Spidey Has Started Basketball...

2009-02-15T12:15:00.002-05:00

And I have missed it for several weeks because I'm always at work. It's just a little practice time at the gym on Saturday mornings, but he loves it. Check out the air he's getting trying to get that ball in the hoop. I took my camera along yesterday (of course) and was just so so sad when I saw him going for these shots. My littlest man is not so little anymore. :(

A Glimpse of Valentine's Day at Our House

2009-02-15T12:08:00.002-05:00

Bones did a little editing on the card, above. It had said, "I"...he changed it to say, "we". Does anything else say man romance quite like Jack Daniels? In this house...nope. Flowers aren't even my favorite...but I would surely miss them if I didn't get them on Valentine's Day. I get to go pick out a new Willow Tree figurine tomorrow. Bones bought me one, but I already had it. So, I get to

Win Some, Lose Some, Burn Some...and Eat It Anyway

2009-02-14T23:54:00.003-05:00

This Cheese Onion Garlic bread was from two days ago. I took the picture just because the reality is this: failures happen. In this case, I tried a new recipe and my oven didn't agree with the cooktime. The smoke detectors even went off. The edges were burnt (this one was one of the better pieces), but we ate it anyway. For the record...this recipe makes quite a bit of bread. Far more than we

The BLT Cheeseball...Yes, It's THAT Good

2009-02-14T15:05:00.004-05:00

I made this for us for the weekend. I had purchased it for the Superbowl, but the call of the pizza dip won out and I never made the BLT cheeseball. At least, not then.Bones cannot stop eating this BLT Cheeseball. G loves it. And me? Yum-MO! It tastes very much like its name abbreviation: bacon, lettuce and tomato. And cream cheese. On a cracker. (We prefer ours served on those new

Adventures in Retail: Cook Now

2009-02-13T23:26:00.004-05:00

One of the things that I love most about this job is working with the public. I love people. I love to quietly observe them...their relationships, their shopping habits, their choices: higher-end or cheaper products, their jewelry, their shoes, their purses...the way they treat each other.Like most stores do these days, we push a product at the register. We try to upsell the customer on a special

The Questions We Ask Our Husbands...

2009-02-13T09:27:00.005-05:00

The other night I saw that Keith's new video, "Sweet Thing" had this awesome cool customizable feature. So, I went for it. Easy peasy. Until I got to the part where it needed to know Bones' favorite farm animal.Let me set up the scenario. It's like this: I was sitting at my desk (in the living room) surfin'. Ok...surfin' and drooling over Keith and contemplating the fact that I made it all

Stress Test Results Reveal...

2009-02-12T15:52:00.002-05:00

One whipped shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate with additional chocolate on top. Next week they will reveal: five pounds gained. But I promise not to show you that. :DOh...here's the recipe link: Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Introducing...the Dog President of America

2009-02-12T10:04:00.004-05:00

We all have to start somewhere and, above, is our start with Sugar. We met her at the Humane Society and our lives have not been the same since. We love our girl.We have some wicked winds here today, and this morning Sugar didn't want to go out. I was trying to get her out before I took G to the bus stop. She was not cooperating...so G said, "Mom...I'm sorry to say that I told her that she is

Angry Venting...About Work

2009-02-11T09:24:00.004-05:00

**Sigh** So, in addition to the (literal) crap that I put up with...and in addition to the fact that my classless, self-centered, Great Angelica Meets Nellie Olsen Tantruming Manager leaves her used tissues all over the counter (GROSS!). And in addition to the fact that yesterday she told me that I might want to re-route my way through the store...away from her and the smell of green that I can

PC is For: Pumpkin Cookie

2009-02-11T08:18:00.002-05:00

I made these two days ago. They taste much better when on this red platter. :) Actually, they taste even better two days later...they are yummy. :) Here's the link: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies III.

This Week's Photo Challenge: Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T23:52:00.001-05:00

Coraline: A Mom's Movie Review

2009-02-08T22:42:00.008-05:00

We took the boys to see Coraline today. In the interest of full disclosure: I am not really a Nightmare Before Christmas fan. Nor am I a huge fan of animation (or whatever this frame-by-frame type thing is called). That is not to say that I cannot appreciate them both...because I do. With that being said: I very much enjoyed this movie. It was 3-D...which is never a great experience for me. (Add

Cookin' Mamsta'

2009-02-08T22:29:00.002-05:00

Oh, I wanted to get a good shot of this Taco Salad. But food is very hard (for me) to photograph, especially in artificial lighting. So, this was as good as it got...as far as the photograph went. But the salad itself? Yum-MO! G had been going on and on about how they had Doritos at school to which they added a salad. I surprised him with this the other night for dinner...he was so excited.

Adventures in Retail: Waitin' on a Woman

2009-02-06T23:14:00.004-05:00

->Waitin' on a Woman<-The embed link is disabled on this one...so you'll have to click on the actual link if you're not familiar with Brad Paisley's tune. Every day at work, this song goes through my head at least once. So many men come into the store looking for their wives or significant others. Women have a way of getting lost in our store. It's understandable. And their other halves will

When a Camera Addiction Pays Off...

2009-02-06T16:22:00.006-05:00

So, I've made it fairly clear exactly how I feel about Walmart: I hate it. I hate everything that it stands for. I hate my SIL who works there (she is evil and has done her fair share to ruin my family). I just hate it. I think that Bentley Little's book, "The Store", nailed it in an over extreme monstrously evil way.I have made a conscious attempt to shop elsewhere when I can. Today when Bones

Our 6-Dimensioned Steeler Superbowl

2009-02-06T10:17:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe that it has taken me this long to blog about our Superbowl day! This first photo is from the morning, before I headed into work.I've realized this season (while working with a Cowboys fan and while being abused by customers who were anything BUT Steeler fans) that Football should rank right up there as untouchable subjects like Politics and Religion...sometimes it's best if you

So, My Weiner Photo is Famous

2009-02-06T08:50:00.004-05:00

Ok, so maybe famous is stretching it (har har har...). But my Brown Sugar Smoky photo that I shared on here a little while ago? Well, I had submitted it to Allrecipes, as I usually do when I get a decent shot of a recipe that I've tried from there. And when that recipe made "recipe of the day"...my photo was attached. See...it says: Photo By: Momster. And that would be me. :)I was way stoked when

This Week's Photo Challenge: Luminous

2009-02-04T02:09:00.001-05:00

My computer screen at 2am. It sucks to be wide awake now. :(

So, Spidey Just Said...

2009-02-03T18:31:00.005-05:00

(a conversation with my littlest man)Spidey: My next pet wants to be a rabbit.Me: (envisioning a bodiless animal soul sending messages to my son) Your next pet wants to be a rabbit?Spidey: Ya. They...like...hop funny.Me: They do?Spidey: Ya. Aa-and (long and drawn out for emphasis) they wiggle their nose funny. Like this. (He tries to wiggle his nose funny...like his next pet who wants to be a

Superbowl Eve...

2009-01-31T07:22:00.003-05:00

Twas the day before the Superbowl and all through the house...I'm inserting a caffeine IV as I type. I'm anxious and excited to get to work today. I hope that the Steeler Superbowl adrenaline has kicked in and that people are out in record numbers shopping and preparing. I know that we sure as hell did yesterday (me at the mall, Bones at the grocery store, beer store, and state store). Yikes...

Happy Friday!!!!

2009-01-30T07:31:00.001-05:00

I'm basically working from now until the Superbowl, except to sleep and shower. I'm so excited.

This Week's Photo Challenge: Snacks

2009-01-28T08:29:00.003-05:00

Above, Sugar does a sit/stay and leave-it. That's a chicken nugget on the floor (leftover from dinner) and she knows it. Yet she stays and waits. She's that good. We've trained her well thanks to My Smart Puppy.

Cookies: The Breakfast of Champions

2009-01-27T19:38:00.006-05:00

In proving that there are indeed days where I would forget my head if it wasn't attached, I pulled a similar boner. (Sorry, "boner" just fits here, k?) I left work last night and forgot my purse. My purse held (of course) my wallet, my new favorite Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (which I couldn't wait to get and use today!), and my cell phone...among other things. I didn't realize that I'd forgotten my

A Soup Study...

2009-01-27T08:58:00.005-05:00

In which I pose the question: does soup actually taste better from a cute little soup crock?I've posed such a question before...in real life. In fact, Sun and I have an on-going joke that things will just taste better from certain platters, plates, glasses...or even when just prepared in certain pretty dishes (the blue casserole dishes call to me...what can I say?). This logic has even justified

Our Own Marvel Cartoon

2009-01-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

A superhero family hangin' with Spiderman...cartoon-style. Totally digging this effect. Totally.

Adoration

2009-01-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

A Sugar Series...

2009-01-26T08:25:00.001-05:00

And He Said...

2009-01-25T18:28:00.003-05:00

And I'm quoting as closely as possible, "It's been a week and a half since we've had Direct TV and all I'm seeing on Channel 6 is lip syncing or no picture. You DO REALIZE that the Superbowl is in one week? You DO REALIZE that the Superbowl is on Channel 6? If this is happening next Sunday, I'll be making another phone call. And on Monday...all the equipment will be out on the street." End