The Official What's For Dinner thread:Thursday 1-24-08? Recipe finder in OP. Enjoy!

[Glynis]

Thank you for this. I have crappy self-esteem concerning my looks, so your compliment made my day :cheer2:

Now, that is something I don't get!!! Physically you are stunning!!! From what I know of you here, you are just as gorgeous on the inside!!! I guess we'll all just have to keep reminding you of how beautiful you are!!!

[Glynis]

Fried oatmeal??? Share please.....

Ok. Mine is a 2 day process. On Wednesday mornings, I make a HUGE pot of oatmeal for breakfast. The family eats about half of it, and the rest I put into loaf pans and refrigerate (covered tightly). Then on Friday morning, I'll pull them out of the fridge, tip them out of the pans, and slice them up like bread. On a hot griddle, just fry them up until they are golden and crispy. Serve them hot with maple syrup. They are SOOOOOOOO good!!!

[THE HAT]

Fried oatmeal is just oatmeal leftover from the day before's breakfast, (we just always make a huge batch so we have enough leftover for this) formed into "pancakes" and fried up on each side in butter until golden brown and crispy. Serve with maple syrup. This is such winter comfort food!!

Janice--Heat wave for us is OVER, lol...it is 33* and sleet and freezing rain now! Gotta love Maine weather, lol!

[LindsayDunn228]

Kevin doctored up our Ta-Da picture with our favorite characters. Check it out:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/LindsayDunn228/img008a.jpg



Now, that is something I don't get!!! Physically you are stunning!!! From what I know of you here, you are just as gorgeous on the inside!!! I guess we'll all just have to keep reminding you of how beautiful you are!!!

My issues with my looks stem from my weight. I'm one of those "...but she has such a pretty face" people and I hate it. I am working on getting the weight off. It's coming slow but sure. But that's where the self-esteem issue comes from.

[HERSEY]

Fried oatmeal is just oatmeal leftover from the day before's breakfast, (we just always make a huge batch so we have enough leftover for this) formed into "pancakes" and fried up on each side in butter until golden brown and crispy. Serve with maple syrup. This is such winter comfort food!!

Janice--Heat wave for us is OVER, lol...it is 33* and sleet and freezing rain now! Gotta love Maine weather, lol!

I have a cousin that lives outside of Albany. My Aunt and Uncle will be traveling up by her i a couple of weeks I hope the really bad weather holds off I hate to think of them driving that distance in terrible weather.

Kevin doctored up our Ta-Da picture with our favorite characters. Check it out:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/LindsayDunn228/img008a.jpg





My issues with my looks stem from my weight. I'm one of those "...but she has such a pretty face" people and I hate it. I am working on getting the weight off. It's coming slow but sure. But that's where the self-esteem issue comes from.


Lindsay everyone has something about them they want to change. Me I would like a smaller nose, tighter tummy, more money etc ;). Honestly you are beautiful you just need to believe (peter pan says it best)

Alex's favorite character is Robin hood. I thought he was going to faint when he got a picture with him.

[Nancyg56]

D

Nancy I have TONS of laundry... I'm not sure where it all comes from :confused3

The same here. I wash every day but it seems to multiply. Buddy always tells Kady "It's okay, Nana has a washing Machine." Now she is like a myna bird, repeats it all the time :lmao:



I think I might actually get ornaments on the tree tonight. Maybe.

I had planned on decorating this past weekend but we never got to it. I'm hoping for next weekend....... I need to scrub everything becasue once the decorations are up it is just surface cleaning until they come down. I need to know that things are clean before I cover them up ;)

Mermaid02 You might have extra people dropping bye during the day to leave their laundry. I think I have a homeless family leaving me theirs I have way to much laundry for 2 people :rotfl:

I have managed to maintain my weight since our trip, but I do have to fight myself. I have been eating everything since thanksgiving. Thank goodness all the leftovers are gone. So I can get back on track.


So that's where the laundry comes from :rotfl:

I am eating all of the leftovers here as well. The problem is that I keep making more leftovers :confused3
The price for ground turkey kills me!!! I don't buy the stuff on a regular basis. Once a year, Alan is sent on a news story to Ephraim, Utah. The town is a turkey breeding town. While he is there, he always stocks up on ground turkey, turkey roasts, turkey breasts, etc., and we stock our freezer. I've got some thawing for dinner tonight. When I pulled it out, I noticed I've still got about 30 pounds of ground turkey, a marinated turkey roast, and one breast left. That should get me through the winter!!!

We loved the Hello Dolly pie, too!!! I think that one's a keeper. Katie liked it as well as the Derby pie, and since she has made both, I guess she'd know!

What is the pumpkin casserole??? I love anything pumpkin!

Ground turkey was $6.00 a pound last week at the grocery store :scared1: We use it in place of beef because Marisa will not touch red meat, but I have been craving meatloaf made with ground chuck.

Ok. Mine is a 2 day process. On a hot griddle, just fry them up until they are golden and crispy. Serve them hot with maple syrup. They are SOOOOOOOO good!!!

Oh my! I am loving this already!

Glynis- this was very good and simple to make. I popped it into the oven while the turkey was resting.

Pumpkin Casserole
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Nancy/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif

Submitted by: Lori DeLosh
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 39 members
Yields: 11 servings


INGREDIENTS:
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter
2 pinches ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.
Combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, melted butter and ground cinnamon to taste. Spoon into a casserole dish.
3.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.


I




Lindsay everyone has something about them they want to change. Me I would like a smaller nose, tighter tummy, more money etc ;). Honestly you are beautiful you just need to believe (peter pan says it best)



Lindsay, Janice is right. I was a fat girl when I was younger and I can tell you that even when I lost weight and was a size 5, I looked in the mirror and saw the fat girl. That never seems to go away. I am heavier now and there are a multitude of things I would change, but the changes are not going to change me, just what parts of me look like.

I do hear you about the "pretty face" remarks. Marisa is a big girl and there are times I want to smack those well meaning people who say, "Oh, but she has such a pretty face..............." It can make my blood boil, so I really understand that you are wanting to ask, "Is that all you see?????"

I wish you could see what the rest of us see. You are a striking young woman who seems to light up the area that you are in. You are truly lovely, not just on the inside where it counts, but you are lovely on the outside as well.

Dinner was really good. I have to figure out tomorrow now.

[TheBeadPirate]

Now that I got caught up on the last 16 pages........;) Geesh! Ya'll are gabby!:rotfl2:

I've been MIA cause on the road I have to wait on Rick to get done with his computer to use it to get on the net. But I've missed ya'll sooooo much!

It's snowing in Detroit today. (Translate- I'm freezing my freakin' hiney off!)

Wendie- I'm all about Christmas morning. I'm packing up the box this weekend to ship to the resort. Tree, ornaments, stockings, balcony lights, etc. If you want to ship anything for the boys for Christmas morning let me know and I'll PM you all the details. Also, what's a traditional Christmas morning breakfast for ya'll? Well, I'll just PM ya.... I'm glad your Gram is feeling better. Nothing heals you up like pork fat (well, roast):rotfl2:

You all have been in my thoughts quite a bit lately- ya'll are a very comforting lot whether I'm online talking to you everyday or not! I'm glad the holiday was fairly nice for everyone.

Dinner tonight was at the Pub in front of the hotel- the best darned french onion soup I think I've ever had and a swiss cheese burger. Tomorrow is (hopefully) Mongolian BarBQue for Rick's (29 again) birthday. I told him he could pick.

:grouphug:

[Aimeedyan]

Lindsay, Janice is right. I was a fat girl when I was younger and I can tell you that even when I lost weight and was a size 5, I looked in the mirror and saw the fat girl. That never seems to go away. I am heavier now and there are a multitude of things I would change, but the changes are not going to change me, just what parts of me look like.

Just wanted to ditto this, too. I lost 85 pounds last winter due to illness. I needed to lose the weight - I was fat. Even when I was a size 6, I still saw a fat girl in the mirror. I still look at clothes and think 'I can't wear that' and go towards the 'fat girl' clothes in the store. It's really hard and I still am not happy with myself. I gained about 10 pounds since my weight loss and now I stress about that. It's nuts! I am at a healthy weight and look healthy but I'm still not happy with it. I guess it's true that we are rarely happy with the way we look.

Lindsay, you are a very pretty woman! I love seeing pics of you and your DH.

[BabyPiglet]

Ok. Mine is a 2 day process. On Wednesday mornings, I make a HUGE pot of oatmeal for breakfast. The family eats about half of it, and the rest I put into loaf pans and refrigerate (covered tightly). Then on Friday morning, I'll pull them out of the fridge, tip them out of the pans, and slice them up like bread. On a hot griddle, just fry them up until they are golden and crispy. Serve them hot with maple syrup. They are SOOOOOOOO good!!!
Oooh yum. I will definitely have to try that!

Kevin doctored up our Ta-Da picture with our favorite characters. Check it out:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/LindsayDunn228/img008a.jpg





My issues with my looks stem from my weight. I'm one of those "...but she has such a pretty face" people and I hate it. I am working on getting the weight off. It's coming slow but sure. But that's where the self-esteem issue comes from.
Gorgeous! :goodvibes

Dinner tonight was yummmmmmy! Maybe I should make tacos more often. :p

[shovan]

Now that I got caught up on the last 16 pages........;) Geesh! Ya'll are gabby!:rotfl2:

I've been MIA cause on the road I have to wait on Rick to get done with his computer to use it to get on the net. But I've missed ya'll sooooo much!

It's snowing in Detroit today. (Translate- I'm freezing my freakin' hiney off!)

Wendie- I'm all about Christmas morning. I'm packing up the box this weekend to ship to the resort. Tree, ornaments, stockings, balcony lights, etc. If you want to ship anything for the boys for Christmas morning let me know and I'll PM you all the details. Also, what's a traditional Christmas morning breakfast for ya'll? Well, I'll just PM ya.... I'm glad your Gram is feeling better. Nothing heals you up like pork fat (well, roast):rotfl2:

You all have been in my thoughts quite a bit lately- ya'll are a very comforting lot whether I'm online talking to you everyday or not! I'm glad the holiday was fairly nice for everyone.

Dinner tonight was at the Pub in front of the hotel- the best darned french onion soup I think I've ever had and a swiss cheese burger. Tomorrow is (hopefully) Mongolian BarBQue for Rick's (29 again) birthday. I told him he could pick.

:grouphug:

Well, My dear dear friend you don't know how much I've been missing you! :sad2: I didn't post it cause I would have sounded so ridiculously pathetic! Tell Rick his Nola buds said Happy 29th & let's party about it next month!!!!

[Nancyg56]

Well, My dear dear friend you don't know how much I've been missing you! :sad2: I didn't post it cause I would have sounded so ridiculously pathetic! Tell Rick his Nola buds said Happy 29th & let's party about it next month!!!!

Add me to the list of people missing Lori. There is something about that "unique posting style" that keeps me laughing long after I leave the computer.

Now all this talk about vacations has me whining......Kady has been trying to talk anyone who will listen into sailing past her destination and heading to the airport. She is sure a quick trip to Disney is the answer to all that ails you :laughing:. All I can say is "That's my girl!"

[LindsayDunn228]

The Smitten Kittens are coming over for dinner tonight. I am making Original Kitten Chicken (Ritz Parmesan chicken, hee hee!), hash brown casserole, and a salad. I've got 3 kind of ice cream and 2 toppings if we want dessert.

WFD at your house?

ETA: I'm sure I will have more stories in the morning concerning The Romance of the Smitten Kittens. I'm having so much fun blogging about it, so to speak. :) Thanks for all of your comments. :grouphug:

Also, thanks again for letting me whine about myself yesterday. My problem is I know I am capable of being a healthy and happy weight and what I used to look like. When I graduated from high school in 1996 I weighed 120, and I'm about 5'3. Not too bad of a weight. When I started in college my weight started to go up. Seriously, the Freshman 15 lasted all 4 years.

I have been yo-yo dieting for a long time and am just now getting control over my eating habits. I don't really think about it all that much, it's just the pictures that get me. I know what I used to look like, know what I mean? Anyway, that's the gist of it. I know I am not ugly, but it's the rest of my body that ruins it for me. Does that make any sense?

Anyway, again, thanks for letting me vent. You guys truly are awesome. Thanks for being there :grouphug:

[Nancyg56]

I know I am not ugly, but it's the rest of my body that ruins it for me. Does that make any sense?

Anyway, again, thanks for letting me vent. You guys truly are awesome. Thanks for being there :grouphug:

Of course it makes sense. We are women and we all have body issues that we would change. I think it starts when we are kids and then just gets worse as we age, and Lindsay, I'm 51 and by now....it ain't pretty. Try shopping for clothes and they are designed for younger women whose gravity hasn't won the battle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So vent away, you are saying what I am thinking. It is nice to know that I am not alone.

[LindsayDunn228]

By the way, Nancy, what the heck are you doing up so early? I notice you always post way before the crack of dawn. I thought I was bad. LOL!

[Nancyg56]

I get up with Buddy and he is out of the house by 5:15. That's why I go to bed so darn early, 4 AM comes quick!

[THE HAT]

Good Morning All!!

Sheryl--I miss(ed) Lori a ton as well!! I am just dying for our trip to meet her. Spending Christmas morning with them has me, well, it has me feeling like a "kid at christmas", hehehe!!!

Speaking of missing....Stephanie hasn't been around for a bit either, I hope it is just her busy life and nothing else that is keeping her away.

Lori--I am so happy to see you posted!! I loooove french onion soup, some places do a righteous one and other make you feel like they got it from a can!
I sent you a super duper long PM, btw.

Lindsey--Just as Nancy said, we as women totally understand why, how, and what you feel. After college my girlfriend said to me one time, that she got the freshman 50 not 15,lol. All we can do is try. I just thank god somedays for some stretch in my jeans, lmao!!

Nancy--You are raising Kady right!!;) She is Nana's girl on the WDW front!!! Another generation that will get "IT"

It is karate night tonight, so supper will be burgers, carrot sticks, and chips.

Have a great day all!

[Nancyg56]

Nancy--You are raising Kady right!!;) She is Nana's girl on the WDW front!!! Another generation that will get "IT"


Fortunately, my DD and DSIL get IT as well. My poor DH has given up, while he enjoys Disney, he does not understand why we are all clamoring to go back right after we get home. We had to explain to him last night that it was all his fault...he is the one who said Kady should go while she was little so she would get the magic. It is not our fault that she not only got IT, she wants to live IT :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[FormrCastMbr]

Morning All!

QUickly checking in...I'll be back to catch up later...

We are having Chicken Corn Chowder (the recipe is from Boma) and corn bread.

Lindsay, I know exactly how you feel. When I was younger, at my thinnest, I thought I was fat...that was 5'11", 140. I now am about 60#s beyond that. It gets me the most when I see pics and when my mother says stuff like you let yourself go, remember when you were skinny, remember when you modeled (I did some side modeling after HS...my specialty is mannequin - those were the days)...:sad1:

You are doing the right thing and losing slowly....remember, I am at it with ya and so are alot of other DISers...and in the meantime, think of all the great things you have in life...a great hubby, BIL and nice friends...US too! ;)

I'll be back later...have a great day all!

[nucpharm29]

Wendie--Thanks for missing me. We've just been go-go-go since last Wednesday when we left for Houston. It's never a vacation with DH's family. Seems every moment is planned out. We had a great time and some great food. Thanksgiving was great--especially since I didn't have to cook a bit! And the kids slept through dinner which made it so much more peaceful.

Now it's time to get ready for Christmas. I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to Christmas. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years is my very fav time of year. DH got all our decorations out of the attic for me yesterday, so now it's time to decorate!!! We are having a Wine and Cheese/appetizer neighborhood party on Friday and I can't wait. I'm not even hosting and I've offered to make some food. I'm going to make Bourbon Pecan Tarlets. Yummo!

Oh, and WFD tonight--no freakin' idea!:rotfl: That would mean making a grocery list and going shopping. And ya'll know getting that Christmas Tree is just that much more impt! I'll post later, if we decide to have something other than frozen pizza.

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Alexis is home sick today. She's been really stuffy, her Mom took her to the dr. on Saturday & he did nothing as usual. But this morning she got up, ate, was choked up but not much worse than yesterday. Right after she ate her temp started to go up a bit & she started coughing worse. I told her she'd have to go back to bed if she stayed home, poor thing layed down & fell right to sleep. Her Mom is going to call the dr. again, but he'll probably not give her anything again!

Last night's dinner was yummy. Mario Batali's Ribollita Soup, I served over the only decent bread I had in the house, leftover Outback Bread! :confused3 It was still yummy. Here's a pic.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/What%20is%20for%20Dinner/IMG_0074.jpg

Hey the photobucket resizing thing finally worked for me!:cool1:

[zipuzee]

Good Morning All!!

Sheryl--I miss(ed) Lori a ton as well!! I am just dying for our trip to meet her. Spending Christmas morning with them has me, well, it has me feeling like a "kid at christmas", hehehe!!!

Have a great day all!

We had so much fun with Lori (Sheryl and Jenny, too!) in Epcot last month, I can only imagine what a great time you all will have on Christmas morning!!

[jordansmomma]

Just wanted to ditto this, too. I lost 85 pounds last winter due to illness. I needed to lose the weight - I was fat. Even when I was a size 6, I still saw a fat girl in the mirror. I still look at clothes and think 'I can't wear that' and go towards the 'fat girl' clothes in the store. It's really hard and I still am not happy with myself. I gained about 10 pounds since my weight loss and now I stress about that. It's nuts! I am at a healthy weight and look healthy but I'm still not happy with it. I guess it's true that we are rarely happy with the way we look.

Lindsay, you are a very pretty woman! I love seeing pics of you and your DH.

Sorry I don't mean to butt in, but I hear ya. I lost 140 pounds was a size 6. I thought i looked funny. Going from a rather large girl to a itty bitty girl, kinda strange. I have gained 35# of that back well I want to loose 20 of that. So i am on a low fat sorta diet now. I think the worse thing anyone could tell me is oh you have such a pretty face!! Geesh, thats like saying oh if you would just loose a little weight you would be great!! I look better at a size 14 but i would be happier at a size 10.

Well for dinner it is baked teriyaki chicken with steamed asparagus and rice.

[shovan]

Wendie, I'm jealous that y'all (you're family & Lori's)are going to be spending Christmas morning together!!!! :goodvibes Sounds like a lot of fun!!!

Lindsay, I know what you mean about pics! Remember, that pic I had posted of the NOLA Crew in WDW a while back. I almost didn't post it cus I couldn't stand the way I looked in the pic. In my mind that outfit looked so cute, but when I actually saw it, I just looked short, fat & dorky!

And on the weight, after losing 38 lbs about 5 yrs ago, I think I've put 10 back on.

Lauren, How are you feeling today? Hope you're doing better! :hug:

[liamandcaili]

The time between Thanksgiving and New Years is my very fav time of year.

Mine too! Glad to see you back.

Sheryl -- I hope Alexis feels better soon. The drs here are reluctant to give out prescriptions too unless they are reasonably certain it is a bacterial thing. Caili was sick last winter for weeks before she finally got an antibiotic...three dr visits later!

Nancy -- Greg said to tell you, and anyone else inclined to send packages to the troops, to make sure you send food and toiletries separately. (You probably already know this, but I told him I would pass it along.) He said they had to throw away a lot of food that was sent because it absorbed the odors from things like deodorant, shaving cream and scented toilet paper. Yuck.

I am leaning toward spaghetti, salad and breadsticks for dinner tonight. I may throw in some Italian sausage for Greg as well if I still have some in the freezer.

[BabyPiglet]

Morning Y'all,

Alexis is home sick today. She's been really stuffy, her Mom took her to the dr. on Saturday & he did nothing as usual. But this morning she got up, ate, was choked up but not much worse than yesterday. Right after she ate her temp started to go up a bit & she started coughing worse. I told her she'd have to go back to bed if she stayed home, poor thing layed down & fell right to sleep. Her Mom is going to call the dr. again, but he'll probably not give her anything again!

Last night's dinner was yummy. Mario Batali's Ribollita Soup, I served over the only decent bread I had in the house, leftover Outback Bread! :confused3 It was still yummy. Here's a pic.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/What%20is%20for%20Dinner/IMG_0074.jpg

Hey the photobucket resizing thing finally worked for me!:cool1:
Oh that soup look delicious! And btw, I love Outback bread. :goodvibes: Do you have the recipe?

And I hope Alexis feels better soon.

Lindsay, I do understand. I've never been secure in the way I look. I just wanted you to know how beautiful you are. :)

Tonight for dinner...I think I'm making roasted chicken and mashed taters.

[Glynis]

My issues with my looks stem from my weight. I'm one of those "...but she has such a pretty face" people and I hate it. I am working on getting the weight off. It's coming slow but sure. But that's where the self-esteem issue comes from.

Boy, do I hear you there! I got a lot of that before my GB surgery! Now, even though I know that I look almost 100 pound lighter, in my mind I'm still the "fat girl". I don't know how long it will take to get rid of that image, but I'm working on it!

I'll just have to keep telling you that you look amazing. And believe me, sister, you DO!!!

[Glynis]

Sounds like we all belong together. We all seem to "click" on the weight issue! Isn't it nice to have a place where you can say what you want and no one will judge you for it?????

I've come to the conclusion that the awful pictures of me aren't my fault, it's the camera! Someday I'll find the perfect camera that will let me look like Jane Seymour, but until then, I'm stuck with my old one. At least we can all take comfort in the fact that we love ourselves!!! And truth be told, I'd rather be me, than anyone else I know.

Dinner tonight will be Calzones. The kids have a PTA Reflections Awards night tonight, and I have it on good authority that Katie and Jacob have both won something! My neighbor is doing all the certificates, and called me to make sure that we were planning on attending. YOU BETCHA!!!

[Nancyg56]

Hi everybody!

Jordansmomma- Just jump in whenever you see something you want to talk about. We all just chat, so please continue to post and to talk to us. We love it!

Sheryl- Sorry to hear that Alexis is sick. Kady's Dr won't give prescriptions easily either. Hopefully it will pass quickly.

Laura- I pack food and toiletries separately. My sister sent Fluff and it exploded all over the box, that was not good, so I tend to put everything in zip top bags first anyway. Please Thank Greg for me before he leaves tomorrow. I will think of him often and include him in my prayers. Now don't laugh, I'll ask my Mom to keep him safe. So far it is working for Timmy, I tell you about it later when I don't get so weepy. I used to clean and most of my customers were elderly or people who were not able to clean for themselves. Whenever they got sick I would tell her and she would "add them to her list". She "knew" all them even if she had never met them, so she is used to helping people she doesn't know. I always told her about all of you so she knows you all already.

Glynis- It's funny how we found each other here. When I finally went back to work "in the real world" I was terrified. I went to a call center and made all the difference in the world to me. I was afraid I would be an odd duck, but what I found is that I went to work in a lake filled with odd ducks, so it was perfect. I am not saying we all are odd :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:, but we are all a good fit :thumbsup2

Stephanie- Welcome back! I also have no idea what to do for dinner. Marisa won some spa gift certificates for me and we are picking them up tonight. Dinner comes after that.

[shovan]

Sheryl -- I hope Alexis feels better soon. The drs here are reluctant to give out prescriptions too unless they are reasonably certain it is a bacterial thing. Caili was sick last winter for weeks before she finally got an antibiotic...three dr visits later!



Laura & Nancy, She saw the dr once before their vacation & she's been back twice since! She's been feeling bad at least three weeks now. Her Mom talked to them again today & of course they said wait a couple more days. Then if she's not better they want her to bring her back in! They've already seen her 3 times in the last month but they need to see her again? I don't understand it.:confused3 How long do they have to feel miserable before they'll do anything. And now her eyes are oozing too.

Oh that soup look delicious! And btw, I love Outback bread. :goodvibes: Do you have the recipe?

And I hope Alexis feels better soon.

Tonight for dinner...I think I'm making roasted chicken and mashed taters.

Sorry, Nooo recipe for Outback Bread here. That was literally leftover from Outback Takeout this past weekend! ;) Mmmmm roast chicken & mashed potatoes sure sounds good right now!

Sounds like we all belong together. We all seem to "click" on the weight issue! Isn't it nice to have a place where you can say what you want and no one will judge you for it?????

I've come to the conclusion that the awful pictures of me aren't my fault, it's the camera! Someday I'll find the perfect camera that will let me look like Jane Seymour, but until then, I'm stuck with my old one. At least we can all take comfort in the fact that we love ourselves!!! And truth be told, I'd rather be me, than anyone else I know.



I don't know Glynis.. I sure wouldn't mind looking like Jane Seymour! :lmao:

[liamandcaili]

Please Thank Greg for me before he leaves tomorrow. I will think of him often and include him in my prayers. Now don't laugh, I'll ask my Mom to keep him safe.

Thank you, Nancy. I am really very touched and am teary myself. I will let Greg know he has another person in heaven looking out for him.

She's been feeling bad at least three weeks now. How long do they have to feel miserable before they'll do anything. And now her eyes are oozing too.

:sad2: If her fever is back, they should see her again. Obviously, there is something going on for the fever to return. That was what finally got Caili an antibiotic. She was sick for weeks too, but then she spiked a fever again, and they finally decided her ears looked bad enough to qualify as an ear infection.

I guess I should get back to cooking dinner. I was all ready to serve it 15 minutes ago, but then Liam went running off with some kids from the neighborhood. It is almost dark enough to send Greg off looking for him.

[Aimeedyan]

I want the Boma recipe for the chicken and corn chowder, or whatever it was. Who said they were having that for dinner? I forgot to scroll back before replying.

Tonight I am grilling NY strip steaks and making fettuchini alfredo to go with it. It's kinda hodge podge around my house as we try and use up things ;)

I have some leftover blue cheese and would like to put it on my steak. Is it best to just sprinkle it on or is there an easy way to make it more into a blue cheese sauce? I have milk at home, but no cream.

[TigerKat]

Hi y'all!

Just checking in, we're having a great time. So far the longest wait time I've seen for anything is 30 minutes, we walked on everything at MK today with NO WAIT!! Yesterday at EPCOT we had a 20 minute wait for Test Track at 3:00 in the afternoon, which just amazes me as I've never been here when it's not jam-packed.

We started off our first night with a bang - Wishes on Main Street then dinner at Cali Grill, which still remains our #1 place, BUT we're going to JIKO tonight, so I am super excited about that.

I can't wait to meet Gretchen tomorrow, I'm going to take pics and Abi & Kyle promised they would help me post them soon.:rolleyes1

I thought about y'all last night while I was having a glass of Rosa Regale with dessert at Coral Reef, I miss you guys.

I haven't read back to see what's going on, so I hope everyone is well.:grouphug:

We got an awesome room facing the lake right next to ESPN Club, nights out on the balcony are pretty interesting!!

I'll be back next hopefully with pics of Gretchen & I!!

[shovan]

Sure sounds like Kathy is having a great time! :goodvibes Can't wait to see the pics!!!!

Hey y'all,

I just spoke with my DD in ROME!! (and received a text message too)They finished the "school stuff" in Paris yesterday & flew into Rome this morning. She said she LOVES Italy, the food & wine are great & the people are so friendly. She said the people there remind her of New Orleanians, they are all so helpful & nice. They didn't come across any rude Frenchmen, just that the Italians are so much more outgoing & friendly. She did say the driving in Rome is scaarrry bad, though!!!!:scared:

The food sounds unbelievable! Today she had Fettucine Gorgonzola for lunch & Pizza balsamica y parmigiana for dinner! She said the house wines were wonderful & one serving is enough for several glasses for two people. They'll be in Rome for a couple more days then they fly to Madrid.

In Paris, they went to a show at the Moulin Rouge & her hubby opened a bottle of champagne that spewed all over the four of them at the table.The cork ended up on the dance floor! Topless showgirls dancing around the cork! She laughed about it & said her life would be boring without her DH!!:laughing:

[HERSEY]

Should we name ourselves the Odd Duck Club. ODC for short sounds kind of sick doesn't like we should go to the doctor maybe no initials.:rotfl2: My dad used to call me a odd duck.

Alex is with his dad tonight so its just the animals and me tonight. What to have for dinner :rolleyes:. I have french onion soup from costco that's really good when you melt more cheese on it. I love cheese I should have been a mouse.

Sheryl I hope Alexis feels better soon. And that soup looks amazing.

[bear74]

Morning All!

QUickly checking in...I'll be back to catch up later...

We are having Chicken Corn Chowder (the recipe is from Boma) and corn bread.

Lindsay, I know exactly how you feel. When I was younger, at my thinnest, I thought I was fat...that was 5'11", 140. I now am about 60#s beyond that. It gets me the most when I see pics and when my mother says stuff like you let yourself go, remember when you were skinny, remember when you modeled (I did some side modeling after HS...my specialty is mannequin - those were the days)...:sad1:

You are doing the right thing and losing slowly....remember, I am at it with ya and so are alot of other DISers...and in the meantime, think of all the great things you have in life...a great hubby, BIL and nice friends...US too! ;)

I'll be back later...have a great day all!

Is this recipe posted? If not please post I love the campbells version and would love to make it myself.

[LindsayDunn228]

Today I'm making Double Chicken and Dumpling Soup with ciabatta bread.

WFD at your house?

ETA: Glynis, I shared one of your preserves with my grandmother, who also makes it sometimes. She called me yesterday morning in absolute heaven saying that was the best plum jelly she'd ever had in her life and wanted me to make sure I told you :)

And now for an update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Boy did we have a blast last night. Ohhhhhh my, are they smitten.:banana:

Dinner was really good, as I knew it would be. It's a menu I've used many times, it;s quick and easy but doesn't taste it. After dinner Scott and the SKs disappeared into the office. Scott has been hemming and hawing about my 30th birthday next year and was fishing for ideas, including them :) After that, we looked at all of our WDW pictures from this trip.

We went back into the living room where they assumed their snug-as-a-bug cuddle they do so well. We yakked, and yakked, and yakked... you get the idea. Well the SKs didn't leave until 11:30. But here's the cute thing: they didn't leave our driveway until WELL after midnight. :banana: Hee hee hee! Smitten I tell ya! Smitten!!!

If I wasn't sure there was something between them before, I'm sure now!!

Tomorrow is my MILs birthday. I mentioned Robin put together a gift for her. We plan on taking my MIL out this weekend and Robin is coming with us. I plan on taking our camera and getting lots of pictures which I will share with my WFD friends :)

That's the latest update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

I'm really enjoying popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:: I hope you guys are, too!

[Nancyg56]

Kathy- if you check in again, We miss you! It sure looks like you are having fun though. DD and I were looking for a "crowd report" and this is just what I wanted to hear!

Sheryl- I think the your DGD should be seen b the Dr again as well. I don't understand letting it go for so long. As to DD and DSIL! Wow! What fun! She really needed the break though, so I am happy that they are having such a good time.

DD won some more gift certificates yesterday so we went to pick them up at the radio station. We picked up Erica and had dinner at a little pub-like place. Oh my goodness! The food was so good! Next time we go, and there will be a next time, I think we are skipping dinner and just having the appetizers. I love good wings and these we yummy, and the quesadilla was one of the best I have ever had.

Tonight is a turkey meatloaf or the pizza muffins. The ground turkey at Costco was only $1.99 a pound. I was peevish with myself though. I did not check my checkbook (I am the person who stops the line at the store...no Visa debit card :guilty:) before I got to Costco and only had $40 in my wallet :eek:.

What can you buy for that? So I wandered my sad self through and got my EOS laundry detergent and my ground turkey, but that was it. Now I need to make another trip, but not today.

[Nancyg56]

TI'm really enjoying popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:: I hope you guys are, too!






Lindsay- I don't watch soaps, get laughed at when I take my romance novels out and have to hide my Hallmark Christmas movies. The episodes of the Smitten Kittens are making my day :thumbsup2

[LindsayDunn228]

Nancy, I'm so glad. I will keep them up!

[Mermaid02]

How fun Lindsay! I wish we had friends to do things with like that. Our son has adhd and pdd and evenings are a VERY difficult time to be around him... nobody wants to come here for dinner.... as a matter of fact, he's quite disruptive and we have a hard time getting anyone to come at all. Thanks for coming to my pity party though.:lmao:

I think I'll make American Chop Suey tonight. I've bought all the groceries I'm going to until next week so we be eaten outta the freezer. :laughing: Everyone hates that.

The turkey is GONE!!! I made a turkey pie last night and that was it! :woohoo:

[Nancyg56]

How fun Lindsay! I wish we had friends to do things with like that. Our son has adhd and pdd and evenings are a VERY difficult time to be around him... nobody wants to come here for dinner.... as a matter of fact, he's quite disruptive and we have a hard time getting anyone to come at all. Thanks for coming to my pity party though.:lmao:

I think I'll make American Chop Suey tonight. I've bought all the groceries I'm going to until next week so we be eaten outta the freezer. :laughing: Everyone hates that.

The turkey is GONE!!! I made a turkey pie last night and that was it! :woohoo:

I love American Chop Suey! Our turkey is gone too, I don't get sick of it but DH was not enthused when I told him that I had enough for one more sandwich for his lunch :lmao::lmao:, I could "see" the "enthusiasm" over the phone :rotfl2:

I'm not trying to intrude, but I don't get why your son's ADHD would keep friends away. Friends and family live the same lives and that means including everyone. I'm a little touchy because my oldest had behavior issues at times and it is devastating for parents. My heart would break and I needed some solid friends who just dealt with it too. :grouphug:

[nucpharm29]

Morning all! Ended up actually cooking last night. Teriyaki pork w/noodles and sauteed bok choy. I, however, ended up eating by myself. DH called while I was cooking dinner and says he has a business dinner he "just found out about" After a little more digging, I found out that he knew about the dinner at noon, but waited until 6 to tell me!:headache: Could've saved cleaning up after cooking twice, once for the kids and once for me. Oh, but I did pull a fast one on my kiddos last night. Added some squash puree to boxed mac and cheese and nobody was the wiser! They even had seconds!:laughing:

Tonight I think I'm finally going to be making those pumpkin ravioli.

Have a great day all!

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning!

Well, as usual, I cannot catch up with everyone...I hope all is well.

Kathy, glad you're having a magical time. I miss you, bud!

Is this recipe posted? If not please post I love the campbells version and would love to make it myself.

I want the Boma recipe for the chicken and corn chowder, or whatever it was. Who said they were having that for dinner? I forgot to scroll back before replying.


Here is the recipe for the Boma Chicken Corn Chowder. It was very good. I tried to make a lighter version of it and it separated a bit but it was still edible...don't be like me and try to do this! ;) I took a pic will post later.

Ingredients:

2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and diced (I shredded my chicken)
1 pound Russet Potatoes, partially cooked and diced
2 cups Corn Kernels (frozen) I CUT BACK ON THIS AMOUNT TO 1 CUP
1/8 cup Onion, diced
1/8 cup Red Bell Peppers, diced
1 cup Chicken Stock
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Milk
2 t. Sugar I THINK I WOULD OMIT THIS NEXT TIME OR TASTE BEFORE I ADD THIS
2 t. Hot Sauce
1/8 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 Chicken Bouillon Cube

Method:

1. Bring chicken stock to a boil.

2. Add milk, heavy cream, chicken (I ADDED THIS LATER _ MAYBE AFTER COOKING OTHER THINGS 10 MIN), potatoes, red peppers, onions, corn, and sugar, bouillon simmer for 40 minutes.

3. Add parsley and hot sauce, simmer for five minutes.

4. Serve hot.


Lauren, How are you feeling today? Hope you're doing better! :hug:

I am better Sheryl. Thank you. I am glad DD is having so much fun!

I will be back later...Tom ust got up...gotta get him out the door.

Tonight is going to be Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops, rice and veggie medley.

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Alexis is still sick, but her Daddy stayed home with her today cus I have a dentist appt. later. Apparently whatever she has really is viral as the Dr keeps saying because I started getting it last night. Woke up coughing this morning too, so the dentist ought to be a real blast.:sad1:

Nancy/Laura/Everyone concerned for my little cutie: Alexis's fever didn't come back, but she is coughing so much. Her Mom is going to call the Dr. Aaagain & see if they will see her or at least call in a rx cough med. the over the counter stuff just isn't working.

Loreli, I think I understand what you're talking about with friends. :hug: Because of Bob's muscular dystrophy, we don't have friends to hang out with much either. A lot of his old buddies ( & wives that we were friends with years ago)are uncomfortable around him now. (These are guys he used ride motorcycles with/work on cars, etc.) We don't have hard feelings about, we understand they just have a hard time with it. It also takes a lot of time to get him ready for work, to go out & just to go to bed, so everything takes planning for us to manage, which also makes get togethers difficult. And any time I'm feeling under the weather makes everything a bit tougher. Unfortunately all this makes us feel a bit isolated from everyone including family, who don't understand the amount of time it takes for us to "appear normal".

Lauren, Thanks for posting that recipe! Glad you're feeling better!

Stephanie, Squash puree in mac & cheese is ingenious!!! :thumbsup2 I'm going to have to try it! Yesterday I had to beg Alexis to drink the soup broth! Only the promise of Alfredo noodles after she drank the broth, was the only thing that worked!

[shovan]

Lindsay, I forgot to say thanks for the update on the Saga of the Smitten Kittens! That's so cute they sound like lovesick teenagers!!!:love:

[Nancyg56]

I was supposed to make a meatloaf or something but all I kept thinking about was American Chop Suey, so that is what I fixed for dinner. Loreli- Marisa says "Thank You!"

Today was a cleaning Day! I took down all of the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations and have been scrubbing so that I can decorate for Christmas. Buddy had put the hose away and I could not find any nozzles so I dragged up a long hose, found some gloves and went out to wash the trim and the front of the house. I was covered with bleach and my gloves had holes in them and I had a hard time spraying without any nozzles! If DH says one word about the hose sprawled in the driveway..................he is going to get hosed!

[HERSEY]

Tonight we are having a ham steak mashed potatoes and corn.

I need comfort food. It was a tough day with the phone calls today. One more person who says they don't know what I want them to do, while I'm explaining exactly what they need to do, POW.

I think I might have to try that chop suey.

[HERSEY]

Ok where is the recipe for the chop suey? I must be blind.

[FormrCastMbr]

Well, I thought I could get caught up with everyone today and it didn't happen...sending :hug: :hug: :hug: to everyone!

The pork chops were really really good tonight (Tom said the best) so I thought I would share the recipe (I think this would be great with chicken too). I think this would be a good one for Gretchen's hubby since he loves the braised pork...

Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops (or chicken)

4 - 6 pork chops, I used boneless
1 large onion, diced
a couple dashes of ground thyme
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbs butter
3 tbs apricot preserves
2 tbs brown sugar (or maple syrup)
1/4 cup flour
salt, pepper and garlic powder
1/2 chicken or beef broth
3 tbs olive oil

In a saucepan, saute onions over med heat until soft and slightly brown (about 15 min). Add thyme, vinegar, preserves and sugar (or syrup). Simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix flour with salt, pepper and garlic. Dredge chops and brown on both sides in a pan with olive oil (about 5 min per side). Add broth and cover and simmer for 10 min. Remove cover and simmer another 5. Add onion mixture, cover and simmer another 10 minutes. Enjoy!

[FormrCastMbr]

Janice, I think they are talking about the chop suey on page 46. HTH! ;)

[HERSEY]

Janice, I think they are talking about the chop suey on page 46. HTH! ;)

Thank I looked at that list 3x I think I going to go soak in the tub I feel really cranky, that's the only place I can go and hide. It getting close to that time when I don't even want to be around me.:rolleyes1

[Aimeedyan]

Thanks for the recipes for the balsamic cx and corn chowder!

Tonight I picked up Taco Cabana on the way home. I had a really hard day at work and I didn't want to do anything but veg when I finally got in tonight around 8pm. Taco Cabana has great flautas. YUM.

[LindsayDunn228]

Tonight we are having leftover chicken and dumpling soup.

WFD at your house?

An now for a mini-update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens



The other day when the SKs came over for dinner, I mentioned that they were in our driveway for at least 45 minutes. Well, when they left I turned out an outside light for them, in addition to our back porch light. We carefully peeked a few times to see if they had left so we could turn the lights out. After the 5th peek, we were dying to go to bed. So we turned off the 2 lights, and turned out the light outside the garage. That way they could both get to their cars safely and we only had to deal with one light instead of 2.

Well, yesterday Scott was all worried that what we did was rude. I told him not to worry about it, since it's obvious the other 2 lights would shine into our bedroom window and the garage light wouldn't. Not one to let things go, he e-mails his brother and asks him if what we did was ok. Kevin responded with a huge LOL and told him that the garage light was blinding and he reached up and unscrewed it!!!!!!!!! :lmao: He put it back when they left! :lmao:

So I guess next time they want to mack in our driveway we should just leave them with the romantic moonlight :blush: What's so funny is it was in the 30s when they left the other night. I don't know why they just didn't pick a car and do their making out in the warm :drive: Can you tell I'm having WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much fun with this???

And there's a mini-update on the Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

[Mermaid02]

Good Morning everyone!

About my son... he takes medication but by about 3pm that is out of his system and we are at the mercy of his behavior.... He is good from an hour after his meds in the morning (the first hour is hard, he swears at us, hits us, is just nasty- an hour later he's a different kid) but by about 3pm he's back to "that" kid. Nobody wants to be around him/us and I really don't blame them. He has ZERO friends- he's kinda the class oddball.... his PDD means that socially he lacks those fundamental skills that people just pick up from society.

Glad you enjoyed the chop suey... we ended up going out to Olive Garden because my dd got her acceptance letter to her college of choice!:woohoo: It's right here in town, but it's where she really wants to go :confused3 I'm very proud.

My son was all wound up after school because the school was notified that the night before the was an attempted abduction of a girl in his class as she walked home from school.:scared1: You either pick up your child or they walk (unless you live way out- but most live within a mile and a half radius). So that's pretty scary.

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning!

Tonight is beef stew in the crock pot. I have some Xmas shopping to do. My first trip out...we did some online shopping for Andrew.

Lindsay...another great update of ROTSM! :love: :love: :love:


Alexis is still sick, but her Daddy stayed home with her today cus I have a dentist appt. later.

Loreli, I think I understand what you're talking about with friends. Unfortunately all this makes us feel a bit isolated from everyone including family, who don't understand the amount of time it takes for us to "appear normal".


I hope Alexis is a little better today. Andrew started complaining again that his ear hurt and he is still coughing so I guess he will be back at the dr today. He is still taking antibiotic from last week.

Sheryl, you do a great job at appearing normal. :thumbsup2 :hug:


Today was a cleaning Day! I took down all of the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations and have been scrubbing so that I can decorate for Christmas. Buddy had put the hose away and I could not find any nozzles so I dragged up a long hose, found some gloves and went out to wash the trim and the front of the house. I was covered with bleach and my gloves had holes in them and I had a hard time spraying without any nozzles! If DH says one word about the hose sprawled in the driveway..................he is going to get hosed!

What a sight!

Thank I looked at that list 3x I think I going to go soak in the tub I feel really cranky, that's the only place I can go and hide. It getting close to that time when I don't even want to be around me.:rolleyes1

I hope the tubby worked and you're feeling better today!

Thanks for the recipes for the balsamic cx and corn chowder!


No prob...hope you like them!

Good Morning everyone!

About my son... he takes medication but by about 3pm that is out of his system and we are at the mercy of his behavior....

Glad you enjoyed the chop suey... we ended up going out to Olive Garden because my dd got her acceptance letter to her college of choice!:woohoo: It's right here in town, but it's where she really wants to go :confused3 I'm very proud.

My son was all wound up after school because the school was notified that the night before the was an attempted abduction of a girl in his class

I am sorry about your son...I wish I was closer so we could get together.

What wonderful news about your daughter...Congratulations!!!

That is pretty scary about the abduction...

Have a great day all!

[nucpharm29]

Morning all. the pumpkin ravioli was good. DH didn't like it, though. After dinner he tells me that "he doesn't care for pumpkin" Duh, would've been good to know that ahead of time. Oh well. Tonight is going to be Brats w/sauerkraut and fries. My german heritage coming out!

Sheryl--don't want to take the credit for the squash in mac and cheese--I read it in a book--worked like a charm though!

[HERSEY]

Good Morning everyone!

About my son... he takes medication but by about 3pm that is out of his system and we are at the mercy of his behavior.... He is good from an hour after his meds in the morning (the first hour is hard, he swears at us, hits us, is just nasty- an hour later he's a different kid) but by about 3pm he's back to "that" kid. Nobody wants to be around him/us and I really don't blame them. He has ZERO friends- he's kinda the class oddball.... his PDD means that socially he lacks those fundamental skills that people just pick up from society.

Glad you enjoyed the chop suey... we ended up going out to Olive Garden because my dd got her acceptance letter to her college of choice!:woohoo: It's right here in town, but it's where she really wants to go :confused3 I'm very proud.

My son was all wound up after school because the school was notified that the night before the was an attempted abduction of a girl in his class as she walked home from school.:scared1: You either pick up your child or they walk (unless you live way out- but most live within a mile and a half radius). So that's pretty scary.

:hug: Your poor son it must be awful for him. :hug: For you too it has to be difficult for you.


Morning all. the pumpkin ravioli was good. DH didn't like it, though. After dinner he tells me that "he doesn't care for pumpkin" Duh, would've been good to know that ahead of time. Oh well. Tonight is going to be Brats w/sauerkraut and fries. My german heritage coming out!

Sheryl--don't want to take the credit for the squash in mac and cheese--I read it in a book--worked like a charm though!

When I was looking for recipe books I saw one about sneaking veggies in food for kids. I forgot what that book was titled sounds like you found it though. Congrats on getting them to eat it. :thumbsup2


Lindsay That is too funny about the light bulb:rotfl2: Perhaps you should get them a gift cert or is that too obvious?


Lauren I feel much better today thank you. I started taking Midol again that's what I call my miracle drug. Imagine at my age PMS is worse now then when I was a teenager.

[LindsayDunn228]

Lindsay That is too funny about the light bulb:rotfl2: Perhaps you should get them a gift cert or is that too obvious?


Ok my caffeine hasn't kicked in yet. A gift certificate to what/where?

[FormrCastMbr]

Janice, I have been taking Midol and some OTC stuff lately too. It is getting worse for me as well. This past time I was nauseous (sp) and "out of commission like" for a couple days. Weird...thought I may have been pg :) . I heard that loading up on vitamin B helps too but I never remember.

[HERSEY]

Ok my caffeine hasn't kicked in yet. A gift certificate to what/where?

Sorry, gift cert to a hotel. Just my evil mind working overtime this morning.

[LindsayDunn228]

Sorry, gift cert to a hotel. Just my evil mind working overtime this morning.

:lmao:

The other night when they were here we were looking at our trip pictures in our office. Every time we leave the office they always linger for a minute, sneaking in a smooch. The other night I called out, "Hey get it a room, but not that one!!" They busted out laughing :)

[shovan]

Stephanie, Guess what we had for dinner last night? Yep, Brats & Sauerkraut! The 1/8 part of me that's German had an instant craving when I spotted Brats at the grocery yesterday! I tried something different with the sauerkraut last night (instead of my usual of just opening up the jar!). You might already have your own recipe but I tried this & it was yuuuumy! I used a fresh apple & a little bit of boxed chicken broth instead of the powdered stuff.

German Style Grilled Bratwurst & Sauerkraut

Preparation time: 15-25 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients
Fresh Bratwurst
bratwurst buns

Sauerkraut:
2 Tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
1/2 cup white cooking wine
2 teaspoons chicken stock powder
1 teaspoon caraway seed
1 bay leaf
1 cup chopped (1/4-inch cubes) SCHWAN'S® Roasted Apples (#744), frozen

Steps
Sauerkraut:
1. Melt butter in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender.

3. Add sauerkraut, wine, chicken stock powder, caraway and bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer on low heat uncovered for 5 minutes.

4. Stir in chopped apples and simmer an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf, cover pot to stay warm and set sauerkraut aside.

Grilling:
5. Grill bratwurst as directed on packaging. Place bratwurst in buns and top with sauerkraut.

[shovan]

(Removal of double post.) Sorry the DIS was hanging up on me this morning. I had more to say too, but couldn't post!

Lindsay, Taking the lightbulb out?! They are seriously lovestruck!

Lauren, So glad someone thinks I'm normal! On the PMS, I had lots & lots of trouble with it before my hysterectomy. Being on B.C. pills and taking extra calcium & vit B did help some. (Sorry Steph & I have you craving brats now.)

Mermaid, Congrats to your DD! Glad to hear she was accepted to the college she chose & glad for Mom that she'll be close to home!

Alexis is home from school again today. Her Mom spoke to the Dr. again yesterday, he didn't want to see her unless the fever was over 101! He only recommended a change of OTC cough medicine? She is coughing so much poor thing, but her temps only about 99 & I think the cold might be starting to break up. I've got it too, was up coughing during the night.

[Nancyg56]

Hi everyone! Just stopping in for a minute, I'm working on tthe back windows and trim, and then cleaning under the dressers and washing walls where I can.

Tonight will be hamburg gravy over pasta. We have turkey soup for anyone who doesn't like dinner.

[FormrCastMbr]

:lmao:

The other night when they were here we were looking at our trip pictures in our office. Every time we leave the office they always linger for a minute, sneaking in a smooch. The other night I called out, "Hey get it a room, but not that one!!" They busted out laughing :)

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Stephanie, Guess what we had for dinner last night? Yep, Brats & Sauerkraut!

German Style Grilled Bratwurst & Sauerkraut


You guys have me wanting brats now...I have some in the freezer too. Maybe this weekend. Tom doesn't like them tho...:confused3

The balsamic pork is great for leftovers too...that is what I am munching on now! Super yummy!

[liamandcaili]

Hi Everyone,

We're wrapping up our clean-out-the-refrigerator week with breakfast for dinner. We leave for Disney tomorrow night! :cool1:

Becky (who hasn't been around probably because she is in full Chief Disney planning mode) somehow managed to pack everything she needs for nine days into her carry-on bag. :confused3 Meanwhile, my bag will probably exceed the weight limit.

Have a great week everyone, and hopefully, we will have lots of great stories and pictures to share when we return.

[shovan]

Hi Everyone,

We're wrapping up our clean-out-the-refrigerator week with breakfast for dinner. We leave for Disney tomorrow night! :cool1:

Becky (who hasn't been around probably because she is in full Chief Disney planning mode) somehow managed to pack everything she needs for nine days into her carry-on bag. :confused3 Meanwhile, my bag will probably exceed the weight limit.

Have a great week everyone, and hopefully, we will have lots of great stories and pictures to share when we return.

Laura, The kids must be getting super excited!! :banana: :banana: Y'all are going to have such a great time! :wizard: But Becky is definitely going to have to teach us all her packing secrets! 9 days in a carry-on????!!!!! I'd love to know how to do that! Hope everyone has a great trip!

Sheryl

[FormrCastMbr]

Laura and Becky, Have a wonderful trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!

I would love to know what Becky packed as well. I thought I did good last time but still over packed. It really is wonderful having a washer and dryer in the room at DVC. I think nex time it will be 1 of of everything with a few exceptions (Its the perfect excuse to buy more Old Navy Ts...I live in white T shirts year round...)...OK, I am babbling again.

Becky, how'd ya do it??? :upsidedow

[BabyPiglet]

Laura & Nancy, She saw the dr once before their vacation & she's been back twice since! She's been feeling bad at least three weeks now. Her Mom talked to them again today & of course they said wait a couple more days. Then if she's not better they want her to bring her back in! They've already seen her 3 times in the last month but they need to see her again? I don't understand it.:confused3 How long do they have to feel miserable before they'll do anything. And now her eyes are oozing too.



Sorry, Nooo recipe for Outback Bread here. That was literally leftover from Outback Takeout this past weekend! ;) Mmmmm roast chicken & mashed potatoes sure sounds good right now!



I don't know Glynis.. I sure wouldn't mind looking like Jane Seymour! :lmao:
:rotfl: I meant the soup recipe. :) But I wouldn't mind a Outback bread recipe either. ;)


I think we're going out tonight even though we went out last night. Tsk Tsk I know.

[Aimeedyan]

We're going to have the balsamic pork recipe tonight - but with chicken because that is what I had in my freezer!

I think I'll served mashed potatos and spinach with it. I have a bag of Russet potatos that I'm trying to use up.

DH is planning to watch the STUPID football game tonight and we may have a single friend come over who doesn't have the NFL station at his house. So, he can eat what we're having, too.

[shovan]

:rotfl: I meant the soup recipe. :) But I wouldn't mind a Outback bread recipe either. ;)


I think we're going out tonight even though we went out last night. Tsk Tsk I know.

OH!!! :lmao: Sorry! :upsidedow

Here's the original Mario Batali Recipe.

Ribollita Recipe

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus 1/2 cup
1 medium red onion, chopped into 1/2 inch dice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped into 1/4 inch thick half moons
2 ribs celery, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
2 waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups white cannellini or brown borlotti beans, soaked and fully cooked
4 cups reserved bean liquid
1 cup basic tomato sauce
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
1 bunch kale, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
1 bunch black cabbage (cavolo nero), chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
Garnish: 4 slices country bread, toasted 1/2 cup grated parmigiano

In a large 8 quart pot, heat oil, onion and garlic together and cook until soft. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, 2 cups of beans, 4 cups of bean cooking liquid (or water) and basic tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add chard, kale, black cabbage and simmer 1 1/2 hours until everything is soft. Add remaining beans and adjust seasoning. Allow to cool and rest overnight. The following day, bring to a boil and serve in shallow bowls over toasted bread. Sprinkle with parmigiano tableside.

Of course I've tweaked this recipe a bit and I change it up depending on what I have in the house. My first change was using canned beans instead of bothering cooking them & added Italian Sausage for a bit more flavor. I've also used whatever tomato products I have on hand. I have trouble find Chard & Kale at the grocery so I've used different greens. This last time I used an Extra large bag of baby spinach. Here's my tweaked recipe


Ribollita – Sheryl’s Version

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 links of Sweet Italian Sausage, regular or turkey
1 box Swanson Chicken Broth
2 cups water (approximately)
1 medium red onion, chopped into 1/2 inch dice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped into 1/4 inch thick half moons
2 ribs celery, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
2 cans White Cannellini Beans or Great Northern White Beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup basic tomato sauce (A Good Jarred Sauce is fine)
Or
¼ can tomato paste & 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid
½ bunch Swiss chard, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
½ bunch kale, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
Any greens you like can be substituted,I’ve used bagged spinach, green or purple cabbage is also good

Garnish: 4 slices country bread, (large bagged croutons works fine also)
1/2 cup grated parmigiano

In a large 8 quart pot, heat oil, split casing on Sausage & brown in oil. When onion and garlic together and cook until soft. Add carrots, celery, 1-can beans, chicken stock and basic tomato sauce (or paste & diced tomatoes) and enough water to fill pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add chard, kale, or cabbage and simmer 1 1/2 hours until everything is soft. Add remaining beans and adjust seasoning. Allow to cool, rest overnight.
(This is better the next day, but we never wait!)

The following day, bring to a boil and serve in shallow bowls over toasted bread. Sprinkle with parmigiano tableside.

[TigerKat]

Hi guys!!

Just wanted to check in and tell you that Gretchen & I did hook up yesterday and we spent a great afternoon by the pool with all of the kiddos. She is so sweet and that Hailey is a princess. It was awesome getting to finally meet someone! And YEP we had cocktails.:rotfl:

We're still seeing very low to no wait times. Went to Universal today and had a blast, crowds were minimal, we were able to go on certain things as many times as we wanted back to back.:cool1:

Dining update - JIKO is now our #1 favorite place, one word - AMAZING. We were able to sit at "The Cooking Place" where the chefs interacted with us and gave us samples of their wonderful offerings. The service was incredible as well!!
The biggest disappointment of the trip so far has been KONA. We were excited about the new menu but it was so far our worst meal of the trip, really bad.:sad2:
I guess since this is an off time - I've seen all of the restaurants taking walk-ups except for Cali Grill!!

I really miss you guys!!!! Gretchen will get back before I do but I'll be checking back in.:goodvibes

[BabyPiglet]

OH!!! :lmao: Sorry! :upsidedow

Here's the original Mario Batali Recipe.

Ribollita Recipe

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus 1/2 cup
1 medium red onion, chopped into 1/2 inch dice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped into 1/4 inch thick half moons
2 ribs celery, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
2 waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups white cannellini or brown borlotti beans, soaked and fully cooked
4 cups reserved bean liquid
1 cup basic tomato sauce
1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
1 bunch kale, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
1 bunch black cabbage (cavolo nero), chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
Garnish: 4 slices country bread, toasted 1/2 cup grated parmigiano

In a large 8 quart pot, heat oil, onion and garlic together and cook until soft. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, 2 cups of beans, 4 cups of bean cooking liquid (or water) and basic tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add chard, kale, black cabbage and simmer 1 1/2 hours until everything is soft. Add remaining beans and adjust seasoning. Allow to cool and rest overnight. The following day, bring to a boil and serve in shallow bowls over toasted bread. Sprinkle with parmigiano tableside.

Of course I've tweaked this recipe a bit and I change it up depending on what I have in the house. My first change was using canned beans instead of bothering cooking them & added Italian Sausage for a bit more flavor. I've also used whatever tomato products I have on hand. I have trouble find Chard & Kale at the grocery so I've used different greens. This last time I used an Extra large bag of baby spinach. Here's my tweaked recipe


Ribollita – Sheryl’s Version

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 links of Sweet Italian Sausage, regular or turkey
1 box Swanson Chicken Broth
2 cups water (approximately)
1 medium red onion, chopped into 1/2 inch dice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped into 1/4 inch thick half moons
2 ribs celery, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
2 cans White Cannellini Beans or Great Northern White Beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup basic tomato sauce (A Good Jarred Sauce is fine)
Or
¼ can tomato paste & 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid
½ bunch Swiss chard, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
½ bunch kale, chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons
Any greens you like can be substituted,I’ve used bagged spinach, green or purple cabbage is also good

Garnish: 4 slices country bread, (large bagged croutons works fine also)
1/2 cup grated parmigiano

In a large 8 quart pot, heat oil, split casing on Sausage & brown in oil. When onion and garlic together and cook until soft. Add carrots, celery, 1-can beans, chicken stock and basic tomato sauce (or paste & diced tomatoes) and enough water to fill pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add chard, kale, or cabbage and simmer 1 1/2 hours until everything is soft. Add remaining beans and adjust seasoning. Allow to cool, rest overnight.
(This is better the next day, but we never wait!)

The following day, bring to a boil and serve in shallow bowls over toasted bread. Sprinkle with parmigiano tableside.
Haha, okay. That looks great! I might try it this weekend if I have time to stop buy the grocery store. :tilt:

Yum yum.

[Nancyg56]

Hi Everyone,

We're wrapping up our clean-out-the-refrigerator week with breakfast for dinner. We leave for Disney tomorrow night! :cool1:

Becky (who hasn't been around probably because she is in full Chief Disney planning mode) somehow managed to pack everything she needs for nine days into her carry-on bag. :confused3 Meanwhile, my bag will probably exceed the weight limit.

Have a great week everyone, and hopefully, we will have lots of great stories and pictures to share when we return.

Whew! One carryon for 9 days??????? She is definitely going to have to share her secrets!!!

I know that you all are going to have a wonderful time, especially since your parents are going to be haring the magic with you! Stay safe adn we'll miss you.

Hi guys!!

Just wanted to check in and tell you that Gretchen & I did hook up yesterday and we spent a great afternoon by the pool with all of the kiddos. She is so sweet and that Hailey is a princess. It was awesome getting to finally meet someone! And YEP we had cocktails.:rotfl:

We're still seeing very low to no wait times. Went to Universal today and had a blast, crowds were minimal, we were able to go on certain things as many times as we wanted back to back.:cool1:

Dining update - JIKO is now our #1 favorite place, one word - AMAZING. We were able to sit at "The Cooking Place" where the chefs interacted with us and gave us samples of their wonderful offerings. The service was incredible as well!!
The biggest disappointment of the trip so far has been KONA. We were excited about the new menu but it was so far our worst meal of the trip, really bad.:sad2:
I guess since this is an off time - I've seen all of the restaurants taking walk-ups except for Cali Grill!!

I really miss you guys!!!! Gretchen will get back before I do but I'll be checking back in.:goodvibes

Now I am really jealous of Kathy! I haven't met anyone. (Sulking now)

KOna was one of my favorites, this is not good :sad2:

Well dinner is a bit of a bust tonight. I did make my hamburg gravy, with ground turkey, of course, and rotelle pasta. This was becasue Kady and Marisa had dentist appointments, and they each were having dental work done.

Kady has been going to the dentist since she was 18 months old because reflux damages enamel and DD wanted to make sure that she was not going to have problems. Well, there were problems, the dentist was not able to fill two badly decayed cavities so he referred her to another dentist. What a mess. My poor Angel had a mouth full of cavities and has been having them cared for ever since. Today the dentist went in to do something and ended up having to do a surgical removal of one tooth, separating bone, and removing another. The poor little thing had some broth for dinner.

DD and DSIL are pretty mad at the first dentist, but "Pa" wants to rip his teeth out with his bare hands!

[BabyPiglet]

Whew! One carryon for 9 days??????? She is definitely going to have to share her secrets!!!

I know that you all are going to have a wonderful time, especially since your parents are going to be haring the magic with you! Stay safe adn we'll miss you.



Now I am really jealous of Kathy! I haven't met anyone. (Sulking now)

KOna was one of my favorites, this is not good :sad2:

Well dinner is a bit of a bust tonight. I did make my hamburg gravy, with ground turkey, of course, and rotelle pasta. This was becasue Kady and Marisa had dentist appointments, and they each were having dental work done.

Kady has been going to the dentist since she was 18 months old because reflux damages enamel and DD wanted to make sure that she was not going to have problems. Well, there were problems, the dentist was not able to fill two badly decayed cavities so he referred her to another dentist. What a mess. My poor Angel had a mouth full of cavities and has been having them cared for ever since. Today the dentist went in to do something and ended up having to do a surgical removal of one tooth, separating bone, and removing another. The poor little thing had some broth for dinner.

DD and DSIL are pretty mad at the first dentist, but "Pa" wants to rip his teeth out with his bare hands!
:hug:
:hug:

[THE HAT]

Hello everyone--it has been a crazy two days here! My grandmother had 2 different appts yesterday and then today I had P/T and the roads were glare ice this morning, but it didn't start freezing rain and sleeting until I was already halfway there, I figured I might as well continue on. What a mess, cars sliding everywhere!!! Gotta love my traction control!!!
2hours later it was warmed up a bit and just raining. Then after Ross was home this afternoon I had to take my gram to get her stitches out of her head, it takes almost as long to take out 50 stitches as it does to put them in, lol. (she had alot of understitching etc).
Ross is now at karate and right before I dropped him off there was a bad accident right in front of the dojo. One of our parents but not one I know. No one was hurt to bad just bumped around. All Kids were fine as well!!

Ok I want to know how the heck Becky has done it as well? I have one suitcase that is just full of shoes, lol!!!

Nancy--your poor princess, give her some extra love from me tonight! How maddening! I don't blame "PA" for feeling like he does!

Kathy--I miss you!! Glad you are having a great time, give Gretchen my love as well if you see her again. I am so happy you got to spend some time with her and the kiddos! Hope you had a picture taken for us to see!
Sounds like you are having a fab time!! You deserve it my friend!!

Laura and Becky--Have a wonderful time, Take lots of food porn pics for us!!!

Mermaid--I wish we were closer so that we could hang out, I know that you go to Bar Harbor often as do we, we should set something up this summer to meet for a drink and a bite to eat at Geddy's!!!

Sheryl--I think you both do amazing on dealing with the difficulties with Bob's health issues!! I am sure it has been a very hard change, but with the wonderful marriage and family that you have and zest to enjoy life, I am sure that all helps! I wish I was closer to you as well, so that we could go out sometime!! Hopefully you can get to Maine and see the Coast etc and we will have a grand time!

Lauren--glad to hear that you are feeling better!

I hope I didn't miss anyone....I have to go get Ross at karate now, so if I did I am sorry!!! I think of all of you so it isn't that, just not time enough to scroll back!!!

Dinner tonight is take out from the local pizza place, as I forgot to take anything out....last night was sweet and spicy chicken with couscous and glazed carrots.

Gotta Fly!!!! Happy Thirsty Thursday to you all!!

[shovan]

So glad to hear that Kathy & Gretchen were able to get together!!! I'm jealous too! I want to meet up with all of my good friends here on the WFDT!!!


Now I am really jealous of Kathy! I haven't met anyone. (Sulking now)

Kady has been going to the dentist since she was 18 months old because reflux damages enamel and DD wanted to make sure that she was not going to have problems. Well, there were problems, the dentist was not able to fill two badly decayed cavities so he referred her to another dentist. What a mess. My poor Angel had a mouth full of cavities and has been having them cared for ever since. Today the dentist went in to do something and ended up having to do a surgical removal of one tooth, separating bone, and removing another. The poor little thing had some broth for dinner.

DD and DSIL are pretty mad at the first dentist, but "Pa" wants to rip his teeth out with his bare hands!

Nancy, I understand how Pa feels & I know Nana must be pretty upset about it also! Poor baby, I feel so bad for her! But thank the good Lord, she has such a great family to take good care of her! I know her Nana & Pa will help make it better! :hug:

Haha, okay. That looks great! I might try it this weekend if I have time to stop buy the grocery store. :tilt:

Yum yum.

Hope you like it!

Hello everyone--it has been a crazy two days here! My grandmother had 2 different appts yesterday and then today I had P/T and the roads were glare ice this morning, but it didn't start freezing rain and sleeting until I was already halfway there, I figured I might as well continue on. What a mess, cars sliding everywhere!!! Gotta love my traction control!!!
2hours later it was warmed up a bit and just raining. Then after Ross was home this afternoon I had to take my gram to get her stitches out of her head, it takes almost as long to take out 50 stitches as it does to put them in, lol. (she had alot of understitching etc).
Ross is now at karate and right before I dropped him off there was a bad accident right in front of the dojo. One of our parents but not one I know. No one was hurt to bad just bumped around. All Kids were fine as well!!

Sheryl--I think you both do amazing on dealing with the difficulties with Bob's health issues!! I am sure it has been a very hard change, but with the wonderful marriage and family that you have and zest to enjoy life, I am sure that all helps! I wish I was closer to you as well, so that we could go out sometime!! Hopefully you can get to Maine and see the Coast etc and we will have a grand time!



Wendie, That driving just sounds plain old scary! Be careful out there & keep safe!!! Glad no one was hurt badly in that accident! How did your Gram handle getting all of those stitches out? I hope it wasn't too bad for her!

Girl you know I'd love to get up there to hang with you! Thanks so much for the kind words! I do have a wonderful husband & great family and I'm very grateful for that! My zest just hasn't been very zesty lately! Alexis & I stayed in our jammies all day today, coughing together! But being able to keep her home & cozy ( even both of us sick ) was pretty nice!

[HERSEY]

Nancy poor Kady :hug: Tell her I hope her mouth feels better soon. Sore teeth don't make for a happy child.:hug:

Sheryl Staying in jammies all day sounds pretty great to me. I hope you and Alexis feel better soon.

Wendie Glad to hear your gramma is recovering nicely.


I have to fly and test Alex he has 2 tests tomorrow 1 of them is a major test so lots of pixie dust and prayers please

[THE HAT]

Sheryl---OOPS I meant to put that I hoped you and Alexis were feeling better in my post! I knew I would miss something. Please give her a hug from me and one to you too!!! Get plenty of rest!! ( I know easier said then done!!)

My Gram only had a few places that it hurt having them removed, the ones that were done in a double way and under were the tough ones, but she is a tough ole bird I always say. When her Dr apologized, she said "well now Dr. this isn't your fault, just go ahead and never mind me", lol! She is just so darn cute!

Janice--Tell Alex good luck from me!! He will be in my prayers and thoughts that he passes with flying colors!!

Mermaid--I also wanted to add a great big CONGRATULATIONS to your dd!!! Which school is she going to? It is nice when we get to keep our kids home in Maine, as so many leave!!

[Nancyg56]

Wendie- Your Gram amazes me! She is one tough cookie indeed. I am not looking forward to the weather that you are experiencing now :sad2:. We are going to get some wintry mix on Sunday. I hope that Buddy can get the rest of the leaves picked up on Saturday because once that mess hots.........he's done!

Sheryl- I did not realize that you were not feeling well either. A day in your jammies snuggling your little princess is a good fix, though. I hope that you both feel better soon.

Janice - Lots of Pixie dust heading Alex's way!

Thanks for all of the well wishes for Kady. Pa brought her some humongous Popsicles and she was thrilled. She likes seeing her mouth turn several colors. The dentist said she has to take it easy tonight and tomorrow. She was going to let her go to school but then changed her mind once she found out Kady has three recesses and gym. Marisa is going to stay home from work.

[Aimeedyan]

I ended up making black eyed peas and cornbread to go with the balsamic chicken. Probably doesn't "go" but it looked good in the cabinet and was faster/easier than potatos.

I really liked the balsamic glazed pork (but with chicken instead). Yummy, and I always have all the ingredients on hand. DH is not home from work - he's putting in some overtime hours this week (wish I got paid overtime :rolleyes: ) so I haven't gotten his response yet. Since it's already 8 and he hasn't gotten home yet, I doubt he'll say much as he shovels it in!

[THE HAT]

Wendie- Your Gram amazes me! She is one tough cookie indeed. I am not looking forward to the weather that you are experiencing now :sad2:. We are going to get some wintry mix on Sunday. I hope that Buddy can get the rest of the leaves picked up on Saturday because once that mess hots.........he's done!


Thanks for all of the well wishes for Kady. Pa brought her some humongous Popsicles and she was thrilled. She likes seeing her mouth turn several colors. The dentist said she has to take it easy tonight and tomorrow. She was going to let her go to school but then changed her mind once she found out Kady has three recesses and gym. Marisa is going to stay home from work.

Awww Tks Nancy--I think she is pretty amazing myself!:goodvibes

There is talk that we will be having a pretty big storm Sunday night into Monday here as well. Today was just a taste and it gets everyone ready for winter driving. For some reason the first storm of the season has half the people acting like it is the first time they have driven in it, lol! :rolleyes:

Please let us know tomorrow how Kady is doing. I am sure it is a good idea to keep her home tomorrow as she has such an active Friday schedule!!

[LindsayDunn228]

Tonight I am making Boo patties and steak fries.

WFD at your house??

And now for a mini-update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Tomorrow we are all going to take MIL to P.F. Chang's for her birthday. Robin is coming, too. Kevin e-mailed me the plans yesterday and asked if he could ride with me and Scott. I told him sure, and were he and Robin not going out after? He wrote back and said "Yes, I am riding back with her. She is coming back to my house. We are going to watch movies and put my tree up."

My first thought for a reply is, "Oh is that what you kids are calling it these days?" :lmao: I had to giggle because we are meeting at noon tomorrow. The SKs are night owls. That's a looooooooooooooooooooooooot of alone time they are going to get! I'm so glad for them though. So far they have:

-gone to movies and then to dinner
-come to our house for a pirate day, lingering in our driveway for awhile
-gone to dinner, then to Rock City, smooched in her driveway (she wouldn't let him in her house because she said it was dirty- she e-mailed me Monday and mentioned she was spending the day cleaning her house, LOL!!)
-come to our house for dinner, and again, macked in our driveway for awhile

So they really haven't gotten a lot of quiet, undisturbed, alone time yet. This is really a good chance for them. :)

Oh another thing. She e-mailed me yesterday all nervous about lunch with my in-laws tomorrow. What to wear, was such-and-such ok, etc. It was really cute. I was flattered she confided in me about such anxieties. Truly, and I told her this, unless she walked in to P.F. Chang's topless, my ILs wouldn't notice her clothes. :)

I am taking our camera tomorrow. So check in for pictures Saturday night/Sunday morning.

And this is the latest installment of The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[Nancyg56]

Good morning!

Well Lindsay, I'd say the SK's are in full swing! Holidays and romance just seem to go hand-n-hand, don't they?

Kady was better after the Motrin kicked in. She is a talker and I'd say that she was overdrive last night :faint: She wore her Mother out, worked on her Pa and then put me to sleep chattering about everything that she could think of. Her Dad works nights so he gets his turn today :rotfl:

I'm going to check my leftovers before planning dinner. If there are enough that is what we will have so that I can go through and finish cleaning for the Holidays.

I used to do a full Spring and Fall cleaning but have stopped this. After this week I think I need to go back to it. I have dust hiding in places where dust should not even exist :confused3

[LindsayDunn228]

Hey you all, I could use your help. Robin's birthday is Dec. 18. I already got her one thing. Here's the link:

[URL="http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10007&storeId=10601&productId=1214301&langId=-1&categoryId=21053


I'd like to get her a little something Alice-themed to go with it. Any ideas?

[Mermaid02]

Good Morning everyone! TGIF!!!!

For dinner tonight I have to do something with a pork cutlet.... I'll have stove top and mashed potato with it... either peas or green beans.... It's just dh, ds and myself tonight... dd is going to a friends house.

Tomorrow we are going to get our Christmas tree. I hope it goes smoothly.... some years dh totally has lost his patience with ds... my dh likes to put the lights and garland on just so and my little adhd son just wants to throw the ornaments on.... makes for a fun time.:rolleyes1

[Nancyg56]

Tomorrow we are going to get our Christmas tree. I hope it goes smoothly.... some years dh totally has lost his patience with ds... my dh likes to put the lights and garland on just so and my little adhd son just wants to throw the ornaments on.... makes for a fun time.:rolleyes1

eggnog......spiked.......for you :thumbsup2 :grouphug:

Everyone says how much fun decorating is. I wonder if those are the decorators or the ones who come home to see the decorations? It takes me about a week to get them all up, in the meantime we have boxes and stuff all out of place. My DH, who does not decorate will wander around, breathing deep and making noise :headache: He loves the Holidays but cannot stand chaos so it really is not fun. He does help with the tree. He has a thing about it being straight :confused3 so that takes time as well. This year I just want the artificial tree so that I can plunk it into the stand and be done with that part.

[THE HAT]

Good Morning All

Loreli--(I just noticed your name under the line..sorry about that:)) I think that your DH and mine are one in the same, Kris has to have the lights just so, winding them up and down each and every branch, then the garland has to be spaced evenly......and I am afraid that I have the same thoughts as your son...just throw them on so they glow, and hang the ornaments! I have no patience for things like that. Which is odd as I am very OCD on most things, that when Ross was in preschool I drove his teacher nuts as I would organize her shelves etc.

Lindsey--This is so enjoyable to "watch" happening! Remember the days of butterflies on what to wear?!!? Looking forward to the next installment of the SK's!!! (I love your writing style of all this as well!!)

Nancy--I am glad to hear that the motrin helped Kady last night. Ross is a talker too, somedays my eyes glaze over so much I think that if I blink they will bleed, as I just can't hold my interest in pokemon, yugioh (however it is spelled) or meeps. Let us know how she does today with some rest.

I have meant to ask you all week, how is your knee doing? With all this heavy cleaning I hope it isn't to much for it!!

--I have spent most of the week ironing and packing for our trip in 2 weeks, then remembered last night that Kris and I are going away this weekend to Portland (our 1 big city ) to do our christmas shopping, (we do this every year the first weekend of Dec how I forgot I do not know) So today I need to pack for the weekend. Ross will go to the inlaws. This afternoon Ross and I will take the dog to the vets for his shots etc.

WFD--I think I will make chili it is easy and quick and both of those sound good to me today!!

I will try and check back in later on Today, if not then I will "SEE" you all on Monday!! (We are dropping the dog at the boarders in the AM tomorrow and Ross at karate to teach and my fil will pick him up there at noontime) We will be back late on Sunday night!

Hope all have a GREAT weekend!!

[LindsayDunn228]

Thanks for the compliments, you guys. I didn't want to bore you so it's great you guys are enjoying this :)

[FormrCastMbr]

Morning all!

We are having sauce and lasagna from the freezer and whatever meat (if any) is in the sauce. I may cook up some macaroni too since the lasagna is small...Salad on the side.

A is still not feeling 100% and his antibiotic was finished this am...so I am bringing him back to the dr later today. His ear is really bothering him.

Have a great day all!


I really liked the balsamic glazed pork (but with chicken instead).

I am glad you liked it...it was really tasty with the pork I will try chicken next. Did hubby like it?


Kady was better after the Motrin kicked in.


Glad she is feeling a little better...:hug:

Hey you all, I could use your help. Robin's birthday is Dec. 18. I already got her one thing. Here's the link:

I'd like to get her a little something Alice-themed to go with it. Any ideas?

I couldn't open the link but I would love to help.


Tomorrow we are going to get our Christmas tree. I hope it goes smoothly.... some years dh totally has lost his patience with ds... my dh likes to put the lights and garland on just so and my little adhd son just wants to throw the ornaments on.... makes for a fun time.:rolleyes1

Have fun with a drink!!!


--I have spent most of the week ironing and packing for our trip in 2 weeks, then remembered last night that Kris and I are going away this weekend to Portland (our 1 big city ) to do our christmas shopping, (we do this every year the first weekend of Dec how I forgot I do not know) So today I need to pack for the weekend. Ross will go to the inlaws. This afternoon Ross and I will take the dog to the vets for his shots etc.

WFD--I think I will make chili it is easy and quick and both of those sound good to me today!!


Have fun! Glad Grandma is doing well.


My zest just hasn't been very zesty lately! Alexis & I stayed in our jammies all day today, coughing together! But being able to keep her home & cozy ( even both of us sick ) was pretty nice!

I hope you are both feeling better. I tend to stay in my jammies alot too. 2 days this week I drove A to the bus stop since we were running late and I did n't dress or brush my hair yet...shhh, don't tell anyone!!! ;)

Nancy poor Kady :hug: Tell her I hope her mouth feels better soon. Sore teeth don't make for a happy child.:hug:

Sheryl Staying in jammies all day sounds pretty great to me. I hope you and Alexis feel better soon.

Wendie Glad to hear your gramma is recovering nicely.


I have to fly and test Alex he has 2 tests tomorrow 1 of them is a major test so lots of pixie dust and prayers please

Sending pixie dust to Alex!!

[LindsayDunn228]

Hmm, it's odd that link didn't work. Let me try again.

http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10007&storeId=10601&productId=1214301&langId=-1&categoryId=21053

[liamsaunt]

Hi everybody! Sorry I have not been around the past couple of days, I have been getting everything organized for Disney. You see, I am the Disney CHIEF in our group. I organize and plan everything, and then everybody else does what I say! It's good to be king! :rotfl:

So, catching up on meals, last night we just had takeout because DH had not even started to pack and I had to help him. You see, he suffers from extreme over-packitis. He always wants to bring about 47 shirts, no matter how long the trip! So, we now have a system where he takes everything he wants to bring and lays it out on the bed, and then we negotiate what he is actually going to bring. It all works out fine in the end (other than having to put back about half his closet!)

Night before that we had the egg dish I posted the recipe for, with some sweet basil bacon, crispy baguette, and a mache salad with pomegranete seeds. I did take a picture but it's stil on my memory card.

The night before that I made indian food--mutter paneer, basmati rice, and naan. Again, I will post the picture when we are back.

Tonight we are eating at the Legal Seafoods at the airport before leaving.

Everybody have fun while we are gone! We have adrs at California Grill, Jiko, Coral Reef, O'Hanas, Rose and Crown, and Raglan Road (we might cancel that one), plus we are eating at Sharks Grill at Sea World. I'll give you feedback when we return. We'll be doing some cooking at the house too, of course!

Oh, and packing into the carryon? I have to admit, I am good. It's regulation, and I fit in two pairs of shoes, three sweaters, 5 pairs of pants, a dressy outfit for california grill, 8 pairs of socks, 12 shirts, one zip up hoodie, an extra ski cap, a Patriots Santa hat :santa: , and the requisite amount of undies. All it takes it faith and trust, and a little bit of pixie dust! :wizard: (and those big 2 gallon size ziplocs with the clothes rolled up tightly and all the air pressed out)

See you when we are back from the World! :cool1:

[FormrCastMbr]

Hmm, it's odd that link didn't work. Let me try again.

http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10007&storeId=10601&productId=1214301&langId=-1&categoryId=21053

how much do you want to spend?

Here are somethings I found:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7145463

http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Wonderland-Cookbook-Culinary-Diversion/dp/0517524848

http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Bradford-Exchange-Plate-Alice-Wonderland-music_W0QQitemZ320186919603QQihZ011QQcategoryZ1384 5QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#e bayphotohosting

[HERSEY]

Lindsay how about http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10007&storeId=10601&productId=1217309&langId=-1&categoryId=21043&catalogFromSearch=10007

[zipuzee]

Hi all -

Hope all these sick kiddo's get well soon!:sick:
Liam sisters - have fun in the world!
Lindsay - I'm really enjoying your little updates! Such fun!

We got all our Christmas decorations up the weekend before Thanksgiving. We had gone out and bought a new tree and outdoor decorations, so we just went ahead and got them all up; then over Thanksgiving weekend I pulled the few boxes of stuff we still had out and finished the decorating inside.

Since Friday is probably the only meal ever planned ahead of time I can post WFD. Tonight we're having meatballs and spagetti, green beans and garlic bread.
Have a good day and weekend ya'll!

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Laura & Becky, HAVE FUN!!!! Can't wait to hear & see pics!

My SIL used that ziploc bag method for the 1st time for thier Europe trip. DD laid out her clothes then her hubby packed them in the ziplocs. Talk about OCD he had laid out a diagram on the bed in tape, of the size the folded clothes needed to be to fit in the bags!

Another sick day here for me & my little mucus producing Cutie Pie. I think she's starting to improve but just coughing so much in the morning & the nose running I can't send her to school like that. We'll have to call the school to see if there are any repurcussions for Pre-K'ers missing too much school. She missed a week for thier WDW trip right before Thanksgiving & now 4 days this week.

Nancy, Glad to hear Kady's feeling a little better!

Alexis is a real chatterbox too! She gets super chatty & excited when seeing the Dr too! Another reason they probably never give her meds!

Lindsay, Your SK title really fits those two! :love:

[nucpharm29]

Hello all--not sure WFD tonight. We are having a Holiday wine and cheese party in the neighborhood--so it might just be a liquid dinner tonight:rotfl: At least we just have to walk home as it's across the street! I am making Bourbon Pecan Pie Tartlets to take--they are yummy, had to sample ya know!

[Nancyg56]

Lauren- I dd not realize Andrew was still sick. I hope that he does not have an ear infection.

Becky and Laura- Have a wonderful time! Becky- your packing is the bomb!

Sheryl- "Little mucus producing cutie" :lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Poor little Sweetie, though. It is no fun being sick, although a day home with Nana is always the best medicine :thumbsup2. Kady missed a week at the beginning of the year as well, so DD is sweating the sick days for her.

zipozee- I am in the process of decorating today and my house looks like a tornado went through it. It has looked like this all week, and there is no end in sight. I called DH and warned him that my DS went up into the attic for me...he gets nervous in chaos adn so he is going to need some strong meds tonight :lmao:

Stephanie- have fun at the party!

I am not even checking the fridge tonight. Marisa said she would pick up pizza for dinner. DS and DDIL are here as well they have been waiting all day for their new wood stove to come in and now they cannot get it until Monday. DS is fuming, he took today off to pick it up.

[BabyPiglet]

Hmmm...I think we're ordering chinese food in tonight. We'll just curl up in front of the TV for a good movie, and some good food.

Can you tell I haven't felt like cooking this week? Two times we went out, and tonight we're ordering in!

Have a happy Friday ya'll. :goodvibes:

[Mermaid02]

Well they bought the tree without me... I ended up working 9-5:30 today (I usually only work 4 hours) so dinner is frozen pizza. The tree is in the living room with no lights or anything... but it smells good! We are going to have popcorn and watch Muppet Christmas Carol.... adhd boy keeps making nasty comments about the tree not being decorated... we are just too tired though. We'll do it tomorrow.

[shovan]

Sheryl- "Little mucus producing cutie" :lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Poor little Sweetie, though. It is no fun being sick, although a day home with Nana is always the best medicine :thumbsup2. Kady missed a week at the beginning of the year as well, so DD is sweating the sick days for her.

I am not even checking the fridge tonight. Marisa said she would pick up pizza for dinner.


My sweet hubby is picking up a Roast Beef Poboy for me tonight! Really neat that he can do this now with his new driving system!

Nancy, We checked with the school today on sick days. Thank goodnes because she's in Pre-K it won't be a problem if she goes over the sick day limit!

Lauren, Sorry to hear A is still not over his ear infection. Hope he gets well too.

I thought mine was doing better today, sounded a lot clearer this afternoon, then right her Mom came to pick her up, she started feeling hot again. And I have her tomorrow, cus her Dad's working & her Mom has a Work Christmas Lunch. (Insert sick tired Nana face here.)


Questions for everyone: Has anyone found a home fragrance lamp, diffuser, candles, etc. that you love? ( Anything besides plug-ins, I don't want to tie up my outlets.) There are so many different things on the market these days! There are oil lamps, reed diffuser, stone diffuser, glade type counter puffers. It's confusing!

[Nancyg56]

My sweet hubby is picking up a Roast Beef Poboy for me tonight! Really neat that he can do this now with his new driving system!



Questions for everyone: Has anyone found a home fragrance lamp, diffuser, candles, etc. that you love? ( Anything besides plug-ins, I don't want to tie up my outlets.) There are so many different things on the market these days! There are oil lamps, reed diffuser, stone diffuser, glade type counter puffers. It's confusing!


He must be way happier now as well. There is not too much more restricting than waiting for someone to take you somewhere! Much better now that he has his own rig!

My niece gave me a contraption from Partylite candles that was like a diffuser. You put a tea light on the bottom and the scented wax on the top. I really liked it, and the scent was some aromatherapy thing. Well I just bought some oil from Bath and Body Works that is scented for the Holidays that I can use with it. It is pretty because it is a metal swirl and has a glass bowl for the oil or wax to go in.

I'm not buying plug-ins anymore. I buy enough for the house and then the style of the plug in changes and I need to start all over :headache:

[HERSEY]

Sheryl I really like Yankee candle http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/retail.jsp I'm addicted to candles. I have one for everyone of my moods Yes I'm the Sybill of the candle world.


I finished my errands since they are prediciting a ice storm tomorrow evening. I hope it holds off till after work tomorrow. People around here are not driving defensively, more like bumper cars.

Tonight we are having pizza.

[Aimeedyan]

I am glad you liked it...it was really tasty with the pork I will try chicken next. Did hubby like it?

Yes! He said it was really good. I didn't cook it as long as directed because I was afraid of rubbery chicken but it was fork tender - no knife needed. Yummy yummy. I'm eating the last piece tomorrow for lunch.

[Aimeedyan]

Questions for everyone: Has anyone found a home fragrance lamp, diffuser, candles, etc. that you love? ( Anything besides plug-ins, I don't want to tie up my outlets.) There are so many different things on the market these days! There are oil lamps, reed diffuser, stone diffuser, glade type counter puffers. It's confusing!

i really like my oil/tarter warmer - it smells the house up more than a candle and it's cheaper. I do go through lots of tealights but they are super cheap.

I use oil and tarts in it.

[Aimeedyan]

I had a loooooooong day today with a killer headache. These headaches are becoming a daily thing now and I'm not used to my head hurting it's usually just everything else!

Anyways, I finally started home around 7pm so I drove through Rosa's Tex Mex and got us dinner. It was decent, and I didn't have to do anything but eat it, so even better.

Today was my one day off for the next 2 weeks... I drove to see my best friend's new baby and with traffic, I was in the car 4 hours trying to get there and back. Then I had to buy more supplies for tomorrow. Will be back at work tomorrow morning at 830, argh. I hate mornings. Esp Saturday mornings. In my world, they were made for sleeping.

[nucpharm29]

Yep, drank most of my dinner tonight. Had a nice Pinot Grigio along with some appetizers. Found out we have some really cool neighbors-- haven't met many folks in the past year or so we've lived here. Even have another party for tomorrow night already.

[LindsayDunn228]

Today we are going with the Smitten Kittens to take my MIL out for her birthday to P.F. Chang's, so no cooking today. I am taking my camera so I will report back any good pics.

WFD at your house?

ETA:Yes, it 1:28 a.m. and I am up. I can't seem to sleep for some reason so I thought I'd surf awhile.

Now for an update on...

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Kevin came over and had dinner with us tonight as usual. While I was cleaning up, he and Scott went in our office and yakked, not unusual. Scott told me later one reason the SKs were out in our driveway for so long the other night.

Robin told him, "There's something important I need to tell you." Concerned, of course, Kevin says, "Sure, what's up?" She then proceeded to tell him she cannot have children. I had suspected this for awhile since Robin has really high blood pressure and only one functioning kidney. Kevin responded with, "It isn't a deal breaker. I'm totally cool with that." :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I knew that conversation was bound to happen eventually. She pointed out that to a LOT of guys that is a VERY big deal and she wanted him to know about it upfront so he wouldn't be wasting his time. I felt bad for assuming they were making out in our driveway forever.

Not really much of an update but I thought it was cool to know.

And there's your mini-update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

[Nancyg56]

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens



Robin told him, "There's something important I need to tell you." Concerned, of course, Kevin says, "Sure, what's up?" She then proceeded to tell him she cannot have children. I had suspected this for awhile since Robin has really high blood pressure and only one functioning kidney. Kevin responded with, "It isn't a deal breaker. I'm totally cool with that." :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I knew that conversation was bound to happen eventually. She pointed out that to a LOT of guys that is a VERY big deal and she wanted him to know about it upfront so he wouldn't be wasting his time. I felt bad for assuming they were making out in our driveway forever.

Not really much of an update but I thought it was cool to know.






It is a big deal for most people. I was not able to have more children after Daniel, and I was fine with that. Then I started seeing Buddy who had never been married, had no children of his own and who very much wanted some. It was not a deal breaker for us either, but a very big monkey wrench tossed into a relationship. We would have loved to share children. I did find that men who make commitments after finding out that their "plans" are changed tend to take them very seriously and those commitments are strong.

This is a very positive turn in the SK story. Waiting for the next chapter.......

[LindsayDunn228]

Nancy,

I knew long before I ever met Scott that I didn't want children. So when we starting dating, the subject came up. HE brought it up. He said, "Just so you know, I really don't have a desire to ever have kids." You don't know what a relief that was for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After we got engaged, we talked and prayed about it and decided he would have a vasectomy.

He talked to his parents about it and they were extremely suuportive, so I know they will be for Kevin, too, if he and Robin were to get married. I was really thrilled for us that they were so supportive and am happy in advance for Kevin :)

I know I'm speculating about their relationship WAAAAAAAAAAY too early, but I just can't help it :)

[HERSEY]

Lindsay Give Robin a big hug :hug: How very brave she is for saying that. And a bigger hug to Kevin for being man enough to know children do not define who you are.

I had a very difficult time getting pregnant. So when we finally had Alex and made the decision not to try to go throught that again it was a very difficult decision to come to. We also wanted more kids but never realized it would take 3 1/2 years to get pregnant. We had a really stupid doctor who wasted a lot of time.

[HERSEY]

Tonight I'm am going to try a beef short rib recipe that I'v been waiting to try out. Tonight seems like it will be a good night to stay in.

[FormrCastMbr]

Quickly ckecking in. Tom went out today with my BIL and some friends and A is by the sperm donor so I have the day to myself with not much to do!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

I am running to get my nails done and maybe go to Walmart for outside cat food and that is it!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: Can you tell I am excited?

Not sure what is for dinner...not sure what time the guys will be back but we never had the dinner from last night...we had pizza.

A has a very bad ear infection...dr asked...Has he been swimming??? Ah, yeah, Disney! Poor things ear canal was almost closed due to swimmers ear.

Have a great day all!

Lindsay, hugs for everyone :hug: ! So happy that you keep us updated on the SKs...since we are so in on everything...can we come to the wedding??? ;)

Have a great day!

[HERSEY]

Lauren take a breath before you pass out. :lmao: I don't think we could ever have figured out you were excited. Have a good day to yourself.

[FormrCastMbr]

Lauren take a breath before you pass out. :lmao: I don't think we could ever have figured out you were excited. Have a good day to yourself.

Yeah, I talk even more when I am excited!!! :) :) :)

[TigerKat]

Hi guys!:wave2:

I hope everyone is doing OK.:goodvibes

We got together with lucas & her hubby yesterday. She was so sweet, she welcomed me to FL with a precious Mary Meyer FL Palm Tree, it's so cute!!

OK gals, we had the most incredible dinner at Blue Zoo Wednesday night. This was some of the best food I've ever had in my entire life, and the prices reflected it.:scared1: We had a Shellfish Appetizer Platter with lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, ceviche, tuna and dipping sauces and the Cantonese Lobster entree - TO DIE FOR !!!!

AND THEN.......in walks JOEY FATONE :woohoo: who is seated right next to us. Of course Abi & I went crazy and he was so sweet he invited us over for pics and Abi got his autograph. He told us he was expecting company at his table very shortly. So of course we sat there and speculated as to who it could be and in walks DREW LACHEY :cool1: He was just as nice to us, I even got a pic with him but it looks horrible and I told Abi I will not be posting that one.:sad2:

That's all for now y'all!!!!

[Mermaid02]

Hi guys!:wave2:

I hope everyone is doing OK.:goodvibes

We got together with lucas & her hubby yesterday. She was so sweet, she welcomed me to FL with a precious Mary Meyer FL Palm Tree, it's so cute!!

OK gals, we had the most incredible dinner at Blue Zoo Wednesday night. This was some of the best food I've ever had in my entire life, and the prices reflected it.:scared1: We had a Shellfish Appetizer Platter with lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, ceviche, tuna and dipping sauces and the Cantonese Lobster entree - TO DIE FOR !!!!

AND THEN.......in walks JOEY FATONE :woohoo: who is seated right next to us. Of course Abi & I went crazy and he was so sweet he invited us over for pics and Abi got his autograph. He told us he was expecting company at his table very shortly. So of course we sat there and speculated as to who it could be and in walks DREW LACHEY :cool1: He was just as nice to us, I even got a pic with him but it looks horrible and I told Abi I will not be posting that one.:sad2:

That's all for now y'all!!!!


HOLY CRAP! I LOVE:love: Drew Lachey..... photoshop yourself out of it and post it!!!! I woulda peed my pants.... OMG....

[RoyalMidnight]

Tonight I'm am going to try a beef short rib recipe that I'v been waiting to try out. Tonight seems like it will be a good night to stay in.

Have you ever made Kal Bi? It's perfect for short ribs if they're not cut apart.
I think that's what I'm making tonight as well. Marinate them in a little sesame oil and thinly sliced vegetables, then either grill them or fry them up. Serve with rice, kimchi, various vegetables and seaweed squares to wrap up the rice.

Last night, I grilled pork butt and we ate them in lettuce wraps with marinated bean sprouts.

[Aimeedyan]

Kathy, that is so awesome. I've wanted to eat at Blue Zoo but there isn't a cast discount (that I know of) and we are cheap. Sounds delicious!! You had better post BOTH pics - I want to see Nick!!!

I just got in, everything went great at work today. We went to Costco on the way home and MAN that place was packed! Got what we needed and got the heck out of there. Too many people.

Tonight is spaghetti. YUM

[BabyPiglet]

I'm thinking...italian sausage and cheesy rissoto (sp? never did learn how to spell that) tonight with some kind of veggie.

[HERSEY]

Slight change in plans, I'm still making the short ribs but we will have them tomorrow night. Tonight is chicken skewers and rice. The ice storm had me coming home later than I wanted to.

Repeat after me ice in my drink not on the roads. ;)

By the way the ribs smell wonderful I may sneak a taste tonight. I used the recipe Tyler Florence used on today show.

[LindsayDunn228]

We've had a Digourno pizza in our freezer for a week now, so that's what we're having for dinner.

WFD at your house?

And now for an update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Lunch at P.F. Chang's (or as my MIL calls, P.J. Chang's) went really good. Food was delish, my MIL loved the gift Robin gave her, and everyone had a good time. My ILs had to leave right after because they had a few errands to run and a birthday party to get to. The SKs and Scott and I stayed and talked in the parking lot for about a half hour.

Then they headed back to his house. Tee hee hee!! They had plans to put up his tree and watch movies. Like I said before, I was absolutely DYING to say, "So is that what you kids are calling it these days?" :lmao: I know, I'm awful. But this is their first real ALONE alone time since they started dating. You know what that's like. Anyway, Kevin usually hangs out with us on Sunday afternoons so hopefully I'll find out if they had a good time yesterday.

Hee hee, I jokingly said to my husband yesterday, "Hope Kevin's got protection." LOL!! I know, I'm terrible, but I'm just having way too much fun with this. We are Christians and don't believe in premarital sex, BUT... they are both 32 years old, Kevin has been married before, Robin has had some good and bad relationships in the past, so I think it's naive to think they won't :banana::banana::banana: at some point. I totally don't judge them or anyone else for it, please don't get me wrong. :)

Oh before I forget, here is a pic from yesterday. Notice how she's standing:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/LindsayDunn228/DSCF0777.jpg

My Pooh was taking the picture, that's why the cheese stands alone, so to speak. Another thing, doesn't Robin look pretty? I told her she'd look fine!

And there is your update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

[Mermaid02]

They sure do look like a couple- I hope things work out with the two of them!

Tomorrow is my birthday so today my Mom is having a party for me today. We are having spiral ham, macaroni and cheese, scallopped potatoes (yuck) and salads... German Chocolate cake for dessert. Then for tomorrow it looks like I get a snowstorm! I hate driving in the stuff, I almost asked for my birthday off but didn't. Should have!

[nucpharm29]

Morning all. Not sure WFD tonight. Last night was cupcakes at the kids' bday party and leftover appetizers from the shindig on Friday. We got our live xmas tree last night, so we'll be decorating that one today.

Kathy-Blue Zoo sounds amazing and Wow on being star struck! can't wait to see the pics!

[HERSEY]

Loreli http://bestsmileys.com/birthday2/10.gif early in case things get crazy tomorrow.


Survived the ice the satellite kept going out on some stations. We watched the movie Hairspray but it wasn't the version I thought I was renting. Guess I'll look before I click next time.

Tonight is the somewhat put together short ribs just have to make the potatoes and veggie.

Lindsay The SK's look very comfortable with one another. I hope this lasts for them.

[Glynis]

ETA: Glynis, I shared one of your preserves with my grandmother, who also makes it sometimes. She called me yesterday morning in absolute heaven saying that was the best plum jelly she'd ever had in her life and wanted me to make sure I told you :)


Aw, thanks, Lindsay! Tell your grandmother thanks, as well!

[Glynis]

Well, I thought I could get caught up with everyone today and it didn't happen...sending :hug: :hug: :hug: to everyone!

The pork chops were really really good tonight (Tom said the best) so I thought I would share the recipe (I think this would be great with chicken too). I think this would be a good one for Gretchen's hubby since he loves the braised pork...

Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops (or chicken)

4 - 6 pork chops, I used boneless
1 large onion, diced
a couple dashes of ground thyme
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbs butter
3 tbs apricot preserves
2 tbs brown sugar (or maple syrup)
1/4 cup flour
salt, pepper and garlic powder
1/2 chicken or beef broth
3 tbs olive oil

In a saucepan, saute onions over med heat until soft and slightly brown (about 15 min). Add thyme, vinegar, preserves and sugar (or syrup). Simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix flour with salt, pepper and garlic. Dredge chops and brown on both sides in a pan with olive oil (about 5 min per side). Add broth and cover and simmer for 10 min. Remove cover and simmer another 5. Add onion mixture, cover and simmer another 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Oh, yum!!! I was going to do orange pork chops tomorrow, but I think I'll change to this!!! I love balsamic vinegar!!!

[Glynis]

My son was all wound up after school because the school was notified that the night before the was an attempted abduction of a girl in his class as she walked home from school.:scared1: You either pick up your child or they walk (unless you live way out- but most live within a mile and a half radius). So that's pretty scary.

That is so scary!!! We've had 2 attempted abductions here in our small town. It's so terrifying!!! We live in a town of 10,000, and we don't expect stuff like this. We've had to do a lot of talking with our kids about accepting rides from strangers, etc. Luckily, my kids ride a bus, so they don't go anywhere alone. There's always a crowd of kids together.

[Glynis]

Kady has been going to the dentist since she was 18 months old because reflux damages enamel and DD wanted to make sure that she was not going to have problems. Well, there were problems, the dentist was not able to fill two badly decayed cavities so he referred her to another dentist. What a mess. My poor Angel had a mouth full of cavities and has been having them cared for ever since. Today the dentist went in to do something and ended up having to do a surgical removal of one tooth, separating bone, and removing another. The poor little thing had some broth for dinner.

DD and DSIL are pretty mad at the first dentist, but "Pa" wants to rip his teeth out with his bare hands!

I'm so sorry about this!!! I hope that Kady feels better soon! My Mary has really bad teeth as well. We noticed it as soon as her first top teeth started showing up. They were really discolored. We brushed them, and flossed, but they just got worse. We took her to a pediatric dentist about 2 years ago, and we found some interesting stuff out about her teeth. First of all, because she's a twin, that has a lot to do with how bad her teeth are. Leslie was the dominant twin in the womb, she took what she needed before Mary had a chance, and her teeth (and potentially her bones) suffered because of it. Also, when she was 3 weeks old, she got very sick and was put on a very strong antibiotic. That medicine started decaying her teeth before they even broke through. At this point, we paint her teeth with straight fluoride morning and night, and are just hoping they'll hold together until she loses them. The dentist doesn't think her permanent teeth will be affected. It wouldn't be so bad, but her top 6 front teeth are rotting away. So sad. I feel like such a bad mother.

[Glynis]

Tomorrow we are going to get our Christmas tree. I hope it goes smoothly.... some years dh totally has lost his patience with ds... my dh likes to put the lights and garland on just so and my little adhd son just wants to throw the ornaments on.... makes for a fun time.:rolleyes1

And that is precisely why we have 2 trees!!! We have a kid's tree that they decorate any way they want. I vow never to touch the ornaments or rearrange them! They have a ball decorating it, and I can measure how tall my oldest is by how high up on the tree the decorations go. This tree only has unbreakable ornaments. Our other tree is the grown up tree. I decorate this one, while my kids do theirs. It's all glass ornaments, (disney themed, of course), and I love it. This way, we all get to have fun!

[Glynis]

Today we are going with the Smitten Kittens to take my MIL out for her birthday to P.F. Chang's, so no cooking today. I am taking my camera so I will report back any good pics.

WFD at your house?

ETA:Yes, it 1:28 a.m. and I am up. I can't seem to sleep for some reason so I thought I'd surf awhile.

Now for an update on...

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Kevin came over and had dinner with us tonight as usual. While I was cleaning up, he and Scott went in our office and yakked, not unusual. Scott told me later one reason the SKs were out in our driveway for so long the other night.

Robin told him, "There's something important I need to tell you." Concerned, of course, Kevin says, "Sure, what's up?" She then proceeded to tell him she cannot have children. I had suspected this for awhile since Robin has really high blood pressure and only one functioning kidney. Kevin responded with, "It isn't a deal breaker. I'm totally cool with that." :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

I knew that conversation was bound to happen eventually. She pointed out that to a LOT of guys that is a VERY big deal and she wanted him to know about it upfront so he wouldn't be wasting his time. I felt bad for assuming they were making out in our driveway forever.

Not really much of an update but I thought it was cool to know.

And there's your mini-update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.



What a very courageous woman she is!! That's a terribly hard conversation to have. I went through infertility treatments for 7 years, and it was unbearable to me! Kevin sounds like a keeper for sure!

At one point in our early efforts, my MIL asked Alan to help her move some stuff out of storage for her. While he was doing that, she told him, point blank, to divorce me since I couldn't give him children. She said that he owed it to his father to give him grandchildren who were "blood related." She knew that Alan and I were talking about adopting. Alan got so angry with his mother!!! He wouldn't tell me for weeks what had happened, but I knew something was up when he wouldn't take any calls from her. He finally told me, and I can't begin to describe my feelings. I thank heaven every day for a doctor that just kept digging until he found the problem, and then found a way to get past it. I did feel a sense of "in your face" when we told his mother we were pregnant!

[Glynis]

Looks like I'm all alone here this morning. Hope you are all having a great day!

Dinner tonight will be cola chicken with steamed broccoli and snickerdoodle sundaes for dessert!

It's taken me a while to catch up! Wednesday was the funeral for my grandmother. It was a lovely day! My mother gave the eulogy and it was really nice. A cousin of mine gave his remembrances of grandma, my 2 female cousins and my sister and I played our violins, my father gave a tribute to his mother in law, and all the great grandkids (14 out of 25) sang a song. We then followed the hearse to the cemetery where my husband gave a family prayer, and we all laid flowers on the casket. It was beautiful. After it was over, we all gathered at grandma's favorite restaurant for a luncheon. We all sat around talking, laughing, reminiscing, etc. What a fitting tribute to a truly Christian lady! It was really hard on Katie, though. She was really close to her "nanny", so it was hard on her to see her in her coffin. I wasn't sure how my kids would react, as they really haven't had to deal with death before. We were able to talk about it and make sure they knew that we don't see death as a scary thing. By the end of the day, I think they all understood. The funeral director had the kids each write a memory, draw a picture, etc., about "nanny", and at the end of the day, he handed them to my mother and her sister for them to read and look through. I think that really helped them!

Since then, I really haven't felt much like doing anything. As you all know, Alan and I are trying to get pregnant again. I thought I was pregnant, but Thursday morning I found out I wasn't. I've been in a bit of a blue funk, but I'm coming out of it! We did get both our trees up, and all the decorating done. It's not much, but we love every decoration we have, so it's nice and cozy!

Yesterday, we had our first major snowstorm! The kids were thrilled. They spent the morning sledding and making snow angels. I stayed in most of the day, but by afternoon, the plows had been out and the roads were good, so I did some Christmas shopping. An excellent day!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

[FormrCastMbr]

Hi All!

Quickly checking in...we are in the process of defrosting the pipe for the hose outside. It froze over night and it was not shut off. We had about an inch of snow...should turn to rain later.

Tom and I are taking a ride in a little while to PA. We may be moving there in the summer so we want to look at the area (its only about 20 min away). We are going to a rib place that is there...I think its called Texas Roadhouse. Not sure what dinner will be if anything. I am hoping to check out the Wegmans there too.

Glynis, nice to have you back. I think you will love the pork. Aimee tried the recipe with chicken and she liked it as well. Tom and I are hoping to be blessed with a baby too so I am in the same boat as you...:hug: :hug: :hug: My thyroid levels are improving so hopefully getting pg will become easier. I'm here if you need to talk.

Have a great day all! Stay warm!

[Aimeedyan]

Lindsay - you are SO bad!! I love the romance novel, you crack me up.

Last night we did not have spaghetti as we ate a late lunch at a local pub and then I snacked through Costco, so we just munched on whatever we found. So, tonight should be spaghetti unless I end up having to go into work.

[Glynis]

Glynis, nice to have you back. I think you will love the pork. Aimee tried the recipe with chicken and she liked it as well. Tom and I are hoping to be blessed with a baby too so I am in the same boat as you...:hug: :hug: :hug: My thyroid levels are improving so hopefully getting pg will become easier. I'm here if you need to talk.

Have a great day all! Stay warm!

Thanks. It's nice to be back among family! I'll keep you in my prayers and hopefully, both our rabbits will die fairly quickly! I do have to say, though, that at 40, I'm beginning to wonder why I'm doing this again!!! I had horrible morning sickness with all my pregnancies, and now I'm likely to start all over again. Not to mention the middle of the night feedings, diapers, etc. However, Alan feels like our family is not complete, and I've learned to trust his feelings on this.

[Aimeedyan]

Okay, finally got my Thanksgiving pics downloaded.

Avocado Egg Rolls with Dipping Sauce (Cheesecake Factory knock off recipe)

1 Tbls. white vinegar
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. tamarind pulp
1/2 cup honey
1 pinch ground saffron
1/2 cup chopped cashews
2/3 cup fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic
2 green onions
1 Tbls. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lrg. avocado - peeled, pitted, diced
2 Tbls. sun-dried tomatoes in oil - chopped
1 Tbls. minced red onion
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 pinch salt
3 egg roll wrappers
1 egg - beaten
-In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together vinegars, tamarind, honey, and saffron; microwave for 1 minute; stir until tamarind is dissolved.
-Puree tamarind mixture, cashews, 2/3 cup cilantro, garlic, onions, sugar, pepper, and cumin in a blender.
-Pour mixture into a bowl and stir in oil; refrigerate until ready to use.
-Gently stir together avocado, tomatoes, onion, 1/2 tsp. cilantro, and salt.
-Distribute filling evenly onto center of each egg roll wrapper.
-Position a wrapper so that a corner is pointing toward you; fold the bottom corner up, 1/4 of the way over the filling; brush remaining corners and edges of the wrapper with egg; roll up from side to side; fold top corner over all and press to seal; repeat with remaining wrappers.
-Deep-fry egg rolls in 375 degree oil for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
-Drain on brown paper bags.
-Slice egg rolls diagonally across middle and serve with prepared dipping sauce

Here they are:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14c50f1423200000026108Absmzdy4bt1

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14c6661c38900000026108Absmzdy4bt1

Our review These were really yummy, and so easy! First time I've made eggrolls and I will def do them again. Super simple.

Spiced Nuts
Sugar and Spice Nuts
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons water
3 cups walnut halves
2 cups pecan halves
1 cup whole unblanched
almonds
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons grated orange
peel
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and water until frothy. Add nuts; stir gently to coat. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add to nut mixture and stir gently to coat. Spread into two greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d8b17a35d00000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My review This was the first time I have made these and they were so yummy and easy, but nuts are SO expensive! I only made them with cashews because they were (shockingly) the cheapest at the time. These would make a great gift!! People who stopped by Thanksgiving evening chowed down on them.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Knockoff from Houston's Restaurant
2 cloves garlic - minced
2 Tbls. minced onion
1/4 cup real butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup fresh-grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. hot sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sour cream
(2) 10 oz. boxes frozen chopped spinach - thawed, squeezed dry through a fine sieve
12 oz. jar artichoke hearts - drained, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

-In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic and onion in butter until golden, about 3 - 5 minutes.
-Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
-Slowly whisk in cream and broth and continue cooking until boiling.
-Once boiling, stir in Romano, lemon juice, hot sauce, and salt; stir until cheese has melted; remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
-Stir sour cream into pan, then fold in dry spinach and artichoke hearts.
-Fold the mixture into a microwave-safe serving dish, or into several serving-size dishes.
-Sprinkle cheddar evenly over top(s).
-At this point, the dip can be refrigerated until ready to serve, if desired.
-Microwave dip on 50% power just until cheese has melted.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d984ae39100000026108Absmzdy4bt1

Our Review O.M.G. This was delicious. SO yummy, and just like the restaurants serve. Will def make it again - it makes a large amt.

Crab Cakes

I just mixed some bread crumbs, real mayo, dijon mustard, seasonings, and 1 beaten egg together then tossed with lump crab meat. Formed into patties like you would a hamburger. Put them on plastic wrap or wax paper, and let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Then fry in a mixture of olive oil and butter for about 4 or 5 minutes on each side

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d9f06227600000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My review I was really scared to make these because I've never forked over the $$ for crab meat. I was really craving crab cakes that were full of meat - not filler - and these were just delicious. DH and I both ate all of them on Thanksgiving day.

Everything Chicken Tenders

• 3 tablespoons minced onion
• 3 tablespoons garlic flakes
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt or sea salt
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
• Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) for drizzling
• Wood skewers, soaked in water for 10-15 minutes
• 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1 12-ounce sour cream
• 6 scallions, chopped
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Place the minced onion, garlic flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, black pepper and coarse salt on a plate and mix it all together. Drizzle the chicken tenders with some EVOO, giving them a toss to make sure they are fully coated. Place skewers through each chicken tender lengthwise. Dip each skewered piece of chicken into the seed mixture and turn to coat.
Repeat until all the chicken has been coated then transfer skewers to a nonstick baking sheet and transfer to the oven for 20-25 minutes. Turn them over about halfway through the cooking time.
While the chicken is cooking make the dipping sauce: In a bowl, combine the soft cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in the chopped scallions and season with a little salt and pepper.
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and serve with the scallion-cream cheese dipping sauce alongside.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d94cae31700000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My review If I had had all the ingredients like I thought I did, this would have been better. I was out of several things so what was thought to be an easy throw together recipe turned out to be too garlicy and not as good. We ate a couple but ended up tossing the rest. In theory, these would be delicious and I'll try them again WITH the right ingredients. They were fun!!

Chicken Quesedilla Pinwheels
• 4 large, 10 to 12-inch flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup chipotle salsa
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken meat, still warm from store or warmed in microwave, chopped
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a flour tortilla, blister it on one side then turn it over. Scatter cheese on top and cook 1 minute.

Remove to cutting board. Top the tortilla with 1/4 cup salsa, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon back to edges. Top with 1/2 cup chicken then roll tortilla into a log.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14da83ae3f900000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My review These really frustrated me, they were runny and really hard to roll up and cut through once the tortilla was blistered. They were good but not real pretty or easy. I think maybe a chunkier salsa, and not blistering the tortilla, would have helped it stay together easier. I didn't use rotisserie chicken but instead just cooked some seasoned chicken breast meat alongside the skewers.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits knock off from Red Lobster
2 cups Bisquick® baking mix
2/3 cup milk - low fat okay
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese - low fat okay
1/4 cup butter OR margarine - melted
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
parsley flakes - as needed
-Combine Bisquick®, milk, and cheddar and beat with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds.
-Spoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
-Bake in 450 degree oven for 8 - 10 minutes.
-Combine butter and garlic powder and pour over hot biscuits; sprinkle with parsley

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14dd763a30700000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My Review My mom has made a version of these for years and they never quite tasted right - and I figured out why! She doesn't pour the butter/garlic over top at the end. It really makes a difference and they are SO yummy. Very easy, too!


Cheese and Spinach Puff Pastries
12 frozen puff pastry shells, unthawed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (16-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/4 cups grated Fontina cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3 to 5 green onions, finely chopped
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the frozen pastry shells on the baking sheet and bake until they puff and become golden brown, about 20 minutes. Using a small knife, cut out the center of the pastry shells.
Meanwhile, stir the cream, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the spinach, Fontina cheese, Parmesan, and green onions. Spoon the spinach mixture into the baked pastry shells. Bake until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is hot, about 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer the pastries to a platter and serve.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d3ce9625000000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My review I didn't buy the right kind of pastry - I bought sheets instead of shells, which made this very interesting. I ended up trying to roll the mixture and then slice it, which was a huge frustrating mess. I got some of them done but most of them were too watery. Oh well. Live and learn!

Crispy Olives stuffed with Sausage
1/4 pound (1 link) fresh Italian sausage
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 jar (8 ounces) large pitted green olives
4 to 6 cups peanut oil, for deep-frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Remove the sausage meat from the casing and place it in a medium bowl. Add the garlic, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes, if using. Mix to evenly distribute the ingredients. Drain the olives and rinse them under cold water. Remove the pimentos, if necessary. Stuff each of the olives with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the sausage mixture.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer, or stock pot, to 375 degrees F.
Spread the flour on a dinner plate.
Break the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat lightly.
Spread the bread crumbs on another dinner plate and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Moisten the olives with the olive oil, stirring to evenly distribute the oil and seasoning.
Roll the olives in the flour, coating them all over and shaking off the excess. Then dip them in the egg, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the olives all over with the bread crumbs. As each olive is coated, place it on a tray. Cover the olives and refrigerate until you are ready to fry them.
Fry the olives until golden brown and the sausage in the middle is cooked through, about 3 minutes. The olives will bubble vigorously until they are nearly done, so watch for splatters. Drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d334e226800000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My Review I was really excited about these, but they were not as thrilling as I thought they'd be. You couldn't taste the sausage at all unless you bite the olive into 2-3 bites (and who does that?). I like green olives but after awhile it became a little too much. DH didn't like them at all.

Mulled Wine
1 Jug Cheap red wine
Whole cloves
1 orange
1 c Lemon Juice
1 part water to 1 part wine
Cinnamon Sticks
1 c sugar or sugar substitute

Put equal parts wine and water in a pot
Add sugar and lemon juice
Take the whole orange and stick stalks of cloves into the orange..Put lots of cloves in the orange..Place the orange in pot with wine
add 2-3 sticks of cinnamon
Mull(cook on low heat) for about 2 hours..Most of the alcohol will cook out and the wine will reduce.
Serve warm

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc23b3127cceb14d2014e39300000026108Absmzdy4bt1

My Review this was Jenny's recipe! I really liked it, but I was sadly alone. Everyone else who tasted it made a face and then said they don't like cider. :confused3

Not pictured: Blue Cheese Goureges
1 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 pound blue cheese, or other creamy blue cheese
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large saucepan, combine the milk, butter, salt, black pepper, and Essence over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Add the flour, and stir constantly with a large wooden spoon to incorporate, about 1 minute. Return to medium-high heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after the addition of each. Add the cheese and beat until mixed well and a slightly soft dough forms.
Drop the dough by the spoonful on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F, and bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

My Review Okay. I hope someone with better cooking skills than I have can tell me what the heck these were supposed to be. I love blue cheese, so I chose it. It's an Emeril recipe. Y'all - they had NO taste. It tasted like nothing unless you happened to hit a small piece of blue cheese. So disappointing to waste all that delicious cheese... after we all took a bite and agreed it tasted like air, it went in the trash.


I also made deviled eggs, brownies, and cocktail shrimp but didn't get pics of them or use a recipe. So, there you go! Our holiday feast! =)

[Nancyg56]

Yeah, I talk even more when I am excited!!! :) :) :)

:rotfl2::rotfl2: That's why we love you!
HOLY CRAP! I LOVE:love: Drew Lachey..... photoshop yourself out of it and post it!!!! I woulda peed my pants.... OMG....

Sounds like Kathy's trip report is going to be a doozy!

I'm so sorry about this!!! I hope that Kady feels better soon! My Mary has really bad teeth as well. We noticed it as soon as her first top teeth started showing up. They were really discolored. So sad. I feel like such a bad mother.

It is so hard to "stand by" when you cannot control this. DD saw two marks on Kady's teeth and the dentist told her they were from out well water. He never said anything about any decay until she told him the "spots" looked like decay to her. The past two years have been spent trying to keep the teeth in long enough to avoid issues with her permanent teeth. She is six and now needs a spacer!

It is not fair to feel like a "bad Mother" when you have done everything right.

What a very courageous woman she is!! That's a terribly hard conversation to have. I went through infertility treatments for 7 years, and it was unbearable to me! Kevin sounds like a keeper for sure!

At one point in our early efforts, my MIL asked Alan to help her move some stuff out of storage for her. While he was doing that, she told him, point blank, to divorce me since I couldn't give him children. She said that he owed it to his father to give him grandchildren who were "blood related."

WOW! How did you survive seven years? My niece has undergone several years and the last effort was the most traumatic. She lost twins, the placenta did not form. My SIL said that she still is not talking about it. Not one word. In the meantime her brother and his snippy wife are expecting their first, after not much trying and they are furious that she has not been able to call and wish them well. I don't understand why they are not more compassionate but they are not. My niece lives in AZ, so DB and DSIL are going out there to visit, DSIL is worried and needs to see that she is alright. My DD thinks she needs some grief counseling, they are so devastated.

Your MIL must be related to Buddy's mother. She was not happy that I was a widow....you know I was not acceptable. My three kids were another insult, and then no children of his blood to carry on the name. This put her right over the edge. She had no idea that this was not about her and that our not having a child together was heartbreaking for him or that it is possible to love and raise three children who you did not create. That is why his sister felt so comfortable treating Kady badly. She had no idea that this little girl was Buddy's heart and that her treatment of this Angel was the deal breaker. My DH loves her boys but "his own" come first she just had no idea who they were :sad2:





What a fitting tribute to a truly Christian lady! It was really hard on Katie, though. She was really close to her "nanny", so it was hard on her to see her in her coffin. I wasn't sure how my kids would react, as they really haven't had to deal with death before. We were able to talk about it and make sure they knew that we don't see death as a scary thing. By the end of the day, I think they all understood. The funeral director had the kids each write a memory, draw a picture, etc., about "nanny", and at the end of the day, he handed them to my mother and her sister for them to read and look through. I think that really helped them!


What a lovely tribute. Your GM must be proud of all of you as she watches over you. My cousin left six grandchildren, she was a staunch Catholic with a strong Faith. The little ones said that they were her Angels, but now she was their Angel and drew pictures to illustrate this. Maybe Katie would feel a little more comfort if she could "see" her Nanny as her own Guardian Angel.

Okay, finally got my Thanksgiving pics downloaded.

So, there you go! Our holiday feast! =)

When I saw your menu on another thread I thought that you were one brave woman! After these pictures :worship:. I very seldom make appetizers, I find them a lot of work, but Whoa Nellie! A whole menu based on appetizers is way beyond anything I am confident enough to attempt!

[Nancyg56]

Loreli-

:bday: party: :bday:

[LindsayDunn228]

Today I am making spaghetti and meatball stoup with sun-dried tomato basil bread.

WFD at your house?

And now for your update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

Not really a big update today. Kevin came over for a little while last night and we chatted for awhile and watched some "Friends." They did, in fact, get his tree up (must...not...say...something...dirty...) and they watched a few Christmas movies. I asked him if things were still going well. He grinned, giggled, and said yes (the giggling is SOOOOOOO not Kevin).

She is off on Friday and Kevin is comping the day. They are going up to Pigeon Forge with one of Kevin's friends who is also off, and spending the afternoon at Dollywood. Cool, eh?

And there is your semi-update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

[Nancyg56]

RoyalMidnight- :welcome: It's nice to "see" you here. Please post often and if you would, share some of your recipes. Lindsay keeps them updated on Page one so we all have an "index". We tend to chat a lot so feel free to jump in.

[THE HAT]

Just a quick morning check in....
We are in Major Snow Mode up here my friends...it is 20* and we are looking at 18inches of snow coming at us, with heavy winds so it will be drifting. It will be blizzard conditions by this evening. No school today, and a chance of no school tomorrow.
We got in last night pretty late from being away for the weekend, (had a wonderful time),and Kris got his snowblower all set up and ready to go. I have to unpack from our weekend, so I can work on packing for vacation.

I have a lot to catch up on from the weekend.
I will try to do that this afternoon. I hope everyone had a great weekend..(from what I caught so far, it looks like the SMK's had a nice one!!)

I am making a beef stew for supper tonight, it seems like a perfect meal for a day like this, Kris has to stop at the funeral home for visiting hours tonight, a dear friend that Kris did some work for here and there passed away. (he was 76) Then he will have the driveways(yep we have 2 as we live on the corner and have one on each street) to face afterwards, warm cozy food fits the day!
I am off to get things done, I will "talk" with you all later on!
Have a good morning all!!

[LindsayDunn228]

I posted this on another thread. If you want to get a better idea of what I look like, here is a pic:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/LindsayDunn228/DSCF0609.jpg

[Mermaid02]

Thanks Nancy! I'm kicking myself for not taking my birthday off- We are having a nasty snowstorm (as you can see by What Wendie said) and I detest driving in the stuff. At least I got my new tires last weekend.

I think I've got strep throat for my birthday. :lmao: Only me. My throat is sore and it's got that "full" feeling.... does anyone know what I mean??

No idea about dinner- but I certainly don't feel I should have to cook.

[FormrCastMbr]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: Happy Birthday Loreli!!!:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Good Morning All!

I have a late orthodondist appointment with Andrew today...he is getting his phase 1 braces off! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: I will be doing chicken in the crockpot with the catalina, apricot and onion soup mix, instant rice and some kind of veggie.

I'll be back later to check in...gotta get into gear here.

Have a great day!

[FormrCastMbr]

Happy Brithday Loreli!!!!!!

My other one was too small! ;)

[FormrCastMbr]

Aimee, great pics! I have to come back to read your recipes and reviews later but everything looked SOOOOOOOO good. :thumbsup2

Glynis, I must be crazy. I haven't changed a diaper in about 6 - 7 years!!!

[Aimeedyan]

Tonight, I have no idea. I have another big meeting at work tonight (we are in the midst of a huge crisis) so I will be here for 12-13 hours or so.

I should have come in later but I had too much to do. I will be kicking myself by around 9pm tonight. Maybe I'll take an extended lunch and do some recreational shopping... ;)

I'm really craving Taco BUeno, so I may go mid afternoon and get a combo so I have enough to warm up right before the meeting.

I swear. I could eat Taco Bueno everyday.

[Glynis]

WOW! How did you survive seven years? My niece has undergone several years and the last effort was the most traumatic. She lost twins, the placenta did not form. My SIL said that she still is not talking about it. Not one word. In the meantime her brother and his snippy wife are expecting their first, after not much trying and they are furious that she has not been able to call and wish them well. I don't understand why they are not more compassionate but they are not. My niece lives in AZ, so DB and DSIL are going out there to visit, DSIL is worried and needs to see that she is alright. My DD thinks she needs some grief counseling, they are so devastated.

Your MIL must be related to Buddy's mother. She was not happy that I was a widow....you know I was not acceptable. My three kids were another insult, and then no children of his blood to carry on the name. This put her right over the edge. She had no idea that this was not about her and that our not having a child together was heartbreaking for him or that it is possible to love and raise three children who you did not create. That is why his sister felt so comfortable treating Kady badly. She had no idea that this little girl was Buddy's heart and that her treatment of this Angel was the deal breaker. My DH loves her boys but "his own" come first she just had no idea who they were :sad2:



It was a rough seven years!!! Alan and I knew before we got married that we wanted to have children right away, so we didn't even bother with birth control. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen. I was young and naive, and didn't really worry too much the first couple of years. Then we moved to a new city, got some good insurance and started doctor shopping. We found one that had been recommended to us, and started seeing him. I don't mind saying that right from the first I didn't like him. He was too slick, if that makes any sense. He put me on Clomid and then told us to just let nature take it's course. After the first month, he doubled our Clomid dosage, and this went on for about 8 months. It got to the point where I was taking a whole handful of pills. Finally, he told us to just deal with the fact that we were never going to have children of our own. Frankly, I think he just didn't want to be bothered with actually having to try to find out what was wrong. After that experience, I really didn't want to have anything to do with more doctors, so we took a break for several months. The science specialist at Alan's television station told us about a doctor that was one of the top infertility specialists in the nation. He had just moved to Utah and was accepting patients. Ed put in a good word for us and we were taken on as patients. I walked in to his office, he took one look at me and said, "you have PCOS, don't you?" I knew this was going to be a different experience, and it was!!! He was fabulous. Once we had a diagnosis, we had a way to treat it.

Alan had to give me daily injections in the stomach, which was not too fun, but we did it, and within 5 months we were pregnant with our Katie. It was a lot of work, but worth it in the end. Now, after my gastric bypass surgery, it looks like the PCOS is gone, and getting pregnant should be a bit easier. However, each month that goes by, just brings back horrible memories from the first seven years.

As for my MIL, I could tell you horror stories that equal anything you've heard before. However, I've come to the conclusion that she's a very unhappy woman, and I just pity her.

[Glynis]

Glynis, I must be crazy. I haven't changed a diaper in about 6 - 7 years!!!

I'm in the same boat!!! With any luck, we'll be going through it together! Just think, we can keep each other company during the midnight feedings.

[Glynis]

Dinner tonight will be the balsamic chops!!! I'm so excited about these!!! All I've got is apricot pineapple preserves. Do you think that will affect the flavor too much???

Last night's dinner was really yummy! We had cola chicken. I'll post the recipe in a while. I'm babysitting my nephews and right now the little one has decided that naptime is over, and I need to watch him so he doesn't destroy the tree!

[shovan]

Afternoon Y'all,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORELI!!!!!!!::cool1:

Wait one darn minute here! Are Glynis & Lauren pregnant????? :confused3 My DIS is running soooo slooowly here, I can't mult-quote & I can't go back a page & reread it again! Are you girls preggers???;)


Aimee is posting FOOD Pics!!!! :banana: (I'll refrain from calling it food-porn since she's a minister;) ) And so organized too!!! The pics with the recipes!! Wow I'm impressed! :thumbsup2 That all looks delicious, thanks for the pics & the recipes! Stuffed & fried olives is a new one, even for us Cajuns who'll fry anything!:goodvibes

Lindsay, It sounds to me like Robin may have found the one!!!

Hersey, I'm with you on the years of trying to get pg. We tried for 4 years before having our DD, clomid, temp taking the whole bit. I just wasn't able to emotionally handle all of that over & over again. So we just have the one DD! I didn't use any BC for 12 yrs after & nothing happened so that was my answer.

Nancy, That is so sad for your Niece & her DH. :hug: Prayers for them. I don't understand her brother & his wife either. I had been trying for years, when my cousin got pregnant without even trying. She held off telling me she was pregnant until she couldn't wait any longer. All because she was concerned for my feelings. Your niece's brother & his wife must be very crappy to treat her that way.:confused3 :cutie:


I'm still sick, but will hold off one more day before succumbing to going to the Dr.. Bob's got it now too, he went to work but I think he'll be home early. Alexis is slightly better, she went to school but only cus her Momma took her & her Mom is a lot tougher than her Nana. ;)

DD & SIL are back from Europe. Really wiped out from 13 hrs of airports & flying. DD is nauseous today, but I think it's just jet-lag.

Thanks y'all for the Candle/oil suggestions!!! I'm gonna put some of that on my Christmas list DH keeps asking for.

One of Bob's friends went fishing this weekend & brought him some fresh trout filets. He also has a clean & gutted whole sheepshead fish. Which I'm not sure what to do with that. But we will be having fish for dinner!

[Glynis]

Wait one darn minute here! Are Glynis & Lauren pregnant????? :confused3 My DIS is running soooo slooowly here, I can't mult-quote & I can't go back a page & reread it again! Are you girls preggers???;)



I'm not pregnant, yet, but we are trying. I'll be sure to post when/if it happens in big, bold colorful letters so y'all can celebrate with me.

[shovan]

I'm not pregnant, yet, but we are trying. I'll be sure to post when/if it happens in big, bold colorful letters so y'all can celebrate with me.


Well, I'll be hoping & praying for you then!!! :flower3:

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee is posting FOOD Pics!!!! :banana: (I'll refrain from calling it food-porn since she's a minister;) )

:rotfl2:

[Nancyg56]

Sheryl- Buddy calls my nephews wife "Manhattan" and it is not a compliment to the Big Apple. I don't understand why they (she) cannot understand that compassion for his sister and BIL takes nothing away from sharing their joy. No one has even whispered "Oh too bad it was not Amy." If anything I would think that after watching them go through so much they would realize how very blessed they are.

I hope that both you and Bob feel better soon. Now go to the DR!!!!!!!

Lauren- I somehow missed that you are trying to get pregnant. I'll say a prayer for the two of you.

Glynis-What a piece of work you first Dr was! Someday we can compare MIL stories! When I talk about my MIL I am usually talking about Donald's Mom. Buddy barely tolerates his Mother and while I wish he would at least establish a relationship with her, it is for him. She could be on fire on the sidewalk and I wouldn't spit to put her out. This is a "friendly" message board so I won't repeat the colorful version Buddy uses :rolleyes1

Dinner last night was pot roast, carrots, potatoes and onions, green beans rolls butter and roasted garlic. A yellow cake with vanilla frosting for Jeff's birthday. That's all he wanted for his birthday....a plain nonchocolate cake with no goop inside and no funky stuff on top :confused3. What kind of cake is that???????

[Mermaid02]

Well we're having pizza tonight. I ended up staying home sick (Happy birthday to me) and dh had to go out of town (he's an electrician and snow+wind=power outages)so my Mom is bringing it over. I'm really achy now, I wonder if I have the flu.:sad1:

[shovan]

Well we're having pizza tonight. I ended up staying home sick (Happy birthday to me) and dh had to go out of town (he's an electrician and snow+wind=power outages)so my Mom is bringing it over. I'm really achy now, I wonder if I have the flu.:sad1:

:hug: :hug: Double hugs for you! Really stinks to be sick & no hubby to take care of you! Glad your Mommy is coming to help out! Hope you feel better soon! :flower3:

[HERSEY]

Well we're having pizza tonight. I ended up staying home sick (Happy birthday to me) and dh had to go out of town (he's an electrician and snow+wind=power outages)so my Mom is bringing it over. I'm really achy now, I wonder if I have the flu.:sad1:

I hope you start to feel better soon. Your Mom is really nice to bring you food when your sick. My mom was never very maternal like that.

To all of you out east take care in that weather. Luckily all we have now is cold. I had to get gas in the car tonight brrrr.

I can't believe how many of us had problems getting pregnant.

Lauren & Glynis I hope both of you find something special under your tree, though being pregnant is not fun during the summer.

[Nancyg56]

Just a quick morning check in....
We are in Major Snow Mode up here my friends...it is 20* and we are looking at 18inches of snow coming at us, with heavy winds so it will be drifting. It will be blizzard conditions by this evening. No school today, and a chance of no school tomorrow.


I am thinking of you, we had some ice but nothing like what you are having. I hope that you all stay safe!

Well we're having pizza tonight. I ended up staying home sick (Happy birthday to me) and dh had to go out of town (he's an electrician and snow+wind=power outages)so my Mom is bringing it over. I'm really achy now, I wonder if I have the flu.:sad1:

What a way to celebrate a birthday :hug:. I hope that you feel better soon.

I hope you start to feel better soon. Your Mom is really nice to bring you food when your sick. My mom was never very maternal like that.



I wish you lived closer. I would make you soup, it's my go-to whenever anyone is sick. :hug:

We had leftovers from last night. It was just as good tonight :thumbsup2

[Mermaid02]

My Mother is AWESOME! My friends all think I'm spoiled... maybe I am... but my Mother would do anything for me and my family. She's absolutely THE BEST! Oh, there are times when she makes me crazy- but I wouldn't trade her for anyone else's Mom that's for sure!:thumbsup2

[HERSEY]

Mermaid02 Hope your Birthday pizza is wonderful. Happy 40 :thumbsup2

Nancy We had leftovers too short ribs with cheesy potatoes and carrots.

Costco had the worst looking romaine lettuce I'll have to go there again later this week and see if they got any more in Guess our little ice storm affected the delivery.:confused3

Wendie Hope you all stay safe and don't lose any power. pixiedust:

[Aimeedyan]

Well we're having pizza tonight. I ended up staying home sick (Happy birthday to me) and dh had to go out of town (he's an electrician and snow+wind=power outages)so my Mom is bringing it over. I'm really achy now, I wonder if I have the flu.:sad1:

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Happy Birthday!!!

(I am so sorry you're sick :sad1: )

[LindsayDunn228]

Tonight it's leftover spaghetti and meatball stoup with bread.

WFD at your house?

ETA: No updates today. Robin was supposed to call me yesterday but she didn't. Scott said it looked like she was having a bad day at work.

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning, We are having meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn...maybe string beans too.

I'll be back later when I have a little more time.

Have a great day!

[Mermaid02]

I'm still home sick- I feel like I got hit by a bus today and my breathing isn't very good (I'm asthmatic). The kids have NO SCHOOL again today (it's STILL SNOWING) so hopefully I can convince my son we should lay on the couch and watch Christmas movies all day.

I have a pork cutlet I need to do something with.... suggestions??

[THE HAT]

Morning all
I never did get back here yesterday, between unpacking from being gone this past weekend, and taking care of all the christmas shopping items, the day flew by.
It is still snowing here, has been for over 24hrs now, should be ending soon though(maybe?!!?), Ross has a 1hr delay for school this morning, we have a new superintendent who wants to use as little snow days as possible, ugh. They should not be going in today.
I had a nail appt at 9am but I won't be making that, we live on a wicked hill, and I am not attempting it, that and we also live on the corner and our driveway gets nailed with all the snow from our road, so the bank at the end will be pretty high. Ross will shovel it a bit when he gets home so I can get him to Karate tonight. Kris will snowblow the rest when he gets home, and do the other driveway, (we have 2, sounded like a good idea when we put it in...that was also in a summer month, lol) Beef stew was a perfect supper last night!

Loreli--I missed your birthday yesterday...Happy (belated) Birthday, and I do hope you are feeling a bit better.

Glynis and Lauren--Prayers for both that 2008 brings you a healthy little one.

The stories that all of you have gone through with your pregnancies is amazing. I can't even imagine how heartbreaking and difficult all of that must be. What amazing women you all are!
I was the complete opposite, a fertile myrtle for sure. Kris and I knew that we only wanted to have one, we waited until we had been married for 3yrs, had one last big long weekend hurrah in Bar Harbor, the following Monday I went off the pill, and we had the mindset that when it happened it would happen, take it as it was etc etc.......2 weeks later I just felt the urge to take a home test and yeppers, I think I was still peeing on the stick, and it was giving me two lines, lol. Had a pretty easy pregnancy until the last 4months when I had toxemia and went on bedrest. Ross was 2.5 weeks overdue and I will spare you from the labor details except to say that I broke the hospital, and the Dr's records for longest L&D..not hours my friends, but DAYS! I had a pretty bad spell with PPD. None of this compares to anything you all have had to go through.

Kathy--sounds like you are having a blast, glad you got to meet Lucas and family as well!! Can't wait for you to be back, but glad you are having fun!

Sheryl--How are you and the little one feeling today?

Lauren--How is A's ear doing? Poor kid. Give hime a hug from me!

Tonight is Karate night..if I can get out, (I can't shovel with my wrist and I won't even try the snowblower, lol...will see what Ross can do) Dinner will be leftover beef stew...mmmmm even better the next day!!

I hope I caught up with everyone....I tried, lol..I mean well!
Have a great day all!

[liamsaunt]

Hi everyone! Just a quick update from the World for you all while I wait for the crew to finish getting ready for Sea World.

So far we have had an awesome trip. The weather has been great--high seventies, low eighties. The parks are a little more crowded than they were at this time two years ago, but overall it is not too bad--we've been using fastpass to walk right on to the rides. The Christmas party was a big hit, though I still give the edge to the holiday illuminations, which we saw our first night from a table railside at the Rose and Crown. We've been to all the Disney parks though we have to go back to all of them since we still have lots to do!

The kids are having a great time and the parents are impressed with all the changes and improvements to the parks. The house we rented is really great--the pictures on the net don't do it justice! (and it has free internet and computers, hence this post!) My only quibble is that the pool water is heated a little too hot for me.

So far we've had adrs at Raglan Road and Rose and Crown, both were very good. I even have pictures of the food! (my Dad, usually the one to complain about my food picture taking, has been insisting I photo the food--he knows about you people now and knows that you want pictures! :rotfl: )

Today we are having lunch at Sharks Grill and tonight my DH, Laura and I are going to dinner at Jiko while my parents watch the kids.

Well, off to Sea World! Laura and the kids are getting in free with her military id, I think that is nice of them to offer this perk.

I hope there isn't too much snow at home! :)

[lucas]

Hi ya'll,

Just wanted to check in to say we had a blast meeting TigerKat and her dh at EPCOT. :) They are both so sweet! :goodvibes It was really fun meeting up with them. Wish we were still there, too.

No idea WFD yet. :confused3

[shovan]

I'm still home sick- I feel like I got hit by a bus today and my breathing isn't very good (I'm asthmatic). The kids have NO SCHOOL again today (it's STILL SNOWING) so hopefully I can convince my son we should lay on the couch and watch Christmas movies all day.

I have a pork cutlet I need to do something with.... suggestions??

Loreli, I have asthma too, and I've found that taking Mucinex (or a stronger prescription form of it) helps me a lot when I get any kind of cold/virus. I start taking it right away & it seems to at least keep me from having to use the nebulizer machine so much or running to the dr. every day. Hope you feel better soon!:hug:

Morning all
I never did get back here yesterday, between unpacking from being gone this past weekend, and taking care of all the christmas shopping items, the day flew by.
It is still snowing here, has been for over 24hrs now, should be ending soon though(maybe?!!?), Ross has a 1hr delay for school this morning, we have a new superintendent who wants to use as little snow days as possible, ugh. They should not be going in today.
I was the complete opposite, a fertile myrtle for sure. ..2 weeks later I just felt the urge to take a home test and yeppers, I think I was still peeing on the stick, and it was giving me two lines, lol.

Sheryl--How are you and the little one feeling today?


Wendie, All that snow sounds like a whole 'nother world to this southern gal! I can't even imagine having to shovel snow to get out of the house! I thought it was freakin cold this morning & I'm ashamed to tell you it was only 43 degrees & sunny!

And I don't even know if fertile is the proper term for that! 2 weeks!!:eek: I've never heard of anyone getting pregnant that quickly before! I'm sure you've been very very very careful since having Ross! ;)

Thanks for asking, Alexis is feeling a bit better. Still somewhat stuffy & a little cough but improving she went to school yesterday & did fine. And didn't give me to much trouble going to school this morning. I still feel funky, trying to decide if I should just wait it out a few more days or go to the dr for antibioitics.



So far we have had an awesome trip. The weather has been great--high seventies, low eighties. So far we've had adrs at Raglan Road and Rose and Crown, both were very good. I even have pictures of the food! (my Dad, usually the one to complain about my food picture taking, has been insisting I photo the food--he knows about you people now and knows that you want pictures! :rotfl: )

Today we are having lunch at Sharks Grill and tonight my DH, Laura and I are going to dinner at Jiko while my parents watch the kids.

Well, off to Sea World! Laura and the kids are getting in free with her military id, I think that is nice of them to offer this perk.

I hope there isn't too much snow at home! :)

Becky, It sounds wonderful! I can't believe you have your Dad telling you to take pics!:) I was thinking about y'all last night, wondering if you headed to the ESPN Club for the Pats game. They pulled it off in the end. Another W for your team! Enjoy Jiko & take pics for us!!!! :goodvibes

Hi ya'll,

Just wanted to check in to say we had a blast meeting TigerKat and her dh at EPCOT. :) They are both so sweet! :goodvibes It was really fun meeting up with them. Wish we were still there, too.

No idea WFD yet. :confused3

lucas, Did you get to meet with Kyle & Abi too? Did you take any pics? We'd love to see them!

Aimee, How are you doing with the headaches? Hope it doesn't continue to be daily problem?

No idea what's for dinner here either. I cooked last night only cus Bob brought home that fresh trout. Stuck that whole fish in the freezer cus I just wasn't up to dealing with it. Maybe some easy like breakfast might work tonight. We'll see.

Have a good day friends!

[THE HAT]

Wendie, All that snow sounds like a whole 'nother world to this southern gal! I can't even imagine having to shovel snow to get out of the house! I thought it was freakin cold this morning & I'm ashamed to tell you it was only 43 degrees & sunny!

And I don't even know if fertile is the proper term for that! 2 weeks!!:eek: I've never heard of anyone getting pregnant that quickly before! I'm sure you've been very very very careful since having Ross! ;)

Thanks for asking, Alexis is feeling a bit better. Still somewhat stuffy & a little cough but improving she went to school yesterday & did fine. And didn't give me to much trouble going to school this morning. I still feel funky, trying to decide if I should just wait it out a few more days or go to the dr for antibioitics.



Sheryl--You should go see the Dr. If you need antibiotics the sooner you get started on them the better. Don't take any chances.
It is 22*here today that will be our high, still spitting snow..we are now into 32hrs of it, but it will be ending soon. People are starting to emerge from their homes to dig out again today.

As for the being careful part....My first mothers day present was Ross being born on it, my Second was Kris having a vasectomy, :rotfl: !


Becky--Loving the fact that your Dad is now reminding you to take pics for us!!! Tks Dad!! Glad you all are having fun!!

Lucas--Glad you had a nice visit with Kathy and Johnny!! :goodvibes Welcome back!

[Sharon G]

I'm still home sick- I feel like I got hit by a bus today and my breathing isn't very good (I'm asthmatic). The kids have NO SCHOOL again today (it's STILL SNOWING) so hopefully I can convince my son we should lay on the couch and watch Christmas movies all day.

I have a pork cutlet I need to do something with.... suggestions??

Hi Loreli
I'm from Maine too. Outside Portland. The sun is trying to break thru here and the kids are in school! We got around 9 inches of the white stuff.

Morning all
I never did get back here yesterday, between unpacking from being gone this past weekend, and taking care of all the christmas shopping items, the day flew by.
It is still snowing here, has been for over 24hrs now, should be ending soon though(maybe?!!?), Ross has a 1hr delay for school this morning, we have a new superintendent who wants to use as little snow days as possible, ugh. They should not be going in today.
I had a nail appt at 9am but I won't be making that, we live on a wicked hill, and I am not attempting it, that and we also live on the corner and our driveway gets nailed with all the snow from our road, so the bank at the end will be pretty high. Ross will shovel it a bit when he gets home so I can get him to Karate tonight. Kris will snowblow the rest when he gets home, and do the other driveway, (we have 2, sounded like a good idea when we put it in...that was also in a summer month, lol) Beef stew was a perfect supper last night!

Hi Wendi!
See above. Good to find more people from the great state of Maine!

[Nancyg56]

Hi Everyone!

I hope the Mainahs here are well and out of the snowbank! It's really too early for storms I think.

I also hope those who have been battling colds, flu and other winter woes are feeling better. If not....Sheryl go to the DR! It is not going to get better by itself. Do I need to take a road trip?????

Hi Lucas! Glad to see you stop in and happy that you got to visit Kathy. Did you have a great trip?

Becky- I would love to see your Dad asking for pictures. Give him a big hug for me, I love the food porn and I know he does not. Have FUN!

Sheryl- When my DS and DDIL came home from SO FL. they froze. Both of my boys were polar bears, Dan worked in a freezer for years and so I was surprised to see him bundled under the blankets :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:.

Dinner tonight is meatloaf and baked potatoes. I will fix some veggie, probably broccoli. DD and I are going shopping so we can eat when we get home and DH can eat when he is hungry. Kady needs a new snowsuit, she outgrew two!

[Glynis]

The stories that all of you have gone through with your pregnancies is amazing. I can't even imagine how heartbreaking and difficult all of that must be. What amazing women you all are!
I was the complete opposite, a fertile myrtle for sure. Kris and I knew that we only wanted to have one, we waited until we had been married for 3yrs, had one last big long weekend hurrah in Bar Harbor, the following Monday I went off the pill, and we had the mindset that when it happened it would happen, take it as it was etc etc.......2 weeks later I just felt the urge to take a home test and yeppers, I think I was still peeing on the stick, and it was giving me two lines, lol. Had a pretty easy pregnancy until the last 4months when I had toxemia and went on bedrest. Ross was 2.5 weeks overdue and I will spare you from the labor details except to say that I broke the hospital, and the Dr's records for longest L&D..not hours my friends, but DAYS! I had a pretty bad spell with PPD. None of this compares to anything you all have had to go through.



We all have our stories, don't we. I had relatively easy pregnancies (once I could manage to get pregnant), unless you count wicked morning sickness for the first 5 months. My L&D were easy too! I was in labor with Katie for 6 hours, pushed 5 times and she was here. With Jacob I was in labor for only 4 hours and only pushed twice. The twins were C-section, and even that I recovered from obscenely easily! I would have had them normally, but they were both lying crosswise and refused to turn. Mary was born last, and as soon as Leslie was born, she scooted up under my rib cage, and a couple of nurses had to push her out by leaning and pressing on my chest. That was probably the hardest part.

[Glynis]

Hi Loreli
I'm from Maine too. Outside Portland. The sun is trying to break thru here and the kids are in school! We got around 9 inches of the white stuff.



Hi Wendi!
See above. Good to find more people from the great state of Maine!

Hi, Sharon! Welcome to our group. Stick around and share recipes!

[Glynis]

Dinner tonight will be baked eggplant and polenta. It's kind of like an eggplant lasagna. Because my family likes their meat, I'm adding hamburger to the marinara sauce. Then I top everything with polenta and cheese. Yumm!!!

Nancy - I hear you about Kady growing!!! Luckily, my Katie is the only one who needs new snow pants, but all 4 kids need new boots! Can I tell you how expensive that is right around Christmas??? I'm sending Alan to check the thrift shops while he's at work. I just can't stomach spending 23 dollars for one child on a pair of boots that won't even fit them by February! Why can't they all be like me and want to stay inside where it's warm???

[shovan]

Hey My bunch of 2nd Mom's!

I did call my Dr. & they have nothing open today cus the Dr. was out sick yesterday!! I asked for her to call me hoping she will call in some meds for me. But I'm not counting on her returning my call, she's not very good at that. I think I need to find another Dr.!

Glynis, That dinner sounds delicious! I wish you could bring me some!

[Aimeedyan]

Aimee, How are you doing with the headaches? Hope it doesn't continue to be daily problem?

Still daily, I'm not sure if it's stress or sinus. 2 Advil kick it so I'm continuing with that. If this is biggest health issue I have, I won't complain too much ;) This time last year, I was admitted to the hospital again so I'm thankful to be working and fairly healthy this Advent season!

Thanks for asking :goodvibes

[Glynis]

Hey My bunch of 2nd Mom's!

I did call my Dr. & they have nothing open today cus the Dr. was out sick yesterday!! I asked for her to call me hoping she will call in some meds for me. But I'm not counting on her returning my call, she's not very good at that. I think I need to find another Dr.!

Glynis, That dinner sounds delicious! I wish you could bring me some!

I wish I could too! Sounds like you could use someone to do some taking care of you. Hopefully your doctor will call you back. It's frustrating when they don't.

[bear74]

dinner tonight will be grilled steaks and baked potatos

[shovan]

Still daily, I'm not sure if it's stress or sinus. 2 Advil kick it so I'm continuing with that. If this is biggest health issue I have, I won't complain too much ;) This time last year, I was admitted to the hospital again so I'm thankful to be working and fairly healthy this Advent season!

Thanks for asking :goodvibes

Sorry to hear you are still getting the headaches though. I had migraines for years & I know that can be tough to manage your daily schedule with a bad headache. Take care of yourself & see a dr. if they don't go away. So many people need you!

I wish I could too! Sounds like you could use someone to do some taking care of you. Hopefully your doctor will call you back. It's frustrating when they don't.

I found out DD called the same dr. yesterday & this morning and she still has not returned her call. So I'm not hopeful. They were booked up for tomorrow too, all I can do is call in the morning & see if they can fit me in. Yeah I wish I had some of you girls around me! My Mom is not really the mothering type either. Although if I called & ask for help she'd be here, so I'm not complaining. I'm thankful she is still around & in good health!

And since I had to go to the grocery because we've been out of milk for two days. (and Alexis came home from school with Oreos & absolutely needed milk) I picked up some french bread, roast beef & swiss. So we'll have po-boys or pannini's for dinner.

[Disneylover79]

Evening, friends! I made my own loose translation of Giada's Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina My changes: I don't really measure anything, I doubled this recipe and put it in a 9x13, I used a pound of pasta, diced tomatos with garlic and herb seasonings, I heavily seasoned the chicken with italian seasoning, plus I added fresh mushrooms and sliced black olives. We served it with garlic cheesy bread.

I took a picture of it and will post soon!

Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

1 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup cubed chicken breast (1-inch cubes)
1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 a small onion)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for buttering the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Drain pasta into a large mixing bowl.

Meanwhile, put the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Add the onions and garlic, stirring to combine, and cook until the onions are soft and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Put the chicken mixture into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Add the canned tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Place the mixture in a buttered 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish. In a small bowl mix together the bread crumbs and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the pasta mixture. Dot the top with small bits of butter. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

I am trying this tonight... DBF is very picky so hopefully it will pass.. it looks so good....

BTW I am so glad that this thread was started I am 28 and live with my DBF and I am in grad school... so easy things for dinner is always a plus in my book... Thanks again :dance3:

[Aimeedyan]

I am trying this tonight... DBF is very picky so hopefully it will pass.. it looks so good....

BTW I am so glad that this thread was started I am 28 and live with my DBF and I am in grad school... so easy things for dinner is always a plus in my book... Thanks again :dance3:

I hope you like it!

[Aimeedyan]

Tonight we're going out. I was going to do eggrolls but we remembered we had a BOGO free coupon at the mexican place up the street and DH is craving enchiladas (when ISN'T he?). Works for me - no cooking!

[FormrCastMbr]

Hi guys check this out ...

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1654069 :banana:

[OKWMom]

Hi everyone! Wow, let a girl be gone for a week or so and y'all get all chatty on me. I thought I would never catch up. I've read everything I missed, but I don't have the mental stamina to reply to everything.

Kathy and I had a great time last Wednesday. It was so nice to meet her and Johnny in person. She is just the same in person as she is here - sweet, funny, and outgoing. She took a photo of us and said she would post it when she gets back.

Lauren - I printed the pork chop recipe. Next week's menu for sure.

[Nancyg56]

Aimee- headaches are not fun! I'm glad that the Advil is taking care of them, and that you are healthy this Season.

Sheryl- There still should be someone who can take a sick call at your Dr office. My DR will very seldom call in a script if she doesn't see you but when it has been this crazy she will make exceptions. DD's head colds always bloom into infections so she can call in something. I hope that your family kicks this bug!

My BIL is a PA in the ER. Last year when the GI bug was running rampant he finally got the "symptoms". They were so busy one of the ER Docs gave him something to kill the symptoms but the poor guy was working so sick! I don't know how he survived those few days.....Gail and I each took turns with this virus and I don't ever want to be that sick again!

Gretchen- I cannot catch up if I miss a day so a week is out of sight! You have got to fill us all in when you get a minute, we got little updates from Kathy but I know I want to hear all about your trip. Glad you had a great time!

Disneylover- Welcome! If easy is what you are looking for you are in the right place! We have a lot of good tried and true recipes here and most are easy and quick enough to make on a weeknight. Check out the first page where Lindsay keeps the index.

Lauren- That was so much fun! Your little Elves made my day!

[LindsayDunn228]

Today I am making crockpot Italian chicken pasta and bread. Easy day for me :)

WFD at your house?

[HERSEY]

We are having spaghetti tonight.

I'll be to tired to tackle anything else. We had a little snow last night and more coming today. Nothing like you Mainers but enough to mess up traffic.
Well back to monitoring the school website to see if someone has school.

[Nancyg56]

I forgot to post dinner. Buddy is on his own tonight. DD, DGD DDIL and I are going to my nieces for a candle party. She is serving appetizer type food so we will eat there. I hate candle parties but my niece is an amazing cook so it's all good to me! I have to make some dessert but I'll figure it out later.

[FormrCastMbr]

Morning All!

Gosh, I really need to catch up! I will try later...

Gretchen, welcome back! Did you like Raglan?

Nancy, Glad you liked my elves. I laugh every time I watch it! :santa:

I was going to make the balsamic pork recipe again...I really love this but want something a little easier...that is easy but I do not want to be over the stove that much so I am throwing pork in the crock pot and making a beer sauce to cook it in. I am taking a recipe I have for the oven and modifying it for the crock. I have no idea for sides yet. I'll see what I have.

Have a great day all!

[shovan]

Morning Y'all,

Gretchen, Welcome Home!!!:goodvibes Can't wait to hear more about your trip! Glad you were able to meet with Kathy!

My dr. didn't return my call yesterday, so I called first thing this morning. Didn't even want me come in :confused3 , I guess they are really swamped. They are calling in an antiobiotic rx for me, so hopefully I'll get that today & start feeling better.

Don't have a clue as to what's for dinner. My house is a wreck, laundry is piling up, ugh... I think I'll just go back to bed..

Have a good day friends!

[Glynis]

It's a very cold day here! I'm going to make Swiss Potato soup with biscuits for dinner tonight. Alan is heading to Texas for a few days, so I just plan on doing kid friendly meals until he's home. It's easier than fighting with the kids, don't ya know?

Right now I'm off to the store to pick up my last Santa present!!! Webkinz for Katie!!!

[bear74]

we are having pork roast that Dh is cooking on the grill.

[Nancyg56]

we are having pork roast that Dh is cooking on the grill.

Okay bear, I have to ask. Where are you located that you can use the grill? My grilling days are done until Springtime :guilty:

[bear74]

Okay bear, I have to ask. Where are you located that you can use the grill? My grilling days are done until Springtime :guilty:
just outside of Austin, Texas

[OKWMom]

Thanks for the welcome home! We had a great time, but I'm still exhausted. The night we returned, everyone (including Kenny and I) were in bed by 8:30. Then even though I tried to keep up with the laundry (gotta love the washer/dryer in the unit), I still had four loads, not to mention the mountain of work on my desk. Anyway, y'all don't want to hear about that - you want the good stuff.

The meet with Kathy was a lot of fun. We were going to meet in the Belleview Lounge, but they didn't open in time. Instead, we met at the main Boardwalk Pool. My kiddos enjoyed the slide and I enjoyed the bar. We had a couple of drinks and chatted, just like we all do here. Kenny didn't make it because he and Daddy were on the Keys to the Kingdom tour and they didn't make it back in time. I guess I didn't count the tour hours very carefully. :sad2: I think Johnny was secretly relieved because it gave him an excuse to hit ESPN club for some beer/wings/nachos.

They were both VERY sweet and Kyle and Abi look just as cute as they did in the photos Kathy posted. It really was a blast meeting them in person. We stayed as long as Hailey would allow us. Towards the end, she wanted to get out of the pool and wanted her wet bathing suit OFF. So, in another move guaranteed to take me out of the running for mother of the year, I let her sit in a lounge chair with just her terry cover up. Needless to say, she does not feel the need to sit very lady-like, so a strategic towel placement was necessary so as not to carry out any Britney Spears impersonations. ;)

We ate too much and drank too much and in general had a great time. My Dad, who previously said he didn't like Disney, had a wonderful time and is planning on returning with us in a couple of years.

There are a few stories I would like to share with all of you, but I'm still at work, so I'll post again later.

Tonight's dinner is maple salmon with cheesy orzo.

Lauren BTW, I loved Raglan Road (and Dad did too), but I'll get into that later. Quick question for you - what did you serve on the side with the balsamic pork?

Gretchen

[FormrCastMbr]

Sheryl, feel better...:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: Hopefully what the dr prescribed will knock this out of your system.

Gretchen, so glad that you liked Raglan!!! I can't wait to hear what you ordered. Thanks for filling us in on your trip. Your gonna tell us more, right? ;) I served the pork with white rice. It was soooooo good with the sauce.

I have to share my story for today. I have had boxes of "stuff" in my office for months now waiting for time to have a garage sale. Well, I thought it would be a great idea to get the Xmas stuff out of the attic and have Tom help put the "stuff" up there to get it out of the way (he is working from home today). Mind you, he has been after me to throw it all away and I won't since we can make a few bucks. With the furniture we would like to eventually get rid of, this would probably make a few hundred bucks.

Well, I packed the stuff too heavy and we couldn't lift it up the pull down stairs...:lmao: So now it sits back it my office...:confused3

WWYD? Should I throw it all away? It stuff like cake plates and dishes, pocket books, place mats, baskets, etc. I was thinking of maybe donating it to a shelter...think they would take it?

[shovan]

The meet with Kathy was a lot of fun. We were going to meet in the Belleview Lounge, but they didn't open in time. Instead, we met at the main Boardwalk Pool. My kiddos enjoyed the slide and I enjoyed the bar. We had a couple of drinks and chatted, just like we all do here. Kenny didn't make it because he and Daddy were on the Keys to the Kingdom tour and they didn't make it back in time. I guess I didn't count the tour hours very carefully. :sad2: I think Johnny was secretly relieved because it gave him an excuse to hit ESPN club for some beer/wings/nachos.

They were both VERY sweet and Kyle and Abi look just as cute as they did in the photos Kathy posted. It really was a blast meeting them in person. We stayed as long as Hailey would allow us. Towards the end, she wanted to get out of the pool and wanted her wet bathing suit OFF. So, in another move guaranteed to take me out of the running for mother of the year, I let her sit in a lounge chair with just her terry cover up. Needless to say, she does not feel the need to sit very lady-like, so a strategic towel placement was necessary so as not to carry out any Britney Spears impersonations. ;) We ate too much and drank too much and in general had a great time. My Dad, who previously said he didn't like Disney, had a wonderful time and is planning on returning with us in a couple of years.

There are a few stories I would like to share with all of you, but I'm still at work, so I'll post again later.

Tonight's dinner is maple salmon with cheesy orzo.

Lauren BTW, I loved Raglan Road (and Dad did too), but I'll get into that later. Quick question for you - what did you serve on the side with the balsamic pork?

Gretchen

:eek: :laughing: Funny!!!

Glad you & Kathy were able to get together! Want to hear more about the trip when you have more time!:goodvibes

Sheryl, feel better...:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: Hopefully what the dr prescribed will knock this out of your system.

Gretchen, so glad that you liked Raglan!!! I can't wait to hear what you ordered. Thanks for filling us in on your trip. Your gonna tell us more, right? ;) I served the pork with white rice. It was soooooo good with the sauce.

I have to share my story for today. I have had boxes of "stuff" in my office for months now waiting for time to have a garage sale. Well, I thought it would be a great idea to get the Xmas stuff out of the attic and have Tom help put the "stuff" up there to get it out of the way (he is working from home today). Mind you, he has been after me to throw it all away and I won't since we can make a few bucks. With the furniture we would like to eventually get rid of, this would probably make a few hundred bucks.

Well, I packed the stuff too heavy and we couldn't lift it up the pull down stairs...:lmao: So now it sits back it my office...:confused3

WWYD? Should I throw it all away? It stuff like cake plates and dishes, pocket books, place mats, baskets, etc. I was thinking of maybe donating it to a shelter...think they would take it?

Thanks Lauren, I hope this stuff works quickly!:hug:

I would donate it! Send it to a shelter or Salvation Army, something to get it out of your house. Otherwise it'll just take up space for a loong time before you can get around to doing a garage sale.

[Mermaid02]

We're having pot roast tonight... It'll be 7pm before we eat because I was running kids all over until a little while ago. Then Jack (ds 10) and I drove around for a bit- people Christmas lights look really pretty with the snow on the trees and such.

[TheBeadPirate]

Hey ya'll! It snowed in Detroit today too. I've got my snow fix in for the year now- time to go back to the Southern states!:lmao:

Tonight dinner was..... bread! Healthy, I know. Neither of us is feeling up to going out in the cold for anything so I broke out the bread we brought from New Orleans. One of our friends is a taxi driver and took us to this cute little french bakery over the weekend. So it was blue cheese bread and mixed olive/rosemary bread with butter pilfered from the breakfast bar.:rotfl2:

And a 2 liter of Diet Coke for me, of course!

We got the keys to the new place over the weekend. I'll be working on sorting and moving through the end of the year now.

Lauren- I'd donate the stuff too. That's what we're doing.

Sheryl- I hope you're feeling better. :hug:

Tomorrow is Cracker Barrel. I guilt Rick into it every time we stay here (he hates it, I love it). Yeah for me!:rotfl2:

:grouphug: Hugs ya'll!

[THE HAT]

Evening all--

Just getting a moment to post quickly now while Ross is in the shower.

I was called in to work this morning for an emergency meeting (I had told them I would be back after the first, but this could not wait), it was a rough day as we have a suspected child abuse case (sexual) on a nonverbal little girl. I have been pissed, and sad, and disgusted to the point that I could not eat lunch. Plus a million other emotions. We do not have very many of these cases, (Thank the good Lord), but when we do it is draining, and a rollercoaster of red paper etc. The teachers room was full of interesting topics that is for sure.
Merry Christmas huh?!!?

Anyway..sorry for dropping that on you all, not very festive of me...but thanks for listening. I appreciate all of your "ears"

On to much happier things...Gretchen..Welcome Home!!! You have been missed!! I am so glad you had such a nice time. How did Hailey's therapists enjoy the trip? I am so happy you had a nice time with Kathy. Love the Britney comment, very funny!!

Lauren--I have the opposite issue, Kris is a keeper of all that might be able to be sold at a garage sale, and I am one to say just chuck it or drop it at goodwill for the love of pete!! Sooo you know what my advice for you is, ;)

Nancy--I am not a big candle party fan, but I do enjoy the munchies that are put out, and the girl talk that always happens at these things!

Lindsey--How are our SMK's doing?

Sheryl--I am glad you were at least able to make some sort of contact with your Dr, fingers crossed that these antibiotics kick in fast for you!!

Loreli-How are you feeling today? I agree the christmas lights are just gorgeous with the new fallen snow on them!!

Ok Ross is out of the shower so I need to go make sure he studies for his cml test tomorrow, and isn't reading something else, lol!!

As soon as he is in bed I am pouring myself some Pink on ice, and will try to see what else is going on around the dis. Kris should be home around 9:30, so I should have some quiet time for an hour or so!!!

Oh yeah I did make supper....before I left this morning I dumped the fixings into the crock pot for polynesian pork ribs,(EASY EASY) and served it with parm noodles and sweet petite peas!

Hope you all have a great night!!

[THE HAT]

Yeah!!! Lori posted!!!! It is such a treat when we get a moment to chat with you!!!! Rick is keeping you to busy,lol!!! We miss you around here!!
Ross was wrote about you and Rick in his journal at school today, and how he would be seeing you on Christmas day!! I asked him what else he put, and all I got was "Aww you know mama, just how great and stuff they are" Like Geezzz maaa you should know that, "DUH"....

Anyway...we are looking forward to it! We leave Maine a week from this Sat!!! WHooo HOoooooo

[OKWMom]

Wendie - What a horrible situation. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon. I keep up with the statistics on those things (you can imagine why) and the latest thing I read stated approximately 25% of disabled women/girls will be sexually abused in their lifetime. But each case I hear about still makes me cry. God Bless You for the work you do. :hug:

Lauren - I vote for Goodwill too.

Sheryl - I hope you are feeling better.

Loreli - I read your post about your son's medication issue. Hugs to you dear. It took us several months to get Hailey's Adderral just right, but she is a different child with it - almost like she became comfortable in her own skin for the first time in her life. I can relate to friends slipping away too. Kenny and I don't socialize much because our friends with children normally include the kids in the plans and Hailey doesn't fit in. You know the rest of the story.

Lori - Glad to see you dear. Don't freeze to death that far North. Us southern girls aren't made for that sort of weather.

[HERSEY]

OKWMom Just for the record Us Northern girls aren't made for the cold either ;) . I just sit here and dream. My screen saver at work is a beach in Hawaii.

Just have to tell you all my neighbors are the best. My driveway was shoveled by the time I got home tonight. I was running late this morning finding boots and whatnot. I didn't believe how much snow we got. I think around here we got about 6 inches. The range was 2 to 8 I figured since the weather people never get it right we would get the 2 inch stuff. Boy was I wrong,at least it was the light fluffy snow.

Wendie I get a sick feeling whenever I hear about those situations. There is a special place in hell for those people who victimize children. That poor girl.:hug:


Lori You sure do travel far for snow. Next time flip to the travel channel and watch from your warm home.;) Preferably poolside.

[Aimeedyan]

Man, another long day. I am going to need a vacation after Advent.

We host a XMas store for a local elem school where 99.5% of the kids are on free lunch and live in poverty. They get to go "shop" for their family and wrap gifts for them - they are nice gifts, too, not dollar store junk. Anyways, I usually am too swamped to spend much time there this time of year but they asked me to come and "entertain" the kids waiting to shop or finished shopping while the rest of their class was still busy. I just couldn't say no so I was there 815-3, then did 2 hours of work before the Christmas program tonight. It was a good day, just long and I still have a load of stuff on my desk to get done.

BUT, tomorrow I get to hit the Scholastic book warehouse sale with an employee who handles our resource room and I can't WAIT to load up on books. I want to kiss teh ground when I walk into that place.

I ate weird today. Small deli sandwich at 11am, Taco Bueno burritos at 4pm, and then when I got in around 9pm I ate a 7 layer burrito that we got from Costco. Frozen, with chicken, and actually quite tasty. Not healthy - but tasty!

[LindsayDunn228]

Tonight is either leftover crockpot Italian chicken pasta or pizza. WFD at your house?

Lindsey--How are our SMK's doing?


No updated on the SKs today. BIL may be coming to our house tonight so I may know something tonight. I haven't forgotten you guys :)

[THE HAT]

Morning all--
I have p/t this morning then need to run a few errands to grab some last min stuff for our trip. I will also see what fruit looks good at the grocery store as i am supposed to make a fruit salad for a christmas party tomorrow night, not the best time of year for one. I usually make one for our summer party and everyone asked for it for the christmas one this year.

Ross has karate tonight so that means that supper is whatever is grabbed around here. I might just make burgers and fries.

Have a great day all!!

[nucpharm29]

Morning all--I'm running behind this morning, but yet, here I am. Yesterday was DDs bday and she got to pick dinner. Luckily she picked a local pizza joint that Dh and I love. I was dreading the Chuck E Cheese or McD's choice, but luckily she has great taste in food! Tonight is going to be chicken enchiladas. Ugh, gotta run, forgot to make DDs lunch for school!:eek:

[FormrCastMbr]

Gosh the DIS is slow...anyone else having delays.

Thanks for all the encouragement for giving my stuff to Goodwill. I will work on that this weekend. Tom is very happy.

Wendie, I agree with Janice, there is a special place in hell for people that harm children. Thank you and the rest of the school for being there for these kids. What a sad situation.

Stephanie, Happy Birthday to your daughter!!!

Andrew and I are getting haircuts and me dyed too after school so we are going to the diner for dinner. Yeah! We have a great diner and I haven't been there is ages!

Have a great day all! I will be back later to check in more.

[FormrCastMbr]

Here is the recipe I concocted last night. The boys really loved it. Since I made it up, it doesn't have a name, so I will do the honors! ;)

Beer Chops

4 - 6 pork chops, trimmed of fat
2 onions, sliced
1 can beer (I used light)
3 tbs brown sugar
2 chicken bullions
1/4 cup hot water
3 cloves garlic, crushed
salt, pepper and whatever spices you would like (I used some adobo)
3 tbs cornstarch mixed with cold water
parsley for garnish

Place onions on the bottom of the crock. Place chops on top.

In a bowl, mix bullion with water to dissolve. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Pour over pork.

Cook on low 4 - 6 hours. Remove chops, place on platter and cover and keep warm in 200 degree oven. Change crock setting to high and bring liquid up to boiling or almost boiling and stir in cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook and stir for about 15 minutes. Pour gravy over chops. Garnish with parsley. Serve with rice...its yummy!

[shovan]

Hey ya'll! It snowed in Detroit today too. I've got my snow fix in for the year now- time to go back to the Southern states!:lmao:

Tonight dinner was..... bread! Healthy, I know. Neither of us is feeling up to going out in the cold for anything so I broke out the bread we brought from New Orleans. One of our friends is a taxi driver and took us to this cute little french bakery over the weekend. So it was blue cheese bread and mixed olive/rosemary bread with butter pilfered from the breakfast bar.:rotfl2:

We got the keys to the new place over the weekend. I'll be working on sorting and moving through the end of the year now.

[Sheryl- I hope you're feeling better. :hug:

:grouphug: Hugs ya'll!

Hey girl, We've been missing you! Is Rick working you to death? Tell that man he needs to give you more access to the laptop when y'all are on the road! Cus your girls need you! On that delicious sounding bread, you bought that here at home? Where, please?
Glad you were able to see some snow, but you'll have a temperature shock with the weather here over the weekend! It's been pretty cold this week, but we're gonna be back into the upper 70's low 80's by Saturday.
(I've never seen "Real" snow just that pitiful slush we get here every 10 years or so.) :goodvibes

Wendie, That's an awful sad thing, I don't know how you keep your emotions in check when dealing with something like that. :hug:

Gretchen, I really don''t know how you cope with your job! It must be so hard to see that kind of thing on a regular basis!:hug:

Stephanie, Happy Birthday to your DD!! Glad you didn't have to endure Chuck E Cheese!!! I know that place gives me a headache!

Thanks everyone, I'm feeling a little better, but I had a reaction (itching & rash) to the antibiotic. I forgot I had a minor reaction to this med. the last time I took it. So I'm waiting for the Dr. to call me back, again.

We had a not fun morning here. Everyone in the house is feeling funky & grouchy. Alexis was not in the best mood, & then of course I was out of the only thing she ever wants for breakfast, those darn toaster waffles!:eek: So I made Bob an extra large bowl of oatmeal, cus she will sometimes eat that. After the tears over not having waffles, she insists she doesn't want oatmeal, she'd rather have rice krispies. So Bob starts eating the oatmeal, Alexis tries the rice krispies then starts crying again & won't eat it. Now she wants oatmeal. Well Bob is sick too, so I can't give her any out of his bowl, so I have to fix another bowl of oatmeal. And now we are down to 25 minutes to get her to eat, & dressed & to school! After more tears with hairbrushing & I manage to get her off & we were only a few minutes late for school. Whew!

Lauren, Those pork chops sound yummy! :thumbsup2 I can tell you've become one of our NOLA crew though, you've been eating a lot of white rice!!!:laughing: Next thing you'll be telling us is it's Red Beans & Rice Monday!!!! :goodvibes

I've got to get myself together today! Do some laundry & find something to cook. We had delivery fried chicken last night, gotta do better than that tonight!

Hope everyone has a good day!
Sheryl

[Nancyg56]

Hi All!

Wendie- I just don't have the words. People who husr babies there just is no excusing it :sad2:

Gretchen- I understand why you keep up with the stats, I am just so sad that you need to :hug:. Now I have to tell you, oh "Not Mother of the Year" I got a visual of Britney/Hailey and you had me :lmao: this morning! Sulky little girls wrapped up in towels while Mom plays just warms my heart. They sure do know how to let you know that are not impressed with your plans don't they?

Sheryl- Oh my goodness! Your morning sounds like a nightmare! I hope it gets better.

Lauren- Donate it! Donate it now while you still can! Take it from a packrat......do it and do it now....it will overtake you! I am drowning in stuff and I got rid of a lot. I started when I helped Gail move and I was in shock how much stuff she and Mike had :eek:, I have nightmares of moving and having to move all my stuff and Buddy's Treasures. (His is not junk...it is important stuff that he cannot live without yet has not looked at in 15 years) This is the real reason that I squawked when he wanted to move instead of adding on and renovating :ssst:

I know tha tI missed a lot, I'm sorry.

Dinner tonight is a pork roast with the Polynesian type sauce we use for the chicken. I made it with French dressing, pineapple preserves, dried onion, onion onion, and a little applesauce. I'll serve it over Israeli couscous and for those who hate that I'll heat up some leftover potatoes. Some sort of veggie on the side.

[shovan]

Sheryl- Oh my goodness! Your morning sounds like a nightmare! I hope it gets better.

Lauren- Donate it! Donate it now while you still can! Take it from a packrat......do it and do it now....it will overtake you! I am drowning in stuff and I got rid of a lot. I started when I helped Gail move and I was in shock how much stuff she and Mike had :eek:, I have nightmares of moving and having to move all my stuff and Buddy's Treasures. (His is not junk...it is important stuff that he cannot live without yet has not looked at in 15 years) This is the real reason that I squawked when he wanted to move instead of adding on and renovating :ssst:

I know tha tI missed a lot, I'm sorry.

Dinner tonight is a pork roast with the Polynesian type sauce we use for the chicken. I made it with French dressing, pineapple preserves, dried onion, onion onion, and a little applesauce. I'll serve it over Israeli couscous and for those who hate that I'll heat up some leftover potatoes. Some sort of veggie on the side.

Nancy, Packrat syndrome is the reason I suggested to Lauren to donate the stuff also! I hear ya on the not moving! My "computer room" which no longer gets used for the computer since we bought the laptop is just a room filled with junk! It started after Katrina evacuation, what's that over 2 years now. I put all the boxes of photos, videos, family mementos, etc., that I had quickly boxed up to take with us, into that room. Then Bob's Mom passed & about 5 boxes of her papers ended up in there. Then I started on the closet cleanup for the remodel & guess where anything I couldn't bear to throw out ended up! It's a flat out scary room to walk into now! My attic, OMG! No one (except AC repair guys) has even gone up there in years, I don't even remember everything that was stored up there many many years ago! :scared:

[Glynis]

Our swiss potato soup was a big hit last night! It was really EASY too. If anyone wants the recipe let me know and I'll post it!

Tonight is my book club, so dinner will be easy. Since Alan is out of town, I'll probably do pizza. The twins got Pizza Hut coupons for their school reading program, so I'll probably just let the kids each get a personal pizza. I've got to finish reading the book before I go, so I want to be easy!

[FormrCastMbr]

Lori, Nice to see you back! Enjoy CB...we have one here in town but I have never been for dinner...maybe we will go tonight too! ;)


Thanks everyone, I'm feeling a little better, but I had a reaction (itching & rash) to the antibiotic. I forgot I had a minor reaction to this med. the last time I took it. So I'm waiting for the Dr. to call me back, again.

We had a not fun morning here. Everyone in the house is feeling funky & grouchy.

Lauren, Those pork chops sound yummy! :thumbsup2 I can tell you've become one of our NOLA crew though, you've been eating a lot of white rice!!!:laughing: Next thing you'll be telling us is it's Red Beans & Rice Monday!!!! :goodvibes


I feel so bad that you are having such a rough time. Poor Alexis. I feel so bad for her for not getting her waffles...;) Don't ya just love kids sometimes? They have no clue what its like to be a caretaker and be sick. Oh, how I wish I was young again!!!

I am trying really hard to be a NOLA girl. Now if the boys would eat beans, I would LOVE to have red beans and rice Monday. :upsidedow


Lauren- Donate it! Donate it now while you still can! Take it from a packrat......do it and do it now....it will overtake you!


Nancy, Packrat syndrome is the reason I suggested to Lauren to donate the stuff also! I hear ya on the not moving!

Are we triplets???:crazy: We are planning on moving when A gets done with school. Between packing the house and getting the bathroom done, I'll be pulling my hair out...:scared1:

OK, I am off to get my hair done. I think I am going to get it all chopped off. Its irritating me lately.

[Mermaid02]

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and baby peas are what's on our menu tonight. I'm still sick- sinus infection- and I need comfort food.

[shovan]

I am so upset right now, I am in tears. My dr. did not call me back, so I'd called back. No answer & a message "that she will be out for the rest of week on a medical conference, if you need to page her call #---, or if you need to see a dr. go to the Urgent Care center, hospital or call 911" So I call the number to have her paged, the service tells me they are not allowed to page the doctors for any issue regarding medicine & if I were still having a reaction they still could not page the doctor! They are told to tell patients with emergencies to go to the hospital! I called the Urgent Care center & I can go in to see someone but they are not "on call" for the dr. I called my ENT dr & they can't see me either! They will give him the message but doubt that he will call anything in since I haven't seen him in a long time.

[Glynis]

I am so upset right now, I am in tears. My dr. did not call me back, so I'd called back. No answer & a message "that she will be out for the rest of week on a medical conference, if you need to page her call #---, or if you need to see a dr. go to the Urgent Care center, hospital or call 911" So I call the number to have her paged, the service tells me they are not allowed to page the doctors for any issue regarding medicine & if I were still having a reaction they still could not page the doctor! They are told to tell patients with emergencies to go to the hospital! I called the Urgent Care center & I can go in to see someone but they are not "on call" for the dr. I called my ENT dr & they can't see me either! They will give him the message but doubt that he will call anything in since I haven't seen him in a long time.

Oh, this just makes me sooooooo mad!!! :mad: I would go to your Urgent Care center. At least you will get some "real" medicine that will work for you! I'm so angry I just want to come get you and take care of you. Since I can't here's a :hug: so you know that someone is thinking about you. Grrrrr.

[Nancyg56]

I am so upset right now, I am in tears. My dr. did not call me back, so I'd called back. No answer & a message "that she will be out for the rest of week on a medical conference, if you need to page her call #---, or if you need to see a dr. go to the Urgent Care center, hospital or call 911" So I call the number to have her paged, the service tells me they are not allowed to page the doctors for any issue regarding medicine & if I were still having a reaction they still could not page the doctor! They are told to tell patients with emergencies to go to the hospital! I called the Urgent Care center & I can go in to see someone but they are not "on call" for the dr. I called my ENT dr & they can't see me either! They will give him the message but doubt that he will call anything in since I haven't seen him in a long time.

If being mad would change something you would be whisked in to the DR. I am like Glynis right now - :mad:! Sheryl, go to the walk in and get this taken care of. When you feel better fire the Dr and get another one who can manage the patient care better, this one has my blood boiling.

I cannot be there so :hug:. Let the laundry and they extras go, they will still be there when you are well.

[Aimeedyan]

Our swiss potato soup was a big hit last night! It was really EASY too. If anyone wants the recipe let me know and I'll post it!

Yes please!

[Aimeedyan]

I am so upset right now, I am in tears. My dr. did not call me back, so I'd called back. No answer & a message "that she will be out for the rest of week on a medical conference, if you need to page her call #---, or if you need to see a dr. go to the Urgent Care center, hospital or call 911" So I call the number to have her paged, the service tells me they are not allowed to page the doctors for any issue regarding medicine & if I were still having a reaction they still could not page the doctor! They are told to tell patients with emergencies to go to the hospital! I called the Urgent Care center & I can go in to see someone but they are not "on call" for the dr. I called my ENT dr & they can't see me either! They will give him the message but doubt that he will call anything in since I haven't seen him in a long time.

I think I'd be looking for a new doc. I'm so sorry =( I would go to the urgent care center.

[shovan]

Thanks y'all for caring, sorry for being so whiney!:grouphug:

The ENT called back & told me they can't do anything & they can't get me in for 2 weeks either! They said to go to the emergency room if I had any further reaction or the Urgent Care Center and that I might have to stay off of all antibiotics for a while. Arghhh!!!
I called the pharmacy back & they said to come in they could give me something stronger than benadryl for the itching. I took 4 benadryl last night & 2 this morning. Just itching & bumps not really hives yet & no breathing problems.

I guess I'll go to the Urgent Care Center tomorrow & see what if anything I can do for what seems to now be a bad sinus infection.

I did take the soonest appt I could with a new doctor, not till the 17th. I'm going to write the "old" dr. a letter & let her know why I'm changing!

[FormrCastMbr]

Sheryl, I cannot believe the run around you are getting. :mad: That doctor is pretty horrible for doing this. I would definitely send a letter and copy the Medical Board or however.

For now, I would go to the ER and tell them, I am here because my doctor's office will not help me. I wish there was something I could do for you...:hug: Have a shot of something and try to go to bed...:hug: :hug:

[HERSEY]

Sheryl I vote urgent care. Go first thing, let them know about your allergic reaction.

[MomNeedsVacay]

So I cooked parsnips for the first ime....can't say I was impressed.....:guilty:

[HERSEY]

So I cooked parsnips for the first ime....can't say I was impressed.....:guilty:

How did cook them? They are the best when harvested after a freeze. I'll have to look around and see if I can find my step mom's recipe.

[Aimeedyan]

I made myself a dish of tuna casserole. Total comfort food, and DH hates it. He's taking a firefighter exam right now and won't be home until later. He's on his own =)

Esp since he invited over someone to come at 9pm and then told me he won't be home in time to help clean the house! So, I'm doing all his chores so I don't feel guilty for not having a meal for him.

I'm wondering if I should make a few snacky things for our guest...

[LindsayDunn228]

BIL came over last night and I made us pizza. Tonight we will have the leftover Italian chicken pasta.

WFD at your house?

And now for an update on:

The Romance of the Smitten Kittens

BIL came over and had dinner with us last night. His job takes him out of town sometimes but only during the week, not the weekends. Anyway, he got in on Wednesday. He returned his rental car and gave Robin a call. She was off Wednesday (gotta use those vacation days or she will use them when the New Year starts). He picked her up and they went to The Big River Grill and had lunch. Nearby there is a beautiful, and romantic, walking bridge so they went there, too.

Afterwards, he took her home and they watched movies until about 9 p.m. or so. Cool, eh? I think the SKs are on their way to a beautiful relationship :) They are both off today and are going up to Dollywood for the day. Tomorrow we are all going to Nashville together as well

So there is a little update on The Romance of the Smitten Kittens.

Enjoy! popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[FormrCastMbr]

Morning All!

Lindsay, the SKs are doing so well. I am happy for them!

Sheryl, I hope today finds you a little better.

I ate way too much yesterday and the diner and I am still full. I think I am just going to make a steak for Tom and Andrew and I will have crispy cod fillets that I have from Market Day. Not sure of sides.

A good thing...Andrew gets his phase 1 braces off today!!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

I think Kathy is back today!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: I missed you, my friend!

[MomNeedsVacay]

How did cook them? They are the best when harvested after a freeze. I'll have to look around and see if I can find my step mom's recipe.

I cut them (parsnips)into small chunks along with sweet potatoes and sauteed them in butter and garlic, then added apple cider and vinegar to the pan, cooked until tender and then let the cider/vinegar reduce to a glaze. The parsnips are very similar to carrot. It was weird, but I'm glad I tried something new anyway....

[THE HAT]

Morning all!!

Tks for the update Lindsey!! It sounds like things are going great for them!! What a wonderful time of year for a romance! I am loving how this is all unfolding for them both!

Sheryl--1st thing..Get yourself to urgent care and get checked out, and 2nd thing---Get a new Dr. I think you are very smart to write a letter to your current Dr. letting her know why you are leaving. This is horrible! I am just steamed to read what sort of run around they have put you through! I wish I was closer to lend a hand and help you out! I send big hugs to you my friend and well wishes!!

I have meetings at school today about the (alleged) child abuse case, with the superintendents office, special ed department, local law enforcement, and child protection. We will be filling them all in, and then turning it over to them as well, as this is now beyond our capabilities. There is a chance that an arrest will be made today, she has been placed with her grandparents as of last night.
Just turns my stomach, and breaks my heart. This is the sweetest little girl, with the biggest trusting green eyes, I have ever seen. She has made such strides the past two years, that I hope that this doesn't stall her progress.
If you could all spare a prayer for her I would appreciate it, and if you could also spare one for "him", that he gets what he deserves, I would appreciate that as well. I think people like this go even a bit deeper then Hell.

We have our annual family party tonight at my inlaws....it is assigned pot luck with the same things being assigned for over 15 years, (I just don't ask and go with it, lol)
It is fun to watch the kiddos open their gifts...We draw names on Thanksgiving.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Sheryl--get some rest!

[TigerKat]

Good morning everyone!!

Sheryl - My blood is boiling too, this sounds so much like the Dr my parents had pre-Katrina.:sad2: I have a Dr who is from the "old school", his wife is his nurse and he spends soooooo much time with you on each visit, you always receive a call back even on weekends, he is truly one of a "dying breed". I would be happy to give you his number if you'd like. You'd better get your butt into Urgent Care and I'll keep you in my prayers my friend.:hug:

We got back home last night, WOW what a trip we had. There were so many highlights I can't begin to describe them all but one thing I have to suggest to y'all is Cirque du Soleil. It was incredible!!!!! Even Johnny who DID NOT want to be there (it was during the SEC championship game) thought it was brilliant.

I'm starting to believe there is no more "slow time" of year at WDW. The first 4 or 5 days were wonderful - we walked onto everything but after that we started using fastpass and getting to the park early in the AM.

It may be a while before I get my pics uploaded and begin to do any kind of dining review, but if anyone has any questions about any of the places we visited I'd be more than happy to let you know what we thought, what we had, etc. Overall the dining was great, we've got a few new "must-do" places, and unfortunately some that we won't be doing again. Here's where we went, if you have any questions I'd be happy to help!!!

California Grill
Coral Reef
JIKO
KONA
Blue Zoo
Chefs de France
Wolfgang Puck
Flying Fish (Twice!)
Le Cellier
Spoodles
ESPN Club
Sunshine Seasons
Columbia Harbour House
Flame Tree BBQ
Casey's
NBA City(Universal)
Backlot Express

Sorry I haven't had time to read back too far, so hopefully everyone is OK!

[Nancyg56]

Welcome Home Kathy! I missed you!

Wendie- prayers said. :sad1:

Lindsay- I love Holiday Romances, so I am glad they are happy.

WE have a busy weekend. Tonight the "girls" are going to my MIL's for her birthday. I think we are going to have dinner at the Olive Garden. The rest of the family is celebrating tomorrow but Marisa has her Holiday party and Buddy and I are taking Kady to the Nutcracker Ballet. She says she wants to go so we'll see if it is a happier time than the Sleeping Beauty.

Sunday we are all going to the Texas Roadhouse for an early dinner and then off to Hartford to see Trans Siberian Orchestra. :cool1: There are 14 of us so it is going to be a good time.

So no cooking for me the entire weekend. I'm going to pick up some sandwich meat and munchies to last through to Monday, but that's it :banana:

Now I have a mountain of ironing waiting for me :scared1:

[THE HAT]

Kathy--Welcome home my friend!!! Have we missed you! I am so glad to hear that you had such a nice time!! I would love to hear your thoughts on Coral Reef.

Nancy--What a fun weekend you have planned. I love all the holiday going ons!!! Let us know what Kady thinks of the Nutcracker!

Sheryl--How are you doing?

Thanks for those prayers everyone.....It was a loooong day, but the offender, (I can't call him a man because that he is not, and what I want to call him the dis would not approve of), while in police custody confessed to what happened, not the time in our lives we wanted to be right. The good thing of this is, that there will be no trial, and this sweet little one will not have to go through all that would have entailed. The mother had no clue, and had her lawyer with her, and from what was reported back to the school, has started divorce proceedings(this was the girls step father).
The father has taken over full custody, and has already lined up some help for his daughter. He was in tears, and full of all emotions, it was a sad, and long day. He came in with his parents, and they took her with them while this went on today. She was so excited to see them that she just squealed with delight, and went from her dad's arms to both of her grandparents. This was the best part of the day.
It was one of those days, that made me hug Ross a little tighter. So tonight I will enjoy a glass of wine, and try to enjoy the family party.This is the part of the job that makes it hard to leave at work. You can't help but take it home with you, as much as you try not to.
Give all of your kids an extra hug from me today!!!
Thanks for listening, it means so much to have you all in my life!!!!!

Happy Friday to you all!

[Nancyg56]

He came in with his parents, and they took her with them while this went on today. She was so excited to see them that she just squealed with delight, and went from her dad's arms to both of her grandparents. This was the best part of the day.

Thanks for listening, it means so much to have you all in my life!!!!!

Happy Friday to you all!

:hug: You have had a long week, haven't you? Thank God that there are Angels like you to advocate for these Angels. I am amazed how resilient this little one is. To be the victim of such an horrendous crime and yet able to be delighted with her family. Prayers offered for this entire family and for you too my friend. A little divine strength is always welcomed I believe.

[Glynis]

Kathy - Welcome home!!! I look forward to your report. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get back to WDW, so I find I live through you all!

Dinner tonight will be macaroni and cheese pizza. If Alan gets home early, then we'll probably put the kids in their jammies and go Christmas light looking! There is a place about 50 miles south of us that has a drive through light display. It is breathtaking!!! It's one of our best traditions. The kids love it, and everyone stays all snuggly and warm in the car while we play Christmas music and look at the lights!

[TigerKat]

Wendie - I agree with Nancy, Thank God for angels like you!:hug: Prayers for you, the little girl and all involved.:grouphug:

Johnny & I were disappointed in Coral Reef but the kids LOVED it! The food is just OK (not bad) but the atmosphere is great. I just find their menu very limited with the seafood options.:confused3 The crab legs turned out to be the best entree in our opinion, they tasted like they were seasoned in crab boil! Johnny & I opted for the steak as none of the seafood options appealed to us. We had to send them back and have them re-cooked because we asked for med-rare and they were almost well-done. The chocolate wave dessert is very good.

[HERSEY]

Wendie I agree with everyone thank you for being there for those poor kids. :hug: It makes me cry thinking about how alone that poor child must have felt.

Kathy I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with Coral Reef since that is one of my fav place. I didn't think LeCellier was all that. Maybe just an off day.

[Aimeedyan]

We had really bad service at Coral Reef but the food was decent.

Our LeCellier exp was the worst we've ever had at Disney. Horrible.

Tonight's dinner with be fast food. Lovely, huh? I have to drop off dinner for a family who just had twins (identical girls!), and drop DH off at church, so I figure we'll drive through someplace.

[TigerKat]

Kathy I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with Coral Reef since that is one of my fav place. I didn't think LeCellier was all that. Maybe just an off day.

We actually enjoyed LeCellier much better this year than last. I'd go back to Coral Reef in a heartbeat if they just varied the menu a bit more.:goodvibes

Glynis - Here ya go, live through me girlfriend.;)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22083009#post22083009

[nucpharm29]

well, we ended up havign pizza again last night. I got cleaning this pig sty we live in and looked up and it was 5:00. Now, I've been putzing around all day and still haven't decided what to fix for dinner. Maybe pasta of some kind--I'm just not very inspired at the moment!

[HERSEY]

We are having pork chops and fingerling potatoes and salad.

I am finally going to watch the version of Hairspray I orginally wanted.:woohoo: It better be worth it.;)

Tomorow I clean my pigsty:scared1: I also need to start getting my cookie recipes together.

[Aimeedyan]

I ended up with McDonalds - which I hate to admit that I really like.

Funny about the pig sty's... ours was getting a little messy this week when DH called to tell me he'd be home at 9pm AND an old friend would be coming at 9pm on Thurs night so could I pick things up around the house. Nothing like company coming to get my rear in gear! I cleaned all that evening and the house is now in perfect shape for the weekend! I love not having to clean it all on Saturday.

[LindsayDunn228]

Today Scott and I are going with the Smitten Kittens to Nashville. We are having lunch at The Spaghetti Factory. Afterward we are going over to Opry Mills (or Shopry Mills, as Robin calls it) to the ice exhibit. It's really cool, we've been before, but Robin hasn't. So we have a 2 1/2-3 hour car ride with the SKs. :blush: :drive: I will have a bunch of pictures and lots to report tomorrow :)

WFD at your house?

[nucpharm29]

Have NO idea WFD tonight. Hoping DH sees it my way and we get takeout! ;) Just one of those weekends--two xmas parties and a baby shower, along with the regular goings on around here. I'm beat!

But last night I did confirm that we're "doing" Christmas eve at our house this year. I'm actually excited about it, b/c it will be the first xmas in this house for us (last year we travelled to IL's) So now I get to design a menu for Christmas Eve. Should be fun--will keep ya'll in the loop with what I end up with

[HERSEY]

Good morning everyone. I haven't decided on dinner yet either. Maybe christmas cookies ;)

I hope I get that far I woke with another migrane at 5:00 this morning took a advil and I feel better since my breakfast of crackers and coffee. :rotfl2: I may have to breakdown and go to the doctor and see why I'm starting to get these migranes so often again. It is probably like I've been reading the darned "M" time of life. I will dance :dance3: when I'm finally on the other side. It's like puberty all over again.:eek:

I have to make alternate plans for a present for Alex. I ordered a set of legos that is now on backorder. Well it is a cool set for after the holidays.

Ok I am off to the shower then to gather the cookie recipes. :woohoo:

[Mermaid02]

I'm STILL sick!! This has been since Monday and frankly it's just getting progressively worse. My doc wanted to order a CT scan (I said no, I can't afford one right now) and now this thing has moved to my chest (was sinus infection).

I have no idea what's for dinner... I'll do something REALLY simple I'm sure.

[Glynis]

But last night I did confirm that we're "doing" Christmas eve at our house this year. I'm actually excited about it, b/c it will be the first xmas in this house for us (last year we travelled to IL's) So now I get to design a menu for Christmas Eve. Should be fun--will keep ya'll in the loop with what I end up with

It's always so exciting to be in your own house at Christmas. We've done it for the last 4 years, and I love it!!!

We've tried several different things for Christmas eve. My favorite is soup in a bread bowl. We just make a few different kinds of soups (ask your guests to make some, too) and serve them in store bought bread bowls. It's comforting, and yummy!!!

We've also done a meal of appetizers which is fun for the kids. Eating off toothpicks always encourages them to eat!

This year, I have some holiday shaped pasta, so that's what we're doing! We'll do our big meal of Roast Beast the next day.

[Glynis]

Good morning everyone. I haven't decided on dinner yet either. Maybe christmas cookies ;)

I hope I get that far I woke with another migrane at 5:00 this morning took a advil and I feel better since my breakfast of crackers and coffee. :rotfl2: I may have to breakdown and go to the doctor and see why I'm starting to get these migranes so often again. It is probably like I've been reading the darned "M" time of life. I will dance :dance3: when I'm finally on the other side. It's like puberty all over again.:eek:

I have to make alternate plans for a present for Alex. I ordered a set of legos that is now on backorder. Well it is a cool set for after the holidays.

Ok I am off to the shower then to gather the cookie recipes. :woohoo:

I'd love to know what kinds of cookies you are making. I've been spending the day making cookie dough and freezing the balls. So far, I've made Mystery cookies, chocolate chip and molasses cookies. Still to come, Cranberry Chip cookies and chocolate cinnamon cookies. I'm always on the lookout for some yummy new Christmas cookies.

[Glynis]

I'm STILL sick!! This has been since Monday and frankly it's just getting progressively worse. My doc wanted to order a CT scan (I said no, I can't afford one right now) and now this thing has moved to my chest (was sinus infection).

I have no idea what's for dinner... I'll do something REALLY simple I'm sure.

I'm so sorry that you are still sick! I'll send some prayers for you!