Seven Super Summers

Spring is here!

2011-03-02T08:51:00.001-06:00

Because nothing seems more welcoming than soft yellow daffodils

How to properly fall asleep

2011-02-26T22:39:00.001-06:00

While visions of Krispy Kremes danced in her head. Now those are some sweet dreams happening.

A Bubbling Pot of Love

2011-02-12T18:41:00.001-06:00

It may look like cauliflower but it's bubbling homemade dumplings, my Duane's all time favorite dinner. Each year the kids and I enjoy a bowl of love on Duane's birthday.

Snow Cream Sundaes

2011-02-01T20:03:00.002-06:00

Blizzards in Oklahoma make being a mom pretty dang fun. Today the seven monkeys and I feasted on Doctor Who, the tub 'o cheese balls, and these homemade snow cream sundaes. They were so easy, light and yummy. By simply adding 1/2 milk, 1/4 sugar and 1 t vanilla to 4 heaping cups of clean, fresh snow you get the cool mom award, the creative mom award, the our mom totally rocks award. Yep, that's me today, the cool, creative and totally rocking mom of seven.

Winter storm preparation

2011-01-31T21:26:00.002-06:00

Winter storm preparation

what you get when momma prepares for snowmagedan, a great big tub of cheeseballs

Gotta get a little life on ya

2011-01-25T18:29:00.001-06:00

Because Emma was "planting" her leaves and sticks wanting a tree to grow. Smile and wash her up, what else can a mom do?

2011-01-22T19:45:00.001-06:00

The Joys of Childhood

2011-01-22T11:32:00.001-06:00

Finally enough snow to make a proper snow angel. The day is now complete, well add some hot chocolate, now it's complete.

Raiding the Fridge

2011-01-14T21:04:00.001-06:00

Even the pug goes to the fridge and stares. Actually we hide our OCD dogs chew toys in the fridge, he's just a little nuts-o. Definitely a Summers family pet.

Playtime

2011-01-13T19:05:00.001-06:00

Because you're never to old to play Barbies with your little sisters.

What strange things humor my children and the embarrassment I feel.

2011-01-08T08:52:00.001-06:00

Because when Jack brought home this well intended energy saving gift the comments from my children was hysterical. Al Gore thanks for being the butt of our jokes last night, it was a blast!! Now to teach my little mongrels that energy conservation can save some money on the utilities.

Sitting on the ledge

2011-01-06T13:46:00.001-06:00

Because this sweet request made me smile, "Jack will you lift me up so I can sit by the window? " She giggled with delight as they sat by the window together.

The last of my First Haircuts

2010-12-29T20:40:00.000-06:00

Day 41-Because my 3 year old baby Emma finally grew enough hair to warrant a trim, and a trim was all we could get too. Grow hair, grow grow grow!!!

*Side note- Christmas stress got the best of me so no daily smiles were sought out, but they did occur in plenty. Merry late Christmas friends.

Mommy's little helpers

2010-12-29T15:53:00.002-06:00

Day 40- Because making shortbread cookies would not be the same without my littlest ladies "helping " momma.

Secret Santa Surprise

2010-12-20T22:08:00.000-06:00

Day 39- For the yummiest looking chocolate Christmas house that was left on our front porch.

Enjoyed his lunch

2010-12-20T14:42:00.001-06:00

Day 38- Because Jack likes ketchup almost as much as his daddy. Shirt, face and lots in his timmy.

Spreading some of my vast knowledge

2010-12-17T21:15:00.001-06:00

Because you can never have enough ranch dressing with your pepperoni pizza.

My Creative Ghost

2010-12-16T22:34:00.001-06:00

Day 37- For the little girl booing in the hallway while her siblings were trying to go to sleep.

Oodles of Little Gingerbread Men

2010-12-15T22:00:00.002-06:00

Day 36- Because I'm an awesome mom and helped my 14 get extra credit in his German I class. They be yummy little suckers too.

Comfy Cozy

2010-12-14T21:27:00.001-06:00

Day 35- My pillow. Enough said.

How would you like to come home to this....

2010-12-13T21:03:00.001-06:00

Day 34- Grace doing dishes, happily, without threat, suggestion, or coercion. This week she has done at least 5 loads of towels and washed dishes 3 times and she's done it all with a smile.

Family Traditions

2010-12-12T12:57:00.001-06:00

Day 33- Because what would the holiday season be without the annual performance of The Nutcracker.

Mommy/Julie Makeovers

2010-12-11T19:19:00.001-06:00

Day 32- For the fantastic Makeovers my wonderful RS Pres and i had and because i was too chicken to show you the actual end results. Hannah is my energetic gal and Julie is super loving and patient.

My Little Marilyn

2010-12-10T21:39:00.002-06:00

Day 31 part two- Because this was way to funny to pass up, Hannah standing on an air vent letting the air fly up her skirt. HA!

P.S.- one month down 11 more to go and I'm loving this positive attitude jazz! Even on stinky days finding the smiles really help.

Jackson 5

2010-12-10T18:23:00.002-06:00

Day 31- Because "Santa Claus is comin' to town, oooh oh yeah, Santa Claus is comin' to town! " always brightens my soul.

My Oboe Gal's Premiere Performance

2010-12-09T18:52:00.001-06:00

Day 30- Because in that sea of 7 th graders there is Katie getting ready to play in concert for the first time her oboe. Excitement is an understatement!

It Took Me All Day

2010-12-08T21:46:00.000-06:00

Day 29- Because i searched and searched all day trying to find that one thing that made me smile and FINALLY I found it! My children. Simple. Sweet. All seven of my babies.

We've been hit with that Mr. Barf Bug once again and it's not pretty. For some reason puke always happens around 1:30 a.m. in our house and it hit last night in pairs. I'm tired, cranky, hating barf and ready to go to bed. I was struggling to find that bit of happiness to journal about. Oh I was looking. I looked at my chocolate, nah. I looked at the laundry accomplished, nah. Not one thing really was cracking my cranky attitude.

And then I found it. We had tithing settlement tonight and the middle children and I (for the two oldest and the youngest at the moment are the pukers) met with our Bishop and oh all I could do was inwardly and outwardly giggle at my children (and secretly pray that Hannah didn't make some oddball confession like "mom yells a lot and that's why she can't sing high anymore" which I hate to report, yes she did blurt that out). Yet despite the 5 year old family secrets divulging, they made me smile. It was the mix between Bishop almost getting whiplash from moving his head back and forth between conversations and Katie showing him how she goes on point, to Hannah (yes again) saying "your legs are criss cross applesauce! Why are you sitting criss cross applesauce?"

They brightened my mucky day and made me glad I have so many goofy kids to call me momma. Yep, my kids, I love 'em!

Major Milestone

2010-12-07T17:40:00.001-06:00

Day 28- For the number seen on my scale this morning. I've not smiled so big at 6:30 am.

Happy Feet

2010-12-06T18:06:00.001-06:00

Day 27- Because our little nuthead, yes that goofy nuthead ia excited about going up in size for her point shoes. Leave it to Katie!

The Happiest Sounds

2010-12-05T20:17:00.002-06:00

Day 26-For making me look up while making dinner because the sweet sounds of my babies playing monopoly was music to my ears.

Belated Birthday Present

2010-12-04T14:17:00.001-06:00

Day 24- For time spent with Te-te and Uncle Ben, mario kart, pizza, baby Zack all to himself, time well spent.

Date Night

2010-12-03T19:47:00.001-06:00

Day 24- Because i swear she's acting like she's never been to " Chick a lay" before. Her eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw the giant cup.

2010-12-02T21:22:00.000-06:00

Day 23-Because everyone should have this Pug sit on their head once and a while, just saying.

Today was kind of an off day. I woke grouchy, went to work out grouchy, even watched a sappy movie grouchily. That probably was my #1 mistake for the day, watching a sappy movie which in turn made me a tearful grouchy. To add to the Oscar syndrome I was cold and a little achy. While in the midst of my tearfully grouchiness I decided to grab a comfy blanket and curl up on the sofa to maybe help alleviate some of my ailments. It was just what the doctor ordered, not because of the rest or even warmth of the bundle it was because of this one pictured pug named Lincoln.

Lincoln's a real pug, 100% doofus. Some dogs do the butt drag, he does the butt spin. He releases his anal glands weekly (gross!), eats thanksgiving stuffing right out of the pan before it's had a chance to get put away and he violates our lovable golden retriever Copper on a regular basis. Despite all his puginess, I LOVE the little guy!

So back to my day. I was softly sobbing on the sofa(I'm fine now)when Lincoln decided to check out what all the hub bub was about. First thing to change my frown up side down was his little pug nose rapidly sniffing my eyes. Can dogs smell tears? Do tears smell? Things that make you go hmmmm....His sniffing is very intrusive since he really doesn't have a protruding nose so his whole pug face was in mine. Cuteness, it was, but that wasn't what made me all out laugh. The next thing I know I have a pug butt sitting on my head and all I could say was "oh PLEASE don't release your stink juice on my head Lincoln!". So he sat and sat and sat on my head for a good minute or two and as quickly as my tears came they were replaced with laughter. Oh and it felt sooo good to laugh.

That's exactly what my year long goal is all about, finding the little joy and laughter especially when I'm down. Having a pug butt on my head made my day! Everyone should get a Lincoln, I'm so glad I have a Lincoln, stinky butt juice and all.

Afternoon Date

2010-12-01T14:23:00.001-06:00

Day 22-For going to the movies with my baby and enjoying all the giggles, popcorn and mom and daughter time.

Shhhh..... It's a Secret!

2010-11-30T21:22:00.001-06:00

Day 21- For conversations held in the car on the way home from scouts, secret conversations, ones about a girl, a girl he likes. These conversations make me smile.

Just keep telling yourself

2010-11-29T17:52:00.001-06:00

Day 29- Because with each squeak I keep telling myself "scholarship scholarship scholarship " over and over and over....

Molly's Lights

2010-11-28T20:59:00.001-06:00

Day 19- She worked so hard, strung all the lights she could reach, even shed a few tears of frustration and joy and yet she still wants more lights. That's her daddy's little girl.

Christmas Sneakery

2010-11-27T20:01:00.001-06:00

Day 18- For rearranging Grammy's Noel decoration every year to recognize the little guy in the manger right next-door.

In Her Daddy's Footsteps

2010-11-26T14:30:00.002-06:00

Day 17-Because Molly wants to do this for her daddy so she's putting up the house Christmas lights and doesn't want any help.

Traditions

2010-11-25T12:23:00.002-06:00

Day 16-Thanksgiving, the day to be truly thankful for all we have, for all we love, for all we've sacrificed and lost. This day i am thankful.

Each year my father starts the Thanksgiving dinner with the humble reminder of the very first Thanksgiving feast. The first harsh winter after the pilgrims settled in the new world seeking the freedoms to worship their God, they lost a little over half the settlements souls to illness and desolate conditions. The food supply was so scarce that some days only 3 kernels of corn were rationed for the days food. With the knowledge from the Native Americans teaching them about this new land they survived and lived to create and flourish in their new land. Giving thanks to God for all they had, the food, the shelter, for the new world to worship him, for the lose of their loved ones now living with him, they gathered together and prayed thanks to Him for the abundance that laid before them. Today I am especially grateful for the hardships those first settlers of this great land went through. I give thanks for them, for their endurance and hard work to settle this great nation. So as I look at those three little kernels of corn I remember that it is worth the struggle, the hardships, that through adversity greatness always awaits. Happy Thanksgiving.

Scenes from a movie

2010-11-24T15:24:00.002-06:00

Day 15-Because just the mere sight of cooking your favorite Thanksgiving dish would send us into a reenactment of A Christmas Story, except eating uncooked stuffing won't give you worms.

I'm a foody, I love to cook it, smell it, think of it and of course eat it. Thanksgiving food in particular makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Duane on the other hand was not a foody. He loved my cooking, ate many a meals happily, but he did not drool, oogle, or even ramble on and on about food. EXCEPT.....for a few exceptions and my Thanksgiving stuffing is one of those exceptions. He would be in the kitchen snatching little tidbits here and there as I would be cooking the stuffing and to tell the truth the entire meal. A little slap of the hand was very much the norm every year. He couldn't keep his hands off the food.

I have quite enjoyed my new quest to find the joyful thoughts of Duane through out the year. I'm amazed at how frequently such little things make me think of him and all the things I know would bring a smile to his face, because they sure do bring a smile to mine. Gratitude is way more warm fuzzy than Thanksgiving stuffing. I'm so grateful for all the smiles my children bring to my face, for the dear family and friends that love me and for my Father in Heaven. Happy Thanksgiving!

My Little Pilgrim

2010-11-23T16:23:00.001-06:00

Day 14- For teaching about being thankful and the hardships the Pilgrims went through that first year in the new world.

McTherapy

2010-11-22T14:03:00.001-06:00

Because Emma was at Miss Kendyle's and the usual place and time was chucked aside for something a little more tasty. Best Friends are da bomb :)!

Fall Flavors

2010-11-21T11:25:00.002-06:00

Day 12-Because nothing tastes better on a crisp fall Sunday morning than pumpkin and cinnamon (and maybe a little honey butter too! )

Vy am I dripping vith goo?

2010-11-20T22:34:00.004-06:00

Day 11-Because I have two of your favorite things on my brain, Ghostbusters and coconut. Homemade German chocolate frosting you would've given up your first born for, sorry Molly.

Now why would one who has now seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows TWICE have Ghostbusters on the brain you might ask? Follow along if you can.

Last week I made Homemade German Chocolate Cake for my Grandpa's 89 birthday. It was divine, it was scrumdiddliumptious, it is still haunting me a week later. I had leftover frosting sitting in my fridge and my mom had a BRILLIANT idea to make them into German Chocolate Truffles, which now currently reside in my freezer. I love coconut but I also love Harry Potter which coincidentally have no relation what so ever, but thinking of ones loves leads to another love and just like the "If you give a Pig a Pancake" book Harry Potter will most definitely always end in coconut :). But where does Ghostbusters come into play? Well, look at the picture, does it not resemble goo? And when the word goo pops into my warped brain automatically I hear the line from Ghostbusters II when Janosz says "Why am I dripping with goo" but in his Eastern European accent. And there you have it why now Ghostbusters and coconut are on my brain and it's all because a mom went to see Harry Potter.

Phew, I'm exhausted from this mental whirlwind. I think I'll go nibble on a little German Chocolate Truffles now.

German Chocolate Frosting

1 c sugar

4 egg yolks

1 c evaporated milk

1/2 c butter

1 t vanilla extract

10 oz coconut

1 1/2 c finely chopped pecans

Combine sugar, egg yolks and evaporated milk in the top of a double boiler. Stir with a wire whisk until the yolks are fully incorporated. Add the butter. Place over the bottom part filled with simmering water and bring mixture to a boil. Simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Add the vanilla, coconut and nuts. Cool. Frost. Eat. Savor. Drool. Enjoy.

Katie caught a bug

2010-11-19T18:00:00.003-06:00

Day 10-Because the little girl who hated to read has finally found a book she talks on and on and on about.

My little warbler

2010-11-18T16:42:00.003-06:00

Day 9-Because when "pissmas" music comes on the radio miss Emma starts singing along oh so adorably

Happy Workers

2010-11-17T17:13:00.002-06:00

Day 8-For two little girls giddy about raking "big" piles of leaves.

Wishful Thinking

2010-11-16T18:22:00.002-06:00

Day 7- For sincerely wanting to eat this every day of my life and not tiring of its deliciousness.

May I introduce you to my new love. Move over chocolate, vamoose peanut butter, there's a new food in town and it's name is Plantain Soup. Yes dear reader those rotten looking banana thingies that you have no idea how to cook. Fried, yummy yes they are but a little to much oil for this girlish figure (Ha!) try made into a traditional Cuban soup. After watching an episode of Ingrid Hoffmann's Simply Delicioso I knew I had to give this soup a whirl. (Did you know I loved soup? Oh yes, maybe a close third to peanut butter.) With cilantro, a hint of lime, what's not to like. Give it a try, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Plantain Soup

2 t olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

6 or 7 c chicken broth

3 plantains, sliced

1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

2 bay leaves

1 t cumin

salt and pepper to taste

lime slices

Saute onion, carrots, celery and garlic in the olive oil until tender about 8 minutes. Add the chicken broth, plantains, bay leaves and cilantro. Add cumin and salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 45 minutes or until plantains are very tender.

Transfer half the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Add back to the soup and stir. Take a lime slice and squeeze juice over soup and garnish with cilantro if you want.

Oh so yummy, enjoy.

YUCK

2010-11-15T13:44:00.001-06:00

Day 6- Because you. would have thrown these suckers away a long time ago.

Name that child

2010-11-14T09:52:00.002-06:00

Day 5-Because in 6 weeks sleeping in on Sunday morning will be sorely missed.

I miss those days of just sleeping, simply stated, just sleeping. No reason to wake up, no bones that ache or child that has elbowed you 20+ times throughout the night and you just can't handle one more poke! No looking at the clock and reading 8:03 then instantly feeling that pain of guilt because you've slept too long and so much needs to be done. Oh those days, teenagedom.....ICK!!! Never mind give me the creaking joints, grey hair, elbows in ribs, guilt from sleeping in. I like my 30's, now 40 that's going to be another issue(Jessie ) =)

Beautiful Autumn Red

2010-11-13T10:48:00.001-06:00

Day 4-For the autumn blaze maple trees that you adored and ALWAYS make me think of you.

Feeding the masses or otherwise known as Dinner

2010-11-12T19:17:00.002-06:00

Day 3-For Friday night traditions started so many years ago.

Pizza and a movie is just as much a Summers Household staple as peanut butter and jelly. The week just wouldn't feel complete without a Friday night movie and picnic style in the living room pizza dinner. Some things just can't be tinkered with, enough said.

Day 2...Emma's Hair

2010-11-11T20:53:00.002-06:00

Because you wouldn't believe how funky lucky number sevens hair can get and DANG it can get funky! Little miss curly or "turly" as Emma calls them sure does get a good head of cotton candy hair worked up when she sleeps. Curly Shirley always makes me smile.

A Day in The Life. ... 365 days for dad

2010-11-10T11:22:00.002-06:00

Because you meant the world to us.

Needing to find joy, the positive side, the stinkin' silver lining, I've decided to find EACH day some snippet of sunshine Duane would enjoy. Today is Day 1 also November 10, 2010, two years since he physically left us to start his new assignment by our Heavenly Father. I earnestly want to fulfill this personal assignment, daily remembering to be grateful, finding those things that make me smile. I might completely fall flat on my patookie and go something like 80 days without posting but that is the task and I'm up to the challenge. Wish me luck and enjoy 365 days filled with the quirks of the Summers household; all seven nut heads, all three puppies, the weird food, the antics and of course me, the ringleader of all the chaos.

Cloudy With a Chance of Sneakers

2010-09-18T12:13:00.001-05:00

I love my large family, but occasionally shoe accumulation occurs. Now if only those could be meatballs, that would be a yummy site!

pioneer "giants " in their covered wagon

2010-07-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

Jack and Hannah

giddy up

Ben and Hannah heading out to nauvoo

Sometimes He Lets it Rain

2010-07-16T21:02:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was given a simple, quick reminder. Molly called me outside to watch a summer thunderstorm roll in, the clouds, the lightening, the deep yellowy orange, it was such beauty.

The storm only took around 20 minutes from start to finish, short and sweet and to the point. I watched the rain start, the wind pick up and the girls giggle with excitement as they danced in the rain getting soaked to the bone.

But it wasn't until the clouds parted and I thought of this classic quote about weathering storms, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass......

...... It's about learning to dance in the rain.", that I truely got the simple lessons from my Father in Heaven.

1. Don't wait, live your life now.

2.Enjoy each and every moment.

3.Get wet in the rain, chilled to the bone.

4.Wrap up in a blanket and cuddle with your kids.

5.At the end of the storm beauty is waiting, peace is waiting.

6.The storm ALWAYS does pass.

I love simplicity. Sometimes He just has to let it rain to remind me of all the simple things in life.

My daily boost

2010-05-11T08:14:00.002-05:00

I love my Heavenly Father. He knows exactly when to lead me to my daily boost of faith, strength and hope. Enjoy.

Flowers for Mother's Day

2010-05-07T17:49:00.003-05:00

Duane gave me this rose bush a few years ago, it was a mother's day gift. The rose bush almost didn't get planted, typical for Summer's plants. The rose bush has almost died a few times, typical for Summer's flowers. The rose bush daily reminds me of a loving husband still giving me flowers, typical of my Summer's husband. I love my rose bush.

Ben the old man

2010-04-24T19:21:00.001-05:00

Ben was an old man tonight for the drama production

The ugly egg, almost

2010-04-05T11:13:00.002-05:00

We dipped, we waited, we re-dipped then just gave a great big huff! This years attempt to create "Daddy's ugly egg" was just plain rotten, stinky to the core. Now granted it's not the pretty bright pink like it's neighbor egg or the vibrant turquoise like another fellow egg, but it sure is far from UGLY!
We dyed more than 3 dozen of the the little suckers, and had a mildly stressed fun time. Mildly stressed because well, your dealing with dye and 7 children, stress goes hand in hand with the given circumstance. Only one vat of dye was spilled (vat just sounds better than the little cup it actually was). The bright blue dye attempted to color the white stripped shirt it spilled on, but thanks to my supermom speed that shirt was whipped off the child faster then they could muster up a good holler at the sibling who did the spilling.

And after all the eggs were done, nothing came close to honoring our daddy correctly!!

A little odd that we would choose "Daddy's ugly egg" as our way to include his memories in the Easter holiday. He wasn't an ugly man or didn't even have an ugly bone in his body, but we wouldn't have chosen any other way to remember Duane. He was a little kid at heart, loved to dye the eggs just as much or even more than the kids. He would stripe them, try to create the most festive ideal Easter egg you could think of. But one year, many years ago, his attempt to create the picturesque egg went horridly wrong. The mixture of too many colors, the wrong color combinations and maybe just fated luck, the ugliest egg we had ever seen was created. We LOVED IT!! And so every year he would save the last egg to create "Daddy's ugly egg". A tradition was born and happily continued on my his monkeys. It brings smiles to our faces, happy memories to our minds, all because of one silly little ugly egg.

Hannah for president

2010-03-23T15:49:00.001-05:00

I think my four year old could do a better job than our own Congress.

I could've just opened up a box of....

2009-12-08T11:19:00.004-06:00

..but I wouldn't have gotten a chuckle out of what Grace said!

Last night for dinner I made homemade Beef Stroganoff, why I don't make it more often is a question to me because I LOVE it!! 6 out of 7 Summers monkeys gave it two thumbs up(I don't think Emma could get past the mushrooms, "dats gusting mom", enough said). Surprisingly easy to make, full of flavor, full of noodles, mushrooms and of course what makes it stroganoff, sour cream. What is there not to love about it?! After all plates were cleaned, minus a few 'gusting mushrooms, tummy's pleasantly full, Grace turned to me and said "Mom, that was great Hamburger Helper!" Curses Betty Crocker for creating a box mix that tastes similar to the genuine thing! It was funny and confusing all rolled up in one. I guess I'll take it as a compliment, especially since I discovered a while back that they liked Hamburger Helper over some of my creations(just wrong on so many levels, my curried pumpkin soup is killer!).

So if your children are like my monkeys and actually prefer HH over your cooking but you'd like the satisfaction of creating it from scratch here's the recipe of..

It's not Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

2 lbs beef stew meat

4 T butter

31/2 c beef broth

4 T ketchup

2 t salt

1 t pepper

1/2 t garlic powder

8 oz sliced mushrooms

1 onion, thinly sliced

5 T flour

1 c or more sour cream

Brown stew meat in melted butter, stirring occasionally. Reserving 1/2 of broth, stir in remaining broth, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onions. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until beef is tender. You may need to add additional water while it is cooking. After the beef is tender add mushrooms and cook an additional 10 minutes. While that is simmering blend into reserved broth the 5 T of flour, making sure to get lumps out. Gradually stir into stroganoff and bring to a boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat, add sour cream and serve over hot noodles. YUM!

Hope you enjoy Kelly and Lisa ;)!

A text message to treasure

2009-11-10T00:49:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I was scanning through my saved text messages trying to delete old ones and make room for new ones. I remember doing this shortly after Duane had passed away but making sure to lock any messages that might have been from him. I needed to hold on to any words that he may have spoken to me texts, written or taped. As I entered into 2008 text's, horrible that I have that many I know, I became aware that I was entering into the possible last text communications between Duane and I. Amazing how things just seemed to turn out, not a coincidence I'm sure. The last text Duane sent me said simply..."Take your time".

"Take your time".

I was probably shopping or out to lunch with Jessie or who knows what, but now it has gained such different meaning. One of my favorite songs is from Brad Paisley "Waitin' on a Woman", you must watch the video to truly appreciate the song, but here are part of the lyrics that make be boo hoo every time I listen:

"I've read somewhere statistics show

The man's always the first to go

And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready

So when it finally comes my time

And I get to the other side

I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any

I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind

Waitin' on a Woman

Honey, take your time, 'cause I don't mind

Waitin' on a woman."

He knew me so well.

One year has passed today since our separation began, seven little babies separated from a wonderful father, a wife separated from her dear husband, parents separated from a loving son. We all ache for his laugh, touch, humor, sincerity, knowledge and little bit of the man that we loved. Duane knew we would need little reminders now and then. So I will read that final text and take my time, enjoy life, cry, laugh, and eventually meet him at that bench where he waits for us, for me. I'll take my time, 'cause he won't mind waintin' on his woman.

I love you Duane.

Doorbells

2009-09-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

I think we've all done it. As kids, I think we've all enjoyed it. But nothing could compare from my childhood or be sweeter to me than that ding dong ditch I received this morning. That sweet sound of the doorbell ringing, opening the front door and finding a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. Thank you dear secret friend for bringing a smile to my face and happy tears to my eyes.
I can't express in words adequately how tough this past month has been. The anticipation of marking off the calendar one year since Duane's passing. But really the one year calendar dates won't start on November 10, they've started already. It was late August at the parent back to school night when we first noticed the jaundice in his eyes. Mid September when we discovered the cancer had come back and chemo would start all over again. The beginning of October when he finally decided that he just couldn't work anymore and took a months leave of absence, not knowing that would be the wisest thing he would ever do. To spend that last month none stop with Duane was such a sweet blessing to me and especially the young babies, Emma and Hannah.

When Duane passed I assumed that one year was a long time. Foolish girl. It's just a drop in the bucket. My heart still aches, hurts and will do so for a long time. When my eternal glasses break it's so hard to see past the temporal separation that Duane and I are enduring. And yes, I do believe that even though my sweetheart is happy, pain free and in a peaceful place that he feels the separation just as I do. You don't loose that love, it never fades, if anything it just grows and evolves.

Thank you my doorbell friend for readjusting my eternal glasses, setting them straight, and putting me once again back on the straight path. It's a long hard journey ahead. I need those little kicks in the rear especially when they're in flower form.

A 2-year olds torture device and a little chocolate on the side

2009-09-11T10:29:00.005-05:00

Many many moons ago when I was first blessed with becoming a mother I knew of some classic toys that must be a must in my children's toy box. Toys like pop beads, the "corn popper" push toy, the pull telephone and the shape sorter. Do you remember the Tupperware shape sorter? Did your memory fail you too? My memory should be fired for the lack of devotion to it's employer. How could I have forgotten 6 previous children's suffering from this harmless looking toy? Fortunately or unfortunately for Emma, she will be the last of the Summers children to receive torture from the shape sorter. Such a harmless looking toy, educational, bright and really fun to shake the shapes out. But it's putting the shapes back in where the frustration begins for my little 2 year old. As my sweet, calm, level headed toddler begins her first embark on the shape sorter, giggles and grins are quickly replaced with "oh man!", "help me, help me!", and "I tant do it". The phrases coming from that child were hysterical, just the humor I needed today. She on the other hand did not find the humor in it, but someday she too will forget, purchase one for her toddler and then threaten to fire her memory for it's lack of devotion!

Because today is Friday, because I haven't blog in a very, very, very long time because I've had zucchini in abundance, I'm including a Chocoholics Anonymous recipe. This is one of my favorite summertime chocolate recipes simply because is uses a vegetable that any summer garden probably has growing out the wazoo! It's such a moist, chocolaty cake that is one of my families requested favorites. I have to give a big thanks to my dear friend Heidi for sharing this recipe with me.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

1 1/2 c sugar
1 c butter
1 t vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 sour cream
1/4 c cocoa
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 c shredded zucchini
1 c chocolate chips
1 c chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla and beat 3 minutes until fluffy. Add sour cream and mix until combined, then add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt and mix again until just combined. Fold in zucchini, chocolate chips and nuts. This is a stiff batter. Spread the batter into a 9 x 13 pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Frost with your favorite chocolate icing. Yummy delicious!

Two little zucchini plants produced so much zucchini my kids thought they were about to die of zucchini poisoning. I was in heaven on the other hand, all ready to plant more next year just so I can make and eat another fresh from my garden
Chocolate Zucchini Cake!

I blame it all on......

2009-09-04T10:32:00.003-05:00

Hopefully I can get my creative juices flowing soon because that part of my brain has been harshly deprived. Thanks Farmtown, Bouncing Balls and of course I don't want to forget Spinning Bubbles. Don't know what I'm taking about, "Join me on Facebook", well only if you want to be sucked into the pit of despair. :)

Jo Bro's(insert teeny bopper scream here) We Love You!

2009-06-23T11:09:00.005-05:00

Nothing sums up last night quite like my Katie Rose. I treated the ladies with concert tickets to see our favorite boy band, The Jonas Brothers, and yes I meant "our favorite", I love them too!

You need to watch the videos in order to truly get the jest of Katie's frenzy. The first one cracks me up, the pure 100% delight and euphoria, they were simply just rising out of the stage.

This next one I decided to show you not because of the fantastic camera workmanship but the fact that Katie was shaking by arm silly! I swear between her and Molly I was brutally beaten. They both kept slapping my arm with excitement. And don't get me wrong, Molly was EQUALLY excited just not as frantic about her excitement. It was straight from the Beatles mania i swear!

This last video I think she was about to take flight! Watch her hands and her facial expressions. I laughed so hard, about to pee my pants hard.

Yesterday I noticed that my diamond solitaire was missing from my wedding set. To say the least I was beside myself, looking and praying that the little diamond would be found. But so far no such luck, it really could be anywhere in the house or worse out in the world. I guess I don't really have to express to much how devastating this has been, but to find the silver lining and grace from God, since obviously it was going to fall out I'm so thankful that it fell out on the same day we went to see the Jonas Brothers. The complete sorrow and devastation was lifted away as I watched those 3 boys perform their hearts out.

So Jo Bros, thank you, and WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

One year older and wiser too....

2009-06-21T22:12:00.003-05:00

Today my Benny Boo Boo turned 13. He wanted aviator sunglasses and "cool clothes, you know mom, shirts that don't hand down real low like I'm 6 feet tall but I'm not" and yes he was that particular, shoot me now. He also had to share his special day with Father's Day, a very weepy day in the Summers home.
One year ago my little man still let his mom pick out his clothes, choose his hair cut and he played with bugs named Fred.

One year later my 13 year old young man went to Abercrombie, got a shag hair cut(blech) and would rather look at cute girls, be cool and try not to be too much of a dork.

Bye bye my little man.

Good bye to a lose of innocence one that no 13 year old boy should go through.

But as the song goes, "one year older and wiser too..."

Happy Birthday to you!

I love you Ben, I'm proud of you and of how much you've grown up. You are wiser and wittier and wackier and 100% completely WONDERFUL!

Nam Hai-Lesson Learned

2009-06-12T16:16:00.005-05:00

If you happened to be from my neck of the woods, cook with an ethnic twist, or are just a glutton for olfactory punishment you know the store Nam Hai. Often I have frequented there, mostly for special soy sauce, curry or yellow split peas. Often I have taken a deep breath upon entering the store and braced for the worst. Never have I experienced what happened today.

After a fun lunch with three of my monkeys Jack, Hannah and Emma (I've been almost naked lately with the kids being scattered so much), I decided to run across the street to the stinky fish store as Jack calls it. All the noses present had experienced the Nam Hai aroma but today even my seasoned nose/brain connection cried out to the Heavens for relief!

.
One minute in the store, kid you not, I looked down at my regurgitating sensitive child Emma, (with almost that same expression on her face as in the pic) as she said "oh, it tinky!". Thank goodness for small blessings and baggies of cheerios in my purse, I was able to catch the nauseated child's vomit. Yes it was that smelly. So lesson learned, Emma is cordially uninvited to join me on my next trip to the stinky fish store.

Because......

2009-06-10T21:07:00.002-05:00

....... he was playing 12 year old boy dress up with Christian.

.....he won them at the claw machine at Wal-Mart.

.......he couldn't find the bottoms so he wore the top instead.

........he thought it would make the most awesome, grande banana phone EVER!

And his momma misses him while he's at scout camp because.....

.....he's just my BEN!

Love ya buddy.

Molly Smiles

2009-06-07T12:54:00.005-05:00

You would think by now that I would be prepared and carry with me an arsenal of tissues. My eyes leak so often that whenever Hannah or Emma see me teary they automatically say, "You miss Dada?" Unfortunately they're right 99.9% of the time that I'm crying.

This recital weekend was no exception except the tears were 100% missing Duane. I should have known, Friday night was definitely a tear jerker for me and all around me, heck, anyone who knew our loved Duane couldn't help but be touched by his oldest daughters, my Miss Molly doing a beautiful dance tribute to her daddy.

"Molly Smiles" was just not any song chosen. This past Christmas Molly was given the gift of solo lessons and a solo performance at this years Pointe Night.(a gift because of the extra time and love her dance teacher Ms. Farry would be putting forth) When I talked to Ms. Farry not only was she on board but she had had a dream a few days prior about Molly dancing to "Molly Smiles". A true inspiration from our Father in Heaven I'm sure.

Despite the tears this year recital was just wonderful. The dancing and music was entertaining but the family support and love stole the show for me. Uncle Darrell came in from Colorado to watch the ladies and Jack perform (Ben opted not to this year which was wise since he was sick this weekend with a 103 fever). Grandparents, aunts and uncles and this year a new addition a cousin Zack all supported the kids through three separate 2 hour recitals, now that's love. Let's not forget my dear friend Jessie that took care of the little ladies, changed 2 mother load poopies and 2 hysterical Emma barfs, yes she is a true BFF(couldn't resist the slang).

Here's the video of Molly dancing to "Molly Smiles". Sorry, it's not that great, I was crying and nervous for Molly and trying to hold still all at the same time. Not a great video combination. I love my Molly and am so proud of her these past almost 7 months. She has shown not just outer beauty but her inner beauty especially when my Molly Smiles.

When Grace is in Charge

2009-05-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

When Grace is in charge..... pictures of the eyes pop up on the camera. (Don't you love to see the thought processes of a 6 year old?)

When Grace is in charge..... shoes are perfectly aligned.

I should leave Grace in charge of the trash!

Neglect 101

2009-05-26T21:19:00.004-05:00

I was thinking of teaching a community education course on neglect. It's been over a week now since the Summers home has taken the trash to the curb. *Notice the overturned trash can not in use or the lid on the other can again not in use.

Don't you think I'm perfectly qualified? One always wants a professor with not only smarts but experience. Neglect 101, not a course I want to have on my motherly resume.

*This is my 100th post, so ironic it's about trash. Does that say something about me? Yikes!

Well since a baby was not an option

2009-05-23T16:03:00.004-05:00

Meet Lincoln, the newest member of the Summers family. He's an absolute Pug-a-licious 9 week old bundle of sweetness. Duane was a Pug lover but never a Pug owner. Lincoln will be a sweet therapeutic puppy ready to help lessen some of our Daddy loneliness. And yes I know that it won't at all take away any pain we feel about losing my love to cancer, but how can that mug not bring some joy.
So why the name Lincoln? Ever since our dog Penny died we've decided to stick with an evolving theme for our dog names, Penny-Copper-Lincoln.(although size wise that is so not proportionate) Plus Duane's birthday and Abe Lincoln's birthday are the same. Perfecto!

He's such a little small fry compared to Copper the Moose. We were a little nervous about the meeting, I mean Copper is just so big. But after a few, well maybe more than a few butt sniffing sessions they seem to be getting along just peachy.

Grandma and Grandad, isn't that just adorable? Smile, he's our missing "Linc", a perfect fit for our family.

My favorite time of the year, wink wink!

2009-05-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

Have your children started a countdown yet? Soon the school year will be tucked behind us and ballet will come to a fantastic conclusion with the annual Dance Recital! Oh yes, my little ballerinas and tumblers will get all gussied up and dance their little hearts out.

As I'm finding with a lot of normal everyday activities that used to give me angst (and the ballet recital was one of those love/hate activities) I'm actual excited this year. *Theresa you can close your mouth now. I have been blessed to have the help of my mother these past 6 months since Duane's passing. She took over my job as ballet chauffeur and observer. It was one area that I needed to hand over to someone else, unfrazzled nerves were important for some reason and rush hour traffic never helps. But with the letting go of that task I lost the weekly check on their progress in dance. So like a relative visiting only at Christmas I will see the change in my little dancers.

Has Katie gotten the hang of point shoes?
Does Molly incorporate dramatic expression into her dance?
Will my Grace remember the dance or have to watch the teacher off stage
And lastly will Hannah-nannah break out in some form of the funky chicken or dance with her class?

But most of all I can't wait to see the tribute Molly pays to her dad. She's been working since the new year on a solo to the song "Molly Smiles". She loves dance and loved even more that her dad always worked backstage and even did a few dad dances for the recital. She misses that special time with him, I see it in her eyes. But I will feel the love I know radiating from that young woman when she dances, not for me or anyone else, but for her dad. It really will be my favorite time of the year.

Chocoholics Anonymous-I know I've said this before.....

2009-05-15T07:40:00.006-05:00

But, I think I may have found my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.(at least for this week)

It's soft yet crispy, loaded with chocolate chips, and has a surprising twist.

I got the recipe from a mom at ballet. She's quite the chocolate chip cookie lover I found out, they bake these babies every Sunday! I was shocked that they made them every Sunday, but after downing a few this morning for breakfast, I now understand why. I could make them a weekly ritual myself.

It's funny how very small the world really is. My sister's aunt in-law Lori goes to church with cookie Lori (yes, two Lori's) and cookie Lori also lives next door to Duane's oncologist(whom we loved). Aunt in-law Lori was talking about cookie Lori at Easter dinner and these fabulous cookies made their way into our conversation, so when I was at ballet last week cookie Lori(who has the recipe perfectly memorized), jotted it down and the rest is history. *Did you just follow that or did I just sound like an airhead?*

Lori's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c softened butter

3/4 c brown sugar

1/4 c sugar

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

1 small package vanilla instant pudding

2 1/4 c flour

1 t soda

1 t salt

12 oz chocolate chips ( I used a bag and a half)

Cream your butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time then add vanilla extract and vanilla pudding. Lastly add in flour, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Spoon onto baking sheets and bake at 375 for 9-11 min.

No fancy steps, sifting, nothing really difficult. Lori says no matter how you make them they turn out the same delicious cookie every time. I love them, I'm sold. But I'm sure next week I will have cheated on them and found a new love. Just call me a cookie floozy.

Duane's gift to me

2009-05-10T22:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to those of you who have been barfed on, pooped on, slobbered on; kicked, hair pulled, yelled at; kissed, snuggled, cuddled, cooed at, and said in the sweetest of voices, "Mommy I love You!".

I wanted to share with all of you a special gift that was given to me a few years ago, that took the passing of my love for me to cherish it so. As I cleaned out my closet I found the hard copy of a talk Duane wrote and gave in church a few years ago on Mother's Day. I appreciated it then, cherish it now. I hope that all who want to read it feel how truly blessed we are to be called Mother. Click here to read the talk. I love you all, Happy Mother's Day!

Things that make you go EWWWWW!

2009-04-29T11:42:00.004-05:00

For years my friend Jessie and I have frequented many a McDonald's, definitely not for the food, but for the kids to have playtime and "McTherapy" as we've begun to call it. Her little monkeys are all in school now and it pretty much is a Hannah and Emma playtime while I chit chat with my best friend. So many memories. Poopy diapers, accidents, salt in strangers cups(good one Molly!), ball pits, slides, and lots of laughter. But yesterday topped them all, 14 years of going to McD's and Emma has left her mark(she has to compete fiercely, she has 6 other siblings to beat)!

At one point during our lunch I noticed the absence of my petite 21 month old Emma. Jessie and I began to glance around the possible hiding places. The horrifying thought crept into my mind, THE BATHROOM! Now the terror in my brain was only for the trapped little babe and her fear because she could not get out. "How long had she been in there?" I thought as I opened the closed door to the playrooms bathroom. Of course those fears quickly left as I glanced down at my naked child playing in the toilet, the TOILET! For the love of Pete! What kind of mother lets her toddler play in a public bathrooms toilet, Naked?(keep those comments to yourself) She was happily splashing, swirling tp around, and proud of the fact that she had thrown her diaper in the trash and had gone potty on the floor. Aah sanitary! Of course I did what any level headed mother would do and.....

took a picture!

The vile thoughts that raced through my mind could not be scrubbed like her sweet little arms were, thoroughly scrubbed, like a surgeons. I can only hope that the toilet had been cleaned recently, like 5 minutes before she decided to pretend play Polly the Plumber.

I'm just racking up those "World's Worst Mother" awards, don't even try to beat me, I'm an unstoppable force!

Am I off my rocker? You don't have to answer that!

2009-04-16T09:42:00.003-05:00

This morning I was just saying to my mom how much I have missed blogging. The ease and fun has not come as easily as of late. The joyful moments in my life have been slipping away because of my inability to think, type, and just find humor. Don't take this the wrong way, I have been laughing, but tears have been more prevalent.

Last night I listened to Hannah have a conversation with the wind, laughter felt good, smiling was nice. So when I read this quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley I knew it wasn't a coincidence that I read it today.

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

I've had a headache a lot lately. The wheels started to turn and smoke started to billow from my brain, crying cannot take up the majority of my emotions, I need to laugh more, need to have more fun with my monkeys. My Ben tried to convince me yesterday that we needed a marshmallow gun. Yesterday I wasn't to convinced. Today, well today I think I need to make an investment in my mental well being and buy a few of these bad boys. Want to play?

My moods are giving me whiplash! Thanks Hannah

2009-04-05T11:18:00.007-05:00

For the past few weeks I've been bothered by this irritating crick in my neck. One might guess it's because of poor sleeping habits, or an improper positioning of my neck on my pillow. But after a deep examining of the past weeks events I've diagnosed it with whiplash from erratic moods complicated by a three year old.

First erratic mood situation. I come home from a fabulous date with my Jack, doughnuts and hot chocolate. Just a great time talking, listening, and of course eating yummy doughnut goodness. I come home to happy calls, "Mommy!", give my offering of doughnuts, hear praises of delight. Happy times, happy times! After a few minutes we notice the absence of one loud wild woman, Hannah. Katie comes running into the living room, "Mom, Hannah looks dead! She curled up with a blanket in the bathroom." WHIP! Emotional snap back, of course this mom automatically thinks the worst running to the bathroom, but then WHIP! quickly snaps back as the laughter follows the realization that she had just fallen asleep naked in the bathroom.
Next aid to my condition. My very first blanket project, a minky monkey quilt for my little monkey nephew Zackary Duane. Ohhh, how much fun I had(with the help of my friend Joni) learning how to sew my first quilt. The domestic juices were just flowing, a new love was developed, a calming activity found. A blanket was created that my sister loved and nephew looks adorable wrapped up in, but.......

WHIP! Another emotional snap. The very next day, last Sunday, Hannah decided that a wasabi almond was not suitable for her mouth, but better placed in her right ear. And of course I being the determined mother decided that I could retrieve the stuck nut, WRONG! My mood turned gloomy as we watched that nut slip farther and farther back into her ear canal and eventually gone because it had slipped so far back. *Note to self, that's why a doctor spends so many years in school, to save mothers and three year olds the heartache and pain of trying to retrieve stuck nuts. After several doctors and few unsuccessful tries Hannah ended up having an outpatient surgery to remove the wasabi almond. A nut head no longer.

The next day, presumably still under the influence, Hannah made a major decision, you know the ones advised not to make when coming out of anesthetics, she cut her hair! WHIP! After the euphoria of an almond free child, Hannah plunged us once again into a pit of despair. How on earth could we possibly fix the Billie Ray Cyrus doo she had created. Learning a valuable lesson just a few days before, I decided to call on a professional to fix the mullet madness.

And voila! An adorable child once again, thanks Genelle.

It's much shorter, a little more high maintenance, but sooo much better than the chop job I would have done. Hannah has learned much these past few weeks. Nuts only go in the mouth, hair is only cut by professionals and if mom comes at you with a pair of tweezers, RUN!!!!!

I decided that my neck needed to have a break, no more whipping back and forth between emotions. I would like to concentrate on one emotion at a time, and preferable in longer intervals. But after much crying on the shoulder of my mom, talking late at night, and a few great talks heard from some very wise and loving leaders of our church, I've decided that this too shall pass. It's hard right now, I relied so much on my Duane to get me through all these whiplash moments, but I have been asked to do it differently now, and I will. I will find a better way to muddle through life's roller coaster ride, without the whiplash. My neck needs a break!

Some things can never change

2009-03-18T23:35:00.002-05:00

Dear Duane,

We did it, we continued on with our family tradition! Spring break arrived, fighting commenced, couch potato's sprouted, sleeping in once again reigned supreme, Guidry playtime occurred and hotel heaven happened. I contemplated whether or not to embark on this last one task without you, but Duane, some things can never change. Katie brought a little remembrance of you along so you wouldn't feel that left out. We did miss you horribly, especially when I had to run home at 11:00 to get the sleeping bag that Ben forgot(I didn't even get a ticket! Are you jealous?)

How could we give up hotel pizza, Mazzio's with a little root beer, yum! Do you remember that first year that we had hotel pizza, we had just come back from the zoo and surprised the kids with a night at the Springhill Suites, man that New Yorker was divine. I can see your face now, huge smile, downing that slice of heaven. Such a silly little tradition, but it was ours and we will always think of you while we down our slices of heaven.

Don't you love the smiles on their faces? These moments strengthen me Duane, through all the hard times, and lately we've had a lot of those moments, little smiles like Gracie's give me just that extra boost to keep going.

Can you believe how excited our monkeys can get when you explain that since we are on the first floor, no one is beneath us and that they can dance and jump as much as they want? What a bunch of nut heads, it was like a night club, but without the booze, scandalously dressed women and looser dogs.

Emma decided to boogie down too! She perfected the fine art of eating calzones and dancing at the same time, without choking and barfing. As a matter of fact I think she was even serenading us with her lovely rendition of Life is a Highway.

We played a few games, fought a few fights(did you know Duane that Home Improvement had ugly people on it?), watched a little American Idol, snuggled a few babies to sleep and enjoyed the evening at the hotel. It's quiet now, the kids are all asleep, now and then Emma stirs, I miss you painfully right now but I know that for our children, fun traditions must continue. I love you dearly because, some things can never change.

Love,

Beautiful

A break in the clouds

2009-03-10T11:05:00.002-05:00

Like a warm burst of sunshine on a dreary day, little Zackary Duane Ipson has spread happiness and warmth among our family.
March 7th my sister Megan and her husband Ben became parents, welcoming to the world a 5 lb 15 oz bundle of sweet monkeyness. I've never held such a small fry before, my babies were all whoppers. Mom and Dad seem to be settling in just fine to their new roles as parents.

Motherhood looks beautiful on Meg. Welcome to the family little Zackary Duane. May you not get clobbered by your cousins!

Chocoholics Anonymous-A Tale of Two Turtles

2009-03-06T07:43:00.009-06:00

Today is my 16th wedding anniversary and I am in a serious need of really good chocolate. Honestly, today kinda stinks, big rotten egg stinks. I guess my rose colored glasses are broken, every time I think of the fabulous, happy memories about our wedding day I get all teary eyed. Even blogging about chocolate is trying my patients(I've been typing this post all day!).

I decided to make 2 kinds of turtle desserts, the first one is the pictured scrumdiddliumptious one above, a Paula Deen delight, the second one was this tried and true favorite. Both are equally rich, gooey and definitely filled that need to devour chocolate goodness. Why did I make two you ask? Today being my anniversary I was afraid that if I made the cake and it was disappointing I would be left wanting the other turtle bars, so better be safe than really sorry and grouchy(thanks for the life's lesson Brenda). *Warning about the Turtle Cake, my top cake layer didn't cook exactly how I thought it should, it was gooier than I would have liked it*

Turtle Cake

Cake:

1 box German chocolate cake mix

1 14 oz package of caramel candies

1 stick butter

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 c chocolate chips

1 c chopped nuts

Frosting:

3 T cocoa

1/2 stick butter

1/3 c milk

1 T light corn syrup

1/8 t salt

2 c powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare cake according to directions on box. Pour half of batter into prepared 9x 13 pan, reserve other half. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Don't turn off oven. Meanwhile, melt caramel candies with butter in a pan. When completely melted, remove from heat an stir in condensed milk until smooth. Let mixture cool completely. Add chocolate chips and nuts. Spread mix over cooled cake. Pour remaining batter over mixture and return to oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. While cake is baking, prepare frosting. Mix together cocoa, butter, milk, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Using a handheld mixer, beat powdered sugar and vanilla into cocoa mixture: beat until smooth. Pour icing over warm cake.

Duane and I were the best of friends, completely madly in love. I miss him dearly and wish he were by my side this day, like he was those 16 short years ago. Really I do know that he has never left me, I am not alone, but sometimes that faith that you cling to slips and sadness sweeps over you. Right now I feel that sadness, just a longing to hold him, share with him some of my yummy creations, laugh with him about some of the children's antics, use him as a sounding board for my frustrations. I miss him.

We were two peas in a pod!

Hannah's version of tough love (and an award!)

2009-03-02T14:06:00.004-06:00

Shortly after Duane had passed away Hannah began a friendship with Jessica. A grown up woman with big boobs, grey hair and a baby. Did I mention where Jessica lives? My closet, yes you heard me right, my closet. Ahh, the sweet imagination of a three year old. Well for some time now Jessica has come out of the closet(no pun intended) to play with Hannah, join us for family gatherings, and even visit with us while we all piled on my bed. But sadly last week Hannah and Jessica apparently had a falling out.

Hannah: Jessica is mean!

Mommy: Really Hannah? Why is Jessica mean?

Hannah: She doesn't play nice with me and her don't like me! Her is mean, mean, mean.

Mommy: What should we do about Jessica Hannah?

Hannah: Let's put her outside!

Mommy: Outside?

Hannah: Yes(and she opens the door, and shoos out Jessica)

I feel such pity for Jessica and her baby, hopefully they can get imaginary government assistance.

Last week my bloggy friend from Arizona, Bobbi Jo gave me this sweet award. I have loved getting to read and learn about others sisters out and about in the blog world. This is how Bobbi Jo described the award:

"We each have one thing or another that we struggle with , be it a personal issue or family we all seem to come together and support one another.
I love the many wonderful people I have met through blogging. I have laughed daily with some, cried with others and prayed for many of you daily."

I could not agree more! I have been on the receiving end of some great bloggy love from friends where I live to friends far away to friends I have never even met, and I love in return sending out bloggy love. So I have chosen these great blog friends to give the Sisterhood Award to:

Brenda at Three Little Men and Me
Jennifer P at The Peterson's go Public
Theresa at No Bologna Zone!
Sally at Sparkly Squares
Jori at Jeff& Me + three
Kory at Families are Everything
Stacey at The SPASM Family

If you accept this award, the rules are...
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.

Chocoholics Anonymous-French Silk Double Chocolate Oreo Cake

2009-02-27T17:30:00.005-06:00

Let me start by saying today was a "chocolate emergency kit" day, or in other words my 12 year old son, who shall remain nameless, but the letters B-E-and N are in his name, was driving me absolutely BONKERS! From sun up to sun down, 100% BONKERS! So when I started to type this post about this extremely yummy, chocolaty, rich French Silk Double Chocolate Oreo Cake, that I made LAST WEEK it almost put me over the top. Hence the reason my "chocolate emergency kit" is almost gone!!

Oh this cake really is just delicious, but I do warn you, the French Silk portion does contain raw eggs. I did a little research, technically I guess your not supposed to eat raw eggs, but my family has been making this for years, and athletes have been downing raw eggs for breakfast for ages and none of us have been struck with the avian flu or salmonella poisoning. It's up to your own personal comfort, and if you know of a good pasteurized egg product, be my guest. But here's the recipe as we make it. Also the cake part is basically a box mix all jazzed up, easy cheesy! Enjoy!

French Silk Double Chocolate Oreo Cake

Double chocolate cake:

1 box any flavor chocolate cake mix

3 eggs

1 box chocolate pudding

1 c mini chocolate chips

1 1/2 c evaporated milk

1/2 oil

Mix cake according to directions but add pudding and bake according to box directions and pan size. Cool, wrap with plastic wrap and freeze for an hour. Freezing the cake only helps with frosting the cake with French Silk, so if you don't want to do this you really don't have to. When the hour is almost done make the French Silk.

French Silk:

1 1/2 sticks butter(only butter)

3/4 c cocoa

1/2 c sugar

2 t. vanilla

3 eggs

Cream together butter, sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa and mix on high speed for 6 minutes. Add the last egg and beat an additional 5 minutes on high.

To assemble cake:

1 package Oreo's

Double Chocolate Cake

French Silk

Coarsely crush around 10 Oreo's and cut in half about 5-10 Oreo's. When you frost the cake sprinkle the crushed Oreo's in the middle layer on top of a layer of French Silk. Frost the cake as normal and arrange the halved Oreo's in a circle around the cake. If you want crush an additional amount and cover the top of cake in the center of the Oreo circle. It really makes a pretty cake, let alone yummy.

Happy Birthday Molly- Top 14 reasons why I love you

2009-02-20T08:08:00.013-06:00

Happy Birthday Molly Elizabeth, my first born, my guinea pig, my lovely lady. Sometimes I wonder if I teach you as much as you teach me. I feel extremely blessed to have been granted the care and raising of such a choice, strong young woman. 14 years have flown by, I can hardly believe that 14 years ago I became a mom, the one job I always wanted. Thank you my sweet Molly for being, well, YOU!

14 Reasons Why I Love You SO Much!

1. You have the sweetest smile in the world. I can be in the foulest of moods, but as soon as you smile, my Molly brings sunlight to my day.

2. Santa's little helper, mommy's little helper, Mrs. Bennet's little helper..... I could go on and on. No one has to ask you to help, you just offer. Whether it's for help at ballet, school, home, you jump in and help.

3. A stubborn streak to rival yo mommas! What was Heavenly Father thinking putting to extremely determined people in the same house, oh help us. The great thing about being stubborn is that once you are determined nothing stands in your way.

4. Passion! I adore the passion and love you have for ballet. I think I pop at least 3 buttons every recital, I should take stock in the button industry. You have a grace and confidence that every 14 year old should have.

5. Just like your Daddy you never met a man you didn't like. I honestly can say, cross my heart, hope to die, that I NEVER hear a negative or unkind word about any of your friends, semi-friends, heck, any person you know. (Secretly this drives me insane!)

6. Grace under fire and the ability to bounce back are qualities that every person strives for, at 14 you're doing a pretty good job at mastering both. When you injured your knee I was proud at your desire to jump right back into the game.

7. You have a tender heart Molly. When a kiss is needed you give it, when a knee is bleeding you mend it. I will never forget the kindergarten field trip that you brought band aids to just in case one of your classmates got a boo boo. And what happened? Someone scraped their knee and you literally went running to them with a band aid in hand.

8. Music soothes your soul, plus you do have a pretty good sense of what's rockin'! I can jam to any of the music on your ipod, especially Rascal Flats, Twilight, and shhh, the Jonas Brothers.

9. I love your sweet little dimple, just one, not two. You could win any cutie pie contest with that one little dimple on your cheek.

10. You have a softness about you even perfect strangers notice. When Emma was born my OB, after meeting you in the delivery room, struck up a 1/2 hour conversation about the inner glow she noticed in my oldest baby. There is a light shining in you no one can deny.

11. I love that you have no qualms stating the fact that changing a diaper is gross and disgusting, you tells it like it is girlie! Yuck, ewww, gross, no-way, let Katie do it, all phrases that have been uttered from your mouth. BUT, you still do it. And yes Molly, changing diapers is gross, disgusting, yuck, ewww, and Katie can do it whenever she wants too.

12. You've never had a problem holding your own with Ben. Bitefest USA, as Daddy called it, was not an event because you were a meek and mild child with your crazy little brother. You would stand stubbornly strong, quality #3 in full force, when Ben would do his boy thang!

13. I've always seen your inner mommy, a desire to nurture, cuddle, and care for people. You and Ben are 16 months apart, not that far, especially when you were just a little tyke. One day I was making dinner and the baby was crying in the bouncer for just a little attention. What did mother Molly do? You lifted that baby out(as I watched with caution) and cradled and rocked the baby to calm them down. Diapers eww, cuddle aww!

14. I knew the moment you were born that Daddy's genes ran strong with you. As the years have gone by you don't necessarily look like him as much anymore, but his personality traits are your personality traits. Take pride in being just like your dad, I know he did.

Happy 14th Birthday Molly!

Celebrating a Life!

2009-02-12T00:32:00.000-06:00

Today would be Duane's 36th birthday, 35 years was just not long enough, but 35 more wouldn't have been either. I miss him horribly, miss all that there was to him. His smile, laugh, clicking jaw, tushy, you name it I miss it.

I wanted to share with everyone just a smattering of the life that Duane lived, and he lived truly a remarkable and wonderful life(not meaning to sound like a movie). I hope you capture a glimpse of who he was, what he loved and why he fought so hard to live. Enjoy!
Duane and Darrell, his big brother

The first time I saw this pic I thought Duane had leukemia! He was so bald.

Haven't I seen this face before? Could be any one of my Kindergartners.

We all have those pictures!

Family shot, Duane, Richard, Phyllis, and Darrell

Can we say Ben? or maybe Hannah? heck how about all of them!

Duane named one of his hamsters Tracy after a girl in school he had a crush on.

This was the boy I fell in love with, isn't he a cutie!

Lovebirds!

Engagement Picture, so formal!

My goofball!

Couldn't have been happier that day! Amazing how you think that you will never love them more than you do on your wedding day, so false! Love grows and grows and grows!

This was taken at our house in Stillwater, loved that little blue house.

2006

2007 Thanksgiving, right after he was diagnosed.

One of my favorite pictures, this was taken in Colorado. I really was a very romantic feeling looking at him for that picture.

Thanks Angela for the beautiful creation. Again this was Thanksgiving 2007.

Our last Christmas together. Duane was reading 'Twas the night before Christmas, his little part of Christmas Eve.

Ben's baptism

Duane and Emma. He loved holding his babies.

Molly and baby Ben.

Our wonderful trip to DisneyWorld. We only had 4 kids!

I don't know which baby that is, I think it's Hannah, but Duane's face just says it all!

Molly and Ben

Daddy and Jack

Daddy daughter dance, just one of many pictures we have. The girls loved going on a date with their daddy.

Molly and Katie

Duane's last birthday. We now prize that superman mug, it's the "special" mug.

Goofball times 3!

That was the best cake, couldn't have been more perfect.

Duane's last birthday at the time I just thought was maybe a little over the top, I mean he was going to live many years passed his 35th. Just one of the many small blessings we were given. I am so glad to have shared his last birthday with so many friends and family, making his birthday a true Celebration of His Life!

Happy Birthday my love, I miss you, I love you, I can't wait to kiss you again!

Hannah's little hint

2009-02-10T07:58:00.002-06:00

So tell me what do you think, is Hannah trying to tell me something? Sunday we were driving home from church when Hannah noticed a man out walking his dog. It was a beautiful day for walking but my sweet three year old called out in such a concerned tone, "Aahh, that man doesn't have a car!"

We need to get out and walk more.

Chocoholics Anonymous-White Chocolate Cheesecake

2009-02-06T14:06:00.000-06:00

Look at that beauty, drool with me now, and yes, you have my permission to be green with envy because this is the most wonderful tasting, satisfying cheesecake you will ever devour! Every year for my little sister's birthday I make this White Chocolate Cheesecake from a recipe book I would cry if I lost. Death by Chocolate by Marcel Desaulniers was a present from my honey many, many, many year ago. I think it could have been our first Christmas together. I love this cookbook, not that I make a lot of recipes from it, but that the pictures alone are scrumptious, and of course this recipe is worth it weight in gold.

Duane and I dubbed this cheesecake, 2 a.m. cheesecake because that was the approximate time the cheesecake would finally make it into the fridge. I've always been a late night baker, kids are going to bed, time to bake! Well when the process to make this baby takes around seven hours from start to finish starting to bake at 7 at night is not the best idea. But year after year I would fall into the same trap. Fortunately I had a fantastic husband who would get up at 1 in the morning to put the cheesecake in the fridge or worse, one year it was 3! I tell you these facts not to scare you off just to help you not fall into the same trap as myself. It really is worth the time. I hope you give it a whirl, I promise your family will sing your praises.

White Chocolate Cheesecake

Chocolate Cooke Crust

3 T melted butter

2 1/2 c chocolate cookie crumbs*

White Chocolate Cheesecake

18 oz white chocolate, broken into 1/2 inch pieces

1/2 c heavy cream

1 3/4 lbs cream cheese, softened

1 c sugar

1 t salt

6 eggs

1 t vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

1/3 c heavy cream

1 T butter

1 T sugar

3 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into 1/2 inch pieces

Preheat oven to 325. Butter the inside of a 9x3 inch springform pan. Mix the cookie crumbs* and the melted butter together and press into the bottom and half way up sides of the pan. Place the pan into the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

Using a double boiler on medium high heat, melt together the broken pieces of white chocolate and 1/2 c heavy cream. Should take about 10 minutes to melt. Remove from heat and stir until smooth. Set aside.

Place the cream cheese, 1 c sugar, and the salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on low for 1 min, on medium for 1 min, and on high for 1 min. Scrape down the bowl, then beat on high for and additional minute. Scrape down the bowl. Add the eggs, 2 at a time, beating on medium for 15 seconds after adding, and scrape down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and the melted chocolate mixture, then beat on medium for 15 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a rubber spatula to finish mixing the batter until it is smooth and thoroughly combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly.

Place a pan partially filled with 4 c of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven( at least 3 inches below the center rack). Place the springform pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 15 min. Lower the temp to 250 degrees and bake for 15 min. Lower the temp to 225 degrees and bake for 15 min. Then lower the temp to 200 degrees, and bake the cheesecake about 2 hours and 45 min. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to remain in the oven undisturbed for an additional 2 hours. Remove from the oven and cool at room temp for 1 hour. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 12 hours (leave in the springform pan).

After the cheesecake has been refrigerated for 12 hours, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat 1/3 c heavy cream, 1 T butter, and 1 T sugar in a 1 1/2 quart saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Place the semisweet chocolate in a bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 3-4 min. Stir until smooth. Pour over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Use a rubber spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the top. Refrigerate for 30 min. To serve take a warm damp towel and wrap it around the sides of the springform pan. The heat should loosen the sides of the cheesecake enough that it releases perfectly. Serve the cheesecake with a puree of raspberries.

*I use 2 ready made oreo pie crusts that I smush into crumbs. You can make chocolate cookies and make crumbs out of them or just use chocolate graham crackers too.

Well worth the effort, time, and calories! And now you know why I call it 2 a.m. Cheesecake!!

Happy Birthday Katie Rose!

2009-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today is Katie's 11th birthday and to honor my 3rd monkey here are 11 facts about my little girl.

1. She has an irrational fear of aliens. The aluminum foil is example of her trying to keep the aliens out of her brain. Just add a few glasses of water around the house and we are now living the movie Signs.

2. Katie is a hopeless romantic at heart in training. She will giggle at the first thought of romance in anything, cartoons, movies, and especially her siblings lives. Molly REFUSES to unlock her lips to who she crushes on because of the "giggle factor".

3. When Katie was little she had this cool, funky pair of sunglasses. We called her "Hollywood", not just because she looked like a starlet, but that she acted like one whenever she wore them. Fast forward a few years and introduce Rock band into Katie's life and we have now confirmed her nickname "Hollywood" to be even more appropriate.

4. Katie dreaded being the middle child! When Emma was born she was thrilled beyond belief that she no longer held the spot of middle child. Poor Jack.

5. Katie was cooked on cupcakes, donuts, and cookies, that's how I explain to her why she has such an incredible sweet tooth. Krispy Kreme could be the staple to her diet and she would never tire of it's doughy goodness.

6. Wizards of Waverly Place is her favorite TV show so she tells me, but I have to say she is a 100% Doctor Who junkie! She even took a picture of the new Doctor and the current Doctor to show her teacher. What a great sport Mrs. Bennett was, she listen to that silly girl gush over her favorite Doctor.

7. Katie just oozes cheerleader, ballerina, actress, life of the party. What ever that girl want to do she accomplishes, now if I could only get her to desire a clean room.

8. Look at those freckles, I love them to pieces! Katie inherited her Daddy's freckles, his nose and that one crooked tooth, all things that she loves to have of Daddy.

9. This past summer I became known as "Not the Katie, not the Katie!" Do you remember the TV show The Dinosaurs? Emma loves, I should say adores her Katie, and I might add, so do I!

10. Katie is an excellent student, always well behaved and respectful. Despite the hardship our family went through this past fall, she still pulled off straight A's, I was so proud and I know that Duane would have been super proud.

11. Katie Rose was named for Duane's great Grandma Katie Rose. We knew that her named fit perfectly a few hours after she was born. We looked at her perfect, honestly and truly, little round face and noticed the most beautiful rose complexion. She was our Rosie.

Happy Birthday my baby girl, Momma loves you.

Chocoholics Anonymous-My life savers

2009-01-30T16:58:00.006-06:00

Have I ever shared with you a great talent of mine? It's a great one, I'm extremely proud. I have the ability to spend years and years believing, thinking and miss understanding what someone says or sings and then make a fool of myself in front of tons of people by stating what I think to be the true name or lyrics. Yes, yes, I know you're completely jealous. Just contain yourself.

Growing up and well into my adult life, until Duane so graciously corrected me, oh who am I trying to fool, he had a hoot at my expense, believing that Light Sabers, the light wielding swords of Luke and Vader were really called.....

these! Lifesavers! Well they can save your life, made sense to me. So after my chocolate fiasco I turned to my life saver, not Luke's sword or a cherry confection.

Not even the kind that would really save your life, but the kind that would save a chocoholics soul.

A simple box of Dove chocolate and a yummy chocolate chip cookie recipe, loaded with 3 types of chocolate.

First, after burning 2 batches of goodies I needed a little pick me up, my old standby, my emergency chocolate Dove kit. Every true chocoholic should have one. Mine was a gift from my sweet Duane, he knew the inner desires of my heart.

Second, after burning chocolate chip cookies I was determined to jump right back into the game and bake another batch, which had to be good, they were for a baby shower. I visited my cookie guru, Katrina at Baking and Boys! for a yummy cookie recipe. I did alter the recipe and add mini chocolate chips, 60% dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. It was a very decadent combination, lovin' it!

The Ultimate Chewy and Soft Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter at room temp

1 cup tightly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsps. pure vanilla extract

3 cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

16 oz. flavorful bitter or semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, or lightly butter them, and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, or a large bowl if mixing by hand, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. 2. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together in a small bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks. 3. Using your hands (I used my cookie scoop), shape knobs of dough about the size of a large walnut and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Stagger the rows of cookies to ensure even baking. Bake 12-15 for smaller cookies (I found that 10-11 minutes was perfect), 14-17 for larger ones or until the tops are a light golden brown. If the cookies are neither firm nor dark when they are removed from the oven, they will cool chewy and soft. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Thanks for the recipe Katrina!

Give me a break!

2009-01-28T16:09:00.002-06:00

It's a Dog! It poops outside, licks it's butt and sniffs other peoples butts! Give me a break! Not the day to read a lame article like this:

Fla. couple pick up their cloned yellow lab puppy 01/28/2009 02:45 PM MST Associated Press Writer

MIAMI -- A Boca Raton couple got a new dog, and it's just like their old dog. Not just the same breed and gender, but the same DNA. Nina and Edgar Otto picked up their cloned yellow lab puppy at the Miami International Airport Monday night. Lancelot Encore was cloned from the DNA of the Ottos' late dog Lancelot, which died of cancer in January 2008.
Guessing that pet cloning would one day be possible, the Ottos had DNA samples of their dog frozen five years ago.
The Ottos paid $155,000 in a San Francisco biotech firm's dog-cloning auction last July.
BioArts International created Lancelot Encore in South Korea, where he was born 10 weeks ago. The Ottos say he's the first single-birth, commercially cloned puppy in the United States.
___
Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com

Bad Combination

2009-01-28T14:25:00.003-06:00

Dear Chocolate,

Hello yummies! You are so good and delicious, yes I dream about you, drool over you, yes basically I'm addicted. But dear sweet turtle bars, dear sweet best ever chocolate chip cookies I have created a bad combination and I'm sorry to say have ruined you today.

Baking + Anger = Burnt Chocolate

Today started out with sadness, then quickly changed to just being plan old p.o.'d. My poor children, they've been hearing a lot of grouchiness comin' from this momma. So in attempt to mellow my mood I decided to bake the yumminess that I love to eat. Bad combination, everything I have baked has been over done, maybe even qualified as burnt. So I give up! I can't ruin my lovies any more. Harness me, tie me up don't let me bake another morsel when I'm angry, I can't burn you anymore.

Love,

Your Devoted Chocoholic

P.S. Playing Disney Scene It adds to frustration when you realize just how much you know on the Disney Chanel. I should not be a Zack and Cody efficienato!

Needing a John Walsh intervention

2009-01-20T10:07:00.002-06:00

Everyone please tell me that you've had stupid moments like this, and even if you haven't just lie to me.

Look at that sweet freckly face. Now before you finish this sentence go look up John Walsh's number and schedule an intervention for me please. Did you do it? Oh well, I warned you, anyway...

Last night the doorbell rang. The monkeys go scurrying to the door(because they have never seen another human being before) and when no one opens it I realize it's a stranger and come to the door. When I open the door this kind looking man looks down at Copper and says "Oh, ok he's not yours" and then proceeds to tell me about a lost dog he found while jogging. Are you getting the jest of my story yet? When he describes the dog, which does sound like a golden retriever, I then loose all brain cells and motherly instincts and say to Katie, that cute freckly faced girl, "Go out and see if that's Laura lee's dog". Every lecture about not falling for the "lost dog" trick or walking up to a strangers car flew out of my naive, trusting mind! Can you believe it? I am too dang trusting, and just a tad bit dingy.

Of course I instantly changed my mind and went out with her, still stupid. What was funny, not until he opened his car door to show us the dog did it dawn on me what I had done, or what we could have just walked into. Have you called John Walsh yet? Then for the next hour and a half I balled my eyes out because I had just won the crappiest mother of the year award, not one I wanted to win. Let us all pray now for the safety of my children!

Duct Tape Use #371

2009-01-18T17:20:00.003-06:00

Use #371- Keeping diapers on Emma, a.k.a. "The Stripper".

In the beginning her little strip tease was amusing, shall we dare to say, funny. Nothing is cuter than a naked baby, those little bum cheeks are just so dang squeezable. Even the occasional tinkle on the tile was funny. But dear, sweet Emma you have crossed the line. Whipping off a poopy diaper TWICE drew a line in the sand.

Thank you duct tape inventor, you are my hero!

Chocoholics Anonymous-Shhh! It's a Secret Brownies

2009-01-16T20:40:00.003-06:00

This is how I want to eat my chocolate this week, or should I say bath in my chocolate. How I envy Emma, AAAHHHHH! Why is chocolate so dang gum addictive and delicious?
So far so good on weight watchers, but seriously how many days have I ventured into this "new" lifestyle? When I read/drooled over my blog friends Katrina's recipe for low fat brownies I knew it had to be this weeks Chocoholics Anonymous recipe. Brownies made with black beans! Yes friends, beans, beans that musical fruit, the more you eat the more you .... anyway made with black beans. I have to confess, my brownies were a little drier than I like them, probably the ovens fault ;), so watch your baking time, but as a whole very yummy for a low fat brownie. Just think of all the fiber and protein that is now added to your chocolate, an even better excuse to devour, I mean reasonably consume your brownie. Enjoy!

Black Bean Brownies

1 c flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/3 c cocoa
2/3 c brown sugar
2/3 c sugar
1/2 c chocolate chips
1/2 nuts
3 eggs
1 t vanilla
2 T oil + 2/3 c black bean puree(1 can black beans, liquid and all, pureed in a blender)

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Spread into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for about 22 minutes.

Just because! Isn't she a stinker. Emma's popeye impersonation, "What squinkie eye?"

Oh, to be a dog

2009-01-13T09:12:00.004-06:00

This week I started Weight Watchers. Yes I've reached a point of personal disgust(mine just happens to be on a lower scale of standards than others) and a need to keep up with my children better. It's tough! I love to eat, nibble, munch and crunch anything yummy and delicious(carrots and celery not included).

On the same day I started my "new way of eating" my big oaf Copper went to the vet for a butt boo boo. Now everybody knows about my carb junkie dog, he and I were cut from the same cloth, just different species. He loves all things cakes, pies, donuts, a real Homer Simpson of the Golden Retriever world. Copper also was discovered to have a thyroid problem, maybe part of the reason he topped out at 135 pounds. Since starting on his thyroid pill big guy has lost about 20 pounds, with just a pill!! Sickening huh? Makes one think how sweet life would be if you were a dog.
Seriously got me thinking. If I were Copper I could eat a whole loaf of bread, people would laugh and say "what a cute fat girl, that Becky!" Or how about laying around the house all day long, only getting up to eat, poop, and get an occasional scratch and a "who's a good girl, you are, you are!". Quite the life.

But then again, I take all that back. When I have a butt boo boo I wouldn't want to be caught dead in this cone head contraption.

The Return of an Old Friend-Chocoholics Anonymous!

2009-01-09T10:53:00.006-06:00

It's been such a long time since I posted a Chocoholics Anonymous recipe that I almost forgot about my love/obsession for the deliciously smooth and creamy confection called chocolate! I've been drooling over this Paula Deen recipe for over a month now and am almost giddy to have made it, and of course devour several. It couldn't have been more simple, really, premade cookie dough, caramel sauce, how easy breezy can you get. I had a little help, Hannah(my chocoholic-in-training) wanted to cook with mommy; she did a GREAT job!

Chocolate Chip Turtle Bars

(a.k.a. goo bars because this chocoholic couldn't wait long enough for them to cool properly and they are ooey gooey when warm!)

1 (16.5 oz) roll refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

1 c butterscotch morsels

1 c chopped pecans

1/2 c butter

1/2 c packed brown sugar

1 (12.25 oz) jar caramel ice-cream topping

1 c quick oats

1 c semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Line a 13x9 pan with aluminum foil, letting edges of foil hand over sides of pan. Spray foil with nonstick spray. Press cookie dough evenly into bottom of prepared pan, completely covering foil. Sprinkle evenly with butterscotch chips and pecans. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in brown sugar and caramel. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil for I minute. Remove from heat; stir in oats. Pour butter mixtures evenly over pecans. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until edges are golden brown; cool completely. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Seven Super Summers

Spring is here!

How to properly fall asleep

A Bubbling Pot of Love

Snow Cream Sundaes

Winter storm preparation

Winter storm preparation

Gotta get a little life on ya

The Joys of Childhood

Raiding the Fridge

Playtime

What strange things humor my children and the embarrassment I feel.

Sitting on the ledge

The last of my First Haircuts

Mommy's little helpers

Secret Santa Surprise

Enjoyed his lunch

Spreading some of my vast knowledge

My Creative Ghost

Oodles of Little Gingerbread Men

Comfy Cozy

How would you like to come home to this....

Family Traditions

Mommy/Julie Makeovers

My Little Marilyn

Jackson 5

My Oboe Gal's Premiere Performance

It Took Me All Day

Major Milestone

Happy Feet

The Happiest Sounds

Belated Birthday Present

Date Night

Afternoon Date

Shhhh..... It's a Secret!

Just keep telling yourself

Molly's Lights

Christmas Sneakery

In Her Daddy's Footsteps

Traditions

Scenes from a movie

My Little Pilgrim

McTherapy

Fall Flavors

Vy am I dripping vith goo?

Katie caught a bug

My little warbler

Happy Workers

Wishful Thinking

YUCK

Name that child

Beautiful Autumn Red

Feeding the masses or otherwise known as Dinner

Day 2...Emma's Hair

A Day in The Life. ... 365 days for dad

Cloudy With a Chance of Sneakers

pioneer "giants " in their covered wagon

giddy up

Sometimes He Lets it Rain

My daily boost

Flowers for Mother's Day

Ben the old man

The ugly egg, almost

Hannah for president

I could've just opened up a box of....

A text message to treasure

Doorbells

A 2-year olds torture device and a little chocolate on the side

I blame it all on......

Jo Bro's*(insert teeny bopper scream here)* We Love You!

One year older and wiser too....

Nam Hai-Lesson Learned

Because......

Molly Smiles

When Grace is in Charge

Neglect 101

Well since a baby was not an option

My favorite time of the year, wink wink!

Chocoholics Anonymous-I know I've said this before.....

Duane's gift to me

Jo Bro's(insert teeny bopper scream here) We Love You!