WANT A GOOD LAUGH?

Good morning boys and girls! How are you doing this sunny Sunday morn? I am alright... stiff, tired, and yet cranially stimulated LOL! Mom is in her owm room now YAY! I stayed with her for about 8 hours yesterday. She was laughing and being more like my mom... even griping at me for not eating and such! YAY! I know, doesn't that sound weird that I WANT her to gripe at me? LOL hey she scared the crap outta me this past week, so this is a welcome improvement! I'm gonna TRY not to roll my eyes when she does it after she is home... notice I said TRY! LOL... I want to thank Hazel and Jean for their comments yesterday. I got to read them late last night and I couldn't help but smile. I've always said, I have the best readers in the world, and you guys and girls just keep proving that each day. THANK you so much!

Ok, so I left the hospital yesterday and was going out to her house to do some chores... I stopped by Home Depot on the way to her house and used my coupon for Buy 1 Get 1 Free Tree before it expires on the 26th... oh crap! That's tomorrow and I forgot to grab hers so I can get 2 more trees... FUDGE! Dad if you read this before you leave... stop reading and grab that coupon... put it in your wallet and bring that coupon up to the hospital to me today! Then come back and finish reading LOL... Ok sorry... jello brained. Anyways, you should have seen me trying to fit these 6-8 ft. trees in my little car LMAO! But I did it... so she has 2 pecan trees like she wanted waiting for her when she gets home. Think I will get the lemon trees she wants with her coupon. See, she lost all her trees because of the storm and this Garden Club Coupon was the best thing... so she could replace them. And you guys know me... I HATE letting good coupons expire! LOL!

Ok, so I get to Mom & Dad's house and unload the trees. Then I check the garden if it needs watering, but it doesn't, then I clean the water bowl for the outside cats. I go inside the house and start some laundry. Go in the garage and see a brother has graciously left HIS laundry on the outside washer. Go in the attic and get a few things out of one of my boxes. Then take the laundry in the house. Go in the RV and love on the kitties, clean the cat box, brought in the mail, washed the dishes, and checked how much food Dad has to make sure he is eating properly. Ok... done in the RV so I go back in the house. Change the laundry over and start making mom another bag of ice. I get the ziploc filled and tried to seal it. Ok good... looks sealed. Turn it upside down to "make sure" and WHOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHH! Ice ALL over the dang floor!! Oh did I scream like a banchee and cussed bad enough to make a sailor blush and run the opposite direction!! OK take a deep breath, scream again, and clean up the ice. Now... lets try this again... filled up the bag and snap the seal... walk over to the sink to check (Just in case LOL) and turn it upside down. Ahhh sealed! Finally! Turn around to walk over and put the bag of ice in the freezer and BAMPLOP! Fall on my butt on a stray piece of flippin ice!!!! I'm surprised the cops weren't called cause the neighbors thought someone was being killed cause I was screaming and cussing so loud! Oh this is some good insulation- they can't HEAR me outside LOL! Ok ya know what... I think its time to go home and not touch anything and go to sleep lol!

I get home and DH asks if I would like a glass of tea. Yes please that would be very nice. "Do you want ice?" he said... Oh I started screaming about ice and he looked at me like I was insane LOL! So I had to tell him about the ice and he laughed at me... butthead! Needless to say I stretched out on the floor and that was the last thing I remember. DH woke me up around 10 telling me to go to bed LOL.

So I'm up this morning looking out the window and notice I have sticks where my squash once was! Something has eaten all my blossoms and leaves! My garden is suffering but family comes first. So it looks like Mother nature and I need to have a talk so she will help take care of it in my absense LOL. Anyone know if opposums like squash blossoms?

Ok, I am chomping at the bit to get back to crafting (and don't say anything to mom DAD! Yea I know you are there LOL) but my family comes first... so I am gathering all these ideas for "my big comeback LOL". I am thinking of making my mom a Dammit Doll for while she is up there actually LOL. Can you see the nurses faces when she tells them what it is? LMAO! So until I can slow down below the speed of sound and light, I am stuffing these neat ideas in a box and will eventually pay them a visit. And I am gonna share another one with you today.



Craft Idea of the Day: Survival Guardian Angel Kit

Make this creative gift for a friend. (I've been inspired with this whole ordeal with my mother and I saw this and just nodded my head like yep uh huh... I should do that LOL)

Purchase a small gift bag and fill with the items below, along with a label explaining each token.

Toothpick - Pick out the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.
Bandaid - To heal hurt feelings.
Gum - Think before you "Chew" others out.
Smiley Face - Because smiling is contagious
Guardian Angel - Because everyone needs one.
Pencil - To write down your days blessings.
Eraser - To remind you always start each day with a clean slate.
Sticky Tape - To tape your lips when you have nothing good to say.
Star - To reflect what you can be.
Sand paper - To smooth out the rough edges.
Glitter - To make things sparkle.
Velcro dot - Help you get a grip on things.
Rubber Band - To stretch you beyond your limits.
Paper clip - To keep things together.
Candle - To light up your path.

I think that would be a neat gesture for someone when you don't know what else to do. You could also make other kits similar to this... I have seen Mother's/Father's survival kits, friendship kits, etc.

Ok, now my head says I'm not hungry but my stomach begs to differ. Its growling and making my feel queezy, but who's got time to eat right? Exactly... well maybe to cook actually. So what does the frugal mom do? You got it... Set it and forget it! CROCKPOT TIME! YUMMMMM



Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
2 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden mushroom soup
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
4 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon granualted garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 beef boullion cube
1/2 packet of dry onion soup mix
1 container of fresh sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine the meat, soup, onion, Worcestershire sauce and water.

Cook on Low setting for 5 hours. Saute mushrooms in butter and add about 30 minutes before meal is done. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream just before serving.

Ok gang, time for me to get dressed and start another day of sheer chaos LOL. I will see you here again tomorrow for another day of "let my friends laugh at my idiocy" storytime! Big HUGS!

WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

Well good morning my faithful flock! Sorry I did not post an entry yesterday, but I finally got to see my mom at the hospital YAY and I was there all day for almost every visitation! It was great to see her. Hard... but great! It started as a tough morning but got better as the day progressed. They had moved her to ICU yesterday... not because of her condition, but because they were closing the TCU unit and putting all their patients together. As I headed home last night, my Dad, who stayed with her of course, texted me saying she was being moved to her own regular room. YAY! She's got generally good vitals (except when she gets herself all fussy and her BP goes up LOL) and she wants to come home. But she still has some issues so it might be a few more days... but she is definitely getting back to the old mom we know and love. She even griped at me yesterday afternoon! YAY!!!!! I love it! LOL...

I'll be the first to admit that I have been would up tighter than a $2 watch this week... juggling 3 households among the mass hysteria and worry of everyone including myself. Its a hard job and it makes me admire my mother that much more. I am kinda a "see it to believe it" person, so even though Dad kept saying she was ok... I had to see it. And I did YAY! Sooooo.... have you ever felt such a weight lifted off of you like you were carrying the world and suddenly someone took it off your back? Yea, that's what happened last night. I had a hard time leaving the hospital... I sat on the bench outside for maybe another 15-20 minutes before I walked to my car. I got in the car and started balling... a relief cry. Then I just felt soooo tired. I don't really remember the drive home, but I sat on the bed and that's the last thing I remember... I was OUT! Shoot, I woke up in the same clothes and everything... so I have to shower and change this morning LOL! If there is a stage past pure exhaustion... I found it and lived it 200%! LOL.

So I'm excited to report that things are much better and improving each day! Hopefully soon, she will be home and on the road to recovery. I'll still be logging alot of hours away from home, but I do it because I love my family. Whatever she needs, I'll be there! So how are things on your end of the world? Tell me... what did you do for Earth Day? I miss my friends here online... sit down and chat a while!

So when I get a moment to actually sit down and relax, there are a few crafts that are going to be top priority. First is my kitchen... my mommy got my fabric like I mentioned and its gonna be a very special kitchen! Then there is my DD's room. She finally has it all organized and picked up where I can do the redecorating. And then there is birthday party stuff for DD... remember its a big 16 this year! So I NEED to start coming up with ideas! One of my band "kids", DD's BFF, turned 16 on Friday so I owe her something special as a belated Happy Birthday... I feel bad about missing it, but Katie is a good kid and she cried when Madison told her about Nana... so she understands. So anyway, since the kitchen will be redone soon, I found this craft for a utensil holder using a clay pot. Its simple, cute, and versatile.



Craft Idea of the Day: Kitchen Utensil Holder

I bet you never thought about using a flower pot to hold your kitchen utensils! This project is so easy. It won't take but a few minutes. This is the perfect utensil holder. It won't burn if you forget and leave it sitting on the stove. It won't tip over and it holds a lot of tools! You can custom match it to your kitchen decor.

Materials Needed:

one 6 inch clay pot
enamel paint (any color)
decals or paint to decorate if you wish
Paintbrush (if you brush the paint or if you paint a design)

Directions:

Just get a 6 inch clay flower pot and paint it any color you wish. I recommend enamel paint because it makes clean up from kitchen splatters easier. It may take more than one coat because the clay is very porous and absorbs the paint. Let the paint dry. Then you can apply decals. If you are artistic you can paint on a design. If you prefer, you can use a stencil .Use your imagination.

This craft would make a cute wedding shower or housewarming gift filled with all kinds of tools.

Then of course you all need to eat! Hopefully you have done some reading and catching up on things you might have missed or getting some ideas for crafts and foods. But today I bring you another recipe to enjoy (trying to get back SOME degree of normalicy here!).



Monkey Bread Muffins

Ingredients

1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, separated and cut into six pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon water

Directions

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter 6 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

Combine the apple pie spice and white sugar in a small bowl; roll the biscuit pieces in the mixture to coat. Divide the coated pieces between the prepared muffin cups.

Combine the brown sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to boil until the sugar is completely dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the mixture over the biscuit pieces.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden, and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 8 to 12 minutes.

Ok gang, again I thank each and every one of you for your support during this hard time. I am gonna get off here and see what the day brings. So I will see you tomorrow... Peace, Love, and LOTS of HUGS!

A MOTHER’S LOVE- SEMI-GOOD UPDATES

Happy Earth Day everyone. Well boys and girls, as you know its super crazy around here. I have a smidgen of good news on both topics of mass frustration I alerted you to yesterday.

First the thing with CPS… I met with the caseworker (standard) and talked to her for awhile. She told me it was originally reported in February from an anonymous tip from someone who didn’t even have my address! ARE YOU SERIOUS? She said she thought it was stupid, so once she got some more information, then she finally got around to acting on it. She said it was low priority and now having talked to my kids, met them, and met me and DH and talked to us and saw our house, etc. she can say there is no cause and it is just someone with a grudge against us. She was very nice… I offered a tour of the house to see the clean clothes, the food, etc. The lady is just doing her job and I proved that whoever said this stupid crap obviously is just abusing the system. It is true… A mother’s love is like no other! It is amazing what we will do and endure for our children… and our mothers!

Ok, now on to the other important topic… my mom. I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support you have all shown for her. The comments, the emails, the phone calls, just everything! Even the nurse from the clinic where my mom was when all this happened called to check up and let me know that the whole clinic is praying for and thinking about my mom and our family. They are really nice people. Or could it be a CYA thing?? Maybe something they did caused all this and they are just acting really concerned? I have one of those sickening gut feelings (and I am usually right 99% of the time unfortunately) that this is more the reason they are calling… to make sure they didn’t kill her! I just have to figure how one would go about finding that out or proving that. I’ve also had emails asking if people can send a get well card, gift, etc. If you would like to do that, let me know via email and I will give you an address, ok? And I appreciate it very much. I have the best readers in the world!

As for her condition… she has improved drastically. Her vitals are darn near perfect (you’d think she should be up dancing around!) and they removed the breathing tubes a few hours after she became awake. Her throat is very raw because of the tubes but this is normal and should be better soon. She can talk some, but it is still more of a raspy whisper. The Respiratory Therapist gave her an Albuterol treatment to help her breathing. But they are keeping her in TCU overnight because she is still having the difficulty breathing. TCU, for those who don’t know, stands for Transitional Care Unit. It is not quite ICU, but the next step down… better than a regular ward but not quite as good as ICU LOL. The doctors are going to get their Pulmonary Specialist to come by and check on her breathing and lungs. They’re also going to bring in a Pain Management Specialist and Neurologist to work on the pinched nerve issue that started all this. They performed a cat scan last night to see if they could see why she had the seizure or if there was any damage from it and the results were negative on both issues… THANK GOD! The doctor gave his OK for her to start eating (if she wants to) and was able to drink some cool water today. She was also CHEWING ON CRUSHED ICE! (She LOVES crushed Ice LOL!) Then I got notice from my Dad that said:

While I was out, the Pulmonary Specialist came by and did his examination. It appears that she has amassed some fluid on her lungs, which is why she is having some trouble breathing. They’ve set her up for additional Albuterol treatments every 4 hours, and have decided to keep her in the TCU overnight. When I came back in at 8pm, she was taking one of the treatments. Afterward she sounded a bit better – not quite so “raspy” as before. They’ve also started her back on some of her regular meds. They’re having to crush them up and mix ‘em into some sugar-free pudding so she can swallow them. They’re also working on getting her blood sugar back under control. She’s getting her regular doses of insulin and a third kind which is supposed to take some of the “swing” out of her sugar numbers. She’s down to the low 300’s (still high, but doing much better). Hopefully, if all goes well tonight, she’ll be in her own room by tomorrow.

So, fluid on the lungs... not good! I have read about some of the reasons and it scares the crap out of me! And they are hoping to move her to a regular room sometime today… which is good cause I really need to see my mommy. I cry at the drop of the hat and it’s hard to focus on everything I need to get done. Trying to stay strong, help everyone, take care of everything, and answer all the phone calls is proving a tough battle. My mother is one tough cookie, let me tell ya! I’ve always respected my mom (and dad) and everything they have done, but this… wow!

I do have a bit of “normalicy” for you today. As you know, today is Earth Day and there are actually some things you can get for free today. Also I hope you are planting some trees out there peeps! Go to this Yahoo Article and see some of the free stuff you can get today… from tote bags to hats to park admissions! And don't forget to go to HEB today with your 5 plastic bags for a free reusable shopping bag!

Ok, I’m trying to keep myself busy as best I can really. I have washed 18 loads of laundry, painted all their door jams, cooked, cleaned, fed and watered animals, and tons of other things. Keeping myself busy keeps me from sitting here balling constantly. I think I will be much better when I can see her. Until then, it’s the jelly brained busy bee for me! My mom surprised me by going online, before all of this happened, and bought the fabric I wishlisted on Amazon for my kitchen! I should never have taught her how to pull that up LOL! So now, my kitchen will be extra super special because she bought it for me. She said it was a “thank you” for all I have done. No thanks necessary! So maybe I will work with that some… of course maybe not cause I might just cry all over it! Not sure yet… just have to see what the day holds. I might just go and wash more clothes and such… which I really should do! Yea I think I will. DH can take care of this house today! Anyway, let me get off here and try to get moving. Thank you all again for such kindness you continue to express! HUGS!

VERY BAD NEWS

Morning kids. I hope this message finds you well this morning. I cannot say the same here unfortunately. A lot of things have happened and they are pretty bad, so I am here to let you know that today (and probably for the next few days at least) I won't be posting any happy go lucky jokes or even crafts and recipes... it would be a good time for you to maybe catch up on what you may have missed, etc.

You see, as you know my mother had a dr. appt. Monday and a special procedure scheduled for yesterday. Well the procedure could not be done and in trying, she had a seizure and is now in the hospital in critical condition. She is intebated and on a ventilator and they have to keep her sedated for now. As of last night they were trying to get a bed for her in ICU. It is a very scary time for our family right now.

To make matters worse (I know how much worse can they get right?), someone had the audacity to call CPS on me and tell them that my DS14 stinks... DO WHAT? So they talked to my daughter and she was flabbergasted and even the social worker said she didn't know why she was called and it was absurd! So I have to go through all of this bull crap while worrying about my mom! It has NOT been a good 24 hours.

So I am going to get off here and head out to see if my mom's condition has changed. I will talk to you all soon. Please pray, send good wishes, whatever you can do... as she really needs them right now! HUGS!

ENERGIZED

Good morning children. How are you doing this day of days. I am dragging but what else is new LOL! Mom’s got a doctor appointment today, so I am going to go over and straighten and work at her house while the DH works on ours.

I am sad to report that I didn’t continue cooking yesterday after the kids went to school. Having taken my meds, I laid on the couch and took a nap. I guess my body needed the extra sleep. By the time I woke up, it was time to go get the kids and then I headed out to my mom’s house. I’m heading out there today too to work all day, so I won’t be cooking and crafting until maybe after I get home.

My DD went and told my other “band kids” that I hurt myself real bad, so now I have them rallied to help me around the house and such as well. They all came out to the car yesterday when I was picking my DD and DS18 and were “checking” on me LOL! They are some good kids, let me tell ya… I’ve trained them well LMAO!! They have the Spring concert coming up, so I am seeing some jam sessions coming soon. Good thing I am doing mass cooking right? Tons of hungry teenagers in the house is always a dangerous thing LOL!

OK now with me on the go constantly, I have been looking for ways to both lose weight and have enough energy to make it through everything that is going on lately. So, I have been researching and I found this article on yahoo… tell me what you think.

10 Breakfasts that Slim and Energize
By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Wed, Apr 14, 2010, 1:48 am PDT

Did you eat breakfast today? If your answer is yes—good job!—you’ve already done something pretty fantastic for both your weight and your health and your desire to slim down for spring! Breakfast eaters consume fewer calories and less saturated fat through the day than those who don’t have a morning meal, research shows. Morning munchers also have flatter abs and a lower risk for heart disease.
For these reasons and others, I’m a big fan of breakfast. In fact, I sometimes have two—a quick bite before my workout and then a fiber- and calcium-filled “second breakfast,” such as my favorite parfait of Greek yogurt, granola and fruit, at the office a couple of hours later. A high-fiber, calcium-rich mix of whole grains, protein (including eggs and dairy) and fruit keeps my energy up and my weight down.
If you want quick, healthy breakfasts you can whip up before dashing out of the house, post this list of 350-calorie meals on your fridge door. (Don’t let cholesterol worries keep you away from the egg options—research shows you can eat up to three eggs daily without raising LDL, the harmful cholesterol.) Get set to rise and shine—and slim!

SPEEDY WEEKDAY BREAKFASTS (about 350 calories each)

Breakfast Burrito
Cook 1 Amy's Breakfast Burrito as directed on package. Top with 2 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt. Serve with 1 orange.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Order 1 Starbucks Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon and Egg Whites English Muffin sandwich.

Cream Cheese, Fig and Nut Wrap
Roll up a whole-wheat wrap with 2 tbsp light cream cheese, 4 dried fig halves and 2 tbsp chopped walnuts.

Cherry-Vanilla-Almond Smoothie
Blend together 1 cup frozen cherries, half a medium banana, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt and 1 tbsp sliced almonds. Add a few ice cubes to make it more frothy.

Strawberry Almond Oatmeal
Prepare 1 packet instant plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup skim milk instead of water. Top with 3/4 cup frozen strawberries, thawed; 2 tbsp sliced almonds and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

Apricot, Almond and Ricotta Toast
Spread 2 slices whole-wheat toast each with 2 tbsp part-skim ricotta and 1 tsp apricot preserves; top each slice with 1 1/2 tsp sliced almonds.

5-Minute Egg and Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Crack 1 egg into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a paper towel and microwave until egg is cooked through and not runny. Layer 1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light cheese, egg, 2 oz smoked salmon and 1/4 cup raw baby spinach on a Whole Wheat Arnold Sandwich Thin. Serve with 1large apple.

LEISURELY WEEKEND BREAKFASTS (about 350 calories each)

Portobello and Pesto Egg Scramble
In a medium sauté pan, cook 1 sliced portobello mushroom cap with 1/4 cup chopped red onion in 1 tsp olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Whisk 4 egg whites with 1 tbsp water and add to pan. Scramble mixture over medium heat until eggs are no longer runny; add salt and pepper to taste. Just before removing from heat, fold in 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella and 1 tsp prepared pesto. Serve with 1 slice whole-wheat toast.

Peanut Butter Waffle-wich
Top one toasted whole-grain waffle with 2 tsp peanut butter, 2⁄3 cup sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top with another whole-grain waffle. Serve with a café au lait made with 4 ounces coffee mixed with 4 oz steamed skim milk.

Spinach and Smoked Gouda Egg Sandwich
Sauté 1 cup fresh spinach with olive oil cooking spray until wilted (add pepper and garlic powder if desired); set spinach aside. In same pan, fry 1 egg plus 1 egg white in cooking spray until no longer runny. Top eggs with 2 tbsp shredded smoked Gouda. Sandwich eggs, cheese and spinach between 2 sides of a toasted whole-wheat English muffin. Serve with 1 orange.

Some of those don’t sound too appealing to me, but hey… at this point I’m willing to give it a shot! Now let’s talk crafts! We have 2 more days until Earth Day, and I hope you have been enjoying the recycled craft ideas. I have another one for you today that I just thought was super cute (and just happen to fit with my recipe discussion too… LOL Go figure!).



Craft Idea of the Day: Chopstick Wrapper Bookmark

Materials:

2 Pretty Chopstick wrappers
1 Piece of Card stock or Oaktag Paper
A Pencil
Scissors
A Glue stick
Clear Packing Tape
Standard Hole Punch
Grommet & Grommet Installation Tool
A tassel

Directions:

These are very easy to make and are fabulous for small last minute gifts, housewarming trinkets and even stocking stuffers during the holidays! Ready to get started?

Take one of the chopstick wrappers and trace it with a pencil on your piece of oaktag or cardstock paper.
Cut out the cardstock that you've just traced and use the glue stick to glue both chopstick wrappers to it, one wrapper on each side of the paper.

Set it aside and allow it to dry for about an hour. Use clear packing tape to laminate each side of the bookmark. Do one side at a time and then use the scissors to trim away any excess plastic.

Use a hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of the bookmark where you would like to place the grommet.
Lastly attach the grommet with the grommet tool and then string the tassel through the center and tie it on.

Cut off any excess string.

Tips & hints: There are lovely grommets in all kinds of colors and styles in the scrapbooking aisles at your local craft store, so experiment with different looks that strike your fancy!

Ok, its time to munch! WOOHOO! Ok, I’ve already confessed I have this Asian thing ya know… well today’s dish I have seen my mother eat at Szechaun a lot so I searched for a at-home DIY and I finally found one. Of course, to please mother’s palate, there will be a few changes, but the concept is the same. Check this out!



Moo Goo Gai Pan

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 pound snow peas
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 pound sliced bok choy
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
3/4 cup skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - thinly sliced
1 teaspoon white wine
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, and bok choy; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the wok and wipe the wok clean.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok. Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook a few seconds until the garlic begins to turn golden brown. Stir in the chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, sugar, and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and stir into the simmering sauce. Once the sauce returns to a simmer, stir until thick and clear, about 30 seconds. Return the vegetables to the wok and toss until hot and coated with the sauce.

OK kids, that’s it for me today. I gotta get myself out of here and go help out around mom’s place with laundry and such. I will chat with all my fellow blogheads tomorrow! Peace, Love, and lots of HUGS!

WATER SLIDE

Morning everyone… how are you doing this disgustingly rainy day? The rain delayed itself a couple of days so that I could go to the Market YAY! But yesterday and today it dealt me a pretty rough hand, so I’m not doing so great really. But yet, we trek on… yesterday was super cooking day- despite my little mishap!



The day started out great! Once I got off here chatting with all of you, it was straight to the kitchen! We started by boiling pasta and blanching/steaming broccoli. Is that not the greenest broccoli you have ever seen? The picture does not do it any justice! I mean that stuff was sparkling emerald green when I took it out of the pot!



When the pasta was cooking, I was busy chopping! I got a hold of some zucchini and some yellow squash. Drained the garden pasta, dropped the next pasta in and threw the veggies in with a little zesty oil and voila! Yummy pasta salad! Healthy and delicious! Very good vegetarian meal if you ask me!



So we’re chopping…. And chopping… and we mix up some Broccoli Cheese Rice and some Asparagus Casserole. Pop them in the oven and let them bake. Gotta have sides for my meals... Doesn't that look delish with those toasted golden french fried onions on top? YUM! (Of course I could eat those things right out of the can LOL!) Then I hollowed out the zucchini and stuffed them with a sausage mix… AHH yummy Stuffed Zucchini Boats! Pop them in the oven and let them bake!



OK second batch of pasta is done. SPAGHETTI yummy! Throw the meat sauce in the pot and stir it up! About that time the Zuke Boats are ready, so I pull them out. Oh geez… YUM!

I had some chicken legs marinating in some Hawaiian season, so I threw those in the oven. I make a pot of mashed potatoes and heat up a few various canned veggies. Time to start plating! Crud… I have to run to the store because I am out of a couple spices, oil, and a few other things… While the chicken bakes, I start cutting beef and onions and such… peasant goulash coming up! But where’s the cocoa? Ah hidden… ok that pot is going and I pull the chicken out. Time to run to the store!

Well, as I said, it was raining. I was wearing flip flops (because they are all I can get on because my feet were so swollen) so I grabbed my keys and purse and I am out the door. Rain and very slippery wooden steps do NOT mix! I slide down ALL the stairs with the rain beating on me. My big toe bends forward and I land at the base ON it still forward… my leg goes numb cause that is my bad hip side anyway all the while my OTHER side is pulsing and throbbing from being beaten on the way down! It was like a big water slide, only not so fun! I am screaming in pain and I hear my DH running out of the house screaming at me to hold on he’s coming. Apparently he heard me fall. And my neighbor (the deacon) comes running to help too… not sure where she came from! She’s like Batman… comes out of nowhere LOL! Oh God, I hope she didn’t see me fall like an idiot! DH picks me up and gets me inside as he thanks the neighbor.



Ok, so I’m inside and crying and screaming and hyperventilating because of the pain and I am soaking wet! Oh geez, find me some dry clothes! DH trys handing me like 40 million different things and I’m like I’m too fat, that’s too heavy, etc. LOL… DD comes in and finds me a shirt… ahh thank you now get out- my butt is wet! LOL! DH takes a picture of the back of my thigh… pretty isn’t it? And just think, this is like no more than 10 minutes after it happened! Its much larger and darker this morning… and I have 3 other ones just like it- including a nasty one on my lower back! I look at my foot and it’s deep purple and swollen like crazy. I’m pretty sure it’s broken! I’ve had plenty of broken bones before and this one is swollen, purple, numb, and yet so painful… yea that sucker is toast! Ok so what, I gotta deal with it! I wrap it up, get dressed, and take some meds… and grab my cane out of the closet. NOW I H-A-V-E to go to the store!!! Family and foods are depending on me! It took a lot longer than normal, but I got it done… although I did have to ride a cart through the store!



Ok, so I get home and drop in another batch of pasta… egg noodles this time! Draining and straining (while sitting now) and mixing. Now I got some kitchen helpers LOL! Throw it together and into a pan… YUMMY Tuna Casserole! Maybe they can make it last a little longer this time… yea right LOL!



While that bakes I am slicing pork… and celery, and shredding carrots, and chopping broccoli LOL! Remember that jar of Planters I got at HEB the other day and didn’t know what I would use them in? Well I toasted those and used them too. Any clue? Yep… Pork Stir-fry!! YUMMY! Isn’t that just a Pot of Perfect Prettiness? LMAO! And it tasted good at that!

After the stir-fry, I plated and labeled the Goulash, the stir-fry, and everything else while the gang washed the dishes for me. I throw it in the freezer and start on the next group! I sliced sausage for jambalaya… ok that’s going. I cut more onion, celery, apples, and shredded carrot… mulligatawny soup… ok got that going! Slicing peppers and throwing together some spicy refried bean soup… ok that’s going too! I cooked until about 10:30pm last night, despite of my super ouch crash & burn! This is what I ended up with:

1. Pasta Salad
2. Spaghetti with meat sauce (to be paired with fresh salad and garlic toast)
3. Hawaiian Chicken Legs, Mashed potatoes, and green beans
4. Beef Goulash. Over noodles with Aparagus Casserole and Carrots
5. Pork Stir-fry with rice (and a fortune cookie if I can go get them)
6. Zucchini boats with broccoli cheese rice and corn
7. Mulligatawny soup
8. Spicy Refried Bean Soup
9. Jambalaya
10. Tuna Casserole

And I still have more cooking to do! Can you believe it? 10 complete meals in 14 hours minus a 3-4 hours oopsy time LOL! I figure that’s a great variety there… Fish/Seafood, Pork, Beef, Chicken, and Vegan. Pretty good for a day’s work (half of it being in a chair mind you!) Can’t tell you what else I have to do though LOL!

Ok its time to craft… repurposing, or recycling, is a good way to show little kids (or big kids too) a couple of valuable life lessons if you ask me. First you are teaching them not to give up on something (or someone). Next, be unique… how many kids do you think will be wearing a soda can tab belt? Not many I’ll tell you that! Then of course you have the obvious one of helping the environment. And finally- frugality! Recycling or repurposing things is a great way to save money! See, didn’t think recycling was so great, did ya? LOL! Well today’s craft is a new way to use old cookie baking sheets. Perhaps the non stick coating isn’t all that great and you don’t want to use them anymore… repurpose them! Cookie sheets/trays are not just for cookies anymore? Who would have thought that you could use a cookie sheet/tray for home decor? Cookie sheets can double as a message/magnet board for your kitchen, office or bedroom. The altered cookie sheet/tray craft can be new or you can recycle an old cookie sheet that doesn't work for your baking needs anymore. Use the altered cookie sheet to create a one of a kind message board for any room in the home.



Craft Idea of the Day: Cookie Tray Message Board

Materials:

Large cookie sheet 17x19 (non-aluminum steel works well)
Scrapbook paper or contact paper
Adhesive (spray adhesive works well)
Embellishments (ribbon, glitter, stickers, stamps and ink, etc.)
Large chipboard letters
Scissors or paper trimmer
Magnets

Directions:

Step 1: Trim the paper to fit the inside of the cookie sheet. Start with a 12x12 sheet of scrapbook paper and trim to size. You will need two sheets in order to cover the entire inside of the cookie sheet. Cut strips of paper to fit on the two ends of the cookie sheet (top and bottom of the magnet board).

Step 2: Spray the adhesive on the back of the paper or on the inside of the pan. Next, gently place the paper on the inside of the cookie sheet paying close attention to the edges of the cookie sheet that you get the paper lined up evenly. The adhesive will have a little bit of give for a few minutes so if you get the paper in the wrong place then quickly and carefully peel it up and put it back down in the correct position. Once the adhesive sets the paper will be there for good.

Step 3: Smooth out the paper making sure there are no wrinkles. Use your embellishments to decorate the inside of the cookie sheet.

Step 4: Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to go the length of the cookie sheet and cover the seam between the two pieces of paper. Cut another piece of ribbon (about 8-inches), thread it though the hole in the top of the cookie sheet, tie it in a knot and use it to hang the message board on the wall or door.

Step 5: Use large chipboard letters to spell out a word at the top of the cookie sheet. You can personalize the message/magnet board by spelling out a name or another word. (example board says: "NOTES"). Decorate the chipboard letters with patterned paper, stamps or glitter to make the letters stand out. (example board: letters are stamped and inked around the edges).

Step 6: Adhere letters to the cookie sheet with a strong adhesive like glue dots. Place the letters evenly across the top or bottom of your message board. Give it some character by placing the letters at different angles across the length of the cookie sheet.

Step 7: Hang the finished message/magnet board on the wall and use magnets to display important messages for yourself or others.

Other variations:

Use the decorated cookie sheet as a picture frame. Display pictures on the inside of the cookie sheet (much like a scrapbook page).

Use the board in a bedroom to display certificates of achievement or other documents. Personalize it with a name or word describing the achievement.

Use the cookie sheet magnet board to house a chore chart in the kitchen where each person can check off their jobs.

I thought that was the coolest thing when I saw it and I had to share it with you! Now it is time to eat… and I know I have been eating like crazy the last couple of days. Yes I know why and no I can’t tell you LOL! I will be glad when the cravings leave in a few days! Until then I am destined to eat everything in the house LOL! Now this one was inspired by the boxes of veggies staring me in the face in my kitchen. I know some of my readers are also vegetarians out there and I wanted to give them a slow cooker idea to enjoy!



Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

1 (19 ounce) can black bean soup
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can chopped tomatoes in puree
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine black bean soup, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper and celery. Season with garlic, chili powder, parsley, oregano and basil. Cook for at least two hours on High.

Ok kids, its time for me to get off here, go take my morning meds, and get to work! I will see you all here tomorrow for some more crafts, great food, and interesting adventures! Until tomorrow… HUGS!

MARKET WARES

Good morning everyone. How are you doing this muggy morning? I’m ok. Got a few things on my mind that are making me a little space cadet, but I’ll get to thinking straight soon enough. I want to thank everyone for the comments and emails about my mom. I will pass your messages on to her when I talk to her next!



Well after running my errands yesterday, we went to the big Farmers Market. Let me tell ya we went nuts! They had some incredible sales so we stocked up on just about anything and everything! This was our haul. We got a 25lb. bag of carrots, a 25lb. bag of red onions, a 20lb. bag of grapefruit, 2 big bags of peanuts, 2 ribs of celery, 2 flats of strawberries, a pineapple, 2 bunches of green onion golf balls LOL, 5lbs. of yellow onions, 8 cucumbers, 8 zucchini, 8 yellow squash, 8 green bell peppers, 8 red bell peppers, 16 green apples, 1 Jicama, 7 round zucchini, 14 pounds of jumbo yams, 1 huge cabbage, 10 pounds of bananas, 10 lbs. of broccoli, 10 lbs. of Roma tomatoes, 3lbs. of fresh jalapenos, 1 small personal watermelon, 4 pounds of green beans, 2 lbs. baby new potatoes, 4 pounds fresh okra, 2 bags of radishes, 1- 2lb. 1015 onion, 5lbs. of grapes (both red and green), another 6lbs of carrots (long story LOL), 7 avocados, and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeeeeeeeee! LOL!



Ok, let me tell you about this carrot LOL. I bought the 25lb. bag in the main market right? Real cheap… so I am walking around back with the small vendors and I see this bag of carrots… with one in there that could choke Godzilla! I HAD to have it LOL! The carrots in that bag were about 6lbs, but for only a $1 I HAD to get it LOL! It’s a Goliath carrot… 12 inches long and 8in. around at the thickest part, so about 3 inches in diameter! This thing is flippin’ HUGE!



You Ever see a yam this big? This was one of the smaller ones! Over 9 inches long and 11.5in. around! Like I said, these were some of the smaller ones I found in the bin!



This ugly monster is called a Jicama (hi-ka-mah). Jicama is a crispy, sweet, edible root that resembles a turnip in physical appearance, although the plants are not related. Jicama has been cultivated in South America for centuries, and the vegetable is quite popular in Mexican cuisine. Jicama has a unique flavor that lends itself well to salads, salsas, and vegetable platters. The roots can sometimes grow to be quite large, although when they exceed the size of two fists, they begin to convert the sugars that give jicama its sweet flavor into starches, making the root somewhat woody to the taste. Jicama is actually a legume, and it grows on vines that may reach 20 feet (six meters) in length. The vines tend to hug the ground, terminating in tubers that may grow up to 50 pounds (22 kilograms) in size, although the majority of jicama roots sent to market are approximately three to four pounds (1.3-2 kilograms) in weight. Before eating, the coarse brown outer layer of the jicama should be peeled to reveal the white inside. When choosing jicama at the store, look for medium sized, firm tubers with dry roots. Do not purchase jicama that has wet or soft spots, which may indicate rot, and don't be drawn to overlarge examples of the tuber, because they may not be as flavorful. Jicama will keep under refrigeration for up to two weeks. Jicama is excellent raw and is sometimes eaten plain. It can also be used as a substitute for water chestnut in Chinese dishes, in which case it should be thrown in right before serving. Jicama also appears in stews, juiced drinks, stuffings, and a variety of other recipes. In addition to having a unique flavor and texture, jicama takes flavor well, making it well suited to culinary experimentation. Jicama is a great source of vitamin c and is fat free—making it a superb on-the-go snack.



These are some big old green onions I found from the private vendors in the back. The bulbs, as you can see are bigger than golf balls. I measured one of the bigger bulbs… 6 1/4in. around!



Seeing as the last time I had a berry bandit attack my box of strawberries, I went ahead and bought 2 flats yesterday LOL! So that’s about 16 pints of strawberries. Of course, I feel the Berry Bandit right on my heels and a pint (or so LOL) has already disappeared! I can’t catch him though… he’s a quick little sucker LOL!



This is just one of the cucumbers that we got… HUGE! It is the same size as the monster carrot! 12in. long and 3 in. in diameter! It’s crazy! AND on top of that, they were on sale for 50 cents each!



This is the monster 1015 onion I found. It weighed 2 pounds by itself. The DH kept calling it my “baby’s head” onion because it is literally as big as a baby’s head! LOL! Can you imagine the size onion rings you could get out of this sucker? LMAO!

We also paid a visit to the Spice Shop and the Bakery… oh big mistake! I got some churros and brought them home. When I bit into the first one , I did not know that they had caramel filling in them! OMG!!!!! I died and went to sweet treat heaven! I ate them all and didn’t share them with anyone LOL! I know… shame shame on me! (Guess who didn’t take her blood sugars last night cause she KNEW the numbers were gonna skyrocket?! LMAO All in all it was a good day at the market! A very good “OMG-you-came-on-monster-produce-harvest” day! LMAO



I also stopped by H-E-B. and got some of those Okra Snax I was telling you about along with some of the other deals. I let my brothers try them and they liked them so I got them one, and then everyone in my house loved them (I can’t keep them out of them!), so I got us one. And then I bought one for my mom… That’s a lot of okra! LOL! I also picked up the deals on the bread, the donuts, the hot dogs, and a few other things. I had coupons for 75 cents off Ronzoni pasta too, and guess what was on sale for $1 a box? YEP 25 cents a box for Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta… I can deal with that! Same with Idahoan pouch potatoes… on sale 4 for $1 and I had coupons!! WOOHOO! And then the piece de resistance!!! They had LIVE CRAWFISH on sale! OMG I shouldn’t… I shouldn’t… but I did! LOL!



Guess who came to dinner? LMAO yea you guessed it! Last minute crawfish boil! The gang stayed outside purging the crawfish while I was inside prepping veggies and putting stuff away… well putting it away the best I could LOL! (I think that’s when the Berry Bandit followed me into the kitchen LOL!)

Well that was our day and our finds. I got a $10 Kohls card in the mail yesterday too, so I am gonna go see what I can find there in the next few days too LOL! Hey I like free stuff! Now its time to focus on today and all the wonderfully yummy dishes I can make with these items. Of course, there are some of them… just so large I don’t want to cut them LOL. I want to marvel at the sheer size of them! LOL! Kidding. So you guessed it, today is cooking and chopping and kitchen dancing! Of course, I will probably try to do some crafting while each meal is cooking. Which leads me to the idea for you.. I give you the:



Craft Idea for the Day: Soup Can Cup

Materials:

1 Campbell's Soup can 10.75oz pop top type
6 cardboard disc 3.5" dia.
6 cardboard disc 2.5" dia.
6 cardboard strips 1/2" x 5"
1 cabinet knob with screw
2 small brads
Two part epoxy, white glue, walnut stain, and amber shellac

Directions:

1. Cut 6 disc from shoe box cardboard 3.5" dia, glue disc together with white glue(make sure to leave plain surface face on both sides) place a weight on top to clamp.

2. Cut 6 disc from same type cardboard 2.5" and glue together to form lid.

3. Cut 6 strips of same material 1/2" wide and 5" long, glue together and bend into the shape of the handle as in photos, let dry in this shape, round off ends when dry and punch small hole at both ends for small brad.

4. Sand all the assembled cardboard pieces(make sure to sand out any glue marks to allow staining), and stain all pieces.

5. Attach the handle to the side of soup can and larger disc to bottom of can with 2 part epoxy.

6. Cut both brads off(just long enough to go the handle, not the can) so that they can be placed into the holes in the handle to give the look of rivets.

7. Drill hole in center of smaller disc and attach cabinet knob(I used a clear metal knob, but you could use a wood knob, the metal colors the same as can when shellac is applied) the screw may have to be shortened with hack saw.

8. Apply about 4 0r 5 coats of amber shellac(the amber shellac creates the bronze look as in photo) to all assemblies.

9. Allow cup and lid to dry completely before putting together.

Isn’t that pretty cool? I thought it was neat when I saw it, and it keeps with the Earth Day/Week recycling theme! Now let me ask you… are you hungry? Here is a dish that has absolutely no meat… a vegetarian dish if you will. BUT your carnivorous little bunch will never miss it! I urge even those who do not normally like eggplant to try it. You might be amazed!



Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients

3 eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

Sweat eggplant in a bowl of water with some sea salt added for approximately 30 minutes to remove bitterness.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.

In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Alright kids, I have tons of produce and such calling my name in the kitchen, so I need to get off of here and get to work. I will see you all back here tomorrow to see what I made ok? Until then… HUGS!