shawnysmoonbeam

Our pups are 5 weeks old!!

Here are the pictures of our beautiful pups! They are growing in leaps and bounds.

Here is Skarlett Rose

Skarlett Rose

Here is Venus Inanna Aphrodite

Venus

Here is Valentina Heart

Valentina

Sweet!!

Headed to High School !!!

Guess what we got?

We just received the beginning paperwork for High School registration.We are excited,sad,but most of all filled with pride.I cant believe that they will headed to High School in the fall.Time has gone so fast,they are not my little boys any longer.I just hope we have raised them well and they will be happy,productive people.So, I guess I better wipe my tears and start filling out their paperwork. Stay tuned for future High School adventures!!

The Pups...2 weeks old

The pups turned 2 weeks old so heres their pics.

Venus & Skarlett

Kullen Roy

Venus Inanna Aphrodite

Valentina Heart

Kullen Roy

Skarlett Rose

The Pups..1 week old

The pups are 1 week old and doing great.They are growing leaps and bounds.Their eyes are opening and they are strong and active.

Valentina Heart

Venus Inanna Aphrodite

Skarlett Rose

Kullen Roy Barkley

Too precious.

Is this cute or what?

So True....LOL

This is soooo funny, I love it and soo true!!

Rubys special Valentines Day delivery...

We are proud to announce that Ruby delivered 3 girls and 1 boy Valentines Day afternoon.All went well!! Everyone is over the moon ,happy, healthy, and resting.

We welcome to the world...

Valentina Heart   8 1\2 oz

Venus Inanna Aphrodite (love godesses)  8 oz.

Skarlett Rose  6 oz.

Kullen Roy Barkley  7 1\2 oz.

Enjoy the slide show and Happy Valentines Day!!!

If you see just a code please go to my myspace blog area or my facebook.I will get the pups pics up soon.

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We have 4 pups coming!!

Here is Rubys x-ray. Can you count the 4 ?? There are 4 beautiful pups coming any day!! We are beyond excited for the arrival. I will keep ya updated and see the below post!!

American Idol "season 8" Top 36.WOOHOO!!

Its that time again for american idol.It is one of my favorite shows.Here is the top 36.

I already have an idea who my favorites are but I will keep that to myself for the time being.Just because I want to hear them again,see them,and learn more about them.I will give this hint

My fav guy singer just lost his wife and my fav girl singer has real not fake red hair.

So how about you? I only have two favorites in all 7 seasons(Clay Aiken & Michael Johns)Well happy Idol watching.

Great Expectations

In a week,hopefully valentines day,Ruby will give birth to her puppies. I put her whelping box together today and making sure we have all we need.We are very excited to have these bundles of joy !!! Ruby is not sure about all this,but I think she will catch on real quick. She was a bit curious about her box but hesitant to check it out.Funny girl.Here are  some snaps!! 

Ruby's whelping box.

Ruby has great expectations. Look at that belly.

Ruby checkin the inside.Not so sure.

Oh crap,I am havin what ?!!! HELP!!!!!

We will update soon........

God speed,My Tobias

... if he wakes in Your arms...

by R. A. S. 
I can hardly see through my tears... today I sent my best friend of years 
and years somewhere he had to go, where pain and sickness he won't have to know. 
He's been with me ever since he was a pup... today I've had to give him up. 
He was sick, we both knew it and I wouldn't put him through it. 

Thinking back to the day my wife brought him, I told her then that I didn't want him... 
"Noise and mess and bills to pay!" - I can't believe I felt that way. 
Didn't know that in the end, he would be my dearest friend. 
Didn't know that he would be the greatest gift that came to me. 

How did one like me deserve a friend who wanted just to serve? 
What was there that made him love me, with nobody else above me? 
When I looked into his eyes, never did he criticize, 
never did he hold a grudge, never did he try to judge. 

Recently, an anxious day. "How come you don't want to play?" 
Took him to the vet to see what might be wrong with my "puppy". 
Worse by far than I expected, fatal illness was detected. 
Nothing much that we could do but keep him comfy til he's through. 

Back at home I tried to tell him of the bad luck that befell him 
All I could see in his eyes was wondering why his master cries. 
I don't think he understood - his eyes just asked "Wasn't I good?" 
"How come now I make you sad? Let me kiss and hug you, dad!" 

Two last weeks I had to try to find a way to say goodbye. 
In that time I told him more than I ever had before 
just how much I loved my pup, how it hurt to give him up. 
How though gone, he'd always be inside my heart, a part of me. 

Then today was no mistaking, I made the decision, my heart was breaking. 
I called and asked the vet to come by - I didn't have to tell him why. 
He arrived in awhile and asked "Are you ready?" I sighed, I nodded, I felt so unsteady. 
Got down on the floor by my boy who was dying, and I just didn't care if the vet saw me crying. 

As my pup slipped away, the last things he felt were the kisses and hugs of his master who knelt 
On that "blankie" beside him to bid him goodbye, who had just one more minute to tell him, to try 
to say thanks to his boy for a lifetime of love.... "Dear God, let me see him in heaven above! 
But for now Lord, please hold him, watch over his rest... if he wakes in Your arms tell him I love him best."

Christmas Cookies

Well I got inspired by the food channel and a few blogs about Christmas cookies.So I found several cookie recipes for me to share with you.Some I have made ,the others I will.So happy baking !!!

Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies

Prep Time:

45 min

Inactive Prep Time:

2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

13 min

Level:

Intermediate

Serves:

3 dozen

1 batch Sugar Cookies, recipe follows 

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 egg yolk 

1 teaspoon peppermint extract 

1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Divide the dough in half and add chocolate and vanilla to 1 half and incorporate with hands. Add egg yolk, peppermint extract, and crushed candy to other half of dough and incorporate with hands. Cover both with plastic and chill for approximately 5 minutes. Roll out doughs separately to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Place peppermint dough on top of chocolate and press together around the edges. Using waxed paper or flexible cutting board underneath, roll dough into log. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Remove dough from the refrigerator and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Place cookies 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat and bake for 12 to 13 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Sugar Cookie:

3 cups all-purpose flour 

3/4 teaspoon baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1 cup sugar 

1 egg, beaten 

1 tablespoon milk 

Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl

Cranberry and Date Roll Ups

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

17 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 servings

1 cup butter 

1/2 pound cream cheese 

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 

Salt 

Confectioners' sugar, for board and garnish 

Pitted dates 

Cranberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cream butter and cream cheese together. Blend in the flour and the salt, to taste. Chill for several hours until firm enough to roll out. Roll mixture to 1/4-inch thick on a cutting board generously sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Cut dough into 1 by 3-inch pieces with a pastry wheel. Put dates and/or cranberries on the bottom of each strip and roll up. Place fold side down on a sheet tray.

Place in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar to serve.

Cookie Dough Truffles

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

3 hr 30 min

Cook Time:

hr min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

5 dozen truffles

1/2 cup butter, softened 

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 

1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels 

1 cup finely chopped pecans 

1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted

In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.

*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.

Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Peanut Blossom Cookies:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup (185 grams) peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

1/3 cup (70 grams) light brown sugar

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 cups (210 grams) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Coating:

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

Garnish:

48 milk chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter. Add the peanut butter and sugars and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 - 3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine. Beat in the milk. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the peanut butter mixture and beat until incorporated. Cover and chill the batter for about an hour, or until firm enough to roll into balls.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. 

Roll the batter into 1 inch (2.54) round balls. Place the granulated white sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.

Bake the cookies for about 8 - 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned. Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, place a chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie, pressing down until the cookie just starts to crack. Cool completely on a wire rack. 

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Cream butter and sugar until light & fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time...beat well.

Sift dry ingredients to mixture in two batches alternating with milk.

Stir in crushed candy canes.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheet.

The batter seemed really doughy... you may have to use a heavy duty mixer for this since I ended up burning out my little hand mixer.

I baked mine for about 7-8 minutes...ovens may vary. I took them out when they started to look golden. If you bake too long they burn on the bottom and come out hard !! So, keep your eye's on them !! This recipe makes about 5 dozen.

Christmas Cookie #6: Coconut Macaroons (Original and Chocolate-Dipped)

Coconut Macaroons
recipe from Kraftfoods.com...

1 pkg. (14 oz.) Baker's Angel Flake Coconut
2/3 cup sugar
6 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
4 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 teaspoons almond extract
8 squares (8 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate, optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Add egg whites and extract; mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto greased and floured baking sheets.

Bake 20 min. or until edges are golden brown. Transfer to wire racks or waxed paper. Cool.

Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons: Melt chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds. Dip cookies halfway into chocolate. Let stand until chocolate is firm.

Christmas Cookie #5: Iced Shortbread Thumbprints

Iced Shortbread Thumbprints

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup preserves

1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar together using handheld or stand mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add flour until soft dough forms.

Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill with 1/2 teaspoon preserves.

Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to rest on cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before removing to cooling racks or waxed paper.

In a small bowl, mix together confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cookies.

Christmas Cookie #3: Kiss and Drizzle Cookies

Kiss and Drizzle Cookies
1 tube sugar (or peanut butter) cookie dough
18 Hershey kisses
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Bake sugar cookies according to package directions. While the cookies are still warm, place a Hershey kiss on top of each cookie.

Melt chocolate chips in microwave in two separate bowls at 70% power for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 20 second intervals and stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Drizzle both kinds of chocolate over cookies.

Christmas Cookie #2: Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
1 bag pretzel rods
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
Assorted Christmas sprinkles

Melt chocolate chips in microwave in two separate bowls at 70% power for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 20 second intervals and stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate. Decorate with desired sprinkles. Place on foil covered cookie sheets until chocolate has hardened. Serve in small glass hurricane.

Christmas Cookie #1: Gingersnaps

Gingersnaps
a family recipe...

1 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 cup sugar (for rolling dough)

Cream butter and shortening with sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and molasses. Sift together dry ingredients and add to butter/sugar mixture. Beat until combined.

Refrigerate dough for one hour. Roll tablespoon sized balls of dough into sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets approximately 3" apart.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 12 minutes. Cookies should be soft on top. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove and place on cooling racks. Store in cookie tin or airtight container.

Swan Family Christmas Traditions

Some are new ,some are old,but please enjoy and make yourself a great holiday.

Since it is December 1st,I wanted to help my readers with making Christmas Traditions for their family.Some people want new ideas,some need ideas because they dont have any,and some just want to be in the holiday spirit and need ideas to fill in on their own. In future posts I will tell things about Christmas and of course our familys doings.In this post I will give you ideas of things you can do each day of December,leading to Christmas and even new years.These are in no particular order as to fit in your schedule and to fit your traditions. I hope you enjoy my ideas,keep in mind these are only ideas and there is obviously more.If you want to add more leave me a comment so everyone can see your ideas.Also keep in mind you can change the day you do each idea,so be creative ,have fun and get into the holiday spirit. 1.Wear a Santa hat everyday or every chance you get 2. Play and listen to Christmas music everyday 3.Send out those Christmas cards(Take special holiday pictures and or get family pictures to use or put in) 4.Get your tree on the first cold day of December or pick a special day to do it. 5.Decorate your house(inside & out) 6.Go see Christmas lights(Take along hot chocolate & cookies) 7.Go Christmas caroling 8.Go to your towns tree lighting ceremony 9.Go to christmas parties and events 10.Help the helpless and needy 11.Go to Church & especially the Christmas service(check their schedule of events) 12.Go see a Christmas movie or play 13.Make those Christmas cookies 14.Make ,buy and do the advent calendar 15.Make a big deal about decorating your tree(play X-mas music,bring out christmas goodies and drinks)Use that great imagination 16.Make Jesus a white birthday cake 17.Use those candles,find new Christmas smells,and light that fireplace. 18.Read a christmas card or cards at dinner as a family as they come in 19.Get those Christmas packages out early 20.Take the kiddos christmas window shopping to make their lists 21.open a christmas present on Christmas eve 22.Have your kiddos sing or recite something to get their X-mas gifts 23.Have your kiddos make out Christmas cards to their friends and of course family(Grandmas like this) 24.Build a gingerbread house 25.Decorate a christmas nativity ending with baby jesus on Christmas eve 26.Count down the days to Christmas in special ways 27.Read Twas the night before Christmas on Christmas eve 28.read christmas stories every night(for extra fun wrap them and place them in a basket,that way its a surprise when you open it) 30.Make a traditional Christmas dinner(make it fancy or casual) 31.Host a christmas party 32.Bake all tose favorite Christmas dishes and teach them to your kids 33.Scrapbook your christmas pictures 34.Be silly and get those fun pictures with Santa and dont forget that Santa goes to pet stores for the furkids to 35.Make those crazy Christmas letters of your families special moments,etc.. to send in those christmas cards 36.Do random acts of kindness 37.Make phone calls to people you dont talk to on a regular basis...Life is short people, keep those contacts 38.Our tradition is to take down the tree on new years day but it is traditionally done on Jan 6th 39.Have a new years eve party 40.Watch all those parades,football games,and christmas shows on tv or tape them to watch them later 41.Go play in the snow,go ski,tubing,etc...ditch work and school to make this extra special 42.Make christmas ornaments,christmas card and decorations 43.Get a real christmas tree and if it is a live christmas tree make a special time of planting it 44.Buy a new christmas outfit or pajamas 45.Have a different theme every year for christmas 46.Buy one new ornament for each family member(when your child leaves the nest they will have a good start of ornaments for their first tree) 47.Deep clean your bedrooms and clothes closets and give the good stuff to a shelter.This means clean all the toy boxes to. 48.Cook meals ahead and put in the freezer for those busy nights 49.pamper yourself one day...whatever that means to you 50.Meet your hubby under the christmas tree one night...take this as you will :) You can be naughty or nice(hehe) 51.Have a date with hubby 52.Do the Secret Santa thing with friends and or family 53.Make a DVD of all the picture highlights of your year (great gift for family and friends)Be sure to watch on new years eve 54.Play name that carol as a family(you may need to burn a disc) 55.Wrap the picture frames around the house and dont forget the bow,very festive 56.learn and celebrate how other countries and religions celebrate the holiday. 57.celebrate St.Nicholas Day (Dec.6th) and go visit him. 58.Celebrate St. Lucia Day (Dec 13th) 59.Take a family photo every year. Use it for Christmas cards or just as tradition to see how you all have changed. 60.put out cookies for santa,put out that special stuff for his reighndeer. 61.make snowman soup (hot chocolate) packages and pass them out. 62.Learn about the candy cane,twelve days of X-mas,etc.. and incorporate it in your celebrations 63.string popcorn and cranberries for your tree. 64. Wrap some inexpensive extra gifts for those unexpected or forgotten guests.It happens

65.celebrate Advent.

66.each day before Christmas build your nativity scene ending on christmas day with the baby Jesus.

67.read a christmas bible verse everyday starting Dec 1st.

68.Read the Christmas story from the bible.

69.Every Jan 1st have a christmas wrapped empty box put it out so that you can empty your change or extra cash into it.encourage family and friends to do the same,then give it to charity at X-mas time.

70.Adopt a family in need or that has no family to celebrate the holidays with.Include them in your fun.

71.make a gingerbread house

72.set out a card table and work on a puzzle.have guests and family give you a hand. 73.The best thing of all.make ammends(if possible) and forgive people that have hurt you.It will help them and you and make a great start for the new year. Merry Christmas to all!!!

I have something to say about our government....

I have something to say about our government.I was reading the blog apples of gold and she said a few things perfectly so here from her blog is what she said

This is long I know, but will give you something to think about.

THE LAW IS THE LAW! 

So Be It!
THE LAW IS THE LAW
So " if " the US government determines that it is against the
law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then,
so be it.
And " if " that same government decides that the
"Ten Commandments"
are not to be used in or on a
government installation, then,
so be it.
I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a
law abiding US citizen.
I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that
smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions.
I would like to think that those people have the
American public's best interests at heart.
BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?
Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot post His Commandments in Government buildings ,

I don't believe the Government and its
employees should participate in the
Easter and Christmas
celebrations which honor the God
that our government
is eliminating from many facets of American life.
I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter.

After all, it's just another day.
I'd like the "US Supreme Court to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as
well as Sundays." After all, it's just another day.
I'd like the Senate and the House of Representatives
to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break."

After all it's just another day.
I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved,

if all government offices & services would
work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week

to a government that is trying to be "politically correct."
In fact....
I think that our government should work on Sundays

(initially set aside for worshipping God...)

because, after all, our government says that
it should be just another day....
What do you all think????
If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected
officials will stop giving in to the "minority opinions"
and begin, once again, to represent the "majority"
of ALL of the American people.
SO BE IT...........
Please Dear Lord,
Give us the help needed to keep you in our country!
'Amen' and 'Amen'

Shawny here..

I think its hypercritical of our government to enjoy and pick and choose the benefits of Gods graces and blessings when they want badly to push him out and be so politically correct.I feel the world will be a better place if we all put God in a more prominent place in all of our lives.We need a healthy balance not one more than another.So I ask you to pray for our government,our troops ,our veterans,peoples ignorance and most of to ask God in your life and back into our country.With this horrible choice of president we need it the most.I worry for our safety and my childrens future.Please pray and do what you can do to to change our government and make our world a better and safe place for all.Peace doesnt come cheap or easy and it takes time.Just something to think about and PRAY about!!!

Recipes for Thanksgiving!!!

Here are some great recipes for your Thanksgiving.These are not my own but I have made a few.Some are new to try.I hope you enjoy and have a great holiday season!! Thanks to pioneer woman Paul Dean and Rachael Ray for some of these !!!

Thanksgiving

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

Prep Time:

8 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

40 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

6 servings

1 cup apple butter 

1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin 

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 

3 eggs, slightly beaten 

3/4 cup evaporated milk 

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell 

Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Combine apple butter, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices in a bowl. Stir in eggs. Gradually add milk and mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake for about 40 minutes or until set.

Cook's Notes:

-If the crust begins to burn, place tin foil around the crust and lower the temperature of the oven. 

-A tasty topping for this pie is praline pecans.

Turducken

Prep Time:

30 min

Inactive Prep Time:

8 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

5 hr 0 min

Level:

Difficult

Serves:

25 servings, as main course

Brine: 

1 cup kosher salt 

1 cup brown sugar 

1 gallon water 

18 to 21-pound turkey, skin intact and boned except for drumsticks

House seasoning, recipe follows
Cornbread Dressing, recipe follows
3 to 4-pound duck, boned
3 to 4-pound chicken, boned
Paprika

To make the brine: Mix salt and sugar with the water. Brine is ready when the mixture is completely dissolved. If the water is heated to quicken the process, make sure it is cooled to room temperature before placing meat in. Let the 3 birds sit in brine in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat roaster to 500 degrees F.

Lay turkey skin side down on a flat surface. Dust turkey with House Seasoning and add 1/4-inch layer of cornbread dressing. Lay duck skin side down on top of dressing. Dust duck with House Seasoning and add 1/4-inch layer of dressing. Repeat with the chicken.

Begin trussing up the turkey at the neck. Insert metal skewer about 1/2-inch from the edge and up through the other side. Run butcher's twine between skin and skewer and tighten to draw both sides together. Continue down to legs. With every other skewer, draw together the duck and chicken skin. Tie together turkey legs to resemble standard turkey. Dust turkey skin with paprika.

Roast turducken for 15 minutes. Then turn the roaster down to 225 degrees F to finish, approximately 3 hours. Remove turducken from roaster once the internal temperature in the chicken reaches 155 degrees F. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Cut across the middle of the breast completely through. Plate thin slices containing turkey, duck and chicken.

Cook's Notes: If using a smoker to cook, smoke at 225 degrees F for 5 hours, rotating every 20 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F and external temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Try to keep the flare-ups from the fire to a minimum.

House Seasoning: 

1 cup salt 

1/4 cup black pepper 

1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Cornbread Dressing: 

Cornbread: 

1 cup self rising cornmeal 

1/2 cup self-rising flour 

3/4 cup buttermilk 

2 eggs 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Dressing:
7 slices white bread, dried in warm oven
Cornbread
1 sleeve saltine crackers
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
8 tablespoons butter
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
5 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the cornbread, combine all ingredients and pour into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To make the dressing, crumble dried white bread slices, cornbread and crackers. Mix together and set aside. Saute chopped celery and onion in butter until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour over corn bread mixture. Add stock, mix well and add salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Follow instructions above to stuff birds.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Sweet Potato Balls

Prep Time:

5 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

20 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 to 6 servings

4 large sweet potatoes 

2/3 cup packed brown sugar 

2 tablespoons orange juice 

1 teaspoon orange zest 

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 

2 cups shredded coconut, sweetened 

1/2 cup granulated sugar 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 large marshmallow per potato ball

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake the potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them. Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, zest and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, toss the coconut with the sugar and cinnamon. Press mashed potatoes around each marshmallow, creating a 2 to 3-inch diameter ball. Roll the balls in the coconut mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully for the last few minutes of cooking; the expanding marshmallows can cause the potato balls to burst open.

ama's Fried Cream Corn

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

25 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 servings

12 ears fresh corn, shucked 

4 slices thick slab bacon 

1/2 stick butter 

Freshly ground black pepper

Remove corn from cobs by using a corn grater or knife, and mash the whole kernels a little. Slice bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook bacon until brown in a large skillet. Remove bacon from skillet and add 1/2 stick butter to bacon grease. Over medium-high heat, pour in the corn. Fry in the grease and butter mixture. Lower the temperature and cook for 5 minutes, then put on simmer until corn is done, 10 to 15 minutes. Add black pepper, to taste. If corn seems too dry, add a little milk or water.

Pumpkin Soup with Chili Cran-Apple Relish

Serves 8 as first course; Serves 4 as an entreé

This is a delicious soup for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals – be sure that your guests leave enough room for turkey!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• 2 ribs celery with greens, finely chopped (save time and purchase celery already washed, trimmed and cut into sticks – this makes fast work of chopping)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or 2 teaspoons ground thyme
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (or to taste)
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 can cooked pumpkin puree (28 ounces)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Relish:

• 1 crisp apple, such as McIntosh or Granny Smith, finely chopped
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

Heat a medium soup pot over medium to medium-high heat. Add the EVOO and melt the butter. Add bay leaf, celery and onion. Season the veggies with salt and pepper. Cook 6-7 minutes, until tender.

Add flour, poultry seasoning and hot sauce, to taste, then cook flour a minute. Whisk in chicken stock and bring liquid to a bubble. Whisk in pumpkin in large spoonfuls to incorporate it into the broth. Simmer soup 10 minutes to thicken a bit, then add in cream and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.

While soup cooks, assemble the relish: combine apple, onion, lemon juice, cranberries, chili powder, honey and cinnamon.

Adjust seasonings in soup and relish and serve soup in shallow bowls with a few spoonfuls of relish.

Apple and Onion Stuffin' Muffins

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

25 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

12 muffins

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 stick butter, softened
1 fresh bay leaf, available in produce department
4 ribs celery and greens, from the heart, chopped (save time and purchase celery already washed, trimmed and cut into sticks, this makes chopping fast work)
1 medium to large yellow skinned onion, chopped
3 McIntosh apples, quartered and chopped
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
8 cups cubed stuffing mix (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)
2 to 3 cups chicken stock, available in paper containers on the soup aisle

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil to skillet and 4 tablespoons butter. When butter melts, add bay leaf and add the vegetables as you chop them, celery, onions then apples. Sprinkle the vegetables and apples with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Cook 5 to 6 minutes to begin to soften vegetables and apples then add parsley and stuffing cubes to the pan and combine. Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth until all of the bread is soft but not wet.

Butter 12 muffin cups, 2 tins, liberally with remaining butter. Use an ice cream scoop to fill and mound up the stuffing in muffin tins. Remove the bay leaf as you scoop the stuffing when you come upon it. Bake until set and crisp on top, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove stuffin' muffins to a platter and serve hot or room temperature.

Begin by cutting 1 loaf of somewhat crusty french bread and 1 recipe of Pioneer Woman Cornbread into 1-inch cubes. This can be done way ahead of time, even a couple of days before your meal. The cubes need to have plenty of time to air dry and become crusty and hard, and this takes up to 24 hours, though I have been known to speed along the process by popping the cubes into a warm oven for thirty minutes or so. But if you have time, just throw the cubes on a big tray, stick ‘em off to the side, and go live the life you were born to live.


When you’re ready to make the stuffing, here’s what you’ll need: 16 cups of white bread and cornbread cubes (16 cups total), onion, celery, low sodium chicken broth, butter, rosemary, basil, parsley, thyme, and salt. (Sage is always welcome, too.)


First, dice 1 medium onion…


To see my top secret dicing method, click on just about ever other recipe on this site. I’m an onion-dicing FOOL.


Now wash the celery well and chop it up, leave, stalks and all, to make 2 cups.


I used to make long, vertical slices down the length of the celery first, but now I just rough-chop the heck out of it. I just love that characteristic crunching sound.


Warm up a large skillet over medium heat.


And add…oh, baby…one stick of butter.


When it melts, throw in the onion and celery…


And cook for a few minutes.


While that’s cooking, chop up any fresh herbs you might be using. I always use fresh parsley, I try to use fresh rosemary if I have it, and I sometimes but not always use fresh basil, and I always use dried, ground thyme. Some years, I only use fresh parsley and use dried everything else. Sometimes I use fresh sage, sometimes I skip sage altogether. Just use what you want and what’s convenient because, guess what? This stuffing is delicious no matter what.


Just keep in mind that fresh herbs are much stronger, so you’ll want to add them gradually so as not to overpower.


You’ll need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. My friend, Dia, got this organic stuff for me and while I’m normally happy to use regular canned broth, this stuff really tickled my fancy!


Because look! It’s really ORGANIC looking, isn’t it? It looks really rustic and natural, and I’m, like, ALL about rustic and natural. Like, totally. Or was that messy and natural? Or was that messy and disorganized? Or was that disorganized and scatterbrained?

Sorry. That’s another subject for another time. Dang, self-reflection’s a real buzz-kill, isn’t it?


Pour the broth right into the skillet and bring it to a boil.


Add 1/2 teasoon basil (fresh works well, too.)


Things are sure tarting to smell good around here.


Now add 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme.


C’mon, folks. Don’t be hatin’. There’s absolutely nothing inherently evil about dried thyme. Dried thyme never hurt anyone. Give dried thyme a chance, for the love of Pete.


Now throw in your fresh stuff: a couple of teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (dried is fine, too) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.


And give it all a stir.


*Aroma must be experienced to be believed.*


Now throw your bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.


Now, gradually ladle in the broth mixture…


Tossing lightly as you go.


Keep adding the broth mixture gradually…


Tasting as you go, and adding more seasoning and herbs as needed. Keep tasting! You’ll produce a better result and you’ll be a very happy cook.


Add salt carefully! Don’t overdo—remember, the stuffing will intermingle with the gravy and other stuff on the plate, and those things will be salty enough.


Now, the stuffing should be light and not overly soggy, but also plenty moist. So if you taste a few pieces and they seem overly dry, just splash in a little more broth and toss around.


When the stuffing is ready, go ahead and stuff the bird if you like. Or, just bake the stuffing in a separate baking dish, which is what I do unless my turkey-juice-loving-father-in-law is coming for dinner.


Either way, this recipe makes enough to stuff a 20-pound bird and fill a mid-sized baking dish. If you’re not going to stuff the bird, this recipe makes enough for 2 baking pans and can easily be halved. See how light and lovely it is? Not thick and pasty at all…not that there’s anything wrong with thick and pasty.

*Remember: if you’re stuffing your turkey, you’ll need to allow more time for roasting. And always check the temperature of the stuffing as well as the bird—it needs to be thoroughly heated!

As I was making this stuffing for all of you yesterday, it dawned on me that in one week, I’ll be doing all of this again. So I said to myself, “Self? Why not just FREEZE the stuffing? Then you’ll be that much ahead of the game next week.” Then I agreed with myself and thanked myself for the idea. Then I kissed myself on the cheek and sent myself on my merry way. And I decided to freeze this stuffing and bake up just a small sample so you could see the finished form:


Bake the stuffing at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. And just so you know, it took me about eighteen seconds after snapping this shot to eat every last bite of this little dish. Just so you know. It’s really that good.

Mystery Rolls from 1977 and Beyond

2 sticks butter
4 to 6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
2 cans flaky biscuits

Combine butter and cheese on baking pan. Place into 350 oven for a couple of minutes, or until butter is melted. Remove from oven and stir. Cut biscuits into fourths, then toss in butter mixture. Bake on same pan (or different, if you prefer) for 8 to 12 minutes, or until golden. Eat warm.

Fresh Corn Casserole

Jul. 20, 2007

This isn’t technically corn pudding, as it doesn’t use any eggs, but that’s what folks ’round these parts sometimes call it. It’s getting to be that time of year when corn is in abundance, and neighbors bring by ears of corn like it’s going out of style. And I absolutely love this method of preparing the stuff; you basically slice off the kernels with a sharp knife, then—and this is key—scrape out all the creamy, milky goodness that resides inside the cob. Add a little cream, butter, salt, and pepper, bake in the oven, and you have a crunchy, fresh summer side dish that’s always, always a crowd pleaser. It’s nothing short of heavenly. Let’s make it and you’ll see what I mean!

The Cast of Characters: Roastin’ ears of corn (corn that’s still in the husk), heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Like, totally simple. Totally.

Start by removing the corn from the husks. Just peel off the outer layers…

Then run your hands around the cobs to remove most of the silks (strands). There are special brushes just for this, but I don’t have one and even if I did, my kids would have buried it in the garden by now. And I’m not that meticulous about getting them all off anyway, but some folks are.

I used about eight ears of corn for this recipe, but you can do as few or as many as you want.

Now, in a large, deep bowl (I’ll show you why later), begin slicing off the kernels of corn.

Just keep going…

Until most of the kernels are off. Now, notice that there’s still some stuff deep inside the cob? We’re going to get that out. It’s the good stuff.

With the dull side of the knife (or you can grab just a regular dinner knife), press and scrap the cob all the way down to remove all the bits of kernel and creamy milk inside.

It takes a little bit of force to get it out, but you’ll get the hang of it after awhile.

See all that creamy, milky goodness on top? That’s what makes this dish so good.

And this is what the cob should look like when you’re finished.

Now, just repeat this process with all the ears of corn, cutting off the kernels and scraping out the milk…

…Until you have a nice, creamy, crunch pile of fresh corn.

Oh, and that deep bowl thing? Here’s why. If you’d done the cutting and scraping on the countertop, this would be all over the place and probably across the room on the TV screen.

Now take whipping (heavy) cream…

And pour it right into the bowl. I used about 2/3 cup, but precise measurements aren’t important. You want it to coat the kernels but not be overly soupy.

Now it’s time to salt it. I use Kosher salt most of the time, but regular salt is just fine. And never mind the smudges all over my box. I cook a lot, man.

Add the salt to taste. I start with about 1/2 teaspoon and work my way up from there. Don’t be afraid to taste it at this point, but it’s so dang delicious, you’ll have to have a loved one pull you away from it.

Now I like to generously add fresh-ground pepper. Regular ground pepper is fine, but I don’t think it packs the same punch for this dish.

I love freshly ground black pepper.

Now take some regular (salted) butter…

And add some to the bowl.

I added about three tablespoons, which was plenty. You don’t want to go overboard on the butter or the dish will wind up too greasy.

Now pour the mixture into a baking dish. (See that little corn silk sticking out? Don’t be afraid of it.)

Now bake at 350 degrees for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed through. Don’t cook too long, though, or the cream will dry out and the corn won’t be as crunchy. You want it to be crunchy, for Pete’s sake. (Who’s Pete, by the way? I’ve always wanted to know.)

When you pull it out of the oven, it will look like this.

LAYERED ICE CREAM CAKE
Makes a 9”x 13” Pan
24 Ice cream sandwiches
8 oz. Cool Whip™
1 Hershey’s™ chocolate syrup bottle
1 Smuckers™ caramel syrup bottle
2 king size Butterfinger™ candy bars chopped up
1st layer -12 ice cream sandwiches
2nd – half of whipped cream
3rd - half of Butterfinger™ bars, Squeeze 1/2 of caramel &
chocolate over that.
4th - rest of ice cream sandwiches
5th – Cool Whip™
6th - rest of Butterfinger™, caramel & chocolate
You can freeze this and eat as desired! Yummy! Yummy!

Engine 54 - Ladder 4 Turkey Roast

Prep Time:

30 min

Inactive Prep Time:

30 min

Cook Time:

2 hr 30 min

Level:

Difficult

Serves:

8 to 10 servings

1 boneless breast from a 10-pound turkey (about 6 pounds) 

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 

1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves 

1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves 

1 1/2 cups Andouille Cornbread stuffing, cooled, recipe follows 

1 1/2 cups Duck Confit, recipe follows 

1 pound Chicken Sausage, seared, recipe follows 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay out the turkey breast on a flat surface with the skin side down. Pull the fillet toward the middle of the breast so that it lays flat. Split open the large end of the turkey breast and fold outward, resembling and open book still keeping it attached to the rest of the breast. You should have a turkey breast that is roughly rectangular. Place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the turkey, then use a meat cleaver or other heavy object to pound the breast to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness.

Combine chopped herbs in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mixture over the turkey breast.

Spread the stuffing mixture over the top of the breast to within 1/2-inch of the edges. Spread duck confit over stuffing. Sprinkle 1/2 cup herbs over confit. Place the seared sausage links lengthwise over the chopped herbs. Carefully fold 1 edge of the breast over the top of the sausage, and repeat with the other side so the breast can be rolled into a neat parcel. Tie at 2-inch intervals with kitchen twine. Rub the outside of the turkey breast with the olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for 2 1/2 hours, or until juices run clear and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165
degrees F.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 30 minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice into 1/2-inch slices.

Andouille Cornbread Stuffing: 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1/4 cup chopped yellow onions 

1/2 cup chopped andouille sausage (about 2 ounces) 

1/4 cup chopped green onions 

2 tablespoons chopped celery 

2 tablespoons chopped green bell peppers 

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh garlic 

1 cup coarsely crumbled homemade or purchased corn muffins 

1/2 cup chicken stock 

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, or to taste, recipe follows 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add yellow onions and sausage and saute 1 minute. Add green onions, celery, bell peppers and garlic and stir-fry 1 minute.

Stir in corn muffins, stock and Creole Seasoning, season to taste with salt and pepper and cook, stirring and shaking the skillet, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast): 

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika 

2 tablespoons salt 

2 tablespoons garlic powder 

1 tablespoon black pepper 

1 tablespoon onion powder 

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 

1 tablespoon dried oregano 

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Duck Confit: 

6 whole duck legs (legs and thighs attached) 

3/4 cup kosher salt 

8 black peppercorns 

8 garlic cloves, crushed 

8 thyme sprigs 

3 bay leaves, crumbled 

1 quart rendered duck fat, melted (or mild olive oil)

Press duck legs, flesh side down, into salt. Lightly sprinkle additional salt on fat side. In a non-reactive container layer duck legs with herbs and spices: Place 3 legs in container, fat-side down, cover with peppercorns, garlic, thyme and bay leaves and press on remaining 3 legs, flesh-side down. Store overnight, covered and refrigerated.

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F.

Remove legs from container, rinse off salt and seasonings under cold water and pat dry. Place in a medium roasting pan or other pan large enough to hold the legs in 1 layer. Pour the melted duck fat over the legs; they should be completely covered with fat. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until the meat actually pulls away from the bone, 6 to 7 hours. Allow confit to cool in its fat. Store refrigerated, completely covered in fat.

Yield: 6 legs or 1 1/2 cups confit

Homemade Spicy Chicken Sausage: 

2 1/2 pounds chicken meat, diced 

1/2 cup chopped garlic 

6 teaspoons chili powder 

4 tablespoons paprika 

2 teaspoons cayenne 

2 teaspoons ground cumin 

2 teaspoons salt 

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 

1 teaspoon dried oregano 

1 teaspoon dried thyme 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

2 teaspoons onion powder 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken with the seasonings and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Grind the meat twice in a meat grinder fitted with a 1/2-inch die. A food processor could also be used to grind the meat. Sear in a hot skillet until partially cooked through and then cool before stuffing bird. It is not necessary to form into links or patties before cooking. 

Cran-Raspberry Pretzel Salad
adapted from several recipes...

1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar
8 ounces whipped cream
1 large box Cranberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
2 10-ounce packages frozen raspberries

1. Combine pretzels, sugar, and butter in bottom of a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

2. Mix together cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and whipped cream and spread over cooled pretzels. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

OR,try this version

   2 cups crush pretzels

           1/2 cup sugar, divided

           2/3 cup melted butter

           12 oz. cream cheese

           2 Tbls. milk

           1 cup cool whip

           2 cups boiling water

           1 pkg. strawberry jello

           1 1/2 cups water

           2 pints strawberries

Preheat oven 350.  Mix pretzels & 1/4 cup of sugar & melted butter.  Bake for 10 min.

Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, milk & cool whip. Refrigerate 1 hour.  Prepare jello with strawberries, quick set.  Pour stawberry mixture over cream & pretzels.  Refrigerate 2 hours. 

Lucky 7th Birthday

My nephew Jared is celebrating his lucky birthday today!!! He is sweet,funny,exceptionally smart,a good scout,all smiles,my shadow,his daddys mini-me,and a blessing to our family.

I hope your special lucky birthday is all you hope for and you get to eat a ton of cake.We love you to the moon and back and then more than that.I am so excited to see ya next week.

Have a Happy Birthday!!! Love Aunty Shawny

I did this post on my computer but it wont put it thru and I cant view my site ,so I am on Chris computer to get this post out.Sorry no pictures .I will hopefully get it fixed soon

44th Birthday

My old man turns 44 today.I have known him for 24 years. He is a great guy,a good hsuband,and an outstanding Dad to our boys.I love him very much.He works like a dog for our family and doesnt get to spend a lot of time at home.He got his Bachelors degree this past spring.He got promoted to Sgt this summer.I am very proud of him.We are very lucky to have him in our life,he means the world to the boys and I.God blessed me with this wonderful man to grow old with and build a life with.I am very happy to call him my friend,my hubby,my lover ,and my companion.I love you honey.I hope you have a very Happy Birthday !!!
To celebrate his birthday we will take him out to Manfu a favorite place of ours.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUSBAND OF MINE!!!!!

vlogging

Check out this video: vloggin is cool

Happy Birthday time again

Today is my Step-Dads birthday !!!
He is a really great guy and he makes my mom happy.
I love him and wish him many more birthdays to celebrate. So Happy Birthday Dad !!! :)

Happy Labor day!!! So looking forward to fall and cooler weather.Just chillin for the holiday

Are you watching the Telethon?? I watch at least part of it every year since I was 8 years old.

Please pray for the Gulf coast and that all will be better than expected from Gustav.I was in one of the most devastating hurricanes ever and I know what they are going thru and the fear. Florida has been hit hard with a hurricane/tropical storm and will be affected by Gustav to.

Not much else going on,Hope you all are happily ending your summer and getting back to school and a regular routine.

Thats all I got for now...Toodles

Spreading his wings to fly.....

Today I took Jakob to sign him up for ground flight school.He will begin his classes in mid September.This will get him his first certification to fly.He will fly at least once during the class. He will be able to fly solo at 16 and will get his official pilots license at 17. He must complete a lot of steps to get there but he is excited and determined.So today I am giving him his wings to fly and grow. Its scary and a sense of pride all in one. This is the beginning stages to his future goal and job as a pilot. This is Jakobs calling and passion. We are supportive in his dreams and goals and will enjoy watching him accomplish what will be his lifes work.They say if you have a passion and enjoy it and it becomes your job its really not work. I wish that for him because thats the type of person he is. SO fly my son and soar in Gods hands,you will do great things in your life and we are so proud!! Win, loose,fail, succeed we are right behind him.

Showing Jake the plane

A future pilot.Look at his little smile.

Its all in his hands

Showing Jake the control panel and movement from steering wheel to the planes wings and tail

This is the plane Jake wants to start flying in.I think its a cesns 170(not sure)

Soar high with your wings!!!!

For my Sister....

On my trip to Washington I did some shopping.I happened to be with my sister and we happened to be at petsmart you know where the pets go!!! As we were looking for something for my RubyJayne and my sister came across a bottle monkey toy.It was perfect!! When I got home she immediately searched my bags and found her toy..it was love at first sight...... This is now her favorite toy :) My sister asked me to take a picture of her with her new toy as some of you know my sister is a huge monkey fan so this is for my sister from her fur niece.

Ruby chewing miss monkey and warning me to stay away.

Ruby resting and keeping a close eye on miss monkey

Ruby sound asleep with her bestest toy.Can we all say AAAWWW :)

As you can see miss monkey is well loved and played with.Oh by the way these pictures were not staged,Ruby truly loves miss monkey :)

*****There is 2 posts today so please read below post. Toodles

SSSSSsssssssssss

Look what slithered in our backyard!!! We usually see 1 to 4 snakes a year,last year we didnt see any.This year we saw this evil creature.I HATE snakes and I know we need them but they frighten me til no end.I was not able to kill this guy cause he was so fast but trust me if he ever crosses my path he WILL be introduced to my shovel !!! For those of you not familiar with snakes this guy was not poisonous and really no threat to us, however we have some of the most poisonous snakes around and have been blessed not meeting them.Oh, if your wondering he was about 3 1/2 feet long and after trying to kill him with my shovel he safely slithered away VERY fast.

See his forked tongue?? Toodles :)

1st Day of 8th Grade

My how time flys. The boys started school today and we did all of our first day of school traditions.Sorry about the pics,I am sick and rushed things.Here are the big kids on the block! Next year on to High School !!!!
Have a great first day of school everyone!!!

They had a great first day and loved being with their friends.It looks like it just may be a good year.I am very proud of my kids and it is a privilage to be their mom.

Its that time for an Olympic update

WOW!!! Did you see our gymnasts.They are injured,battered and bruised.They made tons of mistakes,but came thru to second place to move on.I hope they shape up cause China is on our butts.

Here is the medal standings so far

Overall Medal Count

Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
United States 3 4 4 11
China 6 3 0 9
South Korea 3 2 0 5
Australia 2 0 3 5
France 0 3 2 5

Were hanging on to the lead overall but we need more gold.
Our swimmers are doing well.Our mens beach volleyball 2nd team won their match.Our dream team basketball players kicked Chinas ass :) Our mens soccer team tied in their game. The long distance bike race was a diappointment for us still even though we overcame a bad crash.The weather has been aweful today and tested our olympians to the edge.
Yes,if your wondering,I have the tv on 24 -7 on the olympics plus I read stuff on the internet incase I have missed something.I love the olympics so much and I would love to see it come to America again so I could go. Well I am going back to watching the olympics so toodles

USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA !! GO GO GO USA USA!!!!

Olympics part 2

Typepad is being wierd so see below post

Here is our medal standings as of today

All Medals

Medal Sport Event Athlete

Silver Women's 4x100-Meter Freestyle Relay Swimming
Gold Women's Individual Sabre Fencing Mariel Zagunis
Silver Women's Individual Sabre Fencing Sada Jacobson
Bronze Women's Individual Sabre Fencing Becca Ward
Bronze Women's 400-Meter Individual Medley Swimming Katie Hoff
Bronze Men's 400-Meter Freestyle Swimming Larsen Jensen
Gold Men's 400-Meter Individual Medley Swimming Michael Phelps
Bronze Men's 400-Meter Individual Medley Swimming Ryan Lochte

SO, today we did a bunch of school shopping and then took the boys to a birhday party.We also went grocery shopping and school supply shopping.Got some great deals and feel happy that we got a good start of things for the new school year.I love this time of year.

Toodles :)

Olympics and other stuff

GOOO USA!! were in the lead with 8 medals(2 are gold)
Here is a slide show of the sports in the olympics.This will most likely be the last year for softball & baseball in the olympis.I think thats ashame.

Olympic Sports

View SlideShare

Go USA

Posted at 09:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I love the olympics and enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies.It was the best I have seen in a long time.

The olympic "Bird Nest" stadium

Here is a good slide show of the highlights of the show. Enjoy!!!

2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony

I will try to update on the olympics and a ton of stuff I need to post.Bear with me as I do this.
We hope you are enjoying the last days of summer .Our summer is over and so now we prepare for our normal school routine.

Enjoy the 2008 Olympics !!!!

Posted at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Well my Niece of course!!!
Happy Birthday Bri !!!!!! Your the big 8 !!! WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My computer is acting up again so I have this picture, which I love anyway.

I hope you had a special day and know we love you bunches.It was great to see you,you are so beautiful.I hope you like your present.
I hope to see you real soon and not let so much time pass.I LOVED sleeping in your bed ,I want that bed.I slept so wonderfully.Missy is sooo cool,Can I have her??? Her barks scare me though.I almost jumped out of my skin(hehehehehe).
Happy birthday !! We love you!!!! You rock and are so cool, when I grow up I wanna be just like you :)
Love your California auntie,uncle & cousins.

Its 22 years ago today that Chris and I got married.I love him more everyday.Like all couples we have had our spats and rough patches and tears but all in all it has been a happy marriage.I could not ask for a better person to grow old with,to build a home with,to be in love with.He is my absolute best friend,my lover,my companion,my rock,my soft place to fall,and the love of my life.He works hard and is an awsome dad to our boys.He has the best butt ever and tender eyes. I can truthfully say I am still in love with this great man.I am very lucky that God has given me such a treasure of a life companion.

Happy Anniversary,Babe,I love you soooooooo much

I will leave you with a couple of snaps of our 20th anniversary cruise.

I love this man,I love him ....I love him

Tap, tap ,tap, yep I am here.
Let me update you on our trip.We went to the mall with my mom and shopped and had lunch.The boys spent the night at my dads while I went to my sisters.Sis and I watched a movie ,chatted and played a bit on the computer.The boys went on a hike with my dad while my mom caught up with us in Snowhomish to do antique shoppng and met up with one of my sisters friends.I got to meet my sisters dog and she is a hoot,love her.She slept with me all night.My mom and I took the boys to a movie and then we had a mexican dinner with my step sister and her husband.The boys have enjoyed the skate park ,video games,and their cousins electric guitar.
Today we layed low as my dad is not very well.I did some laundry,cleaned up the house and took care of my dad.When my mom came home we got pizza and movies and just had a relaxing evening.
The weather has been cloudy and cool.It is expected that the weather is going to take a bad turn so we shall see what that will bring.
We plan to go to the Seattle aquarium tomorrow and possibly the beach(not to swim or sun)It should be really fun despite the weather.
We are having a great time and hate to see it go soo fast.I wish we could stay longer.Sorry about the picture thing,I have no idea whats up with me or typepad RRRRGGG.If you go to day one I managed to get some pictures. so go back and take a look.
Talk at ya later

Well I woke to typical but unusual cloudy chilly weather.Glad I am not at home roasting. My Step sister Tonya came for breakfast.After she left we decided to take the boys to a really awesome skate park by my sisters house.The boys had a blast.Since my dad had to work and my sister was with a friend my mom and I were on our own with the two wild boys.After the park we headed to the mall and we had a fun time shopping and having a tastey lunch.We were tired out ,went to the store and headed back home. My sister showed up about an hour after that and invited me to spend the night with her at her house .So we left our boys at grammas and headed to my sisters house with my niece.I played with my sisters dog missy while Mica made dinner.We then deciced to watch the movie JUMPER and now were both on our computers messin around.

My computer or typepad still wont let me upload the pics but as soon as I figure it out you will see the really great pictures.

I love being here in Washington !!!!!! really beautiful !!!!
Laters :)

here safe and sound.Lets begin... :)

I am at my Dads house in Bothell Washington(about 40 min from Seattle)
As you can see I am on the internet but for some odd reason unable to post pics.I will work on it,anyways...

The boys and I left the house at 3 a.m. We rushed down the hill to have breakfast with Chris and he helped us at the airport.We had a slight mix up with 3 airlines but quickly solved the issue.
The flights were smoth and the time passed quickly.
We arrived about 30 minutes early,if you can believe that.We were greeted by my dad and we left.
On the way to my DAds house we stopped of at my Moms job and said a quick hello.We finally got to my dads house and a couple hours later my sister and her kids came over to visit with us.The boys were glad to play around and hang with my nephew,He is such a neat guy,love him.My niece played shy and was as precious as ever.My sis and I just chtted and laughed with my dad.
When my mom got home we all went out for an awesome pizza dinner.We had a blast there.After we left we stopped at the store for ice cream and went back to my dads.We visited some more and mad e plans for the next day.
My siter and her family went home and were veggin.The boys are in bed and when I am done here I will be to.
It was a great day and I look forward to this special visit with my family.Well I am off to bed.

 

Let The Games Begin...2008 Olympics

I love the olympics and enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies.It was the best I have seen in a long time.

The olympic "Bird Nest" stadium

Here is a good slide show of the highlights of the show. Enjoy!!!

2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony

I will try to update on the olympics and a ton of stuff I need to post.Bear with me as I do this.
We hope you are enjoying the last days of summer .Our summer is over and so now we prepare for our normal school routine.

Enjoy the 2008 Olympics !!!!

Posted at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Well my Niece of course!!!
Happy Birthday Bri !!!!!! Your the big 8 !!! WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My computer is acting up again so I have this picture, which I love anyway.

I hope you had a special day and know we love you bunches.It was great to see you,you are so beautiful.I hope you like your present.
I hope to see you real soon and not let so much time pass.I LOVED sleeping in your bed ,I want that bed.I slept so wonderfully.Missy is sooo cool,Can I have her??? Her barks scare me though.I almost jumped out of my skin(hehehehehe).
Happy birthday !! We love you!!!! You rock and are so cool, when I grow up I wanna be just like you :)
Love your California auntie,uncle & cousins.

Its 22 years ago today that Chris and I got married.I love him more everyday.Like all couples we have had our spats and rough patches and tears but all in all it has been a happy marriage.I could not ask for a better person to grow old with,to build a home with,to be in love with.He is my absolute best friend,my lover,my companion,my rock,my soft place to fall,and the love of my life.He works hard and is an awsome dad to our boys.He has the best butt ever and tender eyes. I can truthfully say I am still in love with this great man.I am very lucky that God has given me such a treasure of a life companion.

Happy Anniversary,Babe,I love you soooooooo much

I will leave you with a couple of snaps of our 20th anniversary cruise.

I love this man,I love him ....I love him

Tap, tap ,tap, yep I am here.
Let me update you on our trip.We went to the mall with my mom and shopped and had lunch.The boys spent the night at my dads while I went to my sisters.Sis and I watched a movie ,chatted and played a bit on the computer.The boys went on a hike with my dad while my mom caught up with us in Snowhomish to do antique shoppng and met up with one of my sisters friends.I got to meet my sisters dog and she is a hoot,love her.She slept with me all night.My mom and I took the boys to a movie and then we had a mexican dinner with my step sister and her husband.The boys have enjoyed the skate park ,video games,and their cousins electric guitar.
Today we layed low as my dad is not very well.I did some laundry,cleaned up the house and took care of my dad.When my mom came home we got pizza and movies and just had a relaxing evening.
The weather has been cloudy and cool.It is expected that the weather is going to take a bad turn so we shall see what that will bring.
We plan to go to the Seattle aquarium tomorrow and possibly the beach(not to swim or sun)It should be really fun despite the weather.
We are having a great time and hate to see it go soo fast.I wish we could stay longer.Sorry about the picture thing,I have no idea whats up with me or typepad RRRRGGG.If you go to day one I managed to get some pictures. so go back and take a look.
Talk at ya later

Well I woke to typical but unusual cloudy chilly weather.Glad I am not at home roasting. My Step sister Tonya came for breakfast.After she left we decided to take the boys to a really awesome skate park by my sisters house.The boys had a blast.Since my dad had to work and my sister was with a friend my mom and I were on our own with the two wild boys.After the park we headed to the mall and we had a fun time shopping and having a tastey lunch.We were tired out ,went to the store and headed back home. My sister showed up about an hour after that and invited me to spend the night with her at her house .So we left our boys at grammas and headed to my sisters house with my niece.I played with my sisters dog missy while Mica made dinner.We then deciced to watch the movie JUMPER and now were both on our computers messin around.

My computer or typepad still wont let me upload the pics but as soon as I figure it out you will see the really great pictures.

I love being here in Washington !!!!!! really beautiful !!!!
Laters :)

here safe and sound.Lets begin... :)

I am at my Dads house in Bothell Washington(about 40 min from Seattle)
As you can see I am on the internet but for some odd reason unable to post pics.I will work on it,anyways...

The boys and I left the house at 3 a.m. We rushed down the hill to have breakfast with Chris and he helped us at the airport.We had a slight mix up with 3 airlines but quickly solved the issue.
The flights were smoth and the time passed quickly.
We arrived about 30 minutes early,if you can believe that.We were greeted by my dad and we left.
On the way to my DAds house we stopped of at my Moms job and said a quick hello.We finally got to my dads house and a couple hours later my sister and her kids came over to visit with us.The boys were glad to play around and hang with my nephew,He is such a neat guy,love him.My niece played shy and was as precious as ever.My sis and I just chtted and laughed with my dad.
When my mom got home we all went out for an awesome pizza dinner.We had a blast there.After we left we stopped at the store for ice cream and went back to my dads.We visited some more and mad e plans for the next day.
My siter and her family went home and were veggin.The boys are in bed and when I am done here I will be to.
It was a great day and I look forward to this special visit with my family.Well I am off to bed.

 

Oh my !! Who is 8

Well my Niece of course!!!
Happy Birthday Bri !!!!!! Your the big 8 !!! WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My computer is acting up again so I have this picture, which I love anyway.

I hope you had a special day and know we love you bunches.It was great to see you,you are so beautiful.I hope you like your present.
I hope to see you real soon and not let so much time pass.I LOVED sleeping in your bed ,I want that bed.I slept so wonderfully.Missy is sooo cool,Can I have her??? Her barks scare me though.I almost jumped out of my skin(hehehehehe).
Happy birthday !! We love you!!!! You rock and are so cool, when I grow up I wanna be just like you :)
Love your California auntie,uncle & cousins.

Happy Anniversary #22

Its 22 years ago today that Chris and I got married.I love him more everyday.Like all couples we have had our spats and rough patches and tears but all in all it has been a happy marriage.I could not ask for a better person to grow old with,to build a home with,to be in love with.He is my absolute best friend,my lover,my companion,my rock,my soft place to fall,and the love of my life.He works hard and is an awsome dad to our boys.He has the best butt ever and tender eyes. I can truthfully say I am still in love with this great man.I am very lucky that God has given me such a treasure of a life companion.

Happy Anniversary,Babe,I love you soooooooo much

I will leave you with a couple of snaps of our 20th anniversary cruise.

I love this man,I love him ....I love him

Washington Days 3,4 &5

Tap, tap ,tap, yep I am here.
Let me update you on our trip.We went to the mall with my mom and shopped and had lunch.The boys spent the night at my dads while I went to my sisters.Sis and I watched a movie ,chatted and played a bit on the computer.The boys went on a hike with my dad while my mom caught up with us in Snowhomish to do antique shoppng and met up with one of my sisters friends.I got to meet my sisters dog and she is a hoot,love her.She slept with me all night.My mom and I took the boys to a movie and then we had a mexican dinner with my step sister and her husband.The boys have enjoyed the skate park ,video games,and their cousins electric guitar.
Today we layed low as my dad is not very well.I did some laundry,cleaned up the house and took care of my dad.When my mom came home we got pizza and movies and just had a relaxing evening.
The weather has been cloudy and cool.It is expected that the weather is going to take a bad turn so we shall see what that will bring.
We plan to go to the Seattle aquarium tomorrow and possibly the beach(not to swim or sun)It should be really fun despite the weather.
We are having a great time and hate to see it go soo fast.I wish we could stay longer.Sorry about the picture thing,I have no idea whats up with me or typepad RRRRGGG.If you go to day one I managed to get some pictures. so go back and take a look.
Talk at ya later

Washington Day 2

Well I woke to typical but unusual cloudy chilly weather.Glad I am not at home roasting. My Step sister Tonya came for breakfast.After she left we decided to take the boys to a really awesome skate park by my sisters house.The boys had a blast.Since my dad had to work and my sister was with a friend my mom and I were on our own with the two wild boys.After the park we headed to the mall and we had a fun time shopping and having a tastey lunch.We were tired out ,went to the store and headed back home. My sister showed up about an hour after that and invited me to spend the night with her at her house .So we left our boys at grammas and headed to my sisters house with my niece.I played with my sisters dog missy while Mica made dinner.We then deciced to watch the movie JUMPER and now were both on our computers messin around.

My computer or typepad still wont let me upload the pics but as soon as I figure it out you will see the really great pictures.

I love being here in Washington !!!!!! really beautiful !!!!
Laters :)

Washington Day 1

here safe and sound.Lets begin... :)

I am at my Dads house in Bothell Washington(about 40 min from Seattle)
As you can see I am on the internet but for some odd reason unable to post pics.I will work on it,anyways...

The boys and I left the house at 3 a.m. We rushed down the hill to have breakfast with Chris and he helped us at the airport.We had a slight mix up with 3 airlines but quickly solved the issue.
The flights were smoth and the time passed quickly.
We arrived about 30 minutes early,if you can believe that.We were greeted by my dad and we left.
On the way to my DAds house we stopped of at my Moms job and said a quick hello.We finally got to my dads house and a couple hours later my sister and her kids came over to visit with us.The boys were glad to play around and hang with my nephew,He is such a neat guy,love him.My niece played shy and was as precious as ever.My sis and I just chtted and laughed with my dad.
When my mom got home we all went out for an awesome pizza dinner.We had a blast there.After we left we stopped at the store for ice cream and went back to my dads.We visited some more and mad e plans for the next day.
My siter and her family went home and were veggin.The boys are in bed and when I am done here I will be to.
It was a great day and I look forward to this special visit with my family.Well I am off to bed.