The Cerermonial Change of the Seasons

Okay - so maybe not so much - BUT - I'm anxious to have cooler temps and feel the fall breezes across my porch as I sit in my comfy rockers. I NEED to have a change of scenery and the best cure for that is to shop for new 'fall decorating' items.

What else is s girl to do, but take a stroll through the stores to see all of the pumpkins and scarecrows that are on display and to smell the new scents of the fall candles! Oh, you know what that means? Right? NEW CANDLES!!! Yep, I succumbed to the apple cinnamon goodness! I just couldn't resist - I already told you I NEEDED a change.

I need FALL, just as badly as I needed Spring and Summer. Now Winter - well that I can always do without - but the other three seasons are doable! :)

All of the goodness of Fall has me so excited; I will be spending a weekend in October with my girlfriends at a wonderful flea market and shopping for whatever jumps out at me and gabbing about nothing and everything. We will spend two nights at a Bed & Breakfast without husbands and kids - Oh MY Goodness - it's the best time of year. The smells of the food booths, the new flavors of fudge, the junk that I really don't need and can't go home without - sheer excitement, I tell ya!!!

I'm counting down to the change of the seasons and to my weekend of fun. Oh I know what you're gonna say - It's only September, and we really don't even have cooler weather until late October, but still - just the sheer anticipation of it all will help pass the month of September along.

Now I must go and light the cermonial apple cinnamon candle!

I need a moment of Silence....

For my passing youth!

Yes, TODAY is the THE day! I've turned ** 40**!! It's official!

I'll be having cake, 'cause I can!

I'm not so sure what my plans are for this next step in my life - at the moment, I'm mostly interested in learning the cause for my increasing heart palpitations and will hopefully find resolution next week when I go to the CARDIOLOGIST! UGH!!

Or, lets not forget that just yesterday the Dr. told me that I have high cholesterol, I'm hypoglycemic, OVERWEIGHT (as if I needed her to tell me that?),and she increased my blood pressure medication! I say again - I'll be having cake today, 'cause I can!!!

So far the prospects of the 40's aren't looking so great, but then again I guess it's better than the alternative! OH and did I mention that I'll be having cake today?

1st Day of School - In Review

The conversations around the dinner table last night - were riveting, to say the least...

In case you were wondering - The High School Cafeteria was a huge success! LOL

There was plenty of food for Bailey to choose from and she was eating during the last lunch period - and still food left?! It's a miracle!! Woo Hoo!! (Well, okay - Bailey was pumped!) Briley was less than impressed, but luckily she had taken her lunch and usually takes it everyday - unless I can convince her that the school food will be good that day? She's a hard one to convince - she's not as easily impressed by chicken rings, as Bailey! :) The odd thing about Briley's food choice is that she's strangely excited when the school serves Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes - basically it's just pre-made, reheated, TV dinner like stuff - but she loves it? Go figure? I may grab a few of the Swanson Salisbury Steak Dinners and keep them on hand for those nights when she's not in the mood for whatever I'm cooking. Who knew?

School went well, the 3rd grade teacher is organized to Briley's liking and she's made friends already with over half of the class, or so she says? Today she plans on making friends with the rest of the class. I guess she's trying to divide and conquer 3rd grade?

This year we have allowed Briley to take her cell phone (well not really her's, but just an extra one we already had been paying for service for and noone was using) to school, only under the condition that it is to be turned off all day until she steps off of the bus and starts walking home- at which time she is to immediately call me. Over the summer she has become quite proficient in texting and actually it's going to work out well that she and Bailey can communicate through texting as Bailey's after school schedule changes so frequently and Briley won't be left in a lurch, wondering why Bailey isn't on the bus. We'll see how well this works out? She's pretty responsible with it, already.

Bailey's review of High School was 'good'. She found all of her classes and made it to each of them on time. She has a little problem with chatting in the halls and being tardy! I'm hoping we don't have this problem in High School; we've warned her repeatedly about staying on task, going to her locker, and proceeding immediately to the classroom. Do not pass Go, Do not Collect $200 - or Go directly to Saturday School Detention!

Bailey did discover one 'cute' boy in her grade. She said he was new to the District and was in her AG class. When I asked her about him, all she said was that he was 'fresh meat'... Hmmmm??? Should I be concerned? LOL

Well - all in all - it was a good start to the new school year! Briley didn't fall asleep on the bus and miss her stop (she's done that before), Bailey wasn't tardy or absent her first day (she's done that before), and there was enough food for all (we've had shortages before on the first day and Bailey came home starving). Off to a good start, I think?

A few more of life's milestones

Friday evening, Brit walked across the stage at the local Jr. College to accept her 'Certificate of Completion" for the Cosmetology Program. I'm definitely relieved that 'we've' made it this far and I'm sure she won't end up cutting hair for the rest of her life, but in the meantime - this will certainly allow her a way to earn an income while she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. So we'll see - this is a good start - I hope?


Next up on the agenda is THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - Woo Hoo.... Yippee... Hip Hip Hooray!!! Today is the day!

The morning went along well with no conflict or strife and they arrived at school on time. Smiles all around the breakfast table, so I'm hoping that the day was great and we are going to have a wonderful year.

You just never know with girls - the drama could already be brewing and they aren't even off of the school bus yet? Ya' know?

I can't wait to get home from work to hear all of horror stories about their teachers and the lunchroom. For some reason, my girls always worry about the lunch room and instead of telling me about how wonderful it is to spend time with their friends, or how great it was to be busy again, or even how cool their new sneakers are? Oh No - not Bailey (in particular) she finds it necessary to fill me in on how little food they are served, how horrible it tastes, or how expensive a hot dog is. Just wait - I'll be well informed about the food service in the High School, but won't have a clue what classes or teachers she has! LOL

Super Summer Soup

Desperately looking for new cooking ideas and flavors, I've stumbled upon a new summer soup recipe using the frozen tortellini from the grocer's freezer section. Normally my family isn't accepting of soup during the hot summer months, unless it comes from a Top Ramon pkg. Amazingly enough this recipe received high praise around our dining room table. So for your viewing and dining pleasure, I'll share this delightful summer dish with you.
Tortellini Summer Soup

2 cloves Garlic, crushed
1/2 cup chopped onions/shallots
1 tablespoon Butter
2 (13 1/2oz) cans Chicken or beef broth
1 (8oz) package Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, thawed (I used more because we like more)
1 (10oz) package Fresh or frozen mixed veggies...ie...brocolli, carrots, and cauliflower
1 (16oz) can Stewed tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped
1 (10oz) can of sweet corn
1 cup of chopped celery
1 cup of squash or zucchini - or both - just whatever you have on hand will be great

2 bay leaves
1 tbl sp fresh cut parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook and stir garlic and onions in butter for 2 to 3 minutes. Add broth and tortellini; heat to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Add veggies and tomatoes; simmer an additional 5 minutes. Serve topped with cheese.

What makes this soup so great for summer is the chance to use up whatever produce you may have that has been lingering in the vegetable bin a little too long and that the base of the soup is light and not at all greasy or weighted. This is really a very basic recipe that can be changed as needed and the tortellini gives it an extra kick.

Give it a try and ENJOY!

BUZZZZZZZ.......... SLAM !!!!!!!!!!!!

The alarm clock and I had a little disagreement! I was sooooooo not interested in getting out of bed. After all it was raining, and it's Friday! Ok - how much do they really need me to be at work? I mean - payroll is finished, money is moved around- there aren't a lot of life threatening issues that arise on Fridays in my office, or as I refer to, the MORGUE!

Yea, yea, yea, I know - I have a job, be happy! But --- UGH!!! I don't wanna work anymore! Okay, so maybe I would go crazy not working, but I just need a few days at home - with the kids in school - and me puttering around the house doing whatever I feel like doing? Is that so hard? Obviously it's absolutely impossible! LOL

Moving on - I've whined long enough!!

Last night was Meet the Teacher for Briley's 3rd grade class. All went well, and she's ready to start the new year on Monday! I think we are going to have a wonderful year - or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

No negative or ugly thoughts from this mama; I have to save my strength for the first year of High School for Bailey. {If you've been following along in the life and times of Bailey, well you KNOW!! If not, then let's just say that anything is possible.... the good, the bad, the ugly! I have to be prepared for whatever Bailey gets into!!}

Now I ask you....Need I say more?

Brittany will walk the stage at tonight's graduation ceremony at the Jr. College! Woo Hoo... she's not actually finished with the program, but she's close enough that she qualifies to 'graduate'. In all actuality, Brit will finish her program in about 6 weeks - that means - she can GET A JOB that hopefully will have normal working hours and won't require her to schlep beer and wings all night long in skimpy clothes. I'm thinking positively - remember?

UGH - is it still Friday? I'm still at work - all is normal and morgue-like - so I guess life is good!
Yep, pathetic as it may be, it's my 'normal'!

I refuse to get older!

Do you think that will stop the birthdays from coming? Probably not!!
One week and one day until I turn the big '40'...I'm wearing a heart monitor!! UGH. If this is any indication of what the next few years might hold - uh - I don't wanna!! (As I walk off stomping my feet and crossing my arms!)

I finally succumbed to the constant heart palpitations, the headaches, and the sugar shakes and made an appointment with the Internist. I don't do Dr's - at all!! For me to even make the appointment is a huge step - but sitting at my desk doing nothing and experiencing constant body rattling heart palpitations, was enough for me to take notice and take action.

So far I've had an EKG, fasted for 12 hours and had blood drawn, and been plugged up to a heart monitor for the next 24 hours.
Of course this morning when I had blood drawn I had NONE of the sugar shakes that I've been suffering with for the past month or so... of course not! That would be too easy! Also, since I've been wearing this heart monitor - NO palpitations - NOT A ONE! This is so frustrating! It's like I'm a big liar or a hypochondriac, but my symptoms are real - they really are!

So....to be continued.... Will I make it to 40? Will my heart blow up before then? Will my sugar bottom out and I fall into a coma? Who knows? The way my luck goes - it could go either way. I'll keep you posted!

Coffee Cake

Do you remember many years ago when folks would spend their Sunday afternoon visiting with their family or neighbors for the few hours between the Sunday morning and Sunday evening church service? Well I do... now how old does that make me feel?

My grandmother and her sisters would always have some sort of dessert ready to serve. It was a part of their weekly routine to have something yummy prepared for whomever might drop by for the obligatory afternoon coffee break.

One of the recipes I remember enjoying was a coffee cake. It wasn't until I was about 12 yrs old that I finally got up the nerve to try a serving. I was convinced that it was made using coffee, which is something that even to this day I have not acquired the taste for. Just for future reference, coffee cake really doesn't go well with coke or sweet tea, but milk is a great combination and of course the ever popular coffee!

The past few weeks I've had a hankering for coffee cake so I enlisted the help of my mother to find my Maw-Maw's coffee cake recipe. This is what she was able to come up with:

1 pkg active dry yeast

2 1/2 cups packaged biscuit mix

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbl spoon cinnamon

Any type of fruit you like ie...blueberries, sliced apples, peaches, pears

*Soften 1 pkg active dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water

*Stir in 2 1/2 cups of packaged biscuit mix (Bisquick), beat vigorously 2 or 3 mins

*Turn out on surface well dusted with biscuit mix. Knead until smooth, about 25 strokes.

*Butter sides and bottom of cake pan and sprinkle with sugar.

*Place dough in an, pressing out until it touches the sides.

*Let rise in warm place until double (about 1 hr)

*With thumb, punch deep holes/indention in dough every 2 inches, leaving 1 3/4 margin around edge of pan.

*Pour 1/2 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream over dough.

*Fill the thumb 'wells' with the fruit of your choice.

*Combine the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top.

*Bake in hot oven - 400*- 15-20 mins or until done.

You'll notice I used fresh blueberries because I happened to have a fresh package that I needed to do something with, before they ruined. I remember my grandmother using pears and figs, probably because those are what she had on hand, at the time. I think the next time I make it, I will use some peaches -but really now.... how can you go wrong with any sort of fruit, mixed with heavy whipping cream, sugar, and cinnamon?

My food photography isn't great, but you get the idea! Next time I'll have to make a larger coffee cake - there's not any left!

I know... I know... one day I post about weight loss products and the next day I post about cake...go figure? It's no wonder I'm not doing so well with losing weight? LOL

Tuesday Product Review

So this week, I'm sorta wanting to work on my weight and poor diet choices - but we all know that this new effort will most likely be short lived and I probably won't lose any weight - so why even bother? Right?
I know, I know.... I always start out with great ideas, but the follow through really stinks! LOL

Irregardless, I tried a new weight loss/diet product and thought maybe someone could benefit from my limited experience.

I tried the milk chocolate protein shake - not too bad! I am not much of a chocolate fan, but the thought of vanilla or strawberry makes me sick to my stomach and even less interested - so chocolate it is.

The texture is good, the flavor is good, and the amount of protein and fiber is also good. The thickness of this drink isn't so great? I mean... it's not so thin that you think you're drinking colored water and it's not quite as thick and creamy as drinking Slim Fast. I guess I like something a little thicker to trick my mind into thinking I'm actually consuming something of substance, but this is definitely going to be a product that I will buy and stock in our fridge for a quick grab-n-go snack or mid-morning breakfast. I'm sure the girls will enjoy it also - they've been drinking the Slim Fast can drinks for many years now.

Another feature that I really like is the type of container it comes in and the screw on cap! GREAT IDEA!!

The only odd thing I noticed is that immediately after drinking it, I was incredible cotton-mouth and thirsty? I'm not sure why that is. I'm not complaining - I need to drink more water anyway?

So there you go - This is a THUMBS UP product. (In my opinion - for whatever that's worth?)

Trying to find my mojo

It's not working out too well. I did mentally commit to sewing this weekend - so I found a clean spot in my dining...er...junk room and drug out the sewing machine (basically I shoved everyone else's junk off). I gathered the fabrics that I wanted to work with, found my cutting board and my rotary cutter with what seemed like a totally dull blade.


So - I finally get a few minutes of peace and quiet when either everyone is gone or the girls are across the street swimming - whew - just a few minutes is all I think I will need to try to 'recreate' a quilt block that I saw on the Internet. Yes, I was trying to bootleg a pattern, without buying it or getting too technical!! So there - shoot me for trying! I had my working space ready to go - ready to be productive and in walks a kid. " MOM, I'M HUNGRY!".... GRRRRR.....

Literally I had the first blocks put under the needle and was just about to start the first stitch - my foot was on the peddle, prepped and ready to go. Well of course the remainder of my spawn started trickling in and demanding food. So much for that sewing endeavor?


Not to worry - I tried it again the next day. This time it was going to go along much quicker - I already had the machine set up and after all, I did have a few blocks cut out and ready to be pieced.

Naively I sat down - began sewing squares together. Everything was going well until I got to my SECOND set of squares -- the bobbin thread get caught and the needle wouldn't budge at all. I mean - nothing! LOCKED UP TIGHT! Not a problem, I wasn't going to get mad - I would just take the bobbin out and poof the wayward thread would be freed. UH not so fast!

It was definitely a job that required pulling out the owner's manual and disassembling the bobbin unit and all of the little parts and pieces. At this point approximately 15 mins has passed and the thread is out - I can begin again!

So away I went - piecing and matching fabrics. I thought it would go much better, but then I realized that a couple of my seams weren't matching up just exactly right and yes, my OCD is huge in this area. So rip a few, sew a few... you get the idea.


Finally after what I estimate to be about 2 hours into this project, I have this to show for my efforts - just this one lone square!


To top it all off - my seams still don't match up and my cutting job leaves a lot to be desired! This is what happens when you don't sew enough - you loose your skill! Really now - it's just squares and rectangles and apparently I can't get that right either! Now I'm going to have to fussy cut any other pieces if I plan on progressing any further with this quilt. I'm just so frustrated with myself!

Needless to say, this wasn't the weekend to find my sewing/quilting MOJO, but I'm not giving up. At least not yet anyway! It's going to take a lot more than a couple of uneven seems to get me to throw in the sewing machine.

A productive weekend

Surprisingly enough I had a very productive weekend and made a huge dent in my 'to do' lists.

With school starting in less than 2 weeks, it was time to make the dreaded trip to the mall and stock up on school uniforms. This task is quite daunting because Bailey and I each HATE to shop, much less together at a mall, and she needs a size 7 long in pants - now most stores only carry one or two styles in a 7 long and if you are lucky enough to find them you are only going to find one or two pairs. Which was exactly the case this weekend, but we persevered and came home with enough uniform pants to start the year. Now that I know the size and the style, I can order more on-line. Now to find polo shirts in the appropriate uniform colors that will actuall tuck-in and stay tucked in! UGH~

We did it - we found three shirts - all white - but they will work and we have new pants and even shoes to start the freshman year with! Woo Hoo!!! I feel so far ahead of the game- you just have no idea. Usually I'm scrambling around at the last minute trying to find even ONE lone pair of pants for her, but not this year. I don't know what got into me? I'm not sure what motivated me to do it early? Oh well- I'm not complaining.

I also conquered Briley's uniform needs this weekend with a quickie trip to Target. I couldn't believe it - we were in and out of there in less than an hour! She had tried on a stack of shorts, skorts, and pants and was happy with all of them - so mark her off of my lists! Briley even picked out a new pair of sneakers at the athletic store and we were in and out of there in under 20 mins! SCORE!!!! It was a weekend for miracles!

All school supplies have been bought and we are READY for school - with two weeks left to go?
Whew - I guess the trick is to divide and conquer? I took Briley one day and Bailey the next day - and there wasn't even any Xanax involved?

ALSO - on Thursday night, Brit announced to me that she needs about $200 of supplies for her State Board Licensing tests in Cosmetology and she needs all of this gathered and sorted and ready for her final exam at school by TUESDAY - yes - the Tuesday that is tomorrow! I'm sure you can imagine my response - "Oh sure dear, let me just hand you a spare $200 and you can shop till you drop!"... UH NOT!!!!

Well anyway, I made the dreaded trip to Wally World and Sally's beauty supply on Friday and we gathered the necessary items... Surely at some point in the future I will reap some sort of reward for all of this? Ya' know? All is want is a free hair cut everynow and then? Would that be too much to ask?

So... there you have it - I've stimulated the economy once again. I've done my part to contribute to that ever 'free' public education that all three of my children have received.

Jumping back on the wagon...

And I don't mean the diet wagon! Not that I don't need to watch my weight and increase my exercise or improve my cardiovascular - blah...blah... blah.... I'm just not even going to try to approach that wagon today! :)

I'm going to try to get back into a better routine of sewing/quilting! I've recently discovered several new quilty bloggers and they are spurring me on to try my hand at some different designs using less traditional prints. I really like the funky colors and loud prints that aren't exactly the styles our grandmothers quilted. I certainly enjoy the traditional fabrics and patterns, but sometimes you just gotta let your hair down and throw something obnoxious or less traditional into the mix. Ya'know? (Wow... the closer I get to the BIG 40 - the bolder I get.)

I've also been introduced to Moda Bakeshop. Am I the only one that has never been to their site before? I LOVE their stuff!! I would like to try a quilt made with layer cakes, jelly rolls, and honey buns. Now you tell me... how bad can it be to quilt using such yummy stuff?

I've been trying to de-clutter and better organize the dead spaces in our house. It seems as though these areas have been tured into drop locations for what noone else wants. So - maybe after another day or so of decluttering and throwing out everyone else's junk, I'll have a nice little creative/sewing space arranged to motivate myself to sew.

Two-A-Days...

Yep, we are slowly getting back into the everyday routine - VERY SLOWLY!!! Bailey has started having two-a-day volleyball practice this week and from the looks of the schedule, these daily practices will continue until school starts on August 24th. (Yep-those huge feet belong to my precious Bailey -all 5'10" of her and her size 11 feet!)

I just have one question. When whomever is deciding when to practice, do they stop to think that maybe these freshmen can't drive yet? That maybe these kids' parents work real jobs, and can't be available to pick-up and drop off at odd times during the day....i.e.. 9:am or 2:pm?
Seriously--- we live in the country - like 30 miles from the down town city area, and trust me it takes a small fortune to live out in our rural community so most moms have full time jobs (but we won't even get started on what I have to pay for trash pick-up since we live in the country. I promise you won't believe me... another post for another day...).

So most of these parents aren't working at the local lawyer's office or the insurance office, 'cause we don't have any!!! To work is to drive - far far away - so my point to all of this ramble?

How the heck do these coaches expect Jim Bob and Sally Sue to make it to these odd practice times when they don't coincide with any sort of work start times or lunch breaks, or end of the day working hours for the parents? It's crazy! It's not as if I can just run grab her from the house and be back to work in 15 minutes - it takes a full hour of trucking it to get her picked up from our house and dropped at school and me back to work. UGH... I'm already tired just thinking about it.

Oh well - we are only in the 3rd day of Volleyball practice and the fun is only beginning, I just better shut up and get off of my soap box (yes, it's one of my many soap boxes!). Not only do we live in the back of nowhere, but we play other schools in our interscholastic league that are even further away from civilization.

I will never know what keeps people from going stark raving mad to have to drive so far to buy a gallon of milk! I'm not a country dweller - I don't want to be - I never said I did - I got sucked into buying a house that I liked and thought I could 'get use to it'. WRONG - 7 years later and I'm going mad - and the sad part is that I'm just sane enough to know that I'm going crazy!

The next time you are driving along what appears to be a deserted country black top road and you wonder if anyone lives around there- well someone probably does, in a double wide trailer with junk cars sitting in the front yard, and there's probably a high school just around the bend and behind the creek and down the valley that is hosting a 9th grade volleyball tournament! :)

Ask me how I know this! :)