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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Police!


This year, Luke is a police officer for Halloween.

He loves this costume and I know we will get our money’s worth out of it because he will be a police officer as long as he can fit into the clothes. And maybe even a little after he can’t. You can tell he feels like a bona fide officer when wearing his uniform.

Luke loves our favorite police officer dearly….and the police officer loves him too. It is sweet really. Our officer once gave Luke a sheriff’s badge (with Luke’s name on it) and swore him to uphold the law. That did it, this officer was the coolest….EVER. Luke thinks he hung the moon.

He also handcuffed Luke once. That was funny.

So, really, no surprise that he wants to be just like his favorite policeman. Our favorite officer said that if Luke grew up and was a policeman, he hoped to still be on the force at that time. That would be cool.

And, our favorite police officer teaches Luke all kinds of police things. We get the joy of hearing Luke as he enters a room, announces himself, and then checks things out. He knows all kinds of police lingo, thanks to our officer. It cracks me up.

I know…. it is hard to tell between Luke and the real officer.


Thanks to our favorite police officer for the photo opportunity!  The pictures are priceless.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Official Bottom Wiper

This past Saturday was my best friend’s youngest son’s third birthday party and for us, birthday parties with them are all day events. So after the party we returned to their house.

After being there a while, the birthday boy starts calling for his Momma from the back of the house. Because his Momma is eight and a half months pregnant, and because I am a great friend, I got up to see what he needed.

I found him on the toilet, feet dangling down….

Me: What do you need?

Him: I need a Momma.

Me: Why?

Him: To wipe my bottom.

Me: I’m a Momma, I’ll do it.

Him: Okay!


That boy was off the toilet and had assumed the position in no time at all. It was then that I remember all things bathroom related with my child do not faze me one bit at all. However, show up to assist someone else’s child, and I was about to lose the birthday cake, ice cream, and punch!

Ugh.

I helped him as fast as I could and was on my way out.

Then….


Him: Missamanda!!!! (yes, he runs it all together as if this is actually my name)

Me: Yes?!?

Him: Turn the water on so I can wash my hands!


Kid, I am trying to get out of Dodge as it stinks in here!! No, I did not actually yell this at him, but it was certainly running through my head. And, why must he be so short that even when standing on a stool he cannot turn the water on?!?!

A little while later, the best friend and I left to go and pick up dinner. When we returned, the husband to the best friend informs me that the birthday boy started yelling my name when we were gone. He went back there to see what the birthday boy needed.

He was sitting on the toilet again and needed yet another wipe.

What are they feeding this kid?!?

How had I become the official bottom wiper to the birthday boy?

He best be glad he is a cutie…and that he sings to me. I love him and will wipe his bottom as long as he needs me to….as long as he continues to sing to me.

Happy Birthday cutie pie and Missamanda is so proud of you and the big boy underwear!!!



Saturday, October 23, 2010

Unsolved Mystery

I previously blogged about a mystery at our house. Mystery at the Stewarts

And because I have read so many true crime books, Nancy Drew books, and watched Law & Order, I had assumed I solved the mystery.

My best friend and her husband have informed me otherwise. He in fact states that he did not commit the crime. His wife states that she did not do it. Both of their boys state they did not do it.

I questioned my family again and they too state they did not do it.

I am now kicking myself for not fingerprinting the crime scene. What was I thinking?? I have failed as a detective. Nancy Drew would be so disappointed.

Here is the deal. Either:

a. I live with liars
b. I am friends with liars or
c. My friends have boys who are liars

Regardless, there is a liar in my life! 

Ugh.

I hope they are ashamed.  I hope they can not sleep at night.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Boys

I have realized that Brody will provide all kinds of funny things for Luke to say.

Case and point -- On the way home from picking up the pup:

Luke: He is a boy right?
Me: Yes.
Luke: Yes! (hand in a fist goes up and then down) Still more boys than girls!!

For a split second, I thought about telling Joshua to whip the car around, we were going back to buy three girl pups.

That will show him.

Then the girls would then be up by one.

Then I came to my senses and laughed.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Brody



This is Brody. He moved in today.

Brody is the birthday present to the happiest almost six year old boy.


Luke has wanted a dog for years and honestly, I think he gave up on it. Well, today he was surprised to find out that he is now the proud owner of a cute little beagle puppy.

They have already bonded. They are buddies.


I hope Brody learns to pee outside quickly.

Then, me and him will bond.

And be buddies.

He is a cutie.



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A Saturday of Cooking!

FINALLY, a weekend where I was not sick or busy! So, I loaded up my boys this past Saturday morning and hauled them off to WalMart to help me grocery shop. Normally, I only take Luke, as it is easier and cheaper. But, since I have not been to the grocery store in THREE weeks, I knew I needed a strong man to push the buggy.

Over two hours and a bunch of money later, we were on our way home. And I cooked and cooked and cooked!! Yay!

First up, corn chowder with chilies. I love making soups during the fall and winter and this was the first one of the season. The “with chilies” part is what got me! Yummy, yum, yum! 



SO easy to make!

Ingredients:

2 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/2-inch Pieces (or Smaller)
2 Tablespoons Butter
1-½ whole Yellow Onion, Diced
5 ears Corn, Shucked (about 4 Cups)
2 whole Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce, Finely Diced (I was moved to add a couple more)
1 whole 4-ounce Can Diced Green Chilies
32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1-½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
½ teaspoons Kosher Salt (more To Taste)
3 Tablespoons Corn Meal OR Masa
¼ cups Water


Preparation Instructions:
(Carefully) slice the corn kernels off the cob. Set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for a couple of minutes. Throw in diced onion and stir, cooking the onion for 3 to 4 minutes. Add butter and melt. Add corn. Stir and cook for one minute. Add both kinds of chilies and stir.

Pour in chicken broth and cream. Add salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.

Combine cornmeal (or masa) with water. Stir to combine, then pour into the chowder. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over low heat. If chowder needs more thickening, add another tablespoon of cornmeal mixed with water. Cook for another ten minutes.

Next up, cupcakes!!  Luke and I have really been slacking in our cupcake making, but we made some for Halloween on Saturday.  The icing is the best ever. 

Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 cups Flour
2 cups Sugar
¼ teaspoons Salt


4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa


2 sticks Butter


1 cup Boiling Water


½ cups Buttermilk


2 whole Beaten Eggs


1 teaspoon Baking Soda


1 teaspoon Vanilla

Preparation Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa. Stir together.

Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.

In a measuring cup, pour the buttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture.

Bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes.

Because I love my husband and son, once I had the cupcakes in the oven I called Luke into the kitchen.  I gave him the mixing bowl and two spoons and told him to share with Daddy.  He took the bowl to Josh, but returned.  He said they would need marshmellows too....





okay....here are the cupcakes once they are done.



And now....the best part...the icing.  So good in fact, Luke said, "Momma, I do not need the cupcakes, just keep giving me that icing on a spoon!!"  Of course he did not need the cupcakes!  He had just wiped down the cake mix bowl with marshmellows!!!!
Ingredients:
5 Tablespoons Flour
1 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup Butter
1 cup Granulated Sugar (not Powdered Sugar!)


Preparation Instructions:


In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick, thicker than cake mix, more like a brownie mix is. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step. Stir in vanilla.

While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You don’t want any sugar graininess left. Then add the completely cooled milk/flour/vanilla mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, you haven’t beaten it enough! Beat it until it all combines and resembles whipped cream.



Now...you just need some good 'ol sprinkles!!



Then you have got the best cupcakes ever on your hands.  So good in fact, you will need to pack some of them up and give to a friend so you do not sit in your kitchen and eat them all.  At least that is what I did!


 
 
 
And last, I made a lasagna.  I do not really even like lasagna, but this one was great!!
 
Ingredients:



12 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 (24-oz.) container 4% small-curd smooth-and-creamy cottage cheese
1 (16-oz.) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup refrigerated pesto
1 teaspoon salt 
2 1/2 cups (10 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
spinich leaves
2 (24-oz.) jars tomato-and-basil pasta sauce

Preparation


1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare noodles according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, stir together cottage cheese and next 4 ingredients. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

3. Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 6 to 7 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in pasta sauce.

4. Layer (bottom to top) beef, 3 noodles, cottage cheese mixture, 3 noodles, spinich, 3 noodles, cottage cheese mixture, 3 noodles, beef, 3 noodles, sprinkle with remaining cups mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake, covered, at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes or until cheese is browned. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.


 We are eating good this week!!!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Flashback Video

I came across this video today and it made me laugh all over again.  Just a few things to note before you watch:
  1. I was not home when it was filmed.
  2. I do realize my house is messy.....sorry.
  3. Luke is about two.
  4. And most importantly, this child gets all, and I do mean all, his dance moves from his father and his side of the family.
watch and laugh.....



Wednesday, October 6, 2010

State Fair of Texas


We decided this year we would take Luke to the fair and he was super excited. He received his ticket at school last Friday and it was a countdown to Monday morning.

Our Monday started promptly at 7am. “Wake up! It is FAIR DAY!!!” yelled an excited five year old boy.

So excited in fact, that he could not eat his breakfast.

We arrived and had a blast.


• Luke worked on a farm




• We saw animals…and a lot of them




• Rode the Texas Star





• Luke played games on the midway….and won three prizes!




• Saw our favorite policeman as he worked the fair


• Luke sat on motorcycles for the first time…he wants one….and so does his daddy






• Received a free knife and measuring cups and cooking spices


• Saw Big Tex….Luke was amazed




• Watched food demonstrations


• Kept Luke from getting in a hot tub


• Saw a marching band




• Saw the Tom Landry exhibit


• Had a Fletcher’s corny dogs


• Watched Luke throw footballs




• Bought Salt Water Taffy


• Luke threw a penny in a fountain, made a wish….and will let us know if it comes true




• Watched the BMX bike show


• Introduced Luke to a funnel cake….then I had to watch it disappear ever so quickly


• Went through the Train Exhibit





• Saw lots of neat arts and crafts….Luke said it would really be better if he could do some artwork while in that building


• Sat in a LOT of cars and trucks







• Luke played in Big Tex’s sandbox…yes, it is big




• Luke became a Dallas Cowboy!




I feel there was much more, but I cannot recall it now. We had a great time…too bad we were back to our normal schedule on Tuesday. We all could have used a day to recoup!