Roasted Veggies in baked penne :) yum

Since I have been home this past year I have been working on being a better cook and willing to try new things. I have searched the web , watched every cooking show imaginable, and purchased some great cookbooks. This recipe with veggies has ACTUALLY become a HOME favorite although there is no meat. Jeff is a meat man and it took some convincing but he actually LIKED it! He is my worse critic so if likes it then it gets the official THUMBS UP!!!!

Prep time: 25 mins
Cook time: 40 mins
Serves 6

Here we go!:

Veggies~
2 zucchini (cubed)
2 Red pepper (cut into strips or chunks)
2 Summer squash (again you decide)
5 Cremini Mushrooms (i love mushrooms)
1 Yellow Onion (cut in strips, or diced)
1 TSP salt
1 TSP ground pepper
1 TSP dried Italian herb mix
1 pound of penne pasta
1/4 cup of Extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups of Marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups of frozen peas
2 tablespoons of butter (cubed in small pieces)

Cheese: You can add what ever cheese you like
1/2 cup of smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan
1 cup of grated cheddar--we all love this so I add it

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, On a baking sheet toss the veggies and onions with olive oil, some salt and pepper and the dried herbs. Roast until tender, 15 mins.

Boil pasta and make sure the pasta is still hard inside because you are going to cook it again and you don't want it be to soggy.

In a large bowl, toss the pasta (of course drained) with the roasted veggies, marinara sauce, cheeses, peas , salt and pepper. Make sure the pasta is coated with the marinara sauce.

Pour the pasta into a greased 9 by 13 inch pan. Place extra cheese on top and some butter small cubed pieces. Bake until nice and gold. 25 minutes.

You can do this with what ever VEGGIES you have in your refrigerator, add meat and change what you like.. ENJOY!!!!

How dangerous is baby powder

What started out as a cute and funny moment turned into panic within minutes after my laughter. The girls were playing in their room and I did my usual checking of my emails in the morning. When a ghost appeared beside me and it was Kyiah covered completely in baby powder smiling from ear to ear. At first I thought it was the funniest thing. I called out to Chloe and she walked in completely covered in baby powder. I shook my head and giggled as they giggled. I walked into the room and the entire room was covered in baby powder.

I started to remember reading that inhalation of baby powder can be dangerous. So my heart started to race and I began to panic. I immediately grabbed Kyiah and washed her down with water. I then did the same with Chloe. I removed them both from the room and with a damp towel I started to wipe things down to control the powder in the air. I started to cry because I felt guilty for leaving the container of baby powder in their room when I am usually so careful about everything.

I then jumped on my computer and googled some information about baby powder inhalation and to my surprise there was so much out there. I could feel my chest getting tighter and tighter. The stress went from 10 to 150... OMG what have I done.

These days on the internet there is so much information and I hate the fact that I do read alot of articles and know TOO much sometimes. I have worked in the medical field for over 9 years although it is a blessing to be part of patients' lives, it is also a curse. All the scenarios start playing in my head of WHAT could happen.


What I found was 2 different types of baby powder products.
Baby Powder made from TALC & Baby Powder made from CORNSTARCH

Talc powder- made from a purified mineral called talc. it contains: zinc stearate,magnesium silicates finely ground.

~~talc breaks down into fine particles which are SIMILIAR to ASBESTOS

Cornstarch powder- manufactured from the dried center of corn kernels.

~~Cornstarch- when broken down into powdered form, it does NOT contain harmful asbestos like substances.

As I read more the more I became alarmed and called my physician. Luckily the powder I was using was cornstarch powder. Inhaling is still harmful but not as harmful as talc (poisonous ingredient). They asked me to monitor the girls for any signs of:
dyspnea-distress while breathing, shortness of breath
coughing
fever
cyanosis-blue coloration of the skin, mucous membranes = low oxygen

So far none of these things have happened.I also from my research was looking for
tachycardia-fast heartbeat.I pray and hope they will be ok. SCARED me to death.I am sure going to make sure nothing like this will HAPPEN again! I hope.

Below is the medical description from the American College of Chest Physicians of what happens when the talc powder is inhaled:

Baby powder is insoluble in water and dries up the surface of the mucous membranes of the tracheo bronchial tree, thus disturbing the function of cilia that would normally be involved in clearing the powder from the airways.

A large quantity of powder may completely obstruct the small airways and can cause DEATH.

Here is the number for :
the National poison control center in U.S.
1-800-222-1222
24 hours , 7 days a week

Oh man what a day and night.........

Virtual GNO

Ann from Ann Again and Again has this great group of bloggers who connect once in a while to PARTY!!! She has a tremendous sense of humor and great DRINKS to try. LOL I totally LOVE it. Check out her page and join the party:



Ok so it's my turn to answer some questions, I justs joined so I hope I am doing this right ROFL:

THE mighty Four

4 places I go OVER and OVER

When I first saw this I was like the BATHROOM rofl... when did that first start? ROFL
Ok I am going to be serious now.

1) Target
2) Safeway
3) Centro Mart
4) Liberty High School

I love target. They have such great stuff! I should get frequent flyer miles for all the times I go there. Of course, Safeway because my kids eat me out of house and home.

4 Places I would rather be

Hmmmmm this one is hard one, NOT!!! LOL..... I think about this all the time maybe too much!

1) Puerto Rico
2) Hawaii
3) Lake Tahoe
4) Malibu

Puerto Rico of course to see my family and get some needed sun. Hawaii oh Hawaii. I have never been there. I would love to go with the family. Lake Tahoe , just a beautiful place. Malibu to see OF COURSE Matthew McCoughney run around half naked LOL....

4 things I have for breakfast:

1)Coffee
2)Toast with butter
3)The kids leftovers LOL
4)Left overs again :)

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. I can't live without my morning Joe. I love toast along side it. I was wondering where these extra pounds came from and I just figured it out. I am eating all the kids leftovers. Yikes this needs to stop! NOW!!! LOL.. I am working on it ok. WORKING on it, Haven't started it but I am working to get started LMAO...

Everyone have a great SUNDAY!!! COME join the fun! Check it out!

3 years old -birthday list I'm in trouble

BOY am I in trouble. Chloe has made a list of things she would like for her birthday and she made apparent that she is still sooooo mad that Kyiah had her birthday first. Sorry girlie but she had to come out sooner or later and that was out of my CONTROL. LOL

As you ALL already know she wants a Mermaid Cake because she says she IS Ariel from the little mermaid. When I tell her that she looks more like Cinderella, she gives me the evil eye. OK your ARIEL!

This is her list so far, because she keeps adding things as she sees them on TV:
1)Sneakers~~I think she means sketchers. She has seen the commercials.I better verify
2)Shoes
3)Jewelry Box-I thought this was interesting
4)Skates--"Cause I need them."
5)Girl's Monster Truck "It has to be a girl one."
6)Elephant--- "So he can chase me but he's not real, cuz he's a toy."
7)Birthday Card-- "Mom who's going to send it to me, granpa?"
8)Pink Ladder --"It's in a long box at the store with a birthday card."

Oh and she wants lots of decorations that are PINK! A whole list of people she wants to come. I can already tell that this girl is going to be high maintance. I better get 2 jobs and maybe a third.

My Chloe she just says the funniest things. In the last 6 months she has grown so much, it amazes me. HERE's to my little DIVA!!!!!

Time out Thursdays! This is such a great idea. The goal is to grab one hour of time within one week to do what ever you want WITHOUT THE KIDS.LOL Sounds fantastic right?~~~
On thursdays other moms meet up and discuss what they did. Perfect plan to me. Check out her blog. :)

Well I spent my one hour that turned into 2 1/2 hours LOL.. watching my niece and some of my former cheerleaders at cheer practice. It is amazing to see how much they have all grown and how funny they are when they try to act grown up. It was so nice to get away from the house and just get some fresh air. When I got back home, Jeff had put Kyiah to sleep and made me dinner. WOW!!! Chloe was watching TV almost asleep... NOW that is what I am talking about. LOL LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WTH changes after 30..... oh boy LOL

It wasn't until 2 years ago that I realized I was in my thirties. I knew I was 35 but I really didn't realize that I was REALLY 35. I noticed that my back was getting injured more often and I couldn't get off the ground as easily LOL. This last week I have getting BACK to the grind of exercising and TRYING to eat right. I said TRYING K, so if you see at McDonald's don't yell at me just LOOK AWAY!

Researching online about what happens as we got older and I found this:

1)By age 30 we have lost 30% of our muscle mass
2)Start losing the ability to hear high pitched tones.
3)Major organs start breaking down
4)Proportion of body fat increases by 30%
5) OK I STOPPED READING AFTER THIS ONE.........................OM seriously!

Oh wait here's a good one:Our cognitive ability peaks between ages 30-40. I don't know maybe because our bloodflow stops going to our organs and finally goes to our brain. FINALLY we understand stuff and have hopefully learned from our mistakes. I said HOPEFULLY. LOL

There has been mention that 30 is the NEW 21, really HAVE YOU SEEN THIS LIST!!!! LOL
I guess this means that I really need to start being serious about living a healthier life.

But I do have to say even with this LIST of things that happen after 30, I believe that my thirties have been GREAT! I finally get stuff. I understand my parents. I understand me. I think I feel the sexiest I have ever felt!!

I ran across this list that brought back memories and at the same time was so sad.
This is only a partial list. People who have died before they were 30:
Aaliyah 22 8/25/2001
Buddy Holly 22 2/3/1959
Jimi Hendrix 27 9/18/1970
Ron Goldman 25 6/12/1994
Janis Joplin 27 10/4/1970
Heath Ledger 28 1/22/2008
Brandon Lee 28 3/31/1993
Chandra Levy 24
Heather O'Rourke 12 2/1/1988
Lee Harvey Oswald 24 11/24/1963
River Phoenix 23 10/31/1993
Freddie Prinze 22 01/29/1977
Otis Redding 26 12/10/1967
Rebecca Schaeffer 21 07/18/1989
Selena 23 03/31/1995
Tupac 25 09/13/1996
Ryan White 19 04/08/1990


I do have to say I so happy to be alive and make it past 30. :)........ And I glad all of you are too!!!

2 weeks well almost , I have been

__________________________________________________

Thank you to everyone that follows my blog.I appreciated so much. This friday will be 2 weeks since I started and I think it has been great so far. I am still learning the tricks of the trade and I do apologize if I have posted something twice or three times on facebook. LOL... still learning.

Today I am getting ready for Chloe's cheer class this afternoon. You know the usualy stuff laundry, lunch, and housework ugghhh. Well I hope everyone has a fantastic day today and finishes up the week on a good note! TTYL peeps xoxox

1987 Billboard now that's real music LOL :)

Ahh the 80's, 1987 my first year in high school. I remember being so afraid to go and we met at Dana's house to all walk together. There were plenty of my cousins there for back up if anyone tried to mess with me. But I remember being sooo scared.

__________________________________

Here is the Billboard List Top 40:

1)Walk like an Egyption- the bangles
2)Alone- Heart
3)Shake you down- Gregory Abbott
4)I wanna dance with somebody-Whitney
5)Nothings gonna stop us now- Starship
6)C'est La Vie- Robbie Nevil
7)Here I go again- Whitesnake
8)The way it is- Bruce hornsby & the range
9)Shakedown-bob Seger
10)Livin on a prayer- Bon jovi
11)La Bamba- Los Lobos
12)Everybody have fun tonight-Wang Chung
13)Dont dream it's over-Crowded House
14)Always- Atlantic Starr
15)With or Without U- U2
16)Looking for a new love- Jody Watley
17)Head to Toe- Lisa Lisa 7 Cult Jam
18)I think we're alone now- Tiffany
19)Mony Mony- Billy Idol
20)At this moment- Billy Vera & Beaters

Freedom of Speech in my house well......

Well my teenager just let me know that it applies in our house? WHAT!!! Lately, I have been working on my language. Those bad words that creep out in anger or just because @#$%. I hadn't really thought about it for awhile. I have been spewing those words out as if I gotta frequent flyer miles. It is SOOOO hard to do. I realized I needed to watch what I say in front of my 3 year old. I have caught her using s@#t when she drops something or hits herself. Or the good ol' damn thing. OH NO!!! What are people going to think about me as a parent. Even worse what about if she uses it in public or preschool. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I have been working on it.

Well my boys use those LOVELY words all the time now that they both are in high school and I am constantly yelling at them to watch their mouth! It is so funny how sometimes they say WHAT, what did I say?.... OH man what have I done. So everytime I hear anything I correct them and I ask that they correct me.

So here comes the reminder of freedom of speech from my teen. The boys are fighting back and forth using some choice words for each other. I tell them to stop. Well I get on the phone and here they go AGAIN!!! So I stop my conversation and say to them YOU HAVE TO STOP!!! BE QUIET and if you can't speak a sentence without using a curse word then don't speak AT ALL! They both STOP and look at me. My oldest Cheo "the smart butt" says well mom this is AMERICA and what about FREEDOM of SPEECH huh? OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO these kids. I said oh really WELL guess what buddy OUR HOUSE is a different country and THERE IS NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH HERE. I am the dictator and you do AS I SAY damn it!.............LOL..........OH man ! I said DAMN it!........MAYBE they didn't catch that.......They both begin to laugh Mom you said Damn..........UGGHHHHHHHHH that's right I did and I am sorry I will try better. NOW how about you guys. Ok mom Ok. You don't have to get so mad. ROFL...darn kids pick everything up. It is so important to lead by example and I hope I can. If not I may need to hire someone ROFL LOLOLOLO :)

Put the lid up!! Geez Louise.......

Nothing like not paying attention and sitting on the toilet in YOUR own home and getting a bath in urine. CAN YOU REMEMBER TO lift the lid for goodness sake. OMG, living in a home with 3 boys that is one lesson you TRY to remember to learn. CHECK the seat before sitting down. But with an infant and toddler just to go and have 5 minutes to yourself is a LUXURY and you tend to forget that important thing. LOL

It feels like yesterday when I was toilet training the boys with CHEERIOS so they can aim then shoot. BUT it looks like that LESSON never stuck. I remember them pre-jr high and looking for them and they are were in the bathroom doing number 1 and I would call their name and they would turn and HIT THE WALL!!!I would scream hold on to that thing will you. ROFL........ all I ask is please think of others who may want to use the toilet too. Oh man, I HATE THAT!!!!!

Well since I am talking about toilets I found a couple you may enjoy. If your wondering the spiderman toilet pic isn't mine. My boys would have LOVED it! :)




Yep interesting is all I have to say! LOL



WOW!!



Ok I love my boyfriend alot but um I don't think this is a good idea ON SO MANY LEVELS LOLOLOLOL :D



I don't think POTTY training would do well with this one. CAN you imagine Chloe screaming that she is afraid of the toilet. LOL



Ok, now the term your house is a toilet is really taking it to a whole new level.

Tell me what you think? LOL....... Leave me comments :)

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Homemade Tomato Soup :) Yummy

Sometimes Jeff isn't in the mood for something heavy after a long days work. So this has become a family favorite for both him and my kids. I also make homemade bread (bagette)to dip into the soup or just plain crackers. The great thing about this recipe is you can add things or omit them. You can blend the soup so it is smooth or just leave it like it is.







Homemade tomato soup
1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Chopped Onions
2 Garlic Cloves
2 (28 ounce cans) of crushed tomatoes
3 1/2 Cups of Vegetable broth or I USE chicken broth
1 teaspoon of Salt
1/2 black pepper

Sometimes I add carrots and celery and I sometimes I don't. Also you can add hot sauce to taste if you would like alittle or a whole lot of KICK!!! I also have seen recipes that use worcester sauce. I haven't tried that yet but I might try to see what a difference it makes.

In a large Dutch Oven, heat oil. Add onions and garlic to soften approximately 5 minutes. If you want to add chopped carrots and celery this is the time to add them.

After they soften I add all of the ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes on medium to low heat. Stir frequently. Since most of the time my kids and Jeff prefer not to see the vegetables LOL I then put the soup in the blender and puree it then place it back into the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes. Serve

Toppings vary as to what is in my refridgerator: Sliced green onions, sour cream , shreeded cheese. You can just put one , two, or all . What ever you would LIKE..

ENJOY!!!!!

Black widow oh my!!

This past week I have been working on the backyard. Oh how I hate to look at my backyard which is in need of desperate makeover and landscaping. UGHHH! I hate it. So I decided to at least try to make it look somewhat decent. Chloe and the boys have some bikes and toys they have used since last summer and I decided to clean them up, wash them down, and make sure that any spiders had gone.I hate spiders!!! So as I was cleaning Chloe's little push car and freakn BLACK WIDOW SPIDER jumped out from the black wheel of the car!! I starting screaming cause the sucker was HUGE!! OMG!!!! So I had to get the courage to go back and kill it. I finally did but it was soooo scary LOL.......

So I thought why not talk about spiders.

There are several species of Black Widow spiders and are very common in Northern California and the most dangerous for us too. According to the "experts" every household garage has at least ONE. ~ Crap! now I got to check the garage~~~~


The picture above is that of a Northern Black widow spider

Some facts:
They are shy and slow moving
The body is the size of a grape and is black & shiny
They are nocturnal and prefer corner & crevices
Bites are dangerous

I found this fact alittle funny: ONLY the female black widow bites and only if she is disturbed. ALWAYS has to be the female huh? What is she pmsing LOL


Other northern California spiders are:



Jumping spiders are small and less then 2cm. Generally harmless to humans but do bite. They can JUMP 40 TIMES THEIR BODY LENGTH. Oh man!! Usually black with a green face. The picture above is the only pic I found but he is dead so he has lost his color, sorry.




Cellar spiders, some people thing they are DADDY long legs but they are usually found in the eastern part of the us. They have long legs. They are also harmless to humans.




Wolf spiders. They look scary but they are friendly and harmless. FRIENDLY no way would I want them around. Did I tell you guys that I HATE spiders! They are very hairy and shy. Usually are loners.



Giant crab spider. The northern California doesn't look so big but I have read they can be 2 inches in length in other parts of the US. They walk sideways. But I didn't read anything about if they were harmless or not.


Orb weavers. They are the ones the spin those amazing circular webs.They are non-aggressive and keep the fly population down.

Finally....
Brown Recluse. THANK GOD they aren't found here!! Yeah They are mostly found in southern eastern states. They are VERY VERY harmful. They cause necrotic lesions.

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Reasoning with a 3 year NEVER WORKS

My 3 year old Chloe is not having a good week! Her brother's birthday was on Monday and her baby sister was on Wednesday. So we had cake and ice cream at my house with my parents and sisters. SOOO I go to Safeway to get a cake for Kyiah and some football cupcakes for the boys. I try to explain to her that her birthday is next month and she can get her mermaid cake that she wants. So far I think wow, she is taking it real well. So we head to the checkouts and all of sudden she realizes that her mermaid cake is not in the cart and starts crying so loud everyone starts to stare at us. So I bend down and explain again that her birthday is next month but she still isn't getting it. Still balling her eyes out and looking so sad. I tell her ok Chloe we are going to sing HAPPY birthday to you too , is that ok? NO she wants her MERMAID CAKE....I tell her again Chloe you cannot get our cake until your birthday. She starts crying louder and I start getting those looks from people in the line. I got to get out of her LOL... so I had a 3 year old crying all the way to the car and all the way home.

Later. my niece and nephews arrive and she seems distracted and is having a great time. We sing happy birthday to her too. She also gets some presents from my sisters and my parents sooo she doesn't cry. SO all is good in this house until the end of the party. OBVIOUSLY, she is tired from running around and playing. She begins to cry and say she didn't have fun!!!! Because it is not her birthday and she is soooo mad...........tears streaming down her face. OK OK .. Chloe I think it is time for bed, not only for you but for me because I am so tired. Still crying I take her upstairs, give her a bath and then put her to sleep. Finally some quiet awwwwwwwwww

Big brother 11

This season I have been so into it. This being big brother 11th season, YOU would think that people know the game already, right? NOPE it is amazing to me that people in the big brother house think that they have friends, people are loyal, and it is all about LOVE in there. WELL you in the wrong place baby!!!!!! LOL

Another big problem is there seems to be MULITIPLE cases of AMNESIA. Seriously folks come on now! All of sudden when the power is taken from Chima's group of thugs all heck breaks out and people are crying, balling, throwing tantrums. The other people are evil according to them and they are the innocent victims. OH MY goodness this is soooo hilarious. CHIMA girl you need to grow up. Throwing your mic into the water was so childish, I was so happy she got booted off by the producing staff. SHE WAS ANNOYING!!!! Oh man, and Lydia don't even get me started about you. Psycho girl!! Didn't Jeff get you off the chopping block and this is how you repay him... BYE BYE psycho!!! LOL.. off to the jury house for you...........

GOT to say that JEFF is so freakn gorgeous, oh man oh man. So jealous of Jordan right now ROFL....



I have never been sooo into BIG BROTHER like I am this season. This has definitely been an interesting few weeks, can't wait to see what else happens LOL.....

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I love 1986

I remember 1986 like it was yesterday , I was in 8th grade. My friends and I would work on our hair in the bathroom with our bottle of aquanet every chance we could get. You know we were practicing for high school because the cool girls had the best and BIGGEST hair. I remember washing off the eyeliner and eye make-up before I got home because I was only allowed to wear mascara, and lip gloss. LOL............

The rule of no physical contact allowed at junior high made just holding your boyfriends hand (of like 2 weeks,or a month) just for a brief minute was so exciting. They weren't really boyfriends because I wasn't allowed to date until I was 15 but the boy you sat with at lunch sometimes if he wasn't with his friends and who would call you when you got home. AHHHHH those were the days. :)

Here are some lists from 1986 that will sure bring back alot of memories:
Academy award BEST MOVIE: Platoon
TOY OF THE YEAR: Transformers
GAME OF THE YEAR: Blockbusters




Top grossing movies in 1986:
1)Top Gun
2)Crocodilee Dundee
3)Platoon
4)The Karate Kid Part II
5)Back to School
6)The Golden Child
7)Aliens
8)Ruthless People
9)Ferris Bueller's Day Off
10)Star Trek IV: The voyage home
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Top 40:
1) That's what friends are for-Dionne & Friends
2) Say you - Say me- Lionel Ritchie
3) I miss you - Klymaxx
4) On my own - Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald
5) Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
6) How will I know- Whitney Houston
7) Party all the time- Eddie Murphy
8) Burning Heart- Survivor
9) Kyrie- Mr. Mister
10)Addicted to love- Robert Palmer

Stupid people day~~ Why would you do that?

Ok should I be concerned about my teenage boys because seriously in this video it is 99% young boys do this stuff. My boys always try to think of stupid and dangerous things to do. I always reem them and totally OVEREXAGGERATE the outcome. I even had their physician talk to them.

What can we do? The dumb STUPID STUPID kid at the end riding on top of his car while it is running. I DON"T know who the heck made that NEW IDEA but they should be shot. A girl in our town got seriously injured trying to do this. KIDS DON"T DO THIS AT HOME DONT DO THIS EVER!!!!!!!!

My neck, My back How did I get this old? ROFL

Ok SERIOUSLY when did I get this old that every piece of my body aches. Can't sleep on my stomach anymore, can't lift things, can't even do basic yard work. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN. It feels like yesterday when I had my first born in 1994.. What the heck happened?

OM I was doing basic yard work yesterday: trimming bushes, sweeping up leaves, washing down the concrete, and throwing away garbage. SO WHY does it feel like I have been hit by a MAC truck HELPP!!!!!! My body is totally yelling at me right now. Well more like cursing me out @#$%~!

Looking at the information on the internet back pain most often occurs between ages 30-50. Ok so I am here already! OM goodness :) LOL I'm a statistic! By the looks of it I need to get back to exercising and strengthening those back and abdominal muscles. BUT I HATE those!! UGGGHHHH well I guess the extra pounds I have gained after the pregnancy and after that doesn't help either. WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO!!!

I guess I better bust out my old videos and get started! So NOT wanting to do this but I don't I am going to seriously be in trouble. Where are those JANE fonda vhs's at ROFL...:)

AN affair with my computer

The sun begins to rise , you wake up and hear a voice next you. It's saying just the right thing, the right words. ahhhhh the perfect mate. That is what I call my emails from the universe I receive every morning. The joke amongst my friends is my computer is in LOVE with me. I forward my morning words of encouragement to my HBT group-a group of girlfriends that are not afraid to say what they think and are there to pick up when you fall. Also make fun of you.

This affair started last year when I was so into the book "the secret", I came across a website that sent free emails of encouragement everyday. My morning ritual of checking my email first thing helped me start the day in a good mood. Doesn't mean I stayed in a good mood, rofl. But I tried. My friends tease me about it but you know I think they are JEALOUS!!! :) It is the perfect relationship, no fighting back, makes you feel good, and never takes a misstep. Calls you a hottie now and then PERFECT.

Here is one of them and you will see why:

Hey Grissell, there's not been a single day in your life when you've been anything but MAGNIFICENT. Give this to yourself.

Everyday you move mountains, touch lives and perform miracles.

Everyday your a success, a hero, an example

and everyday you change the world.
THE UNIVERSE ;)

Do understand why I love this!!!! LOL


Now if only I can find a guys like this!!!!! Woo hoo !!! I love you computer

Starbucks Coffee, oh how I miss thee

Ahhh the smell of coffee in the MORNING. Oh how I miss my starbucks. The perfect vanilla taste and that nice foam on top touching my lips. Oh how I miss thee. I have sacrificed YOU my cup of joe, my cup of JOY for the better of my wallet $$$ ching ching, ching ching.

CUTBACKS: the cutbacks, oh my this stinks! The first to go was NOT my coffee but hair lol, I could handle the hair, the nails, and the pedicures. BUT nooooooooooooo my morning cup of starbucks. The time has come and how I long for the taste of java. DRINKING my morning cup of FOLGERS instant fullfilling--not so much :( But it still gets me prepared for the day.

You know I was buying starbucks coffee every morning at about $3.60 a day, $18.00 a week, $72.00 a month. I didn't realize wow it adds up.

SOOOOOO since this is KILLING ME, I found a recipe that I am going to try this week.

Here it is:

Vanilla Latte
Prep 5 mins
Cook 1 min
Ready 6 mins

1 serving

1 1/4 cups 2% Milk
2 tablespoons vanilla flavored syrup
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) brewed espresso

Directions:
1) Pour milk into steaming pitcher & heat to 145 degrees F to 165 degrees F (65 to 70 degrees) using the steam wand. Measure the vanilla syrup into a large coffee mug. Brew espresso then add to mug. Pour the steamed milk into the mug using a spoon to hold back the foam. Spoon foam over it.

OK I am going to try this and I will let you know how it turns out.
:) GOOD MORNING TO ALL!!!

This is the funniest video about a dog :)

@ Yahoo! Video

Too funny got this video from my facebook friend Stacey, thought I would share :)

Happiness

Article title: Yes, all of us can learn to be happy

Lately, I have been curious about what we need to be happy. You always hear people say that material possessions or accomplishments don't make you happy. But I always wondered if it really were true. Was that just the right thing to say. I came across a short article that was a good read about happiness.

Here are some great points in the article:
They claim a person can train themselves to "think" happier by understanding that these thoughts are often biased.

"You can't just sit back and wait for the knock on the door for happiness to walk in. You've got to go out and find it."

"Be nice to people and they'll be nice back, count your blessings."


Simple huh! Yep, simple. I have had those pity parties for myself and asking myself why me , why me. UGHHHH didn't really get much done but sulk. I finally realized we are NOT always going to happy but I really needed to work on my outlook on life. Sometimes we got to let it all out and then MOVE on. Pick OURSELVES up and take those steps.

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-364242/yes-learn-happy.html

WHAT DO YOU THINK the top 3 things you need in life to make you happy? Let me know I would be interested in your responses. Have a great day!~

Vickie's kick-it-right chili recipe

CHECK THIS OUT!~~ These past couple of months I have been teaching myself to cook and learning new recipes. The good news: NONE of my family members have gotten sick LOL..... Surprisingly they have been really supportive and have given me high marks as a cook. :) I AM MAKING this today along with some chips on the side which is always a family pleaser

I would like to share this recipe that I found in April in the Family Circle Magazine which by the way cost ONLY $1.99 and has fantastic recipes each month.

Here it is:

Vickie~"Most chili recipes are too hot for my taste. I came up with this sweeter version, which gets raves from family, friends, and co-workers. It can easily be amped up for those who like it spicier."

Makes 6 CUPS Prep 15 mins Cook 2 hours, 10 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (15 1/2 ounces)red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 1/2 ounces)black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cn (14 1/2 ounces)stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese and sliced scallions ( optional )

1) In a large DUTCH oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break up with a spoon. Cook for 5 minutes or until browned.
2) Add the onion, green pepper and garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft. Add beans, tomatoes, 1 cup water, the tomato paste, honey, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and hot sauce. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally.
3)Serve chili topped with shredded chees and sliced scallions, if desired.


ENJOY!!!! You will not be dissappointed! Let me know how it turns out. :)

TRISH's White girl TACO salad

My bestie Trish makes this wonderful taco salad that I absolutely love!


Here it is:
1 lb ground turkey
Taco seasoning
Head of lettuce
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 can of Kidney beans
Avocado
grape or cherry tomatoes
Doritos
Catalina Dressing
Olives (optional)

Directions:Brown the turkey and add taco seasoning. While it is cooking, cut the head of lettuce into 1 inch sections for easy eating. Remove meat from skillet and set aside to cool. It is your choice you can add hot or cool. In a bowl add the meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado chunks, kidney beans, and olives. Mix well. RIGHT BEFORE serving add Doritos and catalina dressing ( so it isn't soggy for your family or guests)mix again. ENJOY!!! :)

WALKING injuries

My little Peanut, Kyiah started walking a month and a half ago. I hate this stage because they are so excited to be on their feet they hit the ground and anything it their path. She doesn't just walk she races around the house. I don't know how many times she has just ran straight into the wall at great speed. My poor little peanut just staring at me. There is a delay in reaction to her injury and there goes the lip. :(

She just learned to climb up on the couch too . I keep putting her down and trying to explain she will get hurt. Well guess what not working! UGHHHHH Kyiah has fallen a couple of times off there so I have had to place pillows all around the sofa in case. You know, maybe I should invent something like a bubblewrap bodysuit and lightweight helmet. Because seriously I am going crazy with this little girl. The funny thing is I thought Chloe was very active compared to my boys. But Kyiah has won that award already. For minute there I thought alright finally a shy, quiet, calm child. LOL~~ Nope this girl is so loud she is definitely going to out do CHLOE times 10. Who knew--this little peanut would be such a funny, happy, loud active girl.

Any ideas , anyone? LOL

naps , naps , naps

Boy do my kids need naps. America needs naps. Heck I need a
nap! UGHHHH Yesterday was a total nightmare. I felt like
screaming like Maculay Caukin in HOME ALONE but not so cute!~~Chloe can scream. Her lungs seem to be functioning very well and then some. You would have thought Sponge Bob died and all heck rippled through out the world. SHE IS NOT HAVING A GOOD DAY!~~~The whole world is going to know too. OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
~~NOTE to self: Buy earplugs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She wanted a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. OF course I was happy to make her one. Place the sandwich in front of her. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA screaming crying "What's wrong?" YOU DID IT WRONG!!!! I want the peanut butter on the bottom. I said OK flip the sandwich over so the peanut butter is on the bottom. AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
screaming crying "What is wrong now?" I want a new one!

----FLASHBACK to my father. In the good ol' days my father would say stop crying and eat it! If I didnt stop crying the good ol' I will give you something to cry about and I would stop immediately.-----Back to reality. But now in this day and age, everything can scar your kid for life. She will forever remember you for not making her that darn sandwich with the peanut butter on the bottom. OK WWOD, what would Oprah do?LOL just wondering... maybe I should drop her off with her a few days. LOL Yes I did make her another sandwich because I didnt want to go another 15-20 of screaming from her. Finally she was quiet and happy. Soon after that a NAP, definitely a NAP

Veggie Pizza

One 12-inch Pizza, 6 servings

Prep: 30 minutes Bake: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound frozen whole wheat or white bread dough, thawed

(look below for fresh dough recipe)

2 Medium zucchinis and/or yellow summer squash, sliced

1 Mediun red, green, or yellow sweet pepper chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)

2 plum tomatoes sliced

1 8 ounce can pizza sauce

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted green and or black olives

1 cup shredded mozzarella, provolone or Monterey Jack Cheese ( 4 ounces)

1.4 cup grated parmesan or Romano Cheese

Check out Mid-west living to get the directions to this delicious recipe at: www.midwestliving.com/recipes

Grade: A

Everyone in my household enjoyed it! Especially Jeff since I didn't add the green onions as directed. He hates any type of onions. LOL I slip them in all time without him noticing and never say a word SHHHHHHHHHHHH

VEGGIES yum

These past several months I have been on a veggie kick. Blame it on the rain, Blame it on the sun LOL.. I have no idea why for the first time in my life I have really enjoyed eating them and admiring them. The girls have just been really enjoying the different types I place before them everyday. However; the teenage boys are not liking it so much. :(

My favorites this month:

Red bell peppers

Yellow bell peppers

Zucchini

Mushrooms

All I can say is yummy to my tummy... dorky I know but that's just me.

Beautiful Day :)

This morning I had the windows open to feel the cool breeze and of course hear the birds chirping away. When Kyiah decided to pull my hair to wake me up with her contagious giggle and smile :) This little thing is such a funny little girl. Chloe continued to sleep and I had to drag myself out of bed to start the day. Why are they in my bed you ask? Hey I ask the same question every morning LOL.~~Every night they go to sleep in their rooms and in the middle of the night they SNEAK right in. HELP , my back and neck are killing me from sleeping in weird and uncomfortable positions so they can sleep. FOR me- these night are getting pretty long LOL :)

Looks like today is going to be a fantastic day and good things to come!