Sunday Stealing

http://sundaystealing.blogspot.com/2009/08/ellie-bellie-meme.html

What are your most common nicknames? Cole Cole

What is today's weather?

72.1 °F Clear

Where did go on vacation this year? No where really. Just took time out here and there to see family.

What job do you do? SAHM (Stay At Home Mom)

What do you usually do on weekends? Hang out with Jason and Shelby, go to church, update Quicken, watch movies, and cook good food.

What food hits your 'bliss spot'? I don't discriminate against any foods; I love it all.

What drink really does it for you? Sweet Tea!

What was the last restaurant you went to? Taco Bell

Where would you like to live if you had unlimited moneys and nothing stopping your dreams? I have no idea. I guess somewhere interesting and beautiful WAY cooler than Texas.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Blog, cook, clean, & watch Food Network.

What's your favorite genre for TV programs? Cooking Shows

What's your favorite genre for music? Alternative

What's your favorite song that's sad? My Immortal by Evanescence

What's your favorite song? Well, right now it's Viva La Vida by Coldplay

What's your favorite soppy film? The Notebook

How about your favorite chick flick? The Devil Wears Prada

What are you looking forward to at the moment? Tomorrow's adventures

What are you dreading at the moment? Cleaning up the kitchen

How would you describe your personality? A leader, strong, & an extrovert

You are given $5000 to spend in 1 day, what do you do with it? remember, no limitations! Invest all of it....IRA

What is your biggest fear? Not knowing what the future holds.

Still Scared of Needles

At 7 months old I finally got Shelby into see her pediatrician for her 6 month check up. This Wednesday Jason and I loaded our still sleeping baby into the car and took her to be tortured. And by tortured I mean...GET HER SHOTS! I loath shots and have a healthy fear of needles and just because I'm not the one getting stuck doesn't make me feel any better. Poor little Shelby. Ok, enough about her shots. I'll get back to that in a minute.
So when we got there Shelby got all her weights and measurements taken.
Weight: 18.7lbs. Height: 27.5 inches
The doctor was very happy with her measurements.
She was cracking me up because the whole time the doctor was examining her she was jabbering away. He said to me, "Well, she doesn't seem to be scared of strangers." That she is defiantly not! She will talk to everyone and when people come up to us at the grocery store to gawk at her she always gives them a big smile that melts there heart. Then they will inevitably launch into a story about their children or grandchildren. I love to hear stories.
Now comes the shots. My poor baby had to get 3 of them. The nurse was so quick and they were over in a matter of seconds. As soon as she was finished I scooped Shelby up and she stopped crying almost instantly.
Her next appointment is at one year old.

Leta Dancing Her Heart Out!

This video is just too cute not to share and I love this song! See Dooce's post in which she shares this video here - http://www.dooce.com/2009/08/21/roman-cavalry-choirs-are-singing

So She Thinks She Can Dance from dooce on Vimeo.

Sandra Lee and her Semi-Homemade Philosophy

I really enjoy watching Sandra Lee's show on Food Network - Semi-Homemade Cooking and I recently got to know more about her by watching a Food Network Special about her life. She is a very ambitious woman who really knows what it means to succeed in following your dreams and the value of hard work.

"An internationally-acclaimed home and food expert, Sandra has revolutionized the way people think about traditional, time-consuming, “from-scratch” methods. With her trademark 70/30 philosophy, which combines 70% ready-made products with 30% fresh touches, Sandra creates aspirational meals and breathtaking living environments that are affordable and attainable, making her the foremost recognized advocate to every over-extended person. Sandra’s philosophy was born out of necessity and the challenges she faced throughout her childhood. The oldest of five children, Sandra was responsible for caring for her four younger siblings and managing the household. Forced to live on welfare and food stamps, Sandra quickly learned how to turn budget-friendly foods into delicious and special meals for her family while stretching every dollar and every minute."

http://www.semihomemade.com/sandra-lee/biography.htm

I have been inspired by here life and her "can do" attitude. I just adore her Semi-Homemade website; there are so many great homemaker tips and snidbits. I have especially enjoyed looking through her page on all things organization - http://www.semihomemade.com/organizing/ She has wonderful things to say regarding the decor and layout of your bathroom... Look under Organizing - Suds Appeal.

I have always wanted to make my guests feel comfortable when they stay with me. I never want them to have to come to me and embarrassingly ask if I have a tampon they can have! So, to ovoid such a scenario I purchased a pretty woven basket a the Dollar Store for a buck and filled it with all the comforts of home that you may have left at home...a toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, a bar of soap, & an extra candle just in case the one in the bathroom runs out. It's a simple but great idea.

When a guest arrives and I am giving them the tour I am sure to tell them that under the sink there is a basket and they should feel free to use anything they wish from it.

Happy Homemaking everyone!

The Grands and Brunch

This weekend I was surprised to get a call from my Grandmother and her husband, Mr. Syfrett. They wanted to know if they could come see us. "Well of course you can!" I said. So they did.
They pulled up on Saturday in there brand spankin new (used LOL) motor home. Jason, Shelby and I were given the grad tour immediately following their arrival. While Jason and I marveled at the beautiful fabrics, leather couches, and cherry wood cabinets Shelby was perfectly content to roll around on the bed. Grandmother was getting a kick out of her. Shelby was talking up a storm! Oh, and Mr. Syfrett brought me roses! I had to show you some pictures.


Then on Monday we made the spilt second decision to hop in the truck and go see Ben in Stephenville. I am not sure if I have mention Ben lately on here....Ben is my younger brother and he just started his first semester of college at Tarleton State! I had never been to Tarleton and couldn't wait to look around campus. Ben showed us where all his classes were, the rec center, the cafeteria, the library, and of course his dorm room which is tiny. Seriously tiny. It was wonderful to see Ben; I have been thinking about him a lot since he started school. I know he will do well but I want him to feel comfortable to call me if he needs anything at all and I have this psycho love for editing English papers so I have told him time and time again that I am just an email away from editing his paper. Abilene is only about an hour and forty-five minutes away so I hope he visits often! I have tried to bribe him with food! :D Unfortunately I was too busy looking around to remember take any pictures. :(

Now onto the topics of brunches. They are wonderful aren't they?! You get to sleep in and then get up to a cornucopia of breakfast delights...well, that is if your not the person preparing it. ;) So to treat my wonderful family right I made brunch two mornings.
For morning one I made a basic omlette with mushroom, eggplant, onion, garlic, parsley, zucchini, tomato, green onion, and cheddar cheese. I think that was everything. But instead of folding the omelet in half over itself as is typically done I pulled the pan off the burned just before the eggs were fully cooked and sprinkled the cheese over top and popped the whole thing under the broiler until the eggs had finished cooking and the cheese was melty and just brown on top. Delish!

For morning two I decided to do something a little more special and try some new recipes. So I made a Pomegranate Breakfast Soda which is one of Ina Garten's recipes...I love her!

Next was Breakfast in a Cup by Paula Deen...How can you not love Paula and her obsession with butter! Note: I topped this dish with a dollop of sour cream and finely chopped green onion and it really added to the dish.

Lastly, I prepared French Toast with Strawberries and Cream recipe courtesy of the newest Food Network Chef Claire Robinson.

As you can tell by this very large post I had a wonderful, family filled weekend. Try these recipes; they are scrumptious!

Inspiring Quote

Momfinitions

I ran across this on the internet and had to share it with you. It's so funny and I found things on the list that I have done!

Momfinitions
Posted using ShareThis

Momfinitions

Ever notice how parenthood inspires a whole new language? We call these words Momfinitions. Perhaps you recognize a few of these new parenting terms that haven't quite made it into Webster's—yet. Read some of our Momfinitions, and after you've had a hearty chuckle, feel free to submit your own Momfinitions in the comments below! (http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/mom-definitions.jhtml?xid=social-stum-momfinitions)

Booty call

[BOO-tee kawl] noun: A shout from the bathroom letting you know it's time to go wipe someone's butt.

Sleevekerchief

[sleev-KUR-cheef] noun: What you use to catch your kid's snot when you're out of tissues.

Diapergami

[dahy-per-GAWM-ee] noun: That secret parenting fold that turns a nasty diaper into a tidy package ready for the trash.

Keything Ring

[kee-THEENG-reeng] noun: What your keychain becomes in a teething pain emergency at the grocery store.

Boobifier

[boob-UH-fahy-er] verb: The act of using one's boob as a pacifier.

Wuce

[woos] noun: The watered-down juice that's left in the bottom of your kid's sippy cup after you've refilled it throughout the day.

Unhappy Hour

[UN-hap-ee-OU-er] noun: The hour between 5 and 6 PM when every mom in America is desperately trying to entertain whiny and hungry children while simultaneously fixing dinner and tidying up the house.

Four Dora Day

[FAWR-dor-uh-dey] noun: One of those days when you ignore all TV limits and let your kids watch four, five or even six episodes of Dora in a row.

Justaraisin

[juhst-uh-REY-zin] exclamation: What you tell your kids when they catch you sneaking into your secret chocolate stash (e.g., "No, I'm not eating chocolate. It's justaraisin. Want one?")

Peemergency

[pee-MUR-juhn-see] noun: The moment after you've loaded 10 bags of groceries and three kids into the car and you've just pulled onto the highway, and your kid decides to tell you that he has to go potty. Right. That. Instant.

Invisaowie

[in-VIS-uh-awhw-ee] noun: An owie that's so small you can't see it—but still requires a bandage to stop the crying.

Snooze Control

[sn-OOZ cun-trol]noun: The act of handing your kid the remote so he can flip to Nick Jr., allowing you to catch a few more ZZZs.

Toppler

[tawp-LER] noun: A topless toddler, usually caused by an unprepared mommy forgetting to bring along a change of clothes.

Boy-o-sphere

[boi-OH-sfeer] noun: That weird, stuffy, puppy breath kind of smell that permeates a boy's room, especially when they've kept their door closed all day. Is it the laundry? Their shoes? Can't quite place where it's coming from, but you'll know it when you smell it.

Spelling Bee Champ

[spel-EENG bee ch-aa-mp] noun: What you have to be when the kids are old enough to know what you are talking about so you have to start s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g.

Sunday Stealing: The Alpha Meme

My roommate and I once: acted out parts from funny movies.
Never in my life have I: swam with sharks, but I want to! In a cage though.
High school was: at my home.
When I’m nervous: I talk too much.
My hair: is brown and I love it but have always wanted to try some highlights.
When I was 5: I had chickens.
When I turn my head left: I see Clorox wipes...they're the best aren't they?!
I should be: asleep.
By this time next year: I have NO idea where I will be living or what I will be doing...scary.
My favorite aunt is: hummm??? I have to pick just one?!
I have a hard time understanding: why some people do the things they do.
You know I like you if: I invite you over for dinner.
My ideal breakfast is: a supper yummy breakfast casserole.
If you visit my home town: you will find one grocery store, one tiny Walmart, along with tons of bail bonds places, auto shops, taco shacks (And I do mean shacks!), and pawn shops. UHG!
If you spend the night at my house: you would feel welcome and at home...I hope.
The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: HORSES!
I shouldn’t have been: burping Shelby without a burp cloth...YUCK. :O
Last night I: made a great meal and hung out with Jason.
A better name for me would be: I have always loved my name and couldn't even day dream about changing it!
I’ve been told I look like: my mom.
If I could have any car, it would be: I don't know! I like SUVs...so maybe e a Suburban or an Explorer. How boring of me...I know.

Mexican Fondue

I am sorry to all for my lack of blogging and pictures lately...I guess I just don't have much to say but I should at least get some recent pictures posted!

Today I was feeling festive so I made this dish for lunch. It was so simple but since the dish is technically a side I cooked some chicken breasts and cut them into strips and then placed them around the bowl. The fondue tastes amazing with grilled chicken and it is the perfect finger food meal. I have to say it is very pretty as well and would be a great appetizer for a party. Jason wasn't too fond of the spinach in it but other than that...great dish.

One Note: Canned artichokes were over $3 which was too pricey for me so I substituted mashed garbanzo beans. I was thinking navy beans might be good as well. Also, don't skip making your own chips...they are worth the little bit of time they take. The cumin on them adds a wonderful flavor.

Let me know if you decide to make it; I would love to hear how your family reviews it!

Adios

Mexican Fondue

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/quick-fix-meals-with-robin-miller/mexican-fondue-recipe/index.html

Ingredients

* Cooking spray
* 8 flour or corn tortillas, cut into wedges
* Ground cumin
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 to 3 cups shredded 4 cheese Mexican cheese blends (recommended: Monterey Jack, Cheddar, mozzarella, queso blanco, or any combination of cheese blends)
* 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
* 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo sauce
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
* 3 seeded, peeled and chopped avocados
* 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
* 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
* 1 tomato, chopped
* Smoked paprika, if desired

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Arrange tortillas on prepared baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Season the top of tortillas with cumin, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake 6 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven.

While the tortillas are baking, in a medium saucepan, combine cheese, artichoke hearts, salsa, and spinach. Set pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer, for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Pour into a serving bowl.

In a large bowl, combine: the chopped avocados, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, salt and freshly ground black pepper and smoked paprika, to taste, if using.

Adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Serve cheese fondue with baked chips and guacamole

A Monkey in a Cage

This past week Shelby has been scooting everywhere. I keep waiting for her to crawl she has gotten SO close before! I watch her get up on her forearms and then pull her knees towards her chest, start to get up and then her legs slide straight out from under her and she begins scooting once again. I am in no rush though; I know she will be crawling everywhere before I know what happened!

She has really grown more adventurous now that she had gotten to be a very quick scooter. Earlier today she was laying in the living room on a play mat. I was sitting right across the room at the table. When I looked over she was happily lying on her back playing with a toy and when I looked up again, less than a minute later, the stealthy little girl was out of my sight! She had scooted all the way across the room and was pulling tissue paper out of a gift bag! I thought to myself "Oh my gosh! Where did Shelby go?!" I REALLY have to keep an eye on her now.

Oh, I have to share this story with you as well. Today Shelby was scooting down in the hallway trying to follow me since I had walked in her room. Well the cute little thing was happily scooting until something caught her eye........the electric wall socket! Why of ALL things is that so interesting....the thing that can really hurt you. She maneuvered right to it and reached. Needless to say I moved faster than the speed of light and snatched her up. "No, No Shelby! That will hurt you." As I said I have to watch her like a hawk now and she's not even crawling yet.

Well, I better go. Time to baby proof everything!

Shelby's First Movie

Today is another milestone for Shelby...her first movie at a theater! I think this is a milestone only mom cares about but none the less I have chosen to share it with you. ****Feel honored*** ;)
We saw Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian at the Westwood Twin Theater dollar movies.

Jason propped her car seat up on the seat next to me so she could see the screen. For the first few minutes she sat there staring at the screen, captured by the images flashing here and there. When Jason and I tried to get her attention she looked over just for a moment and then directed her attention to the screen once again.
A few minutes into the movie she began to get restless so I gave her a strip of Twizzlers and what do you know...she liked it! She sucked on the candy happily. When I took it away she was a very sticky baby. After I took a wet wipe to her face and hands I offered her a bottle which she gladly accepted. She sat in her car seat clutching her bottle and watching the movie. She was so adorable!
She was happy for a while longer and then the movie lost her interest and she wanted out of her car seat. For the remaining 45 minutes or so she occupied herself on our laps wiggling around, playing with keys, her bottle, and "talking". We were glad that the theatre was almost empty and no one had sat close to us.
It was funny that I only realized it was Shelby's first movie well into the previews; then I was wishing I had a camera. I am sure that taking a picture in the movie would have been frowned upon but I would have done it anyway. Too bad so sad.

I am so resourceful

So last night, with no clean laundry in sight, I used a cloth bib as a wash cloth to give Shelby a bath, and a hand towel as her towel. Yup. No worries though the laundry has been done. WHOOP!

Home Movies

This video was taken on July 20th 2009.

Pictures Galore!

Here are a few recent pictures.

Yes, my little girl now can snack on Cheerios! The first time I gave her some. I put a handful on her BUMBO Tray she looked down, reached across the entire tray, and then swept them all off onto the ground...a few even went flying! By the time she was through there were Cheerios EVERYWHERE!

That green stuff on her face....sweet peas. In case you were wondering.

She's a smart one! Now if she can just figure out how to read the newspaper and not just tear it.

Funny Face

Watching her Baby Signing Time DVD

I couldn't resist taking pics! She's a cutie pie.

I don't know why but she loves to hang upside down. I kept moving her back to the middle of the mattress and she would just scoot right back over to hang.

And was happy until she fell. Ahw!

Tuckered out

Mom and Dan came to watch Shelby so Jason and I could get away for our anniversary. How sweet of them!

Jason and Shelby

She played so long she needed a cat nap.

Cool with her shades

"Helping" Mommy cook

Quick and Easy Dinner

I know that we all could use another simple meal idea for a crazy weekday or lazy weekend that is the reason I came up with this recipe. The cooking time is minimal which is great when you are famished! And don't be scared to change up the ingredients. When I made this I had not been to the store so I just threw in the pot what sounded good to me.

Chicken in Puff Pastry

Ingredients:
extra virgin olive oil
1 TBS butter
1 medium onion
1 TBS minced garlic
2 TBS chopped banana peppers
Provolone cheese
puff pastry (I used Pillsbury Recipe Creations Crescent)

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1 can cream of mushroom soup (or whatever else you choose)
3 boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite sized pieces)
1 1/2 to 2 TBS chives
1 1/2 to 2 TBS parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drizzle EVOO to coat the pan.
Once hot add the diced onion. Saute until partially cooked, about 2 minutes.
Next add the cut up chicken breast. Brown the chicken but do not cook through as it will cook further in the oven.
Once the chicken has browned add the garlic. Allow the garlic to heat and combine with the chicken and then mix in the soup, banana peppers, herbs, butter, salt, and pepper.
Once combined remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Now take out a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Spread the pastry out onto it and you may stretch it a bit until you have a nice rectangular shape but be sure not to tear it or use a rolling pin because that will tear the dough.
Once the dough is ready you may take the filling and spoon it into to center of the pastry leaving room around the edge to fold it up.
Once all the filling is in the center you may cover it with as much cheese as you desire. Just eye ball it but if your chicken breast were quite big you may not want to use all the filling, but don't sweat it the chicken mixture is very tasty by itself served with a flaky buttermilk biscuit.
Now fold the sides of the pastry up over the chicken mixture. It your pastry tears it all good just use your kitchen scissors and cut some excess from elsewhere to cover the hole.
At this point you may brush it with an egg wash or not. The egg wash will give the pastry a nice gloss when baked...totally up to you.
Pop it in the oven at 400 degrees until browned about 12 to 15 minutes.
Slice it up and serve with a vegatable side. And there you have a wonderful, delicious meal in just a few minutes.