There is HOPE!

Sarah Palin!!!

John McCain made a wonderful choice!

YES! YES! YES!!

There is HOPE!

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays - Homemade Shake and Bake

1 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup flour

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients and store in a sealable container or zipper topped plastic bag. This will keep up to 4 months in the pantry, depending on the humidity (you may just want to keep it in the freezer). This recipe will also double or triple well.

To Use:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place one cup mix in a plastic bag.
In a bowl, mix an egg and 1/2 cup of milk. Dip chicken pieces one at a time in the milk mixture, then shake one at a time in the plastic bag.
Place on a baking pan and bake for appropriate time (depending on the chicken you're using-as a little as 20 minutes or up to an hour for bigger, bone-in pieces).

Not a good way to start the day

uhhh.

I was cooking dinner last night.

I was standing at the stove,
barefoot,
holding a baby on my hip
wondering if my husband wanted a glass of wine or a beer,
stirring a large pot.


yeah..theres a country song in there somewhere.

Wonderful photography experience

People who know me know I HATE HATE HATE to have my picture taken. Seriously. I avoid it like the plague.

But with the arrival of our little Molly, I did want to get some pictures taken to help preserve the precious memories we will have at this fast fleeting time of her life.

So I scoured ads. I asked for references. I didn't really get any viable suggestions. So I did what any good bay area resident does. I turned to Craigslist.

I was very pleased at the number of ads photographers had placed. I perused each ad and scrutinized their websites and photos.

And then I found HER!

Her name is Jennifer, and she is wonderful. Her pictures, well they just spoke to me. The pictures on her site showed everyday moments, captured flawlessly, exactly as I want to remember them.

So I called Jennifer and set up a date. I was so excited. I started planning what we all would wear. Okay, I mandated it. I wanted it simple and clean. White shirts and denim, clean faces, sweet natural selves. I talked endlessly about how excited I was.

Then I realized.. I had set the appointment for the same exact day Molly was scheduled for her 2 month immunizations.

Poop!

So, feeling like a big ole goober, I contacted Jennifer again and asked to reschedule it for the next week. She was ever so gracious, and sweetly rescheduled for the next time we would all be home.

So I planned and schemed again. Molly must eat 1 1/2 hours before she arrived at our house, Declan must have haircut one week before- to prevent that just got haircut look. Husband must be cajoled sweetly into shaving on his day off. ( OH man, being in the AirForce and required to shave every day makes him soo not want to do it on his day off.)

And then I of course must plan Molly's naps around a time when I would be able to hop in the shower and then do the whole somehow make myself look decent after not having a full nights sleep in 2 months thing.

On the day of the pictures, well, the water heater starts leaking. Molly doesn't feel like sleeping. At ALL, ALL day. Shes eating alot more than usual. And that means spitting up. Alot more than usual.

Why or why did I choose white for everyone to wear?

Declan has decided that taking pictures is *boring* and he doesn't want to do it. He doesn't want to brush his teeth or fix his hair. He doesn't want to wear a white button up shirt, and he certainly doesn't want to brush his teeth again, despite having bits of fruit YoGos in them. The whining starts. "I brushed them this morning mom, why do I have to do it in the middle of the day? Why do I have to tuck in my shirt? It makes me look like a geek! Taking pictures is stupid!"

Hubby is grinning at my exaspiration and is eggin him on. "Yeah, lets not tuck in our shirts, and why does it have to be white?"

Gave dear sweet, oh so supportive hubby "THE look", and said, because tucked in white shirts wards off the artic winter chill that is going to descend on our home.

Now its just about time for Jennifer to arrive and I'm frantically trying to get my clothing on, and get Molly into hers - praying no prior nurishment decides to make its way up and display itself prominently upon her ironed and starched white shirt declaring to the world "see Mommy and Daddy feed me well!"

I slide Molly into her adorable denim jumper with the cutest hand embroidered flowers and then go to snap the straps in place and ....Its too DANG BIG. Not around the body, oh no.. its fits butterball just fine there. But around the arms and particually the straps.. so they are all poofy above her shoulder and she resembles something alot like a baby head popping out of a denim purse.

Big Fat Tears well up in my eyes. My dreams of for once getting good pictures of me with my children and my family are starting to evaporate.

Mom to the rescue! Out pops the safety pins and down are the straps pinned! ( I have to make note to keep more of these around the house.)

And knock knock knock - There's Jennifer. We walk across the street to the nearby park.

Now, I live less than a mile from the SF Bay. Its usually cool and breezy here. And that day was no exception. Except it was a bit more cool and breezy. Actually, it was cold and windy.

Have I said that whenever Molly's been out in the sun she balls her eyes out? No? Yeah, funny how I forgot about that myself until we stepped outside.

And actually Molly was great. Jennifer took pictures of Declan and Molly, Then Daddy and Molly and she got fabulous shots. Molly didn't smile, but she wasn't wailing. Next was Moms turn to take pictures with Molly.

And "The Howling" began!

Then it was my turn to take pictures with Molly. And "The Howling" became louder, stronger, and more insistent.

I was so disappointed. I mean I knew nothing could be done about it, hey, that's just the way it goes with little ones.

We headed back to our house and finished the photo shoot in our backyard. A pic of all of us together, and some with one of us with each other. She even took the most inventive photo I had ever heard of. She took AJ's and my wedding rings and placed them on Molly's big toe. Isn't that cool? ( it turned out FANTASTIC.)

She said she had gotten some great shots and she would send me a link to her site to view them. I mustard up and smile and said I cant wait to view them. Thanked her for her time and for coming and shut and locked the door. ( The guys were already racing to their rooms to throw back on their T-shirts and to return their hair to their previous messy status.)

A few days later I got an email from Jennifer with the link and tentatively opened it. Expecting to see Great pics of Molly with Declan and her Dad, I clicked through those pictures awed by how much more beautiful they were then I had expected. Then I got to the section with pictures of me and mom with Molly. OH MY GOSH!

This woman was a miracle worker. As you can see in photos in the sidebar ( all taken by Jennifer, I might add) she got GREAT pictures. Cause I swear there was NOT a moment when Molly wasn't crying while she was taking our pictures.

Her photos were so wonderful, I had a hard time picking out just the few we could afford, And in fact I couldn't. They were all so wonderful and am now looking for another part time position just to pay for all of them. =)

Seriously, if you are anywhere near the Bay Area, and in need a photographer here is Jennifers' site: http://www.agirlandacameraphotography.com/. I really urge you to visit her site and please give her a call. If she can make me and my motley crew and crying baby look that good, you know shes worth it!

Things they be a changin.....

As you can see, I am fumbling around with the look here. I see so many beautifully designed and layed out blogs, and it feels as if mine is frumpy.

So please be patient while I play with it. And if you have any suggestions or such, please let me know.

I couldnt say it any better.....

One of my favorite bloggers had this to say this morning....

Sleep, Baby, Sleep

http://coeurdcourt.blogspot.com/2008/08/sleep-baby-sleep.html

Tammys Kitchen Tips Tuesdays

Yay! Its my favorite blog day! Hosted by Tammy over at http://www.tammysrecipes.com/. She hosts a day where like minded, kitchen lovin, family oriented people can post their tips for making yummy foods, and various links to make family and home life a bit easier and oh soo sweeter. I really love love love this idea and love to participate!

My tip this week is regarding the shelf life of a thing we cooks love the most. Our Spices and herbs. Yes, they do actually have a shelf life.

While spices do not exactly spoil, they do loose their flavor over time. And isn't flavor what its all about? So here is a simple guide for storing your spices.

Most whole spices ( such as cloves, peppercorn, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks) will retain their flavor for 4-6 years. Potent ground spices (think cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamon) will also retain their flavor for 2-3 years. Leafy spices ( such as parsley, thyme, oregano) retain their flavor 1-3 years.

So how do you really know?

Well for leafy dried herbs that have no color and no or very little smell when crumbled in the palm of your hand are probably too old for practical use. Yet even if they don't look all that green anymore, but still have some oomph when crumbled in your hand, use them freely.

For ground spices, shake the jar, let it settle, and give a sniff. If there's essentially no smell, it should be tossed out. If the spices have a bit of fragrance left but are not as potent as you remember or think they should be, just use more in the recipe. Then you'll run out sooner and have a reason to start fresh with a new batch. =)

But the best tip I can give you for your herbs and spices is store them no where near the stove or oven, keep them in a cool, dry, dark cupboard,. Also, do not shake the spices directly into whatever it is your cooking. The condensation or steam does go up and into the bottle or jar. And even that tiniest bit will help bring those wonderful spices and herbs to loose their potency.

Please head on over to Tammys Recipes and learn more from the lovely ladies who post their tips and share some yourself! http://www.tammysrecipes.com/

I heart Tammy and Bethany!

These ladies are simply amazing!

Tammy cooks like no ones business, and is generous enough to pass on her wisdom. Bethany, I beleive can do almost anything. And these ladies are now making thier own Vanilla Extract!

Here is Tammy's post:
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/homemade_vanilla_extract

With the amount of baking I do, Im certainly going to be doing this. And next year possibly give away as a Xmas Present!

I made it!

Well I finished my first week of work. It was only 2 days, but lord it was hard leaving Molly in the morning. I can tell you I was certainly watching the clock.

Work, was well, work. Ever the same. Nothing too exciting ( its taxes!) or too horrible.

Wednesday was Molly's 3 month birthday. And on that day, she managed to pull her self up from laying on her tummy and rest on her elbows.

Its not a great picture, but its the best I got trying to "capture the moment".

She has also developed a new habit, or shall I say talent?

Thats right, thats my baby ( held by her daddy like she was fragile fine china =) )with her whole fist in hr mouth. Most babies suck on thier fingers or even thier thumb. Not my baby, she is greedy! Must taste pretty good, because thats where her hands live now.



Today I plan on making some oatmeal cookies and a flourless chocolate cake to send down to my Aunt Nancy. Obviously I was named after her, and she is my favorite Aunt.



She hasn't been feeling so well lately, and is going to be taking some radioactive Iodine for her Graves Disease. So she wont be able to be aroundp eople or her animals for 48 hours. The pills are not supose to make her feel sick, but I bet she will get a bit lonely in those days. I cant make her better, but I am hoping the nummies make her feel better.



Im trying out a new oatmeal cookie recipes, ok, Im trying out 2. One is a no bake cookie and the other is supose to be spicy and remind you of Christmas. If they turn out I will post the recipes later.



I have a few posts planned in the back of my head, but if I sit here and write them up now, I wont get anything done. My game plan is to get my "stuff" done today and start posting 1 every night. Going back to work has my whirling, and I have got to get a routine down.



What can I say. I like structure and routine.



I'll leave you with the sweetest picture I have. One that makes my heart sing!



Declan feeding Molly. He loves the heck outa "his baby" sister.





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Homemade Aussie Bites cookies

yay! I can finally participate in Tammy's Tuesday Kitchen Tips. I really love that feature of her blog.

And soooooo heres my yummy cookie recipe. Yummy and full of really good things!

Aussie Bites

2 cups oats
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 (3 1/2 ounce) can unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seed
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, cranberries, etc)
1/4 cup honey
1 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water
Directions
1Preheat oven to 350 degrees (farenheit).
2Combine first six ingredients in a large bowl.
3Melt honey & butter together in microwave; set aside.
4Mix baking soda with hot water and add to butter mixture.
5Pour butter mixture into dry ingredients and mix well.
6Place tablespoons of mixture into non-stick mini-muffin cups (no need to grease) and flatten mixture slightly. Bake 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.

Adjusting my thinking

There are certain things that I feel I have to do, to acheive to feel sucessful, to feel like I am accomplishing something.

Have a clean, neat house. Have good nourishing and tasty foods for my family to eat. Have a good big project at home to work on and at work. And do it well.

Have clean, well dressed, well mannered children.

But having Molly, and all the expenses that go along with having a child plus being off work for 3 months have taken a toll on our finances.

Its not like we are in danger of being hungry, or homeless. But Hubby and I don't have the cushion that we like to feel comfortable.

So with school starting soon, and Molly growing like a weed ( OH MY GOSH, I bet shes gonna be TALL) it was time for me to consider alternatives for clothing them. Especially Molly, seems she changes sizes every 3-4 weeks, and her 3 month clothing is starting to get a little too snug for her comfort.

So, my mom and I headed off to thrift stores. I've read about other people finding wonderful deals and beautiful, "servicable" clothing for thier children. But the one or 2 times I had swallowed my pride and went when Declan was a baby, I never found anything.

But yesterday, Holy Moly! I got Molly enough clothes to last her at least until 12 months, and a good jump on clothing well into her first year. 6-7 sets of PJ's, 4 pairs of the cutest baby jeans, many shirts, tights, sweaters, tshirts and creepers.

I got my son 3 hoodies. Also, one jacket, jammies and jeans- all brand new! Still had the store tags on them). My son loves to wear hoodies, but seems to loose them EVERYWHERE. I swear I bought 6 last year and have none. The hoodies I got him there were not brand new, but they looked it. And for $1.50 each, instead of $20.00 a piece at Old Navy, Im not gonna be so upset if the looses them.

I found 3 sweaters that would look great for work, One pair of cute high end name brand black capri pants, and a couple of everyday shirts for myself.

I came home with enough clothing that it was 3 1/2 loads of laundry to wash! ( Remember, most of it was itty bitty baby clothing.)

And the cost? $65.00. Easily would have cost $700 or more had I bought in stores.

I was sooo excited! Heck, I still am.

Now heres the thing that tickles me endlessly. After Molly outgrows these clothes, I stick them to the side and take them down to the twice around store and sell them to them. And then, I can take my proceeds and buy her more things that she needs! Plus, they also need older boys clothing. So can also sell them Declans clothing!

I'm planning on going back soon to look for more work style clothing for myself!

My mind is full

Well, its 9:00 am and I have already done the dishes, bleached the stains out of the sink, planned dinner ( Nachos made from left over taco fixings), vacuumed the house, have a load of laundry in the dryer and one in the washing machine. While Molly is still napping I will go in and spray down our shower with Mildew Remover and start cleaning the bedroom.

I should be happy to get all this accomplished, but I feel rather sad. Sad because next Thursday my maternity leave and family leave is exhausted and I have to return back to work. All I can think of is how much I'm going to miss giving Molly her baths, and feeding her through out the day, and rocking her to sleep for her naps. Seeing that beautifully goofy toothless grin. How much I will miss making Declans breakfast in the morning. Cuddle with him on the couch during Mollys nap while we watch some really dumb cartoon he loves.

It makes me sad that I will miss all that.

But at the same time, Im really grateful. I got an extra six weeks of leave ( thank you Family Leave!) to spend with Molly that wasn't available available when Declan was an infant. I don't have to put her in daycare and trust my precious infant to the care of strangers, trusting that they will mother her like I would. I am so grateful and happy that her grandma lives with us, and wants to care for Molly while I work. Grandma will also care for Declan, and I know she loves them more than anything. She will help me take care of the house and really who could ever ask for anything more? I owe her so much for her help and the love she gives to us all.

And I am really grateful for the wonderful boss I have. Instead of working a 5 day work week, I asked and was given a 4 day work week, so I will only be out of the house Tues - Thursday from 7 - 5 including the 45 minutes commute each way.

I am blessed in so many ways, with a wonderful supportive family.

But still.... going back to work is bittersweet.

Last nights experiement/menu

Its always great when you experiment with something new and your husband says " Honey this is the bomb!".

I did a internet search and read thru several recipes and didn't find any pork chop recipes that sounded good to me, or that I thought were simple enough. So I did an experiment, that turned out really great.

I took some pork chops, beat the heck out of them with my tenderizing hammer.

I then took some breadcrumb and mixed it with a spice mix my Mother in Law sent me, called ( I kid you NOT) Slap Your Momma. Its a mix of cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and garlic. I didnt measure, I just kind of eyeballed it. We like spice in this family so I would say that probably put close to 1/3 cup into 2 cups of bread crumb. I then beat 3 eggs in a bowl to coat the pork chops in to use as a binder for the bread crumb.

Here is a picture of the assembly line. Dip in beaten egg, then dip in breadcrumb mixture. Dont be afraid to really get in there and really coat the chops. I will actually scoop some of the breadcrumb up and pour over the chops and press down. I think doing it this way helps seals in the juices and who likes dry pork chops?

After that I put in my grilling pan. and baked at 350 for 10 minutes each side.

They were really good! There were not dry, but Juicy and tender! The spice mix had a sneak up on you flavor, you didn't taste it right away, but after chewing a bit you felt a little kick. Just the way we like it.

Heres a picture of them right out of the oven.

I served them with steamed asparagus ( steamed in the microwave) and with some basil tomatoes. So it was a healthy low fat meal really.

And for dessert ( this is where healthy flys out of the window completely) we had chocolate cake with chocolate frosting - all made by scratch. It wasn't that hard to make and I will never use a box mix again. It was so moist and flavorful and wonderful, there really was a difference.

I used the recipe from the Bakers Chocolate Baking Squares, that I have had for a while. It was easy and definately more tasty then store bought. Again Hubby raved and ate 2 pieces.

CAKE RECIPE
6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1-1/2 cups water

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating with electric mixer on low speed after each addition until well blended. Add vanilla; mix well.
ADD 1/2 cup of the flour, the baking soda and salt; beat until well blended. Add remaining 2 cups flour alternately with water, beating until well blended after each addition. Pour evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
BAKE 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks. Spread with your favorite frosting, if desired.

FROSTING

4 squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Chocolate
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup milk
MICROWAVE chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min., stirring every 30 sec. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 min. or to room temperature.
ADD sugar, butter and vanilla. Gradually add milk, beating with electric mixer on low speed until well blended. If frosting becomes too thick, beat in additional milk by teaspoonfuls until frosting is of spreading consistency.
USE to frost your favorite cake or cupcake recipe.