We're on a Break

Hello Friend!

I was writing to tell you that I need a break.  It's not you-- it's me.  Really.  It's summer time and I need a little moment or two to stretch my winds and enjoy some alone time.  I just need some space to sort out my feelings.  I'll come back later this week with lots of new material and maybe even a little surprise for you.  See-- it's not that bad.  You can do it.  Go play with your other friends for a while.  I'll be back soon.  I promise.


Here's a little clip from one of my latest indulgences I think you'll like.



It this doesn't make you want to get up and dance-- you've got issues.  If you want to download this song check it out on itunes under Glee, safety dance.

My son, the criminal

This little guy might look all cute and innocent but don't be fooled.  This is the face of a hardened criminal master mind.  (according to Breckyn at least)

This morning Emerson was taddled on about one gazillion times.  (yes, that is an exact number)  He plead not guilty to all charges.  He was sentenced to two consecutive terms of time-out followed by a restraining order from Breckyn.  Which was promptly violated after said sentences were served.

Breckyn:  "Moooom!  Emerson is blackmailing all of us but he didn't send a letter he just told us."

Note to self:  Tell Breckyn the correct definition of blackmailing which usually does not include an actual piece of mail.

Emerson is still denying any wrong doing but later that same day he ended up serving a long stretch in the big house in solitary confinement.  (AKA the nap of shame)

Hopefully my pretty little man will be motivated to change is evil ways after spending a little time up the river.  Or perhaps tomorrow he'll find out just how tough life in the slammer can be.

(OK coming up with jail talk is rediculously fun.  I'm sitting here giggling to myself.  I love when I think I'm funny.)

Toy Story 3

We took the kids to see Toy Story 3 tonight.  I was a little disappointed.  It was kinda dark and the story line was pretty lame.

I have to warn you that if your kids scare easily-- this is NOT the movie for you.  They take you through quite a range of emotions-- mostly fear, anxiety and panic. 

My kids said they thought it was OK.  But I was really hoping for another great Toy Story movie.  Even the short at the beginning of the movie was wacky. 

There is no great Toy Story humor and it kinda dragged on.  If you are really jazzed to see it-- wait and spend your money on a rental instead.  You'll be glad.
Basically a thumbs down from us!

This is a fun clip that's not even in the movie.  This is about all the humor you're gonna get out of TS3.

Farts are Funny

A wise man once told me, "Farts are funny."

In a recent debate over why dog farts are silent, the Mister and I had a google face off to find the correct answer.  While pursuing our intellectual inquires we stumbled upon this site HERE. 

We read through the entire thing and we had tears from laughing so hard.  If you are OK with potty humor, you'll get a real kick out of THIS.  It's all the weird unanswered questions you've always wondered about farts.

I know this post is going to be a stretch for some of you but I needed something light for the crummy week I've had.  I went to get my much anticipated iPhone only to find that they were sold out EVERYWHERE.  I'm pretty bummed.  I'm on a waiting list which now makes THIS seem even longer.  Ugh!

Restaurant Rant

I have a theory.

I think that restaurants can only be good at so many things.  Meaning, if you go to a restaurant and it has a catalog for a menu, you are in trouble.  If they serve anything from pancakes, pizza, stir fry to quiche, burritos, and hot dogs there is NO WAY they can be good at all that stuff.  You are guaranteed a questionable meal.

If you are an Italian restaurant-- serve Italian.  Stick to your theme people!  If I sit down to eat and they hand me a menu the size of a phone book-- I'm out! 

I like to go to places like In N Out.  They only do one thing-- burgers and they have perfected that like nobody's business.  Jamba Juice, they do smoothies and oh can they do smoothies.  Sprinkles, they do cupcakes and you know they do them well.

When a restaurant is bold enough to keep their menu limited you know they are serious about the quality of their product.  They mean business and you are going to be happy with it.

Don't even bother me with your Cheesecake Factories (they should just stick to the cheesecake cause that's what they can do) and your Claim Jumpers (they should stick with their chocolate cake and shrink that menu a bit).  I can't handle all the variety.  It makes me question the quality.

I'm not picky-- I just want to be wow-ed by something good.  Is that too much to ask? 

A few of my favorite things-- again

I have found a few little things I thought you'd like to know about.

Remember a little while ago when I was going through a flip flop crisis?  (click HERE to jog your memory)  A few of you commented about some that you have liked.  I thought I'd give them a try so I bought a pair of Sanuks and I'm in heaven!  So thank you gbmommy05 who ever you are-- you are my flip flop hero.

I am telling you-- youMUST have these!  I bought mine at REI for $24 and oh baby-- we were made for each other.  She was right, it is exactly like walking on marshmallows all day (but way less sticky) because they are made out of yoga mats. 

I also discovered a wonderful mommy tip I thought I would pass along.  My kids love love LOVE to go to the movies.  They also think that you can't go to the movies without proper snacks.  I splurge and get them popcorn every few times we go but I usually hide treats in my purse to pull out when the lights dim. 

(check out the Mister's opinion HERE)

If you have ever taken a kid to the movies you know that they pound their candy during the opening credits and keep begging for more every few seconds.  I never want to keep feeding them because I know they'll barf.  (That actually happened to me so I'm a little gun shy with the candy.)  So I found a way to keep us both happy.  Suckers.  Yes, suckers.  They last for a good portion of the movie and they don't have a tummy ache when it's over.  Genius-- I know, right?

I signed up for Groupon a few months ago and I have been finding some amazing deals.  All you have to do is go to www.Groupon.com and sign up to be in the club for free.  It's a website designed to get group discounts for lots of stuff in your area from restaurants, movies, spas, sporting events and even skydiving.  It's a way for people in the area to group together and get a discount without having to form a group on their own.  You will get an email daily telling you of the hottest deal of the day. (I think the email part is optional if you're paranoid about it.)  It has saved me a boat load on stuff I've wanted to do for a while.  The best part is, you can sign up for it where ever you live because it works for tons of cities all over the United States.  Just click HERE.

And Finally, if you have never read the magazine Real Simple, you are seriously missing out.  I started subscribing to Real Simple just a few months ago and I'm completely hooked.  It has the best ideas for cooking, fashion, crafts, and new uses for old things.  It also has really good suggestions for websites and other things you may not have discovered on your own.  If you don't believe me pick up a copy the next time you are at the store and thumb through it.  You'll be a believer soon enough.  I promise.  You can subscribe HERE or check it out HERE.

Enjoy!

My Mister

This post is dedicated to my Mister for Super Dad Day.

I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world.  I spent the first half of my life wandering around wondering what true love would feel like.  I've spent the second half of my life living it. 

My Mister is the second half of me.  We think just alike, we act alike and together we are an amazing team.  Some people say that the longer you are married to someone the harder it is to find that spark.  I'm here to tell you that that's not true.  The longer I have been married to the Mister the more I've fallen in love with him.

He is an awesome Dad.  He supports me so that I have the energy to be an awesome Mom.  Every Thursday night, for years now, he has taken the kids so I can go out with my sisters and have a break.  Yes, ladies-- that's every Thursday night!!  When the kids were younger it was really hard for me to let go and trust him to watch the kids.  I slowly realized that I had nothing to worry about even if he didn't do things exactly like I did.  He has stepped up to the plate time and time again.  It has enhanced his relationships with the kids and also given him some serious Daddy skills. 

Not only does he watch the kids but he does something super fun with them too.  They have done science night, hikes, kites, paper airplanes, movies, explorations, shopping, eating out, making messes, shooting off rockets and having a whole lot of fun.  The kids look forward to the time they get to spend with their Dad doing things that Mom would never let them do. 

The Mister has a way of making me feel pretty and wonderful.  He always tells me how beautiful I am even if I think I look horrible.  He likes to surprise me with things that I really like or something that I really want.  He is always offering to help me in some way weather its cooking dinner or taking out the trash-- he'll do it.  He is also our resident bug-killer-snake-catcher-nasty-creature-getter too.  I could NEVER do that without him.  EEEWWW!

I really think I've been blessed with the perfect guy for me.  He makes me want to be a better person.  He uplifts and never tears me down.  He is my best friend and I just love him.

So here's to you Mister.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Jump Day!

Today was jump day for the Mister!  The whole house was bursting with excitement.  But just as we were getting to the airport the weather was starting to change for the worse.  We weren't sure if he'd still be able to go but we totally lucked out and the weather held just long enough for one good jump. 

Here's the sky starting to change a bit.

The Mister getting all geared up to go.  Are you getting nervous yet?

The kids were right on his heals so they wouldn't miss a second of anything.

Here he goes...

No turning back now...

Its a bird, its a plane, its super Dad!

We got to see him do a few tricks and then land in the field.

Safe and sound back on the ground.  Wheew!

The kids peppered him with two million questions.  He was loving it!

They let the kids explore the plane and pretend to fly.

I think this little guy has a few ideas to be just like his daddy.

As we were leaving the clouds started looking pretty angry.  We got in the car and it started pouring.  It was awesome!

Way to go Mister Man!  WOOO HOOO!

Donut Love

I LOVE donuts.

I think this might classify as a serious addiction.  But I can quit any time-- really I can.  (Alright I can't and you will never be able to make me!!!)

First let us address the spelling of donuts.  I'm a d-o-n-u-t-s kind of person not a d-o-u-g-h-n-u-t-s kind of person.  I assure you, it matters.

There are several classifications of said donuts.

Class 1:  The homemade family bakery kind
Class 2:  Chain store kind
Class 3:  Grocery Store kind

Class 1 is the mother load.  We have several Mom and Pop bakeries in our area that make insanely delicious donuts.  They make them fresh every morning.  (no stale nastiness for me)  There is nothing better than waking up to a box full on your kitchen table delivered by your loved ones.  Now that's the right way to start off your morning.

Class 2 is the I'm on vacation and this will work for my donut fix.  Although there is a wonderful sugary gem called the Krispy Kreme that is a fluffy pillow of goodness.  My first experience with Krispy Kreme was magical and wondrous.  Perhaps even better than Disney Land.

Class 3 is the I'm on a road trip and these are seriously good junk food staple.  Let me be clear.  There is only ONE kind of grocery store donut that is worth your time.  (Trust me, I've tried them all.)  It's the mini powdered sugar donuts (preferably Dolly Madison).  A word of advice, NEVER inhale while trying to eat one of these.  It could be the death of you so hold all breathing until you have properly swallowed.

You are probably wondering if there is something really wrong with me because I have spend a good amount of time thinking this through.  Yes, yes there is something wrong with me-- it's called a donut addiction.  Donuts are the wondrous magical part of life that no one can skimp on. 

Go ahead, go out and get one.  You really deserve it.

Lake Loser

I have a secret fear.

I really hate the lake.

Shhhh.... don't tell anyone-- it's kind of embarrassing.

I grew up doing lots of things on the lake from boating to swimming and everything in between.  I have always enjoyed jet skis and water skiing-- but I wish I could do it in a pool.

When I go to get into the lake all I can picture is tons of fish poop, little kid pee and other unpleasantries that are dumped into the water everyday.  I see fish trying to eat my toes and nasty slimy lake plants brushing my skin.

It gives me the skeevies just thinking about it.  EEEEWWW!

The water is all murky and brown.  It has a funky moldy smell.

Here's the weird part, I am OK with the ocean.  (Even though it tastes disgusting.)  Maybe because it's so big and any germ would be canceled out-- I don't know.

I have issues.  Clearly. 

The problem is, I'm going to have to face them soon enough.  The kids really really want to rent a boat and go tubing on the lake this summer.  It's one of their only requests.  I know I'll cave and do it but I'm going to have to be in a happy place to do it.  Yicky!

How about you?  Can you handle the lake monster?

Guest Blogger: Maggie from Smashe Peas and Carrots

Today I have a very super special awesome treat for you!  My friend Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots has come for a visit.  I found her blog several months ago and I've been hooked ever since.  This lady has flawless taste in recipes.  I have made almost every single thing she has posted about.  In fact last week I made a batch of her brushetta and I had to have more so I made another batch about an hour later.  She is also a crafting wiz.  Oh, I'm warning you-- she's good, very very good.  So may I present to you Maggie.



Why Helloooo there! I'm Maggie and you'll find me in my own little corner of the blogosphere doing my blog thing at Smashed Peas and Carrots. Yup that's them, see my little pea and carrot below, aren't they cute!

I'm so excited to be here today at Leca Unplugged, holla! Okay, so first a little about me before we get into the goods...I'm a momma to two little ones, 3 and 1, with one on the way due in 6 weeks whose gender still remains a mystery to us!!! My blog is full of all sorts of goodies like yummy recipes, crafts, sewing tutorials, projects to do with your little ones, you name it...okay, so don't really...I may not be up for it in a couple months with all those sleepless nights ahead of me ;) Anyhoo, here's a quick pic of me...well-rested...you can see the after picture in a couple months.

Anyways, that's enough about me I say, onwards we go...

Ok, so summer is here...for most of us, right? My fam and I have been loading up on fresh strawberries now that they are in season and ripe for the pickin' (gotta love u-pick strawberry farms!) If you have lots of strawberries in your neck of the woods, grocery stores included, then have I got the recipe for you! Are you ready for this? A Strawberry Upside Down Cake!! Egads...sounds good, right?

Here, let me give you a little sneak peak at what I'm talking about:

Looking good! You know you want a piece!

Ok, so here's the recipe...enjoy it and love it like I do!

• Strawberry Upside Down Cake

2 cups crushed fresh strawberries

1 6 oz package of strawberry jell-o

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 18 oz package of yellow cake mix (prepare following package directions)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, grease a 9 x 13 inch pan and set aside. Spread your crushed strawberries on the bottom of your pan. Sprinkle the dry jell-o powder mix on top of your strawberries and place the miniature marshmallows on top of the jell-o. Prepare your cake as directed by the package and pour on top of the marshmallow layer. Bake in for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes and then use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake. Turn the cake onto a serving tray. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and try not to eat it all in one sitting!

Ok, so first grab your fresh strawberries (about 4 cups-ish gives you 2 cups mashed)...

and mash 'em up real good, like so!!

Pour them into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

Then, sprinkle your jell-o powder on top.

Next, sprinkle your miniature marshmallows on top of that...

Then, pour your yellow cake batter on top of that layer...whew, we're really doing the layers...your still with me, right!

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes...

Pull it out of your oven when it looks like this, all nice and golden-y brown.

Let it cool for 10-15 minutes and then take a knife around the edges just to make sure it's nice and loose.

Flip it out onto a serving dish...or if you're like me and just want to dig into all this deliciousness ASAP just use whatever is closest, in my case a jelly roll pan :)

Cut that baby up and serve with some yummy vanilla ice cream (or homemade whipped cream...double yum!)!

So good!

Thank you so much for having me today Leca, it's always fun to visit with you and even more fun to take over your blog! If ya want to see/read more about my little 'ol blog, Smashed Peas and Carrots, hop on over, put your feet up and stay a while! I'd love to meet you!!

 

 

See-- what did I tell you, she's great huh?  You've gotta check out all of her amazing secret recipes.  She will rock your world!  We love you Maggie!!!

Summer Stinkin' Vacation

It's day 2 of summer vacation and day 2 of non-stop rain.

That means that I have four kids inside when they really want to be outside.  The noise level just keeps going up and the Mister has claimed that he's thinking of traveling more. 

I have been hiding in the corner eating pie (it's really good) to ease my tension.

The dog keeps getting let inside soaking wet and no one ever knows who did it.

I've stepped on Legos 3,478 times and my downstairs bathroom has been turned into a Lego palace made out of Jengas.

Emerson wants to play Mancala with everyone every second of the day since I showed him how to play yesterday.  That means that I keep finding random marbles all over the house.

When Rugby finds the marbles he throws them.

Breckyn started the weirdest kid contest this morning.  The object of the game was to put on as many random clothes out of the dress up bin as possible and then go around convincing everyone that you are a weirdo.  I'm convinced.

Zoey is amping up the tears at any sign of not getting her way.  (Which never works when I try it.)

My only solution to the rainy day crisis is going to the movies but I already used that card yesterday.

If the sun doesn't shine tomorrow, I'm packing up the kids and driving away.  Wisconsin can stuff it because I'm sick of its bad weather attitude.

I know there are lots of you stuck in my same boat-- and it ain't the love boat I'll tell you that much.

Summer vacation--- (sigh)  You promised me sunny days and happy kids and you are not delivering.  I want my money back.





Stay tuned for tomorrow because I have a really cool treat for you guys!  I can't wait!

Father's Day Jump

I have had the perfect Father's Day gift purchased for about a month now.

I am so excited!

I told my mom and my sisters and they seemed to think that it was a good idea to let the Mister simmer in the plans instead of just springing it on him last minute.

I'm not so good at keeping secrets and I made it an entire month without a peep.

Well, the other night I decided it was time to tell him so he could get ready.

I got him SKYDIVING!!!!

This is something that has been on his bucket list since before we got married.  It's finally time.

He was really excited when I told him but even better than that was the kids' reaction.

Zoey:  You're totally going to pee your pants Dad!

Em:  What if you chute doesn't open?  Then you'll probably die Dad.

Rugs:  If you die can I have your truck?

(They quickly divided up everything from his truck, his tools, his computer, and even his side of the bed. They were thinking this out a little too well for the Mister's taste.)


Zoey:  This is so awesome!  Can I tell my friends at school?

Rugs:  Can we come and watch you?

They peppered him with questions for the rest of the evening which was highly entertaining.

It's going to be a couple of really loooong days until jump day.  But soooo worth it!

Best Father's Day EVER!  (Although it's going to be hard to top this next year.)

Mexico or Bust!

I really tried to apply all of my talents during Mexican Torture 2010.  (For those of you reading about this for the first time-- I'm not racist, My husband HATES my Mexican cooking.  Go HERE for the full story.)

I came across a recipe that I thought sounded good and then I tweaked it to my own standards.  It went like this.

Mexican Gumbo (I was going to call it Mexican Dump but anything with dump in the title just doesn't sound appealing-- right?)

4 chicken breasts (frozen, thawed-- whatever)
1 can diced chilies
1 Can pinto beans (drained)  (you can use black beans if you like that better)
1 Can cream of chicken soup
1 Cup salsa (the hotter, the spicier the dish)
1 packet taco (or fajita) seasoning

Cook in the Crock Pot for a few hours.  (until chicken is shreddable)  When you are ready to serve, take out the chicken and shred it.  Return the chicken to the pot and stir it up.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some cheddar cheese sprinkled over the top. 

You can tweak this recipe any way you like.  You can try it with pork or beef.  You can serve it in a burrito, over rice, as a taco salad, with chips, heck you can even toss in some lettuce if you'd like.  That's the beauty of this thing.  You can have it just how you like it.  Yum!

The best news is-- the Mister liked it.  See-- empty plate is a good sign.  That means Mexican torture 2010 is coming to an end.  (Seriously, I'm not sure my bowels can handle any more.  I need a break-- shhhh, don't tell.)

Viva Mexico! (or at least their burritos)

The A-Team!

Today was the kids' last day of school.  That means this was my last day home alone with the Mister.  We decided to live it up.  The Mister took the day off and we did lots of fun stuff together.

The A-Team was at the top of our list.

We went and saw the first showing and it ROCKED!  I'm tell you, if you like action-- this is the movie for you!

OK, so you don't like action?  Well, I'm telling you to hike up your panties and take your man to go and see this movie.  He will love you FOREVER! 

Want to know what's in it for you?  (** I shouldn't even be telling you this but there is a little bit of eye candy in it just for you.**  Remember Face?  Seriously-- you don't even know one name from the old show-- you weenier!  Face is the pretty boy on the team AND I MEAN PRETTTY.)  He is played by Bradley Cooper (one of my favorites) and he is pretty smokin' in this part.

Still not interested? (What is wrong with you?)

Well, take a look at this clip and tell me this doesn't look like a good time!


I thought you could be persuaded. 

Perhaps you should go out for a little Mexican food and then to the movies.  Oh, and don't forget your candy.  You can thank me later.

Enjoy!

Mexican Monster!

I love Mexican food something fierce.  I love to go to Mexican restaurants and order all sorts of spicy things.  I try to pay attention to the flavors so I can recreate the dishes at home. 

I made a beautiful enchilada dish the other night.  When we sat down to the table the Mister informed me that he does not care for my taste in Mexican food.  He thinks my Mexican cooking is gross.

I was shocked!  I have been cooking Mexican dishes for the 11 years we've been married.  This is the first I've heard of this.

Luckily for him I'm not one to back down from a challenge.  So I rolled up my sleeves and began to cook. 

A few nights later I presented him with not one but TWO different burrito dishes to test for dinner.  I informed him that I would be cooking Mexican food every night until I found one that he liked.  (no pressure)

He quickly scooped up the burrito and claimed it to be the best he ever ate.  I'm on to his little game.  I will continue his Mexican torture until I am satisfied that he likes something.

Game on Mister, game on!