Dana is cooking, sewing and rambling!

This is so true

2012-01-15T14:44:00.001-06:00

Blog Templates

2012-01-12T21:49:00.001-06:00

Why is it so hard to find a template I like? Let me clarify this a bit. Why is it so hard to find a FREE template that I like?

Sigh.

I do however like Blogger's new post interface.

Dave Ramsey Plan

2012-01-12T14:27:00.000-06:00

Enough! I am so irresponsible! I have spent way too much money and not only is my account showing it - can't even buy a coke right now - it is adding unwanted stress to my life!

So back on the Dave wagon I go. I have set my budget back in motion. I have designated my snowball money for the 15th. I know where it is going.

I found an amazing - and FREE - spreadsheet for Excel. Just plug those numbers in and pow instant snowball details. Here is that link http://www.treesfullofmoney.com/?p=837. It is very easy to set up.

I have made a decision - again - that I am not using credit cards any longer. None. I've said this before a million times. I have an unhealthy relationship with Shell. It used to be paid off every month and now I do get to keep it from being maxed.

I think it is going to be hard for me to stop using the gas card. I will pull out $250 and put it in an envelope and the Shell card will be put up. I hope this works and I know I will have to adjust the amount as gas goes up. This part really upsets me as the MAJORITY of my gas usage is for work. They reimburse us at 52 cents a mile, and that doesn't even put a dent in my gas bill each month.

I have also set me up an allowance of $40-$60 a month. Cash only. I will start leaving the debit card at home as well, it can keep the rest of my cards company.

I will update what I owe and to whom in a later post. It's ugly.

Dear God it's me Dana

2012-01-11T19:10:00.000-06:00

So today my daughter comes home and behind her is her boyfriend's mother. I am thinking okay this is odd, nice to meet you again. We exchange pleasantries and then the shoe drops.

She had this odd feeling that something wasn't quite right at home. She normally goes straight from work to class and thought she should stop home. Well the boy comes out of his room and shuts the door and is acting all weird and the dogs are acting weird as well.

She asks if anyone is in the boys room. No mom. She goes and looks through the house, nothing, in his room under the bed, nothing. At the back of the closet BINGO!

Really my daughter hid in the closet? What part of her thought that was a good idea?

Sorry back to the story. So my daughter comes out of the closet (ha ha couldn't resist) and the boy has some 'splainin' to do! They haven't done that they just kiss and hold hands. but the lying is what got them in trouble. They both know that they can't be where an adult isn't.

His mom and step-dad and I are all on the same page though. Communication. I have their phone numbers and they have mine, so all hands on deck for operation keep our two teenagers honest!

I just kept thinking this could have been so much worse. I am not mad at my daughter, not really even upset, I'm just, I don't know. The thing that scares me the most is I didn't know where she was. The last text I'd gotten from her said she was going to hang out with friends. Had something happened, I wouldn't have known where to even start to look for her.

That is what scares me. It is something her and I are going to work on. Communication.

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-27T10:45:00.001-06:00

January - Mom turned 72.
February - Started a sewing class
March - Tara travels to Italy
April - I turned 37
May - Tara finishes her Freshman year in High School
June - Didn't get a vacation this year, but had some small fun trips, like Dallas World Aquarium
July - Dad would have been 70, he has been gone 3 years
August - Drawing a blank on this month :)
Septemeber - Our neighbors house burned to the ground and tried to take ours with it
October - A dear friend gets married and has an amazing reception. fun reuniting with friends again
November - Tara turns the big 16
December - Nice, quiet, family Christmas at home

I am currently thinking about what next year will bring and what I want to do next year other than the usual lose weight, pay off bills, thing...

I miss him...

2011-11-26T16:37:00.000-06:00

This Holiday season has hit me hard. I really miss Dad. So so much. I am not sure what made this year different from the past few years but I have done nothing but cry for several days. Tara and I were dragging a box into the garage and I smelled him. This strong scent. It was surreal. Then it was gone. Closed the garage door and sat in the truck before we backed out and tried to shake the oddest feeling ever.

Now I don't know what I believe in the "spirits among us" category, but it was very weird. If that was Dad, thanks for helping Tara and I move that big heavy awkward box from the back of the truck to the garage. If it wasn't Dad, then I have officially flipped out.

Happy Holidays!

Strawberry Angel Food Cake

2011-06-05T21:29:00.000-05:00

Recipe courtesy of Aunt Frances....

One storebought angel food cake (the kind in the throw away bundt pan)
One container sliced strawberries (frozen, thawed out)
One small box strawberry jello
Two cups boiling water
3/4 cup cold water

Tear up the angel food cake into bite sized chunks and place in the bottom of a baking pan or casseorle dish. Dump frozen strawberries juice and all and spread evenly over the cake pieces. Dissolve the jello in the boiling water then add the cold water. Pour this over the cake pieces and strawberries. You may have to squish some of the pieces down until every thing is saturated. Put in refrigerator and let it set for a few hours.

Geocaching

2011-05-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

I think Tara and I are going to try our hand at Geocaching this summer. It should be interesting. We have every thing we need already. GPS enabled phones, and a free membership to Geocaching.com.

I want to see if there is anything near a cabin that we have rented near Lake Whitney.

I hear Geocaching can become an addiction. We'll see!

Sewing Class Three: Finished Table Runner

2011-05-06T18:36:00.001-05:00

Finished the table runner in class this past week. Learned a ladder stitch to close up the last hole after turning the material right side out. I think it looks nice.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

This is what I made for Mother's Day for my Mom. I think she'll LOVE it!!!! It's a bingo bag to hold her daubers and other things. It is my first one and my first drawstring and I must say I did a good job.

Soul Cleansing

2011-05-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned that I've done some really horrible things in my past. Things I am ashamed of. I went to church Easter Sunday and then this past Sunday got up with the intention of going, but I didn't feel good, and still don't.

I talked on the phone this past week to a lady from Fellowship of the Parks. She was asking me a few questions about my experience and beliefs, etc. I told her that one of these days I would like to talk to someone about God and Religion just not yet. She was very laid back on the phone, not pushy at all which I liked. I had told her that I have done some really bad things in my past and she said the past is just that. Past. The future is what you can change. Clever. She said to forgive myself before God would forgive me. I told her it just wasn't that easy, she said she knew, but I needed to work on it.

I have been thinking about how many bad choices I made and how I can go about forgiving myself for them. I don't know. I think I would like to share a few things I've done.

I started sneaking drinks when I was in 8th grade. My parents never knew. I did let them know I could easily have a drinking problem and then we all laughed about it. I laughed on the outside when I was crying on the inside. I used to take beer to school in the 8th grade. I used to soak my clarinet reeds in whiskey. I have drank since I was in the 8th grade. All through high school. Through most of my adult life. I have gotten that under control now and I have one or two drinks a year now.

After high school, I went to these parties. There was drinking, there were drugs. I never did any drugs but did my share of drinking, Passing out. Waking up in unfamiliar places. I lied to my parents constantly, where I was, who I was with. I used to smoke. I was out of control. We would hang out with horribly bad people. Gang members. Drug dealers. Users.

I cheated on my daughters father. I drank while I was pregnant with my daughter. Divine intervention kept her from being horribly messed up.

I have been sober for almost 15 years now. Would I ever get back in to that habit again? Yes, but I won't let myself. I am very careful who I go out with. I won't go out with my co-workers because they all drink, a few of them excessively, and I just can't be around that. I don't trust myself.

Now how do I let go of this? Forgive myself for all this?

Sewing Class Two: Quilted Table Runner

2011-04-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

Last night we finished the main part of the quilted table runner. Next class we will trim of the points and put the backing on, and we'll be finished.

One of my class mates is no longer going to attend for a while, so that just leaves Nancy and I. It kind of makes me sad that it will just be Nancy and I. I think the dynamics will change. Oh well. I do want to keep going so I guess I will.

I also, if I ever get time, want to start an Etsy shop. I have set the shop up, just don't have anything listed as of yet. I have been tossing some ideas around for it.

I would like to do a bed pocket, a folklore purse, a grocery tote, definitely blue jean purses, bingo dauber bags, and maybe some of the birdie sling bags. I am looking for new and exciting patterns as well that I can do.

My goal is to get some things up on Etsy in the next two weeks, don't know if that will actually happen or not though as it seems I have no time for sewing (except two hours on Wednesdays) anymore.

Here is the picture of the table runner from last night.

100th post!

2011-04-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

Well since I've started over blogging. Hmmm what to blog about? Oh I know....

The annoying voice

Do you have a co-worker, teacher, friend, neighbor, etc that just has a voice that either makes your skin crawl or makes you want to tell them to shut up?

There is a teacher at a campus I work at that has a high-pitched whiny voice. I constantly want to tell her to just shush. The kids don't listen to her, so a vicious cycle of kids talking and her talking over them ensues. It sure is hard on the ears.

Wonder what those poor kids think at the end of the day? Yay, no more listening to her voice for another 16 hours!!! All day. Five days a week. 10 months out of the year. Those poor kids.

Wait, poor me. This is about me, right?

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T09:54:00.001-05:00

I went to church with Lori. I wouldn't have gone by myself. We tried out the Fellowship of the Parks church in Keller. I enjoyed it. I really tried to listen and do some soul searching during the service. The service was about faith, hope, and love. *on a side note I had Alan Jackson's song in my head a lot.

First of all, about the church. It doesn't look like a church. It doesn't have a steeple. It looks like an office building. Minus the water feature with a cross on one side of the building. The next thing I noticed, as I was sitting in the car thinking my being in church was going to start the apocolypse, was that I was seriously over dressed. People arrived in shorts, capris, blue jeans, and yes, some people were dressed nicely. A bit of background here. I was made to go to church. I was made to wear a dress or at very least a skirt and blouse. I thought I was breaking the rules by being in slacks.

Second observation, the congregation. Everyone seemed happy. Inviting. Happy to be there. Since this was only my first time I will reserve this opinion in the back of my mind.

Third observation, the pastor. I don't even remember his name right now (too lazy to google it) but when he came out in jeans and shirt tail hanging out, I honestly was shocked. Again, thinking back to childhood services, the pastor was always in a suit. Always. It made me feel nervous when I was young, and oddly, nervous yesterday in church. I don't know why. I did however like the pastor. He seemed genuine. He seemed no better than the rest of us. He spoke from his heart. He read from the screen which I thought was awesome, I took that as he didn't know the Bible by heart, which to me says he has a life outside of the church. He was easy to pay attention to. He explained something I've always had problems with. The difference between God and Jesus. God is the manager. God had never sinned. Jesus is the son, who also never sinned. Jesus died for us so that we could be forgiven and know God when we die. He said in church God and Jesus are co-something or other. They are side by side. Faith is just knowing that God and Jesus are there (having an issue with that right now it is getting better though) and Love is what we should give and receive unconditionally. Hope and Faith to me are one and the same.

Fourth observation, the music. It was loud. It was contemporary. It was akward to sing to, but moving none the less. The band was amazing! I thought and the singers were too.

Something that struck me in church was the pastor said, God has already forgiven us. He knows we sin, he knows our weaknesses. So we need to forgive ourselves and try to be the best person we can be. That hit me hard. I have so many bad things I have done that only I (and God) know about. Horrible things. I have never forgiven myself. I don't love myself and the message I got out of that part of the sermon was...God loves all of us, and we should love ourselves too. I will work on that.

Will I go back? I think so. I want to. I like the Minute to Win It series they have going right now. I like the atmosphere. Will I ever be involved (seriously involved) in the church. Probably not. I have been burned too many times. I will go, attend services, be friendly, but that is it. I doubt that I will attend any of their groups. I may change my mind, but for now, that is the best answer I can give.

I do have a lot to think about.

Sewing Class One: Quilted Table Runner

2011-04-20T21:44:00.001-05:00

We are doing a quilted table runner for this project. We got to use a rotary cutter to keep the fabric evenly cut and there was quite a bit of measuring of fabric pieces tonight. Not bad, but kind of tricky at times. I chose three colors, a nuetral muslin, a blue and a red. It matches our wallpaper. Don't ask. :)

I am not good at patterns but I think eventually I will understand what to do. Anyway, short post tonight, as there are no new techniques. Below is a picture of the progress we made tonight.

Steelers Bag Finished

2011-04-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

I finished Tara's Steelers (ewww Steelers) bag today. The inside is the reverse black on yellow fabric that is pictured here.

Here is the pic. Now on to a Mother's Day project for my Mom: A Bingo Dauber Bag!!!

March for Babies 2011

2011-04-15T23:21:00.001-05:00

I signed up for the 5k tomorrow (Saturday Apr 16th) I hope I don't die. I mean, I know I will walk and not jog or run, but I am in bad shape and this may very well be my last post before the ambulance carries me to the nearest hospital.

At least I will croak for a good cause though. My daughter was born premature. She was born at almost 33 weeks. She weighed 4 pounds 6 ounces, was 19 1/2 inches long. Was resuscitated immediately, incubated, given 2 full glucose bottles, and finally stabilized. She has eye problems (two surgeries), renal problems (watches her liquid intake), and a ligament missing from her right hand pinky finger.

Today she is a strong healthy 15 year old that never slows down.I am doing this walk with her and for her. I love you Mija!

Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting

2011-04-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Best cake ever! Die of a heart attack (and glucose attack) good!

Here is the recipe. It is an ingredient hog but OH MY!

Cake Batter:
6 large egg yolks
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces

Chocolate Frosting:
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup cocoa powder (can use Dutch-processed or regular unsweetened cocoa powder)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 cups confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted to remove lumps
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Yellow Butter Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 9-inch x 1 1/2 inch cake pans with Bakers Joy, line bottoms with parchment paper, then spray again with Bakers Joy. Set aside.

In a medium bowl lightly combine the egg yolks, 1/4 cup milk, and vanilla extract. In the bowl of your electric mixer combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder and salt) and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds or until blended. Add the butter and remaining 3/4 cup milk. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes to aerate and develop the cake's structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the egg mixture, in 3 additions, beating about 30 seconds after each addition to incorporate the egg.

Divide the batter and pour into the prepared pans, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula. (Pans will be about half full.) Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the cake springs back when pressed lightly in center.

Place the cakes on a wire rack to cool, in their pans, for about 10 minutes. Then invert the cakes onto a greased rack. To prevent splitting, reinvert cakes so that tops are right side up. Cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Frosting: In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, put the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, milk, and butter. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and beat in, with a hand mixer or wire whisk, the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting is lumpy, strain through a strainer to remove any lumps. Cover and place the frosting in the refrigerator until it is firm (this may take a few hours). Once the frosting is firm remove from refrigerator and place in your mixing bowl. Beat the frosting for a minute or two or until it is nice and smooth and of spreading consistency.

Assemble: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread with about 3/4 cup of frosting. Place the other cake layer on top of the frosting and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Cover and refrigerate the cake until serving time.

Sewing Class Three: Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag

2011-04-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

This week in class we finished the bag! Woot!

Several things confused me this week. They are in no particular order: clipping the fabric so that things lay flat or to make a notch to match two main seams together into one, and gussetts. Gussetts almost did me in. I also for the first time broke a sewing needle. I thought I was going to cry, but Nancy saved me and note to self I owe her a sewing machine needle.

The first thing we did was prepare for the gussetts. Now I have learned there are many different kinds of gussetts. There are side gussetts, shirt gussetts, bottom gussetts, etc. We did a bottom gussett. I had looked all online last week in preparation for this weeks new gussett technique. Fail! I was so confused by last night I just knew I'd mess it completely up. Luckily Nancy had the patience of a Saint and is an extremely accomplished seamstress.

So gussetts. Basically the gussett we did had one purpose, to make a squarish bottom to our purse. To make the square, we first had to make a triangle. Note: I never took Geometry, I wasn't smart enough. I'm cool with that! Nancy swooped in and worked her magic and I actually understand gussetts now. For our gussett, we made a squared off edge rounded. We pushed (from the inside) the seam with one hand, and with our other hand pushed the seam down flat. It made a triangle! Seriously???

Then we measured and sewed a new seam in a rounded shape. Then just take off the extra! Voila a gussett!

We moved on from there to the handles. Easy. Sewing them with right sides together, invert them, and done. The handle was then basted to the exterior panel.

Then we sewed the two panels together. Inverted the whole thing, and slip stitched the bottom of the interior panel closed.

Top stitching to secure every thing and make it a bit prettier, and we were done.

Here is mine, I just need to repeat this process to my daughter's Steeler's (boo Steeler's) bag. It has three separate pockets inside, and I am using them for my phone and my car keys, the other one is empty and lonely for now.

Next week, we are starting on a table runner. It is so pretty.

Sewing Class Two: Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag

2011-04-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

I have got to get better at taking pictures while I am in the midst of a sewing project. This week in class we started assembling the cut out pieces of fabric. We sewed the exerior main panel, the interior main panel, and attached the bands. What I have right now is two bags without the handles.

I didn't learn any new techniques this week. Next week we should be able to finish the project. Yay! I am kinda ready to move on to something else for some odd reason.

I think it is just me being a bit blah lately. :'(

Goulash

2011-04-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

1 lb hamburger meat

¼ to ½ package small elbow macaroni

¼ to ½ onion, chopped

1 can stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can tomato sauce

1 can black beans

Salt and Pepper to taste

Brown hamburger meat with onions, drain and set aside. Cook your macaroni, drain and set aside. In a dutch oven dump browned hamburger meat, macaroni, stewed tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, corn (drained) and rinsed black beans. Salt and pepper to taste and cook for about 1 hour on low heat.

*You may want to eye ball the amount of macaroni you add. This is also very versatile you can add many different kinds of beans, omit the corn, etc.

It's Spring!

2011-03-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

Although it is quite chilly in Texas still.

Anyway, I have done most all the spring cleaning in the house, the flower beds are planted, the grass has been mowed for the first time, and even this blog looks fresh and new! I love spring!!!

Sewing Class One: Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag

2011-03-25T13:28:00.003-05:00

This is how far our class (all 2 students) have come. We did every bit of our pattern cutting, fabric cutting, interfacing cutting, fleece cutting....IN ONE NIGHT! Wow!

In the first class I was stressed to the max and wanting to cry by the time I got halfway through all the cutting of the patterns and fabrics. This time? I did it all myself, our teacher didn't stop to help me catch up one time! I am not stressed at all about cutting now. I am getting so so much better at it as well. Even the teacher commented on my new found cutting skills.

So this week's homework? Get the fabrics and the fusing, well, fused. I did that all last night. We will also learn a new technique: Pleats.

My imposed homework assignment? I started on the same bag for Tara. The colors are *gasp* Pittsburgh Steelers fabric. It was so darn expensive but will be so worth it to see her face! She loves the Pittsburgh Steelers. Please note that I don't share that love :)

I think while she is with Grayson on Saturday, I'll start her bag. At least get done to it what we have done to our thus far in class.

Here are the fabrics I am using for her bag.

The inner lining

The outer lining

And I'll do the handle and the top band in black fabric. Will take pictures as both bags progress.

It's Been a Year and a Half

2011-03-22T19:31:00.001-05:00

since I've had the lapband surgery. Time flies! And I have some exciting news to share! I can shop at Kohl's now!

Current Sizes
Blouse 1X and 2X's
Pants size 22/24 and 26/28 still (gravity has not been my friend from the waist down)
Shoes 10

Things I've noticed
Other than the Kohl's thing, I feel good, I don't worry about not fitting in seats anymore, or worrying about being in some one elses car and the seat belt not fitting.

I am more physically fit, I can take stairs, walk long distances (within reason) and I am not out of breath anymore.

Picture on the left June 2010, one on the right Mar 2011....

Different perspectives on the two pictures, but I do see progress in my stomach and hips.

Blue Jean Purse

2011-03-22T16:42:00.001-05:00

My second unassisted project. I gave it to my daughter this afternoon, she seems to like it. Here are the instructions and the finished product picture below. If I ever make another one, I am going to go a bit crazy with it.

Overall the project was an easy one. Every thing was things I have done before. Cutting, pinning, backstitching, stitching (straight and zig-zag). The hardest part of the whole thing was turning that darn handle right side out. I also loved it because the whole project was FREE! The pattern was free, and the pair of jeans that were destined for goodwill anyway.

The Pattern
(http://patternsthatfityou.com/FrPurseCl.htm)

Sorry for the bad picture quality....

Banana Bread

2011-03-20T11:41:00.001-05:00

2 1/3 cups Bisquick or Pioneer Baking Mix
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
¾ cup pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bread loaf pan. Mix all ingredients together. Tap loaf pan lightly to settle the batter. Bake for about 1 hour.

My Favorite Coffee Cake

2011-03-19T09:57:00.001-05:00

this is a recipe I have used for years. I love it because it is simple and tastes good!

Betty Crocker Streusel Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Streusel (below)

2 cups Bisquick Mix (or Pioneer)

2/3 cup milk or water

2 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

Heat oven to 375. Grease 9-inch round pan. Make Cinnamon Streusel; reserve. Stir remaining ingredients until blended. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Streusel.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.

Cinnamon Streusel
1/3 cup Bisquick Mix (or Pioneer)
1/3 cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

Mix all ingredients in small bowl until crumbly.

H-E-L-P!

2011-03-16T15:19:00.003-05:00

Baby Room No More!

2011-03-15T10:24:00.002-05:00

I've been up to no good since my daughter has been in Italy. Her room was a nasty disaster (words cannot describe!) and it was all junk and trash. I think my daughter has hoarder tendencies!!!

So I boldly went where not many people dared go, and cleaned out her room. We are talking massive garbage bags of trash. Papers, wrappers, you name it. That done I surveyed what was left.

My daughter is 15. She still had her doll house, her vcr tape organizer, and her Disney Princess TV/DVD complete with pink chasis and lavender ears...OH MY! No wonder her room was a pigsty, it was still full of baby stuff.

Well not anymore! It is clean (excuse the freshly shampooed but still stained, 30 year old carpet) and I've added the following things....

Drumroll please.....

A new tv stand with a new flat screen tv, and a new full sized bed instead of her twin size mate bed....by the way don't EVER waste money on a mate bed, they suck!

Now I didn't throw away some of her baby toys. There is a ladybug stroller that the kid dearly loved/loves, and a few baby games just for good measure I didn't throw out. The rest? Adios!

I haven't told her any of this yet, I am going to let it be a surprise! Shhhh!

I don't have a before photo since I am sure that would prompt an investigation of my parenting skills if the wrong person ever saw that picture, so I will just show two after photos, minus the bed since it won't be delivered until tomorrow.

Now on to cleaning the rest of the house. Have you ever noticed that when you clean one room, the others suddenly get dirty? Clean the kitchen and dining room, the living room gets cluttered, clean the living room, the bedrooms get cluttered....it is never ending.

Plastic Bag Keeper

2011-03-12T11:19:00.001-06:00

My first project unassisted. It's to put those plastic grocery store bags in. Note to self, iron things before you take pictures of them...how embarrassing!

Early Birthday Gift

2011-03-12T09:15:00.001-06:00

Mom bought me an Early (extremely early) birthday present this year. It is a sewing table! Eeek! Here are the details. It closes up like the picture below when it isn't in use, and folds out massively when you are sewing on it.

I love it!

Sewing Class Four: Finished Reversible Tote Project

2011-03-12T09:00:00.004-06:00

We finished the project last Wednesday night. I was going to blog about it that same night, but this week has been just crazy!

Here it is though. I'm proud of it. I think it turned out nice despite my minor mistake of the one pocket.

Grrr I can't get the pictures to go side by side!

Next time we meet we start on another Amy Butler pattern. This one is called the Birdie Sling Bag (and no one but Amy Butler knows why) and I have ordered my pattern. It was about $13. The fabric for this project will have no cost to me (thanks to my mom donating me two boxes of fabric and sewing stuff) and the classes from Nancy are $40.

This is an expensive hobby right now, however, once I've learned how to sew, I can learn to cut down the costs.

Here is the Birdie Sling bag on the Amy Butler website.

Not too crazy about the colors she uses, or the price of her fabrics I might add. Here is the fabric from mom's donation box I am going to use. The bag is basically three peices, the outer bag, the inner lining bag, and the handle.

So I thought I'd use the blue fabric for the outer bag, the polka dot fabric for the inner lining, and the butterfly fabric for the handle. Or maybe switch the butterfly for the inside and use the polka dot for the handle. Not too sure yet, both would work.

Easy Country Bake

2011-03-05T10:56:00.003-06:00

Please excuse crude pic

My daughter commented on how good this was...yes!

Ingredients:

1 can of crescent rolls

1 pound sausage

1/3 cup of shredded cheese

3/4 cup milk

4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 inch pan. Roll out the crescent rolls. Press them in the pan until they are on the bottom and up the sides (don't stress too much about this). Brown and drain the sausage, and then spread evenly over the crust. Top that with 1/3 cup shredded cheese (I used more than the 1/3 cup, and used Mexican blend cheese). Beat the eggs with the 3/4 cup milk and pour evenly over all.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until crust is brown and cheese is melted. I baked mine for around 30 minutes since I was worried about the eggs being set.

I got this out of a Fossul Rim cookbook that I've had for years - and just re-discovered it :)

Daughter's Itinerary

2011-03-04T17:43:00.000-06:00

My daughter leaves on Thursday for a week in Italy. Here is her itinerary. I will be one happy and sad mom for a week. I am so excited for her, but hate when she is gone. These are the highlights, they have so much more in store for them!

Flight Stuff:
Mar 10 - DFW to Madrid flight times 5:45pm - 10:00am
Mar 11 - Madrid to Milan flight times 12:10am to 2:20pm
Mar 17 - Rome to Madrid flight times 8:00am-10:25am
Mar 17 - Madrid to DFW flight times 12:10pm-5:20pm

Fun Stuff
Mar 11
Depart from Malpensa airport to Venice. Dinner at Autogrill Scaligera in Verona. Arrival at Hotel Anthony Palace Hotel.

Mar 12
Departure from hotel to Venice Island. Transfer by boat to St Mark. Guided walking tour of Venice. Bridge of Sighs. St Marks Square. St Marks Basillica. Doge Palace. Transfer by boat to Tronchetto. Arrival at Tronchetto. Pisa. Hotel Nizza Et Suisse.

Mar 13
Depart from Motecatini toward Florence. Arrival in Florence. Cathedral. Giotto's Bell tower and Baptistery's "Gate of Paradice". Choir Rehearsal and choir concert at Santo Stefano al Ponte. Dinner at Restaurant Osteria Baroncelli.

Mar 14

Depart Motecantini. Arrive in Siena. Guided tour of Siena and entrance to Dome. Free time. Depart to Rome. Check in Hotel Domina Capannelle.

Mar 15

Depart Hotel Domina. Guided tour of Ancient Rome with entrance at Coliseum and Roman Forum. Guided tours. Lunch and free time. Arrive at church for rehearsal. Concert at Sant' Agnese in Agone Church in Rome. Dinner at Restaurant Hard Rock Cafe. Back to Hotel.

Mar 16

Depart from Hotel to Vatican. Guided tour of Vatican. St Peters Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Lunch on your own. Choir to sing at Mass. Farewell dinner at Restaurant Venerina.

Mar 17

Come home.

Sewing Class Three: Reversible Tote

2011-03-03T10:34:00.002-06:00

It's starting to look like a bag. We have two steps left. To attach the reversible sides together so that they are reversible, and to attach the handles. We worked for 3 straight hours last night and were too mentally fried to finish the project.

I must say again, I am loving this class! I just feel so accomplished! My maternal grandmother quilted, all mom's sisters and mom sewed, my paternal great-grandmother had her own seamstress business - she made her first beaded wedding gown at 11 years old, my paternal grandmother sewed. It must have passed down to me somewhat because I feel like this is the hobby I've always wanted to do.

Things I learned last night. How to top-stitch, which I might add I did well on, but the seams weren't always ruler straight, they at times were a little curvy. I have learned (97% of the time) pedal control. I have learned how to thread the stinking needle - thank you CVS for having reading glasses that help me with that, although, I can't walk in the glasses or I throw up :)

I am better about matching up the fabric and how to pin better so that the fabric doesn't bunch up when you are sewing. I have actually learned what the sewing machine should sound like, and what it sounds like when something is a bit wrong with the bobbin or supply thread.

I made one massive mistake last night in pinning. I am still not sure why I did what I did but the end result was a side flap that should have been on the inside of the bag, was on the outside of the bag flapping around. We laughed so hard we cried as we ripped out my beautiful stitches one by one by one by one. A million ripped out stitches later, I got to sew it the right way!

Here are some pictures of my almost bag, you'll see where I got a little decorative on the pocket that was supposed to be the flowery fabric and I messed up and put it all the blue fabric. That's ok, I like it this way and still want to take some fabric paint and edge the lettering. Will think about doing that this weekend.

Pictures below:

This is the side that should have had the flowery fabric pocket

The will be the other side of the reversible bag, note the contrasting pocket, got this side right :)

The padded handles

Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise (thanks Grandma!) the bag will be complete, and ready for it's debut photo!

Gas Prices

2011-03-01T09:29:00.003-06:00

I know everyone has noticed the gas prices going up. This has become a major problem for me, as my employer is one of those that force you to use your personal vehicle for company business. Oh they pay mileage reimbursement .51 cents a mile, but who puts the gas in the tank/money on the table, before they get around to cutting a travel check? You win! The employee does.

Not only do we use our vehicle for hauling machines and going from place to place, they make sure we are driving to the farthest site from our house. A co-worker and I actually cross paths each day going to opposite sides of our work place! How dumb is that? Not to mention the wear and tear on our personal vehicle that we wouldn't accrue so fast. Oil changes, rotations, belts, etc.

Here is the way I see this. I am not getting another vehicle since mine is within 24 months of payoff. I have already pled my case with my boss and got nowhere. Or, I can hunt for another job, which would be the logical choice since I really don't like my job anymore, but that is just not an appealing option given the current economy.

And that leaves me out of options I guess. I will revamp the budget once again to see if I can squeeze $3.35/gallon out of a penny. Sigh. America, home of free enterprise.

Leaving ya'll with a link.
http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Gas Buddy also has a free app!

LapBand Update

2011-02-28T14:39:00.002-06:00

I haven't updated on my weight loss in a long time. It's because I am stuck. Weight loss came to a screeching halt, and I have bouts with awful Acid Reflux. I have been eating "sliders" which is basically food that will go down easily and not irritate my band. That is a big no no, and something I am working on daily to avoid.

In total since my highest weight at 375! I've lost 130 pounds!!! I have a long way to go to "my ideal weight". My ideal weight isn't the doctors ideal weight and for sure isn't that evil health book's ideal weight.

I'd like to get down to 180. Yes, that is a lot, but I am tall and big boned, and I've almost always been fat. I am who I am.

Even though the weight on the scale isn't moving, my clothes do feel looser and my body feels the difference. I feel (minus the reflux) good. I need to post another picture as a reminder of where I am versus where I've been. I'll try to get that done this week.

It hasn't been an easy ride. Would I do it again? I don't know. However, right now, in this moment, I am happy with my decision.

New Feature!

2011-02-28T13:00:00.001-06:00

I've added a way to print recipes from my blog. They are in pdf format. When you click on the printer icon at the bottom of a recipe it will take you to Google Docs and will let you print the recipe in full page format.

I looked at several options, and for now this seems to be the best one.

Look for this icon to print.

Magic Bars

2011-02-27T21:21:00.007-06:00

Totally fattening but I love them.

Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 cup coconut
1 can Eagle brand milk

Mix butter and graham cracker crumbs together. Press into the bottom of a greased 9x13 in pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over crust. Drizzle Eagle brand milk over chocolate chips. Sprinkle coconut over chocolate chips. Sprinkle nuts over coconut.

Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

How Late is Fashionably Late?

2011-02-25T14:27:00.000-06:00

I am not a late person. I am always there way early...too early actually, and I normally sit out in the truck and wait until I am on-time.

My question is, as I sit here at work waiting on an engineer, is how late is late? If you are supposed to meet someone at 2:00 and it is 2:25 is that fashionably late or just plain late?

I am irratated, obviously, since I am posting this. However, we are adults, not teenagers. If you can't be some where on time due to something that isn't your fault (wreck, car trouble, etc) fine. Call and give the person a heads up. If you are 30 minutes late, the person (irate person) is still waiting, and you don't have the courtesy to call. Get a life!

I feel so much better now :)

Sewing Class Two: Reversible Tote

2011-02-24T10:02:00.005-06:00

Today in class we started putting our tote together. Pinning, basting, sewing. I must say it is scary and exciting at the same time!

Scary that if I make a mistake it shows, scary that I continue to stab myself with straight pins and have yet to either bleed out or learn to not stab myself, and scary that my fingers are waaaay too close to a sewing machine needle that will show no mercy as one of my dear friends found out last night. OUCH!

Exciting, that I can take fabric and make something from it. Exciting that this will open up a whole new hobby for me, exciting that I am not as technical as I thought and I can be creative!

We did one side tonight. It could either be the interior or the exterior, and consisted of main panels, side panels, a pocket, and the bottom. Whew it was work, but so much fun!

Next time we'll do the other main panels, the side panels, the pocket, the bottom and the handle. This makes a reversible tote with contrasting pockets. Now, I am going to be honest here and admit my mistake. I was reading the pattern and it keep saying "face like colors," so I went a little overboard with that, and before I knew it I no longer had contrasting pockets, I have all the same color fabric on one side. Ooops!

The dilemma was should I rip out what I had already done? Maybe, probably, yes. Did I? NO!!! I am leaving it as is, and will (back to my t-shirt making days) iron on a complimenting applique and outline it in paint. Voila! A decorative pocket!

Key points I learned: Straight pins are your friend and you can't overuse them, slow and easy does it on the foot pedal for the sewing machine, don't watch the fabric while you are sewing - watch the ruler marker on the slide plate, after each seam you make iron the wrong side of the seam flat out, then on the right side of the fabric press the seam so that it makes a smooth line with no bumps, oh and I learned how to back stitch.

Homework: Practice matching up edges, this should be a no brainer but I am struggling with it, especially with multiple layers and varying thicknesses.

Next class: We finish the tote! Then I'll post pictures of my very first sewing adventure!

Hello World!

2011-02-22T06:42:00.000-06:00

Today I hope that all the Republicans go to Haiti and finish destroying that country. Ours is messed up enough. Thanks to Rick Perry (gag) the future of our kids is looking like they will all be learning Hooked On Phonics instead of the things they need to know to succeed in the work force. Oh. Wait. What workforce? My bad.

Exhale

2011-02-19T09:42:00.001-06:00

Awww breathing room. I just paid 4 credit cards off! I love Dave Ramsey! Now onto paying off my Mom for things she has given me, and on to snowballing my next target bill.

It feels good.

insert happy dance here!

Postlude to Romance

2011-02-17T20:59:00.001-06:00

Snowtorious 2011 messed quite a few plans up this year. One of these plans was Prelude to Romance. A yearly even Keller HS Choir does for Valentine's Day. It was cancelled due to inclement weather...hence the name Postlude to Romance.

Anyway, it is a dessert night and concert. $3 for all the desserts you want, and the kids put on an awesome concert.

It dawned on me tonight that my "little girl" isn't so little anymore. I surprised her with two roses after the concert. My daughter on the left and her friend on the right.

Sewing Class One: Reversible Tote

2011-02-16T22:25:00.002-06:00

Class One:
What we did. Cut and cut and cut. Oh did I mention we cut fabric and pellon? Here is a quick pic of what my first class supplies looked like prior to all the cutting I did. Heh I'm a cutter!

Homework for the week. To take all the cut pieces and iron on the fusible backing. Next week in class we will put the cut pieces together! Oh boy the suspense is killing me!

Thankful

2011-02-09T08:21:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning at 5:00am. Turned on the news and settled in to listening to reports of rain, sleet, snow, etc.

I watched the ticker at the bottom. Lots of places starting to close. My employer no not yet. Ok so it's 5:30 now and no news. Went and got dressed and resigned myself to driving in the mess to work.

5:45am phone rings, text message, social media updates, no school! YES! Thank you Northwest for caring about your employees and not risking one of our busses, student drivers, or staff drivers having a wreck, or worse, being killed.

I got to thinking that not every one is as lucky as I am to have a wonderful employer. I don't make much, but the benefits are amazing! Great retirement, insurance, and administrators. I love my job.

New Hobby

2011-02-05T22:50:00.006-06:00

I was going to knit. I had put it off due to funding and lack of want to really. It sounded fun, but I just didn't follow through.

Tonight on Facebook I stumbled upon this post:

Cap'n Nancy Buck Huggins
I am starting a new adventure on Wednesday nights! I will be teaching sewing in my home to anyone and everyone who would like to join! First class will be a sling bag that is so adorable. Then we may venture into lap size quilts for beginners. I have so missed doing these classes from my quilt shop days. Thanks, Ronee, for getting the ball rolling.

Well needless to say my interest was sparked. Nancy is a friend of mine and a former co-worker and I love her dearly. So my ackwardness level has already been cut way down. We can laugh together and learn together. I won't be embarrassed as much in front of her.

Ok so I've joined the class. Now what? Well I consulted Nancy and she says I need an entry-level machine. Nothing fancy. Only requirement really is that is works and is mobile. Off to Walmart.com I go then. I looked at one, consulted Nancy, and bought the machine.

Sorry for the awful picture quality. Here is the link.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-LS2250PRW-Sewing-Machine/15126418

I also bought a carrying case for it. Put the total of $83.00 on my credit card (naughty me) and will pay it off with the next statement.

This is what we are going to start on first. It is a reversible tote and big enough to be a "green" grocery bag. Isn't it pretty? I hope I can do it! I'll post my progress once classes start.

Favorite All-Time Cartoon

2011-02-05T16:31:00.002-06:00

I love these two! I stumbled upon one of their cartoons today and felt like a kid on Saturday morning again! They are like peas and carrots.You can't have one without the other.

Snowtorious 2011

2011-02-04T10:38:00.000-06:00

Loving my five day weekend! First ice, then snow, several days off work. Snow Ice Cream. What's not to love. Best news ever??? It's paid time off! YES!!!

Brrrr!

2011-02-01T13:09:00.000-06:00

It's a snow day! Well snow day/ice day. I am in my pj's still, Nice day off work. House smells like Swiss Steak. Loving it.

Wonder what the school districts will do tomorrow since none of this ice will have melted?

I may take a nap.

What time should I be there?

2011-01-30T18:26:00.001-06:00

Noon or Six?

What am I talking about? Supper. Or Dinner. Or Lunch.

I grew up calling the noon meal lunch, and the evening meal supper. My mother grew up in Northwest Kansas and they had a dinner break during the school day and then ate supper at night with the family. I guess Kansas is still considered the South, but to a lot of my family anyone that is from north of the Red River is from the North. She calls her meals, breakfast, dinner and supper. Ok, so it's regional then? Maybe, maybe not. I've done quite a bit of research and Northerners and Southerners alike use the terms somewhat interchangeable.

Oh good. Now I am good and confused. When someone would say do you want to come over for dinner I was confused. When was dinner eaten, noon or later? I would normally err on the side of caution and ask them what time they wanted me there.

I have never eaten a holiday dinner at night either. When we have Easter/Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner it is the noon meal. Then when, for those of us that didn't continue to graze, we were hungry again our Holiday dinner then was for supper.

I pulled what I think is a great summary of dinner vs supper from the internet. Here is the link and here is a fast summary.

Summary

Dinner

May be a more formal affair used to honor a special guest or to commemorate a special occasion
Usually denotes a full meal
May be served at midday, in which case a lighter "supper" may be served later in the evening.
Traditionally used by the lower and middle classes in Britain to refer to the last main meal of the day, which is typically served in the evening

Supper

Often used to distinguish it from "dinner", which is a heavier meal served at midday
Is interchangeable with "dinner" in many cultures
Often served as an evening meal, after a heavier dinner was served earlier in the day

**I'd like to add this is how I feel about the dinner vs supper thing. We always had our big meal around noon on the weekends. Then a light supper that night. During school time, Mom would pack a pretty good lunch for me and then we'd have a light supper, as Dad would come home tired from the plant where he worked when I was young. His co-workers always ate a big lunch/dinner at work. They'd each bring something and put all the food on a shared table.

Dinner = big meal of the day, in our house this was lunch. Supper = lighter meal at the end of the day. Clear as mud?

Who Are You When I'm Not Lookin'

2011-01-29T14:45:00.001-06:00

Is a wonderful country song by Blake Shelton. I've added the video to this post, but also a question below the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xXD9-1mLBY

My question is....who are you when no one's lookin'?

Well, I am strong, self-sufficient, responsible, mechanically inclined, driven, a team-player, and have goals that I will obtain. I am also temperamental, sometimes pessimistic, a loner, and sarcastic. I am happy around small groups, not large crowds. I love to read and cook. I hate talking on the telephone and being bored. I think we all constantly change for the better and worse as we grow older. Who I am now isn't who I was 10 years ago, and who I am today isn't who I am going to be 10 years from now. Wonder where I'll be 10 years from now?

Enabling pt 2

2011-01-28T15:07:00.001-06:00

So yesterday's rant. Was a rant. I do love my mother. I almost deleted the post, but thought, no, I need to leave it there as a reminder of how mean I can be.

I have enabled my mother, but, that may not be all that bad of a thing. She is the only parent I have left. We went to Dallas again to the doctor and her leg is looking better but still has a long way to go. I took a pic of her leg today. She wanted me to so she could really see what it looked like.

I am posting that pic as a reminder to myself of the hell she has went through with her leg. Pain makes a person mean and she has been in pain for almost 3 years straight now. First, losing Dad and second having a bad leg.

Here is her wound, post graft. Most of the graft has taken. We have to wait for the bacteria infection to leave, and her skin to start adhering to the graft. It is progressing though. Squeamish look away. Gutsy click here.

Enabling

2011-01-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

I have enabled my mother. She is helpless. She expects people to wait on her hand and foot. She won't speak up at her doctor visits. She just sits there with her head down. It is up to me to do it all. Talk to the doctors, drive her back and forth (I was forced to take FMLA for her), and to day to help her bandage her leg so that she could take a shower.

One problem. I have, in the past two days, had two procedures done in the doctors office. I am still healing. So she cries and begs till I go in there today. I have to bend all the way down and aggravate my fresh wound. Lovely. So I tell her I am unable to do that. World War III ensues.

The thing that most bothers me is she honestly doesn't care if any one else is sick or hurt. She honestly thinks she is the only one that ever has anything wrong. I had tears in my eyes and she didn't even apologize for hurting me.

I know she's old, but seriously, she needs to grow-up! I love her dearly but she is driving me insane!

Quiet Around Here

2011-01-21T15:46:00.001-06:00

Been doing a lot of self-reflection lately. I am getting in a better frame of mind. The thoughts for blogging though aren't there. I've noticed that there are recipes posted, but not much of any personal blogging. I think it is because I was focusing on not being negative, and while I was being negative, not blogging.

Things are getting better though and now I don't know what to blog about. Hmmm. I don't want to post about work, because well work is work. I could possibly post something about the 15 year-old woman/child I deal with every day. All I can really say about her is she rides the "drama llama" often and that gets old to listen to and talk about. I'll save her upcoming trip post for later on.

I got nothing. Sorry.

Christmas and New Years

2010-12-30T18:44:00.000-06:00

Wrapping up 2010. Not sure how it is 2000 much less 2011 almost. Let's see Christmas 2010. Christmas Eve went to Lori's and had a wonderful visit and lots of great food. Christmas morning I awoke around 7:00ish to my teenager saying mom mom mom let's open presents. Yeah whatever. So I got up so the teenager would shut up. I mean seriously she's a teenager isn't she supposed to sleep all day? We opened presents. My favorite? A big box that had a hammer, screwdriver, and nails in it. Ok a bit of a back story. I wasn't a girlie girl. I didn't care for many girly things. I'd rather go out with my Dad and work on air conditioners, which by the way, I can fix almost anything, thanks Dad! Since I have been a little girl instead of hiding scissors and knives, it was my parents hiding screwdrivers and hammers. Every year on my Santa list I'd put down hammer and nails of my very own. Never got them, well this year I GOT THEM! YES!

Starting 2011. I don't really do resolutions and when I do they burst into flames around February. So instead of that I am going to write some things down that I want to do. I want to check one thing off my bucket list. I want to continue to lose weight and get healthy (I've cheated bad the past few weeks.) I want to work on saving money and not spending money. I want to have a better attitude about life and what it throws my way.

That is pretty much it. Sort of like a resolution but I am not going to stress about it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't then I won't feel bad about it.

Taco Soup

2010-12-19T19:46:00.009-06:00

I love this stuff! It's easy and you cook it in the crockpot!

2 pounds hamburger meat
1 onion, chopped
2 cans Ranch Style beans, rinsed
1 can Pinto Beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
3 cans stewed tomatoes, not drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch style dressing mix

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Put in the crock pot. Dump ranch style beans in, pinto beans in, corn in, and tomatoes in. Mix taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix together with the water. Pour over all. Stir and let cook on low until hot. Top with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, or whatever.

Girls Night Out

2010-12-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

It can't get any better than snack foods and Eclipse!

Go Team Edward!

Super Add-A-Matic

2010-12-09T15:31:00.000-06:00

I remember these! My mom used one to calculate how much she was spending at the grocery store.

Chopsticks!?!?!

2010-12-06T11:44:00.002-06:00

Random Stuff

2010-12-03T21:03:00.000-06:00

Daughter turned 15 on Nov 30. Wow!
Christmas stuff is up.
Presents need wrapped.
Taking Mom to Red River Valley Pecans to buy Pecans tomorrow.
Still have things for Christmas that haven't been delivered.
Need to take Tara shopping for her friends.
Need to go to the store and finish buying for Christmas dinner.
Gotta get sweets made for my co-workers.
Tired and should go to bed...

Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday

2010-11-27T09:34:00.002-06:00

This is kind of one of my I'm Thankful for posts...sort of.

In previous years, Thanksgiving was always spent in Paris, Tx with family. Tons of family. We usually rented the little Senior Activity Center in Paris and ate ourselves sick. Every one brought sides. Jimmy and Bucky were the meat gods, Aunt Frances is the dessert god, Donna was pie and sides god. We ate ourselves sick. We laughed, talked, and had a wonderful time.

In previous years, Christmas was always spent in Paris, Tx with family. Now, I didn't like it, because I was the one that had to hurry and open gifts, only to leave them behind for a whole day and sometimes more. I also was a Johnson and well Johnson kids just weren't treated the same as Hilliards on Christmas. It sucked. I thought once I grew up and viewed things as a grown up that my view may have been skewed a bit. It wasn't.

Then a turn of events took place. The kids grew up and had their own families. The Senior Activity center was torn down (it was about to fall anyway), and Dad died. Now, things are just strange. We do a non-traditional Thanksgiving here at home, and a traditional Christmas here at home. I kind of miss the family during this season as an adult. I do know however that my daughter doesn't share that opinion. She likes to be here with our family and her friends. I get that. I do.

Tara is getting older too. In fact, she didn't care really if we put a tree up or not. It made me feel kind of bad that she feels that way. She wouldn't elaborate on it, just that she didn't care. Well, my Dad would have cared and so do I. So I finished the tree last night and the mantle. They look nice. We have this whole village set that I just didn't want to bother with this year so the tree and mantle are it. Little bit of potpourri on the stove and it smells like, and looks like, the Holidays.

Mom and I are planning the menu for Christmas and I'll cook it. That I get from my Grandma Johnson. She and I love to cook and bake. I have so many memories of the holidays as a child and an adult and I just hope that my daughter has those same type of memories about her Holidays.

I truly am Thankful that we can have great food and presents this time of the year, it does hurt though that things are just not the same as they once were. I guess that is what change is all about though, and change can't be avoided.

Sprouts

2010-11-21T18:05:00.000-06:00

First trip to Sprouts. Took 3 teenagers. Left with under $40. Got trail mix type stuff and some chopped dates for something sweet to munch on.

Tara got 3 types of Sushi. Sushi? Really? I don't eat sushi. It is raw fish! Well, ok, just one bite. Fast forward to today, I've eaten so many of them I am going to burst!

I heart Sushi!!!

Jambalaya

2010-11-19T20:32:00.006-06:00

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup (4 oz) smoked ham, diced
1 smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 pound boneless port loin, cubed
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 14-1/2 ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 cups rice

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in ham, sausage and pork; saute until lightly browned, stirring frequently, 4-8 minutes. Stir in onion, celery and pepper, saute until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in next 8 ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping pan bottom for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Stir in green onion and rice. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven until rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Remove bay leaves and serve immediately.

Notes by me: I usually double this recipe, and we freeze half. I had to digitize this recipe as it is yellow and worn and I am deadly afraid it will disintegrate and I won't have it to refer to anymore.

It is the best recipe ever! To think it was in a free pamphlet almost 20 years ago at the State Fair of Texas in the Agriculture Building.

If you're 35....

2010-11-18T19:36:00.001-06:00

go schedule a Mammogram! I had my first one today. It is called a baseline. If it comes out with no "flags," then I don't go back unless there is a change, until I am 40. I was scared, nervous, and a bit freaked out. However, it was nothing! Absolutely painless, dignified, and fast. Oh and Free! Thank you United Healthcare!

I did it for my friend Lana (Lorri) Woodson. Who lost her life earlier this year to her 2nd round of breast cancer. Lorri I love you! It was in your honor today that I took a step toward remaining cancer free!

Lana Lorraine Garza Woodson
June 8, 1974 --- 4-25-2010

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

2010-11-17T21:37:00.008-06:00

For the filling:

1 Cup of chicken, cooked and diced (more if you want)

2 1/2 Cups Frozen Mixed Veggies, thawed (I used the one with peas, carrots, green beans and added diced hash browns as well)

1 Can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (I was out and used Cream of Mushroom)

1/4 Cup Milk or Sour Cream (I used milk)

1/4 onion, chopped (if desired)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix it all together and spread it into the bottom of a 9 in pie plate or similar dish

For the crust:
1 cup baking mix (bisquick, pioneer, etc)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk

Mix it all together and spread it around on top (dough will be thinnish). Bake in 400 degree oven for25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Thankful Post

2010-11-17T18:03:00.003-06:00

Today I am thankful for wonderful co-workers that completely have my back every day! We are a team of 3 girls and we get along so well. Kathy has just been trained and is quite capable of handling most things. She's 20 and has been married a couple of weeks now. She is so cute and the kids love her. Especially those middle school boys!

Jami came from "corporate" world last year, with this grandiose idea about how things should be in the school district. This year she realizes how screwed up school districts are! She is a great lead and is so cheery and helpful it is pitiful some times. The flip side of Jami is she does have the "enough" button! When she has had enough her voice shakes and she cries. Not often, but when it happens I don't know whether to laugh or cry with her!

Our group is about to have a temporary change of staff until Christmas so that Jami and I can train another young girl. I hope that this new person doesn't change the dynamics of our group, but I know that Jami and I will handle it just fine no matter what.

I love my co-workers!!!

Fiesta Bake

2010-11-13T17:30:00.006-06:00

On the back of the Pioneer Baking Mix box. It was super easy and really good!

Fiesta Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 can green chilis
1 cup Biscuit Mix (bisquick, pioneer, etc)
1/4 cup water
1 16 oz can refried beans
1 cup cheese
1 cup salsa

Brown ground beef and drain. Add taco seasoning according to taco seasoning directions/ Set aside. Mix green chilis, 1 cup baking mix, refried beans, and 1/4 cup water until blended. Spread refried bean mix in the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Top with beef, salsa, and cheese. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Garnish if desired with black olives, sour cream, or more salsa.

YUM!

Pardon the Dust in Here

2010-11-06T14:10:00.002-05:00

I haven't been blogging. I've been busy and frankly in too bad of a state-of-mind to post anything of substance.

This has been a hard past few months, and I'd like to get this year over with and start on 2011. Maybe it will be better. I hope it is for my sanity's sake.

I have a co-worker that does a weekly devotional. I am not going to start doing that for obvious reasons, however, I see the meaning behind that. It is to find something good in life instead of finding something bad.

So I think I am going to start thinking positive and finding the good things in life to be thankful for. Starting now. I am not going to make a list and just say I'm thankful for blah blah blah. I will put some reasoning behind why I am thankful for it.

I am thankful for my health. I am a healthy person and there are so many people out there that aren't. Without good health, you can't be happy, you can't get out of the house, you can't have the freedom that each of us so richly deserve. There is nothing that stops me from doing what I want health-wise and it is a good feeling. It is something every one should be able to obtain.

Difficult Topic (warning...lost post)

2010-09-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

I am not sure how to approach this other than to just approach it.

I have been made to go to church all my childhood life. I went. Fine. Whatever. I have went to church when I thought it meant a lot to my significant other at the time. Fine. Whatever.

I haven't believed in God for a long time though.

Why? I don't know. I don't even know when it happened. I used to. I've been saved, baptized, and have tried to live a decent life. You know, do unto others....

I'd say in the past 10 years is when I've questioned God, and religion for that matter. I don't know when I started being so negative about Christianity. I shouldn't be. I don't want to be. I am though. I am ashamed about it. I feel embarrassed when people ask me if I go to church and I say no. If someone asks me if I believe in God...I lie. I say yes of course I do.

In all honesty, I don't. I want to. I should. It is just so hard. Science vs Creation. Believing in what you see or what you can't see. It just confuses me. It really always has, but when I was younger I was still able to believe in what I couldn't see. Now that I am older...well I am having a hard time with Faith. Again, I don't really know why or how to fix it.

When my dad died, I was so glad he was out of pain. I do believe if there is a Heaven he is there. I want to believe he is there in no pain. That he is getting to hug and kiss all the people he has lost over the years. Is he? I don't know. Do any of us "know"? No. How could we? No one has ever came back and said yep it is all there.

So I just lie to every one and say yeah I believe in God, when in my heart, where I am honest with myself, I am struggling with my beliefs. This weekend two things happened. The first was my mother went in to respiratory arrest and stopped breathing. Completely, Her doctor was able to bring her back. He just happened to be in there at that moment in time. It was supposed to be the nurses doing what he was doing, but he is a bit of a control freak and wanted to do it himself. The second thing that happened. I was with mom and they were putting Dakin on her wound on her foot. Dakin is a fancy name for bleach. It burns like fire. She was in so much pain. Crying so hard I thought she would have a heart attack. He magically shows up at the door and says are you in that much pain? Let's look at that foot. He washed all the Dakin off and diluted a tiny amount, applied it to the gauze and wrapped her foot back up. Mom was fine after that.

All Sunday I tossed those events around in my head. Was it a coincidence he showed up twice at the exact moment mom needed him? Or was it God's doing? Something I haven't mentioned in all this yet. He was born in the Middle East. I don't know his beliefs, and I don't care. He is a fabulous doctor and a very nice man.

So coincidence that he was there twice at the exact moment? I don't think so. I think God just gave me a BIG wake-up call. It will be a long road back for me to find my Faith again, but I think I have definitely been nudged in the right direction.

This Weekends Agenda

2010-09-18T09:16:00.003-05:00

So far today I've seared a roast and put it in the crock pot for the next 6-8 hours. On top of the roast went the following: 1 packet of onion soup mix (I made my own to cut down the salt), one can of soda (used nasty mountain dew code red, but recipe called for 7up -- I didn;t have any) and one can of cream of mushroom soup. Will have mashed potatoes and a veggie with it tonight. So supper is done!

I fixed breakfast this morning, took out trash, cleaned the kitchen, changed a few light bulbs and now on to the rest of the house....

Oh joy! I hate working 7 days a week :(

Update: House minus the hallway and my room is clean, also that is the BEST roast I've ever eaten, it is fork tender and just melts in your mouth, and the gravy OMG!!!

Tattoo

2010-08-31T20:41:00.002-05:00

I am getting this tattoo. I have the shop picked out. I have where I want the tattoo at picked out. I just need to get a little bit of money saved and make the appointment. I am 100% sure this is what I want to do.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

2010-08-21T13:49:00.006-05:00

(picture taken from Southerplate.com)

■1 onion, chopped
■2 tablespoons vegetable oil
■2 cups shredded cooked chicken
■1 can cream of chicken soup*
■1 can cream of mushroom soup*
■4 ounce can diced green chilies
■15 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
■1 teaspoon chili powder
■1/4 teaspoon salt
■1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
■1/4 teaspoon pepper
■12 – 14 corn tortillas (six inch)
■2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Place oil in large skillet. Add onions and saute over medium heat until onions are lightly browned. Add chicken, cream soups, chilies, tomatoes, and all seasonings. Stir and cook over medium heat until bubbly.

Tear tortillas into small pieces. Place half of pieces in 9×13 inch dish. Top with 1/2 of chicken mixture and 1/2 of cheese. Top with remaining tortilla pieces, remaining chicken mixture, and remaining cheese. bake at 350 for thirty minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned around the edges.

***here is my oops I drained the tomatos and then set them aside and forgot to add them in. So I put them on top. Oh well

Today was....

2010-08-16T19:43:00.000-05:00

so FRUSTRATING!!!

Sunday Tradition

2010-08-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember my family has had a Sunday tradition. It's breakfast. Dad always fixed a special breakfast on Sundays.

Always it included, eggs (scrambled or fried), bacon or sausage (sometimes both), biscuits (very seldom cinamon toast or pancakes/waffles), white gravy, and then coffee and tea.

We'd sit around stuffing ourselves, talking, laughing, and enjoying the day.

Now I do it. This morning, I scrambled eggs, fixed bacon and sausage, biscuits, and hash browns, and coffee. Tara and I had milk and juice.

I love traditions!

Craigslist

2010-08-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

I have browsed Craiglist many times, but until this past week, never bought anything from Craigslist. I bought a 108 inch baby gate except I will use it as a bunny gate so our bunny can't get in to the kitchen. It was in excellent condition all the hardware is there and cheap too! $25.00.

So Mom and I drove out to Plano today. Yes, Plano. We took the toll way (Mom's first time) and eventually will be billed for the journey to and from Plano. Not a big deal it is worth the toll.

We pulled up to the couple's house and was in awe of their home! It is a Meritage home and the newly developed subdivision is still in it's building stages. The houses are from the $400-$600 range and each house seems to have its own unique attributes. They are not cookie cutter homes.

Anyway, on to the real meat of this post.

I had until today not talked to either person on the phone. We had communicated via email. So, here are a few things that struck me as.....scary.

1. How does the seller know if the buyer is who they say they are, and vice versa?
2. If a deal goes bad (think insane stalker) the seller's address is now known to anyone that the buyer chooses to share it with, same is true with the phone numbers.
3. The lady was so small (5 foot maybe) that had I been a psycho she'd be dead in her living room right now, and the reverse is true how did I know who was opening the door?
4. Even if you meet in a "public" place, are you really any safer?

I kind of spooked myself today.

Crockpot Seasoned Pork Chops

2010-08-06T20:30:00.007-05:00

Ingredients:

•1/2 cup all-purpose flour

•2 teaspoons salt

•1 teaspoon dry mustard

•1/2 teaspoon paprika

•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•6 pork loin chops (about 3/4 inch thick) trimmed
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
•1/3 cup water

Preparation:
In a shallow bowl or food storage bag, combine flour, salt, mustard, paprika, and garlic powder; dredge or toss pork chops to coat well. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chops on both sides in oil. Place pork chops in slow cooker. Combine soup and water; pour over chops. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until meat is tender. If desired, thicken juices and serve with the pork chops.

**My Review: I don't know if it was the cooking time or my crock pot but the chops were done in way less than 6 hours, more like 4. Also, the breading I believe should have included an egg wash before the flour. Other than that though they were fork tender! A keeper.

Today was HOT and TIRING!!!

2010-08-03T19:43:00.001-05:00

Money Tree

2010-08-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

I need one. It is a horrible thing to go to the mail box each day. In it are bills. Piles of them. A lot say Keller High School and while that is not an official bill it may as well be. School hasn't even started and not including clothes I have opened envelopes that want money for class shirts, choir uniforms, choir earrings (no honest!), picture money, planner money, etc.

This is in addition to my daughter's trip to Italy that mom and I are sharing the cost of. They can't wait until I get my tax return back in Feb. Oh no! They want $400 a month which will be split between mom and me.

Then there is $400+ for Drivers Education classes in November.

Did I mention I am tapped out from my monthly bills?

My father always said there is an answer to every thing if you look for it. So since I know there are no money trees, then the solution is either to keep plugging away until I get this stuff paid off, or get a second job for the weekends....

I really value my weekends, so I am guessing I'll just keep juggling and do my best to get out from under some of these bills.

Sigh.

Italian Chicken Bake

2010-07-31T23:16:00.012-05:00

Ingredients:

•3 1/2 to 4 pounds chicken pieces

•1/4 cup flour

•1 teaspoon salt

•1/8 teaspoon pepper

•1/2 teaspoon paprika
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1/2 cup chopped onion
•1 clove garlic, minced

•1 cup water

•1 envelope spaghetti sauce mix
•1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
•1/4 cup chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon dried leaf parsley
•6 potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
•1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips

Preparation:

Wash chicken and pat dry. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a food storage bag. Add chicken, a piece or two at a time, and toss to coat well. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown chicken, two or three pieces at a time. Place chicken in a 2-quart baking dish.

In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until onion is tender. Stir in water and spaghetti sauce mix; bring to a boil. Stir in tomatoes and parsley. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.

Pour sauce mixture over chicken in casserole then top with potatoes and green pepper strips. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours, until chicken is tender.

Chicken casserole serves 4 to 6.
***notes by me: I used a jar of spaghetti sauce instead of a packet, and I cut up four potatoes instead of 6 since they were pretty good sized.

Is it Friday Yet????

2010-07-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

We've been working 10 hour days lately. Four days a week. Friday's off. I love the Friday off thing but I hate the Mon-Thurs 10 hour day thing.

I am so tired!

Holy Toledo!

2010-07-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

LapBand is working!!!

Quick stats:

From a 4X/5X shirt to a 2X
From a 4X pants to a 2X
Won't mention the change in bra size and underwear.... hee hee hee!
I can get down on the floor and better yet get back up
My knee doesn't hurt anymore
My feet don't hurt anymore
My blood pressure is perfect without medicine

This feels so dang GOOD!