Birthday Fun!

This weekend we had the first of MANY September Birthday celebrations. Cutter is turning 6 next week and Kameron turns 36 tomorrow! Kameron is always a good sport and will blow out a candle with Cutter when we combine birthdays. It was lots of fun. We had hot dogs, sausage dogs, chips/dips, and cake. Cutter is lots of fun to give presents to...he really gets excited.

Cutter's most requested gift...a green whoopie cushion. He has been howling in delight at the most obnoxious sounds ever - He is such a BOY!

Favorite Thing Thursday: Hot Tamales and Popcorn

I can't remember how long I have been eating this food combo - but it is seriously delish. I have gotten many people over the years hooked on it! You must try it at least once.

Directions: Next time you have popcorn at the movies or pop "micro"corn at home. Just throw in a hot tamale with each bite of popcorn. Chew it up together.....yep, you just made a homemade cinnamon popcorn ball in your mouth - Food Magic!

Altered Project: Clipboard

This project was so easy and lots of fun. It cost 2.00 total - .97 cents for the clipboard and 1.00 for the ribbon (Target dollar spot) if you don't include printer ink. I just cut the paper to fit the clipboard and decoupaged it on. I added pieces of different papers to give it a funky layered look. I also watered down green paint and rubbed it on the edges and then rubbed it back off to give it a grunge effect. I gave it a final coat of Modge Podge (glossy) and added the short ribbon pieces at the top. I think it will make a very cute gift when you add a legal pad and a cool package of pens.

if this post disappears - it will be back. I have to make sure the person receiving it as a gift doesn't look at my blog.

Guest Chef: Nana's Vegetable Hash

Let me start out by saying that I am a picky eater. I can name on one hand the vegetables I like...and I don't even have to use all of my fingers! The following recipe cooked for us by my mom on her most recent visit contains only one vegetable from my "list"! Yet, I licked my plate clean. I can say for sure that the way to make ANY vegetable edible is to coat it in cornmeal and fry it! LOL It was really delicious and my kids and husband gave it five stars too.

Ingredients: potatoes, squash, onion, okra, cornmeal, egg, garlic salt, salt, and pepper

Directions: peel and cube potatoes, cube squash, add okra, cut onion in to small chunks, and then coat the vegetables with a beaten egg and then toss with cornmeal until coated. The amounts are not specific - so just use your judgement. If your family likes more potatoes then add more - if you feel like you need more egg to coat then add another egg. It really is not an exact recipe. Just have fun with it. Once everything is coated then sprinkle garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste.

Heat oil in large frying pan (cast iron works best if you have it) then fry it until all of the veggies are done - turning it ever so often so that the bottom doesn't burn. ( it does take potatoes a while to get done...so be patient)

Great served with pork chops, beans and cornbread, etc.

The beginning of a long career!

Cutter started Kindergarten today. He was so excited....to take his lunch! He has such a cute class and none of them looked scared or nervous. I hope he makes lots of new friends this year. He is such a joyful little person and really loves everyone.

First Day of School - 2008

The morning started at 6:30 and ended with me pulling into the drive way at 8:09. Everyone has been delivered to school. They all seemed happy and excited. It was a very different morning than last year and much easier! I can't wait until 3:00 to hear about every one's day.

Chesley and Nana

Chesley sent me this picture of her and Nana on the square in Granbury. They ate at Babe's and then were seeing the Rock and Roll show at Granbury Live. Nana is bringing her home tomorrow! Yeah - we miss her so much.

Meet the Teacher

Cutter met his teacher yesterday. We are so excited. We have heard really wonderful things about her and she seems so sweet. Cutter is really excited to start school on Monday.

Cheers to the Happy Couple!

Sending anniversary wishes to a wonderful couple The other Mr. and Mrs. Hedger - my in laws and two of my favorite people. We love you!

Favorite Thing Thursday: Spot Shot

LOVE LOVE LOVE this carpet cleaner. It is the best I have ever used and even works on old stains. I am never without a can!

description:
Works on both oil and water based stains regardless of age. Leaves no rings or residue. Non-toxic, non-corrosive, and nob-flammable.

1 down - 2 to go

Cutter had his first of three cavities fixed today. He was a pro. He got a shot and never even flinched. It was funny to see him touching his face...making sure it was still there. He did say that he thought his cheek was broken!

BIG Twilight NEWS!!!!!!

this was copied from the Stephenie Meyer website:

Movie News Flash!
So, many of you have heard that the release of the sixth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, has been moved from this Thanksgiving to next summer. First and foremost, please know that this schedule change has absolutely nothing to do with Twilight, me, or Summit Films (so enough with the imdb death wishes, okay?). This is Warner Bros. decision, and it was not motivated by anything Twilight-related.
Now for the good news! Though we're all sad to have to wait for Harry Potter, this open spot at the theater creates a cool opportunity. The good people at Summit were thrilled to let me know that now Twilight fans are going to get their movie three weeks earlier than scheduled. That's right—Twilight will be released in theaters November 21st! Let the merry-making commence!
--Stephenie

somebody PINCH me!!!!!!!!

Sneak Peak

Today I got to go with my sister to an ultrasound appointment. It was so much fun to get to see the "Little Blessing" in person. Due to arrive 2-27-09

TEXAS: The End

Chesley's last performance in TEXAS was last night. It was bitter sweet. It has been fun, but I think everyone was ready for a break. Overall, it was a rewarding learning experience. Her special guests on her last night were Cambry, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Jill. Jeremy had to leave by 10:00 because he was on call at work. Thanks to everyone who was able to come see the play.

She Finished!

Chesley had a real whopper of an English assignment to complete over the summer. She really had to put in some serious hours at the end to have it finished before her trip to Nana's and Papaw's house. We didn't have the energy to count the pages, but it has to be at least 75. YIKES!

Space Chimps

Cutter and I will be going to see Space Chimps at 7:00 tonight. I don't expect to post a review - because I don't expect it to be good (ha ha). You know, why say anything if you can't say something nice!

Flight 37: Destination - Love Field

Chesley arrived safe and sound in Dallas and was greeted by two very happy grandparents. The final grandkid visit of summer 2008 has officially begun. One week from today - school starts!

Worth Mentioning

We tried this marinade the other night on pork chops and we loved it - really great flavor. Cutter even came back for seconds and is convinced now that he will be a great athlete because he ate meat!

We have also tried several other flavors and they have all been good. The other flavors include
hawaiian, herb and garlic, mesquite, sesame ginger, teriyaki...and more.

Adventures in Babysitting

Yesterday, Chesley and her friend E.J. attended a babysitter training class at the local hospital. It was 5 hours long and full of helpful information. I hope that she has time to put her training to good use. She is enrolled in 4 pre-ap (advanced) courses this year and we have heard that her English class is going to be a killer. She had to read 3 novels over the summer and complete a huge list of required work - consisting of character studies, vocabulary, quotes, and chapter summaries. It has taken most of the summer to complete it. she has worked really hard to finish so that she could be done before her week of fun with Nana and Papaw. she can't think of a better way to celebrate. She is so excited.

Favorite Thing Thursday: Bar Keeper's Friend

This cleaner is amazing and affordable. I think I paid 1.99 for a can at Lowes and it lasts for ever! Before you use it make sure to spot check, but I use it on my sinks, tubs, and toilets. My favorite use for it...will take you by surprise - your going to thank me for this later....seriously. My glass cook top - I AM NOT KIDDING. I make a paste with it and use my scratch pad that is labeled "safe for cook tops". It gets everything off. Please - just make sure to test it first.

Here is the website description: One can does it all! The best professional powdered cleanser since 1882. The unique formula in Bar Keepers Friend gently removes stains other cleansers can't. It will even remove rust, and is great for cleaning stainless steel. If you're looking for a cleanser you can trust to clean your stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, plastic, copper, china, fiberglass, imitation marble, tile, grout, chrome, and composition sinks--trust Bar Keepers Friend. Bar Keepers Friend, the Can Do Cleanser! Our motto is, "Once Tried, Always Used! Bar Keepers Friend will be your "cleaning friend" for life!"

Random 80's post

just because...

Recipe Tuesday: Stacked Enchiladas

Many moons ago, Chance and I did a 5 year stint in Roswell New Mexico. We slowly learned to appreciate all things green chile! The hotter the better too! It was a slow transition and one I resisted with all my strength. My first introduction was at a friends house when she invited us over for Green Bean Enchiladas. OMG! I was quivering in my shoes just trying to imagine what that was going to look like and I happen to like green beans. Well, I had heard wrong on the phone and we were having Green MEAT Enchiladas. Big Big Difference LOL! They looked exactly like the picture of mine that I have included...but they were so incredibly hot - "fire-breathing" hot - "you better have a scoop of ice cream afterwards" hot!!!!!!(let me know if that one needs explaining) I could only eat half and never took a breath between bites. My eyes were watering and my chile virgin tongue was on fire...for days! This is a very mild version of that recipe. I'll tell you how you can make it hotter.

The ingredients:

1-2 lbs. hamburger meat, package of shredded colby jack cheese, corn tortillas, can of green chile enchilada sauce, butter

Directions:

1. slightly fry your corn tortillas one at a time in a little bit of butter. I do this at the same time that I am browning my hamburger. You just want them to soften - you don't want them to be crispy. I just stack them on a plate for later.

2. brown and crumble hamburger meat and drain off excess fat.

3. pour enchilada sauce on hamburger and mix.

4. Place one corn tortilla on a plate and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of green chile mix on top

5. sprinkle with cheese

6. continue layers and always end with cheese.

7. Microwave just to melt the cheese on top and help all of the layers melt together.

Notes: We serve this with crackers and not chips - just personal preference. You can add lettuce, sour cream, etc...make it your own. We love the green chile flavor so we don't eat hot sauce with ours but you could.

Usually 2 corn tortillas is plenty per person.

Chance always has to have a fried egg on top - this is super common with tradition Mexican food!

If you are serving more people just buy more hamburger meat, sauce, cheese - I always have plenty of corn tortillas left over.

This can also be made as a casserole - just layer the same way in a 13x9 dish.

You can make your own green chile sauce using real roasted green chiles or the frozen bueno green chiles that are in the freezer section just be aware that the heat level will really go up.

Fact: We had never heard of a stacked enchilada until we lived in New Mexico - this is the common prep there and you have to ask for rolled enchiladas in you want them fixed that way.

2 Down - 2 To Go

Saturday, I finished reading the second book in the Twilight series. LOVED it. I get more excited about that movie everyday. I think that I am figuring out that over the course of the last 2 books the readers start to take sides (between Jacob and Edward). I will say for now that I am definitely TEAM EDWARD. Take my poll and let me know which side you choose. Remember not to post spoilers in your comments for those just starting the series.

Random Picture Monday

new theme day - post a picture that you've taken that you just want to post for fun!

I've always loved this picture of Cutter and Chesley. They have the same cute little nose. Ü

Retro Movie Review: SHAG - The Movie

Feeling some serious 80's love with this recommendation. I remember going to see this movie with a bunch of friends and my MOM! It was a blast. We even took Chance with us....although he probably wouldn't admit it now. Seriously, this movie is just good innocent cheesy fun. I recently discussed this movie with a friend and she still has it on VHS and remembered all the characters names. I bet she knows all the dance moves to Michael Jackson's THRILLER too. Ü

Shout Out to Amy

Just a sending a big thanks to my friend, Amy, for getting me hooked on the Twilight book series. I just finished book 2. I am really enjoying them. The writer does such a great job of getting you to believe in the emotions of the characters. I almost cried several times while reading and that is really unusual for me. I am not an emotional book reader. It is a young adult series, but I know many adults that have read them. The big plus is that it comes out as a movie on 12/12. Now, i just have to figure out how to get Amy to ditch her teen friends she promised to see the movie with...and go with me. Ü

(you can read a summary of it if you click on the bookshelf that is on the side of my blog.)

The TOAD Collectors

There are not that many things in this world that I truly despise - there are many things that I don't like, can't stand, don't care for etc. I reserve the word DESPISE for a handful of despicable things and TOADS/FROGS appear very high on that list.

I hate:

- the way they seem to stare at you from underneath the patio furniture

- the sneaky jumps that are perfectly timed to give me maximum heart issues

- the prehistoric gray shade of death that is their skin

I just hate them. Please spare me the details of the ways in which they help our planet. Save it for someone who cares. I will never love them or care about them. My brother put one down my back the night before I got married and he officially made all three of my children living miracles. I am lucky to be here...he is lucky to be here. They are lucky to be here.

So, you can imagine my horror when my kids showed me what they had been doing all morning with the neighborhood kids. LORD help me.....a bucket of the devil's spawn. You will all be glad to know that they were successfully relocated a few streets over. Pray that they don't find their way home!

More TEXAS Visitors

Chesley's fun filled summer as a child actor in the musical TEXAS is starting to wind down. It has been a very busy summer, but one that has been a great learning experience. I think her grandparents and loved ones had as much fun coming to see her as she did participating. We're sending out a thanks as big as Palo Duro Canyon to all those that came to visit. This includes last night's "fans" Uncle Henry, Aunt Jana, Ashley, Nanny, and Papa.

Favorite Thing Thursday: Easy Fries

I can sum up these fries with one word: DELISH. They may seem a tad expensive (.99 cents), but considering that they cook in the microwave and never actually come in contact with a drop of grease (less guilt)- they are worth every penny.

They are crispy, salty goodness in a box. The portion size is not huge, but that is also nice for the hips as well as the conscience. Grab a few boxes and hide them deep in freezer for that midnight snack that has you heading for McDonalds.

Milo

Everyone who knows us knows that we are crazy about schnauzers. The latest family addition to accommodate this obsession is Milo. We adopted Milo when he was three years old. We have been loving him for 4 years! He is the best dog. He puts up with all of Cutter's antics and loves to play with him. I have seen them wrestle in the floor for an hour straight. He has a great personality and makes us laugh . He has funny little quirks that make him unique. He likes to hide under the bed with just his little black nose sticking out. He is afraid of the vacuum cleaner and he likes to sleep late. He and the kids are still asleep (9:30 Tx time) Ü

Look Mom No Training Wheels

Today was a joyful day. It was a day that I have experienced twice before with Chesley and Cambry. Yet, it seems to be even more important in the life of boy. Cutter finally got it down - riding his bike without training wheels. YEAH !!!!!! It was one of those "lump in your throat" moments. He wanted it so bad. He was tired of watching the boys down the street cruise over on their bikes every day. Now...he can cruise over to their house.