All I Want for Christmas

**Disclaimer, I'm talking about shooting animals - just FYI, if you want to stop now. 
If not, don't say I didn't warn you.

We are still wrestling with our masked friends.  They continue to disturb everything they possibly can out at our house.  It's the fact that they have thumbs that really gets me.  It's seriously like having a toddler trying to deter them from coming back. 

We have 'pests' all the time.  After all we live in "The Country".  There are all kinds of critters out here.  I've also decided that Boxelder Bugs, qualify as critters!!  The deer eat the apples, we eat the deer, circle of life.  Racoons eat grain, cat food, kitten legs, we eat none of the above.  Food chain maybe fits here, not sure.  Just let me go with this - killing little critters is not something I ever imagined would be happening in my first hand life, so the struggle is still there.  I like to eat animals, yes.  I do not like to look at thier faces before I eat them, no. 

However, when they are as destructive as these little monsters, I'm considering sticking one of those fat boys in a crock pot with some BBQ sauce and eating it late night, outside my window, just to show that little bugger who has worked the shutter off, What's Up.  And I'll hold and stroke so lovingly the kitten that he attacked.  And when he looks at me with his little innocent eyes, I'll cry.  That probably isn't the best idea.  I'll just stay inside and let the rest of my family handle this problem. 

I had posted this picture to Facebook a couple weeks ago.



The funny part of this story is that D told me I had to shoot it, like that would ever happen.  To which I promptly replied that he had to shoot this creature - he is the Man, this is Man's work, I would just stay inside and make lunches for our family, this is Woman's work - and before I can finish this sentence, our little girl, a little Woman, comes tearing out of her room and asks if she can shoot it.  Proud Daddy Moment.  I did what any good Mom would do and grabbed the camera. 

I was worried about what would happen when it was actually time to pull the trigger. 

Now, mind you, this is the same child who last year when cleaning a deer, used the legs as telephones and had conversations with imaginary people while talking into the hoof.  It was rather disturbing. 

Nonetheless, I was still worried, she is my little angel, my kind hearted mini me, I could never do something like this, this is why I have D.  I was thinking she would get nervous and not be able to do it.  I was hoping that she would see it's eyes and change her mind.  I was praying that she would have some overwhelming feeling regarding stopping another heartbeat. 

But she didn't.

And she did it. 

And was so proud. 

And her Dad was so proud.

I threw up in my mouth and cried on the inside. 

So, a few days later during a long practice session - she says all she wants in her stocking for Christmas is "a new can of BB's". 

Lord help me, why does D steal all my girls?!?!?!

Freezer Cooking

I've been on Pinterest...

Freezer Meals.  What more needs to be said?  A few hours on a Saturday and you have meals for the whole week!  Whoo Hoo!!

I always make a menu for 2 weeks before shopping.  Whether or not we stick to that menu is usually determined by how motivated I am to make dinner when I get home.  So sometimes, some of those ingredients are wasted, or used for other things.  And the amount of money spent going out to eat, is significantly increased.  So, in an effort to curb our out to eat spending habit, I went ahead and planned the next 4 weeks.  And left Wednesdays for leftovers, Friday open and only planned for dinners on Saturday and Sunday.  This should help.  And if the meals are already prepped, and all that is required is re-heating...BONUS!!  I was determined to give this whole Freezer Cooking thing a try.

So first thing, I scoured my "Freezer Meals" board for recipes that I liked.  And recipes I "knew" I could get my family to eat.  And when I say "knew", I am still crossing my fingers and holding out hope since these are new.  New is kinda scary in my house.

I came up with these:  - I'm not posting recipes, that takes too much of my precious time - if you want them, click on the links :)
Garlic Honey Chicken - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Crock Pot Beef Burritos - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Teriyaki Pork Chops - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Italian Sausage Soup w/ Tortellini - http://dreamingofpoultry.com//content/10-freezer-meals-1-day
Chicken Fajitas - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/

I also had a few other things I wanted to try:
Banana Bread - just cause we hadn't had it in a while, and the bananas in the freezer were starting to pile up
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispy Treats - modified from - http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/01/1036.html
Pancake Bites -  theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

So, first item on the agenda - do an inventory of the kitchen and make a grocery list.  I had a $165 budget to get groceries for these next 2 weeks.  If you know my family, and how much we eat, that is a VERY tight budget!  And of course I did go over.  BUT, only by $35 - and I blame it on school starting.  Those little things for "I don't like school burritos" days and some after school easy snacks, yeah, they added up quickly.  So I went over, but it was worth it.  I went shopping Saturday morning, and filled the counter by noon.



Time to get started!

I busted out all the recipes and looked for a recipe that had pre-cooked ingredients.  Only the soup did, so that was the first item on the agenda.  The soup is almost totally cooked beforehand (only the tortellini goes in when you are ready to eat) and needs to cool before freezing.  I stuck to this recipe and as the family started arriving home, they all had to check out the pot and tell me how good it smelled.  Too bad they have to wait 2 weeks to eat it!

Next, I started writing on all the bags.  I learned previously that writing on a wet (or even slightly moist) freezer bag...doesn't work!  So write on the bags first.  I put the name of the dish and any prep instructions, as well as any serving suggestions or side dish suggestions. 

Then following the directions for the recipes, I started filling bags. 

First up - Teriyaki Pork Chops - this turned into Teriyaki Steaks as I forgot to buy the pork chops on the grocery list, and we had steak in the freezer already.  So I transferred the steak, made up the sauce, and viola, first freezer meal complete!

Next - I also modified the Crock Pot Beef Burritos because I knew some of the ingredients would be iffy for my family.  We used steak tidbits instead of the London Broil it called for 1, because I already had it, and 2,  London Broil is spendy!  And I went with no peppercorns, no vinegar, no chipolte and used 1 packet of taco seasoning instead.  Cross your fingers.

Then - Garlic Honey Chicken - I should not have taste tested the sauce on this one!  Oh My Delicious!!  At this point in time, I doubled the sauce recipe and froze it all.  It is amazing!

Next - Chicken Fajitas - I followed this recipe almost exactly.  Since there is a certain person in our house who does not care for peppers, I put in a few less than it called for, and an extra piece of chicken. 

Next - I started on the Rice Krispy Treats - this recipe must be done in phases.  It was a little difficult as many of the ingredients kept accidentally getting on my fingers and making their way into my mouth (it's ok, my kitchen in not certified by the Health Board, we encourage licking our fingers - but NOT eating off the floor!!).  They were definately well worth the effort!  I did leave off the top layer (chocolate gnache) but I didn't feel it needed it.  And I was getting full :)  Of all the things that we made, this was by far the favorite!

After That - Pancake Bites - these were super simple.  Loved the idea!  I did modify the recipe and use just plain old pancake mix and regular pancake syrup.  I prepared the mix as directed and added just a couple of squirts of syrup to the mix.  Then poured into the greased muffin tin and topped with frozen blueberries, chocolate chips, and bacon.  And I made a couple just plain, just cause. I heated these up for the kids breakfasts this morning.  Hit Made. 

Lastly, was the banana bread.  I just love the smell of banana bread baking in the oven.  It was as good as always, Betty Crocker provided this recipe. 

So, when all was said and done, this is what I ended up with:

Meals for a few days of the week so I don't have to cook, and enough goodies to last at least through Wednesday.  It took a while, and I kept getting interrupted, but the time spent was well worth it. 

I'll be doing this again in 2 weeks, when the next cycle of the menu rolls around.  And in the meantime, I won't have to worry about cooking dinner, except for 5 times.  I think I can handle 5 times in 2 weeks :)

A Trip Down Ricky Lane

Whenever we go "North", we take 35.  And usually, 35 ends for us in Albert Lea.  Driving any further North, usually results in a bit of anxiety.  And that's one of the main reasons our trips are usually limited to Mankato, not any further North.  35 is a road filled with memories.  And I can hear my Dad saying "35 Dub-Ya" right now. 

It's been a really, really, really long time since Dad lived on Ricky Lane.  It's the house that has all the "growing up with Dad" memories.  We have wonderful memories in the "new" house.  Addie was never in the "old" house, all of her Grandpa Larry memories are in the "new" house.  But for me and Alicia growing up, this was the place.  The "Old" house. 

Yesterday, driving home from getting the kid and spending the weekend with Gramma Debbie, we were coming up on the turn.  And we decided to take it. 

I didn't even recognize the entrance!  I thought we had missed a turn somewhere.  The entrance was lined with beautiful trees and grass.  It was completely different than what I remembered, thank goodness there was a sign!  Even coming into the park, I wasn't sure I would remember where to go it looked so different.  Dad moved out of that house when I was 18 years old.  That was a while ago!  But I remembered. It was like coming home.  The turns pretty much made themselves.

The first thing I noticed was that the park Alicia and I played at so often, just in the backyard, was gone.  I started to think I was going the wrong way.  Then I saw it...

Ricky Lane.  There it was, the street.  It was time to take the turn.  Alicia was on the phone with me, it felt like she was there with me, minus that we would be holding hands in real life.

The strangest feeling came over me.  I couldn't and still can't tell you what it was.  It was just this strange feeling.  Anxious, Happy, Pride, Scared, Sad, and about 50 million other emotions.  All rolled into 1.  Memories were racing through my mind by this point. 

My girls were with me.  We pulled up in front of the house and just looked.  Thank goodness no one was home, they probably would have thought we were some crazy stalker folks.  Really, who pulls up in front of your house and sits there to cry for a few?  That was us.  I just needed to see it again. 

The house looks almost exactly the same.  I took pictures, but won't put them here to respect the new family.  But, I could tell it was the exact same house...by the front door.  It's a new color, there were gorgeous plants everywhere, a cute swing set in the yard, the patio had new "railings" (for lack of a better word).  It was beautiful.  Someone was loving this house and making new memories with their little girls (I say girls only because the 2 little bikes out front, were Pink Princess bikes), just like our Dad had done with his little girls. 

Alicia even asked me, "Are you sure it's the same house?  Go look at the back door."  Didn't need to, the bush gave it away.  When he was still there, it was a lonely bush.  One bush out front, growing up in the tongue of the trailer.  It's still there.  And it's beautiful.  And it's surrounded by beautiful flowers, and new pretty bushes.  But it's still there, in all it's glory. 

We sat for a spell and I told my girls about growing up there and a few stories of how it used to look and the shed he built for the snowmobile that was still standing out back.  About the way there was a path worn into the backyard hill leading to the playground that was no longer there.  About how I remembered when the patio overhang went up.  And the door.  It was the same front door.  Still after all these years, and all the changes to the house, the front door remained the same. 

Then we drove up to the pool and I told them about all the summer days we spent in that pool.  That was where I learned how to do a somersault, front flip, and dive.  That was where Alicia and I had matching swimsuits - but not matching haircuts.  That was where Dad taught us how to properly launch a Canonball for the biggest splash possible.  For a skinny guy, he could sure make a splash!!

There was so much emotion, and I still had to drive 250 miles.  It was time to go.  We drove out, and I got lost, the other entrance is totally different.  Thank goodness Mariah has a good sense of direction!  We made it back to the highway and were on our way to Our Home.  The home where D and I make these memories with our little girls.  The home that someday will hopefully bring them the same nostalgic feelings when they crazy stalk it. 

Aha moment of the trip, homes are just homes.  But the memories you make in those homes are what's important.  Make the memories.  Give the kids, and yourself, something to hold on to.  And something to tell their kids about. 

The very best part, that morning, we were sitting out on the patio at the "new" house just chatting and enjoying some girl time talking about the absolutely beautiful gardens Debbie has created and talking about some of the silly things Dad would say and do, and we were accosted by a Dragonfly.  And this Dragonfly, would not go away.  We didn't shoo him, we watched in amazement as he circled and circled and circled all of us girls.  He landed a few times, never far away, still within sight.  I believe that those who love us are never truly lost, they come back and check on you when you don't even know it.  But we knew it.  He stopped to say Hey.  And show us that no matter what, he's still with us, and he still loves us, and he will always be with us, no matter what form he takes, he will always be there. 

Day 2 on this Non-Smoking Planet

I had set a goal for myself to quit smoking while Addie was on vacation this summer. 

Yes, I had quit.  I had not smoked for over a year and a half.  And then I just started again, like it was no big deal.  But it was, and I shouldn't be smoking.  I realize this. 

So I'm "Kicking The Butts Out Of My Life", not 'quitting'.  Cause I am NOT a quitter!

On day 4 - I bought some patches, I realized I would need help.  And anyone near me while I was on Chantix, I think would rather that I just kept smoking rather than becoming the absolute bat case I was while taking it.  So patches it shall be. 

And yesterday - Day 8 of vacation - was Day 1 on The Patch (I call it Patchy).  And wouldn't you know it, it wasn't terrible.  It was bad, don't get me wrong.  But it wasn't terrible.  I made it thru the day without having a smoke.  I even stood outside with D while he had one, and it was ok.  I had stuff to do.  I was busy.  The urge wasn't overwhelming...until I got into the car. 

I realized that being in the car is a HUGE trigger for me.  So I got some new air freshners.  That was my treat to myself for not smoking:  a nice, fresh smelling car.  And they were way more cost effective than a pack of smokes.  And I also started rubbing my patch in the car.  It didn't help the cravings, but it did help keep my hand busy.

So, today is Day 2.  Patchy is trying so hard to help me.  And she's doing a good job.   This morning I was sure wishing that Patchy came in the form of a 3 inch stick I could inhale.  But, as the saying goes, wish in one hand, sh*t in the other...  And I didn't cave, I'm doing this!

Today, on my daily Walmart visit, I seemed to notice every single person who was smoking in their car.  I had not noticed how many people really actually smoke in their cars.  Or smoke with their kids in the car. 

And here, I had an epiphany - I realized I was being selfish.  I was a smoker for my own personal gratification, and for my own personal satisfaction.  It was something that I did only for myself.  This habit in no way benefitted anyone around me.  But it affected everyone around me.  Our kids hate smoking, seriously hate. Our kids ask us all the time to quit. They try to make deals with us so we would quit.  They make fun of us all the time for smoking, and smelling, and killing ourselves. And they are right. I took years off my life and away from my future grandchildren.  I teach a class to troubled kids, smelling like an ashtray.  "Hey kids, don't smoke, it's bad, nevermind that smell".   I went to my own kids events, and I was the bad smell in the gym, not the sweaty kids.  We are late for everything, so I could suck down a quick smoke before we go.

So, the lesson on Day 2 - smokers are selfish.  And I aim to be a non-selfish, non-smoker. 

Wild Creatures (no, not my kids)

We live in the country.  The country is home to a wide variety of Wild Creatures.  Of this, I am aware.  We have not really had to deal with many creatures too much since we moved in.


Deer are not a problem.  They don't eat anything they aren't supposed to.  And we like to watch them.  Birds are also not a problem.  Squirrels, Chipmunks, Rabbits, even the little Beaver family that lives down the road doesn't bother us or cause issues.  We like wildlife, we don't mind sharing. 
*I do realize that they were probably all there first, but since we didn't build the house, I'm going with we didn't invade their homes because there was already a human home there. 

This summer, we've got some issues.  We've got mosquitoes, which we haven't seen since moving to Iowa.  We've got some other weird feathery looking flying biting bugs, yes biting, I hate them.  We've got a few toads hiding out in the fountain.  And we've got Raccoons. 

Yes, effing RACCOONS!!

I have come to realize that these creatures are clearly smarter than most humans.  And I understand that, again, they were probably in our area before we were.  However, we have not had issues with them until recently.  And by issues, I mean they are destructive little beasts!  And smart, did I say smart?  Cause those little buggers are freaking SMART!

First time we noticed them was when we were awoken in the middle of the night by scratching on our bedroom window.  Showed him the flashlight, he ran away. 

Then, Mariah saw them outside.  And by them, I mean 3. Within the next few days, they started helping themselves to the grain and horse treats in the barn.  The rubbermaid cans and totes are no match for mice or horses; but, remember how Raccoons have thumbs.  Not just thumbs....opposable thumbs...human thumbs...thumbs that can effectively open rubbermaid cans and totes.  We started talking about buying a live trap. 

Next, we found that one of our little baby kittens has been wounded.  Since the kittens don't get over the fence alone, and Mama has decided they do not live in the garage (which now I understand why!) we fed them outside on the back porch.  Bad idea.  Just bad.  Mr. Rocky Raccoon woke me up scratching at the window again.  I went out and tried to scare him off.  In the morning, all the cat food was gone (duh!  that little stinker licked the porch CLEAN!) and Wilbur the baby kitty had puncture wounds and a bloody foot.  No worries, he's recovering very well in the house.

That was the last straw (or so I thought), so Ry was sent out to get some live traps.  So far, we've caught 4.  And the neighbor across the street has also captured 4.  And the other neighbor, well apparently he's been catching fish and leaving the "leftovers" from cleaning them, outside.  Smart, real smart bucko!  We had been smelling fish, and of course wondered, but really, who would think to leave nasty, stinky, leftover fish guts outside?  And in this heat?  Oy Vey!

Rocky was again attempting his break in skills last night at our bedroom window, not exactly sure what he's after, but he has managed to take the shutter almost completely off. 


So, as the saga of Raccoon Valley continues, I am hoping with a nice neighborly chat, we will be able to end the Wrath of Rocky Raccoon.  If not, these poor smart creatures will continue to be relocated.   And I'm gonna go through a lot of marshmallows!

TCRG 2012 ~ Update

It's been a few weeks since we got the food garden all ready to go.  Not gonna lie, we were pretty scared and a little skeptical about the "Growth Probability" this year.  We have a lot of clay in the yard.  Like, a lot!  Even with the extra time we spent tilling everything, and mixing in the poo, there was still a lot of clay that lumped. 

But, low and behold, we've got some produce coming!  It's super exciting!

What's not so exciting is our new visitors this summer.  BUGS.  Last summer, we had no problem with bugs eating our produce.  So, when I noticed that there were small holes in most every little leaf, this was a surprise...and a concern. 

They have eaten everything.  From the strawberries to the jalapenos to the cucumbers.  Oh the poor cucumbers, I actually have to plant more!  Of the 12 seeds that went into the ground, and the 9 that sprouted, there is only 1 lonely guy left!!  ONE!!  Those crazy buggers chewed everything off to a nub in the cucumber area!!  Rotten, I tell you, ROTTEN!!

Poor, poor sad Jalapeno has been eaten to pieces!

From my BFF, Google, I've learned that non-anti-bacterial dish soap is a great way to start attacking this problem.  I also read many other home remedies, but this one was the most common, and I already had all the ingredients :)  The first night, I came home and mixed up some of this Magical Soap Elixir, using Norwex (since I'm not really crazy about putting chemicals into the FOOD garden, I thought this would be the best option) dish soap.

Totally side note, but I don't understand why, if you are having a garden in your yard to feed your family and get away from the chemicals on the produce in the grocery store...why on earth would you put poison on the produce in YOUR garden?  I am the kind of girl who likes to go outside, pick a few peas, have a snack, and go about my business.  If I have to stop and wash each bite, that kind of defeats the purpose of a 'quick snack'.  And the whole "Natural Food" thing.  Whatever. I am not however, opposed to spraying chemicals on Creeping Charlie.  I will spray that nasty beast with whatever I can find that will kill it's guts out!  Food, no chemicals.  Weeds (YES, it's a weed!!), ok with chemicals.  Now that that's cleared up....

I sprayed everything.  Even the plants that didn't have any holes.  I sprayed everything.  And so far, so good.  There are no new holes.  Just a few guys trying to recover and repair themselves from the attack of the invading creatures. 

Spraying again tonight, it said to do it a couple times right away, then just as needed.  I also saved a bunch of eggshells, in the event that we get slugs.  I thought it was such a neat trick (put egg shells around the base of the plant to keep the slugs off) that I was actually saddened that none of our invaders were slugs!  Maybe I'll get some, and get to use this fancy trick :)

New Mommy Survival Kit

A super long time ago, I asked all my New Mommy Friends on Facebook for some assistance in putting together a lovely little gift for my friend who was about to enter the wonder filled world of being a Mom. It's been over 10 years since I was a new Mom, and I totally needed some help!

I got tons of input, and in the end, stole the show at the Baby Shower with the New Mommy Survial Kit. 

First, I got a Diaper Bag to assemble everything in.  Being a Thirty~One consultant, it was great timing, the Organizing Utililty Tote was on sale!  Whoo Hoo!  So, I let her pick out the pattern she liked and her own embroidery.  Nothing sucks more than getting a gift you don't like or won't use, so I made sure she liked it :)



Nevermind the sale, I am not smart enough to crop or alter these things, so you might from time to time see recycled images on here!  But this is what the bag looks like, so you get the idea!


Then we started collecting pieces to insert.  It took a while, there is a great deal of time and effort that went into this.  But it was totally worth it!!  I took each item and wrapped little blue and pink tags explaining it's use around it. I don't of course have a photo of the finished product, but use your imagination with the items and tag scibbling below!

*Nite Lites - You might think you know your way around the house in the dark...until you are a sleep deprived monster, going potty at 2am, after laying baby down, trying not to make a sound, with your eyes half closed, 1 sock on...just plug them in!

*Bobby Pins & Dry Shampoo  - Showering is one of those long lost "Things I Used to do Before I Had Kids".  And sometimes, the effort it requires just isn't worth it.  This is for those times. 
(You could add Deodorant here as well!)

*Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Happy Mama = Happy Family
(These were her favorite)

*Advil - Remember this Math Lesson - 4 Advil = 1 Vicodan
(ok, so this is clearly not legit medical advice, but somethings gotta work when those initial pain meds wear off!)

*Baby Wipes - If you have a boy, these can be used to wipe the clearly directed wee off your face during each changing.  These will also remove baby vomit from the back of your jacket before entering a public establishment and get butt paste out of the carpet.  You may start to wonder how you ever lived without them!

*Stool Softener- If no one has told you about your first Post-Birth Poo...I'm not gonna be the one!  Take these, they won't MAKE you go...just make it EASIER to go :)

*Altoids & Wisps - Brushing your teeth will likely move farther down on your daily priority list as you enter your new "Oh my gosh I just slept for a WHOLE 20 MINUTES lifestyle"  Your guests (and baby) will thank you for using these!

*Earplugs - It's not always the "Most Magical Thing I've Ever Heard" and that's totally normal.

*Face Cleansing Wipes - for a pick me up, or a "Oh Crap I'm Scaring The Baby" moment. 

*Tucks Pads - Directions: Put on Bottom.  Yours.  You're Welcome. 

*Maxi Pads, Mattress Size - In the instance your little one rips you open like a bag of Cheeto's, thus causing a rather unpleasant, "OMG, am I supposed to lose THIS MUCH blood" kind of sensation for an extended period of time, you will want these.  Seriously - Heavy & Long will become your best friends. 

*Gripe Water - A sweet miracle in a bottle!

*New Undies, the large ones that will hold above mentioned pads - Sometimes just changing your underwear is like putting on a whole new outfit!  And I know you don't have anything besides thongs, and Honey, those mattresses won't fit on your tight rope!

*The Book "Go The F**K To Sleep" - for those nights when you just feel like saying it, this makes it a little more acceptable to cuss at your baby. 
(And, if you haven't read this, please do.  This author took what every parent says, every night, and wrote it down.  He is a GENIUS.  And now a very wealthy genius!)

*The Book "Porn for New Moms" - Post baby, "Dirty" can take on so many meanings.  A new adventure in "Oh Yeah" begins on Page 1. 
(Again, if you haven't seen this, do it!  Hilarious!  Photos of men vacuuming, doing dishes, staying with baby instead of golfing, making all natural baby food, all while telling you how sexy those sweatpants are!)

Mom, Grandma, Auntie, and Daddy were all very happy with the kit.  Mission Accomplished!