Blog post #226 of 365
I do so enjoy just writing down what I see and hear. People say the darnedest things!
"That's hitting about a 9.0 on my weird shit-o-meter!" Kety
"There are two important days in your life. The day you were born and the day you find out why." Mark T
"Silence is golden unless you have kids, then silence is suspicious." Debbie
"Happy marriage is the union of two great forgivers." Karen D
"Your value does not decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." Lacey L
"I am awesome. Even if you can't tell." Lacey L
"Fear is temporary. Regret is forever." Kayla G
"Sometimes the things we can't change end up changing us." Stephanie P
"God help me hold on, help me to get to what I dream of, help me honor where I am today so that I can appreciate where I will be tomorrow." Tyler P
"Hurt me with the truth but NEVER comfort me with a lie" Lacey
"Never sacrifice your dignity for your dignity." Ashlynn
"If someone wants you in their life they'll make room for you. You shouldn't have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continually overlooks your worth." Jay
"It is better to know and be disappointed than to never know and wonder." Joyce
"If you can't figure out where you stand with someone, you might want to stop standing and start walking" Stephanie P
"Sometimes God's greatest blessings are not in what He has given but what He has taken away. He knows best, you just need to trust Him." Kathi
"...weak flash that resembled a feeble nightlight fart..." Christopher H
"You present situation is not your final destination." Karen L
"The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home." Harold B. Lee via Aprilyn
"Don't confuse genetic engineering with evolution, there is one huge difference between the two. Genetic engineering takes the genes that already exist and rearranges them to produce something new. Evolution is a random genetic mutation that creates something entirely new." Eric
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Does your face light up?
Blog post #225 of 365
I was reading a rant the other day and one of the questions asked by a frustrated parent was "Does your face light up when you see your child?" My answer is how could it not?
It doesn't matter how old they are, where they live, or the choices they make. Even the ones I don't agree with. What does matter is they will always be my child. A part of me and I a part of them.
Hopefully I didn't screw up too bad...
The best part is when they come around or even when they call. Yes my face lights up. An multiply that by a hundred and that is brightness of my face when my grandchildren are around. Amazing how happy one person can make you. All it takes is one and as of this writing both children and grandchildren combined there are 8. that is a lot of joy!!
I was reading a rant the other day and one of the questions asked by a frustrated parent was "Does your face light up when you see your child?" My answer is how could it not?
It doesn't matter how old they are, where they live, or the choices they make. Even the ones I don't agree with. What does matter is they will always be my child. A part of me and I a part of them.
Hopefully I didn't screw up too bad...
The best part is when they come around or even when they call. Yes my face lights up. An multiply that by a hundred and that is brightness of my face when my grandchildren are around. Amazing how happy one person can make you. All it takes is one and as of this writing both children and grandchildren combined there are 8. that is a lot of joy!!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Fulfilled Life
Blog post #224 of 365
A fulfilled life is not the same as a full life. Much the same as a busy day is not the same as a productive day.
My days are mostly busy. Busy doing busy work.
Some days that are not the most busy turn out to be the most productive. I know it may sound a little impossible but keeping busy and being productive are not the same.
I prefer productive days to just busy for the sake of busy days. I also prefer creative days to any other kind of day. Creative days are usually completely productive at some level.
I rarely have time to volunteer outside of my family obligations which are in part volunteer work but somehow not as fulfilling as going outside and reaching my community, schools, church. I do what I can when I can. These days just a few hours each month in a food bank. I have done so much more in the past and maybe one day I'll have the opportunity to do more.
For me a fulfilling life is going to leave a positive mark on the world even if it is just on my family. I will in part leave proof (beyond my children and grandchildren) that I was here. My goal is to hopefully to have made a positive difference in any way even if it is simply some small way.
A fulfilled life is not the same as a full life. Much the same as a busy day is not the same as a productive day.
My days are mostly busy. Busy doing busy work.
Some days that are not the most busy turn out to be the most productive. I know it may sound a little impossible but keeping busy and being productive are not the same.
I prefer productive days to just busy for the sake of busy days. I also prefer creative days to any other kind of day. Creative days are usually completely productive at some level.
I rarely have time to volunteer outside of my family obligations which are in part volunteer work but somehow not as fulfilling as going outside and reaching my community, schools, church. I do what I can when I can. These days just a few hours each month in a food bank. I have done so much more in the past and maybe one day I'll have the opportunity to do more.
For me a fulfilling life is going to leave a positive mark on the world even if it is just on my family. I will in part leave proof (beyond my children and grandchildren) that I was here. My goal is to hopefully to have made a positive difference in any way even if it is simply some small way.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Questions... #1
Blog post #223 of 365
For my birthday this year I got a gift that my daughter in law called 'homework.' My son and his wife want a history in my words. They gave me a book of questions to help guide me. From time to time I am going to answer some of those questions here.
What was my first car?
My sister and I shared our first car. It was a hand me down from my mom who got it used. Sharing wasn't too big a deal. I usually earned it and she usually went out on dates with guys who drove their cars.
A 1959 Chevrolet Impala with a light yellow exterior and a medium green interior. No air bags and a full on metal dashboard. No power anything. We called him Sherman, after the tank, because it drove like one. My arms were buff from trying to steer the massive hunk of metal. Those wings on the back were deceptive. Nothing really aerodynamic about it.
It was old but it was huge. About nine people could easily squeeze in it at any given time. The matching huge trunk meant all nine people could have a suitcase and a sleeping bag too. Seriously had some fun adventures in that beast.
The thing was tough too. My sister hit a big rig and although it tore a gouge down the side you really couldn't tell it had been in an accident.
To be honest back then it wasn't a car you'd have wanted to be seen in it sure beat walking. Today I'm still not sure I'd want it unless I could find a way to lighten it up a lot because it didn't have good gas mileage.
For my birthday this year I got a gift that my daughter in law called 'homework.' My son and his wife want a history in my words. They gave me a book of questions to help guide me. From time to time I am going to answer some of those questions here.
What was my first car?
My sister and I shared our first car. It was a hand me down from my mom who got it used. Sharing wasn't too big a deal. I usually earned it and she usually went out on dates with guys who drove their cars.
A 1959 Chevrolet Impala with a light yellow exterior and a medium green interior. No air bags and a full on metal dashboard. No power anything. We called him Sherman, after the tank, because it drove like one. My arms were buff from trying to steer the massive hunk of metal. Those wings on the back were deceptive. Nothing really aerodynamic about it.
It was old but it was huge. About nine people could easily squeeze in it at any given time. The matching huge trunk meant all nine people could have a suitcase and a sleeping bag too. Seriously had some fun adventures in that beast.
The thing was tough too. My sister hit a big rig and although it tore a gouge down the side you really couldn't tell it had been in an accident.
To be honest back then it wasn't a car you'd have wanted to be seen in it sure beat walking. Today I'm still not sure I'd want it unless I could find a way to lighten it up a lot because it didn't have good gas mileage.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Caramel Corn
Blog post #222 of 365
Did I wait long enough? Probably not since yesterday's was kind of a recipe.
You'll need:
1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
1 cup Brown sugar
1 cup Butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
7 to 8 ounces puffed corn.
Here is what you'll do:
Put your puffed corn in a big pan sprayed with cooking spray or greased with cooking oil.
In a 2 qt pan bring butter, sugar, and corn syrup heat to a boil. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the baking soda to the mixture, it will foam up. Stir well. Pour over puffed corn. Mix really really well until all puffed corn is well coated.
Bake in the oven at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread out on parchment or waxed paper. Break up huge clumps and you're done.
Did I wait long enough? Probably not since yesterday's was kind of a recipe.
You'll need:
1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
1 cup Brown sugar
1 cup Butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
7 to 8 ounces puffed corn.
Here is what you'll do:
Put your puffed corn in a big pan sprayed with cooking spray or greased with cooking oil.
In a 2 qt pan bring butter, sugar, and corn syrup heat to a boil. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the baking soda to the mixture, it will foam up. Stir well. Pour over puffed corn. Mix really really well until all puffed corn is well coated.
Bake in the oven at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread out on parchment or waxed paper. Break up huge clumps and you're done.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Kid Fun
Blog post #221 of 365
For me it is all about the kids. When I go visit kids or they visit me I am on the floor playing with them or they are on my lap. We read, play, joke around or whatever. I have crafts on hand but every now and again I'll have something we can cook up, decorate, or make something we can play with. With a few simple items you can make Flubber. So much better than salt dough.
Flubber
What you'll need:
3/4 cup cold water
1 cup Elmer's glue
liquid food coloring
1/2 cup hot water
1 teaspoon Borax (found in many laundry aisles)
What you'll do:
Mix first cold water, Elmer's glue and food coloring in a small bowl.
In a separate bowl mix the hot water and Borax together until the Borax is completely dissolved.
Slowly add glue mixture to the Borax mixture. Mix well. Pour off excess water.
Now it is time to play!
Store in an air tight container.
Okay so this is sort of a recipe but not really you can't eat it.
For me it is all about the kids. When I go visit kids or they visit me I am on the floor playing with them or they are on my lap. We read, play, joke around or whatever. I have crafts on hand but every now and again I'll have something we can cook up, decorate, or make something we can play with. With a few simple items you can make Flubber. So much better than salt dough.
Flubber
What you'll need:
3/4 cup cold water
1 cup Elmer's glue
liquid food coloring
1/2 cup hot water
1 teaspoon Borax (found in many laundry aisles)
What you'll do:
Mix first cold water, Elmer's glue and food coloring in a small bowl.
In a separate bowl mix the hot water and Borax together until the Borax is completely dissolved.
Slowly add glue mixture to the Borax mixture. Mix well. Pour off excess water.
Now it is time to play!
Store in an air tight container.
Okay so this is sort of a recipe but not really you can't eat it.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Be You
Blog post #220 of 365
Another stolen jewel.
Another stolen jewel.
Dear Cutie-Pie,
Recently, your mother and I were searching for an answer on Google. Halfway through entering the question, Google returned a list of the most popular searches in the world. Perched at the top of the list was ‘How to keep him interested’.
It startled me. I scanned several of the countless articles about how to be sexy and sexual, when to bring him a beer versus a sandwich, and the ways to make him feel smart and superior.
And I got angry.
Little One, it is not, has never been, and never will be your job to ‘keep him interested’.
Little One, your only task is to know deeply in your soul — in that unshakeable place that isn’t rattled by rejection and loss and ego — that you are worthy of interest. (If you can remember that everyone else is worthy of interest also, the battle of your life will be mostly won. But that is a letter for another day.)
If you can trust your worth in this way, you will be attractive in the most important sense of the word: you will attract a boy who is both capable of interest and who wants to spend his one life investing all of his interest in you.
Little One, I want to tell you about the boy who doesn’t need to be kept interested, because he knows you are interesting:
I don’t care if he puts his elbows on the dinner table — as long as he puts his eyes on the way your nose scrunches when you smile. And then can’t stop looking.
I don’t care if he can’t play a bit of golf with me — as long as he can play with the children you give him and revel in all the glorious and frustrating ways they are just like you.
I don’t care if he doesn’t follow his wallet — as long as he follows his heart and it always leads him back to you.
I don’t care if he is strong — as long as he gives you the space to exercise the strength that is in your heart.
I couldn’t care less how he votes — as long as he wakes up every morning and daily elects you to a place of honor in your home and a place of reverence in his heart.
I don’t care about the color of his skin — as long as he paints the canvas of your lives with brushstrokes of patience, and sacrifice, and vulnerability, and tenderness.
I don’t care if he was raised in this religion or that religion or no religion — as long as he was raised to value the sacred and to know every moment of life, and every moment of life with you, is deeply sacred.
In the end, Little One, if you stumble across a man like that and he and I have nothing else in common, we will have the most important thing in common:
You.
Because in the end, Little One, the only thing you should have to do to ‘keep him interested’ is to be you.
Your eternally interested guy,
Daddy
Changes
Blog post #219 of 365
I have had babies and everything changed.
My social life changed. It all became about my kids. We did not go on 'play dates' we hung out with friends and formed bonds on extra levels. Staying in and going to bed early was the norm.
My every decision I've made and still make now that they are adults is different in a good way.
My development of keen adaptive skills. To sleep when I could, clean up often, and enjoy play.
My body changed. Though I didn't get big deep stretch marks there are no road maps to be seen across the room. Stomach muscles? Ha ha. Slightly wider hips. I'm sure they just gave up moving all of the way back aft kid two. Bags under my eyes, still. Gray hair, yes I'm over fifty and it is expected but I know much of it was earned. Wrinkles, yup! Deflated, breastfed, droopy overused boobs! Every change worth it.
I forgot to mention my vagina. No vagina is the same after giving birth... They just aren't nor should they be. It does not mean what you might think though. The size does not change but they instantly age in fast forward. Mine became more sensitive, TMI?
My vehicle ever since having children is based on how many can be legally belted in. Usually and six plus seater and now with grandchildren I don't ever see a two or four seater in my future!
My wardrobe suffers. I don't dress up. Most of my clothes were and because of grandchildren are purchased with longevity and stain camouflage in mind.
I have had babies and everything changed.
My social life changed. It all became about my kids. We did not go on 'play dates' we hung out with friends and formed bonds on extra levels. Staying in and going to bed early was the norm.
My every decision I've made and still make now that they are adults is different in a good way.
My development of keen adaptive skills. To sleep when I could, clean up often, and enjoy play.
My body changed. Though I didn't get big deep stretch marks there are no road maps to be seen across the room. Stomach muscles? Ha ha. Slightly wider hips. I'm sure they just gave up moving all of the way back aft kid two. Bags under my eyes, still. Gray hair, yes I'm over fifty and it is expected but I know much of it was earned. Wrinkles, yup! Deflated, breastfed, droopy overused boobs! Every change worth it.
I forgot to mention my vagina. No vagina is the same after giving birth... They just aren't nor should they be. It does not mean what you might think though. The size does not change but they instantly age in fast forward. Mine became more sensitive, TMI?
My vehicle ever since having children is based on how many can be legally belted in. Usually and six plus seater and now with grandchildren I don't ever see a two or four seater in my future!
My wardrobe suffers. I don't dress up. Most of my clothes were and because of grandchildren are purchased with longevity and stain camouflage in mind.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
An Evening With Our Ballerina
Blog post #218 of 365
My great niece is 3 (she already claims 4 but she has 2 months of 3 left). She is taking ballet and I got to go to her recital. She preformed well for 3. I wish my video would upload but here are a few photos of her and her family.
This is how a ballerina stands.
One of her dance moves.
Grandma and auntie got her flowers.
Just a few more poses.
Mom arrived and everything was right in the world!
My great niece is 3 (she already claims 4 but she has 2 months of 3 left). She is taking ballet and I got to go to her recital. She preformed well for 3. I wish my video would upload but here are a few photos of her and her family.
TK just waiting for mommy.
Her big sister was a huge help getting everything ready and cleaning up dinner dishes.
After her dance J came out into the audience. She looked around and asked if her mommy was there. I said, "No she is at work remember?" She said, "Oh yeah, good thing you were here to take pictures." She melts my heart.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Struggles
Blog post #217 of 365
Everyone has their own challenges, their own struggles. What might seem huge to one person isn't so huge to another. What might seem tiny to one person might seem huge to another.
My life sometimes seem filled with obstacles, strife, stress, pain, and worse but then I get a glimpse of the hurdles someone else faces. I realize I am so grateful I don't have to do something as hard and as difficult as you or you. I become more grateful for the life I have and for the struggles I face.
Everyone has their own challenges, their own struggles. What might seem huge to one person isn't so huge to another. What might seem tiny to one person might seem huge to another.
My life sometimes seem filled with obstacles, strife, stress, pain, and worse but then I get a glimpse of the hurdles someone else faces. I realize I am so grateful I don't have to do something as hard and as difficult as you or you. I become more grateful for the life I have and for the struggles I face.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Stolen Thoughts on Faith I Totally Agree With
Blog post #216 of 365
I read something today about faith. I agreed so wholeheartedly that I copied it here. So here it is.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/56178670-80/faith-believe-church-kirby.html.csp
Doubt and the Mormon Church Not Mutually Exclusive
"You aren’t doing a good job obeying the Articals [sic] of Faith either. Why don’t you leave the church for once and all because you aren’t being a true member if you don’t want to have faith like the rest of us."
It's true. I don’t want to "have faith like the rest of you." I couldn’t even if I did. I’m not wired that way. Fortunately, I don’t have to be for faith to work.
I read something today about faith. I agreed so wholeheartedly that I copied it here. So here it is.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/56178670-80/faith-believe-church-kirby.html.csp
Doubt and the Mormon Church Not Mutually Exclusive
"You aren’t doing a good job obeying the Articals [sic] of Faith either. Why don’t you leave the church for once and all because you aren’t being a true member if you don’t want to have faith like the rest of us."
It's true. I don’t want to "have faith like the rest of you." I couldn’t even if I did. I’m not wired that way. Fortunately, I don’t have to be for faith to work.
I sent the woman a copy of LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland’s recent conference talk ("Lord, I Believe"), in which he said, "I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have."
If that isn’t recognition that people aren’t the same when it comes to faith, I don’t know what is. What I do know is that it’s OK for me to have doubts as long as I focus on what works for me.
To solidify this point, I also sent the woman a copy of my "13 Particles of Faith," a personal manifesto against cloned worship. The 11th particle reads: "I claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to it being none of your &%#@ business, and allow all men the same privilege except megachurch pastors, self-help gurus and some cannibals."
The woman immediately fired back with "unfaithful" and "unspiritual." I’ll go out on a limb here and assume she was referring to me rather than Holland. The Lord’s anointed or the spiritually disjointed, apparently neither piece worked for her. But because it leaves me in good company (for once), I’m good.
When it comes to matters of faith about anything, it’s important to play to your strengths. I didn’t always know this.
It took a long time to figure out that faith is a deeply personal matter, and I could drive myself nuts trying to fit someone else’s circus under my tent. So I stopped.
I didn’t stop being faithful. I stopped stressing about the things I didn’t have much faith in and focused instead on what did it for me. It was amazing how fast it took for the rest to matter less.
Ironically, I don’t just get this zero tolerance, everybody-the-same, all-or-nothing faith logic from fellow churchgoers.
I also get it from ex-Mormons, non-Mormons, and anti-Mormons, people every bit as insistent on correlating my faith. If I don’t agree with everything at church, why would I believe anything? I should leave with them.
"I don’t understand how a liberal-thinking guy like you can actually be a Mormon."
That’s easy. My pathologically unsynchronizable brain believes 11th Particle of Faith works on them just as well.
Maybe it’s just me but I don’t believe everything about anything or anyone. I don’t even believe my wife when she says something like, "Well, we don’t have the money for that."
It’s a lie. We probably do have the money. I just don’t know where it is. And because she isn’t going to tell me, it works out to me taking it on faith.
Here’s the thing: I don’t plan on leaving her over this major issue. I focus on what she says that I can believe and the amazing things she brings to my life when she isn’t making me crazy. Apparently there’s enough of that because we aren’t penniless and divorced.
I’m still married, still going to church, still working and still a citizen. I even still have a few friends. Wow. All of that from focusing on the parts I do have faith in.
Finally another person who feels as I feel. One who shared perfectly what I was having a hard time putting into words. Thank you for that!
Oh and here are his "Particles of Faith
Kirby’s 13 Particles of Faith
1. » I believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and in mankind’s inability to tell the difference between them and a giant ball of fire or an extremely intolerant political party.
2. » I believe that men will be punished for their own transgressions, including stuff we did completely by accident or because of testosterone. Women will probably just get probation.
3. » I believe that through the atonement of Christ, everyone will one day be able to tell annoying church leaders where to get off.
4. » I believe that the first principles and ordinances of the LDS Church are boring speakers, meetings that last forever, music that sounds like whale sonograms, food storage gone bad and idiotic bickering over caffeine and movie ratings.
5. » I believe that a man must be called by God, by prophecy and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority, and that Facebook posts and texting do not apply. Meanwhile, women answer only to a biological clock.
6. » I believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church: deacons, teachers, centurions, lepers, thieves, virgins, lunatics, mustard seeds and demonically possessed swine.
7. » I believe in the gift of tongues and would die a happy man if, just once, some smarta-- would have the guts to try it when I was around.
8. » I believe the Bible and the Book of Mormon to be the word of God as far as I personally can translate them correctly, which I try not to do because it scares me.
9. » I believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal and I believe he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the colossal foolishness of the entire human race.
10. » I believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes, most of whom will work for Microsoft; that the New Jerusalem will be built on this (North American) continent by undocumented migrant labor and that Christ eventually will rain personality on a generally colorless church.
11. » I claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to it being none of your &%#@ business, and allow all men the same privilege, except for megachurch pastors, self-help gurus and some cannibals.
12. » I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magis. . . wait, no I don’t.
13. » I believe in being honest to a point, true to myself, chased by the police, benevolent to the deserving, virtuous on the Internet and in doing whatever my wife says. Indeed, I may say that I follow the admonition of Paul in believing, hoping and enduring — and that all of this damn well better be worth it in the end.
I wouldn't say I totally agree with most all of the above 'particles' but maybe I'll do my own version... one day.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Living With a Stranger
Blog post #215 of 365
I got married and three point five years later I realized I was living with a stranger, a liar actually. So I moved on.
Honestly after that I was afraid of marriage. But eventually I got remarried. He was so much better. We had a normal relationship not perfect but a work in progress. Mostly we adored each other until one day he didn't. He just decided he didn't want to be a husband and father. He wanted a reset button. He wanted to start his life over. He didn't want any responsibility. He didn't want to be apart of a family. I mean really? Ten years together and you just bolt? I didn't recognize the man I married after he left. Within the following twelve months he literally disappeared from his entire family. Crazy I know but that is how it went. Well we have found each other and he still doesn't want the responsibility of parenthood. Our children are no longer children but he doesn't want to put in the effort to have a relationship with them. It makes me very sad.
My kids couldn't leave. Not then anyway. We were in the same boat, adrift on an ocean of uncertainty. Being a parent is tough enough without having to make every tough decision alone. Even the 'easy' decisions can become a task in that situation. Like the completely terrible day I was having and decided we needed to have ice cream before dinner. Not just ice cream but ColdStones. My kids set me straight, "Mom we haven't even had dinner yet." "We will get to it," I responded. They still question my sanity.
As the kids were growing up I enjoyed watching stages come and go. Infancy, toddlers, little kids, big kids, preteens, teenagers, young adults and finally adults. They were always changing. They are still changing.
The hardest part is living with someone you have known since before birth. You felt every flutter, kick, turn, and stretch. The one you guided through every milestone, new tooth, new friend, old friend, and unfortunately every worldly trend. Along the way a switch flips and all of a sudden you are living with a stranger. Sometimes it lasts for a moment and you wonder what happened but are so grateful to have your child back. Sometimes you never get that person back. The one you knew, could rely on, the one you could predict, the one you could please. All of that can be gone in a second and you'll never understand why. You get this new version. Your world can turn upside down.
What I wouldn't give to have a chance to understand. To make corrections if possible. To have the little person I remember resemble the grown up in my life now...
I got married and three point five years later I realized I was living with a stranger, a liar actually. So I moved on.
Honestly after that I was afraid of marriage. But eventually I got remarried. He was so much better. We had a normal relationship not perfect but a work in progress. Mostly we adored each other until one day he didn't. He just decided he didn't want to be a husband and father. He wanted a reset button. He wanted to start his life over. He didn't want any responsibility. He didn't want to be apart of a family. I mean really? Ten years together and you just bolt? I didn't recognize the man I married after he left. Within the following twelve months he literally disappeared from his entire family. Crazy I know but that is how it went. Well we have found each other and he still doesn't want the responsibility of parenthood. Our children are no longer children but he doesn't want to put in the effort to have a relationship with them. It makes me very sad.
My kids couldn't leave. Not then anyway. We were in the same boat, adrift on an ocean of uncertainty. Being a parent is tough enough without having to make every tough decision alone. Even the 'easy' decisions can become a task in that situation. Like the completely terrible day I was having and decided we needed to have ice cream before dinner. Not just ice cream but ColdStones. My kids set me straight, "Mom we haven't even had dinner yet." "We will get to it," I responded. They still question my sanity.
As the kids were growing up I enjoyed watching stages come and go. Infancy, toddlers, little kids, big kids, preteens, teenagers, young adults and finally adults. They were always changing. They are still changing.
The hardest part is living with someone you have known since before birth. You felt every flutter, kick, turn, and stretch. The one you guided through every milestone, new tooth, new friend, old friend, and unfortunately every worldly trend. Along the way a switch flips and all of a sudden you are living with a stranger. Sometimes it lasts for a moment and you wonder what happened but are so grateful to have your child back. Sometimes you never get that person back. The one you knew, could rely on, the one you could predict, the one you could please. All of that can be gone in a second and you'll never understand why. You get this new version. Your world can turn upside down.
What I wouldn't give to have a chance to understand. To make corrections if possible. To have the little person I remember resemble the grown up in my life now...
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Active Participants
Blog post #214 of 365
I was thinking a bunch about father's this last week. Sadly my biological was never a good dad also my ex-husbands were marginally better when they were around which wasn't nearly enough.
Being a parent requires active participation. I believe it is possible to be a good dad but not change diapers, do early morning feedings and what not through the human larva stage. The key is stepping up when Mom needs a little help. You know like laundry, dishes, cooking, or just baby watch while she naps or gets caught up. Lets face it not everyone is good at the larva stage of human existence!
Come on people make an active choice to be the parent your kids need. Parents teach. Parents show love. Parents guide. Parents are the leaders. They are the daily example kids live with. No chance to be a poser.
Parenting starts with the act of sex. There is nothing casual about casual sex. Any male can spread sperm but in doing so there is a chance that lives will change forever. Birth control doesn't always work. Don't have sex with someone unless you know you can co-parent a child for the rest of your lives because every kid is a part of you forever. Even if you make the choice to never see them, mentor them or be a part of their life they are still genetically you.
I had a friend get angry when she realized her son could impregnate a girl and the girl could choose to terminate the pregnancy. Then we had a long talk about when a boy should have sex and with who. She is still mad at me. She is angrier still that a girl can choose not to have to give birth to a child she is not ready to have. I couldn't make her understand how difficult it is for some people to fathom giving birth to a child they do not want and the fear they may have a being pregnant. (We are talking about high school aged kids here.) I just don't feel high school age is the right time to become a parent no matter how wonderful your support system is or how mature the teen may be. I would not want to saddle a teen with the financial responsibility even if there were not physical risks...
To all of the parents male and female who have a child or worse children and walk away, shame on you.
I was thinking a bunch about father's this last week. Sadly my biological was never a good dad also my ex-husbands were marginally better when they were around which wasn't nearly enough.
Being a parent requires active participation. I believe it is possible to be a good dad but not change diapers, do early morning feedings and what not through the human larva stage. The key is stepping up when Mom needs a little help. You know like laundry, dishes, cooking, or just baby watch while she naps or gets caught up. Lets face it not everyone is good at the larva stage of human existence!
Come on people make an active choice to be the parent your kids need. Parents teach. Parents show love. Parents guide. Parents are the leaders. They are the daily example kids live with. No chance to be a poser.
Parenting starts with the act of sex. There is nothing casual about casual sex. Any male can spread sperm but in doing so there is a chance that lives will change forever. Birth control doesn't always work. Don't have sex with someone unless you know you can co-parent a child for the rest of your lives because every kid is a part of you forever. Even if you make the choice to never see them, mentor them or be a part of their life they are still genetically you.
I had a friend get angry when she realized her son could impregnate a girl and the girl could choose to terminate the pregnancy. Then we had a long talk about when a boy should have sex and with who. She is still mad at me. She is angrier still that a girl can choose not to have to give birth to a child she is not ready to have. I couldn't make her understand how difficult it is for some people to fathom giving birth to a child they do not want and the fear they may have a being pregnant. (We are talking about high school aged kids here.) I just don't feel high school age is the right time to become a parent no matter how wonderful your support system is or how mature the teen may be. I would not want to saddle a teen with the financial responsibility even if there were not physical risks...
To all of the parents male and female who have a child or worse children and walk away, shame on you.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
My Grandson's Birthday
Blog post #213 of 365
Today is my grandson's birthday.
His parents go all out. They just do. I think it is more for them and the other grown people in the family but it is okay. My grandson may not remember these early birthday's but I will. Our families will.
Here are a few shots of this over the top kind of fun my son and his wife dream up for their children.
Happy birthday honey. I love you
Today is my grandson's birthday.
His parents go all out. They just do. I think it is more for them and the other grown people in the family but it is okay. My grandson may not remember these early birthday's but I will. Our families will.
Here are a few shots of this over the top kind of fun my son and his wife dream up for their children.
Happy birthday honey. I love you
Monday, June 17, 2013
Father's Day and Fatherhood
Blog post #212 of 365
I am writing this at the end of father's day. A day I have mixed feelings about for a number of reasons.
Moms have their day and fathers get theirs. Moms usually frown on practical gifts and during the weeks before mother's day the ads are for jewelry, clothes and perfume. For father's day there is a barrage of ads for tools, practical gifts. I know the male and female brains are wired a little differently but I think it sends a bad message. One that dad is useful, fixes things and that mom does so much she deserves to be pampered. I think there should be practical gift sales for mom and things to pamper dad on sale for him too.
The average dad is the 'bread winner.' He gets up Monday through Friday and does his best to provide for his family. He comes home in the evening to relax and recharge for the next day. The weekends are spent in any number of ways. Some golf, some fish, some do the yard, but some the good ones do a little more.
The good ones come home from work and play a little ball or help with homework or do something to spend quality time with their kids and if they are a really great father they spend time with their kids and their wife. The good ones show by example that life is more than working and relaxing. I'm not saying relaxing isn't needed I'm just saying the good dad's don't disengage.
I did not have that kind of father. Unfortunately I did not choose my former spouse well either. My best father figures were not my father. I had two pretty spectacular grandfather's who I did not see often. However I had friends who had pretty awesome dads who were willing to share. Luckily I had a pretty good stepdad who showed love in a myriad of ways. (He wasn't perfect but he was pretty cool.)
When my husband left I tried to make sure my kids knew they were loved. I tried to stay engaged. I tried to show them the things their dad should have. Sometimes I wonder if I could ever have been enough for them but I did what I could. I promise I did but I was ill prepared. I did make sure there were men who were a good example to them, shared dads if you will.
Two of my son's are dads. The kind of dads who change diapers, walk the floors with sick babies, cook meals, teach, tease, play and try to show by example how to be good humans. I look and their children and I am in awe. I know they are loved, cherished, and cared for. As a result I have some pretty awesome grandchildren. Thanks boys. You chose good women and you are actively being a dad. What more can I ask!
So there you have it. Those are my thoughts on fatherhood and a day to honor them.
I am writing this at the end of father's day. A day I have mixed feelings about for a number of reasons.
Moms have their day and fathers get theirs. Moms usually frown on practical gifts and during the weeks before mother's day the ads are for jewelry, clothes and perfume. For father's day there is a barrage of ads for tools, practical gifts. I know the male and female brains are wired a little differently but I think it sends a bad message. One that dad is useful, fixes things and that mom does so much she deserves to be pampered. I think there should be practical gift sales for mom and things to pamper dad on sale for him too.
The average dad is the 'bread winner.' He gets up Monday through Friday and does his best to provide for his family. He comes home in the evening to relax and recharge for the next day. The weekends are spent in any number of ways. Some golf, some fish, some do the yard, but some the good ones do a little more.
The good ones come home from work and play a little ball or help with homework or do something to spend quality time with their kids and if they are a really great father they spend time with their kids and their wife. The good ones show by example that life is more than working and relaxing. I'm not saying relaxing isn't needed I'm just saying the good dad's don't disengage.
I did not have that kind of father. Unfortunately I did not choose my former spouse well either. My best father figures were not my father. I had two pretty spectacular grandfather's who I did not see often. However I had friends who had pretty awesome dads who were willing to share. Luckily I had a pretty good stepdad who showed love in a myriad of ways. (He wasn't perfect but he was pretty cool.)
When my husband left I tried to make sure my kids knew they were loved. I tried to stay engaged. I tried to show them the things their dad should have. Sometimes I wonder if I could ever have been enough for them but I did what I could. I promise I did but I was ill prepared. I did make sure there were men who were a good example to them, shared dads if you will.
Two of my son's are dads. The kind of dads who change diapers, walk the floors with sick babies, cook meals, teach, tease, play and try to show by example how to be good humans. I look and their children and I am in awe. I know they are loved, cherished, and cared for. As a result I have some pretty awesome grandchildren. Thanks boys. You chose good women and you are actively being a dad. What more can I ask!
So there you have it. Those are my thoughts on fatherhood and a day to honor them.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Disney Home Videos
Blog post #211 of 365
After 22 years (maybe longer) my sister returns to Disneyland. I don't know for sure but I think it was her first visit to Tune town. We went the day some of her grand kids went as well. These are some of their antics.
After 22 years (maybe longer) my sister returns to Disneyland. I don't know for sure but I think it was her first visit to Tune town. We went the day some of her grand kids went as well. These are some of their antics.
Ding-dong
Keeping the riffraff out?
Strong girls!
There are plenty more but for whatever reason they won't load.
We had so much fun with these little people.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
California Adventure
Blog post #210 of 365
I am now in love with California Adventure!
I have always like CA but to be honest I never thought it was worth spending the money for a second park. It had a few things to do but not enough... My favorite is and always has been the Soaring Across California. It is an tour by 'air' so to speak. Really gorgeous with a few hints of the beach, pine and citrus and you 'fly' over those types of terrain. I love it. Then there is a very cool river rafting ride. Both are a blast for me.
Well this year my sister came to visit after moving away 22 years ago. She had never even heard of California Adventure. Oh my! So she needed to see it. That meant I finally went back after not going for a while. Lets just say it has changed, a lot!
There is a sharp shooting ride based on Toy Story that is much like the sharp shooting ride Toy Story themed ride at Disney but I like the CA ride so much more. Really I'd do that one over and over because it is just so much fun. Skill oriented rides are a blast for me, although Kyle always wins...
But the best part hands down is Cars Land. Square dancing tractors.
They have a "petting zoo"with one pet pictured below.
I am now in love with California Adventure!
I have always like CA but to be honest I never thought it was worth spending the money for a second park. It had a few things to do but not enough... My favorite is and always has been the Soaring Across California. It is an tour by 'air' so to speak. Really gorgeous with a few hints of the beach, pine and citrus and you 'fly' over those types of terrain. I love it. Then there is a very cool river rafting ride. Both are a blast for me.
Well this year my sister came to visit after moving away 22 years ago. She had never even heard of California Adventure. Oh my! So she needed to see it. That meant I finally went back after not going for a while. Lets just say it has changed, a lot!
There is a sharp shooting ride based on Toy Story that is much like the sharp shooting ride Toy Story themed ride at Disney but I like the CA ride so much more. Really I'd do that one over and over because it is just so much fun. Skill oriented rides are a blast for me, although Kyle always wins...
I did ride that one over and over.
So darn cute don't you think?
Air floating bumper cars that don't jolt you like you've been hit (okay I don't really have good control in them but they are cool on a hot day for sure. Note to self bring a sweater this fall.) Sorry no photos.
And finally Radiator Springs 'racing' which can't be passed up.
It took hours to wait in line but I imagine that wait will calm down dramatically eventually. There were entertaining things to look at through the line though so it wasn't awful. And they had drinks and goodies available as we waited... for a price!
But really my mom adored the smooth feeling race with characters you know and love.
They have a "petting zoo"with one pet pictured below.
Kyle and I Recently returned and we spent three quarters of our time on the Toy Story and Cars Land rides! They really are that much fun. I promise.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Irritants
Blog post #209 of 365
These literally kill my ability to breathe without assistance of medications. Yes, I mean medications more than one!
These literally kill my ability to breathe without assistance of medications. Yes, I mean medications more than one!
If only I could make them go away forever. They are everywhere. HELP!!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Tis Movie Season: Just a Few Thoughts
Blog post #208 of 365
The end of the school season is the beginning of movie season!
My son and I see many together. Mom and I go on occasion and we would go more but she likes 'G' rated movies and only some of those. Oh and almost every romantic comedy as long and it misses the 'R' rating.
I saw a few recently.
Iron Man 3 I am a superhero fan. 1 and 2 were really good. Three didn't disappoint.
The Great Gatsby Hated the book, I enjoyed the story but I didn't like Fitzgerald. I enjoyed the movie. The sets were beautiful the actors well cast and the music alone was worth the trip.
Fast & Furious 6 I am not a fan of sequel after sequel especially after Tokyo Drift. Which was an okay movie but not spectacular like the first Fast & furious and really not a real Fast & Furious movie. So I am always skeptical. Especially since I hate when characters are killed off. How can you die in one movie and be alive in the next? Well they pulled it off this time. I was happily not disappointed.
Star Trek Into Darkness Okay, honesty, I was not a big fan of the original Star Trek series. I loved some but Shatner and his penchant for the pregnant pause was a turn off. I loved Mr.Spock, Mr. Scott, and Bones. Totally fun crew. Terrible sets and scripts but they all were back then. Wait this was about the movie... Zachary Quinto makes a very good Spock. There was a cameo of Leonard Nimoy which is always nice even if he did not age well. Chris Pine rocked it as the Captain. No pregnant pauses, yay! But really the story line was interesting and overall it was a good movie. My only change would be to shorten some of the chase scenes.
After Earth Will and Jaden Smith working together again. I was skeptical. You never know with M Night Shymalan. Either really good or really not. Well I loved it. The visuals were stunning, the story line good and the plot not completely predictable. I have to say watching little Jaden fighting an alien like being was kind of fun. Like father like son.
Now You See Me Worth watching for the illusions alone but no really this one kept you thinking the whole way through. Well done.
Epic I went to take Mom to a movie. She likes only romantic comedies and kid flicks and only those reality based and no R ratings. It is the only 'G' in a long time otherwise I probably would have missed it. Glad it didn't. I expected human V nature like Fern Gully or Avitar but it wasn't. It was good V evil. Straight up. There was teen aged angst, family love, hope for the future and so much more. I guess I should have not jumped to conclusions. Honestly there are so many movies I want to see that squeezing in one I'm unsure of in the movie season is unusual. Glad I did though.
The Internship Got horrible reviews. Well the ones I heard anyway. I loved it. A little predictable but not to the extent that it bugged. I loved the premise. Just the idea that they would give two no skilled, older dudes a chance was refreshing. I'm pretty sure it would really never happen but honestly it was very cool.
This is not a review. Just my thoughts on a few movies I've seen.
The end of the school season is the beginning of movie season!
My son and I see many together. Mom and I go on occasion and we would go more but she likes 'G' rated movies and only some of those. Oh and almost every romantic comedy as long and it misses the 'R' rating.
I saw a few recently.
Iron Man 3 I am a superhero fan. 1 and 2 were really good. Three didn't disappoint.
The Great Gatsby Hated the book, I enjoyed the story but I didn't like Fitzgerald. I enjoyed the movie. The sets were beautiful the actors well cast and the music alone was worth the trip.
Fast & Furious 6 I am not a fan of sequel after sequel especially after Tokyo Drift. Which was an okay movie but not spectacular like the first Fast & furious and really not a real Fast & Furious movie. So I am always skeptical. Especially since I hate when characters are killed off. How can you die in one movie and be alive in the next? Well they pulled it off this time. I was happily not disappointed.
Star Trek Into Darkness Okay, honesty, I was not a big fan of the original Star Trek series. I loved some but Shatner and his penchant for the pregnant pause was a turn off. I loved Mr.Spock, Mr. Scott, and Bones. Totally fun crew. Terrible sets and scripts but they all were back then. Wait this was about the movie... Zachary Quinto makes a very good Spock. There was a cameo of Leonard Nimoy which is always nice even if he did not age well. Chris Pine rocked it as the Captain. No pregnant pauses, yay! But really the story line was interesting and overall it was a good movie. My only change would be to shorten some of the chase scenes.
After Earth Will and Jaden Smith working together again. I was skeptical. You never know with M Night Shymalan. Either really good or really not. Well I loved it. The visuals were stunning, the story line good and the plot not completely predictable. I have to say watching little Jaden fighting an alien like being was kind of fun. Like father like son.
Now You See Me Worth watching for the illusions alone but no really this one kept you thinking the whole way through. Well done.
Epic I went to take Mom to a movie. She likes only romantic comedies and kid flicks and only those reality based and no R ratings. It is the only 'G' in a long time otherwise I probably would have missed it. Glad it didn't. I expected human V nature like Fern Gully or Avitar but it wasn't. It was good V evil. Straight up. There was teen aged angst, family love, hope for the future and so much more. I guess I should have not jumped to conclusions. Honestly there are so many movies I want to see that squeezing in one I'm unsure of in the movie season is unusual. Glad I did though.
The Internship Got horrible reviews. Well the ones I heard anyway. I loved it. A little predictable but not to the extent that it bugged. I loved the premise. Just the idea that they would give two no skilled, older dudes a chance was refreshing. I'm pretty sure it would really never happen but honestly it was very cool.
This is not a review. Just my thoughts on a few movies I've seen.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Great Old Buildings
Blog post #207 of 365
I love old buildings. (Again no credit, if you know who please comment. I want to give credit where credit is due.)
Don't get me wrong I love new buildings too but they never seem to have the attention to detail that was so much harder to do back then yet still done with pride. Today more attention seems to be on making it sleek or modern or efficient. I love efficient but not so much a fan of modern.
They are opening the Metro line through Monrovia. The old train station was a beautiful building and they are working on it as opposed to building new.
It have been vandalized over the years.
I hope when they finish they restore its character.
If I were to be an architect I would really try to combine a little whimsy with efficiency.
I love old buildings. (Again no credit, if you know who please comment. I want to give credit where credit is due.)
Don't get me wrong I love new buildings too but they never seem to have the attention to detail that was so much harder to do back then yet still done with pride. Today more attention seems to be on making it sleek or modern or efficient. I love efficient but not so much a fan of modern.
They are opening the Metro line through Monrovia. The old train station was a beautiful building and they are working on it as opposed to building new.
It have been vandalized over the years.I hope when they finish they restore its character.
If I were to be an architect I would really try to combine a little whimsy with efficiency.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Health and Taking a Moment
Blog post #206 of 365
I adore art. I saw this sand sculpture and tried to find it's origin (It was attached to an attachment to a celebrity gossip beauty blog) but I was unsuccessful. Lovely for sure.
I have many friends who are talented artists. Sculptors, painters, photographers mostly and none really "known" as artists but I am grateful I get a chance to see the passion and talent they have.
I hope you stop every now and again to admire some art even if it is natures beauty. According to my doctor enjoying art, music, reading, watching fish (either tanked or in a pond or whatever), and taking in nature all can lower stress, help your heart stay healthy and lower your blood pressure. Amazing how the simple things make you feel better. Take care of yourself and enjoy a little moment of beauty.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Glass of Water
Blog post #205 of 365
I read this the other day on Facebook. It was attached to a lovely photo. After reading it I Googled it to find the author or some information about the source. Unfortunately I was unable to find its origin. I did find several similar versions. Some were about depression, some were health sites, one about muscle and one on autism. I have no idea where it came from or who to credit but I like it.
The following is the original version I read though there are several with a slight change here and there.
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."
Remember to put the glass down because stress sucks!
I read this the other day on Facebook. It was attached to a lovely photo. After reading it I Googled it to find the author or some information about the source. Unfortunately I was unable to find its origin. I did find several similar versions. Some were about depression, some were health sites, one about muscle and one on autism. I have no idea where it came from or who to credit but I like it.
The following is the original version I read though there are several with a slight change here and there.
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."
Remember to put the glass down because stress sucks!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Movie Worth The Money?
Blog post #204 of 365
I love movies. I prefer the whole experience. Huge screen, surround sound, comfy seats, complete darkness, and the reaction of others.
I almost always go to matinee for two main reasons. It is cheaper. I love saving money. And although I like the people's reactions, I don't like so many people that it can be disruptive. Fewer people go to a movie first thing in the morning. Some because traditionally movies are a 'night time' activity, or they sleep in, or they work, or maybe they never thought to go first thing in the morning.
What I don't like is rude people who act as if since they paid too they can irritate other paying guests. I don't like people who wear clothing that makes noise then don't hold still. I don't like I don't like people who pour on the perfume. I don't like people who pig out then ditch out, especially when it is outside food they aren't "allowed" to bring in. I'm sure you're getting the picture.
Earlier this year they raised concession prices so high I no longer feel bad for bringing in my own healthy snacks. I still purchase something but not like I have in the past. Recently they raised the price to $7.50 from $6.00 for a matinee before 12. They sometimes don't schedule shows before 12. Who is that right? It may not seem like much but $1.50 every time adds up in a hurry during the blockbuster season. I'll probably pay $20 extra before the season ends. I'm sad.
Is the 'experience' really worth the cost of the ticket? They are soon going to price me out of the theater.
I love movies. I prefer the whole experience. Huge screen, surround sound, comfy seats, complete darkness, and the reaction of others.
I almost always go to matinee for two main reasons. It is cheaper. I love saving money. And although I like the people's reactions, I don't like so many people that it can be disruptive. Fewer people go to a movie first thing in the morning. Some because traditionally movies are a 'night time' activity, or they sleep in, or they work, or maybe they never thought to go first thing in the morning.
What I don't like is rude people who act as if since they paid too they can irritate other paying guests. I don't like people who wear clothing that makes noise then don't hold still. I don't like I don't like people who pour on the perfume. I don't like people who pig out then ditch out, especially when it is outside food they aren't "allowed" to bring in. I'm sure you're getting the picture.
Earlier this year they raised concession prices so high I no longer feel bad for bringing in my own healthy snacks. I still purchase something but not like I have in the past. Recently they raised the price to $7.50 from $6.00 for a matinee before 12. They sometimes don't schedule shows before 12. Who is that right? It may not seem like much but $1.50 every time adds up in a hurry during the blockbuster season. I'll probably pay $20 extra before the season ends. I'm sad.
Is the 'experience' really worth the cost of the ticket? They are soon going to price me out of the theater.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Breakfast in a Tin
Blog post #203 of 365
This was never meant to be a recipe blog but I don't know about this 365 in 370 plan... I promise to slow down on recipes but this one is so easy and so yummy.
What you'll need:
prepared muffin tin (Decadents use butter but you can use cooking spray if you are watching calories.)
2 cups shredded potatoes (If you're using the frozen stuff let it thaw.)
1/4 shredded cheese (Your favorite or what you have on hand.)
6 eggs
salt and pepper
What you'll do:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Press 1/3 cup of the shredded potatoes into muffin cup pressing thin to "line" the cup (Make sure you buttered your tin already.)
Put a little cheese on top of the potatoes
Crack the egg into the each shell (put the egg in not the shell)
Add salt and pepper and put it into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes
So easy and so good.
Additions if you have the larger muffin tins you can add any vegetables or precooked meats to the egg cups you like. Just put them on top of the shredded potatoes before the addition of the cheese. I love some shredded onion, peppers and chopped mushroom in mine. My son loves a little crumbled bacon. Think omelette in a cup!
Hint if you want to add to your meal and have a larger than 6 cup muffin tin you can mix up a box of muffins (blueberry, cranberry or corn are excellent choices) and add them to the empty muffin cups. Bake as directed above. Fills more of your tummy and tastes great too.
Lighter option - use non stick cooking spray, cut out the cheese and use less potato.
This was never meant to be a recipe blog but I don't know about this 365 in 370 plan... I promise to slow down on recipes but this one is so easy and so yummy.
What you'll need:
prepared muffin tin (Decadents use butter but you can use cooking spray if you are watching calories.)
2 cups shredded potatoes (If you're using the frozen stuff let it thaw.)
1/4 shredded cheese (Your favorite or what you have on hand.)
6 eggs
salt and pepper
What you'll do:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Press 1/3 cup of the shredded potatoes into muffin cup pressing thin to "line" the cup (Make sure you buttered your tin already.)
Put a little cheese on top of the potatoes
Crack the egg into the each shell (put the egg in not the shell)
Add salt and pepper and put it into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes
So easy and so good.
Additions if you have the larger muffin tins you can add any vegetables or precooked meats to the egg cups you like. Just put them on top of the shredded potatoes before the addition of the cheese. I love some shredded onion, peppers and chopped mushroom in mine. My son loves a little crumbled bacon. Think omelette in a cup!
Hint if you want to add to your meal and have a larger than 6 cup muffin tin you can mix up a box of muffins (blueberry, cranberry or corn are excellent choices) and add them to the empty muffin cups. Bake as directed above. Fills more of your tummy and tastes great too.
Lighter option - use non stick cooking spray, cut out the cheese and use less potato.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Happy birthday Son
Blog post #202 of 365
Son you are a joy to me. I have three sons and that statement covers them all.
I just figured that since I have finally hit the 200 mark and today is one of their actual birthdays I would wish them all a very happy birthday. You see they all have birthdays within 13 days. Crazy when they were little. More fun now that they are older. Yes, unfortunately they had several combined birthday parties growing up. It is the way of making the craziness a little more limited!
All three are good humans. They were all so different when they were little. Two never stopped moving. One was content to stay put if he had a little anything to entertain him. Two are more deep thinkers. One is more spontaneous. One is done with school. Two are married. Two have kids and yes they are the married ones! All three are sweet and kind and so unique.
I love you son, son, son!
Happy birthday!!!
Son you are a joy to me. I have three sons and that statement covers them all.
I just figured that since I have finally hit the 200 mark and today is one of their actual birthdays I would wish them all a very happy birthday. You see they all have birthdays within 13 days. Crazy when they were little. More fun now that they are older. Yes, unfortunately they had several combined birthday parties growing up. It is the way of making the craziness a little more limited!
All three are good humans. They were all so different when they were little. Two never stopped moving. One was content to stay put if he had a little anything to entertain him. Two are more deep thinkers. One is more spontaneous. One is done with school. Two are married. Two have kids and yes they are the married ones! All three are sweet and kind and so unique.
I love you son, son, son!
Happy birthday!!!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Baked Zucchini Fries
Blog post #201 of 365
I love my daughter in law. She always where she stole the recipe.
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/01/baked-zucchini-fries/ These are good!
What you'll need:
1 pound of zucchini (yellow squash works too. You know the kind that looks exactly like zucchini. Use both if you like.)
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (I prefer panko)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
(You can omit the seasonings if you bought Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. But this way tastes better to me.)
2 eggs
Parmesan cheese (I use Kraft.)
What you'll do:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
Mix your breadcrumbs with your Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Prepare your zucchini by cutting off the ends, cutting in half, then cutting length wise into planks, then cutting the planks until they are as thin or as thick as you like. (Note thin fries are the crispiest and taste less like zucchini!)
Stole the photo, they'll look like this.
After all of your "fries" are cut blot dry with a paper towel.
Whisk the eggs in a pie tin or large shallow bowl.
Dredge zucchini in egg, let most of the egg drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet. (Note if using panko breadcrumb mixture work with about 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs at a time because they soak up the moisture and won't stick to the zucchini after the few fries.)
When all of your "fries" are on the pan bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and flip then return to the oven and bake another 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown.
So easy, so yummy and less calories than fried zucchini.
Thank you H!
I love my daughter in law. She always where she stole the recipe.
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/01/baked-zucchini-fries/ These are good!
What you'll need:
1 pound of zucchini (yellow squash works too. You know the kind that looks exactly like zucchini. Use both if you like.)
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (I prefer panko)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
(You can omit the seasonings if you bought Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. But this way tastes better to me.)
2 eggs
Parmesan cheese (I use Kraft.)
What you'll do:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
Mix your breadcrumbs with your Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Prepare your zucchini by cutting off the ends, cutting in half, then cutting length wise into planks, then cutting the planks until they are as thin or as thick as you like. (Note thin fries are the crispiest and taste less like zucchini!)
Stole the photo, they'll look like this.
After all of your "fries" are cut blot dry with a paper towel.
Whisk the eggs in a pie tin or large shallow bowl.
Dredge zucchini in egg, let most of the egg drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet. (Note if using panko breadcrumb mixture work with about 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs at a time because they soak up the moisture and won't stick to the zucchini after the few fries.)
When all of your "fries" are on the pan bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and flip then return to the oven and bake another 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown.
So easy, so yummy and less calories than fried zucchini.
Thank you H!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
No Bake Less Than 2 Hour Cheesecake
Blog post #200 of 365
This is one you can play with and mold to your own taste and diet needs.
Crust
You can buy one from the store or you can use a variation of this recipe.
Crushed Nilla wafers or Graham crackers
3 tablespoons melted butter
Mix it up and press it into your pie tin. The amount of crushed cookies or crackers vary depending on the size of your pie dish. About 20 to 30 cookies should be good. Cool it in the fridge while you make the filling.
Filling
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese softened. (Like 2 hour or more on the counter. The softer the cheese the smoother the filling!)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tub of Cool Whip
1/3 cup real lemon or lime juice or even key lime if you like tart pies.
After your cream cheese is really soft mix with the sweetened condensed milk until well blended. Add the Cool Whip and mix well. Now add your citrus juice (the citrus juice will harden the mixture almost immediately) and blend well. Quickly pour the mixture into your crust and refrigerate for an hour or an hour and a half before serving.
Now here is where you can make this your own.
Lower the fat content with fat free cream cheese and fat free Cool Whip.
Using less (about half the tub) Cool whip and making your crust in a 8 inch cake pan will make it more of a bar than a pie. (The more cool Whip you use the lighter and fluffier the pie/bar.)
Top it!
Put on cherry or berry pie filling.
Use fresh berries (Top and quarter strawberries). Stick about half of them in a zip lock bag and give them a few gentle smacks on the counter to break them up. Add the rest of the berries then stick the bag in the fridge. Add a teaspoon of sugar if you like your berries sweet. Or add a little vanilla to the berries too. (I don't do either because I like my berries to be berries.) Spread the berries on just before you are ready to serve.
This is one you can play with and mold to your own taste and diet needs.
Crust
You can buy one from the store or you can use a variation of this recipe.
Crushed Nilla wafers or Graham crackers
3 tablespoons melted butter
Mix it up and press it into your pie tin. The amount of crushed cookies or crackers vary depending on the size of your pie dish. About 20 to 30 cookies should be good. Cool it in the fridge while you make the filling.
Filling
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese softened. (Like 2 hour or more on the counter. The softer the cheese the smoother the filling!)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tub of Cool Whip
1/3 cup real lemon or lime juice or even key lime if you like tart pies.
After your cream cheese is really soft mix with the sweetened condensed milk until well blended. Add the Cool Whip and mix well. Now add your citrus juice (the citrus juice will harden the mixture almost immediately) and blend well. Quickly pour the mixture into your crust and refrigerate for an hour or an hour and a half before serving.
Now here is where you can make this your own.
Lower the fat content with fat free cream cheese and fat free Cool Whip.
Using less (about half the tub) Cool whip and making your crust in a 8 inch cake pan will make it more of a bar than a pie. (The more cool Whip you use the lighter and fluffier the pie/bar.)
Top it!
Put on cherry or berry pie filling.
Use fresh berries (Top and quarter strawberries). Stick about half of them in a zip lock bag and give them a few gentle smacks on the counter to break them up. Add the rest of the berries then stick the bag in the fridge. Add a teaspoon of sugar if you like your berries sweet. Or add a little vanilla to the berries too. (I don't do either because I like my berries to be berries.) Spread the berries on just before you are ready to serve.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Easy Nutty Chocolate Pie
Blog post #199 of 365
I love my daughter. I have nut allergies so I use a slightly different version. I'm still experimenting but here is her version.
What you'll need:
Chocolate graham cracker crust or Oreo crust
8 ounces room temperature cream cheese
2/3 Nutella
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tub Cool Whip defrosted
What you'll do:
Beat cream cheese, Nutella and vanilla until well blended. With a rubber spatula fold 1/2 to 3/4 of the tub of Cool Whip into the mixture until blended but do NOT over mix. (A rubber spatula works best.) Spread the mixture in the pie crust and top with remaining Cool Whip. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top make just the right touch of extra chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate is always a healthier choice but use the kind you like best.
I love my daughter. I have nut allergies so I use a slightly different version. I'm still experimenting but here is her version.
What you'll need:
Chocolate graham cracker crust or Oreo crust
8 ounces room temperature cream cheese
2/3 Nutella
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tub Cool Whip defrosted
What you'll do:
Beat cream cheese, Nutella and vanilla until well blended. With a rubber spatula fold 1/2 to 3/4 of the tub of Cool Whip into the mixture until blended but do NOT over mix. (A rubber spatula works best.) Spread the mixture in the pie crust and top with remaining Cool Whip. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top make just the right touch of extra chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate is always a healthier choice but use the kind you like best.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Weather
Blog post #198 of 365
I live in California. We have relatively mild weather. It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter but hardly every below freezing. Where I live there is snow in the mountains and we get some rain but really nothing too dramatic.
About any day of the year (except the extreme hot or cold days) a T-shirt and jeans are perfect attire.
Whether it is hot or cold I am happy here.
My favorite days are warm by midday but cool or cold at night. Made me crazy as a kid but These days they make me very happy. Give me a twenty to thirty degree drop through the night and I am in heaven!
I live in California. We have relatively mild weather. It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter but hardly every below freezing. Where I live there is snow in the mountains and we get some rain but really nothing too dramatic.
About any day of the year (except the extreme hot or cold days) a T-shirt and jeans are perfect attire.
Whether it is hot or cold I am happy here.
My favorite days are warm by midday but cool or cold at night. Made me crazy as a kid but These days they make me very happy. Give me a twenty to thirty degree drop through the night and I am in heaven!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Fall Recipe in Summer Boo
Blog post #197 of 365
I got this from Katy... She has never led me astray and so here is number two of I've never tried this but it looks too yummy not to try later!
What you'll need:
Cheese batter -
8 ounce room temperature cream cheese (Do not use light cream cheese it won't give the right texture.)
1 large egg also room temperature and slightly beaten
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I prefer real scraped vanilla but it is pricey and worth it.)
Pumpkins spice batter -
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (See notes above)
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
3 buttered mini loaf pans (About 5 3/4 inches long x 3 inches wide x 2 inches deep.)
Use a handheld electric mixer to beat together all of the cheese batter ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream together wet ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Gradually sir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended but do not over mix.
Pour one third of the pumpkin spice mix into each buttered mini loaf pan then pour cheese mixture over the top.
Bake until golden brown around the edges. Aproximately 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. Cool 10 minutes then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.
I got this from Katy... She has never led me astray and so here is number two of I've never tried this but it looks too yummy not to try later!
What you'll need:
Cheese batter -
8 ounce room temperature cream cheese (Do not use light cream cheese it won't give the right texture.)
1 large egg also room temperature and slightly beaten
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I prefer real scraped vanilla but it is pricey and worth it.)
Pumpkins spice batter -
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (See notes above)
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
3 buttered mini loaf pans (About 5 3/4 inches long x 3 inches wide x 2 inches deep.)
Use a handheld electric mixer to beat together all of the cheese batter ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream together wet ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Gradually sir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended but do not over mix.
Pour one third of the pumpkin spice mix into each buttered mini loaf pan then pour cheese mixture over the top.
Bake until golden brown around the edges. Aproximately 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. Cool 10 minutes then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Cinnamon Swirl Cake
Blog post #196 of 365
Another I have admittedly not tried but highly recommended by KD
What you'll need:
2 greased loaf pans
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups buttermilk (Fake it with 2 cups milk and 2 Tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice. The real stuff is best.)
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
(cinnamon/sugar mixture)
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
What you'll do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Make sugar/cinnamon mixture and set aside
Cream together first 4 ingredients.
Add milk, baking soda and flour
Pour 1/4 batter into each greased loaf pan
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon/sugar mixture over batter in each loaf pan
Add remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar mixture
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on the top
Use a knife to "swirl" cinnamon
Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
Another I have admittedly not tried but highly recommended by KD
What you'll need:
2 greased loaf pans
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups buttermilk (Fake it with 2 cups milk and 2 Tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice. The real stuff is best.)
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
(cinnamon/sugar mixture)
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
What you'll do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Make sugar/cinnamon mixture and set aside
Cream together first 4 ingredients.
Add milk, baking soda and flour
Pour 1/4 batter into each greased loaf pan
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon/sugar mixture over batter in each loaf pan
Add remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar mixture
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on the top
Use a knife to "swirl" cinnamon
Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
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