Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Houseful at the Holidays





A full house is the way I like it best, Jim and I have relatives in many different states and wanted to have a home that could accommodate a whole bunch of guests, so this Thanksgiving when we had a bunch of visitors we were happy to host. Lots of laughs and good times were had. A game of Spinner a Rock Band Conert with Mom on guitar, Dad on drums, Bryan singing. We went up to an awesome museum Tellus in Cartersville. Mom and I even got out for aquick shopping trip.





Wednesday, October 28, 2009

You're Gonna Miss this...

I got a nice reminder the other night watching "Marley and Me" that someday I will miss all the craziness in my life right now. Some days are just too much, but I will look back fondly on them.

As the Trace Adkins song goes:

"You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Three-Ring Circus


After a very busy day at work, I find myself in the detour back-up stressing out -- the road to my house has not been repaired yet. (See earlier post)

It is only 4 p.m. and I have no idea what aggravation is awaiting me.

I run to the house to pick up Chris, I need to fight traffic 10 miles to teach religion class. Topic of the day: end of the world, purgatory heaven and hell (not easy concepts for 1st graders--don't get me started). I get through the class, I think the kids are more confused, as am I, than when class began.

It is now 6 p.m., fight traffic to get Chris to his baseball practice, as I am pulling in the field a little early, Bryan calls, "can you come get me?" The only conversation the two of us seem to have lately. So I make a U-turn to pick him up, I only have a few minutes for this to take place, his buddy comes out to the car, Bryan is no where to be found. Meanwhile, Chris starts dancing around "I need to pee," "well quickly go find a bathroom" I holler! He comes back 5 minutes later, soaked, he didn't find a bathroom in time! Meanwhile, Bryan's buddy is in my car and he is ripe from football, a smell that cannnot be described-- add to that the pee-soaked boy.

Bryan still nowhere--so I leave --I am fuming!

Now I need to run to the house to get Chris fresh clothes -- oh yeah--the detour back up is between us and fresh clothes, so there we sit in the back up, my blood pressure is rising.

I drop off Bryan's buddy, I call Jim to pick up Bryan--I am too mad to see him anytime soon!

We get to the house --the dogs are hysterical -it is now 2 hours past their dinner time--they are both whining, so I tell them to hop in the car. I run Chris over to baseball, puppy in arms, where Jim and Bryan are waiting, I pick up Bryan in the parking lot--"Hi Mom, what's for dinner?"

My head is going to explode at this point.

It is now 7:30, back in the detour--everyone is "starving" luckily there are leftovers in the fridge-- cause mama ain't cookin'.

Everyone is back home by 8:45.

Time to collapse.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

End of the Season

Our last sunset was a beauty! That is our campsite there on the left.
We stayed until the very last minute on Sunday, they were closing down the campground for the season, we sure didn't want to leave! We pulled out at 8:30--the gates were being locked at 9. We had a really fun season with our friends and made many new memories.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Half My Life!

This is my favorite picture of us as a young couple! We recently celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary, without much fanfare, Jim wasn't feeling well, recovering from the H1N1 Flu, but he made the effort to take me out to dinner (he has learned something in the past 20 years!)

He is still my hero, and I am constantly amazed at the projects he will tackle and complete beautifully. We still manage to laugh on a daily basis and are proud of the life we have built. We enjoy reflecting back on the old days and have so much history together it is a truly special relationship. Every day is not a picnic, but we manage past all that!
Here's to many more years together...

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Raindrops and puppies...




Well this week has gotten off to a crazy start!



Our new Dachshund puppy was ready to come home, we picked up Cleo during the middle of the rain storm. We listened to the torrential downpour all night while the puppy slept quietly, then Jim got up to check on her and she thought at 5 a.m. -"yeah it's time to play!" So we were both sleep deprived. Got ready for work and the mayhem ensued... roads washed out everywhere traffic backed up beyond description.



It is amazing the terrible feeling you have when you can't get to your house. Now I understand why people get swept away, you really lose your bearing when it is raining so hard and you are on a strange road. At one point on the way home, I took a wrong turn and was down some strange country road, I kept following it and came out on a familiar street, what a relief.



Above is a photo I swiped off Facebook of a nearby main intersection and the new baby!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

731...


It seems nearly impossible that you were stolen away from us 731 days ago. I never thought I could go on without you, little sis... my father said the morning after, that he thought the sun would not rise, he was suprised when it shone brightly that next morning, our lives have surely been dimmed.

Sometimes I imagine where you would be now, certainly married, maybe a business owner, your MBA was only a few months away... it was all so close. You were so full of life and possibilities, the most positive, talented, brilliant and beautiful woman I will ever know.
You were courageous and caring, you were the best hostess, when you pulled me out of my comfort zone and into your world in Barcelona. Thank God I made it over there to visit you.
I often thought of all the joys you will miss out on in life and then realized you will also be spared any of life's sorrows as well, you were perfectly happy and beautiful when you died, you will not have to suffer the loss of loved ones or your own declining health someday, you will not suffer disappointments, this is some comfort to me. I am afraid to go through them without you by my side, but I will manage.

Monday, September 14, 2009

My Slow Education in Wine


At the ripe old age of 40 is when I started giving wine a chance. Thanks to a wino buddy (you know who you are!) I have begun to find out about this mysterious universe of wine.

I sure wish I could have a do-over when I was in Spain, to be more adventurous. My sister tried very hard to get me to appreciate the Spanish wine offerings. I guess the palate just takes time to develop. My brother, a certified wine snob, warned me --he said it will become an expensive habit, once you've had the good stuff you can't go back. Well the cheapskate that I am, I haven't delved into an expensive bottle of wine yet.

The other night though, I did get to sample some moderate priced wines at a girl's night out wine tasting. Seven wines to taste, all from a vinyard right here in Georgia, some were not to my liking --but some were wonderful! Of course they only give you a small sip. It was a great way to find out before you plunk down $25 and realize its not for you! I didn't end up getting a bottle, times are tight but it is definitely in the back of my mind for a splurge in the future.
It's amazing I could get this far in life not even knowing what a Shiraz, Pinot Noir or Sirah tasted like, glad I gave it a chance! I didn't need another vice, but it sure is fun! Julie would be proud.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Payback




Last night was one of those moments a mom relishes in.


Seeing Bryan out there on the football field grinning from ear-to-ear, he just loves this game and loves being part of a team. Their team is 2-0 (that's 2 wins and no losses to you non-football types) after a last season record of 0-10 (that's no wins and 10 losses) they are on a roll. He was chosen as captain last week and it is nice to see him in a leadership role with the younger boys.



It was a perfect night for football--our first cool fall evening and we were playing our cross-town rivals, in the end we won 28-14.



Bryan got the idea to douse the coach like they do in the pro leagues, he got permission from one of the other coaches and gave their coach, who suffered through all those losses with them last year, a good celebratory soaking, everyone loved it!




It nice to finally reap some rewards from many years of hard work and waiting for those elusive wins! Go Eagles!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Oasis from Chaos

My life, now that school is back in session, has become increasingly hectic, with spurts of chaos, but we are surviving. The tough part is looking over at the neighbor's pool where I spent MANY lazy evenings this spring and summer, kicking back with a cocktail or floating around on a raft, while we discussed the topic of the day. Always included in the discussion was the weather and the economy, nothing too deep. Lately, I have not had a single minute to drop over and relax! I don't dare go over there, then homework doesn't get done, dinner doesn't get cooked, etc.

When we moved in the house Chris jumped out of the car, ran through the house onto the back deck and shouted, "Mom we have a pool!" I told him no it wasn't ours, but I was wrong! We have the best neighbors who welcome us over anytime, and have even allowed me to host many of the boy's birthday parties at their pool.

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can schedule in some time over at the oasis soon! It is calling me!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Hidden Talent


If you know me on a public level you would describe me as reserved, quiet, maybe a little shy. Even bloggin' about my life has been a struggle because I am so introverted. My close friends see a more humorous side. Well the other night, deep in our basement I discovered my inner rock star!


I walked in the video game room where my son was cranking away on his "guitar." I loved the song he was playing and started humming along. He stopped and turned to me and asked Mom do you want to sing, it has a microphone. Usually I wouldn't never sing in front of any one--ever! But I had just finished a beer and thought what the heck.


What a blast, I was belting them out and my kids were getting a kick out of it. The song selection went from "Spoonman" to "One Way or Another" to "American Woman" to "Give it Away" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some how the computer can hear you singing and grades you on it --I was getting all A's!


After and hour, I was hoarse and laughing, what a great way to blow off steam and I think I impressed the kids with my knowledge of rock!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Transition

Yes that's right all my northern friends, school has started in the middle of Summer, that's the way they do it in the South. The boys were ready, or at least they thought they were until the reality of it set in. I was ready for the routine of it all, until I realized my "sleeping in" routine has been disrupted and now I find myself up before dawn packing lunches.


The boys are gone a full hour and 15 minutes before I need to leave for work not, enough time to work out or go back to sleep, doing housework at 7 am is looking like it may become part of my new routine -- ugh.

I always start out the year with great intentions, pack nutritious lunches everyday, get Chris to bed at an early hour, so he is rested, the reality is it is only Wednesday all the lunch meat and bread is gone, we ran out of bananas and Chris hasn't gotten to sleep before 10!

Well here are the first day pictures before reality set in!


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The greatest thing since...

I have discovered something wonderful, well actually my son who shares my love of music discovered it and passed it onto me...

PANDORA, A Music Genome Project. It is a web-based personal radio station.

It is a music lover's dream come true, especially when you are chained to a computer 8 hours a day. You let it know what type of music you like and it chooses songs for you, if you don't like it, it will stop playing it and pick another, it has some sort of intellegence built in. I felt like it was reading my mind! It also exposed me to no less than 10 songs/artists in the first hour I had never heard before, but loved. If you change moods, you punch in a different type of music and viola a new group of songs appears.

You must try it! www.pandora.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

Oww, Ooh and Ahh

I had a weekend of contradictions.

The Oww -- I hurt my back lifting something I shouldn't have, getting ready for our company to arrive. I felt a twinge which got increasingly worse. So, as I am at the doctor's office lying on his table crying in pain, not able to get up, my company is calling to tell me they have arrived! The doctor urged me to go to the ER for some heavy-duty meds, but I refused. I have things to do! I quickly realized that I couldn't even drive, so Bryan and Jim came to my rescue at the doctor's office and got me over to the physical therapist. After 3 sessions and a week of taking it easy I am up and about.
There I was flat on my back, while my guests fended for themselves, they were so much help. I wasn't much of a hostess, but when you are in that amount of pain you quickly take any help you can get!

The Ooh and Ahh --After several days, I was talked into a boat ride to see the fireworks --they were amazing! the night was cool and the fireworks were spectacular! Glad, I didn't miss them. The boat ride gave me a bit of a relapse. But it was a good memory with the kids.























Saturday, June 20, 2009

Summertime in NY

We just got back from a lovely family reunion in Rochester, NY. We saw the sights, had great visits with relatives, ate too much Rochester fare and soaked in the wonderful "upstate in June" climate before heading back to the hazy hot and humid south. We took the boys to see Niagra Falls I hadn't been there in 23 years, it was still as awe-inspiring as ever. We loaded up everybody, my brothers, their wives, my niece and nephews and mom and dad and headed out.  It was just as enjoyable to drive trough the countryside along Lake Ontario and see all the little farm communities. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.  We went down behind the falls, you really feel the power when you are down below watching the water fall!

Then we headed out to Letchworth State Park, they call it "the Grand Canyon of the East" and they aren't kidding, it was breathtaking!

We also managed to squeeze in the Rochester Jazz festival. 

The first photos are Letchworth followed by Niagra Falls.








Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Obama at Notre Dame

This was a big deal in the Kuppinger sphere, being from a strong Catholic family and with Notre Dame blue and gold running through our veins, the fact that Obama was speaking at Notre was a big deal (did I already say that?)

Anyway the speech was magnificent, I sat there on the couch with Bryan and (made him) listen to it, he and I both knew it was an important moment in the Catholic world. Two hours later we went to mass and the priest absolutely deflated the importance of that moment, he called it a "travesty" and just horrifying that this man would be applauded for what he was saying. I was holding myself back from standing up and saying something from the pews, obviously this man had not heard what I had just heard! Well below is a great piece that appeared in the National Catholic Reporter that sums up so many of the thoughts I was having about this topic. My uncle sent it out , it is so nice to be from such a thought-provoking family!


It was a 'face-up-to-the-life-you-have-just-inherited' speech

By Joan Chittister

Created May 18, 2009

Yes, I know, I know. At least according to the media and the anti-abortion movement, President Obama's presence at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana as graduation speaker and recipient of an honorary degree, was all about abortion. Except that it wasn't.
The speech was not about abortion at all. It was about lots of Catholic things -- if Catholics will only remember them -- but it was not about the morality or ultimate moral meaning of abortion at all. It was, in fact, more about the model of a Jesus who could talk to Roman soldiers and Samaritan women, to Pharisees and to adulterers with respect and with care. It wa s a recall of the Jesus who refused to condemn either the Roman emperor or his soldiers. It was also a call, at least indirectly, to the next generation to "put down their swords," to stop calling their opposite numbers -- those who seek to make abortion unnecessary than to criminalize it -- "murderers" and to listen to one another.
No small graduation speech.
Obama identified this year's Notre Dame graduates with a generation that must negotiate a global panoply of differences, a crossroads in time in need of lighthouses of faith to enable all of us to find our way.
Essential to the process, Obama insisted, was the willingness not to demonize those who hold faith-based positions different from ours, to realize their own sincerity, to take their positions as seriously as our own.
The speech was a breath of fresh air after living through an administration that fed on -- thrived on -- enemies and hate, that practiced ruthless partisanship in a pluralistic society, that chose party politics over the common needs of the country, that talked about "new crusades" and "terrorists" rather than attempt to relate to the needs and frustrations and ideals of peoples from whom such violence emerged, that chose ill-designed wars over the alliances necessary to marginalize such extremists even from their own.
Obama's speech was, in fact, far more than the standard-brand graduation rhetoric. It didn't extol aphorisms or meander down the Brady Bunch memory lane. It w as not a feel-good speech. It was a "face-up-to-the-life-you-have-just-inherited" speech.
It was a call not only to this year's graduates but to all of those who have preceded them intent more on winning than on working things out.
It was a call to adults to stop acting like sophomores in the name of faith. It was a cry to those on both sides of every issue to refuse to suppress complexity in a global, interfaith world. It was an attempt to move beyond force, beyond the denunciation of those who are just as committed to resolving problems as we are without making outlaws of those for whom the issue cannot wait for long-term answers.
It was, most of all, a very Catholic speech.
It deals with issues that have been a Catholic agenda for over 100 years of social justice encyclicals.
Obama asked graduates to see themselves as responsible for the global good as well as for their own success. He challenged them to go beyond the commitment to personal advantage to global good. He taught them that the zero-sum game, the notion that for me to win everyone else must lose, only means that everyone else will lose, and I, too, eventually. How can anyone in that audience who just went through an economic meltdown driven by greed which eventually brought the entire country down, doubt the value of those words, of that kind of commitment to a pro-life agenda.
He asked them, as an article of faith, to recognize the value of self-doubt that leads us to forego our own self-righteousness and inspires us to learn to listen to the wisdom of those around us.
He called them not to revel in the grandeur of their degrees from an isolated perspective but to remain open to the rest of the world. He called them to live their ideals but to resist the attempt to force them onto others.
He taught them to gain their hope from what has already been done in the past, what we as a people have already worked through and achieved, already overcome as a people together like the oppression of a king, the disregard for civil rights, the exploitation of laborers, the enslavement of a people, the struggle for animal rights, the recognition of women's equality, the movement beyond racism. It was, indeed, a very Catholic speech.
From where I stand, the struggle at Notre Dame to maintain a civil dialogue despite a difference in faith perspectives was another step in Catholic growth. We spoke clearly for the sacredness of life, yes, but we were also called not to leave any part of life out of our search for its sacredness.
Seventy out of 450 bishops criticized the presence of President Obama at a Notre Dame graduation and they denied the value of it. But the President did not. Instead, he modeled his own commitment to engage the country in common cause rather than divide it into mutually disrespectful camps. In the process, he may well have taught every bit as much about the gospel20and total respect for life as the bishops did. For the sake of the growth and impact of the church, I hope so.

Copyright © The National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day

Bonnie, Millie, Loretta, Dorothy and Dar...

Moms, grandmas and moms-in-law all hold a special place in my heart and all had a hand in developing my mothering skills. Teaching me everything from housekeeping, prayer, patience, sense of humor and traditions to discipline, courage and grace.

Thanks to you all!






Thursday, May 7, 2009

Milestones






As a Mom of a 15 year old the milestones are coming fast and furious. Last week Bryan got his driving permit, I am happy for him and terrified at the same time. It is a huge step toward independence, not to mention higher monthly bills! He has done well with driving around town but it is truly the most stressful experience I have ever had. I have to stay calm so I don't alarm him and cause him to flip our SUV. But he needs constant advice mainly SLOW DOWN! Everytime we get out of the car I feel like I have run a marathon.


Another milestone he reached this week was his confirmation, 10 years of religious education and community service, with me behind him with two hands pushing the whole time. It was a very beautiful ceremony. Jim and I were very proud of this accomplishment!





Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Wild weather

We were having a pleasant evening at the ball park, Christopher's team won another game they are now 10-1! As we packed up, the sky started to look strange that yellow-gray glow --the temperature dropped about 25 degrees the wind picked up we got home quickly and down came the hail it was wild , it lasted almost an hour! The boys couldn't resist running out in it to collect some hail stones, Chris said it hurt when it hit him. One crazy night!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Reunion




I have returned from a wonderful reunion/retreat with my dear friend Karla! It was so nice to go back to our old stomping ground, Bryan really got a kick out of seeing where he "grew up." He most likely will end up back in Florida, he really likes the lifestyle, can't blame him! The picture above is the sunrise we watched on Delray Beach.



We stayed at Crane's Beach House just off Atlantic Avenue, what a hidden jem! Very tropical and private and then you walk a block and you are in the middle of the action!








The best part of course was getting together with my long time friends. We talked for hours, it was so great to catch up and see people in person, email and phones are great but "face time" is the best. Below is our awesome dinner at Luna Rosa Cafe right on the ocean, the moon came up over the ocean it was blazing red-- unforgettable.



Can't wait 'til next time!


Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Siblings



My brothers just went on a "Mancation" to Lake Tahoe. I am so happy for them, they both work very hard and surely deserved a wonderful break.
Of course since losing my sister, those old feelings come back from childhood when they had each other and I was odd girl out. I was so happy when she was born and we got the news she was a girl, I finally had somebody just for me! (Little did I know she was a total Tomboy) but as the years went by we became very close. We had some incredible adventures together and had many other trips planned together. An accident stole her from my future, and I have realized now I have to rely on my longtime girlfriends to fill in for her, because there is nothing like having a common history with people. In a few weeks I am going down to reconnect with my "girls" in Florida and just can't wait to see them!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Our Songs

My sister in law and I took my mother in law to see Elton John and Billy Joel face to face last week--she had always wanted to see them and I had never seen Elton before, it was the 3rd time I have seen Billy. It was phenomenal, 4 hours of memory evoking songs, I was emotionally drained at the end, I think I knew the words to every song and the melodies are so ingrained in my soul, it was something I will never forget. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Projects




Last weekend the weather finally broke and I casually commented that the grill needed cleaning, my husband being the perfectionist that he is completely disassembled the grill , rebuilt and replaced burners, ground down any rusty spots degreased and repainted the entire grill! I can't believe how awesome it looks it had 5 years of grease caked on it. We ended up spending $100 on parts but better than $500 for a new grill !



Project number 2 was Chris's emergency reading project that he "remembered" was due the next day, and he had baseball practice until 8:30 that night so panic ensued. Dad to the rescue, he helped Chris fashion a really cool case out of shoe box tops and an old suitcase handle for his project-- the teacher was totally impressed and Chris was on top of the world!









Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Shepard Fairey



This guy is great, graphically speaking! CBS Sunday morning featured this designer/artist last weekend and I was blown away by his stuff. check it out. (Sorry there is a commercial first-it's worth the wait)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Valentine's Day


We decided to invite over some friends this Valentine's Day, it was a nice change from the usual. We did a candle lit surf and turf dinner while all the kids played downstairs. Nice low budget but just as delicious and fun alternative. We lit a fire and drank champagne. It was all just right!

Another tradition on Valentine's Day I just love is a gift from my Dad he has been getting more and more creative each year. This year it was a candy bar bouquet, very original! Love ya Dad, so many nice men in my life.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Hands


This story is a great tribute to hard working hands, they are so important in the caring and raising of children and comforting of my family. I know mine are always exhausted at the end of the day, but I am glad to have touched the ones I love. It is also one of the things I miss the most about my sister is touching her --we were very touchy with each other and always noticed that our hands were very similar looking, even our handwriting was identical. There is such a huge connection between the hands and the heart. Read on:



Grandma's Hands:

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.


'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.


Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.


'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.

And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.'

I will never look at my hands the same again.

But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

-- Author Unknown

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Mom for president?

Christopher decided the other day when we were discussing the new President, that I would make a good president because I am such a good cook, apparently that is the criteria of a nine year old boy. They have had some good meals lately and since I have been cooking for 20 years now I have a few dishes that just keep getting better. I take pride in cooking nearly every night using fresh ingredients, and am glad he appreciates it.  To name a few family favorites: Spaghetti with bolognese sauce, chicken fajitas, sweet and sour chicken, pulled pork, my version of philly cheesesteaks and the tried and true homemade pizza, which is becoming a Friday night ritual: see below
I usually do a traditional and then always do one of my freestyle pizzas with all sorts of different toppings, this one had grilled chicken, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, red peppers onions, fresh tomatoes and some asiago cheese. it takes a long time to prepare but I am usually drinking wine while I am creating and it just keeps getting better.

I enjoy getting creative and forcing myself to use what is in the house, the other night I sauteed mushrooms, onions, garlic and chicken threw in some cream of mushroom soup and sour cream served it over noodles and it was a hit, of course the boys always want to know the name of whatever dish they are getting, this one didn't have an official title.

Jim and I can't figure out why the boys don't like my meatloaf, we both love it, the boys don't have a choice , I guess it will grow on them.

It's sweet how little boys view things, if only the president could cook the enemies a nice meal the world would be a more peaceful place, what else is more important than a full tummy?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tied up in knots

Picture this: Bryan needs to leave for his football banquet in 10 minutes, his ride is on the way he is standing there looking at me: "Can you tie my neck for me?" I have not a clue, I am a woman, not in my repertoire. Jim is caught in traffic and it is not exactly something that you can be talked through on the phone. We think run to the neighbors, no luck. Panic is setting in. His coach is a tough guy and will not be pleased if he walks in looking anything but perfect. Not to mention the embarassment.

What does my son's generation think of next --the internet! Of course, so we both run down to the computer fire it up, the clock is ticking and search Youtube for a "How to" video, it doesn't disappoint, there it is as simple as can be step by step. We had to rewind the tricky parts a few times, and were laughing hysterically through most of it , but we managed to get a reasonably presentable knot. It definitely wasn't perfect , but I don't think we will ever forget that moment. He runs upstairs and his friends are waiting in the driveway, off he goes! Whew.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

My New Retreat

My amazing husband was at his best remodeling our bathroom check out his work: