Very Yummy Pumpkin Cookies!

My sister has been totally in the Halloween spirit this past month. It seem's that almost every dinner she is having some sort of incredibly cute halloween themed dinner or desert. She has inspired me to be more into the Halloween spirit. Yesterday I came across a Pumpkin Cookie recipe which I had never made before and they actually turned out delicious! I wanted to share the recipe with you. Please share your Halloween recipe's or idea's! Its fun to be more into the season!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Sugar
2 1/4 Cup Canned Pumpkin
2 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla
2 tsp Baking powder
2 tsp Milk
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 Cups Flour
3 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cups Chocolate chips
1 Cup chopped walnuts (opt)

Mix together oil, Sugar, pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla. Dissolve soda in milk.
Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt. Stir soda mixture and dry ingredients into pumpkin ixture.Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.Drop by TBSP onto lightly greased baking sheet.Bake at 37f degree's for 8-10 minutes or until tops hold when lightly pressed. Let sit a while on pan and then move to rack. When cooled, swirl on frosting.

Frosting
2 lb bag of powdered sugar
1 square butter (softened)
1/3-1/2 cup warmed milk (Microwave)
generous pinch of salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
(I also added some orange food coloring)

To My Superman!

Today's post is a tribute to my hard working Husband! He wakes up early goes to work until five, then emmediatly goes to his second job, of delivering Pizza's. He gets home usually between 8:30 p.m and 9:30 p.m. Then, he pulls out his GMAT books and studies until around 11 or mid-night. He is trying to pass this test to further his education and hopefully open some more doors for a career. Some day's he only gets to see the baby while she is in her crib, asleep. He has said a couple of times to me that he is doing this now, so that he can be there in the future, to the dance classes, soccer games and school shows. I am grateful to be married to a man who understands what he needs to do to take care of his family, and allow his wife to be home with her child and take care of the day to day business of life. I know that things are tight right now, but I have enjoyed every moment with him and am very happy and grateful for the blessings that I have been given through having him at my side.
Who are you grateful for? Does anyone in your life need a tribute today? Please, feel free to share!

Go to Bed Sleepy Head

My baby woke up way to earlier this morning. I fed her and the hoped that she would somehow drift back to sleep so I could also sleep longer. This did not happen. Instead I was up before my husband, which is a very rare occasion. I fed the baby her cereal, and she somehow managed to spill all the water out of her no-drip cup onto herself. So, I went to change her outfit and she spit up all over me. I needed to change her diaper which she detests, but she especially did not like being changed this morning. I finally get her back together, walked out to the family room and my husband asks the notorius question of "what else can I take for lunch?" A totally harmless question its true, but I had had it. I glared at him and went to the fridge and pulled out a decent lunch, packed it and even left a sweet "I heart you" note on his napkin. All the while the baby is fussing and wanting to be held. I hit overstimulation and exhaustion by 8 a.m. this morning and was REALLY looking forward to baby nap time, so that I could take a nice Mommy nap.
I guess this means I am not a morning person. I really love sleeping in! I definately do not follow the poem of "Early to bed, and Early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." I would like to change my way's though? Does anyone have any tips on how to get to bed at a decent time, and also how to keep your head on straight in the morning when your home is crazy busy and you just want to be snuggled in tight between your sheets?

In Loving Memory of Olivia

I have a friend who's one month old daughter, Olivia passed away yesterday morning. She was born with Trisomy-18 and was given a very small chance of survival. She was a fighter and beat all odds as she continued to live and experience life. Olivia touched my soul. Holding this tiny baby and feeling her strong desire to hold on to life was very powerful to me. Olivia, thank you for showing me how every day of life is a blessing, and to make the most out of every opportunity that the Lord gives to me. Please remember Pam and Trevor in your prayers this week as they prepare to bury their sweet baby girl.

Halloween Costume, Help!

Every year I go through the same conflicting emotions around Halloween time. The question most running through my head is "Do I dress up, or not?" The first year my husband and I were married we both wore scrubs and said we were dental school students. Looking back it wasn't the greatest idea because at our Halloween party tons of people kept asking us if we had just come from the dental school downtown. We really just wanted to dress comfortably and very few things are as comfortable as a nice pair of scrubs! Last week we went to a very fun and cool Mystery Dinner party where my Husband dressed up as a Mummy (I wrapped him in toilet paper. In retrospect I'll never do toilet paper again. He was leaving long strips of toilet paper everywhere he walked.) I was supposed to be a fortune teller, but at the last second I had a wardrobe issue, where the dress that I wanted to wear wouldn't fit, urg...I'm blaming it on having a baby :) So I ended up throwing on a short black dress with bright blue leggings (which were actually my husbands High School Football leggings that now have holes all over them.) Needless to say, we did a terrible job and need help. The question is: should we dress up or not? We seem to not have the best of luck in the costume department. And, if we do dress up does anyone have any fun idea's? We are open to anything! Please help out the clueless, who would love to dress up, but have a very bad Halloween costume track record so far.

Time-Out for Mommy

This week has been CRAZY!!!! From Monday morning through past Midnight Wednesday night I believe I never sat down, or so it seems as I couldn't even sleep, and of course the outcome of too much crazyness is exhaustion. It hit me so hard yesterday I could hardly pull myself off of the couch! So much for moderation in all things! My husband and I were supposed to go on a date last night, but I called him around 4 letting him now that I was weak, shaky, my head hurt, and the baby no longer liked me. My angel husband left work immediately after I called, picked up my favorite pizza, some Tylenol and a movie from Red Box. When he got home I snarfed down two pieces of Pizza while he was off doing something in the bedroom. When he emerged he escorted me to the bathroom where the bathtub was full of millions of beautiful bubbles, at least a dozen candles were placed around and on the tub while the soothing piano cd of love songs by Marvin Goldstien were playing peacefully in the back ground. I literally almost started to cry, but I was too exhausted to use the energy to so.
I gratefully rejuvenated myself in the tub for who knows how long. I did have to top off the water level once because our tub has a slow leak in it. When the bubbles had all disappeared I decided It was time to get out of the tub. As I very calmly wrapped myself in my towel, and walked to my closet I stepped on one of my daughters toys that I had not seen on the floor and it very loudly exclaimed "Hug Me." It was wonderful! I smiled, gently kicked the toy out of my way and was ready to be Wife and Mommy again. (Except for that my wonderful husband still gave me the night off and bathed the baby and put her to sleep so that I could sit in my room and do whatever I wanted to do.) Thank you sweetie for giving me the greatest date I could have asked for last night! One with myself.
Have any of my readers found rejuvenation after an exhausting time? What have you done to clear your mind and refocus your thoughts?

Insomnia

I LOVE to sleep! It is one of my favorite activities. Very few things are as refreshing as a good nights rest, and unfortunatly last night was not one of those nights. I was so excited when my baby fell asleep around 8:30, and my husband and I were headed to bed around 10:00. Within 10 minutes my husband started his restful, light snoring, while I layed there wanting nothing more than to sleep, and waited and waited. Finally around 12:30 I got out of bed and folded laundry, checked on the baby, put together some packets for a party I am having today, checked my e-mail, etc...etc...etc...A little after 3:00 a.m. I decided I needed to try to sleep again. So, after about another hour of wakefulness I was able to get into the deep sleep I had been wanting so bad hours earlier! This doesn't happen very often for me at all, so it was very frustrating to have insomnia last night, when I have so much to accomplish today and really needed a restful sleep! Does anyone out there have sleeping techniques or idea's on what helps them sleep better? Please let me know!

Soap Box

This past year I have had a handful of friends and acquaintances tell me that they had been layed off, or let go from there positions at work. In every instance I am totally shocked! They are very good, hard workers. Not only that they had great, secure jobs. I wish they didn't have to go through that because hardly anything comes like a blow to the face like that! My husband was layed off from a job a few years ago, and the stress of entering the unknown is very daunting. I guess right now is a good time to remember and live by the phrase "Come What may, and Love it!" Does anyone have any suggestions or helpful tips or networking idea's for me to share with my amazing friends who could easily be CEO's and top notch managers, but who have to succumb to the current economic difficulties?

Easy Cooking

I Love watching the food channell! One of my favorite shows is called "Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller" One week I actually took her challenge and prepared the food the way she said too. Most of the meals were Crock-pot meals. That week was one of the nicest, low stress, Dinner cooking weeks I have ever had! Everyone should own a crock-pot! It is so worth your money! One of the meals I made off of her show was amazing! My Husband and I both loved it! It may sound a little strange, because two of its main ingredients are Onions, and Green Apples, but I'm not kidding you it was delicious!!! I highly suggest going out on a leaf and trying this Recipe. There is a good chance you will enjoy it! Robin Miller also gave a tip for cutting Onions. She said to put them in the freezer before cutting them. That is supposed to help dim the effects that are inevitable while cutting an onion. I have yet to try this tip, but I thought I would throw that idea out there for anyone who is interested. Also, another tip I heard on the food channell was to pour ice and baking soda down your disposal to get rid of the smell. I did try this trick and it worked amazingly well! Do you have any kitchen tips to share? I'm open for learning new and helpful information while in the kitchen!



Slow-Cooked Chicken, Apples, Onions & Rosemary

2 cups onion
2 green apples sliced and diced
4-5 chicken breasts (uncooked)
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 TBSP Rosemary

In bowl mix Sauce:
1 cup Chicken broth
1 can Cream of Celery

In crock-pot place onions on bottom. Lay apples on top then place chicken breasts. Add Salt and Pepper. Then pour sauce over chicken, apples and onions. Cook for 6-8 Hours. Eat meal over Rice.
(Very yummy with cooked zucchini for a side dish!)

Fall Cleaning

The time has come to do the dreaded cleansing of every room, closet, nook and cranny. I feel as if I were "nesting" again. Now that I have my house back to just the three of us, it is time to attack and achieve organization! My husband and I live in a very cute, little, cottage type home, with only two rooms and a small handful of closet space, so organizing it has always seemed somewhat daunting. My question today is how do you organize your home in a way that it can stay organized for a long time. I'm hoping that my Spring Cleaning will be more of a walk through than an attack on every room! Please help me achieve organization! I need order in my house again.

Au Revoir

The time has come to say good-bye to our house guest. My little brother has been living with us since July. At first both my Husband and I were skeptical as we have never had family stay with us for more than a week, but as time passed we found that we really enjoyed having my brother near! It has been wonderful to be able to spend time with him, as he was still really young when I graduated from High School and went off to College. I have learned a few things about him that I did not know. Here are a few: He loves chapstick, he LOVES DQ's Blizzards (he gets one at least 6 out of 7 day's a week.) He is playstation's greatest fan for Final Fantasy, he is a night owl! He hates vegetables and fruits, pretty much anything healthy is off of the edible list for him. He loves his niece and nephews, and he is very passionate about music. In fact, I think in his future he should pursue a degree in music as it seems to speak to him and reach out to him.
So, little bro, this post is for you! I wish you the best of luck in all that you do! You have many amazing qualities that will help you through your life. If you ever get lonely remember that there are three little people her in Kentucky who think you are one of the coolest Uncle's ever, and also that your sister's and brother-in-laws Love you and wish you the best!
Have any of my reader's had family live with them or stay for an extended period of time? Was it a nice experience or did the situation not work out so well?

A Breath of Fresh Air

My husband has picked up a side job as a pizza delivery man to bring in a little extra change for us. This means that two or three times a week, he leaves for work around 8:00 a.m. and then returns from his long day around 9:00 p.m. or later. This makes for a long day for him and for me! We chat periodically while he is delivering his pizza and he always lets me know how the tipping is going. So far it seems to be a great fit for him. Yet, the time away from each other does get long as it nears 8 p.m. and the baby starts to get fussy and ready for bed, and Mommy doesn't want to put her down yet because she hasn't seen Daddy at all that day. Then, my phone rings and he tells me he is headed home. I'm not sure if its because I haven't seen him all day, or if my husband just looks really good all dressed up in his Pizza uniform, but it is alway's a breath of fresh air when he walks through the door, and brings in with him his excitement to finally be home and share his adventures of the day. The baby gets soooooooo excited when she see's Daddy! (I'm almost jealous, as she is never that excited to see me.) Its so fun to see him play with her and be able to see the cute relationship they have together. I think that she would fit in the category of Daddy's girl! Her eye's light up every time he is around. I love to see the relationship they have! Are most children Daddy's babies? or are there more Mommy's babies?

Say "Cheese!"

It is time for some fun fall pictures. So yesterday I called and set up my appointment for today. I was so excited! I have this adorable Bee costume for my baby and also was going to get some Fall pictures in a Fall themed outfit. So, last night, just a few minutes before bed time my baby falls and hits her adorable little cheek on the corner of our Armoire and is instantly rewarded with a small bruise on her cheek. Of course this would happen, I have heard parents complain in the past of their children always falling and hurting themselves right before a picture shoot.
This morning I re-accessed her face and found that it wasn't too bad of a bruise. So I went ahead with the photo shoot. Of course the first couple pictures went great! She was smiling and happy and then it was time for the wardrobe change...and it all went down hill from there. The baby would NOT even crack a smile. Urg! All I wanted was one adorable little smile so that I could print out an 8 x 10 and get a few wallets. I tried explaining this to her, but she did not care. In fact she kept crawling towards the door, as if she were trying to escape. She wouldn't even stop to sign her autograph! So, I finally acknowledged defeat and that she had won the battle and quickly ended the session, besides I have never once seen a smiling Bee. Bee's are always about business. Maybe next year I can find her a costume of a Daisy. Daisies always seem to be happy and willing to share their happiness.
Unfortunately the photo War is still on, because tomorrow we will be back, in the photo studio for round 2 pictures with Daddy, and hopefully one good costume picture. Does anyone have experience with making a baby happy or getting a baby to smile in moments when you would really appreciate it if they did? Please share your tips, so tomorrow's photo shoot will be much more successful!

Comfort Food

Fall is definitely in the air! The weather seemed to have changed almost over night! One day I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, the next I'm in warm sweat pants (my husbands favorite pair, which is now mine because he say's I have "Girlified" them), and an over sized sweater. Something about the fall makes me seek comfort! Probably because of the impending doom of Winter being just around the corner. (I actually like Winter, except for January, January is usually unbearably long .) I find that food is very comforting through out the coldness. I have quite a few favorite comfort foods for different times of the year. Right now I am in the comfort food category of soup. I have began to make soup two or three times a week already, and I love it. I am not sick of it. Perhaps because I have not had soup for a few months as it did not fit into the season. I have many favorite soups here is one I would love to share with you. I promise, if you make it you will LOVE it! Do you have any Fall comfort foods? Please share them with me! I love trying out new recipe's!

Harvest Hodge Podge Soup
2 lbs Hamburger Or shredded chicken
1 lrg. onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cans Campbells Minestrone soup
3 soup cans of water
28 oz. diced tomatoes
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 (31 oz) can Pork & Beans
2 cups chopped celery
3 zucchini, sliced, & quartered
1 can whole kernel corn
2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
2 TBSP Sugar
2 yellow squash (opt)

Brown Meat with onion & garlic. Add all the ingredients into a large soup pan and simmer for 20 Min. Salt and Pepper to taste. You can put this in the crock pot to cook all day if you wish.

"Never Suppress a Generous Thought"

I have noticed lately that I have had a dialogue in my head of things I could do for someone else. Examples would be a phone call, a letter of thanks, make a dinner or cookies for someone, or to just be a friend to someone else. As well intended as these may be they usually come through my mind and then get placed on a shelf somewhere in there, where dust collects and then cobwebs begin to grow, and then I end up totally forgetting about it. Someone in my church has made the statement; "Never Suppress a Generous Thought." I think it would be beneficial to me to have that statement made in vinyl lettering and placed somewhere in my home where I could see it often. Perhaps these feelings come because those people are needing that attention or love from someone at that specific time. How great would it be to do that service and then find out they really needed you that day. Has anyone been successful with reaching out to someone else? Share your story with me. What techniques have you come up with to be sure to act on the inspirations you receive, so that you will not forget and keep going on with your already busy day?

Precious Moments

This past week my baby has woken up around the time my Husband leaves for work. Of course it is way to early in the morning for me to wake up so he gets the baby out of the crib, and then brings her to me so that I can nurse her. Usually she falls back asleep with me after her belly is full. I have really enjoyed opening my eye's and watching her sleep. She is so precious! I love listening to the little sleeping noises and squeaks she makes. I believe that she is an Angel! Our home has been blest ever since we brought her home from the hospital with us! I hope everyone gets the opportunity to live with an Angel or two! What sweet moments have you had with a child, parent or a loved one? Please share them. Its so wonderful to remember these times, as it carries you through the rough roads of life.

Confessions of a Scaredy Cat

I used to think that grown ups were never scared of anything. My parents were so brave! Especially my Mother. Now, being a Mother I realize that you have to be brave, and not flinch in the site of things that scare you most. I also have realized that complaining to my Husband about my fears does not always help fix the situation. For example: I have been complaining about how miserably dirty my oven is for MONTHS now! This week it got to the point where I preheated my oven and left the room for a minute, and was summoned back to the kitchen by the fire alarm. I ended up having to use my sister's oven because I have been avoiding the self-cleaning oven that I have been blest with. Why? Because in my mind I was sure that my home would burn down from the extreme heat from the self cleaning oven. So, last night, when my husband made it home from work I forced my self to be brave and used my self-cleaning oven. ( I had to do this while my husband was home, in case an actual fire did break out. He has his Eagle Scout award and therefore should know how to put out a house fire. :) I was so nervous as smoke began billowing out of my stove top. I quickly opened all the windows and pulled out some Baking Soda, just in case, And then 3 hours later the timer went off and everything was totally fine! Yes, I was successful using my self cleaning oven for the first time. In fact, things went so well, that I believe I will use it again, soon, as I cook a lot and am constantly having spill overs.
I am also afraid of being alone through a thunderstorm (terrified, actually), I'm scared of my shadow. I am so fidgety at times and constantly having to talk my self through things. Perhaps this would be considered having anxiety issues, which I will be the first to admit that I most deffinatley suffer from!
Am I the only one who at twenty-something is still frightened at little things? There has to be more women out there than just me who are afraid of something! Please, share them with me so that I do not feel like the only woman in the world who screams for her husband when she see's a spider on steroids crawling across her kitchen floor!

To all the Mothers in the world

Last night I went to the movie "Julie & Julia" with my mother-in-law. I was somewhat skeptical as we were the only people in the whole theater. We of course were late, and missed the beginning of the movie, but as soon as I sat down and got comfortable I knew I would love the movie. Why? Because it is my life! I LOVE to EAT!!!!! Not only do I love to eat, but I pride myself in my cooking skills and if my husband ever reaches for the salt and pepper then I know I did not season it correctly. My husband will then hear me explain to him that "My meals can stand on their own two feet!" Except for the periodic meals that don't...Anyways the movie was great! Unfortunately I cannot suggest it to others to watch because the swear words in the movie were terrible. There I was innocently siting in the theater chair, fully enjoying the movie and then diarrhea of the mouth starts coming out of the actors. Why, when the story line is so adorable do they have to ruin a movie with such ugly, vulgar language! I would have loved to watch this movie with my Mother and Sister, because they also would have loved it and been inspired. But, as I know I would feel ridiculous sitting next to them as those words start pummeling out of the big screen, I believe I will save myself the embarrassment of having suggested for them to watch it.
Besides the vulgarity I walked out of "Julie & Julia" inspired!! I must find something I love (beside's food) that might interest others, and yes, I did find something I love. I LOVE being a MOTHER! (Yes, I do). Why? Well, that is what I am hoping this blog will help me understand better. I have only been a mother for 7 short months, they have been short because I think time sped up as soon as I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. Ever since I could walk, talk, and imagine, I have dream't of being a Mother. I knew that I would be a natural at it. Full of patience, love, and long suffering. Being a Mother was going to be easy and fun...and then I became one. I sobbed on my way home from the hospital, while I sat next to my beautiful baby girl in the backseat of the car. I felt totally overwhelmed and realized that I knew nothing about being a Mom! I was very overwhelmed for months, and still am with all of the responsibilities that come with this wonderful, and yet difficult calling! How do you cook an amazing dinner, that won't need any added Salt and Pepper when your baby is screaming at your feet to be held, or sitting on your toes so that you can't get the butter out of the fridge? How do you have energy to entertain your husband when he gets home from work and needs attention, when you yourself achieved nothing that day, and have been so excited for him to come home so that you can hand the baby over to him, and get going on your list! How do make time to stop, meditate, and be in total contentment.
I have been thinking of this blog for months now, and feel that I have got to get started, I am hoping that someone out there will enjoy it and be refreshed from reading it. I feel that one of the greatest thing I can have to help me through this life, as a Woman, Wife, and Mother is a support group of ladies who have been there, who are there or at some time will be. I Love being a Mother! I have never in my life to this point experienced so much Love, Joy and Rejoicing over anything else in the world. I am so grateful for my new calling in life and hope to exceed.
So today's question is: How long after an expiration date are things still good to eat? I ran out of cereal this morning, so I grabbed my Fiber One bar and pulled out the milk jug to fill up my glass. I realized as I was pouring it that it expired on October 7th. I smelt the milk, and it did not stink, so I put the cap back on and put it in the fridge, and then enjoyed my glass of milk. Should I throw out the milk jug today, or use it up quickly!? What do you find you run out of the most in your cupboards? What is a good food to always keep on hand?