Keely has done it again. She's gone and asked us to share even more about ourselves. So if you are not tired of learning more about me. Then read on. This week she has posted quesitons which require only one word, but I can tell you already, my answers will not be so. After all, this is about getting to know me, and in order to really do that, I think you need a little bit more from me than just one little word. That's my modus operandi. Following are this week's questions:
1. Middle name? Marie 2. What do you think is your best asset (physical)? My eyes. I like my feet too. It has always been between them, but I think the eyes win out. I just like that no one can really say what color they are. They are a blue/green, and sometimes look more one than the other. 3. If you could only eat one type of cuisine for a year, what would it be (Mexican, American,Chinese..etc.)? A whole year?! Wow, I love to eat, but one type for a whole year might make me not like that type much anymore. I guess I would say Mexican. I do love it, and there are a ton of ways to prepare different things, so yes...Mexican it is. 4. Walmart or Target? Okay, I love the prices at Walmart, but I always go to Target anyway. I just can't stand how Walmart always seems so ghetto. No matter what, I always get a defective cart. The one that not only squeaks loudly, but takes brute force in order to get it to move! 5. Favorite State besides the one you live in? I absolutely love Massachusettes. Colorado is also great, and I have lived in both places. 6. What side of the bed do you sleep on, left or right? Left...that is if I am lying in the bed. Looking at it, it would be the right. 7. King or Queen size bed? King...and even that feels, at times, too small. 8. Beer or wine? I love wine...but frankly there are times when nothing but an ice cold beer will do. I love oatmeal stouts! 9. Water..ice-cold or room temp? Ice cold, but no ice. Unless I am in a restaurant, then I want ice...but no nasty lemon (remember this one?)! 10. Christmas..love it or hate it? Honestly, I have a major issue with those who say they hate it. Come on...so you've had a bad experience, or many bad experiences...I say change your experiences! Start with attitude. Anyway, I LOVE it. Nothing beats spending time with loved ones, eating yummy food, and sharing old stories while making new ones.
That's all folks! (don't you love Porky?) What about you? Care to share? Inquiring minds (mine in particular) want to know. To play along, cut and copy the quesitons to do your own post, then go back and link it up with Keely. Don't have a blog, or don't have the inclination to do a whole post...then answer any or all of the questions right here in my comments.
My Dearest Addyson, Three years ago today you took your first breath...and in many ways so did I. When you made your way into this world, mine changed forever. Instantly my heart swelled with love, joy, pride and fear. Oh I had heard all about how the love for one's child is unmatched by any other...but I didn't really get it. Not until you. When I gazed upon your face for the first time, I understood. My love for you was immediate and immeasurable. Love so strong it almost hurt. Love so strong I never fathomed that it could grow any more. I was so wrong. With each passing day my heart and the love within are ever growing. You astound me with your intelligence. With your capacity for compassion. With your love for me, your daddy, and your brothers. Every day you bring me to the brink of my sanity, just to reel me right back in with an unexpected hug or kiss. You are a challenge, knowing exactly what you want and how you want it...accepting no substitutions nor any delays. You are a pistol, a never ceasing font of energy. You stretch my patience to the limit, then sweetly melt my heart not moments later. You are tender and wise beyond your three little years. It hardly seems fair that three years have already passed. I wish I could soak up every second and every moment so they may be stored at the ready for me to relive any time I desire. Every day I memorize each line of your face, count every new freckle. And every day I watch you as you become someone I never dreamed you'd be. Dreaming of the person you are would have been impossible. You have surpassed my every expectation, my every desire, my every hope. You have fufilled my every wish, Addyson. You have not only made me a mother...each day you teach me just what that means. Happy birthday, little peanut. I love you simply more than you will ever truly know.
Julie at The Peanut Gallery...exit here, who has wiggled her way securely into my heart, has awarded me with the Honest Scrap award. Thank you, friend. Since I began blogging, this was probably the one and only award I hoped to receive but never did...until now, of course. Now that I've got it (and I am really excited to finally have this one), I am hanging up the old "award" hat. I think they are fun, and I love it when others think of me...but at the risk of sounding like a major ingrate, I can't find the time to do the posts for them anymore. All the crazy linking, standing on your head, picking your nose, winking your left eye, and singing the Star Spangled Banner all at the same time is just a bit much for me.
So with this one I have to list 10 honest things about me. Honest? Darn it...there has to be a catch, right? I kid. I'm nothing if not honest. Anyway, here goes:
1. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I didn't want to do the school. As I got even older, I regreted not doing the school. Unfortunately, in college I didn't have the foresight which would have enabled me to see beyond my days of bars and boys. Seriously, I wasn't all that bad...pretty mild in comparison to many. In any case, I am quite happy to be where I am today. Can't imagine what my life would be otherwise.
2. I have eaten some really strange things in my life. As a child in particular. Among those things are dog food and fish food. Don't even ask.
3. I once peed in a flower bed in a public place. Again, don't ask.
4. My favorite number is 13, and my favorite colors are blue and yellow. In fact, our wedding colors were blue and yellow! Love, love, love it.
5. The one place in the world to which I want to travel over any other, is Russia. I am hugely fascinated with their culture. I would even like to learn the language. I actually know a few words and phrases. When I was fresh out of college and living in Dever, Co. I met some people from Russia. They became good friends, and thus my desire to learn more about their culture was spawned. Kak Dela?
6. I am currently struggling over whether or not we should change my blog tag line to "eight" little feet. Leaning toward keeping it six.
7. I cry at commercials. I never used to do that. I used to pick on my mom because she does it. Then I had kids, and my hormones went haywire, and never worked themselves back to their original state. Sigh. Now I am as sentimental as they come.
8. The blogs I love reading the most are those that write about "real" things. Things like their struggles in day to day life. The joy over their family, kids, etc. Humor over things to which we can all relate, and those that have great photography.
9. Like Julie said...I love music. I agree with her so much. A song can bring you back to a place in time quicker than anything else. I can instantly feel how I felt then, smell things I smelled then. It's amazing. Led Zepplin is one group in particular that brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to my heart.
10. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes it's not. My husband often accuses me of lacking the "filter" that others have which enables them to say things nicely. He says I can be abrasive. To his credit, he is not the only person who has said this about me. I'm perfectly okay with it. Better, I think, that you know where you stand with me. There is no wondering over what's going on in my head. Well, that last part may not be true. I mean, come on...how can you not wonder what goes on inside the head of someone who eats dog food and pees in public flower beds?
Now, I am going to pass along my last award.
The Empress at Good Day Regular People is, without question, an amazing writer. She has her heart in her blog, and I never feel bad about having spent some time "with her." If you haven't, you should go check her out and be sure to tell her I sent you!
Heide at From 3 to 5 is such a fun person. She's funny. I feel like I "get her." What I like most about her is the feeling that she doesn't put on aires. She is who she is, and is a joy because of it.
Three more...hang with me.
Kate, at Kate's Life. I love her heart. She is just an honest to goodness "real" person. I think she radiates warmth, and I like the way she shows genuine care for others.
Melis at The Zookeeper's Diary. She was one of my first favorites. Still is. When she sits down to "put it out there," she really does. Again, she is full of heart and honest, and has moved me to tears several times.
Finally, last but not least.
Sonora at Twinfinity. Sonora was on the verge of giving up blogging when I found her. I think she actually found me first, but I am so happy she did. And I am even happier she decided to stick with the crazy thing. I enjoy reading her posts which are riddled with funny and endearing stories.
Please, if I passed this to you, don't feel obligated to do anything with it. Chuck it if it pleases you, but I chose you because I honestly think you deserve it.
Why me, of course! So... my actual name is Shannon. I wasn't really trying to be incognito. I've already shared all the names of the rest of my family. Why not mine too? Born in San Diego, I didn't live there long. When I was still just a babe, my parents and I moved to Arizona (my dad's home). My parents were actually in the military when they met, got married and had me. Shortly after I was born, they moved here. Wow! Am I really starting that far back? Me thinks not.
In between then and now, I have gone to and graduated from the Uof A, lived in Ireland (only for about 6 weeks), worked in corporate America (where I was wildly successful in sales I might add), bought my first house, got married, sold my house and bought another (with my husband), had my daughter (who was conceived in the UK), sold and bought another house, had my son (who was conceived nowhere exciting) and here we are...living in the inferno that is the Arizona Desert.
A woman of many interests, I love taking pictures but don't call myself a photographer. I work out habitually, yet I habitually lack the desire. Books are like water to me, without them I wouldn't survive. Outgoing by nature, I can be a bit forward and often (so I am told) abrasive. I have a loud laugh that always starts with an old man wheeze when I think something is truly funny. Taking things at face value is a problem for me, I am always looking for deeper meaning...you could say I am a bit of an over analyzer. Though I like to think I don't worry unnecessarily, since having children I have come to realize I do. No matter how I try otherwise.
At the heart of me is my family. I love these people that live with me more than any blog post would ever do justice. My brother is one of my very truest, most loyal and closest friends...I love him so. I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my mom...it is to her that I credit my wackiness...she has been my comfort when I have needed it most and my laughter when nothing else would do. And I am a daddy's girl. I find today that I still look to him for guidance and direction. Just as I am certain I will always be his little girl, at the risk of sounding cliche, he will always be my hero.
As a mother I strive, together with my husband, to raise our children in such a way that they reach their full potential...teaching them to love deeply, believe strongly, respect fully, and befriend faithfully. Showing them how to love the fair weather days and hoping that we have equipped them with the skills to ride out the storms.
What's to come remains to be seen. So happy to have you along for the ride.
For starters, I just want to say that I am not planning to do anymore giveaways...at least not for a while, or forever. I love that I am doing this one, but I think they are pushing me in a direction I am not really ready to follow. I love blogging, sharing my ideas through this medium, and I love the interaction I often get as a result. Like many (or I suspect there are many), I had secret hopes of earning money doing this thing. Ugh...no more is that my desire. I was beginning to feel like a slave to my blog, obsessed (in a not so good way) about how many people wanted to read what I have to say. Really, whocares?! Isn't it nuts when you think about it? Don't misunderstand...I do like people to read, but my first priority when writing a post should be whatever it is that inspired me to write...not "what will people think if I say this, or do that?"
When I started blogging, it was just so much fun. I was excited to post, and I enjoyed what I wrote. Once I started being more concerned with the numbers of it all, some of that (okay a lot of that) pleasure went right out the window. So, I'm busting the chains. I'm letting go of my secret desire to be a millionaire blogger ;) I'm gonna write about my kids, and show you pictures of the horrific fish cake I made Addyson...really, it's bad...and really I will share. I'm going to post my recipes, because I love them, and if even one person tries one and likes it, then I have given something in some small way. I am going to write selfish posts that no one really wants to read (except for my mom, and me in 40 years).
I wrote this post just a short time ago, and I think I missed the boat. I meant everything I said in it, and I believe it all 100%, but somehow I still derailed myself. Oh well. New start.
Not sure what compelled me to explain myself this way...maybe just my way of wiping the slate clean. Allowing me to get back to what I really loved about blogging to begin with, and if people decide to join me along the way...well, then all the better!
In an effort to do something I think would be a ton of fun...I decided to open the floor to any and all questions. BUT...the questions are for Andy (my husband). You can ask him anything you want. ANYTHING! Now, I will say this, he does reserve the right to not answer should something be out of line. But I have faith that nothing will be. I also give him free reign to answer anything about me. So, get your typing fingers ready, and ask away. What, my friends, would you like to know?
Recently I have read many posts which give advice on the "how to's" of blogging. Don't fret, this is not one of them (though I do have some thougts on the matter). I actually like reading those posts. Oftentimes they offer some helpful tips on how to improve things. Who doesn't want to improve? I especially like it when it comes from the author of a blog I truly enjoy. It's like free advice on how to become better received.
There is, however, one thing I don't like about some of these posts that I have read. I don't want to be told about what I should or shouldn't blog. I already have my own parameters. For example, (with this minor exception) I will not blog about my husband's ex-wife. Off limits...for me. Does that mean I will think poorly of another blogger who does chose to write about that topic? Absolutely not. In fact, I quite enjoy it at times because I can certainly relate to some of the situations. Some people are very religious, and like to express it openly for all to read. Again, not necessarliy my comfort zone, but not going to turn me away either. Often there are some very thought provoking posts on the subject...and it doesn't matter what religion it is, or how they write the post. If it's not for me, I skip it. No harm no foul.
I love my blog. I love my readers. I love my avid commenters! I want to be able to write whatever I feel, and not have to think about whether I may be offending someone. Isn't that what blogging is? A space of our very own to share our thoughts? What fun would it be if we were all cookie cutters of eachother, spitting out the same tired thoughts on the same tired subjects? I would lose interest in no time.
One of the many wonders of blogging is all the different personalities behind the blogs. Some I turn to and I know I will always get a laugh. Some usually leave me thinking of something in a way I hadn't before...and others are just plain fun. Do I love every post, every time? No. That would just be impossible. So, on those posts, I take a pass and come back again another day.
If you are anything like I am, and you have worried about your posts and what others might think...I say stop it. It's your blog. Your space. Make it yours. Give it a life by breathing into it your voice...whatever that may be. When you write what's in your heart, it will allow others to really connect on a different level. Some of my favorite blogs are unabashed about sharing anything and everything. Let's be clear, I am not talking about this tired old line about blogging boldly. I am simply saying don't censor based on what you think others may like or not. You will never please the entirety of the masses...but those who do connect will enjoy it all the more. I certainly do.
Okay, you all asked, and my husband answered. One of the qualifiers to get him to do this was that I could in no way edit what he wrote. So this is all him, without any meddling from me. I didn't say, however, that I wouldn't add my two cents if I felt it warranted. Just saying...and if my two cents does show up anywhere, it will be in orange. Now, on to your questions and his answers.
Melis of The Zookeeper's Diary asked: If your wife could have any profession BESIDES being a SAHM, what would you want it to be? And why? And do you read her blog? What do you think of it?And finally, would you ever consider moving your family to where I live and buying the house next-door so we can all be IRL friends? Is that weird?
Any profession – A photographer seeing as she has an eye and a passion for it.
Do I read her Blog? – Are you all kidding?…hardly ever, but I don’t need to…I live it everyday.
What do I think of her blog? – I have always thought her to possess a true gift when it comes to that of the written form…On the occasion when I curl up with a cup of coffee and my computer to catch up on the latest prose of “Arizonamamma,” she confirms my thoughts.
Would I consider moving to be your neighbors and is that weird? – I know you are joking…
Keely from MannLand5 wanted to know: What made you fall in love with your wife? How did you 2 meet?Will you have more kids? :-) What do all do for fun as a family? What do you think your wife's best physical feature is? What do you do for a living?
What made me fall in love with your wife? – her independence, beauty, charm and her complete acceptance of me.
How did we meet? -We worked together on an outside sales team.
Will we have more kids? – I can’t answer this one on my own…AZMAMMA has a pretty big stake in this answer as well…however, if it were up to me I think that there will be no more children conceived.
What do we all do for fun as a family? – Every Saturday morning we get up just as the sun is about to rise in the East…saying East is silly…doesn’t it always rise in the East? Anyway, we ALL get up just before the sun rises…we bring plenty of water, lunch and our trimming shears…we hike 13 miles (AZMAMMA and I take turns pulling our two youngest children in the wagon, they certainly couldn’t make the trek on their own) to the llama farm and we sneak into their grazing area….On even days AZMAMMA lasso’s three of these creatures while I teach the children how to shave cool designs into their fur….on odd days, we switch places…The kids find this absolutely hysterical and the llamas, well they don’t seem to mind one bit either….On the way home we usually dig 2 random holes with a large baking spoon (I don’t find this particular activity “fun” at all, but the rest of the family does and sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do). (If you all think this is serious, then you haven't been reading my blog for very long...I would never let anyone use my baking spoon to dig holes).
What do I think my wife’s best physical feature is? – AZMAMMA was very blessed when it comes to her ‘4th point of contact,” her rear end. This, in my humble opinion, is her best physical feature….****This is where I must put my disclaimer, I am sure that ALL of you were hoping for some romantic answer like the beautiful sparkle in her eyes when she is truly happy, or the curls in her hair when she styles it my favorite way…maybe you even wanted me to answer with the color of her lips after she has had a glass of wine…but what can I say? I am an ass man and even after two children that shit ROCKS!!!!(Sorry, there should have been a disclaimer regarding the PG13 language...this is the only spot though).
What do I do for a living? – I work in a sales management job for ADP
Dondi at Confessions of a Housewife asked: Westpoint. Did you like it, was it worth it...I wanna know. West Point is one of those places that is wonderful to be from and not be at…but looking back, in a warped demented type of way, I did enjoy it. I certainly took it seriously and internalized the discipline. Was it worth it? Yes, I would not go back and do it any differently
Liz from Harmonysong wanted to know: Most favorite (material) gift you have ever given Mamma? I would have to say the amethyst heart and chain that I got for her on her 1st Mother’s Day. (I can't resist...I have to explain a little more why this one is so great. It has amethyst which is Addyson's birthstone, and a tiny bit of diamond, which is mine...it was the most perfect Mother's Day gift ever...very thoughtful).
Julie of The Peanut Gallery kindly asked: What is the weirdest thing that your lovely wife has done since you've known her? I can choose only one?…That hardly seems fair as many situations I find myself in with her are weird, not to mention all the stories I have heard of the weird antics of this person…and they are weird because she makes them so. I have struggled with this one and I thought, could it be the time that she clucked like a rooster as she was following behind a group of people? Could it be the time that she dissected a water dog while bored on a fishing trip? Could it be the time she shouted a reminder out of the car window as I trekked through the busy supermarket parking lot, “Don’t forget your hemorrhoid cream!”…No, these are all weird, but I gotta say one of her finest moments occurred on this blog. Her post about peeing while she laughs was a little uncomfortable for me. Many of you may disagree, but the whole time I was reading that rather strange post, I couldn’t help but be mortified. I mean I kept thinking to myself, “Why is she sharing this with the whole blog reading world? Hell, I didn’t even know that she was stricken with this rather strange condition!”….NOW THAT’S JUST WEIRD! (To save you the trouble you can read the post here...it's not as bad as he says...I never claimed to pee when I laugh).
Kate of Kate's Life wants to know: 1) What does your wife do or say that just makes you melt? 2) What do you love the most about her? 3) Do you have a nickname for her? 4) Is there a limit to how many questions I can ask?
OK KATE IT’S FINALLY YOUR TURN…..
What does AZMAMMA say that makes me melt? – You wanna (bow-chicka-bow-bow)…?(Kate, I never say bow chicka bow bow...not ever).
What do I love most about her? – The wonderful mother that she is…
Do I have a nickname for her? – No I do not.
Is there a limit to how many questions you can ask? – you just reached it…
Desert Rose asked: Seeing how AZ Mamma and I are fellow Arizonans...just what is it that she likes to do around these parts?
She likes to spend time with her family in Phoenix…she is extremely close to her family
His sister Melissa asked: Andy, if you were stranded on a island with one of your siblings, which one would you rather it be and why? Seeing as how this was asked by one of my siblings I can’t, in good conscience, answer this. A very fine gentlemen recently advised me to steer clear of offending any one of my siblings, because if you do it may permanently damage a relationship no matter how many “I’m sorry’s” you try to throw at said situation…
Drea of Peanut Butter Jelly Days asked: Honestly, what do you think of your wife blogging? do you think it has taken too much time from everyday things, or do you see it as a good outlet for her?
Honestly what do I think of my wife blogging? – She enjoys it…I say blog away
Do I think that it has taken too much time from everyday things or do I see it as a good outlet for her? Sometimes I feel it interferes with our time together…She never lets it interfere with the childrens' time…but when I ask her if I can get some of her time she obliges…As far as a good outlet for her – sure, I guess so.
Scott of This Daddy's Blog asked: Being a sports fan the best event I have ever been to was the Army-Navy game many years ago at the Meadowlands since you were part of that tradition, besides that what is the best sporting event you have ever attended? Back when I was 12 my Dad took me to a rodeo. I thought that the rodeo was pretty cool, but the idea that pops and I got to spend some time together – that was truly spectacular. He is one of two men that I truly idolize in life…(His dad really is a wonderful man, and though this may make it seem so, was not absent from Andy's life...he did travel a lot in the military, but Andy just treasures any and all time with his dad).
Heide of From 3 to 5 asked: Do you love Seinfeld as much as AZ Mamma? What is your favorite TV show?What is your favortie thing to do in your free time? Did you contribute to Addyson and Colton's name selection? Az Mamma is quirky about the sheets, what is your quirk? Do you leave the seat up? What is your favorite room in your house? Are you originally from AZ? If not what brought you there? If you are from there is there any where else you would like to live? Can the AZ Mamma come visit me?
Do I love Seinfeld as much as AZMAMMA? Does she even like that show? Hahahaha….I like that show, is it as much as her? Not sure :-)
AZ MAMMA is quirky about the sheets…Holy S**t she IS quirky about the sheets! I don’t have quite the breadth of quirks that she does.
Do I leave the seat up? Only on purpose.(No he doesn't...he's very good about it).
What is my favorite room in the house? Our eat-in kitchen…some of the most scrumptious things in the entire world are created in that space just awaiting my consumption…but more importantly, AZMAMMA and I both agree that sitting down as a family for dinner is extremely important. Over the last five years some of my most cherished memories are those that were shared and created while we have broken bread over dinner…
Am I originally from AZ? Nope, my Dad was a career Marine so I don’t have an original home…I ended up in AZ after my short stint in the Army came to a conclusion. I found my first corporate career in PHX.
Can the AZ MAMMA come and visit you? See one of my first answers – AZMAMMA is extremely independent and does not need to ask my permission. In fact, many may say that AZMAMMA wears the pants in the family, so you may be better off asking her this question.
Lula Lola asked: If time and money weren't a factor, how would you spend the next year? And, what's he think is the coolest thing about you?
If money were not a factor how would I spend the next year? I would want to travel to Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Hawaii and Iceland… I would also like to spend several weeks with our out of state family.
Coolest thing about her? She puts up with me.
Sheila of My Crazy Life asked: Why do men start projects and then never totally complete them? Is this a question for me? If it is, my answer would be that we get distracted by women…
Abby of Murdocks Mama wanted to know: What kind of vehicles do you own? What is your favorite household chore to do/help with? What is your favorite meal that your wife makes?
What kind of vehicles do we own? We own a Ford Expedition (Our second vehicle is one issued to him through work...it's a Mercury).
What is my favorite household chore to do/help with? While I do not consider this a chore, it is a task that needs to be done -- Giving our two young children a bath and getting them ready for bed, followed up by reading them 3 stories.(He does this every night! Every.single.night.)
My favorite meal? Salmon Scallopini or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. (Irony of this is I don't make these that often, and neither has been a Tasty Tuesday feature...yet).
That's it! This is Mamma again, and I just want to give a huge thank you to my husband for being (mostly) a good sport about this. Can I let you all in on a little secret? I did mention this idea to him in a passive way, but I never actually got his consent before I drove forward with it. He was thrilled, let me tell you! He thinks I am bound and determined to have him start a blog. In any case, I think he did a great job. Thanks again, Andy for taking the better part of an evening to get these answered. I love you!
I have begun making hand stamped jewelry! I never knew it would be so fun and I would love it so much. Since I am so excited about it…I want to share it with you all.
I am going to give one lucky person one voucher of $35.00 towards a custom necklace of his/her own. All you have to do is leave one comment telling me what you think you’d want! That’s it. No follow me, no tweet this (though if you wanted to tweet about it, that would be great).
Here are a couple examples of what I’ve made.
Blessed. This necklace is $40.00
Tiny initials. This is $22.00. However, more charms can be added for $7.00 each.
Mommy’s Angel. This was made as a gift for my brother in law’s sister. She lost her new baby who was born prematurely. She had a twin brother who is doing quite well. $30.00
Baby Feet. $45.00
Love Birds. $38.00
All the necklaces are made with sterling silver that I hand cut. They come on a sterling ball chain, that is 18” long. 20” is available for $4.00 more, and 24” is available for $5.00 more.
You can have your choice of a Swarovski crystal pearl accent(included in price if pictured), an actual freshwater pearl accent ($2.50 more), or a Swarovski crystal accent of your color choice.
I will charge $5.00 to ship.
Hope you like them! If you have an idea for one but don’t see it here, we can work together to create a custom piece just for you!
Tasty Tuesday is my way of helping other moms (and dads too!) to come up with some new recipes. I feature anything from main dishes to desserts. I love to cook, and love to eat even more...but I also love to share. Sometimes the recipes are an Mamma original, and sometimes they are totally stollen. Today's is ripped off from Paula Deen on the food network. She is not know for waist friendly foods, but they sure are delisious. This one is no exception. Today it's Mexican Wedding Cookies. These are the most buttery, melt in your mouth, little bites of bliss this side of heaven! I made these for Andy's holiday party. Double batch. Nary one cookie left. Yep, they are that good.
Ingredients (for single batch) 1 Cup butter- room temperature 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar (plus some for coating) 1 Tsp Vanilla 1 3/4 Cups Flour (plus more for dusting hands) 1 Cup pecans- finely chopped
Cooking Instructions: Heat oven to 275 With an electric mixer, cream butter and powdered sugar, on low, until smooth. Beat in vanilla, gradually add flour on low speed and mix until smooth. Mix in pecans with a spatula. Flour hands and shape spoonfulls of the dough into crescents (I just rolled it into balls).
Bake for 40 minutes and remove from oven. When cooled slightly, but still warm, roll in powdered sugar and transfer to a wire rack to cool. That's it!
I am considering making more of these bad boys for our family Christmas Eve get together. Afterall, we are having Mexican food ;)
Tired of your same old tried and true meals? Looking for some new ideas for family dinners, or even just a new cookie recipe? Then Tasty Tuesday is for you. It is my half-baked (no pun intended) idea to help some other moms out with new recipes. I would love to hear your favorites as well. In fact, if I can make it work, I will turn this into something where we can all link up and share a favorite on Tuesday.
Today I give you: Cauliflower Mash
This is actually a side dish, and one I invented. I mentioned in this post that I am not a real recipe girl. I love to cook, but I love the freedom of winging it. Often it is a success.
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower (steamed for about 25 min) 1 clove garlic (minced) 1/2 medium yellow onion (finely chopped) 1/4 Cup cream cheese 1/4 Cup grated parmesan (not canned) 1Tablespoon capers (optional, but I like the added flavor) 2 Tablespoons butter or margarine Salt and Pepper to tase
Cooking Instructions: In a medium sauce pan saute onion and garlic over medium-high heat in butter until tender. Add steamed cauliflower to the same sauce pan and mash with a potato masher, or the back of a large wooden spoon, mixing onion and garlic together with cauliflower.
Add cream cheese and grated parmesan. Mix in until well blended and melted. Add capers and gently fold them in (don't want them smashed).
Salt and pepper to your liking and serve.
This is one of my family's favorite ways to have cauliflower (roasted is another wonderful way). Since we (my husband and I) are watching our starchy carbs, this is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Yum.
**Disclaimer-seeing as how this was an invention of mine, the measurements are a ball park. If you want to add more or less of any of them...feel free! I am sure it will still be fabulous.
I was thinking that lately that I have been doing way too many of these meme things and not enough writing just my own thoughts. Then I slapped myself and said "snap out of it." So, here I am...once again, sharing with Keely and the gang. If you're new to these parts (and I sincerley thank you for joining) then you haven't seen this before. If you want to join in, just copy the questions and answer them in a post of your own, and link up to MannLand5.
The questions..
1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast? Gotta say it's a toss up between pancakes and french toast. French toast if it's done right. Either way I have to have a little butter and powdered sugar on top. If I'm going to indulge...I'm not going in half way. **If I'm eating for health, I actually have a recipe for very healthy, protein packed pancakes**
2. Dream home..What would it look like? Heck, it could be a cardbaord box if it had a kitchen like this...
3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics? Ice skating, though I much prefer summer olympics...and eventhough it wasn't asked, I'm going to tell you anyway, that then I love to watch swimming.
4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself? Gregarious.
5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts? Jeans all the way...for like a month out of the year. Then, it's shorts, tanktops and flip flops.
6. What is your favorite time of day? Night. It's the only time of day when I can hear the voices in my head myself think.
7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer? Really? This would be like asking me which kid I love most. There is so much to love about each, and they are so different. Even looking at the bad...on one hand Jaws has me marked, and the other there is a bear waiting to turn me into shredded beef.
8.Will you watch the Super Bowl? No! I will be in my photography class.
...with my new blog design that is! So in love actually that I have decided to spread some of it to a fellow blogging buddy. One of my followers (old faithful or brand new) will have the chance to win the exact same package I got from Jenna at Bloggy Blog Designz. Spectacular...is how I would describe my experience with them. Amazing...the job they did. Jenna is super fast, super patient, and super competent! This design far exceeded my expectations. It is everything I knew I wanted and everything I had no idea I wanted all rolled into one.
So, as for my contest (not giveaway, and I will explain the distinction). Because I like her so much, and I want to spread my holiday good cheer, I will be paying for half of the package that I got (you will get everything you see on my blog...in your own design of course). Jenna graciously agreed to give the other half away for free. This is all about spreading the love, so only my followers will have their chance at this one (applies to new and old).
Rules are: 1. You must do a blog post about the contest with a link back to my blog and Bloggy Blog Designz (you should comment to let me know you have done that). 2. You have to refer others this way! (explained below) 3. The person with the most referrals by the contest end date, will win! That simple.
Now, what qualifies as a referral? Simply having people come over and comment on this post. Be sure that they USE YOUR NAME (or I won't know who sent them and where to count it). If they decide to follow it will count as two referrals for you. New followers will have the chance to win too by following these same rules. That is why this is a contest, and not just a giveaway...there is an actual tangible way to win, rather than just a random draw. So hurry up and get started. The contest will begin now and end January 1st.
Maybe, just maybe I will throw in a runner up prize just to be a little cheeky. Have fun and good luck.
Recently I traveled to Florida to visit my mom (who was there from Massachusetts), and my grandma. From a young age I have always had a special place in my heart for this grandma. I love my dad’s mom too! Very much. It’s just that my mom’s mom was, well…special.
She makes the best pancakes in the world. Her pierogies and stuffed cabbage (she’s Polish) are beyond amazing, and if I laid my head on her lap, she would rub my hair for as long as I wanted. Sorta like this…
Seeing her in a familiar pose with my daughter, warms my heart in a way I didn’t expect.
Seeing her look at my daughter, and knowing that the love in her heart mirrors my own, warms my heart in a way that I only could have imagined.
I love this woman. I can’t believe that such a short time ago, I sat where Addyson is sitting. Snuggled into her warmth.
Now here I sit, next to my mother and she next to hers, as a mother myself. Four generations. Such a treasure. Though it’s obvious she doesn’t think so here, even Addyson will realize what a gem it is some day.
Thanks, Julie for giving us a reason to share these! If you haven’t go check out the others over at the Peanut Gallery.
Lazy and large through the holidays. Yes, I think I am on track for that. I have seen all the buzz about hot and healthy through the holidays, but couldn't bring myself to jump on the bandwagon. See, I mentioned before that I allow myself a free day each week where I eat a dessert or whatever else I want. The holidays are the ultimate in free day food! Can't pass that up.
Sweet tooth is a term that everyone uses. "Oh, I have a bit of a sweet tooth." Me? That would be a major understatement. I don't just love sweets, I love sweets. Cakes, cookies, pies, candy...you name it, I probably love it. Again, I don't indulge all that often. So when the holidays roll in with their merry ways, I can't help it. I feel so caught up in the spirit that I just throw all caution to the wind, and go hog wild.
I mentioned in this post that I really am trying to reclaim my body, and I have been well on my way, fitting into more and more of my pre-pregnancy clothes...but juuussst not quite there. Ten pounds give or take. But, alas...those pounds which seem to have taken up a semi-permanent residency on my derriere, will just have to remain put until I decide to start the eviction process again.
While I may not actually be lazy or truly large by anyone's standards other than my own...I have not been as amped about getting to the gym. I have been slightly much more relaxed about what I eat. It happens every year, so I embrace it. I always come out unscathed...perhaps on the brink of a carb induced coma, but really no worse for wear.
Well, I am. So it should be no surprise that I have been sitting on these awards. I have recently been given a few new awards and I'm plumb tickled (I don't really say plumb tickled in case you were wondering, it just came out, and I am leaving it). Nicole of the Young Mama Blog gifted me with these two awards, and Heidi at From 3 to 5 also gave me the Sweet Award a while back:
With the Happy 101 and the Lemonade Stand, there are instructions to list things about yourself. I did that here. Please be sure to go show Nicole and Heidi some support and visit their blog. We all like a little lovin'. If you are a follower who is new to my blog as of January, then I am giving you both of these awards. I appreciate you!
Shell from Things I Can't Say blessed me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you, Shell. If you haven't checked her out yet, please do so...and tell her I said hi! This award stipulates that I share 7 new things and then pass it on to (7) other bloggers. As for 7 things about me: 1. My favorite veggie is the artichoke. 2. I used to pray for small boobs when I was young (what?) 3. I once pooped my pants when I was 7 and couldn't climb down from the tree I was in fast enough to make it to the bathroom (I'm digging deep here). 4. I love the smell of new car tires...like in the store, I generally don't make a habit of sniffing the tires on the actual vehicle. 5. I love a good oatmeal stout. 6. I am currently pondering whether we need a new an addition to our family (yikes). 7. I blush super easily. As in...a cute boy says hello and my face immediately flushes an obvious shade of red. I am passing this award to Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, not only is she creative, but she writes so stinkin' well. Her posts are always a pleasure to read. I know it says 7, but...please cut me a break, there are some crazy numbers going on with these things, and I really want to get the post done, and the awards passed to others.
This Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by Becky of In the Trenches, Shandal at My Life in 3D Again, please go give them some love. And, ladies, thanks for thinking of me! You're the best. This one has the very same rules as the one above. So re-read it if you feel you are being jipped. I am going to pass this one on to Sonora at Twinfinity..I am a very big fan of hers, and Allison at Life of a Tater Tot Mom...she's so down to earth, you feel like you are reading an old friend's thoughts.
The circle of friends award was given to me by Shandal at My Life in 3D since I am a fellow P90Xer...and yes, Shandal...you are a great support where that is concerned, so thank you so much. I think the BEST thing about this award is that there are no rules. NONE. But I want to pass it on anyway. So I am giving this one to Drea at Peanut Butter Jelly Days, Heidi at From 3 to 5, Shell at Things I Can't Say, Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, Becky at In the Trenches, Kate at Kate's Life, Liz at Harmony Song, Keely at MannLand5, Amanda at Outnumbered by Testosterone, Nicole at A New Normal, Sonora at Twinfinity and Just a Mom at Mommy Molecules. I think you are all wonderful, and you most always make me laugh, smile or cry!
Finally, this Best Blog Award was bestowed upon me by Shelly at Picture Perfect Embossing. Once again, if I can kindly ask you to go visit her blog and show her some support, I would be so grateful. Thank you Shelly, for giving me this fun award. Now, with it I am supposed to pass it on to 15 (gulp) other bloggers! Holy cow. Um, yeah, I just can't make time for all those links, so here's the deal...
I am going to do my own version of what others have done. Instead of saying, if you are a follower, or if you are reading this, etc...I am going to say, if your blog is less than 6 months old, then scoop this one up! There you have it.
Hey, Keely…don’t count me out yet! I know it’s late, but I thought I’d jump in with Keely’s Getting to Know You Sunday. You still can too. I know she’ll have ya. Just answer the following questions and link up.
1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is...? My wedding dress. Does it count if it’s actually preserved in a box? It’s still in my closet. Second to that would be my breast pump. Yep…I’m all about the glam.
2. Have you ever played a team sport? Of course! Softball, swimming and track. I’m a firm believer in team sports, and will encourage all of my kids to join one as well.
3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? A dragonfly. Not just any dragonfly...a blue and yellow one. So colorful, and they can fly ;)
4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian ) Any place is bad. But the shoulders have got to be the most painful with the need for a bra and all.
5. Are you happy? Mostly, yes. I certainly have my days though.
6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them? Not that I pay attention to. Unless you are talking about lol and stuff like that. In that case, all of those, most of the time. There are some people who use them (like Rose from We Live in a Zoo), and it doesn’t bother me in the least. Not sure what that’s all about. I guess because when she uses them…it’s actually in a place that I could really imagine her laughing out loud.
7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I don’t love where I live, and I could probably live anywhere. IF…it weren’t for my family. I really like being close to them, so it would be hard for me to live elsewhere for that reason.
8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? None. Maybe that’s the problem. I’d love to see your answers too. Be sure to link up, or just leave a few right here.
So Keely has a sister, Kassi. Who knew? Maybe you did, but I didn't, and I suppose that this is what this is all about. Getting to know eachother just a little bit better. These questions were originally posted by Kassi, but then Keely snakedthem, turned them into a little blog hop of sorts. Since my well of thoughts is tapped out tonight, I am playing along.
1. How old are you? I am 33...but recently told someone at the gym that I was 31. I was serious. I wasn't lying. Not intentionally. Then later, when recounting the story to my friend R, she asked why I said I was 31. It was only then that it dawned on me that I totally forgot my own age. Sigh. I suppose it's all downhill from there.
2.Where are you from and where do you live now? If by from, this means where I was born, then the answer is San Diego. If it means where did I grow up, then the answer is Arizona which is where I am now. I bet you're happy to have that mystery solved! 3. What music have you been diggin lately? When my car stereo isn't taken over by toddler tunes, I go between classic rock and country. I am lovin' Antebellum's Need You Now. 4. Favorite food(s)? Is this a joke? Like many others, I love Mexican food. Come on, you can't grow up in Arizona, and not like Mexican food. I also really like sushi. Oh, and pretty much any sort of dessert.
5. Single,married, divorced? Hitched. 5 years this coming March. Best years of my life so far ;) 6. Kids? If so, how many and how old? My step-son will be 11 in February. My daughter will turn 3 the same month, and my son will be 2 next August. 7. What are 3 blogs you read daily? Yours, yours and hers. Really? Come on. No way am I going to list just three. There are some great reads out there. I happen to like quite a few of them. 8. What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday tradition? I love Christmas. We have mostly always spent it with my Dad's side of the family. We all get together both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In my own home, my husband and I started our tradition of decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving. I love it. 9. Lastly, if you're a blogger, how long have you been blogging and if you don't have one..how long have you been reading blogs? Funny thing, like Keely, I started out reading MckMama's blog. I had heard of blogging, but never stepped foot into bloggy land until MckMama's. I was captivated with the story of her son. Plus she is just interesting. Then, she would link (more often than I wish were possible) to other blogs of families fighting for a child's life. Finally I had to stop going to check them out. Breaks my heart. So I stuck with reading hers, and thought about doing one of my own. Okay, I am going to share more here than required. Please don't judge how ridiculous this bit of information is...just rack it up as yet one more reason to call me crazy. I was afraid to start my own blog. It seemed that all the blogs I had been reading had some tragedy going on. Either the tragedy was the reason they blogged, or it happened after they started what was to be a normal, run of the mill, talk about anything and everything blog. I was superstitious. I didn't want to be one of those tragedies (By the way, if you are one of those blogs, don't be offended. I am not at all saying blogging isn't a great place to get support. I would want the support it lends. I just had this totally unrealistic fear that I might bring it on myself). I decided to hike up my panties and get the hell over it. Here I've been since October of this year.
What about you? Will you share in a post or here in the comments?
I'm an addict. Blogging is my drug of choice. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you view it) for me, there are so many blogs to read. The problem is, in addition to being addicted to the blog world, I am also a mom. I don't have the time to invest in searching out blogs to read. I have meals to make, a house to ignore clean. Playdates to attend. The list goes on. I do, however, have some blogs I love to read... those which make me feel excited if they have a new post. Today, I thought I would share some of them with you.
I will only mention a few today, and plan to do a series of posts like this over time. The blogs in this post are in no particular order, and are not necessarily my most favorite...they are just in the forefront of my mind.
Let's get on with it.
Melis at Diary of a Zookeeper. She's great. Her writing is intelligent, witty, funny, endearing and compelling all rolled into one. While reading one of her posts, I am often "in her moment," feeling as if I am seeing things through her eyes. Her down to earth nature, and warmth make me feel as if we have been friends for a long time. I'm sending you to one of her more heartfelt posts. If you are not reading her blog, you are missing out on a real treat.
Michele at Finding Trinity. I love funny. So, I love her. She is an awesome blog friend, always leaving witty or thoughtful comments on my posts. She has a raw honesty about her that is just charming and well...funny! Again, she is down to earth (sensing a trend here), and easy to read. What are you waiting for? Go have a look for yourself. Sending to you a post that will allow you to get to know her well right off the bat.
The last person I will tell you about today is Heide of From 3 to 5. The thing about Heide is that she is as real as they come. I think I first took a liking to her because she so reminded me of one of my old friends. However, as I have gotten to know her more and more, I just think she is great in her own right! She makes me laugh...like all the time. Here's the best part, I think she's funny even when she's not trying to be so. She just tells a story sometimes in such a way that I can't help but find humor in it. Please go see for yourself what I mean. I am sending you to a Friday Fragment post she did, and there is a bit about nose picking that cracked me up.
Now...these are just a few on the ever growing list of blogs I dig...and dig 'em I do. Stay tuned, next time you might be mentioned!!
What about you? Do you already read these blogs? Any that you feel crazy over and want to share? Spill it here in the comments.
**When I say easy to read, I simply mean her posts are well written, not on the verbose side, not littered with gramatical errors, etc.** Wanted to clarify that as I may use the term again.
Tasty Tuesday is all about making your life easier, and well...tastier! This week I am bringing in reinforcements. The ever talented and oh so lovely Julie of the Peanut Gallery...exit here is sharing a recipe this week. What a pal, huh? Really though, she is a pal, and I just love her to pieces. Thanks, Julie! Without further nonsense (bet ya thought I'd say "ado")...
Well, after that intro, I feel like I must live up to the dear Mamma's expectations. I do have some talent...but it ain't so in the area of food preparation. But, if I may brag just a bit..I do have some pretty tasty recipes. When I say "some", I mean about 4!! Yep...that's about all your gonna squeeze out of the lady from the Peanut Gallery. I don't like to cook, and baking...well let's not even go there. While cookies are my favorite thing...mine always turn out like mini cakes, or worse. So if you ever want to become instant friends with me, just bake me some cookies! All this being said...don't run away just yet!
Today is your lucky day. This is the day when I share one of my "good" recipes. I use the term "my" loosely, because it is not really mine. My first grade teacher had a daughter who was my age. Here name was Paige. We were good buds back in the day. However, we lost touch over the years.
Enter Facebook!!
We were re-united last year. And unbeknownst to me...Paige has blossomed into an absolute guru in the kitchen. Her facebook updates often describe some mouthwatering delicacy that she is preparing, consuming, or sharing with friends. This is one of her soup recipes.
Yes, I am well aware that we are not in "soup season". However, if you live in the schizophrenic Northwest...then you very well could be having soup like weather. If not..then just tuck this baby away for a rainy day. You won't be sorry!! As an added bonus, because I'm concerned about your health, this is a very healthy soup. Not to mention the musicality of beans! ******************************************************* Paige's White Bean Chicken and Spinach Soup
2 slices of bacon, chopped
1 lb. Ground chicken OR Turkey Sausage (I wouldn't use the Turkey sausage if I were you!)
1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds (only if you use the ground chicken...not needed if you use the turkey sausage because fennel is already in sausage. I prefer the ground chicken though)
1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)
3+/- Garlic Cloves, grated on micro-plane (my preference) or diced
2 Cans White Beans with juice (Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans)
2 Quarts Chicken Stock
2 cups Spiral or Elbow Pasta (I use Barilla's multi-grain pasta...very good and good for you!)
Fresh Baby Spinach- About 4 handfuls of chopped
Brown bacon then add ground chicken with fennel seeds (or turkey sausage), garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add beans, undrained, and chicken stock. Simmer for as little 5 minutes or up to 45 minutes. Add pasta and spinach and simmer 8-10 minutes more. Make sure and remove from heat when pasta is done or noodles will get really mushy.
***Most important step: Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and crusty multi-grain bread. Good for the soul!!!
***I second Paige's thoughts on using ground chicken. I've tried it with ground chicken, ground turkey, turkey sausage, and just plain chicken breast. The ground chicken is BEST...hands down!
Here's a little trick if your kids don't like beans...mash up one can. Then it won't seem so "bean laden"! Works like a charm at our house. Our kids love this soup. Especially served in the fine china shown above.
See, I wasn't lying. She wouldn't have given a 2 thumbs up if she didn't absolutely LOVE this soup. Nope, even if I bribed her with a Twix bar. She's ALL about giving her honest opinion!
Tasty Tuesday time! Do your little ones love pancakes? Do you? Do you feel badly that they are not all that good for them, yet you feed the munchkins pancakes anyway? Well, this might be for you. I follow a pancake recipe for myself, and every time I do, my kids eat them as well. They LOVE them. Colton ate three himself. They have the perfect balance of protein and carbs...but good carbs which come from the slow cook oats. One recipe is for one adult, or a couple of kiddos. When I make them for the kids and me, I double the following recipe.
Oatmeal/Protein Pancakes Ingredients: 1/2 Cup slow cook oats (uncoooked) 1/2 Cup low fat cottage cheese 3 egg whites 1 packet splenda (you can use a natural no sugar sweetener like stivia) a dash of cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions: Measure all ingredients and add to a blender. Puree until mixture is smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray (or use a pat of butter/margarine..I like Smart Balance), heat pan over medium and spoon or pour mixture into the pan (about baseball/softball sized medallions) and cook like you would regular pancakes. Keep in mind these are much more dense than traditional pancakes and will require longer to cook through.
My kids love theirs topped with blueberries and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I like to use either a little peanut butter or sugar free syrup on mine. Sometimes I get crazy and use the pb and syrup...yum!
That's it. Simple, tasty, and good for ya. What more do you need?
